by Kender

Nabiki thanked whatever lucky stars she'd had that she had a mind that was naturally keen. If she didn't then her tiredness would have made her really off, and she hated it when she was off her game. Besides, if she actually showed that something was different, questions would be raised, and she sure as hell didn't want that. It'd both give an insight that she didn't want just anyone to have of her, and make others start to imagine all sorts of things, and she didn't want any more trouble than would come as if nothing in her life had ever altered.

Still, she wouldn't want to exchange her tiredness for any sharpening of her wits, if it meant that she'd have lost out on what she'd had the night before. Even now, her breasts were aching for the touch of her owner, and she could feel his full possession. Just a little bit of memory was needed to bring her back to those wonderful hours, and she knew that, given the chance, and enough rest before hand, she'd want to try and see if they could manage it without any naps in between. In his arms, she felt like one of the sexiest women on the planet, and she most certainly like that sensation.

A sound off to her side made her take note of someone who would not feel the way that Ranma did about her, but she didn't care if Tatewaki Kuno never did. Sure, once they'd met, she'd considered dating the idiot. After all, he was undeniably handsome, had great presence, and was loaded with wealth. But he was an idiot, through, and through. Even now, she could see him off in his little land of fantasy as they waited for the next teacher, and knew that, in her role as the school's 'Ice Queen', it was her job to freeze him solid.

"Lost on some distant shore, eh, Kuno?" she murmured dryly.

"Most assuredly, Nabiki Tendo," the wannabe samurai irritably replied. "For my thoughts are deep, rich, and wonderful to behold."

"Kind of like chocolate, huh?"

"Do not belittle my thoughts, woman."

She waved off his annoyance. "Oh, come on. Like you really have that many things that really occupy your mind."

"What do you know of the thoughts of one such as my self?"

"Plenty, actually. They usually have to do with my sister, the 'pigtailed girl', my... Ranma, and your own importance."

"A-ha! You do not know them all! For I was not thinking on any of them."

"Really?"

"Yes, for I was imagining the delicate maiden that has taken it upon herself to make my attention arrive upon her small shoulders," he intoned, pointing his nose up into the air slightly.

"Almost forgot about her."

"Well, I, for one, can not do any such thing, for it would go against every principle of my being, and every rule that I have set for myself."

"Despite the fact that she would wish that you would," Nabiki muttered, thankful that the guy in her life was much more interested in making her feel good, rather than using every imagined 'romance' to prop up his own ego.

"What was that?"

"Nothing that you'd care to hear."

As she watched some of her team members head wait for the school day to end so that they could get to practice, Kodachi considered the various responsibilities of her life. She had school, gymnastics, and her Lord to attend to, but she was some how managing them all. It was fortunate that she had such understanding individuals in her Lord, and her instructor, as they gave her the opportunities that she needed to keep up with everything. Others in their position could have made her give up everything, save for her service, but their kindness, which was in itself a reason for her current position, had made them do things this way for her.

Though, she did know that she would find it hard to give up her Art, as she had dedicated herself to it for so long. Plus, she had relationships within the team which were now growing, and she didn't want to imagine losing that sort of opportunity. For the first time, in a long time, she was seeing them as not merely subordinates, but as fellows in a shared Art, each of whom were graceful and lovely in their own rights. In fact, they were all attractive, and she did have to wonder why she did not see them with boyfriends, though she held no illusions that they were dedicating themselves to her. Had they been so focused in on doing what she wished to the point of putting their romantic and sexual lives to be affected by her choices, then she might have had to go all the way, and delivered the entire rhythmic gymnastics team to her Lord. A stray thought had them putting on a show for him, as they pranced around on mats clad in nothing, save for leotards, and with every one of them having flushed cheeks and hard nipples, ready to move as one to come to personally show him how limber and willing they'd be.

As appealing as the idea was, it was also so ludicrous that she couldn't help but giggle.

Her classmates blinked, and one looked over at her. "Is something... wrong?"

"No... Just a silly idea," she replied with a genuine smile. "Of the sort that seems to be so inane that only an idiot would come up with it."

"Oh?"

"Truly."

The other student nodded, and the rest of the class relaxed visibly, most put it down to the oddities of rich people, though most of them were glad that it did seem that she was loosening up.

Having grown up with only sporadic schooling, Ranma had never really been one to like going to class. To him, it was a big waste of time, since he knew that he never would be able to get into it after all this time. About the only good things that he'd found about the whole arrangement were things like gym, and that sort of thing, since his life's focus had been on something similar. Had things been different, he knew that he would have been some sort of athlete, and would have been fine with that.

On this day, however, he had another problem. All during class, he'd had to shift in his seat, hoping that no one would notice why. It did go away, and he was able to sit normally, but the reason for it always came back to his mind, and in a classroom where a lot of girls were certainly cute, and two of his lovers were in attendance, he was... painfully aware of what he wanted. But for most of the school session, he couldn't do much.

Fortunately, on the way back from art class, there was a bit of a wait until the next one, and he knew that he had a chance to relax. So, he slipped over to a familiar girl, and put his arms around her in a loose hug, before grinning at her over her shoulder. At first, she stiffened, but once she realized who was holding her, she let her tension go and smiled.

"Y'know, one thing about the end of school is that after bein' around the people ya like for so long, ya get ta actually spend some time with 'em," he told her. "And on a half day, ya get ta enjoy their company even sooner."

"Why not start now?" she replied.

Surprised, Ranma pulled back a bit, and looked straight into the eyes of Akane, who was blushing back. "What do ya mean?"

"I'd think that you'd know exactly what I'm talking about," she muttered sourly back at him.

"But... why?"

"Trust me. I really need it."

"Oh?"

"Well, because of somebody, I haven't been able to focus all day."

"Ya... ah. Right..."

"That kiss has had me imagining things all day, and you have to ask if I'm serious."

"I just thought... At least one of us shoulda been able ta focus," he told her.

"Really?"

"I haven't been able ta keep myself... down ta stay."

"Then what are we doing?"

"I thought that we were going to..."

Akane reached behind him and grabbed his behind, pulling his body even closer to hers, with his cloth covered erection grinding against her backside. "You got me all hot and bothered, and now I want you to help me get some relief."

"You know what?"

"What?"

"You're demanding'."

"That's... You're not mad, are you?"

"Nah... 'Cause I'm gonna let that make me more demanding'," he informed her, and pulled out of the embrace, only to grab one of her slim wrists. His intent wasn't immediately apparent, but once she saw that he was leading her off to a supply closet, she couldn't stop a smile from spreading across her face.

When he pulled her into the tiny room, and closed the door behind them, there wasn't any time for thoughts of discomfort or annoyance, as she had more important things on her mind. Not even him basically shoving her against shelves didn't do anything to stop her rising lust, as she merely tipped her head back and opened her mouth to his kiss. It was only the inklings of the beginning, but already they were breathing hard, and groping blindly at each other. Her hands ran through his hair as she held his head where she could kiss him, and he was doing his best to fondle her breasts through her clothing. Both of them knew that they could not get totally undressed, but their minds were too wrapped up in the moment to care. They were so far along that all they cared about was the coupling, and what they were or were not wearing didn't matter, so long as the most important bits were not in the way.

So, neither of them questioned why Akane started yanking down on his pants, barely even able to try to loosen them. He didn't complain though, as he let her do it. Of course, he was pulling up her skirt up to her hips at the same time, and when he slid her panties down, he moved them only enough for gravity to do the rest of the work. Then he ran his hands down her back as they positioned themselves to balance as best they could in a short time.

She stepped one leg out of her panties, and raised it up so that he could hold on to the shapely limb. But he had enough sense left so that he could stroke it, seemingly unable to not feel the play of tight muscle under satin skin. Only the need to make the best of the time that they had forced him to stop, though the chance to take hold of one taut buttock made for a wonderful replacement. Not that she seemed to be unwilling herself, as she hooked the leg around his body, allowing it to act as a hold onto him.

With his hands on her bottom, and hers on his shoulders, there was only one thing left to line up. Ranma shifted his hips slightly, and Akane sank herself onto him, much to their mutual satisfaction. A whimper nearly tore its way out of her throat, but she bit her lip to keep it in. His grunts weren't quite silent either, as their almost humping movements were making him feel so good at that moment. However, there was a way to work around that, and they took advantage of it, as they kissed each other, letting their mouths stifle each other's much appreciated, but possibly troublesome, noises of love making. Whatever they could touch, they squeezed, and the two of them were so wrapped up into each other, they could have risked the shelves falling down upon them, and never even realized it.

But the only thing that crashed over them were orgasms, as the bouncing that they had been doing had not been without results. Had she not been in the process of nuzzling his neck, her scream would have been heard down the hallway. As it was, the need for air kept it down to muffled cries, none of which would leave the room. It wouldn't have been something that Ranma would have cared about in that moment though, as he was following an intense instinct to push as much of himself into her as possible. The feeling of her around him was enough to push him over the edge, and he came with a loud groan that was sounded against her hair.

For a little bit of time, they stayed like that, both panting hard as they tried to get their breath back, and attempted to get used to having the edge taken off their libidos. A part of them wanted to keep that intense desire, but this was good as well, and they actually liked being joined like this.

"That felt good..." Akane panted.

Ranma held her with up against him as he blew out a breath. "You're tellin' me."

"Think that we've been missing class?"

"Maybe, but right now, I don't care."

"Honestly? Neither do I," she admitted as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

"Too bad we can't just do this any time we want, without someone causin' trouble if they knew what we were doin'."

"Me too. Unfortunately, that's the way that things are. But we get to do it period."

"There is that."

"Except now, we have to clean up. Otherwise, they'll start asking questions."

"Yeah, I know. Though... I could help ya clean up."

"Oh?"

"I could help ya wipe yourself up," he said as idly as he could manage, as he looked both guilty and excited, especially as the hand running up her inner thigh made it clear what he'd wanted to help with.

"Humph."

"Bad idea?"

"Ah... no."

"Huh?"

"Maybe when we don't have to worry about who might get a clue," she told him, flushing in embarrassment and desire.

"Whoa."

"Definitely."

The two of them grinned at each other, and tried to help each other restore their appearances to 'normal', but the chance to touch each other made them a bit amorous, and fanned the embers of their previous lusts. Luckily, they managed to get through it without too many problems, even when Ranma helped Akane pull her panties back up to where they were supposed to be worn.

There was something to be said for being able to make love during the day, even if it was a quick encounter, at least in Akane's view. When she'd first considered it after she and Ranma had gone back to class, she'd thought that she'd be only nervous over the possibility that someone might have heard them enjoying themselves. However, she was also finding it pleasant to feel rather womanly, and satiated amongst others. And apparently one could feel wonderful simply by getting to make hot, sweaty love, outside of the bedroom.

But, oddly enough, it wasn't that hard to hide her happiness, so long as no one caught her in actually heightening it.

So, as she walked away from the school with her friends, she was actually feeling safer and safer at the moment. Rather than simply being afraid that she would let something out and put herself on the spot, she was getting to be pretty comfortable. It was like when the girls started needing bras, and they were discovering new feelings at the same time. This made her feel strangely more grown up, and not only did she want to hide it because it could cause trouble, but it was something private that she didn't want to announce to just anyone.

That was why she didn't think much of it when Yuka asked her a question. "Where's Ranma?"

"He's got class chores today," Akane replied. "His stuff will be a bit quick, but since I need to go to work..."

"You need to go that fast?"

"If I want to get there on time. Besides, I want as much time as I can get, and it is martial arts training too."

Sayuri nodded in understanding. "You can't exactly put that off."

"That's totally true. Just missing one day can have its own effects."

"Like a diet, since letting yourself pig out one day can give you a lot of calories, and make you sick. And it makes it easier the next time."

"Tell me about it," the brown haired girl agreed. "Just trying to keep up with that sort of thing is a headache."

"Lots of girls have that problem."

"You guys are cute, so why would you have to diet?" Akane asked.

"You're a martial artist, Akane, so you get plenty of exercise. But we have to try and keep the weight off the best we can, even if we are slim already."

"It's nice of you to call us 'cute' though," Yuka chirped.

"Very nice."

The martial artist shook her head. "I guess that you two are totally hung up on it."

"Not really. Though, a lot of guys are."

"You'd diet for them?"

"Of course not! We do have taste, after all. Besides, it's not like you don't have your own attractions. You have to know that something makes them want you," her long haired friend observed.

"Don't remind me. I don't want to think about how many times that Ranma and I have had to fight because some jerk decided that he wants to date me."

"Ranma does help you a lot, doesn't he?"

"Sure. Why do you ask?"

"Well, he could have done it now, if chores hadn't been in the way."

"What help would I need?"

"Help walking. You're walking a bit stiff now, almost as if you were doing a whole lot of exercise in a short time."

Akane flushed at that, and coughed, as if to clear her throat. "I just... strained something, and it's made me feel a bit... off."

"Oh?"

"A nice hot soak should help me loosen up enough to work my shift."

"Then we'd better get you home so that you can relax," Sayuri put in. "And maybe we can get you there before you know it."

"I hope so..."

Had Ukyo been given no other choice, she would have still done what she had to in order to be able to get her chance to spend the night with her Ranchan. Sure, she'd have to do it in the Tendo home, but it wasn't exactly a problem for her, as she liked the sisters who lived there. This just made it easy for them, but perhaps someday, they'd be able to have him stay over night in her bed. Whatever the arrangements, she knew that to make the most of it, she might have to cut into her working time. That would mean less money, and so she'd be stuck having to make do with what she had from the rest of the month's profits, but she'd do it for him.

Fortunately, Kodachi's purchase of her building had a good part to it. There might have been the problem of her not asking for permission to interfere first, but this actually took some of the pressure off. Now, she didn't have to worry so much about her bills, and would have more money in her budget to play around with.

Of course, the only thing that she cared about that freedom was that it allowed her the chance to be with the boy that she'd been dreaming about since she was a little girl.

That was why a bright smile was on her cheeks as she got her restaurant ready for the afternoon shift, though there was also the blush from knowing part of what they'd be certainly doing.

Ranma knew that cleaning the classroom was part of what everyone had to do in Japanese schools, and that it was supposed to instill respect or something for the school into the students, but he'd never liked that sort of thing. Not because he couldn't understand it, as he could see the reasoning behind it. However, it was damn boring to do, and tended to take up time that he could be doing other things, such as enjoying the feelings that his time with Akane had given him.

But now he was on his way home, and could relax as much as he wanted. There was the fact that he had to train Nabiki in the Art, but that wasn't really work for him, as it had several very clear benefits in his book. And with Ukyo coming over, he had a lot to look forward too, which made walking by himself much easier to handle, and he actually was strolling along, rather than taking to the rooftops, as he could.

Even the familiar sound of a voice calling out didn't make him freeze up in shock, as the bearer was someone that he liked seeing.

"Airen!" the busty purple haired beauty called out.

"Heya, Shampoo," he answered easily. "Whatcha doin' here?"

"Shampoo out on errand when see you, so came to give greeting."

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

"Is so?"

"Definitely. Seeing you is a treat."

She gave him a secretive smile that only he could see, and leaned in towards him, and made sure to keep her voice at a similar level. "Shampoo could give all treats you want. If want, you could sneak feel of Shampoo body when no one looking."

"Shampoo?"

"It be fun, and feel very good. What you say?"

The grin that he gave in return matched her interest in the idea. "I'd have to say..."

As they were having a pleasant conversation, something had to happen, and as the house they were passing was having work done, it was easy for the plumber to accidentally loosen a valve too far, sending a spray of water to drench them.

"Ugh..." Ranma-chan grumbled as she stood there with a scowl on her face. This was not a pleasant thing to get to enjoy, and she was rather aware of how much of a bother the curse could be. Now, instead of being a guy talking to his very curvy slave, she was in her girl form, while Shampoo was a...

Very slowly, the redhead turned her gaze to the ground where Shampoo had been standing, and saw exactly what she'd expected.

"Meow," went the transformed Amazon.

"C... ca... ca... She's a..." Ranma stammered, and tried to force herself to calm down. It wasn't quite working, but she attempted to do it anyway. "That's not some strange and nasty... beast... with claws... and fangs... and those evil little eyes... It's Shampoo... And with some hot water, she'll be back to normal. And without her clothes. That'd be great..."

"Meow!" Shampoo-neko mewed happily, as what he was trying and thinking appealed to her as well.

"Right... She won't do what I don't want her to... There's nothin' ta be afraid of... It's not like she'd do anythin' ta hurt me..."

"Rowr," came almost as in response to the cursed boy's words.

It was just too bad that it didn't come from the transformed slave girl.

With one look at the mocking expression that the newcomer had, Ranma-chan did the only thing that she could.

"CAT!" she screamed, and bolted for the horizon, with a cat chasing after her.

As such, Shampoo was left behind, sighing over the situation, and unhappy with its outcome, but knowing why it had happened,

"I'd pick the one with the slit up the side," Nabiki commented from where she lounged on the floor.

The sound of her sister's voice jolted Akane out of her thoughts, and she turned to look at the elder girl. She had been holding up two sets of clothing as she stood in her underwear, but she hadn't realized that her sister had been considering her choices as well. However, there was one thing that didn't quite fit with what had been said. "That dress in my closet, and I'm not planning on wearing it for work."

"Which is a shame. The boys would certainly like it."

"Them? HAH! Like I'd try to make any perverts think that I'd be showing off for them."

"You just want to show yourself off for Master."

"Any reason why I should want to have a dress to show off for Ranma, if I want to?" the younger girl asked with a sniff. "Shouldn't I be able to want to look pretty?"

"Of course. He'd certainly appreciate it."

"I'd hope so."

"What do you mean?"

"N... nothing!"

A side of the middle Tendo sister's mouth curled up into a smirk, but she didn't press it at the moment. One had to be able to know when to push, and this promised to be good for future work. "Well, if you're not going to go with the one with the slit skirt, then maybe you should try the dress. But, perhaps you could try stockings with it."

"Why? Shampoo doesn't wear it."

"You're not Shampoo. She's got her own style, and you can do something like dress similar, but different enough so that it doesn't look like a uniform. Besides, you'd be bringing attention to them, and still having them covered up. The blouse and pants can't do that."

"But they fit nicely, and let me be covered up while making me look good."

"Ah... Shampoo, and you, show that they can do well. Master likes it, right."

"He does. So?"

"So... He's a guy, and so others might like something similar."

"What's with you and talking about how guys might like to see me?!"

"Hey..." Nabiki replied, taken aback by her sister's vehemence. "I didn't mean it like that. I just thought that you were getting into your femininity, or something like that. I mean, you seem to be enjoying it."

"I am, and it's great that people think that I'm good looking. And I know that it's good for business. But do you have to keep on pressing the point?"

"I didn't think that I was. Sorry about ruining your mood though."

"'Mood'?"

"Well, you seemed to be all relaxed and happy."

"I did?"

"Yeah, you did. You came into the house smiling, and then you took a really long bath. I'd thought that you'd hurt yourself and were trying to use a hot soak to ease your pain, since you were in there so long."

"So what?!"

"Huh?"

"Even if Ranma and I made love in one of the supply closets at school, you don't have to keep bringing it up!" Akane snarled, leaning so that her face was right in front of the other girl's.

"You and... Master... You did it in a supply closet?!"

The younger girl looked like she was going to yell... before her eyes widened, and she let her shoulders drop. "I... said that out loud?"

"You sure did. But..."

"Forget about it! It was just a little thing that we enjoyed... Er... Well..."

"Oh, denying it won't help now."

"It won't?"

A chuckle rose from the elder sister. "Not a chance. Man..."

"You're not going to try to use this somehow, will you?"

"I most definitely am."

"Nabiki..."

"I should have thought of it earlier."

"Why would you think of my sex life?!"

"Actually, I was thinking of mine."

"Eh?"

"I mean, how naughty would it be to be serving Master at the school? This morning, I knew that he had gotten really... needy. I could have helped him. Perhaps it could have been me in the closet, on my knees, with my mouth... And that'd be only the first time, as we could go off to isolated spots any time that he'd feel the urge..."

Seeing Nabiki giggle at something that only she could see, and hugging herself so that her bare breasts were squashed with the stiffening nipples peeked out over her forearms, Akane sighed, and wondered when her sister had turned into a sex maniac. Not that she could blame her, for how good Ranma had made her feel, but Nabiki seemed to like sex. But at least it wasn't so bad that it really caused problems.

It made her have to chose her own outfit for work though.

Hiroshi had thought that it was going to be a normal afternoon. He'd head home, do his homework, and relax until he had something better to do. Usually, that would mean that he would be hanging out with Daisuke or one of his other friends, but that would be in the future. At the moment, he was heading to his own house after taking care of some errands.

So, the sight of a girl yelling at the top of her lungs, and running for her life was a bit of a surprise. It took him a moment to recognize who it was, and to realize that this was yet another sign of weirdness. He couldn't tell if anything was behind her, but there was likely something going on. His friend was in distress, and he knew that he had to help her out.

"Ranma!" he called out, hoping that she could run over to him, and let him know something about what was going on.

Instead, she turned and looked towards him, seeming to fear what she might possibly see. She relaxed a bit when she saw that it was him, but he could tell that most of her concern was for something else, and a lot of the rest was simply panic. Her eyes tracked him as she went by, seemingly moving more on momentum than anything else.

That was why she didn't see the cement brick wall in front of her, even when she ran straight into it.

All he could do was wince as she moved to fast for him to stop her. The shapely body crashed right into the heavy bricks, creating cracks and an impression into the surface. Almost as if she were a board, she tipped over, and fell onto her back, seeming to be totally out of it.

Realizing that she wasn't in a good position, he ran over and knelt next to her, trying to see if he could help her somehow. When he got there, she was out cold, and looking oddly fragile. He'd seen her do amazing things, and now she looked like a small girl who'd been scared nearly out of her wits. A large bruise was starting on her forehead, looking rather unappealing against the creamy skin. But it didn't seem to have seriously hurt her, as her breath came out in regular intervals from between her soft, pink lips. Shaking her got him nothing, save for interesting views of her body, which meant that she wasn't about to get up soon. Yet, he couldn't leave her there, so he had to do the only right thing that he could do, and get her someplace safe to recover, since leaving her as she was could be a problem.

Unfortunately, doing so would be trouble, in and of itself. Cradling her in his arms would let him carry her, but that would be rather... romantic, and given what had already happened, he didn't want to risk getting pounded, even if it did have some small appeal. Then there was a fireman's carry, but he that would have her in another position that would make it hard for him, as he knew what she really was. That left only one option, and he had to work hard to do it. Sitting her up, he twisted around until his back was to her. In that position, he slid her arms over his shoulders, and took hold of her under her toned, pants covered thighs. Doing so made her upper body practically lay across his back, which pressed her large, firm breasts against his body, which felt really good. Each movement that he made rolled them against him, and trying to keep a good hold on her meant that his fingers were straying rather close to her behind.

Struggling to his feet without dropping her, he growled under his breath. "Ranma, you really are going to owe me for this."

The redhead didn't respond, but as he started to walk hunched over to accommodate her slight weight, her chin slid over his shoulder, making her cheek rest against his ear. Normally, he wouldn't be bothered by that, but this wasn't quite a regular situation. But he soldiered on, trying his damnedest to not drop his unconscious friend.

Strangely enough, he was actually managing it, even with her breasts bouncing and rubbing against him, his hands holding onto her legs, and her breath tickling his skin.

For once, he was really happy that she wasn't a 'real' girl, since if she was, he'd need a really long and cold shower. As it was, he was getting fodder for frustrated nights, and possible fantasies, now that he had some more information about what a girl's body really felt like. Not that he felt really lucky, while:

Master's Way: Friendly Words [Episode 150113]

by Kender

It was a rather annoyingly familiar sensation, but one that Ranma could identify as soon as she had gotten to be able to have any part of her mind come into consciousness. She knew that she'd been knocked out as soon as she began to wake up. The feeling of a pounding head was rather familiar to her, and she was used to being stuck with such problems. In fact, she had been through so many of them, she merely let her eyes flicker open as she reached up to touch the cool item that was resting on her forehead, which turned out to be ice.

And as soon as she was able to focus her eyes, she saw Hiroshi leaping from a chair to lean over her. "Ranma! You're awake!"

At first, the redhead began to give a joking answer, but then she realized something that she had only just begun to see. Of course, she'd been there before, so she recognized it immediately, but that didn't put any troubles onto her shoulders. But then she remembered that she was in girl form, and felt by the softness below her that she was laying on his bed, which was in his room.

In surprise, she tried to shoot up to a sitting position, but smacked right into him instead, making her chest bounce against his, and her mouth touch his lips. Fortunately, that shocked them both, even as they fell back from each other, due to the ricochet from the impact. Neither of them was really hurt, but it was terribly embarrassing.

"I guess..." he whispered, pressing the fingertips of one hand to his mouth before coughing and shaking himself out of his daze. "You're fine, right?"

"Could be better," she replied, sitting up slower this time, and letting the bag of ice that had been on her head fall to her lap.

"Huh?"

"I was outta it, and in your bed 'Roshi!"

"What's that... Oh, come on! I wouldn't try anything! I'm not Kuno!"

"That's true. He'd be tryin' ta dress me up, or somethin'."

"Besides, I know what you are, I mean, really are. And even if you weren't, I wouldn't try anything with a hurt girl," Hiroshi grumbled.

"Sorry. I know that, but... Ya gotta realize that ya've been touchin' and doin' a lot of talkin' that ain't all just 'friendly', if ya get my drift."

Sitting down heavily, he let his hands bunch into fists and stared at his lap. "If you are so afraid that I'm such a pervert, then just get out of here, so that you'll be safe!"

"Hiroshi, I..."

"What? Don't know what 'accidents' are? So, I really am into girls. What does that matter? I thought that you'd understand, as my friend."

"I..."

"Can't deny it can you?"

"Hiroshi..."

"What?"

"I'm sorry," she said softly, and let her shoulders slump.

"Huh?"

"I'm always surrounded by perverts, what with Kuno and the old geezer. And all the other jerks who pass through the area. I guess that I'm a little... concerned 'bout that sorta stuff."

"I guess that you would be."

"When Kuno puts his arms 'round me when I'm in girl form, he seems ta have a tendency ta put 'em where they'd press my chest between 'em."

"Oh."

"And, I guess that since ya've been touchin' me a lot..."

"You just reacted. Though, you do that a lot, you know," he told her, raising a brow.

"Part of bein' a martial artist. If ya hesitate, ya lose."

"I guess."

"Ya do?"

"I've never trained in martial arts, so..."

Ranma nodded at that, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "But if ya understand that I'm really a guy, then why the... enjoyin' of the accidents?"

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"What?"

"Don't you realize that your girl side is gorgeous?"

"Well, I knew that. I'd haveta be blind not ta."

"Still, you're hot! As a girl, I mean. When you have a girl's body... You get the idea."

"I think so."

Hiroshi sighed, and looked more put out than anything else. "And that's the problem. I've been able to feel really great parts of a girl with a body like yours, and... well... You're a GUY!"

"Hey, I'm the one who gets tits when I hit by cold water."

"I'm not trying to say that you don't have your problems. But look at it from my perspective. You'd be my idea of a great girl, if you were one, and the closest that I've gotten to actually having a chance with a girl is accidentally touching you. It's really sad."

"No, it's not..."

"Yes, it is. And don't try to convince me otherwise. After all, the closest that I've ever gotten to kissing a girl is just now when... oh hell."

There was a moment when Ranma was actually trying to ignore what she could sense that he'd just realized, but she gave up and asked anyway. "You're not saying that what happened was your first..."

"My first kiss. And it's with someone who's a really a guy."

"Gah..."

"Exactly. Let's not talk about it, okay?"

"Sure thing."

"But do you know what really sucks?"

"Nah, what?"

"I'd have trouble talking to a real girl like I do you," her friend, said, blowing out a heavy breath. "With them, I've never really been able to talk to them like I have with you. When we talk, I don't have to worry about saying something that sounds perverted to a hot girl, and I can understand what you're talking about, and what you're interested in really easy. But real girls can be a lot of trouble."

"Yeah, but ya've always liked 'em."

"True. The rewards are really great. I just want to have a girl of my own to enjoy them with one day."

"A girl like if my girl side was really me?"

"That's what I'd like. A girl with a great body, kick ass martial arts moves, and would be laid back and fun to be around. Of course, if another girl peaked my interest, I wouldn't ignore that, but then, I'm not someone who can't see the joys of girls. It's just that sometimes I wonder what it'd be like if you were a girl."

Feeling oddly guilty for not being the girl that he would have liked, and being unable to become her, the redhead tried to work through her discomfort and patted his shoulder. "Trust me. I'm certain that there'd be someone out there for ya."

"Really?"

"Sure. I mean, look at my old man. My Mom's pretty, and she married him. So, if someone like him could get a girl..."

"Then I could get one?"

"Ya could definitely get one. When ya ain't bein' a pervert."

"Ranma..." he muttered sourly.

"Just sayin'. But ya are a good friend, and a good guy, so I'm sure that ya'll find somebody. I mean, I think that ya'd be a great catch."

"You do?"

"'Course I do. I've always thought that."

"Thanks. It means something," Hiroshi told her.

The two of them looked at each other, with their eyes meeting in a moment of complete understanding. As two people who were getting to be close, they could tell a lot about each other, and were aware of what made each other tick. Had the situation been different, something else might have happened, but they sat there, simply gazing.

Then they realized what it seemed like they were doing, and they broke off in an awkward moment, chuckling at what some might have thought.

"Now that we've got that settled," she told him, "I've gotta get goin'. Stuff ta do at the house."

"I understand. You need to handle your own things. It's not like I brought you here for some super secret meeting," he joked.

"But..."

"What?"

She gestured at her body with one hand. "Ya mind?"

"You know where the kitchen is. Go right ahead."

"Thanks."

Watching her go, Hiroshi felt the urge to go and assist his friend. But he didn't want to run around, hanging on like he was trying to hang onto her for some reason. Instead, he scooted over and plopped onto his bed, which had a sexy female body in it for the first time. Unfortunately for him, the warmth that he felt on it was from someone who was really a guy, and thus, not someone that he was going to be able to practice what he'd found in those magazines that he read with.

"Why is it that all the hot martial artist babes are all out of reach?" he groaned, shaking his head before getting to his feet to help his friend,

The best thing about being male again, at least by Ranma's standards, was that he didn't have to think of his conversation with Hiroshi. Sure, he liked his friend, and wanted to help him somehow, but the fact of the matter was that what had been brought up was rather uncomfortable. Not only did his buddy want a girl who would be like his girl side, sexy, strong and easy to talk to, but it had brought up the ideas of what it would be like to be a girl. He had no desire to turn girl permanently, but the idea of finding out why his girls liked what he gave him so much, and to find out what else could please them, by trying it from a girl side was still there.

It wasn't something that he wanted to actively think about, considering the fact that to do it totally, he'd have to turn into a girl, and sleep with some guy. Just doing it wasn't something that came easy, and finding someone who he could even stomach was much harder. All of it was not a simple task, and if he was going to do it, he'd have to have a damn good reason.

Since he really doubted that he could ever have even more than a reason to contemplate it, it was good that he could get rid of it for the time being, like his girl side. For now, he was happy that the most sexual thing that he'd done as a girl was to use his own hands. Anything else would have to come because he actually needed it, and he doubted that he'd have a reason otherwise.

Still, there was another reason that he liked being male again, and it wasn't that he'd been able to get home without being hit on. Even the fact that he almost felt like the 'master of the house', which amused even him, didn't really do it. Rather, it was something that happened simply when he entered through the front door, and called out, "I'm home!"

The sound of thumping feet came through the house, telling him that someone had come across the entire structure to get to him, and a running Nabiki in a gi came charging into view. By the way that the cloth hung on her body, he could tell that she was wearing nothing underneath it, and the sweat spoke of recent heavy exercise. Her smile was something that would have surprised him only recently, but now he simply accepted it as the welcome that it was. Though he didn't have much of a chance to do anything else.

"Master!" she called out, and embraced him tightly, with her full breasts pressing against his chest, and her mouth covering his in a deep kiss.

He pulled back and grinned at her. "Guess that means that you're really glad ta see me."

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Good think that ya didn't tackle me though. That'd hurt. But..."

"What?"

"I think that I like this," he told her as he cupped her backside with his hands.

"Oooh! Me too."

"But what have ya been doin'? Ya can't be so sweaty from just a run."

"Well, you took so long getting here that it got to be time for my training," she replied. "So I thought that it might be a good idea for me to at least practice. You know, so that I don't get rusty."

"That's actually a good idea. When ya don't keep up your skills in anythin', especially physical stuff, ya can fall outta shape easier than ya might think."

"And since your training has gotten me fitter, so that my friends get jealous, it's good to keep up with it, no matter the reasons or other benefits."

"Either way, you're a good girl."

"Thanks! Though... you're not so good, are you?" his pet commented, freeing a hand to run a fingertip over his chest.

"How d'ya figure that?"

"Oh, well, you didn't think to use me for something, and I missed out on what Akane got."

"What'd she get?"

"A chance to make love to you in the supply closet in school today."

He let go of her so fast that she nearly fell, even though she was standing on her own. "How'd ya know about that?!"

"Akane."

"She told you?!"

"Not intentionally. It sort of... slipped out, and so..."

"I get the idea."

Nabiki held her hands behind her back and began to wiggle her hips slightly. "It made me realize that we could do it too. I mean, I'm your pet, and I'm supposed to be available for sex, if you want it. And that means anywhere, no matter where it is."

"Ya know, we coulda been easily caught."

"That's part of the fun. Besides, you would find good places, wouldn't you?"

"Well, yeah," he told her with a rueful shake of his head. "Tell ya what. The next time that I get... needy in school, I talk ta ya."

"That's all that I ask."

"In the mean time..."

"Yes?"

"I wanna see where Kasumi and Kodachi are. I woulda expected at least Kasumi ta come ta the door. Then I coulda kissed her."

"You can still kiss her all you want. She's out back, hanging laundry. I saw her see me heading in, and smiling."

"That's her, alright. But you don't usually get so excited."

"Only for you, Master. Only for you," the shapely pet replied with a smirk.

Chuckling, the pigtailed boy took her arm. "Then maybe I shouldn't take so long... or maybe I should."

"Why were you out so late, anyway? Not that I'm trying to judge or anything like that. Just curious."

"It's a simple question. Ya see, I saw Shampoo, and we were talkin' when we got splashed. I tried ta ignore the fact that she was a cat, and I think that I was doin' pretty good... until a 'real' cat decided ta come at me. The rest is the usual. I ran, got knocked out, and woke up at friend's, who saw me go down and helped me out."

"Sounds like that was a mean feline."

"The worst."

"Well, let me make you feel all better," she told him as she snuggled up to him so that he could feel her breast mould against his side.

He held her there as they walked, happy for the immediate response she'd had. When he got those... 'incidents' with the furry monsters happening, he disliked thinking about them afterward, and she was helping in that. Though, he did have to wonder about one thing in particular. Normally, one of those things would get disinterested once he got far enough. But he distinctly remembered that it had followed him until he'd seen Hiroshi. Even for one of them, this one had been really nasty.

Whoever met up with that monster next had his upmost sympathies.

Frowning slightly, the girl looked around for the cat that she had been trying to approach every day for what seemed like forever. It was a cute thing, which made her want to pet it, even if it bit her every time that it saw her. But she kept on trying, as she hoped that someday, it'd actually accept her. Yet, as she turned her head to the left and the right, letting her long ebony hair swish along her back, she saw no sign of it.

And then she heard a 'meow', which came right as she saw it come around a corner.

It saw her too, and tried not to flash its sharp teeth at her, as it wanted to have its fun in this also. After that boy with the pigtail, doing its usual routine with this girl seemed to be enhanced. Tormenting humans could be, and would be, always rather amusing.

"I'm just glad that we got your clothes back before anyone could take them," Akane told Shampoo as she watched the other girl carry a laundry basket.

Her friend nodded. "Is good thing. But there one question that Shampoo have."

"And that is?"

"Why no worry if boy see Shampoo without clothes?"

"Because you were a cat. And since we can control where you get hit with hot water... for the most part, that wasn't a worry. However, the idea that a boy could find your panties and take them as a trophy was... disgusting."

"That very very sick idea," the Amazon grumbled.

"Remember, there are some really sick people around here."

"Shampoo know it. But you know what biggest problem about changing into cat? Other than make Master not happy?"

The Japanese girl shook her head. "No, what?"

"Always have to wash clothes. Shampoo get wet, become little fur ball that can't hold clothes up. That means that clothes get all dirty, lots of time because on messy ground. Shampoo no want wear things just come off street."

"Yeah, I can see why that would be gross."

"Lucky, have chance to clean. Master have girl curse, so not have so many problems with going without clothes."

"But he gets other stuff."

Shampoo chuckled. "He get good stuff tonight, with chef coming to see him."

"Not only him. It'll be fun to have her around."

"You get hang around with friend, so it good."

"You know, you could always come over."

"No, Shampoo not think so. Only if Master want it," the purple haired girl answered. "It her night, and no want to mess up. Besides, with her going to you house, get some business, no?"

"Man..."

"What? It only fair."

"True. But one day we really should do it. I mean, you could always come after this place closes. Then we could hang out together."

"Shampoo jump at first chance. Right now..."

"What?"

"Think we need to go have chat with stupid duck. Can hear him call table 'Shampoo'."

"That idiot," Akane sighed, rubbing her temple, whileMaster's Way: Coming, Going, And Staying [Episode 150496]

by Kender

If one would have once said that Genma Saotome actually wanted to get up and do something, that person would be laughed at. The man's entire life followed the path of least resistance, from going with an arranged marriage, to finding a martial arts teacher who promised little work for great results, and using any opportunity that he could to get even an extra bit of food. He was a glutton, and a lazy fool, who tended to only focus on what he could get out of what he did. Of course, even he didn't like the idea of laying in a bed for as long as he had, and the fact that he had to eat hospital food did not help matters.

"Well, how are my two wonderful guys!"

Then again, all one had to speak about the nurse that they had, and they'd understand why he wanted to get far away from that place.

"How are you feeling today?" she asked, that darkly saccharine sweet smile still on her face.

Soun giggled nervously. "We're just fine. No need for you to bother with the likes of us."

"It's no bother. I could never let any one of my patients go without checking up on them. Especially ones like you two!"

"You really don't have too..." Genma told her as nicely as he could manage.

Her eyes got a bit harder. "Are you being silly boys who don't appreciate what other people do for you?"

"No! Of course not!"

"That's good to hear. After all, you two have had all this loving care the entire time that you were here. It would be entirely too impolite to insult it now that you are going to be leaving us so soon."

The two men looked at each other, and saw that they shared the death grip that they both had on the hope which that simple fact gave them. By the end of the next week, or the beginning of the one after that, they'd be back home, healthy, comfortable, and free from this rather scary woman. All they had to do was last until then, and they'd be away from her, and her strange ideas.

"Now, that doesn't mean that we can just let you go. We need to make certain that the two of you are as healthy as we can get you."

"We're getting better every day," the Tendo Patriarch commented.

"That you are. And it makes me so proud to see how well you're doing."

Nodding rather heavily, the Saotome Patriarch tried to not look as eager as he felt. "Soon enough, we'll be well enough to get out of here."

"Oh, but don't be in such a hurry to leave."

"Eh?"

"We don't want to rush anything, because that could cause you all sorts of problems. If nothing else, we don't want to miss anything, or cause any more damage in getting you to be healthy again. There are plenty of things that can happen before you're supposed to go that would make you have to stay here longer."

"'Longer'?"

"Exactly. And I'm certain that I can find something, if I have to."

Both men gulped, and hoped that their luck would continue to hold on long enough for them to get safely away from this situation.

"De school is always so peaceful at night," Principal Kuno murmured to himself as he walked the halls of Furinkan Senior High School. Beyond the windows, he could see the night settle nicely over the city, with a clear and vibrant sky above the glittering lights of modern civilization. It was lovely in its own way, and he knew that there were plenty of people who saw it as attractive.

However, the sight made him long for the days back on the islands, where the moon would hang over the shores, and be reflected on the lovely waters of the ocean. Waves hitting the beach would be the best lullaby to lull someone to sleep, and having a late evening barbecue would make the perfect dinner.

Yet, he was also aware that he couldn't drag himself from this building, at least for the time being. As it was, he had a purpose there, and his students needed him. They had proven to be great little keikeis and wahines, and he wanted to make certain that they got all that they needed. And rewarding them had proven to him that they had actually deserved it.

That beach party had been a great success, until the explosion happened. But that hadn't been the fault of any of the students, and they'd managed to evacuate safely before something bad had happened to them. To be honest, even despite the end of the event, he wanted to do something similar for them.

"What would be dat good..." he said to himself. "A concert? A dance? What would dey be doin' in de islands?"

Ukyo looked at the Tendo home's front door, and swallowed hard, for several reasons. This was her first chance to sleep with her Ranchan, and not merely make love to him. Plus she'd be actually sleeping over someone's house, like a regular girl, instead of avoiding it like when she'd been in that boys' school. And she got to spend time with Akane, who had always been sort of a friend, and would have been one totally much earlier than this, had the rivalry for Ranma not gotten into the way.

However, waiting on their walkway wouldn't help anything much, so she let herself relax, and knocked on the door.

She didn't have to wait even more than a few moments before the door opened, and Ranma was standing there before her, with a big smile. "Great. I've been wonderin' when ya would show up."

"What? Did you think that I wouldn't?" she asked as he let her walk in.

"Not really. Ya see, I was tryin' ta figure out how long it would take ya ta get here, what with cleanin' up your place, lockin' up, and all that."

"Oh... So, you really wanted to see me, huh? Waiting at the door?"

"Somethin' like that," he confirmed as he pulled her into his arms.

"Ranchan?"

"Yeah?"

"You..."

"Think that there's a better way ta greet ya than talkin'," her lover told her, and kissed her lips several times, almost as if he were tasting her. When he did press his mouth to hers in a long one, she dropped her back and opened up to him, moaning lowly in pleasure.

As soon as they stopped, she leaned her forehead against his and chuckled. "You really do know how to make me feel like a woman."

"Good, 'cause I'm glad that I was wrong ta think that ya were a guy back when we were kids. You're way too cute for that."

"Ranchan..."

"Hey, it's true."

"It is?"

"Well, ya know, there is one reason that I'm glad that ya came in your cookin' outfit."

"Why's that?"

"Ya wear tights, which show a pair of legs that definitely didn't come from a guy," he told her as he ran his hand down her back, over her backside, and along her thighs, before going back up again.

"That felt..."

"'Good'?"

"'Wonderful'..." she admitted with a smile and a blush."

"Then let's..."

"Are you guys going to make out all night?" Akane's voice called out from the family room. "Because I want to have some time with my friend too!"

"Get goin', before we get Akane mad."

"Afraid that she'll beat you up?" Ukyo half-joked.

"Nah. It's just that I made sure that she'd be in a pretty good mood, and I'd rather not mess that up."

"Ahh..."

"'Sides, the quicker we move, the faster we can get have some time together."

"Now, that's a reason that I can enjoy, Ranchan."

"I thought so," Ranma agreed as he led her to join the others,

Ukyo entered the family room and smiled at all those in there, each of whom looked genuinely happy to see her. That sort of reception was rather pleasant, and the fact that everyone had apparently been waiting to greet her was pretty surprising, but heartwarming. The acceptance that she was getting was something that she really liked, and she could feel comfortable with each and every one of them.

Though the fact that Nabiki was naked, and treating it like this was a regular sort of thing did make her feel a bit weirded out, but she was certain that she'd learn to deal with it eventually.

Still, she had little problem with the others. Akane was almost glowing with happiness, Kasumi had a bit of obvious pleasure in her smile, and even Kodachi looked comfortable and relaxed. All of them looked to be in good spirits and it made her realize just how odd it was that it had turned out that Ranma having what essentially was a 'harem' of lovers was actually beneficial for their relationships with each other, and their own pleasure in life.

"What's so funny?" Akane asked as she twisted her legs around so that she could look the other girl in the eye.

Shrugging, Ukyo smiled back at her. "It's nothing. I was just thinking about how nice all of this has been."

"Oh?"

"Yup. And now I can have a night like tonight, which I'm sure is going to be a lot of fun."

"Don't ya worry 'bout it," Ranma stated firmly. "I'm gonna be with ya all the time."

"Ranma!" the youngest Tendo barked.

"What?"

"Are you saying that you're the only person worth seeing here?"

"Uhh..."

"I hope not! Because I've always liked her, and I'm certain that Kasumi and Kodachi might like to spend some time with her too."

The pigtailed boy let his shoulders slump. "But I invited Ucchan so that we could go shoppin' tomorrow, and she could... ya know... tonight..."

"Exactly. You have almost all of tomorrow with her. I'd like to have some time to spend with my friend too."

"But what am I supposed ta do then? Take Nabiki up ta her room ta... 'play' with her body?"

"Hmmm..." the mentioned girl murmured. "I'd like that."

Her younger sister gave her a flat look before turning back to the sole male in the room. "Listen, I'm not saying that you have to give up on... spending time with her. All I want is for her to have time with the rest of us too."

"Besides, Ranchan. I can spend time with you and them at the same time," commented a grinning Ukyo.

"See?"

"I know..." Ranma said apologetically. "It's just that Ucchan's well... I'm a guy, and she's a girl that I want... And well..."

"I don't need to hear any more. We might sleep together, but I don't need to have any more than a general idea about this sort of thing."

"If ya say so. I just don't wanna be neglectin' her after I made certain that she'd have an invite ta come."

Kasumi gave him a kind look. "I'm certain that we will all enjoy having her here. After all, look at how happy everyone is to have her with us."

"And don't think that I don't appreciate it," the chef replied.

"Oh, I'm sure that you do. It's just so nice that everyone else is happy as well. Including yourself."

"There is just one thing that is bothering me," Kodachi said with a small frown.

"What is that?"

"Miss Kuonji? Just why are you wearing your work outfit? I would think that you would dress yourself in an outfit that is more comfortable, and would fit a relaxing time among friends more completely. Not to mention the fact that it is something that has associations with work, and this is solely supposed to be about... other things."

"To tell the truth, I'm actually pretty comfortable like this," Ukyo admitted. "I've worn this sort of clothing for years. It's part of what my family is. But..."

"Yes?"

"I also didn't want to waste time getting changed, since I knew that I'd be putting on something else when I got here. And it keeps what I have to carry here light. Which is good, both for letting me focus more on the fun, as well as giving me more room for when Ranchan and I go shopping."

"So, you did not change after work?" the gymnast asked with a blink.

"Nope. I washed up after I finished the clean up of the restaurant, but I didn't really do much else."

"You poor dear," the eldest Tendo murmured in concern. "You must be tired and all worn out from your day. You should really take a bath then, so that you can truly relax."

"I wouldn't want to impose..."

"Nonsense! You're going to go and take a nice relaxing bath. We'll be waiting for when you get out."

"If that's the way that you feel," Ukyo allowed, and blushed as she saw the others nod in agreement.

"I'll go with her," Ranma put in.

"Eh?!" went all the girls.

Nabiki let a sly grin grow across her face. "Going to join her for a bath, huh, Master? Maybe to wash her back... and other places?"

"That wasn't the reason!"

"Hey, it's still a good one, in my book. Right, Akane?"

The younger Tendo looked at her sister blankly. "What?"

"I was just saying that it might be a good bit of fun for him to join her in the bath."

"Oh..."

"What's with you?"

"N... nothing!" Akane choked out, though her eyes flicked to Ranma, and then to the direction the furo was in."

"Okay..."

"Anyway," Ranma sighed, "what I figured was that I'd go with her ta the bath, she'd take out what she needed from her bag, and then I'd take the bag up ta where she'd sleep, so that this way she doesn't haveta spend the time doin' it herself. She can have her bath, get dressed, and then come back ta see everyone else."

"That's very nice of you," Kasumi responded, sounding delighted by his idea.

"Thanks. That's good of ya ta say."

"No, it's the truth."

"In any case, a bath does sound good," Ukyo told everyone else.

"Ranma?"

He gave a firm nod. "I'm goin'."

"Well then, enjoy yourself, Ukyo."

"Trust me, I will," the chef said with a grin,

"You really don't have to do this for me, Ranchan," Ukyo said as she and her fiancé walked over to the Tendo family furo.

"What?" Ranma replied with a frown. "Do ya have trouble with me tryin' ta help ya out?"

"No! Of course not. It's just that..."

"What?"

"This house isn't that big, and my bag isn't too heavy. So, you really don't have ta put yourself out like this. I don't want to be a burden on you..."

"Is that what you think I'm doin' this for?"

"You aren't?"

"Nah. The way I figure it, ya are my girl. Sure, there are others, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't take care of ya. In fact, I wanna take care of ya," he told her with the sort of certainty that couldn't be argued with.

Right then, she wished that her hair wasn't tied back, since she wanted it to cover her blush of pleasure, not that she wanted to hide it from him. But she wanted some time to figure out how to handle that admittedly great concept, and she couldn't feel confident when she wanted to giggle like the girls cooing over the latest gossip magazine. It was a nice feeling, and she knew that it was made better because he actually meant it.

"Ucchan?"

"What? I wasn't ignoring you."

"Didn't think that ya were."

"Then what is it?"

"We're at the bathroom."

"Oh." This time, her blush was more from embarrassment, but she managed to compose herself enough to get what she needed from her bag. "That should be it."

"That's good. I'll just take it up ta my room now. When I'm done, I'll come back here."

"Why would you need to do that?"

He raised a brow at her. "Well, I figured that ya'd wanna know that it's done, so that ya don't have to wonder where it'd be."

"Ah. Okay then. I'll see you after my bath."

"See ya."

Sighing to herself, Ukyo headed in to the changing room, and began to strip out of her work outfit. She hated to admit it, but they were right in that it was a bit much to keep on wearing the same thing all the time, especially when one had been wearing an outfit for hours of running a grill. But once she got it off, she felt a lot better, and could get out of everything, leaving her in the nude, which she stopped and actually looked at.

Putting a hand under one of her breasts, she tested the weight of the full mound, and noted that she did have a nice pair, if she said so herself. To tell the truth, she was rather proud of her body's curves, and was happy that Ranma found them appealing. For so long, she'd dressed up like a guy, and to feel like a girl was really good.

Opening the door to the furo room itself was a pleasant experience, since she knew that she was about to have a relaxing bath. However, she couldn't help but remember the suggestion that her Ranchan bathe with her. It seemed like a simply silly idea, but knowing how she'd spend the time before bed, it wasn't totally out there. And she found that it seemed to be more appealing as she thought about it. She wanted him so much, and the idea of him being so intimate with her was enough to make her squeal with happiness. And even though they might not be doing what Nabiki had mentioned, she knew that she'd more than likely be doing a lot to make up for that missed opportunity.

In fact, it was so appealing that she couldn't stop thinking about it, even as she blindly sat down on the stool and began to fill up her bucket of rinsing water. Soon, she'd be washing up her entire body, which she could already feel him touching. Soon, he'd be taking her in his arms, and making sweet love to her, which was such a wonderful image that she got excited just thinking about it. Every part of her was thrumming with the anticipation of what would come then, and she knew that had she not wanted to spend some time with the others, she would have spent all her time with him. But, alone as she was now, she could only think of one person. "Ranma!"

"Ukyo!" the pigtailed boy yelled, clearly panicked, and slammed the door from the changing room open.

Having heard a male voice in the room while she was bathing, she panicked herself, picked up the bucket, and tossed it at the 'intruder', all before she realized who it was. "Ranchan?"

"It ain't the rabbit in the moon."

"But... why are you in here?!"

"I heard ya call out my name, and I thought that ya were in trouble," her now-female fiancé replied. "Guess I was wrong."

"I was just... well, I was..."

"Yeah?"

"Thinking. About today, and I guess I let myself get out of hand. But I'm okay, and you don't have to worry about me."

"Glad ta know. But now, I'm gonna go."

"You are?"

The redhead snorted, and looked somewhere above Ukyo's head. "Look at it from my place. Not only am I a guy in here when a girl's bathin', but I'm in girl form."

"Why would your gender curse matter?"

"Look at me. Even if I were ta stay in here with me, what'd we do? Bathe together? And if I went on what I felt, I'd wanna... ya know."

"Right..."

"But I'm a girl, and so, we can't do it, right?"

"Ummm... You say that..."

"I thought so," the pigtailed girl replied, and turned to go.

At that moment, Ukyo realized that Ranma thought that the idea of being with her girl form was not something that she would be in to, but looking at the sapphire eyes question her, she knew that Ranma was wrong. It didn't matter to her what form Ranma wore. Ranma was Ranma, and there was only one choice when considering whether she would desire to be in her fiancé's bed.

So, she leapt up from the stool and grabbed Ranma's wrist before she could go. The redhead was pulled back, and had to face her, which suited the chef just fine. She smiled at the other girl, and saw the confusion alight on the lovely face.

"Ucchan?" Ranma whispered.

Instead of answering, Ukyo pushed Ranma back against a wall, and cupped the redhead's cheeks in her palms. That allowed her to lean in close, pressing breast against shirt covered breast, as she gave her lover as deep a kiss as she could manage. There was no holding back on it, and the two of them quickly lost themselves into the moment. Ranma's hands came unconsciously up her fiancee's supple back, and her hands held onto the taller girl's shoulders. And Ukyo slid her leg against one of Ranma's, putting herself as closely and as intimately together with Ranma as she could.

The pigtailed martial artist blinked up at her as their mouths pulled back so that they could take a breath. "Why are ya..."

"I want you, Ranchan," the brunette replied. "I want you when you're a guy, and I want you when you're a girl."

"'As a girl'?"

"Do you think that I didn't like it when you kissed me at the end of our date?"

"I... Oh..."

"It's you, Ranchan, and no matter what, I want to share everything with you."

"Ucchan..."

Smiling softly, Ukyo undid a few of the fasteners on Ranma's shirt and slid her hand under it, and the undershirt beneath to cup one of the redhead's full breasts. It was a bit odd to be fondling another girl's chest, but in this case, there was too much pleasure to refuse to do it. "You know what?"

"What?"

"I think that... No, I need to be with you now."

"The same for me," Ranma gasped, and kissed Ukyo as much as she'd been kissed before. The smaller girl's hands came up and cupped the chef's buttocks, pulling and squeezing at both taut cheeks. With how the brunette was slipping her other hand under the now open shirt, they were both touching their bodies in ways that left them both gasping in pleasure. They were lost in the discovery of what pleasures two girls could find, and when they separated, it wasn't because they wanted to.

But Ukyo wasn't about to let that phase her, as she pulled Ranma to sit on the floor. Once the flushed looking redhead was seated, she knelt next to her, and slipped the shirt and undershirt from her body. Then, she reached up and began to play with the now fully exposed pale mounds, pleased by how the tips of them were tightening with desire, just as were her own. Tugging and pulling at those nipples brought sounds of pleasure from Ranma, who began to nuzzle and kiss her partner's neck and shoulder.

However, any concentration was gone soon after Ukyo slid the pants and boxers off of the cursed boy. The bright blue eyes went wide as the short girl felt finger nails scraping up along her inner thigh, about to head in to a place that she had shared with no one else. As it went up her leg, she began to grope blindly over Ukyo's body, trying to find some anchor for the feelings that were now running rampant through her body.

A gasp of pure and unadulterated pleasure tore out from Ranma's mouth as Ukyo's fingers slid in between her petals, and began to stroke into her tightness. Her glazed eyes met her lover's brown ones, and she saw the simple and utter joy that the taller girl had because she had managed to give the redhead such pleasure. Only one look was all it took to make it clear that Ukyo wanted to make certain that she was desired, no matter the form.

And that actually helped to clear up Ranma's mind slightly, as it gave her a purpose other than simply taking. In a sudden motion, she reached over, and slipped her own hand between the chef's legs, surprising her. But any sounds of shock soon gave way to ones of pleasure, as Ranma put what she knew to good use. She rubbed her fingers over the other girl's slit, and when she thrust her fingers into that tight opening, she kept on rubbing, this time with her palm, even as she wiggled those strongly held digits.

"Ranchan..." Ukyo whimpered out, and they began to apply themselves even more vigorously to what they were doing. They were bucking against each other's hands, and it was clear that they could totally go that way. But they did not want to simply finger each other to their pinnacles.

That much became clear when Ranma twisted around, managing to not loosen the fingers that were thrusting so deeply into her. Doing so put her mouth at Ukyo's slit, and she took complete advantage of that. She started by kissing at the petals, and then began to suck a little, sending delightful little shivers through the chef's body. It spurred her onward, and she turned to licking and eating out the womanhood above her as much as she could manage, even as her own whimpers of pleasure came with the jolts that she was receiving.

Then when Ukyo followed her lead, and put her own mouth to Ranma's lower lips, neither of them cared that they had never been in a position like this before. Rather, they went at it as if there were no other choice for them, and they let their thighs wrap around their partner's head, not that they had a choice in the matter. Most of what they were doing was mere instinct, with the rest being inspired by the other's reactions. Pleasuring each other was just as important as what they were getting, and they couldn't help themselves go on.

However, they started rolling, and soon fell over, causing the both of them to drop out of their moment of sharing. They both laughed at it a bit, but the need was still in their eyes as they turned to look each other in the eyes. What they had been doing was stopped, but they were by no means finished. So, when Ranma pulled off of her slightly, Ukyo was disappointed, but it quickly became clear that there was something else about to happen, as Ranma slid up between her thighs. The second when the redhead began to spread her own legs confused the chef, but it quickly became clear when the other girl slid her sex over the brunette's.

As soon as their sexes started to grind together, Ukyo realized that this was it. Both she and Ranma were groaning with pleasure, and they started to grope at each other's bodies. Their breasts were crushed together as they started to kiss again, unknowingly began to take their own juices from the other's mouth. However, that intimate part to it wasn't really important, as they didn't think anything was wrong with it. What was important to them was their sharing, and they were so far gone with it that there was no turning back. This was what they wanted and needed, and in the end, there was nothing they wanted to do other than this.

Release came sweet and hot, as Ukyo threw back her head and cried out in the rapture of the moment. Her body shivered with the overwhelming sensation, and her mind was dropped off into utter bliss. When Ranma came, she pressed her face against Ukyo's shoulder, and incoherently growled out the pleasure that she was getting. It was not something of anger, but of pure instinctual pleasure, and it was too wonderful to even contemplate.

Afterwards, they slumped to the floor, and lay entwined in each other's limbs. They shared a smile of enjoyment, and the two of them were just content to be together. Ranma rubbed a thumb along Ukyo's shoulder while the chef used her fingers to trace the redhead's breast. It would have been surprising only a little while before, but at that moment, it was simply the right thing to do.

"Ranchan?" the brunette whispered.

The pigtailed girl raised her brows. "Yeah?"

"You were... Are you... Do you see what I meant?"

"Sure do."

"I'm glad. Because I wanted to make certain of that. Except... I was afraid that you might have trouble with doing this from what you had said before..."

"I've got reasons, but one thing made it all worth it," Ranma told her.

"What?"

"You said that ya needed me. If nothin' else, I could never abandon ya when ya need me."

"Ranchan..."

"Hey, it was just natural."

"I... You don't know how much that means to me," the chef said, her eyes turning misty.

"I think that I do."

"And I guess that I should be happy that you had time to practice... being a girl with... you know."

"Not really."

"What?"

Ranma's shrug rubbed their chests together, but she kept on with the talk. "I've never practiced this sorta thing."

"But you knew what to do..."

"Some, I learned from my times doin'... ya know, as a guy. But... ya'd be surprised how much a guy can learn. Even from those junk magazines Hiroshi and Daisuke read."

"What are you saying?"

"You're the first girl that I've ever made love ta as a girl."

"I... Oh my... The first?"

"Yup."

A warmth spread through Ukyo's chest that had little to do with anything sexual, as she found joy in sharing such an intimate thing with her fiancé. She hugged Ranma to her, and the two of them snuggled on the floor for the moment,

Having dinner at the Tendo home was more special than Ukyo could have thought it would be. Usually, she wound up having to eat alone, which meant that she'd have only silence with her. She'd gotten used to it, but it was rather lonely, and she'd always hidden any sort of reaction when she heard one of her classmates talking about having a meal with their family. However, here she not only had a varied selection of food to eat, but she had people who cared about her. After so long, she was actually getting a taste of what it was like to be part of a close knit group.

And she was finding that one could be horribly embarrassed by those one called friends.

Her only benefit was that Ranma was blushing as badly as she was.

"You know, if you two want to try things out in private," Nabiki said conversationally, "you really should keep the noise down. You were loud."

"I... We... Ah..." the chef stammered, totally lost as to what one would say to that.

"I'm only saying this to keep you from getting into trouble later."

Kasumi smiled at her sister. "That is nice of you."

"I'd like to think so."

"I did not believe that my Lord would actually do anything intimate, though," Kodachi commented.

"Oh?"

"He did seem like he wasn't planning on it."

"That's true enough," the pet girl admitted.

"Are we correct, my Lord?"

Ranma just stiffened, and looked like a deer in the headlights, with his eyes flicking around for some way out for some sign of a way out.

"Were you planning on ravishing her?" Nabiki asked.

"I... That is... I wanted to..."

"A-ha..."

"Er..."

"So, you wanted to take her, eh?"

"Oh my..." the eldest girl murmured. "And to do it like that... You two must really care for each other."

"And must have enjoyed it. The chance to have Master's hands on your chest, and to see if his girl side is as responsive as one could hope it could be."

"Nabiki..."

"What? I'd just like to have him take me for a spin with it."

Akane scowled, and shifted slightly where she sat. "Stop it, would you?!"

"What? Is something the matter?"

"Do you want him to take you in girl form?"

"That's... that is... It's not what I was thinking about!"

"Then what are you trying to say?"

"That you should leave what they did alone. Such things shouldn't be brought up at the dinner table, and hounding Ranma and Ukyo about it isn't a good thing at any time!"

"I just wanted to help them not get into trouble, and get more comfortable with what they've done."

"By embarrassing them?" the youngest Tendo scoffed. "If you want them to like it, then let them relax and enjoy it. They had an encounter that was pleasing to them both. Right, Ranma?"

"Huh? Well... I just did it 'cause I wanted ta be with Ucchan," he admitted.

"See? There doesn't have to be another reason."

"I'm impressed," the middle sister murmured.

"What? Why?"

"Because you seem to be taking it so well. Time was that you would have bashed him for even thinking of kissing her."

"Well, times are different."

"Don't I know it," the pet responded. "And so are you."

"I'm hoping that you mean that's something good."

"It is."

Shampoo smiled softly to herself as she sat back in one of the chairs in the Nekohanten. It was quiet there, but not in the way of a slow time when they were open. At those moments, there was still the expectation that someone would be coming, or that there would be work to do. However, at a time like this, it was silent, almost as if the restaurant were at rest, sleeping until it would be needed for the next day.

It allowed her to think, and she crossed her shapely legs as she did so. There was so much to consider now, but she merely wanted to accept it all. She was part of a group, and she had the loving care and control of her Master. He was at home, enjoying the company of others, but she knew that if she went to see him, he'd welcome her with open arms. Everyone else would be pleased to see her, and they'd want to have her company. Then she could share in an evening of camaraderie unlike what she'd been through when she was simply the Champion back in the village.

A part of her wanted to go and join them. She knew that she could, and that fact warmed her heart. But she had told them that she wouldn't be attending, and she didn't want to go back on her word. Besides, this was the chef's turn to shine, and she didn't want to mess that up now. Later, there would be time for having a 'girls' night', where all of them could be. In fact, even her Master could join in, given his particular problem with cold water.

Amused by her thoughts, she giggled, and stretched in her seat, letting her well curved body get its kinks out. Sitting quietly was one thing, but being still did have its problems. Not that she minded it, as she felt a peace that she hadn't before.

But then, she had a place in her Master's heart, and the other girls' friendships, and that could do a lot for anyone.

"Who would have thought that she would buy a video game system?" Kodachi idly asked.

Akane nodded. "I'll admit that it is a surprise. Do you think that this is a good surprise, Ukyo?"

"Pretty much. Especially considering who it was coming from," the chef agreed, shaking off pleasurable memories of soaking in the furo with Ranma for the moment. "I mean, who would have expected Kasumi to get one, never mind such a good buy?"

The eldest Tendo daughter stopped pouring tea at the table, and blushed. "I only thought that it would be both proper, and enjoyable. Don't you think so?"

"That is right."

"Except... Does Nabiki have to do all the work?"

"Actually, I do," the named girl replied as she tried to reach around the television to get at something. "Kodachi hasn't worked on stuff like this before, Master isn't technically skilled, you aren't one to know of such things, Akane's got trouble with any sort of fine work..."

"HEY!" Akane barked.

"It's just an observation of your skills with some things like this. And I can't ask Ukyo, since she's a guest."

"At least you know that much. And it isn't that much work."

"True. No one could really have that much work with it," Ukyo seconded.

"Exactly. What do you think, Ranma?"

The pigtailed boy blinked slightly, but seemed to be unable to look at her. "Huh?"

"Didn't you hear what I was saying?"

"Probably, but I didn't pay attention. Sorry."

"Save the apology," Akane grumbled, "and tell me what's so fascinating."

"Well..."

"I won't complain. Just spit it out."

"I... that is..."

"Ranma..."

"Nabiki's standin' right in front of me, and she's bent over the TV!"

Those girls not working looked over and tried to imagine what he was seeing. After considering the angle that she was standing in, and how she was bent, one could tell that he could see her entire backside, with glimpses from time to time of her womanhood. Framed by her long legs, it had to be a sight that he simply had to behold, and they each blushed as they realized why he looked so uncomfortable sitting still like that.

"Oooh... I hadn't thought of that. But you're always welcome to admire the view, Master," his pet commented, wriggling her rear for his enjoyment.

"Nabiki!" her younger sister snapped, as he swallowed hard.

"What?"

"You don't have to tease him!"

"I know that I don't."

"Then why are you doing it?"

Nabiki went to a standing position and nodded to the back of the television before raising a brow at her sister. "Because it gets him excited. He gets to enjoy looking, and when he decides to... you know, with one of us, then he'll be having that much more pleasure when he does it."

"Really? I thought that..."

"I was just trying to needle him? I won't do that... much. Sure a little fun can be good, but I don't want to hurt him in any way. And in case, why are you so worried. You know that I'm loyal to him."

"Ummm... that is... I..."

"Could it be that you want to be the one who is bent over, and having him look at you? Maybe in just enough clothing for him to see?"

"How can you..." Akane began to growl, but stopped once she heard the sole male in the room begin to make choking sounds. "Ranma?"

"That is... I..."

"What is it, Ranchan?" Ukyo asked, her voice deeply tinged with her concern.

His servant frowned. "Are in you in trouble, my Lord?"

"I..." he started to say, but then just made a sound of utter frustration as he rubbed his hands frantically through his hair. "GAH! Now I'm getting images of Akane wearin' nothin' but a gi, and bendin' over a weapons' cabinet in the dojo, showin' me that... that... ass of hers! I'm supposed ta be relaxin', not tryin' ta imagine slippin' off her pants ta get at her behind!"

Giggles sounded from most of the girls, save Akane, who turned crimson, but looked oddly pleased as well.

Once his brain caught up with his mouth, Ranma froze and looked like he wanted to run to a corner and hide. But he didn't take back what he said.

"I think that we should get to the games... The video games, that is," Ukyo suggested as she crawled over to get a controller.

Fortunately for Ranma, he was still thinking of Akane's ass, and hadn't seen his other fiancee's yet, so he wasn't flicking his imagination to her in her cooking outfit, bending her grill yet. So, he was able to relax for the moment,

"Now I know something very important for later on," Nabiki said dryly. "Never challenge Kasumi to a puzzle game again."

The named girl blushed slightly as she placed her controller down. "I wasn't trying to show anyone up."

"You should have."

"Pardon?"

"You're good at it, and you should take pride in that."

"That's true. I mean, you can do a lot of stuff if you want it," Akane agreed.

Kodachi looked thoughtful. "I think that she merely considers it unseemly and crass to show people up in such a manner."

"It could be, but I doubt that Kasumi would be that way."

"Oh, I do as well, but if there is one thing that I have learned above all else about my instructor, it is that she desires to be kind to all around her."

"That's Kasumi, alright," the youngest of the sisters agreed, as her eldest sister blushed. "But what about you Ranma? Aren't you put out that you lost?"

"Nah, not really," he replied with an easy shrug.

"Doesn't sound like you're very competitive here..."

"Why would I be? This is Kasumi that we're talkin' 'bout. 'Sides, this wasn't my sorta game, so it's fun ta play, but nothin' really major if I ain't the best in it."

"I'm impressed. Though... maybe you're more into fighting games," his pet purred.

"Those'd be something that I'd like."

"Oooh... With the cute girls fighting?"

"A lot of the guys are inta that sorta thing, but ya know me. I like anythin' with the Art."

Akane gave a mock snort. "Then I guess that you don't wonder what it'd be like to grapple with girls like that."

"Don't have ta."

"Eh?"

"Think of it. Before everythin' happened, I was gettin' girls tryin' ta hug, kiss, and fight along side me. I've been grabbed so many times that I've lost count. Most of the time, it was so much that I'd wanna get outta there before somethin' else got dropped onta me."

"And now?"

"D'ya really think that I need ta imagine myself in a close sparrin' match with one of ya girls, like ya or Ucchan?" he said, and then let his eyes almost cross as his mind came up with images of the facts that he'd already given.

Both of the named girls colored heavily, but the other three didn't show a shred of jealousy. After all, they could be the ones to grapple with him, and they knew it. So most of them merely sat and took a moment to imagine themselves in that sort of situation, except for Kasumi who merely hugged a blushing Ranma.

"Do you think that they make costumes that we could use then? Ones from the characters?" Nabiki mused idly.

"Yes," the others all responded.

"Interesting."

Sitting at his campsite, Ryoga poked a stick into the fire and sighed to himself. He'd been gone from Nerima for so long that he missed everyone and everything in it. Unfortunately, that was a usual thing for him, and knowing that only made his shoulders slump more. Had he been there, he could have been in the Tendo dojo, happy, safe, and comfortable, instead of sitting on the ground in a forest.

It would have been wonderful, since he could be able to enjoy a nice house, good company, and great food. Life was better when he was there, and he knew that visiting the house was one of the highlights of his life. There weren't only the usual reasons, as he did have others. Kasumi was so nice, and kind, as she'd never treated him as anything but someone to care about. He might not have much of a relationship with Nabiki, but he was actually getting along with Ranma better, and had he been at the dojo, they could actually spend time not trying to kill each other.

But the best part of it all was the ability to see the wonderful person who was Akane. She was so sweet and pure that he could not imagine his life if he had never met her. At a time when he only had his anger to push him, she'd brought light into his dreary life. If she would be his girlfriend, it would have meant that he would need no other. He was certain that she would be as great at everything as she had in being such a generous soul, and he could almost see that kindness permeating everything, even into an open armed welcome into her bed for the lucky soul who got that close to her.

Of course, when he got to that point, his nose started bleeding, his eyes went out of focus, and his mind shut down as he fell over in a faint, thankfully, not into the fire.

Akane tried not to sneeze again as she held up the saucer in one hand, and delicately sipped the liquid that it contained. Swallowing it, she licked around the inside of her mouth and frowned. "It's not as bad as it could be, but I still don't see why Dad's so into this stuff.

"I suppose its the traditional drink," Kodachi told her. "It is sake, after all."

"I know, but alcohol is still alcohol. Other than getting us drunk, a lot of them can be the same."

"True, but the way that they are taken is different, and there are different traditions behind them."

"Even if they can get a girl out of her panties, if she's drunk enough," Nabiki scoffed. "Though, it might be interesting to get that far, and see what Master can do with it."

"Sorry, but that wouldn't be a good idea. I've seen too many people drunk ta really think that it'd be anythin' but a simple time," Ranma replied as he filled his own saucer and drank from it with the ease of someone who was used to it.

"Master? You were around drunk people?"

"Sure was. You see, Pop wasn't always as bad as he seems. There usedta be a time when he'd wanna keep me with him all the time, so that I wouldn't get lost or hurt when he wasn't around. And that included goin' inta bars. That's where I learned a lot of what I know 'bout drinkin'."

"He taught you to drink?" Ukyo gasped.

"Pop? Nah. There was this guy... Ya know the sort. The kind that pals around with the local kids, and is willin' ta teach 'im all sorts of interestin' things? Well, I met one in one of the bars that Pop went ta, and this guy decided that he'd teach me ta drink since I was always in places like that. Pop found out, and I never was allowed ta go inta bars without a specific reason again."

"I never thought that I'd say this, but I actually think that your father had a good idea."

"Ya could say that..."

Kasumi frowned in concern at him. "What's the matter?"

"Well, it's that I kinda got used ta bein' in those sorts of places when I was younger. Lots of times, they'd sorta 'adopt' me, and they'd give me sodas and sandwiches while Pop had his fun. They'd play games with me, and keep on eye out for me. It was a lot of fun at times. I remember a lot of bartenders who probably thought that they shouldn't have let me in. And then there were all the Mama-sans..."

"Oh?"

"They were in charge of the places, and some of 'em saw me almost like I was their kid. Lots of the girls liked ta mother me too, and I remember one Mama-san and his guys who tried ta protect me too."

"You said 'Mama-san', right?" Nabiki asked. "Then why say 'his guys'?"

"Because they were guys in dresses."

"You thought that Ukyo was a guy. No offense to either of you," his pet said, throwing a glance at the named girl, who nodded.

"None taken. And who said that I was wrong? They were definitely guys. Had stubble at times, and those bumps on the fronts of their throats that girls don't."

"Hold on a sec. You're saying that your dad took you to a transvestite bar?"

"Pretty much. Nice guys too. 'Course, the girls in the other places were no slouches either, even if they had ta wear those short skirts all the time. They all were really nice ta me."

"You made friends with bar waitresses? And nothing happened?"

"Not with them. But there were some girls who visited the places, and went home with different guys each night a lot of times. Most of 'em treated me nice, though a few offered ta make startin' ta be with a girl nice and easy. 'Xcept that there was this one..."

"What happened, my Lord?" Kodachi asked softly.

"She was kind of freaky. Got real drunk one day, and offered herself ta me. I thought it was a joke, but when she was reasonably sober, it seemed ta be a good idea ta her. She was all over me, and... well, I don't think that she'd stop at anythin'. In fact, I'm sure that if she hadn't been freakin' me out, and I said the word, she'd let me do what I wanted with her. It was... I don't know what, but a thirteen year old kid ain't exactly ready for some crazy lady 'bout ta rip off his pants simply 'cause she wants some sort of 'affection'. I was actually glad when they forced her out of there, and told not ta come back."

"She was no lady."

Nabiki gave a small nod. "And it explains the encounters before."

"Huh?" Ranma grunted.

"Don't worry about it," Akane replied as she signaled to Ukyo, and the two of them leaned up against either side of him. They put their arms around him, and leaned their heads onto his shoulders, making sounds of comfort and contentment.

Any memories were brushed aside as he gave off a happy, if silly grin, and put his arms around them,

If there was one thing that Nabiki was finding out was different about herself, it was the fact that she was actually feeling more and more comfortable with not getting things. She knew that it was much easier for the household to get things, what with Kodachi putting all her money at her Master's disposal. With it, they could get all sorts of things, from high end clothes, to all sorts of equipment, to the really fun sex toys. Yet, she found that being a treasured pet was more important to her than any frivolous item was.

There was one thing that she did want at the moment though.

"A karaoke machine," she muttered. "We need a karaoke machine for the next time."

"Well, we don't have one now," Ukyo replied.

"I know that, but a girl can realize what she might have forgotten."

"If you say so."

"Not that we have to worry. I mean, we have all the music that we can want," Akane put in.

"Exactly. We can enjoy what we have."

Nabiki nodded. "I was thinking in that direction. It was just that I wanted to remember that the next time we do something like this, we should get something to make it special in its own way."

"That's true enough."

"Except... Can we try for a mix of music? I don't want ta just listen ta one sort, and I don't think that anyone else does," Ranma suggested.

"What? You have a problem with listen to bands like 3V, or Torii?"

"Only them? Sure. 'Sides, they're all only pretty boys."

Kodachi blinked at her Lord. "Do you have a problem with boys like that?"

"Actually... no, but girls seem to get all excited over them for some reason."

"They are attractive."

"Exactly," the youngest Tendo commented. "Can't you see it?"

"I turn inta a girl. My tastes don't. And the last time that I checked, I wasn't really inta guys. So, unless ya've been wonderin' what it'd be like if I was..."

"No, no! Not really."

"Good. Otherwise I'd have ta wonder."

"But don't you have your own interesting choices?"

"What?"

Akane gave him an arch look. "Think of it. A lot of guys like idol groups, you know."

"Ya mean those girls in those frilly dresses? Sure, they're cute..."

"But?"

"I've never understood the reasoning' behind the way some guys act 'bout them. I mean, there were guys back in junior high who would get together and drool over magazines with 'em in there. It was just weird, ya know."

"Yes, I do. And now I just need a minute."

"Ta do what?" the pigtailed boy asked, blinking in surprise.

"To try and add that in to the information that I know about you. I mean, I called you a pervert, and you don't even get all excited about idol singers."

"Oh, I can like 'em, but why would I wanna drool over them when I've got you guys."

"If I didn't think that he was talking about how he has these 'arrangements' with all of us, I'd be thinking that he was a pervert," Ukyo drawled, with the other girls nodding along side her.

Putting the last dish away, Nodoka smiled to herself, and not simply for a job that was well done. Oh, she'd always been proud of her abilities in the home, but that was the usual sort of routine. However, she did have something else to be pleased about.

The next day brought with it the possibility that she might actually have a chance to meet the mysterious boy who had such luck with the ladies. He was obviously a manly young man, and she wanted to see him, though not for any personal desire for someone so young. This was someone who she could meet, and use as a basis for imagining how her own son would be after so many years. If Ranma was even partially as successful with the ladies as this boy had been, she'd be pleased. That did not mean that she could not admire and pat the young man who would likely be visiting the store with his latest companion.

But, she did have this overwhelming feeling that her son was using that very moment to be manly.

"Lemme get this straight. The idea is that the people that the bottom and top of this bottle points ta have ta kiss, right?" Ranma asked, looking down at the glass container in question.

"That's right, Ranchan," Ukyo replied. "And that means anyone, with no exceptions. It points between two of us, and they have to kiss."

"Oh, I get that part."

"Then what is the problem."

He gave the girls all a flat look. "Why are ya all tryin' ta sit together, with me basically sittin' ta one side, while ya guys sit opposite me?"

"Oh, right. That."

"You can't blame a girl for trying, Master," Nabiki drawled.

"It kind of messes things up, don't it?" he put to her.

"I thought that you'd be flattered. We all want to kiss you."

"Even if he was flattered, he's right. Let's get to do this right," the chef sighed.

"That's too bad," murmured a soft voice.

"Kasumi?!"

"Sorry..."

"Don't be. I share the sentiment. Now... Someone spin the bottle."

"I'll do it," the oldest girl there replied as she reached out, and sent the bottle twirling about, so that it spun in a leisurely roll that was rather comfortable. The movement was smooth and easy, without any hint of it moving to shoot off at someone. Slowly, it came to a stop, with everyone holding their breath as they looked to see who would have to take the first try.

When it stopped, Nabiki and Kodachi merely looked at each other.

"It's the rules. You two have to kiss," Ukyo reminded them.

Kodachi blinked at her. "Immediately?"

"Or close to it. Come on. It doesn't have to be something special. Just get in, kiss, and sit down. All there is to it."

"But... It is special," Nabiki said, glancing at her owner before sharing a nod with the rich girl. The two of them leaned up from their seated positions, and their faces came close together right before Ranma. They hesitated for a moment, and then pressed their lips together, with their mouths opening as they started to kiss. It quickly became clear that they were using their tongues, though it was a bit uncertainly, as kissing another girl was something that they were unused to. Yet, they put a lot into it, with Nabiki's breasts bouncing freely as their mouths tangled.

Once they finished, and sat down again, the others merely stared at them.

"What?" the pet girl asked.

"You enjoyed it, didn't you?" her younger sister asked dryly.

"Yes."

Even though he knew that he wasn't certain whether his pet was commenting about liking the kiss, or the chance to surprise everyone, Ranma merely adjusted his pants, and looked around at the girls. "Ummm... Shouldn't we go on ta the next one?"

"I'll spin it this time," Kodachi answered, and did as she said. The bottle twirled around a bit more quickly this time, and it took just a little longer to settle down. On each rotation, those it pointed to tried to figure out what they'd do if it were to stop right then.

And as it stopped, pointing at Akane and Ukyo, the two of them knew that they'd have to find out that for real.

"It's the rules," Nabiki reminded them.

Kasumi tried to smile reassuringly. "She is right. It would break them if you didn't... well..."

"And we can't back down," Akane agreed in resignation.

That made Ukyo's brows come together as she frowned over the possibilities those words brought up. "I hope that isn't something about me."

"Of course not. It's just... I don't remember me kissing a girl before. And I don't think that you have."

"Not me."

"Well, are you going to say that we should be excited?"

"Oh. Right. But the rules..."

"I know," the youngest Tendo responded, and seemed to swallow in time with the chef. Both girls leaned forward, closed their eyes until they were almost shut, and came close to kissing each other. But they paused, clearly uncertain about doing this, and they licked dry lips. With the others watching them, they couldn't avoid it, and they leaned forward, kissing each other's lips, almost like they were teasing each other. Their cheeks became a deep red color, and they made odd little noises that no one could particularly understand, perhaps not even themselves.

After they were done, they sat heavily back in their previous spots, and looked at their hands, with only the occasional eye flick towards each other.

"Hmm... Very nice," the gymnast observed. "It was more than I expected."

With a small frown of confusion, Akane looked up at her. "What's that supposed to mean."

"Well, you did follow through with the spirit of it. However, a mere quick peck might have sufficed, or even a kiss on the cheek. The rules stated did not say anything about the lips, though I do believe that it is expected for such kissing to happen."

"Oh my..."

For a moment, Kasumi blinked as she wondered how she'd said anything without knowing about, but then she realized that it had been Ukyo who had spoken. "You did not think about that?"

The chef, and Akane, both shook their heads.

"Well then, I suppose that we shall have to spin again."

"And perhaps one of us will get to kiss Master," Nabiki agreed with a cheerful leer at her owner.

Ranma saw that, and merely tried to get comfortable after seeing both kisses,

Bedtime was actually something that those in the Tendo Dojo actually were reluctant acknowledge. The fact that they were having so much fun was rather pleasant for them, and they wanted to continue it long into the night. But there were plans for the next day, and to go through with them, at least a certain pair of them had to be able to get enough sleep. So they stayed up as long as they could, and went to bed when they couldn't delay it anymore.

Not that it helped the tightness in Ranma's gut any as he went with Ukyo up to the room that he normally shared with his father. He didn't have any resistance to the fact that she would be sharing his bed. Actually, his problem was in quite the opposite direction. As they walked, he couldn't help but look at her, from the way that her breasts bounced under the tee that she wore, or the long length of her legs as shown by her shorts. Each glimpse of her body made two things very clear to him. One was that he definitely wanted her, and the second was that he had been an idiot for ever thinking that she was a boy. Both were things that he'd already discovered, but at that moment, they needed reinforcing.

However, his desire took a small backseat to concern when he let her into his room and saw a nervous expression on her face. "Ucchan?"

"Ranchan... I... Is there something wrong with me?" she asked.

"What?! Why would ya ask somethin' like that?!"

"Because... you kept on looking at me while we were coming up here, but you didn't say anything. I know that we were planning on coming up here, and that you do like me, but... Is it the clothes? I thought that simple things, like what a girl would wear..."

He covered her mouth with one hand until he was certain that she wouldn't speak, and then he moved it to cup one side of her jaw, with his thumb stroking over her smooth cheek. "D'ya really wanna know why I was lookin'?"

"Ye... yes..."

"It's 'cause I couldn't not look."

"Ranchan?"

"Ya look so good that I'm kinda gettin' sick just from waitin'."

"That doesn't sound romantic."

"It's the truth, and trust me. I really want this. And I'm findin' this outfit really sexy, 'cause it makes me wanna have this," he told her, reaching up with one of his free hands to cup one of her breasts through her shirt. She moaned slightly as he fondled the free hanging orb, and used the fabric to rub over her sensitive nipples.

Any doubt that he wanted her in his bed was gone by that point, and her enthusiastic kiss showed just how much she accepted, and was happy because of, that. Their mouths worked against each other's, and he hooked one of his legs around one of hers to pull her close to him. The possessiveness of the action somehow pleased her, and when he ran his fingers through her hair, she smiled against his lips as she did the same to his hair. Her long fingers stroked along the back of his neck, and she began to squeeze on his shoulders.

When he pushed down her shorts so that it pooled on her ankles, she merely stepped out of the garment and leaned into his body. With his hands upon her hips, he held her for a long moment, and then began to slide his fingers along the soft flesh of her upper legs. Then he moved over and tickled her mound, making her jump and smile at him in surprise. That turned into a groan of appreciation as he started kneading her toned buttocks with his hands as he began to nuzzle her neck, making male sounds of enjoyment.

By the time that he gently laid her down upon his bedroll, her eyes were already clouded with pleasure. As he didn't want to let any delay interfere with their shared joy, he took only a moment to shuck his clothing before straddling her, with his manhood bumping along her legs with his every movement. Yet it was clear that he did not want to rush through his enjoyment of her, so as he leaned over to push her shirt up, he did it as slowly as could be, almost as if he couldn't get enough of the feel of her skin. That wonderfully maddening touch continued right over her breasts, which were squeezed slightly as the nipples were tweaked. She didn't leave him alone though, as her hands were curling along the lines of muscles in his chest and back. Only the need to remove her shirt was able to stop them, and that bump was brushed away with a rather enjoyable kiss.

Then he started to go down her body again, almost as if he was happy to start to put his mouth where his hands had been. Slowly, he started to slide along, kissing, nuzzling, and tasting her body as he went. Groans and moans passed by her lips as he started to lick and suckle on her firm breasts, and she even gasped when he nibbled on one hardened point. However, that wasn't all, as he went down to her flat belly, seeming to find great interest in it. And even though she'd never really considered her belly button to be a very erotic spot, when he started to put his mouth to it, she couldn't help but squirm in sheer delight.

But she didn't want him to go without the satisfaction that he was giving her, and even as she clutched at his shoulders during her own pleasures, she rubbed her thighs against his legs, and even managed to stroke his stiff manhood with them. A deeply masculine sound came from the core of him, and he knew that he needed to be within her.

Her response to his silently asked question was to spread her legs in invitation. Without wasting a moment, he knelt before her, and positioned himself at her slick and waiting gate. Giving her a simple kiss, he slid himself into her, much to their mutual satisfaction. They both arched with the pleasure of it, and as he started to pump into her, she reached up and looped her arms around his shoulders. She held on to him so that she could kiss and nuzzle him as he had done to her, but her attempts were troubled due to the little gasps of pleasure that would then be breathed against his skin with just about every thrust. It did not trouble her though, as she simply felt too good to care about any mistakes. From the way that he was breathing, she could tell that he wanted her as badly as she wanted him. Instinct soon took over any reactions though, and she needed him so badly that she wrapped her shapely legs around his hips, groaning as that pushed him even deeper into her.

Soon, there was little to care about in technique, as they were too happy with their pleasure with each other to react any other way. They went on feelings and experience, moving without though, with her hands rubbing and stroking as he buried his face in the silkiness of her hair.

Release was completely sweet for her, and as she leaned back her head in complete rapture, she could feel an open mouth smile stretch across her features. Words were beyond either of them at that moment, and she barely had enough focus to note his sound of satisfaction as he came within her. The two of them were left panting, but they were clearly invigorated by their lovemaking as much as they were tired.

She knew that he needed to rest though, and she had the perfect way to do that once she recovered enough to act. Using the hold that she had on him at that moment, she pulled him down to lay on top of her, which obviously surprised him.

"Ucchan?" he asked, squirming a little before he realized that her breasts were rolling against his chest, and his manhood was still in between her lower lips.

The chef smiled up at him. "Shh... Just lay there, Ranchan."

"But I'm on top of you..."

"Don't you like it? I do?"

"Actually, yeah, I do."

"Then, let's stay like this. We can lay side by side in a little bit, but now..."

"Ah, gotcha," he replied, pressing a kiss to her lips, while:

Master's Way: Going Out And About (LIME) [Episode 152164]

by Kender

"I'm not certain if I want to disturb this," Nabiki commented from her position near the doorway.

"Why would you?" Akane replied with a shrug. "It's not like there's any sort of rush on anything, and it is pretty early, you know."

"'Sides, it'd be really mean for us ta interrupt them. We'll be goin' shoppin' soon enough," Ranma agreed.

The three of them looked through the doorway and nodded as one at what they saw.

Not that either Ukyo or Kasumi noticed them as they continued to make breakfast, though that might have been a rather light term for what they were doing. Both of them were working as if they'd been cooking together for years, as they seemed to be able to do what they had to without having any sort of real need for conversation. It was clear that they talked, but when they concentrated, it was like a dance, where both long limbed brunettes pivoted and twirled about each other with great grace and poise. Their pony tails moved in gentle bobs, and the scents of their cooking mixed into a grand aroma that could set anyone's mouth to watering. Looking at it, one could see that it was serene, comforting, and even a bit natural.

"Now, we just need to be able to figure out what to do while we're waiting," Akane commented.

"I don't know 'bout ya, but I plan ta work up an appetite," Ranma told her.

"Oh, really? How do you plan on doing that?"

"With Nabiki."

The expression on his pet's face grew sultry. "Ahh... I think that I like this plan."

"I was hopin' that ya would."

"Of course I would. I mean, the chance to get in some 'exercise' with you is something that I would want to do anytime."

"Good. Then ya can meet me in the dojo once ya get dressed."

"Huh?"

"Ta practice," he said, tossing one of her training outfits to her. "I figure that we can get in a bit of work on your skills in the Art before breakfast."

"But I thought..."

"Trust me. This'll do ya a lot of good. Gettin' used ta practicin' is good, and gettin' ta as much as ya can in without over doin' it is a good idea."

"Oh... okay..."

"And anyway, doing somethin' like havin' sex all the time ain't always the best way ta pass time."

Akane couldn't help herself, and giggled, even as her sister gave her a sour look.

Shampoo breathed out with the last movement of her training routine and came to a standing position as she stood there satisfied with the morning practice. It had been a good session, as it had been a rather good workout, even if it was more restful than anything else. She knew that it was a strange way to describe practicing for violence, but this hadn't been about the fight. Rather, it had been a way to greet the morning as she got herself in tune with her body. Doing this had been a way to focus, and even was a sort of meditation for her, as she used it to keep herself cool and calm.

Then again, it was the start of a new day, and she'd always like that time of morning. That was when all sorts of possibilities were available, and her naturally cheery nature made her always want to embrace what could come, and her warrior's spirit was ready for anything that could be thrown at her. And now not only did she have a wonderful relationship with her Master, but she had also gotten friends out of the deal.

So, she was a bit cheery as she walked over into the dining area on her way to clean up and prepare for the day. On her way, she picked up some flowers, so that she could put them into the tiny vases that they had on each table. It wasn't something that she had to do, but she felt like giving that little bit of help simply because she could.

"Shampoo! Are those flowers for me? I knew that you would come to see things my way... OOOFFF!" Mousse started, choking off as he flew off from a hit to his face.

She merely sighed, and lowered the fist that she'd used to backhand the nearly blind idiot. For once, he'd been wearing his glasses, but it had to happen when he could disrupt her happy morning. He was such a pain in the ass.

Brushing off the clothing that she was wearing, Ukyo stepped out of the dressing room, and blushed deeply. Holding her arms in front of herself, she looked at her fiancé. "Well? Is it me?"

"Hmmm," Ranma murmured, taking a long look up and down her body, from the flat heeled shoes that she was wearing, up past the loose slacks that moved interestingly on her slim legs, to the dress blouse that was fitted to her torso. "Ya look good."

"'Good'?"

"There ain't anythin' wrong with it."

"But... I thought this suited me."

"It does, but ya have been tryin' a lot of outfits where you're in pants, and even if I like ya wearin' them, it does get ta be a bit much. Can we try a skirt?"

"What? You're going to try one on too?" she joked, and snickered when his expression twisted into one of distaste.

"Just lemme see ya in somethin' more... girly, okay?"

"Sure thing... dear."

Blinking at the comment, Ranma shrugged and accepted it, which made her grin with delight.

If this was what hell was like, Ryoga had to wonder what sort of being would be that perverse. Sure, most guys would have considered seeing what he was looking at to be something desirable, but in this context, he was certain that no one of his gender would want to be in this area, save for one, of course.

After all, being stuck in any sort of lingerie shop was a bad idea for a guy, unless he had a reason to be there, unless he was buying for a significant other, or having been dragged in there by a female that he knew. Even then, it would a time of great discomfort. For any other reason, a guy would have to feel rather like he was in enemy territory, as any male in a store section dedicated to girls' undergarments would be looked at with suspicion.

"I don't know whether to be afraid, or concerned," commented one woman.

The 'Lost Boy' didn't know either, though his panic was helping him with the fact that he was stuck in the part of a store that was dedicated to ladies' intimate apparel.

One look made Ranma's mouth go dry. He'd seen Ukyo in a boy's uniform, in her chef's outfit, in feminine clothing and other garments before, but this time his brain went on a leave of absence. Not that he minded that, since he didn't have any sort of thoughts interfering with his seeing her.

And there was a lot to see, though the dress wasn't exactly something fancy. It was a full length outfit that had a scooped neck that gave him a tantalizing glimpse of the rise of her breasts. The waist fitted well enough to her waist that he wondered how it would feel told her there, and the skirt, while not clingy, was just straight enough to give up hints about the long legs under it.

"Aren't you going to say something?" she asked, frowning in concern. "I can't tell how bad it is if I don't have your opinion."

"Not bad. Not close to bad," he murmured.

"Huh?"

"This is... wow..."

"Ranchan? You aren't making sense."

"I'm not?"

"No. Do you like it then?"

Running a hand through his hair, he gave a little snort. "'Like it'? 'Course I 'like it'."

"Then what's the problem?"

"I'm tryin' ta figure out just how I ever thought that ya were a guy. 'Cause ya sure as hell look too beautiful ta be anythin' other than a girl."

Ukyo flushed heavily, and knew that if she brought nothing else, she would be satisfied with that dressed.

Nodoka knew that she had things to do, but she'd never seen the reason for any sort of haste when events didn't immediately call for it. Any sort of disaster, injury or possibly major loss would make it necessary to act as quickly as possible, but the fact of the matter was that most things would be wasted if they were done hurriedly. She'd just give herself enough time to do them, as it would be unseemly, and unwise to do it in any other way.

However, she did know that she had to do something before she went to the store to see if she could catch an opportunity to meet this mysterious boy who'd been shopping there. One of her newest neighbors was expecting a child, and she had felt rather affectionate towards the couple. In some ways, she found their love to be rather inspirational, as no one could have any doubt about the feelings that they had shown. The male part of the pair had been a motorcycle gang leader, even if he'd been the sort to give schoolgirls rides to school so that they'd be safe and on time. And when he'd found out that he'd gotten his girlfriend pregnant, he'd immediately married her, getting a job so that he could make certain that they'd have a secure future together. With the way that he doted on his wife and unborn child, it was clear that he had no intentions of being anything other than a responsible parent and husband.

In a way, she'd seen both similarities between him and her own husband. Both had taken rather disreputable paths, but where her husband had never tried to redeem himself, her neighbor was working hard to provide for his new family. That, combined with the way that they'd clicked into her life had made her almost feel... motherly towards them. It was no problem for her to check up on them, and as she opened the door to their house after the greeting to her knock, that came straight to the forefront.

"Naomi? What's going on?" she asked.

The younger woman gasped for breath and looked for support. "The baby. It's coming."

"Now?"

"Yes... I've been feeling the contractions, just like you told me..."

"Oh dear... what about your husband?"

"I sent him out earlier to get me some things," the other woman replied. "He didn't want to go, but we both thought that we have some time..."

"You still do. And don't worry about it. It's not that early."

"I... It's just that... This baby's our first..."

"And you'll have it soon enough. We just have to get you to the hospital."

"I thought that you were going out today..."

"That can wait. You need help now."

"Thank you..."

Patting the girl's hand, Nodoka smiled, not regretting her choice. It wasn't like the boy was supposed to be her son, or anything. She just wanted to see if she could imagine what her son would be like from this repeat customer's appearance and behaviors. There would have to be calls made, and apologies given, but she had to handle this, as she simply would have to meet this boy another time.

Right now, she had a scared first time mother to help.

"Okay, Ranchan. What do you think of this?" Ukyo asked, coming out to stand as sexily as she could.

He stared dully at the sight of her, as he was ready to kick himself over misjudging her gender when they were children... again. Oddly enough, he'd half expected this sort of reaction. When they'd come into the costume shop, he'd known that it was entirely possible that she'd find outfits that would be meant to show off her body.

Seeing her in a bunny-suit made him realize that she had all that a woman could need. Everything about it just made him aware of the fact that he had another really hot girl on his hands, though he'd already known that. Each of her long legs was encased in enticing stockings, and her feet were slipped into high heels that gave her height and a distracting hip wiggle. Then there was the way that her breasts looked like they were going to bounce free at any moment. Just seeing the collar and bow tie on her neck was even erotic in a way, and rather than being whimsical, the little puff ball on her backside drew his eyes to look in the vicinity of her tight rear, which moved rather pleasantly under the fabric of the costume. About the only thing that wouldn't set a guy to drooling were the bunny ears, and even them made him feel good.

"I wanna see ya doin' some waitressin' in that," he grunted out.

A deep frown of confusion worked upon her face. "Why? Do you want other guys to see me like that?"

"Nah."

"Then why suggest it?"

"'Cause I'd be your only customer."

"I don't understand..." she trailed off, trying to imagine herself waiting on Ranma in an empty restaurant. When what that could lead to started to penetrate her brain, she felt a deep smile stretch across her face.

"Now, ya got it."

Traveling to civilization was the only thing that Happosai could think of doing ever since he'd found the first glimmers of it, but being so weak, he didn't have the strength for it. He felt so tired and wiped out that he'd have checked himself into the first retirement home that he could find... if they had pretty nurses working there. However, he was on the highway, and what he did have was a need to get from it back to where he could actually live. Hitchhiking was the only way that he could think to do it, as he'd taken rides on cars, trucks, vans and any other vehicle that he could manage to get on.

Not that they knew that he was getting rides from them, but he was happy enough with what he had, especially as he was able to get to a real city.

Of course, he did have to wonder how he'd gotten to Kobe so quickly.

As soon as she saw the long legged brunette beauty, Mrs. Ichinose knew that the boy that she'd been expecting had arrived. It was only a forgone conclusion, given that the girl was obviously new, at about the right age, and very attractive. This was another confidant young woman, and by the way that the girl looped her arms around one of his and hugged it as she looked around in embarrassment, it was clear that she was both inexperienced, and in a basically equal relationship with him.

Had her dearly departed, if not forgotten husband had seen her, he would have definitely agreed with, and accepted that sort of set up with her, as only a fool would have given her up if they had a choice.

"Well, well..." she drawled as she came up behind them, making the teens jump. "Looks like you have yourself another beauty here."

"I really wish that ya'd stop doin' that," he grumbled.

"It's part of the only fun that an old woman has."

The girl frowned slightly. "Hold on a second. He's really shopped here before?"

"Every week, and with a different girl, with you being the latest."

"I know... oh man..."

"Your first time in a place like this?"

"How'd you know that?"

"I'm an old woman, and I've been at this for a long time. You wouldn't believe some of the people that have come in here over the years."

"But what am I supposed to do here? I mean... What can I do..."

"It's really simple," he said, holding up a couple of edible items, like foams and underwear. "I buy somethin' like this, and ya pick out what ya wanna get. And when it gets ta time..."

"Oh..."

Mrs. Ichinose grinned as she saw the girl shyly start searching through the racks, looking uncertain about the whole idea. "You've got yourself a live one there. Looks like she isn't really certain about this part of things, but I can tell that she has grit."

"I already knew that," he answered back with a smirk. "And she's all mine."

"Here's something that you don't know. My worker was supposed to be here to see if she could meet you, but her neighbor is having a baby, so..."

"Gotcha. I think that a baby bein' born is more important than just meetin' me, don't ya agree?"

"You're a good boy, you know that? Still, I'd really like it if you came in sometime to meet her. I'd think that tomorrow would work out quite well for all involved, if you come after your schooling."

"Umm..."

"I'm not setting you up. She's a lot older than you, and already has a family. I just want her to get to meet you. Plus, you already have enough girls."

"Ah..."

"And she wants to meet you," the store owner commented.

"That's nice, an' all, but..."

"I'll give you a 'member's discount', where you can buy anything we sell at a reduced price."

"Sure thing. Tomorrow, it is."

"I'm happy that you agree."

"It's no problem. Except I was tryin' ta say that I'd do if from the beginnin'."

"Really?"

"Sure. Ya've been really nice ta me and girls, so I'd do it just ta return the favor. It ain't a problem," the boy informed her as his slim companion came back with a box kit of sex items, and a massager.

"If only he were born a few decades older. I would never want to trade my dear husband away, but still..." Mrs. Ichinose murmured under her breath.

"Genma?" the Tendo Patriarch asked from his hospital bed.

His friend turned his head. "Yes, Soun?"

"We know about women, don't we?"

"We should know all that we need to. Why do you ask?"

"Why do we seem to have such troubles with women now?"

"Someone has tried to force things into directions that we are certain that they shouldn't go in?" Genma replied.

Soun nodded, and tried not to wince as the portly nurse came back in with a series of needles,

Recently, Miyo had gotten a lot to think about, considering the fact that she was stuck in a position where two boys wanted to have her as their girlfriend. That was something that she was still a bit surprised about, even though it was getting to be something that she was also getting somewhat used to. However, she was left with a rather precarious position, since they weren't trying to use nasty tricks or attempting to make their 'rival' look back. Instead, they were both simply trying to make her see them as nice guys who would be the best choice for her, and she had been spending a lot of time trying to figure out which one would be the one that she wanted.

At the moment though, she was a bit busy with something a little more basic, and actually almost relaxing. It wasn't that she was actively trying to find something to calm her nerves, but that just happened to be the way that it turned out. In fact, it was actually pretty normal, if one stopped to think about it.

The clasp for her schoolbag had broken, and she needed to buy a new bag. While she was out, she thought that she'd pick up a couple of things, and had spotted a new outfit that she found to be rather pleasing. So, given that she had been a bit burdened by the situation, she thought that it was a good time to splurge a little.

Yet, once she came out, she saw someone that she really did not want to encounter.

Almost as if he'd heard her desire for him not not spot her, Tatewaki Kuno turned and clearly spotted her. Before she could do anything, he strode towards her with the look of someone trying to show great importance and wisdom, only to wind up looking rather pompous. "I did not expect to see that you out purchasing items upon this fine day."

"I needed to go shopping," Miyo told him simply. "And now that I have, I really must go home."

"You have a pressing matter to go through with?"

"To be honest, I..."

"Do not have to explain yourself."

Even though she agreed with the literal meaning of the statement, she was too confused by him actually saying it to accept it. "Eh?"

"To one such as myself, the answer is easy to see. No doubt, you have been shopping so that this way you may find clothing that would be appealing to your two beaus, such as they are."

"I... Where did you get that idea?"

"Is it not obvious? I am naturally wise in the ways of the heart, and know all that there is to know about the gentler gender. So it is a simple matter for me to know that such would be the case," he intoned.

"That wasn't why I came out."

"Perhaps, but that is the result, is it not?"

"Not really," the brunette told him flatly. "I just saw an outfit, and thought that I'd buy it. A simple impulse purchase. That's all."

"Ah, but there is much that would go into that, and I can figure out what has happened, even if you can not. The heavens have blessed me with the ability to understand all those around me, with certain special talents in understanding your sex. And in this case, I have great understanding for your position, for I am in the same one."

"Are you now?"

"Certainly, I am. Do not the pigtailed girl, and Akane Tendo pine away for me? Do they not both desire to be with me, while circumstances force them to say otherwise? And has there not appeared a Chinese damsel who clearly wishes to catch my attention, as well as one of Akane's friends who wants to do the same?"

"You seem to think that a lot of girls want you?"

"Oh, I know that a great many do, with only a few being brave enough to actually try to be mine. Yet, this is not about me. It is about you."

"Is it now?"

"Yes, it is. And fear not. I am available to do what you need," Kuno told her with a 'superior' sort of expression."

"How?"

"I can advise you on how to handle your situation with the two boys who want you to choose them."

"You?"

"But of course. Who else could inform you as to what choices you should make? I am wise in the ways of the world, and I know that you need to be able to pick the one that is for you. First of which you should realize that you should pick the one who has the proper dignity and respect for you and others. I do believe that either one would know enough to show the proper manners towards his betters, such as myself, and if the case should arise, the one that you would chose would allow you to be acting as one such as myself would need you to."

"Where do you get that idea?" she asked, her gaze just short of a clear glare.

"Do you not have skills that only a few have?" the tall boy asked. "In such a case, it would only be proper to have them available if I should need them?"

"May I remind you that they aren't a trade skill? And why are you trying to tell me how to pick? You're the one who could never pick between two 'girls'."

"That may be the case, but one such as myself deserves such adulation, and had the law been arranged to allow for how things should be for one in my position, I would be able to have them both. But that is not the problem at the moment."

"No, the only problem that needs thought right now is how to say goodbye. My concerns are my own, and I don't need you to figure them out for me."

"It is kind of you to try to spare me the work, but it is my responsibility to assist those who are in my realm of control."

Growling low in her throat, she blew out a breath of frustration, and tried to remind herself that even if she started whapping him on the head with her shopping bag, it would cause her more trouble than any amount of satisfaction that she'd get from hitting him would balance.

"When you go shopping, you go shopping," Akane drawled as she took some bags from her friend. "Eh, Ukyo?"

The chef grinned from where she was balancing her bags. "Didn't I though? Though this was mostly Ranchan's idea."

"Oh?"

"It was enough for me to get a couple of outfits, but he really wanted me to buy a whole lot. By the time we finished, I'd basically gotten a whole wardrobe."

"'Basically'? It looks like you actually did."

"And that's the point," Ranma grunted as he hefted the packages that he was carrying inside. "Think 'bout it. She ain't got a great big set of clothin' that's for girls."

"It's practical, Ranchan," Ukyo protested.

"And you're pretty. Ya should have some clothes that show that."

Akane smiled as she saw her friend blushing at the compliment that their fiancé had given her. "Well then, maybe we should return the favor."

"What's that mean?"

"Maybe we should take you clothes shopping."

"Oh, maybe we could get him some outfits that'll do better for him than those Chinese outfits do," Ukyo suggested.

"There's that too."

"Huh?"

"Hey, we can always take him shopping for good girl clothes. I mean, since his girl side is so pretty..." Akane trailed off, sounding and acting mock primly.

Ranma gave her a sour look as Ukyo giggled in pleasure at both the idea and his response.

Cowardice had always been Genma's way of handling many problems, and Soun had a bit of that in him. Neither one was very good at handling some confrontations, and it'd always been Genma's desire to avoid a confrontation if he could manage to. That wasn't out of any form of pacifism, but rather a desire to miss any trouble in any way that he could. Sometimes, like when he and his friend had drugged and buried their sensei, he could show a bit of a spine, but most of the time, he avoided confrontations as he did any form of regular work.

So, he was basically trying not to reach up and dab at the sweat starting to form on his brow as he gave a broad, if false, smile to the nurse.

"Now, boys..." she said, frowning in a way that was both kindly and creepy. "Why do you have so many sheets?"

"No... no reason..." the Saotome patriarch replied in a voice that he fought to keep from wobbling.

"Oh? But you seemed to have a lot of them here..."

"Well... We..." Soun stammered, swallowing hard. "They make great cushions..."

"They do? Well, I do suppose that you can fold them any way that you like. But why would you tie the corner of one to another?"

"To... keep busy? And to keep track of them?"

"There are other ways to do both of those things, and I'd love to help you with that, if only you'd asked. You could have been in a lot of trouble though. If someone less understanding had found them, they might have thought that you were trying to prepare to escape to use them to climb out the window."

"No, not us!" both men replied, shaking their heads as vigorously as they were lying.

"That's good to hear. After all, I wouldn't want to think that such good boys as you two would be wanting to be so naughty," she told them as she used the big and heavy block of wood that she'd brought into the room to mash the sheets as far down into the cart as she could.

Soun and Genma gulped as hard as they could.

Trying not to lick the lipstick that she'd just put on, Ukyo nervously stepped out from where she'd been changing over to where everyone else was waiting. Even Shampoo had shown up, nominally to deliver a late lunch, but mainly to see what had been brought. Not that she had any trouble with that, as she was happy with the fact that everyone else had such an interest in her. In fact, she'd even taken special care in making sure that she made herself look her best in this suit that she'd brought for business meetings.

However, as she saw that they were all looking at her, but not seeing anything, she started getting really self conscious. "Guys? Aren't you going to say something?"

"Oh my..." Kasumi murmured.

"Can say that again," Shampoo agreed with feeling. "She hide that under boy uniforms?"

Akane nodded absently. "This is definitely not a boy's uniform."

"How did anyone think that she was a guy when she first came here?" Nabiki asked.

"See?" Ranma put in. "I told ya."

A deep flush worked up from the collar of the chef's finely tailored blouse, totally belying the 'confident businesswoman' look of her suit.

Mrs. Ichinose patted Nodoka's hand as the younger woman sat down at the cashier's counter. "Now, now... You couldn't have known that this would happen."

"My mind knows that, but I still can't help wondering if I could have managed to get here on time," the redhead replied with a sigh, and the same look of failure that she'd come in with.

"Is that so?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Perhaps because you were taking care of a young girl who needed your help? Or did you want to abandon that girl to her labor as soon as you could?"

Nodoka's head whipped up, and she looked positively horrified by the very concept. "Of course not! I could not leave her at all. Even going as I did, I still feel a bit guilty about it."

"As well you should, dear, or you would not be the woman that I thought you were."

"Oh..."

"Still, even if you had left her as soon as she was in the hands of another, I'm not certain that you'd have been here in time. That boy and his latest girl seemed to want to shop really quickly. Considering the look of her, I can't say that I blame him for that!" the elder woman said with a happy cackle.

"He had another pretty one?"

"'Pretty'? She was gorgeous. Her hair was like silk, full breasts, and legs so long that my poor departed husband would have spent days wondering how it would feel to have them wrapped around him."

"He is a manly young man, isn't he?"

"That he is. But it's not like you have to take my word for it," Mrs. Ichinose said with a shrug.

"What?"

"I told him that you wanted to meet him. Well, I didn't describe or name you, but it's the same idea. And when I asked him if he'd come to meet you tomorrow, he said that he would. Even seemed to feel honor bound to do so."

"Then... that means..." the Saotome Matriarch whispered hopefully.

"You'll be able to meet him when he comes after his school day ends."

"I will?"

"For certain. He has the look of someone that keeps his promises, if he can."

A bright smile came across Nodoka's face. "I can't wait."

"Me either," her employer replied,

Having such a successful day was something that Ranma was rather pleased about, considering how things had used to go for him. Of course, he was more happy that it had been a good day for Ukyo, as it had been basically a time for her to enjoy herself. Then again, it had been a bit of a strain, considering the fact that he'd been constantly seeing just how sexy the girls that he was with were. There weren't only the regular individuals who were at the dinner table, as Ukyo had sat there in shorts that had shown off a great length of leg, and a tight top that had gotten his hormones running.

Now that he was going up to bed, he knew that he wasn't exactly going to be able to go directly to sleep. Even though he wouldn't use the girls simply for pleasure, he was still quite capable of desiring them intensely. So, he knew that he would be having to do something to help himself.

And considering the fact that he'd already gotten a plan about that, he was aware that he wasn't about to have to worry about it. He had someone that he wanted to give great pleasure to, and he wasn't about to just shrug it off. She'd already gone up, and as he came up with his plan, he saw her heading over to her room, clad only in her pajamas.

So, Akane didn't realize that he was there until he was standing so closely behind her that his body seemed to naturally curve around hers as he loosely held her from behind. "Huh? Ranma? What are you doing?"

"Though it'd be obvious. I saw ya, and figured that I'd go and hold ya," he replied softly.

"Did you now?"

"'Course I did. After all, why wouldn't I?"

"Hmmm... That's true."

"'Sides, it also means that we can do... 'other' things."

"Oh, I get it now," she muttered. "You thought that it would be easy to get me into bed, huh?"

"Hell no. If I thought that ya were just some 'easy' girl, I'd have lost respect for ya."

"Then what is this?"

"It's me bein' happy that I don't haveta knock on your door ta bother ya," Ranma told her, bumping his groin up against her supple backside. "And me bein' glad that I can be with someone like ya."

Having felt the evidence of his desire definitely straining against his pants, she licked dry lips. "Then I guess that you do want me."

"Sure do. Don't ya want me?"

"That's not really a problem, is it?"

"I don't wanna push ya when ya ain't..."

"Ranma?" she whispered, rubbing a small hand along his thigh. "You talk too much."

The pigtailed boy blinked for a moment, before smiling in understanding. Grinning to himself, he put his hands on her small waist as they stepped into her room. But that was not to merely support her, as he ran his fingers along her bare skin as he pushed her pajama top up her body, until the fabric rested right above the rise of her breasts. The pert mounds bounced slightly as he pulled the fabric over them, and they seemed to fall into his hands when he reached up to grab them.

Her breath came out in a long and drawn out sigh as she enjoyed the feeling of his hands upon her chest. Every bit of them was stroked, as he fondled them to the content of both of them. They were squeezed, played with, and rubbed until she was squirming with desire. Even though the final removal of her shirt had a tinge of disappointment for her, as he had to stop touching her breasts long enough to help her.

When she turned and kissed him full on the mouth, he took the opportunity to lay her out on her bed. She reached up to stroke him, but he stopped her, and put a gentle hand to her belly to make her stay prone.

"Why?" she asked simply.

"I wanna do the work," he responded, and slid a hand under her pajama pants. What he found surprised her, even as his action caused a gasp of pleasure to come out of her. His brows rose, and he wiggled his fingers in a way that had her twitching happily with every touch. Pulling away the garment revealed unadorned thighs, and an uncovered mound that seemed to be calling for his touch. "No panties?"

"Didn't think that I'd need them."

"You were right."

Akane flushed slightly at his statement, but didn't have much time to feel any embarrassment. He leaned over her as he buried his face in her hair and took a deep sniff of it. Then he moved down to nibble on her ear, which she hadn't thought would be erotic, but it certainly was. She could feel her body pulse with each nip, and nearly bucked off the bed when he went back to playing with her womanhood as well. The crossing of the two sensation seemed to overwhelm her body as made her need some sort of relief at that moment.

Not that he was about to deny her that, as he tugged off his pants and boxers. The rod between his legs sprang up in its freedom, and she shivered with anticipation once she realized what was going to happen. When he knelt between her legs and started to slide himself into her, she hissed with the pleasure of it. Concern entered his features, and she saw him look down at her questioningly.

Any verbal answer was way past her, and she simply reached up to grab his head by the ears and hauled his face down so that she could kiss him as hard as she could. Her hips jerked a bit to make certain that he was in her up to the hilt, and she tightened her thighs against him. It wasn't 'letting him do the work', but she hadn't ever wanted to only get pleasure.

Ranma obliged her totally, as he began to pump into her with a vigor that had her actually smiling. She arched up from the bed, and gave constant little sighs of desire with each thrust. Feeling him inside of her was simply so good, and she couldn't help enjoying every moment of it.

For his part, Ranma was happy to abandon himself to the pleasure of being held by Akane's tightness. There was no doubt, no recriminations, and no miscommunications here. This was a pure and simple sharing between the two of them, and they couldn't help but go with it.

Release was hot and sweet for Akane, and she thrashed about and very nearly squealed happily when she felt herself go over that wonderful edge. It just felt so good, and she knew that any other concerns would have to wait until later. Right now was the time to enjoy what she had with Ranma, and like what she got from it.

When he came inside of her, he gave off a strange combination of a moan and a groan that just seemed to fit with the moment. The sensation just felt too good to complain about how he expressed it. Instead, he merely smiled, and laid down next to her as they panted after their exhaustive, if happy, time.

"Still wearing your shirt?" she murmured, picking at the garment in question.

He shrugged slightly. "Didn't have time ta take it off."

"That's true..."

"I didn't make ya mad, by tryin' ta do it all, did I?"

"Certainly not. I understood that you were trying to make me feel good... I think."

"'Ya think'? Why?" Ranma commented with a blink.

"I wasn't really using my head right then."

"Oh, right."

"But you do know what this will mean."

"What?"

"I'm going to have to do all the work while you enjoy it," she told him, running a fingernail on the inside of one thigh.

Despite the dangerous purr in her words, he found himself liking the concept,

Morning was usually a time that Ukyo had spent alone, as she had been taking care of herself for a long time. Having to deal with all the work that came from running a restaurant meant that she had a lot of her time eaten up, and it wasn't like she was living with anyone else. So, she'd always had nothing to do other than the simple routine that was basically the same thing every time that she did it.

However, with recent events had come changes, and she was now leaning on a counter, looking immensely bemused. "Now, Ranchan, I know that you like my cooking..."

"'Course I do," Ranma agreed between bites of his okonomiyaki. "It's good."

"Thanks for the compliment. I knew that you thought that before, but..."

"What?"

"Even if it was good enough to bring you all out here now..."

"'Sumi needed a break."

Kasumi gave a small blush, and ducked her head over her own plate. "It's no bother..."

"But it's worth it," Akane commented with conviction. "You don't have to do it all."

"And getting out for breakfast is better than simply just leaving it to us. I don't think that making something out of a box would really suffice, compared to this," Nabiki drawled.

"Thanks sugar," the chef replied.

"None are needed. You're the one who cooked."

"That's true. But there is one thing..."

The pigtailed boy frowned in confusion. "What's that?"

"You do realize that it's kind of odd to have Akane on your lap while you eat."

"She's right, though I don't mind. I can sit on my own," the named girl confirmed.

"Good," he grunted. "It feels good ta have ya like this, and I thought that you might be a little sore."

Akane turned a bright pink, and she and the chef whapped him on the back of his head.

"What... oh... Didn't think of how that'd sound..."

"Obviously," the girl on his lap muttered, shaking her head with a sigh that sounded both resigned to the situation, and rather fond of it as well.

Ryoga knew that all the pieces had fit from what he had been able to observe before. Just looking at the area had made it clear that he was at a high school. The students that he'd heard going in had sounded old enough, and the grounds had the look of a high school to them. There was even a bell that was sounding so that was rather like the one that he would hope to hear.

Unfortunately, none of the students at Furinkan had ever worn pleated skirts to school, and these girls were wearing those, and tops with big bows on the front. It was the typical 'sailor' type school uniforms, and he was well aware of the fact that meant only one thing.

He was lost, yet again.

Had he not been lost in thought as well, he would have noticed that a cute girl who looked rather familiar had noticed him, though he would have easily realized that he didn't know her.

The head of the school system's 'watchdogs' for the local area was a tall man, with a thin body, and a thick mustache. His posture was stiff, and he had a rather 'superior' air about him. Even his suit was without a single crease that was out of place, and he looked at the three other men in his office with faint disdain.

"Do you know why I asked you two come here?" he asked.

"No, we do not," replied the leader of the trio.

"Exactly!"

"Sir?"

"We keep an eye on all the schools in our area, and handle all the problems that we can. That includes a little school that is called 'Furinkan', which has been the source of a great deal of havoc for some time. However, it seems that has dropped significantly."

"And that is a problem?" asked one of the subordinate pair.

"When there isn't a given answer, of course it is! One day, they were running up a repair bill that would pay to build another damned school, and the next saw much less. Now, it's so... so... quiet that we must concern ourselves about it. This can be a major problem, if the staff are doing things that are against regulations."

"Then you want us to..."

"Go there, and find out what the situation is. We need to know what's going on, so that we can figure out whether we need to get involved or not."

"Then we shall be going in to check everything."

"Correct. And I have not let them know that it will happen. I don't want to give them time to hide all the inane crap that they might be working on."

"You can count on us."

"I should hope so."

"Don't worry. No one ever expects the... SCHOOL INVESTIGATION!" declared the leader of the trio, as he and his cronies posed a bit,

Going in to his classroom was a simple enough thing for Ranma, as he'd done it plenty of times. He saw the familiar faces around him, and knew what to expect. There was the dullness of how many times that this had been repeated, but it was also bearing the enjoyment of familiarity, as students got a chance to relax in the company of their peers. Even in a place like this, there were plenty of things that were 'normal', like with how Akane was talking with her friends, though with Ukyo included in that group at the moment.

Spotting Hiroshi did put a bit of a strain on his smile, as he was aware of how they'd last talked. By the look on the other boy's face, it was clear that he remembered that as well. Daisuke didn't notice though, and waved to get his martial artist friend to come over.

"How is it going?" the dark haired boy asked.

Ranma shrugged. "Pretty good. What 'bout ya?"

"Really good."

"Huh? Why's that?"

Grinning broadly, Daisuke spoke as softly as he could. "Hiroshi's got some stuff for us that you've got to see!"

"Like what?" the pigtailed boy asked, turning to his other friend.

"Well..." Hiroshi began.

"What?"

"It's just that..."

"Ya don't wanna show me?"

That got an automatic snort from the lighter haired boy. "That's not it. There's a lot of girls around. Got to be careful. I had to pay a lot to get a copy of this magazine. They do their stuff really artistically."

A sneaking suspicion grew in Ranma's mind. "Are ya saying what I think ya are?"

"If it has to do with a hot girl looking really good, I sure am."

"They did it real well too!" Daisuke commented. "They've even gone the extra mile with props!"

"Uh-huh! There's this one spread where the girl pretends to be a flesh and blood doll for anyone to play with. She's got the costume, packaging and everything."

"And she's hot. When else can guys like us see babes that sexy?"

"Class? Settle down and get ready for roll call," instructed Miss Hinako as she strolled in to the class, her heels clicking against the floor as the long legs of her adult form moved under her currently tiny skirt.

Hiroshi and Ranma watched the shapely teacher head to her position at the board, and then looked at their friend.

"Okay, in our cases, it happens a lot."

Nabiki settled down into class, but her mind was wandering, which wasn't usual for her, but then she only had to listen for her name during attendance taking. Otherwise she could think of anything that she wanted to, and at the moment, she wanted to think of her Master. A part of her mind considered all the possibilities that they could go through with what they had available in the school. Supply closets, locker rooms, isolated corners of the yard, or even empty stairwells would be fun. After hearing what her sister had done with Ranma, she wanted to try it for herself.

However, she was finding herself thinking of something else at the moment.

"You know, if you hadn't tried to bother my sister's friend," she whispered to the boy next to her, then you wouldn't have been seen as a delinquent."

The only sound that the currently energy drained Kuno could make at the moment was one of annoyance.

It was another school, but it was the same sort of situation for Ryoga. He'd left that other school, and went in search of the one that he'd really prefer to be at. If he could get to Furinkan, then he'd be able to either find Akane, or someone who could lead him to her. Just getting a guide to the Tendo home would be good, but he could tell just by looking at the uniforms that they were most decidedly not those that the two younger sisters would wear, though they were familiar.

Of course, if he hadn't come to this place, then he wouldn't have heard a girl that he felt that he'd met before crying over missing some food.

"Hello, miss? Cheer up," he said, pulling a snack that he'd brought from a store in Osaka that specialized in making their treats look like little animals. "Pretty girls like you shouldn't cry. See here? This is for you."

Snatching the offered bit from his hand, she lifted her face enough to look up at him through her hair. "Monique! I... You're giving this to me?"

"Sure. Why not?"

"But..."

"What?"

"Everyone gets so mad, but you're so nice. You want to make me happy?"

"Of course I do. I can't stand seeing a cute girl like you be so sad," Ryoga replied, smiling at her... until he saw her lift her head with a bright smile. Then he just simply stared in surprise.

"Charlotte is so nice to Azusa!" Azusa Shiratori declared, her vision of him accompanied by sparkling lights and cherry blossoms. Stretching her arms out, she tackled him so that she could hug him as tightly as he could. "Azusa likes Charlotte!"

As he was trying to figure out how such a small girl could be so strong, Ryoga was pretty certain that she did mean what she said.

Shopping with her fiance had let Ukyo realize one simple thing. She was an attractive young woman who others had been pleased by seeing. Sure, she'd felt that she was pretty before, but now she knew that others could see her as beautiful. That was something that she was happy about, and it made her want to bring back her femininity more than she already had. Dressing as a girl was something that she'd done with some regularity, but she couldn't bring herself to go totally without the sorts of styles that she'd done her entire life. It'd gotten to the point where she was just used to coming to school dressed like she was 'another one of the guys'.

However, as she had stood in the locker room, she had decided that she would make a start in conceding that she was a girl, and was proud of it.

So, when she walked out to the field, she wasn't looking quite the same as usual.

Girls had a variety of reactions, many of whom were smiling in pleasure at the sight of her embracing being a girl, including Akane Tendo and her friends. They were happy to see her be who she was, and now that she was choosing this direction, it was a nice thing to see. Some of the others were jealous of how good she looked, but they were aware of the sort of person she was.

Boys just stared. The sight of the chef in a girl's gym uniform, with her long legs bare, and her bust obviously in a bra instead of under wrappings, made for a sight that they were damned happy to see. For them, the jealousy came from the fact that she was already taken.

That was noticed by the girls, who were disgusted by the guys who saw a girl as just a sex object. The guys saw the girls' reaction, and winced, knowing what might happen if they weren't careful.

Akane just sniffed, and turned to her friend as the girl came up to her. "Looks like you've got some admirers."

"They're good for a girl's ego, or for being customers, but I've never put much respect into that sort of leering," Ukyo admitted, smirking slightly.

"True. They are just usually hormone driven idiots."

"And we've got someone better."

"At least he knows to care for a girl. Them?"

"Trust me. I've had to hang around all sorts like them."

"Oh?"

The chef raised a brow. "Boys' school, remember?"

"Ah. Right."

"Well, now..."

"We enjoy the fact that Ranma's pleased by your look."

"He is?"

"He is," the youngest Tendo replied, grinning as turned from seeing Ranma watch them to seeing her friend's face grew red in a pleased blush. "And now, shouldn't we go and enjoy the class too?"

"Sure thing," Ukyo agreed, and headed over to join the rest of the girls

Walking along the street, Akane knew that a lot had changed recently, and that she was pleased with the way that things had gone. Relations with the other girls hadn't been better, as she was actually getting into friendships with Shampoo and Ukyo, and Kodachi getting along wonderfully with Kasumi. If nothing else though, she was really happy with how things were going with her fiancé, as she was finding it both physically and emotionally pleasing.

That didn't change the fact that she had a sour look on her face as she considered him as she glanced over at her companion. "Why do I have to carry his schoolbag?"

"Someone had to," Nabiki replied. "He wanted to be able to go straight from school to that meeting, and didn't want to carry his bag along with him. Ukyo had to go to her own restaurant, and we were heading home."

"That's exactly it!"

"What's it?"

"You're his 'pet', but you 'volunteered' me for this. Don't you think that you should carry his bag?" the younger girl asked, speaking low enough so that only her sister would hear.

"Sure do."

"Then why don't you take it."

A smirk grew on the elder girl's lips. "Simple, sister dear. You're his fiancee, and your relationship with him is going great. People would expect you to want to do him this favor. But if I were to do it, then questions would be asked as to what I would get out of it."

"That's..."

"Reality. I'm aware of my reputation. Built a lot of it, in fact. But I don't mind it so much, since the people who matter know better. Besides..."

"What?"

"I'm not the ridiculously strong one in the family."

"Nabiki!" Akane barked, growling under her breath.

Genma stopped what he had been doing, and hugged himself as a frigid chill ran his back.

"Saotome? Is something the matter?" Soun asked, his concern coloring every word.

"I just felt like something horrible was going to happen."

"You did?"

"I did. Almost like events were going to move against me."

The Tendo Patriarch scowled. "We must do something then."

"Don't I know it. Right now, doing this is important," the portly man replied as he turned his attention back to the disguise that he hoped would get him out of the hospital. A nurse's uniform wasn't what he'd prefer, but it was what he had to work with.

The train ride was crowded, but Ranma wasn't really concerned with that fact. He'd taken this route enough times before to be fine with the conditions, and they didn't bother him anyway. If he'd wanted to have trouble with having a lot of people around, he wouldn't have stayed in the city. As it was, he was finding a bit of enjoyment in it.

After all, he was able to look around and notice all the sorts of people traveling with him. Clumped together near a door were a bunch of pretty schoolgirls from a school where they had to knee length skirts as part of the uniform. In one of the seats, a salaryman read a newspaper, no doubt using it to connect with the rest of the world after staying behind a desk for hours on end. A pair of housewives chatted as they stood together, with an afternoon's shopping in their bags. And slouched in a corner was a man in his twenties, looking like he was heading in for an evening shift job.

Before, he wouldn't have really paid attention, but with both his growing connection to those around him, and his familiarity with the route, he was mildly interested. A part of him wondered what it would be like if the person who he was to meet was on the same train as him, but he figured that was unlikely. But still, it was a nice time, and he was able to get a bit of comfort from the normality of what was around him.

Not that he was terribly concerned or anything, as it wasn't like he was heading in to meet someone really important. After all, he doubted that the lady at the shop would have some sort of challenger, or a 'nice girl' for him. He had to admit that he was a bit of a regular there, or at least had been, and it was only friendly interest that likely fueled her desire to introduce him to the employee.

Of course, she would probably not mind introducing him to a girl that would enjoy having him as a bed partner. If nothing else, he was really certain that she had an earthy view about such things. And if her reaction to him bringing a different girl to her shop each week was any indication, she was one to cheer him on as he did it.

Sometimes, he couldn't understand other people, but the scary part of this was that he was certain that he could understand her, at least in part.

Chuckling to himself, he relaxed, and waited for the train to arrive at the station, so that he could get to the shop,

Nodoka knew that this wasn't exactly supposed to be a very major meeting, but she found herself feeling rather anxious anyway. Her hands smoothed over the wrinkle free fabric of her kimono before smoothing out her hair, which didn't have a single lock out of place. Essentially, she was looking less like a store worker, or a family matron, and more like a lovely woman. In fact, had the appointment been with a bit of a difference, there could be other connotations taken with it.

That wasn't lost on the owner of the store, who cackled with glee. "Look at you! If I didn't know better, I'd say that you were hoping that this young man would sweep you off your feet!"

"Oh, please... It's not like that," the younger woman replied, blushing deeply at the suggestion.

"Oh, come now. He may be young, but he could be what you would need. I mean, he's handsome, open, and obviously packing something rather appealing. And you're still a vibrant young woman. Why not let yourself enjoy what having a young lover would be like? And you can help him discover how pleasant an experienced lady can be."

"I am a married woman!"

"To a husband who has left you for so many years, and never did sound like he could give you what my dear departed husband gave me. It would let you give yourself a bit of pleasure, you know."

"Yes, but even if Genma has never been... as manly a man as I might like to take to my bed, I will honor my vows."

Her employer sighed softly. "I understand. It's just that I want you to have some pleasure to go with your youth, child. You're too lovely to be wilting away like this. And much as I know that you're aware of the fact that couples have had lovers outside of their relationship, and been happy, I am not about to push you."

"That's alright. I know that you are just concerned about me, but I'll be fine. It's just that this has me nervous."

"Why is that? You seem to be worrying a bit much over it."

"Well, part of it is likely the fact that he is making a special trip to meet me, without knowing who I am," the redhead whispered. "But another part may be that... He's probably at about the same age as my son, and I want... This is as close as..."

"You've gotten to your boy."

"Basically. I just want to know what he is like, so that I can have a reference for what my son may have grown into."

"There are some things that are more important that sex, and you have found it."

"Oh?"

"Being a mother. You have the natural feeling for it. If this boy had a mother as loving as you, he would count himself lucky in ways that don't have to do with sex." The chime on the door sounded, and Mrs. Ichinose looked to see who had arrived. "And now we can ask him. Hello, my dear boy. Come here and meet my helper."

Taking a deep breath, Nodoka looked towards the boy and found herself impressed by him. His body was obviously fit and strong, but he didn't flaunt what he had. Instead, he wore a simple Chinese outfit that seemed to fit him. The raven hair that he had was tied into a pigtail, giving him a bit of a rebellious quality. A face that was strong and attractive made for a package that allowed her to see how girls could be attracted to him. Still, it was the eyes that drew her in, not because they were like sapphires that spoke of deep feeling, but because they seemed to be so familiar.

Finally, the reason for that came clear as the boy came out of his own frozen state and managed to let a word croak out of him. "Mom?"

"Oh my..." Nodoka gasped.

"It's me. Ranma."

That was all it took for her to rush over to him and wrap her arms around him in an embrace that was as strong as she could make it. Tears spilled out over her cheeks, and she sniffled as she held him close to her. "My baby boy..."

"I... I've missed ya, Mom."

"I've missed you too, Ranma. But... how? Why are you here?"

"I came ta meet the person who worked here, 'cause I promised that I would."

"Then you were the one that she kept on talking about. But if you were around, why didn't you come to see me?"

"Pop kept on stoppin' me," her son admitted.

"He told you to not come to me?"

"That too. But what I meant was that he actually came after me, and physically attacked ta keep me from ya. I figured that... I wasn't 'bout ta hide from ya. And... I knew how much ya hurt... I couldn't just stay back like that!"

The Saotome Matriarch leaned back so that she could look her son in the face and gave him a trembling smile. "You would go against your father for me?"

"I couldn't see doin' it any other way."

"But if you were always around, then why didn't you find some way to let me know?"

"I..."

"If you don't want to tell me, it's alright."

"Nah, it wouldn't. But..." Ranma swallowed hard, seeming to be thinking about something of great importance. Whatever it was, he was wrestling with something important. But when he looked up at his mother, his shoulders slumped, and he gave in to whatever it was that was burdening him. "Can I have a glass of water?"

"Certainly. I'll get you one," Mrs. Ichinose answered, wiping at her eyes.

"Ya don't have ta get it yourself..."

"You stay with your mother. I'm not so old that I can't get a simple drink for a guest."

"Okay..."

"Ranma?" his mother told him. "Whatever it is, I'm certain that it'll be okay. From what Mrs. Ichinose has told me, you're more than a manly man, and I'm happy with the way that you've grown up."

"Ya are?"

"I am."

"Should make Pop happy. He's been panickin' every time that the contract comes up."

"As far as I'm concerned, that contract has been fulfilled. I mean, you have how many girls who came here, and knew about each other?"

Ranma blushed heavily. "It ain't only about me."

"I am happy that you said that. So, don't worry. You don't have that piece of paper hanging over your head any more."

"Oh, I wasn't worried 'bout that. Ya see, I figured that no matter what happened, the only thing that I really could do would be ta come right out and see ya. So, I tried ta do exactly that."

"I'm lucky to have you for a son," Nodoka whispered, and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"Mom!"

"Spoken like a true boy."

"I'd hope so..." he replied, and took the glass of water that the store owner had brought for him. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. And drink up. I'm certain that you'll be talking for a long time."

"Actually, I ain't drinkin' this."

"Oh?"

"Mom? I've got somethin' that ya gotta know."

"What's that, Ranma?" his mother asked.

"When I said that I'd wanted ta be with ya any way that I could, I really meant it. If I thought that I could make ya happy, then that was what I was gonna do."

"So?"

"There's a reason that Pop got so scared of ya comin' over. The thing is, that ta him, bein' a guy was 'bout bein' in the right body. And a lot of it is. But bein' a guy is also about other stuff, like how ya act, right?"

"That's right," his parent agreed.

"Well... When we were in China, he took me ta this place, and got me cursed. It's that curse that made him think that ya'd automatically wanna kill him."

"How could something like a 'curse' do that?"

He stepped away from her, and frowned. "It's 'cause of what the curse does."

"What does it do?"

"This," he answered, and dumped the water over his head.

"Ran... Ranko?!" Nodoka gasped.

"Nah. Ranma. It's always been Ranma."

"But... But... How?!"

"The curse turns me inta a girl when I get hit by cold water, and back inta a guy when I get hit by hot."

"So, when I was... and you were..."

"I couldn't just let it be. Ya are my Mom, and I wanted ta be with ya. But since Pop wouldn't let me go ta ya as a guy, ta the point of attackin' and throwin' water at me, I took what I could."

"And when we went shopping?"

The younger redhead shrugged. "It made ya happy, and, even if I got a little... okay, a lot embarrassed, that alone was worth it."

"You would sacrifice so much for me?"

"I do anythin' for ya."

"Do the girls know about..."

"Hell yeah. Each of 'em."

A sudden realization hit Nodoka's mind. "The girl that you brought here... the one who Mrs. Ichinose knew was your pet..."

"Nabiki."

"That shy girl you took here was..."

"Kasumi."

"And the one who seemed to be fine with this place was..."

"Kodachi," Ranma-chan said with a wry look.

"What about the athletic girl?"

"Akane."

"When I was at the dojo?" Nodoka asked her child.

"Shampoo."

"Which would mean that the one that you just brought here was..."

"Ucchan."

"I thought that Ukyo was a boy..."

"Nah. A girl," Ranma responded. "When Pop engaged me ta her, and stole her dowry, she decided that she'd live like a guy until she got ta repay us for that. 'Xcept that she and I made up, she started bein' a cute fiancee, and... well, she is... well..."

"You have been with all of them?"

"Actually..."

"Ranma..."

Ducking her head didn't stop the pigtailed girl's blush from being obvious. "I'm still with all of 'em."

"You're... And they know about each other?"

"They're real friendly with each other."

"And they have no problem with..."

"Well..."

"Yes?"

"Ucchan... likes me for... me," the teenager admitted in a weak voice. "We... did stuff that makes it clear that she don't care what form I'm in."

"And what about the others?"

"I... I don't know. I never asked 'em. It never seemed ta bother them that much though."

"Let me see if I can understand this. You have six girls all happily sharing your bed, you've got one girl so taken with you that she ignores gender, and the rest of them haven't voiced concerns about your curse, in regards to the bedroom as of yet."

"And the girls at school seem ta think that I'm a good guy. One of Akane's friends even gave me a kiss on my cheek for thanks."

"Do you know what I think of this?"

"No..."

"I think that you're even more manly than I thought!" the elder redhead declared, and grabbed her child up in a tight hug. "To think that you can even be manly when you're a girl!"

"EH?!"

"Though it does make me realize just why you seemed to be such a tomboy."

"An impressive one at that," Mrs. Ichinose commented.

"I do realize that Rank... Ranma does look rather attractive..."

"Your son's girl side is more than that, my dear. In fact, 'she' seems to have inherited 'her' looks from you."

"Oh... you're just saying that."

"I'm not. Your child has a rather spectacular figure when he's a 'she'. With those long legs, that love face, and those wonderful breasts, she would have had my dear departed husband drooling to have her."

"I do not know if I should be pleased that my child is so attractive, or worried that others might see him as just a well curved girl."

"A guy!" Ranma protested as she got back to standing on her own. "I am a guy!"

"I know, dear. But still, I do have to admit that you do make a rather attractive girl."

"What?"

"But that's no problem at all. So long as you don't have any troubles coming from it, that shouldn't be such a worry."

"It shouldn't?"

"Of course not," Nodoka told her. "Though, it does open up some interesting questions..."

"Why do I feel like I'm going to have somethin' ta worry 'bout?"

"Don't be silly, Ranma. There is nothing for you to worry about."

"There ain't?"

"There aren't. Your father, on the other hand, has much to answer for. But that can wait for later. Right now, we have other things to do."

"Like what?" the younger redhead asked, blinking up at her mother.

"Well, first, we're going to have to get you some hot water."

"Ta change back?"

"Exactly. And after that..."

"Yeah?"

"I do believe that a return to the dojo is needed."

"Take all the time that you need to," Mrs. Ichinose put in.

"Thank you."

"Bah. Like this isn't the most important thing for you at the moment."

"I know that it is."

"Then take that ravishing 'girl', and turn 'her' back into your handsome boy, so that you two can go and catch up together."

"That is what I want to do."

"And we'll do it," Ranma agreed.

"Good. And when you're done, come back any time that you want. You know, I've got toys for men, if you want to try them out. Or if you like, you can get something to enjoy your girl side with."

The busty teenager's eyes crossed, and the elderly woman let out a loud peal of laughter,

Kasumi wasn't quite certain when the strangeness of seeing her sister around the house naked would become normal, but she was pretty certain that she'd never cease being rather aware of it. Her own reactions to it, from her ability to take it as a normal part of life, to noticing how different it was from the way things had been, was odd to her, and she did have moments when she wondered how her mother would have taken her middle daughter's lifestyle choice. Of course, as her mother had been a caring individual who was very concerned about having her daughters be happy, Kasumi was certain that she'd be pleased that Nabiki was finding what she was doing to be so enjoyable.

Though, she did have a moment of bemusement at noticing the way that Nabiki was behaving right then. As she sipped from her tea cup, she saw her sister laying on her back, with her knees bent and crossed, and her hands behind her head. It looked rather like she was lounging, but by the way that she was shaking her foot, she was clearly anxious about something.

"Is there a problem?" Kasumi asked as she put her cup down, glancing at Nabiki's own serving of tea. "You have drank any since I gave that to you."

"It's nothing..." the younger Tendo sighed.

"Oh?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Well then, if there is no problem, why not drink from your cup? It'll get cold if you don't."

The naked girl gave a small smile. "Maybe you should put it in a pet bowl. I am a pet, remember?"

"Of course."

"She is just worried about her Master," Kodachi murmured over the lip of her own cup. "No doubt, she has noted the time, and wondered when our Lord will return."

"Really?"

"I would think so. After all, enough time has passed for him to go there, attend a small meeting, and return."

"It all depends on how long he spent there," Nabiki commented, confirming what the rich girl was suggesting. "We know how long it takes to travel there and back, so the only unknown is how long he talked with the person he went to meet."

"Well, I'm certain that he'll come home soon enough. Not only does he know our schedule, but he wants to spend time with us. Doesn't he?" the eldest Tendo daughter asked.

"That is true enough," her student agreed.

"Then, all we have to do is wait."

"It is all that we can do."

"True, but I'm certain that it will be alright."

"He can take care of himself."

"Exactly, and I'm sure that soon enough, he'll be coming in the front door."

"I'm back!" called out a very familiar and welcome voice.

The eldest girl of the trio smiled.

"See?"

"Master!" Nabiki yelled, and leaping up to run for the front entrance, with her breasts bouncing with every step. Fortunately, it was something that Ranma would obviously like to see, and his pet liked to give him all the sorts of sights that her body could give him. She rushed right out of sight... and then yelped, stumbling back the way she'd come.

"What is it?" Kasumi asked, frowning in concern.

"Sorry 'bout this, but she didn't expect ta see..." Ranma trailed off as he came into the room.

"'See' what?"

"Me," murmured an easily recognizable voice as its bearer came into view, "I'm afraid."

"Auntie!"

"Hello Kasumi. Kodachi-chan. Nabiki-chan," Nodoka Saotome greeted them.

"B... bu... but..." Nabiki stammered, at a loss for words as she scrambled to hide her nudity behind her sister.

"Yes?"

"Why? How? What?"

"Pardon me?"

"What's going on, Auntie?" the elder Tendo asked.

"Why, I came to visit my son and his lovers. Or would 'girlfriends' fit in. Perhaps 'harem'... I do so like that word connected with him."

Kodachi gave her a level look. "What are you talking about?

"I know all about your relationships with my dear son. Including Nabiki being his pet, Kasumi being his lover, and you being his servant."

"EH?!" went all three girls.

Scratching the back of his head, Ranma had an expression on that said that he felt rather guilty. "Mom was the person that I was supposed ta me, only I didn't know that. So, when she saw me again, she put two and two together, and figured out what was goin' on. I just had ta confirm it."

"And..." the girl named as his 'lover' whispered. "The curse."

Nodoka's voice took on a wry tone. "Oh, I know about that as well. It is rather surprising, but he's proven to be more than enough of a man for it. Besides..."

"Yes?"

"I'm certain that if he's man enough to have this going on with all of you, he's no doubt enjoyed exploring his girl side. It would be perfectly understandable for a young man to be interested in a girl's body, especially in that sort of situation."

"MOM!" Ranma yelped as his face turned a bright shade of red.

"Now, now, dear," his mother told him as she patted his cheek. "Don't get so embarrassed by it. That is just something boys your age do."

"Mom..."

Nabiki gave the redheaded matron a wary stare, and swallowed hard. "And how do you feel about this?"

"To be honest?" Nodoka began, sounding thoughtful... until she whipped out the victory fans. "WAI! MY SON IS SO MANLY!"

The teenagers just stared at her joyous expression dully.

"Man, Ichiro..." sighed a boy as he lounged on a park bench, sipping from the straw of the drink that he'd brought. "It's so great to be out of that hospital."

The boy sitting next to him nodded and grinned. "We all thought that we could make the best of it, didn't we?"

"Sure did. But instead of the sort of hot nurses that are on television, we got..."

"Old crones who were all business. Not much that a guy can do imagining anything wonderful when the base material looked like that"

"You've got that right. And we were stuck there for so long that I began to wonder when we were going to get out."

"It was bad, wasn't it, Kenji?"

"Sure was," the boy with the drink replied. "I mean, we didn't get much fun there."

"Of course, it wasn't like when we got hit by Akane."

"We didn't go to the hospital when Akane hit us."

"Still..."

Kenji started swirling his straw around his drink. "We haven't had any luck. Well, some. Having Akane attack us in her school uniform did allow us to see her panties."

"Oh, yeah... I nearly forgot about that."

"I don't know though... Maybe we've been going about this all wrong."

"You want to give up?"

"Are you joking?"

"Your parents did seem mad," Ichiro reminded him.

"They're always that way. And it's not like I figure that we should go with the same things."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, there are a lot of girls in our school, some who are very hot."

"Akane is still cute."

"And Kuonji has a great ass, for all that she hides her figure in a boys' uniform," Kenji commented.

"Then there's Akane's older sister, Nabiki. She might be all about money, but she's got an awesome body."

"Of course, we can't forget about Ranma's girl side."

"Too true. But what does this mean for us?"

"I don't know, but it does remind me of something."

"What?"

"Remember when Ranma came to see us at the hospital?"

Ichiro frowned slightly. "When he beat us up in girl form?"

"Yeah."

"What about it?"

"After that, I got through being stuck there with one simple activity. I imagined what it would be like to have that sexy redhead in a nurse's uniform, caring for us."

"Bending over, leaning over, getting close to us?"

"Hell yeah..."

"Me too," Ichiro agreed, and both boys sighed as their eyes saw stuff that only they could see.

As she handed over the food from the latest order, Shampoo tried to give her usual sort of smile to the customers, but she was only able to do just enough to fool them. Not that they really cared, but she would have preferred to have her focus on the job at hand. However, her attention was on something else.

Only a little bit earlier, Akane had gotten a phone call from her home, and that wasn't too unusual, as the ones who lived there were her family. But there was something that told the Amazon girl that something was up, and she knew that it was never a good idea to ignore those sorts of feelings.

"WHAT?!" Akane screeched loud enough to have those in the dining area turn to see what was the matter.

Smiling reassuringly at those around her, Shampoo slipped away, and headed over to where the phone was. Her concern for what was going on was growing, as she knew who was on the phone, and knew that her friend would not scream at that individual, never mind the fact that she wouldn't act to make outsiders get concerned.

"Sure, I'll tell her. 'Bye," Akane was saying as her friend came over to her.

Shampoo gave the distracted girl a worried look as she got there. "What the matter?"

"Huh?"

"You yell at Kasumi!"

"I did?"

"People eating hear you. Turn to see why you so excited."

"Damn... I didn't... I yelled at Kasumi?" the Japanese girl said, as what she'd done sank in. "Oh great. Something else to add to it."

"If it big enough of a problem, she understand."

"It's big, but I'm not certain that it's a problem... exactly."

"What you mean?"

"The person that Ranma went to see? It was his mom, only he didn't know it."

"His mother?!"

Her friend nodded. "Yes, and guess what? She knows."

"'Knows'? 'Knows' what?"

"Everything."

"I not understand..."

"Shampoo? She knows what our relationships with Ranma are really like."

"That... She do?!"

"She does."

From the look that Shampoo gave her fellow waitress, it was clear that she understood why Akane had yelled, and that she didn't blame her at all for it.

There had never been a moment when Ryoga was happier about being chased off from a piece of property. As it stood, he'd been stuck with Azusa Shiratori hanging onto him with all the strength that she could manage. As that was rather considerable, he wasn't too sure that he'd get free at that time. In fact, she'd even been happy to sit in his lap, with her arms around his neck during class.

Needless to say, the school hadn't looked happy about that, and he'd been made to leave. He'd been happy to do so, as having a girl with that sort of body cuddling up to him was enough to make him rather... nervous. Of course, there was the added problem of what had gone on when they'd met, and neither of them had forgotten about that incident.

Though, he did feel a bit bad about it when he remembered how bothered she'd looked when he was taken away from her.

But at least now he was free to travel onward, and hopefully find his way back to the dojo. Getting there would give him a place where he could be certain that there wouldn't be too much of a problem for him. Despite all the chaos that surrounded the house, it was at least a place where he could rest, recover, and be with the kind Akane Tendo.

However, her training hall did not look quite as big as this place, and didn't have gym equipment in it. Nor was it filled with girls in very tight leotards bouncing around in ways that stretched their supple bodies, and the fabric covering them. Upon seeing all this female flesh moving in such intriguing ways.

That left the members of St. Hebereke rhythmic gymnastics team who'd wanted to get a bit of extra practice in stuck with an unconscious boy on their gym floor, bleeding from his nose.

Even though her restaurant was doing a brisk business as the phone rang, Ukyo managed to stop long enough to answer it. "Hello, Ucchan's. What can I do for you today?"

*"Hello, Ukyo. It's me,"* said the voice on the other side of the line replied.

"Hi! Didn't realize that you'd be calling today."

*"I didn't plan on it."*

"Oh?" the chef asked, confused since Kasumi had never sounded so... out of it before. "Something happen?"

*"Yes, 'something' did. Do you remember how Ranma went to visit that... store he took us all to?"*

"Sure. Told me all about it."

*"The person that he was asked to meet? It was his mother."*

"It was?"*

Kasumi's voice grew soft. *"Yes, it was. Apparently, she didn't know that he was the customer that kept coming in. And we didn't know that she worked there."*

"So... What happened?"

*"She... found out about the curse."*

"How'd it go?"

*"She took it well."*

"That easy?"

*"Well... she knows. About us. And Ranma. She knows that we've all be... sleeping with him, and what our relationships with him are like."*

"What? How?" Ukyo choked.

*"It looks like she and the store owner had been interested in Ranma, and could tell from what he was buying what we would need it for. Once he met her as a boy again... She figured it out."*

"Really?"

*"Yes. And she's here now. I... just thought that you should know."*

"Thanks," the chef answered blankly, as she soaked in what she'd been told,

It should have been a time of complete and utter joy for those in the Tendo home. Normally, only the Tendo sisters, Kodachi and Ranma would be there for dinner, as the other two girls of their group would usually be working at their respective restaurants. As the dinner had been delayed so that they could join in the meal, they had this opportunity. So, to have them at the house for the evening meal was something that they all would have enjoyed, as it would let them be there as one group, and share what only they had between them.

With Nodoka Saotome sitting at the head of the table, things were a bit more... awkward than that.

"Thank you girls for all coming," Nodoka commented with a smile. "I'm so pleased to see you here, and happy to be with my son. A mother does worry, you know."

"You no need worry 'bout Ranma. He do very well," Shampoo commented.

"That's good to hear, but there are two problems with what you said."

"What be 'problem'?"

"As I understand it, you are my son's slave, right?"

The Amazon girl flushed slightly, and found herself ducking her head. "Is so..."

"Then feel free to let that show, and call him as that would be calling for. But the other thing is... I knew that you girls were making my son happy. I wanted to see that you each were happy with him, and had no problems with each other."

"That is... kind of you, Auntie," Kasumi murmured.

"That is the way that I feel. Certainly, knowing that each of you are in relationships with Ranma is enough to make me be concerned for you, but I was already feeling rather... maternal toward each of you girls. I know that I can't be your mothers, but I do wish to at least be there for you all."

Kodachi swallowed hard, and sniffed slightly. "That is very... generous of you."

"You think so?"

"Certainly."

The Saotome Matriarch smiled back at them. "Now, that is kind of you to say. For me, it's the natural thing to do."

"Yet, you work in... I apologize."

"For what? Bringing up what you all are no doubt thinking? I do understand why you children would be surprised. As to why I work there? It was a place in which I felt comfortable. Sex is never something that people should feel afraid of, and understanding it doesn't mean that you have to actually do it. Besides, my employer is a very nice woman, and the customers aren't the sort of 'dirty perverts' that some people might automatically think of. Though, a few of them did compliment me about my looks, which was nice of them."

"That's easy to understand," Akane put in. "I mean, you're a pretty woman, and people would notice that, right."

"So long as that is all they do," Ranma grumbled.

"Why would you say something like that?"

"Simple. She's my Mom."

"And that stops her from getting people who would like to be with her?"

"Nah. But it'd let me bash anybody who'd be tryin' ta do anythin' nasty ta her."

"You mean..."

"Sure do. As soon as someone tries to do anythin' that ain't right, I'd come down on him, real quick," he growled, banging his fist down on the table hard enough to make the dishes on it clatter.

His mother smiled at him. "Just when I think that I could have a son who would be better, you go and show that you have much more character than I could have hoped."

"Which does bring up a good question," Ukyo muttered.

"What sort of 'question' do you mean, dear?"

"You're a... well, a lady, and feel comfortable about... sex stuff. How is it that you wound up with... Genma?"

"Ukyo!" Kasumi gasped.

"I know that it isn't exactly 'proper' to ask, but we all have to wonder about that."

"Still..."

"I'm not trying to be rude. It's just that I have to wonder about why she would want to marry someone like him."

Picking up her bowl of food, the redheaded woman let a small smile curved her lips. "And who said that I wanted to marry him?"

"WHAT?!" all the teenagers yelled.

"It's quite simple. Ours was not a 'love match'."

"But... Why did you marry Pop then?" Ranma asked.

"The same reason that I expected that you would marry a Tendo daughter. My marriage to your father was arranged. In fact, as I remember correctly, he actually had a girlfriend at the time, and he broke up with her so that he could fulfill the promise."

"He... did?"

"Yes, he did. When I found out, I thought it terribly romantic, but then I heard that he wanted to be with me because my family had some money, and much as he enjoyed being with that woman, my 'appeal' was worth more to him."

"That does sound like 'Uncle Genma'," Nabiki sighed. "No offense, Auntie."

"None taken. To be fair to him, he did try to be a loving husband. He even carved our names into the bark of a tree at the hot springs where we had our honeymoon. But he was never a romantic sort of person. Fortunately, he was quite dutiful, and didn't stray, as far as I know. Though, he never was really into bedroom activities though. Didn't have any real finesse in that area..."

"MOM!" her son yelped.

"I'm sorry, Ranma. I did think that since you were so manly... Well, I do suppose that one is never ready to hear about his parents' sex lives..."

"Of course I wouldn't be!"

"Oh, well. Still, we came together because of our parents. Though I do have to thank them for that, as I wouldn't have my Ranma otherwise."

"Mom..."

"I know, dear. And just know that I am pleased by how you grew up, and the joy that you and your... girls have with each other."

The sole naked girl in the room gave the Saotome matriarch a questioning look. "If that's the case, what are you going to do now?" "Oh?"

"I mean, much as this isn't exactly how we planned things, we don't want to have you just walking away again."

"That's good of you to say."

"It's also true."

"I know. If I could have my way, I'd take my son back, and bring him back to his family home. He'd live there, having his pet girl there for him as his pet, and his slave staying as one there. And perhaps even have his servant there."

"You mean... Take Nabiki and Shampoo, as well as Kodachi, and let him keep them at your house?" Akane asked.

"Quite. They'd be there all the time, and he could keep them however he wanted."

"That would be..."

Nabiki seemed to be pressing her legs together, but managed to look rather steady. "It would probably be great..."

"What she say," Shampoo said with a nod.

"I would have to agree," Kodachi murmured. "To be living properly as my Lord's servant..."

"Unfortunately, it can not happen as of yet," Nodoka sighed.

"It can not?"

"No. You see, to pull even one girl out of her life would be a big thing that would bring up questions. Trying it for three, and then having three more coming and going regularly? It would make the chances for my son to be manly be bothered constantly. Though, I do imagine that we could at least have a visit where Nabiki would be laying at the foot of his bed, Shampoo would be ready to help him with his morning bath, or Kodachi would be available to help serve him breakfast."

The named girls turned a bright shade of red, and the other teens weren't far behind them in that regard.

"Children. Always so sensitive."

Akane looked over at the elder woman. "What are you going to do then?"

"Stay here, for the most part. More than likely I will have to go to my home from time to time, but I want to be here for you all. It's where I'd like to be. Though..."

"Yes?"

"If each of you don't mind, please make certain to keep the actual sex in private. I do understand that you all are very lively young people, but, much as I am pleased by how manly my son is, I have no wish to actually see the evidence in that regard myself."

If the teenagers could have turned a brighter pink, they would have.

"Besides," Nodoka continued, as if she hadn't embarrassed them into silence, "you all need to have a responsible adult around, if for nothing else, then just in case. And I do so want to be around for the return of my husband and Soun. In fact, I do believe that I will go and visit them at the hospital tomorrow."

That comment made smiles spread on every face there.

"It should be interesting," the Saotome Matriarch said idly, as she used her chopsticks to pull rice from her bowl,

Going over to her room as the hour grew late, Kasumi found herself feeling rather odd at the moment. It wasn't a feeling that she could easily identify, as she was somehow both relieved and awkward at the same time. That was likely due to the fact that she didn't have to be trying to hide what she and Ranma were doing from his mother, but she wasn't quite certain on how she was going to handle things from then on.

As she opened her door, she knew that things wouldn't be quite the same as they had been.

"Kasumi?" came a familiar voice.

She turned and smiled at him. "Ranma."

"Can I talk ta ya for a sec?"

"Certainly. Why wouldn't you be able to?"

"'Cause... I need ta know that ya are okay with this," Ranma replied with a sigh. "My Mom, I mean. This is your house, and ya've been the one in charge, and I..."

"Don't worry about that," she told him, putting a single slim finger against his lips.

"Why?"

"Because I know that nothing bad is meant, and that she means well. In fact, I'm glad that she's here."

"Ya are?"

"Yes, because I care about her too, and the fact that she's supporting us is all that I need to know."

One of the pigtailed boy's hands came up and cupped her cheek, with his thumb brushing along her lips. "That's what's so great 'bout ya, ya know. You're so kind. I just don't wanna make ya feel pressured 'bout anythin'."

"I'm not. Trust me."

"That's good. 'Cause you're too special ta just push 'round."

"Thank you for that..."

"Nah. Thank you," he whispered, and leaned in to give her a kiss on her lips.

Kasumi sighed in pleasure as his mouth met hers, and she leaned against the doorjamb as the kiss deepened. Her body was quick to respond to his, and just that simple expression of feeling was enough to make her feel happy. But, as her mind idly considered what could become of it, she decided that there was only one way to go on. She slid into her room, and drew him inside, letting him know in no uncertain terms that they could go further.

He was quick to pick up on it, and he kicked the door closed, even as they continued to kiss. With her moving towards the bed, and him running his hands along her body, they were definitely moving towards something more intimate. There was nothing hurried about it, with the both of them enjoying each and every part of what they were doing to each other.

When she stopped at the bed, he smiled, and began to unbutton her blouse, letting the garment fall open as he went along. Slowly, the pale silken beauty of her skin started to become visible, and she breathed deeply with each unfastening that his fingers did. Once most of the top were open, he slid a hand under the cloth, and cupped the soft fullness of her breast. That drew a quiet moan from her, and leaned her head back, with her eyes closed, as he gently kneaded her bosom.

With great care, he lowered her to lay on the mattress, as she stroked her hands over his cloth covered chest. His mouth nuzzled along her neck and shoulder, tasting the delicate skin there, and seeming to enjoy each bit of it that he could get to. Not that she minded, as she gasped with delight at his actions, and slid her hands over his hair and back, even going so far as to splay her fingers over his behind.

Kasumi moved a hand around to pinch one end of the tie that held his pants up. In a single movement, she undid the knot, and pushed his pants off of his body, before making his boxers do the same. His groan of appreciation was all the thanks that she needed, but she knew that it wouldn't stop there, especially with what she felt bumping against her skirt covered thigh.

Using his own simple move, he slipped her blouse off of her shoulders, pinning her arms to her sides as he did so. Yet, he could not leave her like that, as he slid the blouse all the way off. That totally exposed her bra clad breasts, which she could feel begging for his attention. He did not disappoint her, as he popped the clasp of her bra, and let the full mounds drop into his hands. She shivered as she felt his fingertips touch upon her bare chest, and whimpered as he rolled his thumbs over her nipples.

They finished undressing each other at the same time, with him unfastening her skirt, and her opening up his shirt. Both garments were removed in their own time, as neither one wanted to rush through any part of what they had together. As her fingers ran up under his undershirt, his chest reflexively flexed, almost as if he could push her to touch him quicker that way. However, 'speed' had no meaning for them, as her fingertips rubbed against tight muscles that seemed to be so wonderful to touch.

Stopping was not a choice as he put a hand under her panties, and slid a finger into her womanhood. She immediately responded with a wriggle of enjoyment, but didn't stop in her own touching of him. In fact, she circled one of his nipples with a fingernail, making him groan in pleasure. Moving the hand between her thighs backwards allowed him to push her panties down her long legs, and repositioning himself gave her the chance to pull his tank top off.

Looking down into her eyes, he gave her the sort of smile that only one who was truly a 'lover' could give. There was deep caring for her in him, and she let him see that there that same sort of feeling for him in her. His smile broadened, and he leaned in to kiss her, making it as full as he could. At the same time, he slid his manhood in between her waiting petals, making them gasp into each other's mouth. But that didn't stop them, as he began a slow rhythm that didn't stop their kissing. As the pumping became faster, their lip lock did not falter, and they wrapped their arms around each other. Her breasts flattened against his chest, adding to the sensations that they were getting.

And when release came for her, it was long and sweet, with the enchantment of being a woman who was well loved. She made certain to hold him within her as he came, and positioned herself so that she could cuddle against him when he lay down onto the bed next to her. With her head against his shoulder, and his arms around her, there was no more comfortable position for her.

"Bein' with ya... it's special," he murmured.

A smile curved her mouth. "For me as well."

"I'm glad."

"Me too."

"That's good ta hear," Ranma responded, and held her close,

Setting up the guest room so that she could stay in it was a simple task, but Nodoka did it with as much grace as she could manage. Others might have simply fit things in when they got to them, but she went along with an idea of what she was going to do, and did her work with as little fuss as she could. There wasn't much to actually do, but she treated it as a very important action.

And she did it all with a small smile on her face.

Oddly enough, there was a reason for her not to happy at the moment. She had wanted to be able to share the room with her son, as she hadn't been truly with him for ten long years, and this would give them the chance to be parent and child. When he was a baby, there had been nights when she had slept near him, and this could have given her the teenaged version of that.

But where he was at the moment was good enough for her. When she had heard footsteps out in the hall, she had leaned out, fully intending to greet her son. But she saw that he had stopped to talk to Kasumi, and she didn't want to interrupt. That had proven to be a good choice, as the kiss that he gave the eldest Tendo daughter was wonderful to see. Such feeling was very rare, and to know that her only baby was able to enjoy such relationships warmed her heart.

Of course, the way that the couple went into the room left no doubt as to what they were going to do. In fact, they were more than comfortable about making love, as they seemed to need to do it. If she had known nothing else, that would have proved that her son was a manly young man. Yet, the crowning glory of it all wasn't that he would be making love to a lovely young lady, but that he was obviously cherishing the girl in question.

Fortunately, that part of him had not been messed up by his father's actions. By what she could tell, the man that she had married had never grown up from the person that she'd said her vows with. He was still going on with his inability to actually keep to doing what he said he was. It was good for him that their son had turned out so well, as the contract was on what sort of man Ranma would become. As she learned more about what he had been doing, it became clearer and clearer that, despite not actively keeping her son from being manly, had made it hard for him to learn. Had he simply done one thing, like keeping that pretty Ukyo with them, he would have had an easier time of letting her son grow into his manliness. Perhaps she would even have a grandchild around, or on the way by then.

For a moment, she was lost in a fantasy involving okonomiyaki cooking being taught to a little version of Ukyo, as Ukyo passed down her cooking style to her and Ranma's child. Once she managed to get back to reality, she realized that her first grandchild could have been conceived at that very moment. She was rather disappointed as she remembered that the girls used an Amazon contraceptive, but she supposed that was for the best. Still, she thought that Kasumi would be a wonderful mother, and deserved to have children of her own, rather than simply 'mothering' her sisters.

There was still time in the future though, and she reassured herself that it would be sooner than she'd think that her son would be fathering children himself. In the mean time, there were other things to handle now. These children needed her to be there for them, and she needed to be around for them. It was a wonderful life, and would allow them to get some of their youth back, instead of running the house on their own. In doing this, she could make sure that things went as they should.

Besides, she did have to see her husband in the morning. The man did have to answer the particular questions that she had for him.

Laying in his hospital bed, Genma held his sheet up to his chin and stared at the ceiling, unable to understand why he couldn't get to sleep. There was this feeling like there was this giant dark wave about to crash over him, ready to leave him drowning in its pitch black depths. It didn't feel like it was that lethal, but it was not like he would like it anyway.

Totally awake, he found himself unable to determine what might be waiting around him in that shadowed hospital room, but fearing it anyway,

Morning in the Tendo home was a rather relaxed time. Kasumi and Nodoka seemed to wake up at about the same time, and the two of them immediately started to get to work on the morning's chores, finding a bit of an easy relationship together. After her morning's training with Cologne and Shampoo, Akane came back, and slipped right into the household routines. After her awakening came Ranma's, who got a bit of his own practice in the Art done, with Nabiki blearily plodding her way through the morning meal.

Once they all were at the breakfast table though, everyone sat and didn't act like there was anything other than this group. It seemed to be only natural, and they each were bearing bright expressions, and relaxed postures. If no one had known better, it would have simply been a happy morning for any normal family, and it was actually pretty much that way in truth.

"We should keep you here, Auntie," Nabiki commented with a grin. "Not to put down what Kasumi does when you're not here, but when the two of you cook together, it gets to be really good."

"Why thank you, Nabiki. I appreciate the sentiment," Nodoka answered.

"It's what I really think."

"I'm sure that is the case, and it's good that your sister and I do so well together. Though I did hope to let her sleep in this morning."

"Oh? Why?"

The Saotome Matriarch sighed gently. "The dear was up late with your Master last night, and I was sure that they would want to have the chance to keep on sleeping."

Kasumi bit onto her chopsticks and froze, with a bright blush spreading quickly across her features while her lover's jaw dropped open as he blurted out his only response to what had been said. "MOM!"

"I heard your voice in the hallway, dear, and when I went to say hello, I noticed that you were busy. Since you two were very intent on what you were doing, I didn't think that it would be right to bother you."

"Mom... You're talkin' 'bout stuff that's between me and Kasumi..."

"Oh?" Nodoka murmured, and then looked at the red faced eldest Tendo girl. "I'm sorry, dear. It's just that I was so pleased to see the two of you being so happy."

"You were?" Kasumi asked with a blink of surprise that was more from the older woman actually making the comment, more than what she was saying.

"I was. You are a lovely girl, and had you been the only one to be with my son, I would have been pleased. Which isn't to say that I wouldn't like it if any of this... group did so, but just considering you alone, I would think that you'd make a wonderful daughter-in-law, and mother to my grandchildren."

This time the eldest Tendo girl blushed more out of pleasure than anything else, but there was a great deal of humility in her eyes when she looked back at the redheaded woman. "I'm sure that everyone else would be just as good."

"Certainly. Though, it would be different with each one."

"True..."

"Great, now I'll have to wonder how I'd stack up," Akane grumbled as she poked her chopsticks into her rice.

"You'd do well, dear," Nodoka told her. "I'm sure that you would be the one who would be the protective one, always fighting off threats to your children. Any grandchildren that you give me will be very lively and loving."

"I... Now I'll be thinking about that when I work..."

"Heck, think of how I feel. I'll be thinkin' 'bout it too," Ranma commented.

"Wouldn't it be the same for you?"

"Nah. Bigger, probably."

"How can you say that?"

"Simple. I don't only got ya, but there's any kids that I'd have with Kasumi, Nabiki, Shampoo, Ucchan, and Kodachi too."

"Ah... Right..." the youngest Tendo said with a wince.

"Man... Guess it'll even come up when I go ta the Nekohanten too."

"You're going there?"

"Figured that I'd go after school," he responded with a shrug.

His mother frowned slightly. "You don't have anything to do after class?"

"Why would I? Other than some class cleanin', I mean."

"It's just that I would have thought that you'd be joining your friends in some sort of club."

"I would 'xcept most of what I want is in sports, and the rest ain't enough ta keep me interested."

"What would be the problem then?"

"Maybe he wants to keep the teams even," Nabiki suggested.

"Why would it be that?"

"Simple. He doesn't want to outclass them."

"That's a little of it," her master allowed. "But if that'd be the case, then Akane wouldn't be tryin' any teams. The real reason's 'cause of locker rooms."

"'Locker'... Oh... I get it..."

"I don't," Nodoka said.

"He turns into a girl, and if he were to share a locker like that..."

"I could wind up as a girl there, or be transformed if I get wet. Imagine me tryin' for some sports. Heck, think of me on the swim team."

"Yes, even if one is very manly, there are some things that one doesn't try to push to do," his mother agreed.

"Still, why don't ya come? I mean, they've got good ramen at Shampoo's place."

"Perhaps."

"Why not go for sure?"

"Because I have to go and visit your father and Soun, and I'm not sure how long I'd be there for. I'll try to get back in time, but it depends on how good they behave. We do have to have a long talk, after all."

"I do hope that Father and Uncle Genma enjoy your visit," Kasumi put in.

A sly grin stretched across Nabiki's features. "Oh, I'm sure that they won't be able to get away from it."

"Couldn't happen to a better panda," Akane drawled.

"Uh huh," Ranma agreed,

"Ah, my pair of darling and pure loves! The foul sorcerer Saotome has not seen fit to dog your heels as you run from him. Dash to me, and allow me to gather the both you into my firm embrace!"

Kenji sighed and knew that the speaker was being stupid again. Not that it was a surprise that Tatewaki Kuno was going to be a moron, since the guy couldn't manage to see reality if it came in the form of a giant god squashing him under the sole of its sandal. The guy simply could not understand that any girl could not like him, and that there were other girls that he could try with. There were plenty of cute girls around, from Ukyo Kuonji and Akane's sister Nabiki, to girls that would show up from time to time, like that Shampoo girl. Sure, Kenji himself had been one of the group that had tried to get Akane every morning before Ranma had come, but that was his only chance to get to be with a really hot girl, who might eventually let him be a happy boy with her.

But now she was taken, as were Shampoo, Ukyo and Kuno's sister. Each of them was totally taken with Ranma Saotome unfortunately, any chances with Nabiki usually would cost too much, and the opportunity to see the full hotness of a certain redhead had landed him in the hospital.

Now, all he could do was look, and watch as Kuno got what he deserved... again. Ranma was running right up near Kenji, and seemed to step up into air, using one foot to leap instead of taking the next step. And in doing so, she gave the watching boy a sight that he truly wanted to behold.

What he was seeing was simply gorgeous. The time when Ranma had gotten wet must have been recent, as the clothing wasn't dripping, but it did stay heavy and very clinging. When she was in the air, her legs were stretched out as far as they could go, with each shapely inch of them clearly outlined in damp cloth. Along her firm buttocks, the fabric of her pants was just tight enough to allow him to see the beginnings of the cleft between the smooth cheeks. Her full breasts bounced freely beneath her shirt, showing how supple they were. To top it all off, there was a happy smile that made her lovely features glow, and her eyes glitter like sapphires as she slammed her foot into Kuno's face and used it as a stepping stone as she, Akane and Ukyo ran in.

In that instant, Kenji had what basically amounted to a revelation for someone like him. If she wasn't the hottest babe around, Ranma's girl side was in contention for that position. That, added to the fact that there wasn't a boyfriend for her in sight meant that there was one very sexy girl around for someone to snatch up. Plus, she'd never had any trouble with showing off and using that sexiness to drive guys wild. Of course, there was that whole 'she was really a guy thing', but she was a great girl to fantasize about.

Basically, this was a girl to definitely watch, and to daydream over. Sure, there was a distinct possibility that she would deck him for even thinking about any of this, but that hadn't stopped him from trying with Akane. But now he had someone who had a hot body, and hadn't been really considered before. Every guy at school loved how sexy she was, and if nothing else, having just a picture of her would be very good. Losing the video of her showering was a damned shame, but if they kept cameras around for when certain opportunities presented themselves, they'd be definitely able to get some choice shots.

Besides, who knew whether or not they might someday get a chance to at least cop a feel of the real thing?

As the nurse left, Genma tried not to shiver, as he knew that he could not give any sign of just how much her presence tended to make him feel. That woman frightened him, and he knew that as she was coming back in only a little while, he didn't want to give her any reason to be annoyed with her, especially as he and Soun were so close to getting free of the place. Once they returned to the dojo, the only woman that he'd have to worry about would be far away and not likely to be seen.

"It is good to see you in such good health, husband," murmured a very familiar voice.

"No... Nodoka!" the portly man choked out. "What are you doing here?"

"Why, dear, I would have thought it a very simple idea. I came to see how my spouse and his friend were doing. How are you, Soun?"

The Tendo patriarch gave a weak and unsteady smile. "I'm managing..."

"That's good to hear. Now, husband? We do have to talk."

"About what?" Genma asked.

"About our son."

"What about him? He's..."

"At the dojo."

"EH?!"

Smoothing out her kimono, Nodoka found a chair and sat with great grace. "My precious only child and I have been reunited."

"YOU HAVE?!"

"Oh, yes. And I found out so much more. Discovering so much about 'Ranko' has enlightened me a great deal."

"It... has..." her husband stammered, sweat beading on his brow.

"Most definitely... 'Mister Panda'."

"You know about..."

"The curse. I do."

"And the boy..."

"Is quite fine. He truly is a manly young man, no thanks to you."

"Eh?"

"Keeping my son away from girls and not teaching him on the proper sort of behavior with them simply does not help him become a true man. Fortunately, he has enough instinct, learning and help to manage without your interference."

Genma swallowed hard. "Now, dear..."

"Don't 'dear' me, husband. You've been bad. But don't worry. The contract has been fulfilled, since my Ranma is manly, even with your... behavior."

"So I didn't push girls at the boy? So what? He still had the natural skills, didn't he? My blood brings..."

"Not a lot in my book."

"What? Why?"

"Other than you leaving him to learn proper manly behavior on his own, instead of with girls?" she murmured, sounding almost as if she were commenting on the weather. "You left Ukyo Kuonji behind."

"Life was hard, and I couldn't drag..."

"Anything other than that cart? Did it ever occur to you that having her around would allow him to have a chance to grow into being manly with her? That they might have a close enough bond to want to do something?"

"Ah..."

"I thought not."

"Now, I'm the..."

"Who are you?" asked the returning nurse. "And is there a problem here?"

Nodoka frowned at her. "I'm Nodoka Saotome, Genma's wife."

"Oh? I haven't seen you visiting..."

"Unfortunately, I do not have much in the way of opportunities to do so. I have had to work to keep up our home, and my job is not a responsibility that I can simply dismiss."

"Why would that be?"

"Simple. When our son was young, my husband made up a contract in which he and our boy would go out on a training journey, with the promise that our son would be a manly man when he grew up, or the two of them would kill themselves."

"And you were just going to let them make such a promise? That doesn't sound very nice."

"I didn't have a choice but to accept it. He gave it to me already made, and I couldn't make them break a bond of honor. So, they went off, and I was left alone for ten long years," the redheaded woman sighed.

"You waited all that time?"

"There were letters, but it wasn't the same. Of course, they only told me what he wanted me to know. He left out 'little' details, like the little girl he engaged my son to, even though there was already an arrangement set, and abandoned when he ran away with her dowry."

"Did he now?" the nurse idly murmured.

"Oh, yes. And when he came to fulfill that original arranged marriage, he didn't let me know. In fact, he made it so that my son had to hide from me, his own mother. He made it sound like I'd kill my only child out of hand, without finding out all the details."

"I see..."

"Luckily for me, I've managed to get to meet my son again, and now we're enjoying getting to know each other. Though, I could have been there with these two, if only they hadn't ruined a school party, getting hurt in the process. That did leave Soun's three daughters with only themselves and my son to rely on."

"How naughty of them..."

"Though... It's really too bad that you came here after my last visit," Nodoka mused.

"Do you have a problem with that?"

"Not really. You see, I brought some cookies for the nurses caring for my husband and his friend, and if I had known that you were now helping out, I would have brought more. It's terribly impolite to not include you."

The nurse gave her a bright smile. "Oh, that's okay. It's the thought that counts, isn't it?"

"Oh, most assuredly."

"That's good to hear. I'm glad that you're so kind. My dear patient hasn't mentioned that he's been married, and meeting you blind would be so troublesome, if you weren't such a nice person."

"Hmmm..." the Saotome matriarch hummed with a nod, glancing from her husband to the nurse and back again.

"Though, I do have to be satisfied that when he goes home, he'll have someone who will care for him. I do worry about what might happen if he got out of my sights."

"Why would he?"

"Oh?"

"You could always come and check up on him. I mean, I know that it's not entirely proper, but I'm sure that he'd just love to have someone who was so dedicated come and see how he's doing."

"That would be wonderful!" the nurse replied, clapping her hands together with a smile. "I wouldn't want to think that I'd be imposing."

"Of course not. It takes a manly man to warrant such dedication, and that's what I want him to be."

"I'm glad, and trust me. He's getting there. Even if he does give us problems with his diet."

"Trust me. Any diet that he's being given will be something that he'll be kept rigidly on," his wife said with utter conviction.

"That does my heart so well..."

Looking between both women, Genma wondered if he'd found his way to hell,

Akane was finding a lot of time for admitting to herself that things were really good at the moment. Life was going pretty easy, in a secretive and sometimes scary way, and she was enjoying it a lot. Okay, so things could be stressful, and she could understand the intense need for watching what they did, but she was actually relaxing. In fact, she hadn't felt the desire to pound Ranma for being a pervert at all for a while. Of course, that was mainly because she was being part of his sexual exploits of late, but that was okay with her.

Though, she couldn't help noticing the way that he looked at Miss Hinako sometimes. Sure, it wasn't the drooling and panting that a lot of the other guys had done, but he did seem to be very aware of the fact that she was attractive. She'd seen him watch the teacher's adult form and could tell that he was reacting as a guy his age should when presented with an attractive teacher. However, he didn't seem to ready to act on it at all, and a part of her was had to wonder about that. If he had fantasies about the teacher, she knew that she would have understood that, so long as he didn't run out the door at the first opportunity to make them happen.

Though, as she and her friends from the class, including him, walked through the halls, she saw two people, one of whom who would make it easier to ignore any of her attractiveness at the moment. After all, when Miss Hinako was in her child form, there was no way that anyone would dare to think of her in sexual terms, even without the overly energetic behavior.

The other person did have her concerned though, as she'd never seen Nabiki look so... put out. Apparently, she wasn't the only one to notice it, as everyone else, including the teacher, moved over to the middle Tendo daughter.

"Miss Tendo?" Miss Hinako asked, her child face clearly showing concern. "Is everything alright?"

Nabiki blinked slightly, and took in the sight of the people around her. "No... not really..."

"Then why do you look so... concerned? You do look like you're really thinking about something troubling," Akane commented, giving her sister a look over.

"What are you talking about? I was only... Oh... I understand. You thought that I was troubled."

Yuka cocked her head to the side. "You weren't?"

"Only if you count thinking about having to wear bloomers. I was just considering how I look in those things, and the image..."

"Wasn't too good?"

"Exactly. You do know what I mean."

"Of course."

"Why wouldn't we?" Sayuri asked dryly. "What girl doesn't wonder how wide those things make her look?"

"They do make a girl's thighs look huge, don't they?"

"And her backside too."

"What I don't get is why guys seem to like those outfits. I mean, back in my old school, they were always commenting on how they wanted to see the girls in bloomers," Ukyo muttered.

"That's right! Why do you guys like it so much?"

Hiroshi smirked at the ponytailed girl. "Other than to see tight gym shorts against backsides, and long, smooth legs bare?"

"Fantasy," Daisuke put in.

"Eh?" Yuka murmured, looking clearly confused.

"It's not just the actual seeing of the girl in the clothing. We look at a girl wearing that sort of outfit, and get ideas."

"I don't understand."

"Because you're not stepping back and looking at it real simple. Think of it this way. What would you think of a guy who wears a tuxedo?"

"If he's cute? A romantic evening."

"That's exactly it."

Yuka's eyes widened. "Oh?"

"You see an outfit as part of a scene. Well, guys have their own. We look at a girl, and wonder a lot of things. And the idea that a cute girl in an outfit that is part of a lot of physical activity would mean that she'd have a lot of energy."

"And more than just in touching and stuff," his lighter haired friend commented.

"So, you guys don't just want to get into our shorts when you watch us?" Akane asked.

"There is that, but it's only part. We see girls, and there are a lot of things that we can do with them."

"Too true," Daisuke agreed. "Even if we know that what we're thinking of will get to... you know, there are other parts to it."

"Which takes the perverts out of the deal," Ranma drawled.

"How so?" Nabiki questioned.

"Simple. A pervert wouldn't be concerned 'bout how much fun he'd have goin' shoppin' or havin' a burger with a girl that he'd like. He'd just be runnin' ta the 'fun stuff'."

"That's a really mature idea from someone your age," Miss Hinako told him.

"Dunno 'bout that, though I do gotta wonder how we got onta this sort of talk."

"I'd say that it's Nabiki's fault," Ukyo teased good naturedly.

"Hey, all I did was wonder about how I look in bloomers," the named girl answered. "Even with the training that my Ma... dear friend here has been giving me, a better shape still has to contend with that outfit design."

"True. Though, it was the guys who actually answered something intelligently," Sayuri said with a shrug.

Daisuke looked rather put out by the comment. "Hey! What's the problem with us answering a question?"

"Other than the fact that you guys don't normally just come out and tell us girls the truth about stuff like this?"

"We usually don't have a reason to."

"He's right," Hiroshi agreed. "I mean, girls don't really come to us to find out anything, and we don't go over to explain it to them. That'd be kind of embarrassing. Besides, it's not like I'd expect there to be a school investigation."

"NO ONE EXPECTS THE SCHOOL INVESTIGATION!" bellowed an older man as he and two other men burst into the hallway from a stairwell. "Our chief weapon is surprise... surprise and fear... fear and surprise... Our two weapons are fear and surprise... and ruthless efficiency... Our three weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency... and an almost fanatical devotion to the rules... Our four... no... Amongst our weapons... Amongst our weaponry... are such elements as fear, surprise... I'll come in again."

The group of students and the teacher blinked as one as the trio walked back into the hallway, closed the door behind them... and burst right back out of it.

"NOBODY expects the School Investigation! Amongst our weaponry are such diverse elements as fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the rules, and nice impressive suits - Oh damn!" The leader of the trio turned to look at one of his subordinates. "I can't say it - you'll have to say it."

The lackey looked taken aback. "What?"

"You'll have to say the bit about 'Our chief weapons are ...'"

"I can't do that..."

That didn't seem to matter to the leader as he took his two men back out again.

"Er... Nobody... um..." the lackey said as they came back in.

"'Expects...'" his boss told him.

"Expects... Nobody expects the... um... the School... um..."

"'Investigation'."

"I know, I know!" the lackey blurted. "Nobody expects the School Investigation! In fact, those who do expect..."

"'Our chief weapons are...'"

"Our chief weapons are... um... er..."

"'Surprise...'"

"Surprise and..."

"Okay, stop. Stop. Stop there - stop there. Stop. Phew! Ah!" the leader said, waving his hand in an impatient gesture. "Our chief weapons are surprise... blah blah blah. Supervisor, read the charges."

The second minion pulled out a sheet of paper. "You are hereby charged that you did on diverse dates commit various violations against the district rules. 'My old man said follow the...'"

"That's enough," the first lackey told him, and turned to Ranma. "Now, how do you plead?"

"We're innocent," the pigtailed boy told him, looking mightily confused by the whole encounter.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!" the leader laughed with a smirk on his face.

"We'll soon change your mind about that!" the first lackey barked.

"Fear, surprise, and a most ruthless... Ooooh! Now, Supervisor, the rack!"

At the command, the first lackey produced a plastic-coated dish-drying rack.

His boss looked at it and clenched his teeth in an effort not to lose control, humming heavily to cover his anger. "You... Right! Tie her down."

The two minions made a pathetic attempt to tie Nabiki on to the drying rack.

"Right! How do you plead?"

The middle Tendo daughter just looked at him like he was the stupidest man alive. "Innocent."

"Ha! Right! Supervisor, give the rack... oh dear... give the rack a turn."

His first minion stood there their awkwardly and shrugged his shoulders. "I..."

"I know... I know you can't. I didn't want to say anything. I just wanted to try and ignore your crass mistake."

"I..."

"It makes it all seem so stupid."

"Shall I...?"

"No, just pretend for God's sake. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

As he was already in a rather idiotic situation, the first lackey turned an imaginary handle on the side of the dish-rack.

"Now, little girl, you are accused of violations on three counts, violation by thought, violation by word, violation by deed, and violation by action... *four* counts. Do you confess?"

Akane just stared at him. "I don't understand what I'm accused of."

"Ha! Then we'll make you understand! Fetch... THE CUSHIONS!"

What the first minion held out were two ordinary modern household cushions. "Here they are, sir."

"Now, little girl, you have one last chance. Confess the heinous act of rule violation, reject the works of the unruly... two last chances. And you shall be free... three last chances. You have three last chances, the nature of which I have divulged in my previous utterance," the leader told her.

"I don't know what you're talking about," the youngest Tendo ground out.

"Right! If that's the way you want it... Supervisor! Poke her with the soft cushions! The first lackey carried out the rather pathetic torture, much to Akane's confusion.

"Confess! Confess! Confess!"

"It doesn't seem to be hurting her, lord," the lackey observed.

"Have you got all the stuffing up one end?"

"Yes, sir."

Apparently, something about that annoyed the leader, and he wound up angrily hurling away the cushions. "Hm! She is made of harder stuff! Supervisor Maeda! Fetch... THE COMFY CHAIR!"

Hearing that made the second minion looked horrified. "The... Comfy Chair?"

His compatriot pushed in a comfy chair, which happened to be really plush.

"So you think you are strong because you can survive the soft cushions. Well, we shall see," the leader told Akane, and turned to his first minion. "Ueto! Put her in the Comfy Chair!"

They roughly push the surprised girl into the 'Comfy Chair'.

"Now, you will stay in the Comfy Chair until lunch time, with only a cup of coffee at eleven." The leader glanced over at Ueto. "Is that really all it is?"

"Yes, sir," Ueto answered.

"I see. I suppose we make it worse by shouting a lot, do we? Confess, girl. Confess! Confess! Confess! Confess!"

"I confess!"

"Not you!" the leader snapped at the first lackey... just as he saw Ueto fall down, and a shapely woman step up near the fallen man. "What is this?"

"That should be my line," Miss Hinako asked. "I am the school disciplinarian, and you are disturbing my students."

"Only to get to the truth!"

"The 'truth'?"

"Yes! The local officials have sent us to check up and make sure that the trouble in this school is taken care of!"

"What trouble?"

"The trouble that we hear so much about! Like the fights that a student by the name of 'Ranma Saotome' gets into here!"

The named boy frowned. "But I haven't even had a single real fight for a while now."

"No fighting?"

"Not really."

"But... Not even a punch?"

Hinako shook her head. "Actually, he has helped keep trouble in this school under control. There have been no real fights as of late."

"Oh... But what about that explosion..." the leader commented weakly.

"Which one?" Sayuri asked, looking thoughtful. "The last one around here was created when some outsiders came in and caused some problems."

"Oh... Ah ha! Then what about the boys who were put into the hospital? What about them?!"

Yuka snorted. "Them? They put a camera in the girls' locker room, taped a girl having a shower, and showed it in the audio visual room to any guy who came along. It was self defense."

"Okay... Then what about this outfit! It's not proper school attire!" the leader barked, jabbing a finger at Ranma's clothing.

"Actually, it is," Nabiki corrected.

"What?"

Daisuke crossed his arms over his chest. "Ranma changes into a girl with cold water, and back into a guy with hot. If he wore a boy's uniform, he'd wind up with his pants falling off and his shirt getting too tight when he turned into a girl."

"And if he wore a girl's uniform, it'd be way too tight and silly when he'd become a guy again," Hiroshi added.

"Which is why the school is allowing him to wear clothing that can be adjusted to an appropriate fit," Miss Hinako finished.

"That's the case?" the investigation leader asked.

"It is."

"No trouble?"

"Only a little, and is fully taken care of."

"It is?"

"It is. We haven't had a major blow up since we had to deal with a delinquent pervert who snuck onto campus."

"That was trouble."

"It was also dealt with," Hinako told him.

"Well then... We'll stay around and see what we can find. Maeda! Ueto!"

Both lackeys followed their boss away, and seemed to be sneaking around, ready to leap on the first opportunity.

"That was weird," Ukyo said flatly.

"Tell me about it," Nabiki agreed, pulling the dish rack off of herself.

Ranma shook his head. "And people wonder why I don't think too high 'bout the school system."

Sighing, Akane found herself having to agree with his words, though she did have an idle desire to take the chair so that she could sit in it during class,

"Are you nuts?" Ichiro commented as he wiped at his mouth.

Kenji ignored the way that his friend had nearly choked on his drink, and shrugged. "Not really."

"You sound like it."

"Why would you think something like that?"

"Maybe because of what you're saying."

One of the other boys with them nodded at that, and pointed his chopsticks at Kenji. "Exactly. You remember that we just got out of the hospital for looking at Saotome's girl form before."

"Kazuo's right. I have no desire to go back there, even if the view was great."

"Who said that we'd wind up getting beaten up?" Kenji asked.

"It's only logical that it'd happen," commented the fourth boy looking at him.

"Ah, but you're wrong about that, Hideki."

"You might think that your interest in the curse form will protect you, but..."

"It's not that. You see, I'm not planning on running around trying to challenge Saotome to have his girl side as a girlfriend, or putting cameras in the showers again. What I'm talking about is just looking, and enjoying the view and the fantasies," Kenji said with his brows raised. "If we're just imagining what it would be like having such a hot girl on our arms, and imagining what we can do with her, she can't complain, could she?"

"Are you seriously thinking that this would be okay?"

"Sure. I mean, if Saotome decided to be a girl for real, I sure as hell would want her, wouldn't you?"

"Well... That's understandable."

"And I'd sure as hell would enjoy getting what I'd get from her," Ichiro admitted.

"What I can't understand is why you would want to focus only on that one 'girl'," Kazuo murmured.

"Other than the fact that she's one of the hottest girls around, and doesn't have a lot of the issues that a real one would?"

"Yeah, besides that."

"Have you thought about some of the really hot girls around here? Saotome himself has Akane Tendo and Ukyo Kuonji as fiancees, so they're taken. That Chinese girl and Kuno's sister don't go to class at this school, and they're taken by Saotome. And it takes a guy weeks to collect enough cash to go out on a single date with Nabiki Tendo."

Hideki raised a brow. "Where Saotome's girl side doesn't have a guy she's attached to, even if Kuno thinks that he's the one for her."

"Exactly! She's available, sexy, and able to get into any sort of situation that we might think of. What's not to like?"

"Getting beaten up?"

"Only if we push our luck. Keep it simple, and we'll be safe."

The other boys got thoughtful looks on their faces, and Kenji was certain that they were thinking of a pretty redhead with full breasts that bounced rather wonderfully.

Principal Kuno was feeling rather good as he looked out at all the students enjoying their lunch period. There were all sorts of sights, from friends sitting together, to individuals taking the moment to relax. He could even see a few using the time to study what they'd been learning in class. Everything seemed to be peaceful and enjoyable, with nothing around him to worry about.

Taking out the papers that he had written what he had been considering lately. With things going the way that they had, he was able to think about doing some activities, and he wasn't sure which one he would go with. Even though he could eventually do all of them, he would have to pick one to have first.

"Ah HA!" chortled a man as he popped up with two companions on either side of you. "You can not hide your plans from the SCHOOL INVESTIGATION!"

"Now why would I be doin' dat?" the principal asked.

"Because... they're naughty and violate the rules?"

"Dey certainly don't do dat."

"They don't?"

"Nope. I be workin' on what be expected in de school."

"But aren't you surprised that we are here?" Ueto asked.

The Hawaii obsessed man shook his head. "I be hearin' that you came to de big kahuna's school."

"You did?"

"That be what happen. Word be gettin' around dis place real quick."

"Oh..."

"But if you aren't working on something that violates the rules," Maeda commented with a scowl, "then what's on those papers, huh?"

"Ideas for special days of de student activities," Principal Kuno answered.

"Then you admit that you are working on an event that will threaten bodily harm to the students!" the lead investigator declared.

"Dat can't be happenin'."

"Why not? You just said that you were going to have special events for the students."

"But dat is just de simple stuff. De big kahuna was thinking dat it might be good to have a field day, a culture day, or de nice formal dance."

"You were?"

"I was. Think 'bout it. De students be enjoyin' the chance to cheer each other on durin' the races of the sports day. Maybe dere be a class that make did good choice of havin' deir room be based on de islands. And de dance can have de deme based on the island decorations and music."

"Those are... regular school activities."

"Dis is a school," the principal told him. "Dere is no reason not be havin' the regular sort of dings that other schools do. Dat be what a school is supposed to be havin'. Besides, de little keikeis and wahines have been so good, they deserve it."

"I... see..."

"Dat be good to hear. Is dere any other problems that you be thinkin' of 'bout the kahuna's plans?"

The lead investigator shook his head, looking a bit lost and confused at the moment,

Lunch was a time to spend with friends, and Sayuri had to admit that she liked that part of it. Sitting in a group was great, and she had found that it was pretty nice, when everything was all said and done. Of course, she could tell that something was different on that day, and it was bothering her. "Has something happened?"

"What makes you say that?" Akane asked, stopping in the middle of lifting her chopsticks up to her mouth.

"The way that you guys have been acting. It's almost like... You're different. Relaxed, though."

"I'm not sure that I follow..."

"Well, you seem like something's changes around you..."

"The only thing is..." the youngest Tendo began.

"Yes?"

Ranma looked down at his food with a thoughtful expression. "My Mom's back."

"She is?!" Sayuri blurted, unable to hide her surprise. "That's good, isn't it?"

"Yeah, but..."

"Oh, right... She doesn't know that you're not a girl..."

"Actually..."

"What?"

"She's found out, and is happy with the way that I've turned out."

"She has?"

"That's good, isn't it?" Yuka asked.

"Very good," Akane commented. "She's very happy with him, and is actually staying with us for a while, at least."

"That's wonderful to hear. I don't know what I'd do if I missed my mom for that long and then had a chance to be with her again. What's she doing now?"

"Other than visiting our fathers?"

"Oh?"

A small smirk curved the youngest Tendo's lips. "She doesn't seem to be very pleased with them. Especially Ranma's father."

"I'd imagine that would be the case."

"True. About the only thing that she questioned, other than the curse was why Ranma wasn't more involved in school."

"He does keep out of those sorts of activities..." Yuka allowed.

"Though Ranchan does enjoy sports," Ukyo said from where she was cooking okonomiyaki. "That could be fun for him."

"It might be..." the pigtailed boy agreed.

"But he has his reasons for not doing it," Akane put in.

Sayuri's expression showed a slight confusion. "What could keep him from getting involved in sports when he likes it so much?"

"The locker room. Imagine him having to do anything like share a shower room with the guys."

"Oh... And a lot of them are the same idiots who used to attack you, and taped him in our showers."

"Exactly. Unfortunately, any time that he gets involved, he'd be stuck with a possibly perverted situation."

"Which would be too much too bother with. And it's too bad, considering how much help he'd be for them. He could even teach some of the clubs, like the karate one."

"That's true," Akane said thoughtfully. "Didn't think of that."

"Just did it myself. I can't see him in many of the other clubs, though he could try his hand at cooking, or something like that."

"Hey! I can cook real well!" Ranma protested, sounding a bit offended.

"Then that's even better."

"What? Why?"

"I was just thinking that a guy should learn to cook for himself. But if you're a good cook, joining the cooking club would let you create some really great meals."

"Oh... I never thought of it that way. It's just that the club's really just... Ya ever really see guys in it?"

"I do suppose that you'd be kind of lonely..."

"He's always seeming to get girls around him," Akane muttered.

Ukyo shrugged. "Considering the way that things go for him, I'd think that'd be understandable."

"Yeah, but given the way things are, it's just as well that him joining a girl's team is not going to happen."

"Which is too bad, considering how much help he could be," Sayuri sighed.

"Who says that he couldn't?" Yuka asked.

"What are you talking about?"

"Think about it. He did help out with that time that Kuno's sister was competing against our school."

That got a wince from Ranma. "I haven't thought of that for a while."

"Well, you should. Then there was that fight with that cheerleader."

"It was just somethin' that had ta be done."

"And the fight with the 'Golden Pair'? You did have to do part of it as a girl."

"I get the point," the pigtailed boy grumbled. "Ya don't gotta keep on remindin' me."

"Sorry, but the thing is that you can compete as a girl."

"But I'm a guy."

"Who said that you wouldn't be?"

"Huh?"

Blinking, Yuka gave him a confused look. "It's not like you would be a girl. Sure, you'd be one in body, but you wouldn't be one for real."

"You mean, he'd be a guy either way, and it's not like he'd start being a girl for real even if he participated on a girl's team," the chef said.

"That's right. It's not like he'd be... getting excited by a cute boy, or wondering if he'd be too... chunky. He'd just be joining the girls in a game of some sort or another. And even if he only stayed to the games that guys do, who says that he has to be with the rest?"

"What would you suggest then?"

"I don't know. Showering before or after everyone else? Using the teachers' room to change? There are ways around it."

"You sound pretty interested in this..."

"I was just giving some suggestions," Yuka told the other brown haired girl. "I mean, not only is he much more trustworthy than a lot of the jocks, he could actually be helpful, and enjoy himself in those teams."

"Not to mention the fact that he would only get to be on the girl's swim team, what with the curse," Daisuke observed.

Hiroshi frowned. "As I think of it, there would be plenty of guys who would appreciate the sight of Ranma's girl side in some of those uniforms? Imagine Ranma, as a girl, wearing a swimsuit at the pool, or in those small uniforms that the track team wears."

"That... is a reason against it," Yuka muttered.

"Can't really argue about that. But still, Ranma has looked good, and competed well when he's been dressed like that. Though, it'd probably be much different if he was just on the guy teams, like in the shorts and tank top of the basketball team."

The gaze of each of the girls went unfocused as they imagined Ranma dressed like that, and how his tightly muscled body would be after a long, hot and sweaty game.

"They're smiling to themselves, and giggling at nothing."

Daisuke looked rather concerned. "Should we be worried?"

"If anythin', I think that I should be the one doin' that," Ranma groaned,

Sliding her books into her bag, Miyu looked up at the rather empty classroom, and saw the last students who would be leaving for the day. There were a few who had to stay behind for clean up duty, but everyone else was running out to go to meetings of clubs and teams, home, or their favored place to hang out. Friends clumped together in groups, and the noise would have been annoying, if it hadn't been so cheerful.

As she was rather used to it, she'd always able to think of other things, usually what she would be doing after she left the room. But today, she had a different issue to be considering. And it didn't have to do with anything of the female variety.

For some reason, neither Jeremy nor Hikaru had shown up, and she'd come to expect to at least talk to one of them before she was ready to go. However, other than a few words to let her know that the two of them were heading off, she hadn't gotten the usual sort of situation from them, which was odd. Up until then, she'd had the usual attempts to get her to favor them with her attentions, like with Hikaru giving her some herbs from Romania, and Jeremy handing her a bento that he'd brought for her.

Snapping her schoolbag shut, she idly wondered what had kept them from coming to see her, before shrugging, and heading out the door.

Usually Ranma would think first to go running back to the Tendo home for the comfort that it would give him. After spending so much time learning things like how 'x' could equal a fifth of 'y', and what working with 'transitive' verbs in English, he usually needed the opportunity to rest and relax. Sure, it also allowed him to get other things at the same time, especially lately, but the fact of the matter was that he just wanted to be out of there.

He had decided to go somewhere other than home on this day though, and had been certain that he was going to find himself hugged by his busty slave-girl.

What he got wasn't quite so pleasant when he entered the Nekohanten.

"Saotome!" Mousse declared, squinting at the shape in front of him. "I won't allow you to come and bother my dear Shampoo with your unwanted attentions!"

"I'm over here, Mousse," Ranma sighed, looking upwards for some support from heaven.

"You are?"

"I am."

"Then this is a..."

"A potted plant."

"Oh. Right. Well then, I don't want you to come and take advantage of my Shampoo!" the nearly blind boy declared.

"Well, first off, she ain't yours."

"It's true love!"

"For ya, maybe. For her, not so much. And there is this other thing."

"What would that be... OOF!"

The pigtailed boy quirked up one side of his mouth as the other boy was knocked to the floor. "Cologne is right behind ya with Shampoo."

"SHAMPOO!" cried out the Amazon boy as he leapt to his feet, lunging for the curvy girl.

Unfortunately for him, the Elder's hand snapped out and grabbed him by the ear. "Enough of your foolishness, Mister Part-Time."

"But, I was going to..."

"I know what you were thinking of doing. And I also know that you're going to go into the kitchen and get started on washing those dishes."

"But, my Shampoo..."

"Silly, Mousse," Shampoo scoffed, wrapping her arms around one of Ranma's and leaning her body against him. "Shampoo belong with Ranma, not you."

"That's not true!"

"It is true, and you don't have the time to argue with it. You have work to do," the Amazon Matriarch instructed him as she dragged him off."

"He never get clue. Maybe it time for him to get new chance to see what it be like to be girl," Shampoo murmured with a grin.

Ranma shook his head. "I ain't too sure that he'd learn."

"Too true. But you no come for him. You come for Shampoo, right?"

"'Xactly. I figured that I'd come and see if you could come by after closing tonight."

"You mean what Shampoo think you mean?"

"Probably."

"That too too good! Shampoo be there! But right now, there important things for you to get," his slavegirl told him as she started to lead him along.

"And what's that?"

"Fed! Shampoo make you too good bowl of ramen. It only right that you get food when come to restaurant."

"Hey, I like that idea."

"Shampoo thought you would."

He smiled back at her, and found himself pleased with his relationship with her. It wasn't just the sex, which he did have to admit was very good, but that he could actually have a happy and comfortable bond with her. There was fun to be had with her out of the bedroom, and he was pleased to be able to have that with her, and the other girls. Though, having such an eager partner in the bedroom did mean that he'd been able to try a lot, and as he considered it, she would probably be up for a good deal of stuff in that sort of situation, and he had a lot of toys to try in that regard.

Realizing that, he stopped and blinked, forcing her to cease moving as well.

"Something the matter?" she asked.

"Not really," he said with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Just realized somethin'."

"What?"

"That I have some toys, and I'm thinkin' that we might as well try them out together."

"'Toys'?"

"From that store."

"What you... Ohhh... you think that you use with Shampoo..."

His only response was to give her a slightly nervous, yet anticipatory look.

"Hmmm... Shampoo think she really like this idea." She considered the idea of her Master trying out all sorts of items on her and shivered in delight. "Really really like it."

Hikaru Gosunkugi looked over at the other boy in the room with him and tried not to swallow hard. This was not an expected situation, and he wasn't quite certain on how he should take it. As far as things had been going since he'd started his training regimen, he'd always been the sole male around for a good part of his time when not in class.

Jeremy pressed his lips together, and couldn't help glancing at the boy across the room from him. When the idea had come up, he'd thought that he'd be the only one to take advantage of it. By what he could tell, there hadn't been any reason to expect any other sort of situation. However, he had no choice in the matter, and had to make the best of what he could get for himself.

"Now, you two know what's going to happen here, and what the rules of this place are, right?" the girl between them asked, sounding as strict as an old style schoolmarm. She glared at the both of them when she didn't get an immediate answer. "Right?"

This time, both boys nodded, looking a bit sheepish as they did so.

"Good. Now, it's time to get started."

With that both boys turned their attentions to learning how to cook special meals for Miyu from the Cooking Club.

"I don't understand why she had to call and ask for me to come as well," Nabiki grumbled as she walked along the street.

Akane gave her sister a flat look. "You were the one who said that you'd learn all about the lore that Sensei knows."

"I know that. It's just that it'd be nicer to know what would be going on before I have to act on it."

"Sometimes, a minute's warning is all that we get in a situation."

"Why are you so easy about this?"

"Why are you so uptight about it?" the younger Tendo retorted.

"I am not being uptight."

"'Frustrated' then?"

"How is it that I'm getting the feeling that you're enjoying the idea of me being in discomfort?"

"Experience from you doing it to others? A guilty conscience? The ability to recognize my sense of humor?"

"Ha ha."

"Come on. Relax."

"I was going to," the elder sister answered sourly. "There is my usual time of enjoy life at home."

"There's more than running around in the nude, waiting to be screwed, Nabiki."

"But it is a lot of fun."

"Yeah, well, don't forget that it isn't the only thing to do," Akane murmured.

"What do you mean?"

"What I 'mean' is that Ranma likes me too, and he doesn't need me to just run around like that. In fact, he liked seeing me dressing up when we went shopping for clothing, including for my work clothes."

"I could see that."

"Then see how he might like it if he saw you in that dress that Sensei thinks you should wear."

Nabiki stopped and stared at her sister as the suggested image filtered into her head. As she considered the slinky dress in question, a smile curved her lips and she giggled.

That left her sister to sigh, shake her head, and tug her along,

Eating was something that Ranma found to be rather pleasing no matter what the time of day it was. That wasn't just from his life growing up, but due to the simple enjoyment that food gave him. Training at his level took up a lot of energy, and if there was something somewhat good other than the Art that his father had taught him, it was to appreciate the taste of a good meal.

So, when Shampoo leaned over at the small table that she'd sat him at to place a bowl of ramen in front of him, he clapped his hands together, smiled and bowed his head in respect.

"Never know that you think that high of bowl before, Master," Shampoo commented.

He grinned up at her. "I figure that if ya are gonna give me somethin' so good ta eat, I might as well treat it right."

"That so nice of you, Master!" she chirped, and darted in to give him a hug.

Even though he had a very curvy girl up against him, he merely noted the happiness that he got from making her happy. Of course, having her body against his was pretty good, and when she pressed a kiss to his lips, he moved into it rather than the running away that he might have done earlier. But instead of taking advantage of the fact that she was perfectly willing to let himself enjoy her more fully, they both pulled away from each other, as this wasn't the time and place to do something like this.

However, it was clear that their enjoyment wasn't fully unnoticed.

"Sounds like someone was having fun in here," Akane drawled as she stepped into the room with Nabiki.

"Complimented the food that Shampoo brought me," he responded.

"As usual. You know, I'd like it if one day, you actually did the same for something that I make."

"If ya make somethin' that actually tastes good, then I'll do exactly that."

"Then you watch. I'll make you something wonderful!"

"Are you competing again, little sister," Nabiki commented in bemused tones.

"What? With who?"

"Shampoo."

"Her? Absolutely not. She can be the best chef in the world compared to me, for all that I care. I just want him to like something that I make."

"Ahh..."

"But why are you here, Nabiki?" her owner asked. "I didn't know that you were comin'..."

"Neither did I. At least, until I had to come."

"I asked her to come," Cologne informed the sole male in the room as she hopped into it.

Ranma blinked at her. "Oh? What for?"

"Lessons, boy. You might be teaching her how to defend herself, and keep her in shape, but I can teach her about Amazon history, lore, politics, and all that comes with it. You don't have a problem with that, I understand."

"'Course not. That'll be pretty helpful."

"I was certain that you would think so," the Elder agreed, and turned to her newest student. "But why aren't you dressed for it?"

"That dress? I'd love to wear it, but I can't exactly come here wearing it. Akane can get away with it since she works for you, but I'd have to explain to people..." Nabiki trailed off.

"I suppose that we can simply tell them the truth."

"The truth?"

"Yes. Through the new arrangements with your sister, there is a growing bond between your clan and mine. Because of that, I want to make the best of everything available, and you have one of the keenest minds of your age. Since it would possibly help my great-granddaughter, and advance what is benefitting us..."

The middle Tendo daughter gave her an impressed look. "I like the way that you think."

"I'm glad that you do. But there is one thing," Cologne responded... and then whapped Nabiki in the head with her cane.

"Ow... What was that for?"

"Even if we can't do it that way, or you couldn't come here in the dress, there is always the possibility of changing once you get here."

"Ah. Yeah. Right... Didn't think of that."

"I noticed, and I am also sure that you didn't bring it with you."

"That might not be problem," Shampoo put in, eyeing the elder girl.

"How so, child?"

"She no look to be too far off Shampoo shape."

"What are you... You're suggesting that she wear one of your outfits."

"Is so. This way, she dressed right, and she get to try out different clothes."

"But are you sure that she'll fit?" the younger Tendo asked.

Moving over to Nabiki, Shampoo cupped the middle Tendo daughter's breasts and hefted them. "These nice and full. Should do help in Shampoo outfit."

"Ahh... Umm..." the 'handled' girl murmured, sounding apprehensive, surprised, and fairly pleased, all at the same time.

"I guess the fact that she wants him to see her in that dress that she was given would fit in right here," Akane muttered.

"See? Is good idea? You like, Nabiki?" the Amazon girl asked.

"Yeah. Could be good," the mentioned girl agreed. "It is good."

"Great-Grandmama? Master?"

"Go ahead, child," Cologne answered.

"Sounds good to me," Ranma seconded.

"Then we go see what can wear," Shampoo said, letting go of the cleavage to grab one of the elder girl's slim wrists. "Come on now."

A surprised Nabiki trailed along with her, clearly a bit unsteady as she did as she was asked.

The meeting was something that Hinako understood was necessary, but she had never had much fun with them before, and didn't expect to do so now. Fortunately, she had come across some delinquents from another school wandering the playing fields, and had been able to zap them. That allowed her to come to the meeting in her adult form, rather than in the child state, which would allow her to keep her focus. However, since that also meant that she would have to ignore stares at her figure rather than be ignored as the 'strange child', there were certainly some things given up for that clarity.

So, she merely kept her attention on the man in the Hawaiian shirt standing at the end of the room, and waited for some explanation of what he had asked them to stay for.

"Ever since dere be the success of de day of de beach party," Principal Kuno told the assembled teachers, "I be thinkin' that it might be a good idea to have somethin' else happen."

"And what would that be?" a science teacher asked.

"Another day of fun and enjoyment for de students, so dey be bringing de pride into class."

A history teacher frowned at him. "Another party day?"

"Almost. Dis not going to be all dat odd for de school."

"What sort of thing is it?"

"Very simple. I be dinkin' dat either we be havin' de sports day, or de cultural festival."

"As in..."

"Havin' de classes run, toss, and do de other events. Or be havin' de classes and clubs be turnin' de classrooms into attractions, or be makin' de booths to show off their stuff."

"The latter would probably be better," sighed one of the other homeroom teachers.

"Why would dat be?"

"Well, Ranma Saotome, for one. Think about it? A sports day with him around. It just wouldn't be fair to the other students."

"Hasn't Akane Tendo participated in school sports? She's a skilled martial artist as well," Hinako pointed out.

"That's true, but she isn't as problematic as Saotome is. And then there are the others, like Kuonji. There are three powerful fighters in that one class, and then there is the fact that Tatewaki Kuno is a fighter to?"

"What would you have Saotome do? Participate as a girl, like his records say he did for that gymnastics contest?"

"That would just be leaving us with a similar problem."

One of the math teachers snorted. "We could always have him be a cheerleader in his girl form. He did well enough when that girl showed up, and it would give him something to do even if he wasn't in the events himself."

"And Kuonji probably would prefer to be at the refreshment stand..." a home economics teacher pointed out.

"But what happens if we be havin' de cultural festival?" the principal asked.

Most of the teachers looked at each other and seemed to nod together before one of them sighed. "The old 'cafe' standby?"

"They'd most likely pick that," agreed a gym teacher.

"And would have the waitresses they would pick for it be obvious."

Hinako looked around at her fellow faculty, and wondered how this was going to turn out. She just hoped that it went nicely for Saotome. He was a nice boy, and she did like him, so it wouldn't be something that she'd enjoy if he got into trouble without even lifting a finger to make it happen.

Nabiki felt a bit nervous, even though she knew that she had merely been trying on clothes. But she wanted her owner to like her dressed like this, and she wasn't going to have any time to make it look perfect. All she could do was wear her borrowed outfit, and see what he thought.

When Shampoo nudged her inside, there was no avoiding it, and she stepped back into the room where he, her sister, and Cologne were waiting.

And he merely seemed to be too amazed to say anything, which did look like a very good thing."

"So? How do I look?" his pet asked.

"Ya look... pretty good," he responded, clearly honestly. "Really good."

"You do look nice," her sister agreed.

Cologne smiled at her. "See, child? No problems."

If nothing else, Nabiki had to agree with them. By what she could tell, this outfit did look good on her, for all of the little bit of it that there was. She was in one of Shampoo's mini-cheongsams, with the skirt showing off a long length of shapely leg... and her panties, if she wasn't too careful. It did cling in some places, and stay loose in others, but that was to be expected as the garment had been designed for Shampoo's body, not hers.

"See? You can wear many many different outfits," Shampoo told the elder girl.

"I know that," Nabiki answered, trying to find a way to tug on a clingy part of the bust of the dress, without pinching her nipple. "It was just that I didn't want to mess anything up."

"You no make mess. It good to have more style clothes."

"I do tend to wear a certain sort of clothing, don't I?"

"That part of who you be. But... Shampoo know!"

The enthusiasm surprised Nabiki. "What?"

"We go out and buy more clothes! Not usual clothes, but new ones. We get you all sorts of Amazon clothes that be right for how you dress. Short dress like this, long dress with slit up one side, slit up both sides..."

Ranma found himself picturing his pet in those outfits, and groaned. "I would enjoy seein' her in that sort of thing. But more shoppin'?"

"Oh, is not for you, Master."

"Huh?"

"Not unless you want to go as girl."

"EH?!"

"It be a 'girl day out'. Not like spa. We just go shop together. Be just friends going out."

"Lucky me," Akane grumbled. "I'd have to work then."

"That be a problem... You no make Akane able to go, Great-Grandmama?"

"I could see what I could do. But understand, it would have to be a day when we're already closed, like when the repairman comes to fix the problems in this place," Cologne informed her.

"Shampoo understand. But we can bring Kasumi, and Kodachi, right?"

"If they'd like that, it'd probably be fine," Ranma allowed. "And you know, you could always take my Mom with you too."

His slave-girl clapped her hands together in delight. "Probably be lot of fun to go with Master's mother!"

"We could also see if Ukyo wants to go to," Nabiki commented.

"Is true. She no have lots of time, but important see if there be chance."

"Hopefully, it'll work. And maybe I could see about getting some... 'pet toys'."

"If you want..."

"I don't know. But I could see Master holding a leash and be leading his... nice and happy kitty."

Shampoo saw her owner look a little nervous, and sighed. "Only possible if be human pet. One splash, and Shampoo wind up seeing Master try to make distance record."

"That is too bad, you know."

"Tell Shampoo about it."

"Unfortunately, I'm not too sure if even that instant Jusenkyo water would help with that."

"How it be able to do that?"

"Simple. It can be mixed right? Well, if you did so, and used it to turn yourself into one of those cat girls from the comics or television, then maybe you could give him a way to keep calm around a feline. You could ease him into feeling more and more comfortable with having you be his kitty girl pet, with you becoming more and more feline as time went by. If it worked, then he'd be at least comfortable with your usual cursed form, and might even be able to stand cats for measurable periods of time," Nabiki absently said as she paid more attention to tugging more comfort out of the waist of the dress, than what she was saying. "And even if he was just comfortable with you being a cat girl, there would be a lot of things that you could do at that level."

Everyone else in the room looked at her, surprised at this off the cuff suggestion, and interested in it as well."

"What?"

"You smart girl, you know that?" Shampoo told her.

"I'd like to think so."

"We know so," Ranma put in, sounding fairly thoughtful,

Waving a goodbye to the girls at the Nekohanten was kind of odd for Ranma, since he knew that it would mean that yet another one of them would be away from him for some time. But as he wanted them to have their own lives outside of being with him, that was fine in his eyes. Of course, he did still have to girls who'd be at the house when he'd get there, but he didn't think of them being there just for his needs. Rather, he was going to enjoy the fact that they happened to be there when he was.

When he realized all of that, it put a smile on his face. He hadn't worried that he was pulling them into some isolated position, but it was actually nice that they were going to be doing their own things. It made him even more comfortable with what was going on, and he did need it. Even if he was getting to be able to have some sort of easy relationships, he wanted to feel that life wasn't going to be screwed up for anyone.

Still, he was almost whistling as he walked, and found himself really noticing the people around him. Usually, he'd be bolting through the neighborhood, trying to get home as quickly as possible. Now he just wanted to be able to stroll along with a relaxed step, and nothing really rushing him to do anything. In doing so he could look at the fish merchant selling today's catch, music coming from an appliance store, and girls going shopping, trying to look pretty in their outfits. He did have to admit that some of the latter were quite successful.

That conclusion stopped him for a moment, and he took a moment to recognize the fact that he was noticing that girls around him were attractive. For a little bit, he wondered if it was a sign that he was starting to get a bit perverted, but he quickly remembered that he was not seeing them as sexual conquests. Instead, he was noticing them, and appreciating the fact that they were attractive. There was nothing else to it, and he didn't feel any insistent urge to take them to a love motel, or anything like that.

A choked chuckle came out from deep in his chest, and his smile grew just a bit as he realized what that meant. He was actually seeing the girls as... girls, not possible attackers. Sure, he was still going to be wary of them wanting to pound him for some slight or offense, but he simply wasn't 'blind' to their attractions any more. He'd noticed other girls from time to time, but he was actually really appreciating the fact that they could be pretty too.

Knowing that he wasn't about to try to date any of them when he had his girls, he found himself looking to see what sort of looks the girls had at this time when school had let out.

Giggling together as they headed out of a karaoke place were a trio from his school, with their uniforms fitting demurely on their bodies. Across the street were some girls from Kodachi's gymnastics team, animatedly discussing some move as they continued on. As he passed by a store window, he had an opportunity to appreciate a girl in a denim miniskirt bending over so that she could get a better look at a sale. Over at a food stand, a brunette looked cool as she ordered something to eat. Even the woman in coveralls had a bit of cute cast to her look as she helped do some work in making a delivery.

All in all, he knew that he was actually going to be okay. He could look at a pretty woman in a tiny dress, and not become a babbling idiot about it. Doing something to approach one of the girls wouldn't simply happen out of the blue, as he wasn't that comfortable with that sort of thing. But still, he was able to take note of girls in tight pants and not feel creepy. Hell, he was able to actually see what was so wonderful about seeing an attractive girl now, and he found that he liked it. He wasn't about to jump on the lech bandwagon, but it was nice to be able to know that he could find pleasure in merely looking. It wasn't something that he was going to push to advance, what with the fact that he had six lovely ladies all willing to make him very happy, but it was nice to be able to know that he could tell other girls that he thought that they looked good, and actually mean it.

After all, he could see the promise of beauty in a middle school girl who was running to meet her friends. His eyes could follow the trail of a runner as she went along in her shorts and tank top not only to analyze her run. He could see how long and smooth Azusa Shiratori's legs were as she skated away with a boxing kangaroo doll that she called 'Adrienne'...

Okay, so he wasn't exactly sure that he could be that comfortable being around a girl with the maturity and dress sense of a four year old, but at least he could tell that she was pretty. It was progress, and despite the fact that it would be nothing for other guys, he was happy to take note of the fact that he was going to be able to actually give real answers to the girls who asked if they were pretty... so long as he didn't get beaten up afterwards.

Other than that, it was pretty nice, and he was sure that there was no way that a girl could complain about having someone notice that they were good looking.

"EEEEEK! PERVERT!" came a screech out of a bar.

Happosai cackled as he ran out of the place and bounded about with bunches of 'pretties' in his hands. That had been a most wondrous place, starting with the fact that only really pretty girls had been employed there. They had to have had him in mind when they made it, because they had those lovely young ladies dressed only in lingerie and heels as they served the customers. It had been so great that he'd been hard pressed to find any reason to leave.

But there was just too much to do in this area. Already, he'd found a place where girls took off their clothes as they danced, several restaurants where the skirts were short while the legs were long, and even a machine that sold used panties! As far as he was concerned, it was too great for words, and had anyone stopped to ask him, he would have given the area a ringing affirmation of its success as a place of enjoyment for a man.

In fact, he just didn't think that he would be ever done. Running into another bar, he saw silk and tiny garments on what had to be the workers, and so he headed right in, grabbing and groping as he went. Life was good, even if he could feel that something was off. On he went, planning on finding all the enjoyment that he could get from this place... until he literally ran into the person who ran the place.

Clinging to a dress front, he discovered that something was definitely wrong. The cleavage wasn't there, the body was hard, and there wasn't the same thrill that he would usually get. To be honest, he did have a reason that things weren't going his way at the moment. That much was clear when he looked up and saw that the person that he was holding onto had chin stubble.

He had a hold on a male 'Mama-san' who just happened to be in charge of a transvestite staffed bar.

"EEEEEK!" Happosai screeched, and bolted away in abject terror as he tore out of the place, wondering where the real women had gone.

Nodoka left the train station with a feeling of accomplishment. Things might not have advanced as quickly as she might have liked, but she had managed to do some things that had needed to be done for some time. Her husband was not going to be able to weasel his way out of having to be punished for what he had done, and was even going to have to go on a diet. He knew that if he cheated, she would be... displeased, and those nice nurses did seem rather willing to help her get him into proper shape.

However, all that time spent at the hospital had left her coming back later than she had wished. It could be too late to meet up with her son at the Nekohanten, but even if it was, she could still see the girls there. Or she could just go back to the house, and share the rest of the day with her son. For once, she had a choice as to where she would be having to go, and she was finding that she liked it. After being shortchanged in being a mother, she was now getting to 'parent' not only her son, but six girls who didn't have mothers of their own around. She wished that the girls' mothers had been there, but if she could ease anything that they might miss without having a mother around, she would do it.

If nothing else, it was good to be needed, and she liked the time that she was spending at the dojo. Her son was manly, she had a group of girls to mother, and she was able to deal with her errant husband. The only thing that she needed was grandchildren to coo over, and hopefully that wouldn't be delayed for too long. Images of a little version of Akane sparring with a tiny version of Shampoo as a pregnant Ukyo looked on just seemed to be rather appealing.

She was already anticipating the day when she could wave victory fans in celebration, even if she was walking demurely down the street,

Being in a girls' locker room was something that Ryoga Hibiki had found to be fairly problematic, as he understood a lot more than people would have given him credit for. It was a private place for the female gender, and wasn't a room that males should easily trespass on, in his opinion. Girls changed their clothing, kept personal belongings, and even showered in these sorts of rooms, and had a sense that they would be guaranteed privacy in such a place. Issues of safety, privacy, and other such things were all too important to anyone who would think about a locker room.

In fact, he wouldn't go into one on purpose unless there was some major reason, like someone getting hurt, or a pervert running about the place, and even then, he'd much rather be elsewhere. Going into one due to his sense of direction would be very embarrassing, and he'd immediately try to leave, understanding if those inside got made at him. Without even a girl-curse to at least share forms, he didn't have a reason to want to go into those rooms during regular times.

That made being in the one that he was in at the moment make him feel rather awkward. After all, this wasn't a co-ed space, and the last time that he checked, boys sitting in the girls locker room was seen as a 'no-no'. What he wanted to do was apologize for the intrusion, leave the immediate area, and get back to searching for the Tendo home.

But as the girls themselves had dragged him into the place, he was not exactly able to have quite a normal situation with it.

"Are you feeling better now?" the girl that he'd learned was named Makie asked, looking fairly concerned.

He nodded desperately, not wanting the girls to realize how wrong it was for him to be in there. "Oh, yeah. I just felt a little faint back then. Traveling you know."

"Yeah, but it's best to be careful..."

"That's why we kept him from going anywhere," the one named Atsui said, brushing her dark hair off of her shoulder. "He could have gotten worse."

"But why not take him to the nurse's office?" another girl asked.

"Because of the same reasons that we didn't tell the captain, or let him go on his own. He didn't seem sick, and we were able to take care of him."

A brunette nodded, giving him a once over. "Besides, he doesn't seem to have needed it."

"Of course, it was nice having him here, don't you all think, Hazuki?" one of the gymnasts murmured as she leaned forward, looking the male in their midst in the eye. "Right?"

"Uhh... Yeah?" he choked out, trying not to notice the way that her chest hung down under her as she bent almost in half.

"See?"

Atsui rubbed at her face and sighed. "We're trying to help him, Megumi."

"And we are. But he's also a cute guy, too."

"True. Plus he's not gone and acted anything like a pervert."

"That's right," Makie said, hugging Ryoga from behind. "And he's so nice too!

He tried not to whimper as he felt her lightly clad body press against him in rather... interesting ways.

The one who had asked about the nurse's office frowned. "Though, I'm still worried."

"How so?" asked Makie.

"There are so many reasons for a guy to faint, and I'm not quite sure that the food did it. I mean, he's still seeming to be a bit stiff, and uncertain about how he moves."

"You're right about that, Yoko. At least he's doing better..."

"True, but we should be certain. I want to make sure that he doesn't get too sick," Yoko told him, and pulled out a paper bag. Opening it up, she took out some snacks, which she held out to their guests. "Open up, and prepare to eat it all..."

Knowing that he wasn't going to get out of this any more than he'd done so on the previous times, he opened his mouth, and let the girl feed him.

"That's a good boy..."

"Looks like it's going well, and I don't think that he has a fever," Hazuki commented, putting a hand to his forehead.

By this time he was blushing, but Ryoga knew that they were all trying to be nice to him. These girls seemed to really want to be around him, and they were treating him really well. He just had to wonder if a guy could be killed by too much kindness, especially of the sort given by cute girls wearing only leotards.

Kodachi was doing the chores given to her when she heard her Lord's voice sounding from the entrance of the house, announcing his arrival. It was a welcome sound, and she felt the old urge to leap to greet him, but she controlled it. Being so pushy would not be seemly, a fact that she had not recognized when she had thought all her actions to be graceful and noble. Now she understood that she could be forward and not be 'in people's faces', so to speak.

Finishing up with the immediate cleaning, she stood up, and went to greet him as she heard his footsteps behind her, only to find herself in his arms. "Hello... My Lord?"

"Nice ta see ya too, Kodachi," he said, giving her a tight embrace.

"My Lord?"

"What? Anythin' wrong?"

"No, of course not. It's just that... You seem to have be... fairly cheerful."

"Yeah, I know, but today's such a nice day for me, I have ta enjoy it."

"I see," she murmured, feeling his hands run over the curves of her sides. "I just have to wonder if you gave my instructor such an enthusiastic welcome."

"Oh my, he did..." a blushing Kasumi revealed as she came into the room.

"He did?"

"We had the most wonderful kiss when he got here. It was really quite a nice way to say 'hello'."

"I would think so."

"I know so," he told them, and let Kodachi go, with a quick stroke of the buttocks that her years of gymnastics had tightened.

"My Lord..."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing. It's just... I have been enjoying myself," she informed him quite honestly.

"That's what I'd hope. 'Specially after all those chores..."

"Actually, when I do them, it's a rather pleasant experience."

"Really?"

"Yes," the gymnast told him with a nod. "My instructor can make any household task welcome, and has shown me ways to feel accomplishment from succeeding in them."

"I simply put what I know into what I teach," Kasumi demurely told them.

"Which makes it all the more welcome to learn."

"Why, thank you!"

"'Xcept for one thing," Ranma sighed.

"Do you see a problem? I really wouldn't want one to cause trouble..."

"'Trouble'? Not at all. In fact... What d'ya have ta do here? I mean, this place is so... so... clean."

The eldest Tendo daughter frowned thoughtfully as she looked over the room around them, noticing how nice things were. "Well, I do suppose that with no more fighting, and a lot of help, it's been easier to keep the house clean. But the fact is that there's still a lot of work that has to be done each day."

"I'd suppose that ya'd know 'bout that. Only..."

"What?"

"I'd think that ya'd have more time now, so ya can do other things. Ya really do have some time ta do other stuff, like go out and have fun."

"That would be nice," the elder girl agreed.

"And it reminds me of somethin'."

"It does?"

"Yup. Shampoo's gonna be comin' over tonight. I asked her ta come, and I hope that we'll all have fun."

"Absolutely! We'll look forward to it."

"Then we'll see her, and your sisters after they do whatever they gotta do at the Nekohanten."

"So what do we learn first?" Nabiki asked as pulled at her borrowed outfit to allow her to sit without being lewd.

Cologne dropped a book as thick as the teenager's waist onto the table in front of her. "We'll start at the beginning."

"What the heck is this?!"

"A book. It's a collection of pieces of paper with words written on them, and the occasional picture. People use them to keep information and tell stories, child."

"Ha ha. Nice imitation of me."

"I try, child," the Amazon Matriarch told her. "But as to where we start, I will have to say 'the beginning'."

"Pardon me?"

"To truly understand a people, you have to know where they come from. Their reasons for being who they are now. That is where we will start."

"So, we go with history."

"Exactly."

The Japanese girl leaned down to look at the book from its side. "And what? I have to pull this book around all the time? Or just take it out when I come here?"

"Hardly. This isn't what you'll regularly learn from. In fact, it isn't what the children of my village learn from."

"Then why bring it out?"

"Think of it as a show piece. If there is a festival, show, or some other 'event', we bring this out to impress the youngsters. I won't do that to you, because I do recognize that you do have some intellect for someone your age," the elderly woman responded.

"Gee, thanks."

"It was a compliment. All too often, those of your age tend to be rather... foolhardy, and ignore what is truly important. Like thinking on what might be needed in the future, in some cases. Now, you have shown some skill in being able to think, rather than to react with snap decisions, so I think that you can be a help. If taught to use what you have naturally."

"That I can understand," the middle Tendo daughter said, sitting back in her chair. "But I'm going to have to learn a lot, right?"

"Most definitely. History, politics, law, legends, cultural issues, geography, and others," the Elder told her, dropping books onto the table with each subject. "Yeah, that's a lot."

"And you'll have to not simply memorize them, but truly understand what I am teaching you if you're to be able to back both my great-granddaughter, and your Master, along with everyone else."

"Easy to see. When do we start?"

"Right now, and with the tale of a group of wandering warrior women who had travelled for many years, and found a place that they wanted to settle in the mountains of China," Cologne said,

As a little girl, Nodoka had dreamed of what her married life was going to be like. She never doubted that she was going to be a bride, as that was what she'd always wanted for her future. Some girls wanted to be movie stars, and others desired to have high powered careers, but she merely wanted to have a husband by her side, and children to raise. That wasn't to say that she wouldn't have minded being wed to a powerful politician, or some dashing young businessman, but it was a fairly nebulous thing for her.

When she'd gotten older, she'd known that she'd marry, and she dedicated herself to following the proper and respectable path of being a wife. Not that she had given up her dreams, as she imagined herself living an idyllic life, sending a husband that she respected off to work, and keeping a home that she could be proud of.

Now, she just hoped that Genma wouldn't embarrass his family any more, and that things could follow some sort of stable path.

Giving off a heavy sigh, she headed down the street to the front gate of the Tendo house. After her very long visit with her husband, she was returning to the dojo, and tried to deal with shifting from having to be the dignified part of her marriage to being able to relax. At least she would be able to enjoy herself once she returned, as she could enjoy the company of her son and his girls. Of course, it wasn't just her son's manliness that had her anticipating her arrival, as she liked the people involved with that house. Even without having her baby boy showing that he'd more than grown up was fine by her as it was nice to have the company that she could have there. All in all, it would just be nice to return home after having to admonish her husband for such a long period that day.

Stopping, she blinked and frowned thoughtfully. The Tendo house had not been 'home' for her before, and it took her a moment to admit that it still wasn't quite that even then. But she also saw that it was a place that she felt at home at, as she felt like a part of that place. Having waited ten years for that had been a lonely thing to endure, and she found joy in the fact that she was getting some of what she'd always wanted, even if it came slowly and unevenly.

So, she had a smile on her face as she entered the Tendo home and called out to any who might be there. "I am back!"

"Welcome home!" Kasumi chirped, sliding into the hallway to meet up with the elder woman.

"Thank you. And go back in, dear. I'll come to you."

"But..."

"Don't worry. I am not here to disturb your day."

"It's no bother..." the younger woman murmured.

"Still, let's just enjoy the day."

"Alright..."

Ranma smirked as he watched his mother come into the family room. "Ya look happy, Mom."

"I would suppose that I am, dear. After all, I've got you back, as well as all the girls, and we get to enjoy a nice evening."

"That's true. Guess ya couldn't come ta the Nekohanten though..."

"I'm sorry, but by the time that I got out of the hospital, I didn't have much time to get back..." Nodoka told him apologetically.

"Oh, that's okay. It's not like ya had ta come 'or else'."

"Perhaps I can do it tomorrow."

"Could happen," her son agreed, and then grinned. "On the other hand, ya might enjoy tonight too."

"Oh?"

"I invited Shampoo over. She's gonna stay the night."

"Is she now?"

"Yup, and everyone's lookin' forward to it. Right?"

Kasumi gave a serene nod. "It will be nice to have Shampoo-chan stay with us, even if it is only for a little bit. Oh my..."

"What's up?"

"I wonder if I should make some dishes that she might enjoy."

Both Saotomes chuckled, and smiled at the eldest Tendo daughter, with Nodoka giving her a reassuring look. "Trust me. I am certain that she will be fine with whatever you cook."

"If you say so..."

"She likes ya as ya are, Kasumi," her lover told her. "In fact, she's even thought of somethin' for ya ta enjoy."

"Really?"

"Yup. All of ya girls, includin'... Kodachi. I forgot to tell her 'bout that..."

"Is something the matter, my Lord?" the named girl asked as she stuck her head into the room from the kitchen.

"Nothin' bad, but I did forget ta tell ya two somethin'."

"Oh?" Kodachi responded, and stepped into the room. "What is it?"

"Well, Shampoo wants ta have another shoppin' trip."

"She wants to go shopping with you again?"

"Nope. She wants ta go shoppin' with you. What she wants ta do is have a nice time goin' out where it's only girls. Meanin' no guys."

"That does sound interesting..."

"It certainly does," Kasumi said, and clapped her hands together in delight. "We could have so much fun, couldn't we?"

"I'm sure that you girls would really enjoy yourselves. Why, I can remember the days when I used to 'hang around' with my friends," Nodoka sighed dreamily.

"You had a lot of fun, didn't you, Auntie?"

"Oh, it was always enjoyable. We would shop even if we didn't have a lot of money at that particular moment. It was more the company that was the point, rather than the actual buying. Though, getting things was fun."

"Then why don't you go shopping now?" Kodachi asked.

"Why would I have to?"

"You don't wear a kimono all the time, do you?"

Nodoka pursed her lips. "Actually..."

"Why would ya wanna mention this, Kodachi?" Ranma asked, frowning slightly. "I mean, if she wants ta wear a kimono, it's her business."

"If I offended you, or your mother, my Lord, I apologize. My actions were not meant to do that. Rather, I had to question something."

"And that is..."

"Why your mother only wears one sort of outfit. I mean, it is appealing on her, but she is a lovely woman who could wear a large assortment of styles well without loosing any of her clear respectability."

"Ya mean..."

"She's an attractive woman who doesn't look like age has touched her at all. Why shouldn't she dress to show off her beauty in styles other than traditional Japanese ones?"

A low blush rose up from Nodoka's slender neck, and covered her face with its heated red color.

Ranma glanced over at his mother... and then stared as he realized that his mom was actually quite the looker, which brought up an immediate desire to guard her.

"She is, isn't she? It's nice of you to tell her of that, Kodachi," Kasumi praised the younger girl,

The Nekohanten was one of the two major places to go in Nerima for those who were wanting to go out for a nice bit to eat. It was a place where high school students, teachers, salarymen, and local business people would all come to eat the same tasty food. Each group had its own reason to go there, but there wasn't the feeling that there was one particular sort of person who went in there.

That normally was a feeling that Daisuke got from the restaurant, but he couldn't help but sit there, leaning his head against one hand as he poked at his food with the chopsticks in the other. He watched the movements of the other patrons, as well as a certain pair of waitresses. "Hey, Hiroshi."

"Hmm?" the lighter haired boy grunted, his mouth full of the ramen that he'd been trying to cram into it. Swallowing what he'd been chewing, he stared at his friend. "What is it, Dai?"

"You know, I was thinking."

"About what?"

"How great it is to be able to do this."

"What? Eat?" Hiroshi asked, his confusion showing in his tones.

"Nope. In how we're able to see girls like we do. And how great it is to have Akane as a waitress."

"That's true. We might not be able to have her for ourselves, but..."

Nodding, the dark haired boy gave a half smile. "Pretty much. Though, imagine what it would be like if she was totally a waitress."

"Huh?"

"Think about it. She'd have to be polite, demur, respectful, and always looking to serve someone's interests."

"Oh, and she'd be looking so wonderful in a skimpy uniform..."

"Except..."

"What?"

"That much isn't something that we have to wait to see."

"You're right about that. If anything, those Chinese outfits are her version of a uniform," Hiroshi agreed.

"That's true enough," the other boy agreed, and the pair of them turned their attention to where Akane was serving a nearby table.

There was nothing terribly strange about it, as this was her job, yet they paid her a lot of attention, for good reason. For the first pair of bowls, she just had to place the food in front of the customers next to her. But then she had to reach across a table to give it to those at the other side. When she did that, it caused her tiny skirt to ride up, giving the two boys a good view of a long length of shapely and slim legs.

Yet, those smooth limbs were only the guides to the priceless view that was higher up. A hitch in her skirt sent it higher than normal, allowing them a better view of what was normally beneath it. The smooth curve of her rear was visibly in all its glory, making any sort of photo from a porn magazine have less worth in that moment. Her buttocks had that round shape that seemed to be meant to be held in a man's palm, and the tone of the two cheeks, muscular and firm without being stiff, was just beginning to be moulding to a guy's fingertips. Over that taut muscle was a skin that was like satin, and without a single blemish. Then there were the high cut panties that kept away from the more obvious display of a g-string, but covered her with just enough cling so that the cleft between the buttocks became a smooth white valley.

And that simple and light cloth made for a tight white patch between her toned thighs.

Needless to say, the two boys were rather... pleased by the view, which was so good that it was painful.

"We are very lucky, aren't we?" Hiroshi asked, with his jaw trembling and his eyes unmoving from the wondrous sight before him.

Daisuke had to struggle to have enough substance to his focus on reality to give a weak laugh. "Definitely."

"And there is plenty to dream about," the light haired boy sighed, and looked to where Shampoo was nearly skipping along with the drinks for the table Akane was at, her large bosom jiggling as it bounced along with the rest of her body.

As soon as she bent over next to her friend and co-worker, the pair of male friends were treated to the view of lush buttocks that had the tone of an athlete, and the sort of creamy skin that women always tried to get. They had a curve that were calling for tight dresses and short skirts, which could only maximize their attractiveness. And her panties were even skimpier than Akane's, giving a great view of both cheeks, with the tease of almost seeing between them making so much more inviting.

Both boys knew that they were the only ones who could see those gorgeous asses, but they were a little to frozen into other sensations at that point to acknowledge that fact.

"'Roshi?" the darker haired boy whimpered, unable to even shift in his seat to find a comfortable position.

His friend could barely move his mouth, never mind the rest of his body. "Great sights, aren't they? I want to get that..."

"I'd have to agree..."

"Do you think that they'd ever..."

"We'd have to ask them..."

"They'd never agree," the two boys chorused in a groan, and let their shoulders slump in acknowledgement of the glorious opportunities denied to them.

"We need girlfriends," Daisuke sighed.

Hiroshi barely raised himself out of his defeated stupor to raise his brows at his companion. "Who? Them?"

"Not them. We need girls of our own. If we could have hot babes of our own, we could enjoy that sort of image all the time."

"I... think that you have a point."

"Unfortunately..."

Both boys sighed as they realized that their dating prospects were... limited.

Leaning back in his chair, Principal Kuno sighed. "Dis can be a big problem, since de choices be up in de air."

"I thought that you had chosen to have either the sports festival, or the cultural festival," Hinako commented.

"Dose be a good pair of choices. But..."

"What?"

"I've been dinkin', and I've wondered... What about a school trip? Even if we send them to Osaka, that would be a big effort..."

"That's true..." she admitted.

Not that he seemed to notice. "I have to be comin' up with de good ideas. Dis one? I don't be knowin' if it is this should be something for later grades, special circumstances, or what else would be doin' them something fun."

"I see."

"But, could you be doin' me one little favor?"

"Like what?"

"Be rubbin' the sunscreen on me."

Hinako took one look at how he was stretched out in a deck chair on the school roof and frowned. "That is not an... activity that I want to deal wtih."

"If you be sayin' so...

There were moments in his life when Ryoga felt totally lost. This was one of them, and he couldn't fight his way out of it. All he could do was to rub the back of his head and laugh nervously.

"You really think that we should be moving him about?" asked Makie.

Atsui nodded, and hung her schoolbag over her shoulder. "We can't make our locker room his home for the rest of his life, right?"

"You're right about that."

"We can all agree on that one," Yoko agreed. "But there is one thing that we do have to think of."

"And that is..."

"Should one of us take him home to stay overnight?"

The Lost Boy tried to imagine what it would be like to spend the night under the same roof as a cute girl, and blushed very hard as his nose started to ache.

Being a warrior was something that Shampoo had been raised to do ever since she was a little girl, but she couldn't help feeling that there was something special about being a waitress. Sure, it was a huge step away from being able to fight for honor and the defense of what one cared about, but there was a friendly sort of atmosphere in a restaurant. She knew that she was getting to have fun being around the customers, and enjoying the opportunity to be a part of their lives, in addition to creating something that was built with a definite eye towards stability.

So, it was with a bit of pride that she walked into the back room and found her friend crouched down next to some shelves. Smirking, she headed right for the Japanese girl. "You hiding here, Akane?"

"Oh, I didn't expect you to be coming here," Akane replied, brushing off her skirt as she rose to a standing position. "And no, I didn't exactly come here to 'hide'."

"Shampoo know that. Great-grandmama say she send you here for chopsticks. Just thought joke be better to say."

"I figured as much. But still..."

"Don't tell Shampoo that you really do need to hide," the Amazon said incredulously.

"Don't be absurd. I just needed a breather. There's a lot of work, you know."

"True. Is very busy time."

The Japanese girl nodded. "Yes, and I'm fine with it, and the work. You just need time to pull back and relax once in a while, you know."

"That simple idea. You able to keep up now, and no have any trouble with dealing with stupid pervert boys."

"You're right about that, though..."

"What?"

"I have this feeling that something happened," Akane murmured, her eyes narrowing in thought.

"You mean someone try something?"

"No, no, nothing like that. It's like something... not so... pure happened, and I didn't notice it. Like I bumped into someone in an embarrassing way, but didn't realize that it'd happened."

"Oh," Shampoo responded with a small grin. "That."

"You know about that."

"Shampoo have entire plan about those happenings."

"You do?"

Crossing her arms over her sizable chest, the purple haired girl gave a single deep nod. "It very simple. Boy insist on getting frisky? Hit very hard, and when he too surprised by that, kick him out of restaurant. Stupid boy try something simple, and you smack, making sure he know that not good idea to continue. He get surprise, like rub not meant to do, from you? If he take as invitation, give good hit. But if he no try anything, leave him with smile."

"You'd have customers stare at me with dirty thoughts, and then treat it as a... treat for them."

"Last part... okay, but remember this. Boys who no try anything when that get accidental rub from pretty girl mean they actually have self control. That mean, if they get nice time, then they be happy, and at most, you get starring role in daydreams for a little while. Not like any different than normal."

Akane remembered the guys who'd thought that she would be a good candidate for their 'romances' and scowled. "Don't I know it."

"Then all can do is try and keep accident down to as little as possible. Remember, if they no try to get 'accident', even without intention, then it your fault when happen. Best you can do is be careful, since they be good boys too. Always keep in mind that many boys be like dogs. Some growling all the time, some can't control selves, and some well trained and behaved. Deal with them as you see fit."

"You really have this all figured out, don't you?"

"Is experience talking. And Shampoo not 'barbarian bimbo' you think she is when she come to this place."

"That you aren't..." Akane admitted softly,

Closing the restaurant up for the night was always a big chore, but Cologne was never one to skimp on having those she assigned chores. Even though she could have herself or Mousse do them, she had always made it clear that her two waitresses were to go through the whole job, and not simply do only that which might be martial arts training. The idea behind it was very simple, as it provided not only a sense of responsibility, but also one of completion.

Besides, it also go her out of having to do it, and that sort of work was what one gave young bodies to do.

So, for Akane, it was a familiar sight to see Shampoo turning the sign to 'closed'. "Looks like we're all done."

"Is so. Not many things to do, but none of them very interesting," Shampoo cheerfully agreed, lifting her small bag.

"I know what you mean. Having to collect napkin holders isn't exactly my idea of fun either."

"Shampoo only know that it not what expected when leave village..."

"Well, you were on a mission to 'kill the Outsider woman'," the Japanese girl reminded her with a slightly mocking raise to her brows as they started walking to her house. "And now you're on a walk to where you can go and 'be' with him."

"That something that Shampoo definitely look forward to!"

"I'll bet. Though... Why take a bag? I mean, knowing how things go around my house lately, you'll probably spend a lot of time... you know... sort of... naked?"

The Amazon gave her friend a flat look. "Does Akane wear dirty clothing she take off day before? Shampoo not do that, so long as have other thing to wear. Need at least one dress, and panties to go home in."

"Oh, right..."

"What? You think that Shampoo should sleep in clothing?"

"Of course not!" Akane protested... and then saw that the other girl was just teasing her. She took a big sniff of mock-disdain, and passed her gaze over the other girl's shapely figure. If she were going to be honest, Shampoo probably would look great even if she pranced about in the nude. After all, with her big breasts, and the hormones of a lot of the local boys, there wouldn't be as many complaints as there might be for another streaker.

Not that she couldn't understand the boys' fascination with those large orbs. They were so full and firm that they seemed to defy gravity at times, and they would give one's hands a lot to handle. Simply imagining putting one's mouth to them was enough to make a person lick their lips.

It wasn't that she was into her friend like that, at all... really. She just had to wonder about what it was that made them so appealing, as she did have to admit that the Chinese girl had some wonderful cleavage. In everything that she wore, she looked sexy, which was something that many girls felt rather intimidated by. Then again, Shampoo regularly dressed in Chinese outfits, so it wasn't like anyone could really know if there was a bad outfit for her. However, as she looked at the other girl, Akane could mentally 'see' her friend's outfit go from a simple dress to a miniskirt, boots, jacket, and a blouse that moulded to her impressive breasts.

Akane found that she had to smack herself in the face with both hands to get the mental image out of her head.

"Something wrong, Akane?" Shampoo asked, frowning in obviously honest concern.

"No, nothing!" the surprised girl blurted, hoping that her companion didn't catch the direction of her thoughts. "Nothing to worry about!"

"Is that so..."

"Absolutely!"

"That good to hear... Shampoo think."

"Trust me, it is," Akane told her with all the confidence that she could fake."

"Oh. Okay..."

"Okay."

The Chinese girl frowned slightly, but let any questions that she had pass by, unasked.

That allowed Akane to breathe a sigh of relief, and she wondered just where her head was taking her. Sure, she knew that there seemed to be a fascination with big breasts, but she'd never been one to go for grabbing them. Though, she did get some comfort from the fact that any feelings of desiring to touch another girl was eclipsed by her desire for Ranma. Hell, at times, she couldn't believe that she wanted him so badly that she basically turned into an animal of lust.

If anything though, she wondered what it would be like to have big breasts herself. Shampoo certainly had them, and her sisters did too. Then there was Ukyo, who managed to disguise herself as a boy, despite having a sizable bust of her own. Even Ranma had a big bust as a girl, and it was kind of sad that she had one of, if not, the, smallest bust out of the girls who were around him. On the other hand, he did seem to now like her chest just the way it was, what with how he seemed to need to grope them when they slept together. That might have come up when they were hot, sweat slicked, and totally lost to their lusts, but she could definitely recall the memories of the times when he'd lavished attention on her breasts with crystal clear clarity.

Her mouth opened a bit, a deep blush hit her cheeks, and her eyes got a far away look in them.

This time, Shampoo knew that something was up with her fellow waitress. "Why you get such odd look, Akane?"

"Memories. My breasts. Ranma's hands. No clothes," Akane murmured, too lost in thought to stop to consider her words.

"That would do it."

"What? Oh... Didn't mean to let it go that far."

"No worry. Shampoo know what it like. But just remember one thing."

"What's that?"

"We have other things to look forward to. Kasumi cooking, time with friends, and quiet without interruptions," chirped the purple haired girl.

"You're right about that!"

"Then we need to get going!"

"Come on, Shampoo! Let's get to the house already!" the youngest Tendo declared, giggling along with her friend as they started to race towards the dojo.

It was a simple little idea, and was one that Happosai had to wonder why he hadn't come up with it before. There were all sorts of 'clubs' and 'societies' that girls and women would create together, which would likely be a good place to find plenty of lovely young things to give an old man his comfort in his declining years. He could imagine himself racing into a room full of business women in tight business suits that showed off their long legs and sizable busts, or heading into a hall where schoolgirls would have dressed up for some sort of 'society' event. Such mental images made him have to ask himself just why he didn't go for things like that before.

The answer was probably due to the fact that he'd just landed outside a door with a banner over it that read 'Metropolitan Concerned Women's Citizen Council'.

But he ignored that little detail, and decided that this would be the moment when he took advantage of this little bonus. His anticipation of coming across a group of sexy young sweethearts who would have their arms wide to give poor folks like him some loving care, and who would have some choice lingerie for him to... acquire. Once his decision was made, there was only one thing to do, and that was to put his idea into action. Shoving the doors open, he leapt into the room, and knelt there with a smile on his face, and his hands out to grasp the love that he was sure that he'd receive.

What he saw made him wilt quite a bit. Instead of the sexy young women that he'd been sure that he'd see, he was looking at women who tended towards hair packed tightly to their head, had squat and broad bodies, and who dressed only in what was 'sensible'. There were even a couple who were clearly well practiced on taking drags on cigarettes. In that awful moment, he realized that this was not a group that recruited volunteers who were young and attractive, but was a local busybody society that was made up of middle aged housewives.

And he wasn't too certain that he liked the glint in their eyes, so he bolted... with them yelling and following close behind.

Ranma had gotten used to seeing his pet girl in the nude a long time ago. He couldn't stop from admitting to himself that having this girl quite obviously his and ready to make love to was a heady thing. That fact was even more astonishing, given who she was, and he knew that they had a deep connection that wasn't just from the sex, as good as it was.

Still, it was kind of... strange to see a naked girl who was studying in the same way that she might if she was fully dressed.

"Ummm... Nabiki?" he murmured.

His pet turned her head slightly to make eye contact as she spoke to him. "Yes, Master?"

"What is it that you're studyin'? It doesn't look like any textbook I've seen..."

"Oh, it's just a book on Amazon hierarchy and societal issues translated into Japanese that Cologne gave me to read up on," she answered simply

"'Heir' what?"

"Who runs what, and what's the 'traditional' way of things there."

"Oh..." he responded, seeming to relax just a bit.

"You know, Master..."

"What?"

"Is something bothering you?" she asked, rolling onto her side to face him better. "You seem... distracted today."

His mind was jolted from his surprise of seeing her breasts shift with her motion. "Huh? What d'ya mean?"

"I 'mean' that you seem to have something on your mind."

"I do? Can't think of much that happened, except..."

"What?"

"I just found out that my Mom's... attractive," he grumbled, looking rather put out by the idea.

"You make it sound like it's something new..."

"It is to me! Well, okay, I already knew that she looked like a real lady, but still... It's kind of a big leap from that, ta realizin' that your Mom's a... a..."

"'Babe'?"

His expression turned flatter than a piece of paper. "Don't ever call her that again."

"Sure thing, Master."

"Good. Man! Knowin' that guys'll think that my Mom's someone that they'd like ta be with is so... so..."

"'Annoying'?"

"I was gonna say 'frightening', but that fits too."

"Just relax, Master, and thank your luck that you have a pretty mom," Nabiki told him, with an attempt at a reassuring smile.

"Why should I? What is there ta really get excited 'bout?"

"You can show her off, you know. And the fact of the matter is that you can really respect her. I mean, she probably could have plenty of guys at her feet, and yet she really hasn't tried to find even an admirer."

"Hey..." her Owner whispered, clearly liking that line of thought. "You're right..."

"And there is something else to remember."

"What's that?"

"You're lucky that your mom's so beautiful, since you got your looks from her. Just imagine what it would be like if you got your appearance from your father's side."

A mental image of a younger version of his father with a pigtail and Chinese clothing came into Ranma's mind, and he felt fairly nauseous as he thought of that possibility. "Okay, now that's a good thing hands down. Thanks for that, Nabiki."

"Anytime, Master," she answered with a grin, while:

Master's Way: Full And Empty [Episode 169586]

by Kender

Ever since he'd found the book, Ranma's life had changed. From where he'd once been the point of contention between several girls, he was now in quite the rather comfortable spot. Two girls 'belonged to' him, a third was his 'servant', and three girls were his 'lovers', all of which was pretty amazing for a guy who had only to be approached by a girl to be flustered.

So, he was sitting comfortably, and had turned to smile as he heard Akane's voice calling from the door. He'd welcomed the arrival of the two girls, and knew that he would want to have them around, rather than racing away from them. Now the running was different, as it was Shampoo charging towards him, leaping to wrap her arms around his head as she mashed his face into the valley between her sizable breasts.

Well, some things hadn't changed.

"Shampoo so so happy to see Master!" the Amazon girl chirped, happily tightening her hug.

"Niph tiph sea ya tuv," he muttered from in her cleavage as he tried to wriggle free. "Juf oun fing?"

"Eh?"

"Lmme doh..."

"What you say?"

"Ah ned t'breete..."

"Huh? Shampoo no understand."

"I believe that he is mentioning something about wanting to breathe, Shampoo-chan," Nabiki drawled with a small smirk.

"Why he have problem with that?"

"Look."

The Chinese girl glanced down... and saw that her Master was currently being smothered by the firm mounds pushing out the top of her dress. Yelling with dismay, she pushed him away from her, and pressed her palms together. "Shampoo sorry! Not mean to suffocate Master!"

"It's okay," he sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Ya realized what was happenin' soon enough, so there ain't any harm done."

"Really?"

"Yup. I'm fine, and happy to see ya."

"That make Shampoo so happy!" Shampoo declared... as she leapt onto her Owner and began to rub up against him again. Fortunately though, she kept her arms around his chest this time, and merely knocked him down to the floor as she started to give him a deep kiss as a greeting.

"Ugh..." grunted Akane as she held her hand over her eyes, even as she sighed in resignation over how enthusiastically her friend really was when it came to Ranma.

Each evening, the emptiness of her restaurant was not a lonely place for Ukyo. She could paint the scene of any moment during the work day, as she knew that, when it was open, the Ucchan's was a happy and crowded place. For someone who truly enjoyed the atmosphere of a cheerful restaurant, it wasn't hard to see the shadows of customers who'd already come, and the images of those who were going to be there soon enough. And in each instance, it was clear that she could feel pride and joy welling up with each time that she looked around at her restaurant after a busy day.

But there was one issue that wasn't quite following her usual sort of script.

"They have to be there by now... Ah man. They go to have fun, but I'm stuck here. I know that I had to work, and that we don't live together, but... I want to be hanging out with them too," she groused, as she hung her head,

As Kodachi sat in her room, thinking about her Lord and her situation with him, she began to feel… well… rather confused. Not about her sex life, of course — she enjoyed serving her Lord in any capacity she could, and she did not mind that Ranma maintained a relationship with five other women. No, what worried her was the sixth woman whom her Lord apparently had a relationship with — the redheaded harridan.

Kodachi had first noticed that something was off a long time ago — near the beginning of her service to Ranma, in fact. Occasionally, she would see the redheaded harridan show up in the Tendo household from time to time. She would have said something, but it had always seemed that the other residents of the household tolerated her presence, even expecting her to be there. In fact, although she wasn't entirely sure, it seemed that the chef Ukyo Kuonji may even have had a physical relationship with her, possibly even giving the redhead the privilege of her first sexual encounter. However, even then, Kodachi had kept her silence, as her Lord did not seem to find this troubling.

All this changed the day her Lord's mother arrived at the Tendo household. It was then that Kodachi first heard the others speak of her nemesis as what she really was — a curse, a despicable woman who was hell-bent on keeping Ranma-sama for herself, while leaving the rest of his lovers in the cold. Of course, she didn't quite understand what all this talk of a "girl side" was, but it was doubtless part of the sorceress's evil scheme. She had considered raising her voice at that point, but then, Nodoka had proclaimed that she did not have a problem with the situation, so Kodachi had let the matter rest for the moment — it would not have been proper to openly contradict her Lord's mother in the presence of her Lord.

Still, she couldn't understand explain how everyone could speak of the strumpet in such negative terms at one moment, only to treat her as one of their own the next. In fact, now that she thought of it, Kodachi was reasonably sure that she had seen her Lord's pet address the redheaded bitch in a tone that she ought to have been reserving for Ranma-sama. She had been confused then, and she was even more confused now. I know that she's after my Lord, but why would she be so affectionate around his other lovers? And more importantly, why on earth would they want to return that affection? Unless…

Kodachi gasped as the truth dawned on her — the redheaded harridan was not only trying to seduce her Lord, but was obviously intent on taking all of Ranma-sama's lovers as well! Indeed, she must have bewitched them all, for how else could she explain the ease with which they accepted her presence? Why, she had even been so brazen as to addle the mind of poor Ukyo Kuonji, tricking the chef into surrendering the virginity which she had so obviously been saving for Kodachi's Lord to her! And now, as Kodachi remembered the lighthearted way in which Nodoka had spoken of the fiend, another, even more startling realization came to her: the strumpet was beginning to cloud the mind of Ranma-sama's mother the same way!

"No!" cried Kodachi as she suddenly sprang to her feet. "I must not allow this sorceress to meddle in my Lord's affairs any longer! For too long, I have sat idly by, neglecting my solemn duties as a servant and allowing her to poison the minds of my Lord and his loves. But no more!"

The gymnast quickly went to her personal vault, where she kept her deadliest weapons and her most potent concoctions, and armed herself for the coming confrontation. It would not be easy — likely as not, her Lord's other loves would resist her, not realizing that they were under the harridan's influence. She truly did not wish to hurt them, but she was prepared to do so if necessary, knowing that they would be grateful once their minds had been freed from the redheaded witch's vile influence. And Ranma-sama….

Surely her Lord would be pleased with her work — he was a very pragmatic man, after all. No doubt he would be cross if one in the unfortunate event that she had to hurt one of his loves, but when he realized that in so doing, she had saved them all from the hell of the harridan's thrall, surely her reward would be great.

After one last double-check to make sure that all of her gear was in place, Kodachi took to the rooftops of Nerima, intent on meting out justice upon her redheaded nemesis. Beware, harridan. Your day of reckoning has come!

That's all