Ranma ½ – Happily Ever After

Disclaimer: Ranma ½ is the property of Takahashi Rumiko and all those other large corporations that publish and distribute Ranma ½. No profit is gained from this work, just a great deal of enjoyment writing it.

Chapter 88 – A Day in the Lives…

"You're not angry with me, are you?" Yoshio asked.

He and Sayuri were walking hand in hand back to Akane and Ranma's house. The sun hadn't risen yet and the morning air was cool, but not nearly as cold as it had been for the last few days.

"No, I'm not angry with you," Sayuri replied. "I understand what you're saying… And I know you're right… But still…"

"What we did last night did feel pretty good though… Didn't it?

Sayuri didn't answer immediately, but slowly a smile appeared on her face. "Yeah… It did feel pretty good… You really do like playing with my boobs."

"Yes I do… And I liked the way you warmed me up too."

Yoshio began to chuckle. "I can't believe that we walked right in front of your house last night."

"By that time of night, if my dad isn't working, my parents are already in bed," Sayuri replied, "… and my grandmother is in bed and asleep by eight. I wasn't worried about anybody from my house seeing us. When it gets warmer, would you like to do something like that again?"

"I guess I wouldn't mind… although… it looks like the police aren't patrolling like they were right after they caught the molester."

"My dad says that having the extra police in the park was just for public relations. They really didn't have any intention of establishing any long term patrols there. They just put some extra bodies there for a few days until the whole mess blew over. Dad says that there's a lot of that going on in the city."

"So… do you think the team might start doing special training runs again in the park?"

"Probably… You like the special training runs, don't you? Who do you like to see running naked?"

"I think Akane is pretty… and so is Hikari… But really, the one like seeing naked is you."

"Oh… really… What would you do if I took my clothes off right now?"

"I'd tell you that you're crazy."

"But you wouldn't stop me?"

"Probably not," Yoshio said with a big grin.

"Oh really…" Sayuri responded and began to unbutton the buttons on her coat.

Yoshio said nothing.

Once Sayuri had finished unbuttoning her coat, she removed it and handed it to Yoshio, who still said nothing.

Slowly she began to unbutton the buttons on her blouse.

Yoshio remained silent… until was just about to unbutton the last button on her blouse.

"Did you ever consider who else you might be providing entertainment for?"

Sayuri stopped. "What do you mean?"

"I mean… like for the sanitation workers that just pulled on to the street."

Sayuri turned to look at the trash pickup truck that had just pulled on to the street. "Give me my coat," Sayuri said.

Yoshio obliged immediately.

Once her coat was in place and they began walking again, she asked, "Would you have really let me strip naked?"

"Probably not… I don't think I would have let you take you slacks off… at least not now."

"But you were perfectly willing to let me take off my blouse and bra."

"I figured you could throw your coat back on to cover up if you had to." Yoshio put his arm around Sayuri and said, "… And honestly, I wouldn't mind if you took all of your clothes off once we got back up to my room."

Sayuri chuckled. "You are turning into quite a pervert… But… then again… you're my pervert." Sayuri kissed Yoshio on the cheek. "… so I don't mind that at all."

"What would you like for breakfast?" Suzuko asked.

Suzuko, Kenji, Aoi and Rei were all still all cuddled up under the covers.

"Miso and rice will be fine," Kenji replied. "Most mornings at home that's all that we have for breakfast."

"We still have some horse mackerel left," Aoi said, "and I could always make omelets."

"If it wouldn't be too much effort to grill the mackerel," Kenji answered, "that will be fine."

"I think we still have bread and jam," Suzuko said.

"That would be good too," Kenji replied, "but it might be best to keep it simple… especially if we're going to get out of here and get to your practice."

"I think the mackerel will be more than enough," Rei said.

"What time is it anyway?" Kenji asked.

"I think it's a little before eight," Rei replied, "… I think. I'm not used to reading a clock with hands on it."

"It's ten minutes to eight," Aoi said after sitting up and looking at the clock.

"So… what time do you want to get to school for practice?" Rei asked.

"I don't expect anyone to be there before ten," Aoi replied, "but I'm not expecting you to come to practice with us."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Rei said. "Watching what you do on the balance beam is pretty awesome."

"Thanks," Aoi said as a hint of a blush appeared on her cheeks. "If all we're going to have is the mackerel, rice and miso… I can handle that myself. Why don't the three of you get your showers and get dressed. Then once we're done with breakfast, I can hop into the shower, get dressed and then head off to school for practice."

"Are you suggesting that we all shower together?" Rei asked sarcastically.

"Not really…" Aoi replied, "… but if that's what you want to do, go ahead. I can't imagine any of us are going to be shy about being seen naked after last night's game… especially you Rei."

"It did almost seem like he was intentionally trying to lose," Suzuko said.

"I was not intentionally trying to lose," Rei responded. "I just forgot that three of a kind beats two pair… And Suzu didn't seem like she was trying that hard to win."

"I've never played poker before," Suzuko responded. "I had no idea what was a good hand and what wasn't."

"Maybe we could try again tonight," Aoi said, "and Rei can take some time to explain the rules better and redeem himself."

"Good morning," Hikari said to Yuriko as Hikari walked into the kitchen. "How long have you been up?"

Yuriko was sitting at the kitchen table… paperwork scattered in front of her… with a steaming cup of coffee by her right hand.

"It was probably some time around five," Yuriko replied. "I really didn't bother to look at a clock… What time is it now?"

"It's a little after eight… Do you always get up this early?"

"Usually… except after a real binge. I didn't wake you up, did I?"

"No… I needed to go to the bathroom."

"Miyuki is still sleeping?"

"Yeah," Hikari replied as she made her way to the stove to make some coffee for herself. "I'm just going to let her sleep. There's no real reason for her to get up."

"I didn't think she drank that much," Yuriko said.

"She… we didn't," Hikari answered, "but we talked until well after two in the morning. Miyuki wasn't ready to hear some of the things her mom said and some of the things her mom said really bothered her."

"Her mom did get rather talkative… but I wouldn't worry about what her mom was saying. Most of it was probably bullshit fueled by how much she had to drink."

"I don't doubt that. She polished off most of the bottle of mint. I wasn't sure she was going to be able to walk out to the cab."

"I know. When they left, there was still half of the bottle that her dad and I were drinking left… But there wasn't even a sip of the mint left." Yuriko took a drink from her coffee mug. "I'm going to assume that Miyuki isn't going to put any clothing on today either."

"Nope…" Hikari replied with a chuckle. "When I asked about going to school for practice, she said that was fine, but if she went, she would be going naked."

"In some ways I'm looking forward to tomorrow's episode of Sailor Moon."

"So am I. She's being her usual stubborn self… and I think she's getting a little too comfortable walking around naked."

"You think…" Yuriko said after she finished the coffee in her cup.

"Would you like some more coffee?" Hikari asked. "And what would you like for breakfast?"

"More coffee would be good… But probably nothing more than toast for breakfast."

"I'm not going to let you get away with just eating toast," Hikari said. "How about an omelet… or maybe just fried eggs?"

"Fine… Fine…"

Yuriko began to shuffle through and arrange the paperwork on the table.

"What is all of that?" Hikari asked.

"It's paperwork for the Regional Tournament. I'm trying to make sure I filed all the necessary forms," Yuriko said as she picked up one sheet of paper. "Hmmm… It looks like they're trying to fix the scoring system so the same thing that happened at our Prefecture Tournament doesn't happen at the regionals'. Scores will be calculated out to two decimal places… And they are going to be more judges. Seven judges for artistic merit and five judges to assign a difficulty factor to each routine. Then once they work their mathematical magic on it, the score will be converted to a value from zero to ten… And the whole system will be computerized."

"It sounds like it's going to be another mess," Hikari replied.

"It probably will be, but the regional committee doesn't have much of a choice. The scoring rules are from the national committee."

"They probably want the Regions to work out the bugs before they use it for the National Tournament."

"Probably…" Yuriko shuffled through a few more papers then stopped. "Hmmm… This might be an issue…"

"What is?" Hikari responded.

Yuriko passed the sheet of paper to Hikari and said, "My understanding was that they decided to have the Regional Tournament in Mito because there was a new state-of-the-art sports facility there, but it looks like the tournament is going to be held at one of the local high school gyms."

"That wouldn't work out very well," Hikari said after perusing the information on the page and then handing it back to Yuriko.

"No it wouldn't… Not at all…" Yuriko said, "and I've been looking up hotel information for the Mito area. There really aren't many viable options."

"So, what do you think will happen?"

""The Regional Tournament planning committee is going to have a meeting in Mito after the first of the year… I guess primarily to tour the tournament venue. You and Miyuki and Akane and Ranma should probably come with me for the day and check it out."

"You run and work out like that every morning?" Natsume asked.

Natsume, Karumi, Akane, Ranma, Kasumi, Yuka, Hiroshi, Sayuri, Yoshio, Fumiko and Jun had just gathered around the dining room table, after the morning run and workout, for breakfast.

"Most mornings," Ranma replied (in his female form), "weather…and schedule… permitting. The holiday party and the gymnastics' tournaments kind of messed up the schedule lately though."

"Ranma and Akane actually went out running almost every day while they were on their honeymoon," Aka-chan said.

"I can think of better things to do on a honeymoon than running and working out," Yuka said.

"Oh… we did plenty of that too," Akane said. Noting her father's and Megumi's absence, she asked, "Kasumi… any idea where dad and Megumi are?"

"I'm not exactly sure," Kasumi replied, "but they were up and out while everyone was out for their run. Something about catching the early train to downtown and not to expect them back before dinner."

"I wonder what's up," Ranma asked.

"I'm not sure," Kasumi answered, "They just said that they had some errand to run… And just to let everyone else know, I promised Tofu that I'd help him with his end of the year filing this morning and then this afternoon I need to go to the University and talk with my advisor about what courses I need to take when school starts. I probably won't be home until late, so I was thinking of take out… unless someone would like to go shopping and cook dinner."

When no one responded, Kasumi said. "I thought so… What are everyone else's plans for the day?"

"The gymnastics' team is going to have an informal warm-up and practice this morning," Akane said. "We need to start getting ready for the Regional Tournament in February and sitting around until school starts back up again isn't going to help… But I don't expect practice to go much beyond noon… And then after that, Aka-chan and I are taking Natsume and Karumi shopping."

"That would be good," Kasumi said. "I was planning to do that, but I wasn't exactly sure when I would get a chance."

"We can't go shopping," Natsune began to say. "Karumi and I don't have the money to go…"

Kasumi cut her off, "You don't need to worry about money."

"What do you mean that we don't need to worry about money?" Natsume asked. "My sister and I won't live here if all we're doing is mooching."

"You won't be mooching," Akane responded. "Ranma and I came up with an idea so that you and your sister can help contribute to the household budget."

"How's that?" Natsume asked.

"Well… would you consider helping Akane and me teach some of our martial arts classes?" Ranma asked.

"Teach classes…" Karumi asked. "What do you mean?"

"Ranma and I are probably going to start college in April and we won't have as much time to teach our martial arts classes. Yuka and Fumiko have been helping me teach my beginners' classes, but Ranma and I could use some help with our intermediate and advanced classes."

"But Karumi and I aren't qualified to teach."

"You're as qualified as anyone of us is," Ranma responded.

"It would probably be only one or two classes a week," Akane said, "until summer break."

"But our styles are so different," Natsume said.

"That's the whole point of Anything Goes Martial Arts," Ranma said. "Even though our styles are different, the basics are still the same… And it will be good for our students to see some different styles."

"Do you really think my sister and I could teach?" Karumi asked.

"I'm sure of it," Akane said.

Ukyo and Ryoga were sitting at a table in the restaurant finishing up their breakfast when Ukyo said, "This is driving me crazy. I should be doing something… like grating nagaimo or chopping cabbage."

"But you don't need to do that," Ryoga said. "You're not opening today."

"I know that," Ukyo replied, "but I still feel like I need to be doing something."

Ryoga chuckled. "I know what you mean. I feel like Mousse and I should be getting our tools together to work on some job."

"Where is Mousse?" Ukyo asked. "I haven't seen him all morning."

"He went out with Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung to do the grocery shopping for the day," Ryoga answered. "And Mizuki is helping Ya-Ling and Shampoo get the kids bathed and dressed."

"I could be helping Shampoo with that," Ukyo said.

"I think Shampoo and Ya-Ling and Mizuki have the situation well in hand. And Shampoo said herself that she really needs to get used to taking care of the girls… especially Ju and Lan."

Ukyo sighed. "They are so cute."

Ryoga recognized the sigh. He had heard it several times since the children had arrived from China. "Someday… Uchan… Someday we'll have our own family."

"I know that…"

After several seconds of silence Ryoga asked, "What time are your parents scheduled to arrive?"

"Their train is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo at ten and they should be at the Nerima station by eleven. What time will your parents get here?"

"Akemi said that she would try to have then here, at the restaurant, by noon… Then we can all have lunch together and then go to the registrar's office to fill out the necessary paperwork."

"I hope it doesn't rain on the way to the registrar's office."

"I don't think that would be as bad as if it rained tomorrow on the way to the temple."

"I suppose you're right," Ukyo replied.

There was a long silence that Ukyo finally broke by asking, "Ryoga… Do you realize that by dinner time tonight we'll be officially married? Are you nervous about getting married?"

"I would by lying if I said that I wasn't at least a little nervous."

"So am I..."

"Ranma said that he was nervous before his wedding."

"Akane said that she was nervous too… So… I guess it's perfectly natural for us to feel this way."

"I guess it is… Uchan… I love you."

"I love you too…"

Aimi set a steaming cup of tea down on the table and sat down across from her mother.

"How is your friend?" Aimi's mom asked timidly.

"I don't know," Aimi replied. "She didn't stop throwing up until after two and after that she spent most of the night shivering, even with me cuddled up with her and under three heavy blankets… She seems to be sleeping peacefully at the moment… But I don't really know. When I asked her if she was all right before I got her into bed last night, she said something about feeling like there were snakes and spiders crawling all over her."

"I think she'll feel better once she's had a chance to get a little more sleep," Aimi's mom responded. "She just had a little too much to drink."

Aimi looked directly at her mother and exclaimed, "Mom! Kazuko didn't just have a little too much to drink… she had way too much to drink. We all had way too much to drink. They had to carry Yuna and Fukumi upstairs because they were incapable of walking under their own power… And you and Sachiko didn't help things when you insisted that we had to finish what was left in the bottle we had before we got home. I'm surprised that Sachiko was able to walk up the stairs to the apartment…" Aimi paused for a second then said in a more subdued voice, "Actually I'm not really that surprised at all… I'm assuming that Sachiko is still asleep."

"She woke up about an hour and a half ago," Aimi's mom answered. "I helped her get to the bathroom."

Aimi took a sip of her tea, then said, "Mom, we can't let what happened last night happen again. I was scared to death that Kazuko might fall asleep and never wake up again."

"That wouldn't have happened," Aimi's mom replied.

"You don't know that," Aimi responded. "You don't know what would have happened if I had let you and Sachiko open that bottle of bourbon when we got home… You saw what happened with Sachiko at the club. So you don't know at all… And I'm not willing to take the chance with my friend's lives. Mom… I love Kazuko… I love Kazuko more than anyone else in the world… And I don't want anything to happen that would hurt her… Do you understand? If you're going to drink… drink with your friends at work, not here at home and especially not with my friends and me. You and I don't need to have heart to heart talks over a bottle of bourbon. If there are things you don't feel you can tell me when you're sober… then maybe I don't need to hear them… And if you and Mr. Kiyobe want to continue to have sex, that's fine with me. You don't need my permission."

The room remained silent for some time (except for what was probably Sachiko snoring).

Finally Aimi's mom broke the silence. "Aiko told you about that... I asked her not to… I wanted to talk to you about that myself."

"Does that really matter mom."

"Did she explain the situation to you… about why…"

Aimi interrupted. "She didn't go into a lot of detail, but I understand the situation… and why she doesn't have an issue with you and Mr. Kiyobe being lovers. She also said that she loves you very much."

Aimi's mom smiled. "The whole situation is so strange in so many different ways. Aiko has been as much of a mother to me as my own mother… and my best friend… and sometimes… my lover too."

Aimi's mom paused for a few seconds, then asked, "So… is it all right with you if Mr. Kiyobe and I continue to… see each other?"

"Mom, like I said, you don't have to ask my permission."

"Even if there's a chance that I might get pregnant?"

Aimi smiled and shook her head. "Even though there is a chance that you might get pregnant… Although I hope that you and Mr. Kiyobe will do everything you can to make sure that doesn't happen… unless you really do want to get pregnant." Aimi paused then added, "But I do have two conditions…"

"What conditions?"

"First, if you plan for Mr. Kiyobe to come here, let me know and I'll arrange to stay with Sachiko for the night."

"I don't ever plan for something like that to happen."

"Plans have a funny way of not working out the way you intend."

"What's the second condition?"

"No more drinking… Well no more drinking here at home with me or Kazuko and Sachiko. I'm going to have enough trouble getting Sachiko to stop. I don't need you encouraging her."

"Do you really think they'll let me go to school here?" Karumi asked as she and Natsume, Akane and Ranma, Yuka and Hiroshi, Sayuri and Yoshio, Fumiko and Jun and Aka-chan and Akio entered through the main gate on to the grounds of Furinkan High School.

"I don't see why not," Yuka responded before anyone else had the chance to say anything. "They accepted Ranma as a student."

"Very funny," Ranma replied.

"I don't think there will be any issues getting you registered," Akane said, "but I doubt there will be anyone in the office to talk to about it until after the new year starts."

"What about the tuition?" Natsune asked. "How are we supposed to pay that?"

"You don't have to worry about tuition," Hiroshi said. "Furinkan doesn't charge tuition."

"There actually is tuition," Sayuri said, "but there's some private foundation that pays what the government subsidy doesn't cover… and they sell textbooks at a fraction of what it would cost to buy them otherwise."

"The only real expense is if you want to get food for lunch from the school store," Ranma said, "but it's easier to bring your lunch from home."

"And I'm sure there are enough uniforms up in the attic that you can use," Akane said, "that will only require a few alterations."

"But Karumi hasn't really been enrolled in a school since…" Natsume began to say.

"I haven't been enrolled in a school since before the last time we were here in Nerima," Karumi said, interrupting her sister, "because we've never ended up staying in one place long enough for me to actually go to any classes."

"Like I said before," Yuka said, "that shouldn't be a problem. It was six months before they even noticed that Ranma was attending classes and made him fill out paperwork."

"And isn't Ranma registered as both a boy and a girl?" Hiroshi asked.

"It wasn't six months," Ranma protested. "My dad registered me before I started going to classes with Akane. But my dad thought it would be funny if he registered me as a girl… But I usually showed up to class in my boy form… whenever I could. Finally someone noticed that there wasn't a male student registered by the name of Ranma Saotome, so they registered me in my male form… but no one thought it was strange that there was a boy and girl both registered with the same name."

"It was even worse when they decided they needed to put Ranma in two different homerooms to avoid confusion," Akane said.

"What did Ranma do about that?" Karumi asked.

"Nothing really," Akane replied. "That was when Principal Kuno was here, so Ranma did what he always did."

"What's that?" Natsume asked.

"I ignored him and stayed in the same homeroom as Akane," Ranma replied. "And when he got overly insistent, I explained to him exactly what would happen to him if he continued to insist. Considering the outcome of some of our previous run-ins, he decided to relent."

"So, you threatened to beat up the principal," Akio said.

Ranma smiled. "Not in so many words… but… yeah."

When Akane and Ranma and the crew arrived at the gym, Aoi, Rei, Suzuko, Kenji, Arisu, Oniko, Hikari and Yuriko were already there and Hikari, Aoi and Suzuko were already in their leotards.

"Glad you could make it," Hikari said. "I wasn't sure anyone else was going to show up."

"I wasn't sure anyone else was going to be here," Akane replied, "but I knew that I couldn't go any longer without practicing. Just after the run and light workout this morning I hurt."

"Well, go get changed," Yuriko said, "and we'll do our warm-ups and maybe spend some time on the balance beam today… And if anyone is here tomorrow, we can spend some time on vault and floor exercise. We can start doing something a little more formal on Monday and regular practices will start the Monday after New Years."

Sayuri looked around then asked, "Is Miyuki here?"

Hikari began to chuckle. "She wanted to come to practice this morning, but considering her current state of dress…"

"You're joking," Yuka responded. "She's actually walking around naked?"

"She hasn't worn anything since the party," Yuriko said. "It made dinner last night with her parents kind of interesting."

"Now I know you're joking," Yuka responded.

"No joke," Hikari replied. "She spent the whole evening with her parents not wearing one stitch of clothing."

"What did her parents have to say" Akane asked.

"Amazingly… not very much," Yuriko replied.

"At least not until Miyuki's mom started drinking," Hikari added. "After that things got a little strange. Did you know that Miyuki's mom used to work at that… that lingerie store… when she was in college? She went into very graphic detail about what all of the things on that back wall are for… and some of the things that aren't on display."

"I don't want to know," Ranma said. "There were things on that wall that I've had nightmares about imaging what possible use they might have."

"Oh really," Akane said with just of hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"Yeah really," Ranma replied.

"May I ask a stupid question?" Fumiko asked. "… Why isn't Miyuki wearing any clothing?"

"Miyuki lost a bet to Akane and Ranma," Hikari explained. "So the bet was that she wouldn't wear any clothing until the end of the next Sailor Moon episode."

"I hope Miyuki realizes that she's going to be walking around naked for a while," Jun said.

"What do you mean?" Akane asked.

"There's no Sailor Moon on TV for the next two weeks," Jun replied.

"Morning Aimi," Kazuko said.

She was still buried under the covers… and cold… but she was awake enough to take note of Aimi when she came into the room to check on her.

Aimi knelt down next to her and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Terrible," Kazuko replied. "I think I'm still a little drunk because my head is spinning and I really can't focus on you."

"Then… go back to sleep?"

"I probably will… but I think I need to go to the bathroom."

"Fine… Do you need some help getting up?"

"Probably," Kazuko responded. She paused for a moment then said, "I heard you talking with your mother."

"I'm sorry if we woke you."

"That's OK… I heard you tell your mother that you love me."

Aimi smiled. "I guess I did say that."

"Aimi… I love you."

"I love you too"

"After I go to the bathroom… will you come to bed with me and cuddle up with me like you did last night?"

"That was more like this morning… And I wasn't sure that you'd remember… You were really drunk and saying some really strange things."

"I remember… I remember you taking me into the bathroom when I was sick… And I remember you cuddling with me when I was shivering… What kind of things was I saying?"

Aimi began to blush. "You were asking me to rub you to warm you up."

"Where was I asking you to…"

Aimi's blush began to intensify.

"Oh…" Kazuko replied. She smiled, then said, "I guess I wouldn't mind if you rubbed me there… if you let me rub you there too."

"So this is your grandmother we're going to visit?" Soun asked as they exited the train station.

"This is my mother's mother," Megumi replied. "She's all that's left of my mother's family. My mother was an only child and my grandmother was an only child and she and I are all that's left of the family. I usually go and visit her at least once a week and take her grocery shopping. She still gets around well enough in her house to take care of herself, but she doesn't feel confident enough to go out shopping on her own. I hope you don't mind. I thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce you to her."

"I don't mind at all," Soun responded.

"I have to warn you though… She is a bit eccentric."

"You've met my family," Soun replied. "I'm used to eccentric… And then there's the whole matter of the district chairman and his wife."

"The district chairman and his wife aren't eccentric," Megumi responded, "… They're just weird."

Soun sighed, "I guess I can't disagree with that." Soun paused for moment then asked, "So what makes your grandmother so eccentric?"

"I guess the primary thing is her doll collection," Megumi answered. "She has over five hundred dolls stuffed in every available corner of her house… That… and… well… my grandmother is really into watching professional wrestling. She and my grandfather used to go to watch wrestling matches all the time… They had ringside seats and sometimes they would take me with them when I was little."

"Do you have a favorite wrestler?"

"Giant Baba, of course. One night when he was wrestling, he spotted me sitting with my grandparents as he was walking toward the ring for his match. He said something to my grandparents then took me by the hand and led me into the ring. Then he held me up to the crowd and said that I was his good luck charm tonight. He carried me back out of the ring and set me back in my seat… and then proceeded to beat the crap out of his opponent. At the end of the night, he gave me an autographed poster. "It says 'To Megumi… My good luck charm. Thank you from Giant Baba'."

"That must have been some prize for you," Soun said. "Do you still have it?"

"Actually… Grandmother has always been a big fan of his too, so it's framed and hanging on the wall in her living room… right over the TV. It's probably one of the few places in the house where there aren't dolls of some kind."

"I haven't seen him wrestle in some time," Soun said.

"I guess he still wrestles on occasion," Megumi replied, "but now I guess he's more of a promoter than anything else."

Soun smiled and began to chuckle.

"What?"

"I'm visualizing your grandmother in front of the television, beer in hand, cheering on her favorite wrestler."

"Any chance she gets," Megumi replied, "but there isn't nearly as much wrestling on TV as there used to be."

"If we could manage it, it sounds like it might be fun to take your grandmother to see a wrestling match. Do you think she might be up to it?"

"Up to it? …That's a stupid question," Megumi replied with a broad grin. "She'd be up and out of the door and we'd have trouble keeping up with her."

Considering how long it had been since she'd actually been on the balance beam, Akane felt pretty good about her performance. There were issues. Akane knew that. She had over rotated a turn which also caused a near-fall on the jump that immediately followed… And her initial placement for her dismount was just sufficiently 'off' to cause her to have to take a full step on her landing to keep her from falling. Practice was the only solution to help her get back on track.

Yuriko had everyone (including Suzuko and Arisu) run through their balance beam routine. She reminded Arisu that, as an alternate, she might be required to perform if someone got hurt and Yuriko reminded Suzuko that there was a strong likelihood… with enough practice… she might make the competition team next year.

Yuriko also pointed out that sometimes at big competitions, like a regional tournament, that the coaches would have an 'informal' competition among themselves and that Ranma might consider having routines ready if that should occur.

"This wouldn't be an issue if I were coaching as Ranma, would it?"

"Probably not," Yuriko replied, "but it's too late now. I have all of the paperwork filed for you as Ranko Saotome for the regional tournament… But considering vaults I've seen you do, you shouldn't have too much of an issue coming up with something for the other three events."

"Yeah, Ranma," Fumiko said, "just take some of the moves I've seen you make while you and Akane are doing your morning run on the fence by the river and you'll have a perfect balance beam routine."

"Fumiko, I don't think some of those moves are legal gymnastics' moves," Hikari responded.

"That's not an issue with the coach's competition," Yuriko said with a smile. "There are no rule books and no judges. It's all for fun."

"Have you ever competed in one of these coach's competitions?" Arisu asked.

"A few times… a few years ago…"

"How did you do?" Ranma asked.

"I won once," Yuriko replied, "I ended up getting a free dinner at a very expensive restaurant."

"I can help you put something together," Akane said. "Maybe we could include a few moves from some of your sparring matches with your dad on the dojo roof."

"You sparred with your dad on the roof of the dojo?" Akio asked. "Weren't you afraid of falling off and getting hurt?"

"My dad and I sparred like that all the time," Ranma replied. "He said it was to help improve my balance."

"And it was more likely for his dad to fall off the roof than Ranma," Akane added.

In turn, each team member mounted the beam and ran through their routine. Suzuko had issues (although it had been almost four months since she had even tried to mount the beam) and Arisu was visibly unsteady (again, it had been a while since she had practiced her balance beam routine). But, in general, everyone felt good about the way they performed (even Coach Nohina).

Throughout the entire practice Oniko stood in awe as each member of the team took a turn on the balance beam, and when Akane finished her routine (she always preferred to go last) she asked Oniko, "Would you like to try?"

"I couldn't do anything like you or my aunt or anybody else did Missus Akane," Oniko replied.

"I know," Akane replied. "It takes a lot of practice to learn how to do things like that… But each one of us started out by learning how to walk from one end of the beam to the other without falling off. If you'd like, I'll help you get up on the beam and I'll walk with you on the ground to catch you if you do fall."

Oniko looked at Akane for a moment, then turned to Arisu and asked, "Auntie Arisu, would it be all right for me to try?"

"Go ahead," Arisu replied. "Akane can walk on one side of the beam and I can walk on the other to catch you just in case you lose your balance."

Then, with little additional ceremony, Akane helped Oniko on to the beam while Arisu took up a position next to Oniko on the other side of the beam. Akane supported Oniko until she was stable then said, "Now… just slowly walk toward to other end of the beam, slowly putting one foot in front of the other."

Oniko looked first at the far end of the beam and then down at Akane.

"Take your time," Akane said. "There's no need to hurry."

Cautiously Oniko took one step forward. Tottering slightly, she extended her arms out to her side to help her to maintain her balance. She paused for a moment and then tried another step. A third step followed after another pause.

Slowly Oniko progressed toward the far end of the beam and when she reached her goal, she asked, "Wha… what do I do now?"

"Just jump down," Arisu replied.

"B… but I… I'm so high up," Oniko responded.

"Don't worry. Akane and I will make sure you don't fall."

"Just bend your knees a little when you land," Akane said, "and you shouldn't have any problem."

Oniko continued to hesitate.

"Come on…" Arisu said. "I've seen you jump down from grandma's dining room table… and this is only a little higher than that."

Oniko closed her eyes for a moment, then took a deep breath and slowly let it out. She opened her eyes, flexed her knees and launched herself off the end of the beam.

Although looking slightly off balance at first, Oniko stuck her landing with only the very slightest of a hop.

After taking a few seconds to gain her composure, Oniko asked, "Did I do OK?"

"You did fine," Arisu replied.

Oniko smiled. "That was fun. Would it be all right for me to try again sometime?"

"Of course you can," Akane replied. "Maybe if you come to our house, Ranma and I can give you some lessons there. Would you like that?"

"Would that be all right Missus Akane?" Oniko asked. She turned to Arisu and asked, "Could I do that Auntie Arisu?"

"If you're a good girl," Arisu replied, "and if you behave yourself and Missus Akane says that it's all right, I think we can arrange some time for you to get some lessons."

Megumi's and Soun's eventual destination was a small single family house in an older residential neighborhood.

"I didn't realize there were neighborhoods left like this in Tokyo," Soun said as he looked at all of the older houses on the street.

"There may be a few others," Megumi replied. "Most of the residential neighborhoods that were built after the war were really cheap construction and have been replace with modern up to day housing… or more likely… apartment buildings… But this neighborhood and a few others were built by the American military and were built with better materials. They've managed to last all these years and haven't needed replacing… although it's not like the city hasn't tried."

"You don't have to tell me," Soun responded. "I've killed a number of projects like that."

It was evident that the neighborhood was older and that the style of the houses was more 'American' than 'Japanese', but all of the houses were well kept. Most of the houses had space between the sidewalk and the front of the house, so each house had a lawn and a garden of some kind.

Megumi led Soun up the stairs on to the porch and up to the front door. She opened the outside door and then knocked on the inside door before she opened it and called out, "Grandma, I'm here. Are you ready to go shopping?"

There was no response for nearly a minute, but finally an older looking woman poked her head around the corner of the entry way and said, "You're early. I wasn't expecting you to be here for another half hour."

"What do you mean another half hour?" Megumi responded. "It's already eleven. I'm right on time."

"Right on time, you say," her grandmother replied. "You've been late so many times I always add a half hour to any time you tell me."

"I'm not late that often," Megumi responded.

"Often enough," her grandmother replied. "And who is this? Some new boy toy you've brought for me to play with?"

"GRANDMA!"

Megumi's grandmother smiled and said to Soun, "Come on in. I'll be ready to go in a few minutes… and bring that handsome gentleman with you."

Megumi sighed as her grandmother vanished, "She always does things like that to me."

Soun began to chuckle. "I see what you mean about your grandmother."

"My grandfather used to say that she was nothing more than a little girl who never grew up," Megumi said as she led Soun through the entry way.

"I know some people like that," Soun responded as he and Megumi removed their shoes and put on slippers. "Most of the time they are very enjoyable to be around."

"True… But some times grandma can go a little overboard though… like when she's trying to convince you to buy her a doll she wants. She just doesn't give up."

"I'll keep that in mind," Soun replied.

Megumi was right. As Soun and Megumi left the entry way into the main part of the house, Soun was completely overwhelmed by the number of dolls. There wasn't a place on the wall (at least the walls he could currently see) that weren't completely covered with dolls from floor to ceiling.

"You weren't kidding about the dolls either," Soun said as his eyes scanned the room.

"Every wall in the house is covered with dolls… even the bathroom. It's more than a little freaky trying to use the bathroom with hundreds of dolls staring at you from every angle."

"Yeah… That would be a little freaky… I'll have to keep that in mind too."

When Aimi and Kazuko emerged from Aimi's bedroom, there was no sign of anyone other than Sachiko, who was sitting at the dining room table with a partial bottle of bourbon in front of her… and an empty glass.

"You haven't been drinking, have you?" Aimi asked.

"I had one for my hangover… but that's it," Sachiko answered.

"Any idea where my mom is?"

"Your mom came into the bedroom and got dressed and said something about going in to work. She said not to expect her home any time early."

Aimi sighed. "Did she give you the bottle of bourbon?"

"Nah… I guess I went to bed and fell asleep with it in my hands. At least it was there when I woke up this morning."

"I'd really prefer if you didn't drink while you're here anymore."

Sachiko chuckled. "I kind of figured that. We were all in really bad shape last night when we got home. I don't think I've ever been that drunk before. It was kind of scary when I first woke up this morning and couldn't figure out how to get out of the bed to go to the bedroom. I think your mom helped me but I don't really remember. And then there was that whole dream about Fukumi and me making out at the restaurant."

"That wasn't a dream," Kazuko said. "You and Fukumi were making out at the restaurant and putting on quite a show for everyone."

"You're joking," Sachiko responded.

"She isn't," Aimi replied. "You had her blouse and bra off and she took off your panties."

"You have to be joking…"

"It's not a joke," Aimi said. "And everyone was cheering the two of you on."

"I… I'm sorry… I didn't think things actually got that out of hand… I need to apologize to Fukumi."

"I'm pretty sure you'll get the opportunity," Aimi responded. "I'm pretty sure you invited Fukumi, Yuna and Saiko over to your apartment for a party some weekend."

"I don't remember any of that," Sachiko said. "The last thing I really remember from last night is Fumiko opening the bottle of spiced rum and the two of us having a few drinks of that and talking about Fukumi wanting to find different apartment mates."

"That was about an hour before you and Fukumi put on your floor show," Aimi replied.

"How is it that you remember all of this and I don't?" Sachiko asked.

"I never had any of the spiced rum," Aimi answered. "I decided to stick with the bourbon when I saw how silly you and Fukumi were getting. I think it was a pretty good choice."

Ukyo and Ryoga waited outside the train station. She was happy that the sun was shining and that there wasn't a cloud in the sky. She didn't particularly care that it was cool. It was more important that there was no rain or snow in the forecast for the next few days.

She hadn't really thought about how she was going to tell her parents about her future husband's curse. She had mentioned Ryoga's poor sense of direction but the topic of the Jusenkyou curse hadn't come up. She knew that she and Ryoga needed to say something, but exactly how to explain it to her parents had eluded her.

Explaining the curse to Ryoga's parents (at least to his father) was a near disaster… and at least for a while there was some doubt that his dad would be involved at all in the wedding (at least until Ryoga's mom explained the way things would be to his dad)… But Ukyo was certain that her parents would be more understanding… at least she hoped they would…

A train coming from the direction of downtown slowed and pulled into the station.

"I hope your parents like me," Ryoga said. There was a definite nervous quiver in his voice.

Ukyo smiled. "What's not to like?"

"The fact that I turn into a little black pig at the most inopportune times."

"Yeah… that's true… But a very cute little black pig…"

"That's not funny…"

Ukyo smiled. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. My parents will love you as much as I love you… I guarantee it."

"How much have you told your parents about me?" Ryoga asked. "You haven't told them about the curse, have you?"

"I told them how handsome you are and how wonderful you are and about your lousy sense of direction," Ukyo said. "I even told them about Mizuki… but I haven't told them about the curse… Although, you realize, we're going to have to... And I think the sooner the better."

Ryoga sighed. "I know you're right… They need to find out before they get a firsthand demonstration of the curse in action."

"You mean I can't dump a bucket of cold water over your head?"

Ryoga looked at Ukyo and scowled. "No you can't dump a bucket of cold water over my head."

Ukyo began to chuckle. "I love you."

A smile crept on to Ryoga's face and he began to chuckle also. "I love you too." He paused for a moment then said, "That would take care of the whole issue about explaining about the curse… wouldn't it."

"Yes it would… Unfortunately I don't happen to have a bucket of water available at the moment."

The train began to pull away from the station and people that had exited the train began to filter out of the station entrance.

"Are you sure they'll be on this train?" Ryoga asked after the flow of departing passengers tailed off and stopped.

"I would be absolutely amazed if my parents weren't on that train," Ukyo replied. "My mother is more punctual than Japanese Rail. It would have had to have been a major catastrophe for my parents not to make this train."

It was another minute before Ukyo's parents exited from the station. Ukyo's mother had only a small bag slung over her shoulder while her Father was doing his best to manage four large suitcases and a fifth bag slung over his shoulder. Ryoga ran up and took two of them from him. "Let me help you with that."

"Thank you," Ukyo's father said.

"Mom. You and dad are only going to be here until the day after New Years," Ukyo said as she took a third bag from her father. "You and dad didn't have to bring this much."

"All of my stuff is in here," Ukyo's father said, indicating the bag on his shoulder. "The rest of this is your mother's."

"Mom!"

"I wasn't sure what I would need to wear while we were here and I wasn't sure what the weather would be like…"

"Don't bother honey," Ukyo's dad said to Ukyo. "I tried to get her to cut back to two suitcases from three and then she found things to fill a forth."

Ukyo sighed.

"Mom… Dad…" Ukyo said after a moment, "I'd like to introduce you to my fiancé… Ryoga Hibiki…"

"I'm so very pleased to meet you," Ryoga said as he bowed deeply to Ukyo's parent.

"And this is my father Tomo and my mother Takara…"

"Pleased to meet you," Ukyo's mom said before her father could even catch his breath. "So when is the baby due?"

"I'm not pregnant, mom!" Ukyo replied, obviously exasperated with the insinuation.

"Then why is it so important that you get married right away?" her mother quickly responded.

"Because of circumstances, Ryoga and I are sharing an apartment," Ukyo replied. "And Ryoga isn't comfortable continuing with that arrangement unless we are actually married. That's why."

Before the informal practice broke up, everyone agreed that they would get together around nine the following day and work on the vault and uneven bars. Akane warned them that she and Ranma couldn't stay beyond eleven since she and Ranma were part of Ukyo's and Ryoga's wedding.

After showers then, everyone pretty much headed of in their own directions.

Ranma (now in his male form but with his hair still unbraided) and Akio headed back home. Sayuri and Yoshio made their way back to Yoshio's house to clean up there. Aoi, Rei, Suzuko and Kenji headed to the market to get stuff to cook for lunch and dinner; while Yuka's and Hiroshi's destination was the bakery to help out Hiroshi's parents put a big delivery order together and Fumiko and Jun headed to Fumiko's parent's pharmacy to start the process of getting the apartment ready for Jun.

Lunch was Arisu's and Oniko's destination (since there was no one at home) with hamburgers and milkshakes on the menu. Yuriko still had Regional Tournament paperwork to finish, so she and Hikari would stay at school until that was done.

Akane's, Aka-chan's, Natsume's and Karumi's destination was what Akane declared as the required start for a girl's day out… the ice cream parlor… for extra large, gooey treats that involved large quantities of chocolate.

Karumi seemed quite comfortable when her double hot fudge sundae made with chocolate mint ice cream, covered with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles arrived, but Natsume simply stared at the concoction Akane had ordered for her when it was set on the table in front of her.

After several seconds of complete silence, Natsume said, "You don't actually expect me to eat all of this, do you?"

"I'm at least expecting you to make a valiant effort," Akane responded after consuming the spoonful of her own hot fudge sundae make with chocolate ice cream (three scoops).

"Don't worry sis," Karumi said. "Give it your best shot and I'll finish what you don't eat."

"Your sister's appetite hasn't changed at all, has it?" Akane asked.

"Not really," Natsume replied as she probed the sundae with her spoon. "She is better at keeping it under control though. It's not like the last time we were here and she could clean out a buffet in a restaurant in ten seconds flat."

"I was never that bad," Karumi protested after swallowing another spoonful of ice cream.

Natsume sighed. "All right… fifteen seconds."

"That's better" Karumi replied and then filled her mouth with another large spoonful of her sundae.

"So, where are we going after we're done here?" Aka-chan asked after swallowing a mouthful of ice cream.

"I spotted a couple of places when you and I and Akio and Ranma were downtown," Akane replied, "and today shouldn't be nearly as busy so we can actually shop. I spotted something that I think will be perfect for Natsume for her date tonight…" Akane turned to Natsume and said, "… And don't you dare say that it isn't necessary. You need to have something nice for your data with Gota tonight… So either we're going to buy something for you today or I'll find something for you to wear up in the attic."

Aka-chan smiled. "You mean some of your mother's party dresses… That pink one you showed me would probably be perfect for her."

"Either that one… or the lavender one," Akane replied. "Natsume is taller than my mother was… but with those dresses it won't really matter… since they're almost completely transparent."

"Trans… transparent…" Natsume said, almost choking on the first taste of her sundae.

"Pretty much so…" Akane replied. "My mom wore some pretty daring stuff when my parents were first married. She had several outfits that didn't leave much to the imagination."

"Oh… I'd love to see Gota's reaction if you wore one of those, sis," Karumi said between spoonfuls.

Natsume glared at her sister. "That isn't going to happen…" She turned back to Akane and said, "Fine… We'll find something for me to wear for my date tonight… But that still doesn't answer the question of how my sister and I are going to pay for it."

"That isn't your concern," Akane replied. "Before we left for practice Kasumi handed me an envelope of money and said that we weren't to return until you and your sister had new wardrobes. Are you ready to argue with my sister about it? Many have tried, but to my knowledge, none have succeeded."

"So you're the gentleman my granddaughter was telling me about," Megumi's grandmother said.

The three were sitting having lunch at a local family restaurant.

"Don't you think you're a little old to be dating my granddaughter?"

"GRANDMA!"

Her grandmother began to chuckle. "So tell me about yourself. Megumi says that you were married before. Do you have a family?"

"My wife died over ten years ago," Soun explained. "And I have three daughters. Two are married and the third will be getting married this spring."

"And they approve of you dating Megumi?"

It was Soun's turn to chuckle. "I don't think 'approve' is the right word… I think 'encourage' is a better choice."

"And how old is your oldest daughter?"

"Kasumi turned twenty two on Christmas Eve. Nabiki is nineteen and Akane is seventeen."

"So all of your daughters are younger than Megumi… Hmmm… And Megumi tells me that you work in the same office."

"We work in the same city planning department… but after my wife passed away I decided that I needed to be at home to take care of my family… So when I've done work for the city, they've usually brought it to the house and I worked on it there and then Megumi goes over my notes and include them in the document. That's how we met. That's the job she was assigned to do when she started as an intern and was assigned that job full time after she graduated and came to work for our department full time. She really does her job well."

"So… how long have you been dating?"

"I guess just a little less than two years now," Soun replied then turned to look at Megumi and asked, "We started going out about half way through your internship?"

"Yeah…" Megumi replied. "Everyone from the office was supposed to go out for dinner and drinks because the city council approved the master plan for the old ship dock area. Only half the office showed up and it wasn't very long before we were the only two left in the bar."

"That wasn't very long after your birthday," Soun said.

"No… you're right… it wasn't," Megumi replied. "So we've been dating for one year and ten months."

"Fine… That's all well and good," Megumi's grandmother said, "but what my real concern is… what are your intentions toward my granddaughter?"

Soun smiled. "I've asked Megumi to marry me… and she said yes."

Megumi's grandmother turned to face Megumi and without a moment's hesitation said, "So you're pregnant."

"No grandma… I am not pregnant."

"Then why are you getting married?"

"Soun and I are getting married because we love each other."

"You're sure about that. Isn't he a little…"

"Stop that grandma… He is not too old for us to be getting married…"

"You're sure about that. What do you're screwball brothers think about this?"

"They think I'm crazy."

"And what do you're daughters think about this?" she asked Soun. "Do they think you're crazy?"

"There's no thinking," Soun replied. "They know I'm crazy… but they approve."

Megumi's grandmother sighed. "I would hope at this point that you're mature enough to have put the thought into making a decision like this. When do you plan to get married?"

"Ideally Soun and I would like to file the paperwork before the start of the new year," Megumi answered, "and Kasumi is already in the process of planning a 'proper wedding ceremony' and reception… but that probably won't happen until the weather improves… possibly some time in April."

A smile slowly appeared on Megumi's grandmother's face. "Well… quite honestly I think you are both crazy… But… if you both think that you love each other, then it's not my place to disapprove… Not that my disapproval would actually mean anything."

"You're right about that," Megumi replied.

"One thing though," Megumi's grandmother said, "I note that there's no ring on your finger… Is somebody too cheap to get you a proper engagement ring?"

"Soun is not too cheap to get me a proper engagement ring," Megumi replied before Soun even had a chance to catch his breath to say anything. "That's where we were before we came to get you. We went to the jewelry store so that I could pick out a ring. The jeweler is sizing it and it should be ready for us to pick up at six."

"So, do you have any other plans for today?" Kenji asked as they arrived at Suzuko's and Aoi's apartment. He and Rei were each carrying two rather heavy bags of groceries.

"Nothing really," Aoi answered. "Did you have anything in mind?"

"Not really," Kenji answered. "After yesterday I was kind of looking forward to a quiet and restful day."

"If you and Rei help Suzu put groceries away," Aoi said, "I'll start on lunch before it gets much later."

"And after lunch I need to do some laundry," Suzuko said, "so if anyone needs anything washed…"

"It probably wouldn't hurt," Rei said. "My mom doesn't trust me and my dad to do our own laundry… especially after my dad flooded the apartment with soap suds."

"Let me guess," Aoi responded, "he put too much laundry soap in."

"Do you think six capfuls is too much?"

"Six capfuls!" Suzuko replied. "Why did he use that much detergent?"

"No clue," Rei replied, "but since then my mom won't let either of us near the washing machine."

"It sounds like something your dad might do to get out of doing his own laundry," Kenji said.

"I might have thought that too… but considering how much it cost to cleanup the mess it made… I don't think so."

"Fine," Aoi said, "but eventually you're going to have to learn to do laundry."

"I have no problem with that," Rei replied. "… So other lunch and laundry… any other plans?"

"It sounds like you have some ideas," Suzuko said. "It sounds like you want to play the card game we were playing last night?"

"I was thinking that that might be better for later tonight," Rei replied, "but while you and Aoi were practicing, Kenji and I talked about our futures together… and what Kenji and I are going to have to do to make it work."

"Come on," Sayuri said, "you have to admit that you do look cute."

"No I don't," Yoshio protested.

The reason for Yoshio's protest was that he was now standing wearing one of Yuka's junior high uniforms.

Yoshio had no idea where the idea came from for him to try on one of his sister's old uniforms… or how Sayuri had convinced him to try it on… But there he stood wearing a sailor styled blouse and skirt (and a very short skirt at that). Sayuri wore a similar outfit.

"I'm getting changed," Yoshio said.

"Come on," Sayuri responded. "You already have it on… You can wear it until we're ready to leave…"

"No I can't. I don't like dressing up like a girl… I never did… The only reason I did was because my sister bullied me into doing it."

"How did she do that?"

Yoshio sighed. "One time she asked me to help her to pin up the hem on her uniform. I didn't know any better so I agreed. The next thing I know she's taken a bunch of pictures of me and after that she threatened to post them around school if I didn't dress up for her."

"I never would have expected your sister to do anything like that."

Yoshio sighed again. "When it came to me, Yuka had a mean streak a mile wide. She made it quite clear to anyone who'd listen that she didn't like having a little brother."

"I know she complained about you all the time… but I thought it was because you were always being a little brat."

"The only reason I was being a brat was because I didn't like being her personal dress up doll. The best thing that ever happened was when my mom finally let me get my hair cut short. Then I wasn't as much fun to dress up any more."

Sayuri didn't say anything for a few seconds but finally broke the silence saying, "You do look cute though… You have better looking legs than a lot of the girls in my class."

"That's the last thing I need to hear." Yoshio paused for a second then said, "No… the last thing I need to hear is that all I need is boobs."

"Don't worry… I won't ever say that… ever… I will say that I love you… and I hope you forgive me for making you dress like that… But… I do think you're really cute when you're dressed in girl's clothes… And that you might consider… when it's just the two of us… that you might consider doing this again… sometime…"

Yoshio closed his eyes and stood silent for quite some time.

"Yoshio… I'm… I'm sorry…"

Yoshio opened his eyes then said, "Come here…" He extended his hand to Sayuri. "Please…"

Sayuri extended her hand to Yoshio. He drew her close to himself and put his arms around her and they embraced.

"I love you," Yoshio said. "I love you very much… And although the idea of wearing girls clothes really bothers me… I might… on occasion… when we're alone… consider doing it… for you…"

After hugging Yoshio, Sayuri said with a broad grin, "I have a better idea or right now… Why don't we both take off our clothes and spend some time together like that."

"Are you sure it's all right for me to leave my gymnastics' equipment here," Fumiko asked. "It takes up almost all of the space in the living room."

"It's fine," Jun replied, "It's not as if I'm going to need all of this space. This apartment is almost twice the size of where my parents and I are living now. All I really need is my bedroom and the bathroom. Having a kitchen will be nice, but it sounds like your mother is expecting me to eat all of my meal with you and your parents… And really… I'm kind of looking forward to watching you practice up here."

Fumiko smiled. "Thanks… But I can at least use the kitchen to put our bentos together the night before…. And most days I eat breakfast with Akane and Ranma after we run and do our morning workout. I actually keep my school uniforms there so I can change before school."

Fumiko paused for a second then added, "And Akane, Ranma and Kasumi won't mind if you have breakfast with us. I think that the more people Kasumi has to cook for, the happier she is."

"I certainly does seem that way," Jun responded.

"And on nights that the Pharmacy is open late, I can cook dinner for us up here."

"Your parents won't mind?"

"On Wednesdays and Thursdays we usually order take out because it's really too late to cook anything."

"Did your parents find out any more about when they would be leaving for Germany?" Fumiko asked after a few seconds of silence.

"Not really," Jun answered. "When I talked with them it was still up in the air… It might be as soon as next week or it might not be until April. On the other hand it sounds like my dad convinced my mom that I should move in before school starts again."

"That really only makes sense," Fumiko replied.

"I know… But sometimes my mom does things that don't make any sense at all…. But my dad seems to have convinced her that putting off the move until they find out when they will be leaving could end up being a real mess. Dad says that he might not even get a full day's notice."

"That seems kind of crazy," Fumiko answered.

"That's just the nature of my dad's work. One day he walked into his office in the morning and they handed him tickets to go to Los Angeles and told him to buy any clothing he might need and charge it to the company. He ended up spending two weeks there. He didn't even have time to call my mom before he got on the plane and nobody called my mom from the office. We didn't find out until the following day what happened."

"That's terrible," Fumiko responded. "You and your mother must have been worried sick."

"Mom was worried," Jun replied, "but things like this had happened before so it wasn't until that evening and he didn't come home that she started to worry. She tried calling the office but there was no one there who could tell her anything. Finally someone called the following morning and explained what had happened. When my dad got back, he gave them hell for not calling my mom and told them that if something like that ever happened again, he'd be looking for a new job. The company came up with a rather sizable bonus for my dad that paid for a two week vacation for us at a hot spring spa in the mountains."

"So… what's the plan?" Fumiko asked. "Are you going to be staying here or are you going to go home?"

"My parents have to come to school to sign paperwork the Monday after New Years," Jun replied, "so it really doesn't make much sense for me to go home before that… And my dad mentioned the fact that that Monday and Tuesday might be the best days to move me since he has both of those days off."

"So it sounds like you're going to be staying here from now on," Fumiko said with a broad smile.

Jun smiled back. "Yes it does."

"So, what do you think" Akane asked Karumi when Natsume stepped out of the dressing room wearing a navy blue skirt.

"I don't know," Karumi replied. "It looks good but it could probably be a little shorter."

"No it couldn't," Natsume protested. "It's already too short as it is."

"I think Karumi is right," Aka-chan said. "It could probably get hemmed up another six centimeters… maybe even more and not show anything that it shouldn't."

"We could probably handle that once we get home," Akane said.

"Don't I get any say in this?" Natsume asked.

"Not really," Karumi replied. "If you had your way all you would ever wear is your gi."

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Sis… you really look pretty when you decide to dress up."

"But I don't feel comfortable getting dressed up."

"Well... that's something you're probably going to have to get used to," Akane said. "Kasumi thinks Gota really likes you, so he'll probably ask you to go out with him again tonight."

"Why would he do that?" Natsume asked.

"Because sis," Karumi said, "whether you believe it or not, you're one hot looking babe… And although I think he's way to shy to come out and say it… I think he'd love to go to bed with you."

"KA… RU… MI!" Natsume bellowed. After a few seconds, she looked around the department and noted everyone was looking at her."… Sorry."

"Your sister was probably a bit blunt about it," Aka-chan said, "but she's probably right."

"She's also right that Gota is way to shy to even suggest anything like that," Akane said. "My bet is that he might come up with enough courage to eventually ask you if he can hold your hand."

A definite blush appeared on Natsume's face.

"And from the look on your face," Aka-chan said, "I don't think you'd mind at all if that happened."

"See," Aoi said, "doing laundry isn't that difficult. It should be ready to go into the drier in about a half hour."

Aoi, Rei, Suzuko and Kenji were sitting on the floor in Aoi's and Suzuko's room.

"I didn't day it was difficult," Rei replied. "I just said that my mom never let me do my own laundry. I'd gladly do my own laundry, considering how many mornings I'd have to scramble to find a school uniform that was kind of clean because my mom didn't feel like doing laundry the day before."

"I always had to do my own laundry if I wanted anything clean to wear," Suzuko said.

"Yeah… but your parents were creeps," Kenji replied. "My mom usually does the laundry… but she doesn't mind if I lend a hand and put a load in to wash when the basket is full."

"That's generally the rule here," Aoi said. "When the basket is full of laundry, put it in to wash." Aoi paused and then asked, "So what is this grand plan for our future that the two of you were talking about while Suzu and I were practicing?"

Kenji shook his head. "It's no grand plan. It was more that we realized that we didn't have any kind of a plan."

"I guess what we're saying is that if we get married when Kenji and I turn eighteen… we won't be able to to find good enough jobs to support having a family."

"So… are you saying that you don't want to get married?" Aoi asked.

"No… not at all," Kenji replied. "I definitely want to marry Suzu… It's just that it might not happen right away."

"To get a good enough job," Rei said, "Kenji and I are going to need some kind of college degree… although I have no idea in what."

"I don't really have any idea either," Kenji added. "And then there's the whole issue of how to pay for college. My parents won't be able to contribute much… if anything… which means I'll need to have a part time job to help cover tuition."

"The place where my father works has a tuition assistance program for the children of employees," Rei said, "but once I get my degree I'd have to work for my father's company for at least six years to pay it back… And I don't want to work for my father's company."

Aoi shook her head and smiled. "Wow… Talk about over thinking something…"

"Or maybe not thinking enough," Suzuko added.

"First off," Aoi continued, "Getting married as soon as the two of you turn eighteen would be nice… but it's not a deal killer if we don't… In fact Rei… you'll turn eighteen before we graduate, won't you?"

"Technically," Rei replied. "My birthday is at the end of February… probably the week before graduation."

"Fine," Aoi responded. "…And secondly… who says that you and Kenji would be the only one's supporting the family. Suzu and I can get jobs to help pay for things… including your tuitions."

"But that wouldn't e right," Kenji protested. "How could the two of you work at jobs like that and go to school?"

"I don't think you understand," Suzuko said. "Aoi and I aren't really interested in continuing school after high school."

"Suzu and I are perfectly willing to help support our families while the two of you go to school," Aoi said.

"Are you sure that your parents won't have a problem with that?" Rei asked.

"My mom has a college degree that she has never used," Aoi replied. "Mom and dad were married right after graduation and I was born nine and a half months after that. Mom never worked even a day after she graduated. As far as mom is concerned, except for meeting dad, the time she spent in college was a complete, and very expensive, waste of time. Mom and dad won't have a problem if Suzu and me decide we're not interested in going to college."

"And we don't have to start having a family as soon as we're married," Suzuko said. "Akane and Ranma are waiting… And I don't think Yuka and Hiroshi are planning to have kids right away either."

Aoi put her arm around Rei and gave him a squeeze. "I am glad that you and Kenji are seriously thinking about our futures. I think with the four of us work together, everything will work out fine."

"How is everyone feeling now?" Aimi asked Kazuko and Sachiko.

They were all seated at the dining room table and had just finished bowls of udon noodles and vegetables in fish stock.

"Better now," Kazuko said. "That was really good."

"Yeah, that was pretty good," Sachiko said. "It really took the edge off of the hangover."

"I make this for my mom when she's hung over from drinking too much at the club," Aimi replied. "Hopefully it won't be as much of a problem with her working at the restaurant."

"Do you think she'll be drunk when she comes home tonight?" Kazuko asked.

"More than likely it will be tomorrow morning," Aimi answered, "… but yeah… She'll probably be hammered."

"Your mom drinks too much, doesn't she?" Kazuko said after a reflective silence.

"She doesn't think so… but I think she does," Aimi replied.

"But that's part of her job, isn't it?" Sachiko asked.

"Yeah… It is… But even with her new job at the restaurant I think she'll still find an excuse to drink," Aimi said. "I've asked her not to drink at home any more… and especially when you and Kazuko are here visiting… And that's why I don't want the two of you drinking… especially when you're visiting here…" Aimi paused then continued and said, "… And really, Sachiko, you need to stop drinking. One of these days you're going to have too much to drink and you're going to do something to hurt yourself… And I don't want that to happen."

"Thanks," Sachiko responded. "I really appreciate that you feel that way… It's just that… that there are times when things really get messed up and… and I feel I need something to drink…. The problem is that once I get started, it's hard for me to stop."

"Have you tried talking with your parents about it?" Kazuko asked.

Sachiko sighed. "Usually my parents are part of the problem. I haven't had more than a three or four word conversation with them in months. They don't want to hear about the problems I'm having… especially in school. You remember what happened the last time my parents were supposed to come in for a conference and they never showed up."

"That was a mess," Aimi said.

"They don't care about anything I do. I could be running a brothel in my apartment and they would never notice."

"You would never consider doing anything like that!" Kazuko said, shocked that Sachiko might ever consider doing something like that.

"No, I would never consider doing anything like that," Sachiko responded. "… Anyway, what guy would ever consider paying me money to go to bed with him? There are guys that have bigger boobs than me… and, yeah, I know, Ranma doesn't count."

"I wish you would stop saying things like that about yourself," Aimi said. "You have a very pretty body, even if you don't have the biggest of boobs."

"Let's face it," Sachiko responded, "I don't have any boobs."

"That's not true," Kazuko said. "I think you have really nice boobs… and I bet they're really nice to cuddle up with."

Kazuko suddenly realized what she had said. Her face blushed a bright red and after a few seconds of tense silence, Kazuko said, "I'm sorry… I didn't mean that… I mean I didn't mean to say that the way that I said that… I mean I wanted to say you do have really nice looking boobs and I think that someday somebody will want to cuddle up with them."

"That's OK Kazuko," Sachiko said with a smile. "I understand what you meant to say… And I really appreciate that… But if some time you'd like to cuddle up with me… I don't think I would mind that at all."

"So this is your restaurant?" Ukyo's mom said as they walked toward the entrance of the Cat Café.

"Actually this is my business partner's restaurant," Ukyo replied. "My restaurant is next door."

"Two restaurants right next door to each other like this," Ukyo's mom said, "doesn't sound like a very sound business model."

"I don't know," Ukyo replied. "It seems to work out pretty well for us. People can order from either menu at either restaurant… and at the end of the day all of the money goes into one cash box. And we buy for both restaurants together so we get a good deal on prices."

"That seems like good business model to me, dear," Ukyo's dad said cynically. "So… what's the name of your part of the business?"

"That's the funny part," Ukyo replied. "I never really gave it a name… but most people call it Uchan's… and that seems to work… so I guess that's the restaurant's name."

"That works for me," Uchan's father responded.

As the entourage entered the Cat Café, Shampoo was waiting for them. "Welcome to Cat Café… Have seat wherever you like. You can leave bags behind desk. I take order in minute."

Ukyo noted that the café wasn't nearly as busy as it usually was at lunch time, but that was likely because many of the people who would usually have lunch at the café were probably taking the time to get ready for the upcoming New Year holiday.

But among the people who were there was Mr. Takamizo, sitting at his usual table. Ukyo decided that sitting at the table next to him would give her the opportunity to introduce her parents to him.

But as they approached, Mr. Takamizo stood and said, "Please join me at my table."

"Thank you Mr. Takamizo," Ukyo said as she bowed to him. "I would like to introduce you to my parents… Tomo and Takara Kuonji."

Mr. Takamizo bowed and said, "I am so very plied to meet you. Your daughter is a marvelous young lady and an excellent cook. And her fiancé is a fine upstanding young man."

"My daughter may be an excellent cook but with a very limited repertoire," Ukyo's mom responded.

Ryoga was going to protest but Mr. Takamizo cut him off before he could say anything. "I don't think her repertoire is very limited. She does specialize in Okonomiyaki, but she does prepare some fine chicken, beef and seafood dishes to round out her menu…. but she also makes some of the finest tempura I've ever had. She is an excellent all around chef."

Ukyo smiled. She was used to hearing her mother's opinion of her (and her father's) cooking… But hearing Mr. Takamizo's complements meant a great deal to her.

"So… today is the big day," Mr. Takamizo said, changing the subject.

"At least the first part of it," Ukyo replied. "We'll get the paperwork signed this afternoon and the ceremony at the shrine will be tomorrow at one. After the ceremony, we'll come back here for a reception… You will be here, won't you?"

Mr. Takamizo began to laugh. "Of course… Of course I'll be here… There is no way I wouldn't be here. I'm sorry that I didn't reply to that beautiful hand written invitation… I'm starting to get forgetful in my old age… Ryoga, your parents will be here today, won't they?"

"They're supposed to be here at noon for lunch," Ryoga replied with a smile, "… that is if Akemi can corral both of them long enough to get them both in the car at the same time. It won't be easy."

"Has the situation improved between you and your dad?" Mr. Takamizo asked.

Neither Ukyo nor Ryoga where this might be leading, but Ryoga replied, "It's improved a little. He's stopped screaming when we talk and he did agree to sign the marriage document."

"Doesn't your father approve of you getting married?" Ukyo's mom asked.

"Getting married is the least of the issues my father has with me," Ryoga replied with a sigh. "His big issue is that I didn't finish school and become an accountant like him."

"Personally I think you're better suited to be a carpenter than an accountant," Mr. Takamizo responded.

"Why didn't you finish school?" Ukyo's dad asked. "I hope it wasn't just because you didn't want to do what your father wanted."

"No… It's more complicated than that," Ryoga answered. He paused for a second or two then added, "… And a little difficult to explain…"

Ukyo sighed. "It's not that difficult to explain… It's just a little embarrassing… Ryoga ended up with a curse on him… Dad, have you ever heard of a place in China called Jusenkyou?"

"Ahhh… I've heard stories about it… It's supposed to be the ultimate martial arts training grounds… But there are also stories of some terrible curses on people who train there… You don't mean to tell me that… that… Ryoga went there to train… and…"

"Ryoga," Ukyo prompted.

"Not exactly," Ryoga said. "I didn't exactly go there to train… but I ended up getting pushed into the 'Spring of the Drowned Black Pig'…"

"So now," Ukyo continued, "every time he gets splashed with cold water, he turns into a small… very cute… black pig…"

Ryoga glowered at Ukyo.

Ukyo smiled and continued, "… but when he gets splashed with hot water…"

"Actually warm water is sufficient…" Ryoga said, interrupting.

"Right… warm water… he turns back into his very cute human form." After several more seconds of silence Ukyo added, "That's it."

After a silence that seemed to last forever, Mr. Takamizo began to chuckle, "Now, that wasn't so difficult, was it?"

"Thank you so much for lunch," Megumi's grandmother said as she, Megumi and Soun walked in through the front door of her house, "and thank you so much for helping with the shopping."

"That's not a problem," Soun replied. He was carrying six full grocery bags, while Megumi carried two and Megumi's grandmother carried her purse.

While Soun and Megumi changed into house slippers they set down the grocery bags, but then picked them back up and moved them to the kitchen.

Megumi hadn't been kidding when she said that there were dolls everywhere in the house and the kitchen was no exception. Any wall space that didn't have cupboards had shelving (down to the floor) that were packed full of dolls.

The most disturbing dolls though where at the back of the countertop next to the stove. Each of the dolls had a demonic smile and was holding some type of knife. Soun looked at the dolls for several second but he turned away when the thought he saw the smile on one of the dolls (the one holding a big chopping knife) broaden.

Megumi smiled and said, "Yeah… Those dolls will do that to you."

Megumi's grandmother entered the kitchen and asked, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day/"

"Once we get your groceries put away," Megumi answered, "Soun and I have a few errands that we need to run before we go back to the jeweler's."

"Before you and your darling head out," her grandmother asked, "could you carry a box or two up into the attic?"

"Grandma… How many more dolls did you buy?"

"Not that many… It's just time to do some rearranging."

"The last time you had to do some rearranging," Megumi said, "it was because you bought over a hundred dolls from an estate sale."

"I didn't buy that many doll…" her grandmother said and then quietly added, "… this time."

Megumi sighed. "I don't know what I'm going to do with you. Do you actually have space up in the attic to put them? The last time I was up there, there wasn't very much space left."

"I did some rearranging," her grandmother said. "There should be plenty of space. It's only two boxes… and one small box."

"Show us where you want them," Megumi responded, "and Soun and I will get them up there."

"Miyuki… We're home," Hikari called out as she and Yuriko removed their shoes in the entryway and put on house slippers.

"Welcome home," Miyuki replied as she stepped into the entrance of the entryway hall. She was still completely naked (not even wearing house slipper). "What took you so long? I was expecting you home an hour ago."

"Paperwork for the Regional Tournament," Yuriko replied. "I found another form that I needed to get sent out right away… and I needed the principal's seal on it… so we had to track him down."

"Have you had lunch yet?" Miyuki asked. "I was waiting for you to come home before I make something for myself."

"We didn't have time to eat," Hikari said. "We were too busy trying to figure out where the principal hides when he's not is school."

"So… where does he hide?" Miyuki asked.

"In the school store down in the basement," Hikari replied, "where Principal Kuno kept him locked up. The apartment he has set up for himself is something else."

Hikari paused for a few seconds then said, "You do realize that Sailor Moon isn't on this week… or next week."

"What do you mean?"

"The show is taking a two week break," Hikari replied. It won't be on again until the tenth of January."

"Well… I guess I'm going to have to walk around naked for the next two weeks," Miyuki said with a smile.

"No you're not," Hikari responded. The tone of her voice made it quite clear that she was not amused by Miyuki's comment. "You're going to put some clothing on."

"But I lost the bet with…" Miyuki started to say.

"Forget about the damned bet," Hikari responded. "The only person who cares about that stupid bet is you. When Yuriko and I told everyone why you weren't there, they thought we were joking. At this point you need to get some clothing on."

"Wait a second," Miyuki said after taking a moment to think. "You and Yuriko were the ones who insisted that I couldn't wear any clothing… until after the next episode of Sailor Moon. You're the ones who made me walk home naked from the party. You're the ones who said I had to go naked while my parents were here."

"That's because you were being so damned obnoxious at the party," Hikari retorted. "You wouldn't shut up about Ranma's and Akane's nighties… You wouldn't shut up about the 'toys' from the store. You wouldn't stop taunting Yuka and Sayuri about the stuff at the store… And if I remember correctly I did offer to let you wear a robe while your parents were here but you were too bullheaded to listen to me. You had to be the suffering martyr."

"Suffering martyr?" Miyuki responded sarcastically. "I'm not suffering… In fact… I'm rather enjoying this. I could very well spend the next two weeks like this without any problem at all."

"No you can't," Hikari replied. "You're going to forget about this stupid bet and you're going to put on clothing and you're going to rejoin the normal world. We need you at practice. I can't even come close to spot and coach as well as you do."

Neither girl said anything else for an extended period of time.

Finally Miyuki said, "What would you like for lunch? I have everything I need to make udon soup."

"Put on some clothes first," Hikari said.

"I'll put clothes on after lunch," Miyuki replied. "Like I said, I've really gotten to like walking around like this… So humor me for just a little while longer…"

"Are all of those boxes in the attic filled with dolls?" Soun asked quietly as he and Megumi stepped on to the sidewalk from the front porch of Megumi's grandmother's house.

"Either dolls," Megumi replied, "or clothing for dolls."

"Where did she get so many," Soun asked, "and what does she plan to do with them?"

"What she plans to do with them…" Megumi answered. "That's simple. When she dies, the house and the dolls are all mine. She told me what I do with them is my problem."

"For having just met your grandmother," Soun responded with a smile, "I can imagine saying exactly that."

"And where they all came from… Well… Before my grandfather died, he and my grandmother would go to doll conventions at least once a month. My grandmother would display her dolls at the conventions. And most times she would win an award of some kind… But mostly they went to the dealer's room to find new and unusual dolls."

"You mean like the ones in the kitchen?"

"No… My grandmother never would have bought something like that on her own. I think those were a gift from a friend."

"Some friend," Sound commented.

"Anyway, after my grandfather died," Megumi explained, "my grandmother stopped going to conventions, but now she buys stuff from magazines and catalogs. Sometimes I'll come to visit and there will be two or three dozen new dolls."

Soun shook his head. "I guess everyone needs a hobby of some kind… but this seems a little extreme."

"No more extreme than Aishi's dress and evening gown collection," Megumi responded. "There are closets at Yuzuru's apartment filled with outfits that Aishi wore once to a book signing and never wore again."

"I guess you're right," Soun answered. "At least Ranma's dress collection isn't that extensive… and he'll at least consider wearing a dress a second time."

"On the other hand, Ranma has a valid reason for wearing dresses and evening gowns," Megumi replied. "Aishi not so much."

"If your brother feels comfortable dressing like that, I can't fault him for that."

"Does it bother you at all that my brother has sex with another guy?"

Soun paused for a few seconds then said, "At one time it might have… but now… it's his choice of life style. He and Yuzuru seem very happy together… and he isn't interested in imposing his life style on me or anyone else… So if Aishi and Yuzuru are happy together, I have no right to approve or disapprove."

Megumi chuckled and shook her head. "So… where to now?"

"I think the next stop should be the District Registrar's Office to see if Juro has gotten anything about Natsume and Karumi."

"You're expecting information this soon?"

"There probably won't be any formal documents until Monday or Tuesday," Soun replied. "But there may be enough information verbally so that my friend can start reconstructing the family records so that we can get the marriage documents signed by Tuesday or Wednesday… And I can put Natsume's and Karumi's mind at ease."

"I think that may be a tall order for Natsume." Megumi replied with a chuckle. "And you're absolutely certain that's how it will turn out? That Natsume and Karumi are your nieces?"

"The Kanji is the key to it," Soun answered.

"What do you mean?"

"It's kind of a long story… but the short version is that when my great-great-grandfather was born, a mistake was made when the family kanji for his name was recorded… and the mistake wasn't noticed for some time. But even after it was noticed, he decided to continue to use it. My great-great-grandfather had only one son… and my great-grandfather again only had one son. My grandfather had two sons… my father and my uncle, who passed away without getting married. And my father had two sons… my brother and me. There aren't that many people who use that kanji… That's why I'm so certain."

"It's a shame that your parents couldn't stay for dinner," Ukyo's dad said to Ryoga as Ryoga, Ukyo and Ukyo's parents walked from the registrar's office back to the Cat Café.

"It's probably all for the best," Ryoga replied. "Akemi said that my parents were arguing before they got to the registrar's office… and if that's the case, dinner with them would not have been pleasant."

"So your parents argue a lot?" Ukyo's mom asked.

"Probably more than they should," Ryoga responded, "but that's the way they've always been. I think it's worse now since my dad's company provides handlers for them to prevent them from getting lost. Before that, they might not see each other for three months of more and they'd forget how much they don't get along."

"So what do you think they were arguing about today?" Ukyo's mom pressed.

"Usually it's about me," Ryoga answered, "but it could be almost anything. It could have been because my dad had to take time away from work."

"But doesn't your father work from home?" Ukyo's dad asked.

"He does… most of the time… But sometimes they need him at the office so they'll send somebody to pick him up… He says that it could happen at any time day or night… So he says that any time he's away from the house, he could miss a time when he needed to be at the office.

"It sounds like you dad has an inflated view of his own self importance," Ukyo's mom commented.

"Not really," Ryoga responded. "Mom says that he's very good at what he does… Good enough for them to assign a full time keeper to him."

"What exactly does your father do?" Ukyo's dad asked.

"Well… at least the way mom explains it… He does financial forecasting. He can look at financial data and make predictions… and those predictions are rarely wrong. His predictions have made his company billions of Yen in a single year."

"Wow," Ukyo said. "I guess never realized that. All I ever knew about him was that he's an obnoxious, arrogant bastard who won't listen to reason."

"He's all of that," Ryoga said with a broad smile on his face, "and so very much more."

Ranma was sitting at the kitchen table (with papers covering almost the entirety of the table) when Akane entered the kitchen, walked up behind him, put her arms around him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Ranma didn't seem surprised in the least.

"I didn't expect you home this early," Ranma said without looking up from the paper he had been reading.

"There's no way I can surprise you, it there?" Akane said.

"I heard you come in through the front door," Ranma answered, "and I recognized your footsteps."

Akane sighed. "We did as much shopping as we could… or at least as much shopping as Natsume would let us do. We only spent about half the money that Kasumi gave us."

"You sister isn't going to be pleased," Ranma responded.

"I tried explaining that to Natsume… but she's as stubborn about some things as Kasumi is."

"That doesn't bode well for the future…" Ranma replied as he set the paper he was looking at down on one of the piles on the table. "So… where are Aka-chan, Natsume and Karumi?"

"Aka-chan wanted to pick up a few things from the market," Akane replied as she sat down in the chair next to Ranma, "and Natsume and Karumi went with her. Any idea where everyone else is?"

"Akio is in his room," Ranma answered. "I think he's reading. Yuka and Hiroshi are helping out at the bakery… I don't expect that they'll be here for dinner. And I think Sayuri and Yoshio went out to meet with Sayuri's dad somewhere. I think they were going to treat him to lunch."

Akane craned her neck to see what Ranma was working on. "So, what are you doing?"

"Going over the people who want to start taking classes from us," Ranma answered. "If everyone who applied actually joins us, we could have as many as thirty four new students."

"Thirty four new students," Akane asked. "From where?"

"Some of them are younger brothers and sisters of our current students," Ranma replied, "but most of them heard about us from other students… And there's a brother and sister from Suginomiya."

"Wow! I wonder how they heard about us."

"No clue…"

Akane continued to look at the papers on the table and noticed two envelopes on the corner of the table. One was addressed to Ranma (which was opened) and one was addressed to Akane (which was not), but otherwise they were identical.

"What's this?" Akane asked, picking up the envelope with her name on it.

"Well," Ranma said, "if it's the same thing that was in my envelope, it's an invitation to compete in the Master's Division of the All Forms Martial Arts Tournament."

"Invitation?"

"Apparently the Master's Division tournament is by invitation only," Ranma responded.

"When is it?" Akane asked.

"It's the last weekend of March," Ranma answered. "… You know… you could open the envelope and find this all out for yourself."

"I know… But it's more fun bothering you about it. Is it in the same place it was last year? I really wouldn't mind going back to the hotel."

"No… I guess it moves every year. This year it's in Kyoto."

"You're joking."

"No joke. Akio says that he doesn't think that Aka-chan and her grandmother will have any issues with us staying at the inn. He says that the arena where it's being held isn't too far away from the inn. And the flyer says that if you run a school, each master's division entrant can bring up to four of their students to compete in the lower divisions for no additional charge."

"Who would we take?"

"Well… I was thinking that Yuka and Fumiko would be the best candidates… and there are a few girls in your advanced class."

"Yeah… maybe… How about some of your boys?"

"There are one or two that might do well in a tournament from my advanced class and master's group."

"Hmmm… How about Natsume and Karumi?"

"They aren't actually students… but I'd be willing to cover their fees. I think that they'd stand a good chance to win in their divisions. The hard part is going to be to convince them to compete."

"I don't think that would be an issue with Karumi. While we were out shopping, all she could talk about was going to high school and helping to teach classes at the dojo. Natsume is still insisting that she isn't qualified."

"I think a good showing at the tournament might help to convince her otherwise… Oh… by the way… I think word got around after Kazuko, Aimi, Sachiko and Fumiko caught that molester. You have fourteen more girls who want to take your self defense class."

"Fourteen more…" Akane replied. "We'll have to split that class up. There's no way I can handle that many girls in one class."

"Maybe that's something that Natsume or Karumi could handle?"

"Probably not," Akane replied after a moment of reflection. "The self defense class isn't supposed to be an intense martial arts class. I was thinking that Karumi could take some of my intermediate students and Natsume could handle my advanced class. I think, at this point, Yuka could handle a self defense class."

"Then I could use Natsume's help with the master's group," Ranma said, "and with the Saturday class when your dad is too hung over to get up."

"Once dad is married, I don't know how much partying Megumi is going to let him do. She may keep him on short leash."

"I don't think so," Ranma responded. "I think she's as much of a party animal as your dad… Hmmm… Akane, have you considered that you might end up with a younger brother or sister?"

"I'm pretty certain that's going to be the case," Akane replied. "Megumi and I were talking yesterday… and she asked me if I would have any problems if she and dad had a baby. I told her that I didn't have a problem with it… and now that I've had a chance to think about it… I think I like the idea of a baby brother or sister… Although I'm pretty sure that dad would be ecstatic if he finally had a son."

"So that's rather definitive proof," Megumi said as she and Soun exited the registrar's office.

"I really didn't have any doubts," Soun replied. "If the documents arrive from Akita by Monday, Juro thinks he'll be able to get all of the family records corrected and updated by Tuesday… But even if he doesn't, we'll file the marriage documents Tuesday afternoon… if that's all right with you."

"Tuesday afternoon will be fine," Megumi replied. "Who are you going to get for your witnesses?"

"Hopefully Kasumi and Tofu will be available," Soun answered. "Usually Tofu doesn't have office hours Tuesday afternoon. How about you?"

"I'm hoping that I'll be able to get Sadako and Aishi," Megumi responded.

"Are you sure the Dragon Lady will let your brother out of his cell?"

"I hope so," Megumi replied. "I really don't have anyone else to ask… And I don't want to ask anyone from work."

"No… that probably wouldn't be a good idea," Soun answered. "I'm not sure the district chairman would actually approve."

"I don't think you need to worry about what the district chairman thinks. You won't be working for him from now on."

"But we'll still have to deal with him. He has some really strange ideas."

"What was your first clue?" Megumi answered with a broad smile. "Mine was the day he said in front of everyone at the planning board office that women were incapable of making coherent decisions when there was any kind of pressure involved."

"When it comes to women, he reminds me very much of my father… No… I was thinking more of his fixation of converting unused parcels of land… like playgrounds and parks… into high rise apartment developments."

"Hmmm… yeah… that too… And some of the things he said when we were at that conference in Kyoto…"

"When he was sober or after he had some of the punch?"

"Both… Although… it was funny when he said that he thought that the bigger a woman's boobs were, the less intelligent they were."

"That was after he had the punch. I thought his wife was going to kill him."

"She is rather large breasted… Probably a double-D or E cup."

"And how do you know that?" Soun asked.

"We spent some time together in the hot spring during the day while the conference meetings were in session."

"Those two are two of a kind."

"Yes they are… And I'm so glad that they're contribution to the gene pool was not to have any children."

"So, when do you think you'll know if your brother and the Dragon Lady will be available?"

"I'm going to need to go back to the apartment and get a few things I missed, so I was thinking of doing that tomorrow afternoon. I can ask the Dragon Lady for her permission then."

"Do you think you'll need me to go with you?"

"Probably not," Megumi answered. "I missed a few things when we were there the last time. Stopping at my grandmother's reminded me. When are you planning to tell the girls?"

"Natsume is on a date tonight… I think I'll wait until breakfast. I think everyone will be there."

"Sounds like a plan… Now… what do you want to do until six?"

"We should probably think about having dinner. I don't know how long it will take at the jeweler."

"Isn't there a family restaurant near the jeweler's?"

"I think there's one on the next block," Soun said after taking a moment to think.

"That sounds good to me," Megumi replied. "A burger would taste really good now."

"The consensus was to order noodle from the Cat Café," Akane explained to Kasumi and Tofu. "I told them to deliver it around six."

"That sounds good," Kasumi replied. "That will give Tofu and me the chance to get cleaned up."

Kasumi and Tofu had just arrived and Akane, Ranma, Aka-chan, Akio, Sayuri, Yoshio and Karumi were sitting in the living room.

"Any word from father and Megumi?" Kasumi asked.

"Nothing," Akane responded, "but from what you said, I really wasn't expecting to hear anything."

"And Natsume went out on her date?" Kasumi asked.

"Gota came by about a half hour ago to pick her up," Karumi replied. "I think they're going out for dinner and then they might go to see a movie."

"That's good," Kasumi replied. "How did shopping go?"

"Talk about bullheaded as stubborn," Akane replied. "We only went through about half of the money you gave us."

"I'm going to have a talk with that girl," Kasumi said with a broad smile.

"Good luck with that," Aka-chan said. "The only person that I can think of that even comes a close to be as stubborn as her is my grandmother."

"And that's saying something," Akio added.

"Don't worry about that," Tofu said with a broad smile on his face. "Kasumi has a knack of being able to make people see her point of view."

"Why don't the two of you go and get cleaned up and ready for dinner," Akane said.

"And if you feel so inclined," Ranma added, "the bath water is hot."

Kasumi smiled. "Ranma… That sounds like an excellent idea. After today a hot bath sounds like just the perfect thing… Right Tofu…"

"Thanks for dinner," Kenji said. "That was good."

"Thanks," Suzuko said. "That's one of the things they taught us to make in cooking class in school."

"Would you like for Kenji and me to do the dishes?"

"That would be nice," Aoi answered. "Suzu and I can take care of the laundry while you do that… and then we can figure out what we're going to do for the rest of the evening."

"Like I offered last night," Rei said, "We can go over to my apartment and play video games."

"What did you have in mind," Aoi asked, "… one of your dad's porn games?"

"Not necessarily," Rei replied. "I have a couple of new games that I haven't played yet."

"Kenji," Suzuko asked, "Have you ever watched a porn video?"

"N… Not really…" Kenji replied. "I've watched a few late-night Animes… but nothing you could really call a porn video."

"Rei, does your dad have any porn videos?", Suzuko asked.

"Probably…" Rei replied.

"Suzu… why are you so interested in if Rei's dad has porn videos?" Aoi asked.

"I don't know," Suzuko replied. "Maybe because I've never seen one before."

"I've never seen one either," Aoi responded, "but that doesn't mean I'm that interested in watching one."

"I'm sure my dad has something," Rei said, "but are you sure you really want to watch something like that?"

"I'm not really sure of anything," Suzuko replied, "but I hear the other girls in our class talking about it… so I guess I'm curious about it."

"I guess I could go and find something," Rei replied. "But I'm not sure what we'll end up watching. My dad has some really strange tatses."

"Have you watched any of them?" Aoi asked.

"No… The titles are just too weird…" Rei responded. "But they're in with his games and some of the titles are like 'Explode for Me' and 'The Magic Elixir'."

"I'm not sure I like the idea of people exploding," Suzuko said.

"If you want" Rei said, "I can go over to my apartment and get a few… But there's no telling what their going to be like… My mom and dad have some really strange ideas about things like this."

"Your mom watches porn videos with your dad?" Aoi asked.

"I think sometimes," Rei replied, "and I think my mom buys them for him sometime."

"Why would she do that?" Suzuko asked.

"I don't have a clue," Rei responded. "My parents are kind of weird that way."

"Are you sure it's going to be all right if you stay here another night?" Aimi asked.

"Mom said it would be OK," Kazuko replied. "She said that she needs to be up early again tomorrow and is probably going to work another double shift… and dad wants to get some sleep. He's been working extended hours all week to cover for people who took off for the holiday."

"My parents don't really care," Sachiko said. "At the moment, they aren't even answering the phone. They're probably home, but watching one of their TV shows and ignoring the phone. What time are you expecting your mom to get home?"

"No clue," Aimi answered. "It will depend on how late they stay open and how drunk my mom is. If my mom is really drunk, Mr. Kiyobe will send her home in a car… but not until they close for the night. That might not be until two in the morning. And if that's the case, my mom will be really drunk."

"I wouldn't mind opening up another bottle of bourbon," Sachiko said.

"Please don't," Aimi replied. "We've all had way too much to drink for that last two nights. I think we all need to take a break… at least for a little while."

"I guess so," Sachiko said, "but if your mom comes home drunk with an open bottle… I'm going to end up drinking with her."

"Aimi," Kazuko asked, "do you have any other ideas for things we can do tonight."

"I guess I don't really have any other ideas," Aimi replied. "I just don't want us to get drunk like we were last night."

"Would you mind if you and me and Sachiko cuddled with each other tonight?"

"I guess I wouldn't have a problem with that," Aimi replied.

"How about you Sachiko?" Kazuko asked.

"What do you mean by cuddle?" Sachiko asked.

"I guess I mean kissing and touching each other," Kazuko replied.

"I… I guess I wouldn't have a problem with that," Sachiko answered. Sachiko paused for a moment then asked, "Are you and Aimi lovers?"

"I guess that you could say that," Kazuko answered. "I love Aimi… and Aimi loves me… But I love you too… And I hope you can love me the same."

"Auntie Arisu," Oniko asked as Arisu tucked her into her bed, "could I go with you to practice again tomorrow?"

"I guess that would be all right," Arisu replied. "Did you have fun at practice?"

"Yes I did," Oniko answered. "Auntie Arisu, could you show me how to do some of the tricks you do on the… the…"

"Balance beam," Arisu replied. "It's called the balance beam… I can show you some of the basic stuff… But I think it would be best if you practiced first on the ground. Not as much of a chance of getting hurt. That's how I learned at first."

"Thank you," Oniko said. "I love you Auntie Arisu."

"I love you too," Arisu replied. "I love you too."

"So… your mom is checking up on you?" Aoi asked after Kenji hung up the phone.

"Pretty much," Kenji replied, "and to confirm that they probably won't be home until the Sunday after New Years."

"Your parents aren't angry with you because you weren't at home, are they?" Suzuko asked.

"No… my parents aren't angry," Kenji replied. "They didn't even try to call our apartment. Mon kind of figured that this is where I'd be."

"So, are your parents enjoying themselves?" Aoi asked.

"Mon says that she and dad are pretty much taking it easy," Kenji answered. "But she says that your parents are real party animals. Apparently they closed down the bar last night and didn't surface today until after two in the afternoon. My mom says that there's no way that she and my dad could keep up with them."

Rei shook his head. "I know my dad likes to party. He and his co-workers did a lot of that after they finished his last project, but I didn't realize that my mom liked to party like that."

"But your mom buys porn videos and games for your dad," Suzuko said, "and she watches the videos and plays the games with him."

"Yeah, she does do that," Rei replied. "But that's just the two of them. I can't remember my mom ever going out drinking with my dad. Usually she stayed at home and complained about it… and bitched at my dad the following day when he complained about his hangover."

"I don't think my dad has ever 'just taken time off from work', Kenji added. "Usually my mom has to fight with him to take off for even short family vacations. My dad hasn't taken off more than three days in a row… let alone more than a week… And that's only because his office is shut down until after the new year… Not that he isn't entitled to take the time off. I think he could take off a month and barely put a dent into the vacation time he has coming to him."

"Doesn't your dad's company force your dad to take the time off," Aoi asked. "Our dad has to use up all of his vacation time each year. That's why mom and dad spend the holidays in Osaka."

"I think that's the way things are supposed to work in my dad's company," Kenji answered, "but usually things get crazy near the end of the year and projects have to be completed before the new year… so they let my dad carry his vacation over to the following year… but they never give him a chance to use it all. Like I said… my father has never just called in and said that he's going to take time off."

Suzuko thought for a second then said, "Maybe our engagements have something to do with it."

"It's nice to have a nice quiet night together," Akane said as she brushed Ranma's hair.

He was back in his girl form again after he and Akane had taken a bath together and was sitting in the chair at the desk while Akane brushed his unbraided red hair.

"Your hair really looks good unbraided," Akane said, "and it's so thick and soft. I really wish that you'd consider not braiding it."

"But it's a lot of work to brush it out twice every day," Ranma replied.

"I don't mind," Akane answered. "I am honestly considering letting my hair grow long again… then we can brush out each other's hair."

"I wouldn't mind doing that," Ranma replied.

"Are you going to stay in your girl form tonight?"

"I was considering it," Ranma responded. "Would you like me to change back to my boy form?"

"That really isn't necessary."

"Was there any sign of your dad and Megumi yet?"

"Not yet," Akane answered, "… or at least I didn't see them. And there wasn't any sign of Natsume or Gota yet."

"I didn't think there would be," Ranma said. "My bet is that they went to dinner, went to see a movie and then they stopped for coffee and pastry somewhere."

"Probably… What did you think of the dress we picked out for her?"

"Not bad at all," Ranma answered. "She could probably take the hem up a few centimeters with no problem."

"We told her that… but she thought that the dress was too short as it was."

Ranma chuckled. "Don't worry… She'll learn."

Akane ran the brush through Ranma's hair a few more time then said, "I think that's it. I'll brush it out again before we go for Uchan's and Ryoga's wedding."

"It's hard to believe that Uchan and Ryoga are actually getting married."

"Actually… they already are married. They were supposed to take care of the paperwork this afternoon. Tonight they'll be sleeping together as husband and wife."

"I hope Ryoga doesn't die of embarrassment. Just hinting that he and Uchan might have sex and he turns so bright red. And when Mizuki said that he and Uchan are going to make babies, I thought he was going to have a heart attack."

"I know somebody that… although he doesn't react quite that badly… still is as embarrassed as hell when someone talks about us having sex… Ranma, is that why you've been staying in your girl form most of the time?"

"Not really," Ranma replied, "… but since I'm going to be in my girl form during the tournament, I really need to be mindful of my behavior. I still have a tendency to go to the wrong lavatory sometimes… And if after the next full moon I'm going to be stuck in my girl form for a while… I figure I'd better practice being more lady-like… And it really freaks people out when I do that in my boy form. Do you mind?"

"No… not really…"

"So… are you ready for bed?"

"I guess as ready as ever… Did you have something in mind?"

"Mmmm… Maybe…"

"Who was that?" Sachiko asked once Aimi hung up the phone. "Was that your mother checking up on us?"

"You've got to be joking," Aimi replied. "At this point my mom is probably too drunk to even figure out how to use a phone. No… that was Fumiko to remind us that there's a practice tomorrow morning and the coach would like everyone there."

"But we're not competing," Sachiko said.

"Fumiko said that the coach wants everyone to get some practice time… even the people who aren't going to be competing in the tournament.'

"I'll have to stop at my apartment and get my leotard," Sachiko responded. "I can't remember the last time I wore it."

"I don't think I've worn mine since before the district tournament," Aimi said after thinking about it for a few seconds. "We'll have to stop at your apartment in the morning to pick yours up too, Kazuko."

"Ahhh… maybe I should go and pick mine up tonight," Kazuko said. "Things get really crazy in the morning when my mom is working doubles and dad is working nights…"

"I guess I could go and pick up mine now too," Sachiko said. "Then we can head straight to practice in the morning. What time is practice?"

"Fumiko said that she thinks people will start showing up around nine," Aimi replied.

"Any idea if Fumiko is running with Akane and Ranma tomorrow morning?" Sachiko asked.

"I don't know," Aimi replied. "I didn't ask and she really didn't say."

After taking a moment to think, Aimi said, "I think I'll walk with you. I want to stop at the store and get some ice cream… And I can make sure the two of you don't have anything to drink when you stop at Sachiko's"

"I really didn't mean to keep you out this late," Gota said as he and Natsume walked side by side.

"It's not a problem," Natsume replied, "… and it really isn't that late."

"Di… did you enjoy yourself?"

"Yes I did," Natsume answered. "I've never been to a theatre to see a movie before."

"You've never been to a movie before."

"I've seen movies… on television… when we stayed at people's houses," Natsume explained, "but I've never seen a movie in a movie theatre before tonight. Karumi and I never had the money to do anything like that."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Gota said. "Would you like to do this again?"

Natsume smiled. "Of course I would…" She paused for a moment, then added, "But I have one condition…"

"Con… condition," Gota replied nervously, "… What condition?"

"That you hold my hand while you're walking home."

"Hikari, are you still angry with me?" Miyuki asked.

She was lying next to Hikari on their futon.

Both were wearing pajamas.

"A little," Hikari replied.

"Was I really that obnoxious at the party?"

"Yes you were. I have no idea where you came up with some of the things you said."

"I'll have to take your word for it," Miyuki responded. "I really don't remember. I really don't remember very much about walking home naked… except that you were angry with me."

"That seems to be a real issue when you drink…" Hikari answered. She paused then added, "But I really owe you an apology too. I was so pissed at you… but I shouldn't have made you walk home naked… and I shouldn't have insisted that you not wear any clothes while your parents were here."

"You did say that I could wear a robe…"

"I know… but that wasn't until Yuriko and I talked… and by that time you were pretty pissed off with me."

"Yeah, I was… But it was almost worth it to see the look on my mother's face."

"That was pretty classic… And your dad had no idea what to do when he hugged you."

"My dad, for as long as I can remember has always hugged me with his hands firmly planted on my butt," Miyuki explained. "When I was little it was so he could lift me up so he could give me a kiss… but he kept doing that even as I got older. Mom used to yell at him for doing it. She said that people would think that he was trying to molest me."

"Kissing and hugging were never a big thing in our family," Hikari said. "… And your mother gets a really filthy mouth when she's had too much to drink. There was no question about how some of the things from that shop were used."

"Yeah… Just a little too much information," Miyuki said. "I guess that's where I get it from."

"You don't really get a filthy mouth," Hikari responded, "… You just get insistent about things… like Akane and Ranma trying on those nighties… or about what Yuka and Hiroshi are doing when they're alone together."

Hikari paused for a second then asked, "Have you checked out what's in the bottom drawer of your mom's dresser?"

"I haven't," Miyuki responded quickly, "and I don't intend to."

"Aren't you even curious?"

"Not in the least. Are you?"

"Maybe just a little," Hikari replied. "I bet Yuriko already checked it out."

"Fine," Miyuki responded. "She can check out whatever she pleases. She's a big girl."

"It's really bothering you that your mom bought that kind of stuff, isn't it?"

"Yeah… And that my father actually approves of her buying it…"

Miyuki paused, and then chuckled. "I guess all of this kind of messes with the image I had of my parents."

"I can't imagine what Shampoo said to Mizuki," Ryoga said. "Up until she talked with her, Mizuki was insisting on spending the night with us."

Ukyo shook her head and smiled. "I think I have some idea of what Shampoo might have said." Ukyo paused for a moment, then said, "We should probably get ourselves ready for bed."

"Probably," Ryoga responded. "Today was a very busy day and tomorrow will be too."

Ukyo and Ryoga had spent most of the day and evening with Ukyo's parents and with Shampoo, Mousse and Mizuki (as well as the rest of Shampoo's new extended family)… and Mr. Takamizo. The café was not particularly busy and most of the people who came by came to congratulate Ukyo and Ryoga (and then have a bowl of Ramen).

Ukyo and Ryoga had just seen Ukyo's parents of at the train station (her parents were staying at a hotel in downtown Tokyo) and had returned to their apartment.

"I guess it really hasn't sunk in completely that we're actually married," Ukyo said as she began to unbutton the buttons on her blouse.

Ryoga stood (seemingly spellbound) as Ukyo removed the blouse and tossed it into the hamper. She unfastened the hooks on her bra, removed it and likewise tossed it into the hamper.

"Aren't you going to get undressed?" Ukyo asked. "… Or would you like me to do that for you?"

Quickly Ukyo's skirt and panties found their way to the floor. She stepped out of them and stepped up to Ryoga and threw her arms around him.

"Hmmm…" Ukyo purred. "Is that what you'd like me to do? Would you like me to undress you?"

"U… Uchan… Wha… What are you doing?"

"Silly… I'm getting ready for bed… We are married now… and since we're alone tonight… this would be a good time for us to start our family…"