[Ranma][Fanfic] Home: Sunrise Chronicles - Part 3

[Nicholas Leifker]

Ni- er, Leifker (nwl...@unix.tamu.edu) presents...

"Aoi-chan asked me an interesting question earlier today. 'Auntie
Nabiki said she and Uncle Gel were going home to visit her family,' she
said. I confirmed her information, of course.

Then she asked me, 'But I thought her home was here.'

I smiled at this, as the question was intimate to me. 'Aoi-chan,' I
said, pointing to Nabiki's house and store, 'the building over there is a
house. What makes it a home is when you leave a part of your heart
there. Nabiki spent most of her life in Tokyo with her father and
sisters, and will always consider that place a home.'

My little one thought about this for a moment. 'Then where's my home?'

My smile widened. 'Hopefully, your home is here, with me and
Ucchan. Fortunately for us, so is mine.' I then held her close and
hugged her with all the love a parent could, and let her go, knowing
someday she would find a home of her own and leave."

-from _Journals of Ranma Saotome, 108th Chieftain of the Niichieju_.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Home

Part the Third of the Sunrise Chronicles.

A work of anime fanfiction by Nicholas W. Leifker.

All relevant characters proplerty of Rumiko Takahashi. All other
characters property of me. I beg pardon if the powers that be take
offense. I must ask that you not do anything with this story or any part
of it without permission from the author.

This story takes place roughly five years after the events in "Sunrise
Chronicles pt. 1", and three years before the events in "Sunrise".
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fall had come to the cursed place of Jusenkyo, bringing with it a
slight nip to the air, as well as the beginnings of the decay normally
associated with winter. A hazy fog laid low over the land, calling to
mind the ghosts that called the pools of sorrow home. A light from the
nearby hut shone across the place, a beacon for those unfortunate to
discover the secrets beneath the water.

A figure stood sentinel alone in the mist, her small form statuesque
in its dignity. She was old, venerable without being decrepit, with
long silver hair rustling in the small breeze, and eyes shining with
hard-earned wisdom. A black cloak fit over her green robes to shield her
from the cold. The lady was perched precariously on top of a gnarled
staff, silent as she stood watch over a modest grave. Foreign visitors
might be foolish enough to disturb her respects, but the locals knew
better.

This was _Cologne_, after all, the hard, stern leader of the
Niichieju. Awakening her anger here was tantamount to suicide - or
worse.

Her watch was a daily ritual now. In some respects, she blamed
herself for the tragedy. If only she'd killed Blossom outright rather
than exile...if only she'd intervened in the fight...

If only.

If only Ranma had never gone to Jusenkyo, or Herb had declined to
bring the Chisuiton. She knew better than to think like that. Such past
regrets were useless. All she could do was mourn the past, and plan for
the future.

The old woman closed her eyes for a moment, and remembered...a young
man, with passion burning like starlight and a warrior's heart to match.
In a heartbeat, the face aged, but not the soul...somehow, the curses
that had buffeted her own life had spared him, leaving him as youthful as
ever, until...until this place handed him a curse, and an enemy to match.

"Young pupils who envy the wisdom of the aged masters, the survivors
of constant battles, will either die never knowing of the pain of
bringing that wisdom to flower...or they will share in that pain as they
join their ranks." The masters' dilemma, a proverb from the early days
of the village, rang through her head often now. All that was left were
survivors...mourners twisted by grief and turned from their destined
path. She herself had endured the loss of nearly everyone around her,
from husbands and siblings to old flames and great-granddaughters. And
now...

She leapt from her perch in an elegant bound, and dried what few
tears escaped. There was precious little time to give to the dead, and
the living needed far more help.

*****************************************************************************

Ranma may not have been born to work in a kitchen, but she
definitely knew her way around it. A pot simmered on the stove,
providing a sweet aroma that called to empty stomachs. Various herbs and
spices sat open on a counter, as well as an old, thick notebook. Other
bowls sat ready nearby, waiting for their turn under the fire.

It was almost a shame the young warrior wasn't cooking food.

The heir to Cologne's knowledge was engaged in an important practice
for her adopted role in life: herbal mixture and preparation. She had
not taken this part of her work seriously at first, as it reminded her a
bit too much of chem classes in school. Over time, though, she had come
to accept it as an integral part of her training, and had even come to
enjoy the quiet subtlety of the art.

The recipe she had chosen to start the day was a strange one, a
difficult potion found in one of Cologne's notebooks. The mandrake and
siren's hair reminded her of the dreaded Formula 110, but there were
other ingredients thrown in...ginseng...nightshade...witch hazel? Ever
curious, the warrior went to work, and mixed the formula to the letter.
After that, she whipped up a batch of cold remedy, as she expected its
use over the next few weeks.

Ranma had taken care to follow the instructions to the most exacting
detail, but still couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. Call
it intuition (NOT feminine intuition, thank you very much), but she had a
nagging feeling that the formula wasn't going to work. Too many powerful
herbs clashing together usually left a useless pile of goo...or a
dangerously toxic one. Nevertheless, if Cologne prepared it, there had
to be a reason. So, she waited for the solution to thicken and cool,
then poured the gel into a waiting container. The heir turned back to
the table where the cold medicine waited, and picked up the bowl. She
put a hand to the notebook to turn to the formula - and stopped.

It wasn't the writing on the paper which had captured the young
lady's attention. She had read the words several times over, to lock the
recipe in her mind. Rather, it was the feel of the paper itself, an old
sheet beginning to yellow with age. There were small rough spots dotting
the paper, as though either rain had fallen on the sheet...or tears had.

***************************************************************************

Two Amazon blurs flew through the Chinese countryside as sunset
threatened, their attacks forming an impossibly-beautiful ballet in the
twilight. Cologne and Ranma played a fun game of sparring cat-and-mouse,
the elder retreating and flank-attacking to try to catch her young
protege off-balance, while the younger, her eyes blindfolded, leapt in
seemingly random patterns from place to place, never allowing the old
woman a viable target for very long, and only occasionally went in for
the attack. Casual conversation drifted over the fields as the fight
continued, as though the masters' battle was child's play to the pair.

"Hey, Hibachan."

"Yes?" The ancient warrior went in for the kill, only to meet empty
air.

"What's Formula 928?"

The leader of the Niichieju Amazons seemed to freeze in midair for a
moment. Ranma seized the opportunity, grabbed Cologne by the arm, and
sent her flying. The old woman got up and dusted herself off while Ranma
removed her blindfold.

"Did you say...Formula 928?" A touch of nervous flutter entered
Cologne's voice. Ranma nodded.

The venerable leader's shoulders seemed to droop for a moment. She
turned to the setting sun, her eyes viewing another time and place.

"Ranma...I recommend you pour whatever you made in a safe place.
The stuff's poison."

"Then why was it in there?"

Tears shimmered in the old woman's eyes. "I...I didn't want to kill
my own sister. I had hoped...if I could modify the 110 to make it
irreversible...she would leave, and not come back. I...I failed." Her
eyes focused on her pupil. "Ranma, I pray you never know a situation
like that." She sighed, and straightened up to her full height.

"Ranma...I understand you were invited to a wedding."

The warrior shrugged. "Yeah. One of Nabiki's adopted sisters is
getting married - to Kuno, of all people. I'm turning it down, of course."

"Don't."

Ranma blinked in mild surprise. "Huh?"

"It is important that you go to the wedding, and that your friends
accompany you. Your parents can take care of things here. You see, you
might not get another chance for a long time."

Ranma put her hands to her hips. "What is it, Hibachan?"

The old voice wavered to the point of breaking. "Ranma...I'm dying."

"What?" Ranma whispered, almost in disbelief.

"Gotcha." The old woman touched her staff to Ranma's forehead,
sending her flying. Ranma performed a neat flip, and landed on her feet.

"Why you...you..." Her voice trailed off as she noted Cologne's
gaze. "You're not kidding, are you?"

She shook her head. "Come. It is time we headed home."

*****************************************************************************

Night had long since fallen over the village, and most of its
residents were now lost in dreams. Silence reigned throughout most of
the land, the only sounds to be heard the gentle rustling of animals.
The lights of the little hamlet had all been snuffed out...save one, a
beacon shining from Ucchan's Restaurant.

Ukyou wasn't sure whose idea it was, only that it seemed strangely
appropriate. None of the women there could claim a normal 'girlhood', as
two of them had lived as men and the third had been far too immersed in
commerce to bother. Still, she couldn't debate its enjoyment - or its
usefulness. Everyone had been so tense about the upcoming trip -
especially Ranma, who had seemed almost untouchably distant of late. It
was almost as if her old friend was hiding something...

Whoever came up with it, the slumber party was a great idea. Truth
or dare, strip poker...she never realized what she had missed growing up.
More importantly, the time allowed them to sit and talk, an all too rare
occurance nowadays. Between the three of them, their lives were so busy
that sometimes even a pleasant "hello" was hard to come by. Such
intimate conversation, away from the hustle of life, was something to
cherish.

"Food's ready!"

She looked up at her onetime fiance. Ranma walked out from behind
the grill bearing okonomiyaki and sake on a tray, the results of an
earlier 'dare'. Ukyou couldn't help but smile; the waitress outfit was
so fetching on her...The heir to the Niichieju leadership set the food on
the table and sat down carefully, her face red from embarassment.

"Oh, don't worry, Ranma," Nabiki piped. "It's not like wearing a
dress will stick you in the form."

Ukyou shook her head. Nabiki could be so tactless at times...She
placed a reassuring hand on Ranma's shoulder before a retort could come.

"Nabiki, what's the schedule for the trip?" she asked, changing the
subject.

The businesswoman shrugged. "The only thing you two have to do is
go to the wedding and reception on Friday. Me, I'm going to be so busy
that I'll have little time to enjoy myself." She groaned slightly.
"I am not looking forward to this."

Ranma arched an eyebrow. "Natsume and Kurumi?" Nabiki nodded.

Ranma put a hand to her friend's shoulder, and looked her in the
eye. "Nabiki...you've got to make up with them. They're
family...whether you like it or not."

Nabiki shook her head sadly. "I know. I just wonder if they're
willing to make up with me. I did say some rather harsh things
earlier..."

"All you can do is try. You never know what'll happen unless you
do." The heir brought the sake to her lips. "Personally, I can't wait
to meet them."

Ukyou coughed, and took a sip of her sake. "Just to let you know,
Ranma, my father's coming to visit."

Ranma began to choke on her sake. "Y-Your father?"

She shrugged. "Yeah. He's really interested in meeting you."

"I'll bet! Let's see...the last time he saw me, I was six years
old, male, and riding atop his primary source of income." Ranma's gaze
fixed on the okonomiyaki chef. "How much have you told him?"

"I told him everything that happened with Jusenkyo and with Herb. I
kinda had to after he found out I was living in China." She cut a piece
of slightly burned okonomiyaki, then winced as she put it in her mouth.
"Oooh, that's bad."

"Sorry. I don't quite have your skill in that regard."

Ukyou took a long sip of her sake, both to dull the taste lingering
in her mouth and to give her a good shot of courage. She then grabbed
one of Ranma's hands and held it in a fierce grip.

"Ranma."

"Yes?" The warrior looked at her quizzically.

"What's wrong?"

Ranma put a piece of food in her mouth. "Who said anything's
wrong?" she mumbled, wearing her best poker face.

A deadly look shot from the okonomiyaki chef. "Don't give me that.
I know you too well. You've been so buried in your studies and training
that you haven't even had time to stop in the restaurant. Now please,
Ranchan...tell me what's wrong."

Ranma lowered her head, unable to meet those imploring eyes. "I
can't tell you...right now."

"Whaddaya mean you can't tell me?!?" Ukyou was livid. Ranma stood
up, and placed a hard hand on her shoulder.

"There are things this village is not ready to know right now." She
softened, and managed an apologetic smile. "If it makes you happy, I'll
tell you on the plane. Okay?"

The chef relaxed from her meltdown. "Okay. You'd better...or that
flight's going to have a lot more turbulence."

*****************************************************************************

"KIYAAH!!" *thud*
"KIYAAH!!" *thud*

The cries of martial arts practice echoed through Nerima as Kurumi
Tendo went about her morning training. A cool fall wind blew through the
courtyard as she punched the practice dummy, rustling her short, disheveled
brown hair and cooling the heat of her exertions. The practice was a
comforting and cathartic one, an island of stability in a
rapidly-changing and turbulent world. Her sister's impending marriage
brought with it preparations, arrangements, fittings...and the knowledge
that the dojo was hers alone to run and take care of. It felt...strange,
frightening and exciting at the same time.

Then there was Nabiki, along with her friends. Kurumi's "other"
sister had a bitter streak a mile long, and was not pleased to find these
"interlopers" taking her place. She had hoped that she could make up
with her prodigal sister; however, she feared that such a resolution was
impossible. The others didn't help matters much; if the stories were to
be believed (and, were it not for everyone's insistence, she wouldn't
have), Ranma had been promised to Akane, back when 'she' was a 'he' and
Akane had been alive. Ukyou, on the other hand, was a complete mystery,
save that she and Akane both wanted Ranma and, as such, never got along.

"Gomen kudasai..."

Kurumi snapped to attention at the arrival cry. She got in one last
punch for comfort, then went to greet her guests. Her father was already
there, looking dignified with his graying hair and best kimono.

The first of the guests was the only one familiar to her, as they
shared a name, if not blood. Nabiki stood in front of her father for a
moment, a surprisingly neutral expression on her face. Her eyes still
held a hint of the old frustrations, but seemed more nervous than angry
now. She walked up to her father and, after a moment's hesitation,
hugged him. "Hello...daddy." Soun, quite naturally, returned the
embrace, happy to have his daughter back once more.

As father and daughter reunited, the other two visitors entered the
house, and set down their bags. The first seemed a relatively normal
woman, with long brown hair and soft, laughing eyes. A blue Chinese
outfit covered the woman's trim frame, and she wore a bandolier with
spatulas. Kurumi had only seen a couple of photos of Ukyou Kuonji, but
the clues identified the cook instantly.

The other stood calm at the entrance, her eyes glazed over in a bit
of memory. Her smooth, noble face was marred with a touch of sadness.
She carried herself with a quiet, tragic dignity of one who has seen
heaven and hell - and been cast out of both. Kurumi walked over to this
redhead, and bowed.

"Hello. My name's Kurumi. Kurumi Tendo. Am I to assume that
you're Ranma Saotome?"

The lady turned to Kurumi, and flashed a wry smile. "I see my
reputation precedes me. This is Ukyou Kuonji," she said, gesturing to
the chef next to her.

Ukyou bowed to the martial artist. "How do you do?"

Kurumi smiled. "We're fine. Natsume went out shopping with Kasumi,
so they won't be back until around noon." She turned around and motioned
for them to follow. "I'll show you to your room, and then we can talk."

*****************************************************************************

A few minutes later, the group sat around the table, each of them
nursing a cup of hot tea. Silence hung ominously over the group, as the
strains between Nerima's past and future made themselves evident. Ever
the gracious host, Kurumi meekly spoke to break the silence.

"So...how was your trip?" The words shook with apprehension.

Nabiki shrugged. "It was fine. There weren't any problems at the
airport, so..."

"That's nice."

Ranma felt the tension in the room, and knew the sisters needed to
talk. "Excuse me, Kurumi, but I'm rather stiff from the flight, so I'll
be in the dojo working out. Ukyou, Mr. Tendo? Care to join me?" The
others agreed and left, leaving the two women alone.

"Kurumi?" Nabiki stared at her mug, unable to meet her sister's
gaze.

"Yes?"

"I...I'm sorry."

Kurumi's eyes widened. Nabiki managed a weak smile, then continued.

"I'm sorry I didn't give you and Natsume a chance earlier. When I
came back for Kasumi's wedding, to find...it...it was like Dad and Kasumi
had brought you in to...to replace Akane and me. It made me so
angry...and I took it out unfairly on you two." She raised her head, to
face her. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to call you sister...but I
was wondering if we could be friends."

A weight seemed to disappear from their shoulders at Nabiki's
confession. Kurumi got up, and walked over to her sister. "I
guess...that'll be okay. When we came here, everyone was so sad...we
never stopped to think..." She bit her lip, and extended a hand.
"Friends?"

Nabiki grabbed the hand, and nodded. "Friends." She pulled her
'friend' in, and gave her a fierce hug. After a moment, she released the
embrace, and looked her sister in the eye. "Come on. The others are
waiting."

The two sisters walked hand-in-hand out of the house and over to the
dojo. Inside, Ukyou was sparring with Soun, and was surprisingly holding
her own. Soun had a strength advantage over her, but Ukyou had better
speed and endurance. The fight continued until Soun got a hit inside
Ukyou's defences, knocking the wind out of the young cook.

Soun wiped the sweat from his brow. "Very good, Ukyou. I haven't
had a fight like that in ages."

Ukyou bowed to the old master. "Thank you."

"Father, do you mind if I spar? I'd like to see how good these
people are."

The three Niichieju just looked at each other. "Okay,
Kurumi...which one of us would you like to fight?" Nabiki asked.

"Ranma." Kurumi pointed to the redhead.

The warrior in question raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" Kurumi
nodded.

"Okay..." Ranma moved out into the center of the dojo, and took a
non-combative position opposite Kurumi. "Ready?"

The short brunette nodded. "Are you?"

"Always."

Throughout the years that Kurumi Tendo had called the dojo home, she
had always heard the rumors of the changed warrior she faced. How he had
been fated to turn into a female with cold water, and the later tragedy
that took his manhood away for good, as well as one Kurumi would have
called sister. How he faced down foe after foe, refusing to give up or
give in until he was victorious. How he went toe-to-toe with Happousai
with disturbing frequency, and managed to hold his own in the battles.
In many ways, Ranma was the shadow that loomed over her, the ideal she
felt obligated to live up to.

None of this, however, prepared her for battle with this urban
legend of Nerima's streets. She charged in with a basic attack first, to
test the woman's legendary speed. All she met was empty air.

"Care to try again?" came a soprano voice behind her.

"Grrr..." She tried a roundhouse kick, hoping it would catch her in
mid-move. No luck.

No Ranma, either. She looked around, at the smirking audience, the
decorations on the walls -

"You know, it might help if you thought in more than two
dimensions."

She looked up. Ranma was perched there nonchalantly, as though it
were perfectly normal for her to hang on the ceiling.

"Why you..." Kurumi crouched, then leapt up, to knock the warrior
from her perch. Ranma leapt down and touched a point on Kurumi's back.
The young lady felt a small bit of electricity in her legs, then stared
in horror as they collapsed underneath her when she landed.

"Don't worry, it's only a Shiatsu point." Ranma poked another spot,
and life flowed into her legs once again. "Give up?"

Kurumi slumped her shoulders. "Hai..." Ranma picked up the young
woman and looked her in the eye.

"Not bad. I'd put your skill at slightly less than Nabiki's right
now. It might be a good idea if you sparred with her next."

Kurumi took the hint, and readied herself for the next match.

***************************************************************************

An hour later, the group was back at the table, in much the same way
they were before. This time, though, the conversation flowed freely,
without the chains of grudges.

"Ranma, where did you learn speed like that? I mean...one second,
you were in front of me, the next behind me, the next on the ceiling..."

The former heir to the Tendo Dojo sipped her tea, and looked at its
current proprietor. "A number of places. Some of it Pop taught me when
I was young, while Hiba- Cologne taught me the rest."

"I wish I could learn speed like that," Kurumi whispered.

The warrior's face darkened for a moment. "No, you don't. Trust
me."

"Huh?"

Ukyou put a hand to her forehead. Ranma could be so exasperating
sometimes... "What Ranma is saying is that he probably wouldn't have
trained so hard if...if it weren't for what happened to him."

"Oh." Kurumi took in a long sip, then set her mug down.

"Ranma, what's your home like?"

"My home?" Ranma looked surprised by the question.

"China. From what I've heard, it seems so...different."

Ranma smiled gently. "It's definitely different...and beautiful.
There's a life, an energy to the land, something missing from Tokyo. The
air smells sweet and pure, without all the pollution from the city. And
the scenery...the sunrise from the top of Mount Phoenix is just
breathtaking, with the light dancing across the cliff faces...it's almost
like watching the earth being reborn." She shook her head. "Still...it
doesn't measure up to home in my eyes."

Kurumi blinked in surprise. "But I thought..."

"We're back!" A cry came from the front entrance. A moment later,
Kasumi and Natsume walked in, carrying several bundles.

Natsume, the elder of the daughters trained by Happousai and
adopted by Soun Tendo, was tall and well-formed, with a lithe body to
rival any model's. Long brown tresses ran down to her waist, and were
held in place by a ponytail. Her soft, mysterious brown eyes were
inscrutable, hiding whatever secrets lay beneath, while the face that
surrounded them was round and without blemish. She sat down her packages
upon seeing the guests, and bowed in greeting.

To Ranma's eyes, Kasumi looked much improved since their parting
five years previous. She had gained a bit of weight, the results of a
recent pregnancy, but still looked as flattering as ever. The
cheerfulness destroyed with the disintegration of her family was returned
to her, as she now had a family of her own to take care of. She sat down
most of her packages, and placed the most important one, a baby carrier,
on the table, sparking the interest of all there.

"Is...is this little Akane?" Nabiki asked, with hesitation and joy.

"Uh-huh." The mother picked up her child, and held her close.
"She'll be four months old tomorrow." She looked up at Ranma, sitting
there with a strange, tense look on her face. "Ranma? Would you like to
hold her?"

The young warrior looked nervous for a moment. "Er...no. I'm not
that good with children."

"Nonsense! Nabiki's told me all about your healing work with
Cologne." She looked back to the infant, and held her out carefully.
"Here you go..."

Ranma accepted and held the child naturally, with a skill born of
years of practice. The warrior held her close to her chest, and cradled
her. Akane-chan, apparantly hungry, grabbed at the blouse with her
hands and mouth, seeking to feed on what's inside.

"Kasumi, I think it's time for her feeding," Ranma whispered, in awe
at the life in her arms.

Kasumi looked at her child's actions, and laughed. "Oh, she's
always hungry. I'll feed her in a little bit."

"Hungry all the time, huh? Just like..." Her words stopped as the
flood of memory roared unbidden through her. As she stared at the wisps
of black hair on the child's head, the wide-eyes innocence in the dark
eyes...Ranma couldn't help but think of another Akane, whose name was
given in memory to this child, the next generation and hope for the
family...

Tears fell from the Amazon's eyes, though even she could not tell if
they were from joy or sorrow.

****************************************************************************

Ukyou Kuonji fidgeted uncomfortably in her chair as she looked at
her watch for the sixth time in as many minutes. She had been rather
apprehensive about the visit, but knew the reunion could not be avoided.
The last time she had seen her father, she had been a youngster of
sixteen, a girl living behind a boy's mask. That had been six years ago.

Now...the woman looked down at herself, and blinked once at the
changes wrought by the years. An undeniably feminine body was hers to
show, its curved elegance flattered by the sky-blue evening dress that
covered it. So different...

Her thoughts quite naturally drifted over to her friend and
comrade-in-arms. Ranma was so changed from the six-year-old boy she had
played with and the sixteen-year-old youth she had fallen in love with.
The man was gone physically, trapped somewhere inside the (equally
beautiful) woman next to her, yet she could still see _him_ reaching for
her, yearning for release from behind those eyes of deep blue. Still,
there were parts of him that were gone forever, vanished in a flower of
fire. She only hoped there was enough of him left when the time of
release came.

She looked up at the entrance...and gasped. Her hand reached
unconsciously for Ranma's, seeking an anchor to hold on to. A burly man
entered the establishment slowly, carefully. His powerful frame was
cloaked beneath a conservative business suit, a pleasant change from the
okonomiyaki garb he usually wore. Upon seeing his daughter, Hikaru
Kuonji walked swiftly to her table. She stood up and embraced her father.

"Ukyou! How are you?" He stared at his child, astounded at the
beauty before him. "You...you look beautiful, daughter."

"Thanks, Dad." She gestured over to her eating companion.
"Dad...this is Ranma Saotome."

The martial artist stood up, and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Mr.
Kuonji."

Mr. Kuonji blinked for a moment, his mind trying to reconcile the
boy he knew with the woman before him. "Hello," he said, bowing
hastily. The group then sat down, ordered their meals, and began to
talk.

"So...Ranma. What are your responsibilities in this...Jotkesuzoku
village?"

The warrior shrugged. "I am the heir to the tribe's leadership.
This involves acting as the local herbalist and 'doctor', serving as part
of the law enforcement, acting as liason to the government authorities,
and helping to direct tribal meetings."

"I see..." the old man purred. "And my Ukyou? Your plans for her?"

"Father!"

"It's okay, Ucchan." Ranma put a hand to her friend's shoulder.
"Sir...right now, any ideas of relationships are on hold until either I
am able to return to my original form...or until such a return is
impossible."

"And if it is found to be impossible...what then?"

"Father, that's enough!" Ukyou's face was turning purple with rage.

"I'm just trying to see whether she'll stay by you...or if she'll
leave you, like her father."

This last comment, said with such venom, sent Ranma's hair
bristling. "No offense, sir, but I am most definitely not my father's
son."

"Really? I never would have-"

"FATHER!!" Ukyou was shaking, desperate to hold onto what little
temper she had left. She took a deep breath to calm herself, then locked
eyes with Ranma. "Ranma, could you please leave us for a moment? My
father and I have certain things to discuss."

The warrior nodded silently, then left for the ladies' room while
father and daughter glared daggers at each other. Ukyou took in another
deep breath, and spoke softly.

"Father, I want you to listen to me for a minute or two. I don't
want you to say anything until I'm done, because I'm about ready to
explode, and I might not get another chance."

"Dad, do you remember the day when Mr. Saotome left me behind? I
remember...I remember putting on that boy's suit. It was ugly and
ill-fitting, but you said I had to wear it, that I was no longer a girl
'cause Ranma left. I cried myself to sleep that night, not because I
had been left behind, but because...I had lost everything I was and
everything I had. I...I was no longer me."

"About five years ago, this psychopath tore through Nerima.
He...stuck Ranma in his girl body, and killed his...killed his fiancee
and friends."

"'His'? Have you taken a good look at 'him' lately?"

The look Ukyou flashed at her father could melt steel, and the
whisper from her lips was louder than any shout. "He's more man than
you'll ever be, father. At least he plans on solving his problems,
rather than hiding them behind a suit. It won't be until he's leading
the Niichieju, but it will be soon."

"Anyway, when that happened...Ranma went through the same thing I
had. He had lost everthing he had, everything he was...except me."

"Father, he won't leave me again. He spoke the truth before: he is
not his father's son, and refuses to make the same mistakes Genma made.
Also, I will never leave him. I've stared death in the face to be with
him, as he has done for me. The...bond between us is too strong to
break, a friendship beyond words or bodies. Don't _ever_ try to come
between us again. Got that?"

The old cook met Ukyou's hard gaze. "My question still hasn't been
answered, daughter."

A wry smile formed on her painted lips. "Dad...where I come from, a
sex change is a cool swim away." Her eyebrow arched slightly. "Besides,
you always wanted a son..."

***************************************************************************

Nabiki Tendo stood stoically in the graveyard, her dark eyes sad,
but lacking in tears. A gentle wind tugged at her long hair, whipping
the strands into her face, while a smart black dress flowed loosely
around her. In one hand was a simple bucket, and a single rose was in
the other. With a swift motion, she grabbed the ladle, dipped it in,
and poured the water over the cool granite. The gentle washing done, she
sat her bucket down and carefully knelt before the stone. She placed the
scarlet beauty at its base.

"Hey, sis. Long time no see."

She turned for a moment to look at the sky above her. A cloudy
afternoon overall, with hints of sunlight peeking from behind the clouds,
brilliant fire tempered by the cool sky. The wind blew in gusts around
her, stirring the drying leaves around her. Still, through it all, the
place held a stillness, a rock-hard illusion of peace from the outside
world.

"I...I'm sorry I haven't been back as often to visit. You are my
sister, after all...I've been keeping busy in the village. In between
training and running my store, I have so little time to just...get away."

"Kurumi and I have made up - at least for now. When we first met,
they made me so angry...It was like Dad and Kasumi had gone out and
adopted them to replace...to replace us. I...they make Daddy happy,
though, so...I decided to make up. They are family, after all..."

"Akane, I miss you so much. I...do you remember the talks we had
when we were kids? Before Kuno and his stupid promises, before Ranma and
his curse and fiancees, before Herb..."

"I'm so lonely there. Ranma and Ukyou have their own lives there,
so I don't get to talk to them often. The Saotomes help a lot...but they
can't understand some things. The villagers are alright, I guess...but
they're so strange sometimes. There's nobody with whom I can
just...talk."

"Sometimes, when I look up at the stars...I think about what...what
might have been. I could have gone off to college, you could be running
the dojo with Ranma...then reality hits. I see your...your body,
after...I see Ranma, living day-to-day in a body that isn't his...I..."

Angry tears began to flow from the young woman's eyes. "Akane, by
all I hold holy...I will see this through...for all of us."

***************************************************************************

The first rays of dawn spread out over the horizon, announcing to
all the coming of day. The light entered the room through the window,
illuminating its inside wall and stirring one of its temporary residents
out of her torpor. The young redhead stared at the half-shadowed ceiling,
and smiled.

For a moment, Ranma could almost imagine the past few years a dream,
a fantasy born out of her darkest nightmares. Familiar walls, familiar
ceiling...she rolled onto her side, half-expecting to see a panda
snoozing there. A mild disappointment crept in as she noticed only
Nabiki, snoring away the morning. Ukyou slept away on her other side,
murmuring softly in her dreams.

Never one to let grass grow under her feet, Ranma quietly got up,
stepped over Ukyou, and dressed in blue. She walked down the stairs, out
of the house, and toward the dojo to find...

Natsume and Kurumi were engaged in a morning practice, sweat
already glistening off of their bodies from the workout. While not in
the class of the best Niichieju, they were quite skilled, and would have
held their own in old Nerima, before Herb's coming. The familiarity
between the two fighters was clearly evident, as the punches and kicks
were so fluidly blocked as to be choreographed. The two girls noticed
the newcomer, and stopped their battles.

"Good morning, Ranma," Kurumi said cheerfully. Natsume, the more
reserved of the two, simply bowed.

Ranma walked into the all-too-familiar dojo with a smile, and
bowed. "Good morning. It's nice to know the old place is in such
diligent hands."

The sisters blushed at the compliment, then acknowledged their
thanks. Ranma looked around at the walls, lost in memory.

"This place always was a favorite of mine. Akane and I would often
spar in here to keep in training, as well as work out our frustrations."

Kurumi smiled. "Funny...I heard that Akane didn't care where she
was when she worked out her frustrations - only that you be on the
receiving end."

Ranma chuckled softly. "Yeah...as Kasumi once told me, 'She's
really a very sweet girl. She's just hopelessly violent.' Still, when
she let her guard down..."

The elder of the sisters nodded. "Tachi's the same way. When we
first met, he was spouting so much poetry I thought he wrote the stuff
for a living. Finally, I got so tired of it that I told him to shut up.
Amazingly, he did. We got to talking...and by the time it was over, both
of us were crying. Things just went from there."

She turned to face the morning sky. "He's anxious about meeting
you, by the way. He apparantly has a few things he wants to say to you
before tonight. Before you ask, yes, he knows about your curse."

"That doesn't help matters much. The last time I saw him, his
supposedly 'crazy' sister was forcibly carrying him away."

"You can't avoid him forever. You are going to the wedding, after
all."

"I know..." Dark thoughts raced through the warrior's mind, then
calmed. She then looked at the Tendos critically.

"Kurumi...I noticed in our little bout that you have some pretty
decent speed on you. Do you mind if I show the two of you a technique of
mine?" The two girls, eager to learn, nodded vigorously. She took
them out of the dojo and over to the carp pond.

"The technique I am about to show you is called 'Kashuu Tenshin
Amaguriken'." The warrior and (now) teacher looked down at the fish, drew
in a deep breath...and smiled.

****************************************************************************

An hour, two campfires, and five dead carp later, the three women
went to the bath to freshen up. Ranma paid it little mind, as she had
seen enough of the feminine body to not mind it, but was inwardly
grateful that the others also didn't mind. The ladies nonchalantly
undressed, scrubbed, and headed into the tub.

"What was Tachi like when you knew him?"

Ranma looked up at the ceiling and let out a long, drawn-out sigh.
"Kuno was...learning honor back then."

"Learning honor?" This was not quite the response the sisters had
expected from their guest. Ranma glanced at the two, then returned to
her memories.

"Honor doesn't just come to a person. It is built up over time and
experience...and loss. In the early stages, a person will usually act
somewhat haughty and aloof as they try to 'act' honorable, then will calm
down as they develop the things that support honor: love for self,
family, and friends, and the courage to defend that love to the death, if
need be. To give you an idea, 'Tachi' had proclaimed his love for both
Akane and the mysterious 'pigtailed girl', and considered it honorable to
try to wrest both of them from the clutches of the 'vile sorceror'
Saotome."

She looked over to Natsume. "From what I've heard from everyone,
Tatewaki Kuno has changed a lot since those days, probably due to your
influence. He's always had the courage within him. It took love - your
love - to show him what true honor is."

"It's strange to hear you say that," Natsume whispered. "When Tachi
learned the truth about you, he...well, I think I'd better let him
explain, at breakfast."

The bath water rippled as Ranma sat up, startled. "Breakfast?"

Kurumi smiled mischievously. "Oh, didn't we tell you? Tachi and
Kodachi are coming over. In fact, they should be here any minute now.
Come on, Natsume, your beloved awaits." They rose from the bath, and
started to dry themselves off. "Are you coming, Ranma?"

"Hai..." The changed woman rose from the water, and joined the
others in preparing for the confrontation.

The two representatives of clan Kuno were waiting at the table when
the girls entered, as were the other family members and guests. Upon
seeing them, the two stood up, erect and proud.

Kodachi Kuno's appearance had changed little since the carefree days
of her youth. The former gymnast still wore her hair in a long ponytail,
and still wore her preferred color of black, as demonstrated by the sable
dress she wore. The madness in her eyes was gone, though, presumably
disappeared the day she learned of her beloved's 'departure'.

Tatewaki looked as severe in adulthood as he had in high school. A
smart business suit fit snugly over his muscular frame, and his face was
the intense, stoic mask it had been, if a bit more angular. His eyes
danced, though, as he beheld his love Natsume. The two stood up, and
bowed deeply to the warrior.

"Hello, Ranma-sa...er, Ranma." Kodachi seemed unusually reserved
for the occasion.

"Hello," Ranma said carefully. Tatewaki bowed again to the young
lady, then knelt before her.

"Saotome Ranma, my sister and I would like to apologize for our
dishonorable actions. What we did in our ignorance was inexcusable, and
beneath the actions of an honorable warrior. We ask for your pardon, and
put ourselves at your command to atone for our sin."

Ranma blinked. An apology was not entirely unexpected, but the
full, formal apology was something she wasn't prepared for. Unsure of
what else to do, the young woman gave them a full forty-five degree bow,
then smiled.

"Kuno Tatewaki, your clan honors me with your apology. I do accept
it, on one condition."

All eyes turned to Ranma in surprise. Her smile broadened, and
almost glowed with happiness.

"You shall love Natsume as she loves you, and you must never be
afraid to show her that love."

Tatewaki stood up, brought his love close to him, and held her to his
chest. "I will, Ranma." He let go, brought her chin up gently, and kissed
her with the gentleness and sensitivity of one who knew of the fragility of
life all too well. After what seemed an eternity, the couple broke off
their kiss, and noticed the wide-eyed looks from the others. Natsume
coughed, then managed a wan smile.

"So...what's for breakfast?"

****************************************************************************

Ukyou knelt by the cold gray stone and placed a red rose at its
base, to join the one Nabiki left earlier. She clapped her hands
together and muttered a small prayer, then opened her eyes.

"Hello, Akane. I...hope you don't mind me visiting."

"I came by to say...I'm sorry. I know I wasn't very kind to you
back in the old days, but...I thought we could have been friends if it
weren't for our rivalry."

"Akane...do you ever think about those days? Things seemed so
innocent then. All of our fights, our loves, our petty rivalries...it
all seems so silly now, but back then...that was our life."

She bit her lip for a moment, nervous about the coming words.
"Before we left, Cologne had a long talk with Ranchan about...certain
things. Apparantly she's dying, and she wants him to be ready for the
job...and the cure."

"Akane, I know this sounds strange, but...I was wondering if I could
have your blessing to start a relationship with Ranchan, once he's back.
To be honest, he still loves you, and mourns your death everyday, just as
I mourn his...curse everyday. If you're listening, I know I can't
replace you...only be there for him."

The young chef stood up from her position. "Akane, I gotta go.
Kasumi wants me to look after A- after her daughter, and I need to take
Ranchan a few places before the wedding."

****************************************************************************

"I can't believe this..."

"Take it easy, Ranchan, you look fine. Besides, you need to look
good for the wedding."

"I guess..."

Ranma looked at her face in the restaurant window, and scowled at
the hairstyle and makeup put on in the name of beauty. Her pigtail was
undone, and flowers were intertwined into her now-styled scarlet locks.
The lipstick and liner accentuated the scowl of her face quite nicely,
and the mascara and eyeshadow enhanced the darkness of her stare. She
looked back at her eating companion, and smiled grimly.

The okonomiyaki cook, her friend and confidante, normally looked
femininely beautiful; her own session at the beauty parlor left her
drop-dead gorgeous. Her hair had been trimmed and styled in a way
similar to Ranma's, and the makeup served to show off the beautiful face
beneath. She held Akane Ono, Kasumi's child, in her arms, and a
cheesecloth was draped over her shoulder to protect her from any milky
residue. The chef picked up Ranma's chin with her free hand, and moved
her head from side to side.

"Gotta admit, Ranchan, you do look good. I'm jealous."

The former man was clearly unamused by the comment. "Please,
Ucchan. I'm not in the mood to hear it."

"Okay, okay..." Ukyou raised her hand in mock surrender.

Ranma lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry, Ucchan. It's just...this visit
has opened up a few old wounds, and I'm not exactly prepared to deal with
them right now."

Ukyou nodded. "I understand perfectly. Have you noticed where
we're eating?"

Ranma looked around. The entrance had changed, as had the counter
and chairs, but the stucco walls still held a few dents and cracks here
and there, a legacy from its days as...

"Ucchan's. I don't believe how this place has changed."

"Tell me about it." Thr proprietor frowned. "I spent so much time
here...and now it's as though I never was."

"Nothing is forgotten," Ranma murmured.

"Huh?"

"Oh, sorry. Something Hibachan taught me." The heir to the
Niichieju leadership gave a wry smile to her friend.

"For whatever time we are on this earth, we make echoes of where
we've been and what we've done, which last long after we're gone. Akane
has been dead for five years now, but her echoes are still felt, in the
name the child bears, in the patched up holes in the Tendo home and dojo,
and in the actions we take, either consciously or unconsciously, in her
memory."

"Niichieju wisdom?" Ukyou arched an eyebrow.

Ranma shook her head. "I don't think so. To be honest, I'm not
sure where she got it."

A squeal from the child brought the philosophy to a halt, soon
followed by an all-too-familiar odor. Ukyou smiled, and handed the child
to her. "Your turn..."

Ranma groaned, took the child and baby bag, and headed back to the
restroom.

****************************************************************************

Private demons are strange, shadowy creatures in the recesses of a
human soul. For years they skulk in the darkness, far from the mental
traffic flying through. Once called by some small event, though, they
tear through the mind, shattering the walls of comfort without regard to
time, place, or circumstance.

It is perhaps no small degree of irony that one of Ranma's demons
came to visit on this night, the night of the wedding...in the form of
a small piece of cream-colored silk.

The once-male warrior had not had an easy day. Beauty parlors and
shopping trips were not things a person of her nature cared for very
much. This, though...this was a bit more personal.

The clothes before her were, ironically enough, equivalent and
opposite to her own self. The outer clothing was primarily masculine in
style, even with a feminine cut: white dress shirt, gray western-style
slacks, and sport coat. A maroon ribbon took the place of a tie, though,
and black flats sat waiting instead of dress shoes. The undergarments,
on the other hand, were most definitely meant for a woman: brassiere,
hose...and silk panties, currently held in an angry grip.

When Cologne had offered her the Niichieju leadership, she knew full
well that it would be a long time before the chance to strike would
come and, as such, made appropriate adjustments. In order to make it
through, she had to try to become the 'man among men' her parents always
wanted her to be, even if only in spirit. She vowed that day never to
let that man inside of her disappear, no matter what, knowing that each
coming day of her life would chip away at that. If she ever let go, if
she ever let herself become a woman in spirit...then Herb would truly
have won.

Fortunately, such matters proved a bit easier than she had thought.
The women of the Niichieju were largely androgynous by Japanese standars,
and did not consider her behavior unusual; moreover, they knew of her
past, and understood her reluctance in romantic matters. The decision to
wear a bra had been a necessary, but agonizing one: Her chest had
blossomed out to the point that such restraints were necessary, but she
feared that she was giving up a part of 'himself' in doing so. Besides
that, though, she almost never wore what could be considered 'feminine'
clothing, except when required to by honor or circumstance.

The woman let out a small sigh. There was no getting around it;
boxers would show from behind the slacks, and the ankles and feet would
look strange without the hose. She sat down and began to dress, her
teeth clenched as she donned the more offensive articles.

A few minutes later, the young woman looked in the mirror at
herself...and shuddered. The beautiful creature staring back at her was
a far cry from what she wanted to be...and, yet, the mirror wasn't lying.
The curves of her form were most definitely a woman's, even if the jacket
subdued the more obvious parts. The face still held the firm, resolute
look of a man, but that seemed overshadowed as the makeup and hair
brought out her sensuous features. Truly a beauty...a beauty the object
of any man's desire.

The warrior stood up straight, picked up her shoes, and headed down
to the living area, her face a deceptive mask of calm. After all, it
wouldn't do to appear troubled, especially now. Her resolve was rewarded
by the sight that greeted her.

Ukyou paced slowly in the main room, looking exquisite in a red
evening dress. Baby Akane was in her arms, cooing softly as the young
woman gently rocked her. Ranma looked at the two together...and smiled.
The picture seemed so natural...if she ever returned to normal... The
chef glanced over to her, and smiled.

"Ranchan, you look...nice," Ukyou said diplomatically. She gestured
over to the exit with her hand. "We'd better go. We're late as it is."

The two women left the now-empty house, locked the door behind them,
and walked out into the cool air of early evening. Ukyou held the baby
close to her, and whispered a small lullaby to the child to keep her at
peace. The warrior was glad for the song; it provided a calming comfort
to the scene, a comfort necessary in her old haunting grounds.

The long walk to the Kuno manor held many ghosts, shades of the life
Ranma once possessed. The fences upon which the youth ran from place to
place seemed empty as the adult viewed them from the safety of concrete.
They passed Furinkan High School, sight of so many battles...of which she
and her companion were among the few survivors. A short distance away
revealed the former Nekohanten, where she had spent many an evening in
relatively pleasant company - and where she had changed for the last
time, as a powerful blast from a mysterious stranger sent him tumbling
into a water bucket.

The manor itself seemed unusually subdued for the occasion, as
though the voice of the clan had quieted. The white ribbons and
crysanthemums lining the palace were the only major decorations in the
courtyard, save the platform prepared for the new couple. Family and
friends of the young couple all stood a respectful distance from the
platform, electricity seeming to generate from the crowd as they awaited
the words of love.

Natsume Tendo, honored child of her clan, knelt on the platform, her
head bowed, traditional tsunokashi draped over her head, her body in the
traditional kneeling position of a Japanese bride. A fine, ornately
detailed white kimono was wrapped around her, and rippled as the soft
wind blew over it. Though she firmly maintained the position of a humble
bride, her hands quivered slightly, and her lips formed an almost
imperceptible smile.

To her right was her husband-to-be, the former Blue Thunder,
Tatewaki Kuno. A black silk wedding outfit fit over his strong form, and
suited the kendoist well. He knelt there, strong, proud, but with far
less of the arrogance of his youth. The man had grown beyond the petty
squabblings of children, and now lived the life of honor he was destined
to.

The ceremony itself was a beautiful sight. Kuno had always had a
gift for poetry; it took the painful lessons of life to give the words
focus, and the fire of true love to give them inspiration.

"I declare, to those friends and loved ones present before us, that
I do love Natsume Tendo, and dedicate my life to her. While there is
life in this weak form, I will live by her side, to comfort her and
provide for her as best as this simple man is able." He turned to his
love, his dark eyes softening at her presence. "I...know I may not be
the most worthy of men, but I will love you...if you will have me."

The young woman turned to him, every passionate emotion blooming in
her eyes. "And I declare my love for Tatewaki, lion of my heart. I
promise to be the best wife I can be, to provide a peaceful home for him,
to comfort him when the cold night presses down on him, and to raise our
children to be fine, upstanding, and an honor to the Kuno clan. I may
not be the most capable of women, but I will do my best...and I do love
you, Tachi, with every fiber of my being and every ounce of my soul."

Kasumi approached the couple, bearing three bowls of sake on a tray
to seal the covenant. The young couple sipped from each bowl, passionate
oaths flowing from them with each sip. Ranma stared wide-eyed at the
couple, softly biting her lip to keep from screaming. These two had
found each other in the bitter cold of the world, and discovered a warmth
of love...a warmth once offered her, foolishly denied, and now gone for
all time.

An incoherent, high-pitched squeal shook the warrior from her
darkness, and she involuntarily turned to its source. Ukyou stood next
to her, small, desperate whisperings coming forth to quiet the child.
Ranma took the baby bag from the ground, and slung it over her shoulder.

"Ucchan, she's just alarmed by the crowd." She looked to the exit.
"Let me have her. I'll take her for a little walk." She delicately
accepted the baby from Ukyou's grasp and, after making sure there wasn't
any other problem concerning the child, walked out of the manor and into
the night. Little Akane, away from the confusing, strange crowd, began
to calm as Ranma's slow, deliberate steps reassured her.

Ranma froze in reverence and awe as they reached their destination -
the graveyard. Memories flooded through her mind of a cold winter
morning so long ago, memories so vivid she could almost taste again the
ice in the air. Almost mechanically, the woman walked over to the a
certain grave, and carefully knelt down. Her eyes misted over, tears
threatening, as she read the name on the stone.

Tendo Akane.

The memories came fast and furious now, episodes of her past life,
from the first moment she had set foot in the dojo to the horrible
instant Herb wiped it all away. The tears flowed freely now,
unrestricted by any social or personal restraints. Here, in this place
alone in the world, she could cry, or scream, or just sit and talk, as
this place would always accept her for who she was - no matter what.

Here she was home.

The baby in her arms, the namesake of her love and loss, cooed
softly, and grabbed at Ranma's jacket. The woman looked down at the
bright child, so worthy of her name, and tried to wipe away tears.

"Hey, little one. Would you like to hear a story?"

The baby attempted a smile. Ranma looked out into the ghosts of
the night, and began her tale.

"Once upon a time, in a far off kingdom, there lived...a powerful
magician, skilled in the mysterious arts of his trade...a warrior maid,
beautiful of face, gifted with the strength of twenty...a wild man,
cloaked in honor, doomed to forever wander the earth...a scarlet
princess, regal in appearance, born with a heart of fire...and her
betrothed, a handsome prince, transformed by dark sorcery into a young
girl..."

****************************************************************************

Ukyou stood at the cemetery's gate, keeping vigil over her once and
(hopefully) future love. Her heart wrenched at the pain that stormed in
Ranma's eyes as the woman approached the grave, then soared with hope as
she told her tale to the next generation.

She bit her lip, lost in admiration. The warrior at the grave
combined the best of both worlds...those same hands capable of starting
hurricanes and shattering steel had the gentleness and honor to care for
the most fragile and helpless of beings with little effort. The chef put
her hands to her lips and blew a kiss into the wind - the only one she
could give until the time of judgement.

****************************************************************************

Two days later, Ranma, Ukyou, and Nabiki stood proud at Akane's
grave, soldiers honoring one of their own. All three women laid a flower
at the site, then knelt down. Ranma was the first to speak.

"Akane, I thought telling you 'I love you' was the hardest thing I
could ever do. I...I was wrong. Akane...things are heating up in China,
and I don't know when I'll be back. I...I wish I didn't have to go, but
everything I've done is about to come to a head. Hibachan...Cologne's
dying, and the village is going to need me for my expertise. I guess
what I'm trying to say is...goodbye. I...I will always hold you in my
heart." She wiped an errant tear away, and drew in a ragged breath.

Ukyou was next to speak, her soothing alto quietly drifting through
the air. "Akane, if...if you're watching over us, please...see us home.
Ranma's been like this too long." The warrior in question raised an
eyebrow. "Please...if you can help us...please do so." She muttered
something about not being good with this sort of thing, then turned to
Nabiki.

The businesswoman looked to the sky, then her surroundings, as
though she could see the spirits around her. "Sis, I...I'll be back
every so often, to see how things are. The village keeps me busy, but I
can afford to leave on occasion." She placed a hand to her lips, and
pressed the kiss left there into the cold stone. "I miss you, sis." She
got to her feet, quickly followed by the others.

Ranma looked to her friends, a serious expression on her face. "You
two go on ahead. I need to spend a moment alone with Ryouga."

Murmurs of past times filled Ukyou's head as she walked back to the
taxi. She watched as Ranma paid her respects, then walked out to join
them.

"Ranchan...are we ever going to be able to come back?" she asked, in
hushed tones.

The warrior nodded. "One day...when fate has been kind to us." She
turned Ukyou around by the shoulders, gave her a friendly hug, and turned
away...to tomorrow.

*****************************************************************************

Epilogue

Mouthwash hated mysteries. As such, she vowed to solve any she came
across.

The summons itself was a strange one, a weird anonymous letter of
challenge. She shrugged it off at first; what fool would dare challenge
her, this year's tournament champion? Still, her curiosity was piqued,
and it was a challenge, after all...so she came here, to meet it
head-on. At the very least, it could give her some practice...

The campsite itself only provided more questions for her to solve.
The tent set up contained only a bedroll for sleeping, nothing more.
The campfire smouldered, indicating that the traveler had left only
recently. The few other pieces of equipment were of local manufacture,
suggesting that the person was from the area - most likely her own
village.

"Hello, Mouthwash."

The lady in question jumped, taken by surprise by the deep, sonorous
voice, while the owner stepped out of the bushes. The man was huge,
towering to a height of nearly seven feet, with long black hair flowing
to his waist and an angular, chiseled face the desire of any woman, and
envy of any man. Despite his height, the warrior moved with a catlike
grace, each step demonstrating to her the lean, compact musculature
within. The man stared at her through slitted eyes, and his face was a
mask of darkness.

The hairs on Mouthwash's neck stood on end as she felt the warrior's
hostility. "Who are you? Why have you called me here?"

"Perhaps I desire a little woman to serve my every need..." the man
hissed, without smiling. "As it happens, I have come to challenge you,
for your honor as a warrior."

"My WHAT?!? How dare you speak to me of honor! You send me secret
messages, skulk in the dark like some base Ninja...You haven't even told
me your name! A true warrior does not hide his intentions."

A smile cracked on the mystery man's face. "I have made my
intentions plain, and will forever do so. That hypocrite Cologne taught
me that lesson well enough. As for my name, it is already known to
you." He readied himself into a fighting stance. "Now, little one, it
is time to see if you are truly capable of calling yourself a Niichieju."

By this time, the teenager was seeing red. "As you wish," she spat
out, and readied herself for the fight.

The battle, regrettably, was not going her way. Each punch and kick
seemed to be countered with ease, and the few specialty moves she had
learned were proving ineffective. Meanwhile this...man...was simply
waiting, not using any attacks worthy of the classification, only feints
and soft punches. Until...

"Hiryuu Shouten Ha!!"

The warrior maid's eyes widened, shocked beyond belief, as the man
launched one of the highly-restricted moves of the Niichieju. Horror
crept in as the hurricane-force winds picked her up, then tossed her
around like a rag doll. Questions raced in the precious seconds between
takeoff and landing, as she searched for some understanding.

Who is this man? He knows the dragon punch...could he be Musk? No,
he knows the village too well. He doesn't look like anyone I know,
though, except he does kinda look like...look like...ohno...

The girl landed with a dull thud, silencing her thoughts under the
inky blackness. The man put her body into a more relaxing position,
produced a note from his shirt, and planted it on the sleeping warrior.

"Don't worry, little one. You'll understand it all in time. Others
will be here in a little while, though they might not be happy to see
you." The dark one tightened a strap on his pack. "Enjoy your exile..."

****************************************************************************

Hello.

Interesting work, this. The title comes from something Ken Burns said
once in an interview concerning his documentary, "Baseball", something
about English being one of the few languages that distinguishes between
"house" (a place where a person lives) and "home" (a place where a person
belongs). The question is an intimate one to me as well, as I feel no
place where I truly belong: the dorm is a dorm, and my parents' house is
my parents' house, but there is no "home".

As for the writing, I found it to be a fascinating experience, as I rarely
write new works at school. Also, I recorded a few notes of my progress
as I wrote, including music listened to while writing.

The first draft took two weeks to write, from November 16 to the 30th.
Work on the second draft started on December 3, and continued through the
12th.

Music list (feel free to laugh):
_Classic Queen_, Queen
Billboard Top Hits: 1983
Ranma 1/2 Doco First, Doco Second
Rocky IV soundtrack (Excellent training montage)
_Don't Look Back_, Boston
_Empire_, Queensryche
Cats: Original London Cast Recording
Les Miserables: Highlights from the Complete Symphonic Cast Recording
_Joyride_, Roxette
_The Division Bell_, Pink Floyd
_Serious Hits...Live_, Phil Collins
_Living Years_, Mike + the Mechanics

One other problem I noticed with the early drafts was that people assumed
that Kurumi and Natsume had met Ranma before. The reason why not can be
explained by the order of certain stories in the OAV series and the manga.
"The One To Carry On" takes place between the Hinako-sensei episode and
the Shinnosuke story in the OAV. In the manga, the girls never make an
appearance. The order of stories in the manga is the Musk Dynasty story
(the one with Herb and Ranma getting stuck as a girl, the inspiration for
this), then the Hinako-sensei episodes, then the Shinnosuke episodes.
Therefore, if the girls held a place in this story, they would have
visited Nerima after Ranma & co. left.

Part 4, the last chapter of the Sunrise Chronicles ;_; , will be written
over the Christmas holiday and posted sometime in late January.

Thanks...

To Rumiko Takahashi (We're not worthy, we're not worthy...)

To all those who have sent in their comments about this series, including
Chris Willmore, Stormwalker, Mike Loader, David Bateson, and so many
others that I am not capable of remembering then all. Also thanks to
Caroline Seawright, whose "Passion Spice" helped with a few terms during
the wedding.

To all those who read, write, and dare to dream.

Finally, I would like to add that I will no longer be posting under the
name of "Nightelf".

Nicholas Leifker
nwl...@unix.tamu.edu
http://http.tamu.edu:8000/~nwl9354
December 17, 1996