[ranma][fanfic] Day In The Life - Ep1-3

[Jon K. Hayashi]

Magical Interludes: Day In The Life
Fanfic by J.K. Hayashi

*******************************************
For continuity purposes, the last manga that is 'valid' is the
"Happodaikarin" storyline (assume roughly end of Volume 5 of the
Viz translation).

The story so far:
Magic has come into the world based on scientific principles. The
unlocking of major talents seemed to be linked to the appearance of
'Vortices', people who were at the center of energy/magic storms. The
fifth vortex, Ranma Saotome, managed to draw three 'daughters' into
his reality from other universes. The three sixteen year-olds (Ayuki,
Keiko, and Midori) came under the care of Nodoka Saotome. Both
families are living in the Tendo Dojo while the Saotomes prepare to
move to their new house.

It is the January 16th of Ranma and Akane's sophomore year...
*******************************************

Episode I: Keiko

When Akane asks if anyone wants the last of her "Crispy Tuna Fish"
I'm already out the door and headed for school. I think poor Daddy
got tagged because I saw Akane step on his foot just before I left.
Much as I've grown to love her, and even though she has gotten
better these two weeks under 'Ba-chan's direction, Akane's cooking is
still to be avoided if possible.

Mother calls out my name and I wait for her to catch up. I have to
remind myself that Nabiki isn't really my mother, any more than
Ranma is my daddy, but they feel the same to me. She asks me (since
I am going there anyway) to pick up a packet at her investment
company after school, since she'll be busy debating Kuno for the
upcoming Student Body President Elections.

I've only been here two weeks and already I can't stand him. I'm
pretty sure that Kuno's the reason the guys are too scared to talk to
me, much less ask me out. I'd like to talk to Kasumi about the
problem, but she won't be back from her honeymoon until tonight.

I have a soft spot for Auntie Kasumi. She didn't have to with four
children of her own, but she insisted on taking me and my brother in
after Kodachi Kuno poisoned my parents. She is just the same as I
remember, only younger. In fact, Midori says Kasumi is the same
that she remembers. I suppose that Auntie Kasumi is Auntie Kasumi
no matter what universe she's from.

As I reach the school it seems that Kuno is still convinced that if he
beats me that I would go on a date with him. Ha! His only good
point seems to be that he recovers pretty fast. He hasn't even figured
out that Daddy is his "pig-tailed goddess" even though we spent ten
minutes dumping hot and cold water on him. He would only yell that
it was some sort of trick we were playing on him.

He has even started to pay attention to Mother now that her martial
skill are developing. He must have a fetish for martial artists.
Weird. As he hasn't attempted anything in the past week, I thought
he finally gave up. It seems I was wrong.

Kuno swings his bokken at me and I use a variant of Happosai's
momentum trick to lever him into the ground a couple of times (I saw
that inspector do the same thing on New Year's Eve). He must be
pretty stupid because all he had to do to stop from getting hurt was let
go. He's just lucky I wasn't Ayuki. She'd stomp on him a few times
just for good measure.

Mother goes off to her classroom and I sit at my desk, opening my
schoolbag. I review my planned investment portfolio. Given the
current world situation, it seems wise to keep out of any foreign
investments. And strictly speaking, it isn't just my money. Ayuki
and Midori are letting me use some of their portion of the calendar
sales and Mother is letting me use part of her share.

All the other students in the classroom suddenly rush into the hallway
and start looking down at the courtyard. I jump to a point above
them to get a good view and then return to my seat. It was just Ayuki
stomping Kuno a few times for good measure.

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

The bell rings and the teacher introduces a new transfer student to the
class. It is (Ayuki's boyfriend) Ryoga, with his guide dog.
Transferring to Furinkan was my idea, though Ayuki certainly helped
Ryoga's parents make the decision. I think they were just happy that
Ryoga found someone that accepted his misdirectional tendencies
(this was before they went shopping and disappeared again - why
they also don't have guide dogs is beyond me). I was able to arrange
a job for Ryoga with a construction company demolishing old
concrete walls by having him show them the "Breaking Point". They
were quite astounded.

If there is a reason that martial artists tend to get involved with other
martial artists it is undoubtedly people like Kuno. Once Kuno found
out that Ayuki and Ryoga were seeing each other, he reacts the same
way to him as he does to Daddy. Of course, things haven't gone very
far between them as Ryoga tends to spout blood and lose
consciousness when things get too intimate. A little hand-holding
and an occasional kiss from what Ayuki tells me.

The big topic of conversation at school is usually how far Ranma and
Akane have gone. I don't really care. I can tell that they love each
other. That's all I need to know. When I first arrived I wished that
Daddy and Mother would get back together again, but they don't love
each other. Just before they left on their second honeymoon cruise,
Mother told me that "sometimes married couples need some time
alone to fall in love again", and we talked about love for the rest of
the night.

I miss her. And Daddy. And my brother and cousins and friends.

We all do. I think that's one of the reasons we (me and Ayuki and
Midori) got along so well. Much as living here is a dream, we all lost
something in coming here.

At least Uk-chan came back with Midori from her visit to her
parents. I like her. I only wish she'd find someone special so that
she'd be happy. I also wish I'd find someone special. Doesn't seem
like that'll happen anytime soon, unfortunately.

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

In class we talk about world events. Its been just a month since 'The
Chaos' started, and things are a mess. Since most major cities were
paralyzed for two weeks with riots, the shipping schedules are off.
The government's thinking of rationing food until the deficit is
caught up. Taiwan has declared independence and applied for United
Nations membership, but China has been too busy with revolution to
notice. The most prominent chinese warlord is the leader of the
"Musk Dynasty", which is about all we know about him.

I just hope Auntie and Uncle make it back all right. They're
supposed to return from their honeymoon trip this afternoon. At least
they only went to Hawaii. The rest of America has had real
problems. Splinter groups and terrorists have all seized on the
opportunity to raise havoc and they haven't stopped.

I think things are going to be bad. We've come to rely on the modern
world too much, and we aren't prepared to deal with a break in the
supply lines any more. It won't be as bad in the third world countries
at the source, but could get out of hand the more urban an area is. I
don't say this in class. I don't think they're prepared to hear it. I
talked to 'Ba-chan a couple of days ago and we've been quietly
building up our reserves at home.

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

At the mid-morning break I sit with everyone in the schoolyard. Its a
little chilly, but still warmer than New Year's. After arranging with
Ayuki to make sure that Ryoga gets to the construction company after
school, she says that she's going to start work at the Cat Cafe. Its true
that since Mousse left for China they've needed help, but I think that
Ayuki just wants to be close to Shampoo. Its the same with Midori.
She's kept on working at Uc-chan's even though we've completed the
deal we made with Uk-chan.

I have to laugh to myself at how Daddy seems to remain the topic of
conversation among all the other students. He's too tired to get
anywhere with Akane. As soon as school finishes he has to help
Grandpas working on our new house (since 'Ba-chan wants to move
in after next week), then return to the dojo to teach his beginner's
class, and then do his homework! I don't know how he found time to
develop that "Tiger's Roar" technique. Ayuki's trying to teach it to
me and Midori (the big blast version), but I'm another week or so
away from perfecting it. I think she's also trying to teach it to Ryoga.

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

Lunch goes by pretty quietly, especially by Furinkan High standards.
I can tell Mother has something planned for her debate because she
arranges for Daddy and Akane to be there.

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

After school finishes I head over to the first investment office that I'm
considering. Mother's debate looks like its turning into an event,
judging from the crowd heading over to the auditorium. I reach the
station and take a short train trip to the business district.

When I meet the broker, I can tell he's condescendingly amused at
my age. I put him in his place when he tries to latch me onto a
beginner's account, and tell him my investment choices. He's
surprised and tries to counsel me out of some of them. His
unprofessional nature (he keeps trying to look up my skirt!) really
disgusts me and I walk out of the office.

Really! What did he think he was dealing with? A kept housewife or
a ignorant schoolgirl? In business they'll cut your throat if you make
a mistake.

After all my walking (and jumping) in downtown Tokyo, I end up
deciding to use the same broker as Mother.

I take the train back to Nerima with Mother's envelope in my
schoolbag.

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

Kasumi's home! I run up and hug her as she sits in the living room
with Uncle Tofu. She's a little surprised, but she returns it. I forgot
that we aren't as close here as we used to be. I talked to her some,
before the marriage, but we were both busy.

I step back and look at her. She has a gorgeous tan that really brings
out a glow to her face.

I wish it was summer so I could get a tan like that. The boys would
go crazy!

Kasumi tells us about the places she went to on her honeymoon and it
sounds so nice. It's soon time for dinner and everyone except Ayuki
and Midori are there. I give Mother her envelope. I can tell Daddy is
mad at her for some reason, and it probably has something to do with
him being in girl form (and probably Kuno as well).

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

Mother knocks at my door. I look up from my homework.

Nabiki: "So... what did you think?"
Keiko: "About what?"

Mother waves the envelope in her hand and sits down next to me on
the futon.

Keiko: "What is it?"
Nabiki: "You didn't look at it?"
Keiko: "No. Should I have? You never said to."
Nabiki: "That's why I had it unsealed."

I take the envelope and look at the papers inside. Its a financial
investigation on Inspector Muramoto. I look it over.

Keiko: "Mother, are you really going to..."
Nabiki: "I don't know. I wanted to know what you thought about
him. I mean, he comes around every so often and talks to
Daddy and the Saotomes. And when I see him it seems that
he's looking at me like he's interested, but he never says
anything except for being polite."
Keiko: "But do you love him?"
Nabiki: "I don't know him. I'm not like Akane, falling in love with
the guy my Daddy engaged me to. Or Kasumi, with
someone who's loved me forever. I'm not very lovable."
Keiko: "You are!"
Nabiki: "I'm not. I've been on plenty of dates, but it was never love.
I think if they really loved me, they never would have let me
take advantage of them. All they wanted was to be the guy
that 'bagged Nabiki Tendo'."
Keiko: "Mother, you told me that love was the most wonderful thing
that could happen to me, and that when I was in love, I
would know it."
Nabiki: "Do you think there's anything wrong with him?"

I think about the inspector. There's nothing that 'feels' wrong about
him, nothing that rubs me the wrong way (like there is with Kuno). I
tell Mother what I feel. Mother gets up to leave.

Keiko: "Are you going to talk to him?"
Nabiki: "I don't know. Besides, you're the one that grabbed his ass."

I blush when Mother brings that incident up. It was funny at the
time, and it still is funny when I recall how he jumped.

Keiko: "Why was Daddy mad at you?"
Nabiki: "Oh. I had one of my classmates dump cold water on him
when he and Akane walked in during the debate. Kuno
immediately jumped onto him and Akane and they punched
him back into his podium, then left."
Keiko: "Did you have to take advantage of Daddy, though?"
Nabiki: "Probably not. Kuno yelled out that 'women aren't suited for
politics'. He can't go about making stupid statements like
that and expect to get elected."
Keiko: "Did you apologize to Daddy, yet?"
Nabiki: "Oh, he knows. He must have suspected when I asked him
to show up."
Keiko: "So you haven't."
Nabiki: "Is it that important to you, Keiko?"
Keiko: "I don't him to be mad at you. I don't want to have to choose
between you."

Mother looks indecisive, biting on her lip.

Nabiki: "OK. I'll apologize right after he finishes his class."
Keiko: "Thank you, Mother."

I hug her and she leaves the room.

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

I try out Kasumi's gifts with the others (except for Daddy). Mother
and Daddy seem to have made up, so I'm happy.

I wonder how the boys would react to the "all-over" tan that we're
supposed to get. They'd probably think that we're nudists or
something. We all laugh as we put them away into our drawers.

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

Midori and Ayuki lie next to me as we cover ourselves in our futons.
I've been thinking about Mother. Will she really ask him out? What
will that make us?

As I close my eyes I realize I've been thinking about it too long.
Ayuki's starting to snore.

****************************finis Day In The Life, Episode I

[Author's Note: "Day In The Life" is a three-episode series that is
designed to be a sequel to "December's End", occuring two weeks
after the end of the latter.]

Magical Interludes: Day In The Life
Fanfic by J.K. Hayashi


Episode II: Ayuki

It feels so good under the blanket that I stretch before opening my
eyes. I can hear the sounds of Daddy and Grandpa practicing. This
house is so luxurious (and big) compared to what I had growing up. I
quickly dress and meet my 'sisters' in the bathroom to wash up. We
sneak up on the two sparring above the carp pond and attack.

He senses us coming and adjusts. The first day I was able to kick
Daddy into the pond. Soon he'll be just as good as I remember. And
I'm learning things, too. How to fight in a group and how to fight
multiple opponents simultaneously.

After the practice is over I spar a little more with Grandpa, who's
stuck in his panda form. I practice my throws on him, hoping to
build up my strength. I'm not as strong as Mother; she can break
through solid stone with a kick or a punch. I can do it using the
"Breaking Point", but its not the same.

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

Everyone's eating by the time we finish practice. Grandpa looks at
me with a sour expression, but it looks ridiculous on a panda and I
start to giggle. Both of us sit down. I wish he would change back.
He takes up too much space in his cursed form.

I have to search for Akane's dish. Its not easy because everything
looks delicious, but nobody's giving me any hints as to which one it
is. They're all hoping that I'll take the rest of it, since once its on the
plate it would be extremely rude not to finish it.

Luckily I don't eat too much of it.

By the time breakfast is finished and Akane asks if anyone wanted
the last of her "Crispy Tuna Fish" (whatever that is...) I notice that
almost everyone has disappeared. Akane doesn't look too insulted
because I noticed she stepped on Daddy's foot to prevent him from
leaving. I notice Daddy suffering but he doesn't say anything. I'm
just glad it wasn't me.

I don't know why Daddy doesn't just have Akane taste it before she
serves it. Maybe I'll suggest it to him later. But then, maybe she's
built up an immunity.

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

I walk with Daddy, Akane, and Midori to school. Keiko had already
left, and she seemed preoccupied with something. Midori and I
follow Daddy as he walks on the fence tops. Its just a fun way to
practice balancing, though it would be extremely embarrassing to fall
off.

We pass by Dr. Tofu's clinic, its windows shut and dark since he and
Kasumi left on their honeymoon. They're supposed to come back this
afternoon, though I won't see them until after my first day of work at
the Cat Cafe. That Dr. Tofu is so babelicious!

I think for a moment about Ryoga, my boyfriend. I feel a little guilty,
but it soon passes. Its not like I was going to do anything with Dr.
Tofu. I'm just admiring his body, and its not as if I was in love with
him.

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

The four of us reach the school. I think that school is really pretty
useless. It doesn't teach us how to fight, or farm, or hunt. Nothing
really important.

As we enter the courtyard a lump in front of the building jumps up
and starts running toward us. It is Kuno. I smile as I start running
toward him; you can never get too much practice. I hear Midori sigh
behind me.

Kuno: "At last you realize my munificence! Come to me, my love!"

I kick him in the head, knocking him backwards. When he hits on
the floor, I land on his stomach. I step off and wait for the others.

I hear Kuno start to make some strange noises. I look down and see
him drooling as he grabs my lower leg. He's looking right up my
dress! The pervert! I stomp on his face, sending it into the concrete.
He lets go of my leg. I start jumping on his torso and he yells at each
impact. He deserves it.

I notice a lot of students starting to look down at us from the
walkways.

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

Ryoga is standing in the front of the classroom with Shirokuro when
I arrive. Keiko suggesting that he transfer to Furinkan is one of the
best ideas she's had.

The teacher sits him next to Daddy. Now, this is the worst possible
place and everyone knows it (as they start to back away from them).
It just goes to show that education doesn't teach you the things that
really count. Even though they don't hate each other the way they
used to, its not as if they're really friends.

I wish that they were. I want Daddy to approve of him. He said that
he wouldn't interfere, and he hasn't.

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

I am totally bored by the class discussion. I spend the majority of my
time sneaking peeks at Ryoga. Finally, the recess bell rings.
Shirokuro walks over to me, bringing Ryoga with her. I scratch her
head, then take Ryoga's hand.

Everyone gasps at this. This classroom is so repressed at the thought
of anyone having relationships, I don't know how any of them expect
to get married. Keiko walks over to us as we're strolling the
courtyard. At least she and Midori don't have any problems like that.

Keiko: "So, Ryoga. Are you ready for your first day at work?"
Ayuki: "Don't worry, Keiko. I'll make sure he gets there."
Keiko: "Are you sure you won't join him? The work will go faster
with two there."
Ayuki: [nodding] "I want to help mother."

Keiko nods and leaves us alone. I take his arm and we just stroll
along. Me, with a new life, a new man, and a new job.

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

Class continues and I'm still bored. These teachers just doesn't know
how to teach math and physics. They're all wrapped up in theoretical
nonsense, stuff like frictionless planes and such. My science teacher
back in Jokusetzuku knew how to interest his students.

He'd always put it in terms of a fight. How hard you have to hit your
opponent to take out another opponent when they land. What angle
to hit her so that you avoid losing energy due to contact with the
ground. And how to correct for "real world" effects by hitting her
harder.

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

I look for Daddy during the lunch break and find him eating with
Akane (I think its 'Ba-chan's lunch). I leave Ryoga with Akane and
drag Daddy off to one side.

Ayuki: "Daddy..."
Ranma: "What is it, Ayuki?"
Ayuki: "Do you approve of my relationship with Ryoga?"
Ranma: [uncomfortable] "I've kept out of your way, haven't I?"
Ayuki: "That's not the same thing."
Ranma: "I know."

I look back at Akane and Ryoga, who also seem to be talking with
soft voices. Daddy also looks at them, a small trace of jealousy
crossing his face.

Ayuki: "If things ever get to be like... between you and Akane, I
want to know that things are good between you two."
Ranma: "Ayuki, its not that I don't like him... its just that, you know,
he blames me for his curse, and he slept with Akane in his
pig form for the longest time..."
Ayuki: "I know, but I want things to be right between you. You're
my Daddy..."
Ranma: "Ayuki, I'm not the one that you should be talking to. You
should talk to Ryoga about it."
Ayuki: "I have. Do you think maybe you both could start over
again?"
Ranma: [shuffling feet] "I guess I could try."

He reminds me so much of my Daddy that I have to hug him. As we
walk back, Akane hugs Ryoga, but it is obviously a quick, friendship
hug. Ryoga stands up.

Ryoga: "Ranma, do you..."
Ranma: "Yeah, I guess so..."
Ryoga: "Thank you, Ranma."

Ryoga shakes Daddy's hand. I'm happy because things went so well.
I take Ryoga's arm and we walk around the courtyard. I can hear
Daddy asking Akane what she talked about with Ryoga, and she tells
him. I watch Nabiki exiting the building to walk toward them.

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

After school I walk with Ryoga to the construction company.
Actually, what they've got him doing sounds like fun; he'll be using
the Breaking Point to demolish some old stone and concrete walls. I
kiss him good-bye (he's so cute when he blushes!) and leave him and
Shirokuro, explaining to the foreman that they have to stay together,
and that he should tell them when to finish work, and I make my way
to the Cat Cafe.

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

Waitressing at the Cat Cafe is not that much different from Uc-
chan's. Mainly just menu and prices. I'm only there for the dinner
rush, since they want me to do well in school. Grandfather does the
cooking, and Mother handles the register and half of the tables.

Dinner is pretty hectic, but manageable. Two men come in and talk
to Mother about some kind of martial arts race.

Grandfather almost seems to fade into the background; for some
reason almost all the men of the village seemed to do that, except for
Daddy and Ryoga. I can't understand why Daddy picked Akane over
Mother. I mean, she's nice and all, but Mother is better looking and
nicer.

Maybe he just fell in love with her first. I can understand that, kind
of. I've seen some boys who were definitely better looking than
Ryoga since I've got here, but I haven't left him.

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

Just before I leave, the phone rings.

Shampoo: "Hello, Cat Cafe. Uh-huh. Yes. I have to talk to you
when you get back. Good-bye."

Mother looks at the phone after she hangs up. Since the restaurant is
practically empty, I walk to her.

Ayuki: <Mother, was that Mousse?>

Mother nods.

Ayuki: <Mother, what is it?>
Shampoo: <I don't love him.>

There's nothing I can say.

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

Mother's admission depresses me. I want her to be happy, but there
really is no one else around for her that she could respect. Kuno?
Hah! Everyone else is taken... Daddy, Dr. Tofu, and Ryoga. I don't
know anyone else (I guess there's Mr. Tendo, but he doesn't count).

The sky is just starting to darken as I pass by Dr. Tofu's clinic and
notice that the lights are on. Kasumi comes out the front door and
sweeps the patio. She smiles when she sees me.

Ayuki: "Kasumi! When did you get back?"
Kasumi: "About three hours ago. Tofu and I spent most of that at
the dojo. There's a present there for you."
Ayuki: "Yay! Thank you, Kasumi."
Kasumi: "You're welcome, Ayuki. Everyone's is packed in the same
box."

Dr. Tofu walks out of the clinic as he hears us talking. Wow! He
sure got a great tan! I didn't notice it before, but as Kasumi walks to
put her arm around him, I see that she has an incredible tan as well.

I have to admit that right now I wish that I was Kasumi. But she's so
sweet that when she's happy she makes everyone around her happy. I
hug her because she reminds me somewhat of Mother before I came
here.

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

There's a medium-sized box waiting in the living room when I arrive.
I look at it. I don't understand how everyone's present are supposed
to fit in there.

We tear into the box. Inside is a little bundle for each of us.
Swimsuits! One-pieces and bikinis! There's even bundles for Mother
and Ukyou!

Mr. Tendo and Grandfather promise (at our prompting) that we'll go
to the beach the next chance we get.

Daddy suddenly starts to blush as Akane throws him his bundle. We
all crowd around to see what makes him blush. He attempts to hide it
by putting it behind his back, but I manage to grab it as he makes his
move. I lift it up.

Ranma: "Ayuki..."

I catch a glimpse of the card attached to one of the suits. As I read it,
I start to blush, letting go of the suit. It falls to the floor as everyone
takes a look.

A minute later everyone is blushing.

Midori: "I didn't know Kasumi had it in her..."
Nodoka: "I think that its a good idea. Come on, Genma."

I watch as 'Ba-chan takes Grandpa's hand and leads him to their
room, laughing. Mr. Tendo has fallen to the floor, scandalized. The
rest of us go to our rooms, prizes in hand as Akane shyly takes
Daddy's hand in her own.

****************************finis Day In The Life, Episode II

[Author's note #1: Mousse is calling from one of the chinese ports.
The reason he was able to make it to Jokusetzuku and back within
two weeks is because of his cursed form (as opposed to the villagers
following him who will take roughly another month to reach the
same port).]

Magical Interludes: Day In The Life
Fanfic by J.K. Hayashi


Episode III: Midori

I'm up before the others to read my mail, a lamp illuminating a small
area by my pillow. Ayuki is snoring slightly, and Keiko mutters
something about socks in her sleep.

Dear Midori,

I am constantly surrounded by women that do not realize how much I
need them, how much their rejections hurt me. I could teach them a
lesson with my martial arts skills, but I would prefer that they come
to me willingly, as I am getting tired of being hit on the head. I
would gladly forgive them their past indiscretions for a set of their
silky darlings and a quick nude trip in a hot tub. How can I best
convey this message to them?

I Am Not Happosai

I write down my advice in the white space of the letter.

Not Happosai: Act your age. Stop stealing girl's underwear, gym
shorts, and swimsuits; stop groping women's bodies. If you should
ever attempt to steal any of my stuff, I shall lock you in a chest with
Ranma and a cat.

I knew it was a mistake to start an advice column for the school paper
like everyone urged. Happosai isn't even a student! But maybe this'll
get the message across. I look at the next letter.

Dear Midori,

I am constantly surrounded by women that do not realize how much I
need them, how much their rejections hurt me. I try to impress them
with my martial arts skills, but seek another approach as I am getting
tired of being injured. I would gladly forgive them their past actions
for an acknowledgment of their true feelings for me. How can I best
convey this message to them?

I Am Not Kuno

Not Kuno: Recognize the truth. Stop chasing women who can not
appreciate your qualities and find one that will before you are killed.
Love is not a matter of being impressed.

You have to be direct with people like Kuno. And even then they
might not get the message. We tried to show Kuno that his "pig-
tailed goddess" was actually Daddy by changing him into his cursed
form right in front of his face. No matter how often we did it, Kuno
was just convinced that it was all some sort of magic trick.

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

The last two weeks with Keiko and Ayuki have been great, but I still
can't wait to have a room of my own again. Mums comes walking
into the bathroom, excited because she is getting better at cooking
under 'Ba-chan's direction. She finishes her ablutions quickly and
heads downstairs to the kitchen.

To tell the truth, she has gotten better. I would figure another two
weeks before she can cook something simple like curry so that it
tastes good. I don't understand why she doesn't make Daddy do all
the cooking like my stepmother did. I think its because she thinks
she has to prove to Daddy that she can do it.

I can hear Grandfather and Daddy fighting through the hallway on
their way outside. Keiko comes in, then Ayuki. We finish getting
ready and silently make our way to one of the side windows to jump
at them.

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

Breakfast goes by as usual. With Kasumi still on her honeymoon,
'Ba-chan has taken up the housekeeping duties, though that's going to
change when we leave for our new home. I think that everyone's just
going to come by for meals at our new house, though.

Daddy's face hits the floor when Mums steps on his foot to prevent
him from leaving. Probably the hardest thing for me to accept was
that the people I knew as parents and aunties and uncles were now all
the same age as me; that the same Mums that told me about boys and
love was now going through the same problems I was going through.

I finish up the last of my breakfast and head upstairs to get my school
stuff. Bleah. Akane's cooking even makes water taste funny.

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

I'm behind Ayuki who's behind Daddy as we walk along one of the
fence tops on the side of the road. Mums clears her throat and makes
a small motion; she wants Daddy to walk hand-in-hand with her.
Daddy stops clears his throat, motioning to Mums that she should
join us on the fence top.

Ayuki jumps over Daddy's head and I follow her. Daddy and Mums
are looking at each other and clearing their throats.

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

Daddy and Mums catch up with us just before Dr. Tofu's clinic. I
don't know who won, but they're holding hands. Mums told me that
sometimes all they needed was to touch each other to make up after
fighting. Its so romantic watching them.

Of course, Ayuki told us one of the 'amazon proverbs' was that
"fighting makes for hotter sex". Which I suppose is true, if you're
into having that anger there. Ayuki is kind of scary. She knows
almost nothing about relationships but is so matter-of-fact when it
comes to talking about sex. I guess it comes from being raised in the
Amazon village.

I wonder if we could have stopped Ayuki if she had tried to get
Daddy and Shampoo together. She knows so many techniques and is
so much better than the rest of us. I suppose 'Ba-chan knew what she
was doing when she spent that 'first night' talking with us. I think
that she was one of the reasons everything went so smoothly; she was
so loving even though we were strangers to her. Is that what
grandmothers are for?

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

We reach the school and Ayuki defeats Kuno again. I hope that my
reply in the paper does some good. You can only beat up a guy so
many times before you start feeling sorry (and irritated) at him.

I watch as Ayuki starts stomping on Kuno. I can't help but think that
someday they'll make a made-for-TV movie about him.

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

The bell rings and the teacher introduces Ryoga to the class as its
new student. I put a hand on Ayuki to keep her from jumping up to
hug him. I don't think she understands how it would affect the class.
Most of the students just aren't ready to deal with any sort of open
display of affection.

I don't know what happened to him in my world. I know Mums told
me they dated a couple of times, but nothing came of it. They lost
track of him over the years, especially after they moved to Kobe.

The class discussion is about world events. I know that Keiko is
convinced that the rioting is going to have some effect on the
availability of food, but I think that there are government reserves of
the essentials like rice and wheat. The riots didn't last that long, and
most of the world's cities didn't have them.

I'm more worried about what's happening in China. I don't want to
go to war. If history tells us anything, it tells us that a moving army
is hard to stop at a nation's borders.

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

The mid-morning bell rings and I find myself surrounded. Everyone
wants to know about Daddy and Mums, which I guess isn't
surprising, considering they've been engaged for almost a year. I find
myself thinking more about my real mother, Uk-chan. She's
supposed to go on her first date tonight. Everyone gasps when Ayuki
takes Ryoga's hand. I knew they couldn't deal with it.

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

During the lunch break I head over to the school newspaper office to
turn in my column. They can choose which letters get answered. I
look into the packed folder that they give me.

The folder is full of letters! My first column hasn't even run yet and
already my mailbox is packed! By the time I do a quick read-thru (to
get rid of the junk - about 3/4 of it) its time to get back to class. I
knew it was a mistake to do this.

The editor even asks me to cover Nabiki's debate this afternoon. I
grab the wastebasket that I threw the junk letters into and dump it on
his head.

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

After our English class I go to Band to finish up the school day. I
like playing the clarinet. Its something that doesn't have anything to
do with my other classes or martial arts. Keiko and Ayuki think I'm
a little weird for being into music (they'd rather listen to it on CD).

The band director wants me to play the solo in one of the pieces that
we're doing for the semester. I hope Daddy comes to hear me play.

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

Uk-chan and I head out to Uc-chan's after school. She's now paying
me for helping her out, but I'd do it for free. I see Keiko walking fast
to her appointment, and Ayuki and Ryoga walking arm-in-arm to
their new jobs. Uk-chan looks wistfully at them as they walk by.

Midori: "Are you nervous?"
Ukyou: "A little."

Being a workday, there aren't a lot of customers like Saturday or
Sunday, and I get in a little target practice with the spatula shuriken
during the slow times. Uk-chan closes the shop a little early and we
clean up the front.

We soak for awhile in the furo, washing the smell of okonomiyaki
from our bodies. I put on my change of clothes and help Uk-chan
into her dress, assuring her that everything was fine. I wait with her
outside the shop.

Midori: "I wonder where Daddy is."
Ukyou: [blushing] "Oh. I... I asked him not to come."

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

I pass by Dr. Tofu's clinic on the way home and notice that the lights
are on. I peek inside the door and see Kasumi cleaning the foyer. I
rush in and give her a hug.

Midori: "Hi, Auntie Kasumi!"
Kasumi: "Hi, Midori."

I take a step back to look at Auntie Kasumi's now tan body. Wow.

Midori: "So how was your honeymoon?"
Kasumi: "It went just fine."
Midori: "Are you pregnant yet?"
Kasumi: [giggling] "Of course not... I'm not ready to be a mother."
Dr. Tofu: "She has to go to medical school first."

Uncle Tofu walks into the room and takes Auntie's hand in his own.

Kasumi: "No, I don't. I'm not going to wait that long."
Dr. Tofu: "I never said anything about waiting."

Those two are just like I remember them. I wonder if they'll also
have three girls like my Auntie Kasumi.

Kasumi: "Oh, I brought back gifts for everyone."
Midori: "What? What did you bring?"
Kasumi: "That would spoil the surprise. Just make sure that you're
all there before you open it."
Midori: "OK."

I give Auntie a last hug and head off for the dojo.

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

Ayuki hasn't come back from the Cat Cafe by the time I reach the
dojo. I watch as the beginning students leave the Dojo, and Daddy
comes out. He sees me and points to the garden.

I hate this. I know that Keiko and Ayuki are holding back with me
and Grampa during practices, but I just can't seem to get this stupid
technique. I'm on the verge of getting the "Tiger's Roar", but sticking
my hand into a fire is pretty ridiculous, even though I know that both
Daddy and Keiko use it to increase the speed of their punches, and
Ayuki also uses it with her kicks.

Stupid Chestnuts!

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

Ayuki arrives from her job at the Cat Cafe and we open the small box
that Kasumi left for everyone. Its filled with bundles of swimsuits!
Its the kind that's supposed to let you tan all over because the colors
fool the eye into thinking that there's a solid layer of material there. I
get my bundle and look through it.

Ayuki throws me another bundle for Uk-chan. Mums throws Daddy
a bundle for him. He reads a small note tied to the bundle and starts
to blush. Ayuki manages to grab the bundle before Daddy can hide
it, then she starts to blush. The bundle drops to the floor and I finally
get a look at it.

Ranma -

Here are some swimsuits for you. Half of them are men's swimsuits
so that you can give Akane a private showing tonight. Since every
time we go to the beach you see us in swimsuits, shouldn't Akane get
the same opportunity with you?

Kasumi

I start blushing. So does everyone else.

Midori: "I didn't know Kasumi had it in her."
Nodoka: "I think a private showing is a good idea. Come on,
Genma."

'Ba-chan takes Grandpa's hand and her bundle of swimsuits and
drags him upstairs to their room. Mr. Tendo is unconscious on the
floor, unable to deal with his daughter's wickedness. Mums shyly
smiles at Daddy and takes his hand in her own. We go up to our
rooms with our own little bundles. Everyone soon joins us (except
Daddy) in our room as we try them on.

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

I put Uk-chan's bundle in my bag and look over some of the letters
for next week's newspaper column.

Dear Midori,

What do you do when you're boyfriend's a pig? Oink oink. Bwee!

I look at Ayuki, who's snoring on her futon, and shove the paper onto
her face. She's not fooling me into believing that she's really asleep.

****************************finis Day In The Life