Genma entered the hospital waiting room. The occupants looked up as he arrived, he could see the questions leaping from their eyes. Of course his friend Soun and his daughters were present, worry evident on their faces. But all paled in comparison to his wife's tear streaked face.

"How is he? how is our boy?" demanded Nodoka breaking the silence with fresh tears falling from her eyes.

He met his wife's gaze with a look of trepidation, not knowing how he should proceed. He swallowed thickly.

"The doctors are sure Ranma will recover just fine physically.." There were sighs of relief from those fretting over the pigtailed martial artist's health. But none missed the specified area of recovery.

"Physically?" Nabiki asked. She had never seen the elder Saotome look so worried. She wasn't used to seeing genuine emotion from the man, only the fake water works used in his guilt trips to try and manipulate Ranma and her sister.

He faltered under their gazes. "They just returned from surgery, uh..Brain surgery." The response was immediate, everyone shouting their questions and concern at once. Genma raised his hand to gain enough silence to finish.

"There were multiple skull fractures and..and they think they reacted quickly enough to avoid, brain damage.." The last words were barely a whisper but it was heard by all.

Akane buried herself into Kasumi's arms and began to sob, and muttering unintelligibly. The eldest sister comforted the crying girl as best she could as Nodoka rose to her feet and strode quickly in front of her husband.

"Take me to our child." she hissed through gritted teeth and a tear streaked face. He nodded and led her through the doors he had just exited.

The images being displayed to the Saotome's made little difference to the worries for their child as the surgeon gestured and pointed as he attempted to explain what was done and why.
"Will our child recover or not?! I don't give a damn how or why you did what you did to save my baby's life! I need to know if he will be alright!" The shout startled the doctor although it was a common occurrence with such an emotional situation. Genma gently grabbed the distressed mother's hand to give what reassurance he could to his wife.

"As I told your husband, physically I have no doubt of complete recovery. But as there was significant cranial damage there is no certainty of her mental state upon waking." He hated this part, the blame that not enough was done to save their loved one when confronted with less than pleasant news. Honestly he was surprised that the patient had survived, that much blood loss along with the head trauma was enough that the fact that she was alive was a miracle.

The distraught mother threw herself into her husbands embrace and began to weep. This was a parents nightmare, especially to one who had just recently been reunited with her only child after ten years.

"I'm sorry but all we can do now is wait, she's been transferred from the ICU. Here is the room number." The doctor departed, leaving the couple as he strode to his next immediate patient.

3 months later.

"Moooom! it's f-fine. Stop messing w-with it, it's not a big deal." Was the response Nodoka Saotome got while she fussed over Ranma's short hair. While not messy it was just too short to really do anything with. With a sigh she gave up her ministrations and they continued their way to the doctor's office.

"I'll be much happier once it grows out more dear, short hair just doesn't suit you." She sighed, once again running her hand through the short hair. Her hand was gently moved to her side and held as they continued to Ranma's appointment. A smile played upon the teenagers lips as they made their way to a medium sized complex. The words Dr. Akamatsu were displayed proudly upon the glass door of the third building down. With an exaggerated bow Ranma opened the door for her mother, eliciting a grin and eye roll at her antics.

Stepping through to the waiting room Nodoka went to sign them in as Ranma took her usual seat by the window. As she reached for what was sure to be an extremely outdated magazine there was a growl to her left from the far wall. Suddenly there was an irate dark haired boy in a yellow shirt in front of her.

"Ranma! Finally done hiding and come to face me like a man?!" he snarled. Startling the now wide eyed petite redhead as well as the other patients already waiting.

"I-I d-don't..." Ranma began only to be cut off by the now furious boy. He gripped the arm rests on either side of her.

"Real cute, but I'm done falling for your 'innocent girl' acts, Now get up and fight me or..!" The point of a sword suddenly upon his throat denied him the rest of his verbal assault. He hadn't even heard it being unsheathed. The other patients now in a near panic began to leave the building, not wanting to be caught up in what was transpiring in their midst.

Nodoka, having stopped his tirade and moved him away from the still startled girl pierced him with a glare sharper than the sword currently at his throat. The bandana clad youth gulped, wincing as he was nicked.

"Explain why you have verbally and nearly physically assaulted my daughter before I exact my due for this disrespect and end your life." It was hissed with such vehemence that Ranma could scarcely believe this was her mother.

"Daughter..?.." Was her response as the boy trembled, hands raised in surrender.

Her eyes narrowed further. "Yes, my daughter. Who are you and what has she done to warrant such a reaction upon sight." It wasn't a request, it was a demand from an angry mother protecting her child.

"I, I thought she was some, someone else!" he stammered. "I'm very sorry, It was a mistake! I thought she was Ranma Saotome!"

"That is my daughters name." she growled, pressing the blade further onto the boys throat eliciting a whimper.

A hand gently gripped her elbow and she turned to see her child. A worried look upon her beautiful face.
"Let him g-go Mother." She turned to the frightened boy. "He s-said he w-w-as sorry." she pleaded.

His eyes never leaving the wielder of his potential doom, Ryoga Hibiki began to breathe heavily. The beginnings of his life flashing before his eyes. As the blade began to move his eyes squeezed shut of their own volition, his mind not wanting to witness his own end. The pressure on his throat was removed and with a gasp he fell to the floor.

"Explain yourself."

He looked up into the cold eyes of the woman and felt as if the blade were still pressed against his throat.

After the cancelling and subsequent rescheduling of her daughters appointment Nodoka demanded that the boy follow them to their home for his explaination. The elder Saotome walked at a moderate pace with her daughter at her side, the latter of which kept throwing curious glances back towards the young man who shuffled miserably behind them. The silence between the three remained until they arrived at their destination. The two redheads had halfway ascended to the properties front gate when they noticed the boy still standing at street level with a rather confused look.

"I cannot imagine how a home could fluster someone so completely." Ryoga flinched at the tone, knowing he deserved it but becoming more confused as the day went on.

He swallowed quickly. "I just. I mean..Ranma lives here?" The aforementioned nodded and he continued.
"What about the Tendos?"

A strained look crossed the Saotome matriarch's face before turning and continuing through the front gate of her home, Ranma following dutifully behind her. A sigh escaped from the lost boy not for the first time since being ordered to follow them after his almost attack. One deep breath later and he followed the duo into the home to hopefully explain himself and leave with his head still attached, along with some answers to many questions of his own.

Stating that such a 'meeting' would not due without at least basic refreshments, her tradional upbringing shining through. Nodoka left the teenagers in the dining room as she set about preparing for their..discussion, but not before sending another glare towards the nervous looking young man.

The only sounds disturbing the silence around the two were from the kitchen, the telltale sound of a kettle filled and placed on a burner for tea, along with the tinkling of porcelian cups.
Ranma scrutinized the boy across from her, who seemed to be looking everywhere but her. His eyes lingering on the pictures that hung along the walls. He paled and averted his eyes to the dining table when he came across the decorative wall of family swords, not all katanas like her mothers. He was understandably nervous, few wouldn't be in his situation. She was certain she would be a puddle on the floor after receiving such looks from her mother, she'd never seen such a look of fury upon her mother's face. Not even when Father had stumbled in late one night, having drunk himself into a stuper.

Her thoughts were interrupted with her mother's return. Ranma quickly moved from her seat to unburden her of the kettle, tray of cups, and half dozen of her mother's homemade matcha cookies. Earning her a pleased smile and a quiet "Thank you dear." Ryoga watched the exchange, and it befuddled him even further. For to him this was an uncharacteristic display of manners and respect he had never seen from the younger redhead.

As her child busied herself with serving the tea and snacks, Nodoka sat and waited patiently. Knowing if she began before Ranma finished she would be quite miffed with her, needing everything in it's proper place before she could return to her seat and serve herself. Now seated with a pleased expression Ranma nodded as she took a small sip of tea.
The polite clearing of a throat snapped Ryoga's disbelieving stare from the spectacle before him to the near forgotten reason for his being there.

"Now young man, explain the reasoning behind attacking my child without any warning or provocation." The steely tone cut through his confused train of thought quickly and he fought the unbidden stammer that attempted to creep into his words.

"I'm uh, I mean.." he paused and panic was evident upon his face. He began to fidget uncomfortably as he fought for words.

"Take y-your t-time, try and con-control your breathing."

He looked to the girl across from him, surprised. She had not spoken since her failed attempts when he began his tirade in the doctor's office. Nodding relunctantly he closed his eyes and began to take measured breaths. Unaware to the boy was the proud look Ranma's mother was directing towards her child. Completely unnoticed of course, as her attention was on the young man seated before them.

Eyes still closed Ryoga began again. "I'm Ryoga Hibiki," he paused to lick his lips. "I attacked..Ranma, because that's what I always do..?" He winced at his response as he heard a sharp intake of breath and opened his eyes to find two nearly identical pairs of surprised expressions.

"I assumed you knew her from a past transgression, but I did not expect such a thing to be spoken as if it was common occurence."

As the boy now known to them as Ryoga Hibiki began his tale of 'betrayal and cowardice' the two Saotome's listened on with muted disbelief and stifled giggles, which eventually turned to commiseration when he described not being able to have a home or a real family due to his lack of sense of direction. When the lost boy had finished, he expected many things to be directed at him in the eyes of this fiercely protective woman. But compassion was not one of them. He was startled when Ranma suddenly stood and gave a short bow to both her mother and himself and left the room.

At his bewildered look the woman sighed. "We have much to discuss Ryoga-kun."

'I've only been gone for five months, I can't believe all this has happened.'

Ryoga sat cross legged in the Saotome's back courtyard, his mind racing with what he had been told. The head trauma and subsequent memory loss, not just a few days or weeks, All of it.
Ranma couldn't remember anything, she was essentially a blank slate. Just waiting for everything to be filled in. And the fact that Nodoka had told him of the necessary lock of the curse.

It wasn't made on some whim to give Ranma a fresh start, it had to be done, or a single mishap could have killed her. The surgery to repair her skull had needed metal plates and various screws. One splash of hot water and the martial artist's skull would have been split apart with the change from young woman to man, however small the difference in head size. The plates were there and would be there the rest of her life. He shuddered just thinking about it.

Ryoga had been invited to stay for dinner, but shooed from the kitchen when he asked if there was anything he could do to help. Ranma hadn't come back since he told them his story and how he knew her from back in middle school. But he could hear muffle voices from inside, so he assumed she had come out to help Nodoka with dinner.

Always having to wander to find his way back to civilization, he never felt comfortable sitting for too long doing nothing. So he stood, stretched lightly, and began a kata to maybe help clear his head. Although midway through he paused, left leg still held aloft from his kick. He lowered his leg and moved out of stance, something didn't feel right. It was odd, every strike, every block, and his footwork had been perfect. He had done this kata countless times, it was his customary warm up of the day. But it felt off, not wrong, just...He shook his head. It was probably from what he had spoken to Mrs. Saotome about. His mind was simply elsewhere.

Ranma had watched him from the kitchen window as she helped prepare their upcoming meal. His story had fascinated her as well as saddened. She had enjoyed hearing of their experiences in middle school, the spars and just being friends. Although the bread 'stealing' did seem as if she were just teasing him, good natured but just simply misconstrued. She would ask Pops about it when she saw him next, her mother had said he was on a two week "training trip" with his friend.

She grinned. 'Mom used air quotes and everything.'

Of course when he began describing how he waited in the alley for their fight and she never showed, the expression on his face was heartbreaking. Although he sounded angry, you could tell how much it had upset him that not only had she not been there, but had left completely. She felt guilty even if she couldn't recall the memory, it seemed that she had been his only friend back then.

Then how he followed them all the way to China had stunned her, to go to so much trouble over a "bread feud." Obviously he had been deeply hurt by what happened, although she was sure getting him to admit it would be impossible. But to just drop everything to track and follow them all the way to China? Especially if how he described his sense of direction wasn't overly exaggerated, it must have been beyond difficult. She felt impossibly guilty, even if a lot of what happened wasn't really within her control. But it all stemmed from her abandoning her friend, although from how Pops described their training trip he most likely owed someone money and they had to take off. After she worked herself up to apologize to Ryoga, she would make Pops as well. Even if he refused, her mother was quite...persuasive.

"I'll finish up here dear, why don't you inform our guest that dinner will begin shortly?"

Ranma looked up, pulled from her thoughts. "Me? B-
But I-I.."

Her mother gave her 'The Look' which brooked no argument.

"Just take your time and control your breathing sweetheart."

Frowning at her mother for tossing back her own advice from earlier, she removed her apron and begrudgingly left to do as she was told. While she appreciated the fact that she was only trying to help, it still irked her when her mother forced her into these kind of situations. It was so embarrassing stumbling over her own words, not to mention frustrating.

Sighing she made her way outside. Her palms slightly damp from nerves.

He still stood where he had been while she observed from the kitchen, only now he appeared to be deep in thought as he stared at his hands. She was only a few feet away now, and he still hadn't acknowledged her presence. Or maybe just hadn't noticed. Oh how she hated having to begin a conversation, or even just get someone's attention. They either assumed she was mentally challenged or some insanely shy girl with no self esteem to speak of. With a defeated sigh she took a page from her mother's book and cleared her throat politely. The effect was immediate, his eyes snapped up to meet her own with bewilderment.

They just stood awkwardly looking at one another for a moment. Ranma's foot began to toe the dirt as was wont to do when she was anxious. Feeling ridiculous the red head took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

"D-Dinner is ready Ryoga-s-san." she said and grimaced, immediately turning and making her way back into the house.

Ryoga watched her leave, crushing any pity he felt bubbling within. He hated being pitied for something that he had no control over, he got it often enough when he was travelling. Even more so from those that knew him. It wasn't her fault, nothing about what happened had been. Nodoka's tale still very fresh in his mind, he was still trying to come to grips with most of it. His problems didn't seem so bad compared to the nightmare of waking up in a hospital room full of strangers, not knowing where or who you were, barely able to speak. Confused, scared and everything in between. He had vowed to make Ranma's life a living hell for what he had put him through, but life saw fit to step in and do it for him. For there was nothing worse than losing yourself, he'd been doing it his whole life. But unlike him, Ranma didn't have the luxury of knowing that eventually you would find your way back.

"Nine months!?" The shout startled the various people who milled about on their daily business, giving curious looks to the strange man with the excessively large pack. The aforementioned stared wide eyed at the newspaper in his hands. He couldn't believe it, nine months..that was almost a year! Almost a year he had been away from Japan, away from his home.

He guessed the silver lining was that he was finally back, although he still groaned in frustration at his sense of direction. It almost seemed to be getting worse, getting lost for longer each time. At this rate he would never find his way back, just living in the wilderness for the rest of his life. Or rather wildernesses, for he was certain he'd wander off to a different one every so often. He grinned at his self depreciative humor, after all the best jokes had some truth to them.

The newspaper was in Japanese, which was a relief. Even though he had become quite multilingual from his travels he still preferred the language of the place of his birth. He sighed in relief, finally he was home, or as close to it as he could get on his own. First things first though, he needed a bath. Streams and rivers could only do so much. He asked a passerby where the nearest sento was, the kind old woman pointed the way only to be perplexed when the young man turned in the opposite direction. When she corrected his course and he again began to wander off the woman took pity on the poor boy and led him there.

Ryoga bowed his thanks to the woman. He was of course grateful that she had helped him, but the familiar look of pity always got to him. Sighing he made his way into the public baths, he bypassed the lockers for storing ones things. Knowing from experience it was possible it could take him a while to find his way back to them. And he didn't feel like wandering about naked, again relying on the kindness and pity of strangers to find his way. He would keep his pack within reaching distance, better safe than sorry.

Freshly bathed he began his search of a clothing store, any store really. Along with new clothes he also needed to replenish his supplies, boy was he looking forward to having toilet paper again.

After an hour of wandering and still no luck he asked another passerby where the nearest store was. He was quite embarrassed when the teenager simply pointed behind him. It was a small shop nestled in between two slightly larger buildings, a simple general store, which was perfect. He entered and began to look for the items he needed, being sure to take his time. When he was in a rush it was more likely that he would get lost, so when in stores and other such establishments he was very careful to be in no hurry.

His progress was interrupted however by a lilting voice.

"Heya P-chan."

The greeting froze him in place. Someone here knew him and his curse, even what his other form was called! Trying not to panic he turned to see...no one? Looking around he only saw the shelves filled with various items for sale. Somehow not even registering the cashier at the front.

"You're as oblivious as a-always bacon butt."

Ryoga's eyes snapped to the front of the store. And there, leaning against the counter, a small smirk playing on her lips was...

"Ranma?"

"Took you long enough Ryoga, w-was wondering if you'd gone blind!" she laughed.

"Wha..What are you doing here? Am I in Nerima?"

Tucking some hair behind her ear Ranma sighed dramatically.

"Lost as ever huh? A-Although you've usually turned up at some point before th-this long."

Ryoga looked slightly miffed by her comment, but he was used to Ranma's remarks about his sense of direction. He took a breath to return in kind but stopped short and looked again at the redhead before him. Her hair was longer and tied back into a loose tail, and was wearing what he assumed was the uniform for the store and a familiar cocky grin on her lips.

He had waited until the end of her shift as she requested, leaning against the wall just outside the store. It hadn't been long, but with his mind racing as it was it might as well have been hours.

Exiting the store she was lifting a satchel to settle on her shoulder as she bid farewell to someone. She turned to him with a grin a beckoned him to follow her.

"Come on, we can talk on the way to my h-house, I'm sure Mom will be pleasantly surprised t-to see you again."

"So.." he began.

She laughed and imitated him in an exaggerated manner. "SoOo..!"

Frowning he continued. "You seem..better?" The last word sounding more like he was questioning himself rather than the girl walking next to him.

"Aww, you noticed. Well, yes and no.." She trailed off, waving to someone she knew.

"I started to get headaches a f-few weeks after you attacked me, A poor defenseless girl!" She continued, putting her fists under her chin with mock fear. Earning a glare from her companion, although she didn't miss the slight quirk to his lips.

"We didn't know what it meant, a-and the doctors checked for any problems, but they didn't find anything. It came and went for a while, some d-days were worse than others of course. Painkillers were my best friend at that point!" Ranma laughed. "But n-nothing really came of it until the doctors declared me well enough for physical activity."

She looked to the Lost Boy and found him hanging on her every word.

"Pops thought it would b-be best if he taught me tai chi, said it would be a good starting p-point after I'd been inactive for so long." She shrugged. "Mom agreed, so a few days later he took me to the back of the h-house to walk me through the basics." At this Ranma smirked. "I immediately went through the entire kata he had b-begun to show me, you should have seen his face! Hell, I wish I had s-seen Mine!"

"You said yes and no, what did you mean?"

Ranma seemed to think for a moment as if deciding how to best describe it.

"Well, I can remember s-some things, but only pieces." She looked up at Ryoga as he nodded in understanding.

Ranma lowered her voice a bit. "I remembered that you turn into a l-little pig, and how I seemed to tease you about it. But n-not when we were in middle school, or when you showed up in N-nerima."

It did make sense in a way. Amnesia wasn't the same as in the movies, where people suddenly just remember everything all at once. She then began to explain how her mother started commenting on certain quirks she would suddenly develop, like less than ideal speech patterns that her mother had put an end to just as quickly as they appeared. She also began carrying herself differently, more confidently, bordering on cocky. At this Ryoga chuckled, getting a smack to the arm before she continued.

"It was difficult at first, I guess essentially I was two people at once. Or one person with pieces of someone else sprinkled in." Ranma shrugged, smiling a bit. "It's a lot easier now though, th-the headaches aren't as bad. But I don't get as many of those little fragments of wh-who I was..am..whatever.

She suddenly stopped, Ryoga almost running into her.

"What are you doing? I thought we were going to your house?"

"Yep." She said grabbing his arm and leading/dragging him towards the home in front of them. "We're here."

Now he was confused, he knew he would have trouble finding his way out of a room with one door. It sucks but he's used to it, but he knew the house she was leading him up to wasn't the same one from before.

"You moved?" He asked as she lead him up a slight incline of stairs.

Ranma raised an eyebrow questioningly. "You didn't notice that nothing looked familiar here?" She gestured around them.

He actually hadn't, Ryoga had been so focused on getting cleaned up and restocking his supplies he really hadn't been paying much attention. But she was right, none of this looked familiar. Were they even in Nerima? Why would the Saotomes leave? What about the Tendos?

"We're in Toshima Ward, a little ways off from Nerima." At his questioning look she shrugged, then added. "Kids gotta go where their parents go."

Opening the door and pulling him inside. "Mom! I'm home! And I b-brought home a stray!"

The two were partway into the home when Genma appeared and threw Ranma bodily through the open side doors and into the courtyard.

"You're getting slow Boy!" He bellowed as Ranma rebounded off the surrounding wall and landed gracefully onto her feet, sending an annoyed look to her father.

"Dammit Pops! We h-have a guest!" Then gesturing to her clothes. "And I'm in my u-uniform, I have to pay for these you know!"

Ryoga watched the scene with amusement, he remembered how often Genma surprise attacked Ranma in the past. Glad that some things had stayed the same with all the changes that had happened while he was away. He still hadn't managed to make his way back to the Tendo's. He was beginning to worry that they had played a major part in what happened to her. Ranma moving back to her family home after her injury made sense, but to an entirely different ward? He'd ask her later.

"Always be ready for an attack!, an enemy won't always announce themselves before striking." The man lectured. "Never.."

"Yeah yeah, n-never let your guard down." She waved him off, obviously having heard it often.

Genma then tried to pounce again as his son turned daughter made her way back inside, only to have a foot lodged into his gut.

"That's more like it Boy." The man wheezed, trying not to lose his lunch.

With a roll of her eyes she began leading Ryoga towards the kitchen, she knew by now her mother would be beginning to prepare dinner.

"He still calls you boy?" Ryoga chuckled. Getting an amused look from the redhead.

"Yeah, but it's more of a nickname now. Mom says it makes him feel better, but I like it cause i-it's familiar." she smiled. "In everything I've r-
remembered about Pop he's called me that."

She stopped him just before they reached the door to the kitchen and grinned playfully, then stuck her head in.

"Hey Mom!"

Nodoka turned from the vegetables she had been cutting and gave her a warm smile.

"Hello dear, What's this about a stray?"

Ranma grabbed his arm and dragged him into view. "Ta Daaaaaa!" She sang holding her arms out grandly.

The Lost Boy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Hello, Saotome-san." He said, then gave Ranma a curious look. He didn't remember her being so...animated.

"Oh! Hello Ryoga-kun, well this is a pleasant surprise. How are you dear?"

"Told. You. So." He tried unsuccessfully to bat Ranma's hand away as she poked his shoulder emphasizing each word.

Her mother of course invited/demanded the bandanna clad martial artist to stay for dinner, her daughter immediately accepted on his behalf. Scoffing at the look he gave her, she told him he would be having a real dinner in an actual home whether he liked it or not.

"Let me get changed a-and I'll show you around the neighborhood P-chan, Mom make sure he doesn't wander off please." With that she hurried from the room to change, leaving an amused mother and slightly bewildered friend/rival.

The pair walked at a leisurely pace, the shorter of the two pointing out various places she liked to frequent when her father wasn't randomly attacking her or at work or school. Ryoga noted they were all food stands or restaurants and shook his head, no matter how different she was , the redhead beside him was definitely Ranma Saotome.

"You know, you're a lot calmer th-than you used to be. I almost wish you'd sh-shout that I Prepare to Diiie!"

Ignoring the punch to the shoulder, he sighed and answered.

"Well, after I attacked a 'Poor defenseless Girl'." He said, earning a laugh from her. "And the talk with your mother where she picked apart every excuse I had for blaming you for everything..I had a lot to think about when I left, And a lot of time apparently." He stopped looking annoyed. "I've never been lost for that long, it had been getting worse. A few more weeks here and there, you know, that's the reason I was at that doctor's office that day."

She had been wondering about that, her mother as well. Pops had waved it off saying that the boy would randomly appear at the most random of times fairly often. But hearing he had purposely sought a neurologist made more sense.

"Not to sound cruel, but how did you find it? Or make it to your appointment for that matter?"

At this he grinned self deprecatingly."I stumbled across it by accident, and remembered from what little of school I had been able to attend that neurology was about the brain. As for the appointment, I camped outside the building."

The two lapsed into silence as they continued. Neither knowing what else to say. Ranma was about to suggest they head back when the silence was interrupted by a call from behind them. Ryoga turned curiously as his companion groaned in annoyance.

"Well if it isn't R-R-R-R-Ranma-chan." A girl their age stammered in an exaggerated way, obviously making fun of the redheads stutter. She was flanked by two other girls, the taller of the two showing an indecent amount of cleavage while the other seemed to be competing for world's shortest skirt. The girl who had spoken was quite busty, but seemed to be dressed far more conservatively compared to the other girls.

Anything else the the antagonist had been about to say was cut off by Ryoga doubling over as he burst into laughter.

"You have bullies?!.." He laughed as he wiped tears from his eyes. "That's, That's hilarious!..."

The trio stared incredulously as the boy continued to guffaw, now struggling to breathe as he tried in vain to curb his laughter.

"I bet, I bet they're the 'Popular Girls' too!" He continued.

Shaking her head with a smile, Ranma swatted his arm good naturedly.

"What c-can we do for you for you Maiko-chan?"

Still stunned by the now chuckling boy's reaction, she blinked when realizing she had been addressed. Trying to adopt her previous haughty look the aforementioned Maiko harrumphed and turned her nose up.

"It's, It's none of your business!" She then brushed past them making sure to bump her shoulder into Ranma's as she passed, her bookends hurrying after her. Eliciting another round of laughter from Ryoga.

Rolling her eyes Ranma began to push him back towards her house. "Come on P-chan, if we're late Pops will eat all the f-food."

Not being able to turn down Nodoka Saotome's hospitality, Literally, Ryoga had agreed to stay the night. He was shown to the guest room, and not soon after he had settled onto the too soft mattress a light tapping sounded from the door.

Shifting to a sitting position he answered. "Uh, yes?"

Ranma poked her head in, looking somewhat nervous.

"Hey.." She said and trailed off looking unsure of herself.

Taking a deep breath she stepped fully into the room and shut the door. She stood awkwardly as Ryoga looked at her curiously.

"Mom t-told me to wait to tell you what h-happened to cause.." She gestured to her head. "..you know."

She continued at his nod.

"But I c-can't, I wanted to tell you before dinner but there wasn't enough time. And m-mom wouldn't have let me bring it up during."

She sat against the wall directly in front of him. "I'd rather you h-hear it from me than s-someone who would twist it into s-something terrible, well, I m-mean it was terrible, but it w-w-wasn't on purpose."

Ranma took a deep breath to settle herself, it wouldn't do to tell him what happened if he couldn't understand half of what she was saying, her stutter always became worse when she was upset or emotional.

"I really don't r-remember much of it myself." She began sheepishly. "But from a t-trusted first hand account, I was able to piece it together."

"Who told you what happened?" Ryoga asked quietly.

"Kasumi-nee, she was w-with me in the hospital almost as much as mom was. I know I c-can trust her, especially after I started to get the headaches."

She sniffed and wiped her eyes irritably. "Damn hormones."

Ryoga waited patiently and didn't comment. Ranma was grateful.

"Kasumi-nee said it had b-been a normal morning, as normal as i-it could be for us anyway. Akane and I were fighting, m-most likely over something I had said, I wasn't very tactful back then." She smiled ruefully.

"Nee-san said when we left for school is w-when it started. We didn't even get far from the f-front gate before Shampoo appeared. From there it went downhill, o-of course Akane got mad and tried to brain m-me, then Mousse showed up, followed by Ukyo." Ranma sighed.

"It was the standard brawl, m-minus you and Kuno. I had fallen into the koi pond shoving Akane out of the w-way of one of Shampoo's bonbori and Happosai decided to show up at that p-point and grope me. It gives me the creeps just talking about it." Ranma crossed her arms over her chest unconsciously.

"Then he started throwing those d-damn fire-bursts around. He almost got Ukyo with one as she faced off with Akane, but sh-she knocked it away, Unfortunately right at Shampoo. Kasumi-nee said it was brave of me to protect h-her, but I-I think it was stupid, she's an Amazon that's b-been trained in martial arts since she could w-walk. She would have gotten to safety without my help, b-but back then I was such a chauvinist that I didn't hesitate to s-
save a 'damsel in distress'."

Ranma looked out the window at the now dark sky, frowning.

"The blast threw me right i-in the middle of Akane and Ukyo. I took a giant spatula and a mallet to the f-front and back of the head simultaneously."

She turned back to Ryoga.

"I know it's pretty a-anticlimactic, but life usually is, even for p-people like us."

The two sat for a while just spending the moment together. It was quiet, not unnaturally so, just still. It was peaceful to have the sounds of the ward silenced by the night.

"What happened to.." Ryoga began quietly but stopped short. The redhead had fallen asleep, head slumped to the side against the wall. Talking about what happened must have been more emotionally draining than he thought.

"Goodnight Ranma." He said to the stillness.

Ranma burrowed deeper into the warmth of her covers. She didn't care if Pops lectured her for missing their morning spar, she was tired, and she could feel the beginnings of a headache. All the more reason to fight against the waking world. Her hopes of slipping back into blissful unconsciousness were shattered by a yell and crash that seemed to vibrate the walls and floor, along with her bed.

Sitting up with a frustrated groan she massaged her temples, yep, definitely a headache. A second crash sounded as she stood to see what the hell woke her up. She was always irritable when she got the headaches. Ranma stepped towards her door to find it..not her door? Looking around found it not her room either, then she remembered her talk with Ryoga. She must have fallen asleep..but why was she in the bed? Crap, he had put her in his bed and slept on the floor like in one of those trashy romance novels her mom read, his sleep roll layed out was evidence enough.

"Damn chivalrous b-bastard." It annoyed her, but she knew she would have done the same. Didn't mean she had to like it though.

Downstairs she found her mother seated just inside the courtyard doors, watching as Pops faced off against Ryoga. Well that explains the small tremors. Pops looked worse for the wear, but was holding his own.

"You usually don't watch our morning spars." She sat next to her mother. Pops had just met Ryoga in the air and they traded blows before leaping apart.

"Goodmorning daughter." Ranma inwardly groaned, she only called her that when being extremely serious or in the mood for playful teasing. It was hard to tell which it was, sometimes it was both!

"Ryoga-kun mentioned how tired you were, and even stopped your father's mutterings by offering to spar in your stead." Nodoka had a small quirk to her lips as she spoke. So, teasing it was. Ranma looked unbothered, but inwardly was annoyed even further.

"So, did you sleep well dear?" And there it was.

"Yes. Mother." Ranma ground out, watching as her father and Ryoga bowed to one another. Genma had clapped him on the back and was talking to him about something they couldn't hear, he then barked out a laugh and made his way towards them still smiling.

"That boy sure knows his stuff." He chuckled. "Gonna go get cleaned up, he tossed me around pretty good."

Ryoga still stood where her father left him. His back was turned and seemed to be looking at the sky, he breathed deeply and stood completely still for a moment. He either didn't care they were watching, or just hadn't noticed. It was probably the latter. It was strange seeing him so..calm. The words Ryoga and calm just didn't go in the same sentence, until now she supposed. He had been since he arrived. It was a stark contrast to the boy with the hair trigger temper she part-way remembered. Her inward musings ground to a halt when he began a kata. It wasn't that it was impressive, or even that advanced. It was the fluidity of it, it seemed unnatural to see him moving in such slow deliberate motions. The redhead turned to say as much to her mother but she was gone. She hadn't even noticed her leaving.

Ranma looked back to see that he had finished, and was standing in that same position looking up at the sky. He seemed to nod to himself and turned to go back inside, but stopped when he saw her. She scrambled for her earlier annoyance and gave him a half convincing glare before leaving the room.

He watched her leave, he knew she would be upset. But he couldn't just leave her half slumped on the floor in such an uncomfortable position. Ryoga hoped she would let him explain, it wasn't because she's a girl, but because she was a...friend. His only friend really. Even when he attacked Ranma every chance he got, the boy was still friendly afterwards, even if it had severe overtones of smugness along with his snide remarks. Especially if he had won. And although he had lorded the secret of his curse over him every chance he got, he never told anyone. Ryoga was pretty sure he still wouldn't have even if he hadn't done whatever he had demanded as payment.

Breakfast was unbearably quiet, Ranma's mother excused herself shortly after and busied herself in the kitchen, leaving the two alone at the table. He knew it was on purpose, he was positive that she knew about what happened.

Surprisingly it was Ranma who broke the silence. "You know this whole q-quiet and introspective thing y-you've got going on is weird right?" She had said it without looking up from her plate, and continued eating.

"So is hearing you use words like 'introspective'. "

She didn't look up, but he didn't miss the small smirk that crossed her lips before she could stop it. Ranma finally met his eyes from across the table.

"Making quips now? That's a-another thing that's different about you, and what the hell was that earlier?, and I don't mean y-your chivalrous deed of the day."

Yeah, definitely upset. But the first part confused him. "What was what earlier? I was just sparring with your dad."

"No, not that. The thing a-after that. You're whole z-zen performance." She gestured at him with her chopsticks.

"That? It's just something I picked up at a demonstration at some temple I wandered into. It seemed..I don't know, peaceful. It reminded me of everything I wasn't, so I started doing it after my morning workouts. It..calms me."

That was not the kind of answer Ranma had been expecting, although what else could he have said? That he thought it looked cool? True martial artists didn't do things without a reason. His explanation all but derailed her earlier annoyance at The Lost Boy, but not completely.

She stood and looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Go get dressed, I n-need to get Kasumi-nee something for her birthday in a c-couple weeks. And because of your little stunt earlier you'll be buying l-lunch, and whatever the hell else I feel like snacking o-
on."

"But.." Ryoga began but she had already left the room.

Nodoka watched the dark haired teen sigh before he retreated to the guest room. She had watched the exchange from the kitchen, and couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself. Leave it to Ranma to punish him for treating her like a girl by making him spend the day shopping while buying her lunch, and not see the irony.

Ranma's mother took him aside when he returned and handed him a roll of bills.

"What? Saotome-san, I'm sorry I can't.." He tried to refuse but was interrupted.

"You can and will young man." Her tone brooked no argument. "Ranma has isolated herself in this house ever since we moved here, the closest people she has to friends are Kasumi-chan when she visits and the regular customers at her work."

Her voice wavered as she continued. "Please Ryoga-
kun. Take this and give her a day of enjoyment. Please."

Ranma had seemed to cheer up as they made their way to...wherever they were going. He wanted to say something but was unsure of what her reaction would be, she was still pretty miffed from earlier. He still didn't get the big deal, it was the right thing to do. And he couldn't have taken Ranma to her own bedroom, they could have ended up anywhere. Even now she would grab his arm and pull him back on course if he got distracted.

Curiosity got the better of him and he blurted out his question.

"Why are you wearing that?"

Ranma kept walking but gave him a questioning look. "Wearing w-what?"

"Those clothes!" He said exasperatedly.

"So I'm not naked." She replied innocently.

"You know what I mean! You look like a girl."

"Gee, I wonder why." Was her sarcastic reply. She was smiling though, no matter how much Ryoga had changed it pleased her to know she could still frustrate him.

He was almost growling now. "You know what I mean Ranma. Stop messing around."

Ranma pouted. "You mean you d-don't like my outfit Ryoga-kun?"

At that Ryoga just gave her an angry look.

She began to laugh loudly, drawing attention from those passing by. "Sorry Ryoga, b-but I just couldn't help myself!" She gasped out. She had stopped to catch her breath. Still gaining some odd looks.

"You're hilarious, but do you mind answering the question?"

After taking a few more breaths she answered, mirth still evident in her voice.

"Lighten up Ryoga-kun, you should be h-happy I'm in a better mood, I might just pay for my own lunch. M-maybe."

She grinned playfully at his exasperated look.

"Fine, relax P-chan." She huffed. "Kasumi-nee made m-me this knit cap for when my hair was just starting to grow back, I don't care much now, but b-back then I was more than a little self conscious."

Ryoga accepted the explanation but wasn't satisfied.

"But why are you wearing it now? And what's with the skirt?"

Ranma rolled her eyes. "Because it covers most of my hair, it's like a damn beacon that shouts 'look at me!' As for the skirt, you do realize for the majority of each day I'm wearing one right? You saw my work clothes." He nodded. "School is the same, it's the dress code."

"You still didn't answer my question Ranma."

She laughed and hopped in front of him, beginning to walk backwards.

"Turns out they're comfortable." She grinned but then adopted a thoughtful look. "Then a-again, maybe since I've had to wear them s-so much I've succumbed to some sort of clothing Stockholm Syndrome..."

"Look, I'm glad you're in a better mood. But you got pissed at me for my 'chivalrous deed' but you're walking around wearing that. Willingly I might add." Ranma returned to his side so they could wait to cross the street.

She sighed and rubbed her temples a bit. "It's not that you d-did it P-chan, It's why y-you did it. I've accepted what's happened, p-probably a lot easier than I should. But I don't want you t-to treat me different just because of what's happened. Yes, I'm a girl. B-but I'm still Ranma Saotome, even if I never get all of it back, I'm still him, M-me."

"I know." He said firmly. "You can never be anyone else, not even brain damage can take that away from you apparently."

His statement earned a light chuckle from the both of them before he continued. "But I didn't do what I did because you're a girl, I did it because you're my friend. Because I know you would have done the same for me."

She didn't respond at first but then suddenly punched his arm, eliciting a startled yelp from Ryoga.

"Turn a-around P-chan." She sniffled. "Give m-me a minute to reign in my estrogen."

He went to comply but was interrupted as a man stepped in between them. "Is this guy bothering you miss?" He asked trying to console her while glaring threateningly at Ryoga.

The redhead pushed him away from her. "Get lost creep! We're h-having a moment!"

The man was startled, she had shoved him a good eight feet right onto his ass, he got up in as dignified a way as he could before scurrying/walking a way.

Regaining her composure she turned back to a smirking Ryoga.

"What?"

He shook his head, smirk still present. Ryoga began to walk in what he hoped was the direction they had been heading. "Who knew you could be such a violent tomboy." He called over his shoulder.

Ranma just stood there dumbfounded for a moment.

"You are so buying l-lunch you bastard!" She shouted and ran after him.