This story was a bit of a challenge since I've never really considered a Kodachi/Ryouga match up. It's severely mutated from an old story I had lying around, but you can still see traces of the original. Any and all comments welcome. Disclaimer: Much as I wish otherwise, I don't own any of the characters in this story. Rumiko Takahashi does. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forgotten Roses "Stop running you coward! Tenju Rakurai Dan!" Ryouga punctuated his words by flinging a crackling ball of cerulean lightning towards his pigtailed foe. Ranma's smile didn't waver as he bounced over the attack allowing it to incinerate some hapless shrubbery. He'd already figured out the weakness of Ryouga's new attack. It required time to charge up and Ryouga insisted on using it at full power every time. That was something Ranma didn't waste time exploiting as his foot crashed into Ryouga's face, leaving the lost boy sprawled on the ground. "Good enough for ya?" Ranma blinked in surprise. Ryouga should have been getting up by now. Maybe using the attack drained him or.... Ranma noticed sparks starting to dance between Ryouga's fingers. That was a little sneakier than he was used to from Ryouga, but he'd still have to stand to aim properly. "Ranma darling, let me reward your victory with a kiss." Ranma staggered slightly as a lithe leotard clad body pressed up against his back and slender arms twined themselves about his neck. "Airen beat stupid pig-boy again." "Let go of my Ranchan, you hussy!" Ranma winced internally as he started to pry Kodachi off of himself and directed a nervous eye towards the rapidly approaching Ukyou and Shampoo. He hadn't expected them or Kodachi to catch up this quickly. It was lucky that Akane wasn't here, but he couldn't escape the feeling that he was forgetting something. "How dare you cheat on Akane! Tenju Rakurai Dan!" As arcs of electricity leapt over his body, Ranma had only a moment to realize just who he'd forgotten. ================= Ukyou slowed to a walk and slung her battle spatula over her shoulder as Ranma and Kodachi slumped to the ground. She'd demonstrate how she felt about Ryouga zapping her fiancé later. As she inspected Ranma's condition, she felt Shampoo lean over her shoulder. "Crazy rose girl still breathing. Is perfect chance to finish her, yes?" "Yea- I mean no! We should get Ranchan and her to a doctor or something." "Shampoo take Airen," the Amazon declared, suiting actions to words and bending to take hold of Ranma's shoulders. "I don't think so." Smiling. Ukyou upended a bucket of water over Shampoo's head, sending water streaming over her and Ranma. A second later there was only a small cat perched on the chest of a buxom girl. Stooping, Ukyou brushed the cat away and then easily lifter the smaller girl from the ground. "What are you waiting for," she shot over her shoulder at Ryouga, who'd been standing in the background, "pick up Kodachi and follow me." ================= "Ranma? Are you waking up?" Ukyou smiled as Ranma groaned again and then opened her eyes. Since she knew that Akane would be staying overnight at Sayuri's house, Ukyou had decided to take Ranma back to the Tendos'. None of the other inhabitants had seemed very worried, so she'd been able to watch over Ranma alone. "Think so. Wha' happened." You don't remember? Ryouga blasted you with some sort of lightning attack," Ukyou supplied helpfully. "Okay. Next question. Who's Ryouga and who are you?" As she waited for the answers Ranma pushed herself up to a sitting position. ================= Ryouga rose from his seat on the edge of Akane's bed and once more walked in the general direction of the door. He didn't know why he was staying, although he supposed he needed to apologize to Kodachi. Although leaving before she woke up also had its attractions to him. A groan from the bed behind him ended his indecision. Turning around slowly, he saw Kodachi sitting up in bed and looking at him. Taking a deep breath, Ryouga mustered his resolve. "ImsorryIaccidentallyelectrocutedyoubutitwasallRanmasfaultanyway." After finishing his apology, Ryouga stopped triumphantly and waited for Kodachi's reply. As the seconds passed in silence, he began to grow nervous. "Are you all right?" "I believe so. But...who am I?" ================= Half an hour later, the Tendos' living room slowly emptied as the explanations finished and the residents started to go about their business. "I really am sorry. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, just let me know." "I'm very grateful for the offer, but there is nothing I need at the moment." Smiling softly, Kodachi reviewed what she knew about her life. Her name was Kodachi Kuno. She was a martial arts gymnast, rich, beautiful; and a handsome boy had just offered to do anything she wanted. For some reason she had the oddest urge to laugh maniacally. "What about me?" Ranma stared angrily at the muscular bandanna-wearing boy, she'd learned was the one responsible for her memory loss. "Don't I get an apology?" "No. Why don't you stop whining? You sound like a girl." Scowling darkly at Ryouga's words, Ukyou stepped up behind him and swung her battle spatula down onto the top of his skull. "I think you owe Ranchan an apology." "All right. I'm sorry you sound like a girl," Ryouga said, rubbing the fresh lump on his head with one hand. Seeing Ukyou start to raise her weapon in a manner threatening further pain; Ryouga hastily continued, "And I'm sorry I hurt you." "Bah! Ryouga is right. You are whining like a girl. I can't believe that a son of mine would not only let himself be beaten, but lose his memory as well." Genma crossed his arms angrily and directed a stern gaze across the room towards Ranma. "What are you talking about? If I was your son, I wouldn't have these," Ranma concluded, gesturing towards her breasts. That outburst drew the attention of everyone remaining in the room. Strangely, Kodachi was the one to recover her wits first. "Ranma, I'm afraid that your father is insane." ================= "And stay out!" Almost before the heavyset figure of her father had hit the ground, Ranma had slammed the door to her bedroom shut. Today, at least what she could remember of it, hadn't been a good day. Other than the amnesia, the main problem was her father. Not only did he have some sort of strange delusion that she was really a boy, he was a pervert who wanted to sleep in the same room as her. Then there was the strange boy who'd apparently tried to kill her for some reason. He didn't seem violent now, but she didn't trust him. There was one bright spot, the slender, long haired boy who'd defended her and told her how to turn back into a girl. Pushing the cares of the day aside, Ranma lay down to sleep. ================= "I'm just so nervous sleeping in a strange house all alone. I'd feel much better if there was someone in the room with me. Someone strong who could protect me." Ryouga fidgeted nervously as he felt sweat begin to collect under his bandanna. "I'm sure Kasumi...or Nabiki would be happy- I mean..." "But you said you'd do anything and it would mean so much to me." As she spoke, Kodachi took a small step closer to Ryouga, who already had his back almost pressed to the wall. "I-it wouldn't be proper." Suddenly aware of the heat of Kodachi's body, Ryouga cast about for an escape. "I'll just stay right here tonight, so if anything happens you'll be safe." "If you're sure. But I think you'd be much more comfortable on the other side of the door." When Ryouga swallowed and shook his head, Kodachi laughed softly and stepped back from him. Moments later, with the bedroom door safely closed, Ryouga sank down until he was sitting with his back pressed against the wall. "This is going to be a long night," Ryouga mumbled. When Kasumi invited Kodachi to stay overnight, Ryouga had planned to sleep in the dojo. This wasn't nearly as comfortable, but he'd promised. ================= Kodachi frowned slightly as she searched through the contents of the closet. Kasumi had assured Kodachi that her absent sister would be happy to loan her some clothing. Since the only clothing she possessed was her leotard, Kodachi had accepted. The older girl was the kindest person Kodachi knew and she suspected this would be true even if she had her memory. It was unfortunate that her sister did not have better taste in clothing, however. Finally, Kodachi selected a dark green dress that at least came close to complementing her color. Properly attired, she felt far better prepared to confront the day. Opening the door, she smiled at the sight that confronted her. Ryouga was sitting slumped against the wall and snoring softly. Kodachi paused for a moment to watch him and then quietly stepped over his legs, leaving him to sleep. ================= "I'm home," Akane called as she stepped into the house. She'd left Sayuri's early, wanting to get home before Ranma woke. Since it was Sunday, he'd sleep in and she'd have time to cook breakfast for him before he got up. Stepping into the kitchen, Akane stopped cold in astonishment. "Ko- Kodachi?" "Hello. You must be Akane. It's a pleasure to meet you." "Ah, yes I am, but you..." Akane was growing more confused by the moment. Not only was Kodachi sitting at the dining room table, she was wearing what Akane recognized as one of her own dresses. Even stranger, Ranma was there as well, wearing a set of coveralls that also belonged to Akane. The sight of an exhausted Ryouga sitting across the table from them was almost normal by comparison. "There's plenty of miso soup if you want some," Ranma suggested helpfully. "Ranma! What's going on here?" Ryouga nervously raised his hand. "I think I can explain this, Akane." ================= "You mean Ranma and Kodachi have both lost their memory?" "I'm afraid so." Ryouga bowed his head, too nervous to meet Akane's eyes. "I know!" Akane smacked her fist into the palm of her other hand. "Since it was caused by an electric shock, another shock might reverse it." "Akane, I don't-" The bandanna wearing martial artist protested uncertainly. "Ryouga, I know you'll be glad to help, especially since you caused this." Ryouga looked down towards his feet once more. "Yes." ================= "Ranma, you do want to regain your memory, don't you?" Akane's words were calm, but a growing note of exasperation colored her tone. "Not this badly!" Ranma started to move away from the wall the marked the outer boundary of the Tendos' property. "Stop putting it off." Grabbing hold of Ranma's shoulders, Akane guided her back into position. "It's not like this is the first time you've been hit by lightning." "It's not?" Ranma asked dubiously. "No. Now wait until I give you the signal, Ryouga." Keeping a careful eye on Ranma, Akane stepped away from her and out of the line of fire. "Are you sure this is wise?" Kodachi asked nervously. If Ranma's memories were restored, she might find herself in the same situation. "Of course. When Ranma hit his head and thought he was a girl before, he was cured by hitting his head again," Akane replied. "I am a girl! There's no way I'm..." "Now, Ryouga." "Wai-" Before Ranma finished her protest, a searing bolt of pain ran through her body and she fell to the ground her muscles twitching. "How do you feel, Ranma?" Akane asked bending over the smoldering form lying on the grass. "Probably not well," Ryouga opined, eyeing the curls of smoke rising from Ranma's body skeptically. "Stupid..." Ranma's voice trailed off into unintelligible mutterings, but Akane had heard enough. "You do remember me!" Akane exclaimed, although her voice seemed more accusing than joyful. "No I don't!" Ranma staggered unsteadily to her feet and glared angrily at the taller girl. "I can't believe the two of you thought that electrocuting me was a good idea." "Look, I'm just trying to help," Akane began angrily. "Excuse me." Kodachi had moved to stand between the arguing pair. "Perhaps we might consider other means to restore Ranma's memory and mine as well." "What do you mean?" Ranma continued to watch Akane from the corner of her eye, but seemed content to listen. "We should consult a physician." "Sounds good to me." "Dr. Tofuu has helped us before," Akane agreed. "We can see him after school tomorrow." "If that is settled, might I prevail on someone to guide me to my home." "I'd take you, but..." Ryouga shuffled his feet slightly. "I'm afraid I don't really know the way." "I guess I'll take you," Akane muttered halfheartedly. "I'm going to go try to get my hair fixed up," Ranma declared, examining frazzled end of her pigtail discontentedly. ================= "I...live here?" Kodachi's eyes widened in awe as she took in the opulent expanse of the Kunou estate. She'd know that her family was well off from what the others had said, but this was far beyond anything she'd expected. Her companions nodded confirmation didn't surprise her further, but neither did it diminish the wonder she felt. "It is impressive, isn't it?" Akane offered. Ryouga only grunted noncommittally, as if he'd seen better in his travels. "Sister, you have returned." Kodachi turned to face the tall youth rushing towards her with outstretched arms. She'd been nervous about meeting her family, but that seemed unwarranted now. "And accompanied by the beautiful Akane Tendo." Kodachi blinked as her brother brushed past her and tried to sweep Akane into his arms. "Hands off!" Akane's foot collided with Kunou's face at the same moment Ryouga's elbow connected with the back of his head. "Sorry about that. You're brother's a bit of an idiot," Akane offered. "I see. In any case, you must let me repay the hospitality your family has shown me. Please fell welcome to stay for tea." "Sorry, but I should go back and check on Ranma again," Akane replied evasively. "Oh. Well, I'm sure that Ryouga won't abandon me." "Of course not. I'd be glad to stay." "So gallant." "I'll just leave the two of you then." ================= "How are you doing, Ranchan?" "I-I'm fine Ukyou." Ranma's nervousness only increased when she saw the glares her two visitors were directing at each other. "Shampoo worried about Airen too." "Uh, that's nice. Who is Airen?" Ranma had her suspicions, but thought that it was better to play it safe and find out for sure. "Ranma is Airen, silly." That was what Ranma had expected. "Ranma's lost...her memory," Ukyou grudgingly explained. "What you mean? Shampoo's husband is man," the amazon declared, latching onto Ranma's arm and redoubling the glare she was sending in Ukyou's direction. "Husband," Ranma squeaked. Experimentally, she tried to loosen the grip on her arm, but gave up when it only tightened. "I think you're making a mistake. I'm not that kind of girl." "What Airen mean?" Shampoo asked suspiciously, her grip tightening further. Ranma decided to take the direct approach. "I mean I'm not anyone's husband and you're crazy if you think that's going to change." "Shampoo teach Airen not to say stupid things." Releasing Ranma's arm and taking a step back, Shampoo produced a bucket of water and poured it over her own head. Ranma watched in bemused shock as Shampoo's form shrank and sprouted fur. "Oh, what a cute kitty." Moving carefully to avoid the transformed amazon's claws, Ranma soon had the small cat cradled in her arms as she stroked its fur. "Do you know why she did that, Ukyou? I assume she has a curse, but..." "You're scared of cats. I'm not sure on the details, but it has something to do with your father being an idiot." "Oh. You were trying to scare me, were you? Bad kitty." Ukyou stifled her amusement with difficulty. Shampoo's effort to retain her dignity was seriously hampered when she lifted her head to allow Ranma to scratch under her chin. Taken as a whole, Shampoo looked happier about the situation than she should have. ================= "Tell me about myself," Kodachi commanded softly. "I really didn't know you that well," Ryouga protested, setting down the teacup he was holding. "At the moment, even that, that is far more than I can claim." "All right." Ryouga sighed heavily and marshaled his thoughts. "You were really competitive and you'd do anything to win. I don't think you had many friends, which might be why you chased Ranma all the time. I know you didn't get along well with your family, but then no one else does either." "It sounds as though I had a very lonely life." "Being alone isn't so bad. It gives you time to think." "It sounds as though you learned that from experience." "Yeah. I guess you could say I know more about being alone than anyone. It's pretty much the story of my life in fact." "How do you stand it?" Kodachi continued speaking without pausing to wait for a reply. "As long as I can remember," she said, her lips twisting up in a wry smile, "I've know kind and caring people. Even the thought of losing that make me sad." Ryouga shrugged uncomfortably "You just get used to it. After a while it doesn't seem to matter." It wasn't clear from his tone who he was trying to convince. "I wouldn't want to live like that." ================= "Will you stop walking like that!" Akane snapped. "Like what?" Ranma asked, innocently matching Akane's steps. "Like a girl. Remember, we're trying to avoid attention." "Hmph. Ukyou doesn't care how I walk. Do you Ukyou?" "Ranchan's doing fine, Akane. You should just relax." As the unlikely trio continued towards school, Ukyou reflected on the current situation. She certainly enjoyed Ranma's company, but was becoming increasingly aware that her welcome was rooted in a misunderstanding. There didn't really seem to be any wholly satisfying solution and in any case it wouldn't matter once Ranma's memory was restored. "Coming to school as a girl is bad enough but-" "Don't worry. Ukyou and I figured that out," Ranma interrupted. "You did?" "Sure. If anyone asks, I'll just say that I definitely haven't been trapped in my cursed form by a Tibetan prince who wants to make me his bride. It's the truth after all." ================= The school day went far better than Akane had feared. There were a few more rumors than usual, but that was inevitable. Ranma paid attention in class, but other than the teacher no one noticed. The trouble didn't start until Ranma, Ukyou and Akane were leaving for Dr. Tofuu's. "My pigtailed goddess, I rejoice that you have won free of the vile durance imposed upon you by the miscreant Saotome. Come, let us consummate our love." Grabbing hold of Ranma, the school's kendo captain bodily lifted her from the ground towards his waiting lips. After that, events happened to quickly for anyone to interfere. A dull thud echoed over the school ground and then Tatewaki Kunou slowly toppled to the ground his unnaturally pale face twisted in agony and his hands desperately clutching his groin. "I can't believe that pervert groped me. Doesn't he know that girls are shy and delicate flowers that have to be cherished? And he was going to kiss me too..." Ranma's voice trailed off as Akane and Ukyou hustled her away from the school grounds leaving a silent crowd of students behind. "What do think, Hiroshi?" "Probably that time of the month." Hiroshi's horrified eyes drifted back to the crumpled form lying on the grass. "But I'm not going to mention it." ================= Ryouga was depressed. That wasn't unusual, but the reason was. When he'd thought of Kodachi before, he'd considered her a dangerous lunatic who attacked Akane and chased Ranma. A reasonable assumption, since with minor variations, the description fit most of the people he knew. However, the girl he'd talked to, the one he'd hurt, was a shy and uncertain person. All he could do to make up for it was try to protect her until she recovered her memories. His resolve renewed, Ryouga clenched his fists. A moment later his shoulders slumped as he took in the magnificent forest that occupied the valley below him. Trying to find the kitchen on his own might have been a mistake. ================= "I believe that the shock Ranma and Kodachi received was the exact frequency needed to interfere with the operation of the human brain." Dr. Tofuu paused to adjust his glasses. "A freak accident in other words." "Then there's nothing you can do?" Akane asked, her expectations deflated. "What? I shouldn't have any problems fixing this. I'll just need a few minutes to examine some charts and then I'll have them as right as rain." "You will?" Ranma's eyes widened in shock. "No doubt about it! Just wait right here." Seconds later, the four teenagers were alone in Dr. Tofuu's office. "I don't believe it. Things are never this easy." As she spoke, Ukyou absently fingered the handle of spatula. "You call this easy? I'm the one that got electrocuted. Twice." "Pardon me, but I'd like to speak to Ranma privately for a moment." Ukyou looked at the raven-haired gymnast curiously and then shrugged. "Sure. I guess Akane and I can step out into the waiting room." "Fine. Call us when Dr. Tofuu's ready." With those words, Akane followed Ukyou out of the room. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Ranma asked cheerfully. "I was wondering if you wanted to get your memories back. After all, from what everyone's said, you usually regard yourself as a boy, but now...." "You think I should be worried about becoming a different person? Maybe I am a little, but I want to remember my life. Besides, everyone is worried about me now. Ukyou, Kasumi, Akane and even Ryouga a little I think." "I understand that I think, but things are different for me. I went to school today and people were frightened of me, even though I wouldn't have done anything." "Don't worry about it. You seem nice enough to me and I doubt a few memories will make much difference. I think we just have a bit different perspective right now." "I hope you're right." "I am. Now lets talk about something happier. Dr. Tofuu is kind of cute for an older guy isn't he?" Despite herself, Kodachi giggled. ================= "Everyone ready?" Ranma barely had time to nod, before Tofuu jabbed a point at the base of he skull. For a moment, her vision swam and then the world snapped back into focus. "Do you remember now?" "Are you all right, Ranchan?" The two voices almost blended into one united by shared concern. "I'm fine. I've got my memories back, too." "Interesting. You must still remember the past days. Kodachi, it's you turn now." I am prepared." Without further preparation, Dr. Tofuu lifted Kodachi's hair out of the way and pressed the same pressure point he'd used on Ranma. "I-I don't think I feel any different." Kodachi quailed under the gaze of eight curious eyes. "Well, I don't." ================= A weary and ragged wanderer walked through the desolate streets of Nerima. At least he hoped it was Nerima, but he'd been disappointed often in the past. A smile split Ryouga's face as he spotted familiar sign that marked the entrance to the Tendo dojo. It was probably to late to do anything, but at least he could find out if Kodachi was all right. A little over an hour later, Ryouga had managed to reach the front door to the house and invited himself inside. It took him another thirty minutes to someone. "How's it going P-chan?" Ryouga blinked in surprise. Ranma was female, wearing an apron and holding a tray of cookies, but it was the same Ranma that had made his life hell.. "Who are you calling P-chan?" "Hey, if it walks like a pig and oinks like a pig...." Ranma seized the opportunity to stuff a cookie into Ryouga's open mouth. "Lighten up. We don't have time for that and there's someone who's been looking forward to seeing you anyway." Hearing a soft footfall behind him, Ryouga hurriedly swallowed and turned. "Kodachi." She was dressed in a tan and white school uniform, but she had the same furtive smile he recalled from the last time he'd seen her. "I'll just leave the two of you alone." "It-it's good to see you again. Are you feeling well?" "Dr. Tofuu restored my memory along with Ranma's if that's what you're wondering. But I missed you." Ryouga flushed and swallowed heavily. "You did?" "I did. I think Ranma and I both learned to look at things a little differently." ================= "I can't believe she fell for him just because he zapped her." Ukyou crossed her arms and scowled angrily. "It remind Shampoo of amazon love story. Very romantic." "As long as Kodachi isn't chasing Ranchan anymore, I don't care." "Is true." The amazon's bubbly voice abruptly hardened. "Shampoo notice you spend more time with Airen now." "Akane's been over a lot too," Ukyou admitted. "Violent pervert girl always get in way." "Oh well, at least nothing important changed. End. Kent Hyam.