Ranma's Curse
                       Part 4:  Beginnings and Endings

(version 1.5)
by Bryan Neef

Ranma 1/2 and related characters created by Rumiko Takahashi
Inspired by fan fiction by Hitomi Ichinohei, Richard Lawson, and Nicholas
Leifker


In Part 3, Ranma meets an old friend, Kuonji Ukyou after nearly ten years.
This is two weeks after the events in Part 2.  Ukyou and Ranma learn what has
happened to the over the years.  Ukyou has lived as a boy for eight years.
It is to Ranma's horror that she learns she is engaged to the "boy," Ukyou.
She is relieved that Ukyou is a girl.

It is also at this time that Genma and Soun have returned.  They are horri-
fied at the changes Ranma has undergone, including her near complete referen-
ces to being a female and giving up the Art.  They blame Kasumi, but quickly
learn how strong a woman she is.

Ranma and Akane face the dreaded Dojo Destroyer immediately after Genma dis-
owns Ranma in front of her entire class.  It is a challenge Ranma is willing
to face as a woman.  It is also Shampoo's promise of a cure that drives her
on, but avoids the temptation to become a man again, until after the fight.
As with all things, there is a price...

=============================================================================

                                  Chapter 1
                                 Discoveries

Ranma, Kumiko, and Miyuki entered Tofu's clinic.  They brushed away the light
snow from their coats before hanging them up.  Ranma was exited.  Tofu told
her a specialist would be in today.

When she first heard the news, Ranma wasted no time telling her friends about
the possibility of being cured.  She explained that, even when cured, she'd
still be their friend.  This pleased many of them.  Those who knew her well
were thrilled.  All of them were slightly sad, though.

Kumiko chimed in on Ranma's thoughts, "You have to promise to finish school
as a girl."

"Why would I want to do that?"

"Because we have to give your female self a proper good-bye.  And once you
become a man again, you'll avoid this form as much as possible."

"A proper good-bye?"

"Definitely.  First, we need to celebrate your freedom from the cold water.
Second, we'll have to celebrate your engagement to Akane.  And since you only
found out about this the other day, proper plans have not been made," added
Miyuki.

"Anything I can help with?" Ranma asked eagerly.

"No, silly.  You'll just have to wait.  Let your fan club do its job," res-
ponded Kumiko with a smile.

All three women laughed at the statement, apparently prompting Tofu to greet
them.  He motioned Ranma to follow him to an examining room.  There she saw a
short, old man sitting at the desk.

The man reminded her of Happosai.  She tensed.  Feeling a gentle hand on her
shoulder, she looked up and behind her.  Tofu just smiled.  She relaxed, let-
ting Tofu guide her into the room.

"Ranma, this is Master Pao Feng.  He has come from China to help us out.
Master Pao, this is Saotome Ranma."

"It is an honor to meet you, Sensei," stated Ranma, barely containing her ex-
citement.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, as well.  Please, have a seat.  There are a
few questions I must clarify before starting the exam.  First, how long have
you been like this?"

"Almost five months."

"When was the last time you tried hot water?"

"I had some spilled on me about a month ago."

"What was the result?"

"The pain was so intense, I essentially blacked out.  I only vaguely recall
being talked to."

"I see.  How about warm water?"

"We just finished our swimming unit.  The indoor pool was almost too hot for
me."

"I see.  I'd like you to take off your shirt.  It's the best way I can ex-
amine the pressure points."

Ranma reluctantly loosened the top of her jumper.  She undid the buttons on
her blouse.  She peeled it away, letting it slide over her shoulders.  She
watched the elder man as he examined her pressure points.

Master Pao noted Ranma's nervousness and glances to Tofu.  "Nervous?"

"Hai, Sensei."

"Why?  I washed before you came," chuckled the aged master.

"I've had problems with overzealous boys and men."

"Oh?"

Ranma sighed, "One old man groped me.  They way he did it and what he was
doing to my friends made me lose control.  I put him in a coma."

"I guess I'll have to be careful.  Anyway, I'm done, for now.  From what I
can tell, you should no longer be suffering from the Cat's Tongue.  There are
a few irregularities, but they may have to do with your continued sensitiv-
ity.  Go ahead and put your blouse back on and follow me."

Ranma quickly put her blouse back on, but left the jumper hang loose.  She
followed Master Pao to the washing area of the room.

"I want to do a few physical tests now.  But for them to work, I need to have
you blindfolded."

"Uh-uh.  I don't think I can."

"It's all right, Ranma.  I'll be here with you," soothed Tofu.

Ranma took a deep breath.  She put Tofu's hand on her shoulder, letting his
strength flow into her.  Master Pao blindfolded Ranma.  Letting her adjust
and get over her panic.

"What I'm going to do is guide your hands to two bowels filled with water.
One will be filled with hot water, the other with cold.  When I tell you to,
put your hands into them for as long as you can.  Okay?"

"Why do it like this?"

"Right now, you're afraid of me.  Or maybe something else.  What I want to
find out is how you react to the real thing, not just blind fear.  Do you
understand now?"

"Hai, Sensei.  I'm sorry for offending you."

"No need to apologize.  You have explained it to me already.  Now, let's
begin."

Master Pao gently guided Ranma's hands over the water.  "All right, when I
say 'now,' drop your hands straight down.  Now."

Ranma placed her hands in the water.  She felt the hot water, but it didn't
burn.  She removed both hands, smiling.  She took off the blindfold and
stared at the bowels.  She watched the cooling vapors dance across the sur-
face of the water.  She took the bowl in her hands.

Tofu squeezed her shoulder.  "I think it would be better if you changed into
something a little more durable."

"You're right.  What do you have?"

"Go to my office and change into the smock.  Just leave your uniform there."

"Right," Ranma replied, running out the door.

Tofu turned to Master Pao.  Pao looked back, "I would say the child has been
terrified to try.  If the Cat's Tongue were active, she would have withdrawn
differently."

"Ranma has been under a lot of strain lately.  Because of that, she has
avoided anything that might hurt her."

"I see.  Ah, here she is."

Ranma moved over to the bowl.  She looked at Tofu and Master Pao.  They nod-
ded.  She poured the hot water over her.  She screamed in pain as the trans-
formation took place.  Tofu dumped the cold water on Ranma, reverting him to
female.

Pao just stared at Ranma, dumbfounded.  Tofu comforted Ranma as she calmed
down.  Her sobs tearing into both men.  Master Pao sat on the counter,
looking at Ranma, though not exactly seeing her.

"Are you ready to continue?" asked Tofu, after a few minutes.

Ranma nodded, sniffling and wiping her tears away.

Tofu smiled, helping his patient to her feet.  He turned to Master Pao.  "I
am sorry, Sensei.  I felt it was best if as few people as possible knew about
Ranma's condition."

"No need to apologize, Tofu-san.  Ranma, it is not often a person meets some-
one who has been cursed at Jusenkyo.  There is no shame in what you have
done.  I know the legends.  And I know of the magicks of that region.  I take
it you were born male."

"Hai, Sensei," Ranma whispered.

"I am confused.  You were able to withstand the hot water in the bowl, but
you screamed and writhed in pain when completely soaked.  There is something
else here.  Please, remove your smock and bra.  I now know your fear and will
be extra careful."

Ranma nodded, removing the smock and her bra.

"Good.  Now put your arms to the side and relax.  Tofu, could you bring me
that lens.  Ranma, how was this point accessed?"

Tofu brought over the lamp with the magnifying lens.  Tofu nodded for Ranma
to begin.  "An Amazon stuck me there with her cane.  I felt funny when she
did it, but didn't think much about it, even when she said I'd be begging to
marry her great-granddaughter."

"An Amazon?  Would she happen to be from China?"

"Hai."

"I take it you defeated her great-granddaughter in combat."

Ranma looked away, her voice weakening, "In both forms.  I beat her as a girl
first, so she chased me to Japan to kill me.  I'd just finished a martial
arts skating match with my friend and fiancee, when she found me.  I hid
while the room was filled with dust.

"It was a little later that she found her way to my home.  She recognized
Akane, my fiancee, but didn't recognize me in my male form.  She attacked
Akane, but I disarmed her, knocking her out when her weapon fell on top of
her."

"A very unlucky fellow.  Do you ever feel anything unusual about this area?"

"When I'm depressed, I often think of the attack.  I know exactly where she
hit me because of the pain."

"I see.  Please, let me look at that area one more time."

Ranma lowered her arms again, sighing.  Master Pao continued his examination
without speaking.  He looked up at Ranma's pained face one last time.  "How
long have you had this mark?"  He asked, showing her in a hand mirror.

Ranma looked in the mirror.  "I noticed it about a month ago.  I figured it
was from one of my bras.  That was...that was also when I started to really
accept myself like this."

"I see.  You should not be ashamed, Ranma.  You have had a terrible thing
done to you.  You have also had to live outside of your home, that makes ad-
justments necessary.  You are surviving.  Do you still have a fiancee?"

"Hai.  She and her sisters have helped me.  So have my friends."

"Excellent.  Have they kept a balance?"

"What do you mean?"

"Physically, you are a woman.  Mentally you are...?"

"A man, I guess.  I don't know anymore.  One of my friends tells me I'm a
woman and a man.  Another friend tells me to take things like a man.  I have
two friends that just don't know what to do with me.  In their own way,
they've helped."

"Cursed and blessed at the same time.  Weaker people would have given up.
You continue to fight for your life and identity.  Keep fighting, Ranma."

"Thank you, Sensei."

"I'm going to check something out with some of the other pressure points in
that region, okay?"

Ranma nodded.  Master Pao gently touched the mark.  Ranma inhaled sharply,
almost whimpering.  Master Pao looked Ranma in the eye.  "Did the Amazon of-
fer you any kind of antidote for the Cat's Tongue?"

Ranma grimaced.  "Something called the Phoenix Pill."

"Why haven't you taken it?"

"I destroyed it while trying to win it in a challenge of hers.  The Old Witch
was using it to taunt me.  I just lost control with my desperation."

"Did you ever see the pill?"

"No."

"Did the container have any special markings on it?"

"Just the name.  She carried it in a locket.  Why?"

"Because that may be the only cure, short of curing your Jusenkyo Curse, that
will safely return you to being a man.  I don't have the skill or magic to
unlock you.  I can make it so you're better able to take heated water over
your entire body.

"No one knows what temperature causes the transformations.  Legends say that
those who have tried to control their curse have either gone mad or remained
in their cursed forms forever.

"I would guess, by your earlier reactions, the pool water is close to the
temperature you need to transform.  It seems that there is another magic
working on you, one that will cause pain when the body transforms."

Master Pao pressed a few places on Ranma's back before continuing, "It looks
like that Amazon wanted you pretty bad.  The mark does not look natural, but
is too small for me to make out for sure.  Everything tells me it's a ward.

"Fortunately for you, a normal touch, or punch, will not cause you problems.
The entire pressure region is sensitive.   This woman knew exactly what she
was doing.  If the Phoenix Pill was involved, then your options are very
limited."

"What are my options?"

Master Pao never took his eyes from Ranma.  "Obviously, concede to marry the
young Amazon.  You can try to find a cure to the Jusenkyo Curse, but that is
far more difficult than merely going to the Spring of the Drowned Man.  I
could try to find someone willing to try more magic on you, but without know-
ing the specific spells used, that is as bad as curing your Curse.

"The final two options, as I see them, are more difficult, yet easier, than
the others.  The first of the options is to undergo a series of operations.
You'll be male, at least on the outside and in the mind, but that'll be all.

"The final option is to accept what you have become, and adjust to that life-
style.  You seem to have chosen, in part, this last option.  And I'm glad,
for you.  You're still young and there is still hope.  The Amazons are a
proud people, if you remain strong, then they, if not the woman who did this,
may cure you.

"I'm sorry.  I wish I had the cure for you.  One so young should not be
cursed in this manner.  Tofu-san, I'll speak with you in a few days.  I wish
you both well."

Master Pao left the room quietly.  Ranma slowly sat down in the chair, star-
ing at her reflection in a mirror.  Tofu left the room, but quickly returned
with Ranma's clothes.  He set them next to her, then sat in his own chair.
He watched her stare at the mirror, nearly oblivious to everything.

"Why me?  What did I do that was so terrible?  Everyone hates me," she asked
softly to no one.

Tofu debated on how to answer the question.  Before he could say anything,
Ranma asked another question, "Have I done something to offend the gods?"

"Ranma," Tofu started softly, "I don't think it's you that has offended any-
one, especially the gods.  And I know that very few people hate you.  Those
that do, have never taken the time to truly know you.

"I wish I could help you, but I just don't know how.  I'll be here for you.
If you need to talk, show me things, or even if you just want to sit here,
I'm here to help.  You have very strong friends, too.

"I know Akane, Kunou, Ukyou, and Ryoga are your strength.  I also know that
Kasumi, Nabiki, and your two friends outside are your shield.  As Master Pao
said, you are blessed.  Blessed with wonderful family and friends.  Never
forget that, Ranma.

"You'd better get dressed.  When you're done, come to my office.  I'd like
give you something to help you relax tonight."

Ranma nodded.  Tofu put his hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring
squeeze.  He left as she started to dress.  Her eyes never really left the
image in the mirror.

When she finished dressing, she continued her stare.  "I HATE YOU!" she
screamed, shattering the mirror and wall from the full force of her punch.

***

Ranma quietly entered the house.  She went to her room, careful to avoid
Kasumi.  Since her father had been officially kicked out by Kasumi, she moved
back into her old room.  While she enjoyed her time with Akane, she appreci-
ated her own room and the privacy it offered.

She nearly tore her uniform off, mindful of her bandaged hand.  She stood in
front of her dresser, wearing only her panties.  She hurriedly put on her
Maoist workers suit, including the cap.  She went to the mirror.  Except for
her soft, rounded face, she could easily pass for a young boy.

She sighed, again nearly tearing the clothes off of her.  She put on a dry
bra and a pink turtleneck and her denim coveralls embroidered with "China
Boy" across her chest.  She again looked in the mirror.  This time, she saw
an attractive young girl.

She removed that outfit and put on a lavender, cotton dress.  It showed off
her curves nicely.  It was cut modestly at the neckline.  The skirt portion
came to her mid-shins.  In the mirror, she saw an attractive young woman.

She took off her dress and bra.  The next outfit she tried on was her workout
uniform:  the red, silk shirt and black, ankle-tied pants.  She left the
shirt loosely hanging about her.  At first glance, she saw a young boy.  As
she continued to look, she concluded that anything other than a passing
glance would reveal a rugged, yet soft, young girl.

Ranma quickly grabbed the jacket that went with her Maoist uniform.  She then
carefully picked up the mirror, carrying it downstairs.  Before she could get
out the front door, Kasumi stopped her, "Hello, Ranma-chan, I didn't hear you
come in."

Ranma held her stern look.  "I didn't want to be heard."

"Oh.  Where are you going with the mirror?"

"I have to replace the one I broke at Tofu's.  I won't be wearing anything
that requires a mirror, so I thought I'd give him mine."

"Oh dear!  I think we need to talk about this."

"NO, we do not need to talk about this.  I'm taking this to Tofu.  Then I'm
going to Ucchan's.  I don't know if I'll be back."

"Please come home tomorrow, Ranma.  At the very least, you'll need your
things for school.  And if you're thinking about moving out, there are things
we'll have to go over."

"All right," replied Ranma as she turned, leaving the house.

Kasumi watched her sister's fiancee leave.  "Poor child," she whispered sad-
ly.

***

Ukyou knew the instant Ranma walked into the room that something was wrong.
Ranma had a stern look on her face.  Ukyou could tell she wore her workout
suit, something Ranma rarely wore outside of the house.

Ranma's turn came quickly.  She forced a smile, "Hi, Ucchan.  I'd like some
tea."

"Sure thing, Honey."  Ukyou filled a cup with moderately warm tea for her
former fiancee.  "I can take a break in about ten minutes.  We can talk
then."

Ranma shot her an angry look.  Ukyou almost dropped the tea.  Ranma took her
drink and moved to a secluded booth.  She watched everyone in the store, es-
pecially Ukyou.

Although stunned and hurt by Ranma's reaction, Ukyou continued serving her
customers cheerfully.  She even gave Ranma refills on her tea as pleasantly
as possible.  Ranma did smile her thanks, but that was all she did.

The customers slowly stopped coming.  Ukyou felt she could take a small
break.  It was nearly an hour after Ranma entered.  Ukyou took a cup of tea
and started moving toward Ranma.  Ranma shot another angry look at Ukyou,
causing her to storm to the other side of the room.

At closing time, Ukyou ushered the last of the customers out the door after
they finished their meals.  The only other person in the store was Ranma.
Ukyou started over to Ranma's seat one last time.  Ranma shook her head, no
longer giving her angry looks.

"What's wrong with you?" she shouted angrily.

"Finish closing," replied Ranma calmly.

"I can finish later."

"Nabiki keeps telling us to count our money after each job we do," replied
Ranma calmly.

"Do you think I'm that incompetent?" fumed Ukyou.

Again, Ranma replied calmly, "No.  You want to talk.  I don't"

"Then why are you here?"

Ranma let her sadness show briefly.  "I had to get away from the house, to
think.  I also needed to go somewhere I could watch a lot of people in
peace."

Ukyou looked at her friend, annoyed.  "All right, Ranchan.  But I have to
know what's going on.  You can't just shut me, or the others, out."

Ranma frowned, but nodded.  Satisfied, Ukyou went to finish closing her shop.
She counted her money, before cleaning the grills and floor.  "Ranma, Honey,
could you help me.  We'll be done faster and you can help me study."

"You don't need my help studying.  You get better grades than I do."

"Look, Ranma, if you don't help me, I'll send you to one of your other
friends."

"All right, but no questions."

"Fine, no questions.  But, if you decide to talk, I'll listen."

"Hmph."

Ukyou knew this was bad.  Ranma had not been this upset since Genma declared
his son dead after the hoped for cure, the Instant Nannichuan, proved to be a
failure.  When Ranma's friends at school found out, they naturally tried to
help.  Instead, this drove Ranma farther away.

To Ukyou, this meant the specialist was unable to cure Ranma, since she was
still female.  This was devastating.  Her strong, unbeatable friend was now
closer to the edge than at anytime since their reunion after nearly ten
years.  It was a painful lesson for her to learn that when Ranma wanted to be
left alone, she would be left alone.

This was painful for everyone who knew and cared for Ranma.  It was not so
much the obvious pain from the circumstances as it was the great battle they
knew raged in her mind and soul.  No one knew what victory would bring, but
they knew that defeat would be the end of the Ranma they could easily recog-
nize.

Ranma interrupted Ukyou's thoughts.  "Can I spend the night?"

"Of course, Honey.  I told you, you always had a room here.  Do you need to
tell your family?"

"Kasumi knows.  She'll tell the others."

"That's good to know.  Are you going to the dress rehearsal Friday?"

"No.  I'll watch the play Saturday.  I...I may go out with Akane afterwards."

"Great!  I know you two are uncomfortable dating around me, but I'd like you
two to come and tell me how well everyone did in front of a full audience."

"Sure."

They continued working in silence.  Ukyou didn't notice Ranma washing the
dishes in hot water.  Ranma eventually spoke up quietly, "My mother will be
coming to the dojo in the next few of days."

"Great!  You'll have one parent who still cares about you."

"She doesn't know."

"What?"

"She doesn't know I'm a girl."

"Why not?"

"I haven't seen her in over ten years.  She's coming to see her son, his
fiancee, and her husband."

"Oh.  I thought you were going to let her know in a letter."

"Kasumi was going to mail the invitation when we received her letter."

"What are you going to do?  I mean, she might not like meeting a girl with
the same name as her son."

"I don't know.  I don't really know what she looks like, so if she comes when
I'm the only one at the dojo, I'll probably give my real name, thinking she's
another customer.  If the others are there, they'll introduce me as Tendou
Ranko."

"A fourth sister?"

"A cousin who's been living here for several years.  Nabiki and Kasumi worked
out the details.  Akane came up with the name.  I kinda like it.  We might
name our first daughter Ranko.

"Anyway, Ryoga teases me about it quite a bit.  He calls me Ranko during
practice.  It leaves me open every time."

"Are you mad at him for it?"

"Of course not.  With all we've been through, I doubt we could ever really be
mad at each other again.  He's one of my best friends.  I remember when he
wanted to kill me for knocking him into that damned Cursed Spring.  Now, he
just takes it in stride.

"I used to flaunt that I was human in both forms, just to get back at him for
being Akane's pet.  Now, he just ignores his curse, like it's not even there.
It's almost like he's trying to reassure me about things, strengthening me.

"He still becomes P-chan, but no one minds anymore.  Akane was VERY upset
when she found out.  We were ready to take whatever she gave us, but she
seemed to listen to our explanation.  We've all become closer because of
my..."

Ukyou put her hand on Ranma's shoulder, lending her own strength to her
friend.  "I've seen you and Ryoga together during your 'Guy Time.'  You're
both so relaxed, like you don't have a care in the world, except maybe who'll
eat the most.  When you're at your worst, he's the one who helps you the
most.  The rest of us shield you when you're like that, but he gives you that
extra something.

"You treat him like a brother.  You treat Nabiki like a sister.  Kasumi and
Tofu are your surrogate parents.  You treat Kunou and I like very good
friends, almost like we're part of your family.  And Akane, she's your
fiancee and lover.  As for Atsuki, Kyoko, and the others, they're your
friends, too.  Please, Ranma, don't shut us out, we want to help you."

"I know you want to help.  I just don't know how you can help me anymore.  I
mean, I look in the mirror, and I see a stranger.  Hai, the body's mine, but
I just don't recognize it.

"Sometimes I see that red-haired girl and think 'That's me, all right,' and
it repulses me when I think that way.  But what repulses me even more, is
when I see what I used to be standing in the mirror.  I don't know why, it
just doesn't seem right anymore.

"How can I keep going on like this?"

"The same way I do:  one day at a time.  I've been a 'boy' for eight years,
now.  I still get the thoughts you do.  I don't think I'll ever get over
them.  I think like a boy, I act like a boy, but I look like a woman.  My
father was very strict about raising me after you left.

"I've hated you for the last ten years.  But when we were on the roof, you
showed me what was wrong.  Not just with you or our engagement, but with my
hatred.  And then, in gym class, you showed me, again, what was wrong.  It
was being something other than what you were and other people telling you how
to live your life.

"For you, you have no real choice.  It's either marry a woman you don't love
because of a stupid law that has no relevance outside of her village, or be-
come something you're not in order to live a normal life.

"For me, I had the choice, sort of.  No one would accept me after you left.
The only option left was to become a 'man.'  Well, that's the only option my
father gave me.  But I could have refused.  I could have remained a woman and
searched for you.

"And since I've found you, I've had problems remaining true to my oath.
Though it's not really your fault.  The Tendous let you wear what you want
while in the house, I've started to do that as well.  And when I'm over at
your house, they treat me like a woman.  And thanks to you, Akane, and
Nabiki, the girls at school treat me like one as well.

"The guys treat me like a guy, but I don't mind.  The most annoying thing,
though, is when they insist on asking if you are a boy or a girl.  No matter
how many times I tell them, they just think I'm lying so I can have you for
myself.

"I love you, Ranma.  But I don't think I can marry you like this.  If you
were completely cured, or even half cured, I might.  But right now, I love
you like my si..." paused Ukyou, unable to continue her thought.

"Sister.  Don't be upset about that, Ucchan.  Kasumi calls me 'Little Sis-
ter,' sometimes.  I don't mind.  At least I'm something and have people wil-
ling to accept me as anything other than a ghost."

"I'm sorry, Ranma.  Me and my big mouth.  I didn't mean to insinuate you were
a girl."

"I AM a woman.  At least, that's what it looks like I'll have to become.  I
really need to talk to Akane before anyone else.  I'm sorry, Ucchan.  She has
to be the first to know."

"I understand, Sugar.  I won't ask what happened at Tofu's."

"Thank you."

"No problem.  Can you tell me what happened to your hand?"

"I...I was upset and broke a mirror and wall at Tofu's.  He didn't scold me,
or anything.  He just bandaged my hand, gave me some medicine, and told me to
try and relax.  I just can't read him like I can anybody else."

"Oh.  Well, he is an excellent martial artist.  I've watched him take down
some rather nasty people here and there.  One night, he and Kasumi were here
when a drunk SOB started causing problems.  I couldn't get him, but Tofu put
him down fast."

"I know.  When I had to fight Ryoga in the mountains, he helped me improve my
moves.  I think I'm faster because of him.  If he weren't around, I don't
think I would be either.  You're right about one thing, when Father left,
Tofu easily took his place.

"Thank you for not probing.  I do feel better, and our talk has given me
something to think about.  And thanks for letting me stay over."

"Any time, Ranchan.  You are my best friend.  And you definitely need all of
the friends you can get.  When you're ready, tell me everything.  Deal?"

"Deal."

The two women embraced each other for long moments.  They each had a few
tears running down their faces.

***

Ranma quietly entered the house.  It was early enough that Akane and Nabiki
would still be in bed.  She sneaked past the kitchen, hoping to avoid Kasumi.
She climbed the stairs without making a sound.

She entered her room, intending to change for school.  Akane sat up in
Ranma's bed.  Ranma froze.  She had not expected this.  She lowered her head
and sat on the floor next to her fiancee.

"I heard you broke a mirror in Tofu's office.  How's your hand?"

"Better.  I'm sorry, Akane.  I just had to get away for awhile.  I didn't
mean to hurt you."

"You didn't hurt me, or Kasumi.  We know the cure didn't work, otherwise we'd
be celebrating.  I'm sorry.  When we found your clothes, we figured you had
to be alone to sort thinks out."

"It was selfish of me anyway.  I need my family's help, I can't deal with
this myself."

"But we are helping you.  We know that there are times you just can't tell us
what you're thinking.  You want to, but you're just not sure how.  There are
things I want to tell you, but I'm not sure how.  You're the only person we
know of who's going through this.

"Ryoga ignores his curse.  As far as we know, your father enjoys his.  And
Shampoo, I think, finally realizes what happens to you when she becomes a
cat.  That may be why she's avoiding us, even with the Nekohanten closed.

"Now, I want to hear why the cure didn't work."

"The good news is that the Cat's Tongue is no longer a problem by itself.
The bad news is that the Hag used some sort of magic that makes it painful
for me to become a man.  The specialist found a mark on me.  He thinks it has
to do with the attack."

"May I see?"

Ranma took off her silk shirt.  She leaned over, letting the light hit the
area.  Akane leaned forward, looking at the spot.  She saw the tiny, red
mark.  It looked to her like a fresh bruise from a pinch.  There seemed to be
something in it, but she couldn't tell.

Ranma spoke while Akane examined the spot, "When I told him about the Phoenix
Pill, he told me I had very few options.  He said he'd look for someone more
knowledgeable in magic for me."

"What were your options?"

"To give in to Cologne, to try to find a cure for my original Curse, to have
a sex change operation, or accept what I've become and continue with my life.
He said there was always hope for a cure."

"Your options, are they why you broke the mirror?"

"When the specialist said he couldn't cure me, I felt like I should die.  I
looked in the mirror and saw a stranger.  A stranger I hated.  So I did what
I do best, I fought."

"I'm sorry, Ranma.  When Kasumi said you refused to talk to her, leaving the
way you did, we thought the worst.  We almost went looking for you, but she
said you were at Ukyou's.  Kumiko confirmed it.

"Don't be mad at her, she saw you go in while out with her mother.  She saw
your outfit and called us.  She also told us that you ran away from her and
Miyuki.  You need to apologize to them today."

"I plan to.  And one of the reasons I came back was the possibility of some-
one other than the Ghoul curing me."

"One?"

Ranma smiled softly, "You're the other.  If I ran away last night, I wouldn't
have been able to live with myself for hurting you.  You mean too much to me
for that.  I do love you."

"I love you, too," replied Akane, giving Ranma a little peck on the cheek.
"The question now is, what do we do?"

"Well, the Ghoul is out of the question.  And I'm not crazy about the idea of
an operation.  I'd rather live like this than go through those tortures.  As
for the Jusenkyo Cure and staying like this, I don't know.  The specialist
confirmed that it would be harder than we thought to break the Curse.

"Would...would it be too terrible if I remained like this?"

Akane put her hand on Ranma's shoulder, searching Ranma's eyes.  She let a
small smile cross her lips.  "You promised you would never stop looking for a
cure.  If you decide to wait for the specialist to find someone, I'll support
you.  I want my Ranma-kun back, but I've grown fond of my Ranma-chan.

"I also promised you that you would always be a man to me.  Whether you re-
main like this or not, you ARE the man I fell in love with.  I love you with
all my heart.  I take it you still haven't decided?"

Ranma sighed.  "Not really.  I'll let you know what I decide."

"Thank you," Akane replied, hugging her fiancee tightly.  "I'll get ready.
Do you need to take a bath?  We can take one together."

"Thanks, but I took a shower at Ucchan's, without her."

"I'm not worried about her.  I'd be more worried if you took a cold shower
with a man.  You're just to irresistible, 'Pig-Tailed Goddess,'" replied
Akane giggling.

Ranma also giggled, "Tomboy."

"Don't forget, I'm your Tomboy."

Akane disappeared into her room.  Ranma quickly changed into her uniform.
She went downstairs to the kitchen.  She quietly watched Kasumi making break-
fast.  When there was a brief break in the routine, Ranma silently entered.

"I'm sorry, Kasumi.  I shouldn't have treated you like that," Ranma said,
hugging the other woman.

"It's all right, Ranma.  We figured things out.  You needed your time alone.
I'm just glad you came back."

Both women embraced each other for a short time, before returning to making
breakfast.

                                  Chapter 2
                              A Mother's Scorn

Ranma waved to Kasumi and Tofu as they left for Furinkan High.  She was
pleased they understood her reasons for not going to the final dress rehear-
sal of the Drama Club's presentation of Romeo and Juliet.  Embarrassing Akane
was the last thing she wanted to do.

She returned to the family room, to her homework.  As she diligently worked,
she thought of Kunou and Nabiki preparing for his father's return.  Ranma
felt a twinge in her stomach.  She ignored the pain and continued working on
her homework.

She started her geography lesson, bringing her mind to Ryoga.  She giggled at
the thought of Ryoga being able to remember every place he had traveled to.
She wondered if he actually made it to his own house, or if he was wandering
around in Europe trying to get home.

With the thoughts of home came another twinge of pain.  Her mother would be
coming either tonight or tomorrow.  At this late hour, it would probably be
tomorrow.  That would mean she wouldn't have to worry about making a mistake.

The idea of seeing her mother both excited and frightened her.  For the first
time in nearly ten years, she would meet her mother.  But her mother was ex-
pecting a son, not a daughter.  Of course, at the moment, Ranma was no one's
son or daughter.  She had two wonderful sisters, Kasumi and Nabiki, and a
loving fiancee, Akane, to help her through her troubles.

Even her friends were willing to help.  That was evident by the number of
cards she received over the last two days.  All of her friends offered their
apologies and regrets that the cure didn't work.  It pleased her that her
friends were making up for her lack of a true family.

The bell at the front gate snapped her mind back to her work.  She sighed,
pushing her thoughts aside.  She left the table, heading for the front door.
Looking out the front window.  She saw a slender woman dressed in a heavy,
winter kimono.  She had something strapped to her back.

As the woman approached the house, the porch light illuminated her features.
Ranma had a vague recognition of the woman.  She opened the door when the
woman reached the front steps.  "Welcome to the Tendou Family Center.  I'm
Saotome Ranma.  How may I help you?" she greeted, bowing politely.

"Ranma?" asked the woman, surprise on her face.

Ranma looked at the woman in concern.  She couldn't tell what was wrong, but
knew that something was out of place.  She motioned for the woman to come in.

The woman did, though she kept her eyes on Ranma.  The woman removed her
outer jacket, handing it to Ranma.  She eyed the young woman, noting the wool
sweater that hung loosely over her slight frame, yet revealing the ample
busom.  The tailored jeans also accentuated Ranma's slim, athletic figure.

Ranma began to feel nervous as she endured the stare.  It seemed a thousand
times worse than any she had received since her curse became common know-
ledge.  She graciously took the jacket, hanging it in the hall closet.  She
also looked over the woman.

She stood a good head taller than Akane, putting her at Kasumi's height.  It
put Ranma at an immediate disadvantage, but she ignored it.  The woman had
reddish-brown hair and blue eyes, unusual for an asian woman.  The striking
thing, Ranma noted, was the face.  The woman's face looked so much like her
own.

"Mother?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I'm sorry.  I haven't seen my mother in over ten years.  You look a lot like
her.  At least, I think you do."

"I see.  Did you say your name was Saotome Ranma?"

"Hai."

"You are not a man.  How could you have my son's name?"

"I...I can't answer that by myself.  The others can, but I can't."

"Others?"

"Hai.  Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane.  Dr. Tofu would also be helpful."

"I see.  Where is my son?"

Ranma swallowed.  She had been caught in the situation she feared most.  She
knew it was too late to try the cover story.  Her honor demanded that she
tell the truth.  It was her mother.

"Please, follow me.  What I have to say is difficult, and will take time.  I
would like to wait until the others return before I explain anything."

Ranma led her to the family room, carefully removing the books from the
table.  She went to the kitchen, returning with a tray of cakes and some tea.

"Where are they?"

"Akane is playing Juliet in the Drama Club's production of Romeo and Juliet.
Kasumi and Dr. Tofu are watching the final dress rehearsal.  Nabiki is prob-
ably watching with our friend, Kunou Tatewaki.  If not, they are still pre-
paring for his father's return."

"And what of my husband, son, and Tendou-san?"

"Father and Tendou-san are on a training trip.  We don't know how long they
will be gone.  As for your son, I am he."

"You are a girl!  How dare you call yourself my son!"

Ranma cringed at the sound of the woman's angry voice.  She fought the tears,
barely maintaining the contol she needed to continue.  She began taking deep
breaths, calming herself before answering.

"I'm sorry for the shock.  The reason I am a girl can be explained, but I
need the others to help with the explanation.  We knew you would not, or
could not, accept the explanation from just myself.

"It took nearly two months for the students at school to accept the reasons.
Even now, there are a few people who just don't get it, or are ignoring the
facts."

"So you and the Tendous decided to make up a lie.  Is it not enough that you
dishonor my son and husband by taking his name?  Must you drag the Tendous
and the doctor into your lies as well?"

"The dishonor I have is not being able to retrieve the cure to my condition.
The cure was destroyed when I tried to get it from my tormentor.  Everything
else I've tried has failed.  Right now, a collegue of Dr. Tofu's is searching
for someone with the skills to help me."

"What does my husband say about you being called Ranma?"

"To him, Saotome Ranma is dead.  I have been disowned because I could not
cure myself of this curse.  The last cure was given to me by the great-
granddaughter of the person who has made me a woman."

"And how did she do that?"

"The old mummy used a pressure point called the Cat's Tongue.  It makes the
body sensitive to hot water.  On top of that, she used some sort of magic
seal on me."

"How did you 'become' a woman?"

"While training with Father, we went to a place called Jusenkyo, in China.
It is a cursed training ground.  There are hundreds of pools in the valley.
All of them have a tragic tale to them.  The gist of it is:  whoever falls
into the pool takes the body of whatever fell in last.

"We did not know, or care, about this when we started our session above the
springs.  I easily gained the advantage, knocking Father into the Spring of
the Drowned Panda.  Startled at his change, I was knocked into the Spring of
the Drowned Girl."

"Cursed springs?  Do you take me for a fool?"

"No.  I do not think you are a fool.  You are my mother, and I want you to
understand my situation.  I want a family again.  Father has declared me dead
because I can no longer return to my normal body.

"Jusenkyo's magic is water based.  Cold water activates the curse while warm
or hot water reverts the cursed individual to his, her, or its natural form.
Father can still change into human and panda, if he wishes.  Me, I'm stuck in
this body by magicks other than Jusenkyo's.

"I cannot change without suffering incredible pain.  The reason for this is
because I refuse to marry a Chinese Amazon I defeated in combat as a male.
It is her great-grandmother who has kept me from being a man.  I must either
remain like this, or accept a marriage to someone I do not love or care
about."

"Do you have any proof to your words?"

"Without the others, no.  I could call all of my friends, but they could only
tell you what they know about the situation, which is little.  They know I
used to be able to change sexes with water.  They know I have been disowned.
They even know about the Amazon.

"They also know that my last attempt at a cure failed.  Would you like to see
the cards they gave me?"

The woman softened her gaze slightly, nodding.  While she did not believe the
young woman in front of her, she could not ignore the pain and pleading in
her eyes.  The conviction of the story and the underlying emotions told her
the girl spoke the truth.  Yet she could not bring herself to believe it.

Ranma returned from her room, carrying several cards.  She paused before
handing them to her mother.  With a sad sigh, she spoke, "You know my name,
but I don't know yours.  It is not honorable to call you 'Mother' when you
are not convinced that I am your child."

"I am Saotome Nodoka."

"Thank you, Saotome-san," replied Ranma, handing her mother the cards.  "I
will not be rude by calling you by your given name."

"Have you learned honor and manners from your father?"

"Not really.  He gave me just enough to understand.  I learned the rest from
others.  Where is the honor in leaving his son when he is needed most?  I
can't blame him anymore.  I have become too much of a girl for him.  He has
refused to help and adjust.  Even after I nearly killed his master, he felt I
was too weak.

"As for manners, Kasumi and my friends have taught me.  Without them, I would
be no more than a slob.  I no longer want to be that way, even if I'm cured."

"If you are my son, are you aware of your promise?"

Ranma's face instantly became unreadable, startling Nodoka.  "Which promise
is that?  That I would marry Tendou-san's daughter?  That I would marry
Kuonji Ukyou?  Or, perhaps, I would spend five years of my life as a slave
to pay off a bill?"

Nodoka frowned.  "That you would become a man among men, or else my son and
he would commit seppuku."

"No.  I shouldn't be surprised.  After all, I've been promised to others for
food."

"I see.  Where is my husband?" replied Nodoka, containing her anger.

"Last we heard, on the other side of Tokyo."

The gate opened.  Several people were laughing and talking.  Ranma's eyes lit
up when she recognized the voices.  She turned to Nodoka.  "Would you excuse
me a moment?  The others have returned."

Nodoka nodded.  Ranma leapt from the table, running to the door.  She slipped
into her fighting shoes before joining everyone outside.  She bounded into
Akane's arms anxiously.  "Mother's here!"

They looked at the red head in confusion.  Akane focused their thoughts,
"What did you say?"

"My mother's here.  I'm not sure how long ago she came, maybe a half hour or
so.  I thought she wouldn't come until tomorrow.  When I saw her, she looked
a little familiar.  I didn't think much about it."

"Oh dear!  You answered as Ranma, thinking your mother was someone you had
seen while working," Kasumi said, making the connection to Ranma's words.

Ranma nodded.  "I'm trying to tell her who I am.  I just found out about
another of the Old Man's promises."

"Which is?" asked Akane.

"If I didn't become a man among men, Father and I would commit seppuku."

"That bastard not only ruins my life, but he tries to ruin yours," growled
Ukyou.

"Well, it's too late to start over," commented Tofu.  "Let's meet your
mother, Ranma."

The group went into the house quietly.  They quickly removed their coats and
shoes before entering the family room.  Ranma stepped forward, beginning the
introductions, "Saotome Nodoka-san, these are my family and friends.  These
are the Tendous..."

"Kasumi"

"Nabiki."

"Akane."

Each woman bowed as she told Nodoka her name.  Ranma continued, "This is our
doctor, and friend, Ono Tofu."

"An honor, Saotome-san," Tofu added, bowing.

"This is Kunou Tatewaki."

"It is an honor to finally meet the mother of the Honorable Saotome Ranma."

"And this is Kuonji Ukyou."

Ukyou bowed.  Nodoka returned their bows in turn.  "I am glad to meet all of
you.  There is a matter that must be cleared up.  It concerns the whereabouts
of my son, Ranma, and his father, Genma."

Kasumi looked at the nervous Ranma.  She quickly surveyed her family and
friends.  They nodded.  Kasumi sighed, kneeling at the table.  The others
followed suit.  "Your son is this young lady.  He has been cursed to wear
this body.  As for your husband, he is with our father on the other side of
Tokyo.  I think it was the Tomobiki ward."

Nodoka looked at the very serious faces, unsure of of how to take their ap-
prehensive looks.  "I see.  So you believe her story as well?"

"We have known Ranma for nearly six months.  When he first arrived, he could
change with water.  We saw the transformations ourselves.  I even caused a
few myself," answered Akane.

"And I have ignored them until it was too late," added Kunou.

"Please understand, Saotome-san, what we are about to tell you is very dif-
ficult for us.  We had originally planned on telling you slowly.  If not
for living and seeing this ourselves, we would not believe it," began Kasumi.

Nodoka noticed the looks had turned grim, even Ranma's.  "I asked this child
if she took me for a fool.  She claimed no.  Now, do you, also, take me to be
a fool?"

"No, Saotome-san," replied Tofu.  "You are not a fool.  You are a mother
searching for her son, only to be confronted with a tragedy.  Ranma is a fine
young man.  Unfortunately, he is trapped in the body of a woman."

"DO YOU REALLY EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE THIS?"  She turned to the family, reaching
for the object she brought with her.  "I WILL NOT LET YOU LIE TO ME OR THIS
GIRL!"

Before she could bring the object to bear, Kunou and Ukyou placed themselves
between her and Ranma.  Akane assumed her battle stance.  Kunou held Ukyou's
battle spatula awkwardly while Ukyou held three of her mini-spatulas.
Nodoka was taken aback by their speed, and their determined looks.

Tofu shook his head, speaking sadly, "Saotome-san, none of us have lied to
you.  Ranma has been my patient for nearly six months.  I found out about his
Jusenkyo Curse shortly after he arrived.  The original Curse allowed Ranma to
remain a male until doused with cold water.  'She' would then return to male
when doused with hot water.

"It was a few months ago that an Amazon Matriarch came to Nerima.  She tried
to force Ranma into marrying her great-granddaughter by applying pressure to
a point called the 'Cat's Tongue.'  That pressure point, if disturbed, makes
the body sensitive to warm water.

"For a while, the pressure point prevented Ranma from returning to his true
form.  Two days ago, one of my colleagues discovered that there was more than
just the pressure point keeping Ranma in his current state.  It was discover-
ed that a magic spell or ward was responsible for keeping Ranma from becoming
male.

"The only cure available to Ranma was destroyed.  We have been told, by the
Matriarch, that a new cure would take years to make.  We are actively search-
ing for other cures, some have been only temporary and have one use."

"This child has already said that.  Do you really expect me to believe this
nonsense?" barked Nodoka.

"I have sworn, on my honor, in front of the entire school that the honorable
person behind me is, indeed, a man named Saotome Ranma.  And that man is
stronger and more honorable than I, or any I have met.

"I will gladly exchange my life for his.  If I could now, I would bear his
Curse," replied Kunou.

Ukyou cut the buttons on her shirt, revealing her tightly bound breasts.  "If
I had not witnessed Ranma's father disowning him in front of our class, I
would not have believed this either.  Your husband promised Ranma to me ten
years ago.  Because he left me after taking the dowry, I've had to live as a
man for eight years.

"The man who disowned Ranma and the man who took my life are the same man.  I
have burned his face in my mind.  Your son even remembered me, though I did
not recognize him.  I have dishonored myself three times since we have been
reunited.  I, too, will trade what's left of my life for Ranma to return to a
normal life."

Nodoka glared at the group.  She noted their sad looks, not so much directed
at Ranma, but to her.  She also saw the tears flowing silently from Ranma's
eyes.  "You who call yourself Ranma, what other cures have you not tried?"

Ranma flinched, almost sobbing.  "The doctor that discovered the magic is
trying to find someone who can help.  Of my options currently available, I
can attempt to try Jusenkyo again.  There is also the option of giving in to
the demands of the Matriarch.  That option I favor the least.  Another is to
have a sex change operation.  My final option is to remain like this until
the magic is removed or wears off, which could be years.

"I am waiting for the doctor to find someone.  He also confirmed that curing
my original Curse would be more difficult than I expected.  I...I'm just not
sure where to begin."

"Why is 'curing' your 'original curse' difficult?"

"When this first happened, I tried to find the Spring of the Drowned Man, but
the closer I got, the further out of reach it became.  I spent days trying to
get to it from different angles, but Jusenkyo kept me from it."

Nodoka looked at the group harshly.  "I cannot accept you as my child without
definite proof.  I also cannot bring myself to call you by my son's name.
Until this matter is resolved, what will you be called?"

"Tendou Ranko," replied Ranma quietly.

"Very well, Tendou Ranko.  If you can bring me proof of your claims, I...I
will not deny you the opportunity to know me.  I must leave now."

"What kind of proof do you want?" asked Nabiki in her business voice.

"Anything that will prove once and for all you speak the truth."

"Well, you've heard a doctor, your own son, two of his friends.  You haven't
heard much from me or my sisters yet.  I could take you to meet Ranma's
teachers, his other friends, though they're mostly girls, and the principal.
Anything else you need in terms of proof?" Nabiki replied, arching an eye-
brow.

Nodoka looked at Nabiki, considering the young woman's words.  "If the school
records are accurate, and consistent, I will accept them.  Perhaps I will
meet with the teachers at another time.  Good night.  And Ranko, you have
been an excellent hostess."

With that, Nodoka stood.  She bowed to the group and left.  They watched
Ranma's mother leave.  The only sound they heard was Ranma's sobs.  Akane
took her fiancee in her arms, comforting the red-haired woman as best she
could.

***

Ranma and Kumiko stepped off the bus.  The light snow fell as Ranma read the
directions and went off in the correct direction.  Kumiko admired the simple,
yet elegant homes.  Ranma, however, was looking for her mother's house.

"What do you think of your mother?"

"She was nice, at first.  But when we tried to explain things to her, she be-
came every bit as stubborn as Father."

"Do you blame her?"

"How can I?  She was expecting her son.  Instead, she found me."

"But you are her son."

"Am I?  Do I look like a boy to you?"

"It's not your looks, Ranma, it's how you feel."

"I don't know how I feel anymore.  I've been stuck like this for so long, it
almost feels natural.  You and my other friends treat me like a girl.  Kasumi
calls me 'Little Sister' sometimes.  And I told Ucchan I WAS a girl."

"Oh.  I'm sorry, Ranma.  We were trying to make up for how badly we treated
you, I guess we went a little overboard."

"No.  I think I've adjusted too well.  Anyway, we're here."

They two women stood in front a small, well kept house.  The sign at the gate
read:  "Saotome Nodoka."  Ranma absently brushed the snow from the sign.  She
turned to her friend before opening the gate.  "Remember, my mother hasn't
accepted me, yet.  She'll probably call me 'Tendou Ranko' or 'Ranko.'"

Kumiko frowned.  "It's sad that you're losing your family like this."

"I know," sighed Ranma, opening the gate. "But I still have Kasumi, Nabiki,
and Akane."

Nodoka opened the house door.  With a warm, but still neutral expression, she
greeted the two children, "Hello, Ranko.  Who do we have here?"

"This is my friend, Yuki Kumiko," replied Ranma, bowing.

Kumiko nudged her friend, "You're doing it again."

Ranma's face reddened.  Nodoka looked at the two young women.  "What is Ranko
doing again?"

"She's...sorry, he's retreating from the world.  It happened right after he
was locked in this body.  We kinda made it worse with the way we treated him.
He lost all confidence in himself until just a few weeks ago."

"Oh?  What do you have to say about this, Ranko?"

"It's probably true.  I...I don't pay attention to that anymore.  I made you
uncomfortable the other night, I'm sorry about that.  I don't want to offend
you any further."

"Is that why she is here?  To give you confidence?" accused Nodoka.

"No, Saotome-san.  Kumiko's here to help with the proof you asked for."

"Ranma, you're doing it again."

"Why do you insist on calling this child 'Ranma?'  You tried to call her a
'she' before."

"Because this girl is your son, Ranma.  I'm one of the reasons he had to re-
treat in the first place.  I also hurt him trying to prove he was lying to
everyone.  His screams still haunt me.  I will do anything I can to see he's
never hurt again.

"I called him a 'she' out of habit.  Everyone at school refers to, and treats
Ranma like a girl.  If we don't, we hurt him even more.  By accepting him as
a girl, he doesn't dwell on the pain he's gone through.  I hope you can un-
derstand that, Saotome-san."

Nodoka looked from Kumiko to Ranma.  She motioned them to sit at the small
table before speaking, "I think I do.  You must understand, Kumiko-chan, I
have a son, not a daughter.  At the moment, I do not recognize this child as
mine."

"As far as I know, she is insulting all of us.  Until I know for sure, I can-
not be what you, or she, want me to be.  I ask that you do not disgrace us
further by calling her 'Ranma' in my presence.  Can you understand?"

Kumiko lowered her head, realizing, again, what Ranma was going through.
"Hai, Saotome-san."

Ranma looked at her mother painfully.  "I have accepted that you cannot call
by my name.  Here are my school records, a written statement from the
specialist who examined me last week, and some letters from my teachers.

"Would it be acceptable if we waited until you have finished reading them?"

Nodoka regarded her child's request carefully.  She also noted that Kumiko
was eager to hear her reaction.  Nodoka smiled at the two guests, "That would
be acceptable."

"Thank you," replied Ranma and Kumiko together.

Nodoka read the school file, noting the pictures of her son's bodies.  She
also read how the school treated the curse.  It was unusual how much in
stride they took things.  It also referred to Akane's file, particularly the
morning fights with Kunou and the male students.

She turned to read the letter from Master Pao.  He described exactly what had
happened in the office.  His detailed description of Jusenkyo and its varied
curses made interesting reading.  She also noted his references to Amazons.

As she moved to reading the letters from Ranma's teachers, she listened to
the quiet conversation between the two girls.  "Did you really live here?"
asked Kumiko.

"My room was down the hall, to the left.  I noticed the kitchen still has
some of the utensils I bent when I was little, as well as some of the art I
drew.  I thought Father threw them out a long time ago."

"Is this where you learned the Cat-fu?"

Ranma grimaced.  She longed to forget that technique and what it cost her.
"There should be a cellar behind Saotome-san.  That's where Father put the
cats."

"This place is so cool!  There are a lot of neat items on the walls.  I bet
you remember something about each of them, right?"

"No.  Father was too busy trying to train me, I don't remember much about
them.  I do remember that sword, over there, was my favorite thing to look
at.  I remember sitting on Saotome-san's lap when she told me stories about
our ancestors."

"Most of these items were not here when you left," commented Nodoka.

Ranma looked up, hopeful the pain would end.  Nodoka spoke carefully, with
sorrow, "I accept that you are Saotome Ranma, the child who was my son.
Since you are no longer a man, I do not know if I can accept you as my
daughter.  You deserve better than what you have received.  For that reason,
I welcome you into my heart, as my niece."

Ranma broke down.  Tears streamed down her face.  Nodoka handed her some nap-
kins, helping her dry her eyes.  Ranma calmed down, "Thank you, Aunt Nodoka."

Nodoka smiled, hugging her daughter.  Kumiko sat quietly, waiting for her
friend to release her fears.  Ranma reluctantly broke the embrace.  She wiped
her eyes, regaining her composure.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to lose con-
trol like that."

Nodoka continued to smile.  "There is no need to apologize.  I'm the one who
should apologize to you, and your friends.  I assumed that what you told me
was a lie.  Even when Akane and your other friends were ready to fight for
you.  I...I wish I could decide how best to accept you."

"Being your niece is better than being no one's child.  At least you haven't
declared me dead, like Father."

"You deserve better than that.  Your teachers have attested to how well you
have gotten along.  I must talk with your father, soon.  He has a lot of ex-
plaining to do to the both of us.  The holiday will be here in less than a
week, will Genma be at the dojo?"

"Only if I invite him."

"Then do so.  Between now and then, I would like to get to know you.  We can
also see about curing you.  Kumiko-chan, do you have to return home anytime
soon?"

"No, Saotome-san.  I told my mother that I would be spending the night at
Ranma's."

Nodoka looked at Kumiko, concern creeping into her expression.  "Does your
mother know who Ranma is?"

"She's met Ranma several times.  But never as a boy.  My mother likes Ranma,
saying she's a very polite girl."

"You're treated like a girl at school, by your school friends.  Does anyone
else treat you as a girl?"

"Hai," whispered Ranma.

"Does this bother you?"

"Not as much as it used to."

"Who else treats you like a girl and why?"

"Almost everyone.  Akane and her sisters treat me as girl when I work or we
have guests.  The teachers still treat me as a boy, for the most part.  Oc-
casionally, they remind me I'm a girl.

"Kunou treats me like a girl, because he still has a hard time seeing me as
the boy I used to be.  He does understand.  One time, I called myself a woman
and he was very concerned, thinking I was losing my mind.  Since then, I've
spent a lot of my 'Guy Time' with him.

"Ukyou treats me like a girl, for the most part.  Usually, it's at some sort
of social function.  She's my 'date' for the evening, since she's legally a
boy.  Akane and I aren't really comfortable dating like this, so we have
plans set up for such occasions.

"The only one who treats me like a guy almost all of the time is Ryoga.  He's
the one friend, who's also cursed, that has stayed behind.  When I'm not with
Kunou or Tofu during my 'Guy Time,' I'm with Ryoga.  The only times he treats
me like a girl is when the others remind him I have to be a girl."

"I see.  What is your 'Guy Time?'" asked Nodoka.

"That's the time I can spend dressing or acting any way I want," replied
Ranma with a smile.

"What do you do during this time?"

Kumiko giggled before Ranma could answer, "Heh!  Kunou takes me to some very
strict clubs he's a part of.  They don't like ladies.  I wear my Chinese
clothes when I go there.  They don't have much of a dress code, which is
great.  I think that's why Kunou takes me there.

"When I'm with Ryoga, we go to the park to watch women.  We compare those we
see to Akane.  None of them measure up.  Sometimes, when I feel really good,
I let him lead.  We end up in some of the strangest places.  I've had some of
the best fights there."

Kumiko just giggled more, threatening to laugh outright.  Nodoka blinked at
Ranma's comments, not sure how to respond.  She did see Ranma was becoming
more alive.  "Why would you get in fights with Ryoga?"

"Oh, I don't fight Ryoga.  We end up fighting the people we end up with.
Ryoga can't find his way out of our house half the time.  He even got lost
going to the lot behind his house, when we were in junior high.

"Like I said, when I'm in a good mood, I let him lead me.  We've been to some
of the tougher parts of Tokyo.  And some places just don't have a convenient
ladies room.  I've had a few men walk in on me.  I don't think they walk in
on anyone anymore.

"Ryoga tells me they run from him.  I've seen people run to the other side of
the street when a red-haired woman approaches.  That's one thing I can't
stand, a man has no right to touch a woman if she doesn't want to be
touched."

"Oh dear.  I take it you've had this happen to you."

"Hai.  Kunou, Master Happosai, Sanzenin Mikado, and about a dozen guys at
school and the places I've been.  Before you worry, only Happosai has been
sent to the hospital for more than a day.  The old creep still hasn't woken
up."

"I do not want my child to go to those places.  I realize you have great
skill, that's evident by putting your father's master in the hospital, but it
is not healthy for you to go there.  I think it's wonderful you have the time
you can be what you want, but you need to control yourself," scolded Nodoka,
hugging Ranma.

"Hai, Mo...Aunt," Ranma replied, cringing at her slip.

"Now that we have that settled, dear.  I need to ask you a very serious ques-
tion.  Are you a boy, or are you a girl?"

Ranma looked her mother in the eye, "I'm both, and neither.  I still see my-
self as a boy some of the time.  Most days I see myself as a girl, and it
feels right.  There are times, especially when I'm depressed or angry, I see
a total stranger, someone I hate."

"What about now?"

Ranma looked from her mother to Kumiko, but remained silent.  Nodoka watched
her child intently.  She was concerned with the lack of response.  She saw
Kumiko's reassuring expression.

"My poor, confused child.  I can see we're going to have a lot of talking to
do over the next week.  Would you mind if I moved in with you and the
Tendous?"

"We've already got the room set up," beamed Ranma.  "Here's the invitation we
were going to mail you.  Well, we were before you sent your letter.  Kasumi
decided you would get her father's room.  Ryoga gets the guest room, and I
have my own room.

"If I didn't have so much stuff now, I'd move back into Akane's room and let
you have mine.  We have the one room that's not being used, we figured it'd
be easier to handle things."

"Thank you, dear.  But why is Ryoga staying at the Tendou home?"

"That way he won't get as lost when he helps Kasumi with the children.  It
also helps having a guy to talk to.  Especially a guy who can relate to what
I'm going through."

"I suppose it does.  What does his family think?"

"We don't know.  He never tells us.  I don't think he's been home for a long
time.  He was supposed to be there Friday night, but I figure he's in Osaka
by now."

"Oh!  Will he be back?"

"Definitely!"

***

Cologne sat on her cane, watching the Saotome house.  It had come to her at-
tention that Son-in-law still had birth family.  She had not considered his
mother.  After all, the Saotome matriarch had not been seen since she and
Shampoo came to Japan.

Even with the disastrous meeting of the earlier evening, it appeared this
woman still cared for her child.  Cologne felt a chill in her bones.  She had
broken, if not completely severed the ties between Ranma and his father.  But
how was it that the ties between mother and son had lasted so long?  And with
the obvious change in gender?

Cologne was growing more impatient.  Ranma now had a mother who seemingly ac-
cepted him without much protest.  This variable to her plan, this bond, had
to be dealt with.

Shampoo had been given until the end of the next month to prepare, but the
time had come to challenge Ranma, and his friends.  Ranma had to be lured
back to China, where Cologne could have the advantage of the Law.  If some of
Ranma's family and friends had to be sacrificed, then so be it.

                                  Chapter 3
                                   Reunion

Ranma sat patiently while her mother fussed over her hair.  Akane sat in a
chair, watching the two Saotomes.  Nodoka spoke as she finished her child's
hair, "Now, dear, you're ready to meet your father."

"I don't know.  Maybe I should go without the earrings.  He hates seeing me
in a dress.  Besides, he never mentioned me in the response."

Nodoka looked at her child, noting the stress on her young face.  "Ranma, I
bought those earrings just for you.  It would please me greatly if you wore
them in front of your father.  As long as you are a girl, I would like to see
you dress as one.  When you become cured of the magic seal, you will have
your freedom again.

"As for your father, he is a stubborn man.  He wouldn't come right out and
acknowledge you.  He must see your accomplishments before he can let himself
change his mind.  Your accomplishments have helped me understand, and appre-
ciate, you better.

"You must give your father the same chance I gave you.  It will be hard, but
we must do this together.  I'm rather fond of my niece, now that I've gotten
to know her.  I think your father will grow to appreciate you, as I have."

Ranma frowned.  She had spent every moment she could with her mother.  Trying
to get to know her, and letting Nodoka get to know her.  It was hard, with
all of the holiday preparations and the daycare work for the last week eating
at the time.  The time they spent together was quality time, and it had im-
proved their relationship tremendously.

While still not a true mother/daughter or mother/child relationship, it was
better than what she had with her father.  Nodoka had quickly accepted her
child, as a niece, but Ranma didn't care about that.  She still had her
mother, and her life.

"Auntie, do you think we can leave for China tomorrow?" asked Ranma.

"I would like to wait until the day after.  Genma, Soun, and I have much to
discuss.  It'll also give your friends time to pack and prepare."

Akane responded to the comments, "We're all ready to go.  All you have to do
is say when."

"We?"

"Who do you think?  Kasumi and Nabiki are going.  They don't want to abandon
Ranma.  Tofu wants to see this through.  He feels Ranma needs more gentle
guidance.  I think he and Kasumi will get married in Beijing or Hong Kong.

"Kunou wants to go and face the Hag.  I think he'll challenge her outright,
if we don't watch him.  Ryoga's ready to crush the entire village with the
bakusai tenketsu.  Of course, he realizes the entire village isn't to blame,
but it's sweet of him to want to do this."

Ranma nodded with a broad smile as Akane continued, "Ukyou has ten years of
rage she's ready to release.  She figures it's better to release for Ranma,
rather than against Ranma.  And me, I'll go anywhere Ranma goes.  Even if I
have to go to Jusenkyo and become a man."

"You will do no such thing, Akane!  I realize you love Ranma, but to put
yourself through those tortures yourself?  What are you thinking?" scolded
Nodoka.

Ranma tenderly put her hand on her mother's arm.  Nodoka looked at her child,
the anger still on her face.  Ranma spoke softly, "Please, Mother.  This is
something Akane and I discussed before you arrived.  We don't like the idea
of Jusenkyo any more than you, but we aren't ruling it out."

Nodoka softened.  "I'm sorry, Akane.  It's just that...with Ranma and Ryoga
cursed, I don't want you cursed either.  My husband is being punished,
through his curse.  Please forgive my outburst."

"What's to forgive?  One of the things we discussed was what to call our-
selves when we were finally married.  We decided to see who wore the wedding
dress."

Nodoka looked at Akane's serious face in disbelief.  She heard Ranma giggle.
She turned to her child, "Who's idea was this, Ranma."

Ranma suppressed another giggle, "Mine.  At the time, things looked hopeless.
It was something, at first, to keep us from being depressed.  It just sort of
stayed as a solid plan."

Now it was Nodoka's turn to giggle.  "I guess I should have been prepared for
this.  I'll respect your decision, when the time comes to make it.  Now,
Ranma, what have I told you about calling me 'Mother?'"

"I'm sorry.  I want my family back together so bad, I slipped.  I was getting
upset when you were arguing with Akane.  It won't happen again."

Nodoka hugged her child, a fresh tear rolling down her cheek.  "Forgive me,
Ranma.  I keep forgetting you're the one hurt most by all of this.  You have
kept your word about searching for a cure.  I will keep mine.  For now, we
must wait for your father."

"I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer."

"Don't worry, Ranma, Everyone will be here to help you," reassured Akane.

"Thanks, Akane.  I'm going to show everyone the earrings.  Thanks again,
Auntie."

"You're welcome, dear.  Akane, may I speak with you?"

"Of course."

"You have, again, reminded me how close you are to Ranma.  Other than
Jusenkyo, what options do you have if Ranma cannot be cured?"

"We've thought about one of us doing what Ukyou's doing.  I might be easier
to disguise  than Ranma, but we haven't gone too far into planning that.
Another option is just to be open about it.  We're not comfortable with this,
it's just not us, but it would be less of a hassle.

"Of course, we could probably never be able to adopt if we accepted being
lesbians.  We have until we graduate to either find a cure that works, or
figure out which of us can be pass as a boy.  We just don't know.

"The final option is for Father to adopt Ranma.  It'll unite the families
and, up until we met you, give her a home.  Since Father's been only a little
better than your husband, it's the least attractive option.

"It's sad it took this for us to discover how much we really love each other.
I don't think we can really go on without each other.  I need Ranma to help
me be a woman.  Ranma needs me to help her remain alive.  What are your op-
tions?"

Nodoka was taken aback by the question.  "Fair enough.  Ranma longs for her
parents.  If my husband still rejects Ranma, even if I accept her, then I
will cease to be married.  I will take Ranma as my own.

"Though she was born my son, I have grown fond of the idea of having a
daughter.  Please understand, I want my son, but a daughter is acceptable.  I
will encourage you to stay together, no matter what the outcome is.  But I
regret I cannot make up my mind on how best to accept Ranma, my son and my
daughter."

Akane smiled, "Neither can we.  In a twisted way, we'd almost rather have
Ranma as both a boy and a girl, but she wants to be a male all the time.  I'm
glad we had a chance to talk about this.  It helps me deal with the problems
we have."

"Hai, it helps.  I have one last question for you, how is that Ranma can be a
very convincing girl?"

"Ranma has always watched people at school and on our trips to the stores.  I
guess, as someone who watches people for possible attacks, she's modified
that to watch how women act.  Sometimes, I think she watches people, then
tries similar behavior at school.

"The reason I think this is because she's asked us why certain women act
certain ways for no reason.  She always says she saw someone do it.  I think
she'll do the same thing when she becomes a man again.  She'll probably go to
the park or the mall and just watch people.

"Kasumi, Nabiki, and I tried to teach her how to act feminine, when this be-
came permanent.  Also, her friends from school have taught her a lot.
They've probably helped the most."

"Thank you, Akane.  That explains her behavior.  Now, we should probably head
downstairs.  The men should be here any time."

The two women left Ranma's room, heading to the family room.  They heard
laughter in the larger room.  When they reached the door, they saw Ranma go-
ing from Ukyou to Ryoga to Kunou.  All four were laughing and teasing each
other.  Nodoka couldn't help but smile at her child's apparent happiness.

Everyone quieted down when they heard the main gate open.  The daughters
quickly moved to their positions.  Ranma and Akane stood in front of Kasumi
and Nabiki.  Nodoka moved to the kitchen, standing so she could see every-
thing clearly, yet remain hidden from the men.  The other guests remained in
the family room, either watching or listening.

The front door opened wide, revealing the heavy snow and two men carrying
backpacks.  They entered smiling.  Genma and Soun hugged each Tendou daugh-
ter, ignoring Ranma.  <I'm not going to get angry.  I'm not going to get
angry.  I still have Mom.  I don't need Pop anymore.>

"It's so good to see my daughters again.  Oh, how I've missed you three!"
cried Soun as he embraced his daughters again.

Ranma stood where she was, in the middle of the hall, watching everything
passively.  She noticed Akane's pained look, but only shrugged slightly.
Nodoka stiffened, ready to charge at her husband.  The others shook their
heads in despair.  Ryoga absently poked holes in the wall as if it were wet
sand at a beach.

Ranma spoke quietly, yet deliberately, "Hello, Father, Uncle Tendou.  How was
your trip?"

Both men glanced at Ranma, then refocused on Soun's daughters.  "We've
brought some small gifts for you three.  We hope you enjoy them," commented
Genma, extreme pleasure filled his voice.

"What about Ranma?  Shouldn't she be greeted by her 'father' and 'uncle?'"
asked Kasumi harshly.

"Kasumi, this is the time for the living!  Not the ghosts of the past," re-
plied Soun as he handed her a small package.  "These gifts show our happiness
and joy at your health."

"Please take them with the same joy we have at giving them," added Genma.

Kasumi flared her anger, "This is the time for giving and hospitality,
Father.  Whether you acknowledge Ranma as family or not, she is still a guest
in this house.  She should be honored as one."

"That is something we will have to change.  Now open your gifts, and do not
disgrace us any more," commanded Soun.

The girls looked at the beaming fathers, then to each other, and finally to
Ranma.  They saw her looking at the gifts curiously.  She noticed the looks
and smiled.  "Don't worry about me, I've already had my gift.  I want to see
what you got," she said, showing her earrings.

Soun and Genma looked at Ranma with more than passing interest.  Soun asked
the question, "What do you mean by that?"

Ranma calmly answered, "It means just that.  I received a wonderful gift from
those that consider me family.  Now, are you going to open those gifts, or am
I?"

Akane was the first to drop hers into the small wastebasket by the phone.
"Sorry, Ranma.  We just can't accept these.  Your happiness is good enough
for us."

Before Ranma could protest, Akane threw her arms around the red head and
kissed her on the lips.  Ranma quickly returned the embrace and the kiss.

"True love.  Sorry, Father, you just insulted us," Nabiki said as she dropped
her gifts into the trash.

Kasumi only looked at the dumb struck fathers.  She shook her head sadly as
she, too, dropped her gifts in the basket.  She hugged Ranma affectionately.
A voice came from behind the four women, "Daughters, it's time to tend to
your other guests."

The four parted, revealing Nodoka glaring at the two men.  As Ranma went by,
Nodoka hugged her daughter.  She returned to looking at the men.  The men
felt a chill run through their spines as they beheld her angry look.

Genma began sputtering, "N-N-Nodoka, dear, when did you arrive?"

"Just the other day, 'Husband.'  Imagine my surprise when I was greeted by my
daughter, Ranma.  Of course, I have plenty of questions for you and her.
Such a wonderful child, so full of fear and depression at my sight.  It took
me three days to accept that child."

"And He Who Was Our Son still lives?"

"Of course.  Why should she not be alive?  Do not leave, Tendou Soun.  You,
too, are responsible for this."

Soun stopped his retreat to the door.  Genma looked at his wife, carefully
considering his words.  "As I recall, the Boy and I promised we would commit
seppuku if you were not satisfied with his manhood.  Again, why is he who was
our son still alive?"

"DON'T EVER QUESTION MY REASONS!  I have found that that child has led an
exemplary life.  Ranma, and her friends, have told me many things lately.
While there have been some errors, I have found no reason to hold Ranma to
your promise."

"But he who..."

"YOU WILL ADDRESS HER BY NAME!"

Genma cringed at his wife's voice.  He watched as her face returned to its
neutral expression.  Only her eyes betrayed her emotions.  "But Ranma has not
behaved as a man in nearly three months.  He dresses like a girl, he talks
like a girl, he even cries like a girl!  Our son is no longer a man."

Nodoka struck her husband.  He fell back, staring at her.  His face stung
from the unexpected impact.

"And what do you call yourself?  You abandoned your own son when he needed
you the most.  He had to defend himself, alone, from your deranged Master.
THE SAME MAN YOU TRIED TO KILL TWENTY YEARS AGO!  I went to the hospital to
see what had happened for myself.

"It looks to me like your Master is lucky to be alive.  I believe Ranma and
Akane both successfully defended this dojo.  Do you deny these events?"

"No.  I, too, visited Master Happosai.  I agree with your assessment, he is
lucky to be alive.  But were you aware that Ranma chose to give up the Art
after that?"

"Hai.  I understand and silently supported that decision.  And God help me, I
also understand and support the decisions made by Ranma's friends to help her
continue her training.  Ranma is too young to have to face death in such a
manner.

"Would you prefer a child who is a ruthless killer over one who has compas-
sion for defeated foes?"

Genma looked past his wife, into the family room.  "Compassion is good, but
to stop an attack against a superior foe because you have drawn their blood
is inexcusable."

They heard movement from the family room.  Muffled screams of rage were also
heard.  Again Nodoka struck her husband.  "You are an insulting panda,
Saotome Genma.  I know of your Curse.  And I will tell you this, after our
celebration, we are going to China to retrieve a cure for Ranma."

"Ranma has done nothing but behave like a woman for the last few months.  She
only whines and complains about fighting.  She pulls her punches, claiming
not to want to hurt me.  I raised my son to be a fighter, not a coward."

"Ranma pulled her punches after her fight with your Master, correct?"

"Hai."

"I see.  Does it not strike you as being an important reason for her reluc-
tance to hurt someone she loves?  You are her father, the last thing she
wants to do is hurt you."

"That never stopped her before, when she was a man.  We always trained all
out, no holding back.  Why would it matter now?"

Nodoka closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.  "Because, 'Husband,' your
training our son in that manner is the reason he destroyed his cure.  That
and your accursed Cat-Fu.  And while you were gone, the children told me of
that Amazon, Cologne, staging another fight.

"This time, Ranma had to fight her friend, Ryoga.  Did you know Ryoga can
destroy rocks with just a touch?"

Genma shook his head.  Nodoka continued, "Because of that fight, Ranma is now
stronger and faster than ever before.  That strength and speed, as well as
the anger from being rejected by you, Soun, and her classmates, have made it
so that Ranma is afraid to fight anyone all out.

"In the time I have been here, I have watched Ranma train with her friends.
When she's upset, they don't practice.  When they do practice, they go over
what it is they want to accomplish.  They plan.  When someone gets hurt,
everyone stops.  If they get too close for comfort, everyone backs off.

"Perhaps they should teach you and Soun how to fight.  You two might actually
learn something from them.  I have.  They have taught me what being a family
is all about.  I will leave you two to consider what I have said.  I have a
daughter to talk to."

Nodoka turned to head for the family room.  Genma's defeated voice stopped
her, "I wish for my son back."

Without looking back, Nodoka asked, "Will you help me get our son back?"

"Hai.  I will help get our son back."

"If this cure is like the others, will you still accept Ranma as your own?"

Genma remained silent.  A tear ran down Nodoka's cheek.  "I see.  We will
leave for China tomorrow.  When this is over, we will discuss things.  For
better or worse, 'Husband,' you have been given a second chance.  I hold you,
and you alone, accountable to your promise of seppuku."

Nodoka entered the room expecting to see everyone holding Ranma and Akane
down.  Instead, she saw only Kasumi and Nabiki.  Their grim faces stabbed at
her heart.  She wiped the tears from her face.

"They're in the dojo.  I believe they're trying to calm Ranma down.  I...I
think it would be best if you let them work this out on their own," cautioned
Kasumi.

Nodoka shook her head.  "I must speak with my daughter, Ranma.  I want her to
know she has a mother, not an aunt."

"I think you just saved a few lives, Aunt Nodoka," commented Nabiki as she
finished her figures.

"What are you working on?" asked Nodoka.

"I'm billing our fathers for the anxiety they caused Ryoga.  Rent for their
rooms.  It's the holiday season, so I'm only going to charge them monthly.
I'm also charging them for the use of the training hall.  I would charge them
for food, but now's not the time.

"They can either pay it outright, or work it off, as OUR employees."

Nodoka smiled.  The men were now going to wish they had been more helpful.
She, herself, had won a major victory.  Not so much for herself, but for her
daughter.  She just had to tell her only child what was on her heart, before
matters became any worse.

                                  Chapter 4
                                   Death!

The group hiked up the hill.  They saw a village in the valley to the left.
They saw an unusually thick mist in the valley to the right.  Ranma looked at
the village for several moments.  She felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"That's the Amazon village.  Most likely, Cologne has everyone ready to kill
me if I enter," she said softly.

"That is a poor attitude to have, Daughter."

"I know, Mother.  It's just that Cologne wants me to marry Shampoo.  That's
why she locked me like this.  I suspect that if she can't have me marry
Shampoo, then she'll kill me.  Either way, their laws and honor are satis-
fied."

"Do you want to remain like this?"

"It's not fair to Akane, or you.  I should probably try Jusenkyo first.  I
don't like the fog, but it's either that or Cologne.  I'm tired of fighting."

"I know, dear.  Do you want to back out of your promise?"

"Of course not.  I want to be a man again.  But I don't want to pay the price
Cologne demands.  I know Shampoo won't hold me to the marriage, but there
will always be Cologne looking in on us.  I don't think that Ghoul will die."

Nodoka hugged her child.  "I have promised to be your mother, whether you are
cured or not.  You have done everything you can, within the limits we are
willing to endure, to be cured.  Master Pao and his colleague have explained
that Cologne is the only one who can cure you of the magic.

"Go to Jusenkyo first.  If you can be cured, then we will leave.  If not, the
choice is yours and I will consider your promise fulfilled."

"Thank you, Mother.  I'll be back."

Ranma broke the embrace and ran to Jusenkyo.  She didn't notice the figure
who had approached as she raced for her cure.  Nodoka composed herself as she
watched her child race off.  "How much did you hear, Genma?"

"Enough.  You easily give up on our son?"

"It was the hardest decision of my life.  Harder than letting him leave my
side the first time.  I have my child back, Genma.  Do you?"

"Ranma will not speak with me."

"Do you give her the opportunity?"

Genma thought for several moments.  He had found he could not lie to his
wife, especially after their confrontation at the Tendou home.  "No.  I don't
know how.  The son I knew is no longer there.  I don't even know where to
begin."

Nodoka turned to face her husband.  She had pity on her face.  "Neither did
I.  What helped me was listening to Ranma talk to one of her friends, Yuki
Kumiko.  Ranma answered Kumiko's questions about our home.  Where her room
was, the damn cellar, even the utensils and pictures in the kitchen.

"Those were the items of pride.  When you left, I pulled them from their hid-
ing place.  I used them to remind me of my child.  When Ranma remembered
those, the comments from her school files and teachers became meaningless.
But those weren't the only things.

"It was the sword, Genma.  My family sword was what Ranma remembered most.
It was how she mentioned it that tore my heart.  Like you, I was too proud to
accept Ranma outright.  I had to spend time with her, get to know her as a
person, not as a thing.  I discovered the joys and pain that child has.

"Our argument told my mind what my heart had been telling me since I met
Ranma.  That child is mine.  I want my son, but it appears my son will have
to become my daughter.  I have accepted that.  I suggest you do the same, be-
cause no matter how this ends, she will need us more than ever."

Nodoka returned to the group, leaving Genma to stare at Jusenkyo.  For the
first time in his life, he cursed himself, and his arrogance.  He sat down on
the hard rock, crying.  Not the tears of embarrassment he had shed when he
told Soun of his journey, but tears of regret and remorse.

He just felt a little of himself die.  But there was now something new.  A
hope that he had not felt in over ten years.  That hope broke through his
regrets, feeding his tears.

***

Ranma stopped on the small rise before the Jusenkyo valley.  A strong wind
from the valley blew her hair into her eyes.  Lightning flickered, causing
the tree shadows to dance.  She thought she saw the fog dancing about itself,
taunting her.

<It's now or never!>  Ranma ran down the path.  Horizontal rain bit into her,
worse than the rocks from her fight with Ryoga.  She pressed harder.  <This
is worse than a typhoon!>

Lightning struck the ground less than a meter from Ranma.  The shock wave
sent her flying back.  Another bolt struck the tree she was under.  Ranma
rolled to the side, narrowly missing the falling branch.

<That's it.  I ain't riskin' it any more!>  Ranma turned, racing back to her
family.  She wasn't aware of the tears she shed on the way back.

***

Nodoka was helping Kasumi fix dinner when Ranma returned.  The two women
dropped the plates and embraced the red head.  "What happened?" asked Kasumi.

"I was almost killed."

"How?" asked Nodoka.

"Lightning.  It struck the ground in front of me.  Then it struck the tree I
fell under.  I decided not to try anymore.  I'm sorry, Mom.  I wanted to go
on, but with those strikes so close..."

"I understand.  I'd rather you be alive.  Get some rest.  You have a long day
ahead of you."

"Shouldn't I go to Cologne?"

"Rest, Daughter.  We'll talk later."

Kasumi led Ranma to a tent.  She returned to the cooking, in time to see
Cologne and two warriors, one of whom was Shampoo, enter the camp.  Kasumi
steeled herself for the confrontation.

Cologne spoke calmly, almost arrogantly, "Hello, Kasumi.  I am not familiar
with this woman.  Who is she?"

Nodoka spoke, keeping her voice calm, "I am Saotome Nodoka, Ranma's mother.
I presume you are Cologne."

"I am.  Has Son-in-law come to marry Shampoo, as is the law?"

"I mean no disrespect to you, Cologne, but my child makes her own decisions.
At the moment, she is resting.  Perhaps if you returned in an hour, as a
guest for dinner, we could settle this."

Cologne evaluated Nodoka and Kasumi.  Both had neutral expressions.  Expres-
sions she could not see past.  "This land belongs to us, Saotome Nodoka.  Our
law forbids outsiders on it.  The only way for you to remain is for Ranma to
marry Shampoo immediately."

"We saw no signs posted.  We are camping here because of Jusenkyo.  I believe
that is neutral ground.  And according to this map, we are on the Jusenkyo
lands," replied Nodoka handing Cologne the map.

Cologne took the map, but did not look at it.  "Perhaps I will return in one
hour.  Prepare Son-in-law for the wedding.  Come, we must prepare."

Nodoka and Kasumi watched the Amazons leave.  Ukyou, Akane, Ryoga, and Kunou
stepped forward.  Akane broke the silence, "That is the Ghoul who has tor-
tured us these last few months.  The younger looking girl is Shampoo.  She
looked sad."

"Almost like she didn't want to be here," commented Ukyou.

"I know.  They'll be here in one hour.  We'll have to wake Ranma in half an
hour.  She has to make her decision before Cologne arrives," replied Nodoka.

"What decision?" asked Soun as he and Genma sat down.

Nodoka sighed.  "Whether to fight Cologne for a cure, or accept her fate and
live as a woman.  Now is not the time to think of the marriage.  We must pre-
pare for Cologne."

***

Cologne and Shampoo sat across from Nodoka and Ranma.  The rest of the family
sat evenly about the makeshift table.  Cologne kept looking between the
Saotome women, noting their strikingly similar looks.

"Please forgive my earlier outburst, Saotome-sama.  Winter is no longer kind
to me, and it is difficult training Shampoo.  I must thank you for this ex-
cellent food."

"You are welcome, Matriarch.  And hai, it is difficult training someone in
the Art, and raising them the way you want.  I have been blessed with a won-
derful child.  From what I hear, you should be proud of Shampoo and her ac-
complishments."

"Hai.  She is an excellent student and warrior.  It is unfortunate her only
blights are her inability to kill the woman who defeated her or marry the man
who defeated her.  However, we can rectify that.  Son-in-law, you may take
your bride tonight, the ceremony will be tomorrow."

"No," Ranma said calmly.  "The reason we came here was to cure me of this
Curse.  Since Jusenkyo is no longer an option, I ask that you release me from
the magic locking me in this form, without holding me to marriage to
Shampoo."

Cologne stared at Ranma for several moments.  She also glanced at each of
Ranma's family and friends.  "You only have two choices, Ranma.  Marry
Shampoo and live, or die."

"I do not recognize your laws or the engagement to Shampoo.  Until you did
this to me, she was an excuse not to marry Akane.  I wish to marry Akane, no
one else.

"I am tired of fighting.  I want to rest, enjoy what's left of school, marry
Akane, and be a father.  If it helps, I now consider Shampoo a friend.  She
can never be more than that.  I have pledged myself to Akane."

"Hmm.  I guess there is a third option.  We could kill Akane."

"Then I would find someone else.  Ukyou, maybe.  Or, if you refuse to cure
me, I could choose Ryoga or Kunou, or anyone else.  I do not love Shampoo.  I
never have.  Isn't it enough that you've ruined my life?  Must you ruin your
own great-granddaughter's?"

"I have not, nor will I, ruin her life.  This is for the best.  Besides, it
is not a matter of love that this marriage go through.  It is a matter of the
law.  If you will not marry Shampoo, you and your family must die.  That is
absolute."

Ranma looked at Shampoo then at Akane.  "As I said, I do not want to fight
anymore.  I know that any victory I have over you is a hollow one.  I have
talked with Shampoo, she has given her word not to pursue me as a suitor any
more.  I ask that you do the same.

"You hold us to your laws.  These are laws we are not familiar with, nor are
they compatible with our laws.  If you hold your laws so dearly, then they
should be applied to you as well."

"I know our laws better than you ever could.  Do not attempt to tell me
Amazon law!"

Ranma perked up a little.  She chanced a glance at Nabiki.  Seeing her nod,
Ranma continued, "By your laws, a foreigner cannot take a villager from the
village by force.  That is what you are doing to me.  You are trying to force
me from my home to marry Shampoo.

"By your laws, I must defeat the intruder in combat.  I have done so repeat-
edly, yet you continue.  Your laws may say to the death, but I am not a kil-
ler.  I have satisfied the requirements of your laws to the level I am most
confident of.

"I beat Shampoo in my home, when she tried to kill my fiancee.  I defeated
you at the carnival by taking what I thought was the Phoenix Pill.  I defeat-
ed you at the beach using the Cat-Fu.  And I have defeated you in the moun-
tains when you used Ryoga as your champion.

"Because I am not a killer, I am satisfied with my victories.  I have proven
myself a capable fighter.  I ask that you acknowledge those victories and re-
lease Shampoo and I from the obligations of your laws.  I ask that you cure
me of the magic you used to lock me in this body."

Cologne ignored everyone but Ranma, "Hmph.  I recall no victories by you.
You are too inexperienced to win against me.  If you wish to be cured, you
must marry Shampoo.  If not, you will die by our hands.

"I will be generous to you for the sake of your family.  You will have the
opportunity to prove yourself to the village by fighting us.  I will give you
until dawn, the day after tomorrow to prepare.  If you wish to be cured, show
up and defeat us.  Bring your friends, and whatever family you have left.
Come, Shampoo, we must prepare."

Cologne and Shampoo left the table.  Ranma just stared at the two as the dis-
appeared into the twilight.  "It seems the old woman has forgotten what honor
is.  My sword is forever yours, Ranma," commented Kunou.

"You have my help, too, Sugar."

"As long as we don't get married, or somethin', you got me," added Ryoga,
half joking.

"Maybe you should be my pet, eh, P-Chan?" teased Ranma.

"ENOUGH!" Genma yelled standing.  "Do you realize what has just happened,
Ranma?"

"Hai.  Cologne's afraid I'll win.  She has made it so that I have to fight
two people at once in order to be cured.  I'm hoping the other matriarchs
will let me have a partner.  Akane, will you help me fight that witch?"

"Of course, Ranma."

"Why are you joking?  Cologne will kill you.  It was all you could do to
fight at the beach.  What makes you certain you will win?" continued Genma.

Ranma looked at her father squarely in the eye.  "If you had been here these
last few months, you'd know.  I almost killed your master.  This is not much
different than that.  I'm joking because I scared the Mummy.  AND, I'm lucky
to be alive, with my family."

"Bah!  You're overconfident and arrogant!  Unless you become serious, you
will die.  For the moment, let's forget the cure."

"Saotome!" cried Soun.  "Why do you abandon our dream in such a way?"

Genma looked at his friend, irritation written on his grim face.  "My son is
about to go into battle against a monster.  Unless he is thinking clearly, he
will die.  This may be my last chance at getting my boy back, and I will not
let anyone take it away."

"Easy, Saotome-san," interrupted Ryoga.  "After what you said and did the
other day, I wouldn't have thought you cared about Ranma taking anything
seriously.  If I remember right, you still thought Ranma was weak, even after
defeating your master and the Dojo Destroyer.

"Ranma.  Akane.  I'll help you tomorrow morning.  I think it's time to plan."

"Hai.  I have a few ideas on how we should train, Ranma.  Perhaps Round
Robin?" offered Kunou.

"That'll work.  We need to learn everything you can teach us tomorrow.  It
doesn't matter if it's weapon based or not.  Teach us your most powerful
techniques tomorrow," stated Ranma looking at everyone.

All of the fighters agreed.  Genma and Soun did so reluctantly.  Nodoka kept
Ranma close to her whenever Genma became agitated.  Ranma and the others con-
tinued to joke, but kept their planning serious.  All of them knew what was
at stake in the upcoming fight.

***

The family was led to the center of the village.  This made Ranma uncomfor-
table.  She felt she was at a disadvantage.  To her, she could not use the
bakusai tenketsu without damaging or destroying property.  The last thing she
needed was the entire village after her.

Several women led Shampoo and Cologne to the center square.  The other vil-
lagers were beginning to gather.  A woman as old as Cologne stepped forward.
"Are you the girl who came here, and defeated our champion, Shampoo, six
months ago?" she asked in flawless Japanese.

"I am that person," calmly replied Ranma.

"Are you also the man who defeated Shampoo in combat, thus required, by law
to marry her?"

"I am that person."

"Why do you present yourself as a woman?  It could mean your death."

"Cologne has locked me in this body with magic.  I tried to return to
Jusenkyo to cure myself, but the Springs rejected me again."

"I see.  It is unfortunate Jusenkyo is not kind to its victims.  Are you here
to accept the marriage or fight?"

"Neither.  I have come, once again, to ask Cologne to release me from the
magic without a fight.  I ask this because of my parents, who want their son
back, my friends, and most of all, my fiancee, whom I love more than my own
life.

"I am prepared to fight, if I must.  But I have told Cologne and Shampoo that
the victories I held over them in the past should count in any context of
your laws."

"How much do you really know of our laws?" asked the woman, evaluating Ranma.

"Not much, really.  I am forced, by your laws, to be married to Shampoo
against my will and heart.  Your laws also dictate that Shampoo must kill her
friend, regardless of pledges of honor not to.  I have received both the Kiss
of Death and the Kiss of Marriage for defeating Shampoo as both a woman and a
man.  I have been informed, by Cologne, that your laws require I either marry
Shampoo, die, or kill in an attempt to defend myself.

"Last night, I explained that I have achieved my right to peace and my true
body because of my repeated victories.  I am not a killer.  I am still haun-
ted by nightmares from the fight I nearly killed my father's Master.  I wish
that Cologne accept those defeats, and my reluctance to kill, and release the
magic."

The woman turned to Cologne, speaking in Mandarin, "Is what this child says
true?"

"I accept no victory from him.  I 'let' him win.  He is being punished for
refusing Xian Pu.  If he accepts marriage, he will be released.  Otherwise he
will die, as the woman he hates."

"He has challenged your view of the law.  We have not enforced the death
measure in nearly a century.  Mu Tzu has attested to this one's skill, as
both a man and a woman.  Our own observers have attested to this as well."

"You dare spy on a Matriarch?"

"We spied on Xian Pu.  That led us to observe you, indirectly.  The only
thing preventing us from releasing Xian Pu and this child from your vows is
your invocation of the Ancient Law.  And we must abide by that Law."

The woman turned to Ranma, again speaking in Japanese, "The Matriarch has in-
voked the Ancient Law.  It is a Law that none of us may ignore.  By that Law,
you must prove yourself before the Counsel of Elders.  You, and you alone,
must face the Matriarch and her chosen in mortal combat.

"None from the village, or your family, may interfere.  It is fought without
weapons.  Know that this Law has only been invoked three times before.  The
outcome can only be victory or death.

"If you accept this, you and your family will be part of this village until
your death in battle.  If you refuse, your death, and the deaths of your
family, will be immediate.  What is your choice?"

Ranma looked at Shampoo's neutral face.  Shampoo nodded slightly.  "I ac-
cept."

"Very well.  Go to your family and remove your weapons.  By accepting this,
Amazon, your family is protected.  Should you fall in battle, no harm will
come to them.  They will be allowed to leave, in peace.

"Should you win, you will be of this village, all of you.  I wish you the
best of luck, Amazon."

Ranma moved to her family.  She started to remove the weapons with Akane's
help.  "Got a piece of paper?"

"Sure.  Why?" replied Ukyou.

"Shampoo's throwing the fight.  I won't kill her.  The Hag will die.  I have
no choice with her.  Mother, if I can't stop them from killing Shampoo, show
them this.  Please, don't let her be killed."

"Of course, darling. I will show them your note.  You'll be fine.  We believe
in you.  Know that," replied Nodoka, hugging her daughter.

"Thanks.  All of you."

Ranma turned back to the matriarchs.  Shampoo gave up her last weapon.  She
nodded to Ranma.  Cologne held her staff.  Ranma unconsciously put her hand
on the Cat's Tongue nerve.  She removed her jacket, revealing her workout
suit.

"Honored Matriarch, why does the Matriarch, Cologne, still have her staff?"

The woman eyed Ranma carefully.  "She may only use it to maneuver.  She is
not as tall as you, thus needing a way to keep the match even.  Should she
use it as a weapon, she will be put to death immediately and her entire
clan will be dishonored.  Is that acceptable?"

"Hai."

"Good.  Fight honorably, die honorably.  BEGIN!"

Ranma readied herself for an immediate attack.  Shampoo launched the first
volley.  Ranma deflected the first blows easily, but left her arm nearly
numb.  There was no holding back, she would have to use every trick she knew
to survive.

Ranma leapt back, shaking her numbed arm.  Shampoo came in quickly.  Ranma
ducked under and to the side of the attack.  Letting Shampoo land, Ranma sent
a few fast punches to Shampoo's exposed side.

Shampoo nearly collapsed from the sudden, sharp pain.  She bounced stiffly to
the side, assuming her own ready position.  The pain in her face obvious.

Ranma scanned for Cologne.  Seeing her sitting on her cane, Ranma feinted to
Shampoo, but lashed out at Cologne.

Caught off guard, Cologne dropped to the ground, under Ranma's attack.  She
attempted to strike a spot on Ranma's shoulder, but was too low and too late.

Ranma had twisted her body once she missed Cologne.  She avoided the possible
attack from below.  She hit the ground, rolling to a highly defensive stance.

Cologne backed away from Ranma.  She watched Shampoo advance cautiously.  She
cursed herself for not expecting Ranma's attack, and her own apparent cowar-
dice.  She, too, advanced on Ranma.

Ranma expected Cologne to wait for Shampoo to wear her out before attacking.
Now, Cologne advanced with Shampoo.  She hoped her defenses were enough to
stop both of them.

Cologne used her amaguriken to try to break through to a certain spot on
Ranma's shoulder.  Her eyes widened slightly as she realized every punch was
being blocked.  Not only her punches, but also Shampoo's.

Shampoo threw her own amaguriken, but the pain in her side prevented her from
obtaining any real speed or strength.  The implied plan was for her to keep
her defenses low, allowing her to keep the appearance of fighting all out.
She hadn't realized how brutal Ranma would be.  The pain was becoming too in-
tense for her to reflect on her plan.

Ranma noted the pain and fatigue etched in Shampoo's face.  It was time to
concentrate on the Ghoul.  Ranma used the same technique on her friend she
used on Kunou.  In a single pass of her foot, she kicked several vital areas
on Shampoo's torso and face.  Not once did she break her defenses against
Cologne.

Cologne watched as Shampoo flew back from an unusual looking kick.  For Ranma
to use the kick and still attack her was impressive, and dangerous. She broke
off her attack, leaping back four meters.  She saw that Shampoo was no longer
stirring.

Ranma took a new stance, panting.  Her amaguriken defense nearly exhausted
her.  She watched as Cologne began circling.  Slowly, at first, then gaining
speed.  She noted the after images appearing.  The circle became tighter.
There was no way for her to leap clear.  She closed her eyes, extending her
senses, calming her breathing.

Cologne watched Ranma close her eyes.  She tightened her circle faster.  As
she approached, she noticed Ranma's even breathing and lethally relaxed body.
She needed only to attack before Ranma could counter her.

Ranma felt the jab in her shoulder before she was even aware of Cologne being
less than a meter away.  The pain caused her to react, sending a punch to the
opposite side.  Her fist connected with something.

Cologne felt Ranma's fist hit her squarely in the jaw.  As she hit the wall,
she looked up, her vision clearing.  She saw Ranma beginning her amaguriken.

Ranma threw her first ten punches, building the speed and rhythm for more.
She felt and saw soft cloth on her fist before the ground erupted in a dust
cloud.  She shifted to the side in time to see and feel a jagged finger
striker in her other shoulder.

Cologne touched Ranma's shoulder.  Ranma did the predictable, leap out of
danger.  But it was too late, the damage was done.  Only one more point and
her vengeance would be complete.

Ranma felt her entire body tingle, similar to when the Cat's Tongue was acti-
vated.  She started to panic.  She suddenly remembered Tofu's lesson, "There
are several layers of pressure points.  Those on the surface are easy to
manipulate.  Little is known, or recorded, about the deeper ones.  Since
Cologne can manipulate these, it would be best to assume the worst if the at-
tacks don't do what you expect."

Ranma tested her arms and legs.  They seemed to work fine.  She noticed
Cologne moving in quickly.  She knew pressure points were the target.  Now it
was a matter of keeping the Matriarch from touching her.  She needed a new
plan.

Cologne watched as Ranma leapt around the large square, similar to when she
taught Ryoga the bakusai tenketsu.  Of course, Ranma's gained speed would not
help.  After all, she did not have the experience of the Matriarch.

Ranma leapt from roof to roof in a circular pattern. She noted that Cologne's
eyes never left her.  This posed a problem.  She needed to stay behind the
Amazon, out of her reach.  She then saw the answer.

Cologne watched as Ranma leapt overhead, instead of following the circle.
She turned to see the child land on the opposite roof, then leap back.
Cologne turned to follow Ranma, only to realize her mistake just as she felt
the impact.

Ranma landed softly behind Cologne.  She kicked the Amazon in the back, hard.
As Cologne flew forward, Ranma leapt in front of her, preparing for the next
attack.

The air rushed from Cologne's lungs as she lurched forward.  Ranma had sur-
prised her yet again.  She swore it would be the last time Ranma would ever
surprise her.  Her vision cleared in time to see Ranma's foot before it con-
nected to her face.

Ranma watched as Cologne spun to the side, blood spraying from the broken
nose.  Ranma leapt to the projected landing point, preparing for another at-
tack.

Slightly dazed, Cologne saw Ranma come.  She had a moment's opening and the
means to take advantage of it.  She thrust her cane toward Ranma's head.

Ranma leaned back just in time to miss the full impact of the staff to her
head.  It struck her forehead, but not squarely.  The strike was enough to
virtually numb her brain and body.  <She used her weapon?> she thought as she
struck at Cologne.

Cologne stared, wide eyed, as Ranma staggered back, then pressing the attack.
Cologne still had trouble breathing, mostly from the broken nose.  She tried
to move away, but stumbled into the first attack.

Ranma's punch sent the Ghoul sprawling to the ground again.  Ranma pressed
her advantage, fighting the fog threatening to overcome her mind.  She pulled
back her arm, focusing on Cologne's prone body.

"BAKUSAI TENKETSU!" echoed Ranma's calm yell in Cologne's ears.

<She wouldn't!  Not here, in the village!>  She rolled over in time to see
the final thrust.

Ranma sent her extended finger, then her fist, into Cologne's chest.  The
Amazon's eyes grew wide in terror.  Ranma felt the contact with the ground,
even through the wetness of Cologne's body.  She saw the ground, then
Cologne, explode before her.  That was the last image she saw as the cold
darkness claimed her.

The dust and snow settled.  Everyone saw Ranma's body slump to the ground.
There was no sign of Cologne.  Only her shattered cane and the blood-stained
crater gave any indication there had been two combatants.

"RANMA!" screamed Akane and Shampoo as they reached the body of their friend.

"Wake up Ranma! WAKE UP!" shrieked Akane as her fiancee remained still, un-
responsive.

Several Amazons came over with Ranma's family.  They hurriedly examined the
body.  The Matriarchs took the cane, shaking their heads.  Shampoo was
quickly led away.  Leaving a hysterical Akane crying over Ranma's limp form.

                                  Epilogue

Ranko walked with her friends, Kumiko and Miyuki, to the gate of the school.
The early summer air coaxing them out of the confining building.  They wanted
to get home to enjoy the beautiful day.

Akane walked with her friends, Kyoko and Atsuki, a short distance behind the
others.  They were chatting about the latest romances.  Akane only half lis-
tened as she watched the red head.

Ranko spotted a young man, Daisuke, standing near the drinking fountain.
Ranko giggled, turning to Miyuki.  "That new student likes you."

"No way!  He has a crush on you.  Every boy in school has a crush on you,"
replied the startled friend.

"I know these things.  He likes you.  Besides, every boy in school knows I
like girls.  If you'd like, I can go ask him for you."

"No!  That's all right.  We have all summer to get to know him.  Besides, we
still need to throw a party for you," responded Kumiko.

"I'm flattered.  Do you do this for all of the students who are leaving for
another school?"

"No, silly.  We just want to treat you better than we did your brother.
You're the person we need to make our lives better," commented Miyuki with a
smile.

Ranko grinned.  "Maybe I should invite Daisuke so you can get to know him
better."

"Don't you dare!" exclaimed both girls.

"Too late!   He's coming over.  I'll leave you alone," giggled Ranko as she
left.

They blinked as their friend strolled happily to the gate.  Akane and her
friends stopped next to Kumiko and Miyuki just as Daisuke arrived.  "Hard to
believe that's Ranma, eh?" asked Kyoko.

"Yeah!  I mean, the body's the same, but the mind..." answered Kumiko.

"She doesn't even remember her fights with Kunou.  She remembers a lot of
things, good and bad, that have happened to her last term," added Akane.

"Like being engaged to you?" asked Miyuki.

"No," choked Akane.  "She knows we became instant friends.  She's eager to
please me in any way.  She does remember her fight with Happosai, but doesn't
exactly recall where.  She thinks it was here, but she doesn't know why.

"She gets confused and frustrated when she remembers bits of her past.  It
hurts to see her like that.  It hurts the entire family."

"How are you going to handle this?" asked Atsuki.  "You've been awfully quiet
about the whole thing."

"As Ukyou says, one day at a time.  Someday, Ranma will be back.  I won't
feel like I'm cheating on him then."

"Um, excuse me.  But weren't you just talking about Saotome Ranko?" asked
Daisuke innocently.

"We were, dear, but it's a long story.  It's best left alone.  We're really
not ready to share it with newcomers.  Sorry," replied Kyoko coldly.

"Oh.  I see, I think.  Anyway, Miyuki, would you like to see a movie this
weekend?"

Miyuki's jaws dropped.  The other girls giggled, embarrassing both Miyuki and
Daisuke.  Akane moved away from her friends.  She walked to the gate.  Ukyou
came up to her, breaking her thoughts, "Hey, Akane!  Are we meeting tonight
at the dojo or my place?"

"You forgot?"

"Well...when you called, I was caught in the late night rush.  I'm sorry.
I've thrown myself into work since..."

"I know, I'm sorry.  We're meeting at the dojo.  Be there at six."

"Right!"

***

Ranko stood at the gate, waiting for her mother and Akane.  She hummed her
happy tune. Several girls hugged her goodbye as they left for home or work.
She felt lucky to be in Furinkan High School.  She was accepted almost im-
mediately by all of the girls.

It didn't bother her many friends that she couldn't remember her past.  Even
with constant reminders about her late brother, Ranma, she felt comfortable.
It saddened her that she had to leave school, and Akane, to be with her
mother.

"Daughter, are you ready?"

"Hai, Mother," replied Ranko as she looked around.  "Shouldn't we wait for
Akane?"

Nodoka peered past her child, into the school yard.  She saw Akane and Ukyou
talking.  She turned back to Ranko.  "I think she'll be awhile.  We have much
to do before we leave tomorrow.  Everyone wants to see you off."

"I know.  But shouldn't I stay here?  I have so many friends now.  Just as
I'm getting to know them, I have to leave.  Just like when I was training
with Father."

"It is for the best.  Akane and your friends are always welcome at our home.
And you always have a home with Akane, Ukyou, and Kunou.  But with the di-
vorce, it would be best to move away.  It may also help your memories."

The two women began walking away.  "You're right, of course.  I should spend
more time with you, than with the man who abandoned me."

"Don't be too harsh on him, dear.  He just doesn't understand how to handle
women.  And when your brother started exploring his independence and manhood,
it upset your father.  Give it time.  You'll be back before you know it."

"Thanks, Mother.  I should be thankful you took me in after all of these
years."

***

Akane and Ukyou watched mother and daughter walk down the street, towards the
dojo.  Ukyou's arm rested comfortably on Akane's shoulder.  "At least she re-
members us.  She'll be back.  Every chance she gets, she'll be here to be
with you.  I wish I had the courage to stay with Ranchan the way you have."

"Thank you, Ukyou.  Ranma and I should have been married before we confronted
Cologne.  I can't help but think that would have stopped her," Akane began to
sob.

Ukyou hugged her friend, "Ranma will be back before you know it.  The Mat-
riarchs even said the damage would not be permanent.  It's just a matter of
time"

Both women held each other, crying.  The wind echoed "I'll never stop looking
for a cure, even if it takes the rest of my life."

                          The End of Ranma's Curse
                      Next up, Ranma's Memories Part 1

Acknowledgments-

Ranma 1/2 created by Rumiko Takahashi, all rights reserved.

A Son's Duty and An Alternate History of Ranma 1/2 by Hitomi Ichinohei

The Clothes Make the... by Nicholas Leifker and Hitomi Ichinohei

Sunrise and Sunrise Chronicles by Nicholas Leifker

Thy Inward Love, Magic, related stories, and Thy Outward Part by Richard
Lawson

A Lesson in Love by Marisa Price

Nekophobia by Dave Eddy

Sins of the Father by Lisa Prior

To the many authors whose works I have read since starting this (in particu-
lar Almost A Miracle and The Night After [sorry about not remembering your
names]).

To my friends:  Thad Landis, Todd Foldesi, and mark Carlen; as well as Ronald
Chan, Lisa Prior, Nicholas Leifker, and James Palmer who have read this story
and helped with some of the minor problems (spelling.)

(c) Bryan Neef.  The events in this part of the story were created by me.
This story may be freely distributed unaltered.  If you wish to expand, or
otherwise use this story, contact me at bneef@ice.net.

Critiques are welcomed.  I would like to know why you liked or disliked the
story.

Author's Notes-

This is only the first part of what is, essentially, a trilogy.  We have seen
the changes that Ranma and his/her friends went through.  I believe the hints
placed back in Part 1 have carried over rather well into this story.  The
hints should have become more apparent at the end (subtlety was never my
strong point.)

The next two stories will, of course, deal with the aftermath of this battle.
Yes, the divorce is final, Genma and Nodoka do not remarry.  No, Kunou does
not lose his mind again.  And no, Ukyou and Shampoo do not try to
re-establish their claims on Ranma/Ranko.

I will be bringing in more "worlds" for your pleasure (Nuku-Nuku, Maison
Ikkoku, and concepts from Futaba-san.)  The tone for the next two arcs will
be the same:  serious, with a touch of humor.  I don't think I can maintain a
comedic story for very long, though I am working on one or two.

Going over the fight again, I noticed similarities to Nekophobia's fight with
Cologne.  I first read that series about the time I wrote this.  It is an ex-
cellent series and should be considered a "must read," as are the other
stories I have sited.  But that is just my opinion (which never counted as
much anyway ;) )

Due to rapidly approaching deadlines, I will be delaying the release of
Ranma's Memories until after December.  This story is still alive, after six
months, so it will be released.

I hope you have enjoyed this story.