Nodoka's Daughter
Nodoka's Daughter
By: James Lee
Disclaimer: These characters are not mine. Suing me will be pretty useless.
Part 4 Makoto walked down the hall to the bathroom half asleep. Coming up to the living room, she could see Ranko in her practice gi drawing the Tendo pond. This struck Makoto as kind of odd. Ranko usually practiced with her mother in the morning.
"Morning Ranko."
"Oh morning Makoto."
"Hey Ranko don't you and your mom usually practice now?"
"Umm yeah, but we had to cut it short today." Said Ranko looking out at the pond and smiling. It didn't take long for Makoto to make the connection.
"You didn't!"
"Yes she did." Said a frowning Nodoka entering the room while drying her hair with a towel. Ranko snickered.
"Sorry Mom. (Snicker) That pond (snicker) had your name written all over it. (Snicker)"
"There'll be a reckoning for this young lady." Said Nodoka as she sat down at the table. Nabiki then walked into the living room. Watching Ranko, her curiosity got the better of her.
"What are you doing Ranko?"
"Oh just doodling."
"Doodling? Mind if I have a look?"
"Of course not." said Ranko handing her sketchbook to Nabiki. Nabiki looked at the drawing of the koi pond. She noted it was of excellent quality. She found it odd seeing something from this coming from Ranma. *No Ranko. * Nabiki thought to herself. Looking through the book she could see other drawings of friends and places, all were very good. It was yet another reminder of how different Ranko was from Ranma. Nabiki raised an eyebrow when she came upon a drawing of two cats, one black and the other white. She turned the book around and pointed out the drawing to Ranko.
"Oh that one. It's a picture of two of my friends' cats. They asked me to draw them." Said Ranko, slightly tense.
"Something wrong?"
"Sorry, it may sound silly, but I don't feel comfortable looking at cats. I sometime have this nightmare in which I'm attacked by house cats. I don't know why."
Nabiki just looked at Ranko for a moment then handed the book back to the girl. "Umm you're very good Ranko."
"Thank you, I hope someday to do this for a living. My teachers and friends certainly believe I'm up to it."
"Really?" *What did Ranma plan for his future? Did he even have any plans...Only the ones Genma made for him.* "Well Rank..."
"OHHHHHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!"
Nabiki froze at the insane laugh. Only one person in Nerima laugh like that. *Damn it not now! * Just as Nabiki thought that, a girl in a black leotard landed on the wall. Looking down at Ranko, she hissed.
"So pig-tailed girl, you've finally returned. Where's my Ranma-sama?"
"What, my bother? Who the hell are you!"
"You know who I am!"
Nodoka then stepped forward. "Excuse me young lady, but my daughter doesn't know were Ranma is. Now..."
"Silence peasant!" said the girl as she lashed out at Nodoka with her ribbon. "My business is with the pig-tailed girl!"
Nodoka jerked back as the ribbon drew blood. This caused Ranko to see red. Pulling out her sword, she yelled. "Hey, no one does that to my mother! You want a fight, you got one."
"Very well, face the wrath of the Black Rose!" Said the girl as she attacked with her ribbon. Ranko quickly cut the ribbon to pieces and jumped onto the wall. She then followed the girl onto the roof.
"Ranko!" yelled Makoto as she tried to follow them on the ground. She hoped that Ranko wouldn't do something she would regret. *Ranko's really pissed and that's a real sword she has on her! * Suddenly there was loud crash, from behind the house. It was followed by a cry of pain. Makoto and Nabiki rushed to the back of the house, but stopped when Ranko came around the corner with a very serious face.
"Call the paramedics."
"P-Paramedics" asked a slightly pale Nabiki.
"I think 'The Black Rose' has broken her leg," Ranko watched as both Makoto and Nabiki sighed in relief. "What? You didn't think I was going to kill her did you?"
"Normally no..." said Makoto. "But you were so angry when that girl attacked your mother."
Suddenly Ranko went into slight panic. "Mother!"
"She's all right Ranko, it was only a minor cut." said Nabiki.
Ranko relaxed a little. "So just who was that girl anyway?"
"Her name, is Kodachi Kuno. She's this psycho gymnast, who has a crush on your brother." said Nabiki, as Makoto ran off to call the hospital.
"So why did she attack me and Mom?"
"Well ah you see she's crazy. She thinks everyone is out to keep her and her Ranma-sama separated."
"I see." said Ranko as she thought. *Hmm Kuno, where have I heard that name before? *
*****
The family was now siting around the table having breakfast. An ambulance had arrived earlier to pick up Kodachi. With her screaming death threats to all involved, the ambulance crew talked about dropping her off at a 'special' hospital. Everybody was now eating and talking about what they were going to do today.
"So what do you girls plan to do today?" asked Soun.
"Well Makoto and I were planning to do a little shopping today." The Tendos all nodded it at this. "Then we plan to visited some of the restaurants we've been hearing about."
Nabiki stopped eating, she could almost see the disaster. "R-Restaurants?"
"Yeah we're planing on going to the Ucchan and this Chinese restaurant called Nekohanten."
The Tendos suddenly became very nervous.
"Oh you don't want to go there." said Kasumi.
"Ah yeah, those places are always crowded." added Akane.
"Well crowds shouldn't be a problem at the Ucchan. You see the owner happens to be Makoto's cousin."
"Oh ah really?" *Damn! * Thought Nabiki. "Well you don't mind if me and Akane join you then, do you?"
"W-Well ahh..."
"Of course! It's no problem at all!" interjected Makoto. Ranko glared at her for a moment then sighed. She wasn't sure she should be so close to Akane. She was afraid of giving the girl the wrong idea.
Akane noticed how nervous Ranko seemed now, and had a feeling it had something to do with her. Ever since dinner, last night, Ranko had avoided looking at Akane. Ranko also seemed to have been avoiding her all that morning. *Could Ranma be getting his memory back? If so, why is he avoiding me? *
*****
A couple of hours later found the girls at a nearby mall. As they shopped, Akane watched Ranko closely. She noticed that the red haired girl seemed rather nervous around her. In fact, there where times that it seemed that Ranko was deliberately avoiding her. Had Ranma remembered her? Maybe a little test was in order.
"Hey let's go into that store." said Akane as she headed to a lingerie store.
"Well I don't really need any new undies, but OK." said Ranko as she, Makoto and Nabiki followed Akane in. Looking around she noticed that this store sold some of the more racy types of underwear. This made Ranko nervous. Maybe Akane brought her in here to look at her body. Her thoughts seemed confirmed when Akane pick one of the smallest outfits she could find.
"Hey Ranko, why don't you try this one on?"
Ranko looked at the very skimpy teddy and blushed. "Ah no, that looks a little too small for me..."
"Oh come on Ranko, put it on." said a giggling Makoto.
Ranko glared at her friend, she was obviously getting her kicks out of this. "Ohh all right."
That said, Ranko went to the dressing room to put the garment on. After she was gone Nabiki turned to Akane.
"Akane what are you doing?"
"I just wanted to see her in it."
Makoto stared at Akane. *Maybe Ranko's right! *
"Excuse me can someone please show me the way out of here!" Akane turned to see Ryoga bumping around the racks, his eyes slammed shut. "Ryoga."
"Akane!" said Ryoga as he made his way over to Akane, guided by her voice.
"Ryoga what are you doing here?" asked Akane.
"Well I went out for a short walk this morning but then I got lost." Makoto rolled her eyes and looked at Nabiki, who just shrugged.
"I've been trying to find a way out of this shop for the past hour, but I can't find the exit with my eyes closed.(1)
"Well I don't see what the problem is. It's just us and we're not undressed or anything. Why don't you open them?
"Oh really? I just didn't want anyone thinking I was some kind of pervert." said Ryoga as he opened his eyes. Unfortunately this was just when Ranko popped out of the dressing room in the teddy.
"Ta Da! Well what do you...EEEKKKK! PERVERT!" (POW!) Makoto watched as Ranko bolted for the dressing room. She then looked down at the pulverized Ryoga who was being attended to by Akane. Nabiki stood next to her giggling. Although she was a little surprised at how easily Ranko knocked Ryoga out.
Akane glared up at her older sister. "It isn't funny Nabiki!"
"Umm listen Akane." started Makoto. "Why don't you take him outside. Nabiki and me will try to calm Ranko down. Then we can all go to the Ucchan for lunch."
Akane looked up nervously. "Umm are you sure you want to go now? It's usually very busy this time of day."
"Don't worry. Like I said, my cousin owns the place."
Akane then got an idea. "Well why don't I go on ahead and set us up a table?"
"Maybe I should go with you." said Makoto.
"NO!" yelped Akane as she started to drag Ryoga out of the shop. "No, I think you should stay and calm Ranko down. Yeah, just leave everything to me.
(1) Actually he had gone in and out of the store three times. However he was too afraid to open his eyes to find out were he was.
*****
Ukyo looked up as the door to her restaurant opened. "Akane?"
Akane took a moment to catch her breath then turned to the okoyomiyaki chef. "Ukyo, we need to talk."
"Oh? What do you need Akane? You look like you've run a marathon."
"Well I did run over here. That isn't really important."
"Ok, so what is important?" asked Ukyo. She noticed, as Akane became somewhat nervous.
"Ranma's back."
"RANCHAN'S BACK!" Almost immediately Ukyo began to circle around her counter. Akane however, stepped in of her.
"Wait there's something wrong with him!" Ukyo froze in her tracks. For a moment she just looked at Akane.
"W-What do you mean there's something wrong with him." Ukyo then narrowed her eyes. "Did you do something to him?"
"No!" Yelled Akane, she then took a deep breath. "The day that Ranma disappeared, he got into a serious auto accident. He was in a coma for several weeks and lost all his memory. He doesn't remember anything about us, Genma, or even the curse."
Ukyo brought her hand to her mouth and looked at Akane wide eyed as she continued. "Anyway, it was raining that day and the woman who took him in thought he was a girl. So when they where at the rehabilitation clinic, she..."
"Wait a minute. You're not saying that Ranma thinks he's a girl are you." Akane nodded and Ukyo collapsed into one of her chairs.
"There's more." Ukyo looked at Akane in surprise. "There's more?"
Akane nodded. "The woman that found Ranma turned out to be his real mother. It turns out that Genma signed a contact stating that if Ranma isn't man among men he'll have to commit seppuku."
Ukyo's temper flared. "Why that..."
"So we can't tell her that RANKO is really her son."
"I see. So why are you telling me this?"
"Because Ranko's on her way here."
A block away: Nabiki smirked, as Ryoga looked at Ranko nervously. The group was making their way to the Ucchan and Ranko was not too pleased to have Ryoga with them. Finally Nabiki decided to help the lost boy.
"Listen Ranko, it was an accident. I'm telling you, it happens all the time. Isn't that right Ryoga?"
"Umm Yeah I'm always ending up in strange places, I really don't know how I get there."
Ranko however was having none of it. "Oh, I sure you in up lot's of strange places. Like bathrooms, lingerie stores, girl's locker rooms..."
"Hey! It's not like that at all!"
"Guys!" Yelled Makoto, "Please, let's not fight while we're at my cousin's place."
Ranko slowly nodded as they approached the restaurant.
"I still don't like it." Said Ukyo; she didn't want to have to lie to her Ranchan.
"Well I'm afraid we have no choice, unless we can come up with a way for Ranma to remember things." Said Akane. Just then, the door opened.
"Ucchan!" Ukyo blinked. It wasn't her Ranchan's voice, and no one else ever called her that except...Suddenly Ukyo felt herself being grabbed from behind. Twisting around she was surprised to see her cousin.
"Makoto? What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I happened to be in town with a friend, and decided to stop by. This is a real nice restaurant." Said Makoto looking around. *There ain't that many people here? *
"Thanks." said Ukyo before the rest of the group came in. The chef's eyes widen as she caught sight of the redhead in the group. Before Ukyo could say anything, her cousin dragged her up to the girl.
"Ucchan, meet my friend Ranko Saotome. Ranko this my cousin, Ukyo Kuonji."
"Hi, nice to meet you." Ranko blinked as the girl just stared at her. "Umm is there something wrong?"
Ukyo tried to find some hint of recognition but sadly couldn't. "Oh no! You...you just remind me of someone I used to know."
"So Ucchan, did you ever find that guy you were looking for? Who was he anyway?"
Ukyo continued to look at Ranko as she guided the group to a booth. "Oh I found him. His name was Ranma Saotome."
"Ranma! My brother's a scumbag?"
Ucchan bit her lip at her mistake. She hadn't been in touch with Makoto some time and hadn't had a chance to fill her in. No doubt, Ranko had only heard the early version of her story from her cousin. "Oh no. It turned out not to be his fault. It was all his worthless father's fault."
Ranko looked at Ukyo for a moment. She wasn't sure about the way the chef was addressing her adopted father, but she was beginning to form some negative opinions of him. "Please tell me what happened."
"Well, as Makoto might have told you, I came here looking..." Ukyo told Ranko her entire story including her friendship with Ranma when they were children. She had hoped to jar the redhead's memory.
After the chef finished her tale, Ranko grabbed hold of Ukyo's hand. Akane glared at her, but she ignored her. "Miss Kuonji, I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do about the marriage situation; but I promise you, My mother will hear about this."
"T-Thank you?" That said, the girls started to eat their lunch. As they ate Ranko and Makoto talked to Ukyo about life in Juuban and cooking. The Okoyomiyaki chef was surprised at Ranko's knowledge of her profession. During the discussion, Ranko also learned of Ranma's engagement to the Dojokyu clan. Hearing that her brother had been sold for a fish, Ranko began to wonder what type of person her father was.
"So Ranko, what are you going to do now?" Asked Akane after finishing her meal.
"Oh a little walk in the park would be nice." Replied Ranko, finishing off her own plate.
"I think I'll join you guys." Said Ukyo.
Makoto cousin turned to her. "Are you sure Ucchan. I mean, what about your business?"
"Oh it'll be OK if I close for just one day."
Akane then decide now was a good a time as ever. "Hey, do you mind if we make a stop on the way there?"
"Umm no. Where are we stopping?" Said Ranko.
"There's a friend I'd like you to meet. His name is Dr. Tofu."
Ukyo smiled, liking Akane's idea. Maybe he would be able to get Ranma's memory back. "Yeah, I think you'll like him Ranko."
"Umm OK."
"Well let's get going." Said Nabiki as she got up from the table. "Where's Ryoga?"
Akane looked around the table to see that Ryoga was nowhere to be seen.
"He's probably lost again." Said Ukyo. "Let's go."
"Wait I need to make a phone call real quick." Said Nabiki, heading for the pay phone. "I'm going to call him and let him know we're coming."
*****
A short while later the girls entered Dr. Tofu's clinic, the doctor came out to greet them as they came through the doorway. He raise an eyebrow when he noticed Ranko. Noticing the attention, Ranko blushed. *He's kind of cute. * Makoto nudged her.
"Thinking about maybe an older man Ranko?"
"Makoto! It isn't like that!" whispered the Red head.
"Sure Ranko, sure. You have to agree though, he's a looker." Ranko blushed deeper. The young doctor stepped up to the group.
"Hello Akane, are these the friends that Nabiki told me about?"
"Yes Sensei, this is Ranko and Makoto."
"Hello. So Ranko, I understand you're Ranma's new sister?"
Ranko waved her hand slightly. "H-Hi. Umm yes I am. You know him?"
"Oh yes, he happens to be one of my most common regulars."
As the two talked Nabiki took a good looked at Ranko. The girl was blushing and acting unusually shy. Nabiki smirked, this story was just getting better and better. Akane also noticed the way Ranko was acting and blinked. *What the? No, she wouldn't actually...*
Ukyo walked up Akane and whispered into her ear. "We better find a way to cure her, or Kasumi's going to find herself with competition."
Akane glared at her then turned to Dr. Tofu. "Umm you know Ranko has a slight problem with her memory. Maybe you can give her examination."
"Is that so? Well if she'll just follow me." Dr. Tofu turned towards examination room, but Ranko just stood there.
Makoto shook her head. *She's got it bad. * "Ranko!"
"Wha?...Oh, examination! Yes." Ranko followed the good doctor into the room.
As soon as the two were gone Nabiki started giggling. Akane turned her glare to her sister. "Stop it Nabiki, it isn't funny!"
"What's wrong Akane?" asked Makoto.
"Ranko, what does she think she's doing?"
"Well, unless I'm mistaken, I'd say she's got the hots for the good doctor."
"She can't! She's..."
Makoto raised an eyebrow. "She's what?"
"She...She's..." Ukyo stepped in front of Akane.
"What I think she's trying to say is that Ranko is messing with Kasumi's love interest." *Though everybody knows that excepted Kasumi. *
Makoto looked thoughtful for a moment. "Is that so? Well I guess we'll have to wait and see."
"Don't you think we should do something about this?" said Akane.
"If so then you can count me out." Akane just looked at Makoto. "Don't get me wrong Akane. Your sister's nice, but Ranko is my best friend. If she really does have her sights set on Dr. Tofu then I will not get in her way."
Akane glared at the Makoto. A short while later, Ranko and Dr. Tofu returned.
"Akane, Ukyo, may I talk with you? Ranko, can you wait here with Nabiki and your friend?
"Umm sure Dr. Tofu." Said Ranko walking up to Makoto, who quickly grabbed her to the side.
"So what's he like?"
"Makoto please!" Said Ranko, red in the face. "Still he's so nice and he's a martial artist too."
"Really? Well I heard he might be taken already."
"Oh, I hope not." Ranko then noticed Akane glaring at her before following the doctor to the back. Ranko thought about that for a moment and gulped. *I hope her problem isn't what I think it is. *
"Dr. Tofu?" asked Ukyo hopefully.
"Girls, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do to return Ranma's memory. The damage caused by the accident was too extensive. I'm sorry."
Ukyo closed her eyes and started to cry. Akane took a deep breath, she thought she'd never suggest this. Now, However...
"I-I think we better follow through with their idea about going to the Nekohanten." Ukyo just looked at Akane, while Dr. Tofu nodded.
"I think you might be right Akane. Cologne's the only person I can think of that might have the knowledge to bring back Ranma's memory. However I think I should..." Dr. Tofu stopped as his phone started to ring.
"Doctor we have to get to the Nekohanten." Said Ukyo. "Do us a favor, call the them and let them know we're coming."
"Girls wait!" But they where already gone. Sighing, Dr. Tofu turned and picked up the phone. "Hello Dr. Tofu's clinic...K-K-Kas"
*****
"Hmmm that's odd. The line went dead," said Kasumi as she hung up the phone. "I guess I'll just return this book later."
She then turned to see Nodoka dusting off some of the shelves. "Oh Mrs. Saotome, you don't have to do that, you're our guest."
"But I insist, Kasumi. You shouldn't have to do all the work around here." Said Nodoka as she continued to work.
Kasumi thought for a moment. "Well if you could get the laundry from the bedrooms..."
"All right." said Nodoka as she headed up stairs. Going into Akane's room, she started picking up any dirty clothes she could find. Nodoka stopped however, when something caught her eye. On top of the dresser was a picture of Akane with a boy.
Nodoka gasped as she got a good look at the boy. The black hair done in a pigtail. The blue eyes. The boy looked just like Ranko's male form.
*But, why would Akane have a picture of her with Ranko...Oh God! No... * Suddenly all of her fears about Ranko's condition came back to haunt her. Nodoka started to look around the room. Hoping beyond hope that there was some mistake. That Ranma only looked like Ranko. But as she came upon more pictures, including ones of Ranko, it became painfully clear that her worse fears were true. Ranko really was a boy. Not just any boy, but her own son.
*H-How did this happen? * Nodoka asked herself. She had part of the answer. Part of it was her fault, but why did Ranma turn into a girl? Only Genma had the answer to that one. She was going to have to find him to find out the truth. She then looked back at the pictures.
Nodoka noticed that several of the pictures had Mr. Panda in them. Picking one up and looking at it, she narrowed her eyes. Placing the photo back down, Nodoka went back to her room. Picking up her bundle, she took out her sword.
"Reading, writing panda indeed!"
A short while later Nodoka walked up to Soun and Mr. Panda, who were playing shogi. Seeing that Kasumi was about to serve her father tea, she gestured for the younger girl to approach. Taking the teakettle from Kasumi's hands, Nodoka dumped the contents onto the panda.
"AAHHHHhhhh! That's hot! N-N-No-chan." Genma tried to run, but Nodoka's sword stopped him cold.
"Well husband, it's been some time. I say that you have some explaining to do. Like why my son is now my daughter?
"It was you that thought her to be a girl." Nodoka slapped Genma with the flat of her katana.
"I know that you fool! What I want to know is why does he turn into a girl in the first place. Just what happened on that training trip?"
Genma sweated, Nodoka had him cornered and there was nowhere to run. He realized that he was going to have to tell all. Taking a deep breath he began to speak. "Well there was this training ground in China that Ranma wanted to see..."
"I thought you where the one looking for Jusenkyo?" Genma looked at Kasumi, who just smiled back.
"As I was saying there's a training ground in China. I wanted to talk to the guide first, but Ranma couldn't wait..."
"But I thought you jumped onto the poles first."
Genma sighed. It was going to be a long night.
*****
A few hours later the group arrived at the Nekohanten. Akane was almost ready to pull her hair out. It had been too early for dinner when they left Dr. Tofu's; so they decided to walk through the park for a few hours. During that time, Akane had been trying to convince Ranko to give up on the idea of having anything to do with the young doctor they had just visited.
"I'm telling you Ranko, he's totally in love with Kasumi." Said Akane while glaring at her sister and Makoto. They were really getting their kicks out of this.
"Well maybe I can ask her for some pointers." Said Ranko as she opened the door. As Ranko entered the building she suddenly found herself being glomped.
"Aya, Airen finally come home. Where Airen been? You finally come to ask Shampoo on date yes?"
Ranko nervously looked at the Purple haired Chinese girl and gulped. "Umm um sorry, I don't think I'm this Airen you're talking about. Ah if it's a date you want maybe...maybe you should ask Akane..."
"What's that supposed to mean!" asked an angry Akane.
"Well it's just that..."
"How dare you return to take my wife Saotome!"
"Huh?" Ranko turned to see a boy in long white robes and glasses coming down on her with two large blades! Before she could react however, Shampoo turned and knocked said boy into la-la land.
"Silly Mousse, Shampoo no marry you!"
As this was going on, Ukyo realized that Dr. Tofu hadn't called. Grabbing the Amazon by the arm, Ukyo started to drag her to the kitchen. "Me, you, and your grandmother have to talk Shampoo."
After Ukyo and the Chinese Amazon left Akane turned on Ranko. "Alright, what's big idea saying that I might want to date Shampoo?"
"Well I...I...Ineedtogotothebathroom!Berightback!" Ranko made a run for the ladies room. Akane was about to follow, but was stopped by Makoto. It was time she put an end to this.
"Hey what's the big idea?"
"Please let me explain."
"Please do." Said Akane
"First, there's something I need to know."
"Oh what?" asked Nabiki.
Makoto sighed and turned to Akane. "Akane, are you into girls?"
"What?"
"Do you umm...You know. Like girls? Like in a sexual sort of way."
"NO! What the hell gave you that idea?"
"It's just that Ranko has noticed you acting really strange around her. You keep staring at her, asking her to try on sexy underwear, and then there's the way you went berserk when she said she had dated a few guys. Well...well it's beginning to creep her out."
"Stop laughing Nabiki!" Said Akane to her sister, who was now rolling on the floor. She then turned to Makoto, "Let's get this straight. I am not into girls!"
"That's hard to tell with the way you act around boys." Makoto turned to the new voice. What she saw was probably the oldest women she had ever seen. The woman hopped towards the trio on her cane. Makoto became a little nervous when the women stopped and stared at her. She couldn't help but feel she was under some sort of microscope. The women then bowed to Makoto. "Welcome to the Nekohanten. Where is the girl known as Ranko?"
"Well umm she went to the bathroom. She should be out in..." Makoto stopped as she and the others heard a loud crash coming from the restroom. This was quickly followed by Ryoga running from said restroom, Ranko right behind him.
"Pervert! No place is safe from you is it?" Yelled Ranko.
"No! I told you, I got lost again!" said the lost boy as he dodged a chair thrown by the angry girl.
Akane quickly jumped in front of Ryoga. "Stop it Ranko. Leave him alone."
Ranko glared at her. "Why are protecting him? Can't you see he's some type pervert? I bet he even sneaks into girls' bedrooms at night."
Ryoga winced as Akane glared at the red head. "Ryoga would never do anything like that. Honestly Ranko, he just walked in on you in the bathroom. You're blowing it way out of proportions!"
"Gee Akane, I can't imagine any girl doing something like that." Said Ukyo sarcastically. "Can you Shampoo?"
Akane glared at the two as Shampoo shook her head.
Cologne then hopped in front of Ranko. "I take it you are Ranko?"
"Umm yes. Who are you?"
"I am Cologne, chef elder of the Chinese Amazons. I understand you have a problem with your memory?" Makoto narrowed her eyes at the elder's last question.
"Ah yes ma'am. I lost my all my memory when I was in a car accident. Why do you want to know?"
"We Amazons know many techniques involving a person's memories. I may be able to help you. Now if you will sit down and let me examine you..." Ranko sat down and Cologne began her examination. As the old women worked, Shampoo brought out some bowls of ramen. Grabbing her bowl, Makoto turned and gestured for Nabiki to follow her outside.
"So what you want Makoto?" Asked Nabiki as she walked up to the girl from behind. Makoto just silently ate her ramen. Nabiki was just about to turn to go back into the Nekohanten when the girl place her bowl down and spoke.
"Ranko's Ranma isn't she." It was more a statement than a question.
Nabiki just looked at her a moment. "So you know. When did you figure it out?"
"Oh it was just a guess. I asked you to confirm it. The clues are there. The way everyone here is acting around her. The fact that Ranma is connected to everyone. And the fact that everyone wants Ranko to get her memory back."
"And you don't want her to get her memory back?"
"Oh no, I do, but you also have to consider what may happen when Ranko or Ranma does get his or her memory back. My cousin and those other girls in there seem pretty set on marrying Ranma. How will they react if Ranma decides to remain being Ranko?"
"Interesting..." said Nabiki. She hadn't thought about that much. She doubted anyone had. "So what do you hope will happen?"
Makoto took a deep breath. "Boy or girl, Ranko is my friend. I will support any decision she makes."
Cologne had just finished her examination when Nabiki and Makoto returned. As Cologne worked, Ranko learned of the Ranma's engagement to Shampoo. She wasn't too sure about the Amazons' thinking, but promised to talk to her mother about this engagement too. Something about Shampoo's engagement to her brother bothered Ranko very much. Taking her hands off Ranko's head, Cologne hopped around to stand in front of the girl.
"I have good news. I can return you're memory."
Ranko looked at the small old woman. "Y-You can?"
"Yes, I can. Now shall I proceed?" Ranko's mouth opened, but no words came out. Taking this as a yes, Cologne started to hop back around. Before she could get there however, Ranko suddenly stood up. "What is the matter child? Don't you want your memory back?"
Ranko looked at Cologne with an uncertain, almost fearful, look on her face. "I-I...I'd like to think about it."
Cologne lowered her eyes. "I see."
Akane, Shampoo, and Ukyo's jaws dropped. They couldn't believe their ears, Ranko didn't want her memory back? Ukyo and Shampoo just stood there stunned. Akane on the other hand was a little more vocal. She remembered what she had told Kasumi last night, but wasn't about to accept it.
"Think about it! What's there to think about!"
"I-I just don't know. I-I want to think about it!" That said, Ranko rushed out of the restaurant.
"Ranko!" Makoto quickly turned and followed her friend out. Akane and Ukyo were about join her, but Nabiki suddenly stepped in front them. Holding her hand up, she shook her head.
"Hey Ranko, Wait up!" Ranko slowed down as Makoto rushed up to her. "Hey Ranko, what's wrong?"
"I-I couldn't do it Makoto, I just couldn't. I-I was about to say yes, but I couldn't. I'm not sure if I want my memory back."
"Oh, why not?"
"Like I said, I was about to say yes when I suddenly started thinking. What if all my memories are bad? What if I'm really some evil person?"
"Well I doubt that Ranko. I mean, you risked your life to save your mother. Speaking of which, what about your real family? Don't you think they'll miss you?"
Ranko looked at Makoto then sighed. "I not sure if I even have a family. If I did why didn't they come looking for me? Heck I may not even have a home. I've read the police file on my accident. They found no money or ID on me. What if I'm actually some homeless ronin or worse?"
"Ranko I don't..."
"What if I'm really a boy? What if I'm really supposed to some man among men or something?" Makoto winced at that, but then raised her eyes as something occurred to her. Not noticing, Ranko continued. "It would mean my whole life since I woke up is a lie. And what types of problems did I really have? I could have loads of enemies. I could be like my bother, engaged to multiple girls as some sort of living meal ticket."
Makoto just looked at her friend. Ranko looked down and shook her head. "I-I just don't think I'm ready to deal with that yet, Makoto."
The tall girl placed a hand on Ranko's shoulder. "It's alright Ranko. At least now you know you have an option. You may not want to now, but if you change your mind at least you know where to go."
Ranko nodded as the others started to come up. "Let's head home."
*****
Genma looked out to the dojo. He had told Nodoka everything about the curse. Thanks to Kasumi it had even been the truth. After his tale, Nodoka retreated to the training hall, saying that she had to think. That had been over two hours ago, and he had yet to see a sign of her since.
Genma was just about to make a run for it when there was a sound from the dojo. Nodoka then entered the house. Genma shivered as her ice-cold gaze fell on him. Every inch of him felt ready to run. Finally his wife took a deep breath and spoke.
"Genma I have thought long and hard on what has happened. I feel that R-Ranma was very manly when he threw himself in front of a car to save my life. Because of this I-I will not require you to commit seppuku." Both Genma and Soun let out the large breaths of air they had been holding and Kasumi smiled.
"T-Thank you." Said Genma glad that this was over. Now they just had to tell Ranma the truth and marry him to Akane. "Now how do we tell Ranma?"
"We don't."
Genma was shocked at the firmness of Nodoka's answer. "W-What?"
"We not going to tell her. Further more you are not to show Ranko your curse."
"B-But No-chan! W-We must!"
"No."
"But why not Auntie?" asked Kasumi.
"It was a very hard decision. I am seeing my nightmares coming true. However, the chances of Ranko getting her memory back are almost nothing. As of now she is Ranko, my daughter. I will not destroy Ranko's mind by telling her that her whole life is a lie. That is why we will not tell her of the truth of her 'condition'. In fact husband, you are not to see her until you have found a cure for yourself."
"But what about Akane?" wailed Soun.
Nodoka closed her eyes. "I'm sorry Soun, Akane will have to find another."
"The joining of the schools? The Tendo-Saotome alliance!"
"Is no more." Said Nodoka as she returned to the dojo.
*****
"We're home." Said Nabiki as she and the others entered the house.
"I hope you had good time." Said Kasumi. Looking at her sister, Nabiki could tell something was up. *Something's happened. * Kasumi continued, "Ranko, y-your mother needs to see you. S-She is waiting in the dojo."
Ranko nodded and headed for the dojo. Kasumi then noticed Akane and Ukyo. "Is something wrong?"
Seeing that Ranko was gone, Nabiki answered, "Cologne could have returned Ranma's memory, but she refused."
"Nabiki!" hissed Akane looking at Makoto.
"She already knows, Akane."
"You knew!" Makoto nodded. "Why didn't say something!"
"It wasn't my place." Said Makoto. "Besides, it wouldn't do any good."
"What do mean it wouldn't do any good?" asked Ukyo.
"She already knows?" Nabiki raised an eyebrow and the other girls looked at Makoto in surprise.
Makoto took a deep breath. "When I asked her about why she didn't want her memory back, she keep comparing herself to her brother. I think today, deep down, she realized that she really was Ranma. She may not remember her life, but I think she does know who she's supposed to be. However I don't think she's ready to accept it. Maybe she'll never be ready. Maybe some day she will. But until that day comes, if it comes, she will remain being Ranko Saotome."
"A-And you're just going to leave it at that!" said Akane.
"I told your sister back at the Nekohanten; boy or girl, Ranko is my friend and I will accept any decision she makes. Maybe you should too." Said Makoto as she walked away.
"Mom?" asked Ranko as she entered the dojo. Her mother was sitting in the center facing away from her. Ranko blinked when her mother cringed at the word "Mom".
"Come forward Ranko."
Ranko stepped up to her mother. As she approached, Ranko could see tears running down her mother's face. "Mom! What's wrong? What's happened?"
"Sit down dear." Ranko did as she was told. "I-I received word from your father today. Y-Your brother, Ranma, was killed in a training accident."
Ranko just looked at her mother. Part of her was relieved, another part was saddened and confused. Remembering her visit to the Nekohanten, Ranko thought about Cologne's offer. If what she suspected was true? Then Nodoka would have her son back. But what if it wasn't? Then her mother might have to live with her loss too. Seeing her mother crying, Ranko made a decision not to get her memory back.
"Oh mother, I'm so sorry." She said as she grabbed her mother in a hug. "H-He meant so much to you."
"I-I know dear. At...At least I still have you."
"Don't worry Mom. I-I'll always be here for you, I'll always be your daughter. I love you."
Nodoka hugged her daughter even more. "I-I know dear. I love you too. I'm afraid we won't be seeing father anytime soon."
"That's ok, I don't think I want to meet him."
Nodoka looked at her daughter. "Why would you say something like that?"
"Well there's this girl here by the name of Ukyo Kuonji..."
The End
Notes: Well it's been four years (Has it really been that long?) and at last it is done. Well done as far as I want to go with it. I guess I should apologize for the lateness of this ending. For those of you who were expecting a huge epic, I'm sorry. After I finished part three, I started working on part four. However, other projects started taking up my time (Namely Alternate Future and Neko Can't) and for weeks and even months this story would sit with me doing little or no work on it. Finally after much prodding from my readers, I opened up the file and blew off the dust.
This story began in my head after I read a fanfic. I don't remember who the author was, but the fanfic was "Regarding Ranma". It's a great fic, even if it's pro-Akane. After reading this fic, I thought what if Ranma was lost his memory and was adopted by someone else. Among my candidates, was the Teksuo's and Aikyo Mishema. Her injuries would vary from bad to crippling. There was also another Aiyko version in my head where Ranko would be a Nuku Nuku type android. At the time however, I had a real thing for Nodoka stories.(and I still do.) So I then thought, what if Ranma had lost her memory when she met her mother. Thus "Nodoka's Daughter" came about and now, after four years, it's done.
Is it truly finished, probably not. There are plenty of unresolved issues. But, as I said above, it's done as far as I want to go with it. Anyway I'd like to give special thanks to the following people:
* The author of Regarding Ranma, whoever you are. (Sorry, I'm not good with names)
* The authors of all the Nodoka stories I was reading at the time. (As I said above, I'm not good with names)
* Zen for the incredible C&C that really made a difference in part two.
* Too all the prereaders and other people who sent me C&C on this story over the years.
* And finally to all the fanfic readers who encouraged me to continue working on this. I thank you.
James Lee