WARNING!: In order to understand and enjoy the story more fully, read Ranma's Curse Part 4 (Parts 1-3 build up to the climax and explain referen- ces in the rest of the stories.) Ranma's Memories Part 1 Ghost's of the Past (version 1.2) by Bryan Neef Ranma 1/2 created by Rumiko Takahashi Nuku-Nuku created by Yuzo Takada Saotome Ranma had been raised by his father, Genma, to be a "Man among men," and an heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes School of Martial Arts. To ensure the survival of the School, Genma engaged Ranma to his best friend's daughter, Tendou Akane. The training went well, until they went to China. In China, Ranma became cursed. When he became wet with cold water, he became a she. He also became "cursed" by defeating an Amazon, Shampoo, in a chal- lenge. In time, Shampoo discovered the female and male Ranmas were the same. With the help of her great-grandmother, Cologne, Shampoo tried to force Ranma into marriage. One attempt locked Ranma in his cursed form. Ranma destroyed his cure, the Phoenix Pill, by invoking the Cat-Fu technique. When Ranma confronted Cologne for the final time, he lost his newest cure and his life... ============================================================================= Chapter 1 A New Challenge The first day of classes at a new school was always the hardest for any student. For Saotome Ranko, it was especially hard. She had just recently moved in with the mother she had completely forgotten. That meant leaving the only home she had known, along with the three people who had accepted her into their family. She also had to deal with a new sister, Xian Pu, and the death of her twin brother, Ranma. As difficult as this was, it was not as difficult as dealing with her frag- mented memories. Nor was it as difficult as being deathly afraid of cats. The difficulty arose from her new sister being cursed with the body of a cat when doused with cold water. The memories were easy to deal with. Ranko could always make new ones. But she still wasn't sure she could deal with a sister who could become a cat at the most inconvenient times. Xian Pu had promised to be careful, and the two truly enjoyed being together. "Saotome Ranko," Ranko's thoughts were interrupted by the teacher, "Please tell us a little about yourself." "Hai!" she answered, standing. "I just moved in with my mother. I hadn't seen her in ten years. Before I came here, I went to Furinkan High School. I work at the Tendou Family Center and Dojo, near Furinkan, on weekends. I help with the daycare, the home care, and teach martial arts, when my father and uncle let me. "I've been to China a couple of times, as well as all over Japan. I've been active in Furinkan sports during the spring term, mostly because my friends begged me to be. Other than that, there's not much I'm willing to talk about." "What style of martial arts?" asked a student. "My preference is kempo, but the overall 'style' is called Anything Goes or Indiscriminate Grappling. It combines the moves of several individual styles, as well as those created specifically by my father, uncle, and their master. It's...um...very deadly, if not used properly." "Why do you say that?" asked a student. "Well, um, I've seen some really nasty fights involving my family style. It took the fighters a really long time to recover. I'm told that, should a fight ever be a life and death struggle, then Anything Goes is one of the deadliest of the Arts." The class began to shift uncomfortably. Xian Pu watched as Ranko began to shrink at the sounds. Xian Pu stood, putting her hands on her sister's shoulders. "Silly Ranko, always talk before thinking. Hard fights Ranko see very rare. Only greatest of masters do. Fights to death not happen in Japan. Only in wars. No one at war here." "I see. Do you, um, think the two of you will use this style? At school, anyway?" asked the teacher. "No," replied Ranko. "No. School for learning, not fighting. Xian Pu know that lesson well," replied Xian Pu emphatically. The class began murmuring at the comments from the two students. One girl with long, scarlet hair, stood up. "What do you mean?" "What Xian Pu means, is that we've been treated badly by other students. We reacted the only way we knew how, fight. It took some very special friends to help us adjust." "Do you think fighting will be a problem?" asked the teacher. "The school frowns on that kind of behavior." "We no want fight. We come to learn. Fight if must, but want to learn. Xian Pu need learn much." "No problem! I'm sure we'll all be good friends" beamed the scarlet haired girl. The teacher shook his head. "Thank you, Atsuko. Xian Pu, would you like to tell us a little more about yourself?" Ranko sat down, letting her sister take over. "I from China. Have been adopted by Ranko's mother. I also work for Tendou Family Center and Dojo. Have one friend, Ranko, but maybe make more with family." "Do you know martial arts?" asked another student. "Best of village. Ranko much better, though." "What style?" asked the student. "Like kung-fu. Is China version of Anything Goes," beamed Xian Pu. "Thank you, Xian Pu. If you or Ranko are interested, the school has a number of martial arts programs, as well as regular sports," commented the teacher. "Thank you," replied the sisters. *** Lunch came quickly for everyone. Ranko and Xian Pu entered the cafeteria. They had begun feeling comfortable with the other students. Between clas- ses, several of the students had asked them questions. The girls asked about their time at Furinkan and if they had boyfriends. The boys asked for their phone numbers, measurements, and what sort of things they did to relax. Xian Pu's reaction to the questions had forced them to stop. Only Ranko's explanation eased the tension. Most of the students had accepted them easily, even after Xian Pu's outburst. They figured that, since she was new to Japan, she still needed to adjust. The sisters were caught up in their conversation, they failed to notice the scarlet haired girl come up to them. "Excuse me, would you like to join me for lunch?" "Sure. You're Atsuko, right?" replied Ranko. "Hai. I thought you two might want some company." "Thanks," offered Ranko. "Do you really hate boys?" asked Atsuko. "No. Was raised to think all men weak. Not good way to live. Only now learning that way wrong. Met strong men before adopted. Ranma, Ryoga, Tofu, and Tatewaki. All strong and kind. Ranma no longer here, but Xian Pu man- age." "Did you like him?" A sad amile crossed Xian Pu's lips. "Very much. At first, was because of village law. After long, terrible time, Xian Pu learn Ranma no like Xian Pu way law say he should. Xian Pu do many things to hurt Ranma to prove love for him. In end, Xian Pu drive Ranma away." "I'm sorry. I didn't know. Does he have any family?" "He was my twin brother. I-I just met him for the first time in years when he left," replied Ranko, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Oh. I'm sorry. I still have a lot to learn about conversations. I can show you around school later. Maybe you can find a club that you like." "We'd appreciate that, Atsuko. What kind of clubs are you in?" replied Ranko. "I'm not in any." "Why not?" asked Xian Pu. "Well...I'm too good at sports, but terrible at everything else. No one wants me to try out for sports, even though I would help them win. And the other clubs tell me I'm not good enough to a part of them. For a while, no one would talk to me. Every boy in school wanted to date me. It was just too new for me. "Anyway, now I have lots of good friends. They've helped me adjust and get along with everyone." A tall woman stood next Atsuko. "Everyone? I doubt that. If you two new- comers were smart, you'd dump this loser and meet some real people." She glared at Ranko. "Then again, since you're a red head, you're prob- ably just as much a loser as the Cat-girl here. Ta ta!" Ranko and Xian Pu watched as the woman strode off. Ranko clenched her fists. Noticing Atsuko had lost her smile, Ranko spoke quietly, "Who was that?" "One of the few people who hate me. The other girls were jealous because the boys noticed me. But after a while, they got to know me. Ryoko never tried. She hates me, and anyone with red hair. Ryoko hates a friend of mine from Juuban. And I don't know why. I do everything a human does." Xian Pu looked carefully at Atsuko. She narrowed her eyes slightly. Ranko shot her an angry look, but ignored it. Xian Pu smiled to herself. "No need worry. Xian Pu and Ranko be friends. No worry about being human. Only be good person matters." "Thank you," beamed Atsuko. *** Ranko and Xian Pu enjoyed the day. What started as a depressing after- noon ended with the depression lifting. Both girls agreed it was their new friend, Atsuko, who had helped relax things. Atsuko led them on a tour of the school, pointing out the different clubs and activities available. "This is where the Kempo Club meets. They've won two district championships in the last three years. We also have a Kendo Club, a Martial Arts Gymnastics team, and a Combat Ice Skating Club." Ranko snickered as Atsuko named the clubs. Xian Pu had an easier time sup- pressing her laughter. Atsuko looked at them. "What's so funny?" Ranko stiffened, laughter still in her voice, "I think Kasumi has a better chance at winning against those clubs." "Not funny. Kasumi pregnant, she in no condition to fight." "Am I missing something?" Ranko burst out laughing. Xian Pu shook her head. "Ranko have fun fighting these clubs. She consistently beat Furinkan Kendo champion. She also win easy fights against ice skaters." "I just remember fighting Kunou. Did I fight the other groups?" Ranko asked seriously. "I think so. Maybe it Ranma or Akane. You strong like them. You win every fight," answered Xian Pu, realizing her slip. She was thankful when Ranko only shrugged. Atsuko smiled, obviously confu- sed. Ranko looked at her new friend. "Are you a member of any of these clubs?" "No. I hate to fight. I know how to do it, but I'd rather make people hap- py," beamed Atsuko. "Why do you fight?" "That's how I was raised. Until my father abandoned me, I trained with him and my brother. After that, I had to protect myself. I've been fighting and training since I was five. I...I have only recently been reunited with my mother and father," replied Ranko, shuddering. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize that. Um, what about your brother?" Ranko remained silent. Xian Pu answered for her sister, "Father Saotome crazy. Hurt Ranko, her brother, Ranma, and all of family and friends. Ranma die trying keep family together. We teach peoples to defend selves, as well as honor Ranma's memories." "I thought you helped your father teach?" "I do. Since Mother found us, things have been better. Our extended family and friends have proved to him that we can take care of ourselves. Before I met Mother, Father disowned my brother. I think that was shortly before I found them. Anyway, he's a little less crazy now." "Oh. I still have so much to learn. Mama-san and Papa-san have stopped fighting recently. I think they still love each other. Do your parents still love each other?" "I don't know. Mother's still angry at him for the way he treated my brother and me. She blames him for Ranma's death. She's a little more protective of me, even though she knows I've lived on my own for years. She's often told me she doesn't want anything to happen to me like what happened to my brother." "I'm sorry. Since you're interested in martial arts, would you like to watch the kempo club practice?" Both Ranko and Xian Pu nodded. They followed Atsuko into the room. The sisters quietly evaluated the students. The tall woman from lunch approached the trio. "What are you doing here, Cat Girl?" the woman asked, contempt dripping from her words. "I thought you hated fighting." Ranko cringed at the term "Cat Girl." Atsuko seemed to lose some of her smile. Xian Pu stiffened, ready to pounce. "I do, but my friends are interested in this sort of thing. I thought I'd show them around. They're new here." The woman looked Ranko and Xian Pu over carefully. It was obvious they were in excellent shape. She noted the odd scar on Ranko's forehead. She also noted how they eyed her. "How'd you get the scar?" taunted the woman. Ranko absently touched it, "I don't remember. I think I've had it for a long time; two or three years." "And it makes you popular?" Ranko thought back to her time at Furinkan. She remembered how all of the girls treated it as a metal of honor, often helping her accentuate it. They often chastised her for dying her hair to cover the white patch immediately above it. Even the boys found it attractive. "I don't think so." "You mean to tell me you don't use it to pick up the boys that are rightfully mine. Look, lowerclassman, there is one rule at school, it's I'm in charge. Even the Cat Girl, here, knows that rule." "I see. Well, I don't use it to pick up boys. I'm not interested in dating anyone at the moment. I'm too busy getting to know my mother and adopted sister. No boy is rightfully yours, just as no woman belongs to a man. My brother's fiancee was the object of someone else's attention. Because of that, they had a miserable junior year. "He also had more women chasing after him than he knew what to do. No matter what he did, he couldn't stop their unwanted attention. As for rules, heh, Furinkan had two rules: one, never anger a Tendou if you want to sleep, and two, never anger a Saotome if you want to be spared the Wrath of Heaven. "I'm Saotome Ranko, Senior Class, Group D." The woman looked on, her air of superiority infuriating Xian Pu. "So you claim. Why are you here?" "I go to school here. What other reason is there?" replied Ranko evenly. "This room, baka. Why are you in this room?" "We here to see kem-po team practice. Maybe we join," explained Xian Pu, her patience gone. "You think you can fight? I bet you're just beginners. I'm the school's un- defeated champion, Shiro Ryoko. I am a first degree black belt," bragged the woman, assuming her stance. All of the students moved to watch the fight. Atsuko looked at her friends, worried they'd hurt Ryoko. Ranko and Xian Pu just grunted their disapproval. Ryoko waited for the two to attack, confident she could take them both. Ranko looked at Xian Pu, "Who should do this? I can think of three green belts who can take her." "Not care. Only care that Not Nice Girl taught lesson Shampoo learn." "Green belts? You insult me by saying green belts can take me. That alone dictates I show no mercy upon you. And you're as bad as that Cat Girl, thinking shampoo can learn a lesson." "Um, I don't think this is a good idea," interjected Atsuko. The combatants ignored her. Xian Pu lost all expression in her face, start- ling Ryoko. "I Shampoo, of Saotome clan. I take challenge." She stepped forward, extremely relaxed. She curled one leg under her, taking a modified crane stance. Her arms snaked forward, poised to strike. She al- lowed an unnerving half smile to appear. Ryoko attacked, not seeing any apparent defenses. Before she knew what hap- pened, she was on the floor, breathing hard from pain. Xian Pu had Ryoko's arm twisted almost to the breaking point. Her full smile terrifying Ryoko. Her halted speech burning her opponent's ears, "Not Nice Girl apologize to Atsuko. No need call her Cat Girl. Apologize to Ranko for insults. Beg for me not hurt you for insults." "I...I'm sorry...Atsuko...Ranko," Ryoko gasped in pain. "I'm...sorry Sham... Shampoo. Please...please don't...hurt me any...more." "Okay, Xian Pu. You proved your point. She's beat," Ranko stated evenly. "When I was on my own, I used to eat people like you for lunch. The green belts I'm thinking of are my students at the Tendou Family Center and Dojo, where I teach kempo and about a dozen other disciplines. "You really ought to be nicer to people. You don't need to worry about me stealing anybody from you, I'm not interested. I've found people like nice people. Atsuko's popular because she's friendly. I was popular at Furinkan because I stopped my father's deranged Master from terrorizing the school. The parents liked me because I was good with their children." Ryoko attempted to slap Ranko, her anger at being defeated and treated like a child getting the better of her. Ranko easily evaded the slap. She pro- ceeded to poke Ryoko in a large number of vital areas in less than a second. "This is not a good way to make friends. As a fighter, you should choose your fights more carefully. You left yourself too open." Ryoko stood there, staring at Atsuko. Atsuko just watched Ranko, amazed at how fast she moved. Even with her high speed, high definition eyes, Ranko's hands were a blur. The other students shrank back as Ranko walked around Ryoko. "We've had enough people trying to hurt us, we don't need anymore. I've been training since I was five, so I'm not a beginner. What I just used on you was a variation of the kachuu tenshin amaguriken. With it, I have cratered a meter thick concrete wall with about 500 hundred punches in less than a minute. "I learned that technique in a Chinese restaurant. They had daily demon- strations. I had to learn it in order to stay employed there. It comes in handy when cooking, cleaning, or construction. If you have any ideas about revenge, forget them. I know several other exotic techniques, some of which are outright lethal. I don't like to use them, but they come in handy. "I doubt we'll be joining your club. It's too...restricting. Thank you for your demonstration," Ranko concluded, smiling. "Was good to work out. Thank you," added Xian Pu as she left with Ranko. Atsuko walked over to Ryoko. "Are you all right?" "GET OUT! You're lucky I went easy on them, and you. Next time, Cat Girl, you won't be so lucky." Atsuko left the room quickly and quietly. She didn't need her enhanced ears to know Ryoko was taking her frustrations out on her teammates. She sighed. Ryoko was the only one in school who hated her for no reason. She moved over to Ranko and Xian Pu, smiling. At least she had two new friends to lessen the pain of Ryoko's rejection. The trio continued the tour. *** "We're home!" announced the girls as they entered the yard. Nodoka emerged from the small dojo. "Over here, Daughters. How was your first day of school?" Xian Pu and Ranko looked at each other, giggling. Nodoka raised her eyebrows at this. Ranko spoke first, "It was...interesting, Mother. We looked over the school's martial arts programs. We won't be joining the Kempo Club." "Oh? That's your preferred style. I thought you'd be sticking with it." "It is, but..." "Current champion insult us and friend. Shampoo and Ranko put Not Nice Girl in her place." "Xian Pu! Ranko!" "She had it coming! She said I used my scar to pick up the boys 'that were rightfully hers.' The nerve of her, thinking I liked boys. She also called me a lowerclassman, and a beginner," growled Ranko. "That and Not Nice Girl call new friend Cat Girl. Also say she's number one. When she challenge us, Xian Pu take fight. Thought of using bakusai tenke- tsu, but only twisted arm. Almost break arm, too." "I see Genma as been a terrible influence on you two, even for the short time you've known him." "Akane's anger bad influence," retorted Xian Pu. Ranko bonked her on the head, "Don't you dare say that about Akane. She's a very kind person. I don't think she's been angry at anyone in a long time." Nodoka smiled to herself. she thought. It was that interest that gave her, and the others, the hope that Ranma was not truly dead, but sleeping. Sleeping in the mind of a high- spirited, seventeen year old girl with fractured memories. "Xian Pu, I realize the insult to your friend was personal to you, but how did she react?" "She stop smiling. Almost afraid of Not Nice Girl. Maybe teach Art to." "If she wishes. I think you two were a little too eager to fight. Now, be- fore we argue anymore about this 'Not Nice Girl,' I'd like to know if you've signed up for anything." "Yes, Mother. Xian Pu sign up for Martial Arts Gymnastics. Remind me of home and training with She Who Is Gone," a stray tear rolled down her cheek. "I see. I wish you luck in it, Dear. What about you, Ranko?" "I signed up for the same thing. The way I see it, why break up the team? I mean, I fight best with Akane, but I work well with everyone else." "But you'll go up against Furinkan, and possibly Akane. What will you two do then?" Ranko and Xian Pu looked at each other, broad smiles covering their faces. "Training!" Nodoka rolled her eyes as the girls laughed. "Genma has definitely been a poor influence on you. Now wash up for dinner. We'll have to prepare a leotard for each of you." "I can always borrow Akane's," replied Ranko, smiling. "No, Dear. I think it's time you had more clothes of your own. Maybe she'll borrow them from you, sometime. It's also not fair to Xian Pu, since she's too tall and thin for either of you. It's better this way." "You're right," Ranko answered with a sigh. Xian Pu narrowed her eyes a bit. "You just want to see Pervert Girl again," she teased. Ranko's smile grew even more, despite looking at her sister coldly, "Well she's MY Pervert Girl!" Xian Pu giggled with Ranko. Nodoka smiled as she prepared dinner. *** Ranko and Xian Pu sat in the middle of about ten other girls. The sisters felt all of these students knew the Art. More so than Ryoko. They watched and listened to the coach go over the rules. "...That about covers the rules. Now come the tryouts. Each of you pair off, preferably with someone you don't know. The first test is to see how good you are at martial arts. So pair up!" Ranko went to a woman about her size. Xian Pu paired up with someone slight- ly taller. Both sisters sighed, neither wanting to hurt her opponent. This irritated the girls before them. "Don't bother with formalities. Begin!" barked the coach. Ranko's opponent lunged at her. An easy dodge. The girl made another attack with her leg moving into a high kick. Ranko ducked under the kick easily. She softly hit the girl in her exposed side. The girl faltered. Losing her balance, she took two steps to the side. She threw a left-right combo punch into clear air. It was over. Ranko pulled the girl's legs from under her, causing her to fall, face first, on the mat. Ranko rushed to the girl's torso, offering to help her up. Xian Pu's opponent forced her to do a couple of back flips early. This en- couraged her to fight herder than she first thought. She attacked her oppo- nent quickly, ducking under and around the defensive attacks. She was inside the girl's optimum attack zone, leaving her particularly vul- nerable. Xian Pu threw a couple of moderate punches into her target's abdo- men. She finished with a soft, open-palmed uppercut to the jaw. Xian Pu's opponent staggered back before landing squarely on her seat. She recovered from her daze to Xian Pu's offered hand and smile. She took them, returning the smile with her own. The coach had watched two of the fastest bouts of her career. Two foreigners had beaten two of her best fighters. A wicked smile crossed her face. She had to remind herself there were still more tests, but things were looking good for a grudge match with Saint Hebereke's School for Girls. "Saotome Ranko, what was that technique you pulled on Kyoko?" "Uh, which technique?" "Where you pulled her legs from under her?" "Oh that! Heh heh. That's my own technique. I use it on my students when they get full of themselves. It also infuriates my father when I do to him, instead of knocking him out. I don't like to hurt people less skilled than I, so I improvise." "Very good. You teach?" "Hai. On weekends, I teach kempo, aikido, and a few others at the Tendou Family Center and Dojo. Well, when my father and uncle aren't mad at me. I'm heir to the Saotome and Tendou Schools of Anything Goes Martial Arts." "Tendou Dojo? Oh yeah. What is your relationship with Tendou Akane?" asked Kyoko. Ranko blushed a bit. Xian Pu had learned what that look meant. Ranko was getting flustered and wouldn't be able to speak straight. "Akane like sis- ter. Sorry, Ranko. Akane was to marry Ranko's brother, Ranma. Ranma killed last winter. Families still joined, thanks to Mother Saotome. Long story. Too painful for family, still." "Oh. I heard Ranma was one of the best martial artists at Furinkan. Why didn't he join any teams?" asked the coach. "He couldn't. A family curse kept him from participating. I'm not sure what the deal was, because our idiot father abandoned me when I was six," Ranko replied, clenching her fists. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. Why don't you go sit over there and relax? We'll all take a few minutes to recover. Okay?" "Hai. Thank you, Sensei, for understanding." "You're welcome, Ranko. And I'm sorry for upsetting you." "Don't worry about it." Chapter 2 The Black Rose Ranko stood in the kitchen, humming her happy tune. Akane and Xian Pu traded their usual insults. Ranko didn't care. The bickering was normal, so she tuned it out. Her father had not berated her performance in front of her class. And the first gymnastics meet was in a week. A random thought entered her mind, causing her to stop humming. Akane and Xian Pu stopped laughing at their own insults. "Akane, have I been in this type of competition before?" Akane and Xian Pu looked at each other. Xian Pu moved to the door while Akane slowly answered, "You might have. When you were at a different school." "Oh. Then maybe you were in the audience." Akane looked at Xian Pu. "Yeah. I remember seeing a couple of matches, be- fore I competed." "Who'd you go against?" "Kunou 'The Black Rose' Kodachi. Well, that's who I was supposed to go against." "What happened?" "Ranma and Ryoga showed me how uncoordinated I was. I twisted my ankle in practice." "Oh. Who took your place?" Akane smiled sadly. "Ranma used one of his disguises to take my place." "You mean he pretended to be a girl?" Ranko asked with wide eyes. "Well, sometimes. If he wanted to, he could have been just about anyone. He didn't like to be a girl, but when he did, it was to save me. And he almost always chose you as his model." "He did? But he didn't know me." Akane took Ranko's hands. "He remembered you. When I asked him the first time, he told me he had a twin sister, but wouldn't say more. When we began getting along better, he told me your father left you somewhere. Ever since then, he used you as an escape." "Wow. I forgot him, but he never forgot me. I'm so ashamed. I'll make it up to him. Do you think you could teach me? You must have learned some of his tricks." Akane smiled. "I can try. We'll have to get everyone together, but I think we can teach you the basics." "You quick study. Be excellent in no time," added Xian Pu before she left the room. "Why did you ask?" questioned Akane, returning to her chores. "Well, the coach mentioned St. Hebereke's. I remembered the name and have a face. Do you have a picture of Kodachi?" "No, but Kunou might. She's his sister. If you fight her, you'll need to use every trick you know. She'll cheat in order to win. She has a habit of attacking her opponents before the event, often in a manner they can't defend against. She managed to sneak into my room before our meet. "And Ranma stopped the attack on the regular gymnastics team. Because Ranma was a good man, he stopped Kodachi from hitting the ground after I booted her from my room. He was busy chasing Ryoga to know I had been attacked. "She then claimed Ranma as her fiancee. Although she swore to give up that claim if we won the meet, she simply doubled her efforts to marry him. Be- cause he used you as a disguise, she'll think you're him. She can't be reasoned with. "That, and he copied many of your mannerisms. There...there were times he almost became you." "I'm sorry, Akane. Don't cry. It was just a memory I needed to know more about. I thought you could help. I just wish I had all of my memories, so I wouldn't feel so helpless." Akane hugged her friend as tears came. "I do too, Sweetie. I do too." *** Xian Pu cornered Saotome Genma before he could enter the training hall. "Where you go?" "I'm about to start practicing with Tendou," he growled. "So you spy on daughter before training?" Genma flared his anger at Xian Pu. "You have no right to question me. If not for you, I would still have a son, not that...that..." "Not the girl. Listen, Panda-man. I cry self to sleep every night. Amazon torture less painful than watching Ranko. She my sister now. I know you happy about her new memory, but not time to celebrate. "Ranko still need remember more. You or Tendou force memory, Ranko get hurt. Must take slow or Ranma no come back. Remember that, Panda-man," concluded Xian Pu, poking Genma in the chest. Genma watched in anger as she returned to the house. He heard the door slide open behind him. He spoke to his companion without turning, "I cannot take this anymore, Tendou. I now have two daughters I do not want. One of them was my son. I...I thought this arrangement would work out. "With Nodoka on the other side of Nerima, I wouldn't have to suffer. But with Akane, my torture is worse than with 'Ranko' and Shampoo." "I know. I had hoped Akane would have married first, to your son. But with the battle at Joketsuzoku, our lives have become a torture. We can no longer train on the road. Akane refuses to consider another man, claiming to love Ranko as if she were still Ranma. We must now rely on the hope that the Amazons can cure Ranko." "That is the only thing keeping me going. That, and the fact my daughter is truly happy. I don't ever recall Ranma being this happy." "What about when Nodoka accepted him as her daughter?" Genma cringed. "I suppose he was happy at that. Though I can't say for sure." "Do you regret leaving Ranma before his 'death?'" "Hai, my friend. I have come to regret many things I have done this last year. And many others are coming to back to haunt me. Perhaps, if I had taken the time and made the effort to adjust, like our children did, I feel confident Ranma would still be with us." "And now, we must look at your daughter and remember our arrogance. And our errors." "Hai. I have never looked forward to death, but these next few years will be the longest I have ever lived. I look forward to release." "At your wife's blade?" "Better hers than Shampoo's. I resent that child calling me 'Panda-man.'" "What would you rather she call you? A coward?" interjected Ryoga. Both men turned with a start. "What brings you here, Boy?" flared Genma. "My, my, my, aren't we touchy? Shampoo calls everyone some sort of name, es- pecially if she doesn't like them. When she's in a bad mood, I'm 'Pig Boy.' Otherwise, she calls me P-chan. As for being here, need you ask?" "You're here to see my 'daughter,'" replied Genma, coldly. "You make it sound like I'm dating my best friend. As good looking as she is, I ain't interested. Geez, and people thought _I_ was obsessed with things." "You should know better than to sneak in here," retorted Soun. "I live here, too. And for your information, Ranko is Ranma. She just doesn't have all of the walls in place. What you see in her, Ranma did in the last month of his life. I'd tell you what I think, but I'm more con- cerned about Ranko's memory." Ryoga trotted off to the house, leaving the two men to stare. Genma's face remained expressionless while Soun's twitched. "I am going to beat him to a pulp. He is insufferable!" growled Genma. "Ranko's friend and student has improved greatly. I didn't even hear him ap- proach." "Neither did I. We're going to have to do something about this." "True. Do you have anything in mind?" Genma turned to face his friend. "The Master's most sacred and secret tech- niques. Even Ranko will not be able to stop them." "You can't, Saotome. They are some of the reasons we tried to kill the Master. These techniques are too evil and dangerous." "The children must be taught a lesson. I can think of no other way." Soun sighed. "You're right, my friend. There is no other way." *** Ranko fidgeted in the training hall. She was impatiently waiting for her family to show up. Amazingly, Ryoga was the first to arrive. She rushed him, barely able to get by his defenses for a hearty embrace. Next came Akane and Xian Pu. They offered no resistance to Ranko's hugs. Akane even gave the red head a kiss on the cheek. Ukyou finally arrived. She was barely missing Ranko before they embraced. "Great! You sleepy heads are here. Now we can start," chirped Ranko. "When did you ever become a morning person?" asked Ukyou, faking a yawn. "I'm training! I'm alive when I train. You should know that by now, Ucchan." "I know, Ranchan," replied Ukyou, smiling. "So, are we doing anything special?" "Hey, Coach! What're we doing?" Ranko asked Akane. "We're going to teach you how to handle Kunou Kodachi. There will be no holding back from any of us. If you get hurt, you alone back out, unless it's very serious. "We don't use our traditional weapons, either. We have to use gymnastic equipment. Tatewaki was able to bring some of Kodachi's weapons, last week. Ryoga, you want to take over while I get the stuff?" "Right. Aside from Tatewaki, Akane and I are the only ones in this room who have faced Kodachi in any capacity. Of course, I was fighting as P-chan. I'm sorry, Ranko, at the time I had a grudge against Ranma; but I do know she'll pull things, and people, from anywhere around the ring." "Is good I no meet, eh?" interrupted Xian Pu. "Yeah. If you had met her, I'm sure you would have tripled your efforts to get rid of her. As it is, we're glad you were civil in your rivalry with Akane. "Since you're on you school's team, I'm sure you've been coached to use your weapons, not your body. Even so, Kodachi seems to pull weapons from nowhere. I think she may even use bare attacks whether the referee is looking or not. She has speed. "I do know she likes to use poison and drugs. She used them to stop Ranma after he saved her. She then tried to use tacks on him before the meet. And the flowers she sent him and Akane were drugged. As much as she cheats, she is an excellent fighter. Don't let your guard down." Akane took over for Ryoga. "The ribbon is her favorite weapon. It can slice through the corner posts of the ring. I don't know how Ranma avoided getting cut with it, but he did. Kodachi also uses it like a grappling hook, wrap- ping it around an object. "Her clubs are spiked. Press a button and they appear. Press it again, and they're gone. The only way to get the refs to see the spikes is by knocking them out of Kodachi's hands with the spikes exposed. Ranko, your amaguriken can do this easily. "She uses her hoops to cut things as well. They have retractable blades. Kunou and I have yet to figure out how they work. She can throw the hoop like Ryoga throws his umbrella. She is just as accurate, if not more so. "The balls she uses are filled with gas and powders. I think you have to hold your breath until the air clears. That puts you at an immediate disad- vantage. I think I have a way to practice for that, so don't worry." "Why should we worry, as long as you put her things away?" smiled Ranko. Akane just looked at Ranko, not quite sure what to say. Ukyou smiled, taking control of things before they got out of hand. "Okay. Let me see if I have this right: if we go at each other, using every trick we know, we might just be fighting like Kodachi?" "Hai," replied Akane and Ryoga. Akane continued, "It's all of our honorable and dishonorable tricks. We can't let Kodachi win. If she does what I think she will, Ranko, you may be in for the fight of your life." "Well then, let's get started!" exclaimed Ranko without worry. Akane smiled. She and Ryoga removed Kodachi's gear from the room. Soon, all five were fighting each other with full force. Genma and Soun watched from the house. "It never ceases to amaze me that our children plan their practice bouts," noted Soun. Genma frowned. "They should have learned that planning is useless in battle. They should have learned from Ranma's mistakes with Cologne." "True. But what Nodoka said at Christmas sticks out in my mind, Saotome. She said the children outline what it is they wish to accomplish. I believe that is what they are doing." "Hmph! I suppose you'll be telling me that I should become their student. No, Tendou. I think they are wasting their time 'planning' their practice." "Perhaps. But they have been less injured than any of our students." "Hmph! The true test is in actual battle. We'll see if what Akane and Ryoga has said has any effect on the outcome of the fight." *** Ranko and Xian Pu walked down the street to their home. They joked about their training. They also commented on how well Ryoga moved about, especial- ly between his home, their home, the dojo, Furinkan, and Ucchan's. They stopped about half way from the bus stop to the house. A figure as tall as Xian Pu stepped into the light. Her pink and black leotard contrasted her pale skin. Maniacal laughter escaped her throat. "So you are the new champions at that pathetic school I face. Identify your- selves, weaklings, so that I may know who I crush." "Xian Pu." "Saotome Ranko." "Saotome?" Kodachi jumped to Ranko. Their faces nearly touched as Kodachi spoke, "You are the girl who took my darling Ranma's name. You're the only one who ever defeated me, cow!" Ranko instinctively backed away, assuming her stance. Terror covered her face while Kodachi laughed harder. Xian Pu took up a position behind Kodachi. "I don't remember fighting you. I do know you attacked my brother." "You don't remember? That was the most humiliating defeat of my career. You say Ranma is your brother?" "Hai." "Where is my darling hiding? Surely he wants to return to his true love." Xian Pu snorted. Ranko looked at Kodachi intently. "Ranma is dead. He died last Christmas." "NO!" screamed Kodachi as she prepared to attack. Xian Pu attacked before the Black Rose could bring her weapons out. Ranko leapt clear, giving Xian Pu the room she needed to fight and set up for Ranko. Kodachi used her powerful legs to launch herself up and over Xian Pu, breaking the Amazon's grip. Ranko jumped into the fray, giving Xian Pu time to recover. Kodachi had just sent a gas ball to where Ranko had stood. Three fast punches staggered Kodachi, while Xian Pu returned to her position opposite of Ranko. Kodachi attacked with her ribbon and clubs. The sisters only had Ryoga's bandannas and Ukyou's throwing spatulas as weapons. All three combatants used their weapons with great skill. As Kodachi attacked, the ground around Ranko and Xian Pu became littered with confetti as they sliced her ribbon. She switched to her clubs. They ap- peared to be useless as the sisters blocked the attacks with the bandannas. The area to either side of Kodachi became littered with clubs. Breathless, Kodachi was forced to the wall by the sisters. In an attempt to defend herself, Kodachi ensnared her arms in Ranko's bandannas. Ranko held her firmly from above while Xian Pu twirled a spatula dangerously close to Kodachi's face. "The only reason you've beaten me is because there are two of you. I shall have my revenge on you peasants. If not tonight, then soon. I am the Black Rose. I am unbeatable." "Hmph! Maybe I should do to you what Ranma did to Tatewaki," commented Ranko. "Don't say that name. My brother won't tell me where my beloved is." "I told you, he's dead. He died protecting his family." "You lie! What have you gaijin done to him?" Ranko tightened her hold. Xian Pu pressed the razor sharp blade into the skin of Kodachi's throat. "I saw Ranma die. He no should die, but opponent use less than honorable means to win." "You let my Ranma die? You should all have died with him!" A tear rolled down Xian Pu's face, "Would have died had Ranma not won fight. Should have died to stop Ranma's death, but badly injured. Entire family willing to fight and die for Ranma." "Who killed Ranma, peasant?" "Great-grandmother. She Elder of village. Ranma kill her with last of strength, before he die in my and Tendou Akane's arms. Ranma fight battle of honor against Great-grandmother. She sacrifice honor and law to kill Ranma. Now, Great-grandmother dead and disgraced." "You lie! Ranma is the best fighter in the world. You've done something to him, I know it! I'll find him after our match. I'll leave your corpses for him to see. I'll show him that no one gets in my way. You'll be dead and I'll have my Ranma-sama!" Kodachi pulled away, laughing maniacally. Ranko fell to the ground, hard. She and Xian Pu stared as the raving woman leapt from roof to roof. When Kodachi's form had retreated from view, the sisters embraced each other, drawing the strength they needed to stem the tide of emotions they now felt. Chapter 3 In This Corner... "Okay, team, today's schedule is simple. Kyoko, you are going against Sakura. Ranko, you face Kodachi. And Xian Pu, you take on Yuriko. "I don't have to tell you how tough this team is, but we have a chance to beat the reigning champions. Now let's go out there and win!" concluded the coach as the entire team cheered. All eight gymnasts moved out to the practice mats. Ranko and Xian Pu attac- ked each other full force. The other team members practiced as well, but with less force. Ranko spotted her family taking their seats in the rear. While finishing her punch, she grinned to Xian Pu. "Akane!" she said as she left the practice area. She landed on the railing. In a single, fluid motion, she ran up the rail. At the top, she hopped down behind Akane. "Hi, Akane!" she chirped. Akane turned to her friend. "Hi, Ranko! Shouldn't you be practicing?" Ranko impulsively hugged her friend. "Hai, but I can always make time for you!" "Only if you want to lose to Crazy Girl," stated Xian Pu coldly. "It is good that you fight my sister. It has come to my attention she is out for blood. She is blaming you and Shampoo for taking Ranma from her. Nearly every toxin in our home has disappeared since Sunday last." "Remember our lessons, Ranko. Assume every weapon of hers is poisoned. If you can disarm her, you'll have an advantage, provided she is not entirely enraged," reminded Akane. "Disarm her. No problem!" beamed Ranko. "So, Brother, have you finally wooed your 'Pig-tailed Goddess?'" Kunou stiffened. "I have, long ago, given up my claim to her, Kodachi." "Then you won't mind if she doesn't live much longer." "She is my friend. I will defend her to the death, even against you." "Is that so? Then why didn't you protect my darling Ranma? Wasn't he your friend as well?" Kodachi turned to Ranko, her face contorted with hatred. "I will kill you for what you have done to my darling Ranma. If you think you can win like last time, I'll prove you wrong." She turned to Kunou. "It is good to see you come to watch me. I must leave, though. I have to prepare to destroy this...this creature." As Kodachi bounded away, the family sighed their relief. Ukyou put her mini- spatulas away. "I'm glad that went well." "You said it," added Ryoga. "Is that the woman who attacked you?" asked Nodoka. Xian Pu continued watching Kodachi. "Is one, Mother Nodoka. She scare me." Everyone looked at her. Ranko broke the shocked silence, "How?" "Is good fighter. We find out other night. If she had clear mind, no trouble. Crazy Girl unpredictable. Her dementia make her more dangerous than Happosai. Be careful, Ranko." "Right. I'm surprised she didn't try to kill me just now" "She, like the rest of us, can tell who a fighter is just be their body lan- guage. As disturbed as she is, she knows when not to attack. Against all of us, she would be defeated. "Against you, she will be defeated. You have the skill, the desire, and the clear mind. You know how dangerous she is. I doubt she understands your skills." "Kunou's right, Sugar. But you have something else. You have our love and encouragement. From what we know, Kodachi knows no love and has little encouragement," added Ukyou as Kunou nodded his agreement. "She has to use tricks to get what she wants. That is where you have the ad- vantage. You have the honest skills to win. You also have this need to prove yourself to Saotome-san. You have a heart and soul, whereas Kodachi doesn't really have either. You'll win because that's how you are," con- cluded Akane. "I wish I had your confidence. I only vaguely remember facing her before. She says I've beaten her." "Don't forget, Ranma used you as his disguise against her. She has no reason not to think you two fought. Of course, you may have won a fight against her before you came to live with us," Akane said, reassuringly. "Remember, Daughter, she may not want to remember your victory. In time, you will know for sure, when your memories return. Kodachi is one of those who chooses what to remember. "No matter what happens, we have confidence in you. You have been training almost all of your life. Your body will remember what your mind does not. Now, go in there and make us proud," Nodoka said, hugging her daughter. "Thanks, Mother. Come on, Shampoo. I need a spotter." "Bye-bye!" waved Xian Pu as she followed Ranko. "I think Ranko's a bad influence on Shampoo," commented Nabiki as she re- turned from her business. "Well, I've got the bouts covered. I didn't even have to plant rumors." "Daughter! I do not approve of this, especially today. Ranko's facing one of the toughest fights she remembers. The last thing she needs is you bet- ting on her fights." "Look, 'Mother,' I've been doing this for years. This is how we had enough money to eat. As for betting on Ranko, didn't you say something about her body remembering even if the mind didn't?" "Hai." "Well, I've had more bets won with Ranko, than anyone else. If she weren't my sister, I'd lay more money and stacked the odds. Besides, I'm focusing on college sports and businesses. Someone else is handling high school events. This is purely recreational." "Let's just watch the match," interjected Akane. "We have to be ready to help Ranko if Kodachi gets out of hand." "I wouldn't worry, Akane. Ranko is fast and smart. She should be able to handle herself," replied Ryoga. "And if Kodachi goes berserk? Right now, she's homicidal. We should be ready to step in at a moment's notice," pointed Akane. "Right!" answered the extended family. *** Ranko entered the ring calmly. The first match had been an easy victory for Xian Pu. Kyoko barely held her own, ending with a marginal victory. Ranko now faced her opponent, Kunou 'The Black Rose' Kodachi. The two com- batants approached the ring's center and the referee. Ranko's neutral face was contrasted by Kodachi's open hostility. The referee spoke to them ritually, "All attacks and defenses must be done with a weapon or object. Any bare-handed attacks will disqualify the offend- ing fighter. Do you both understand the rules?" "Hai!" answered Ranko as she carefully watched Kodachi. "Of course, peasant," spat Kodachi. "All right then, shake hands and may the better fighter win." Kodachi extended her hand with and evil grin. Ranko extended hers, but in- stead of shaking Kodachi's, she twisted the woman's wrist. Now in view, the referee saw several needles exposed. Ranko watched passively as the referee spoke, "Kunou Kodachi is disqualified due to unsports...urk!" Kodachi had used her free hand to strike at Ranko, but hit the ref instead. The woman went into convulsions. Ranko leapt back, avoiding the return strike. She immediately assumed her battle stance. The referee collapsed to the floor of the ring, foam coming from her contort- ed mouth. Her back and neck arched. Her arms and legs curled. Bones snap- ped, but only gurgles escaped from the woman's throat. Her glassy eyes fell on Sakura, Kodachi's teammate. The terrified girl screamed, panicking those around her. The room became deathly silent as all eyes fell on the fallen body. Ukyou, Ryoga, Akane, and Kunou rushed to the ring, meeting Xian Pu at the edge. Kodachi's maniacal laughter echoed throughout the silent arena. "That should have been you, wench. Now I'll just have to fight you the old fashioned way!" Kodachi flicked her ribbon at Ranko. Ranko easily leapt to the side, bring- ing out her own ribbon. She kept her eyes on Kodachi, "Get the ref out!" Xian Pu and Ryoga grabbed the body. Ukyou stood guard, ready to use her mini-spatulas. Ranko started circling Kodachi, watching her every move. Kodachi flicked her ribbon, intending to snare Ukyou. Ranko used her ribbon to block. Both ribbons intertwined tightly, leaving them useless. They both dropped the weapons, taking out bowling pin like clubs. Kodachi launched her attack. Ranko easily blocked the attack. She knew better than to try to slip past the barrage. She concentrated her defense on one arm, mirroring Kodachi's attacking stance. Ranko timed her attack new attack. As Kodachi's arm retreated, Ranko attacked with her free arm, sending about twenty spiked clubs across the floor. Kodachi became more dangerous. She started to laugh. Not the maniacal laugh of before, but a more normal laugh. Ranko shifted to a completely defensive stance. Kodachi launched two hoops in wide arcs. Ranko leapt to the ropes behind her, then to the side as the two hoops crossed where she had stood. Kodachi sent the hoops out again. This time, on two separate, straight paths. Ranko ignored the clear miss and leapt across the ring to avoid the second hoop. Both hoops severed the ropes, entering the audience. Several people were cut, some severely. Their screams broadened Ranko's awareness. "If you won't fight my way, Bitch, the peasantry will suffer!" cooed Kodachi in an unnervingly serious voice. "Get them out!" screamed Ranko, not really noticing the first ten rows had already been cleared by her family. "I have done nothing to you, Kodachi. Why do you hate me?" "Because you stole my darling Ranma!" spat Kodachi, launching a new attack. Ranko barely avoided the batons. Too many people had already been injured. She did a foot swipe, sending Kodachi to the ground, hard. Kodachi tried to stand, but was knocked down again by Ranko's spinning kick. She rolled to the side, avoiding Ranko's stomp. She positioned herself for a defensive stance. Ranko bounced to the opposite side of the ring. She, too, assumed a highly defensive stance. She watched her opponent shift her stance. Kodachi now held a ball. Ranko's eyes darted around, searching for an escape. The ball exploded at Ranko's feet. A pale, yellowish-green gas billowed from the impact point. Kodachi peered into the mist, but found nothing. She scanned the remaining crowd as it panicked. she thought triumphantly. Just then, something hit her shoulder, sending a sharp pain through her arm. She looked around, but saw no one in range. She heard movement above her. Looking up, she saw Ranko peering down at her with a deadly calm look. Kodachi leapt to the low hanging rafters. She navigated them with practiced ease. Ranko deftly avoided her attacks. She led Kodachi to the highest levels, then started back down. Enraged, Kodachi began attacking more aggressively. Ranko took advantage of the height by engaging in more direct physical attacks. Kodachi reeled from the new attacks. She doubled her efforts. She reached out to Ranko with an attack. Ranko struck the over extended Kodachi in the middle of her back. Kodachi grunted as the air was forced from her lungs. Her eyes widened as she saw the ring rapidly approach her. The loud crash focused the remaining audience's attention to the center of the gym. They saw the red headed girl in the rafters. Those at the higher seats saw the black haired woman lying still on the crumpled mats. Ranko stared down at Kodachi's shattered body. Her arms and legs were twist- ed and bent in the wrong places. Kodachi's head looked to be at an impos- sible angle when compared to the rest of the body. None of this registered with Ranko as she stared at the body with no emotion. Chapter 4 The Price of Victory Ranko watched the paramedics put Kodachi into the ambulance. Images of Happosai flashed in her mind's eye. She shivered slightly. Her mother tightened her hug. The other victims had been rushed to the hospital. The police and fire crews were interviewing witnesses. Kodachi's coaches and teammates were being questioned the most. Ranko and her family had been spared the initial interviews. The police felt, at this point, it was appropriate for Ranko to calm down, or at least regain some composure. "You've done well today. I'm proud of you," soothed Nodoka. "But I nearly killed someone. Again." "You have saved lives, Ranko. Had you not fought my sister, more people would have died, or worse. Perhaps your mother, Akane, or even Kasumi. Kodachi would have stopped at nothing to get to you. I think you have saved her life, and soul." "But..." "Ranko, Kunou's right. Kodachi was dangerous. As was Happosai. He was de- ranged enough to hurt somebody. It was just a matter of time. Kodachi had already hurt people. We just don't know how many," added Akane. A detective came over to the group. He looked them over carefully. He shook his head. "Who wants to start?" "I will," replied Kunou. "Okay. What's your name?" "Kunou Tatewaki. The one just taken to the hospital is my sister, Kodachi. She has had a history of violence and has experimented with drugs. While this is a combat sport, she prefers to attack her opponents outside of the ring, before the event. "She uses her skills to eliminate her targets when they are least prepared. I know of several who have been seriously injured by her. Those who she can- not beat through physical means, or are more resilient than she thought, she uses her drugs on. "Up until today, they have been sleeping and paralysis agents. I suspect she is insane, though I cannot prove it." "I see. So you figured this would happen?" "Hai, though I always held the hope someone at her school would be better able to help her. I fear I am unable to give her the help she needs. I believe I, too, am insane, or at least have been. She and our father share similar behaviors. I also question his sanity." "Why not have them committed and yourself counseled?" "My father is a respected man. In many circles, he can do no wrong. As for Kodachi, she was sent to a private school. I suppose it was a way of treat- ing her apparent manias. I am being counseled, though not in the traditional manner. I also do not trust my own judgment." "I see. What provoked her 'outburst?'" "She blames me for keeping my twin from her." "Your twin?" "Hai! I'm Saotome Ranko. She wants my brother, Ranma, as her husband." The detective stared at Ranko for several seconds. He was about to say some- thing when Nabiki spoke up, "May I have a word with you, Detective? In pri- vate?" "I guess," he replied following a short distance. He and Nabiki stopped, their backs to the family. She spoke calmly, "You're obviously confused about her statements about a twin brother, especially since you investigated the incident at Furinkan. I cannot and will not go into details, but Ranko and the girl you interviewed, Ranma, are the same person. "She has amnesia as a result of a martial arts fight in China. In that fight, a series of pressure points were used to nearly wipe away her memories. She was smart and fast enough that the process was incomplete. "In order to protect her mind while it heals, we have constructed her former self into her twin brother. This is because, one, her father raised her as a boy in order to unite our families, and two, the pressure points were sup- posed to alter the victims memories. She goes by Ranko because it is the name she remembered calling herself in front of her mother a few weeks before the fight. "She does remember her fight with Master Happosai, though she remembers fighting as Ranko, not Ranma. We would appreciate it if our treatment re- mained intact. She is remembering more every day, but we do not expect a full recovery for at least five years. "Here is the card for our family doctor. He is aware of the situation. I would recommend talking with him and his colleagues in China after you finish questioning us. That would go better with your records. They can also give you specifics about Ranko that I don't understand." The detective glanced back at Ranko. He noticed the woman holding the teen nod her head. "Aside from 'Ranko,' does everyone back there know about this...treatment?" "Except for Natsume Atsuko. That group has no secrets from each other. We are reluctant to share those secrets with those outside of our clan. Because of what has happened, and your connection with the investigation at Furinkan, we feel that you needed to know about Ranko." "Thank you..." "Tendou Nabiki." The two returned to the group. The detective carefully considered what he was told. His godchild went to Furinkan High. He swore that anyone named Tendou or Saotome could be trusted as being honest and knew exactly what they were talking about. "I'm sorry, Saotome-san, but I have to ask these questions. Why does she think that?" "I've been told my brother stopped her from hurting other gymnasts. When she attacked Akane, he saved her after being knocked out the window. He didn't know she attacked his fiancee. She apparently fell in love with him. "He beat her in a contest similar to this. After that, she tried harder to possess him as her own. Until last Sunday, she did not know he had died. She swore she'd kill me for hiding him and letting him die. "She tried to kill me. I had to defend myself from her attacks. When we started fighting, she had already killed the referee. A little later, a few more people were injured. Just before I knocked her out of the rafters, she released some sort of greenish gas. I think it was chlorine, but I'm not sure." "Chlorine? That's what the fire crews thought, based on the description. Did you breath any of it?" "No. I jumped to the rafters before the gas was released." "It was chlorine," interrupted Atsuko. "I've seen it plenty of times in Papa-san's workshop and Mama-san's factories." "Factories?" "Hai. Mama-san is CEO of Mishima Heavy Industries. I also smelled it." "Hey! Someone needs to check this girl out! She's breathed chlorine gas." "I'm fine. I knew what it was, so I knew what to do. Besides, I was too far away for it to hurt me. Please, don't fuss." "Atsuko, dear, let them do their job. I think your parents would be relieved to know that you weren't injured from the gas," chided Nodoka. "But..." A woman as tall as Nodoka and a hair cut similar to Nabiki's walked into view. Her two assistants were close behind. Atsuko's eyes lit up. "Mama-san!" she exclaimed, running to the woman. "Are you all right, Atsuko? I heard about this and came right over. Grand- father is upset, but I don't care. Kyusaku's worried, too." "I'm fine. Nothing can hurt me, but they want to check me out because I in- haled chlorine gas. They won't listen to me when I tell them I'm fine. Please, Mama-san, talk to them." The tall assistant spoke quietly, "I'll say nothing hurts her. Lord knows I've tried." "Don't ever mention that again, Arisa." "Hai! Forgive me, Atsuko-san, I meant only to help you," replied Arisa, bow- ing deeply. Atsuko smiled. "It's okay. I enjoyed most of our play times." Atsuko's mother shook her head. She turned to the detective. "Are you in charge of the investigation?" "Hai. If your daughter inhaled chlorine gas in concentrated form..." "She wouldn't have. She handles that and many other dangerous things in my husband's workshop. She is intelligent enough to know what she handles is dangerous. She's also a trained astronaut for my company. One of the many things she has learned how to do is breath efficiently. "On one of her missions, she had to conserve air until we could launch a res- cue ship. I personally supervised her training. She is my only daughter, and I will not see her harmed." "You let her go into space?" asked the officer. "She volunteered. There was nothing I could do to stop her. She was one of two people who had the qualifications needed to perform the task. Because of company secrets, I cannot say why she went into space." "I see. Thank you for clearing that up, but we'd still like to check her out." "Atsuko, how far were you from the discharge?" asked Mama-san. "Thirty-two point five two six meters. I was helping people out of the room." "That's wonderful. Detective, do you know how the gas was released?" "Hai." "Atsuko, how much gas was there?" "I'd guess about three point two four cubic liters under twenty-five kilos of pressure. I'm surprised the ball didn't explode earlier." The detective blinked. The clan looked at Atsuko and her mother intently. thought Nabiki. "How far was Ranko from the discharge?" asked Mama-san. "Ten point one two six meters. Fortunately, the convection currents kept the gas well away from her." "That's good. Tell me, Detective, does Atsuko need to be examined now?" "No, Ma'am. I think we can let it go, but she should see your family doctor." "Thank you. Atsuko, dear, take this. Kyusaku is on the other end. He'll advise you. Please, cooperate with the police." "Hai, Mama-san!" Mama-san turned to the clan. She looked at Ranko carefully. "Are you the young lady who saved these people?" Ranko nodded shyly. "Hai!" "Thank you. It would mean a lot to me if you and your family joined me for dinner next Saturday. Unfortunately, my schedule does not permit me much freedom during the week." Ranko bowed, as did the rest of the clan. Nodoka spoke, "We would be honored. I am Saotome Nodoka, Ranko's mother. If I can be of service to you, please let me know." "I will, Saotome-san. I am Mishima Akiko. I will be in touch with you later this week about the arrangements." "Thank you." The detective scratched his head. He had gotten statements from Kunou, Ranko, and Atsuko. He looked over the group. "How are the rest of you in- volved?" "Xian Pu and I pulled the referee from the ring. We did that so Ranko could defend herself better. After that, we started helping people out of the arena," replied Ryoga. "I stood guard while they took the body. I had the weapons to cut Kodachi's ribbon if she tried to use it on us. After that, I helped clear the room. I, and the others, would have joined the fight, but the ring was small enough we would have gotten in each other's way," added Ukyou. "Weapons?" "Hai. I carry these with me wherever I go. They've saved my life a few times. I usually carry one the size of a katana, but I didn't think it was appropriate. Also, since Kodachi was here and she attacked Ranko and Xian Pu earlier, we came prpared," replied Ukyou as she showed off her spatulas. "Oh boy. These are illegal. I can have you arrested." "I don't think so, Detective," interjected Nabiki. She handed him several sheets of paper. "These here are the permits we have for carrying these, and other weapons, in public. I would have handed them out sooner, except I didn't get final approval until before the match. These are just faxes, but you can see the signatures clearly." "Um...these papers seem to be in order, but..." "If your refering to the Chinese government, don't be alarmed. There are some people we know in China who are very influential. It seems the Tendou Family Center and Dojo has been chosen by them as supplemental security on their visits to Japan. "For security reasons, we cannot tell you who they are and why they chose us. I doubt you'll get any answers from the Foreign and Defense Ministries. I do so hate red tape, don't you?" The officer shook his head again. He looked at the group. Except for Atsuko, no one seemed surprised. "How did...I mean you're...what's going on?" "I can't answer a question like that. You should just stick with investigat- ing Kodachi. She's the reason you're here, right?" replied Nabiki without changing her expression. "Right. Um...How about the rest of you? What were you doing?" "Tatewaki and I were moving people away from the ring. I was also trying to calm Sakura, Kodachi's teammate, down. She's never seen a dead person be- fore," replied Akane. "We two," Nodoka concluded, pointing to herself and Nabiki, "started evacuat- ing the audience immediately after young Sakura screamed." "How could you all have been so calm?" Nodoka sighed, "I lost my son last Christmas while saving our lives. He fought a madwoman. It is his sacrifice, and the sacrifices the woman's people made, that have encouraged us to go on. It is also how we can look upon a dead body with little surprise and fear, but only sadness. It is a task I wish upon no one." "I understand. It is what every good officer hates to see, the senseless death. I am sorry for your loss. It comes as a surprise that you can be so casual about it." "We are not casual about this. Things will be very...restrained at the dojo tonight." "Forgive me, Saotome-san. If we have further questions, we'll be sure to give you a call. Go home and try to relax." "Thank you," replied Nodoka as the detective returned to the other investi- gators. "Nabiki, are those forgeries?" "Of course not, 'Mother.' While we were in China, I managed to speak with some of the elders about the spies they had for Shampoo. In our conversa- tions, I found out that, despite the wars and revolution, the Amazons are still greatly feared. They also have a network of agents that puts me to shame. "Because of their small numbers, and Ranma's prowess, they asked if we would be willing to train and protect members of their village who were in Japan. After some dealing, I secured their services in setting it up so we would have no trouble with weapons. "In return, I agreed we would train any of their citizens for free for the first five years or until Ranko gets her memories back, not to exceed ten years. When Shampoo can return to her home, she can set up a dojo there. I insisted on that clause, and they agreed. "They will even teach us a few tricks, though they will not be the ultimate techniques. Ranko gets free exams when an Elder visits. Any and all infor- mation about Jusenkyo will be handed over to us. "We have to send a representative to the annual festivals. They have deemed that the law that bound Ranma and Shampoo as forever void to us. Though they did say that the tradition of the law may be harder to kill. And we have to be able to at least speack Mandarin. "Before you panic, none of the agreement was binding until we had the appro- val to carry concealed weapons in public. We all knew how long these could have taken. In principle, the teachings would have started anyway. The lan- guage, we didn't have the courses. I figured I could get Shampoo to help be- fore we all went to college." Nodoka smiled. "I'm sorry I doubted you." "You should know by now, family is off limits, except for certain fathers who still owe me rent." *** Ranko entered the room. The monitors beeped their steady tune. She had grown used to them over the last few days. She set the fresh bouquet of red roses on the stand next to the bed." "Hello, Kodachi. I brought some more roses for you. Tatewaki lets me pick them for you. He says 'hi.' He also told me to tell you not to worry about your father, he won't be causing troubles for you when you get better. "I know I've said this before, but I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me for what happened. I've forgiven you, just as I've Master Happosai. "Akane and Shampoo can't understand why I come. I don't know either. I mean, you did try to kill me. I guess I come here because you knew my brother. So do the others, but they won't tell me much. "I need to know about him. I don't really remember him. He remembered me, so I owe it to him to remember him. "I hope you get better soon. We really need to talk about Ranma. "Well, I've got to go. I've promised to meet Nabiki and Tatewaki for dinner. They have some questions they want to ask me. If I can, I'll tell you about them next time. Sorry I had to cut this short. I promise to stay longer next time. 'Bye." Ranko patted Kodachi's limp hand. She left the room, nearly running into the guard. "I'm sorry. I should have been watching where I was going." "Don't worry about it, Ranko-chan. What I don't understand is why she has to be guarded. I understand the old creep, but her? She's been like this for nearly a week." "She's quite dangerous. She's already killed several people while trying to kill me. Your bosses, and my family, are afraid of what she'll do if she wakes up." "Why do you come if she's tried to kill you?" "I put her here. She hates me for being my brother's twin. She didn't be- lieve me when I told her he had been killed. I was told she was unstable, but I didn't really believe it until the match." The officer put his hand on her shoulder, smiling. "I think that woman ap- preciates your compassion, since her family doesn't come by. It takes strength to show someone like her forgiveness, especially after what she's done. "Let me tell you something, you brighten the place up. I know that several of the nurses look forward to your visits. You keep our spirits up. If I need help with her, I'll call you." Ranko giggled at the comment. The guard smiled, waving to her as she walked down the hall. She waved back to him and the nurses. She stopped smiling and waving when the monitors went off. One of the nurses made an announcement over the PA system. Ranko stepped out of the way as a team of doctors and nurses rushed to the room the guard stood in front of. She could hear the shouts from where she stood, though the words meant nothing to her. She watched in horror as more people and equip- ment entered the room. An orderly interrupted her view. "I'm sorry, Miss, but you'll have to wait downstairs." Ranko nodded, turning toward the elevator. She automatically operated the system. She turned back to see people slowly streaming from the room. Their grim looks stabbed at her. The doors closed on her as she broke down and cried. *** Ranko stood in front of the closed casket. She stared at its elaborate de- sign. Her delicate fingers traced the engraved name. She had no tears left for the deceased. She had spent the last three days crying. Each of her friends had tried to comfort her over those three days. She had pushed them away, often lashing at them. To her, everything seemed hollow. She eventually accepted whatever comments were given her. From her father's insults to Kunou's encouragement to her mother's unwavering love. Kunou stood next to her. She cringed. He kept his hands behind his back as he spoke, "There was nothing you could do. The doctors did all they could, but, alas, even they could not alter destiny." "But I killed..." He spoke quickly and, somewhat, harshly, "Did you? Hai, you were responsible for the initial injuries. But, do not forget, you did what you had to. I was there with you. You had no choice. If I could, I would gladly take your place, and guilt." "But my fists. They were the ones that pounded..." "Hai. And it was your brother's fists that injured me so greatly. Do I hold him responsible? No, because I deserved every punch and kick I received. I also thank him. From the depths of my dark and tainted soul, I thank him for ridding me of my mania. If you doubt the good and noble deed you have done, then ask those you have saved and helped. "I am your friend, Ranko. You have done no wrong here. In the past, justice would have been swift and sure. Now, the quilt you feel would be more if this had gone to trial. I mean no disrespect, but your shattered memories would have freed this vile creature. "I know not what else to say. I shall be your friend forever. When you are ready to talk, I will gladly listen. I share your grief. This is a night- mare none of us should experience. It pains me to see you like this." With that, Kunou silently left. Ranko just continued to stare at the casket. Her mother came over to her. The elder woman put her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "It is time, Dear. The service is about to start." Ranko numbly followed. "But I killed..." she whispered before sobbing into her mother's arms. "I know, Child. I know. But you had no choice," soothed Nodoka, her own tears beginning to flow. The End of Part 1 Acknowledgments- Ranma 1/2 created and owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz, and Kitty Films Nuku-Nuku created and owned by Yuzo Takada 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 Thy Inward Love, Magic, related stories, and Thy Outward Part; and the Nuku- Nuku stories by Richard Lawson. To the authors of Almost a Miracle, Acceptance, and Better Late than Never. To my friends at the Normal Society of Anime: Thad Landis, Mark Carlen, and Todd Foldessi. Also, thanks to my other prereaders: Nicholas Leifker, Lisa Prior, Ronald Chan, Patrick Vera, and Joeseph Palmer. Author's Notes- (c) 1997 Bryan Neef. The situations in this story are mine. This story may be freely copied and distributed, unaltered. If you wish to add to or use elements of this story, please get my permission. Critiques and requests are welcomed at bneef@ice.net. If you are commenting on the story, please tell me why you liked or disliked it. Xian Pu and Shampoo are the same person (if you didn't catch the connection.) Because Nodoka is a very formal person (at least that is the interpretations I have seen and made,) she is insistent on the correct pronunciation of the Amazon's name. I have also included the change to reflect Shampoo's changes in attitude. This is fiction, folks. No one creates the identity of another person for an amnesiac (or someone with multiple personalities, or other psychological dis- turbances.) Jusenkyo ought to be enough of an explanation. Chlorine is deadly. The US Department of Transportation and EPA have strict rules about what to do in case of a spill. Most other countries have similar policies. The amount I described would be enough to clear the building, but would not, necessarily, be fatal beyond the first twenty rows of the arena. My physics and chemistry are a little off, so don't flame me for inaccurate pressures and volume (I used a basketball as a model for Kodachi's bomb.) If these are inaccurate, please let me know and I will correct them for future references. Can you guess who was in the casket? You'll find out in Part 2, so no peek- ing. Kunou's treatment of Ranko at the visitation is his way of bringing her back to the world. Think of it as shock therapy without electricity. He is trying to get her to see the whole picture. This therapy should only be done by professionals. As an aside, all of my fics can now be found at http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/3719/fiction.htm. [WARNING:] To fully appreciate this tale, read Ranma's Curse. This story also deals with mature themes and is not suitable for all audiences. While not a LEMON or a LIME, sexual encounters are strongly implied. If you do not enjoy these stories, read no further. Ranma's Memories Part 2 Violations (version 1.1) by Bryan Neef Ranma 1/2 created by Rumiko Takahashi Nuku-Nuku created by Yuzo Takada Tendou Nouma created by Richard Lawson, used with permission Saotome Ranko, formerly Saotome Ranma, has had a short life. Fragmented memories of her former life bring confusion to her and her family. One such memory is a fight with Kunou "The Black Rose" Kodachi prior to their schools' gymnastics meet. Confronted by Kodachi about Ranma, Ranko is prepared by her family for a con- test that will take all of her skills, since her memories are of little help. The match turns deadly as Kodachi attempts to kill the "Pig-tailed Girl who stole her Ranma-sama." The match ends with Kodachi's shattered body on the ground, along with several of the audience dead... ============================================================================= Chapter 1 Victory's Sorrow Ranko walked slowly into the school yard. Her gaze remained on the ground. This was the last place she wanted to be. She did not want to face her schoolmates. Especially with regards to the match with Kodachi. She knew she had no choice. Just as she had no choice with her father's master. Yet the fight, combined with the funerals, left her with little desire to face the world. Xian Pu walked with her sister. Always watching the shadows, ready to pounce with her cat-like reflexes. Xian Pu was guarding Ranko, the strongest fighter she had ever known. She, too, felt the grief and emotional strain of the battle with Kodachi, and the funerals. Her grief, however, reminded her of the lives she helped destroy. She was struggling to make amends. The family that adopted her did not en- tirely trust her. She did not care. But she was pleased that, after nearly eight months, she had gained a small amount of trust. That trust had come in the form of a phone call before school. Feeling the depression, and not being able to stand it, Xian Pu decided to tell her little sister. "Did you hear news?" Ranko shook her head. "Ukyou offer me job. I now have real job with family. Not punishment job." "That's great, Xian Pu. When do you start?" "Next Saturday." "Good. Do you think Father will be mad at me?" "Why would he be mad at you if Shampoo have job?" "Because I'm giving up the Art." "Father have no say over you now. So you no teach Art, no big deal. You still help Akane with children. You still grieve, Father understand." "Then I guess we now know who the better fighter is, right?" interrupted Shirow Ryoko. Both Ranko and Xian Pu stopped. Ranko looked back at the ground, not willing to face the person before her. Xian Pu held her contemptuous gaze on the arrogant woman. "Go away! No want fight!" "Why not? I thought you liked to fight. Isn't that why you were so viscous with Kodachi?" taunted the woman. "No," whispered Ranko, a tear forcing its way down her cheek. "So the Great Saotome Sisters are finally afraid to fight! I knew you amateurs didn't have what it takes to be true martial artists." Ranko flinched as Ryoko turned her attention to another person, "You there! Spread the word that I, Shirow Ryoko, am still the champion!" "Uh..." "DO IT!" The boy ran off. He felt it best to do what Ryoko said. Xian Pu shook her head. A stray comment came forth, "Just like Kunou." The pressure became too much for Ranko. Her memories, the fight with Kodachi, the funerals, Ryoko's comments, and the faint recognition from her past, all led her to break down, crying. The gathering crowd watched, stunned, as she dropped to her knees, her hands covering her face. Xian Pu squatted in front of her sister. "Is okay, Ranko. I protect you." Ryoko strode forth, her confident grin mocking Xian Pu and Ranko. "So the Great Saotome Ranko is no longer able to fight? Pity. I had so hoped for another rematch." Xian Pu stood abruptly. She turned to Ryoko, her face completely expression- less. "One of our family die. Ranko hit hard by death. Say anymore, I kill you where you stand." "NO!" screamed Ranko. "No more death! I can't take it anymore! First Ranma, now..." sobbed Ranko. "No one else should die because of me! NO ONE!" Xian Pu softened her gaze. Nodding, she spoke softly, "You right. No one else die. Will let Not Nice Girl go today. Honor not worth effort. Insult you tomorrow, I only break arms." "NO! No more death! No more fighting!" Ryoko was about to say something when Natsume Atsuko stepped in front of her. The tall red head's expression was unusually hostile. Those who saw her face cringed at the sight. "Leave them alone, Ryoko. If you really want to fight someone, fight me." "But you don't fight, Cat-girl. Besides, this has nothing to do with a simple cat, like you." "You've hurt a friend of mine. It hurts me to see someone cry, especially a friend. I know first hand what death is. Saotome Ranko is trying to deal with the death of a family member. Just leave her alone." "Finally grown some backbone, Cat-girl? I've got news for you: you're still a dumb cat pretending to be a human. No wonder this crybaby likes you: you're her widdle kitten. Go play with some string." Before Xian Pu could attack, Atsuko slapped Ryoko. She barely held her con- trol, generating enough force to draw blood and leave a bruised welt on Ryoko's face. "You are a rotten person, Shirow Ryoko! You treat people like trash. You hate everyone. And now, you insult a person who isn't able to defend herself. Have you no shame? Have you no feelings? Go away before I really get mad." Ryoko was having entirely too much fun with her taunting. Her humiliation at the hands of Ranko and Xian Pu fed her desire for revenge. Her inability to usurp Atsuko's popularity had continued to feed her anger and hostility. "A cat can't get mad," ranted Ryoko. Atsuko did her best angry look, sending her fist into the concrete ground im- mediately in front of Ryoko. The frightened girl stepped back as Atsuko pulled the rebar from the crater. She started to bend it like taffee. "I don't like to hurt people, but I could make an exception with you." People were too shocked to notice Ryoko's physical reaction to the display of power. She, herself, barely felt the warm, yellow liquid flow down her leg. She ran from the trio. Most of the crowd followed, terrified of the power they had seen from the one girl in school no one thought could get angry. Xian Pu only stared, holding her sobbing sister in a protective embrace. The hole in the ground suggested great power, yet she could recognize no tech- nique that produced the effect. The bending of the iron bar was beyond her power. She had heard tales of strength. She had seen the twisted metal of Ukyou's battle spatula. She knew her sisters, Ranko and Tendou Akane, and Hibiki Ryoga had great strength. But the scale she had just witnessed made her feel even weaker than when she witnessed Ranma's final battle. Atsuko looked at the damage. She sighed, tossing the useless metal aside. "Mama-san won't be happy about this. Whenever I play too hard, she has to pay for the damages. "Oh yeah! Mama-san wanted me to tell you her schedule just opened up. She'd like you to come to dinner Friday. She has something special planned and wants your family to come. "Um...I'm sorry about that display. Mama-san almost died once. I did, and it's not fun. I tend to get a little upset when no one respects people's grief. I don't think anyone will bother you today. They've never seen me like this." Xian Pu, still holding Ranko, looked from the crater to Atsuko to the twisted bar. Comprehension and curiosity finally arriving. "You no use bakusai tenketsu. How you do that?" "Do what?" asked Atsuko, nervously scratching the back of her head. Xian Pu pointed to the crater. Atsuko looked at the ground. She laughed nervously, "I'm a cyborg. Papa-san and Ryunosuke saved my life by putting my brain in this body. I'm glad they did that." "Nuku-Nuku! What have you done?" asked a tall, thin man. "Papa-san!" replied Atsuko, leaping into his arms. "Nuku-Nuku sorry. Ryoko was bullying friends. I just got angry." Papa-san looked from the crater to Xian Pu and Ranko. Ranko was no longer crying, but still clutched her sister. Xian Pu nodded to the man. "Is honor to meet father of Atsuko. I Xian Pu. This Saotome Ranko." "I know. Atsuko's told me a lot about you. I also remember you from the match. I've seen you fight, Ranko. You're good. Why didn't you defend yourself?" "I-I couldn't. I've killed someone. I just can't fight anymore." "Recent deaths hit Ranko hardest. She just give up fighting when Not Nice Girl insult us again. Thank you, Atsuko, for stopping her. If you no fight, I kill for sure," added Xian Pu. "Kill? A nice, caring girl like you? I doubt it. From what I've seen, you handle your skills responsibly. Don't take what happened last week as a sign of what you are. My wife and I have a tendency to destroy property when we fight, but we come together when our children need help." "I not nice. Ranko is." "Oh?" Xian Pu hugged Ranko tightly. "No can say now. Maybe when heart heals." "Fair enough," replied Kyusaku as he surveyed the damage. He sighed heavily, scratching the back of his head. "Akiko's not going to like this. You men- tioned something called the baka...bake...baku..." "Bakusai tenketsu. Is technique for destroying obstacles with one touch. I no good at it. I only break small things. Ranko and Ryoga know it well. Not practiced outside of village." "Oh. Maybe machines could do it. Saves time and fuel." "No good. Must see pressure points. Need get Ranko home. She not feel well. Thank you, again. Atsuko? Cyborg?" "Shampoo, I can finish school." "No. I take home. You rest for tomorrow." "Don't worry about a thing, I'll clear things with the office. Come on, Nuku-Nuku, you still have classes." "Right." Xian Pu led Ranko away. She ignored her sister's protests. She glanced back at the crater, shaking her head. After a short distance, she stopped, putting herself between Ranko and the hedgerow. Ranko looked at her sister, an odd mixture of fear and sadness in her deep, blue eyes. "Maybe they'll go away," she whispered weakly. "Maybe. We go." Xian Pu continued to watch the hedge. She released Ranko from her protective embrace, but stayed close. Suddenly, a man dropped from an intermittent tree behind them. The man had on long, flowing white robes. His black, waist-length hair, neatly trimmed, fluttered in the warm breeze. He had thick glasses resting on his head. He spoke confidently to the lamppost, "I'm sorry to hear about She Who Is Gone, Xian Pu. I'm also sorry to hear about..." The man flew into the wall as Xian Pu settled into a graceful stance. "This no time to talk, Mousse! I take Little Sister home. You may follow, but no talk." "Why did you hit him?" asked Ranko, her voice cracking with confusion and sadness. Xian Pu sighed. "If I no hit, you cry again. I no want you to cry. Mousse like Ryoga, hit and hit and he still come. He from Joketsuzoku. He Mousse. If Mousse quiet, Shampoo no hit." Ranko took a deep breath, calming her shattered nerves. Turning away from the staggering Mousse, she headed for home. Mousse and Xian Pu followed silently. They soon entered the gate. Nodoka emerged from the house, talking into a cordless phone. Seeing the three teens, she ended her conversation and rushed over to them. "What hap- pened?" "I just can't take it any more!" cried Ranko. Nodoka embraced her daughter, kissing her on the top of the head. She looked at Xian Pu. "Well?" "We go to class. While at gate, talking, Not Nice Girl challenge us. Ranko break down. Won't fight or let me fight. Not Nice Girl gloat until Atsuko break concrete and twist metal bar into nothing." "Bakusai tenketsu?" asked Mu Tsu. "No. Atsuko say she cyborg, whatever that mean. Met Atsuko's father. Strange man." "All right, Xian Pu. You and your friend go to the dojo. I'll be with you shortly." "Hai, Mother," replied Xian Pu as she lead Mu Tsu to the small, personal training hall. They sat down, waiting for Nodoka to join them. Mu Tsu leaned over to a small shrine. "Why did you hit me when I offered my condolences?" Xian Pu dropped his glasses over his eyes and turned him forcefully. He saw her angry glare, forcing him to flinch. She spoke to him in Mandarin, "Because you would have upset my sister more than she already is. She is distraught over a death she remembers being a part of. She does not need to be distraught over a death she cannot remember first hand." "Sister?" "Where have you been?" growled Xian Pu. "I've been exiled from the village. I'm alive only because Saotome-san adopted me. In the last nine months, Ranko has become my little sister. Her family is just now starting to trust me. "For that reason, I have to protect her. I owe her three lifetimes of debt." "I see. I was informed that a female Ranma killed She Who Is Gone. I was also informed that this Ranma also died. What of the male Ranma you pined after?" Xian Pu glared at Mu Tsu. "They were the same person. You should know of her visit to Jusenkyo. Where have you been?" "I...I was training for a rematch with him...and you. I can wait to chal- lenge you after you have grieved." "Don't bother. The village laws mean nothing to me anymore. Because of those damn laws, and She Who Is Gone, the man I was supposed to marry is dead. As it is, I am essentially a slave to his remaining family and friends." "YOU'RE WHAT? I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!" "You will do nothing if you wish to live." "I will fight for your freedom, Xian Pu. You are an Amazon. You bow to no one." "I am being punished for Ranma's death. I don't mind. At least my old family has its honor intact." "Though nothing else. They are treated like outsiders. Why?" "Because She Who Is Gone used a weapon during the Ancient Test." "Impossible! She would never do that." "And I would never give up on a prize I thought was mine. Saotome Ranma was that prize. It was not until his father disowned him that I understood what I had done. "Through my manipulations, with She Is Gone's help, I destroyed his life. The only thing I could not destroy completely was his happiness with his fiancee, though I came close. "Do you remember how well he fought you?" "Yes. That is why I sought him." "After your defeat, he learned the kachuu tenshin amaguriken. He mastered it in less than a week. He used it against She Who Is Gone in her challenge for him to receive the Phoenix Pill." "Why did he need the Phoenix Pill?" "He suffered from the Cat's Tongue, and a spell She Who Is Gone cast. At any rate, he won, but destroyed the Pill in the process. Ranma never really re- covered from that. All because of me." "You are not to blame. He destroyed the Pill, not you. You were following the law, not him. He was at fault." Xian Pu shook her head sadly. "The law is nothing but a lie, Mu Tsu. It brings nothing but grief. How many outsiders are happy in their 'marriage?' How many of them had lives before coming to the village? How many had lovers waiting for them? Too many for me to ignore. Too many for us to be called warriors. We are nothing more than slavers." "Have they poisoned you against the village? Your people? Your ways?" "No." Before Mu Tsu could continue, Nodoka made her presence known. "We have done no such thing, young man," she replied in Mandarin. Xian Pu looked embarrassed. Mu Tsu was ready to attack. Nodoka ignored his posture, sitting next to her adopted daughter. "I'm sorry it took so long, but I had to put Ranko to sleep." "It all right, Mother," answered Xian Pu in Japanese. "I not know you speak our language." "It comes in handy with my investments and the work I do. Why don't you relax, son? I am not here to fight you." "What have you done to Xian Pu?" "I have done nothing to her, aside from save her life. And that was at my son's request. I am Saotome Nodoka, Ranma's and Ranko's mother. I have taken Xian Pu as my own. Now then, what is your name and why are you here?" "I am Mu Tsu of Joketsuzoku. I am here to win Xian Pu's hand in marriage, as is our custom and law." "I see. Xian Pu?" "Laws mean nothing to me now. I explain to Mousse why. He should know, but was gone." "Then you have abandoned our ways?" Xian Pu closed her eyes, holding back her anger. "Mousse, I responsible for death of Mother's son. He the one law say I marry. Before fight, I learn how wrong laws are. I learn She Who Is Gone mad. I carry shame to grave. Now not time to discuss laws." "Xian Pu's right," added Nodoka. "Thank you for showing my daughters home. Will this girl challenge you tomorrow?" "Not know. Atsuko get mad. She say no one see her mad before. It apparent when Not Nice Girl...Not Nice Girl...show yellow!" replied Xian Pu, relieved she could work past the language. "She showed yellow?" asked Nodoka. "Hai. It run down legs." "Oh my!" commented Nodoka as Xian Pu smiled. "How is Atsuko?" "She fine. She say her mother's schedule open. Invited to dinner Friday night. Say mother have something special planned." "I see. Who all is invited?" "Entire family." "I guess I'd better call everyone. Mu Tsu, since you know Xian Pu, perhaps you would join us. Recent events have forced extra caution upon us. I hope you can understand that." "I can, Saotome-san. I do have one question, though. Ranko looks a lot like your son's female side. Is there a reason for that?" Nodoka evaluated the young man. She needed to keep Ranko's secret, yet this mysterious man had known her son. She knew the faculty and students at Furinkan accepted 'Ranko' out of grief and guilt. They never questioned why Ranma no longer responded to that name. Would this boy? "Ranko is Ranma's twin sister. I had not seen either until the battle at Joketsuzoku. I had lost my son after nearly eleven years of training with my former husband. My daughter was lost to me at the same time. She was also cast aside by the man who was her father." "I see. I was not aware that Ranma had a sister." "Neither did he, until it was too late. Ranko, unfortunately, has suffered even worse. The trauma of Ranma's death has...weakened her. She has great difficulty remembering anything before Ranma's death. "After you meet the family, it would be best if you did not speak with her about Ranma without at least one of us present. It is for her safety." "I understand. It is unusual, but I will accept the terms." "Good. Do you have a place to stay?" "Not at this time. Do you know of a place?" Nodoka smiled. "Hai. If you do not mind, you may sleep in here tonight. After that, other arrangements will have been made." "Why not in house, Mother?" "It would not be proper. Besides, I have yet to fully trust those from your village. I will speak with Soun tonight." *** The rented van pulled up to the Mishima Estate's gates. A man in a black suit and sunglasses stepped forward. Nodoka smiled politely. "Saotome Nodoka and family to see Mishima Akiko and her family." The man returned the smile. "Ah yes. The family who 'saved' her daughter. Please, go on in. They're expecting you." "Thank you." Nodoka eased the van through the opened gate. They all enjoyed the view as they drove toward the house. "I had no idea Atsuko was so rich! She must have everything!" exclaimed Ranko. "Truly she does. Mishima Heavy Industries is a very profitable company. Seventy percent is owned by the Mishima family. They put the Kunou family to shame," explained Kunou. "I think I've been here before." Everyone but Nodoka stared at Ryoga. He chuckled to himself. "I've probably been in more places I shouldn't have than those movie spies. Talk about cheap plots." Everyone burst out laughing as Nodoka stopped in front of the house. Another man in a black suit opened her door, and the sliding passenger door. "Welcome! The Mistress and her family are waiting for you in the living room. Follow me. Kentaro will see to your vehicle." "Thank you. Remember, everyone, Mishima-san is a matriarch," reminded Nodoka carefully. The man led the group down the hall to a large room. They entered, immedi- ately noticing the splendor. A large fireplace rested in the east wall. Several portraits adorned the remaining walls. There were several antique chairs in the room. A tall, thin woman moved toward them. She could have easily been Nabiki's twin. She bowed slightly to her guests. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. I'm Mishima Akiko. My daughter, Atsuko, will be here shortly. This is my husband, Natsume Kyusaku, my son, Ryunosuke, and my grandfather, Akira." "It is an honor to meet all of you. I am Saotome Nodoka. These are my children, Ranko and Xian Pu. These young women I consider my daughters: Tendou Nabiki and Akane, and Kuonji Ukyou. These two gentlemen I consider my sons, Kunou Tatewaki and Hibiki Ryoga. And this young man is Mu Tsu, a childhood friend of Xian Pu's. I hope bringing him hasn't inconvenienced you." "Not at all. I understand there are others in your family. Is there a reason they could not come?" "The eldest Tendou daughter, Kasumi, and her husband are out of town for a medical seminar. My ex-husband and Tendou-san have declined your gracious invitation." "I see. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Ranko, Dear, I understand you intend to give up your martial arts training. Why?" Ranko fidgeted. Akane put her hand on Ranko's shoulder. Ranko looked up at her hostess. "I-I've killed someone who was, at one time, a part of my family. I...I also see a face in my nightmares. It's someone I should know, but I can't remember. I'm sorry. I can't tell you any more." "I'm sorry I brought it up in this way. I was not aware of the death. I hope you find the peace and courage you need to continue your training. It's a part of you. If you give it up now, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Life is too short to live with regrets. I have many regrets. "One regret is not spending the time I should with my children. I'm trying to make up for it now, but it's not enough. Don't become like me, a bitter old woman who threw away the parts that meant most to her to follow another's dream. Follow your own heart and its dreams." "T-thank you, Mishima-san. I will consider your words." Akiko smiled. Akira spoke up, "It seems my granddaughter has matured enough to advise children, but what about her husband?" "This is not the time, Grandfather," admonished Akiko. Atsuko came into the room, carrying a kitten. "Sorry I'm late. Princess was lost." "Hmph!" snorted Akira. Ranko tensed, almost panicking. Atsuko turned to her smiling. "Hi, Ranko! Are you feeling better?" Noting the silence and wide eyes, Atsuko looked at her friend carefully. "What's wrong?" "Kuso! It's okay, Ranko. The kitten won't get you. Atsuko will keep it back," soothed Akane, putting her arms around the slight woman. Ukyou and Ryoga quickly placed themselves between Atsuko and Ranko. Ukyou spoke, "Sorry, Sugar. Ranko's terrified of cats. It'd be best if you took him to another room." "In her current state, I doubt we could control her when she panicks," added Ryoga. "O-okay, I-I'll be back," replied Atsuko, running from the room. As soon as the cat left her sight, Ranko calmed down. Mu Tsu looked at her carefully, his thick glasses boring into her soul. "Cat-fu?" Nodoka sighed sadly, "Hai. Another of my ex-husband's mistakes, and my own failure." "What is this 'Cat-fu?'" asked Akira. "Is fighting technique not seen in two hundred year," replied Xian Pu sadly. "I see it used. Hope it never used on me." "I have experienced it," added Kunou. "I am surprised I still live." "I see. Could you demonstrate it?" Ranko started to go pale. Kyusaku spoke up, "Mishima-san, these young adults have studied martial arts. They even 'saved' Atsuko last week. I believe they are saying it is very deadly. I seriously doubt you want a demonstra- tion." "Nonsense. If it can be used to improve our government contracts..." "Mishima-san, you do not want to ever consider the Cat-fu as a possible way of making money. Once activated, there is no stopping the individual," began Akane in a deadly voice. "He or she can be brought out of it, eventually, but the cost is too much for anyone to go through. Because of that damned technique, we've lost someone very dear to us." Ryunosuke watched Ranko's eyes dart about the room. He began putting the pieces together in his young mind. He turned towards his great-grandfather. "I think fear triggers it. She's afraid of cats. They trigger it. I think she might get like Nuku-Nuku at her worst." "I see. So Nuku-Nuku can do this technique. Hmm. There are possibilities." Nabiki glared at Mishima Akira. She put her hand on Ranko's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Sorry, Sis. Mishima-san, I can provide you a copy of the book for 250,000 yen. That includes the training manual, pictures of what happens afterwards, the warnings against using it, and interviews with the lucky few who have survived an attack." Akira glared at Nabiki, failing to notice Akane's blue aura. "Why should I pay you? It seems I already have someone who can perform it." "You will not use Atsuko in this fashion. She is my daughter, and I will not let her be hurt by you, or anyone else!" growled Akiko. Atsuko came back. She saw her mother in an argument with her great- grandfather. This bothered her. The fights between them had become more frequent and intense in the past year. "Mama-san! Grandfather! Please stop. We have guests." "Can you perform the 'Cat-fu' fighting technique?" demanded Akira, ignoring the pleas of those around him. "Cat-fu? Let me search my database." Atsuko stood silently, performing a massive search of her internal databases. Ryunosuke shook his head, leaving the room. Akane decided to follow his lead, taking the trembling Ranko with her. They quickly caught the young boy. "What's wrong?" asked Akane. "There's going to be a fight between Mom, Pop, and Grandpa. As usual, Nuku-Nuku'll be caught in the middle. I guess she's still too much of a kit- ten. Always trying to please people." "C-cat?" asked Ranko, stunned. "So's Shampoo," whispered Akane into Ranko's ear. Ryunosuke looked at the two women. "Why aren't you in there with your family?" "Because they can take care of themselves. Besides, we needed to get away from all of that talk of fighting," replied Akane. "But aren't you martial artists?" "Hai, but things have made us...reconsider that lifestyle," answered Ranko. Ryunosuke observed the sad expression on Ranko's face. He also saw the con- cern deeply etched in Akane's features as she looked at the shorter woman. "Why are you afraid of cats?" he finally asked innocently. Akane stiffened as Ranko winced at the memories of a pit full of cats, her six year old body being lowered into it. "M-my father is obsessed with martial arts. He was always trying things out on me, but he never considered the consequences. When he found out about the Cat-fu, he wrapped me in various foods before tossing me into the pit. With those...the eyes...the claws...t-the sound..." "RANKO! Look at me! It's all right. You don't have to remember anymore." Ranko looked blankly at Akane for a moment. Fear rushed through her as her hands began to uncurl. Akane's worried expression flooded her with guilt. Looking at Ryunosuke backing away from them forced her to sob in Akane's bosom. "I almost lost it, didn't I? With no cats around, I almost lost it." "Shh. It was the memories. They were too fresh for you. I should have expected this. It's all right. It won't happen again." Akane held Ranko as she tried to compose herself. She watched as Ryunosuke moved back to the room, almost running. She watched the halls, hoping no one would see them. A maid caught her eye. The woman had tears in her eyes. She mouthed "I'm so sorry" before leaving Akane alone with Ranko. Ranko eventually regained her composure. "I'm sorry, Akane. I...I should have had better control." "It doesn't matter. You're under a lot of stress now. Let's go back. I think the others have stopped the fight. I also don't want Ryunosuke to fear you." "Why shouldn't he? I'm a monster when I 'go cat.'" "You are not a monster. Never think that. The monster is the man who in- vented that technique." "H-hai," replied Ranko reluctantly. They two women hugged each other tightly before heading back to the room. When they entered the room, they saw Nodoka, Akiko, and Kyusaku talking calmly together. Nabiki was talking to Akira while Ukyou idly twirled her throwing spatula. Xian Pu and Atsuko were excitedly talking with Ryunosuke close to his sister. Mu Tsu, Ryoga, and Kunou sat between the groups. Akane and Ranko looked for signs of fighting. Seeing none, they moved to the three men. "Ryunosuke said there would be fighting. How'd you manage to prevent it?" asked Akane. "We chained them up before things got out of hand," replied Mu Tsu calmly. "Ukyou's guarding Mishima-san. Nabiki's explaining to him what the Cat-fu does," added Kunou. "For a fee?" asked Ranko. "Actually, she's volunteering the information. No persuasion from any of us," corrected Ryoga. "I'd be surprised if she doesn't make any money off of this, though. What happened to the kid? He came back kinda pale." "I, um, kinda started going cat." "Gods! Was there a cat nearby?" yelled Kunou. "No. She just started remembering...things," replied Akane carefully. The other groups moved closer. Nodoka moved to her daughter. She glared at Akira. "This is why we will never let the technique be taught to anyone else, Mishima-san. The trauma to the student is too much. I adore cats, but can never again have them as pets for fear of what will happen to my daughter." "What, exactly, happened?" asked Kyusaku. "Ranko was talking about her training in the Cat-fu. When she started talking about a pit, it was like watching her lose her humanity. S-she looked like a cat. She even started to sound like one," answered Ryunosuke, shivering. Akiko paled, looking away from Ranko. Kyusaku gulped while Atsuko looked in- tently at her friend. Akira remained impassive. Akane broke the silence, "Unless threatened, Ranko won't attack anyone. If I'm around, I have enough control over her actions to keep her from doing any real harm." "How so?" asked Akira. "I trust her, I guess," replied Ranko. "Is more, but trust only start," added Xian Pu absently. "Grandfather, as CEO of Mishima Heavy Industries, I will use my power to block any attempt to create a weapon, living or otherwise, that uses this technique. If I suspect you trying anything with my children, you will be VERY sorry. Ranko, how old were you when your father taught you this?" "Six." Atsuko's angry face returned. "Grandfather, I will not have anything to do with such a project." "But you are a cat. Why should it matter?" "Because I AM a cat. It hurts to know that my former existence has caused Ranko pain. Ryunosuke will have nothing to fear from my friends, human or feline." Akira looked at the cyborg's intense face. He glanced around the room. Everyone stared at him in contempt. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Perhaps I should have considered the evidence before committing myself to the idea. Please forgive this old, foolish man." Ranko nodded, relieved that the subject of cats and her hated fear were no longer going to be discussed. She felt strong hands on her shoulders. Looking up, she saw Atsuko's deep, blue eyes pleading with her. "I still want to be your friend, Ranko. And I'm more human than cat, now." Ranko smiled. "You don't look like a cat. I've never thought of you as a cat. Even with Ryoko's teasing. As long as you don't physically become a cat, I'll be fine." "I don't turn into a cat. I try not to act like one often, but I won't near you." One of the servants entered the room. "Madam, the others have arrived." "Thank you. Shall we meet with our other guests in the dining hall?" asked Akiko. "This isn't it?" asked Akane, wide-eyed. Akiko smiled, putting her arm comfortably around Akane. "No. This is one of our many studies. This estate is rather extensive. Atsuko should have you, Ranko, and the others around more often. I have learned to enjoy the laughter of young adults and children." The group entered an even larger room. At the far end were two sets of large, glass doors. They were open to catch the evening breeze. The room was also decorated with antique European furniture. There were expensive paintings by some of the great artists: van Gough, Monnet, and Dali. The clan immediately noticed the photographers, reporters, and police. Nodoka frowned when she recognized the district's representative. She stepped closer to Akiko. "What is going on?" "I thought it would help Ranko if she were praised for her bravery. Atsuko has told me of the strain your daughter has been under. I have been in that position, not knowing if what I was doing was right or proper. "I was fortunate to have people help me through those trials. I have helped Atsuko with her doubts and fears. I only wish to help Ranko. In light of our earlier...conversation, I question the merit of this. How quickly does Ranko recover from this Cat-fu?" Nodoka looked at her daughter's confused expression. "I don't know. I've never seen her use it. Akane, Dear, could you come here?" Akane moved from Ranko's side. "Hai?" "When Ranko is under the influence of the Cat-fu, how long should we be con- cerned?" asked Nodoka. "Well...if she has little to be afraid of, once she's human again, she's normal. A little nervous, but normal. Right now, just hearing a cat, or cat-like sound, would set her off." "Why isn't Atsuko setting her off?" "I'd guess Ranko's looking at Atsuko like she does Xian Pu, human until the cat aspect emerges. Once that aspect is gone, she'll see the human." "How do you know what she's thinking?" asked Akiko. "I've had to learn to ask the right questions and look past the obvious. I've done some pretty stupid things over the last year, particularly with Ranma. I promised myself I would not make those same mistakes with Ranko." "Thank you, Akane. Nodoka-san, I hope this works out, despite Ranko's fears. Maybe we can all learn from this." "I hope so, too. My daughter has suffered greatly over the last twelve years. I fear some of those scars will never heal." Akiko nodded knowingly before leaving with Akira. Kyusaku moved next to Nodoka. He watched his wife before speaking, "It seems she still has a lot to learn. I'm sorry about this. If I knew what she was up to, I would have tried to stop her." Nodoka sighed. "It is too late, now. Our best bet is to make sure Ranko remains calm. With her almost going 'cat,' she could hurt someone. That is something she is afraid of doing." Ranko and Atsuko had already been summoned to the assembled press. Nabiki had positioned herself with the reports. She hoped to control things better if things got to be too much for Ranko. The others took up positions around the room, ready to comfort and protect Ranko. A photographer noticed the positioning. "What's with them?" "Even a top notch martial artists can be extremely camera-shy," replied Nabiki dryly. "Who are you?" asked a reporter. "I'm her manager, Tendou Nabiki. Normally, all photo-ops and interviews are handled through me. Since you're reporters, and have a job to do, I'll let it slide." "Thank you for your generosity," replied another reporter coldly. "You're welcome," answered Nabiki warmly. The first reporter continued his thoughts, "Why would she need a manager? Surely her sensei and her dojo would take care of that sort of thing." Nabiki smiled, "That's why I'm her manager. She is an instructor at my family's dojo. She has also surpassed her sensei's skill. Besides, my job is more along the lines of damage control." The reporters looked at each other, wondering what Nabiki meant. She turned her attention to Ranko. When Ranko caught her eyes, she smiled a warm, reas- suring smile. Ranko let out a short breath in relief, seeming to relax. A burly man stepped up to Ranko. He bowed slightly. "I'm Sonoda Takeshi, Nerima District Representative. How are you this evening?" "I'm fine," replied Ranko nervously. "I'm Saotome Ranko." "That's good to hear. Do you know why we're here?" Ranko looked about the room. Catching Nabiki's nod, she replied, "I'm not sure. I was invited to dinner by Mishima-sama." The man chuckled, "Such modesty in the younger generation. You must do your family proud, Ranko-san. I'm actually here, at Mishima-san's request, to present you with the Citizen's Award for Bravery. Without your help, more people would have died in the tragic outburst of that young woman." The man held out a plaque for Ranko. She stared at it blankly. Images ex- ploded in her mind's eye. Kodachi's broken body. The contorted and frothing face of the referee. Happosai's pulped body. The horrified expression of an old woman. Ranko began shaking her head, mouthing a silent "No!" Color drained from her face as her knees began to buckle. The councilman watched the terrified girl in confusion. "What's wrong?" "NOOO!" screamed Ranko as she bolted past Ukyou, out the open glass door. Ukyou, Xian Pu, and Akane went after her. Ryoga stopped at the door, cursing his sense of direction. "What happened?" asked the councilman. "Nothing you could have prepared for, sir," began Nabiki. "My little sister is simply too stressed to handle this kind of publicity. After stopping Kodachi, she insisted on going to all of the funerals. I think she wanted to remind herself she wasn't good enough to protect these people. "Then there was the funeral for our fathers' deranged master. If Ranko hadn't stopped him, things in this district would have been unbearable. I've found very little on the Master, but I suspect he was responsible for a number of unsolved assaults going back fifty years." "Can you prove this?" demanded Sonoda. Nabiki sighed, "I can have sworn statements by the students the Master at- tacked within twenty-four hours. I'm sure Detective Suzuki would be willing to share what he has with you. And I could provide you with recordings of Ranko's nightmares." "Why?" "Perhaps," offered Nodoka, "it is because my daughter has a had a very traumatic childhood. Her father abandoned her at an early age, forcing her to become a tough fighter. It wasn't until recently that I was reunited with her. Together, we have been trying to heal the wounds, but the scars will always be there." "Where were you, woman?" demanded Sonoda of Nodoka. Nodoka stiffened. "My husband took my children from me when they were young. I believed my husband would take good care of them, teaching them the Art. When they did not return, I searched for them. It wasn't until last Christ- mas that I finally had their location. "When I arrived, my son died, saving us from a madwoman, and my daughter was returned to me. She suffers from amnesia, making it difficult to deal with her at times. When she remembers things, and people, it is usually the traumatic events she remembers. "I have nearly twelve years of being a mother to catch up on. As it is, I have a frightened child to deal with, an ex-husband who denies any wrong- doing, and a adopted daughter who has to learn Japanese. I am paying for my mistakes, I don't need you, or anyone else, telling me what was right and wrong." Sonoda looked around the room. He noticed the pained features of the clan. He watched Akiko shake her head. He heard her mumble, "This is all my fault." Atsuko left, hoping to catch up to Ranko. She left her mother in her father's capable hands. She absently wondered who would take care of Nodoka. Chapter 2 A Farewell to Ucchan Ranko sat in a tree, crying softly. She had avoided her friends by simply moving faster than they could. At the time, she didn't care which way she went. Now, she was lost. She knew they would find her, but that didn't stop the feelings of helplessness and shame she felt. She felt the thick branch move. Through her tears, she saw Atsuko smiling at her. She tried to collect herself. "I-I'm sorry, Atsuko. I-I shouldn't have run off like that. It's...It's not honorable." Atsuko sat fully on the branch, her legs over the edge. "I think I under- stand. I remember Ryu-chan crying over me when he thought I was dead. I was also very sad when I thought Mama-san was about to be killed. "I wasn't human for very long, but I still loved her. I guess this is similar." "When did this happen?" Atsuko looked at Ranko, her smile surprisingly human, and sad. "I don't know. It wasn't that long ago, really. I think it was about Christmas, two years ago." After a moment of thought, she spoke quietly, "Yep, two years ago." "How can you take this so well?" "Papa-san and Ryu-chan gave me this great body. I've become smart. I'm not like a cat anymore, so I hope I don't scare you. Um, what was your brother like? I mean, was he kind and usually happy?" "I don't know. From what the others tell me, he was kind, but very sad. I don't remember him. We were separated when we were six. I'm told he died saving my life." "Oh. Does this remind you of your brother's death?" "Hai. I killed my father's master. I shouldn't have been able to do that. What's worse, I fought Kunou's sister. She's in a coma because of me. If she dies, then that's two people I've killed," sobbed Ranko. After a few seconds, she continued, "That makes me a murderer. You probably shouldn't be near me. I don't want you hurt because of me." Atsuko looked at Ranko's sad face. She was about to say something, but stopped. She didn't know what to say to her friend. Her cultural databases didn't contain the information she needed. Her feline instincts tried to take over, but she fought them down. She didn't want to scare her friend. A faint sound caught her attention. Absently, she extended her sensors. She noticed Ranko almost fall from the tree. She smiled sheepishly while helping the smaller woman keep her balance. "I'm sorry. I thought I heard your friends, so I was listening for them. I think they're coming this way. "I don't think you're a murderer. All of the murderers I've seen on TV don't care what happens to people. You do. You're everything I want to be as a human: strong, smart, kind, independent. "I'm still learning to be human. I'm a little bit of everything I see in you. I also don't like to see people sad. I told you I don't like fighting, but I will if I have to. Do you remember what I did in the school yard?" Ranko shook her head. "Xian Pu told me, though." Atsuko smiled broadly, "I promise I'll help you any way I can. If you think you're going to hurt someone, come to me. You can't hurt me, so I don't mind if you hit me. Besides, you did something neat the first day. I want you to teach me." "Why? You'll become a killer, like me." "Ranko no killer," interrupted Xian Pu. "Is time you learn who woman in dreams was." "You know?" "We all do, Sugar. Your whole family knows," replied Ukyou. "Who? I mean how?" "Woman steal your memories," began Xian Pu. "She...she was my great- grandmother. By village law, Shampoo supposed to marry man who beat her. Ranma that man. Ranma no love Shampoo, but not know what to do. "Great-grandmother put pressure on Ranma. Whole family suffer, especially Akane. When Ranma no marry Shampoo, Great-grandmother find you. She use you to force Ranma marry me. If Ranma no marry, you and family die. "Ranma learn of Ancient Law. Only law in village there no exception to. He fight in Test. No weapons. Ranma win, if Great-grandmother no use weapon. "Ranma win, killing Great-grandmother before he die." Xian Pu paused, wiping tears from her eyes. "By Law, Great-grandmother kill entire clan. Ranma smart. He have Mother save Shampoo's birth family. Family live as long as Shampoo no enter homeland for thirty year." "So you see, Hon," picked up Akane as Xian Pu cried silently, "Xian Pu's great-grandmother is the real killer, not you. When you fought Happosai, you fought to save your friends. You had no choice. At least Xian Pu's great- grandmother focused her madness on Ranma and his family. Happosai would have terrified the entire city." "W-what about Kodachi?" asked Ranko meekly. Akane sighed, looking at the ring Ranma gave her before the fight with Cologne. "Kodachi was insane. Remember how she attacked you before the meet?" Ranko nodded, prompting Akane to continue, "I told you how she attacked me before our meet. As far as we can tell, she's attacked nearly all of her op- ponents before their matches. Because of Ranma's kindness, she thought he was hers to marry. "She was jealous of me and Ranma, when he had to pretend to be you. I have no doubt she would have killed everyone in that building, just to kill you. If she knew about Ukyou and Xian Pu, I'm sure she would have tried to kill them." "And don't forget, she went berserk when she found out about Ranma's death," continued Ukyou when Ranko looked like she was about to protest. "I-I guess so. I'm just sick of the whole thing. Pop treats me like a weak- ling, especially now. I hurt Kodachi, yet Tatewaki-kun supports me in every- thing I do. He should hate me for hurting his sister. Then there's the fact I don't have a past. I just don't know what to do anymore." Akane leaned forward, taking Ranko's hand. "We've all been here for you, and will always be here for you. You just need time to work things out for your- self. I think we all do. Just don't give up everything. "As for your so-called father, let us worry about him. He and my father need to be reminded that you're a part of the family; someone I love very much." "That's right, Sugar. It's time your family and friends took over some of your problems. Right now, you're just confused about what you should do with your life, as well as trying to figure out who you are. I think Auntie can help you there," added Ukyou with a warm smile. "I-I guess you're right. I mean, Pop's always said for me to hide my emo- tions and weaknesses from others. Atsuko, I'm sorry about running away like that. I'd like to apologize to your mother." "That's all right. I've learned a lot tonight, especially how I can help you smile again. If you want, I can apologize to Mama-san for you." "Thanks, but I'd rather tell her myself." Atsuko smiled and nodded before the group left the branch. No one noticed a mail box moving toward them. Even Atsuko failed to detect it. She was too busy trying to think of ways to help her friend. *** Ranko and Xian Pu entered Ucchan's the next morning. A few of the early cus- tomers were disappointed when Ranko didn't let them in after unlocking the door. The two women climbed the stairs to Ukyou's apartment. "Hey, Ucchan! It's time for our breakfast," called Ranko playfully. Ukyou stepped out of the bathroom, drying her hair. "Are you buying?" "Of course. Even _I_ have to pay rent at the dojo," replied Ranko in mock indignation as she helped Ukyou bind her chest. "Well then, I guess it's time to settle the bill. Shampoo, are you ready to work?" "Of course! I study Japanese all week. Am better, no?" "Hai, Sugar, you're better. Since you've had experience at a restaurant, I won't bother you with all the boring stuff. I'll just show you what I need done and how I do it. Shouldn't be too different from the Nekoken." "Do you serve only okonomiyaki?" asked Xian Pu. "Hai. Why?" "I not know how to make. Know native food, but few Japanese food." Ukyou smiled. "That's all right, Sugar. The first few weeks were only going to be to see how well you worked. After that, I'd try to teach you to cook these." "Thank you, Ukyou," replied Xian Pu with a warm smile. "Um, Ranko? My parents will be coming here in a couple of weeks. They want to meet your mother. I told them about finding Ranma and they'd like to talk things over. I-I just thought you should know." Ranko frowned slightly. "Thanks, Ucchan. I'll tell Mom. I'm sure she can fix things with your parents. I'm feeling better, so you don't have to be nervous." Ukyou smiled brightly, hugging Ranko. "I'm glad, Hon. With the great job your mother's doing, I have no doubt she'll fix everything. Oh, yeah, Akane's already agreed, but would you mind hiding some of my more feminine stuff? It wouldn't look good for Father's 'son' to have such things." "You have to ask? I don't think I should. I feel rejected," replied Ranko in an exaggerated pout. Ukyou and Xian Pu giggled. "If Ranko no help, then I help. Of course, must hide my clothes, too." "That's true. I can't very well tell them about you, or Ryoga. They'd never believe me." "True. Do you want your things at the dojo, or the house?" asked Ranko as the trio went down the stairs. "Actually, both. I've been thinking about this for a while. As fun as Akane is, I miss you. I think I should keep some things with you, for when I visit unannounced." "Good idea. Everyone else has things there." "Thanks, guys. Now, on to work..." Ranko sat back in her usual booth, watching her sister and friend go through the opening routines. She occasionally glanced at the anxious people out- side. She smiled, knowing that, despite the wait, people enjoyed Ukyou's cooking. When the customers finally were allowed in, Ranko watched Xian Pu serve them, taking their orders. She thought how little Xian Pu changed from serving in the Nekohanten and now. Ranko froze in her seat. The images flashed through her mind's eye. Xian Pu working the tables. A locket. An old woman whose face was hidden. Roasting chestnuts. Ranko gasped, looking blankly at Xian Pu. A thousand questions begged to be asked. She needed to ask Xian Pu, before she forgot them, like everything else in her life. "Hi, Ranko!" interrupted Obari Kumiko. "It's been a while." Ranko jumped slightly. "Um, Hi. It has been a while. What have you been up to?" "The usual. I've got a part time job at the dojo." "Really?" "Hai. I help Akane and Kasumi in the evenings. It gets me out of the apart- ment. Now, Mom and I can afford some nice things." "That's great! How's school?" "Without you, boring. Miyuki moved to Katsura. She wanted me to give this to you when I had the chance." Ranko took the envelope. She read the short letter carefully, smiling as she finished. "Thanks, Miyuki-chan," she whispered before folding it up and put- ting it into her purse. Kumiko smiled shyly as she held the other envelopes in her hands. "Um, we all heard about the gym meet. We're really sorry it happened. I've got some cards for you. Everyone signed them. We even sent cards to the families you tried to help." Ranko took them in her shaking hand. She awkwardly opened them. As she read them, tears rolled down her face. "Y-you don't think I'm a killer?" "Of course not!" exclaimed Kumiko. "Listen, Ranko, I'm your friend. I was also Ranma's friend. When he began having problems, like you are now, he started to lose his confidence. He became withdrawn, just like I see you becoming. At one point, he thought he was nothing. I will not let you think that. "You are a kind, sweet, caring person. You like to see people laugh and en- joy themselves. That's something your father never let you do, enjoy your- self. "When you first came to school, you were full of life, ready to share it with the world. You also had a great sadness. It was the same sadness Ranma had. Because of the way we treated Ranma, we decided to make it up to him by treating you better. Just your being around made several people happy." Ranko stared at her friend as Kumiko took a sip of water. Collecting her thoughts, Kumiko continued, "It may not be that way at your new school, but we embraced you at Furinkan. You may not realize it, but if you need any- thing at all, the girls at school will give it to you in a minute. I'm still president of your fan club." Ranko's shocked face gave way to a small smile. "Really?" "Really! After all, I can't let the most famous student be forgotten, can I?" "I guess not. But why? I'm a killer." Kumiko shook her head. "No, Ranko, you are not a killer. Miyuki's uncle works at the hospital. He told her that Happosai died from pneumonia. That's not unusual for people like him. According to Miyuki, the Old Creep was healing good. Another week or so, and he would have woken up." "But I put him there!" protested Ranko. "Hai. But you did what you had to do. The thing is, we know what Kodachi did, so we aren't so upset. But we have no idea what Happosai's done. Maybe he was warming up, before raping us. All I can say is that you were doing what you do best, looking after the little guy." "So I'm not a killer?" "No, Hon. You're a real hero. If it weren't for you, more people would have been hurt, or worse. I think you're just too overwhelmed by this. You just don't have enough of your memories to protect you. I trust you with my life." "Th-thank you," replied Ranko. She thought about what Kumiko just said. To her, it made perfect sense. She was out of control of her life without her memories. "Thanks, Kumiko. I feel better now." "I'm glad. You did seem a little out of it when I came in. Did I help any?" "Do you know if I've been in the Nekohanten?" Kumiko studied her friend, inwardly smiling. "I'm not sure. You should probably ask Shampoo. Personally, I think you have, since you've traveled so much." "What you ask me?" "Have I been to the Nekohanten? Watching you take orders reminded me of seeing you there." Xian Pu's face brightened. "Hai! I no explain now. Promise to tell tonight." "Thanks, Sis!" "Welcome. Now, you want food?" Before Ranko or Kumiko could answer, an odd looking gum ball machine danced to the counter. It presented flowers to Ukyou. "I've found you at last, Ukyou, my love!" it cried. Ukyou sent her throwing spatulas into it. "Get away from me, Tsubasa! I don't want to see you here again!" Tsubasa picked itself up. "But I love you!" it proclaimed as Ukyou knocked it out the door with her battle spatula. Ukyou hopped off the counter, putting her weapon away. "I'm sorry you had to see that. I went to school with that person." "It looks like Ukyou has the same problem Akane had with Kunou, before he was cured," commented Kumiko. Ranko nodded, knowing the story. Kumiko continued, "I'd lay money that Tsubasa is a man who likes dressing as a woman." Ranko blushed. "Why do you say that?" Kumiko grinned. "To do what he just did means he loves Ukyou as much as she once loved Ranma. As much as Akane loves you." Ranko blushed even more. At that moment, a young woman entered the room. She had on a modestly cut pink dress. She ran to the counter, holding out a small box. "Please, Ukyou, go out on a date with me!" "Listen, Tsubasa, I have never liked you. I do not want to date you. There are too many things going on for me to even consider dating someone. SO LEAVE ME ALONE!" "But Ucchan..." "NO ONE CALLS ME THAT! If you call me that again, you will NEVER be able to speak again. Do you understand?" Tsubasa looked at Ukyou, terrified. Never had she seen Ukyou this angry. She felt Ukyou threatened her life. "But I thought someone..." "That someone died before my eyes. I am still trying to deal with that nightmare. Leave, before I do something I'll regret," hissed Ukyou. Tsubasa nodded. She left the restaurant, crying. Several customers stared at Ukyou, accusing her of something. She almost lost her emotional control. "Shampoo! Take over. I-I need a moment to myself." Silently, Xian Pu jumped over the counter. Ukyou quickly left the room. Ranko started to get up, but Kumiko held her back. Soon, the customers re- turned to their eating, gossiping about what had just happened. Ukyou returned to the grill. She handed Xian Pu a note. Xian Pu then handed it to Ranko before continuing her duties. The note was simple, but painful. I think it would be best if you stopped calling me Ucchan. I won't be calling you Ranchan, either. I'm sorry, Sweetie, but it's better for everyone. Ranko bit her bottom lip, trying to keep the tears from coming. Kumiko watched her friend, knowing the pain and confusion in her mind. Ranko quickly left the building. Kumiko followed swiftly. Both were silent. Kumiko observed the display of emotions over her friend's face. They soon came across Tsubasa. The young woman was crying. The box she presented to Ukyou ruined. Several men had shied away from her, some with bruises. Ranko cautiously went over to the woman. "How long have you known Ukyou?" she asked coldly. "About five years," sobbed Tsubasa. "I see. Ukyou's a very dear friend to me. You hurt her, today." "I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean it. I love her so much, I just want to show her how much I care. I'm Kurenai Tsubasa." "Saotome Ranko. This is Obari Kumiko." "Pleased to meet you," added Kumiko, trying to smooth out an hostilities be- tween the to women. "Saotome? Are you related to that jerk who stood Ukyou up?" "Um..." "I don't think this is a good way to start things off," replied Kumiko. Ranko looked at her friend coldly. "Why not?" "Because you're upset. You're almost as mad now as you were when your father returned from his training trip and found you waiting for him." Tsubasa regained her control as the friends continued to argue. She didn't understand what was going on, especially since it was a simple question. Ranko sighed, realizing Kumiko was right. "I'm sorry, Tsubasa-san. You up- set Ukyou, and she said some things to me." Tsubasa smiled sheepishly, "I guess I did come on a little too strong. How long have you known Ukyou?" Ranko began counting the months. "I can only remember back eight months. I don't remember much past that." "You don't remember?" asked Tsubasa, surprised by Ranko's admission. "No. I'm told my twin brother died before my eyes. Everyone thinks that my mind just shut down when that happened." "I'm so sorry. I didn't know. How do you deal with it?" Ranko took Kumiko's hand. "I have wonderful friends: Kumiko, Ukyou, Akane, Ryoga..." "You're babbling, Ranko," interrupted Kumiko. "You have to teach in an hour." Ranko frowned even more. "I've given up teaching. I don't care what Father says or does." Kumiko sighed. She turned to Tsubasa. "We need to get going. Give Ukyou a chance to mourn her loss. If she has any feelings for you, other than revul- sion, give her time to express them." "I've been professing my love for almost five years. Because of this... Ranma...I have been booted out of her path." "Are you talking about the Great Saotome Ranma?" The trio turned to face Mu Tsu. They actually faced his back. He was facing a nearby water fountain. Ranko slipped his glasses over his eyes. She turned him towards them, a smirk on her face. "What do you mean 'Great Saotome Ranma?'" asked Kumiko coldly. "Forgive me. I meant only the greatest respect. If Ukyou has fallen in love with Ranma, it may be years before another will be allowed to take his place." "Why do you say that?" demanded Tsubasa. "Because he was perfect," replied Mu Tsu simply. "If he had lived, every un- married woman in my village would have challenged him for marriage. He had also done what no outsider had ever done before." "What?" demanded Tsubasa and Kumiko. "He became an Amazon because of his bravery. That is essentially impossible. The only ways a male can become an Amazon are to be born one, be adopted while still very young, or marry into the tribe. "Ranma was able to defeat an Elder AND her chosen champion in mortal combat. I, too, have faced Ranma in combat. I now count myself lucky to have sur- vived. He was a gentle soul, burdened with a fate no one should ever have. "Ranko, I am sorry for your loss. Had I not fought him for Xian Pu, I am certain we would have become friends." "Thank you, Mu Tsu. I'm sorry, Tsubasa. I only remember my twin briefly. What I do remember of him keeps me going. If what Mu Tsu and Kumiko say is true, Ukyou will be grieving for years." "Why don't you grieve for him?" "I-I don't know. I guess it's because everyone tells me that a part of him lives on, in me. I use that to comfort me. I wish I could help, but I don't know what to do. "Tatewaki has said, many times, that obsessing over a person or thing will destroy your life. Is Ukyou the person you love?" "I have forsaken all others." "I'm sorry. If you want Ukyou to at least like you, talk to her." Tsubasa looked into Ranko's concerned eyes. "Thank you, Ranko-sama." Ranko and Kumiko bowed, excusing themselves. Tsubasa returned the bow. The two girls left for the dojo, leaving Mu Tsu and Tsubasa alone. Mu Tsu and Tsubasa sat quietly, watching the women leave. Tsubasa turned her gaze to Mu Tsu. She began to anger. "What are you still doing here?" Mu Tsu cocked his head slightly. "I'm waiting for Xian Pu. If I waited for her at the restaurant, she and Ukyou would have kicked me out. I was warned about Ukyou's fighting abilities." "Why fight? Do you enjoy beating yourselves up?" "Heh. We each have our own reasons. Xian Pu and I are Amazons. It is our heritage, duty, and destiny. There are those who learn to fight to gain to gain inner peace. There are also those who learn to fight for no other reason than to make others miserable." Tsubasa hmphed, turning her attention to the park's entrance. Mu Tsu followed her gaze. "I suppose the same could be asked of you: why do you dress as a woman while she dresses as a man." Tsubasa glared at Mu Tsu. He stood, ready to slap him. "How dare you question me in such a manner!" "A valid question, considering yours. I think I know the answer, though." "Oh? How did you know?" "I am a master at concealment. Watch." Mu Tsu flicked his wrist. A hook and chain flew from the sleeve of his robe. It ensnared the support post of the swing. He tugged on the chain, causing it to return to his robe. Tsubasa moved closer to Mu Tsu. Mu Tsu showed off his sleeve and arm. No weapon could be seen. Tsubasa smiled. "Can you teach me that trick?" "Perhaps. Why?" "Well...can people be made to disappear with that trick?" "If they were willing, yes. I don't think it is appropriate, though." "Why not?" screamed Tsubasa. "I'll do anything for Ukyou! That's why I dress like this. She lives as a man, so I'll live as a woman." "And I'll do anything for Xian Pu. But there's one problem: Ranko." "How can that beautiful girl be a problem?" "She is Ranma's twin sister. Xian Pu was one of the best warriors of her generation in our village. Her great-grandmother was the best, period. "Xian Pu is also proud of her skills. The other day, when I vowed to make Ranko's family respect Xian Pu, she told me that Ranko was the best fighter. She then told me the clan's assets: strength, speed, and cunning. I was warned that facing two or more of Ranko's friends would be inviting death. Xian Pu claims to barely be able to hold her own." Tsubasa noticed Mu Tsu's distant look. "Do you believe her?" Mu Tsu glared at the transvestite. "Hai, I believe her. Not just from what I've been told, but with what I've seen. At the moment, Ranko is grieving the loss of her father's master. It is a death she feels responsible for. I cannot say more. "Because of that, she is emotionally exhausted, on the verge of another breakdown. Her friends, including Ukyou, set themselves in a pentagon, ready to protect and comfort her, when she met a politician." Tsubasa arched an eyebrow. Mu Tsu continued, "This was shortly after I arrived in Japan, to win Xian Pu's freedom. I went along to this meeting to learn more about Ranko's family. I'm still amazed at how natural that was for them. If it were a true fight, no enemy would be able to stop them." "And Ukyou helped?" "Hai." "Do you know why?" "Ranma." "Ranma! Ranma! Ranma! It's always Ranma! You said he was perfect. If so, why did he abandon her eleven years ago?" "I don't know. I have spent the last week learning what I could about Ranma and Ranko. Ranko was abandoned at a very young age by her father. As such, she had to depend on her skills to survive. "Ranma had only recently been told about his twin. Xian Pu's great- grandmother had tried to trap him in a marriage to Xian Pu. I haven't been told everything, but I know he was challenged by Cologne. And each time, she was defeated. "He also had a body normal women adored. He also had a charm many felt was irresistible. Even I liked him, and I challenged him to a duel. "It is also said the dead are perfect and can do no wrong. I believe that is why you will fail in your current quest for Ukyou's heart." "What about you and Xian Pu? Wasn't she in love with Ranma?" "Hai, she was. But I have been after her for twelve years. Someday, she will be my wife. It will be sooner than I would have thought last year. But then, an Elder has never nullified every law the way She Who Is Gone did. "She killed Ranma in weaponless combat with her staff. When she did that, she destroyed everything we Amazons believed in. At least he had the strength to kill her, and her madness, before he died. Xian Pu no longer believes in our laws. That gives me the hope she'll be more receptive to my affections." "I won't even pretend to understand everything you've told me, but thank you. Maybe I can get Ukyou after all." Tsubasa bowed and left. Mu Tsu watched him go. A sadness entered his soul. He knew he would have Xian Pu, but he feared for Tsubasa. Xian Pu had lost everything dear to her. Her great-grandmother, her home, her family, and her faith in the Amazon teachings. Tsubasa only has his faith in Ukyou. Mu Tsu feared it would be shattered before long. Chapter 3 Ranko's Date Ranko stood in front of her students. She smiled at them sadly. Akane and Ryoga stood to her right, while Genma and Soun stood to her left. She took a deep breath before speaking to them. "Over the last three months, you have given me the strength and encouragement to exceed, despite my problems, in martial arts. I have made no secret of those problems. I thank you for your patience and understanding. "I must ask that you continue to be understanding and patient. Recent events have caused me to step back from the Art. For the near future, I will not be teaching. Nor will I be participating in any martial event. "Akane and Ryoga will be taking over my position. I'm sorry to quit on you, but I must come to terms with myself before I can teach again. Thank you." Ranko bowed to her students. They returned the bow. Akane and Ryoga frowned, but remained composed, as Ranko started to leave the hall. Soun's face twitched from the stress of the announcement. Genma lost his control. "INGRATE! I let you teach and at the first sign of..." Genma found himself on his back, staring at Ryoga's cold, brown eyes. Ryoga's fist was less than a millimeter from Genma's neck and shoulder, embedded in the floor of the dojo. Ryoga spoke to the class, but more to Genma. "This is the reason our sensei has stepped away from the Art. The events she spoke of have left her emotionally exhausted. Because of that, she feels her skills and discipline are next to useless. "There is a saying I have found to be true: 'Never fight when angry.' Our lesson today is a modification of that theme: 'Never fight when out of con- trol.' "Discipline. Strength. Peace. These are what we strive for at this dojo. Let's take ten minutes to reflect upon this." Ryoga removed his hand from the floor and stood. He watched calmly as Soun helped his friend. Akane nodded to him as she led the men out of the hall. Ryoga took a deep breath as he began his kata, thinking about what he had just told everyone. Genma as Soun stepped on the patio. They turned to face Akane. She had her arms crossed in front of her. She glared at them waiting. "What those two have done is inexcusable," began Genma. "Never before has a sensei stopped teaching a class, short of personal illness. And Ryoga...to strike a master in such a way. This farce has gone on long enough! Tendou and I will resume our duties." "Are you done ranting and raving like a child?" asked Akane. Both men stared at her. She continued, "It seems you have forgotten that you work for us. As such, you don't question our decisions. Also, Ryoga did you a favor. He showed our students exactly why our emotions have to be held in check. "Because of the way you raised Ranko, she has no real way of dealing with her emotions, or people. She is doing what she can to regain her control." "I raised her to bury her emotions. Now she is running away from her duties." "Just as you ran from yours?" Genma stepped back, dimly acknowledging his past actions. Akane continued, not letting him focus his thoughts. "Ranko is not running away from her duties. She is trying to regain the peace of mind and soul she had before her fight with Kodachi and Happosai's death. If that is running away from her duties, then so were the times she would sit on the roof, thinking about her life. "I have gotten over my anger at the world, but you two make it difficult for me to be happy again, with the woman I love. We have all sworn to help Ranko, but your tantrums are making it difficult for her, and us, to heal. "So until you apologize, genuinely, to her, you will not be teaching here. When Nabiki comes home tonight, be prepared to pay for the damages to the training hall." Akane turned to leave, but Soun stopped her. "But Akane, it was Ryoga who damaged the floor, not Saotome." "Remember the holes Ryoga poked in the walls at Christmas?" Both men froze. They spoke together. "Hai." "Good. Don't upset Ranko again today. You know how Kunou gets about his 'goddess' and Shampoo about her 'airen.'" Both men cringed at the words. No one called Ranko those names anymore, but the men knew exactly what the sentiment was that Akane referred to. They reluctantly brought out their shogi board and played, without cheating. *** Ranko sat on the roof, watching the sunset. She missed watching them from her mother's house. To her, they were the most stable things in her life. While she loved her family, especially her mother and Akane, they all seemed a little distant. She felt the distance before the funeral. But since the funeral, she felt it more sharply. It was hard for her to pinpoint the source of the problem, since no one, but Genma and Soun, treated her differently. Her mother, if anything, seemed more protective of her. Movement behind her brought her attention to the world around her. "Please go away. I don't want my peace disturbed." "Forgive me, Ranko-san. I, too, sought peace. I shall seek it elsewhere," replied Mu Tsu quietly. "Did Shampoo kick you away, again?" "No. I merely sought a place I could think." Ranko sighed. "Do you think I'm weak?" Mu Tsu watched Ranko carefully. "No. You are grieving. There is a dif- ference." Ranko patted a spot next to her. Mu Tsu carefully sat next to her. He took off his thick glasses, cleaning them absently. "Was Ranma weak?" "No," replied Mu Tsu after a moment's silence. "Ranma was a strong, courageous man. Your culture holds honor in high regard, as does mine. Ranma was perhaps the most honorable man I've met. "Ryoga and Kunou are very honorable, in their own ways. They have their faults, but they are no less honorable. Ryoga suffers from a deep depres- sion. I have watched him the last few days. He has great power and deter- mination. He honors you, and your brother, and is saddened by your loss of family. "Kunou fights his mania. He is strong willed and maintains his control. But I have watched him tear his dojo apart, only to cry when he has finished. He weeps for the loss of your brother, and your pain." "Don't EVER spy on my family again! Like me, they have to deal with their grief. If I catch you spying on them..." "You'll kill me?" Ranko froze. Her face became ashen as she looked at the deadly calm Mu Tsu. "Good. Forgive me for shocking you, Ranko-san, but it was the only way I could think of getting your attention. You are ready to defend your family, even with what you have gone through. You honor your brother with that loyalty. Use this knowledge to heal and grow. I will no longer 'spy' on your family. I shall see you another time." Mu Tsu left the roof silently, leaving Ranko to stare at the darkening sky. A lone tear streaked down her cheek. She sat on the roof, thinking, even after dinner was called. *** "All right, class. Today we have a new student joining us. This is Kasunoba Nokoi. He has just returned from an extended stay in the United States. Let's give him a warm and friendly welcome," introduced the teacher. The students stood up. "Welcome to Akai Roshi High School," echoed the class as they bowed. "Let's see now, there is an empty seat nest to Natsume Atsuko." All eyes followed Kasunoba as he sat next to the smiling Atsuko. Most of the men held contemptuous glares. The women, however, looked at him with longing. The three women who had no inclinations were Ranko, Xian Pu, and Atsuko. Kasunoba smiled to himself as he took in the sight of the class. He knew this school would be enjoyable. He found himself eyeing the three women, ig- noring the teacher, until lunch. He followed the three to the lunch room. He watched from a distance, nearly ignoring the attention from the other female students. He followed them to the courtyard after purchasing his meal. He sat on the opposite side of the tree they sat under. He listened to them talking. He also watched several students avoid them. "Father tried to insult me yesterday. Thanks to Ryoga and Akane, he and Tendou-san haven't said anything else to me. I'm glad I have them." "Why does your father do that?" asked Atsuko. "Well, I turned my class over to Akane and Ryoga. Father was upset. I don't think he went into the dojo all night." "Serve him right. I talk to Ryoga after getting to dojo. He say he lost control when Panda-man try to stop you. Violent Tomboy had to teach for long time. She good teacher." "Akane's not violent. At least not anymore. Anyway, I guess Ranma taught her well," replied Ranko. "Hai. If only I no meet Ranma, then you no receive Father Saotome's anger and grief. I need to go." "Your sister has improved in her speech almost as much as I have." "Thanks, Atsuko. Mother's worked hard with her, especially since Ukyou's hired her." Kasunoba smiled at this glimpse into the lives of the women who interested him the most. All he had to do was decide which one to date. The day was young. He felt two fingers press into his temple. "Why you spy on us?" came a soft whisper. "Heh heh. Who was spying? I'm just having lunch," replied Kasunoba as he opened his eyes. "There is nothing keeping me from sitting here." Kasunoba looked into Xian Pu's glaring stare. She removed her fingers, leaving him to rub the pain away. She stood to her full height. "I sorry. I think you listened to us. Best you forget what you hear, or I make you forget." "Shampoo! There is no need to threaten him. I must apologize for my sister. She has a tendency to overreact." "Think nothing of it..." "Ranko." "Until later, Ranko." Kasunoba stood to leave. He noticed Xian Pu start to sway as he stood. Strangely, Ranko and Atsuko were unaffected. He smiled to himself. he thought as he returned to the building. *** Ranko stood in the foyer, putting on her shoes. Her mother stood in the hallway. "I wish you would take Xian Pu with you." "Mother, I'm seventeen. I can take care of myself. Besides, I can still outrun anyone." "Ranko, dear, you aren't fighting anymore. That leaves you vulnerable. I know we've gone over this before, but you're my only child. I don't want anything to happen to you. Please, let Xian Pu, or Mu Tsu, go with you." Ranko embraced her mother. "I love you, Mom, but I need to be alone for a while." Nodoka sighed. "All right, Dear. Just be home before nine." "Hai!" Ranko left the house, waving to her mother. Turning down the street, she headed for the shopping district. The late afternoon sun cast long, lavender shadows as she retreated from Xian Pu's view. "Want me to follow?" "No, Dear. Ranko needs this to boost her confidence. If we shelter her too much, she will not be willing to listen to us. It would be best if we were prepared to look for her if she doesn't come home after midnight." "Why so late?" "Ranko is a Saotome. She has spent ten years learning to take care of her- self. She is smart enough to avoid a fight, but skilled enough to defend herself if she has to, even now." *** Ranko walked down the crowded street. She had nothing in particular she was looking for. She had found that, not only did martial arts help her think, shopping helped her as well. It reminded her of the first time she and her mother did something together. The earrings. Her favorite, lucky pair. She had others, but these were gifts from her mother. The one Saotome who accepted her without question. Ranko smiled at the thoughts of her mother. A strong woman in the face of tragedy. The loss of her brother, the divorce, and the aftermath of Happosai's death did little to weaken the elder Saotome. "A yen for your thoughts, dear Ranko," interrupted a man's voice. Ranko turned to see Kasunoba standing next to her. She smiled wryly, holding out her hand, palm up. He looked at it in confusion. "Do you want to know my thoughts, or not?" Kasunoba smiled as he placed a thousand yen note in her hand. "Where did you learn that move?" "My sister, Tendou Nabiki. Her motto is 'If there's no profit, don't do it.' Of course, profit is what you define it as." "I see. But you weren't thinking about profit, were you?" Ranko sighed. "Hai. I was thinking about how strong my mother is. And how I want to be just like her." "A noble gesture. But why such thoughts?" "Don't get personal, Pal." "Forgive me. Your sister, Xian Pu, accused me of spying on you at lunch today. Perhaps I was. I would like to apologize to you, and still get to know you." Ranko softened her expression as they moved down the street. She found she could not hide anything from this man. "I only just met my mother, after nearly eleven years of separation. We're all just starting to get over my brother's death. But things are still difficult." "How did your brother die?" "Xian Pu's great-grandmother killed him. He was trying to save my life. I don't remember the details. I barely remember anything from a year ago." "Oh?" asked Kasunoba, smiling to himself. "I have traumatic amnesia. At least that's what my brother-in-law says. He's our family doctor. I'm remembering more each day. He thinks I'll be able to remember everything in about a year or two." "You poor thing. How did you get this?" "Everyone seems to think it has to do with Ranma's death." "Ranma?" "My twin brother." "I see. How do you cope?" "Mother, my sisters, my friends, my lover. They all help me on really bad days." "Like today?" "No. Like yesterday. Even Mu Tsu helped. I hardly know him, but it seems like we've known each other for a long time. I vaguely remember meeting him at my old high school. But I haven't talked to him about that yet." "Then you should, soon. Listen to me, we just met today and we're talking like old friends. Stranger things have happened, eh?" "You don't know the half of it." "More to tell?" "No. Some things are best left alone." "I suppose. But it's a lousy way to start a friendship." "Friendships are built on trust. That has to be earned. I really need to get going. It was nice talking with you, Kasunoba-san." "Hai. Perhaps we can meet tomorrow, after school." "I can't. I have a date I will not miss." "Another time, then?" "If you're trying to get a date with me, forget it. I'm seeing someone who's waited until I was ready to date again." "Thank you for your honesty." *** Ranko walked into the house. Nodoka smiled as the young red head happily waved and went to her room. Xian Pu looked up from her books as Ranko set her bags on the floor." "What you buy?" "Nothing, really. A pair of earrings, a new swimsuit, and a music box." "You no need those. You have plenty." "I like earrings. I can always barrow necklaces, bracelets, and rings from you or Akane, but..." "Sorry. I too much of warrior to like these. You good warrior, too, but you need these to be you." "Thanks. The music box is for Kodachi. I thought she'd like it. Maybe it'll help her come out of the coma." "That good thought. I should get something, too. Why swimsuit?" "We're going to the beach next weekend, right?" "Hai." "Well, instead of the one Akane gave me, I bought one of my own. Maybe you could tell me how it looks, and if Akane'll like it." Xian Pu nodded. Ranko smiled as she removed her clothes. She quickly put on the aqua blue and teal bikini. Her grin widened as she heard Xian Pu gasp. "Aiya! Akane die of jealousy! I no let you wear that." "Oh yeah? Who's going to stop me?" asked Ranko, giggling. "ME! I challenge you to tickle fight. If I win, I wear swimsuit," answered Xian Pu as she laughed. "I'm a Saotome! I wont lose!" laughed Ranko as she launched into the battle. Chapter 4 Memories and Betrayal The warm air washed over the group as they strolled onto the semi-crowded beach. The boys, Kunou, Ryoga, and Mu Tsu, ran to a large, open section of the beach. The girls: Ranko, Akane, Nabiki, Ukyou, Xian Pu, and Atsuko, rushed to the changing houses. Nodoka, Genma, and Soun made their way to the spot the boys picked out. "It is good that you two have decided to join us. As good as they are, the children can be difficult to handle on my own." "Is it Ranko?" asked Genma matter-of-factly. Nodoka sighed. "No, Genma. OUR daughter is not a problem. It is the cir- cumstances surrounding her that is the problem. Mu Tsu comes out of nowhere to challenge our daughter, thinking she is still Ranma. Your master's funeral and the fight with Kodachi have robbed her of her confidence. "Then there's the girl at school who constantly harasses them. It hurts Ranko more deeply than we know. But what is worse is your patronizing atti- tudes. Like it or not, we have a daughter. She won't go away with hot water." "How is that possible? Is this permanent?" "Only if she wishes it to be. To heal her mind, the body must not change. We have been wronged by Cologne. Her tribe is trying to set things right. Don't forget, we're Amazons now." "Nodoka-san, why did you say it would be permanent if Ranko wished?" asked Soun. "Ranko is every bit the child I met last December. She has a great deal of confidence, but is still pained by doubt and failure. When the time comes, I will give her the choice of being Ranma, my son and daughter, or remaining as my daughter forever. It is only fair, right?" Genma nodded while Soun's face twitched. Nodoka shook her head. A sad smile appeared on her face. It was quickly replaced with a happy one as the girls joined them. *** Along the road, a man watched the family. He paid close attention to Ranko, but regarded them all. He smiled as he entered the beach. He began looking for a special place. The place he would take her. *** Ryoga and Mu Tsu stood at the water's edge, not daring to touch it. They calmly watched Ranko teach Akane how to swim. Ryoga smiled at how naturally teaching came to the red head. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Go ahead, Mousse." "Why aren't you swimming? You were ready to, but stopped." "Ryoga looked at his companion. "You're an Amazon, right?" "Hai." "That's your answer. Just remember who you're with when you understand." "A group who could kill me if I so much as insulted Ranko. Very well, Ryoga-san. I accept the enigma of your answer. Who is Ranko anyway?" "My best friend's sister. That is all you need to know." "How long before I learn the truth?" "When we feel you're worthy. Don't ask anymore. I might forget Aunt Nodoka is watching." "Mother not only one watching," growled Xian Pu. Mu Tsu slumped his shoulders. "Ranko told me not to spy on her family and friends. So I thought asking questions would be the best approach. I wish only to make my stay in Japan worthwhile." "Is good you want to know, but we no can tell. You have done good, but still need wait," commented Xian Pu before she returned to the towels. Ranko and Akane came up to the two men, laughing. Ranko fought back her usual taunt. "Hey, Ryoga-kun! What's the matter?" "Don't worry about it, kiddo. Why don't we get some lunch. I bet you're hungry after your swim." The girls nodded. Akane's smile widened. "Are you leading, Ryoga-kun?" "Hai! No, I can't. OOO, Akane, that's rotten of you!" replied Ryoga as he chased Akane up the beach, laughing. Ranko laughed as Ryoga finally caught Akane. She started up the beach, stopping when Mu Tsu didn't follow. "What's the matter, Mu Tsu?" "There is much to consider about your family. It is openly affectionate, yet highly secretive. In our village, you are regarded as nobles, yet you are outsiders. It seems you are exempt from nearly every law, yet you are to be obeyed. All of this because of She Who Is Gone?" "Mostly. I don't have the answers. I'm not sure I want to know the answers." "I'm sorry. I must remember what She Who Is Gone cost you." "Hai, my family," whispered Ranko. "Pardon?" "Nothing. Just a random thought." Mu Tsu smiled. "Thinking about your family?" Ranko blushed. "Hai." "They're good people. Better than my family. You are blessed with strong ties, especially your ties to Tendou Akane." Ranko blushed more. "Are you aware of my relationship with Akane?" "Is there something special about it?" asked Mu Tsu, suspicion in his voice. "Hai," replied Ranko, blushing. "I think...we really are...never mind. It's not important. Let's go to lunch." Mu Tsu blinked at the change in subject. He smiled as he crooked his arm for the young woman. Ranko returned the smile, linking her arm with his. They walked up the beach, taking in the sights and sounds around them. As they approached the concession stands, she released her grip. Akane and Xian Pu joined them, leading them to the table. "We got your favorite, Ranko. Mu Tsu, I hope you enjoy it," stated Akane her hands caressed Ranko's shoulder. "It should be fine." "Let's eat!" chimed Ranko as dug into her food. Akane stifled a giggle, re- membering Ranko's voracious appetite. Ryoga grinned at his friend. "You'd think you're eating for two, Ranko." "What's your excuse, P-Chan? You eat as much as I do, almost as fast." "Hai, but you're in public. Don't forget your manners." "Oops! Sorry, guys. I guess I worked up more of an appetite than I thought. By the way, Akane, you're doing very well." "Thank you. As for you, Ryoga, don't tease Ranko. If you continue, we'll have pork for dinner," teased Akane. "Ryoga let out a nervous laugh while Akane, Xian Pu, and Ranko laughed heartily. Mu Tsu looked on with interest. The meal continued with jokes at Ryoga's expense. A man came over to the table. Ranko smiled at him. "Hello, Kasunoba-san." "Hello, Ranko. How are you?" "Good. Let me introduce you to my family. You already know Xian Pu." "Hai." "This is Tendou Akane, Hibiki Ryoga, and Mu Tsu." "It is a pleasure to meet you. I see there are others coming." Ukyou joined them, followed by Nodoka, Genma, and Soun. Atsuko remained on the beach with Nabiki and Kunou. Ranko smiled as Ukyou put her hand on her shoulder. "This is Kuonji Ukyou, my mother, father and uncle. The others on the beach are Atsuko, from school, Tendou Nabiki, and Kunou Tatewaki. Everyone, this is Kasunoba Nokoi. He's the new student in school." "It is a pleasure to meet you," greeted Nodoka with a small bow. "As I said before you arrived, Saotome-sama, it is my pleasure. Ranko, would you like to take a walk?" "Um...Akane, are you going to want me to continue teaching you?" "That's all right, Dear. I'll let the others watch me practice. I'd like you to stay close, though." "We won't go far, if that's what you're worried about," assured Kasunoba. "Are you sure?" asked Ranko. "Hai. You need to make more friends. Besides, I trust you," replied Akane with a warm smile. Ukyou leaned over to the red head, whispering, "You're not getting THAT bold, are you?" Ranko blushed, shaking her head. "I won't be long." "Have a good time, Dear," encouraged Nodoka. After the two left, Genma clenched his fist, crushing the pop can he held. "What are you two thinking? You are pledged to her, Akane!" "Enough, Genma! Ranko is her own woman. She may choose who she wants as a friend. Don't you agree, Akane?" scolded Nodoka. "Hai. Ranko needs to have a broader range of friends at her new school. It's difficult for her friends at Furinkan to be with her when she needs them. "Besides, we're secure in our relationship. We don't need a panda telling us what to do. Anyway, I've got it covered." "How? And what relationship are you talking about?" asked Soun. "No need to know how Ranko watched. She have good friends," answered Xian Pu. "The relationship is one of trust, Saotome-san. It's what has been there since before I came to Nerima," concluded Ukyou as she glared at Genma. *** Kasunoba led Ranko up the beach. They walked side by side, an arms length apart. He looked ahead purposefully while she remained quiet. If anything, it seemed she had trouble walking straight. "You know, Ranko-chan I have wanted to get to know you since I first saw you." "That's nice, Kasu...Kashu..." "Don't worry about names. It's just the two of us." "I feel funny. I need to go back, before I do something silly," giggled Ranko. He guided her into a small cove. "Now what would be silly?" "Let's see, change into a little piggy, or a cat. I hate cats. Or worse, a panda. That's Pop. He doesn't like me. He left me behind and took Ranma away. He took my brother from me." "That is too bad. I'll make the hurt go away. Do you trust me enough to do that?" Ranko looked at Kasunoba. She fought her sudden dizziness. She put her hand to her head, absently stroking the scar. She felt the burn of her touch. Images flashed in her mind. One of being with her friends. Of being with her mother. The images were of Christmas, in the dojo. Akane held her as Ryoga and Kunou paced back and forth. Ukyou looked toward the house, twirling a throwing spatula. Her mother came to her, embracing her. The kind, sad voice of her mother echoed in her clouded mind, "I'm so sorry I've missed my daughter growing up. No matter what, you are my child. Whether or not you are cured, you will always be my child." Ranko's eyes snapped open. She barely focused on Kasunoba's predatory smile. Her mind reached for the familiar. "Momma?" Akane?" Kasunoba smiled even more as he built his strength for the final assault. "They're fine, Ranko-chan. Just relax. Let me take care of you," he cooed as he released his energies. The alcove lit up with a soft, green light. It quickly faded. Kasunoba looked at Ranko's blank expression. "Now for our evening of pleasure." He took off Ranko's top. Her token resistance pleased, and excited, him. She naturally fell into her battle stance. Her lack of coordination pre- vented her from being stopping Kasunoba's passionate kiss. Tears rolled down her cheeks as he pulled down the bottom part of her bikini, then his trunks. An image flashed through Ranko's mind. A smile. The image grew to reveal Akane's face, framed by her long hair. The smile and long hair were quickly replaced by tears and short hair. Chapter 5 Discoveries and Revenge "RANKO!" called Akane as she walked up the beach. The sun had set a half hour earlier. Everyone had been ready to go six hours earlier. It took Atsuko, Nabiki, and Kunou to remind her Ranko was missing. She berated herself for forgetting her lover. The only consolation she had was that Nodoka had also forgotten. She heard the others calling, brining her out of her thoughts. Their distant voices added to her desperation and anxiety. She knew something was wrong. Then she saw someone. "Ranko?" The person moved slowly toward her. Akane's heart tightened as she raced toward the figure. She was relieved to see it was Ranko. Something looked wrong to her, however. She passed it off as a trick of the moonlight. "Ranko, are you all right?" "Take me home. I don't feel well. I hurt down here," replied Ranko in a whisper as she touched her groin. Akane noted the fear in the red head's voice and eyes. "What happened?" "I-I don't remember! I can't remember anything but your tears!" wailed the frightened girl. Akane hugged her lover, trying to soothe her. She broke the embrace, but Ranko hung close, never breaking physical contact. Akane bit her lower lip. Thousands of thoughts running through her mind. She guided her companion back to the parking lot. Ryoga rushed toward them, relief on his sharp features. He stopped cold when Ranko cringed behind Akane. He looked at his friend, confusion warring with fear washing through his eyes. Akane shrugged. "I don't know. She's not talking. Honey, I've got to get the others. Ryoga will protect you while I'm gone." Ranko's eyes pleaded with Akane. akane whimpered slightly. Ryoga held out his hand. "It's okay, Ranko. I will not let anything hurt you now. You know I can't go more than a meter without getting lost." Ranko left Akane's side, reluctantly taking Ryoga's hand. She stiffened her body, preparing to run. Her body quivered before she was fully prepared. Ryoga's heart sank as he felt his friend quiver at his touch. A year ago, he would have rejoiced at the sensation. But that was before he met Cologne and found out what she did. He felt the desperation building within him. He fought for control. He needed to be strong for Ranko. He needed to re- main calm so he could help her. He needed to be her friend. He sat her in the van, out of the cooling air. He found a beach towel for her to wrap herself in. He took in a sharp breath as she wrapped herself tightly in the towel, almost assuming the fetal position. He noticed her eyes never met his. He closed the door carefully, separating himself from her. Sighing, he took up a lethally relaxed stance in front of the sliding door. He extended his senses to their limits, waiting for the family to return. *** Nodoka closed the door to Akane's room. Tofu stood next to her. Their grim faces barely hid the pain of their discovery. They steeled themselves for the meeting with the family. They entered the family room. Everyone sat anxiously waiting for the news. Nodoka went to the phone while Tofu sat at the table. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I had to sedate Ranko. Even with Nodoka there, she was nearly hysterical. The good news is she is physically in good shape, despite what has happened. The bad news is she will most likely be scarred for life. "She has been raped. If and when she remembers, she will be worse off than she is now. I can only speculate, but I would guess she will not be willing to go anywhere alone. Her amnesia is only making this worse. "Gentlemen, she will most likely avoid you. Don't take this personally. She has to deal with this...violation...as best she can. Be there for her. Try to minimize the references, but don't ignore or obsess over the event. "Ladies, you have to be supportive. Don't let her do anything she'll regret, but work with her and go with her when she needs you to. Above all else, everyone, treat her with respect. She didn't ask for this. She needs our help more than ever. More so than when she came to us in Joketsuzoku." "If she hadn't given up the Art, she could have been able to defend herself," commented Genma. Within seconds, he was facing a furious Ukyou. He felt something pressing against his manhood. He looked around the room. He began to sweat as all of the children looked at him with the promise of pain. Ukyou hissed at him. "Listen, Old Man, Ranko needs our support. Unless you want to be 'violated,' don't EVER say what she should have done." She pushed her throwing spatula harder into his crotch before continuing, "We don't know who did this, or how strong he is. It could have been you who was raped." With that, she stepped back. Genma looked around the room again. The stares, even from Tofu and Soun, caused him to retreat into his chair. He felt relieved when Nodoka entered the room. "The police will send someone tomorrow. They said that unless Ranko can re- member anything, or someone else reports the incident, there is little more they can do. "I wish I knew why and how I forgot my daughter." "I remember funny smell, but only enough to know it not belong," commented Xian Pu. "Kind of like lilacs," added Mu Tsu as he formed a triangle with his fingers. "I kind of remember that. Tofu, what is your opinion?" asked Akane. "Well, I really don't have one. I did notice a problem with Ranko's chi, but I think it's due to her agitation. Let me check something on all of you, though. Do you all remember the smell?" "I don't," replied Nabiki. "I wasn't with them the entire time." "Nor was I," added Kunou. "I was talking to so many people, I don't remember. I've been trying to re- member the smell since Xian Pu mentioned it, but nothing. I'm sorry," con- cluded Atsuko. "HMO. And the rest of you smelled it?" "Hai!" "Akane, could you come here?" Akane silently went to Tofu. He looked her over, occasionally poking her. He then repeated the process for everyone but himself. He wanted Kasumi as a baseline. He ended with Atsuko. "You're not alive, are you?" he simply asked. "I'm a cyborg. My brain is alive. The rest of me is a machine built by Papa-san," replied Atsuko shyly. "Ah! Now I remember. I forgot that, Atsuko-chan. Well, I have some more bad news. Everyone who remembers the smell has an abnormal chi reading. Just like Ranko's. From what, I can't say. "The best I can offer is if you smell lilacs where they don't belong, take note and let the others know. If you find the source, let the police know. Don't forget to tell them about this tomorrow. Xian Pu, with your knowledge of drugs and potions, you might be able to convince them of a possible con- nection." "Hai." *** Ranko sat up screaming. The horror of the sound forced Akane's eyes open in time to see her roommate dash out the door. The sound was worse than the nightmares of Happosai. Akane shuddered as she left the room. Every light and door came on or open. Akane knew the routine. She had it burned into her the year before. The twist was, now there were more people. She met Xian Pu at the bathroom. "Mom and Tofu only," she whispered as she entered the outer room. Xian Pu nodded, taking a guarding position at the door. She was pleased to help, but wished it were under more honorable circumstances. She noted how Ryoga, Ukyou, and Kunou took positions around the hall, covering the entrances and each other. Each warrior was deceptively relaxed. She knew that any threat would end before she would have to leave her post. She also knew that anyone who en- tered the bathroom through the window would be dead before he touched the floor. For the moment, Ranko was safe. Xian Pu's new sister was the safest person on the planet. But the cost of that safety was, ultimately, her fault. She felt she would be better off as a cat. Akane saw the torn clothing on the floor. She heard the sobs over the run- ning water. Her breath caught in her throat. She slid the door open quietly. The sight stabbed at her. Ranko appeared to be using her amaguriken to wash herself. Her skin was already raw, but she continued to scrub at a furious pace. Akane moved quickly to her fiancee. "Ranko!" The girl continued to sob and scrub. "Ranko, stop this!" called Akane as she managed to grab Ranko's hands. "I'm not clean! I have to get the filth off. I'm too dirty to look at!" babbled the hysterical girl. Akane looked at her in the eye. "You are clean now. If you clean yourself any more, you won't have any skin left." "But I feel like trash. I can't be clean! I have to keep washing!" "Ranko, listen to me! You are as clean as I am. What you need now is rest. If it'll make you feel better, I'll give you a bath tomorrow." "NO!" screamed Ranko as she tried harder to break free. "Ranko! Listen to me: I love you. It hurts me to see you like this. Just calm down. Let me help you. Let your family help you." "How can you help me when I don't know what's wrong! I hurt, Akane. I hurt where I shouldn't. It feels like something went in there, BUT I DON'T RE- MEMBER IT! "The last thing I remember was walking with Mousse to the stand, for lunch. After that, it was waking up in a small cove, at night. What happened to me? Why didn't you come for me?" Akane pulled Ranko to her. She fought her tears. She needed to be strong. Strong enough to help her lover, no matter what the cost. "I didn't come because I didn't know you were in trouble. The whole family didn't know. I'm sorry, Ranko, but we somehow forgot about you. Tofu thinks somebody made us forget. "I swear to you, my darling Ranko, that I will make whoever did this pay. I know that everyone outside will help. We love you, Honey, and we'll do what- ever we can to make the hurt go away." "I feel so...so..." "I know, Love. Believe me, I know. We'll deal with this together. I love you too much to let you handle this alone." "I love you too, Akane. Please don't leave me tonight. I'm afraid he'll be back." "Who?" "The man who did this to me." Akane kissed Ranko's forehead. The bathroom door slid open, revealing Nodoka and Tofu. The went to the girls. Akane reluctantly broke the embrace, but stayed close. Tofu applied the salve over Ranko's body. Nodoka soothed her daughter's pain as best she could. She reassured Ranko that nothing would destroy her love. She continued soothing the red head, even after she fell asleep. She carried her daughter to Akane's room, placing her gently in the bed. "I'm going to talk to everyone. Tofu and I heard your promise. We'll take care of things, just stay here and watch Ranko." "Hai." Nodoka kissed Ranko's forehead before hugging Akane. She quietly left the room. She met Genma and Soun in the hall, at the head of the stairs. Genma took a deep breath. "How is she?" "She is sleeping, Genma. We need to talk with the others." "Nodoka-san, how are we going to deal with this? Nothing we have done has prepared us for this..." "Travesty," concluded Genma, interrupting Soun. Relieved, Nodoka continued into the family room. She motioned for the fathers to sit down before speaking. "Akane has pledged herself, and this family, to finding and punishing the man responsible for Ranko's rape. Who is willing to accept this?" "Need you ask?" replied Nabiki. "I'll help any way I can," added Kasumi. "I have pledged my life, and honor, for Ranko," answered Kunou as he stroked the sheath of his katana. "Any time, any place," grinned Ryoga as he cracked his knuckles. "I'm with Ryoga," added Ukyou as she twirled a throwing spatula. "Is duty I fail in. I must prove self again" concluded Xian Pu, with Mu Tsu nodding his ascent. Atsuko wasn't sure how to respond. She hated to fight, but her friend needed her. She had already downloaded all of the information she could about what happened to Ranko. Even she felt the need to fight. "I don't know what to do, but I want to help." Nodoka smiled. "Atsuko, Dear, are you in Ranko's class?" "Hai." "Good. I would like you to watch over her when Xian Pu is gone. I don't want her alone." Atsuko nodded, putting on her most serious face. "How do you plan to find this man?" asked Nabiki. "Ryoga and Mu Tsu will remain here, to guard Ranko. The rest of you will have to keep an eye out for anyone and any thing that smells like lilacs. Pay careful attention to topical substances," replied Nodoka. "Why are we looking for a person?" asked Kunou. "Because, Kunou-san, we were all affected. We don't remember being touched by strangers. Whoever attacked my daughter used something on her, and us. He would most likely continue smelling like lilacs," answered Genma, his buried feelings coming forth. "Pairs?" offered Ryoga. Everyone agreed. Xian Pu and Atsuko left for the beach. Kunou and Nabiki moved to the apartments near the beach. Ukyou joined up with Xian Pu and Atsuko. *** Xian Pu and Atsuko walked into class. Both were exhausted from a night of searching. The few clues they had found ended with little more information than the obvious. They collapsed into their seats, taking the time to refresh their minds. Xian Pu meditated. Atsuko set herself on automatic for the five minutes before class. She hoped the alarms would wake her. Kasunoba entered the room, followed closely by several female students. He noticed Xian Pu and Atsuko sitting in their seats, as if the world didn't exist. For the first time in his life, a chill ran up his spine. The re- action seemed to come from Xian Pu. He dismissed the feeling as he approached her. "Good morning, Xian Pu. How are you?" She remained motionless, her eyes closed and her breathing shallow and steady. Kasunoba spoke to her again. "Xian Pu?" She did not answer. He placed his hand on her shoulder. He barely remembered what happened when his eyes focused on Xian Pu's neutral expression. Above the ringing in his ears, he hears the class murmuring about something. He tried to sit up, but the pain in his back, neck, and arm forced him to stop. "What happened?" he asked shakily. "You touch me without permission. You interrupt meditation. Do not touch again," replied Xian Pu before she sat back down. "I'm sorry. I didn't know about the meditation." "That why you still live." he thought as he stood up. "Where's Ranko-chan?" Xian Pu's expression nearly killed him. Her eyes smoldered with rage. Her neutral expression cracked, revealing disgust. After a long heartbeat, the expression returned to neutral. She calmly spoke, "She sick. She with doctor today." Kasunoba's own expression cracked. His fear of discovery became evident. He quickly buried the thought. He nodded to the Amazon before going to his seat. His mannerisms were completely off. A buzz came over Xian Pu as she watched him. The buzz signified, to her, danger, but she couldn't tell why. She continued to watch Kasunoba as he tried to carry on a conversation with Atsuko. The so-called cat girl's only reactions were hollow laughs. Xian Pu shot up from her desk, startling everyone, including Atsuko. She bolted for the door, knocking the teacher down. She ignored him as she raced down the hall. The principal nearly ran into her as she left the building. He followed her to the gates, where she met three men. He approached close enough to hear her. "I think I know who hurt Ranko." "Who?" asked the three men. "He Kasunoba Nokoi. He ask where Ranko. I tell him she sick and with doctor. He go pale then walk in fear to desk." "I shall smite the foul demon!" "Not now, Kunou. Akane wants a piece of him." "We all do, Ryoga-san." "I had chance to kill, but passed." The principal had heard enough. He moved to the group. The young men looked at him as if he were nothing. He ignored them. "What is going on? What do you mean by 'a chance to kill?'" "You spy on us?" asked Xian Pu, rage just below the surface. "I, that is, no. Again, what did you mean?" "It's his job, Xian Pu. He wasn't intentionally spying on us. He just followed you because you left the building. Right, Sensei?" asked Ryoga. "Correct. Now what's this about killing?" "It is a matter that concerns you not, my good man." "He has to know if we want to stay out of trouble," countered Ryoga. Kunou glared at him briefly. Ryoga nodded before turning to the principal. "Our friend was attacked by someone. We think this Kasunoba Nokoi is res- ponsible. You'll have to forgive Xian Pu's...exaggeration. She comes from a village of warriors. "Anyway, we're trying to get the evidence we need to contact the appropriate authorities." The principal nodded. "If I accept your explanation, what will happen?" Ryoga grinned, revealing is fangs. "Shampoo, keep an eye on this Kasunoba. Don't fight him, yet. If you can, find out what he knows and be discrete." "I use shiatsu technique. Mousse know where formula are?" "Hai." "Bring to me at lunch. I eat with Atsuko." "Right." replied the Amazon as he bounded towards the dojo. Ryoga continued. "Kunou and I will tell Akane. If he did do it, find a way to get him to Furinkan. We'll 'talk' to him there." "Hai." Before the principal could ask, the three remaining warriors went off. He looked after Xian Pu before heading back into the school. His question wasn't answered to his satisfaction, but he knew he had to watch the young woman. One of his students appeared to be in danger. *** Akane sat at the dinner table. Her eyes haunted by nightmares of the past. She stared at the pond, imagining Genma and Ranma training. She longed for that to happen again, but the cruel truth remained. Ranma was no longer around. The final parts of his soul seemed to fade with Ranko's rape. Akane shuddered before drinking her coffee. She jumped from her thoughts as Kunou and Ryoga walked in on her. She sighed in relief as she recognized them, her painful memories still fresh in her mind. "How was the search?" she asked with newfound calm. "Shampoo thinks she's found the person., answered Ryoga. "She's going to try to find out more as subtly as she can." "The only time I've seen her subtle was the day Ranma 'died,' though she is improving." "She sent Mousse to get her shiatsu formulae," added Ryoga. Akane touched her hair as she frowned. "Call Mishima-san. Tell her to get a hold of Atsuko without being obvious. Atsuko is to stop Shampoo at all costs. Tell her it's important and that I asked for this." "Hai," responded Kunou as he left for the phone. "If he's the one, we were going to take him to Furinkan. I felt the advan- tage would be ours," added Ryoga. "Good thinking. If Shampoo and Atsuko can get the information, we'll go Saturday night. Ranko should be well enough to confront him. It also gives me a few days to prepare." "Akane, are you sure we should do this?" "Tell no one of this: in junior high, my best friend killed herself in front of the class after the police refused to arrest the boy who raped her. His reaction was to ridicule her more. "That's why it easy to hate Ranma when we first met. To me, he was per- verting everything. It was the little things he did that allowed me to like, then love him. My promise still stands: he will always be a man to me." "And my best friend. For what this guy, and all the others, did to Ranko, he must pay. Bet let's be careful not to take the ultimate punishment. He should live in fear," vowed Ryoga quietly. "Hai!" *** Ranko opened her eyes slowly. Her sore muscles told her things weren't good. She recalled no fights, yet the pain was there. She couldn't remember why, but only her hips and groin seemed to hurt. "How are you feeling?" asked a deep, subdued voice. "Father?" "Genma smiled softly. "Hai, Ranko. I'm here." Ranko hugged herself. "Why are you here?" "Because you are my daughter. Because you are injured. And, because ulti- mately, it's my fault. I abandoned you because you were a girl. And when you returned, I shunned you when you needed me the most." "Papa, I still love you." "I...I l-love you, too. I'm sorry it's taken this to remember my duty and responsibility. Now I must try and make up for what I have done. When you are ready, I will train you." "Thank you, Papa." "Excuse me," interrupted Akane. "Hai?" replied Genma. "We think we know who hurt you, Ranko. Atsuko and Xian Pu are getting infor- mation about him now. Nabiki's also doing her own research on him." "Haven't you called the police?" asked Genma. "This is all based on something Xian Pu saw and heard. If this is the cor- rect man, then we will confront him Saturday. Ranko, if you're strong enough, we'd like you to be there. Perhaps we can get more answers with you there." "But I don't think I can fight anymore." "You can, Ranko. I may have failed you as a father, but I can say, when it comes to fighting, you are excellent." "But I killed Happosai, and maybe Kodachi/ "Hai. But Ryoga taught, actually he reminded me, that fighting without con- trol is to court death. You have learned that lesson better than I. For that, Sensei, I embrace your superior skills. "To ease your pain, Soun and I tried to kill the Master. Obviously, we did not have the courage to do what you did. We also tried to trick him. You just faced him in a way we dared not." "But to confront the man who hurt me, won't I have to fight?" "There are more than one way to confront people," answered Akane before Genma could. "You're not ready to fight. Let us handle that. Your confrontation will be to get answers, like how many and why." "Okay." "Think about it before Saturday." Akane gently kissed Ranko's forehead before leaving with Genma. Ranko stared at the door, thinking about what her father said. His words, "Ultimately, it's my fault," echoed in her mind as she saw a valley with hundreds of springs. *** Xian Pu was on the hunt. She couldn't help but compare it to the hunt for the woman now called Ranko, her sister. While she didn't have to search for her prey, she had to remain calm. Soon, her vengeance would be fulfilled. Her concentration was interrupted by Atsuko. "Mama-san got a call from Kunou-san. He says that Akane doesn't want the shiatsu done. We're still to get information from him, though." "Torture, yes?" smiled Xian Pu happily. Atsuko blinked. "No...she said to be discrete. What I want to know is why you think it's him." "I warrior. Trained to find weakness and fear in enemy. When I say Ranko with doctor, he show fear. Instinct say he danger. Only times I ignore in- stinct lead to defeat by Ranma and Ranko. No more ignore Instinct." "This doesn't feel right. We're hiding behind a tree, watching him. Shouldn't we find another way to do this?" Xian Pu growled at the simplicity of Atsuko's question. She instantly thought of her curse. Before today, it had been an annoyance and hindrance to her relationship with Ranko. She felt resentment for the curse. At the same time, she felt redemption. She could now use it to heal Ranko. She looked around for a way to change. She quickly found the means to become her other self. "Atsuko, I need to be cat. Take clothes. When lunch over, use hot water to make me human." Atsuko nodded, remembering her conversations about the Jusenkyo curses. She gathered Xian Pu's clothing as the Amazon raced to the water fountain, in- stantly becoming a cat. She stared at Xian Pu, not ready to acknowledge the transformation. Xian Pu moved confidently toward Kasunoba. He stood amid a group of young men. They were talking quietly. Her sharp ears picked up the conversation. She was appalled at the frankness of the men. "Hey, Nokoi! You look worried, Did you score and get caught by her old man?" "I scored, but none in her family know." "Who'd you score with? I mean, you have nearly every girl in school after you." "Heh, boys, it's not proper to ask such things. After all, why ruin her reputation?" "Yeah, but if she's your girlfriend, then it doesn't matter. Right?" "Gentlemen, the lovely girl I have conquered has red hair, with a patch of white. She is sad and lonely, but full of love and life." "Isn't that Atsuko?" "No, man. Atsuko has really red hair and isn't sad or lonely." "The only other red head is that new girl. Rumor has it, she's a martial artist." "It's not a rumor. She's continually taken out Ryoko. Of course, that was before the big gymnastic meet. How'd you get past her overprotective sister?" "She was putty in my hands. It was an entire afternoon of pure pleasure." Maybe we'll see you at the dance with her next month." "That would be fun," replied Kasunoba thoughtfully. Xian Pu hissed, arching her back. The men looked at her. Not realizing the cat they saw was her, Kasunoba tried to pick her up. She raked her sharp claws across his palms, drawing blood. Satisfied, for the moment, she returned to Atsuko. She found Mu Tsu talking to her friend. She hissed at him. Absently, he produced a kettle of hot water. Atsuko poured the contents over Xian Pu. She quickly put on her clothes, thankful Mu Tsu did not proclaim his love. When she finished, she turned back to the two. "I sorry, Mousse. No need formula." "I know. Atsuko filled me in. What have you found out?" Xian Pu took a deep breath, calming herself. "Kasunoba Nokoi is dead man. He brag to men about raping Ranko. He make it sound like everyday thing." Atsuko crushed the iron kettle into a small, crumpled ball. For the first time in her life, she felt hatred towards a person. Her sensors extended, searching for sounds. She dropped the useless kettle, staking towards her prey. Two years of sup- pressed instinct surged forward. She nearly ignored the voice that called her. "Nuku-Nuku, stop!" She stopped, unable to move. Her rage subsided. She looked at the man who called her. "Pap-san?" The man frowned slightly. "Hai, Nuku-Nuku. What's wrong? Akiko called me, telling me to keep an eye on you and Xian Pu. When I saw Mu Tsu, I knew there was more." "Papa-san, Ranko was raped by someone in our class. We just found out he's treating this as nothing more than a casual event. I'm so mad, I want to crush him for hurting her." "How do you know he did it?" "I spy on him. Was only way to confirm instinct," replied Xian Pu. "I believe you. I've seen the way you and your friends move and work. You can't fight him. Not the way you want to, anyway. Is Ranko going to press charges?" "She doesn't remember who did it. When he raped her, he somehow able to make the whole family forget she went to the beach with us," replied Mu Tsu, twirling a long shuriken in his fingers." "How?" "Drugs. Chi. Magic. Any of those, and more, can alter memories," replied Mu Tsu. "I don't know. I want you to promise not to do anything stupid. Let the police handle it," commanded Kyusaku. "Xian Pu's stupidity killed Ranko's brother. No do stupid things," replied Xian Pu in shameful disgust. "This man will pay for his crime. By the Laws of Joketsuzoku, he is dead. It is a matter of time," stated Mu Tsu. "That would be murder, Mu Tsu," reprimanded Kyusaku. "Besides, this is Japan, not Joketsuzoku." "We make him wish he dead," stated Xian Pu evenly. *** Ranko sat in Tofu's examining room with Akane and Nodoka. She patiently waited for him to return. She had refused all physical contact with the two women. It took all of her control to let Tofu examine her. The door opened, revealing Tofu and Kasumi. They entered the room, sitting at his desk. Their looks caused Akane and Nodoka to shift uncomfortably. Tofu looked at Ranko carefully, then to her mother. Sighing, he began, "Ranko, I have some news for you. First of all, you are healthy. You don't seem to have any infections, but I'll need to keep an eye on you for a few months. We're thankful for that. I know it's no consol- ation for what has happened, but it is the best I can offer for the moment. "What I'm about to say now is difficult. I ran a simple, standard test on your samples. Ranko, you are pregnant. Akane, Nodoka, it is important that you know this as well. The three of you have a lot to discuss. "I'm sorry. I wish this was under better circumstances. I will support you in your decision, whatever it is. Ranko, you are still my little sister, and I love you." "As do I, Little Sister," added Kasumi before she left the room. Ranko cried silently. She offered no resistance when Akane embraced her. Nodoka added her arms to the embrace. "Thank you, Tofu," Nodoka said in a strong, yet fragile voice. Tofu nodded, leaving the room for the three women. Ranko composed herself, breaking the embrace. She quickly changed into her regular clothes. She moved to the door, ignoring the two women. "Ranko?" asked Akane. "I have to think. I may be going mad, because a voice is telling me to believe Tofu. I don't, but the voice is telling me it's true." "Perhaps you should talk to us. Together, we can come up with an answer to all of this. Don't face this alone," pleaded Nodoka. "I'm the only one who can," replied Ranko, a strength in her voice not heard in several months. "That's not true. My best friend faced this alone. All she has to show for it now is her grave. She didn't tell her friends until it was too late. She killed herself before the entire class. I will not let my lover face this alone!" countered Akane, her anger building for the first time in nearly a year. "Please, Akane, let me focus my thoughts. I'm seeing images I don't recog- nize. We'll talk tonight. I promise." Akane offered a small smile. "All right." "Ranko, let Akane go with you. You don't have to talk to her until you're ready, but I'd feel better if she went with you," commanded Nodoka gently. Ranko nodded, leaving the room. Akane quickly followed. Nodoka shook her head as she watched them leave. A memory brought a tear to her eye. "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." "I think it is now, Akane," whispered Nodoka as she left the room. *** Ranko looked at her lover. Despite the impact of Tofu's statements, Ranko felt alive when Akane called her a lover. The statement, and her reaction, added to her confusion. Akane had always been in her thoughts when others tried to ask her out. She had accepted the reason the Tendou daughters gave for only Kasumi and Nabiki calling her sister. The way Akane had opened up to her in the last two weeks, calling her lover and getting more intimate, had solidified several of her feelings. She knew she had regained what was missing in her life, replacing the emptiness that was there. The pain of leaving Akane had also left. She now knew that she wanted to spend her life with Akane. This revelation also brought out fresh memories. Mostly, they were memories of her and Akane. Kumiko, Kyoko, Atsuki, Miyuki, and Ukyou fought for at- tention in her mind. Promises of love and friendship glowed flowed from within her. "Akane?" "Hmmm?" "What are your thoughts about this baby?" "I feel you should keep it." "Why? It'll only just be a reminder of my weakness." "Only if you want to look at it that way. Here's another way to look at it: the child you carry is innocent of all that has happened to you." "A true martial artist lays down his life to protect the innocent," echoed Genma's words from a lifetime ago. "Suppose the man who did this to us thinks you're weak enough to get rid of the child, by keeping, and loving it, you'll be stronger than he ever will be. Also, this child represents a new start for us. We won't have to worry about adopting." "Adopting?" Akane smiled at Ranko. "Hai. I'm serious about you being my lover. I've kept quiet because of your amnesia. I needed to wait until you were ready, but ever since Kodachi's attack, I've wanted to comfort you. Since I've told you, at Atsuko's home, you've been happier. "I guess I did the right thing, ne?" Ranko returned the smile. "Hai. Knowing you love me like that has helped me, a lot. I'm not...empty anymore. It feels right, too. But the child..." Akane sighed. "Shampoo found out who did this to us." "She did? Who?" "Her hunch paid off. We know exactly who did it. I called Nabiki before we left for Tofu's. She said this 'man' is a real lady's man. There have been dozens of complaints filed against him. Most of the women who've complained are now mothers. They just want to get support for their children. Some want to marry him out of honor." "With Pop's obsession with honor, he'll probably try to get me to marry him! Who is he, Akane?" "In a minute, Love. I want to finish talking about our child." "You keep saying 'us' and 'our.' Why?" "Because we can't have children on our own. We're both women, and Mother Nodoka won't let me go to Jusenkyo. Besides, our fathers want an heir for the schools. That's why they engaged Ranma and I. "Because of the promise to unite the schools through marriage, I want you to be my lover. Not just because of the promise, though. I want you because I love you like I loved Ranma. You are the most important person in my life, right now. "I-I also made a promise to my friend: if I ever had a child of my own, by choice or not, I would keep it. If it was a girl, she would carry her name. If it was a boy, he would carry a masculine version of her name. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm as much a mother to your child as you are. This is my dream, Ranko. To be a mother to a beautiful, healthy child. It's just that, now, I won't be the birth mother." "What about love? I don't think I can love the child." Akane sighed. "I know. There will always be a barrier between the three of us. I'm no longer a foolish child who believes love is easy. "Ranma was my first love. It took a lot for us to realize it. Then I met you, after Ranma died. I tried to convince myself this was wrong, but I fell in love with you. It's a deeper love than I had with Ranma. "I promise, Ranko, I will always be here for you, and our child. Please, don't give up. WE can work this out. We've dealt with your amnesia, we'll deal with your pregnancy." "What about the father?" "I'm mad enough to kill him for doing this to us. I wanted to wait until you were more ready before asking you to be my lover again. But now, I'm glad he forced this. WE can move on, while he can rot for all I care. You don't need him." "Just like you didn't need all of those boys, last year." Akane smiled. "Right. Most boys and men are perverts, so you'd best be pre- pared." "Doesn't this make us perverts?" "No. It makes us special." "Oh. Who was it that did this to me?" "Kasunoba Nokoi. He was the one who took you from us while at the beach. The others feel the same way I do: kill the bastard. Shampoo wants to kill the guy, painfully. Mousse has invoked a blood hunt. Ryoga and Kunou have been sparring all day. Do you want to know what Atsuko wanted to do?" Ranko nodded. "She wanted to crush the pervert. Only her father stopped her. She's a wonderful friend who will fight for you, just like the rest of us." Ranko returned her attention to the river. She let Akane's words work through her thoughts. More images and memories came. "I'm your mother. No matter what happens, I will always love you." "This is, ultimately, my fault," echoed Genma's voice from that morning. "No matter what, you have a home with us," echoed Nabiki's voice with Kasumi smiling behind her. "A true martial artist lays down his life to protect the innocent." "One of my greatest joys is being a mother. For too long, Genma denied me that. Promise me you will never deny your children your unconditional love," echoed Nodoka's words from earlier in the year. "I'm looking forward to having this child," smiled Kasumi from the time she announced her pregnancy. "I'll be a real mother, not someone who had to take over the job." "I don't like to fight, but I will if I have to," smiled Atsuko. Ranko looked at Akane again. She had made up her mind. "Akane?" "Hai?" "What was your friend's name?" "Noa. Miyazaki Noa." "I'd like to visit her grave when we're done with Kasunoba." Akane smiled. "I'd love to take you. Maybe her spirit will help you." *** It was late in the evening when Kasunoba entered the gates of Furinkan High School. He held the note Xian Pu had given him that morning. He had wondered why Ranko had not been to school. His inquiries were met with a harsh "Doctor's orders." He read the note again. Kasunoba, I'm sorry I can't say this to you at school, but I must speak with you, away from my mother and father. Meet me at the large statue at Furinkan High School. We can discuss my past and our future. Ranko He smiled to himself. Ranko was following the same pattern as his other con- quests: choosing a comfortable spot to explain their wishes for marriage. He thought it odd she would do this so early, though. He considered Xian Pu and the others in Ranko's group of friends. They all had a keen sense of honor. He rounded the corner, seeing the statue and Ranko. He put his thoughts aside for the moment. He put on a warm smile as he built his energies. she thought. In a single, fluid movement, she put her fist into his chin. His head snapped back as he fell back a meter. His aura flickered out. He shook the fog from his mind as he watched the two blurred Rankos approach. "IS THIS HOW YOU MEET PEOPLE?" she bellowed. "Huh?" "Do you use drugs on women so they'll forget you raped them?" "No..." "Then why do I smell lilacs? The same smell that has made me forget Sunday's excursion to the beach?" "It's my cologne," offered Kasunoba as he crawled back. Ranko cringed at the word. "Then why does it make me forget?" "Y-you seem to remember the beach." "That's because my friends found me there." "W-what makes you think I was there?" "I hear you brag to worthless men," answered Xian Pu as she walked toward the pair with her scimitar. "Y-you did? When? How?" stammered Kasunoba. "Monday." "She was hunting you," added Mu Tsu as he entered from a different direction. "What's going on? I thought this was between the two of us?" "This is away from my parents. I never said it would be away from my family," replied Ranko coldly. Kasunoba looked around him. He watched as more people appeared. Nearly all were armed. They each held the promise of pain in their eyes. "What's going on?" "You tell us. You tell me!" demanded Ranko. "What's to tell?" asked Kasunoba as he started to panic. "Why have you defiled my goddess?" bellowed Kunou as he advanced with his katana. "Hold it, Kunou-baby," commanded Nabiki. "I want to know why you raped me!" screamed Ranko. Kasunoba looked around, noting the looks of Ranko's friends. He tried to collect his wits and energies. He heard a chain fly by his ear. "SPEAK, Demon!" ordered Kunou as Mu Tsu retrieved his weapon with a yank. "I-I gave Ranko what she wanted: a love making experience she could never forget. Ranko-chan, you needed a little pleasure to overcome your depres- sion." "WHAT?" screamed Ranko as she launched herself into him. She performed an axe kick, crashing Kasunoba to his knees. A spin kick sent the dazed man to Akane's feet. Ranko cracked the concrete with her fist, barely missing Kasunoba's face. Ryoga grabbed Ranko before she attacked again. "Calm down, Kiddo. Killing him won't do any good." Akane sighed in relief as Ranko's rage seemed to leave. She smiled a sickly sweet smile at the man at her feet. "That's an interesting tale. Did she tell you she was already seeing someone?" "So have the others," coughed Kasunoba as he sat up. "OTHERS?" yelled Ukyou. "How many others?" "About twenty," replied Nabiki. "At least, that's how many I've found. There are more, right?" "H-how?" "This is Tendou Nabiki," introduced Ukyou. "If there's something you want hidden, she'll find it," added Ryoga with a proud smile. "Look, you should thank me. I made love to Ranko. I healed her," protested Kasunoba. "Oh, we thank you, all right," spat Nabiki. "We thank you for terrifying Ranko. We thank you for destroying her confidence. We thank you for setting back her recovery. There is a lot we could thank you for." "You're all taking this out of proportion. I..." "Takada Yuriko, 16, found dead in her home by her family. Cause: she cut her wrists. The note she left read: 'Kasunoba Nokoi has ignored my pleas of marriage. I cannot bear to bring the shame of my actions unto my family. Let my final act restore their honor,'" stated Nabiki. "Would like me to continue?" "No. I don't know this Yuriko." "All right. Do you know Masaki Eiko?" paused Nabiki, observing Kasunoba's puzzled look. She knelt into his face. "Come now, Nokoi. Have you forgot- ten the paternal suit against you? Or the criminal charges pending against you in, oh my, five countries? "These charges include...I can't continue," feigned Nabiki. "Kunou-baby, please continue." "Statutory rape, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault. By the gods, have you no honor?" raged Kunou. Kasunoba cringed as Kunou brought down his katana. He was relieved when he heard metal scrape against metal. He saw Akane blocking the strike with her own katana. "No killing, Kunou. Nabiki," interrupted Akane. "Here's the deal, Nokoi: you will surrender to the police; you will confess to raping Ranko, including how you wiped our memories; you will confess to every other rape you have committed; and you will concede to all of the legal demands made of you." "If...if I refuse?" "Mu Tsu. Xian Pu." "The Laws of the Amazons are quite specific," began Mu Tsu. "If member of village is forced from home by outsider, outsider is hunted to death," spoke Xian Pu, keeping control of her emotions. "If a member of the village is insulted, physically or personally, the of- fender will be hunted to the death. His or her head will be presented to the offended family and the Elders," concluded Mu Tsu. "I don't understand." Nabiki smiled. "We are Amazons. We don't live with or fellow villagers, but we are one with them. Their laws are our laws. This time, we're giving you a choice: subject yourself to Japanese law, or..." Kasunoba looked at the assembled warriors. His mind wandered to the week before, when he chose his conquest. He nodded. "There is on last part to this deal," added Nabiki. "What?" "Never again are you to speak to, or see us. If you see us, make sure we don't see you. If you attempt to contact us, the Amazon laws will be in- voked," replied Akane. "Couldn't I just move away?" Xian Pu stepped forward, her face contorted into a snarl. "No escape from Amazon laws. You no go to police, we know." "Here is the card of the detective you should surrender to. Tell him Tendou Nabiki convinced you. Akane?" "You are lucky we're in Japan, Nokoi. Anywhere else, and you would be dead. The best way to think of us is as shinobi." When Akane finished, all but Ranko faded away. Kasunoba looked at her, fear in his eyes. She gave him an unnerving half smile. She knelt in front of him. "I was looking for friendship. Friendship is based on trust. You have de- stroyed any chance of friendship between us. The only good thing coming from this is that you forced me back into the Art." "Surely you don't believe them? They can't be serious about the Amazon laws." "WE are very serious about them. We know, first hand, what those laws mean. Not only are we Amazons, but we are also victims of their laws. Xian Pu and Mu Tsu were born Amazons. The rest of us have been accepted as equals. It is our duty to uphold those laws." With that, Ranko turned and left. She didn't see Kasunoba collapse to the ground, exhausted by his ordeal. Epilogue 1 Detective Suzuki entered the interrogation room. He noticed the fear in the young man's face. He nodded to the other detective. "Hello, young man. I'm Detective Suzuki. I understand you wanted to talk to me." "Hai. I want to surrender myself to you, and confess to the rape of Saotome Ranko." "Why?" Kasunoba took a deep breath. "If I don't her friends will come after me. They promised to kill me." Suzuki shook his head. He looked at the other detective who just shrugged his shoulders. He thought back to his investigations involving Ranko. "Why do you say that?" "Something about Amazon laws." "I see. Why don't you start from the beginning..." "Kasunoba Nokoi. Sunday afternoon, I went to the beach to seduce Ranko..." Epilogue 2 Ranko and Akane entered the delivery room. Nine months had passed since Kasunoba surrendered to the police. The two lovers had discussed the pregnancy. Ranko had found several reasons not to have the child. She had also found several more reasons to keep the child. Akane's undying love, as well as the love of the rest of her family, con- vinced her the choice was right. She agreed it would possibly be the only time she would have a child. She also felt it was important to love and pro- tect the innocent child within her. One of the few lessons from her father she held as true and honest. After nine hours of labor, the nurse presented the two women with a small infant. She smiled at the pair. "Congratulations, Saotome-san, you have a healthy son. Have you thought of a name?" "Hai," whispered Ranko. "Nouma." "Very good. Today, Saotome Nouma joined his mother and aunt." The nurse handed Ranko the infant. Ranko took the child, showing him to Akane. "I've remembered so much because of little Nouma. I love him so much more than I thought. Thank you, Akane." "You're welcome. Get some sleep, I'll watch our son." Ranko smiled as she closed her eyes. She drifted to sleep. A new memory returned. She walked into the Tendou dojo, helped by a giant panda. She was greeted with open arms and a warm smile by Akane. The End of Part 2 Acknowledgments-- Always Rumiko Takahashi gets top honors. Nicholas Leifker, Richard Lawson, and Hitomi Ichinohei for their stories that inspired the first arc of this tale. Vic Coutova, Kirsta Perry, and Dave Eddy for the subtle concepts and actions that have worked their way into this tale after it was started. My ever-growing list of pre-readers: Nicholas Leifker, Hitomi Ichinohei, Ronald Chan, Kevin D. Hammel, Thad Landis, Todd Foldessi, Mark Carlen, Aya Nakajima, Brian and Jason Drozd, John Aten, W. Nelson, Thomas Scroggs, Jonas Fang, Lisa Prior, James Palmer, Eric A. Campbell, Patrick Vera, Short Yes, Lord Archive, T. Hsu, and Eric McGinnis. Story and situations (c) 1998 Bryan Neef. This story may be freely distributed, unaltered. If you want to add to, or use this story for your own purposes, please let me know. Critiques are welcomed at amaranius@geocities.com. Please tell me what you liked or disliked about this story. The previous parts to this story, and my other stories, can be found at http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/3719/fiction.htm. Author's Notes-- This was the hardest section of the story to write, so far. While it has been done before, I have touched on the subject of Ranma being raped by another man when he was more vulnerable than in any other story I've read. While Gary Kleppe had an amnesiac Ranma raped in Lost, I took it further, having Ranma "weakened" by his guilt over Happosai's death. This was some- thing difficult for me to do. In order for future events to happen, with reason and continuity, Ranma had to have a child as Ranko. I tried to thing of different ways to do this without going to this extreme. Unfortunately, I couldn't. I even tried a different way of doing it, but this is what ultimately came out, and is, quite frankly, more chilling than my original concepts. Here, Ranma sees her rapist as a possible friend. Rape is a serious crime that can happen to anyone, male or female. It can be committed by anyone, male or female, and on different levels. The physical level is what we often associate with rape. We are also aware of emotional and psychological damage from such events. We are just now becoming aware of the non-physical ways to rape a person, much like the non-physical ways to abuse a person. It is unfortunate that the vast majority of unreported rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, and often trusts. "Date" rape, as used in this story, is just as serious, if not more so, than the more widely reported "stranger" rape. Let's all make an effort to stop these crimes before they happen. I didn't want politicks to influence the story, so I left out the soul- searching Ranko did to accept her child. I invite anyone to write a side story that deals with this soul-searching. I've touched on the topic of why Akane hated boys, and Ranma in particular before. While those original reasons still hold true, the incident she tells Ryoga about builds more life into her character. I have planned a story that explores Akane's "hatred" more thoroughly. Es- sentially, Akane's best friend in junior high was raped by a classmate. Due to circumstances, the police were unable to do anything about it. Akane's friend was vocal for her age, and confronted her rapist in front of the class. The result was her slitting her own throat, traumatizing Akane for years to come.