Can't Win

by Bryan Neef
(version 1.2)

The young woman calling herself Tendou Ranko sat in the train seat next to
her mother, Saotome Nodoka, the only person in the world she feared.  It was
not because she lacked of physical prowess to defend herself, but the secret
she had to keep out of fear for her life.  Ranko had been born a boy named
Saotome Ranma.

Ranma and his father, Genma, left on a decade long training trip.  One that
had just recently ended with Ranma's engagement to Tendou Akane, the daughter
of Genma's best friend, Tendou Soun.  The problem occurred in China, when
Ranma and Genma visited Jusenkyo, the Training Grounds of the Cursed Springs.

Genma fell into a spring.  When he emerged, he had the body of a panda.
Stunned by the change, Ranma was knocked into another spring.  When he
emerged, he was a she.  Thinking that the change was permanent, Ranma attac-
ked his father.

It was later, after he had calmed down, that he found out warm water returned
him to male, but that cold water turned him to female.  After a few months,
Ranma's mother came to the Tendou Dojo, looking for her husband and son.  It
was then that he learned of his father's promise:  to make Ranma a man amoung
men or else they would commit seppuku.  Thus forcing Ranma to hide in his fe-
male form, becoming his fiancee's cousin, Ranko, in order to hide from his
mother.  The mother he had nearly forgotten in the ten years of training.

As the train neared the Nerima station, and one step closer to the Tendou
home, the young woman looked out the window at the rain.  She smiled to her-
self at the weather, always raining.  Like the day she arrived at the Tendou
home.  She had learned to hate the rain after she became cursed.  But now,
she had learned to enjoy it again.  She didn't have to worry about the water
getting to her, changing her when it was inconvenient.

She looked as the simple, silver ring on her right ring finger.  She dared
not take it off.  Already she had had hot tea and coffee spilled on her.  She
could now enjoy warm baths without fear of changing in front of her mother.
She felt wonderful, and guilty, about it.  Even though she feared her mother,
the last three months had been special.  She remembered the day she received
the news, and approval, about the training mission.

***

"Good morning, everyone," cheered Nodoka as she entered the house.

"Good morning, Auntie," cheered Onna-Ranma, she was fortunate that she and
her father landed in the koi pond.

"How are you, Nodoka-san?" asked Tendou Soun.

"I'm doing well.  Is Ranma or Genma around?"

"I'm afraid they left on another training trip last night," replied Soun,
carefully eyeing the covered katana on her back.

"Oh dear.  I had so hoped to see them this time.  I guess, with school out, I
should have expected this.  Do you know where they went?  I might be able to
catch them," she asked, hopeful they knew.

"I'm afraid not, Auntie," replied Akane.  "I'm sure they'll be back before
school starts."

"That's good.  How are you feeling, Ranko?"

"I'm okay, I guess."

"Do you miss my son?"

"We all do.  He gets to have fun while I'm stuck here.  I wish, for once, he
could stay when you came and I could go on a training trip."

Nodoka smiled at the thought.  She then sat beside her unknown daughter.
"Would you like to go on a training trip with me?  Just the two of us?"

Onna-Ranma's eyes widened.  Before she could think things through, she an-
swered, "More than anything!"

Mother and child ignored the shocked looks of the assembled family.  They
shared a long hug before regaining their composure.  Akane looked at
Onna-Ranma with a questioning look.  Onna-Ranma seemed oblivious as Nodoka,
Soun, and Kasumi began talking.

They finished breakfast.  Onna-Ranma and Akane cleared the table while the
trio continued talking.  Nabiki had left, claiming she had some errands to
do.  Genma-panda tried to get his child's attention.  He followed Onna-Ranma
to their room, with Akane.

"What are you thinking, Boy?" flashed the panda's sign.

Onna-Ranma looked at her father and Akane.  She spoke wistfully, "I'm going
to spend time with my mother.  Just me and her, no one to spoil my getting to
know her, especially you, Pop.  I want to find out if she can accept my
curse.  If I think she can, I'll tell her about me.  I'll let her figure you
out for herself."

"But what if she doesn't accept you?" asked Akane.

"Then I'll just have to remain Ranko for her.  Anyway, I don't want this
spoiled.  Any way I can, I want to get to know my mom."

"Be careful of hot water, then.  Remember last time she came."

"I know.  I think I'll go out for a while.  I need to think of a way to ap-
proach this."

"Good luck, Ranma."

"Thanks, Akane."

Onna-Ranma left the room.  She passed the family room, stopping only when her
mother called.  "Yes?"

"I've decided to let you go on this trip.  Be careful and, uh, mind your Aunt
Saotome," stammered Soun.

"Of course!" beamed Onna-Ranma.  "I'm going for a walk.  I hope to be back
for lunch."

"Have a good time, Ranko.  We'll need to get packed this after noon," replied
Nodoka.

Onna-Ranma left the house, heading for park.  She liked to go there in both
of her forms.  It was a place to think and watch other people.  She learned a
lot from the people in the park.  She learned what to do and not do as a fe-
male, and as a male.  She watched children play, often wanting to join them.
She longed to remember the days of playing as a child.  The closest she came
was the time she spent with Ukyou.

She watched as a vendor came around, selling what looked like jewelry.  She
watched as several young women giggled as they purchased items, usually
rings.  The vendor came over to her.  He smiled at the attractive young woman
he saw.  But he seemed to smile about something else as well.

"Would you like to buy a magic ring?" he asked.

Onna-Ranma narrowed her eyes, hiding her interest.  "Magic rings?  Come on,
there are no such things."

"Sure there are.  There are broaches that can mask or enhance one's feelings.
There are earrings that help you hear better.  There are even rings that let
you fly.  But these are wish rings."

"Wish rings?"

"In a manner of speaking.  Actually, some are wish rings, others are anti-
curse rings."

"Tell me about the anti-curse rings."

"Well, if someone is somhow cursed, as long as the ring is worn, the curse
will be negated.  What is your curse?"

Onna-Ranma looked at the man for a moment.  "Actually, it's for a friend.
Her son has been cursed to change forms when splashed with water.  Cold water
causes him to assume his cursed form.  Warm water reverses the curse."

"I see.  Well, does he like his cursed form?"

"It could be worse, but he wants to meet his mother.  His father made a
promise that keeps them apart.  Will one of these rings work with him,
keeping the cold water from activating his curse?"

"I'm afraid not.  Jusenkyo curses are difficult to counter.  He needs a wish
ring.  One wish, and wearing it for a month, will keep him from changing.
You could use the anti-curse ring, if you were cursed.  If your friend's son
wants to keep the hot water from changing him at an inopportune time, the
anti-curse ring will work."

"Why is that?"

"There is far more cold water in the world.  And magic is a part of nature.
Jusenkyo's magic works with natural water.  Yes, water heated by man works,
but the anti-curse rings work with nature.  And water is cold, by nature."

"I see.  Will they work together?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, if he used the wish ring to change his cursed form, and then use the
anti-curse ring to protect himself?"

"No.  It wouldn't work.  They cancel each other.  I'll let you think about
things.  Both sets of rings have their own burdens.  Some will never come
off.  Some, if worn too long, will make the 'protection' permanent.  Beware
when you use these items, if you choose to use them."

The vendor moved on, leaving Onna-Ranma to think about her next move.  Nor-
mally, she would have jumped at the chance to be cured, but all of her at-
tempts had ended in failure.  She needed a way to be herslf and stay safe
from water.  She made up her mind.  A small smile came over her gentle face.

***

Ranko stepped off the train with her mother.  She held the umbrella above
them.  She didn't want her kimono to get wet.  Her mother smiled at her
daughter, the simple grace she had refined in the last three months worked
wonders.  It was time, though, to return to the dojo, Ranko's home.

Nodoka felt the long remembered pains of leaving her child.  Flashes of her
five year old boy and his father leaving tore at her mind and heart.  Only
her meeting the lonely Ranko had relieved some of the pain of her loss, and
the pain of the difficult reunion.  The three months of raising her daughter
had brought her closer to her son, a closer understanding of the man she
wanted to meet.

She was discouraged at the number of fiancees he had, but understood that her
husband was responsible for several.  She also understood that her son was
also in the awkward position of acquiring two through chance, neither of whom
he wanted, or needed.

She also learned of his fights with Akane.  Though she was surprised about
how they got started, she was saddened by their continuance.  She was pleased
that Ranko was willing to help, figuring that her son's new sister would help
smooth things over.  It also served, in her mind, to resolve the uniting of
the families if something happened to her son or Akane as a result of the
more violent fiancees and suitors.

As the pair walked, Nodoka noticed even more of the grace her child ex-
hibited.  The grace from martial arts was there, still shining through, but
the new grace of womanhood also showed.  Three months of training had brought
the two closer.  Even with Ranko's initial protests.

***

Onna-Ranma walked into her childhood home for the first time in eleven years.
She was pleased with how warm the home felt, even with a single occupant.
She dropped her backpack and began going through the house, remembering
everything from her childhood as if it were yesterday.

"Ranko!  Where are your manners?  You should wait until your hostess is ready
to show you around."

"Sorry.  I was just so excited.  Ranma's told me a lot about this house.  I
feel like I have lived here with him."

Nodoka smiled softly.  "What about the home you had with your parents?"

"I...I don't remember it anymore.  I try to forget it when I do."

"I'm sorry.  Well, first thing's first, we need someplace for you to sleep.
Since you get along with Ranma so well, and you share his room at the dojo,
I'll let you have his old room.  Then, after you've unpacked and settled in,
we'll fix dinner and set up some rules.  After all, you are going to be in my
home for three months."

"Hai."

Nodoka led the young woman to her son's room.  Onna-Ranma gasped slightly at
how neat it was.  A bed sat in the middle of the wall.  Next to it was a
sturdy looking desk.  Several books were stacked on the book shelf against
the opposite wall.  The dresser seemed welcoming.  She entered the room
completely, taking in the sight and feel.

She faced her mother, an expression of pure joy crossed her face.  "This is
incredible!  It's even better than I re...heard.  Are you sure you don't mind
me in Ranma's room, Auntie?"

Nodoka smiled.  "No, Dear.  You're practically his sister, anyway.  Just un-
pack your things and take a bath.  We'll get ready for dinner when you've
finished."

"Thanks."

Nodoka left her child.  She walked into her room.  She took down the photo of
her son.  It was one he sent her after he returned from one of his trips.
The letter he wrote with it, neatly folded in the back, screamed to be read,
again.  She took it out, unfolding it as if it were thousands of years old.

She read the passage one more time:

	Dear Mom,

		I'm sorry I missed you again.  I really want to meet you 
	soon.  Pop is so obsessed with training, I haven't had a chance 
        to relax.  Every little thing is turned into a training lesson.  
	I get sick of it sometimes, but what can I do?  I'm supposed to 
	be the heir of the School; he's my father and sensei, and I'm 
	honor bound to follow him.

		There are times when I want to leave the dojo and visit 
	you, especially after fighting with Akane.  I like her a lot, but 
	she can be so uncute.  Anyway, I thought you should have this 
	picture of me so that when we do meet, you'll really know who I 
        am.  I already have a picture of you.  Nabiki actually gave it to 
	me for free.

		I love you, Mom.  I miss you so much.  I wish we could be
	together again.  There's so much I want to tell you, but I can't, 
	yet.

                                                                   Ranma



A single tear rolled down her face as she clutched the picture and letter to
her heart.  She heard a sound behind her.  She turned to see Onna-Ranma in
the door, a sad expression on her young face.  Nodoka carefully folded the
paper, returning it to its place.  She motioned her child closer.

"Is there something wrong, Auntie?"

"No.  I was just reading a letter from Ranma.  I miss him so.  He's too
honorable to ignore his father, isn't he?"

"I guess.  The only things he tries to ignore are his engagements.  It's
amazing he can do it at all with Uncle Soun and Uncle Saotome.  Not to men-
tion all of his fiancees except Akane."

"Why not Akane?"

"She's so uncute, it's pathetic.  She can't cook, she's clumsy, and she's
always angry for no reason.  She doesn't give either Ranma or me the chance
to explain when things happen.  She just assumes the worst and attacks."

Nodoka frowned.  "Ranko, I want to ask you something.  I want your honest
answer, so think carefully before you respond.  Do you or Ranma provoke
Akane?"

Onna-Ranma was about to answer with her first thoughts, but stopped.  She
actually thought about the answer.  She looked at the silver ring she wore as
she thought.  With a heavy sigh, she answered the question, "More than we
should.  It's so easy, especially when we're nervous or upset.  There are
times when Ranma gets embraced by Shampoo before he has a chance to react.
That sets Akane off.  We know she's jealous, but can't she see that Ranma
doesn't always have a chance to get away?  And even when he does, she thinks
he's encouraging her.

"Then there's P-Chan, her pet 'pig.'  He's always biting us.  She always as-
sumes we had something to do with it.  Sometimes we do, saying a word here or
there that sets him off.  Then there are times when we'll be minding our own
business and he'll attack us.  We'll be trying to stop him, but she sees us
as attacking him.  She never lets us explain our actions.

"Then there's our friend Ryoga.  He's had a grudge against Ranma since junior
high.  He blames Ranma for everything:  walking out on a duel that Ryoga was
four days late to; stealing food that was up for grabs by the entire student
body; and getting lost in China.  He's always coming in, yelling 'Die,
Saotome!' or 'I've had enough sufferring at your hands!'  The worst thing is,
Ranma's usually in class or at the dinner table when this happens.  And
Ryoga's been gone for days or weeks.

"We just can't win with Akane.  She thinks Ranma's a pervert because she
walked into the bathroom on him. Twice!  She thinks he's two timing her when
he's just talking to his childhood friend, Ukyou.  She thinks he's started
all of the attraction with Shampoo.  She thinks I'm helping Ranma in his
'flirting.'  She thinks I'm the one who attacks her pet.  She thinks it's my
fault we're late to school because of Kunou, or any of our other suitors.

"What can we do?"

"Well, first of all, you'll need to learn more manners.  I've noticed that
you and Akane argue all of the time.  You talk before you think, so does she.
So, by learning manners, you'll be learning to think before you speak.

"Second, you're just too much of a tomboy.  I've heard you call Akane that,
and she is, but she makes the effort to be a young lady when she needs or
wants to be.  The more lady-like you become, the more you'll be able to un-
derstand her.  Maybe, just maybe, you two will get along better.  You might
be surprised and learn something from her.

"Finally, you'll have to dress like a proper young lady.  For the next three
months, you will have to follow my training.  I know you'll complain, but it
will be good for you.  You might even be able to get Akane to behave herself
around my son.

"Do you agree to these ideas?"

"All but the dressing like a girl."

"It must be done.  All of the other lessons won't mean the same without the
clothes."

"I don't understand."

"If you feel good about how you look, even if you don't think it's important,
you'll feel good about yourself.  This will let all of the other lessons fall
into place.  You may not understand now, but you will before we return to the
dojo."

"I guess.  I did agree to be trained by you.  Everyone else I've trained with
has had their own rules that didn't make sense until I had to use them."

"Good.  You are learning well."

***

The two women stood in front of the dojo's gate.  Ranko steeled herself for
the reunion with the family.  She hoped to catch her father by surprise.  The
duo entered the gate, heading for the house.  Ranko's eyes darted back and
forth, looking for her father, her fiancees, or her rivals.  She maintained
the dignified grace of a mature young woman.  The woman she had become over
the last three months.

Although she did not want to lose her manhood, her mother made it so easy and
natural to be a woman.  The things they did together.  Her being introduced
to others.  Even the freedom from water helped her enjoy being a young woman.
What was more important was that she found she could not refuse her mother
for long.  She would resist for a while, but found she simply wanted her
mother's approval and love, thus giving in.

Nodoka rang the doorbell.  Ranko was relieved that her mother was following
her advice.  She smiled at her mother.  Nodoka returned the smile with one of
her own.  One filled with love, no longer lonely and sad.

The door opened, revealing Kasumi.  She gasped in surprise at Ranko's attire.
The soft, pink, almost pale lavender kimono wrapped in a deep lavender sash
hugged the young woman's body nicely.  It looked natural on her, as if she
were born to wear kimonos.  The elder woman wore the inverted colors, a deep
lavender kimono with the soft pink sash.

Kasumi regained her compossure, putting on her cheerful smile.  Ranko held
her finger to her lips, signalling for Kasumi to be quiet.  Kasumi nodded,
understanding the surprise.

"It's good to see you again, Auntie, Ranko.  We weren't expecting you until
the day after tomorrow.  Why the change in plans?"

"Ranko-chan has suggested that I might be able to see my husband if we ar-
rived a couple of days ahead of schedule.  She said Ranma might show up at
the same time, but she couldn't guarentee it.  Is Genma around?"

"I'm afraid he and father are out with Happosai.  They've been gone since
last night."

Ranko sighed.  "That means they'll probably be drunk when they get back."

"That means our little surprise will still work.  Is Ranma home?"

"I'm sorry, Auntie.  Uncle Saotome said he ran into some friends and was
going to spend some time with them."

"That's wonderful.  Shall we go to your room, Ranko?"

"Hai.  Kasumi, is Akane here?"

"She's spending the night at a friend's house.  Nabiki's looking over the
living arrangements for college.  Should I draw your bath?"

"Thank you, Kasumi, but my daughter and I haven't been exerting ourselves.
When we get settled in, we'll be down for tea."

"H-hai!"

Ranko giggled slightly as she led her mother to the guest room.  They entered
the room.  The first thing they noticed was how trashed it was.  Ranko
thought it looked like Ryoga and Ranma fought in the room.  She quickly dis-
counted that thought as she noticed the scattered clothing and bags of half
eaten chips.

Sighing together, the two women set down their suitcases and began cleaning
the room.  Ranko neatly folded and put away the clothes.  Nodoka picked up
the bags of chips.  She noted, with disgust, that some of the bags had black
hair in them.  Then she saw the futon.  It, too, had black hair on it.  She
knew it was too much for Ranma, and definitely too much for her husband.

"Where does Mr. Panda sleep?"

"Where you are, usually.  Sometimes he sleeps in the family room or in the
yard.  Why?"

"Well, there's only one futon out, and it's covered in fur.  And some of
these bags have fur in them as well."

Ranko smirked as she moved to the bed.  She looked over the mess.  Satisfied
at what she saw, she started her game.  "After I left my father, Mr. Panda
became my companion.  When I was little, I let him stay in my bed, protecting
me.  I guess he got lonely while I was gone and slept with Uncle Saotome."

"He's your father now.  Just as I am your mother.  Please, call him that."

"I will.  I will," grinned Ranko.

Nodoka looked at her daughter before resuming the cleaning.  When Ranko had
finished her portion, Nodoka sent her to draw their bath.  She had not wanted
to impose on that until tomorrow, but her sloppy husband inadvertantly left
her the task of cleaning the room.

Ranko soon returned with a tray of washing goods.  Her mother smiled as they
went to the bathroom.  They silently removed their kimonos.  After carefully
folding them, they removed their bras and panties.  They entered the large
room and began washing themselves.

"Are you glad to be back?" asked Nodoka.

"Hai.  I wouldn't trade what we did for anything.  I wouldn't mind living
with you all of the time, but my home really is here."

"I understand.  You have friends and family here.  I would very much like you
to stay with me, but you need to finish your schooling here, with your
friends and family.  You are always welcome in our home."

"Thank you, Mother.  I might have to leave after dinner, but I'll do that
after we've had a chance to talk with Father, Kasumi, and Uncle Soun."

"Where will you go?"

"Ukyou's.  There's something I need to check before tomorrow."

"I don't see a problem, just mind your manners."

"Of course," replied Ranko as she sat in the tub of hot water.

She was glad she kept the ring on.  It almost felt as if nothing was on her
finger.  She looked at it again, admiring the simplicity of it.  A small
smile crept across her face.

Nodoka noticed, again, Ranko's attention to the ring.  She knew her daughter
bought it before their trip and never took it off.  She smiled to herself as
she again spoke to Ranko, "You still haven't told me what's so special about
that ring."

Ranko blushed slightly.  "It's supposed to be a magic ring.  It's a gift from
a friend."

"A magic ring?"

"It's supposed to make dreams come true."

"Is it working?"

"So far.  Everything is falling into place, without my doing anything dif-
ferent, other than follow your advice.  For the first time in years, I'm hap-
py.  It's like I don't have a care in the world!"

"That's wonderful!  Will that continue on with Akane and Ranma?"

Ranko took a deep breath.  She looked out the window before answering slowly,
"I hope so, Mom.  I really hope so."

"Letting go of your pain and loneliness takes time.  In the last three
months, I have seen you go from an angry girl to a more mature young woman.
I'm proud of you, Dear."

"Thanks.  I think I'll go help Kasumi with dinner.  I want to show her what I
can do."

"All right.  Mind your manners."

Ranko hugged her mother briefly before leaving the tub.  She dried herself
off.  Wrapping herself in a towel, she proceeded to her room.  She opened her
suitcase, carefully selecting a short-sleeved shirt and cutoff jeans.

Having dressed in the modest outfit, she looked herself over in the full mir-
ror.  A smile quickly spread across her face as she pulled her hair into a
simple pony-tail.  She looked at herself again before moving quickly to the
kitchen.

Kasumi had only just started preparing the food.  Ranko moved to the hangers,
selecting an apron.  She put it on and continued into the small room.  "What
can I help you with, Kasumi?"

"I've got everything taken care of.  But I would like to talk with you about
your training."

"Great!  But, please, let me help.  I can show you what I've learned."

Kasumi turned to face the young woman behind her.  She almost cried when she
saw how graceful Ranko was in her movements.  They were almost as graceful as
her own or Nodoka's.

"What has happened to you?" she finally asked.

"I just listened to Mom's advice and took to her training.  It wasn't as bad
as the Martial Arts Tea Ceremony I did a while back.  Mom made it fun.  I now
know exactly where I went wrong with Akane.  Pop's going to flip when he gets
back."

"Shouldn't you be calling your mother Auntie?"

"No.  After we visited a few of her friends, she asked me to call her Mother.
They all commented on how we looked alike.  They often asked why she never
mentioned me.  A real burden has lifted.  I actually have a mother again."

"But what about..."

Ranko smiled, "I've got that taken care of.  Pop's due back tonight, right?"

"Hai.  He was actually due last night, but I guess they had too much of a
good time with Happosai."

"I guess.  If things go well, and Pop shows up, I'm going to Ucchan's to
check on something."

"What do you need to check?"

Ranko smiled as she leaned into the older woman, "I want to see if I can
still change.  I found a way to keep me from changing with hot water.  I
don't want to tell Mom about it until I know I can go back."

"Ranma, do you like being a girl?" whispered Kasumi.

"What are you two whispering about?" interrupted Nodoka.

"Nothing, really.  We were just catching up on some things," replied Ranko
without stammering.

"And what was that?"

"The lastest on Ranma and Akane, of course," replied Kasumi hesitantly.

"And how are they gtting along?"

"Well...with Ranma's training and Akane's friends, they haven't seen much of
each other.  When they do, they still fight.  Ranma's in a bad mood because
of Happosai's exploits getting him in trouble.  And Akane just hasn't quite
put the two together," began Kasumi.

"Of course, Kunou-san has been actively pursuing Akane, but Ryoga's been good
enough to hold him back.  And Ryoga's been trying to go out with Akane while
Ranma's gone," she concluded.

"Does she go out with him?" asked Ranko, fighting her jealousy.

"She has.  Each time she comes back, she seems happy.  I guess it's because
Ranma hasn't really dated her."

Ranko slumped her shoulders slightly as Nodoka spoke, "It's not proper for
her to date someone while she's engaged.  I should have a talk with her.  I
can understand Ranma's situation, but Akane is not under those pressures."

"No, Mother, let me.  It'd seem like you're pushing the engagement.  From me,
it'll be friendly advice.  She'll be suspiscious, but it'll be easier to
take."

Nodoka smiled, "I'll leave it to you, Dear.  Kasumi, is Akane serious with
Ryoga?"

"No.  She just misses Ranma.  And I'm sure he misses her.  I do know that he
wouldn't date another woman unless it was because Akane angered him or it was
the only way he could learn a new fighting technique."

"That's good to know, considering how he acquired all of his fiances.  I've
got some things I need to take care of.  I'll be back in a couple of hours."

"Bye, Mom!"

"See you later, Auntie."

Both girls waited for the door to close.  When it did, they sank into the
wall with relief.  Ranko held herself tightly before speaking, "Thank you,
Kasumi."

"You're welcome, Ranma.  Now that your mother's gone, why don't you try to
change.  I've kept the kettle warm for your father."

"Thanks," replied Ranko as she removed the apron, and shirt.  She went to the
sink with the kettle.  "Did Akane really date Ryoga while I've been at
Mom's?"

Kasumi looked at the young woman before her, noting her emotions.  She also
watched as Ranko removed the ring, carefully placing it on the counter.  She
waited for the younger woman to pour the water over her head.

Kasumi closed her eyes when nothing happened.  She expected a scream or sobs.
She only heard the rustle of clothing.  When she opened her eyes, she saw
Ranko holding her ring, twisting it in her delicate hand.

"Well, I was warned something like this might happen.  Of course, I could
leave it off for a while.  But Mom would get suspiscious.  Until Mom leaves,
I'll wear it."

"Ranma?"

"Oh, sorry, Kasumi.  This ring was my 'cure' from accidently changing in
front of Mom.  All I had to do was wear it for a month.  Right now, I'm
thinking that if I leave it off for a month, I'll be able change back."

"Why?"

"If I changed in front of Mom, she would have killed me.  So I wanted to make
sure that wouldn't happen.  I came across a magic ring.  I knew the risks,
but I wanted to know Mom so much."

"Before your mother came in, I asked if you liked being a girl."

"I used to hate it, but Mom's training made it...fun."

"Oh my.  Ranma, are you a boy or a girl?"

Ranko looked at her chest.  She sat at the table staring at the ring in her
hand.  The simple ring brought images flooding into her mind.

***

Onna-Ranma looked at herself in the mirror.  What she saw stunned her.  She
saw a beautiful young woman, not the pervertion she usually thought of.  A
week of intense training and arguments with her mother had led to this.

She looked at the white blouse and the black skirt she wore.  They looked and
felt wonderful to her.  Her mind recoiled slightly at the thought.  She
turned to her mother, the quick movement flipping her pony-tail.

She had already changed her hairstyle.  She kept the dragon's whisker, but
didn't need it in her current body.  Her mother had insisted on a more flat-
tering style.  And a part of her secretly wanted the change.

"How do I look?"

"Wonderful.  A few more days, and you'll be ready to do this on your own.
Now I have a question for you:  how does it feel to be wearing the proper
clothes?"

Onna-Ranma smiled, "Different.  I never had, or wanted, to wear them for
very long.  And the way I was raised left no options for me.  But, thanks to
you, I can actually relax in them.  I don't have to worry about any comments.
That feels wonderful."

"Is it the clothing or the lack of comments that feel wonderful to you?"

Onna-Ranma frowned.  "It's the lack of comments.  The clothes are confortable
enough to wear, but I'm not being treated like a pervert.  That's more im-
portant to me.  I want to feel like a person, not a thing."

"I'm glad you're feeling comfortable with yourself.  Let's go purchase these
and go for some lunch.  Then we'll go see a friend of mine.  She's just dying
to meet you."

Onna-Ranma and Nodoka went to pay for the items.  They happily chatted about
things.  Nodoka focused on boys and the family.  Onna-Ranma tried, in vain,
to change subjects.  Her lesson in the art of conversation had begun with the
lessons of fashion and the realization she was becoming comfprtable with her
training.

***

"Will you be upset at my answer?" Ranko asked Kasumi as the memory faded.

"No."

"I am Tendou Ranko.  I'm sorry about this."

Kasumi rushed to Ranko's side, embracing the young woman.  She fought her
tears, trying to find the words to ease her own pain.  To her surprise, Ranko
was trying to sooth her.

"For three months, I had to be your cousin.  For two weeks, I fought against
it.  But during that time, I found that I could no longer displease Mom.  She
gave me unconditional love.  It didn't matter that I was a woman.

"Pop only respects me when I'm a man.  Mom respects me as both, though I must
be two different people.  After a while, I just didn't feel like fighting.  I
wanted my mother, and she offered me a way to be her child again.  She's go-
ing to adopt me."

"But you're her son.  When are you going to tell her?"

"I don't know.  Maybe I can put things off for another month, while I work on
reversing the spell.  I'm sorry, Kasumi, I just screwed this up like usual."

"No, you were just desperate.  You did mention you were aware of possible
side effects."

"I guess I did.  Well, at least I have a chance:  leaving it off for at least
a month."

"But that puts you into the school year.  Everyone knows about your curse,
but they still expect you to be a boy."

"Well I'm not."

"Ranma?" gasped Kasumi, surprised at the strength of Ranko's protest.

"Did I say what I think I said?" she asked, stunned.

Kasumi nodded, concern engraved on her features.  Ranko looked out the win-
dow, wondering what had happened.  She sighed as she continued to work on
dinner.

"Ranma?  Do you like being a woman?"

"Hai.  It is so much easier for me to be Ranko now than it is for me to be
Ranma.  Like I said, Pop respects me, as Ranma, when I'm doing martial arts
and little else.  When I try to think about my life and future, he says I'm
weak.  He's always trying to get me to fight when I should think.  That's why
I hurt Akane.

"But Mom, she loves me as both Ranma and Ranko.  She cries over that picture
I sent to her in the spring.  I just couldn't stand it, I almost told her
about me.  But I just didn't want to hurt her.  That's one of the reasons I'm
like this."

"What are some of the others?"

"I'm normal.  I've made three friends while staying with Mom.  They happen to
be the daughters of Mom's best friend, but I don't care.  In fact, we spent
most of the summer together.  They went boy hunting.  It was interesting.  I
haven't told them everything, but I told them enough.  I know that I can go
to them when I have problems."

"Will you?"

"Hai.  Ukyou's my best friend, but she's in love with me.  I can't keep
dumping things on her.  Akane just won't take the time to listen to my side
of the story.  Shampoo, she's worse than a boy, barely able to control her
hormones."

Kasumi giggled the statement.  She sobered slightly.  "What about Akane?  How
do you feel about her?"

"Each time I lost a piece of my manhood, I cried in shame.  I cried because I
was losing my chance with her.  I don't think she can love me now, but I'll
never stop loving her.  The least I can do now is be her friend."

"Are there more reason's you want to be a woman?"

"I won't have as many fiances.  Ukyou will give up.  Shampoo and Kodachi will
try to kill me.  Akane's the only unknown.  I could try the approach she did
with me, 'Hi, I'm Ranko.  Would you like to be friends?'

"I'll have a lot of boys after me.  Especially Kunou, but I can fight them
all off.  I'm not looking forward to that, though.

"The final reason is that I can relax.  At least, for now, I don't have to
worry about water.  That's the biggest advantage for me.  I can swim happily,
enjoy the rain, and confuse the others."

"Is confusing them important?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Is it something you promised not to tell anyone?"

"I promised not to tell Akane."

"What is the secret?  I will not tell Akane."

"I want to get even with Ryoga.  Not for going on a date with Akane, but for
being P-Chan.  I'll tell him that one can will himself into or out of his
cursed form.  After I convince him of that, he'll try to remain human.
That's when I get him with the cold water."

"That's mean, even for you.  Where's the honor in that?"

"Kasumi, how long have you known Ryoga was P-Chan?"

"Since the beginning."

Ranko reigned in her anger.  "Why didn't you say anything to us?"

"Because it would have hurt Akane.  I figured that the two of you had some
sort of agreement that prevented you from telling Akane.  I would like to
know."

"When Pop and I became cursed, I knocked Ryoga into the spring while chasing
the Old Man.  That's why Ryoga makes my life difficult.  He blamed me for
that and I felt guilty.  So I swore I would not reveal his curse to Akane."

"And this is how you plan to honor it?"

"I'm sorry.  It's so frustrating.  He can't talk straight with her around,
yet when she's angry, she goes on a date with him.  He tries his best to
break us apart when we start getting along, and Akane sees that I'm the one
starting the fight.

"I want to reveal his secret so bad, but I can't.  At least not directly.
He'll blame me, Akane will blame me, and Shampoo and Ukyou will see it as
their chance to get ahold of me."

"But will it matter if Akane can't love you like this?"

"Ryoga's not right for her.  I'm not sure I'm right for her.  Aside from the
obvious, he blames others (me) for his problems.  He ignores things around
him, always lost in his fantasies.  His continual depression and strength
will hurt someone.  If he goes for Akane, it'll be her.

"If I remain her friend, and she chooses Ryoga, he'll go ballistic whenever
we're together.  Just as she goes ballistic when she sees Shampoo jump onto
me when I'm talking to someone else."

"Will you do the same thing to Shampoo?"

"Something similar.  When she calls me Airen, I'll just pretend that we've
never met.  I'll have to have Akane's help.  The explanation will be that I
no longer remember my life as Ranma.  We found out, too late, that removing a
cursed individual from their home will cause them to become their cursed
form.

"The harder they fight, the sooner they lose themselves.  Also, the more time
they spend as their cursed form, outside of their homeland, the faster the
change."

"Oh my.  How long have you thought of this?"

"About a month."

"I'll help you anyway I can.  What do you plan to do about Mousse and Kunou?"

"Mousse will follow Shampoo anywhere.  Cologne, I hope, will be too concerned
about Shampoo's sanity to attack.  Hopefully, she'll return to China.

"As for the Kunous, I'm not sure.  Kodachi will try to kill me while Kunou
will try to date me.  I thought about doing the same thing with them, but it
would only encourage them.  I see no other way than to fight them."

"Oh.  I hope everything works out for you."

Ranko smiled as the front door opend.  They heard boistrous laughter from
Tendou Soun and harsh denials from Genma.  They also heard Nodoka's voice
urging them into the house.

Both women left the kitchen.  They watched as Genma continually tried to
retreat from his wife.  The way the two men stumbled about told the women
they were close to passing out.  The two women sighed, going to assist the
men to their rooms.

"Come on Father, let's get you to your room," commanded each to her respec-
tive parent.

"Quick, Ranma!  Hide, you're mother's here.  I'll stall," commanded Genma in
his stupor.

Ranko smiled, "Father, Ranma's not here.  He's away with his friends."

"What are you talking about, Boy?  Oh yeah, you're already hiding as Ranko.
Quick!  Hide me!"

Ranko shook her head.  "Father, I'm Ranko, your new daughter.  Let's put you
to bed before you hurt yourself."

They entered the room.  Ranko dropped Genma on his futon.  She began to
straighten things out, giving him the comfort he needed, but not deserved.
He grabbed her arm.

"Listen to me, Boy.  You gotta hide from your mother.  She's seen me, so I
can't hide.  At least you'll be safe."

"Sure, Pop.  You get some sleep and I'll talk to Mom.  Everything will be
fine."

Genma nodded in satisfaction before passing out.  Ranko looked at her father
with disgust.  How would she explain to her mother about his comments?  She
needed to think about a new approach.

She left the room quietly.  She met Kasumi and Nodoka in the hall.  Nodoka's
expression was dark.  Kasumi's was sad.  Ranko lowered her eyes, not wanting
to meet her mother's stern gaze.

"What was that all about?" Nodoka asked.

Ranko took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.  "There are things about
Ranma Father does not want you to know.  We do not agree with him, and have
told him so, but his promise to you has kept us from saying anything.

"We've all been thinking of ways to tell you that would keep Ranma alive and
the honor of the family intact.  The confession has to come from either Ranma
or Father.  Most of Ranma's close friends are aware of the problems and have
reluctantly agreed to keep quiet."

"Is it so bad that they think they have to hide?"

Ranko nodded.

Nodoka softened her gaze slightly.  "Is this similar to Ranma's multiple en-
gagements?"

"It's related to it.  Would you agree that Father's stupidity was responsible
for several of the engagements?"

"Hai."

"We all agree that Father's stupidity is responsible for forcing Ranma away
from you now.  Unfortunately, Ranma was naive enough to go along with the
whole thing."

"What is the nature of this problem?"

"You'll find out when Father sobers and Akane comes home.  She, at least,
should be present."

"I see.  Very well, we will wait until tomorrow.  I believe you have some
things you want to share with Kasumi."

Ranko smiled as she followed her mother and Kasumi to the dining room.

***

Ranko woke up before her mother and father.  She needed to think things
through before telling her secret to her mother.  Did she really want to tell
her?  The previous three months had been wonderful.  She truly felt alive,
not having to worry about fiancees, mad suitors, or wild kidnappers.

Ranko's thoughts were broken by the front door opening.  She adjusted her
robe before investigating.  She smiled as Akane entered the house, carrying
P-Chan.  "Good morning, Akane."

"What are you doing here?" Akane asked angrily.

Ranko shook her head.  "Mom and I came home last night.  We wanted to sur-
prise Pop.  He came home drunk, blabbing to me to hide."

"Oh," softened Akane.  Her anger seemed to leave.

Ranko looked at her questioningly, "Why are you home so early?"

"I got into an argument with Yukio's friend, Sakura.  It's your fault, any-
way."

"I see.  What'd I do this time?"

Akane blinked.  She had expected denial, thus preparing for an argument.
"Well...um...let's see...dammit, Ranma.  You were the cause of the argument."

"If you say so.  I'm going to take a bath.  After that, I'm going to do some
thinking away from the house.  Mom'll be a bit upset, but if you could tell
her I'm working on a solution, she'll understand," replied Ranko as she stood
up.

"What's the solution?"

"I'm telling Mom everything.  I...I'm sorry, Akane.  You might not have a
fiancee by evening."

P-chan smiled as best a pig could, while Akane stared at the gracefully re-
treating woman before her.  She put P-Chan down and ran after her.  She ig-
nored the fact that Ranko entered the bathroom.

Ranko looked over her shoulder with a small, sad smile.  She waited for Akane
to close the door in an effort to keep the noise down.  "Are you sure you
want to be in here with me?"

"What do you mean 'I might not have a fiancee by evening?'"

Ranko looked at Akane carefully.  She noted the tension in the other's face.
With a sigh, she spoke carefully, "I did some pretty stupid things while
training with Mom.  I told Kasumi last night who I was.  I..."

"And who are you?" hissed Akane, her anger growing.

"Akane, please calm down.  I want you to listen to me before you say or do
anything.  I'm going to start filling the tub while you calm down," replied
Ranko as she started the hot water.

Akane watched as her fiancee behaved in an unusual manner.  She noticed that
Ranko pulled off a ring.  She waited while Ranko disrobed.  Her face red-
dened.

"Have you no shame?"

"Of course I do.  We're both girls, right?  Besides, you've seen me this way
before."

"Let's get this straight, Pervert, you are not a girl," replied Akane, poking
Ranma in the chest.

"Are you sure about that?"

Akane froze.  Her mind raced for an appropriate comeback, but she was speech-
less.  She gathered her thoughts, "What do you mean by that?"

"Will you calmly and carefully listen to what I have to say?"

Akane was about to reply with her first thought, but controlled herself.  She
nodded, sitting on the tub's rim, next to the naked Ranko.

"Good.  Like I said, I did some stupid things while with Mom.  One of them
was going along with what she said and did during her training.  That's not
all bad, but it's enough for me to doubt the wisdom of it."

She paused to look at Akane's reaction.  She was disappointed to note that it
was still angry.  She collected herself before continuing, "I also found a
way to keep from changing in front of Mom.  It was a good idea at the time,
but it may have backfired on me.  I'll explain that in a little bit.  I can
now call Mom 'Mom' in front of her.  She still calls me Ranko."

"Is there a point to all of this?"

Ranko shrank a little at Akane's impatience.  "Hai.  Several, actually.  Here
are a few of them:  I know why we don't get along, I'm no longer the Ranma
you knew, I can tell Mom about Pop, and I really do love you."

Ranko was mildly pleased at the shocked look on Akane's face.  She waited for
her fiancee to recover.  It took a little bit.

Akane spoke slowly, "Do you really mean that?"

"All of it.  We don't get along because neither one of us like to be told
what to do.  Given time, we would have reached a point where our pride didn't
matter.  Also, I've never been good at expressing myself to people, especial-
ly to those I like."

"What about Ukyou?"

"When I was little, I hadn't been taught to hide my feelings.  Ucchan has
always been my friend.  I can't see myself loving her the way I do you.
Shampoo and Kodachi mean nothing to me.  Shampoo's a good comrade, but I
can't stand being with her unless you're there to knock me out when she gets
too personal.  Kodachi's downright crazy.  I will not marry her, even if my
life depended on it."

"I see, I think.  Why the sudden change?"

Ranko's eyes went wide, revealing fear.  "Do you mind if I get in the tub
while we finish this?"

"You pervert!"

"You said you'd listen.  This is something I have to do before I tell Mom."

Akane glared at Ranko before turning away with a "Hmph."  Ranko sighed as she
slipped into the hot water.  She waited for few seconds, anticipating the
change.  She sighed sadly before talking to Akane, "Speaking of change..."

Akane turned around, gasping at the sight of Ranko in the tub of hot water.
She saw the sadness in Ranko's eyes.  "How...what..."

"Before I left with Mom, I bought a magic ring.  It was a wishing ring.  The
wish I made was not to have to worry about water and to be accepted by Mom
and you.  I had not taken the ring off until yesterday.  That was when I
found out I couldn't change anymore.

"I knew there was this possibility, but I couldn't upset Mom.  The instruc-
tions were simple:  make a wish and wear the ring for a month.  Here it is
three months later, and I can't change.  And thanks to Mom's training, I
don't mind being a girl."

Akane bit her bottom lip before asking, "Which are you now?"

"I'm Tendou Ranko, soon to be Saotome Ranko.  During the last three months, I
have not told Mom my secret.  In the beginning, I wanted to.  Later, I didn't
feel I had to because she called me her daughter.  Mom made being a woman so
much fun.

"After I found out I couldn't change, I was going to let you know and not
wear the ring for a month to see what would happen.  But Pop came home drunk,
and basically told Mom without telling her."

Akane took in deep breath, her anger leaving completely.  Despair crept into
her voice, "What are you going to do?"

"When I'm done taking a bath, I'm going for a walk.  I'll be back when I've
thought of something.  It shouldn't be too long.  I'm sorry, Akane.  I really
screwed up again."

"Would it help if I came?"

Ranko smiled.  "I'd like that.  Between us, we can solve all of our
problems."

"I guess we can.  Will you talk to me?"

"Will you listen to me?"

Akane swallowed her anger.  For the first time, she listened to what her
fiancee had said.  All of her memories and emotions of a "careless" Ranma
assaulted her.  Each brought into focus Ranma's problems, namely her own
stubbornness.

"Hai, Ranma.  I promise I will listen to you.  This time, I will not break
this promise."

Ranko hugged her fiancee.  Then sank back into the tub.  "I'm sorry, Akane.
I didn't mean to get your clothes wet."

Akane sniffed, "Don't worry about it.  Let me get take care of P-Chan, okay?"

"Sure.  I'll be done shortly."

Akane smiled, leaving Ranko in her thoughts.  "Thank you, Kami-sama.  That
went much better than I thought."

***

Ranko sat on the veranda, waiting for Akane.  She stared at the pond, think-
ing of all of her troubles.  How so many of them began with water.  With
Jusenkyo.  She sighed to herself, barely hearing the movement behind her.

"DIE, RANMA!" bellowed Ryoga as he launched a haymaker.

Ranko rolled to the side, barely evading the wild punch.  She took up her
stance, waiting for the Lost Boy to recover.

"What did I do this time?"

"You made Akane cry.  This is the last time!"

As Ryoga attacked, Ranko sidestepped the enraged boy.  "I know," she replied
calmly.

He lost his balance for a moment.  He glared at his target.  "If I have any-
thing to say about, it will!"

He launched himself into a series of punches and kicks.  Ranko remained on
the defensive.  She carefully maneuvered herself to the pond.  She waited for
Ryoga to continue his attack.

As she expected, Akane, Nodoka, and Kasumi rushed out at the commotion.
Akane was about to yell when Nodoka stopped her.  "Do you really think Ranko
started this fight?"

<Give him a chance,> she told herself.  "She usually does."

"Then we'll have to wait for her to finish to know for sure."

Ryoga continued to attack, his anger getting the better of him.  He couldn't
understand why his enemy wouldn't fight back.  There weren't the usual taunts
he always heard.

"What's the matter, Ranma?  Too much of a girl to fight?"

"Hai."

Ryoga, startled at the answer, fell into the pond.  With a heavy sigh, Ranko
picked up the struggling piglet.  She moved slowly to the patio.  She held
P-Chan before Akane.

"I'm sorry, Akane.  I really didn't want to do that.  He should have been the
one to tell you, long ago."

Akane stared at the struggling pig.  She looked at Ranko's sad face.  "You
knew?"

Ranko nodded.  "Since the night you adopted him as your pet.  Because I
knocked him into the Spring, he made me promise not to tell you.  After I
promised, he went straight for your room.  I tried to stop him, but you
wouldn't let me.  I couldn't break my promise.

"I wanted to tell you.  I tried to without coming out and saying it.  That's
why I called him 'P-Chan' and 'Pig-Boy' all the time.  I kept hoping you
would figure things out, or he would tell you, but that never happened.  I'm
sorry."

Ranko set Ryoga on the ground.  She turned to head for the gate, stopping
suddenly.  "Akane, if you want to talk to me, I'll listen.  I know what it's
like to have your world, your trust, your faith destroyed in a moment's
carelessness.  Jusenkyo does that to a person."

Before anyone could respond, Ranko left the grounds.  Akane glared at the
piglet that was trying to get close to her.  "You've destroyed everything,"
she hissed, punting Ryoga out of the yard.

"Akane, was that..." began Nodoka.

"That WAS someone I could trust.  And to think, I blamed everything on Ranma.
That will never happen again!  This I swear on Mother's grave!"

Kasumi and Nodoka gasped as Akane uttered the oath.  They watched the
youngest Tendou leave the room.  Nodoka recovered first.  She turned to
Kasumi, "What just happened to that boy Ranko fought?"

Kasumi sighed.  "Please, Auntie, sit down.  It is a very long story.  Akane
should be here too, but I think she has other things on her mind right now."

"If I can understand what is going on, I will help resolve the problems be-
tween Ranma and Akane."

***

Running down the street, Akane replayed every fight between her fiancee and
Ryoga.  Each time, Ryoga attacked first, unless it was a direct challenge.
Her heart sank each time she saw Ranma under her fist.  It only rose slightly
for each time Ranma interrupted her dates with Ryoga.

As she thought of Ryoga, the others took his place.  Shampoo always embracing
Ranma before he had a chance to escape.  His being too tongue tied to get
away from any woman.  She remembered how his fiancees chose the most inoppor-
tune times to interfere, often when she and Ranma were about to talk.  Ac-
tually talk.

Akane quickly caught up to Ranko.  She embraced the smaller woman, tears
rolling down her cheecks.  She whispered desperately in Ranko's ears, "I'm
sorry, Ranma.  I'm sorry for everything I've blamed on you.  I'm sorry for
not trusting you more.  I'm sorry for not opening my eyes to your problems.
I'm sorry, my love."

Ranko sniffed, turning to see Akane's tear streaked face.  "It's all right,
Akane.  I'm responsible for some of the problems.  I regret I couldn't find
the courage to talk to you about it."

"We have all day to talk.  We should start now, before anyone stops us."

"Aren't you mad at me about Ryoga?"

"Hai, but not nearly as mad as I am at Ryoga.  You've changed, Ranma.  You
actually took the time to talk to me earlier.  Now, I'm going to take the
time to listen to the man I love."

Ranko smiled sadly.  "Akane, I'm not a man anymore."

"I-I see.  All right, Ranma, I'll take the time to listen to the woman I
love.  After all, for you, I'm bisexual.  TOGETHER, we will work out all of
our problems.  That is what you want, isn't it?"

"It is.  And thank you, Akane.  For still being here for me, though I don't
know why."

"That's what fiancees are for.  I'll miss the old Ranma, but I'm going to do
everything in my power to give you a chance to explain yourself.  I promise I
will not jump to conclusions, hit you, or otherwise hurt you.  Should the old
Ranma return, I will treat him the same as I will treat you.

"As for why, need you ask?  Ryoga's change opened my eyes.  I saw the things
I denied for so long.  I've wanted to hate you, but I couldn't.  That con-
fused me.  Rather than figure it out, like you did, it was easier for me to
blame you.

"Because of Ryoga's lies, I believed everything was your fault.  I'm sorry,
Ranma.  Never again."

Ranko embraced Akane fiercely, tears rolling down her cheeks, "Thank you,
Akane.  I love you with all of my heart, even when I do stupid things."

"I know.  Why don't we go to Ukyou's for breakfast.  My treat.  We can talk
there, maybe we'll even solve our problems with Ukyou."

"I hope so, Akane.  I don't want to lose her as a friend.  I need all my
friends."

"What about your new friends?  Are you close to them?"

"I guess.  I hadn't thought of it that way."

"That's why you have me," beamed Akane.

Ranko giggled, taking Akane's arm.  They practically skipped down the street,
heading for Ucchan's.

***

Ranko and Akane walked into the cafe.  A samll crowd had formed, keeping
Ukyou busy.  She glanced up from her grill, wecoming them.  "Hey, Ranchan,
Akane!  Glad to see you're back."

"Thanks, Ucchan.  I'm glad to be home.  We'd like two Number 2's."

"Just two, Ranchan?  I'm sure you can eat more."

Ranko blushed.  Akane's polite smile encouraged Ranko.  "Maybe.  We'll see
after we eat the first ones."

"What's wrong, Sugar?  You look depressed."

Ranko looked at the okonmiyaki being prepared.  "Several things, actually.
Ryoga stopped by this morning."

"So?  I'm sure he just wanted to see Akane.  They have been dating each
other.  That means..."

Ukyou stopped speaking as she received harsh glares from the two women before
her.  Akane spoke first, "The times I went out with that Pig were the worst
times of my life."

"But you enjoyed them."

"Ukyou, I just found out that my pet pig forced my fiancee into promising not
to tell me about his true self.  Each time Ryoga and Ranma fought, I blamed
Ranma.  And it made that pig happy.  To think I never saw the truth, on so
many things."

"Um, Ryoga revealed himself to you?  Did he say 'I love you?'"

Akane pounded her fist into the counter.  "LOVE ME?  That...that thing?
Kunou's more of a man than he ever will be.  I cannot love anything that has
lied to me like that."

"What about Ranma?  He kept it secret."

"Um, I had to.  I swore to Ryoga I wouldn't reveal to Akane he was cursed.  I
was bound by my honor not to reveal his secret."

Ukyou looked at Ranko for a second.  "Why did you, then?  If you knew how
much he loved her, why did you destroy their happiness?"

"Ukyou, Ryoga didn't love Akane.  At least not they way I love her.  He
wanted to make me miserable for his following me to Jusenkyo.  So he, like
Cologne and Shampoo, used Akane as a tool or prize.

"Well, I'm tired of hiding from everyone.  Last night, Pop told Mom I was her
son, by telling me to hide.  He was so drunk, he didn't know I was a girl
until he started blabbering it about.

"And when Ryoga attacked, I just kept him busy until Akane came down.  I
didn't taunt him or fight back.  As angry as he gets, he made a mistake,
ending up in the pond."

"With me watching.  I was so close to blaming Ranma again, but when I saw
Ryoga change, I knew everything I had ever blamed on Ranma was wrong.
Ranma's not a pervert, I am.  Ranma doesn't flirt with anyone, except to get
something he needs, like a cure.  It has always been you, Shampoo, and
Kodachi who've flirted with Ranma."

"I just never knew how to stop it, until now.  Ukyou, as my best friend,
please understand that I love Akane.  I never meant to string you on, I just
didn't want to hurt your feelings.  I'm sorry."

"Sorry?  SORRY?  Is that all you can say?  After everything I've done for
you?  I built this place for you.  I gave up ten years of my life for you.  I
did everything I could to prove myself better than her.  And this is how you
repay me?  GET OUT!  I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU TWO AGAIN!"

Akane put some money on the counter.  She watched Ukyou impassively.
Noticing Ranko's tears, she took her fiancee's hand.  Ranko lowered her head
slightly, going with Akane out the door.

Ukyou collapsed to the floor, sobbing.  Her entire world shattered before
her.  Her perfect marriage to Ranma was never to be.  Her dreams of the per-
fect romance ended.  The lies she told herself crumbled.  She never noticed
the resturaunt emptying of people.

***

Ranko and Akane ended up in the small park near Ucchan's.  They sat down,
letting Ranko shed her tears in peace.  Her fists balled up in desperation.

Akane held her fiancee, sootheing the pain with her presence.  She looked
around, making sure no one was around to see them together.  She leaned
over, kissing Ranko on the forehead.

Ranko sat up, her sobbing subsiding.  She wiped her tears as she looked at
Akane.  "I'm sorry, Akane.  I shouldn't have cried like that, but I couldn't
help it."

"It's all right, Ranma.  I love you anyway.  You told me you were a girl now,
right?"  Ranko nodded, prompting Akane to continue, "Then there's no shame
for my lover to cry.  You have nearly ten years of pain to release.

"Now that we have that settled, what are we going to do about your mother?"

Ranko sighed.  "I don't want to tell her I used to be her son, but I have to.
She's seen Ryoga, so she might be more understanding.  If we show Pop to her,
she might be really understanding."

"True.  But what about the oath?"

"I doubt Mom would let us marry.  She may insist you marry someone else and
try to find someone for me.  Then again, since I lied to her, she may call us
to fulfill the oath.  I'm sorry."

"I see.  I don't want anyone else.  After everything I've done to you, you've
kept coming back to me.  If you have to commit seppuku, so will I, by your
side.  I will never leave you."

"But you have your whole life ahead of you."

"And so do you.  What do you plan to do about Shampoo and Kodachi?"

Ranko took a beep breath.  "Well, with Shampoo, I was going to pretend I
didn't know her.  I was going to have you explain to her that the curse would
eventually affect the mind to the point the victim would believe she was
someone else.  The longer she was from home and the greater the stress, the
sooner the victim would succomb.

"Since Shampoo knows about Mom, she should figure out that I was under a lot
of stress.  And since the dojo is my home, I would have succombed while away.
That should get her off my back.  And if Cologne bought it, then she would
realize that taking me from home would have killed the old me."

"And killed the new you.  Since you're a woman now, Shampoo would have to
kill you."

"Maybe.  It was something I thought about for a month."

"That long?"

Ranko nodded, looking out into the park.  "As for Kodachi, I haven't figured
that out yet.  Since I can't change anymore, I'm Kunou's Pig-Tailed Goddess.
Kodachi hates me for taking my old name.  She'll try to kill me now.  I guess
I'll just have to fight her."

"Will you hold back?"

Ranko looked at Akane for a moment.  She failed to make the connection until
Akane's expression started to change.  "I'm sorry, Akane.  I haven't thought
like that for a couple of months now.  No, I won't hold back.  I don't have
to any more."

Akane smiled.  "That's great.  If Shampoo or Kodachi attack, I won't have to
worry about you going easy on them.  Will you train me, without holding
back?"

Ranko smiled, leaning her head into Akane's shoulder.  "I will not hold back
in your training.  What I will do for the first few days is see exactly how
good you are at offense and defense.  I was too afraid to do that the first
day."

Akane smiled.  "I forgive you, Ranma."

"Um, Akane, I think it would be best to call me Ranko.  That is who I am
now."

"How about I call you Ranma when we're alone?"

"All right."

***

Akane and Ranko entered the gate to the Tendou home.  They were talking
quietly, hoping not to attract attention.  They stopped when they heard the
sound of tiny bells.

"Nihao, Ranma!  You come to take Shampoo on date, yes?"

"Um, do I know you?" asked Ranko, struggling out of Shampoo's grasp.

"What you mean?"

"Have we met before?  I just arrived at the dojo last night."

Shampoo took a threatening step towards Akane.  "What you do to Husband?"

"I didn't do anything.  Ranko, here, no longer remembers her previous life."

"What you mean?  That not Ranko, that Ranma."

Akane glared at Shampoo.  "Ranko, why don't you get us something to drink.
Shampoo and I will be in the training hall."

"All right," beamed Ranko as she bounced toward the house.  "Play nice,
Akane.  It was nice meeting you, Shampoo."

Akane waited for Ranko to enter the house before directing the Amazon to the
training hall.  "There is a simple explantaion, Shampoo.  The Ranma we knew,
and loved, is no longer in that body.  Ranko has some of Ranma in her, but is
mostly the girl from 1500 years ago."

"How that possible?"

"It seems that a victim of Jusenkyo undergoes some sort of change when under
too much stress.  In Ranko's case, being with her mother and away from here,
her home.  The longer you're away from home, and the greater the stress, the
quicker the change."

"Violent Tomboy lie.  Ranma too strong."

Akane looked at Shampoo.  Her sad expression caused the Amazon to shrink back
slightly.  "Shampoo, why would I lie about Ranma's condition.  I've been
miserable without him these last three months.  I know you've been _stressed_
about his being gone.  I've...no.  I'm sorry, Shampoo.  The man we love is no
more than a sweet memory."

Shampoo shook her head, taking an aggressive step forward.  "You lie!"

"Shall we have some tea?" interrupted Ranko with a smile.

Shampoo turned to face the red head.  "Who you?"

"I'm Tendou Ranko.  If all goes well, I'll be adopted by Saotome Nodoka.
Then I'll have a mother, a father, and a brother.  I've always wanted a
brother.  How about you?"

"I no have brother, only sisters.  You not Tendou Ranko, you Saotome Ranma.
You Shampoo's husband."

Ranko gasped.  "That can't be!  I'm a girl!  Girls can't marry girls."

Shampoo growled, "If you Ranko, where Ranma?"

"I think Kasumi said he was with some friends.  She didn't say where."

"You know, Shampoo, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you've learned the
Nekoken," commented Akane with as much concern as she could muster.

Ranko watched as fear washed across Shampoo's face, settling in the Amazon's
eyes.  The warrior dashed from the hall, startling the two women with her
speed.  After a few seconds, they broke out laughing.

"That was great, Akane!  You had her convinced.  I never should have ruined
that play for you."

"Thank you, Ranko.  You did a wonderful job yourself.  I'm proud of you.
How, by the way, did you do that?"

Ranko smiled broadly.  "For the first month of training, I had to pretend to
be someone different.  I used that to do this."

Akane threw her arms around Ranko, kissing her on the lips.  "You did a won-
derful job."

Ranko broke the embrace, slowly letting the kiss end.  She stared at Akane's
brown, loving eyes.  "T-that was better than earlier.  Are you sure you want
to..."

Akane took Ranko's hands.  "What will it take for you to be convinced I mean
every word I've said?  I love you!  No one else.  Never again will I let my
anger get the better of me.  As long as we talk, I won't have to be angry."

Ranko sighed as she sat down.  Pouring the tea, she looked at Akane.  "Akane,
when we first met, you promised to be my friend.  When you discovered I was a
boy, you hated me.  I-I'm having trouble dealing with how you're treating me.
This morning, you blamed me for an arguement you had with a friend.  Now,
you're treating me as if I'm a man.  I-I just don't know what to do anymore.

"I've wanted you to treat me like this since before Mikado.  Now that I'm a
girl, I don't know if it's right.  I want you to be happy.  I always have, I
just never knew how to go about doing it right.  I don't know if I can make
you happy now."

Akane sipped her tea.  "Ranma, I'm sorry for everything.  Maybe I am moving
too fast.  I guess I'm trying to make up for the time I've pushed you away.
Why don't we worry about our future after we tell your mother?"

"I suppose.  She is the reason we've spent the day together.  How should we
approach this?"

"Why not start at the beginning, 'daughter?'"

Ranko and Akane turned to see Nodoka standing in the doorway.  Her stern look
forced them to shudder slightly.  Ranko turned quickly and bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry for the lie I have lived, forcing you to believe your son was away
when he wasn't.

"I have been cursed with this body.  It was shortly before Pop and I returned
from China.  I was unaware of the promise we made to you about my becoming a
'man among men.'  As you can see, I have failed miserably.

"Do not hold yourself to blame.  _I_ wanted to get to know you without Pop
interfering.  When I went with you, I went with the intention of telling you.
But I was also under the obligation to Pop, and Akane, not to reveal myself
to you immediately.

"Normally, I change from a boy to a girl with cold water, just as Ryoga
changed from a boy to a pig.  Hot water is supposed to turn me back.

"Unfortunately, I found away to keep from changing around you.  Because of
that magic, and my own desire to know you, I can no longer change.  I may be
able to change back in a month's time, but I'm not sure.

"If I must die today, please know that I will die happy.  I will have died
after knowing love from my mother.  And for being accepted as a person by
Akane.

"I cannot ask for forgiveness, only understanding."

Ranko remaind prostrated before her mother.  She dared not look up.  She
listened to her mother's strained voice.

"When you first became cursed, how did you feel?"

"Like my life ended.  I didn't know I could change.  I was angry at Pop, and
myself."

"Have you been 'locked' like this before?"

"Hai.  Once when Shampoo's great-grandmother came to Japan.  Once with a
steel corset.  And once with a magic kettle.  Each time, I felt as though it
would be the last time.  Each time, I felt a piece of my old self die."

"And now?"

"Now...now I am Tendou Ranko, the lonely young woman you have accepted as
your daughter.  My former self, Saotome Ranma, is just a memory of a life I
can no longer lead.  Though I will miss being a man, I won't miss the prob-
lems he had."

"I see.  Prepare yourself for the ceremony.  At sundown, the Saotome clan
will cease to exist.  I-I do not hold you responsible, Ranko.  Genma and I
are responsible for this, but honor demands that you fulfill your duty as
well."

Ranko's voice cracked, "I understand."

"You are forgiven, Saotome Ranko."

                                   Epilogue

The small gathering of family and friends hovered around the graves of Genma,
Nodoka, Ranko, and Akane.  Each person prayed that the departed would have a
better life the next time around.  Of the gathered, the hardest hit were
Ranko's fiancees and rivals.

Kodachi had her wrists wrapped in bandages.  Her extremely thin body barely
stood up to the task of supporting her weight.  Throughout the ceremony, she
talked incoherently, often stroking her arms.

Kunou stood next to his sister.  He held in his hands the shattered bokken he
used to try to win Akane's heart.  His chin trembled as he fought the tears
and guilt in the deaths of his beloved women.  He could not help but feel
guilt over not being able to protect them.

Ukyou stared at the graves.  Her emotions were unreadable.  Her pale complec-
tion matched the dreariness of the rainy day.  She had cried herself to sleep
since she had heard about the ceremony.  She had also closed her restraunt,
having nothing else to tie her to Nerima.

Shampoo stared at the graves of her love and her rival.  She held herself
proudly, even though her heart was cold and dead.  She had quickly forgiven
Ranko and Akane for their deception, as she would have done something
similar.  In her memories, she held both women in high regards, as Amazons.

Mousse stared in the general direction of the graves.  At one time, he hated
Ranko.  Now he understood what the young woman had lived through.  He
realized he was more like Ranko than he had once thought.  He was a young man
whose life had been destroyed by a series of circumstances beyond his con-
trol.  He vowed to honor the memories of his fallen comrade, knowing he could
never do them justice.

Cologne let her age show even more.  The long years of leadership and mentor-
ship had finally taken their toll on her.  She had just seen the burial of
her brightest student.  She no longer believed the laws as she once had.
With Ranko's death, she found herself closer to the young woman than she ever
had been in life.  One of the few times regret ever entered her thoughts came
when she witnessed the bodies in the dojo.

Ryoga stood by the graves, cursing himself and Ranko.  He had lost the woman
he had loved to his archenemy.  Not only had his enemy won in life, but she
won in death.  She had taken his love with her to the grave.  He knew it was
Ranko's fault Akane died.  After all, Ranko had ruined his life repeatedly.
He knew he had to avenge himself somehow.  He would think about it when he
returned home from his next journey.

Nabiki stared at the graves of her sister, in-laws-to-be.  Every scheme to
take advantage of Ranko came back to haunt her.  She cursed herself for
treating the young woman the way she had.  She no longer cried, taking it as
a sign of weakness.  She vowed to herself she would make it up to Akane and
Ranko.  She would take over the dojo.  She not let anyone hurt her, nor would
she deny people the chance at happiness.

***

Three women watched the graveside service from a respectable distance.  The
eldest held the younger women in her arms.  Tears rolled down her face.

"It was a beautiful service," commented the red-haired woman.

"Hai.  It was better than Dearest deserved, but I will let him rest in peace.
I hope the others forgive us, in time," replied the elder woman.

"Cologne has.  I'm glad she understood," added the black-haired woman.

"Hai.  The funeral is breaking up.  We should get started with our new
lives."

"Hai, Mother," replied the two young women as they left with their mother.

					The End

Acknowledgements--

To Rumiko Takahashi for creating these wonderful characters.  She owns them,
not me.

I have no real inspriations for this one.  For those of you observant enough,
several elements from Liefker's, Lawson's, and Kleppe's works appear in here.
There are probably other elements form other stories, but I'm not observant
enough to catch them.

Gerald E. Jones did suggest a story similar to this one, involving Belldandy
and friends.  How he knew about this story, I don't know.  I'll be writing a
few other stories based on suggestions he gave me.

Thanks to the people on my ever growing prereader list:  Thad Landis, Todd
Foldesi, Nicholas Leifker, Lisa Prior, Brian and Jason Drozd, Ronald Chan,
Gerald E. Jones, and many, many more.

Situation (c) Bryan Neef.  This story may be freely distributed, unaltered
and is for entertainment purposes only.  If you wish to use the premise and
background of this story, as presented, for your own works, please let me
know.  I have no objections, as I have borrowed from others.

Critiques are welcomed at bneef@ice.net or amaranius@geocities.com.  Please
tell me why you liked or disliked this story.

My other stories are at http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/3719/fiction.htm.

Author's Notes--

Well, here's another fine mess I've gotten into.  I started this in Oct. and
finished it in Feb.  This started as a diversion from classwork and Ranma's
Curse, until Writer's Block hit.  Then I picked it up again in Dec.  It's
here and done now!

This is a different style than I usually write.  It is clumsy, but not nearly
as bad as Billy Shakespeare (and I have his complete works.)  I had intended
to have the story alternate between the present and the past, from Ranko's
POV and Nodoka's throughout the tale.  But alas, the story refused to be
written that way.  I had intended for a more dramatic confrontation between
Ranko and Ryoga, but this worked just as well, perhaps better.

I did not get confused as to who the characters were in this story.  I used
Ranma's two names to represent her changes in thoughts.  When she starts her
training, she is 100% Ranma.  When she returns, she is 100% Ranko.  I tried
to show some of that change, but have probably failed to do so effectively.
Oh well, this is just the first draft.

I watched X-Files while writing the last final talk with Akane, Nodoka, and
Ranko, so it turned out a shade darker than what was originally planned.  I
still wanted the suitors to think Ranko and Akane had died, but I was going
to have them see the news in letters and newspaper reports (I know I said
bodies with Cologne, but we can leave that my little secret.)  I also thought
of having Ryoga decapitated, but just didn't want to write him back into the
story.