Cologne's Final Confrontation <> Akane bolted straight up, screaming, "RANMA! NO!" She breathed heavily, the cold sweat pouring down her. Her sightless eyes darting back and forth. Small, but strong arms gripped her from the side and rear, embracing her. "It's okay, Akane. I'm here. I won't hurt you. I promise." Akane's breathing eased. She moved her hand, searching for her companion's face. "I'm sorry, Ranma. I didn't mean to wake you. It was a nightmare. I'll be fine." Onna-Ranma moved over to face Akane, bringing her hands to her face. "Tell me about it, please? It's how we've survived since..." Akane withdrew her hands. A tear rolled down her cheek. "Ranma no baka. Why do you keep reminding me?" "Akane, I hurt too. I can't change and you can't see. Nobody came away the same. Tell me about the nightmare so WE can make the pain go away." "I dreamt that, early in our marriage, I killed you and Ukyou with your mother's katana. It was all because I couldn't control my anger. Oh Ranma!" cried Akane, collapsing into Onna-Ranma's arms. "Is that all? Akane, how many times have you beaten me with that mallet of yours? Hundreds of times. I probably deserved most of them. But right now, I think my beautifully uncute tomboy needs to lay off the midnight snacks." Akane sniffed as she controlled her crying. Ranma smiled at her wife, knowing Akane could no longer see. "Besides, I wouldn't want my wife upsetting our little unborn baby. Let's get you cleaned up and you'll be ready for bed again in no time." "Ranma?" "Hai?" "Why do you stay with me? I mean, you should be looking for a cure. I can take care of myself." Ranma kissed Akane on the cheek. "I know you can, Tomboy. But even with everyone watching you, I still think you're in danger. If you weren't pregnant, I'd have no problem trying to get cured. But I have to watch out for our child, too." "Thank you." *** Ranma woke slowly from her sleep. The first thing she noticed was Akane missing. She leapt from the bed, running to the bathroom first. Seeing that Akane wasn't there, she ran to the kitchen. She sighed in relief as her mother, Nodoka, helped Akane about the kitchen. "Good morning," she said kissing her wife and hugging her mother. "Good morning, Ranma," whispered Nodoka. "Good morning, Love. Are you feeling better?" asked Akane cheerfully. "I should ask you the same thing. But yeah, I'm feeling better than after dinner." "Good, because I'm cooking lunch." "That's nice. I'm going to the market to pick up some things for Saturday. Do you need anything while I'm out?" "I think I have everything. Don't be long, you have class at three," answered Akane. "Ranma, be careful. Cologne and Shampoo are still after you," whispered Nodoka, stroking her former son's red hair. "I know. I'll be back by noon." thought Ranma as she changed her clothes, Ranma headed out the door. She made sure she had enough money to buy the things she needed. The wedding anniversary was Saturday. One entire year had passed. The first three months were bliss. No fights, no challenges for Akane's hand. Nothing until three months ago. Word had spread of Akane's pregnancy. It was then that the illusion of peace had been shattered. A quiet evening at the Nekohanten turned into a nightmare. Cologne had spiked their food with something. Even now, the pain Ranma felt then haunted her. As did the Ghoul's words, "If you want this child to live, nullify your marriage to Akane and marry Shampoo." "Never," gasped Ranma as he shuddered from the pain. "I won't let you hurt Akane or our child!" "Shampoo for the child, that is all that matters." Ranma's thoughts returned as she heard the familiar whine of bicycle tires approach her. She leapt to the wall as Shampoo's bicycle landed where she had been. Shampoo looked at her brightly. "Ai ren come to marry Shampoo, yes?" Ranma growled her anger as she leapt onto the startled Amazon. "I WILL NOT MARRY YOU!" The Amazon felt her ribs crack as Onna-Ranma pounded her. Her eyes were starting to lose focus as she felt the searing pain in her sides and chest. She looked on as fist after fist bludgeoned her. Ranma felt something behind her. Whipping the battered Amazon around in time to block the thrust of a staff. The staff connected with the base of Shampoo's skull. "Well, Son-in-law, you have improved. Do you not care what happens to your precious wife and child?" "More than you will ever care for anyone, Hag. Here's your puppet, don't ever come near me again." "You're about a hundred years too young to stop me. I OWN you. It is best you accept your place and come with us. Akane will understand, in time." "And my Mother? Will she understand?" "Yes." "I see. Then I really don't have a choice, do I?" Cologne chuckled, "You never did." Ranma breathed in the stale air of the city. She knew it would come to this someday. She calmed herself to the point of feeling everything within two meters of her. The bicycle. The wall. Shampoo. Cologne. Shampoo? There was something not right with the young Amazon. The head seemed wrong for some reason. Ranma concentrated harder, keeping Cologne in sight. Shampoo began to stir. She coughed up blood as she muttered a name in Mandarin, "Mu Tsu." thought Ranma as she leapt towards Cologne. As expected, Cologne dropped to the ground. Ranma grabbed Shampoo roughly and bounded off. Cologne sat on the ground, staring at the direction the two younger women went. She bounded off after the pair, mulling over the possibilities. Then it hit her, She picked up her pace, taking a short cut. *** Ranma burst into the back door of the cafe. She noticed Mousse standing there, looking angry. Ranma took a deep breath before speaking, "You know the rules as well as I do. The Hag will be here shortly. I need you to tell me where your passports and visas are. By the time we get to the airport, Shampoo will be yours." "How can you be so sure?" "Pressure points." "I'll get them, Saotome." With that, the young man left the room. Ranma set Shampoo down and tended the broken ribs. She finished taping them as Mousse returned. "I have them. What about tickets?" "Leave that to me. Can you carry her while I make the arrangements on the go?" "Of course. But how?" Ranma pulled out a cellular phone. The trio left the cafe, through the dining area. Several of the patrons were surprised to see them. Cologne entered through the back door, same as Ranma. No one was there to greet her. She stormed into the dining area, looking for Mousse. She was about to head to the living area when she caught sight of movement on the roofs across the street. She bolted through the door. Ranma spoke into the phone as if standing still, "Hello? I'd like to make reservations for two on the next flight to mainland China. I see. Great! I'll take them. Hai! Saotome. Sa-o-to-me. Hai! Thanks!" "Well?" "You'll have to stop in Taipei, but you're going to Beijing. The flight leaves in about forty minutes. Plenty of time." "For what?" "You'll see." The trio entered the terminal. Shampoo regained consciousness, gasping in pain. Mousse looked down at her with sympathy. He set her down gently. "Where are we?" "The airport, my love." "Oh, Ai ren. Who is woman?" "I'm your guide, Ranko. You were asleep when I met your husband at your place. I was asked by some friends of yours to make sure you made it to your flight." "Flight?" "Hai, Shampoo. We're going back to China. Back to our home." "Aiya! What we wait for?" "You two wait over there while I get your tickets." The Amazons nodded and moved carefully across to waiting area. Mousse watched carefully for Cologne. Shampoo steadied herself as she felt the pain. Ranma returned quickly with two tickets. She handed them to Mousse. "Do you have the right passports?" "Hai!" replied Mousse as he showed her the correct books. "Excellent. We have to do this right. Let's get you two to the gate before the Mummy gets here." The three walked to the correct gate. Watching the shadows as they went, Ranma's plan began to take shape. Ranma stopped short of the metal detectors. She waited for a moment before turning to Mousse. "Timing will have to be perfect. When the Ghoul gets here, you and Shampoo will have to step through. Will your weapons cause problems?" "No. I have gone through many airports fully armed." "Good. Your only goal is to get on that plane. Tell your elders what has happened. I'll send you a letter next week. It'll be in care of Plum." "I understand. Thank you. I hope you get your cure." "So do I." At that moment, Cologne stormed into the area. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Mousse and Shampoo walk through the metal detector. "STOP!" she yelled, causing everyone to look at her. "Do you wish to leave with them?" asked Ranma innocently. "Mousse will die before I let him touch Shampoo. She is your bride, Son-in-law." "But I'm not a man, I can't possibly marry another girl," replied Ranma with just enough volume to ensure people heard her. Cologne grew more irritated. She advanced on Ranma, who stepped back. "Then I guess it doesn't matter to you if that unborn child of yours dies. Hmmm?" Ranma froze for a moment. A smile crossed her lips as she spoke louder, rubbing her stomach, "But I want this child. You can't take it from me." Cologne gritted her teeth. "But I have, Child. The child will not survive to full term. And neither will you!" "Somebody help! She's going to kill me!" shrieked Ranma. She hated acting helpless, but it was the only way to get rid of Cologne, short of killing her. As much as Cologne deserved to die for the things she did to her family and friends at the wedding, Ranma just couldn't bring herself to do it. Before she could begin her full attack, airport security had surrounded Cologne. She stopped as she noticed their guns. A smile came across her face. She looked Ranma in the eyes. "Shampoo will remember, Son-in-law. When she does, you and Akane and that idiot Mousse will die." "I'm not worried about her. I want the antidotes. Return me and Akane to normal. Make it so our child will be safe." "Marry Shampoo." A man put his hand on Ranma's shoulder. "Miss, could you come with us? We need your statement." Ranma nodded. She followed the man. She also watched security lead Cologne away. She turned to the man. "Sir? Your men had better be careful. She could probably kill them with a touch." "Oh?" "Hai. She knows more about pressure points than anyone I've ever met. She has used them on me several times. She has even used them on my wife." "Wife?" "Hai. I'm Saotome Ranma. Up until three months ago, I was a man. I know I don't look it, but I was. With luck, she or her people can restore me." "That doesn't make sense. You would need to see a doctor for those kinds of operations. If this was a delusion, I will have to commit you and release her." Ranma sighed. "Six years ago, my father and I went to China. We came upon this place called Jusenkyo, the Training Grounds of the Cursed Springs. To make a long story short, my father, several of my friends, and I fell into various springs. Father became a panda, I a girl, the Chinese couple become cat and duck, and another friend becomes a little black pig. "As fantastic as it sounds, I can have proof delivered in fifteen to twenty minutes. I don't like to talk about this with anyone, but since I need to get rid of the Ghoul, I have to be open about it." "Who can verify this claim?" "My family doctor, my mother, my wife and her sisters, my closest friends and comrades, and several of my high school teachers." "Suppose I believe you, why was that woman after you?" "She and the Chinese couple are Amazons. After I became cursed with this body, Father and I went to their village. Through a misunderstanding, I fought and won against the young female Amazon, Shampoo. Because I was an outsider, and female at the time, she had to kill me because of their laws. "I came back to Japan after that, safely eluding her. She had never seen the real me, so when she attacked my fiancee, I defeated her. Again. Her laws said I had to marry her. Last year, I thought I won the right to be able to refuse. I married and thought things had settled down. "When my wife became pregnant, our dreams ended. Akane, my wife, is now blind. I'm locked in my cursed form, and Shampoo and the Ghoul have been after me for three months. They have threatened my unborn child in an attempt to get me to leave Akane." "That's a tall tale, Miss. I think you should wait her while I get someone else." "Two minutes more. Please? If my wife and mother cannot convince you to at least consider the possibility, then I will submit to the shrink you want to bring in." "Very well. Here," replied the man as he handed her the phone. "Thank you." *** Ranma walked into the lounge. She smiled as her mother lead Akane to her. She embraced them both, not wanting to let them go. Nodoka broke the silence with her whisper, "Are you all right, Son?" "Hai. Thank you for convincing the detective. He seems to understand a little more about Cologne." "What's he doing now?" asked Akane. "He's talking to the Chinese Consellate. Maybe they know about Joketsuzoku law. Anyway, I'm sorry about missing lunch." "Don't worry about it, Ranma. It wasn't any good anyway." "Where are Mousse and Shampoo?" asked Nodoka. Ranma smiled broadly, "On their way back to Joketsuzoku. I booked them passage before we came here." "How did you convince Shampoo?" asked Akane. "She didn't have any say. When I left, she tried to get me with her bicycle. I broke her ribs just before the Ghoul came. She tried to use a pressure point on my head, but got Shampoo instead. "As far as I can tell, Shampoo has no memory of me over the past six years. She thinks Mousse is her husband. I'll have to write him in a couple of days. He'll help me get a cure for us." "That's good to know. What about Cologne?" "They caught her threatening to attack me. Mother, I have shamed myself by pretending to be weak and resulting to trickery." "Honor has its limits, Son. You did what you had to do. Cologne and Shampoo gave up their honor when they changed you, again." "Besides, you needed to end this nightmare, Ranma," added Akane. "Thanks. Oh, here's Detective Shirow." "As you suspected, the laws of Joketsuzoku have no bearing beyond the village. The People's National Congress will dispatch an envoy today to severely reprimand the village. Kou Lon has been officially labeled Persona Non Grata. We have to deal with her. "Are you willing to go to trial over this?" "Hai. I want this nightmare to end as soon as possible." "Good. It seems the person I talked to has heard of Jusenkyo. He said that the place was destroyed over four years ago. It seems I owe you an apology." "Don't worry about it, Sensei. Are you going to tell Cologne?" "Hai." "I would like to come along. I want to see her reaction. You may need me if she escapes." "I doubt that. Normally, I don't do this, but since you need her for a cure, I'll let you come as long as you're quiet." "Thank you." Detective Shirow led Ranma down the hall. Entering a room, Ranma noticed several guards and holding cells. They moved carefully to the far cell, ignoring the calls of the male detainees. Detective Shirow looked at Cologne for a moment. "Khou Lon of Juketsuzoku, I have news for you from the People Republic of China." "Why should that interest me? Only the laws of my tribe matter. As such, that boy behind you must marry my great-granddaughter," croaked Cologne. Ranma fought the slow burn of her anger. Detective Shirow shook his head. "I expect to hear from your tribe in a few days. As it stands, this document from the Chinese government states that you are no longer welcome on Chinese soil. That means you can no longer return to your village." Cologne looked at the man. She smiled broadly. "It no longer matters. Son-in-law will soon be without his false wife and child. When my people hear of this outrage, Son-in-law will be killed for humiliating me." "We'll see. There will be a preliminary trial in a few of days. You'll see your lawyer shortly. Come along, Saotome-san." "Hai." *** Ranma, Akane, and Nodoka walked calmly into the Nekohanten. Their lawyer quickly followed. Nabiki limped from her seat. She hugged her blind sister. She then hugged Ranma fiercely, "Thank God you're alive, Ranma." "I know. I really was scared when I took Shampoo, but I'm glad it's working out so well." "Aren't we all?" commented Ukyou as she entered the cafe. Another man followed. He bowed to the lawyer, "Sorry I'm late." "It's all right. Have you found what you were looking for?" "Hai. Please, let's sit down," replied the second man as he motioned for the group to sit at a table. "Does anyone want anything to drink?" asked Ranma before sitting down. "Water would be fine," came the general reply. Ranma left the room, returning shortly with the drinks. She had several extra glasses and two pitchers. She set them down in front of people. As she finished, Ryoga and Akari walked in. The second man looked over his notes before speaking. "My client, one Mu Tsu of Joketsuzoku, has given me instructions regarding the ownership of this cafe. While the lease is under the name of Khou Lon, the people of her clan have given control to my client. She has been informed of this. "His letter of intent simply says, `I hereby relinquish control of the Nekohanten Cafe to Saotome Ranma and his wife, Akane. All contents are to be given to them for use as they see fit. This is for two major reasons. "'First, I wish to distance myself from Khou Lon. Her actions have brought shame to me and our people. Since most of her possessions are in Japan, they shall be distributed to those she has wronged. "'This brings about the second reason. This is intended to be payment for the livelihood the Saotome's lost when Xian Pu and Khou Lon attacked on the wedding day. "'Put these gifts to good use, Ranma and Akane. I do not know when or if I will ever see you again. My deepest apologies. Mu Tsu.' As you can see, Ranma and Akane now own this Cafe and everything in it. I have here the deed and the document of transfer. You may inspect them before signing." Ranma went over the documents with her lawyer. Satisfied things were in order, she read them to Akane. Nabiki added her insights into the situation. Before long, Ranma and Akane signed the papers. A sigh of relief escaped the small group as they began to relax a bit. Nodoka moved over to Nabiki's side. They smiled at each other while Nabiki continued to talk with the lawyers. Ranma and Ryoga talked about small things, including the dojo. Akane, Ukyou, and Akari talked about the baby. "How's Kasumi?" asked Nodoka, her whisper strained by the noise. "She's doing better. The doctors think she should be able to leave the hospital sometime next month. I-I'm thinking about taking her in. She'll need someone to watch her while she readjusts to the world," replied Nabiki. "I could take her. It won't be a problem." "She's my sister. I owe it to her. Besides, you have to look after Akane and that cute daughter of yours," replied Nabiki with a smile. Nodoka laughed a voiceless laugh. "Don't let him hear you say that. I guess you're right, I need to look after them. I've watched Ranma change these last two months. You may be closer to the truth than you realize." "Mother?" "Ranma seems to have become more of a mother than a husband. He treats Akane like a small child. I think she resents it sometimes, but deep down, she knows she needs him that way." "What else, Mother?" "Have you noticed how he dresses?" "I'm sorry, I've been away." "That's all right. He's been borrowing more of Akane's clothes. Something's not right with all of this." "When did this start?" "A few days after he changed." "I see. I think I know why, but I won't know until everything is settled." "How so?" "When Akane can see again and Ranma can, or can't, change." Nodoka frowned, rubbing the silk choker around her neck. It was a painful reminder of the celebration of Akane's pregnancy, three months earlier. The night that was supposed to be one of the happiest of her life. Family and friends sat at a table in a secluded room. The women were talking about the baby, going over a list of names. The men congratulated Ranma on his manhood. Even Kunou participated, having had a long talk with Soun, Nodoka, and Genma. Shampoo soon brought the food. She served Ranma and Akane first. It was polite to serve the guests of honor first. They were also special dishes, just for the newly weds. Everyone else was served. Shampoo began to grin evilly as both Ranma and Akane began to eat. She watched in awe as Ranma ate at the same speed his wife did. She was sure he would be finished before anyone else. Then it happened. Genma and Ranma began fighting over Ranma's food. Ranma was disgusted with the display. As he began to argue with his father, he doubled over in pain. Akane turned to her husband as the convulsions set in. "Ranma? What's wrong?" "The pain. I can't take it. Do something!" Akane's vision faded. She heard her husband's groans, as well as the others moving about. Then she felt a tap on the head, just below the ear. A hoarse voice burned into her mind, "You won't have to see your false husband leave." "NO! Leave Ranma alone!" The old woman's cackling nearly masked Genma's convulsions as well. She heard the sounds of fighting. Ukyou and Ryoga fighting desperately to protect her and Ranma. She felt gentle hands on her. Akari whispered to her, "We need to get you and Ranma out of here. Ryoga and the others will take care of things." Akane found herself nodding as she was lead out of the room. Nodoka bent over her son. She was startled to see the start of a transformation without any cold liquid spilled over the young man. She picked him up gently, before being forced back by a sharp pain in her throat. "No one touch Husband but Shampoo!" Nodoka felt warm, sticky liquid on her neck. Her eyes lost focus as she watched Ranma weakly swat Shampoo away. Then she heard Ryoga. "SHISHI HOKODEN!" Then there was darkness. "Mom?" interrupted Ranma. "Hai?" "Are you all right?" "I am, now. What will you two do with this place?" "We don't know, yet. I don't want to put Ucchan out of business, but since we're waiting on the baby before working with the dojo, might as well run it." "I see. Are you prepared to cook?" "Hai. When the baby's born, Akane can help with the tables and the money." "Good. I think I'll go see Kasumi tomorrow. She needs to be told of these things." "Thanks, Mom. I'll talk to Ucchan about the restaurant. Maybe we can do some creative plan." "Good luck." *** Onna-Ranma sat next to her wife and mother. Khou Lon was led into the courtroom. She watched as the Matriarch sat at the table to the left of the gate. The bailiff broke her thoughts. "All Rise! Court is now in session!" Everyone stood up. Three judges entered the room. When they took their seats at the bench, the middle judge motioned for everyone to take a seat. The bailiff stood facing the judges. "The People versus Khou Lon of Juketsuzoku, China. The charges are Assault, Attempted Assault, Conspiracy to Commit a Kidnapping, Attempted Kidnapping, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Attempted Murder." The central judge stood up. "How does the Defense plead?" Cologne's lawyer stood, somewhat nervously. "Not Guilty, Your Honors." "So noted and recorded," spoke the judge as he struck the gavel three times. "This is a preliminary trial to see if there is enough evidence and reason to try the Defendant. Is the Prosecution ready to start?" "Hai, Your Honor." "Proceed." "Your Honors, before you sits a former Chinese national. She has confirmed that six years ago, she came to Japan to force a young martial artist to marry her great-granddaughter. Normally, this would not be a problem. However, the Defendant has, according to several witnesses, repeatedly claimed that the laws of her home, Joketsuzoku, override the laws and traditions of our sovereign nation. "Witnesses have also described various events that have been traced back to chemicals and herbs confiscated from her restaurant. These witnesses include the family and close friends of the Martial Artist, as well as classmates, instructors, and neighbors. They have also cited times, including recent events at her restaurant, where she and her great-granddaughter have pursued the Artist and his friends with weapons. "She has also been observed, by Tokyo Police, threatening the Martial Artist's wife and unborn child in Tokyo International Airport. Security footage clearly shows her beginning an attack. We have had independent verification on the video. "Before showing the tape, it is important to know that the Defendant and her target are not average. They reside in the Nerima ward where, over the past six years, strange things have occurred on a regular basis. In particular, panty thieves and tame pandas walking around unchecked. These are similar, though not in scale, to the happenings in the Tomobiki Ward of a decade ago." "So noted. Any reference to and comparison with Tomobiki allows for the broadest lienancy allowed by this, or any court in Tokyo. Proceed." "Thank you, your honor. Ladies and gentlemen, what you are about to see is the Defendent confronting the Martial Artist." The lights dimmed as the lawyer played the security video. The court watched as Mousse and Shampoo entered the metal detector, Cologne threatening Ranma, and security personnel surrounding the combatants. Everyone jumped when Akane screamed. The lights came on, revealing her bent over in her seat, blood dripping from her lips. Ranma held her wife protectively. She caught Cologne's malicious smile. "What did you do to Akane?" A short woman, aout as old as Cologne hobbled over to Akane. Few people paid her any attention as she began to examine the terrified woman. The baliff approached carefully. "I have done nothing wrong, Son-in-law." "That is not true, Nameless One," spoke the woman examining Akane. Cologne turned to see the speaker. She quickly noted several other village elders in te room. "Greetings, Honored Elders. I had not expected your presence so soon." "You have taken the life of an unborn child, Nameless One. The Law will be carried out." The middle judge pounded his gavel. "What is the meaning of this?" The elder attending Akane looked up to one of the other Amazons. That woman spoke clearly to everyone, "The woman on trial has committed the greatest crime against another woman: forcing a miscarriage. The pressure point used not only induces labor, but it kills the child. "Due to the affects of Jusenkyo, this woman may never have a child by her rightful husband. By decree of the Counsil, the Nameless One is subject to your laws without threat from the village. She is no longer amoung the living in the village. The punishment for this crime is the removal of an heir. "It has been determined that her great-granddaughter, the one who has tormented this family, shall also be stricken from the village records. Do with the dead as you will." Cologne, the judges, and the rest of the court stared at the Amazons as they left the room. A lone tear rolled down Cologne's cheek as she was led away. *** Onna-Ranma sat on the porch, watching Akane navigate the yard with ease. Although still blind, Akane had gained the confidence she needed to run the dojo, leaving Ranma to tend the Nekohanten. They, and Ukyou merged the two restaraunts. It was decided that they retained the original name. It allowed them to overcoem their fears. A knock at the gate interrupted Ranma's thoughts. Opening the heavy gates, she froze. Before her stood three Amazon elders. Two guards were positioned in sight. Ranma's features darkened. "Greetings, Daughter. I bring you gifts of peace," began one of the women, one slightly older than Nodoka. "What do you want?" groweled Ranma. The woman smiled, "like I said, I bring you gifts of peace. I am Pai, your Amazon mother. Your mother, Saotome Nodoka, is my sister. At least, she is in the eyes of the Village. Your wife is also my daughter." "So I'm supposed to call you 'Mom,' and my own mother 'Auntie?'" "Not at all, child. Last year, the Nameless One destroyed your future. She was punished by becoming one with the dead. Her great-granddaughter is also among the dead, unless she is pregnant with your child." "Wait a minute, I can't be a man anymore. How can she have MY child?" "May we come in? It would be better to discuss this inside, with your wife. This is not a trick. You will never have to fear the village again." Ranma led the elders into the house. Akane joined them, more nervous than Ranma. Pai smiled warmly as Nodoka entered from the kitchen. "As I was telling young Ranma, you three are part of my family. Ranma and Akane are my daughters, and you, Saotome Nodoka, are my sister. In court, I made the announcement concerning Cologne's and Shampoo's judgement. "Because of the extent of their crimes, and their nature, you instantly became Amazons. Each of you have proven yourselves worthy. Because you are married, no one can challenge you." "Not only that," continued another elder, "but those laws have been adjusted to reflect only willing partners. No one will have to marry because of the law. unfortunately, traditions will last longer." "Why should we care? Your laws cost me my grandchild," asked Nodoka. Pai smiled, "Because you now have a granddaughter. Our laws state that female criminals, such as Shampoo, may be used to produce children for childless couples. Usually, the husband, or other suitable male, fathers the child. "Due to the nature of your problem, Ranma, you could not perform the task. Should you be able to again, I will lock Shampoo in her cat form. As it stands, the strongest men in the village have become your surrogates." "Why should we take a child from Shampoo?" asked Akane. Pai put her hand on Akane's. "Because she stole your child. It is only right that you get hers. If you wish to stop with one daughter, you may do so. If you wish to have several children, that can be arranged. Shampoo now has a chance to redeem herself to you." "What will happen to her if we stop with one child?" asked Ranma. "She will remain a cat until she dies. She will become Mei Ling's pet. If you do not wish to have this child, I will take her as mine. You will have a new sister, Ranma." Ranma thought for a moment. She looked at her mother, who nodded. She whispered her thoughts to Akane. Akane's answer pleased her. looking to Pai, she spoke carefully, "We will gladly take this child as our daughter. We'll let you know if we want more." Pai and the other elders smiled. "This pleases me greatly, Daughter. Now for the other gifts." "Elder, how should I address you, and my own mother?" "As far as I'm concerned, we are both your mothers. I'll need to speak with her privately, but I would be horrified if you stopped calling her your mother." Ranma smiled. "Thanks, Mother Pai." "Such a wonderful daughter," commented Mei Ling. "You must be proud of her, Nodoka." "I am. I wish for my son, though." "And my husband," added Akane. Pai coughed nervously. "I am truly sorry, Ranma, but we have not discovered a cure for you, or Akane. Akane, dear, there may not be a cure for you. It is possible that the Nameless One completely destroyed the point that regulates your sight." Akane squeezed Ranma's hand. "T-that's okay, I learning to live with it." Pai nodded. "How do you feel about this, Ranma?" "As long as Akane is healthy, and otherwise happy, I'm happy." "What about your condition?" Ranma sighed. "As long as Akane's happy, I'm happy." Pai shook her head. "What about you, Sister?" "My child is alive, as is my daughter-in-law. I wish they were healed, but their being alive, and reasonably happy, is more than enough for me." "Good. Ranma, here is the remainder of the Nameless One's wealth. You now carry her crest. I may be your Amazon mother, you are now the Elder of your clan. Those you name will be entered into the Village's records. You have the right to sit on the counsil, as an equal." Ranma stared at the ornate sword Shampoo oftened used against her. For the first time, she admired the craftsmanship used to create it. Carefully, she took it in her hands. The natural feel of it made her feel born to it. She smiled, ignoring the other items presented to her. thought Pai. "Akane, would you like to feel the sword?" Akane nodded, carefully taking the blade. Pai watched in awe, as Akane fit the blade as well as Ranma. "Excellent, daughters. Great things will happen to you. I believe a new era of greatness will be upon us." Pai smiled, knowing the future was bright for her new family. Her insane grandmother and neice had been prevented from destroying the village by the one person destined to lead the village into the next century. thought Pai as she watched her adopted daughters talk with the other elders. The End(?) Lunch at the Nekohanten A story to be read after Bryan Neef's story "Cologne's Final Confrontation" Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publishing rights are held by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. My purpose is to honor the creator and her works. No infringement intended. *** Nerima, Tokyo. Twenty minutes before the lunch crowd hit the streets. A woman with black hair gathered in a short ponytail walked toward a neighborhood landmark, "Ukyou and Ranma's Nekohanten". She had walked by several times before, never gathering the nerve to enter. After a year of torture, and another of indecision, she approached the door of the cafe yet again. Toady was different, though. She sought to visit the restaurant, not to flee it. Today she would stop trying to run away. She sought the love and comfort her pride had denied her. Today she would enter that restaurant, again. She sought to continue her life in the place where she had thought it ended. Today she would reclaim what she could of her life. She hoped with all her heart she was not too late. The woman wore expression between a frown and a smile, anticipating both of the possible outcomes of the day. The next hour would be the start of a new life, or... She touched the tanto she had bought nearly two years before... The woman shivered as the cold touch of Honor caressed her for a moment. She opened the door and went in. Ranma looked up from the steaming kettles on the stove, it looked like the lunch crowd had decided to come early today. After smoothing out the front of her dress, she hurried out to greet the day's first customer. The woman looked to be middle-aged, but clearly showed the exceptional fitness of a martial artist. Of course, the gi she wore was a dead giveaway. The middle-aged woman watched the approaching girl with interest bordering on shock. The diminutive waitress-cook was wearing a shining emerald-green Chinese-style silk dress that flowed closely over the contours of her body. A slit in the front of the skirt simplified the task of walking and showed off the young lady's sturdy, well-muscled legs until they disappeared into a pair of green slippers. Long, red hair fell past her shoulders to frame her face perfectly. Ranma offered her first customer a menu. "Welcome to the Nekohanten, I'm Ranma." She bowed curtly, the woman returning the courtesy. "I take care of the ramen side of our menu and our other chef, Ukyou, takes care of the 'yaki." She looked at the woman, who seemed to be about her height. Were those tears in her eyes? "Thank you." The woman said, as she turned to take a seat at a tiny corner table by the window. "You're welcome. Holler when you're ready to order, miss!" The cook turned and walked back to the kitchen; her shining red mane providing beautiful contrast to the shimmering green beneath, and a green bow near the top. When she reached the kitchen, Ranma returned to monitoring the kettles that were cooking the noodles and broth to perfection. She glanced over at their customer occasionally. The woman seemed absorbed in the simple menu, savoring and re-reading each line. "As long as she pays... and doesn't bother our regulars" Ranma whispered to herself. "Ya got that right, sugar!" Ukyou added with a wink Ranma missed. Ranma glanced up from her work at her onetime fiancee. Negations with Ukyou's family had restored her legal gender to female, and her new outfit celebrated the fact. A shining, medium purple mini dress and black hose coursing down to a shiny pair of black flats replaced the old tunic and leggings. Ranma was proud of the role she took in helping her friend become a woman again. She knew her own problem had no legal solution, save living with it. Ranma, and Akane, lived with it. *** Just before noon, Akane, Nodoka, and Nabiki entered the restaurant. The lone customer looked up from her menu to study the new arrivals, three women and a small child. Akane carried her daughter in her arms, guided by a light touch from her mother-in-law. She wore a yellow gi, as she still exercised her birthright teaching at the dojo. Being blind was certainly a handicap, and she required an assistant, so her mother-in-law helped her out. Even with the unique joint instructors, there were many students who wanted to learn from the mistress of the Tendou School. And, with Nodoka's help at the cafe, Ranma taught the advanced classes. Nabiki limped only slightly, but still needed a cane to keep her balance. The black business suit she wore almost radiated power, while enhancing and emphasizing both her femininity and beauty. Attending University classes at night and when she could fit them in, the middle Tendou had lined up an internship at a trading firm downtown. Being partnership's first female intern in history, Nabiki was working her tail off to show some of the older partners that a woman could be more than a secretary in their office. Gone were the lazy days when she could read the latest manga while doing leg-lifts. Gone were the days she could do leg-lifts. At least she still kept up with the latest manga on the train to work. A full briefcase kept her busy on the trip home, when she could find a seat, and into the night. Nodoka wore a choker around her neck to camouflage the scar left by the cut that had nearly taken her head and life. The savage wound had taken most of her voice, however. As was her custom, Ranma's mother wore a kimono. The katana she used to carry was now safe in her neo- daughter's care. After a decade without her son, she now had a beautiful daughter and her daughter in law's family to look after. But, she hadn't wanted a daughter. Ranma neither wanted to be nor had been born a girl, but all of them had moved on. The dojo and the Art had done much to salve her scars, as both had helped heal Ranma and Akane. Helping her daughter-in-law with the School had forced her to polish up her rusty martial arts skills, but Nodoka got great satisfaction working with head instructor and her students. Noticing that they had taken seats at a table with four chairs, the woman got up from her post and moved toward the table. Nodoka and Nabiki both looked at the middle-aged woman approaching them. Deeply tanned skin showed that she spent most of her time outdoors, but carefully groomed hair showed that she was far more than street rabble. Her clothing consisted of a worn but sparkling-white gi and slippers, marking her as a martial artist, as did her muscular build and confident gait. The woman was now at the table. She bowed curtly, then asked in a soft, but melodic voice. "Is this seat taken?" Nabiki cocked an eyebrow Nodoka's way, deferring to her elder's judgment. Akane squeezed her mother-in-law's hand, wordlessly communicating her concern. Trust was not something they gave freely to strangers... since THAT night. Nodoka rose to address the shorter woman, then whispered a greeting. "No, you're welcome to sit here, miss..." The woman could not restrain her tears. "Saotome... Genma." Color fled Nodoka's face; and her whisper became ragged as she struggled to continue. "What... How? And if you are... him. Why did you abandon us?" She sought composure through deep breaths as Nabiki continued. "You're making one hell of a claim, do you have any proof?" Nabiki taunted after rising with some difficulty. The woman nodded once then called out "Ranma, could you bring a glass of COLD water and a cup of HOT?" Ranma frowned for a moment, then complied. She could think of only one reason for such a request, and it scared her. Momentary regret crossed her mind and flickered across her face. Once she could change with water. Once her wife Akane was expecting their first child. Once... was in the past. Ranma had learned to look forward with anticipation, not dwell on what would never be again. She had a wonderful wife and child. Life was actually good, as long as she kept her eyes on the present and future... what is and could be, not what was and had been. A familiar touch interrupted her musings. "It's all right, Ran-chan. All of us love you no matter what you look like." "Thanks, Ucchan." Ranma replied with a carefully crafted smile, which soon melted to a genuine one. It was wonderful that her best friend was her best friend again, no one-sided romantic love, just the deep love of two best friends... business partners... sisters. She turned the stove down a bit, no need to spoil the first batch of ramen over this. Hurriedly drawing a glass of cold water then pouring a cup of hot, she placed them on a tray and bore the two cups out of the kitchen. Ukyou followed her business partner, curious about what would happen. She considered for a moment what Genma had done to her. It seemed his punishment fit his crime. If only Ran-chan, Akane, Nodoka, Kasumi, and Nabiki hadn't suffered. If only Akane's father hadn't died that night. If only the unborn child of Ranma and Akane hadn't died in the aftermath, it might have been justice. Now it was just tragedy. Any lingering anger she had for Genma dissipated as she followed her friend to the table, stopping just behind. The good Genma's return would do for his loved ones outweighed any petty revenge she might take. Ukyou would let the Amazon's punishment serve in her stead. That didn't mean she would be the woman's friend... But the woman WAS her best friend's parent, so Ukyou would be civil... not for Genma's sake, but for that of Ranma and the rest of her friend's family... HER family. Ranma offered both cups to the woman, who took only the cold water. Looking into Ranma's eyes, she made a simple request. "Please use the hot water, after I use the cold." The woman stood and untied the belt on her gi, then dumped the water on her head. A few seconds of shifting flesh left a panda in the place of the woman. The animal pleaded with Ranma in a familiar manner, offering its question on a sign. "Hot water, please?" Ranma quickly responded to the request, restoring the woman to her normal form again. Only the gentle gurgle of boiling water from the kitchen penetrated the silence for a few moments, then the lunch crowd arrived in force. Ukyou hurried back to her position. It looked like she would have to do double duty for a while. She turned up the heat on the stove again. The woman drew the gi around her smaller form, then bowed deeply "I'm sorry, but it took two years for me to accept what happened to me." She looked up, straight into Nodoka's face. One of her hands reached into her gi and withdrew a sharpened, beautifully polished tanto, which the woman set before herself. She spoke softly as a gentle flow of tears made its way down her face. "That night, I... I... couldn't take it, so I ran away to train. That's how I fixed my problems in the past, by training. But... I couldn't run away from my new body, no training could make me a man again." She closed her eyes, seeking a bit of composure to help her finish. "I finally accepted what I am now, and want to ask for my life. I... also want to rejoin my family. I leave it in your hands, Nodo... Mrs. Saotome." The woman shut her eyes tightly, bowing deeply before the matriarch of the Saotome clan. Her hopes for forgiveness were in Nodoka's hands now, there was nothing more for Genma to say or do... She hoped her pain would be soothed today, whether by love or blade. Nodoka couldn't believe her ears or eyes. Nor could she deny her heart and what it told her to do. A missing piece of their family had been restored, and she was not going of let it go. Too much had been lost to ask questions, or pass harsh judgments. Her face announced her decision long before her voice caught up to her smile. She forced out a response in her ragged whisper, "It took a lot of courage for you to return, welcome back." She took the woman's two hands in her own and squeezed as hard as she could, not wanting to let go. "Thank you." She replied with as much emotion as she could muster with what remained of hr voice. Nabiki offered the woman a rare smile as she rested a hand on her shoulder. "I never thought I'd ever say this to YOU but, thanks for coming back." Her expression darkened "But how could you abandon your child, wife, and daughter-in-law?" Genma whispered a reply. "Because I was trying to convince myself to live at the time. Struggling just to make it through each day hating who I was." Nodoka looked with sadness into the woman's eyes. "But... we could have helped each other. It would have meant a lot for Ranma to have her father beside her as she tried to make sense of things." "At least Ranma had a chance to get used to being a girl before it became permanent." She paused for a moment, looking over at her child. Ranma struggled to keep her anger in check. "All you could ever do is laugh at my curse, question my manhood if I didn't spar with you 'just so'. Now, I ain't even a man any more." Akane looked sightlessly at her love. "Well, I haven't seen any change in you Ranma. You're still the person I married." She said with a smile. Ranma could only grin at her wife; cognizant Akane would miss the display. "Thanks, Akane. Boy do I love you!" Genma continued. "I had no respect for women. I could only hate myself." She shook her head, fighting off more tears. "But I finally realized that I wasn't weak in this body. That I could still be a martial artist, and a good one. I finally figured out I'd been wrong... I tried to move on, to live with this curse, but realized I needed some help. And I thought I just might be able to provide some, too." Akane turned toward Genma's voice, pointing the small girl she held that direction. "This is your grandf... other Grandmother Saotome. She has finally come home." She looked up where she presumed Genma to be. The woman wasn't quite as tall as Akane thought, but it was close enough. "Thanks for coming back to us." The young mother couldn't keep a wide smile off her face. *** Akane, Nodoka, and Genma walked home from the restaurant. Nabiki had to get back to work; so she had gone the other direction. Genma walked apart from the rest, head bowed with an unreadable face.. "Genma-san? Join us, please." Nodoka whispered. "Sorry, Nodoka-san I... I wasn't really ready for what happened today. I think I actually expected you to reject me back at the restaurant." she looked to her wife for a moment, then back down at the sidewalk. Akane grasped Genma's hand, trying to pull her back into the family with words as well. "I still love Ranma, because I will always see him... remember she was a man, even though my senses tell me otherwise." Nodoka moved to wrap an arm around the woman who had been her husband, only to have her arm knocked away. "No, Nodoka, it's not right. I... This..." She swallowed, trying to put words to her thoughts. At last, she looked down as she continued. "Nodoka... it... it isn't proper for two women to touch each other like that." Akane turned to the voice she had just heard. "Father-in-law, you aren't making any sense. Ranma and I do a LOT more than hold hands. We're married, and we both have... needs." Akane felt an unwanted guest returning, as anger threatened to make a mess of the situation. So she closed her sightless eyes and breathed deeply, seeking to find the peace Ranma had first shown her. Relaxed again, she turned her face toward Genma's voice again. "Ranma and I are in love, Mr... Mrs. Saotome. I don't kid myself, and neither does Ranma. We don't pretend that our marriage will be the way we dreamed it would be. We don't pretend she's a man... But I still love her, and she loves me. But... Did you ever really love YOUR wife?" Genma smiled weekly, "Once, we do have a SON after all." The smile was vaporized by anger. "But is seems that you and all Ranma's family forgot MY son. This is my body, but I try... I want to... remain true to what I was. Perhaps Ranma needs a training mission to help him remember he is a man." Akane struggled to keep from blowing up. She had worked so long and hard on reducing her anger, now this JERK waltzed in and... A light touch on her shoulder helped her focus on something besides rage. "I'll handle it, Akane-chan." Nodoka whispered with a smile her daughter-in-law couldn't see, but felt nonetheless. Nodoka glared down at Genma. She took a deep breath, to calm herself before beginning. She tried to pack as much anger as she could into the wreckage of her voice. "Your son? Were you there when Ranma grieved for all she had lost, and despaired of even living? Were you there for the funeral of your best friend? Were you there to help Ranma and Akane get their lives back on track? What about Kasumi, and all her fears, did you offer to help her? Nabiki had to learn to walk again, and I had to re- learn how to speak. And it was Ranma, Nabiki, and myself who helped Ukyou salvage her life, which you had ruined. Saotome Genma, how dare you come in here and try to wreck our lives!" At the end of the last declaration, her voice faded. Pain from her shredded larynx forced her to stop for a few moments. Nodoka breathed deeply again, and swallowed, hoping she could finish what she HAD to say. "Ranma would love to have you in her life again, as would I... But..." Somehow, she couldn't remain angry. How could she drive her husband away? "If we cannot share a bed, you are welcome to stay in our guest room. As long as you let us live OUR lives." It would HURT, and she might not be able to talk for a while, but Nodoka ignored the pain and rasped as loudly as she could, "Genma, you need to GROW UP!" A fit of coughing claimed her voice after that, and then there was silence. There was little conversation for the remainder of the walk home. Nodoka was recovering from her outburst. Genma was quiet as she considered what Nodoka had said. And Akane thought it best to remain silent, though her hands sought out Nodoka's and communicated her approval and thanks. (END) *** Well, that's it (for now?). I asked Bryan Neef, several months ago, what had happened to Genma at the ill-fated dinner described in "Cologne". I was REALLY surprised when he told me. Then I started this story. It took quite a bit of writing and re-writing to come up with a characterization for Genma which agreed with Bryan's but we are both satisfied with it now. Is there more to this story? CERTAINLY. Will *I* be writing more? Who knows? By the way, Bryan's story can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/3719/cologne.txt Thanks for reading! Kevin D. Hammel November 11, 1999 ======================================== khammel@anime.sobhrach.com kevinsff@pacbell.net http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~khammel/ ========================================