Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Saotome's Choice ❯ Ancient Chinese Secret ( Chapter 3 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

You don't have to
live a life of sin
You don't have to
break the law
And break the law again
You can make just
one mistake
And it can take you
to your grave, honey
One bad move
can turn your world upside down
It's such a shame
'cause you've been so good up to now

Saotome's Choice
by JP Buckner
ajaff@poky.srv.net
http://onewest.net/~ajaff/manff.htm

Chapter Three - Ancient Chinese Secret

Rights to Ranma 1/2 belong to Rumiko Takahashi and assorted
corporate entities, of which I have no involvement, except as a
customer.
"You've Been So Good Up to Now" lyrics by Lyle Lovett

Thanks to Chris Stassen, Andrew Norris and T.H. Tiger, my
prereaders, whose help has been immeasurable.

Also, thanks to the many fanfic writers out there whose work
helped inspire this idea. Works like "Ranma's Secret",
"Rejected", "The Bitter End", "Iris", "Genma's Daughter", many
of the works of Richard Lawson and Gary Kleppe, not to mention
Jim Lazar. Bits and pieces of these works all gave me ideas or
concepts which ended up working themselves into this story.



She looked around. It was quiet here, and she heard nothing.
There was also little to see, for there was a light fog about.

She glanced down at herself, and was surprised at what she saw.
She was wearing a dress. It was off-white, and it felt...
wonderful, as though it were a part of her. This is wrong, she
tried to tell herself. But she couldn't. It didn't feel wrong.

Something did feel wrong though. She was lonely. She was all
alone, and she couldn't stand it. She needed someone, if only to
talk to. She felt a need for something she couldn't describe.

Then she felt... someone. There WAS someone here, and she could
feel her heart start to race. It was just the feeling of a
presence, nothing more, but that was enough. She was beginning
to feel alive, alive in a way she had not felt in a long time.

Looking around for a sign of whomever is here, she saw him. He
was standing off to one side, waiting. She couldn't take it
anymore, and she ran. She ran to him as fast as she possibly
could. It wasn't fast enough for her, and it was an eternity
before she reached him. He looked down at her and gave her a
reassuring smile. She reached out and grabbed him, and he
returned the embrace. She did not want to leave his grasp. It
felt so right to be here with him right now, in his arms. She
felt... complete.

She looked at him, and at the face she knew very well. She
smiled as his pigtail rocked in the breeze...

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!"

Ranko woke up, finding herself in a cold sweat. She rarely
remembered her dreams, but when she did, they were... unique.
She still cringed whenever she thought of the dream she had
had after Kuno first expressed love for her. And now this.

Ranko felt that she was losing it. She could not see any other
explanation. She was dreaming about being with... herself, her
male form. Maybe, she pondered, Akane was right, maybe she was
a pervert. Shaking her head in disgust, she got out of bed and
looked at the clock.

Damn, it's early, but it's too late for me to try to go back to
sleep. As if she could go back to sleep after that dream. She
walked over to her mirror, which her mother had set up in her
room the night before. 'Every young woman needs to have a mirror
to remind her of how special she is,' her mother had told her at
the time. She took a look at herself and frowned. Something
seemed wrong, but what was it?

Slowly she reached back and unbound her hair. Once again, she
looked at herself. This time her hair was flowing around her
shoulders. It looked...

Ranko began to shake. She couldn't believe what she had done.
She started to move her hand back up to her hair, ready to redo
her pigtail... and stopped.

I need a change, she told herself. If I am ever going to get
comfortable being Ranko, I can't pretend to still be Ranma.
And with that, she tied her hair off in a ponytail rather than a
pigtail.

There, that's better. She thought, it's different, without being
totally feminine. Hell, I used to wear my hair in a ponytail as
Ranma, so it's not THAT different. Just different enough. She
went to find some clothes to get her through the day. Or at
least until her mother had some other ideas on what she was to
wear. Finding an acceptable pair of pants and a shirt, she began
to take off her pajamas...and stopped yet again.

Sitting down on her bed, she felt like sobbing. She stopped
herself when she realized it wouldn't be manly. She glanced at
herself one more time. She was still wearing the bra and panties
she had put on last night. She had forgotten all about them
waking up. She didn't even notice them pinching her until she
actually took off her pajamas and saw them.

What's happening to me? I've only been here a day, not even that
really, and already I'm... I'm wearing a bra and a pair of
panties and they don't feel alien to me. I'm wearing my hair
differently. Kami, what's happening to me?

Ranko remembered when she first fell into the Nyanniichuan. At
first she was worried that she would be female forever. Then she
worried that she would actually start acting like a girl, and
start liking to wear dresses, and wearing makeup and, she
shuddered, liking boys.

I've only been here a day, and already... what am I going to be
like in a week? A month? She didn't want to think about that.

I can still run. It's what *I* told myself last night. I still
have a choice. I can still stop this. I can go back and try to
pick things up again with Akane. I can...

She got up and marched herself back to the mirror. Fighting her
fears, she looked at herself, underwear and all. No, I came here
for a reason, and I'm not going to give up now. I still need Mom
and she still needs me. I just have to deal with all the rest.

She began to smile. The bra and the panties, she reminded
herself, are for the body, not the soul. I can do this. I can
wear these without losing myself. I have to take this one step
at a time.

Ranko completed dressing herself, and one last time checked
herself in the mirror. Do all girls, she wondered, spend so much
time in front of a mirror? The shirt and pants didn't look too
bad. They were a little loose, but the sizes were Ranma's and
Ranko was smaller, or at least shorter.

Once again, she glanced at the clock. Pop's not here to practice
with, and it is early. What should I do? An idea came to her,
and she smiled.

Saotome Nodoka woke up with a start. There were some noises
coming from inside the house. Oh great, I've got burglars. And
just when I have...

She stopped for a second, remembering the previous day, and the
fact that she was not living alone. Nodoka figured that Ranko
must be doing something. Listening for a moment, she could tell
the sounds weren't too loud. Whatever it was Ranko was doing,
she was trying to keep the noise down to let Nodoka sleep.
The woman smiled at this, once again thinking of what a nice
young girl Ranko was. Nodoka got up and entered the hall. She
had to see what her young charge was up to.

Once out in the hall, Nodoka could tell the sounds were coming
from the kitchen. In addition to that, she was picking up the
aroma of food. Ranko must be making breakfast.

Walking as quietly as she could, Nodoka reached the kitchen.
Ranko hadn't noticed her, and Nodoka was right, the girl was
preparing breakfast. It was not all she was doing.

"Morning, dear. Did you sleep well?"

Ranko stopped what she was doing, and turned to the voice. "Oh,
hi, Mo... Auntie. I slept fine, I just woke up early is all. And
since I was up, I thought I'd make ya breakfast, to thank ya for
letting me stay here."

Nodoka smiled. "That's not really necessary, dear, but I
appreciate it. It smells good. You must have done some
practicing since I last worked with you."

Ranko beamed at the compliment. "Yeah, I've worked with Kasumi
some. It has been kinda fun, and it helps keep Akane out of the
kitchen."

Nodoka frowned. "Now, Ranko, I know Akane's not a good cook, but
she tries so hard."

She did try hard, Ranko realized. I wonder why she was always
so adamant about cooking for me? It couldn't be about what Mom
told me last night. No, Akane hates me, that can't be it.

"I like what you did with your hair."

Ranko grinned. "Thanks. I felt like I needed a change."

Nodoka smiled back. "It wouldn't have been my first choice for
you, dear, but it's very nice. I never thought that pigtail did
you justice. Just one question, though. Where did you hear that
song you were humming?"

Ranko's eyes shot up in surprise. "I was humming?"

Nodoka chuckled. "Yes, dear. The tune sounded a lot like a song
I used to hum when I would cook meals for my family. You really
didn't realize you were humming?"

Ranko shook her head. "Nope. That's just too weird."

"Nonsense, dear. It just shows you feel comfortable in the
kitchen. You really enjoy making a meal for someone you care
about. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Now maybe you
should set your attention back to the food, before you ruin
something."

Ranko's face got red, and she turned back to her food. She
couldn't believe she was humming while she was cooking, and
didn't even notice it. She didn't have time to think about this,
though, as her meal took most of her concentration. Cooking,
Ranko believed, is like an intricate kata. You need to lose
yourself in the rhythm of it, and before you know it, it's like
a part of you.

Nodoka watched her house guest continue to cook. After a couple
of minutes, she began to hum that song again. Nodoka smiled to
herself. This time she didn't call Ranko's attention to what she
was doing. A while later, Ranko stopped her tune.

I *was* humming. I was humming, and it just came out of nowhere.
Ranko was starting to get a little nervous about this, when she
decided 'to hell with it,' and put it out of her mind. The tune
came again after some time. This time Ranko noticed it right
off. She shrugged, she just didn't care.

Stopping for one second, Ranko told her mother, "It should be
ready soon, Auntie. I hope you like it."

Trying hard to stifle a grin, Nodoka replied, "I'm sure I will,
Ranko. You seem to be doing a very fine job." Nodoka was very
proud. Despite everything that had happened in her life, Ranko
looked to have the makings of being a fine cook, at the very
least.

************************************************** **

"Morning, Father."

Kasumi was in the middle of preparing her family's breakfast
when her father came down into the dining area.

"Morning, Kasumi. Ah, good, breakfast is almost ready. Nothing
starts the day quite like a good breakfast. Right, Saotome?"

Kasumi looked past her father, and saw Genma standing there. His
face was serious, and he quickly grunted in approval. Something
was going on here, Kasumi could see, and she just hoped it
didn't involve some harebrained scheme to bring Ranma back.

"Take a seat, you two, it should not be long now. As soon as
Nabiki and Akane join us, it should be ready."

"I don't know about Nabiki, sis, but I'm here."

Kasumi looked at Akane and frowned. It was obvious that Akane
did not sleep well last night. Kasumi was not too surprised,
considering what had happened. But wasn't school out right now?
Why was Akane wearing...

"Akane, why are you wearing your uniform?"

Akane looked up in surprise at this. "Huh? Oh, I see. Some of us
from the drama club are doing some rehearsals over summer break.
We're having them at Furinkan, and Principal Kuno, the dolt,
insists that if we use the school facilities for a school
project, we need to dress accordingly. Even though it's summer
break."

"That is really nice, Akane. I know how much you enjoy your
drama. What are you rehearsing?"

"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, by Tennessee Williams. I get to play
Maggie the Cat." A tear began to fall down Akane's cheek.

"Akane, what is the matter?" Kasumi knew Akane was in a fragile
state right now, and she was very worried about her youngest
sister.

"Cat... thinking about cats made me think about... I'm sorry,
I'm not very hungry right now." With that, Akane ran from the
table, and headed upstairs. She passed Nabiki on her way up.

"What was that about?" As Nabiki asked this question, Kasumi
noticed that her middle sister looked almost as ragged as her
younger one.

"Akane was reminded of Ranma, Nabiki. Do you think you can watch
the pots for a moment? I need to go to Akane right now."

Nabiki was stunned. "Me? Keep an eye on your cooking? Kasumi,
you know I don't know my way around a kitchen."

Kasumi smiled. "You are my sister. You will do fine."

Nabiki shot back, "So's Akane, and would you let her near your
cooking?"

Kasumi gave her sister a stern look. "It is only for a minute.
I am sure it will be fine. Akane needs me more now."

Nabiki sighed, she knew she wouldn't win this argument. "Okay, I
guess it won't hurt for a minute. But don't take too long,
okay?"

Kasumi agreed, and headed upstairs.

****************************************************

Nodoka finished her breakfast with satisfaction. The food was
quite good, though not as good as it could be with a little more
instruction. Ranko definitely had talent in this area.

"Dear, that was a very delicious breakfast. Thank you."

What Ranko felt, she could not describe. This is what she had
felt before, when her mother had complemented her cooking, only
better. She began to understand fully what her mother had said
the night before. She knew her mother was right.

"No, Auntie, thank you. Hearing ya say that is more than thanks
enough."

Nodoka was pleased, at least with Ranko's cooking. Other things
did concern her, however.

"Ranko, dear, we need to have a word about your eating habits."

Ranko gulped. She was so occupied with whether or not her mother
would like her cooking, that she had forgotten to temper her own
eating. And she didn't even notice it, until now.

"Sorry, Auntie. It's just that Pop had a hearty appetite, and I
had to learn to eat that way, or I'd go hungry."

Nodoka frowned. "I see. Well, that will have to change, dear. It
is very improper behavior for a young woman. It would also be
very improper for a young man. It would break my heart to see
Ranma eat like that."

Ranko bit her lip, and replied, "Okay, Auntie. I'll try. It's
just that I've been eatin' this way for so long, I don't even
realize I'm doin' it half the time."

"That will change in time, dear. We will work on this, together.
Plus, your language... oh, child, we have so much work ahead of
us."

Ranko blanched. She understood what THAT meant. She knew her
mother had very old-fashioned ideas about how young girls should
act. It was the one thing that scared Ranko the most about
coming here. That her mother would turn her into... she didn't
want to think about it.

Still, Ranko reminded herself, she is my mother. I did come here
to be with her. She is the only one who really wants to be with
me. I just can't refuse her. I can't hurt her. She's been hurt
by me and Pop too much already.

"All right, Auntie, if that's what you think is best."

"Yes, dear, it is."

****************************************************

"Akane?" Kasumi stood outside Akane's door, hoping her sister
would allow her to help.

"Come on in, Kasumi." Kasumi steeled herself, and entered the
room.

Akane was over at her desk, staring at a picture. It was the
picture Ranma gave her for Christmas. After a moment, Akane
turned at looked at her sister with sorrow clearly written on
her face.

"I'm sorry, Kasumi. I know I'm not handling this well. But I'll
be fine." She paused for a second, as a dreamy look graced her
face. "Once I talk to Ranma, everything will be fine."

Kasumi was worried, but tried as best as she could to keep that
worry off her face. "Akane, I do not think that would be a good
idea just yet."

"What do you mean?"

Kasumi walked over and placed her hand on Akane's shoulder.
"Akane, look at yourself. You are in no shape for this. If you
want to seriously talk to Ranma about your feelings, you have to
be focused.

"Akane, you have been through a terrible shock. If you try to rush
this before you have dealt with it, you are not going to be able to
talk to Ranma the way you want to. The two of you have never
been good at talking things out in the past, and saying the
wrong things right now may make it difficult to heal any wounds
the two of you have."

Akane looked into her sister's eyes, and after a moment brought
her eyes down to her desk. "I guess you have a point there,
Kasumi. I've never really been good at that kind of thing, and
neither has Ranma. But how will I know when I'm ready?"

Kasumi took her free hand and used it to guide Akane's face back
up. "I will know when you're ready, Akane. When I know you are
ready, I will let you know, all right?"

Akane nodded in understanding.

Kasumi continued with a stern voice. "Until then, I want you to
promise me that you will not jump the gun. Promise me you will
wait until then. I know you, Akane. Right now you agree with me,
but you could see things differently later. Please, promise me you
will wait."

Smiling to her sister, Akane gave Kasumi the answer she was
hoping for. "I promise. I promise, Kasumi. I'll wait until you
think I'm ready."

Kasumi guided Akane to her feet. "Good. Now let us go downstairs
and eat breakfast. I do not want to leave Nabiki all alone in the
kitchen too long."

Akane giggled at this. Part of her wanted Nabiki to ruin
breakfast. Akane would have a field day, after all the cracks
Nabiki had made about HER cooking.

****************************************************

The last of the breakfast crowd was leaving the Nekohanten, and
Khu Lon was relieved. Running her own business here in Nerima
had its advantages. It helped in her attempts to bring Ranma
back with her to China, but it was hard work, and she wasn't the
young girl she once was. Still, it was one way to keep Xian Pu
and Mu Tsu focused on something other than Ranma.

Walking over to the counter, Khu Lon was putting away a kettle
when a clay pot from a high shelf fell and landed on the floor.
The pot didn't break.

That's odd, she thought to herself. The pot should have
shattered from that fall, and yet it is still intact. Kho Lon
frowned. This is a omen, she thought, but what does it mean?

****************************************************

Akane was disappointed. The food was fine. She should have known
she wouldn't be able to tease Nabiki so easily. Still, a good
meal always brought joy to her before, why didn't it now?

The crowd at the table was quiet after breakfast. Finally Nabiki
spoke up.

"So, Mr. Saotome, I notice you have your bags out in the hall.
Taking a trip somewhere?" Please tell me, Nabiki thought, please
tell me you're not going to your home. Not now.

"Yes, Nabiki. I'm off to China."

"China?" Akane's eyes went wide at this. "Why are you going to
China, Uncle?"

"I'm going to find a cure for Ranma, or else. I'll try the
Nanniichuan first, and if that doesn't hold the answer, I'll
keep looking until I find something. I will not let my boy
down."

Nabiki smirked. "You mean you can't handle the thought of Ranma
living as a girl, and it's time to use the Saotome Secret
Technique."

"Nabiki!" Soun shook his head at his daughter's statement. "That
was rude. Saotome is going to do everything he can to help
Ranma. He's not running away."

"Whatever." Nabiki wasn't going to give up so easily, yet...
"Still, it's not a bad idea. I wish you well on your journey,
Uncle."

At least, Nabiki thought, at least it will get the old fool out
of here for awhile. That will be one less problem to worry
about.

"So, daughters, what are your plans for today? I know Akane has
her rehearsals, how about the two of you?"

Kasumi and Nabiki looked at each other, understanding being
shared between them. They realized it would be a bad idea if
Akane knew what the two of them had planned.

"We have some... friends to visit today, Father." Kasumi hated
not telling the whole truth to her family, but sometimes one
does what one must, for their sake.

"Speaking of which, I need to call one of them, to arrange a
time for us to meet. If you'll excuse me, Father."

"Of course, Kasumi." Soun watched as Kasumi got up from the
table, and headed out to the phone. After a second, he turned
his attention to Akane. Tendo Soun told himself, don't worry,
Akane, everything will be fine. Saotome will bring back the
cure, and all will be well.

****************************************************

Ranko was drying dishes. When her mother asked her to help with
the dishes, she quickly agreed... to dry rather than wash.
Sticking her hands in a sink filled with hot water was not a
good idea right now. Hot water. I have to worry about baths, and
showers, and... Ranko shook her head. I really didn't think this
through, did I? I just acted without really thinking about all
the consequences. How am I going to deal with all of this?

Ranko was interrupted from her thoughts when the phone rang.
Nodoka excused herself from washing duty, and went over to
answer the phone.

"Good morning, Saotome residence."

"Good morning, Auntie."

Nodoka smiled to herself. She was going to call the Tendo home
later, after visiting the doctor, but now...

"Hello, Kasumi. I hope you are well."

"As well as can be, Auntie."

There was a pause. Nodoka noticed that Kasumi wasn't quite
finished, so she kept silent.

"Auntie, we need to talk. Nabiki and I would like to come over
and talk to you."

"I would very much like to talk to you as well, Kasumi. I assume
you want to talk about Ranko?"

"Yes, Auntie. How is she, by the way? She left here rather
distressed."

And whose doing is that, Nodoka asked herself. "She is doing
fine, Kasumi.

"You say you and Nabiki want to come over? Not your father or
Akane?"

"No, Auntie, just Nabiki and I. Akane's... Akane's not in the
best of moods right now, and I think it would be best if we all
talked without Father around."

"I see. When would you like to come over?"

"Whenever is good for you, Auntie. Nabiki and I are flexible
about the time."

Nodoka thought for a second, then responded. "Well, I'm taking
Ranko to my doctor shortly, and after that I thought we'd do
some shopping. Perhaps sometime in the early afternoon? I don't
expect us to take too much time shopping. How about right after
the lunch hour? I want to treat Ranko to some lunch after we
shop."

"You're taking her to your doctor? Is there something wrong?"

Kami, I hope not. "I just thought it would be a good idea for
her to get looked at, nothing to concern yourself with. So I'll see
the two of you later this afternoon?"

"That would be fine, Auntie. That would give us some time to
deal with some other matters. We'll see you then."

"Yes, dear. I will look forward to it."

Ending the conversation, Nodoka put the phone back down, and
headed back to the kitchen. It's probably about time, she thought,
to get Ranko ready to go see Naoko.

****************************************************
Akane was headed towards Furinkan, with much on her mind. Maybe,
she thought, going to this rehearsal is not a good idea. I
should be thinking about Ranma, and how I'm going to get him
back. I should be thinking about that perverted little pig, and
how I'm going to get even with him. This play seems so trivial
now.

Lowering her head as she walked, she realized that she was
fooling herself. Sitting around and moping isn't going to help.
Maybe this will get my mind off of my problems, if only for a
little while. She smiled as she thought about Maggie, her role.
It was so unlike her, she thought, but at the same time, she
felt something special when she read her lines.

"Good morning, Akane!"

Glancing over to the side, Akane noticed Sayuri and Yuka waving
to her. Neither was wearing a uniform, as neither was in her
drama club.

"So, Akane, what's up with the uniform? Did Principal Kuno call
school back in session and forget to tell us?" Sayuri grinned as
she said this. She knew about Akane's rehearsals, but couldn't
resist teasing her friend.

"Akane, is there something wrong?" Yuka had noticed that Akane
was not looking like her normal self. She seemed a little
distant.

"I'm fine. Really."

Sayuri wasn't convinced. She hadn't noticed how Akane looked
at first, but once Yuka had spoken up, she could tell something
was wrong.

"Don't lie to us, Akane, we're your friends, remember?" Sayuri
kept an eye on her friend, hoping to catch a hint somewhere.

"Did Ranma do something, Akane?"

Akane's head shot up, and she turned to Sayuri. The look on
Akane's face made Sayuri want to crawl into a hole somewhere.

"No! Why would you say that?"

"Oh, then he didn't do something you wanted him to do, is that
it?" From Akane's initial reaction, Sayuri could tell Ranma was
at the heart of this. Ranma wasn't really a bad guy, Sayuri
believed. She just hated the way he treated her friend.

"Ranma... didn't... do... anything... wrong... okay????" Akane
couldn't believe this. Kasumi and Nabiki told her that the other
students at Furinkan treated Ranma poorly, and here was one of
her best friends, falsely accusing Ranma of something without
any reason...

...like I used to do, Akane reminded herself.

"Akane, it's okay. I was only joking." Sayuri was hoping to calm
her friend down. "What's the point of having friends if you
can't tease them about their boyfriends?"

Akane calmed down at this, which made Sayuri wonder even more.
Usually when someone brings up the fact that Ranma and Akane are
an item, she freaks out. Not this time, though.

Yuka was seeing much of the same thing, and wanted to help her
friend any way she could. "Akane, Sayuri and I didn't have
anything planned today. Would it be all right if we tagged along,
and watched your rehearsal?"

A smile spread across Akane's face. "You really want to? That
would be great!"

Sayuri noticed the change, and followed Yuka's lead. "Sure
thing, Akane, that would be lots of fun. Certainly better than
just hanging around here boy watching."

Akane's face dropped at this. Damn, Sayuri chided herself, I
went and opened my big mouth. I have been hanging around Ranma
too long. "No more moping, Akane. You're going into that school
a nobody, and you're coming out a star!"

That seemed to help. Akane laughed a little at this, and the
three friends headed down the street together, towards Furinkan.

****************************************************

Xian Pu was busy cleaning up after the morning rush. Stupid
restaurant, she fumed. I shouldn't be here cleaning tables. I
should be out there, with Airen. Stupid great-grandmother,
forcing me to spend so much time in here, when I could be with
him. Isn't THAT why we came to this stupid country in the first
place?

And everyone in this country, stupid, stupid, stupid. Everybody
thinking of me like some kind of a tramp. I am an Amazon warrior,
I am a strong fighter, descended from many great warriors, and
everyone treats me like some kind of a bimbo.

And that stupid curse. That stupid, stupid curse. Why did I have
to be stuck with a curse that makes Airen so uncomfortable?
Sure, there were times it was fun to play with him, and make him
squirm. Especially when he hung around with that girl, rather
than with me.

Xian Pu was interrupted by her musings when she heard the door
open. She turned around, ready to lay into whoever it was, when
she stopped. Oh, this is just what I need right now, her! Xian Pu
could tell immediately who it was, even though the visitor's face
was shadowed. Xian Pu was not in a good mood, and did not
wish to deal with HER today.

"Money girl go! Nekohanten closed! Lunch later, return when
open!"

Nabiki took a step out of the shadows, her face in full view, and
responded, "Xian Pu, I'm not here for ramen. I'm here to talk about
something important."

Xian Pu wasn't shocked easily. She had seen and experienced much
in her short life. But she was seriously shocked now. There were
certainly a number of reasons for her to be shocked.

First, there was Nabiki's face. While the middle Tendo sister
was trying to mask her feelings from the Amazon, Xian Pu was
able to look past that. The look in Nabiki's eyes told Xian Pu
everything. The look Xian Pu saw in those eyes scared her,
so unaccustomed she was to seeing a look like that on this
girl.

Second, there was the fact that Nabiki had just called her by
her real name, not that stupid mispronunciation of it that
everyone here used. Like she was some kind of hair product!

But the thing that shocked Xian Pu the most was that Nabiki had
just spoken in perfect Chinese! It must be a trick, Xian Pu told
herself. This one is always up to tricks. She probably memorized
the phrase to rattle me. Hmmph, I'm not so easily fooled. If
that's the way she wants to play it, fine.

"Why are you here? What stupid game are you trying to play now?
No more tricks, or I will get very upset. And you don't want to
see me upset!" Okay, you want to pretend to know my language,
now who's the stupid one? Xian Pu was pleased with herself.
Yelling at Nabiki in Chinese, and forcing her hand, should make
the girl feel very foolish.

"No games, no tricks. I'm not up to anything this time. I'm here
because... because..." Nabiki stopped, she just couldn't finish
the sentence, not because she didn't know how to say it, she
just couldn't.

Xian Pu continued to be stunned. Not only did she understand
what I just said, but her response was fluent. "How do you know
my language?"

Nabiki grinned at this. She had hoped this would catch the
Amazons off-guard. She continued to talk in Chinese to the young
Amazon. "When you first came here to Nerima, trying to
communicate with you was very difficult. Between your lack of
knowledge of Japanese and our lack of knowledge of Chinese, it
created problems, right?"

Xian Pu nodded. "It was frustrating not to be able to talk to
Airen like I wanted to."

Nabiki understood. "After Ranma tricked you, and told you he was
really a girl, you left. The rest of my family thought you were
gone for good. But I knew better."

"Why did you know better?"

"I hadn't known Ranma very long, but I did know that his
problems didn't go away that easily. I figured we'd be seeing
you again, so I prepared. I started studying how to speak
Chinese. As quickly as I could."

Xian Pu nodded. "I guess that makes sense. But after I returned,
why did you keep it a secret? Shouldn't you have used it to,
like you said, better communicate with me? My Japanese was a
little better, but still I was far from fluent in the language."

Nabiki chuckled. "I kept it secret, because it gave me a great
advantage."

Xian Pu's eyes shot up. "Huh? I don't understand."

Nabiki explained. "Had you returned alone, I would have told
you, and become an interpreter of sorts. But you didn't come
alone. You came with your great-grandmother. And the two of you
would sometimes speak privately to each other in Chinese."

"I begin to understand. We speak Chinese freely, because we
think no one can understand us. You are able to hear things we
don't want you to hear. Your knowing of Chinese is a big
advantage, and advantages are for using."

"Exactly! You caught on to that awfully quickly. Maybe you're
smarter than we all gave you credit for..."

"I am smart! I am a smart Amazon warrior! Japanese people are
the stupid ones! You think I'm stupid because I can't speak your
stupid language very well? Well, I can speak your language
better than most of you can speak mine! If I had thought I would
be stuck here in Japan this long, I would have tried to learn
your language better. I thought I would just come here and grab
Airen and leave. I never thought it would take this long!"
Nabiki had never seen Xian Pu THIS riled up before, and she had
seen the Amazon riled up many times. She obviously touched a
sore spot.

"I didn't mean anything by that. I'm sorry."

Xian Pu sighed. "It's okay. I'm just tired of everybody thinking
all those things about me. I know I shouldn't let it get to me.
I am a strong Amazon warrior, and Amazon's shouldn't care what
outsiders think."

Xian Pu frowned, and confronted Nabiki once more. "Enough
talking about me. You came here for a reason, right? So what is
it? Why do you look like... why do you look like you fall in
spring of drowned willow?"

Nabiki was taken aback by this. "Spring of drowned willow? Is
there such a thing? How could a tree..."

Xian Pu chuckled. "I was making a joke."

Nabiki stopped for a second, then began to chuckle herself.
"That's not half bad. I never knew you had a sense of humor
before."

Xian Pu smiled. "I don't know Japanese very well, and humor
often gets lost in the translation.

"Now, why are you here?"

Nabiki stopped. She had gotten a little closer to Xian Pu, but
she still didn't think it would be a good idea to talk to her
directly about this. Where Ranma was concerned, Xian Pu was a
little single-minded.

"I came to talk to Khu Lon. Is she around?"

"I'm right here, child."

Nabiki turned around to where the voice was coming from, and
sure enough there was the Amazon Matriarch, behind her. The old
woman was sitting there, eyeing Nabiki very carefully. Nabiki
suddenly felt very nervous.

"Where... where did you come from?" Nabiki hadn't heard the old
woman sneak up. Damn, I keep forgetting just how good she is.

A low chuckle escaped from Khu Lon. "Why, China, of course."

Nabiki narrowed her eyes in frustration. "What is this, open mike
night at Evening at the Amazon?

"I didn't hear you sneak up on me. How do you do that?"

"You live as long as I have, child, and you pick up a thing or
two. Frankly, if I can sneak up on Son-in-Law, sneaking up on
you is a piece of cake. No offense meant."

"None taken."

Kho Lon nodded. "So you wanted to talk to me. What about?"

"I would like to talk to you," Nabiki shot her eyes in Xian Pu's
direction, "in private."

Kho Lon nodded in understanding. "Great-granddaughter. Take
Mr. Part-Time and leave Miss Tendo and I alone for awhile."

"I don't want to leave! This must have something to do with
Airen, I want to know!"

Kho Lon sighed to herself, young people today. "Xian Pu, I am
not only your great-grandmother, but I am Matriarch of our
tribe. You will do as I say, and now."

Xian Pu fumed. Every time the old bat wanted me to do something,
she'd always bring THAT up. I am an Amazon, and I must do as my
Elder says. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.

"I listen, and I will do as you ask."

Xian Pu went to a nearby table a picked up a heavy centerpiece.
Smiling to herself, she turned towards the back of the
restaurant and yelled out in Japanese, "Mousse!"

The master of hidden weapons martial arts came running out.
"Yes, my darling Shampoo?"

"Duck!"

Mu Tsu looked down at himself, and as he did so he did not see
the centerpiece being thrown in his direction. Like he would
have, anyway.

"What do you mean, Shampoo? I'm still a man right now, not
a duck."

*BAM*

Xian Pu's aim was true, and Mu Tsu dropped to the floor,
unconscious. Xian Pu went over to him, and shook her head.

"Stupid Mousse."

She leaned down, and slowly picked the young man up over her
shoulders. Turning to her great-grandmother, she said, "We
will leave you alone for awhile. Now we go." And with that,
Xian Pu took Mu Tsu, and left the Nekohanten.

****************************************************
Ranko was nervously sitting in the waiting room of the doctor's
office. All the times Tofu had given her a physical in her
female form, she had hated it. She understood the need, but it
just felt so intrusive. The whole experience embarrassed her no
end. Even though Doc Tofu would be patient and understanding
about Ranma's anxiety, it still bothered her.

As Ranko patiently waited for her checkup, her mother and Dr.
Naoko Yamamoto were talking privately in an examining room.

"She hasn't menstruated yet?"

Nodoka shook her head. "And when I talked to her about it, she
was totally clueless. No one, not her father, or her cousins, or
any one, talked to her about this."

Naoko went into the hall, and took a glance at the young girl
sitting in her waiting room. "She certainly is old enough. Some
girls start later than others, but still..."

Naoko gave her friend a reassuring look, "I'll check her out,
Nodoka. From what you told me about her life, I think I have a
very good idea of why she hasn't yet. I would still like to
check her out, if only for your piece of mind."

Nodoka smiled in appreciation. "Thank you. I knew I could count
on your help."

Naoko guided her friend out to the waiting room. "Wait here,
Nodoka. This shouldn't take too long. Don't worry too much
about her."

Watching her friend sit down in a chair next to where Ranko was
sitting, Dr. Yamamoto turned her attention to the young girl.
"Ranko, come on back. I'm ready to see you now."

****************************************************

Kho Lon carefully eyed the Tendo girl. The two had been sitting
for a couple minutes, without a word being said.

"So, child, what news is important enough for you to reveal your
knowledge of Chinese?"

Nabiki gulped. The old Amazon was sharp, and she knew she had
to be very careful around her.

"Something has happened with Son-in-Law, I take it."

Nabiki nodded, still too frightened to speak.

"He and your sister didn't actually pledge themselves to each
other? No, if that had happened, you would be in here gloating,
not looking like death warmed over."

Keep steady, Nabiki, the young girl told herself. You can get
through this. You've prided yourself on dealing with situations
like this, it's time to put that to the test.

"Son-in-Law is not ill, is he?"

Nabiki shook her head. "No, not ill."

Cologne's eyes narrowed as they seemed to enter Nabiki's soul.
"Your sister, something did not happen to her, did it?"

Oh boy! "Akane is... not injured."

Kho Lon leaned over and placed her face inches away from
Nabiki's. "I don't have time for these games. You came here to
tell me something. Stop wasting my time. Either tell me or
leave."

Nabiki tried to steady herself as best she could. "Ranma... he
broke off the engagement to Akane."

The Amazon leaned back, giving Nabiki a brief sense of relief.
"Did he, now? I like this news so far. So, who pushed him? Did
Ryoga finally do something to split the two up? Was it Ukyo? I
know Xian Pu wasn't involved, I've been keeping her busy around
here the last couple of days."

Nabiki thought for a second before replying, "No one person
split them up. Maybe, in a way, everyone did. It's kind of
complicated."

"Indulge me." Kho Lon was now quite curious. Perhaps this news
will be able to help her get Ranma for her tribe.

"Well, yesterday, Ranma and Akane were having a typical argument
when..."

******************************************** ********

Dr. Yamamoto took a look at her patient. She could tell that
Ranko was quite nervous. Something is definitely bothering her,
but what?

"Ranko, you seem a little tense."

Ranko leaned back on the examining table. The taking of her
blood and urine did not bother her, but this part, this part of
the actual physical exam did. "I have never liked getting
checked up like this. It just gives me the willies."

Naoko looked up from her vantage point, and smiled at Ranko.
"That's natural, Ranko. I'm a doctor, but I'm also a woman and a
mother. I even have a son about your age. Even so, I still feel
funny about being on the receiving end of one of these exams."

Ranko brought her head up and looked at her doctor in surprise.
"You do?"

The doctor nodded reassuringly. "Yes, most women do. Even though
we know it's important, it feels a little awkward. How did you
feel about your last doctor?"

Ranko relaxed just a bit. "He was kind enough and he was very
patient with me. It still freaked me out more often than not.
But he tried to understand."

"He seems like a nice doctor, but there are some things men can
never understand about us women. Even with all of his medical
training, and experience, he could only guess at how we must
feel about something like this."

Ranko smiled. "I guess. I know if I were a guy right now, I
wouldn't feel quite like this."

Naoko laughed. "Ranko, if you were a guy, you wouldn't be having
this exam."

Ranko began to laugh as well. "You got a point there, doc."

Naoko brought her head down, and continued her exam. "You might
find it easier if you talk to me during this, Ranko. Why don't
you tell me about your life? I understand you practice martial
arts?"

"Yes, I do."

"And do you enjoy it?"

Ranko thought about all of her adventures, and the way that she
felt when practicing The Art.

"Yes, I do. It's very important to me."

"I'm glad to hear that. It's important to have something you
enjoy. It doesn't matter if you're good at it or not, as long as
you enjoy it."

Ranko smiled. "But I am good at it, doc. I'm very good."

Ranko heard a chuckle from down below. "I see modesty is not a
problem for you."

"I don't know. I was once told that I had no sense of modesty."
Feminine modesty, Ranko reminded herself.

"Just remember, Ranko, there is a difference between
self-confidence and bragging. People don't generally like
braggarts."

Ranko pondered that for a moment. "I'll keep that in mind, doc."

"Good. Now tell me about how you feel about your Aunt."

"Mo... Auntie? She's really nice to me. I care for her, a lot."

Interesting, Dr. Yamatoto thought. "Go on, Ranko. Tell me all
about you and her."

****************************************************

"I am so stupid!"

Nabiki was expecting any of a number of reactions from Khu Lon
to this news. This was not one of them.

"I should have seen this coming! Of all the people in Ranma's
life, *I* should have seen this coming!"

Nabiki wasn't sure if she had heard the Amazon right. But she
had to know.

"You called him Ranma? I've always heard you call him
Son-in-Law."

Khu Lon gazed at Nabiki, and a small chuckle escaped her lips.

"You've always been quite astute, Nabiki. I've admired that
about you for some time now."

Nabiki was taken aback. The Matriarch of Joketsuzoku had just
complimented her. Had just said that she admired her.

"Tell me, child, how is everybody taking this news?"

Nabiki took a short breath. "Daddy is in full denial mode. I
think he believes this is just a minor setback, and it will be
resolved like every other problem Ranma and Akane have met
before.

"Kasumi, she's taken it better than I could ever expect. She's
found her fire again, after so many years."

Khu Lon nodded at this. "Good. I always thought there was more
to her than met the eye. And Akane?"

Nabiki lowered her head. "She's taking it bad. Very bad. I'm
afraid for her, I really am."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I always liked her. It was sad that
this whole mess put a wedge between us.

"And you?"

Nabiki looked up at Khu Lon, unsure of what to say.

Khu Lon stared at Nabiki for a moment, then sat back and
relaxed. "I see. I'm sorry for you, Nabiki. This whole mess must
have been very hard on you."

Nabiki shot back in surprise. "You... you know?"

Khu Lon grinned. "I haven't lived as long as I have without
becoming somewhat familiar with knowing how people really feel.
Not that I can blame you. If I were only 150 years younger, I
would have given all of you girls a run for your money."

Nabiki chuckled at that. "I bet you would have."

"I hope you would have given me decent odds."

Nabiki began to laugh loudly. "Ranma would never have stood a
chance."

"True. I wager Genma is not taking this well at all."

Nabiki tried, unsuccessfully, to hold back a smirk. "The moron
ran away. He said he's going to China to find a cure for Ranma,
but if we ever see him again, I'd be surprised."

Khu Lon's face turned ashen. "He what? Tell me he's not headed
to Jusenkyo?"

Nabiki couldn't understand the Amazon's reaction to this. "Yes.
He said he would go for the Nanniichuan first. What's wrong?"

Khu Lon began to pace. "That idiot! That colossal fool! I have
to get in touch with The Council at Joketsuzoku. He must be
stopped before he reaches Jusenkyo."

"But why? What's the danger of Genma going to Jusenkyo? What's
wrong with him trying to find a cure?" Nabiki was startled at
Khu Lon's reaction.

Khu Lon stopped pacing long enough to look Nabiki straight in
the eye and answered, "Because there is no cure."

****************************************************
"Well, how is she?"

Nodoka sat with her old friend. She hoped beyond hope that Ranko
wasn't horribly sick, or sterile, or any of a number of
frightening thoughts that ran through her mind.

Naoko looked at Nodoka, and gave a reassuring smile. "I won't
know for sure until I get all the tests back, but frankly, she
seems quite healthy."

"Really? She's healthy?"

"More than that." Naoko got up, and went over to place a hand
on her friend's shoulder. "She appears to be one of the
healthiest people I've ever had the pleasure of examining. I
wish I was half as healthy as she is when I was her age."

"Thank the kami." Nodoka felt the release of great pressure off
of her. "Then why?"

"I'm not sure, but I think..." Naoko paused before continuing.
"Nodoka, what are your plans for her?"

"Well, she has been through so much. And after the way she was
raised, I need to teach her how to be a proper young woman. I
know it won't be easy, but..."

"Nodoka, no. Listen to me."

"Naoko, what?"

Naoko was worried about this. She knew her friend all too well.
"Nodoka, you must not push her. I know you, you will push her
and push her until she becomes your standard-bearer young
Japanese woman."

"I don't understand. She needs this, she has been raised as a
boy for so long. And besides..."

"Nodoka, remember who you're talking to. I've known you for
years, I know your pains. I was at your wedding, remember? I
understand why you think you need to do this. But you must not
push her."

"But why?"

"Nodoka, look at all the things that have happened in her life.
First, her mother dies, before she gets a chance to really know
her."

Nodoka nodded. She was with her so far.

"Then that idiot father of hers tried to raise her as a boy. And
then he goes and gets himself killed, leaving Ranko all alone."

"Okay, but I still don't understand."

Naoko continued on. "Then she lived with a family, in a home
where she felt unwelcome.

"Nodoka, for her entire life, that girl has lived under a stress
that would have killed a lesser person. I think it speaks
greatly for her that she has survived as well as she has. But
she has lived with a stress that none of us can understand."

Nodoka was beside herself. "Stress? Stress can do that?"

Naoko sighed. "Nodoka, stress can do much worse things than
that, believe me. And if she continues to feel stress, her
health, physical as well as mental, will be in danger."

"I don't want to harm her, what do I do?"

Naoko smiled. "Just don't push her. Don't try to make her do
something she's not comfortable with. Be patient with her,
Nodoka. The one thing she needs most right now is love and
understanding. Give her that, and everything else should work
out fine."

Nodoka nodded. "I guess, I guess I can do that. But I'm
afraid that she'll..."

Naoko smiled. "I know, but have some faith in her, and in
yourself. Once again, I ask you, what are your plans for her?
Long term?"

Nodoka thought for a second. "I want to adopt her. I want to
raise her as my daughter, not my niece. But I need to talk to
her cousins about this. And I have to know how Ranko would
feel about it."

Naoko gave her friend a giant smile. "I can't speak for the
Tendos, but as far as Ranko is concerned, I think she already
thinks of you as a mother. She slipped up while I was talking
to her, and she came close to calling you mom."

"Really?" Hearing this gave Nodoka great joy. She thinks of
me as a mother? Nodoka lost her composure, and tears began
to trickle down her face.

Naoko got up, and opened her door. "Are you still here? Why
don't go you out there, and be with your... daughter."

Dr. Naoko Yamamoto watched as her friend left her office. She
noticed Ranko as her Aunt came towards her, and could see the
hope and love in the young girl's eyes. Despite all of her
problems, she is such a fine young girl. The mother in Naoko
smiled to herself. Maybe, just maybe, when she's settled in,
I'll come and visit. And I'll bring Masura with me. Perhaps the
two of them will hit it off.

****************************************************

"What do you mean, there's no cure? Surely the Nanniichuan
would..."

Khu Lon shook her head. "No, child, it would not. In fact, it
would only make matters worse. Under no circumstances should
Ranma ever get anywhere near that stuff."

"But why, I don't understand."

Khu Lon sighed. "Nabiki, you're intelligent. You should be able
to figure this out. After all, not that long ago you had a
perfect example of this situation in your life."

"What example?"

Nabiki waited patiently for Khu Lon to answer. All this time, we
hoped against hope that the Nanniichuan would solve so many
problems. Now the one person who knew more about the
Springs than anyone told her otherwise.

"I'm talking about Taro, child."

"Pantyhose? But I don't see what he would have to do with this."

Khu Lon was losing patience. "Think, Nabiki! The first time you
dealt with him, what was the nature of his curse?"

"The yeti riding ox carrying crane and eel. But I still don't
understand..."

"Yes, that *was* his curse." Khu Lon couldn't believe that this
one could not see the truth. "Then he was unable to get Happi to
change his name, and he left. But he returned."

"Right, but I still don't get... ohhhhhh"

Khu Lon nodded. "Yes, he returned, AFTER going back to Jusenkyo.
And what did he do there?"

"He used another spring, and got another curse."

"Correct. And how did that affect him?"

Nabiki was mentally kicking herself on this one. The Elder was
right. The truth was there all along, right under their noses.
And they all missed it.

"It combined with his first curse."

Khu Lon smiled. "Again, correct. One curse does NOT cancel out
another. The curses are permanent. Jumping into more than one
spring does not end a curse, it just changes it."

Nabiki continued on this thread. "So, if Ranma were to use the
Nanniichuan, it wouldn't get rid of the Nyanniichuan curse,
instead...

"Instead Ranma would become a..." Nabiki couldn't finish her
sentence. The mere thought of what that would do sent a shiver
down her spine.

"I'm afraid so. Now you see why Genma can't be allowed anywhere
near Jusenkyo."

Nabiki smirked. "If it was just Genma, I'd say let the old fool
go for it. Serve him right, for everything he's done. But
Genma's bound to take Ranma down with him and..."

Khu Lon noticed a strange look on Nabiki's face. Unsure of what
it could be, she asked. "What's wrong, child?"

Nabiki shook her head. "Nothing's wrong. I was just thinking. I
was thinking on how lucky we were that the Japanese Nanniichuan
was out of service. Had that been operational when Ranma tried
to use it..."

Khu Lon began to laugh. The laughter came hard and vigorous. She
couldn't stop herself from rolling on the floor.

"What's so funny?"

Khu Lon looked up at Nabiki, and laughed some more.

"You're starting to scare me. What is so funny?"

Khu Lon collected herself. "Child, not only am I familiar with
the Springs at Jusenkyo, but I am quite familiar with the
various other Springs around the world."

Nabiki's eyes shot up in surprise. "There are more?"

Khu Lon nodded. "Not many, a few here and there. For instance
there is another Nyanniichuan Spring in South America, in the
Amazon Rain Forest. Quite fitting, don't you think."

Nabiki nodded in appreciation.

"I knew all about the Japanese Nanniichuan Spring, including its
location, long before Ranma showed up with the first urn. By the
way, Nabiki, the Spring is NOT out of service."

"Whaaa... but Ranma didn't change. And the note in the spring
said it was..."

"Remember, child. The Japanese Nannichuan will come up when the
three urns are put in the proper place at the proper time."

Nabiki looked at the Amazon Elder in confusion. Then she smiled,
and repeated back to her, "At the proper time."

"Yes, child. I knew my opinion of you was justified.

"When Ranma brought the first urn to me, I immediately
recognized the danger. Still, there was one thing working for
me. The Spring would only come up when the moon was in a certain
position. It happens two days each month. And the next one was
a week away."

"So, what did you do?" Nabiki was now quite curious.

"When Ranma and the others went in search of the second urn, I
began to prepare. I wrote that message that Ranma found in the
Spring. Then as fast as I could, I ran up to where the spring
would be. I arranged it so the sign would appear when someone
tried to summon the Spring. When the moon is in the improper
position, the urns just release normal, uncursed water."

Nabiki wondered, "You went to a lot of trouble. Wouldn't the
spring not working that night have been enough?"

Khu Lon shook her head. "No, child. Ranma and the others are
stubborn. They would have kept trying the spring, hoping it
would work. And eventually it would have, just not in the way
that they wanted."

"Wow." Nabiki was barely managing to comprehend all the little
secrets that were coming her way. "You really looked out for
him. You must think an awful lot of him."

"I do. That child is one of the finest warriors I have ever
witnessed. When I first came here with Xian Pu, I thought she
would be just another stupid outsider. But Ranma has a strong
spirit, and she is also devoted to those around her. Such
qualities would make her a fine Amazon."

"Her? Don't you mean him?"

Khu Lon grinned. "Ranma is in girl form right now, right? And
plans on living that way?"

Nabiki answered, "Yes, but he is still a guy inside."

Khu Lon's eyes shot up. "Is she, now?"

Nabiki looked at the Amazon in wonder. "What are you hinting
at?"

"You want to know? You want to know one more truth about
Jusenkyo? Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Nabiki told herself she wasn't sure. But she had to know. Nabiki
HAD to know things. She nodded in assent.

"Haven't you ever wondered just how easy it was for Mu Tsu to
fly? Well, you see..."

****************************************************
< br> Ranko was very nervous. She and her mother had just entered a
store. A women's apparel store. This is it, she told herself.
There is no turning back now. Mom will start making me wear
dresses, and makeup, and... She was getting scared.

Nodoka looked down at Ranko, and noticed the scared look on her
face. I must remember, she thought to herself, I must remember
what Naoko told me. For Ranko's sake.

Ranko and Nodoka began walking through the store. Ranko was
getting very nervous as they approached the dress section.

Then, to Ranko's surprise, they passed it.

Eventually, they stopped. Ranko looked around at where she was.
This section of the store was women's clothing, all right. But
it wasn't dresses.

"Dear, why don't you look around and find some slacks you like?
And after that we'll look at blouses. And afterwards we will
need to pick you up some underwear, and maybe some pajamas."

"Slacks? Blouses?"

Nodoka nodded.

"No dresses? No skirts?"

Nodoka smiled. "Only if you want some, dear."

Nodoka was unprepared for the force of what happened next. Ranko
leapt into her, grasping her tightly in her arms.

"Not... so... hard... dear."

"Sorry." And with that, Ranko loosened her grip on her mother.
Instead the hug was at a bearable level, and radiated love.
Nodoka returned in kind.

"Auntie, thank you. This means so much to me." Ranko tried hard
to keep from crying.

"It's all right, dear." Nodoka felt close to tears herself. "Now,
Ranko, normally such a display of affection in a public place is
not proper. But in this case, I think we'll let it slide."

Nodoka looked down at her... soon to be daughter? "Now why
don't you start shopping? I'll be right here in case you want
some help."

Ranko smiled and left her mother's embrace. She began to sort
through the vast selection in front of her.

****************************************************

Akane, Yuka, and Sayuri were in the courtyard. The drama club was
taking a short break from the rehearsals.

"Damn, I'm still forgetting some of my lines." Akane looked down
in sadness.

Sayuri shook her head. You're distracted by something, Akane. I
could tell all during your rehearsal. Everyone could tell. I
wish you would tell us what's eating you up.

"I'm sorry, you guys. I guess I'm not the best company right
now."

Yuka moved over, and sat closer to Akane. Putting her arm around
her friend, Yuka quietly spoke. "It's okay, Akane. We can tell
there's something wrong. We're your friends, right? When you're
ready to talk to us about it, we'll listen. Until then, we'll
still be here for you, to give you support."

Akane looked up, and saw the concern on Yuka's face. Turning to
Sayuri, she could see the same on her face. "Thanks. I don't
think I want to talk about it, but it's nice to know I have
someone to talk to if I do."

Sayuri was about to respond when the threesome was interrupted.

"Ah, if it isn't the fair Tendo Akane, here to share her
radiance with her one true love!"

Oh, just great. Him! This is the last thing I need right now.

Getting up off the ground, Akane turned and faced the young man.
"Kuno, get lost! I'm not in the mood to deal with you right
now."

The kendoist was not about to leave that easily. "Oh, such
words from such a lively spirit as yourself. Surely, the vile
sorcerer has enchanted you to say such things."

Akane could feel her fury start to rise. "Get this straight,
jerk! I don't like you. I never did. I didn't like you before
Ranma came to Nerima, and I never will. So leave me alone!"

Sayuri and Yuka jumped back. They had seen Akane mad before,
but this was starting to scare them. They could feel something
happening to her, and it frightened them.

"Such lies. How could one as noble as yourself say such things
unless you were utterly ensnared? This is truly the work of that
miscreant. Tell me, fair Akane, where is the foul wretch so I
may smite him with all my might, and release you and the
pigtailed one from his evil spell?"

"Don't you dare! Don't you dare say such things about Ranma!
He's a good man! He's a kind man! You have no right to say
such things!"

Akane felt her fury rise. She felt it just like she felt it
yesterday, when she learned the truth about that pig. She could
feel the power engulf her, and it felt good. I've got myself a
ki-attack now, Akane thought, well it's high time I used it.
It's time to take out the trash.

"Feh, the sorcerer a man? He is no man. Such a vile personage as
he has no right to call himself a man."

As Kuno's ramblings continued, so did the power in Akane. It rose
to a level that needed release. Akane began to think about a
name for her new attack. She knew yelling a name when releasing
the attack seemed to help focus it. Both Ranma's and Ryoga's
attack names are animal based, right? So what about an animal
for me? Akane smiled, remembering one of Ranma's favorite
insults for her. Yes, she thought, this should do nicely.

"So, fair Akane, where is the sorcerer Saotome? Truly, he must
be afraid to face me. He must truly understand that I have
always been his better. He is not good enough for my twisted
sister, even if she cares for him so. That his villainy has
enwrapped a member of the proud Kuno clan is truth enough of his
miserable nature. Come to me, fair Akane, so I may free you!"

That's it! Akane began to focus her anger. She lifted her arms,
and pointed them in Kuno's direction. She could feel the power
take control of her thoughts, and she began to push it away from
her, towards her target. As it left her, she screamed.

"Gorilla strength fury!"

Sayuri and Yuka looked on in horror as a pillar of light leapt
from Akane's hands, and engulfed Kuno. He screamed as the light
surrounded him. Eventually, the light dissipated, and Kuno fell
to the ground. Sayuri ran over to check on Kuno, while Yuka went
over to Akane.

"Akane, what did you do?"

Akane started to chuckle. "Akane get mad. Jerk go boom!"

Yuka's worries were interrupted by a shout from Sayuri.
"Somebody, somebody call an ambulance!"

Akane head suddenly cleared. "An ambulance? Come on, Sayuri.
Kuno's stupid but he's tough. He's always been able to bounce
back from whatever Ranma or I have done to him before."

Akane looked towards her friend, and turned pale when she saw
the look on Sayuri's face. "No, Akane, he's not bouncing back
from this fast. He's hurt. Bad. Really bad."

A scared expression ran across Akane's face. "What did I do? I
just wanted to... I didn't mean to..." Akane fell down to her
knees and began to cry. "I lost control. I'm losing control.
I'm... oh kami, what's happening to me?"

Yuka reached down to comfort her friend, to try to stop her
tears. But the tears would not stop. Eventually the sound of an
ambulance was heard, but Yuka could barely hear that over the
sound of Akane's sobs.

End Chapter Three