Ranma ½ is the property and invention of Rumiko Takahashi. The following story is not produced for any monetary or personal gain. Its sole purpose is to entertain using the characters and plots developed by Takahashi. ALL rights reserved

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Holding On

The second book in The Heart of Ranma Trilogy....

 Akane could not sleep. His head was filled with thoughts. He was a man today and had been a woman yesterday. He didn’t even dare ask the question if it was all worth it. He had already got past that barrier. But what of his former life? What would his friends think about him? How would they react? How would his family react? Especially dad!

What would he wear? Would he have to change his birth certificate? He had no idea how to be a man. He had no idea how to act like a man. He had never planned to be the one who was supposed to be in charge. He had always thought before that that responsibility would fall to Ranma when they got married. Ranma was the woman now, and he was the man. Everything had been completely disrupted. He knew nothing about how to be a proper husband, and he already had a wife to take care of. If he was the man, he would naturally have to take care of Ranma.

It was just too much to think about. In only one day, he had changed genders and was married. He was feeling panicky when faced with all the changes.

A stray strand of silky red hair managed to force it’s way to his ear, tickling him. He brushed it away nonchalantly and gazed down at the person sleeping at his side. He had done it all for her and would do it again in a heartbeat. Before the spirit had appeared in the room, for only a few seconds, life without Ranma could have been a reality. That was a reality Akane was not ready to face. Ranma had become a mainstay in his life. Over time, he had grown accustomed to all the trouble Ranma brought along as baggage. He wished they could stay like this forever. Just the two of them together, no one else to bother them. He never wanted to lose her again. She was his life!

His eyes gazed lovingly at her serene face as it lay next to his. He smiled. It was not as if Ranma was not attractive or anything. It was quite the opposite actually. She was definitely the most beautiful thing he had ever laid his eyes on. He passed his hand gently down her side. Gosh she was beautiful! He knew any man would be lucky to have her as his wife and he was ecstatically happy that he had been the one. He felt every touch of her body against his and would have woken her if he wasn’t already so tired. He always knew Ranma would be demanding, but he never expected her to be that demanding. Come to think of it, before last night, he had never really ever given much thought to having Ranma as a girl.

Suddenly her face grimaced. He felt as she struggled against his chest and her hands shot out defensively.

"No! No! Please don’t!"

Acting instantly, Akane soothed her. "Ranma I’m here, I'm here love, shhh..."

Ranma awoke and held onto Akane like a lifeline. Akane stroked her face. Even under the warmth of the covers, she shivered slightly. He could see the tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"Wanna tell me about it?" he asked as he whispered into her ear. She turned and smiled in the midst of her wet eyes.

"Nah, don’t worry about me. You know how it is with me and nightmares. How about you, how are you holding up?"

She stroked his broad chest, sending ripples up his spine. He could see the longing and the love radiating from her eyes. He saw that now when she looked at him. He needed nothing else than to see those baby blue eyes gazing at him lovingly. That alone assured him that he had made the right decision.

"It’s different," murmured Akane, "Now I know what you felt every time you changed."

Ranma placed her hands under his head and rest her head on his chest.

"Are you sorry that we..."

"No Ranma, I’m not sorry! And I’d do it again if I had too."

"I didn’t mean that!" retorted Ranma, then she lowered her voice. "I was talking about before the spirit. Why didn’t we...."

"Why didn’t we what?"

"Why didn’t we figure out that we were already in love?"

Akane pulled her closer to him. "We were just too dumb," he replied as he pressed upon her willing lips. They lay there kissing passionately for a long time.

Dawn with her rosy fingers broke the sky as the two lovers stared at each other.

"I don’t want to get up," muttered Akane.

"Neither do I, but we hav’ta."

"Why?"

"’Cause pretty soon, Kasumi and everyone else will be worried about you."

"Well I’m not getting up!" stated Akane indignantly.

"I thought we talked about this last night," answered Ranma.

"Well I changed my mind and I’m not getting up!"

"Oh yeah!"

"Yeah!" taunted Akane.

Ranma levered her feet on the ground while she picked Akane off the sleeping bag and sent him flying.

"Ahhhh...Ranma you...urk..." (splash)

Akane sputtered as he broke the surface of the hot spring only to be confronted by the body of a woman who knew exactly what she wanted and knew exactly how to get it. Ranma kissed him as soon as he had a fair breath. She drew out the breath, making Akane light headed.

"I see you haven’t lost your touch," panted Akane as Ranma broke the kiss. "Why should I," replied Ranma as she was lowered gently onto the bank of the spring. Akane thought he felt some of his stamina returning.

*I wonder where Mai is* thought Ranma as an aside, before Akane started kissing her.

Mai, the spirit, stared down at the couple. She sighed. She should have been more careful with her temper. At least they did not seem to have too many problems. She respected Ranma. After all the girl had been through, she had still managed to grow up a decent human being.

Mai had felt the intensity of the girl’s love for her unborn child. Such great love. Mai still felt guilty and had healed Ranma at the ceremony. She had removed the inner scars of Ranma’s womb, and had left nature to its course. She resolved she would help the girl as much as she could, once it was within her power

Akane seemed to be a surprise to her. It was strange how the girl turned boy seemed to adjust so easily to the situation. After peeking into her mind, Mai saw that it held no barriers and only had the remnants of a wall that was used to barricade Akane’s feelings for Ranma. Akane had really been a tomboy after all. Mai wondered if what she did to Ranma had been the right thing. There had been many barriers in that mind. She had felt some overpowering evil barricaded behind a very thick mental barrier. She had made sure not to touch that at all. The blockade around Ranma’s female thoughts were like paper compared to the fortress around the evil. Mai was just glad that Ranma had such great willpower to put up that effective a barrier against the evil.

Mai’s biggest problem had been the appearance of Yannas, her elder spirit. He forbade her under any circumstances to exact any great measure of revenge against the panda and the freak. Mai had rebelled and screamed for no end, but her efforts were fruitless. Yannas held. In the end, she could do nothing, and she knew why he had forbid her. Up to now, she had possibly ruined two people’s lives. There was no way Yannas would allow her to ruin more, especially if the order came from the man above.

He had also forbid her from interfering in he lives of the two lovers below. She had really pleaded against that, but to no avail. She had hoped she could at least have got that revoked. Those two were on their own from now on.

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

"Ranma, just how long is this going to take?" asked Akane impatiently.

"Just wait a sec," replied Ranma, "I’m almost finished! (pause) There!"

Ranma gave Akana a mirror.

"Wow, you really can cut hair!" exclaimed Akane as he sported a more masculine hairstyle.

"You try living ten years with pops. It’s amazing all the things you have to do for yourself."

Akane was dressed in Ranma’s Chinese silk clothes, which filled out quite nicely against his massive frame. Ranma had opted for a lovely red kimono to complement Akane’s clothes. To the observer, they looked like two professional models.

"So what now?" asked Akane.

"Well we hav’ta get some clothes for you," smirked Ranma as she punched him in the shoulder.

"Ow...get back here you! Whoops!"

Wham!

"Ahhhahahaha....I thought after all that exercise last night you would at least get accustomed to your new body. Come on, let's see if we can get some training done."

"Training?" replied a shocked Akane.

"Of course. I can’t be seen in public with a klutz as a husband."

"Why you!"

"Nyah...nyah...bet’ya can’t catch me...." teased Ranma.

"Get back here Ranma!"

A bruised Akane and a bubbly Ranma are walking back to the train station.

"You didn’t have to train me so hard you know."

"Oh, and who’s the one always complaining that I don’t give ‘em enough respect."

(Pretending to be female Akane, Ranma strikes a pose that is remarkably similar to a female Akane. Her hands are on her hips and her face is pouting.)

"...‘I’m a martial artist too. I can take care of myself...’"

"Alright, alright, I get the picture!" replied an exasperated Akane.

Ranma spied a phone and started to call the Tendo’s.

"Hey let me," challenged Akane.

"Yeah right, like Kasumi would recognise your voice," retorted Ranma.

"Oh..."

Nabiki and Kasumi were sitting around the table. Auntie had just called and asked if anyone had seen Ranma. Of course no one had. When they went to ask Akane, she was not in her room.

Nabiki glanced at her sister. Kasumi was worried, that much Nabiki could figure out. Nabiki knew that Ranma had left Nerima and was or could be anywhere in Japan right now. Akane, Akane was a different problem. No one knew when she left or why. After Nabiki had stormed out of Akane’s room, she had gone to her room, slamming the door. Knowing Akane’s temper, everyone had stayed out of Akane’s room that day. Even Kasumi thought it would be better to leave her alone. Now she was gone, but where, no one knew. She might have gone to Ryugenzawa again or she could be out with friends. They just had to hope she was okay. Nabiki sighed, worrying about Akane and Ranma seemed to have become a norm in this house for the last few months.

(ring)

Kasumi answered.

(click)

"Who was that?" asked Nabiki

"One of Akane’s friends. They’ll be back later tonight."

"Oh."

Nabiki’s mind started to race. Ranma had left; Akane was with friends. Something was not adding up here. She was missing a piece of the puzzle. Kasumi would have easily recognise Akane or Ranma’s voice over the phone. They couldn’t be together. Where was Akane, and who was this friend? Nabiki knew there was something that she was overlooking. But what was it? Ranma was out of the picture, or was he? Nabiki wished she hadn’t destroyed the tape in her fit of anger. She really would have liked to play what Ranma had said to her earlier. ‘Guess the violent streak is in me too,’ she thought. She hadn’t told anyone about Ranma, not yet. She was holding out for the slim chance that Ranma would return. Nabiki went to her room, mulling in her thoughts.

Genma tried to comfort his crying friend when they heard that Akane was with friends and was safe. The tears drenched his skin, triggering his curse. Genma-Panda rolled around the floor, scratching intensely.

"Oh my, I do believe Uncle Saotome has caught something," declared Kasumi. "Should I call Dr. Tofu?"

Mai grinned from her perch. Sure, she couldn’t exact revenge, but Yannas didn’t tell her she couldn’t have some fun.

 **************

Two figures alighted from the train and slowly made their way through the outskirts of Tokyo. The rain began to pour, but luckily for the pair, they had an umbrella handy. Not many people dared to brave the atrocious weather.

"That looks like Ryouga’s umbrella," remarked Akane.

"I think it is," replied Ranma, "He always leaves the things hanging around the Dojo."

"So where to first?" asked Akane.

"Mom," replied Ranma with a trace of fear. Akane easily recognised it from her voice.

"Ranma, what’s wrong?"

No response.

"Something happened between you and your mother didn’t it?" pursued Akane.

"Yeah, we sorta had a disagreement. She wanted me to go on a date with some guy and when I refused, we got into a really big argument. That was two nights ago," sighed Ranma.

"And your mom doesn’t know who you are or where you are," surmised Akane.

"I...I don’t know if she will take me back or accept me as her child, and what about the promise?"

"Ranma, you know she has no hold on you. You’re my wife, and I decide that you live."

Akane hugged his wife tenaciously. Ranma smiled back. Akane held her close to him as they continued their slow journey to the Saotome household.

Although Ranma felt safe with Akane’s hands around her, her mind was in turmoil. What if her mother made her choose? What if she disowned her? There were too many possibilities.

By chance she noticed how Akane was walking.

"Akane, you can’t walk like that!" she said exasperatedly.

"Like what!"

"Like a girl!"

"But I always walk like this," stated Akane indignantly.

"When you were a girl," added Ranma, "You’re a guy now."

Ranma positioned herself behind Akane and held his hips making sure they didn’t sway. After a while Akane finally got the hang of it and now both of them, partially drenched, looked for somewhere to take shelter.

Ranma spotted the ice cream shop open. Ice-cream for some reason just sounded good at that moment. Ranma hastily pulled Akane into the establishment and picked out the most secluded stall. The one to the corner of the store, practically hidden by the serving counter.

They ordered and sat in the stall eating their ice-cream. Ranma noticed how silent Akane was.

"What are you thinking?" asked Ranma.

"Huh!"

"Well you're not speaking to me so something has to be pretty interesting."

Akane put his arm around her while placing a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. Ranma nodded appreciatively, but her eyes told him that she still wanted an answer.

"I’m only now realising how different it’s going to be. I mean, I just had to correct how I walk. I can’t wear any of my old clothes anymore. I can’t even go to the bathroom without blushing...it’s just so different. But then, that’s what you always had to face."

Ranma smiled and passed her hand tenderly across his cheek.

"It’s not that bad, and I’ll be here to help you. Think of it as training."

"You’re starting to sound like your old man," quipped Akane.

"Hey I’m nothing like my old man!" retorted Ranma. Akane placed his hand on her mouth to calm her.

"I didn’t mean it that way. (pauses and removes his hand) So what was the change like?"

"Which one?" asked Ranma

"Becoming a woman," replied Akane.

"It wasn’t that bad. I had mom to help me and show me what to do, but I don’t even think I want to be a housewife," added Ranma with mock anger.

Although he smiled outwardly at the joke, Akane felt guilty. It should have been him helping Ranma to adjust. He just felt he had to say something.

"No matter what Ranma, I promise I’ll always be there for you."

"I know. (pause) So how’s it feel to stand up to pee."

Akane looked a bit shocked at the question and then he started to chuckle and broke out in laughter. He was quickly followed by Ranma who realised just how funny that sounded. When they quieted down, they served each other the ice-cream.

Realisation dawned on Akane that they still had to adjust and define what exactly their roles would be in this marriage. Ranma was infinitely better than him as a martial artist and the role of sensei was rightfully hers. And speaking of roles, since he was still technically the wife by law, he would have to cook, wouldn’t he? Somehow a stray question escaped his lips.

"Ranma, you know, since I am a man, does this mean you will be cooking?"

"Hey, at least that’s better than eating your cooking!" declared Ranma. "I wonder how I ever lasted..."

Akane’s blood began to boil. Why was Ranma insulting him again? His fiery temper was lit.

"Ranma are you insulting my cooking!" His hand went up to strike, then Akane caught himself. He saw to his horror that Ranma had already braced herself, closing her eyes and bringing her hands in front her body. He was...he almost, he almost hit her! He caught her arms from their defensive position and held her tightly.

"Ranma I’m sorry..." he whispered.

Ranma open her eyes, she expected to have been plastered somewhere.

"What? What’s wrong?" asked a surprised Ranma.

"You mean you don’t know what’s wrong?"

Ranma shook her head. Akane looked at his hands. What had he been doing to Ranma all this time they had been together? Ranma had just accepted taking a blow from him as if it were something normal. Only now did Akane see the true evil in his old ways. He had trained Ranma, he had trained Ranma to accept abuse, and Ranma accepted it without question. He didn’t want to hit her he only wanted to protect her. What kind of a person was he? He held her tighter still.

"I...don’t want to hit you anymore Ranma."

"Why not? It’s fun!"

"Fun! You call getting beat up fun!" asked Akane his voice slightly raised.

"Hey...well, it was the only way I could ever get you to recognise me," she replied sullenly. "Otherwise you would just ignore me like everyone else."

Recognise her? Then it all fell into place. As a girl, Akane would never acknowledge Ranma’s presence if it wasn’t for some insult or another thrown in his direction. He had never seen that side of Ranma before. He had never dreamed of Ranma being so starved for affection that he would gladly take all those beatings just to be acknowledged. He had to find some other way for her to feel loved. Then, he grinned inwardly...

"I’ve got other ideas on how we can have fun," added Akane in an undertone. Ranma felt Akane’s touch as he placed his cold hand against her thigh. She jumped, and landed on his lap.

Akane used his opportunity well, subduing a still jumpy Ranma into a long kiss.

"If it’s anything like that, I’m in," whispered Ranma as she lay her head against his shoulder.

"Well, I can’t chase you all the time with a mallet when you’re pregnant can I, " quipped Akane as he bent down to scoop another spoonful of ice-cream. His eyes opened as he realised what he just said. Pregnancy, jeez! He hadn’t thought of that. How would Ranma react to that? He knew Ranma had accepted being female, but was she ready for that? Heck, was he ready for that? A couple of days ago, he would have been the one worrying about having a baby.
But there was no way of shirking the question. They were already active and things can just happen by themselves. How their lives had been before this was proof enough. Fiancées, princes, demons, curses, magic, goddesses, jeez, with Ranma, anything was possible.

If Akane’s head had been facing her, he would have seen how quickly the colour had drained from her face when he said that. He only recognised that she was a little disturbed by the time he turned to face her. He thought it was because of the idea of having children but the real reason was far from it.

"I always thought I would be the one to have our children," noted Akane gently.

"So did I," replied a recovering Ranma.

"How...how do you feel about having children?" asked Akane cautiously.

Ranma smiled contentedly at him.

"How many do you want..." she whispered into his ear.

Akane was surprised.

"You, you have actually thought about it?" asked Akane incredulously.

 "I had a lot to time to think about it," replied Ranma defensively. It was true though. She had had more than enough time to think about her child. Weeks actually.

 Akane marvelled at the wonder of a person he had before him. Suddenly he felt like the luckiest person in the world. They kissed.

Flash! Flash!

They broke the kiss quickly, expecting some sort of trouble.

"Sorry to do that," apologised a fairly lovely lady, "But you two look so perfect together."

She handed them one of the photographs. "I would like to have your permission to publish this in the next paper," she asked.

Akane looked at Ranma. She answered...

"That’s not a good idea right now. But if you give me your card, I’ll tell you when you can publish it."

The woman bowed and left them alone.

"I never thought you could think so quickly," stated Akane.

"That’s because _you_ don’t go to St Hebereke’s," countered Ranma.

Why was that name so familiar, thought Akane.

The two finished their ice-cream in the seclusion of the stall, albeit with some intentional messiness. How a cherry could slip into the inner folds of Ranma’s kimono? Only they knew.

 The rain had stopped and the two lovers walked slowly through cool air of the night. Akane kept his hand around Ranma’s waist just like he had seen it done in the movies. From how Ranma responded he was sure he was doing that right. His gaze was focused on her. He was entranced with how her face glowed in the fading light. How the curve of her neck and the glistening of her soft, red, full, lips felt so inviting. How she seemed to just fill his senses completely. A cackling laugh broke their intensely loving gazes...

"So harridan, you hide my Ranma-sama from me but dare cavort with other men. Now you will feel the true wrath of the Black Rose..."

Ranma barely noticed the rose as it flew from Kodachi’s hand towards Akane. She easily plucked it from the air. Ouch! Carefully she pulled out the offending thorn. By the time he looked up again, the insane gymnast had already disappeared.

"That was strange," remarked Akane

"Try going to the same school with her," replied Ranma.

Akane put two and two together.

"St. Hebereke’s, that’s Kodachi’s school!"

"Yeah, It’s closer to Mom’s house and she knows a couple of teachers there."

"So that’s why she sent you there."

"I guess so."

"I’d hate to have to go to school with Kodachi."

"Believe me, it ain’t no picnic."

Akane put her hand around Ranma’s waist again and they continued their walk. Neither struck up a conversation again since they were comforted by the others presence and the cool evening air.

They were only a couple of blocks away from the Saotome House when Akane felt Ranma cling to him.

"Akane, I think I need some help," whispered Ranma in a pained voice. She would have alerted Akane sooner but she thought it was just another one of those things a woman had. The pain rising from her abdomen was becoming overbearing. She knew she had hidden the pain because she thought she could have lasted through it, but she just realised that that wasn’t the matter at all. She simply hated having Akane see her this weak.

"Ranma, what’s wrong?" he asked. But that was before he saw her face. He gasped. Her eyes were blood red and teary, her skin was totally flushed and she looked very pale. What was wrong with her? How had he not seen this while he had been walking with her? He caught her just before she slumped to the ground. He noticed her finger where the thorn had broken her skin. It was all red and puffy. Damn that Kodachi! He did not have time to worry about that now. He picked up his wife and dashed for the only person he could trust Ranma's care to.

Moments later...

Dr. Tofu was relaxing with a nice hot cup of tea while reading one of his favourite novels when someone burst through the outer doors of the clinic. Who could that be? Then he heard someone calling his name. Strange, he had never heard that voice before...

Tofu swiftly descended the staircase that separated his home from the clinic. He didn’t know who the man was, but there was no mistaking the girl. It was Ranma.

 "What happened?" he asked.

"I think it was Kodachi...she poisoned her or something," related a very worried Akane.

Tofu lay Ranma down on one of the beds and gave her a thorough examination. He drew a small sample of blood and tested it for poisons and various concoctions. Finally he found the answer to his questions and injected Ranma with a make-shift remedy.

"Don’t worry son, she’ll be alright. It isn’t a strong poison it just makes someone really sick for a couple of days. Knowing Ranma, she’ll be up and going in a few," comforted Tofu.

Under the clam exterior, he was thanking the kami. That was no ordinary poison Kodachi had used, but the remedy was simple. A little rest and no heavy stress and Ranma should easily be back to normal by tomorrow. They had caught it before it had fully worked itself into her system. With Ranma’s legendary healing power and her ability to withstand Akane’s cooking, Ranma’s recovery should only take a couple of hours at most.

The man sat next to Ranma and held Ranma’s hand.

This was very strange for Tofu. Some weeks ago, Ranma had come into his clinic pregnant. By now, if she still had the child, he would be able to sense its ki within her. There was no trace of a separate life-force. She had lost the child.

He wasn’t comfortable calling Ranma a ‘she’ but that was who Ranma was now. It seemed that Ranma had accepted being a woman as well as being a man. This boy was probably Ranma’s husband and the father of her child. He had always thought that Ranma would have married Akane, but this was not to be. Apparently, Ranma had fallen for this handsome boy. No wonder Ranma had told him not to tell anyone when she had come in the clinic. However, Tofu knew by instinct that this was not the end of the story. There was always some intricate web behind whatever happened to Ranma. He had no doubts that this was one of those situations. Something had happened to cause this. Something really big. That was the thrill Tofu got from Ranma and his exploits. He loved adventure and mystery and those two seemed to follow Ranma everywhere.

He wondered what Akane would do to him. Akane? Wait a minute, he had not seen Akane or heard anything form the Tendo’s about her. He knew about Ranma’s oath and most of the other rumours about the pigtailed martial artist. On a hunch, he took a closer look at the man. He was sitting in a very effeminate manner on the bedside. Tofu observed the man’s face closely and saw the resemblance between Akane and this man distinctively. Could this be? Nah, it couldn’t be! But this was Ranma and if it was so, everything would fit perfectly into place.

Tofu decided to test his theory.

"Akane..."

The man turned around when the name was mentioned

"It is...it is you Akane!" exclaimed Tofu.

Akane nodded sheepishly.

"Yes sensei it is me..."

"But how?"

"I was..." "You’d better let me explain," interrupted Ranma.

"Ranma you’re awake!" cried Akane.

"As if Kodachi, could ever hurt me. After all your cooking, I’m almost immune to poison," commented Ranma.

Tofu closed his eyes, waiting for the blow. 1...2....3....4....5....he opened his eyes. He stared at the two, shocked. They were kissing. No mallet, no violence. He smiled he could get used to seeing this a bit more often. He could see himself doing this with a certain beautiful brunette who drove him mad with love every time he saw her.

He cleared his throat and was surprised when instead of the two separating, Akane joined Ranma on the bed. Ranma’s colour was back, and Tofu could see that Ranma was rapidly recovering from the affects of the potion. However, it would stay in her body for a few days. He just hoped she would stay out of too much trouble until then. These poisons were pretty effective at making a comeback when a person was under a lot of stress.

"So back to the story..."

"Ah yes well...it all began like this..."

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

A small black pig ambled down the street looking for some place that seemed familiar. It dragged with it a little something for a girl it knew. Such a beautiful, kind, sweet girl. He longed for Akane to hold him again, to cuddle him to her bosom.

Ryouga had played out in his mind what had happened that day, and every time he did, he became convinced that Ranma had done it to spite him. They were winning. They were beating Ranma and just like the honourless father he had, Ranma had resorted to trickery to win. Sure Ryouga had felt Ranma’s depression, but that was probably all an act. Ryouga knew Ranma would do anything to win. He spat out that name like only a pig could. Ranma didn’t deserve her. He didn’t deserve a person like Akane. Ranma had even made him so afraid that he had done something wrong that he had run away from Akane; like a coward. ‘Damn you Ranma!’ shouted Ryouga. Of course it sounded like ‘bwee be bwee!’

 ***************

When Akane finished her story, Tofu was going to ask Ranma about the baby. All he had heard was that Ranma had been cursed permanently, had gone by her mother and Akane had cursed himself to be with her. He could tell that their story was full of holes. Knowing those two, a lot more than just getting cursed had happened. He opened his mouth to speak when he heard a scratching at the door. He excused himself went to open the door but saw nothing. It was Akane who saw the intruder.

"P-chan!" he squealed happily.

Akane grabbed the wayward pig in a tight hug.

Ranma watched the pig with bated anger. Ryouga was here, Ryouga would die. But not here, and not in front of Akane. Ranma controlled her rising anger and tried to think of something else. The only thing that came to her mind was her mother. She had better call her. Her mother wound be worried sick since she had not been home in three days. Ranma knew her mother would be too proud to ask the Tendos for help to look for her. She asked Tofu for the phone. He showed her where it was before he ascended the stairs.

That done, Ranma looked for her husband who reassured her by giving her a small peck on the lips. Ranma tried to ignore the urge to make teriyaki pork for dinner.

"Hon you might as well call Kasumi and tell her we’ll be late."

Akane smiled as Ranma’s face lit up when he called her hon.

Ranma rang the Tendo household.

Ranma turned around, now where could her husband have disappeared to? She still had to give him a little token of gratitude.

The startled pig made no real attempts to escape the clutches of the man who was holding him. For the last five minutes, Ryouga’s mind had gone blank in shock. Ranma had kissed this man and the man had called him 'hon'. How could Ranma betray Akane like that? The honourless perverted dog! He had been stringing her all the time hadn’t he. Ryouga would get revenge for Akane. He would defend her honour. Luckily for him. The man who was holding him seemed intent on taking a bath. Ryouga hoped it would be a hot one.

Akane hummed as he undressed. He certainly was feeling very sticky after all the training that morning and a nice warm bath seemed to be the ideal thing. He hoped Ranma would join him in a while and maybe then they could have some more fun. He grabbed the pig by the bandanna. He stared at the bandanna. For some reason, it reminded him a lot of Ryouga. He dismissed the thought. He held the pig in his hand as he slowly stepped into the warm water.

Ranma heard the water running and smiled. She would join her husband for a nice long soak. Hopefully that little pig would get lost, but if she found that pig, Shampoo’s sweet and sour Chinese pork sounded like a tasty dish. As she opened the door to the furo, she saw the worst possible thing...

Akane slowly slipped into the water, enjoying the heat as it massaged the tired limbs that Ranma had ran ragged earlier that morning. Everything was going great until P-chan touched water. Then it happened. He saw the pig's limbs grow and transform. He saw the flesh grow and become a man. His eyes widened in surprise and fear and then anger. Then he saw who it was and was furious. Before he could act, he heard another voice in the room.

"Ryouga! What are you doing!" shouted Ranma.

Akane looked at the two. Ranma seemed angry but not surprised. Ryouga was not impressed by Ranma’s outburst. Ranma knew! Damn it, she knew all along! And she hadn’t told him! She had never told him! She had just let Ryouga have his way; had let Ryouga into his most private thoughts. But the worst part of it was that he felt betrayed. Ranma had betrayed him.

Ranma started glowing red.

"Ryouga I’m gonna..." she never finished.

"You," shouted Akane as she pointed at Ranma, "You knew all along didn’t you!"

Ranma looked at Akane aghast and bowed her head. She was still furious with Ryouga, but Akane’s outburst had quieted her.

"And who are you!" retorted Ryouga.

"I’m the same girl you and Ranma played your games on. Isn’t that right Ranma?" he spat.

"Wha..?" sputtered Ryouga, evidently surprised at the response.

"I am Akane," replied Akane with absolutely no trace of caring in his voice.

"Akane!" replied a shocked Ryouga.

"Akane I can explain..." started Ranma.

"Explain what! Explain how you used me for your own perverted pleasure!" retorted Akane as he jumped out of the furo to confront her.

"Akane please, it’s not like that..."

(slap)

Ranma bowed and tenderly touched her face where Akane had slapped her. It was starting to swell, but she knew she deserved it. She heard Akane shuffling with his clothes. She held down the urge to cry.

"Akane please, you’re my husband. If you’ll just let me ex...."

"Don’t you dare call me that!" thundered Akane. "I don’t know you," he said as her glared at her.

"But Akane..." Ranma held onto his hand as he passed by her on the way to the door.

He shrugged her off.

"Leave me alone Ranma..." responded Akane in a very low voice.

"Will you be back?" asked Ranma hopefully, but she was talking to the wind.

The other occupant in the room was quietly trying to soak in all that had happened. Ranma walked into the bathroom and picked up a stray bandanna off the ground. She looked at it intently. Her mood suddenly went from one of pure depression to one filled with both anger and depression.

Ryouga tried to soak it all in. Akane was a man. She was not a beautiful young girl anymore, but a man. This was all Ranma fault! It had to be! Somehow, Ranma had cursed her for his own selfish intentions.

He was getting angry. Ranma had cursed Akane. Now she could never be his. Damn that Ranma!

"Ranma prepare to die!" shouted Ryouga at the woman in front of him who’s head was still bowed to the ground. Ryouga attacked. He barely got a fist close to the redhead, when he felt a hand against his throat. He felt himself slammed against the wall of the bathroom. His feet were suspended off the ground as Ranma held him by the throat. He prepared himself to exact his revenge, when he saw her eyes. He felt her hand squeezing against his throat. He tried to pry them away, but it was not working. Ranma’s grip became tighter and tighter. Ryouga was gasping for air.

"You, you made him leave," accused Ranma. Her voice was cold and unyielding.

Ryouga was near panicking. Ranma had his throat in a vice grip and try what he may, he couldn’t get her to let him go. Even hitting her didn’t seem to bend her resolve. Suddenly, the pressure against his throat was released and he felt himself being thrown into the furo. Ryouga gasped for air as he reached broke the surface, pulling in the precious air that he needed to live.

He regarded Ranma, as the redhead was staring at her hands. Ryouga was angry, but another emotion was become more predominant. Ryouga was feeling fear. Fear of Ranma. She could have easily killed him there. He massaged his neck where Ranma had held him. He was angry, but this Ranma was different. He could no longer predict what this Ranma would or could do, and that situation demanded caution. Then he heard it. It was said as a whisper, but the words rang as clear as a bell to Ryouga.

"Ryouga, I am giving you three seconds to leave before I kill you. And I can kill you."

One.

Ryouga wasn’t waiting to find out if he could stop this Ranma. This Ranma was unpredictable and dangerous. Damn that honour said he should stand up to him. He would rather be alive than dead, for he knew and had always known that Ranma was better that him. He knew as a fact that in an unrestricted flight with an uninhibited Ranma, he would almost certainly be dead. He hurried to claim his clothes.

Two.

The bandanna Ranma was holding burst into flame, startling an almost fully dressed Ryouga. He thought of saying something, but the smouldering ashes on the floor told him he was best off leaving.

Three.

Ranma was alone in the bathroom as she looked around. The air hung around in a punctuated silence. Would she have gone through with it? She didn’t know. She just felt an intense hatred for pig-boy right now. She just tried to focus her mind, to calm herself. She was feeling very edgy, and a martial artist had to keep their cool at all times. This was especially true of someone with Ranma’s talent.

"Ranma what happened!" asked a worried Tofu as he made it to the bathroom. The shouting he had expected. This was after all Ranma and Akane, but the violence he could not understand.

"We just had an argument," she replied without even looking at him.

"Oh." He had not heard much of what was said earlier on.

"You know how Akane’s gets when she’s angry," joked Tofu as he tried to cheer up the girl. It did not work.

Ranma slowly stepped out of the bathroom.

"Dr. Tofu, I’m going to see my mom."

"Shouldn’t Akane be with you?" inquired Tofu. "After all, he is your husband."

"He said I don’t have a husband anymore," she replied quietly as she walked away.

"Ranma what happened?"

She didn’t answer him as she walked noiselessly out of the house, like a haunted apparition. Tofu knew that argument had to be really big. He only hoped the young couple could get past it and make up before it was too late. He should not have let Ranma out of his sight, not in her condition, but he doubted he could do anything to stop her. Especially since she was glowing a faint green.

Ranma slowly walked down the street. She made no sound against the pavement as she walked. She looked around, saw no one and took to the roof above. She would have liked to cry then, but her eyes were hardened and dry. They refused her any comforting tears. She felt tired, like the whole world had just been placed on her shoulders. She felt tired and useless. She had had it in her hands, almost. As soon as she finally had some of that happiness she longed for, it just crumbled. The saw the walls crumbling around her. She had lost him. He hated her. He hated her and she could do nothing about it. She felt helpless again, just like when she had lost her child. Once again, she felt the cold darkness setting in. But she had one more chance. One more chance of being accepted. One little light to hold on to. Ranma made a beeline for the Saotome household.

Ranma had not seen either Akane or Ryouga while she travelled on the roofs. Akane... She would kill Ryouga if she ever saw him again. He had ruined her life forever. There was only one more chance for her. She stepped in front of the house and knocked on the door. Her mother opened it. Her mother bid her in. Ranma entered.

"So dear you finally realise that your mother was right. The Fujimotos are in the shrine awaiting us."

Ranma looked around the house and saw the decorations hidden within the dark house. Her mother had planned this all along. From the looks of it, Ranma knew it was supposed to be an engagement party. She was getting angry, but she was too tired to get angry now. This was probably her last hope.

"Mom I need to speak to you for a moment about something, then I’ll go into the shrine." Ranma felt that is she could just humour her mother for awhile, she might be able to get her to understand, to see things her way.

"What is it about?" asked Nodoka.

"It’s about Ranma."

Nodoka got excited, but this soon deflated when she saw the haunted look on Ranma’s face.

"Is anything wrong?" asked Nodoka.

"No no. I just have a story to tell you. Please sit down."

Nodoka obliged.

Ranma bowed her head and began her story, her eyes stayed transfixed on a certain spot on the floor.

"When Ranma was sixteen, his foolish father carried him to the cursed springs of Jusenkyou. Genma ignored the warnings posted along the springs. Eventually, they knocked each other into different springs. Genma, your husband, was knocked into the spring of drowned panda and turns into a panda every time he is splashed with cold water. Your son (pause) was knocked into the spring of drowned girl, and turns into a girl every time he is splashed with cold water. The curse can be reversed with hot water. Recently, your son was cursed again with the same water, locking him into his girl form. He has since married Akane Tendo who has been cursed with the spring of drowned boy. I am Ranma, your son."

Ranma lifted her head and watched her mother, her eyes betrayed how much she hoped her mother would believe her. She could see the emotions playing against her mother's face. She saw love, anger, disappointment, disbelief. She hoped her mother would understand, that her mother would accept her. If she did, then everything would be alright. She would have a family again. She would have a purpose. Ranma waited patiently as her mother sorted out her feelings.

"How dare you..." muttered Nodoka threateningly. "How dare come into my house with such lies!"

"Mom..."

"My son is a man among men: a strong handsome man, a great martial artist and a sensei. How dare you sully his name in my house!"

"Mom...I..."

"Shut up! I have no daughter!"

"It’s the truth!" shouted back Ranma. "Go ahead, ask the Tendos. They’ll tell you it’s the truth."

Nodoka drew her katana. How dare this girl defame the name of her precious son? He was no girl. He was a man! Genma had promised to make him a man among men. Under the contract he had to.

"Get out! Get out of my house with your lies! What has my son ever done to you!"

"I am your son!" shouted Ranma.

Nodoka slashed, catching Ranma by surprise. She had hardly any time to dodge. A thin trickle of blood came from where the katana had sliced her upper arm through the kimono.

"Get out of my house! And if I ever see you again..." she left the threat open.

Ranma gazed at her mother. She saw the fear and the anger in her mother’s eyes. She had lost. Her last hope had been destroyed. Her limbs shook with anger, but this was her mother. She was not prepared to fight her mother. The katana loomed in front of her face. She summoned her rock hard will, kami knows she needed it, and bowed.

"Goodbye Saotome Nodoka."

Nodoka watched the girl leave. Her hands trembled in rage. How dare that little slut say those things about her son? The people in the shrine had entered the house looking for her. She unceremoniously shoved them away. Her eyes somehow fell upon two separate photos in her living room. One was a boy of about five years; the other was of a sixteen-year-old girl. Nodoka saw the resemblance but refused to believe it. She had a son. The girl had to be lying. She had a son, a handsome son, a man among men, a sensei; she had a son...

Ranma left the Saotome Household. She ripped off a piece of her kimono and applied it as a bandage. The blade was very sharp and the cut had been very clean, but it was a shallow wound. With her healing techniques it should be completely invisible in a couple of days.

Ranma though could not say the same for herself as she wandered aimlessly through the streets. She had lost her child, she had lost her husband, and she had lost her mother. She had no name, nothing to turn back to.

She was nameless, no better than the common beggar. She also had no right to practice the Art again. She belonged to no family, no Dojo. Before, if she had left, she could still be content and give her life to the Art, now she had to give up that part of her life as well. It was the only honourable thing to do. Sure she could practice, but she would never be able to teach or use the Art again. She felt the weight against her shoulders.

Her hand rifled through her pockets and returned with only a small amount of money. She had no money either. She sighed. She had nothing. No family, no ties. Nothing but the wind as it blew in her face. Only the wind, the rain, the snow and the sun. They were her family now. The moon was her mother, she had always comforted her when she was troubled. The earth was her father, providing food and shelter under his limbs. The snow, the rain and the wind were her brothers and sisters, playing with her when she needed a friend. And boy could she use a friend.

Her stomach growled.

She wondered how father earth would give her food.

"Ran-chan what are you doing here?"

"Ucchan!"

"Come on in Ran-chan, I’ll fix you a double deluxe special."

Ranma smiled. She hadn’t realised where were wanderings had led her. Good old Ucchan. Perhaps she still had a friend after all.

Ranma sat patiently at the counter as her stomach growled eliciting giggles form Ukyou. She was still depressed, but she acted happy for Ukyou’s sake. She didn’t want to burden possibly her only friend with all her troubles. Soon, a steaming hot okonomyaki faced her on the table. Ranma’s mouth watered. It smelled so good; it smelt like possibly the best okonomyaki Ucchan had ever made for her. She wondered if it was the hunger talking. She paused before engulfing the whole thing; her mother’s training had done her well. She saw what was written on the tomato paste and lost her appetite.

"Ucchan, we need to talk."

"What is it Ran-chan?"

For Ranma to refuse food was unheard of, for him to just sit and look at it was also unheard of.

"Could you bring me some hot water?"

Ukyou poured him a cup. She smiled as Ranma placed his hand in the cup. Although her Ran-chan was dressing up for his mother, she knew this person was not her Ran-chan. She had missed seeing his muscular body, his strong handsome muscular body. She waited for the change. Nothing happened. She placed her hand in the water. It was warm enough.

"Ran-chan, what’s going on?" she asked concerned.

"I can’t change back," replied Ranma.

"What do you mean you can’t change back!" she responded exasperatedly.

"See, I got splashed with the Nyannichuan again..."

"So we’ll just get some Nannichuan..."

"...I’m stuck like this...and I married Akane..."

Those words never registered in Ukyou’s mind.

"... I’ll just sell the restaurant and we can go to China and find the cure and then we’ll get married..." It sounded so simple to her. Ranma as her husband for the rest of his life. It was a dream. It was Ukyou’s dream world.

"Ucchan are you listening to me."

"Of course Ran-chan. We’ll be so happy together once we get to China and rid you of the curse..."

"Ucchan listen to me. The curse it’s permanent!"

"No it isn’t!" shouted back Ukyou. "You took my dowry so we will find a cure and then get married."

Ranma cringed. She couldn’t get married.

"What is it Ranma? What haven’t you told me?"

"I’m married already Ukyou..." she whispered.

"To who!" she shouted.

"To Akane..." Ranma whispered.

"You mean all this time you’ve been complaining about her and you still married her!" accused Ukyou.

"I love him!" shouted Ranma. "I love him..."she repeated silently to herself.

The rage built up inside Ukyou. All those years as a boy, all those years chasing Ranma, only to end up back at square one. Ranma was hers, he was supposed to be hers. Curse or not, he was hers. They had taken her dowry, he was hers!

"Damn you Ranma!"

"Ucchan please..."

Ukyou brandished her battle spatula and slapped Ranma with it. Why did Ranma marry Akane, why? She was supposed to get married to Ranma. She could have found a cure for him. Ranma grunted since she had made no attempt to block the spatula. She deserved this. She had lied for too long.

Ukyou lifted Ranma’s body in one quick stroke and punted Ranma out the roof. "And stay out!" she shouted after the fleeting body. She then collapsed on the floor and began to cry mercilessly.

Ranma slowly lifted herself off the street. She was really feeling depressed now, and it showed. She hung her head shamefully as she wandered. She showed no sign of her bright cocky attitude that was characteristic of her. She could add another one to the list. She had lost her child, her husband, her mother, and now her best friend. She knew her mother would be crying her heart out now and so would Ucchan. She never wanted to hurt them. She only wanted one thing. But that was the one thing the kami refused to let her have. She recognised the bridge as she came up to it. She had spent a lot of time alone down there. It was where she could get away from her life for a while. She sat there on the bridge and watched as the water came and past.

Akane was angry with her. He had gone so far as to disown her. Her heart felt torn to shreds. She just loved him so much. Her mother was also angry with her. The mother who bore her could only see her if she was a man. And Ucchan, all she wanted was a friend; all she got were fiancées. She sighed. A long hollow sigh. For once, she wanted the tears to come, to fill her eyes, but try as she may they still refused to shed any moisture. Her stomach growled loudly reminding her that she had not eaten in a long time. She ignored it. She had better things to think about than food. Her arms began to numb, but she paid no notice to them. That was not important.

Ranma wondered what would have happened if she had committed seppuku that night when she cursed Akane. She probably could have spared everyone all this pain. Seppuku...it was no longer an option. She had no family to honour, she belonged to no one, to no clan. Tomorrow she would have to begin a new life again, a life where she was hated by all those she loved. The waters below seemed so inviting, but she could not do that. She would be a coward if she took the easy way out, and if there was something that Ranma wasn’t, she wasn’t a coward. ‘I hate my life’ she thought. She was violently brought out of her reflection when a surge of pain swept through her abdomen. Ranma clutched her chest tightly. She felt like it was about to explode. Just as the wave of pain came, it left her. The bile rose up in her mouth and instinctively she bent down, spilling the foul, smelling, semi-solid contents of her stomach on the bridge. Her mouth and nose burned from the acid of her stomach.

She had barely reacted to the first wave, when the second wave slammed into her, bringing her to her knees.

Breathlessly, she struggled down the bridge, using the handrail. Another wave of pain slammed into her, forcing her to the ground again. She struggled to breathe. Did Tofu tell her the truth when he had examined her? She was sure he had lied to make her feel better. She staggered back to her feet and heard a loud rip as part of her kimono clung to a rusty nail sticking out of the railing. Ranma didn’t care how she looked right now. Up here, she was very vulnerable to any one of her enemies who would have cause to attack her. She stumbled around the support for the bridge and slid down the concrete wall at the side of the river: a trail of small bruises for her trouble. The pain was becoming overbearing again and the waves came more and more frequently. She felt as if her intestines were wringing themselves within her body. She huddled up under the concrete structure of the bridge, taking some shade from the elements. Her face writhed in pain as the contractions came again and again. She lay there and waited. The pain came in thrashing waves. She wondered if this was how delivering a child would feel. She wondered how much time had passed. She could feel the cold sweat pouring down her face as she continued to fight the pain.

She liked struggle. She always had, and she was intent on winning this battle. Her hands were an unnaturally pale colour and she thought she would make an ideal ghost. It came again and she braced for the impact. Her teeth ground against each other as she bit down. Her breaths came unevenly and in great gulps. She could feel herself on fire. Even as she fought down the pain, she knew eventually that it would get to her. Slowly, slowly but surely, her senses were overrun with pain impulses and one by one they began to shut down. She realised she could hear nothing, she could smell nothing. The world was darkening around her. The one thing Ranma said before she left was... "I love you Akane"

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

Akane Tendo sat under his favourite tree at the park. He held his feet up to his chest and clutched his knees. His eyes however betrayed the calm air that surrounded him. He had been there a long time, thinking about himself, about the curse, about Ranma and about Ryouga. How could she have done that to him? How could she have allowed Ryouga to take advantage of him so easily? Why, why had she done it? He knew it was partly his fault. Even with all those hints she had given him, he had been too blind to see the truth. He wondered just how many people knew about Ryouga’s curse.

"Damn you Ranma!" he cursed, but he put no real meaning into it. He loved her. He loved her too much to ever leave her. His thoughts came back to her again. Why did she do it? Why did she keep up the charade? Why hadn’t she told him? He wanted to cry? But he was a man now and men don’t cry. But he wished he could.

How long had he been here watching the waves of the pool? He checked his watch. Wow, two hours! He remembered that he was supposed to go with Ranma to the Saotome house to confront his mother-in-law. He would go to Tofu’s, accept Ranma’s apology, he would forgive her, and then they would go to the Saotome House together. It sounded like the perfect plan. All he had to do was patch up things with Ranma and everything would be okay. He would kill Ryouga the next time he saw the lost boy.

Oh no, the promises. He had failed again; he had promised that he would love her and listen to her. He had gone back on that promise. He had betrayed his promises just as he had betrayed his promise to Kasumi that he wouldn’t act without thinking. What had he done? He stared at the ground, contemplating what he should do. He would go to Ranma first. He struggled to get up as his cramped feet refused to move.

As he moved, he barely made out the silhouette of someone creeping down the bridge. He wondered if she needed help, but as soon as he saw her, she disappeared. He wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him. He shook off the feeling and struggled back to Tofu sensei’s house, his mind heavy.

All that thinking had done him some justice. How many times had he accused Ranma? How many times had he called Ranma a bully? How many times had he hit her for apparently little less than a good reason? He too needed to apologise. He would apologise, she would apologise, they would make up, and things would be as good as knew.

Akane easily made it across from the park to the clinic. He knocked on the door.

"Akane, come in come in," beckoned Tofu, his face a partially hidden mask

Akane looked around. "Sensei, where is Ranma?"

"Before I answer that question Akane, did you and Ranma have a fight?"

Akane nodded sheepishly.

"Did you denounce Ranma?" he asked pointedly. There was no time for chitchat. The sooner things got resolved, the easier it would be for the two to patch things up.

"Of course not why would I...Oh no...did she..."

"No no, she didn’t do anything. I just wondered why she would said she had no husband."

Akane tried her best to remember what he had told Ranma when he was anger. He face began to pale when he remembered what he told her.

"Sensei...where did...where did she go?" Akane stammered.

"She went to see her mother," replied Tofu. After that, all he heard was the slamming of the door as Akane ran out of the clinic. Tofu decided that those had hinged doors were definitely a good investment instead of the usual sliding doors, with Ranma and the others, he would have to replace sliding doors every other day.

 Akane was not totally in control of her new body, but he needed to get to the Saotome house and quickly. He was supposed to be Ranma’s back up. He knew Ranma was lousy at explaining things and they had decided that he would be the one to explain. He hoped he wouldn’t be too late. What if Ranma’s mother had asked her to commit seppuku? Ranma would surely tell her no, wouldn’t she? After all she was his wif...Damn. If she thought he had denounced her, and it sure sounded a lot like that when he thought about it, she wouldn’t have much of a reason to stay. His pace quickened. He couldn’t lose her, not like this. He could fathom losing her to some all powerful enemy but he couldn’t see himself losing her by his own stupid words. Why did he have to say those things to her? Why couldn’t he have just sat down and talked with her?

He had slapped her! Oh god, he had slapped her! He had promised that he wouldn’t, he had promised that he would only be there for her. What had he done? She was his life, and he had pushed her away. But that wasn’t the thing that scared him the most, the thing that scared him was that it had been so easy. It had been so easy for him to get angry at her, to sl...slap her, to blame her . He didn’t once blame Ryouga or himself: only her. Had he been so conceited all this time? Had his view of Ranma always been so myopic? He had wronged her so many times. Sure she had been an insensitive jerk, but what else could you expect from someone who had been brought up with an excuse for a father for ten years.

The coldness began to gather as the night drew on. Akane felt it as he raced and as his mind raced as well. Ranma had taken so much abuse from him. He only hoped that they would survive this time like they always had. Like she always had...alone. She always had to deal with everything alone. Akane had Kasumi, Ranma had...

No he would not continue his train of thought. It was too depressing. He would find Ranma at the Saotome House and they would make up there. Akane cemented the idea in his head and forced himself to believe it. Nothing had happened to Ranma, for if anything had happened, Akane knew he would follow Ranma wherever she went.

He was fast approaching the Saotome house. He considered bursting through the doors but decided against it. The house for some reason seemed to alarm him and the reason was quite simple. The whole house was in darkness, except for a single light that flickered in the living room. The way the light played against the walls showed that it had to be a candle.

Akane cautiously knocked on the door. Something was going on here. He was by no means a coward, but the situation warranted that caution be used. There was no answer so he cracked the door open. He saw no one. He flicked the light switch that he knew would illuminate the room.

"Ranma is that you!" exclaimed a voice. Nodoka.

"No Auntie Saotome, I’m not Ranma."

Akane got a good look at the woman and at the house. Decorations for some party were plastered against the wall, no doubt for a wedding by the looks of it. Akane struggled with herself, trying not to jump to conclusions like he always had. That would get him nowhere but deeper in trouble. His eyes fell back on the woman in front him. The age showed in her eyes. The little makeup she had applied to her face was smudged. Her eyes looked haunted, troubled.

Nodoka released him. "Who are you then, and what are you doing in my house?" she demanded.

"Auntie, it’s me, it’s Akane..."

"I don’t know any boy named Akane, the only Akane I know of is Tendo Akane. Who are you?" asked Nodoka again. This time she added a little edge to her voice.

"I’m Tendo Akane," replied Akane exasperatedly.

"Akane is a girl, you’re a boy," contested Nodoka.

"I was cursed to become a boy," replied Akane, "So that I could be with Ranma."

"And what of my son? Have you seen him?"

"Ranko is your son," replied Akane.

"No, Ranma is a man, a man among men. I gave birth to a boy. A beautiful baby boy..."

"Ranko is Ranma," insisted Akane.

She saw the glint of steel as the katana appeared in Nodoka’s hands. Akane did not look at the katana however, he focused on Nodoka’s eyes. He tried to read her thoughts, to see what she was thinking or planning. There had o be some way to convince her that Ranma was Ranko. Neither himself nor Ranma could change back, but maybe someone else.

Akane carefully walked around the fidgeting woman. The light played against her face. Her cheeks were red and streaked from obvious crying. He wondered just how sane she was at the moment. Cautiously he made his way to the phone. Neither spoke, but the communication was evident in their eyes. Nodoka told Akane that if he made any sudden moves he would be sorry. Akane saw the threat and moved slowly to the phone. Reaching the phone, he kept one eye on his mother-in-law and the other on the phone as he dialled. The call was short and sweet. He only needed a small demonstration.

He replaced the receiver and cautiously walked back to the sofas and sat down.

"I’m going to prove to you that Ranma is Ranko."

"And how are you going to do that young man?" asked Nodoka, katana in hand.

"Someone will be coming to deliver some food here, I’ll show you when he comes."

Akane eyed the cup of tea on the table in front of him. Hopefully it would be cold enough to trigger the change. After five minutes, there was a knock on the door. Nodoka had kept her position and beckoned with her katana for Akane to open the door. Akane held the teacup in one hand and cautiously trekked over to the door an opened it. A face familiar to her opened it.

"Nekohanten delivery."

"Please come inside and I’ll get you the money."

A tall young man with very thick glasses and long flowing white robes stepped into the house.

Akane fumbled it his pockets looking for a little bit of change. He found a bit of money in one. He pulled it out and handed it to Mousse, making sure to tip the contents of the teacup onto Mousse’s hand. As the liquid splashed against Mousse’s hand, the transformation occurred. The man’s body disappeared and was replaced by a duck swimming in white clothes. The clothes suddenly disappeared as the duck flapped his wings. The duck bowed to Akane and Nodoka and flew out of the house. Akane closed the door behind the duck.

Akane turned and saw Nodoka’s eyes open in wonderment. She katana fell from her limp hand and Akane barely made it in time to catch her before she collapsed.

"It’s true...It’s all true..." she whispered to no one.

Akane knew there would be no way of finding Ranma if she couldn’t get through to her mother-in-law. He lifted her effortlessly off the floor and placed her on the sofa.

Nodoka stared into his eyes and traced her hand across his face.

"It is true..." she whispered again. "I have no son."

"No," replied Akane, "But you have a daughter and a son-in-law."

Akane wondered where his strength was coming from. He had never exhibited this much control before. Could it be that he was calmer as a guy? He shuddered slightly at the thought. Nodoka pulled herself tighter into a ball.

"I am sorry Akane-kun, but I...I have done my child a terrible disservice."

The woman was pale and almost to the brink of tears. Akane rushed off to the kitchen and found a slightly warm kettle of tea. He poured some into a cup and handed it to her on his return. She accepted it graciously from her prone position of the sofa... While she drank, his eyes darted to every nook and cranny, trying to determine if Ranma had been here, or how long she had left. With no katana threatening him, he was free to examine the house. His eyes brought him to two pictures, one of a young male Ranma and the other of his wife. Something else caught his attention, it was long and shiny, glistening and gleaming like a demonic tooth. He hadn’t given it any regard during the encounter with his mother-in-law since he had focused all his attention on her face. Akane began to turn very pale at the prospects of what he saw. His legs began to fail him; he dropped to his knees. He hadn’t reached in time. He had failed her; he had failed his Ranma. He had not been there for her. She was gone. Dried on the edge of the menacing sword stood were the stains of blood Akane knew was Ranma’s.

Akane struggled to keep himself from bawling out. He had been too late. If only he hadn’t shouted at her. If only he hadn’t left, she would be right here with him. His love, his life, his all; she was gone and he was gone too. He felt empty, he felt alone...and the fire was lit once again.

That woman! That murderer, she had done this! He clenched his fists. He would kill her then he would join his beloved wife. A hand rested against his shoulders and the owner spoke as if sensing his mood.

"I hit her, I wounded by own daughter," croaked Nodoka. "I knew it then, I saw the resemblance, but I...I couldn’t accept it. I had a son," she rambled, "but he is dead. I have a daughter now. I want my daughter. I want to see my daughter grow up. I want to see my grandchildren grow up."

Akane looked up to see the pain in her eyes.

"Please, I beg you! Find my daughter. Find her and tell her that her mother loves her."

Akane fists loosed as Nodoka let the tears run free. The woman grabbed him in a fierce embrace as she cried.

"Akane, you must find her," sobbed Nodoka. "She is my only child and I love her so much."

Akane lifted the woman and carried her back to the sofa. She was trembling in his arms.

"Don’t worry Auntie, I’ll find her," he hoped.

 *************

Akane sat silently on the stairs. He was trying to calm himself, trying to think rationally, trying to think like Ranma. Where would he go if he were in Ranma’s position. Akane realized that although an infinite number of answers ranging from friends to family popped up for him, only a handful surfaced for Ranma. One of them was that Ranma would leave, that Ranma would leave Nerima forever and never come back. Akane hated to think about that, but it was a possibility. Another possibility popped into his mind. This was definitely the most plausible and possible of Ranma’s options. He raced for the phone. He could see that his energy had also affected Nodoka whose head perked up from the sofa when she heard Akane’s hurried footsteps.

The phone at the other end rang and rang, but he would not let it go, she had to be there.

asked Ukyou in a gruff voice over the telephone.

Akane slumped Ranma wasn’t there and by the sound of things, Ranma had lost her best friend. The depression was starting to get to him and his heart was heavy. He felt helpless. For some reason, his shoulders felt very heavy. Where was she, where was his Ranma? He sagged as he collapsed against the sofa, his eyes intently on the phone. He could hear Auntie Saotome sobbing within the house; a tear escaped his face. He wiped it away quickly, but it was easily replaced.

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

Ranma saw the lights. The soft glittering lights. They came in intervals. She could hear the chatting in the background: the angels. Ranma tried to turn to see the angels, but for some reason, she fell asleep again.

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

After a prolonged period of time thinking and pacing, Akane was getting anxious. He couldn’t just stay here and wait. He had to do something. He had to find Ranma. Auntie Nodoka was resting on the couch opposite to him. Stealthily, he made his way to the door and exited the house quietly.

The cold air hit him full blast in the face. Where could she be? Where would she go?

He took a moment to stare at the offending hand. The hand he had drawn in anger. He wanted to cut it off. He had spent part of the night soaping it, washing it, rubbing it, trying to remove the guilt he felt was soaked in it. This was his fault. Ranma was gone and it was all his fault. He should have listened to her; he should have let her explain. Damn, why did he have to be so hot-tempered? Sure Ryouga had looked at his female form, but that was nothing in comparison to losing her. She was all he ever wanted. From since he had first seen Ranma, Tofu had never looked quite as attractive as before. He loved her smile, her touch, her insensitive remarks. He...he had always liked quarrelling with her. It had been his vent. His vent against all those who were trying to control his life. He couldn’t live without that face, without that smile, without those eyes. Those eyes that seemed to pierce his very being and touch the innermost part of his soul. He had been afraid of her for just that reason. She evoked in him things he had never felt before. He had been afraid, afraid of what could happen. So afraid that he had resented and rebuked her for any little thing that looked like it could start something. He passed his hand to clear his wet eyes. He had been a fool. A fool not to embrace it when he had had the chance. He just hoped it was not too late.

His travels carried him to the school, to the various shops Ranma had frequented, to the various places he knew Ranma went to get away from it all. Every block he turned, every turn of his head, he expected beyond hope that he would spot her. That he would spot her and take her into his arms and smother her with love. He just had to find her, and he had to find her tonight. Ranma was Ranma and could do practically anything. He just had to find her.

Time passed as Akane wandered around Nerima. He had been searching well beyond two hours and had found no trace of her. He had even surreptitiously gone to the Dojo to check for her. The results were the same everywhere he went. He just couldn’t find her.

He found himself near the park again. Some young people were there near the bridge, chatting away at some nondescript rumour. He walked up onto the bridge and sighed as he watched over the water as it flowed down the river. It was a peaceful and serene picture, the total opposite of his heart. He took another step forward, and his front foot slid.

Akane looked down to see what he had stepped in. He held his mouth as he regarded the vomit on the floor. He wiped away the caustic substance from his shoes and began to walk away until something caught his attention. It was nothing really, only a small piece of red cloth not even fit to be called a rag. He pulled it from its captor, tearing it from the nail. His eyes opened wide. It was the same colour and pattern Ranma had been wearing. Ranma had been here. Akane studied the ground. Maybe he could find a clue. He could find nothing. Another scrap of cloth caught his attention near the edge of the bridge, building his hope. He practically flew to it. It was the same material and colour also.

"Ranma!" shouted Akane. There was no response.

Then Akane noticed the scrapings against the weeds near the edge. Something had slipped down there recently. His curiosity got the better of him and he slipped down the slanted walls. He gasped in horror at what he saw.

"No! Ranma!"

He ran to her and cradled her in his arms. Her skin was a deathly pale colour. She showed absolutely no sign of consciousness and her limbs lay limply on the floor. He shook her trying to wake her, but something was wrong. She wouldn't get up. Her pulse was very faint. Akane was crying. He was losing Ranma. No damn it, he wouldn’t lose her, not again. Dr. Tofu could help; he could bring her back. He held her tightly and began to run, stretching his body to the limit. He wished he could take back all the thing he had told her, he wished he could take back this whole day, he wished that they had never left the shrine. He could feel her slipping away with every passing moment. He would not let her go, not now, not ever. He would follow her if he had to.

"Ranma hold on," he cried as he pushed himself to the limit.

Akane did not know how many times he prayed to the kami that she would be alright. Every moment that passed had not escaped him. The few minutes that he spent running seemed like ages. He had to get her there and he had to get her there quickly.

The large white house loomed in front of him. If it was one thing for his body, he was well conditioned from his chases with Ranma. He did not feel the stress on his muscles after all that running. His mind was focused on one thing, getting Ranma to Dr. Tofu. He barrelled through the doors of the clinic like a madman he had no use for them. Where was Tofu? Tofu had to be here!

"Tofu-sensei!" cried Akane.

He appeared from behind the stairs, "Akane what is it."

His question was answered when he saw Ranma in Akane’s hands.

"What happened?" questioned Tofu.

"I don’t know sensei. I found her, I found her like this under the bridge."

Tofu critically analysed Ranma's condition. Evidently she had been cut along her right arm. The bandage there was self-evident. She had also been creeping along the ground as shown by the dark stains around the kneecaps on her kimono. Her hair was matted with the grime it had collected under the bridge. The cut had already clotted. Tofu knew what had happened, Ranma had had a relapse. He was afraid that this would happen. He dashed to his cabinets, pulling various herbs out and mashing them to a paste. He would have to hurry, Ranma was fighting, but she was fading fast. That poison would have killed a lesser person a long time ago.

Akane was hovering over Ranma like a scared chicken. Tofu ordered him to sit down next to Ranma. Finished with his remedy, Tofu pressed some of Ranma’s pressure points causing her to swallow the concoction.

"Dr. Tofu, will she...will she be alright?"

"We will just have to wait and see."

Tofu regarded both Ranma and Akane. Ranma was one of the strongest and most energetic persons he knew. He wondered what could get her so stressed out that she would succumb to a relapse of the poison. From the look in Akane eyes, he knew that the boy knew. There was no sense in stressing the point now however. He could see the fear in Akane’s eyes: the fear of losing Ranma. He hoped he would never have to go through that fear.

Akane and Tofu stayed by Ranma’s side as she lay on the bed. Hours had passed and Ranma had relievingly shown some sign of improvement. Her pulse had grown stronger and her colour was coming back. Akane had fallen asleep. His head lay against Ranma’s chest as he held her hands in his. Tofu did not want to disturb them. He let them sleep. Ranma was out of the danger zone.

An hour later, Akane woke up and berated himself for falling asleep.

"Mmm...." murmured Ranma from the bed.

"Ranma!" Akane dashed to the girl’s side. Tofu silently slipped out of the room, leaving the pair to their privacy. He was still amazed at how quick Ranma could bounce back from near death. It had only been about six hours since he had administered the antidote and already she was stirring. He wondered if her healing powers were genetic, magical or learned. He sighed. He would never be able to figure out how Ranma healed so quickly. If he was more observant, he might have seen a shadow keeping watch over the young woman.

Ranma’s head was spinning again. The lights were glaring at her as she opened them for the first time. Reflexively she closed them and opened them again. The glare was very great, but someone was blocking the light now. Her eyes began to focus and when she saw whom it was, her mind shouted with joy, but she ousted the intense desire to jump into those hands. Something was stopping her...she tried to say something, but the room turned black again.

Akane watched and Ranma moved in and out of consciousness. Occasionally she would mutter a word now and again, but whatever she was saying was muttered garbage to the average listener. To Akane however, it was music to his ears. Ranma was alive. She was alive and she was able to speak. He held her hands tightly as he stroked her cheek. There was no chance of him falling asleep with her this close to him again.

Ranma drowsily opened her eyes and tried to shield them from the sunlight that was starting to pour from the open window. Her hands reflexively pulled themselves from wherever they were previously trapped and covered her eyes. The next thing she knew, someone was crushing her. She tried to pry herself from the grip but found herself with hardly any strength. The arms pulled away and Ranma saw who it was.

She shirked away from him.

Akane could see it in her face. He could see the torment and the pain. He knew what Ranma was going through and knowing he was the cause of all her suffering made him feel lower than dirt. His heart pained to see her looking at him with such apprehension. Her eyes no longer regarded him with the pure selfless love he saw the day before. Instead, he saw the dread and fear that had replaced it. It was tearing him apart to see her like this.

"Ranma what’s wrong?" asked Akane.

"You hate me," she barely replied.

"No, no...Ranma I’m sorry, I should have listened, I should have let you explain," he pleaded. He could see that his words were having a positive effect. Ranma was no longer cringing from him. "Hon, I love you. You are my wife and I’m sorry."

"But you still hate me..." she replied quietly.

"No Ranma don’t say that, please don’t say that. I love you; I love with all my heart. I’m so sorry...so sorry (he started to cry as he held her in his arms) I almost lost you. I almost lost you because I...I was so angry..."

"I love you too Akane," she pronounced weakly. "Just never leave me again."

Akane nodded his head and hugged her. Showering her with kisses. He held her tightly and brought her to lie against his chest. He did not want to let her go again.

Ranma felt the sleep coming again, but this time it would okay. She belonged again. She had someone to take care of again. She had her husband again, and that was all that mattered to her.

As if on cue, Tofu opened the door. Akane was in the middle of giving Ranma a kiss on her lips and gently pulled away.

"Well I think it’s time you head back home," announced Tofu.

"What you mean we can leave?" asked Akane incredulously.

"I have full confidence in Ranma’s healing abilities, it’s you I’m worried about."

"Huh?"

"Akane if I let Ranma go home, you must promise me something."

Akane knew Ranma hated going to the clinic as much as going to hospitals. Besides, he wanted to be there for her, to make up for all the broken promises. He wanted to comfort her as she got well. He wanted to give her all the attention and love that he could possibly give her.

"Anything."

"You must keep her happy for the next few days. You are the only one who can do this. It is imperative that you keep her in a stress free environment for the next few days."

"I will," promised Akane

Akane still held Ranma tightly to his body as the girl slept fitfully. Tofu dangled a pair of keys in the air.

"Need a lift?"

Akane just nodded and held Ranma closer. Ranma snuggled into his chest, searching for the warmth. In her mind she knew she was safe for now. Safe in those strong hands.

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

"Remember Akane, keep her in a stress free environment," warned Tofu. "It will take about a week for all of the poison to be completely purged."

Akane thanked him and walked up the stairs of the Saotome House. The car drove off. Akane could see barely any sign of life in the living room. He knocked on the door with his elbow, wondering why it felt so hollow. The door creaked opened to reveal a weary Nodoka. However, when she saw the package in Akane’s hands, her face miraculously brightened. What had once been the tired face of an old woman had suddenly been transformed into the face of a young woman faced with the beauty of her young child. She bade Akane to enter the house and led him up the stairs to Ranma’s room. Nothing had been touched since she had left. Akane lay his wife down gently onto the large bed. Ranma curled up against the wall. Akane was about to leave when a barrier faced him at the door.

"You are the husband," advised Nodoka, "Her welfare is your responsibility."

Akane did not need to be told twice. When Nodoka closed the door, he undressed and crawled onto the bed. The morning was still a bit was cold, so he pulled the cover off the floor. He pulled her closer to him and she readily responded to his warmth, cuddling into his warm body. With one swift motion, Akane draped both his arm and the cover it contained over his wife. He smelled her hair well maybe he shouldn’t have smelled her hair. He ignored his nasal impulses and hugged her closer to him. They had climbed the first mountain. Ranma was back with him again and that was all that mattered. He closed his eyes and unlike earlier that night, his dreams were infinitely more pleasant.

Nodoka prepared. She had her child again. This time she would set things right. There were a couple of things to do first, but her daughter was safely sleeping with her husband. She had seen the bags under Akane’s eyes. She doubted that the boy had got more than an hour of sleep for the whole night. Nodoka smiled a contented smile. She still had to apologise to her daughter, but everything would happen in due time. She got out an old book from the cabinet filled with the names of people who owed her favours. She would send her daughter into the married world the right way. She also looked around for the number of the Tendo Household. She would have been elated to tell them everything, but that was not her right. That right belonged solely to the two sleeping upstairs. For the first time in ten years, Nodoka felt complete again.

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

In the early morning, Akane felt a slight shuffle. He opened his eyes just in time to see Ranma trying to sneak out of the room. She had just crawled over him, and her hand lay near the bed. He held her hand.

"Just where are you going?" he asked

"To take a bath," Ranma replied with a tad bit of annoyance. She felt really filthy and smelt rather filthy as well. That’s what you get for sleeping next to a river. She longed to feel clean again. She had no idea what day it was or how long she had been out.

"You’re not supposed to be up," warned Akane. Tofu had said to keep her off her feet.

"Hey I’m not an invalid you know!" retorted Ranma.

Akane just smiled and in one quick movement he jumped off the bed and scooped her up in his arms.

"Hey, I told you I don’t need your help," protested Ranma.

Ranma saw that smile again. Akane was planning something. She knew he was planning something. She should be angry with him, but she felt sore and too tired to start any kind of argument. She really wasn’t feeling up to any kind of argument right now.

"I thought that I could give you a sponge bath," replied Akane with a hungry look in his eye.

"A sponge bath?"

"Yes, I can wash here..." He caressed her face with his lips. She shouldn’t be letting him get away with this.

"Mmm..."

"Here..." He caressed her breasts with his free hand.

"Ahhh...."

"Or here..." He went a bit lower.

"Oh my!"

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

Ranma lazily lay against her husband in the warm water. His hands were gently massaging the shampoo into her hair much to her pleasure. Akane could read the smile on Ranma’s face without facing her. He knew her that well. He had already passed his hands longingly across every inch of her body as he gave her the most thorough of baths. He lightly rinsed her hair off with some warm water from the tap. She bent her head onto his shoulder and he could see her face. Her eyes were closed and she was enjoying the moment. He hated to have to disturb her when she was in this mood, but something had been gnawing against his conscience for the whole time since they had been awake.

"Ranma."

"Hmm..."

"I want to tell you something."

"Umm..."

"I sorry about the other night and I promise that I will always listen to you before I say anything else."

Ranma eyes were awake and alive now. She turned to face him. Her eyes glittered and Akane knew she was thinking about something. Ranma’s strength had slowly returned to her. She shoved Akane to the edge of the furo, and slapped him lightly on the cheek. The slap had so little punch that Akane’s skin refused to even turn red.

Ranma looked at Akane evenly.

"Akane, if you ever, ever leave me like that or threaten me again, I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth. I will hunt you down and sell you to Asuza as her private model or brand you Ranma’s brother and sell you to Kodachi. I am sure she is willing to entertain the notion of marrying Ranma’s brother, or I can send you on a very long training trip with our fathers as your company. I think you will love training under my father. Am I making myself clear!"

Akane gulped. Being married to Kodachi was not a very appealing prospect.

"Hello! Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes..." stuttered Akane.

"Good," replied Ranma, "Now get to work and start massaging my back."

"Yes dear," replied Akane weakly.

Was Akane dreaming or did he just fall into the role of Ranma’s slave for the next few days?

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

Nodoka sat patiently downstairs with breakfast. Last night she had had a long talk with her son-in-law. She was surprised that they were married. Akane did not tell her exactly why they got married, he only told her that he loved Ranma very much and he would take very good care of her daughter. Of that, Nodoka had no doubts. She had given Akane a sedative after he had eaten supper. She spied them as they crept towards the bathroom that morning and hastened to prepare breakfast. She knew what an appetite her daughter had and having not eaten for a day, she knew her daughter would be famished. She had never seen two people take that long to take a bath. It had been what, almost two hours! Well, they were newlyweds. She only hoped Akane wouldn’t be doing that with Ranma in her present condition.

The door slid open and Akane and Ranma descended the stairs with a pair of bathrobes on. Genma’s old bathrobe seemed to suit Akane just fine. Akane tried to help his wife down, but she refused his aid, preferring to use the railing for her guidance. She just had to work out the kinks in her legs, before they could work properly. They were still a bit stiff. However, she did accept his help when he helped her to sit down for breakfast. Akane sat very close to Ranma and squeezed her hands under the table. He still had no real idea how she felt. She had been totally unemotional whole morning since he had first started to give her a bath. She had accepted his affections for the most part, but had not given him any. If Ranma was laying the guilt trip on him, she was laying it on very heavy. Akane still felt ashamed and remorseful for what he had done.

Breakfast was laid out in front of them. Ranma wondered why her mother had placed a lit candle at the centre to the table. However, she had no time to think about that when she recognised the layout and the seating arrangements... Her mother had given her a job to do. Ranma nervously served Akane then her mother, then herself. She waited for Akane and her mother to begin before she started eating, and did she eat.

Akane was surprised at the table manners Ranma was showing, but though she used the chopsticks at a normal pace, therein the similarities stopped. Whereas a normal person would eat and chew, it seemed Ranma only ate and swallowed. The chopsticks moved at a constant, pace. He was wondering how Ranma had not choked as yet. When she was finally finished, there was not a scrap of food on the table.

Nodoka was very proud of her daughter. She had managed to do everything correctly, proving herself a worthy hostess. Now for the hard part.

Nodoka removed the dishes and sat back down to face the pair. Ranma’s hands were trembling and Akane held them for reassurance. Ranma however would not give him the satisfaction of a smile or glance in his direction. Nodoka placed the family sword on the table along with a perfumed box.

The box was hand crafted from a sweet smelling hard wood. The intricate designs painted on it depicted a warm spring morning. The shapes of budding trees and fragrant flowers cascaded around the wooden frame and on the cover, the outline of two people lying against the flowers was clearly defined. It was truly a work of art.

Nodoka lifted the lid, and pulled out an old piece of parchment. It’s once white base was now a creamy yellow colour. Ranma knew what it was. Nodoka lay it on the table.

"When I made this agreement, my husband promised that he would make my son a man among men. My son died on that training voyage. I have a daughter now, a beautiful young woman who has captured the heart of a handsome young man. I will not let my husband’s failings affect her."

Nodoka picked up the parchment in her hand, then held it to the flame. The paper turned to ashes in only seconds. Both Ranma and Nodoka’s faces were streaked with tears.

"Mom?"

"My daughter!"

Nodoka rushed across the table and hugged her daughter dearly.

"Daughter, I am sorry. I should have listened. I should have known."

"There’s no way you could have known," replied Ranma through her tears.

Nodoka kissed her child on the forehead.

"I love you Ranma."

"I love you too mom."

The two embraced as Akane watched. His eyes were also teary. This brought back memories of his own mother before she had passed away. He had never totally dealt with her memories, but seeing this, it was helping.

Nodoka disengaged herself from her daughter.

"Now son, I hope I hope you take care of my daughter, and in case you don’t..."

Akane was stunned. Nodoka had called him her son. He sat there trying to absorb those words. Ranma on the other hand was watching his mother retrieve the katana.

"Daughter, this katana has been passed from one generation to the next, the time has come when I must insist that you remove it from my hands. It is yours my daughter, the family honour lies in your hands."

Nodoka offered Ranma the katana, and Ranma gently took it from her. They bowed to each other, then they embraced each other again.

Akane helped his wife up off the floor. Ranma replaced the katana on the mantle of the Saotome family hearth. Akane picked her up to her annoyance and gently lay her down on the sofa. He lay next to her.

Ranma was trying to keep a passive face around Akane. She was trying really hard to make him sweat, but she was having a hard time and her resolve was fading. She knew he really was sorry about what he had done and she knew he would never do it again. He better had not, otherwise the pain he would feel would be nothing like what she went through. Finally breaking, she grabbed an unsuspecting Akane and kissed him, forcing him into a very long kiss; so long that he was starting to turn blue. Ranma decided to give him a break. When she disengaged her lips from his, Akane was panting and trying to catch his breath. Ranma snaked her arms around him and rest her head against his shoulder.

"Akane, I forgive you. But if you ever do anything like that to me again. I will carry out those threats."

Akane kissed her lightly on the side of her head. His Ranma had forgiven him and she was back. There was no chance he would ever leave her again. He was hers forever.

The two sat comfortably at the television watching each other more than the various programs on the channels, basking in each other's presence.

Nodoka hated to interrupt them. They were just perfect there. She wished she had a camera somewhere. They looked just like Genma and she had when they got married. She cleared her throat, grabbing their attention.

"I called Kasumi and told her that you spent the night here."

Akane slapped his head. Stupid, he had forgotten all about Kasumi. Ranma giggled.

"I hope you are both packed and ready," commented Nodoka.

"What?" replied a confused Ranma and Akane.

"Oh Dr. Tofu gave me instructions yesterday that Ranma should be kept stress free, that means she can’t go to school for a few days...it also means that her husband can’t go to school since it is his duty to keep her safe..."

Ranma wanted to know why her mother was starting to grin from ear to ear.

"...therefore I sending you to a mountain lodge for a vacation."

"Vacation?" they replied, honeymoon was what the two newlyweds thought.

"Well of course," replied Nodoka as a matter of factly, "And by the way I do want grandchildren and lots of them. Remember, it is the husband’s job to make sure the wife is always content," replied a sly Nodoka. Both the newlyweds' faces were bright red. She laughed. Then Ranma and Akane looked at each other the same thoughts passed through their minds. A honeymoon, no one except the two of them and a warm cosy bed. Akane bolted up, dragging his still recovering wife up the stairs. Nodoka watched them go, she could see her house filled with all those grandchildren. Ranma had perfect childbearing hips of course; she got them from her mother.

In seconds the two of them were packed, Ranma showing Akane the benefits of the Anything Goes Unlimited Training Trip Packing Techniques, which meant: you’re going to be with me for most of the day, and we won’t be wearing any clothes.

The two arrived downstairs with Ranma in Akane’s hands much to her annoyance but Akane’s insistence. There was only a backpack in Ranma’s hand. The taxi had arrived and they were off.

Nodoka saw them off and waited for the car to turn the corner. For the first time in a very long time, she felt that everything was starting to fall into place. She had her child back; her precious Ranma. Now for Genma, then she realised that it was no longer her job anymore. That job belonged to her daughter and it was up to her daughter to exact punishment. She had waited ten years for her child; she could wait another fortnight for her husband.

She rang the Tendo household, informing them that she would be carrying Ranko and Akane on a bridal training trip. In the background, she heard a splash, and then she thought she heard someone scratching something with sandpaper.

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