Disclaimer: Ranma ½ and its characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi. This story is for the free use and enjoyment of those who read it.

 

 

Schools United

Chapter Eight

By Michael Fetter

 

 

      The clinic always felt a little more heavy without Kasumi around to lighten peoples’ spirits. She hadn’t been gone long, a couple days, and they did call upon arriving in China mainland late last night. By this time, Toufuu expected the two sisters to be hiking through the mountains.

      It was a funny thought for Toufuu. Kasumi never seemed to be the physical type, but he expected she would do better than her sister Nabiki. This was certainly one way of building respect for the things Ranma and the other martial artists went through.

      With the afternoon patients taken care of, Toufuu went about the clinic to be sure things were in order and clean. He was a bit out of practice after having Kasumi’s help for so long. Though she was still learning to be a doctor, Kasumi did quite a bit more than just clean up the waiting area. Sometimes he forgets just how helpful she is. There were needles to clean and prepare, cultures to observe and record, samples to look at, and old texts to keep current on.

      Rubbing the tension from his shoulders, Toufuu replaced the broom in the closet and dumped the dirt he collected into a waste bin. The tables were wiped down and the used gloves were in the trash. He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and locked the herb cabinet. Toufuu had never had to lock anything up since before he married Kasumi.

      Someone had entered the clinic late one night and removed some herbs from his cabinet. They were mostly harmless unless you knew the proper proportions and preparations to make them useful. The thief knew what they were looking for, apparently. Only certain, fairly rare, herbs were taken, and then only certain amounts.

      The doors rattled, but remained closed as he checked the lock before leaving the examination room. The kids were probably upstairs playing quietly. They were pretty good most of the time, excited and curious about some thing, but that was natural. For a while there, Toufuu was certain Kasumi was going to ask for more children, and that might have been excessive, especially if they got more twins.

      Kei had taken care of the waiting room for him, organizing magazines and locking the door while they took a lunch break. Whispers could be heard coming from the master bedroom.

      “Look, see.”

      “Who is he?”

      “I don’t know, but he’s cute, huh?”

      “Think he was mommy’s boyfriend before daddy?”

      “Sure! Mom probably had lots!”

      “And dad got jealous.”

      “And beat’em up to save her!”

      The girls giggled, unaware that they were now being observed from the door. Toufuu had a curious smile to wonder why they would think such things. Kei and Yuri sat with their backs to him, a large photo album open on Yuri’s lap. He could tell it was Kasumi’s by the bit of blue frill on the edges.

      “Find something interesting, did you?”

      The girls started, jumping off the bed and snapping the album shut.

      Smiling, Toufuu crossed the room to pluck the album from Yuri’s grasp and give it a look over. His eyes opened a little wider, noticing it was not one he’d seen before. “Where did you find this, Yuri?”

      “It was behind the dresser.” She piped back, pointing at the wooden chest of drawers beside the closet. “Sorry.”

      “Why?”

      Yuri continued to look at the ground with her hands clasped in front of her. Kei spoke up after a moment of silence. “Mom didn’t want us to look at it.”

      Toufuu blinked. He couldn’t imagine Kasumi actually denying the twins something as simple as this. Curious, Toufuu sat down on the bed and began to leaf through the photo album himself. Kei and Yuri crawled up behind him.

      The first few pages had pictures of the three Tendou daughters from their childhood. Only five pictures had images of their mother, surrounded by childish highlights and flowery borders. Kasumi, Nabiki, and little Akane were all smiles and gis with their proud father holding them together. Some had Tendou Kumiko by herself, beside the pond, like she were pondering some fond activity to enjoy with her family later.

      Toufuu smiled at these. Kasumi was the only one old enough to have any real memories of Kumiko anymore, and she had tried to remember them for her sisters also. It was what drove Kasumi to be such a good homemaker and caregiver. His smile slipped a bit on the next few pages.

      A dramatic change had taken place after Kumiko’s death. Each of the sisters were more serious. Soun tried to smile for whoever was taking the pictures, but his eyes were clearly red from crying. There were fewer of these pictures, spanning almost ten years of the Tendou’s childhood.

      Another change came across the Tendous. Kasumi was still very calm and tranquil, but she watched life with much more interest than she had before. She wasn’t stopping by the clinic as often then, but there was usually a need for her at home, so Toufuu hadn’t minded; the time away helped him deal with the love madness.

Nabiki, who had been cold and calculating, was not so invulnerable anymore. Toufuu couldn’t believe that anything would break through the girl’s wall of ice. She even smiled on occasion, which others had jokingly referred to as a sign of the apocalypse.

Akane was angry, furious really, more often, but she also smiled. Her attitude was so erratic sometimes, touching upon the extremes so easily. Despite that, Akane was wearing her dresses more often, practicing her martial arts harder, and developing a new technique without thinking about it; most had called it ‘Mallet Madness’.

All this because of one young man, Ranma. For a dozen pages, half of the book, there were pictures of Saotome Ranma, in both forms. Many of them were obviously taken by Nabiki because of their ‘vulnerable’ nature. There were scenes: Akane and Ranma at the table, the boy/girl being hit over the head, dressed up for dates and dances. There was also a brief period with Ranma sitting uneasily beside Nabiki, who pulled Ranma along wherever she went. Despite how they treated each other, Nabiki certainly didn’t seem to mind having Ranma around.

The pictures stopped suddenly a little after the adventure to Jusendo. Only a few shots of Ranma and Akane coming closer together and then nothing. The last few pages of the album were empty of everything but a single picture.

Kei and Yuri were still talking as Toufuu went through the album, flipping past all the empty pages until he reached the end.

“Who was he, daddy?” Kei asked.

Yuri sat opposite her twin on the bed. With Toufuu in the middle there was nowhere he could look to avoid their curious and innocent gazes. Taking a deep breath, Toufuu studied the last picture again. “A good friend to your mother and her sisters.”

“How come he hasn’t been around then?” asked Yuri.

Smiling sadly, Toufuu closed the album and set it on the dresser. “He had to go away to keep your aunts happy.”

Perking up, Kei pressed further. “Will he be back again?”

“Do you think he’d play house with us? He’s cute!”

Toufuu laughed softly though he tried to keep his features serious. “I-I don’t know. Somebody did something very mean and he got very sad.”

“What happened?”

Toufuu looked at his girls, on the edge of the bed and waiting for his answer. What was it with Ranma that got girls to become so enamored with him? Shaking his head, Toufuu turned to leave, unsure of how to answer Yuri’s question. “I’m going to get lunch ready.”

“Okay, daddy.” The twins watched the door close and heard the soft footsteps as Toufuu started down the stairs. Quietly, they walked to the dresser and opened the album back up. Both had seen how sad Toufuu had gotten while looking at the last picture. Neither could understand it.

When their father called, Kei and Yuri answered and left the room. The album remained open on the dresser, the sun falling down on an old picture, as old as the previous, but much more carefully preserved.

It was Grandma and Grandpa when they were younger. Grandma stood stiffly with a little baby in her arms. She dressed in a simple kimono with Grandpa wearing his formal, black gi. What stood out the most was how empty Grandma’s eyes seemed compared to the excitement Grandpa showed.

 

~

 

      Hiro followed silently behind his mother. Since the village came into sight, both Saffron and, what Hiro thought was the little king’s mother, became silent.

      They had been walking from the springs in a fairly pleasant air. Kiima swooped down much as Saffron had and stood by her ‘lord’s’ side. She was very angry and a little afraid at the same time. Her large expanse of wings remained open for immediate flight as she growled at Okaasan. Mother had called her a Seneschal, Hiro took that as meaning guardian, and looked the other woman over carefully. Hiro tried mimicking the movement, looking first to the woman’s face so he would not forget and then to the major peculiarities. Okaasan had taught him quite a bit about what to look for when facing an opponent, but his eye was not as sharp. He only saw the wings, loose clothing, and somewhat avian look; not as bad as Saffron, but still noticeable.

      “Aiya!” Blush had looked very surprised and stared between Okaasan and the winged boy. “Hiro’s mother know Phoenix?”

      For a long time, the people of Phoenix Mountain were improperly addressed at night. Parents stood beside the beds of children and told stories that taught lessons that Amazons had to live by. Caution around the winged people, who seemed more like gods, and more so for their lord, the most powerful and terrifying martial artist in the world.

      The child-King placed a hand on Kiima’s arm to calm her and looked to Hiro, studying him much as Okaasan had studied Kiima. “Your son.” Saffron stated as he continued to study. He nodded his head when he was finished with his assessment. “Definitely yours, but he looks nothing like that woman of yours.”

      Kiima tensed slightly and her wings drooped until the tips touched the ground.

      “For saving Blush,” Okaasan began; Blush huffed and turned away, but Hiro could see she was very embarrassed. “You have my thanks Lord Saffron.”

      The formality seemed out of place and disgenuine. Hiro looked to Okaasan for some explanation, but she held steadfast to Saffron’s gaze.

      Something strange happened then. Saffron blinked and smiled with some pride. He puffed up his chest and unruffled his wings with a shake. Agitating Kiima and Okaasan worse, Saffron strolled forward and put out his hand for Hiro.

      Hiro blinked, looking between the child-King, the hand, and his mother. Slowly his hand raised and he grasped Saffron’s. “I’m Tendou Hiro.”

      “Hi.” The voice no longer resonated deeply within Saffron’s throat but came out in the expected childish lilt.

      Hiro liked him, though his mother’s careful look mad him nervous. How could there be problems between him mother and some child? Saffron didn’t look that old and Okaasan had been with Hiro all his life. When would she have had the time to travel to China and meet him?

      Not wanting to be left out, Blush grudgingly stomped over and presented herself. Nothing was said of the ‘rescue’ from the pond. They left Okaasan and Kiima to themselves at the edge of the springs.

      Saffron had a lot to talk about. Once they were far enough away from the adults he became excited and talked endlessly. This was how Hiro learned that Saffron and Okaasan were rivals. Hiro wanted to defend his mother, but it was hard when he only got Saffron’s side of things.

      Hiro looked up in time to see Okaasan applying another wave of her white magic to her side. Kiima was looking to Saffron, wanting to take him away from the springs. Hiro didn't realize then that it was not the water Kiima found offensive.

      The little ninja Okaasan had brought along spoke up then. “Some things of past are best left to the future to mend.” He glanced meaningfully at the children, giving Okaasan and Kiima slight pause. Saffron had smiled at this and stated that he would like to stay and play. The silence between the adults continued for a few moments.

      “As you wish, Lord Saffron.” Kiima said rather tersely. She sneered at Okaasan then turned to face away from the redhead and stared out into the springs. She looked very tired and sad all of a sudden; Saffron had seen it as well.

      “Blush’s people are not far from here, are they not?” His voice changed back to the adult bass. Saffron almost seemed older for a moment while Blush answered his question. Satisfied he said they should go there; he found the water to be dangerous also. Maybe he and Kiima were cursed like Okaasan.

      They talked, danced around the trees, and traded jokes like friends in the schoolyard. It had been a while since Hiro had someone to enjoy the time with like this. Blush’s jokes were really simple and stupid, but he’d laughed all the same; it was unexplainable, but it was a good time. It didn’t last.

      Okaasan and Kiima traded soft words as the village came into view. The little ninja had disappeared into the underbrush a while ago. It seemed to signal their silence. He, Saffron, and Blush felt the air grow tense.

      From here most of the village could be seen over the tall perimeter. Mother’s friend, Shampoo was easy to see with her purple hair waving about. There was just daily life going on amongst the villagers so no one noticed them until they were a few meters off of the main gates. They were open during the day, but guards stood on the palisade.

      A guard stood up straight to stare down upon them. She blinked twice then ran to the other side of the wall and screamed. Horns were blown and people began to scurry about. Before they reached the entrance a wall of warriors stood there to greet them, swords and spears drawn and pointed.

      “Tendou-chan! What is the meaning of this?!” Shampoo looked very angry. Her face scrunched up and turned slightly red. Hands balled at her side were ready to pull a weapon should she need it. The Matriarch, Cologne, stood tensely by her great granddaughters side, carefully eyeing the two winged people. Okaasan had looked much the same upon Kiima and Saffron’s arrival.

      “Shampoo of the Joketsuzoku.” Kiima stepped forward, holding herself up and pressing her shoulders back. Her wings ruffled lightly. “We’ve come for you.”

 

      She wanted to slap herself on the forehead. Okaasan stared sourly at the Phoenix woman. Kiima had no manners, no tact, and no idea how bad of an impression she was making right off. “I guess some people just don’t learn.” She growled softly for Kiima to hear.

      The Seneschal bristled slightly but maintained her hard stare upon the crowd who had reacted to her declaration.

      “Please excuse Kiima, Elder Cologne. She needs to brush up on the language.” Okaasan hated making up for others mistakes. Seeing Kiima and Saffron was certainly one thing she could have lived without on this journey. Whereas Kiima was straightforward with her intentions, Saffron had played adult a little to well for her tastes. If he were fractionally as powerful as he had been nine years ago then there would be little she could do to subdue him. Killing the winged youth was another matter, especially if he made the wrong move around her son.

      Belatedly she realized the congregation was waiting for her to continue. Hiding the frown, Okaasan stood up from her bow and introduced Lord Saffron and Kiima. The two walked forward and bowed to Cologne. The crowd began to murmur; they were confused and armed.

      “Greetings Matriarch of the Joketsuzoku. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.” Saffron spoke eloquently in a child’s bass.

      “And I you.” Cologne returned. “May I ask what brings you here today?”

      Kiima began to sweat as she watched the confusion ride along Saffron’s face. He hadn’t been trained so thoroughly on stately decorum. She just knew he’d say something-

      “Blush said it would be alright!”

      -like that. She sighed, her wings drooping again as she heard the crowd chuckle. “Lord Saffron” she said in a tired voice. He looked up to her. “Why don’t you, Hiro, and Blush go play. The Matriarch and I have things to discuss.”

      Saffron nodded quickly and ran back to the others. Everyone watched in fascination as the three sprinted off for other parts of the village. Play?

      Thoughtful, Okaasan’s mouth quirked into a slight smirk. “Some things are best left to the future to mend, huh?” She returned to agitated people before her and felt her own back tightened. “Riiight.”

 

~

 

      The gold band was plain and simple, something she’d expected he would buy for her. Neither of them had much money and most of it was profiteered off of them by Nabiki. Nabiki profited far too much off of their misery, Akane thought sourly. What she wouldn’t give to hurt her older sister as much as she had hurt her.

      The bath was not the modern convenience Akane was used to, a large bucket that sat atop a fire stove that reminded her of a kitchen stove. It was warm, however, and soothed her muscles nicely. The real cleaning had to be done outside of the tub since it would be harder here to replace the bath water. Probably carry in buckets from a well.

      In here, she was alone to her thoughts without some perverted Ryouga to interrupt her. When this trip had started the only thing Akane had known for certain was that it would bring her closer to Ranma. Nothing quite went as she had hoped though. Okaasan was becoming more tight-lipped around her, even to be short with Hiro on occasion. Nothing seemed to word, cooking, training, even the brazen display back in the hotel. Okaasan was a real hard bitch to get through.

      “But the best things in life require work to gain.” She reminded herself. That wasn’t exactly how Okaasan had said it, but it worked.

      The ring rolled around in her hand as she twiddled the necklace it had been attached to. It was the sweetest thing Ranma had ever done for her, sending her little pet piglet to her room with the band tide to a red ribbon around its neck. P-chan had seemed so adorable, like he took some pride in presenting the gift.

      Ranma had denied it all in public so she bashed him over the head with her mallet until he looked more like a puddle of red paste than human. They were always getting into little spats like that, Akane chuckled. She’d basically forgiven Ranma a little later and decided to stay quiet about it since neither wanted to get married right away.

      Of course, Akane would not have minded being married. Then at least they could sleep in the same bed and . . “Pervert.” She chuckled again and mock hit herself on the shoulder.

      Thoughts of the failed wedding returned to her. They should have been married then, but those bimbos had ruined it, ruined everyone’s life especially Ranma’s. After that, Shampoo, Ukyou, and the Kunos had been no better off, worse actually, and everyone else was simply mournful. A lot had been riding on that wedding.

      Akane still couldn’t understand how Ranma could just forgive everyone a week later, but he was just that way. He was so sweet; Akane almost swooned, but caught herself from falling below the water.

      The next wedding was going to be perfect. She’d give Ranma back the gold band to present to her at the altar in his black tuxedo and old cocky smirk. Her dress would complement his suit with a long smooth silk just off white that it appeared pearl. A soft veil and some lace over the bodice with the picture of doves.

      They could forget about the past entirely. Work in the dojo, raise Hiro, and live happily ever after.

      Sighing, Akane finally pulled herself out of the bath. Okaasan should be back by now; Akane had to make sure Ryouga wasn’t doing something perverted again.

      The door opened as someone softly padded into the room.

      Akane looked up, ready to strike if need be. What was it with her and showers?

      The person in the doorway froze in place as they made eye contact. It was like looking in a mirror. The same body, blue hair(one short and one long), and surprised expressions. Only the eyes were different. Akane’s were a dark brown whereas the other person had a tinge of yellow.

      “Who-?” Akane began. This was like the time Ranma had been separated from his cursed form, one good and one evil. Was this her evil?

      “A-A-Akane!” Her double gasped and took a step back.

      Understanding struck Akane like a switch had been flipped in her head. Her eyes narrowed and her voice turned to a growl. She remembered this person only too well. Another bitch she needed to take care of.

 

~

 

      “Ryo-kun?” Okaasan called out as she entered the house with Cologne and Shampoo. It was hours after lunch when they finished the uneasy discussions with Kiima over an alliance. Very little could actually be accomplished without the acting lord of Phoenix Mountain. Still, having Kiima and Saffron in favor would make it easier.

      “Is Akane around?”

      Ryouga was sitting down in the living room, Mousse had taken Gloss out of her crib and was feeding the infant milk from a bottle. He looked up to see Okaasan and blushed, his thoughts had been running a little wild the last few minutes. “She wanted to take a bath.” He coughed out.

      Nodding, Okaasan sat down with Shampoo and Cologne in the living room. News about Kiima and Saffron’s arrival could wait until her daughter was done.

      “How is my baby girl?” Shampoo cooed, taking the baby from Mousse’s hands. “Was daddy taking good care of you?”

      Gloss bubbled with delight and tried to catch Shampoo’s hair beads with her hands. Without the blanket covering her up, Okaasan could see a few tufts of light purple hair, a mix between Shampoo and Mousse.

      Okaasan took the sight of Shampoo baby talking to Gloss rather well considering how much it reminded her of the teenage Shampoo. The high, sweet voice combined with some half finished Japanese sentences was almost a perfect match. The child seemed happier with the attention and giggled, toothless mouth open wide in exclamation. Hiro had also been like that for the women in her family, everyone in but her that was.

      It made her jealous for some reason. Not that she blamed Hiro or the others. Okaasan knew quite well how distant she was, but where as the others talked down to Hiro like Shampoo was to Gloss, Okaasan had spoken plainly. Others were the entertainment, but she was the protection.

      “She’s a cute kid, Shampoo. You must be proud.” Ryouga commented with a wistful smile.

      “We are.” Shampoo smiled down to Mousse and ran her free hand through his hair. “What about you Ryouga? No family yet?”

      Ryouga shook his head. “No, but I certainly plan to have kids of my own someday.”

      “That would be quite an endeavor on your own, Ryouga.” Cologne chuckled from her chair, the old walking stick leaning up against the armrest.

      Blushing, Ryouga looked to see Mousse and Shampoo similarly laughing before he glanced at Tendou-san.

      Quirking an eyebrow, Okaasan otherwise maintained her composure. Not quite an impossibility from her experience, she thought. “You don’t need my permission to date Akane, Ryo-kun.”

      “Speaking of Akane.” Mousse spoke up. “Am I seeing things or did she suddenly grow back her long hair?”

      “Akane has had short hair since the day I . .” Okaasan trailed off as she recalled an accident with a glass of water while they were discussing a peace in the town square. “You said Akane went to take a bath?”

      “About an hour ago.” Ryouga replied. He figured she was soaking now.

      “You mean a few minutes ago.” Mousse interjected. “She asked me for directions.”

      The two men blinked as Okaasan swore.

 

~

 

      “You better be a different victim of the ‘pool of almost drowned Akane’.” Akane warned as she stood up in the bath.

      “If I told you your mother was trying to build a peace between the Amazons and the Phoenix?” Kiima tried, stepping back into a fighting stance as Akane stepped out of the tub and balled up her hands.

      Cracking her knuckles, Akane glowered at the double. “I’m not an Amazon.”

      “That’s what I thought.” Kiima firmed her jaw and lifted her hands. The glow surrounding her opponent told Kiima that Akane had not slackened off on her training as Kiima had. Raising a child to be lord of a people was no simple task even in the realm of raising children went. There were etiquette, education, exercise, and proper nourishment to attend to and without a set up system for such things most of it had fallen to Kiima to handle. Since Saffron’s rebirth, she really did feel like a mother to the Phoenix king.

      Neither noticed the window sliding open or the shrunken figure in a purple ninja outfit slip in. “Akane?” it asked in wonderment. “Two of you?!”

      “Huh?” Akane and Kiima looked for the voice.

      Out of the steam from the warm bath, a diminutive figure with a bra over his head jumped out. “Akane! Sweeto!”

      “Happousai!” Akane stumbled backwards, leaving herself open for the master to fondle her breasts. She screamed in outrage but missed hitting him as he already sped towards the shocked Kiima.

      Kiima screamed and swatted at the old hentai groping her cursed body. “PERVERT!”

 

~

 

      Okaasan was on her way up the stairs, hoping she was not already to late to stop what she knew would be a difficult reunion bet-

      CRASH!

      The bathroom door was splintered as a midget was rocketed through it. He hit the wall and bounced back almost immediately. With the settling dust, Okaasan could see the two auras as surely as she was looking into the sun. The first was red, her daughter, and the other, a sickly twist of green and purple representing only a perversion someone with only a long history of experience would have. “Happousai, what are you doing here?”

      The small Master of Anything Goes turned on his heel and smiled, brightly? Okaasan felt only revulsion for the old pervert. Another person she could have done without seeing ever again.

      “Ranma-chan!” Happousai clapped his hands, removing the tied off mask from his face. Ranma hadn’t known the old leech could look older than he had eight years ago, but here was the wrinkly shriveled proof. The Master bound in her direction. “How nice to see you! Give your old Master a hug!”

      Okaasan had a ki  attack ready since the door had exploded. She was about to deliver it too, but a large fist descended over the perverts head before he could get too close.

      Ryouga snarled at the hole he’d sent Happousai through. “Don’t you dare touch Tendou-san, you freak!”

      “Didn’t see you there, m’boy.” Happousai rose out of the hole and bopped Ryouga over the head, sending him back down the stairs in a heap. A thoughtful expression overcame Happousai as he stood there, regarding Ryouga and then Okaasan. Apparently the two women attempting to beat him over the head but only hitting his pipe did not concern him greatly. “Tendou-san, was it?” He asked.

      Her anger flared and a small spot of energy, translucent and weak, emerged between her fingers. “Like you wouldn’t know about that.” She spat. Why was she angry?

      Okaasan returned to the dojo in her mind. When he had woken there was faint smell of incense, something that made him calm and tranquil. Ranma had thought so little about it, never considering the people around him to be dangerous until he saw it happening. How naïve. Okaasan’s face twisted in disgust at the memory. The fool. She wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake him until some sense returned. Stupid, stupid baka!

      He never deserved any of it.

      Her mind blinked and Okaasan saw the old man in her hands. She was choking him and he was choking. When had she-?

      Happousai took the pipe into his right hand and struck.

      “AAUGGHH!” Okaasan collapsed onto the stairs, pain riding through her side along with a new mark of blood. “You bastard! I know it was you!”

      “Now, now, Tendou-chan. That is no way to treat your old master.” His smile was twisted as he landed in front of her.

      Akane was holding Akane back higher up on the stairs, not daring to get close to the pervert who could harm Okaasan.

      The others, Ryouga, Mousse, Shampoo, they each stood ready to pounce at the bottom. All animosity was pushed aside as they found a common enemy.

      Okaasan growled, hissing as her side again ached. “You’re right.” Her venomous eyes turned on the leech. “I should have killed you when I had the chance.”

      Happousai clucked and tapped the end of his pipe into his hand. “I don’t know why you should be mad at me, my dear Ranma-chan. It was your own choice.”

      This was the second time. Okaasan couldn’t believe people would think . . that she . . that Ranma would . . Truth serum, hypnosis, none of it should have worked unless there had been a part of her, a very small part of her, that had wanted to- That was ridiculous. Ranma would not, she did not care for that demented man!

      “LIAR!”

      Happousai saw the back fist coming and jumped over it, landing his pipe onto a nerve cluster as it passed.

      Okaasan cried in pain again and brought her hand in close to hide it from more attacks and soothe the pain.

      The door slammed open.

      “MOM!”

      “No, Hiro!” Okaasan cried, but the Master was already on his way.

      Saffron had led the children in. His wings were held slightly higher than normal as he was agitated. The claws of his right hand still held the door handle, no longer attached to the actual door. They’d all come running on the first scream, Hiro’s need becoming more urgent upon the next two cries of pain.

      Okaasan smiled as Saffron stood ready for a fight. Some things were not so easily forgotten, she thanked god. The diminutive pervert had no idea who the winged boy was and struck upon the powerful battle aura without the slightest bit of defense.

      Coughing on the ground, Happousai looked up at Saffron and stepped back warily. Strong though he was, Happousai was getting too old to fight such powerful beings. He stared at the boy behind Saffron and smiled. “You are Hiro?”

      The boy nodded.

      Cackling, Happousai took flight out of an open window. “I’ll be back, my dear Ranma-chan!”

      “Damned pervert.” Akane swore as she stood beside the window, looking out to where Happousai had last been seen clearing the village wall.

      “Disgusting old leech.” The other Akane agreed and helped Okaasan to her feet.

      Without the adrenaline of battle, Ryouga looked back and forth between the two Akane’s and fell over in a massive nosebleed like he’d not had since he’d been a teenager.

      Saffron too was blushing and looked away.

      “Are you all right?” Both Akane’s asked at once.

      Waving away the second, Okaasan nodded. “Akane.”

      “Kiima.” The second responded.

      “Right.” Okaasan looked to the other naked girl. “Perhaps the both of you should consider getting dressed before coming downstairs.”

      Blushing, both ‘Akane’s’ quickly rushed back upstairs.

      Okaasan watched them go then put her hands over her face, sliding back down the wall. Her side hurt. She was feeling cold. Why did he have to be here?

      The encounter had taken a great deal out of her. She needed to rest and rebandage her side.

      “Momma?”

      Hiro was standing beside her on the stairs with a hand on her shoulder. Smiling, Okaasan held onto her son tightly. “I’m okay. I just need to lie down for a while.”

      Nodding, Hiro put her hand on his shoulder. “I’ll help you up.”

      Shampoo and Mousse watched them go. Neither was certain what to say. They could only think of how like Ranma this was.

 

~

 

      He was here, the fool.

      On the edge of his cell, she smirked, kicking a bit of the dirt over the edge. Kuno cursed, had been cursing for a while, at her this time. Stupid fool.

      “Release me at once, bitch heathen!” Kuno roared from within the pit. His voice echoed along the walls and into the hut that hid the prison. “Do not tempt to beguile me, peasant wench! I know that you hear me and I command you as your better to be unshackled of these bonds!”

      If the insane pervert weren’t such a useful tool, she might have killed him now. He’d been a thorn in her side for long enough. Always getting in between Ranma and herself. “Baka.”

      “So, you speak Japanese.” Kuno’s voice was like the flapping tongue of the snake. His heart was not cold as hers, but it was twisted upon itself; they was no longer the capability for love. “Then you are one of my countrymen, my lessers. Then you should know that holding me here is forbidden. I am sent to these barbaric lands on order of the gods. Do not tempt with such honorable quests! Open these gates and perhaps you shall be spared in the next life as I dispatch you from this one! Find your salvation at my hands vile cur! I WILL NOT BE DENIED!”

      He had not much use to her, but she would enjoy making him suffer when his job was finished. Starting with his loud mouth, maybe. She could pull the lower jaw off and listen to him gurgle on blood. Stab through his extremities with the bokken he prided himself with. Yes, she grinned at the image of Kuno pinned to a wall like an insect ready to be dissected.

      “It is your own fault.” She whispered throatily. “I gave you your chance and you failed.” How he had escaped was rather a mystery, but she’d overlook it for now. Kuno was here now and so was that whore. She would regret ever separating her from Ranma.

      Laughing giddily as she stroked the iron bars over Kuno’s cell. “But I forgive you.” He continued to curse and swear vengeance on this and that. “Be ready, I’ll return for you tomorrow. But I warn you, stay away from the boy.”

      Kuno gasped and shrank back as he saw the intensity of her gaze, reeking of a thousand kinds of pain. “Hiro is mine.”

 

~

 

      A clearing within the pass between the Quinghai mountains, they began to set up camp with night not far ahead. The tall mountains had already cut off the traveling groups light, making picking up the trail a little more difficult.

      Nodoka was finishing with the tents, with Nabiki’s assistance, and put a hand to her back. It popped, relieving a little tension, and made her sigh. Traveling like this was not easy. The packs were heavy since they required enough supplies to last a few days while they searched for the Amazon village. Nabiki had a good idea of where to go, but she had never really been there. Hopefully the information she had remembered from Ranma’s stories was enough.

      “How is dinner coming along, Kasumi-dear?” Nodoka asked, her stomach growled and she blushed, embarrassed.

      “Not long now, grandma.” Kasumi hummed back as she stood hunched over a portable stove with a low flame. The pot she stirred was bubbling with the smell of meat and vegetables.

      “I don’t blame you, grandma.” Nabiki smiled, putting a hand over her stomach as it too growled. “I think I know why Okaasan learned to eat as fast as she did growing up. I think I could finish a horse.”

      Nodoka chuckled and sat down on a down tree. Others had apparently used this campsite before. There were indications of old fireplaces and the log she sat upon was worn smooth. The bugs were not so bad up in the higher altitudes, which was good since the smell of repellent had been making her feel nauseous.

      “The two of you seem to be holding up very well.” Nodoka noted. “I hadn’t realized how out of shape I was until we started this journey.”

      Kasumi cast her a little smile then returned to her stirring. “It might have been easier without the katana.”

      Nodoka looked down to the cloth covered weapon in her hand. “Nonsense. It is for our protection.” It didn’t weigh much more than a few pounds anyway. Still, this whole journey might have been unnecessary if it weren’t for the katana. She’d mainly carried it around Nerima is a duty to the family. That’s what the sword stood for, the Saotome honor.

      *                             *                             *

      Silently, Okaasan sat staring distantly out the shoji in the greeting room of her home. After a few hours of work about the house, which fell to her with Kasumi gone, she had finally sat down in with nothing left to do. The rooms were clean, dusted, vacuumed, tidied, dinner was in the oven on a slow burn, and the last of her things had been arranged in the master bedroom.

      It was going to be the first night she spent in bed with Soun since the beginning of her pregnancy. She sat silently, waiting for her baby to be returned to her.

      That bastard was out showing off his ‘true heir’.

      “Daughter.” Nodoka spoke, a cup of tea in her hand and the katana resting on the floor beside her. “You have not spoken to me in some time.”

      Okaasan held her mouth in a line and continued to stare.

      “Things could not be changed once they started.” Nodoka stated with command in her voice.

      The words disappeared into the wind between them. Other than her mother’s visits, the dojo was empty of all but Soun, herself, and Hiro. It had been for some time while Ranma was in her last few months of the third trimester. Now, four days since Hiro’s birth, Okaasan felt the silence deepen to parts of her soul that had grown cold. It was a transition she had made, or forced to make, in the hospital.

      Honor had demanded it.

      “It no longer matters what you wanted.” The older woman’s voice warned of steel and the slash of a blade. Okaasan heard the words like fingernails running over a chalkboard. “This is a wife’s duty. What did you think you could do? Run away like a dishonorable whore with her bastard child? This is where you belonged. It was stupid of you to place Hiro in such danger like that. With a child, your life is no longer simply your own.”

      No shame marred Okaasan’s face. Her lesson had been learned and now she was here, staving off her anger with a show of focused silence upon the koi dancing about the pond in her backyard. This was her home. This is where her responsibilities lie now. A husband and a son were now the life to which honor demand she devote herself too. Perhaps in time she would learn to appreciate what fate had given her, but that was for the future to say.

      Sighing, Nodoka set the cup on the table and looked out onto the backyard. She could still hear the young pigtailed man jeering his father as they fought over the koi pond. He was all she could have hoped for in a ‘man amongst men’. “A traditional Japanese woman maintains and completes a family, performing her duties loyally and obediently. You are not a traditional Japanese woman, but you will learn, daughter.”

      Traditional, honor-bound, slave.

      Nothing but the faded rays of the sun passed between the two women as they stared upon the koi pond blankly. Things appeared in their minds, but the words were not shared, the ones they wanted to say. Tradition would not permit it.

      Silence broke to laughter. Both women watched Kuno Kodachi leap from the rooftop in her leotard, swinging a purple ribbon through the air like a whip. “Hohohohoho! So I’ve found you at last, you pigtailed harridan!” Her laughter was thick with malicious intent, but Okaasan thought nothing of it. “You are a clever one to hide my, Ranma-sama from me, but you will tell me where to find him now.” The ribbon snapped before Okaasan’s unblinking eyes in challenge.

      “You dare to attack my daughter?!” Nodoka demanded. She retrieved her katana and held the grip and scabbard in two hands.

      Kodachi was startled by Nodoka’s voice enough to let the ribbon slip from her fingers. She quickly plucked it from the ground and turned to the new target. “So, you are the tramp’s mother?” Kodachi laughed, twirling her ribbon about. “Perhaps you would be smart enough to know how to treat your betters. Tell me where my Ranma-sama is and I shall spare your pitiful child! Hohohoho!”

      “My son is gone, young lady.” Nodoka told her, conveying a warning at the same moment. “Only my daughter remains. Grieve elsewhere.”

      Laughing heartily, Kodachi readied her ribbon to snap out again. “I see now where the red-haired hussy found so much of her peasantry insolence! You should know not to argue with Kuno Kodachi, the Black Rose!”

      The sword left its sheath and sliced a good portion of the incoming ribbon cleanly. Nodoka did not stop her advance until she held the tip of her blade beneath Kodachi’s throat, poised to slice open the girl’s windpipe.

      Kodachi looked from the blade to the woman, and then to Okaasan sitting silently in the house. “Perhaps another time, pigtailed girl!”

      Okaasan’s eyes followed Kodachi bounding out of the yard with her insane laughter. For a moment her eyes became unfocused, “I only wish-“

      “Nothing.” Nodoka replaced her sword and stared at her daughter. “Wish for nothing, daughter, because it is too late to change the past.”

      Her eyes went dry again and she returned to her stoic expression, waiting for the bastard husband to return with her son. Okaasan could already tell he was going to be so manly.

      *                             *                             *

      Nodoka believed she had done right. Her daughter was married and with child. There had been no other alternative than to marry Soun to save the Saotome honor. If she had not forced Ranma to see things correctly then the family honor may have been marred irreparably.

      She still believed that, didn’t she?

      The cup in her hands was warm against the chill of the outdoors. The three of them were sitting about a fire, watching the flames dance about in the air. Even the wild fire needed to know its limits or the forest would be burnt.

      “This is excellent tea, Kasumi-chan.” Nodoka passed a small smile to her granddaughter. They were not so young and it felt strange to say, but Nodoka had accustomed herself to saying it. She more missed ‘Auntie’.

      “Thank you, grandmother.” Kasumi sipped again at her cup. “I found some wonderful herbs on our walk through these forests.”

      “I didn’t know you knew anything about plants, Kasumi.” Nabiki studied her cup before taking another sip. It tasted of a tea she had in rich meetings with clients, something rare to Japan.

      Smiling, Kasumi offered the others more. “Yes, I found out long ago that Toufuu-kun’s herbalist books a good for more than just medicine.”

 

~

 

 

      Okaasan had gone silent for a long time. Deep within meditation there was nothing to distract her mind but the mystery her journey had slowly been unraveling. Fiancees, friends, and enemies, they were all appearing out of the mist of her past to burn away the illusion.

      Okaasan had realized some time ago that though she no longer wanted to seek revenge, but to move on with her life, fate wanted her to see the truth. Her life had been so surrounded by chaos that she had little trouble believing in fate. It made little difference now who wanted her to know the truth; the past was catching up with her again and it was after more than her life this time. How many times had she had to save Hiro?

      Something out there felt she could be beaten down a little further.

      The story was twisted. Okaasan could look back and see when it happened, but when it came to the how or the why there were a number of opinions. Many had laid claim to this life of hers, Kodachi swore Ranma was drugged, Tatewaki claimed Soun was a demon, Nabiki somehow blamed herself, Happousai denied any involvement, and Ukyou claims that Tsubasa had taken the credit. Who did she believe?

      Not her enemies and not her suitors.

      Nabiki then?

      But how could Nabiki have done this to her?

      Nabiki was intelligent enough to raise money for her family through extortion and soft porn. Ranma had been certain that the middle Tendou had continued to sell pictures even after being caught. As far as Okaasan knew, Ranma was defeated by a . .

      Defeated? Did Ranma Saotome finally know defeat? Was this Karma then?

      Okaasan mentally shook her head. No, she was not so broken as to admit defeat. Ranma adapted as he always did. Hiro was her son and she loved him. Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane were her daughters, and though it was not as she intended, they were still together. Much of her earlier problems had finally dealt with themselves and left her alone. She dared to believe life was better now than before. Then why was she so . . .

      Nabiki was very good at manipulating others. Ranma had received such treatment often enough. It was entirely within Nabiki’s abilities to gain hired thugs, drugs like the truth serum, or simply motivate others to fulfill her goals. How many times had Shampoo or Ukyou broken things up between Ranma and Akane?

      Did it really matter anymore though? Nabiki was making amends any way she knew how. Why did they all insist-

      “Ranma?”

      The little hand on her shoulder was shaped slightly differently than normal humans. Okaasan could feel the solid form and the little claws, or talons, to the ends. Saffron shook her softly again.

      “It’s okay now. Shampoo went to the bath.”

      Slowly, Okaasan’s eyes began to creep open to observe her surroundings. The child king stood before her, uncertain of how he should be acting around her. Or him.

      Sighing softly, Okaasan looked down to see his kimono in tatters. The black elastic jumpsuit was tight, but at least it kept him covered. It had been a while since he’d really looked at the difference between the two forms. He really didn’t much care to ever find out, but with a Jusenkyou curse it was bound to happen, especially with the way things had been going recently.

      His side had been fussed over by Perfume when Okaasan had decided he could handle it. There was little to be done but place some healing salve over the wound and wrap a new roll of cloth around his waist. It hurt a little more with the change, but nothing traumatic had resulted.

      Dishes clattered as Akane and Ryouga dealt with the broken glass on the floor. Mousse and Shampoo had been walking in with dinner when Akane had a small accident. Without his glasses Mousse hadn’t seen Shampoo barely keep herself from tripping and toppled over her. The dishes, hot ramen and others, spilled across the table and onto Okaasan’s lap. Mousse’s tray of drinks spilled over Shampoo and himself. One cat, one duck, and one ailurophobic, male Okaasan spelled classic disaster. It was fortunate that the mantras Okaasan used when lying with Soun had also worked here.

      There was a little blood on the floor to mark where Shampoo had stepped on Akane’s dropped glass. The little cat paws that trailed away from the dining room were rather pathetic looking and made Okaasan feel sorry for Shampoo. Despite all of Ranma’s complaints, he really did get the best deal out of the possible Jusenkyou curses. How do you care for a child when you’re stuck as a pet?

      Hiro walked into the room with a kettle of warm water. He was looking at him worriedly and jumped over the fallen dishes to get to Okaasan faster. “Here’s some warm water, mom.”

      “Thank you, Hiro-kun.” Okaasan to the kettle and doused it over his head. She saw the change in Saffron’s attitude with her transformation. It was strange dealing with someone you believed to be a woman when they looked like a man.

      “What happened to Kiima, Saffron?” she asked.

      The winged king looked over Okaasan’s head. Kiima was standing over her, ready to pounce and grab her about the arms.

      “It is all right now, Kiima.” Okaasan gestured the Seneschal to sit. “I won’t be falling into the Neko-ken with Shampoo out of the room.”

      Kiima gave her another cursory glance then nodded.

      Grabbing the shreds of her kimono, Okaasan stood up. “Excuse me, Cologne.” She bowed her head to the Matriarch across from her. “I should go change and see if I can’t help Shampoo with her injury.”

      “I will accompany you, Tendou-san.” Cologne stated as she pulled herself from the chair, a few joints popping. She was leaning more heavily on the cane at the end of the day now. It had been hectic with the Phoenix to deal with.

      Waiting patiently with her clothing in hand, Okaasan didn’t mind the little things like her state of dress. The spandex body suit covered everything even if it did act like a second skin. She did note a blush on Saffron and Ryouga’s face as she left.

      “Akane caused the accident. To see you in male form I think.” Cologne spoke softly as she made her way up the stairs.

      “Maybe.” Okaasan admitted. “Or it could have been the curses.”

      “Yes.” Cologne looked back over her shoulder at the redhead. “I noticed that your aura is different from the others, controlled.”

      “It takes practice, but it also cuts down on the random chaos that attracts the water.” She explained. “It’s been slipping recently.”

      The landing creaked as Okaasan reached the second floor with Cologne. The old woman took a moment to relax at the top. “Things have been gaining speed around you.”

      “Yes.”

      Okaasan found her last kimono. She’d packed three. One lost to blood, the second to sudden transformation. They were all simply the last layers of the traditional garb, lighter and easier to travel with. Kimono were becoming more outdated in the modern times, so it was probably her mother’s influence, Okaasan thought.

      She found Cologne with Mousse tending Shampoo by a sink. Her foot was cut, not too deeply, but enough to fill the basin in a crimson. Mousse was wrapping the foot gently with some clean strips of cloth. An uncorked bottle Okaasan took for antiseptic was left open on the counter.

      “May I?” Okaasan stepped forward. Mousse shrugged and stepped out of the way. “This will tingle for a moment, but it will help heal faster.”

      Shampoo nodded and watched Tendou-chan place her hands around the wrapped foot. The blue glow crept from around the slender fingers to show anything was happening at all. It felt like feather-light touches of someone’s fingertips running over the injury.

      “Thank you.” Shampoo smiled and stood up.

      Nodding, Okaasan headed for the door to check on things downstairs. The evening progressed with less dramatic incidents. Most of the conversation revolved around happenings in and around the Joketsuzoku. Other than the meeting with Saffron today, the Phoenix had been quiet for years. The Musk too seemed to have receded upon themselves. Shampoo said the Jusenkyou guide claimed to have visits from the Musk dumping animals into random pools. The guide wouldn’t be able to stop them, so he began to catalogue the results of each pool.

      Not the most typical of conversations in normal life, but who in their group could say what was normal for sure anyway?

      “Kiima?” Saffron stood before the Seneschal with slightly drooping wings. Hiro and Kiima were lying on the ground and staring into the fireplace that heated the home. “Are you going to tell us a story tonight?”

      Kiima colored and tried to smile. “If you wish, but you’ve heard all the stories I have to tell.” She looked back to the other adults with an awkward expression.

      “My mom knows a lot of stories,” Hiro sat up and smiled broadly at Okaasan who blinked. Hiro hadn’t asked for a story from her since they started this journey. “and she makes pictures in the air to go with’em. Will you tell Saffron and Blush one of your stories, mom?”

      “I suppose, but I will need room.” Okaasan saw Cologne give Mousse a few orders and he ran off into the village. Shampoo nodded at her great grandmother’s suggestion and guided Tendou-chan to the open porch of the house. Apparently Hiro had spoken about Okaasan’s abilities a bit with Cologne while she was unconscious the first day.

Okaasan arched an eyebrow to only receive a shrug from Shampoo in return. “Let’s see.” She took a seat near the edge and looked out to see a crowd forming. A glance at Cologne found an innocent, but amused expression on the aged face. No pressure, Okaasan thought sarcastically.

Taking a deep breath, she began, looking out over the gathering faces in the darkening night. “Here is a story that takes place many years ago. In a time before man became strong and many, the world sparkled with life, the trees grew jade leaves and the rivers ran with blue diamonds. A few creatures lived on this world, prominent amongst them were the dragon and the phoenix.” To this she extended both hands, the left burned orange until the image of a bird took shape. Okaasan’s right swirled with green, raising a snake-like dragon into the air.

      “They lived on opposite sides of a great expanse of water and mountains. Fierce spirits of nature they were each bonded to the world in their own way. The Phoenix ruled over his people, guiding them through peace and war. The people respected and revered the great Phoenix.” The orange Phoenix took flight and grew five feet in the air. It shrieked and the flames about it increased.

      Closing her eyes, Okaasan concentrated a little harder as the dragon coiled about her arm and then into the sky until it two growled, several feet longer than it had been. “The Dragon lived amongst his people. Working like the Phoenix had to maintain peace and grow.”

      “Stories began to spread among these two nations, each speaking of the other in awe. Fearing for his people, the Phoenix sought greater strength so that his dominion would not be challenged by the Dragon. A child was taken from the Dragon’s people as a warning.”

      “But the Dragon learned of the power the Phoenix now sought and became wary for the safety of his own and that of the child. The Dragon would bring the war to the Phoenix in hopes of preventing the great power from being released.” The Phoenix soared higher and the Dragon flew through the air like a fish in water. The two exchanged ‘flames’ from their open mouths.

      “The battle was fierce and horrifying to all those who witnessed it. The Dragon bit with great teeth and the Phoenix retaliated with fire. Minutes stretched on into hours without an end in sight. Mountains and rivers were lost; the heavens shook in fear of the climax.”

      “There were no winners that day, only losers. The Mighty Dragon and the Eternal Phoenix lay upon the battlefield and saw the destruction they had caused. The child the Dragon had sought to rescue sat upon the ground, crying in fear. Disheartened and weak, the Dragon met the Phoenix and said “We are protectors, not killers. Our pride has led us low. This is not what we do.” The Dragon mouthed the sounds Okaasan was making, adding its own base roar.

      “Meeting the Dragon’s eyes, the Phoenix agreed. “Our powers would much better compliment the other than oppose it. From our fire their were ashes. From our ashes we shall build a future.”

      “The people of the Phoenix and the people of the Dragon watched the two warriors rise up into the sky.” The two energies coalesced above the crowed until it burned like a star above them. Okaasan released the ki and the energy spiraled, spreading out like a web and returning to her body. “As the light faded, their eyes were open and the two nations became like one and their future was bright.”

      The assembly of Amazons sat in awe as the energy faded away and the cold returned. Clapping began at the front with Saffron and Hiro. Blush caught up a moment later with the rest of the Amazons.

      Amongst the din, Okaasan heard Cologne walk up beside her and whisper into her ear. “And you say you haven’t gotten any stronger.”

      Okaasan flashed the Matriarch a rye smile. Their was some other reason for the assembly to witness her story; Okaasan could see it in the old woman’s clever eyes.

      “Thank you, Tendou-san.”

      She turned back around to see Saffron placing a hand on hers with genuine appreciation. “Thank you, Lord Saffron.” She returned as they shared a moment of understanding.

      Saffron continued with a jocular smile on his lips. “Though, if you ask me the Dragon seemed a little arrogant and the Phoenix a little weak.” He looked back as if to consider a deeper meaning beneath Okaasan’s mask. “But the ending was much better.”

      On the edge of the crowd, Ryouga and Akane found Mousse leaning up against one of the other huts. Akane stood nearer the crowd and applauded with them.

      “Say Ryouga?” Mousse began, arms crossed behind his head. “Who do you suppose the child was?” They both regarded Akane for a moment and shared a laugh.

 

~

 

      They made the trip early in the afternoon the next day. Okaasan had Ryouga sit around the house and help Mousse. She had a surprise for him today, but it was going to require some preparation on her part and she didn’t want it to go in vain because his bad sense of direction decided to kick in.

      Cologne had led her to the meditation room with the request she be allowed to remain and observe. Okaasan hadn’t done this type of exercise in front of people before, but saw no problem considering it would put her on another consciousness. Nothing would be able to disturb her short of being struck. Soun had discovered that on the last night.

      When it was over, a new understanding came over the Matriarch and she smiled, knowing exactly what was to come. The technique was not a secret, Okaasan had simply discovered that with control many aspects of a person’s nature that was tied with their aura could be controlled. It controlled a large amount of the chaos in her life and prevented a good amount of water related accidents.

      Before leaving, Okaasan had asked Shampoo and Mousse, but both claimed it was a matter of honor that they stay. Honor was good, but in some cases Okaasan found it to be foolishly self-destructive. Still it was their choice.

      Cresting the last mountain, Okaasan, Ryouga, Akane, Hiro, and Cologne met up with the Jusenkyou guide, his daughter gone to run errands.

“I very sorry Mr. and Mrs. Customer. This one does not have map to springs any longer. Lost long ago when winged creature fight with pigtailed boy. Springs return, but different.”

      Feeling Ryouga fall deeper into despair, Okaasan assured the ‘Lost Boy’ with a hand on his shoulder and a knowing smile. “Leave it to me, Ryo-kun. I came prepared for this.”

      “. . .” Ryouga wasn’t sure what to say. Tendou-san was expecting this? How was she planning to solve this? There were hundreds of springs in this training ground. ‘Spring of Drowned Man’ could be anywhere.

      Okaasan walked slowly to the center of the springs, mindful of any obstacle that could throw her into another spring. Ryouga and the others simply watched as she extended her arms to begin a long practiced mantra. The same one she used to block out the world when she was married became useful to attuning oneself to the flow of energies around you.

      The Chinese guide had tried to warn her not to enter the area, that she may be cursed.

      Okaasan smirked. Her hair had grown out as she planned and had been braided so that it fell to her back. The metal cap, borrowed from Shampoo, at the end bounced lightly against her body. The guide might have easily recognized her if she wore the old silk shirt and black pants, but Okaasan was more comfortable in the kimonos she’d worn for years.

      Ki was a very special energy that resided within every living creature. In some special people, this energy can be tapped, used to heal, attack, and defend. The ability to read people’s auras was a defense technique. It could be used to tell you whether your opponent was more powerful than yourself. On a more refined level, it could be used to discover who, what, and where this person is. At the moment, Ranma was looking through the whats of the many spring around her then the where to locate the right one.

      The earlier meditation made the wait for the springs souls fairly short. As she concentrated, the flow of energies were guiding her about the springs. Her eyes remained closed, feeling the way with her mind, until she stood directly before a spring, with no outward discrepancy from the others.

      Taking a breath to relax the muscles in her mind, Okaasan waved her companions over to where she stood.

      “This one.” She informed them in a calm and pleasant voice. What she had done made Ranma feel good. All of those springs, they talked to her as she was guided. Each had a victim, but most were friendly and kind.

      Ryouga eyed the pool with nervous excitement. He wanted to jump straight in, but how many times before had he had the chance at a cure only to find it lost again. “Ar-Are you sure, Tendou-san?”

      Okaasan nodded and stepped back from the pool. “Try not to splash too much, Ryo-kun.”

      Closing his eyes, afraid to see what results a mistake could mean or was it fear that this could be a dream, he settled himself within the spring carefully. The water rippled only slightly as he submerged himself completely.

      Coming back to the surface, he was met with silence. The others were staring at him, smiling.

      Ryouga couldn’t speak. He wanted to say so many things just then and nothing was coming out. He was a man again, full time. The curse that he had hated so much was gone, out of his life. If he knew a song for this victory he would be singing. As it was all he could do was smile back at those watching.

      “We should go now.” Okaasan said, guiding her son through the springs by the shoulder. She wasn’t going to take any chances with her Hiro.

      “Wait! Tendou-san, aren’t you going to . . .”

      Okaasan didn’t answer except with her eyes. The sadness and the pain still lived there. Some of it, Ryouga now realized, was because she would never choose to enter the spring as he had just done.

      “Tendou-san.” Ryouga bowed deeply, the spring water on his clothing dripping onto the ground. “Thank you.”

      A piece of her was mad as hell, the piece that still wanted to submerge itself into the pool with Ryouga. She had believed that part of her life was gone, but no, there was one last thing to do before everything was finally locked away.

      Smiling, Okaasan nodded her head and left the area.

      Ryouga would have left just as quickly, but the sound of crying was carried through the wind and to his ears. The guide had returned to his hut and Akane . . . she stood, bracing herself against one of the trees on the perimeter of the area.

      “Akane?”

      Sobbing, she attempted to wipe the tears from her eyes before facing him. Akane had still held some hope that Okaasan would jump into that spring. She knew Ranma loved her and their lives together would have been wonderful. Okaasan, however, had other responsibilities.

      “Akane, it will be alright.” Ryouga’s voice was light and comforting. He tried to assure the young woman, but in truth, a small part of him wished the old Ranma was back too.

      Akane cried harder, not able to see any good to come of this. What would happen to Okaasan? Does she live to be an old, widowed woman, someone who would never again love? More than anything, Akane wanted Ranma to be happy again. Not just for a little while, but all the time like she used to.

      “This will all work out in the end, somehow.” Ryouga said, holding Akane carefully and brushing at her hair. Plunging into the spring had relieved some old regrets he’d never thought to resolve. One was the way he’d left things with Akane, never telling her how he felt, not that it mattered anymore.

      “I hope so.” Akane sobbed. Her hands gripped Ryouga by the lapels and she pulled back to look into his eyes. It was too late for the ‘Lost Boy’ as he realized the tiger had woken again. Eyes burning with hate, Akane growled, “You were the pig, weren’t you.”

      “Erk!” Ryouga grabbed Akane’s wrist that twisted his shirt tightly about his throat.

      The water was evaporating quickly as Akane’s aura became more intense. She did something she hadn’t been able to do in a long time. She connected. “BAKA!”

      Sasuke dropped out of the trees to land softly beside Ryouga who was inspecting the dirt close up with help from a large mallet. “You had that coming, P-chan.” He smirked and disappeared to trail Okaasan once again.

      Spitting dirt, Ryouga mumbled, “Shut up.”

     

~

 

      Akane entered the hut in a bad mood. She needed something to relieve her tension and the best choice was locked away in here. Shampoo had pointed the hut out to her earlier so she would know how to avoid Kuno.

      Akane caught herself from growling as a figure shifted in the shadows of the hut. Neither of the guards had mentioned another ‘visitor’ (no one really visited the buffoon except to taunt him). “Oh, Kodachi. When did you get here?”

      “This morning.” Kodachi left the shadows, slipping throw them like a snake in the grass. Something about the unexpected ‘politeness’ bothered Akane. She watched the once insane gymnast, but Kodachi was no longer a threat. A look at her weak muscle tone visible in her arms relaxed some of her fear. Smirking with a show of teeth, Kodachi ran a finger over the metal grating. “I told the guards I was here for Tatewaki and they were only too happy to let me in.”

      “Can I suggest stronger medication.” Kodachi laughed her usual bit at Akane’s comment. “He was trying to kill Hiro and ended up hurting Okaasan pretty bad. He’s just lucky to still be alive because if it weren’t for Ryouga-“

      Kodachi put up her hand to forestall any more. “I understand your warning.”

      A pregnant silence filled the small hut. For once, even Kuno was quiet. He probably fell asleep after yelling all last night or he was ‘enraptured’ by Akane’s presence once again.

      Looking about the room, Akane asked, “Did you come here alone?”

      “No, not alone.” Kodachi responded.

      “Is Sasuke here then?”

      “He is around.” The business woman nodded. “I should go apologize to Tendou-san. He should be fine in the pit for a while longer.”

      Both smiled and looked at the hole disdainfully. Akane forgot about her own anger as Tatewaki began to scream once again. His ‘rapture’ fleeing his sight.

      Down below, the noble Tatewaki thrashed about his dirt walls, clawing at the loose dirt with bleeding hands. It smelled with food that had been tossed down and his own relief. Kuno still maintained a fairly clean kendo uniform considering. His madness had given him a particularly meticulous nature. “Return at once fowl heathen sister and lift these bars! None shall keep me from avenging my fiery goddess! No iron bar shall hold the righteous fury of Tatewaki Kuno for long! Do you hear me, Kodachi! You can not stop me!”

      The two guards outside exchanged looks and bolted the door once again to let themselves off early. The fool couldn’t escape after all.

 

~

 

      “Kodachi, one peace treaty, fighting Happousai, wandering through Jusenkyou for Nannichuan, and attacked by the buffoon Kuno.” Cologne counted the events surrounding Tendou-san’s since arriving at the village with her fingers.

      Okaasan sipped her tea and nodded. “Did you notice how nicely Kiima acts in her cursed form?”

      “Didn’t you know?”

      Okaasan arched an eyebrow in interest.

      “The ‘spring of almost drowned Akane’ effects the mind as well as the body.” Cologne cackled and slapped the table with her hand. “You’re life is as eventful as I remember, Tendou-san.”

      Okaasan smirked in a very Ranma way and flipped a thumb at a pigtail that wasn’t there. Cologne laughed harder.

      The sun disappeared over the horizon of another day. The village set torches around the area for those still working, sentry mainly. Quiet but for the chirping insects and a howl from the mountains, the Amazons fell asleep, exhausted from the past few days of tension and exertion.

      The celebration had been a great success. Saffron’s acting lord, Thyme, had been an open and respectful man in the later years of his life. Too weak to fly in alone, Thyme had been accompanied by an escort of four other Phoenix and then assisted back at the end of the day by those same four.

      Ryouga had also celebrated his full with a number of drinks and hard laughs. Okaasan couldn’t blame him for being happy to be rid of the curse. She hadn’t said anything about the kiss he pressed on her after his fourth cup of something the Amazons brew.

      The night ended before the sun had completely disappeared. Cologne and Shampoo saw the old Phoenix off. Saffron had decided to stay another night with Hiro and Blush much to Kiima’s consternation.

      A new day was peering over the Quinghai mountains now. The sun’s rays filtering down through the trees, burning off the morning mist. To Ryouga, it was not simply another morning, it was a new world. There was lush vegetation, sweet smells, and the musical notes of song birds.

      He took an extra long bath with cold water and came out looking fresh and invigorated. It was still early enough that only a few others were awake. But the air did not resonate with used ki the way it normally did since he started traveling.

      There was something wrong with this.

      “Where’s Tendou-san?”

 

 

 

End Chapter Eight

*     *      *

 

      This took a lot longer to post thanks to the holidays and relatives and some other little projects I wanted to get out of the way. If you read Juuban Incident you might be able to see some of my frustration showing through in that last chapter I posted.

      The scene with Ryouga’s curse wasn’t very dramatic, I know, but then it is not so important to the mystery itself. Just wrapping things up with Ranma’s mistakes I suppose.

      My best guess shows only two more chapters to go before the contest is over and I post the solution and the closing chapters. I want to finish these next two quickly so hopefully the next won’t be more than a week or two away.

      Again, rules for my contest are pretty non-existent. Just submit to me your version of what happened that screwed up Ranma’s life and I’ll post it on my site for everyone to see. Winners get silly prizes to place on their own website if they have one and the great sense of accomplishment! This is a free contest, no money required, however if you’re just the giving type I really wouldn’t mind. ;)

 

Send C&C to [email protected]

Or visit my website at: www.geocities.com/jehtek/

 

Ja ne.