Well, here goes the Final Chapter of this series! This is based
heavily on events and situations from the previous stories,
and the previous Chapters, which are available on My Web Site.
As always, C&C is anticipated, accepted, and appreciated.
My thanks to Kunoichi, whose "Ranma Nibun no ichi" Lemon
Series inspired my Ranma works, and to Susan Doenime, whose
Fanfic "Poison" contributed to this episode.
All original Ranma1/2 Characters and Backstory Copyright
Rumiko Takahashi, and are used without permission.
Coutuva.
Mysteries of the Mind - Part 11
The Circle Completes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shampoo and Mu Lin stood silently, both regarding Kikyo
curiously.
"Why can you not go to Japan, little one?" Mu Lin finally
asked, breaking the uneasy silence.
Kikyo lowered her eyes and began to toy at the ground with
her toe, not saying anything.
"Did you kill someone?" Shampoo asked bluntly, thinking that
perhaps Kikyo's zeal for weapons had gotten out of hand.
"No... it's worse than that." Kikyo whispered, sadly. "I
would prefer not to discuss it..." she added, eyes still lowered.
"I don't want to... shame you." she concluded, abruptly turning and
walking away.
Mu Lin and Shampoo exchanged questioning glances, then shrugged
in unison. Shampoo turned and watched Kikyo walk away, and could tell
by her body language that whatever troubled her had seriously
wounded her. And it was the kind of wound that one bore for life.
"This is no small thing..." Shampoo indictated aloud, turning to
see Mu Lin standing silently with her eyes closed.
"I will talk to her." Mu Lin abruptly said, opening her large
blue eyes. "Wait here for us." she indicated, striding off after Kikyo.
Sighing, Shampoo looked back out over the scene on the stage as
as the old man and his granddaughter accepted congratulations for their
actions. She wondered to herself what the people thanking them would
think, had they known what it took to make the old man do it.
As she watched the commotion, she could sense that Mu Lin was
behind her, and approaching steadily.
"Is she okay?" Shampoo asked, turning to see a surprisingly
downcast Princess.
"She will not discuss her troubles... and she will not come to
Japan with us... at any cost. I have sent her home at her behest." Mu
Lin replied, sadly. "She carries with her a great burden... and does
not desire us to be tainted by it." the redhead added, looking back at
Shampoo resignedly.
"Aiyah... this is so unlike her. I thought she was afraid of
nothing." Shampoo blinked, taken by surprise at Kikyo's timidity.
"Amazon... there are some things that are too fearsome to
overcome, and it appears the little one has such an enemy." Mu Lin
stated, regarding the Amazon knowingly.
Suddenly finding herself standing in her apartment, her case
for her 'Business Papers' at her side, Kikyo glanced about her to make
sure all was as it should be. Sighing, she wandered to the couch and
sat heavily, turning on a light and staring at the silent television
before her.
For several minutes she simply stared at the box, her mind
filled with scenes of her past... scenes she had almost managed to
forget, but scenes that she knew would have been repeated had she
gone to Japan. Her father, thankfully, hadn't lived long enough to
endure the shame she felt, and her mother's condition was such that
it couldn't matter to her. Kikyo had thanked the Fates many times
that they had been spared the humiliation.
Kikyo herself had left her home, her friends and her entire
life behind when she emigrated from Japan, all in an effort to escape
the shame and lead a normal life.
Abruptly, a thought smashed through her mind that almost made
her panic.
"Kuso... what if Hitomi finds out? What will she think?" Kikyo
thought to herself, her eyes growing moist. As her anxiety level grew,
she remembered that Hitomi was not a native Japanese... she was Chinese,
at least in appearance. And, because of her unique 'birth', didn't
have the knowledge of Japan that she would have otherwise. But the
thought was quickly shot down by another far scarier one. It occurred
to her that if Hitomi had been given aspects of this 'Ranma' person's
knowledge, then she may know... and would probably never want to see
her again if she ever found out her little 'secret'.
She had already lost everything else she had ever held dear...
an old girlfriend, her friends, her old job as a teacher, her once
happy life in Japan... all because of an ambitious attempt to move
to a better job.
Reaching into her shoulder holster, she withdrew her .45 and
held it before herself, turning it to look down the large bore. Sniffing,
she made herself a promise... if Hitomi spurned her over this situation,
she wouldn't stop at just looking down the barrel.
Eyes starting to tear up and chest tightening, Kikyo tried
her best to sniff back her tears, but she knew it was a losing battle.
Finally, she buried her face in her hands and let herself cry, cursing
the day she had ever heard the word 'burakumin'.
"Moshi, Moshi." Nabiki answered, mildly annoyed at the
interruption. "Ano... a light came on? You mean she's there?
Move in! Move in! I want her taken to the safehouse and held there
until I say different. What about the redhead?" she asked excitedly,
but then her face dropped at the reply. "Okay. Just get her, then.
Watch it, though... she's deadly with guns. And don't hurt her, or you
could very well end up dead. No, I'm *not* kidding. And if that
redhead shows up, just leave the girl and get out... fast! Call me
when you have things under control. Good work. Bye."
Nabiki's eyes sparkled at the thought of having the girlfriend on
ice, thinking that she could then be 'convinced' to get out of the picture.
She figured that if there were no distractions, it would be easier to work
on getting Ranma back to normal... with a little specialized help from
some friends.
Placing her phone right beside her, she smiled and kicked back
in her chair, happy that her idea to stake out the girlfriend's
apartment had paid off so well. She was even happier that things were
finally going her way again.
Genma, Soun, Nodoka and Kasumi all sat around the low table,
wondering why they had been called out so suddenly. Akane and her
children were nowhere to be seen, but everyone assembled had the strong
feeling that something big was about to happen. The doors were closed
and the windows were covered, and once they had all arrived, they were
told to simply sit and wait.
Ranma, Akane, Miyabi and Masao meantime, all waited near the
koi pond for the arrival Ranma had foretold. Within a few moments,
the air near Ranma seemed to warp and curl, eliciting a gasp from Akane.
A second later, Mu Lin and Shampoo stood in the very same spot.
Mu Lin gasped when she noticed Ranma floating near Akane, and
Akane was a bit surprised when she saw Shampoo.
"Ranma... I knew not of your presence." Mu Lin recovered, bowing
to his form.
"Hai, Mu Lin... the Fates allowed me to return to speak to my
family. I guess that's why you're here too, ne?"
"That is correct. I was to come and explain your true fate to
your mortal kin. Your presence is... unexpected."
"For me too. I was surprised that they let me, but I'll take
it." Ranma grinned, shrugging.
Shampoo, listening to the apparently one-sided conversation,
finally piped up, unable to stand the thought of Ranma being nearby and
her not able to see him.
"Mu Lin... I hear you speaking to Ranma.. is he here?" the Amazon
asked, speaking in Mandarin to avoid any potential problems with Akane.
"Yes, Amazon... his Spirit form is here. I will let you see him,
if that is your wish." Mu Lin replied, thankfully also in Mandarin.
"Yes! Yes! I want to see him again!" Shampoo gushed, bouncing
like a child.
"He is... here." the Princess indicated, waving her arm toward
Ranma, who seemed to materialize from thin air.
"Aiyah... N... Nihao, Ranma." Shampoo gasped, a bit taken aback
by the sight of a grinning Ranma floating beside Akane.
"Ohaiyo, Shampoo... Nice job in China." Ranma smiled, winking at
the purple-haired woman.
"Ar... Arigato..." Shampoo breathed, still staring at him.
The Princess grinned briefly at Shampoo's reaction, then turned
her gaze on Akane, who had been staring gape-mouthed at her for the last
few minutes. "You are his spouse?" Mu Lin asked abruptly, regarding
Akane levelly.
"H.. hai. Watashi wa Saotome Akane desu." Akane sputtered,
bowing to her guest.
"I am Mu Lin, Daughter of Emperor Mu, and the person who fell
in the pool at Jusenkyo... but you know that of me already. These are
your children?"
"This is Miyabi, and this is Masao..." Akane replied, pointing
them out as she spoke. "So you're Mu Lin...?" she added, regarding the
Chinese girl's familiar face intently. Even Ranma, however, failed to
notice her eyebrow twitch.
"I am. As your husband has likely pointed out..." Mu Lin began,
only to be interrupted by a surprisingly angry outburst from Akane.
"You're the one that stole his body for your little 'quest'."
Akane hissed, eyes narrow and forehead wrinkling. "Did it ever occur
to you, 'Miss Princess', that he had a family?!? A wife and children
left hanging with no word about their husband and father? We agonized
for almost six months not knowing if he was alive or dead, male or female,
or if he was still even himself!" she continued, her voice rising to a
scream. "I hope your success was sweet, because it sure as hell left a
bitter taste with us!" she added, her voice suddenly cracking as a tear
rolled down her reddened cheek.
Mu Lin was totally unprepared for the ferocity of Akane's response,
and stood wordlessly staring at the woman. That reaction only seemed
to fuel Akane's rage.
"You took him from us... and used his body and soul for your own
ends. Now, our children have no father... I have no husband... and all
because you happened to need a body! It's a good thing you're already
dead, 'Princess', because if you weren't... I'd kill you!" Akane
shrieked, turning and running from the yard as tears streamed from
her eyes.
Mu Lin was stunned. She had expected that once she had explained
what had really transpired, Ranma's family would have been proud of his
sacrifice... instead, his wife was beyond furious.
Shampoo could only shake her head, having seen similar scenes
before. But this time at least, she could sympathize somewhat with how
Akane felt.
Ranma, shocked at Akane's outburst as well, flew off after her
worriedly.
"What do you mean, she's crying?" Nabiki asked, confusion etching
her face as she listened to the statement again. "She's alone, and she's
crying her heart out... Hmmm... perhaps our job is already done. Take her
in anyway, and let's make absolutely sure. Hai, you heard me. Call me
when you've got her." she indicated, closing her phone again.
As she set the device down on her desk, a knock on her outer
office door caught her attention. Leaning forward, she touched a small
panel on the desk.
"Hai? This better be important." she snarled, expecting it to
be her husband again.
"Mistress, it is I, Sasuke. A call came for you from the house
of your sister, Saotome Akane. They want you to come for an important
gathering of the family." the mousey voice informed, urgently. "Mistress
Kodachi took the call an hour ago, but told me not to disturb you.
Forgive me, but I thought it important." he continued, nervously.
"That's fine, Sasuke... I'll go there now. I'll talk to Kodachi
about this myself." Nabiki replied, concealing her anger at the other
Kuno sibling.
"Mistress, I beg of you, don't tell her how you found out."
Sasuke begged, sounding as if he was in fear for his life.
"Don't worry... I never forget a favor." she replied, smirking.
Kikyo lay on the couch, her eyes burning from her torrent of
tears, and her head aching. Just as she sat up to wipe her face, a
muffled boom caught her attention. Turning toward the source of the
sound, she was horrified to see a gas shell crash through her window and
land spinning on the floor, releasing a greyish cloud into the air.
Covering her face with her hand, she leapt from the couch,
grabbed the spewing shell and threw it back out the same window.
Dropping to her knees, she reached behind her back to grab at the .357
she had stuck in her belt holster, but before she could pull it all
the way out, her world began to spin.
Trying to fight it off, she shook her head repeatedly, but it
was to no avail. Slowly, the room began to grow dark, and as she
collapsed to the floor, she saw her door smash open and several people
burst through it. Just before blacking right out, she felt herself
being picked up and carried toward the same door.
A little while later, Kikyo awoke to find herself tied
securely to a chair, surrounded by a number of masked people. Her first
instinct was to try for one of her guns, but she discovered that they
had all been removed. She noted, however, that she still had her shoes,
meaning her 'ace' was still in play.
"Look... our guest is awake. How nice." a haughty female voice
remarked, disapprovingly. "So, missy... I hope you didn't find your
trip too uncomfortable." she continued, leaning down to glare at Kikyo.
"Nani?" Kikyo responded, pretending she didn't know English.
"Don't bother playing 'Japanese' with me, chickie-poo... I speak
that language too." the woman stated in Japanese, just to prove her
point.
Growling, Kikyo glared back at her captor. "What do you want?"
she snarled, testing her bonds. "And why have you kidnapped me?" she
added, angrily.
"Kidnapped? No, just given you an invitation you can't refuse.
You see, your former employer is a little upset with you... we're here to
let you know what that means, and to let you in on a few things." her
captor indicated, walking back and forth before Kikyo as some of her
cohorts sniggered and left the room.
"And what is that supposed to mean? You planning to rough me up
now?" Kikyo asked, smirking to herself.
"No... perish the thought. If we did that, your red-headed
friend would probably fry us. No, we're here to ask you politely to
leave... the town, the country if you wish, but most certainly to leave
the redhead." the woman stated, walking up to Kikyo and staring into
her eyes. "Immediately." she added, firmly.
"No damned way!" Kikyo spat back, without a second's
hesitation. "I love Hitomi and she loves me, and it's going to take a
hell of a lot more than you to seperate us!"
"Hah! You don't even know her... I'll bet you don't even know
that 'she' has a wife and young kids back in Japan! And 'she' has been
married for several years!" the woman taunted, pointing a gloved finger
at Kikyo.
Kikyo's mouth opened, but no sound came out. The words of her
captor had reached into the back corners of her mind, dragging up
one of her worst fears. All the time she had known Hitomi, she always
worried that the man she used to be might have had a family in Japan...
now, it was too late.
"And we did a little digging into your background, sweetie..."
Kikyo's captor added, a smirk detectable beneath her mask. "So, I have
to ask... what makes you think that 'she' would ever want to have a life
with someone who's burakumin?" her captor added, coldly.
Kikyo simply stared blankly at the woman, her dark eyes wide and
fixed with an indescribable emotional torment. Slowly, a tear rolled
down her cheek, the only movement her current state would allow her.
After all she had been through, after all the danger, the stress,
the anger, the anguish of her own emotions... with this news, Kikyo had
reached her limit.
Suddenly, she knew she had nothing left to fight for.
Silently, she closed her eyes and lowered her head. As her tears
began to fall into her lap, she took a deep, slow, wavering breath.
"Suki da yo, Hitomi-chan... Gomen nasai... Sayonara..." she
whispered, then raised her legs as far as her bonds would let her,
flicked the cover off of her left heel and jammed it to the floor as
hard as she could.
"Oh, shit...!" the interrogator cursed, diving for cover as
she guessed what Kikyo's odd action meant. She had barely landed
when a strong blast ripped through the small room.
Looking up, she panicked as she saw Kikyo and her chair
laying in a broken heap against the far wall, blood pooling on the floor.
Cursing again, the interrogator bolted to the door and kicked it open.
"Get me a fucking ambulance!!" she yelled, racing back to the unmoving
Kikyo. "Damn... it might already be too late," she muttered, fearfully.
"Akane-chan?" Ranma ventured, floating up behind the crying woman.
"H-Hai, Ranma?" she responded at length, her tears making it
difficult to talk.
"What happened back there?" he asked, settling in beside her on the
guardrail she had finally perched on.
"I... lost it, I guess..." she sobbed, wiping her tear-streaked
face with her sleeve. "I saw her... and she looked so much like you...
used to, and I could feel myself getting really mad." she sniffed, turning
to look her ethereal husband in the face. "I feel like she stole you
from us, Ranma... cheated me and the kids out of having you here with us.
And... and I miss you. I miss you when I walk into the dojo... I miss
you when I see the koi pond... I even miss you when I take a bath." she
added, sniffing more heavily. "Kuso, Ranma, I love you! I can't have
lost you already! We had our whole lives in front of us..." she sobbed,
burying her face in her hands and starting to cry again.
"Akane-chan... I love you, too... and like I said a while ago, I
came back from the other side to tell you that. I am dead... and my body
belongs to someone else. But this is me... the part of me that you love,
the part of me that made me who I am. Mu Lin wasn't the one who decided
what she was doing... she was given a job. She had to avert a war between
factions in the Spirit World. By finding the evidence of that 4th
century plot to kill a Khan and blame it on her family, she has settled
an issue of unrest that had the Spirit World choosing sides... even those
who wanted nothing to do with it were being forced to choose." Ranma
explained, taking his wife's trembling hands and looking into her eyes.
"My death in that accident triggered events that were waiting for
the right occasion... It happened that Mu Lin was a member of the
maligned family, and it also happened that she possessed a body, despite
being a Spirit herself. When I died, the rainfall that day changed my
body to it's female side, and at the same time, my Spirit's departure
awoke Mu Lin... just like she almost did when I was carrying the baby."
Ranma continued, searching Akane's eyes for understanding.
"You mean... the baby..." she began, but her voice failed her.
"Hai. Had it been born, Mu Lin would have moved into her, and
once the child was old enough, she would have then gone on to complete the
job she was given. Since the baby was never born, Mu Lin had to wait for
another chance, and that chance was the accident. Once she awoke though,
Mu Lin had to gain strength in order to take the body over completely,
so to buy her time, 'Hitomi' was created from some of me and some of
her. Hitomi has no clue about my life, my family or anything
else. She's a completely new person, given life by my death and Mu Lin's
mission."
"Ano... so she didn't just steal your body? You were already...
dead?" Akane blinked, regarding Ranma questioningly.
"Hai. I was already dead. Killed instantly." Ranma confirmed
quietly, lowering his eyes. "Akane-chan, I'm truly and deeply sorry for
what has happened to you and the kids... you didn't deserve this. If
there was any way I could've made it easier, I would've." he added,
raising his gaze to meet hers. "In fact, because I couldn't stand the
thought of you three suffering the pain you were, I sorta made them
send me back." he stated, grinning sheepishly.
"So... what happens now...? Are you leaving again?" Akane
asked, her eyes moist and imploring. "I want you to stay... no matter
what form you're in." she added pleadingly, squeezing his hands.
"I... don't know. The Fates gave me permission to come back
because I was so restless I was disturbing others... they didn't
tell me how long I have." he observed, thoughtfully.
"I hope it's forever... or you're taking me back with you."
Akane stated, her expression serious. "You're not leaving me again...
ever." she added, pulling him into a passionate hug.
"Akane... no matter what happens... I'll always be with you."
he responded, lifting her from his chest and kissing her deeply.
"Sorry about being late, guys, but I got my message a bit later
than I should have." Nabiki explained, joining the rest of the family
around the low table. Kasumi had taken the liberty of making up a tray
of finger foods and some tea, and promptly offered her sister some.
"Thanks, oneechan. So, where's the party?" she asked, looking
around the enclosed room.
"It should be starting any second now... Akane asked us all to
come, and then told us to wait here. She's taking an awfully long time
to do whatever she's doing, though." Kasumi explained, smiling.
"It's not very polite to leave your guests waiting this long..."
Nodoka chimed in, shifting her package to her other arm. "I can
understand wanting to make an entrance... but this is a bit beyond
simple spectacle."
"Well, it's supposed to be important, Dear... let's let her have
her moment her way." Genma piped up sheepishly.
"I'm getting concerned... Akane isn't normally one for flair.
She's usually much more... direct." Soun added, glancing about for
signs of movement.
Abruptly, Nabiki's cell phone trilled insistantly, disrupting the
nascent conversation.
"Gomen... I'll get it." Nabiki flustered, quickly opening the phone.
"Moshi... What?!? What the hell did you do?!? Nevermind! How is she?"
Nabiki shouted, startling everyone present. "Oh, my God... You stupid...!
You'd better hope she does!" Nabiki continued, her face contorted in
obvious panic. "Keep me posted!" she concluded, slapping the phone shut.
"Nabiki...? What is it, dear?" Nodoka asked, rising from her mat
to approach the horrified woman.
Just as Nabiki turned to answer her, the sliding door blew off
the side of the house, and in it's stead stood a very familiar redhead,
fists clenched and face a mask of anger.
"You...!" choked Nabiki, backing away from the table.
"Impudent wench!" Mu Lin growled, eyes narrowing as she
stared hard at Nabiki. "At our last meeting, I warned you of the
consequence of harming the one I love... yet you chose to ignore
my words!" Mu Lin snarled, advancing toward Nabiki. "Now, as a
result of your arrogance, she lies dying... from wounds inflicted
by her own hand! This is intolerable... and for your actions, your
miserable, wretched life is now forfeit!" Mu Lin yelled, her
entire body now flaring with unrestrained rage. "Prepare to meet the
keeper of Hell!" she yelled, warming up a ball of energy.
"NO!" Nabiki yelled back, shocking everyone. "I have NOTHING to
apologise for! She wasn't supposed to get hurt!" she added angrily,
leaping to her feet. "But that has nothing to do with it... I was only
trying to get Ranma back for Akane... My Sister! Her mother died 20
years ago, and it tore her heart out... and now, you and that hentai
bimbo come along and steal the only other person she ever loved! Do you
have a *clue* what that did to her? And her kids? All this time with
no idea what happened? How the hell would you like it?!? I don't even
care what your reason is... I'm not going to stop until he comes back
to her... one way or another!" Nabiki yelled, her eyes seething even
more than Mu Lin's.
Mu Lin glared at Nabiki hard for several seconds, then dissipated
the energy ball and her aura. Eyes narrowing, she regarded Nabiki
contemptuously.
"Woman... your motives do not justify the means. You resort to
base trickeries, lies and bullying to accomplish your ends, and in so
doing have brought great dishonor upon yourself. I should, in accordance
with my pledge, kill you where you stand. But, I will not. Unlike you,
I believe there is a value to life... but yours has none. I will not
waste my energy on one such as you. Better for you to live, and endure
the dishonor." Mu Lin stated bitterly, regarding Nabiki as if she were
trash. Nabiki's mouth dropped open, but before she could protest, Mu Lin
stepped toward her and shook her head in pity.
"This family has suffered greatly... and your actions have now
brought them shame. Enjoy your life, Kuno Nabiki." Mu Lin stated,
abruptly fading from sight.
As soon as she was gone, Nabiki, stunned by Mu Lin's words,
and the fact that she was still alive, slowly collapsed to her knees.
"I thought... I was dead..." she gasped, eyes still wide.
"Nabiki.. are you okay?" Kasumi asked urgently, being the first
to arrive at her side.
"Hai... I will be... after my heart starts again." she gasped,
her face drained.
"Nabiki-san... Would we be able to talk later?" Nodoka asked
from behind them, a strange look in her eyes.
Nabiki looked up at her, and suddenly felt her heart sink. Kasumi,
assured her sister was okay physically, lowered her eyes and said nothing.
Just as everyone had gathered their wits about them, Ranma and
Akane arrived to find the gathering around Nabiki, who was still one
step away from fainting.
As a trembling Nabiki explained what had taken place, Ranma floated
nearby listening intently. Upon hearing what started the entire episode,
Ranma drifted over to Akane, still unseen by the others milling about, and
subtly got her attention.
"Akane... I have to go to Kikyo and see if she'll live. If
she dies, Nabiki will too; Mu Lin will see to it." he whispered, his
voice urgent in her ear.
"Hai, Ranma... go. I'll stall everything off here. Will... will
you be back soon?" she whispered, keeping her eyes on Nabiki.
"As soon as I know. Ja, Akane... I love you." he
responded, as she felt a warm brush on her cheek.
Smiling to herself, Akane sighed and rose to her feet, then
called for everyone's attention.
"Minna! Because of all this, the reason I wanted you here
is being delayed a bit... once we get this mess cleaned up, then I'll
fill you all in." she announced, looking at the remains of her door.
"I'll help!" indicated Kasumi, tying on her everpresent apron.
Ranma rematerialized (sort of) outside the dojo before heading for
Kikyo's bedside. Turning, he came face to face with Mu Lin, who looked
very troubled.
"Thank you, Mu Lin, for sparing my sister-in-law's life." Ranma
bowed, smiling.
"I cannot bring any more sorrow to your family, Ranma." Mu Lin
replied, lowering her eyes. "I must express my apologies for my
brashness... though I would likely have done your family a service."
she added, raising her gaze.
"I won't comment on that right now..." he smirked, fighting back
a smile. "But we have to get to Kikyo... I hear she's in pretty bad
shape," he urged, touching the Princess's shoulder.
"Then we depart..." she responded, and the two figures vanished.
Inside the Saotome home, Shampoo wandered in though the destroyed
sliding door with Masao in arm and Miyabi alongside, and gasped at the
confusion.
"Aiyah... Mu Lin knows how to make an entrance, doesn't she?" the
Amazon commented, gazing around the room as she handed Masao to his
mother.
"Hai... that's for sure. Shampoo, what can you tell me about all
this... considering that you arrived with her, you must know something."
Akane probed, giving Shampoo a questioning look.
Shampoo, uncertain of what she should do, grinned sheepishly and
lowered her eyes. "Can we talk outside?" she asked, quietly.
In Canada, Mu Lin and Ranma reappeared in Kikyo's hospital room,
one on each side of her bed. She was surrounded by machines, with tubes
and wires connected to her everywhere, and lay absolutely still. Mu Lin
gasped aloud when she noticed the absence of Kikyo's left foot, and saw
the extent of her other injuries. Equally as unsettling was the ashen
tone of Kikyo's normally lustrous golden skin, which prompted Mu Lin
to immediately touch the woman's cheek.
"She lives... but not for much longer. Her body is battered and
very weak, and her spirit is broken... she could actually survive, but
she desires death. She feels that she does not deserve the love of
Hitomi... and thereby has no reason to live." Mu Lin indicated softly,
her eyes misting up. "She will cross over soon."
"Not if I can help it!" Ranma stated, looking hard at Mu Lin.
"You heal her body... I'll go in after her and try to smarten her up.
Wish me luck," he indicated, winking at the Princess.
"Success to you, Ranma. I will await your return." she replied
pensively, as she watched Ranma dive into Kikyo's body.
Ranma immediately sensed great sorrow, anger, remorse and fear
emanating from Kikyo's tortured soul, and was amazed at how dark it was
around him. Finally, in the distance he saw a point of light, and
immediately propelled himself through the featureless darkness toward it.
As he approached the source, he noted that it was slowly shrinking,
an observation that confirmed he was in the right place... and not a moment
too soon.
"Kikyo-chan! Kikyo-chan! I am Saotome Ranma... Hitomi's other
side. Talk to me!" Ranma called, praying the woman would answer.
Several eternally long seconds went by without a response, then
finally a weak voice spoke.
"Let me die, Saotome Ranma... I have no reason to live." it
stated, the waves of sadness accompanying it almost overwhelming him.
"No, Kikyo-chan... I can't. Hitomi loves you... You're all
she has!" Ranma replied, trying to emphasise the point. "Hitomi is a
totally seperate person from me, Kikyo... she knows nothing about me or
my life."
"They told me she has children... and was married. I... kept
her from seeking that knowledge because I didn't want to lose her."
"No, Kikyo... *I* have the kids... *I* have a wife. Hitomi does
not. She posesses what was once my body, and parts of my soul... but
she's an entirely new person... one that loves you with all that she
is. You are the only thing resembling a family that she has, Kikyo-chan.
If you die, she will too."
"No! She can't! She's too..." Kikyo began urgently, then
suddenly stopped.
More long seconds passed before she spoke again, making Ranma
very worried.
"Hitomi is the most wonderful person I have ever known, Ranma...
she's absolutely perfect. I would not... want her to bear the shame of
being associated with a... burakumin." the voice finally responded
sadly, as the point of light shrank a bit more.
"No, Kikyo... she doesn't know what that means. And even if she
did, it wouldn't matter. Look, Kikyo... some of what Hitomi is came from
me... and I don't give a damn about things like that." Ranma stated,
desperately. Realizing that there was no way Kikyo could be assured of
what he had just said, he scrambled to formulate a different approach.
"Let's think about this for a minute... what kind of person do you
think she is?" he prodded, trying to gather his thoughts.
"She's... an incredibly beautiful person. I've never known
someone as kind... loving... happy as she is." Kikyo replied, wistfully.
"Hai! And how does she feel about you?"
"She... loves me."
"Hai! She loves you with her entire being... I know that because
she loves like I do... all or nothing. Ano, once I made up my mind I loved
my wife, I loved her with everything that I am... I love her so much
that even dying couldn't keep me away from her side. Hitomi loves you
exactly the same way!"
For several uncomfortable heartbeats, there was no response from
Kikyo. Ranma began to get worried again, thinking he hadn't convinced her.
Abruptly, Kikyo spoke again, but not the way Ranma hoped.
"Ranma... I know what you're doing... and I thank you for it. But
Hitomi is..." she began, but didn't get to finish.
"What? A bigoted, shallow, snotty bitch?" Ranma snarled angrily,
finally losing his patience.
"Nani?! No! She's..." Kikyo sputtered, then fell silent.
"I don't think I have to say anything more, do I Kikyo-chan?"
Ranma observed, crossing his arms and shooting a look toward the light.
"No, Ranma... you don't." Kikyo acquiesced, shamefully. "I've
been baka, haven't I?" she added, remorsefully.
"No... A bit upset, and maybe even confused, but not a baka. Trust
me, I know the difference. So, are you ready to come back?"
"Hai. I am. I can't wait to see Anata again... and tell her
how much I... missed her." Kikyo responded, quietly.
Smiling with satisfaction, Ranma looked into the point of light
and winked. "Kikyo, I *know* she misses you." he stated, feeling
the abrupt change in the emotion wafting over him. "See you on the
outside." he smiled, and faded out.
Appearing once again beside Kikyo's bed, Ranma nodded at Mu Lin,
who responded with a relieved smile.
"She comes back to us. I commend you, Ranma... you snatched her
from the brink." Mu Lin observed with relief, hand still on Kikyo's cheek.
"She was afraid of losing Hitomi over her past and what she was
told by Nabiki's goons. To her, Hitomi is everything perfect in a human
being... the thought of hurting her or associating her with any kind of
shame was something Kikyo couldn't bear." Ranma explained, reaching over
to remove some of the tubes and wires.
"She is healed then... both in mind and in body. Hitomi would be
grateful to you, Ranma." Mu Lin smiled, winking.
"Just like I am..." Kikyo rasped, opening her eyes slowly.
"Saotome Ranma... I owe you my life." she stated, nodding her head to
approximate a bow.
"No, Kikyo... You owe me nothing. I just didn't want to see
you throw away your life over a misunderstanding." Ranma smiled,
brushing some stray hair from her face. "Just take good care of
Hitomi, ne?" he added, winking. "You two were made for each other."
"Hai. I promise." Kikyo smiled, catching Ranma's hand and
holding it firmly. Suddenly, her eyes opened wide. "I can tell
Hitomi came from you... I feel the same way when I touch you." she
flushed, looking up at Ranma's gently smiling face.
"See... I told you so." he jibed, smiling broadly again.
"Little one, my heart rejoices at your return..." Mu Lin
chimed in, smiling brightly. "But you must rest now... for when you
next see this face, it shall not be mine." she indicated, leaning
over to gently kiss Kikyo's cheek. Rising, she smiled warmly. "I
consider myself truly fortunate to have known you, Okimiyaki Kikyo.
I wish you good journeys." she bowed, then faded from sight.
"Hai, I must leave now as well, Kikyo. You get your strength
back, while we wrap up some unfinished business with my family. I
wish you all the best, Kikyo-chan... you and Hitomi have a great life
ahead of you." Ranma stated, as he too faded from view with a smile
and a wave.
Kikyo stared at the space Ranma formerly occupied, then cast
a quick glance at her left leg as a thought abruptly struck her. She
knew she had lost a good deal of her leg, the amount of C4 in her
custom-made grenade would have ensured that. She almost squealed as
she discovered she still had both feet, and happily wiggled her toes.
"Arigato, Mu Lin..." she whispered, settling back to her
pillow and smiling gratefully.
In Nerima, the remanants of the door had been cleared away,
and Akane was in the kitchen preparing more food for her still
somewhat shaken family.
In the yard, Ranma and Mu Lin appeared side by side, then
glanced at one another briefly.
"This is it, I guess..." Ranma sighed, not looking forward to
delivering his message.
"My journey ends here as well... Once we speak, I will begin
my eternal rest... I will miss our long association, Ranma." Mu Lin
observed, sadly. "A strange feeling, this... I have waited over 1500
years to have my final sleep, and now that it is within reach... "
"I know... " Ranma stated, thoughtfully. "I'm going to
hate going back, too. My children are so young... with such bright
futures. They should have had a father to guide them, as well as a
mother to make them respectable people. I can only hope that they
survive this trial, and become the people they were meant to be."
he added, sadly. "And Akane... she's a beautiful, powerful woman...
but having her family torn apart has hurt her... in ways I can't
imagine. I only wish I could ease her pain somehow... she doesn't
deserve what's happened to her." Ranma indicated sadly as he
watched his wife placing trays of food out.
"The Fates can be both cruel and kind... our wishes seldom
matter. My destiny at least is known... yours is as yet undecided.
Use your time among the mortals well, Ranma. Perhaps you can ease
your loved one's pain." Mu Lin smiled, touching Ranma's hand.
"Come... the final act is due." she prompted, turning toward the
house.
"I guess it is..." Ranma sighed in response, steeling
himself for the upcoming event.
Inside the house, Akane was just about to head back to the
kitchen when a sudden feeling made her stop in place and smile.
"Minna! Minna! Everything's ready now. Sit down and prepare
for a bit of a shock..." she announced, gathering her children and
sitting beside her father.
Before their eyes, Mu Lin appeared once again, this time much
calmer and very regal looking. A she looked the room over, she smiled
slightly.
"Fear not, mortals... I will not cause any further chaos." she
stated, staring at Nabiki, who sat by herself near the wall.
"R... Ranma?" Genma croaked, getting his first good look at the
person standing before them.
"No, Saotome Genma... I am not Ranma. I am the embodiment of the
other soul that occupied his body with his own. My name is Mu Lin,
daughter of Emperor Mu. I am the person who drowned in the cursed pool
at Jusenkyo."
Drawing a deep breath as the audience ohhed and ahhh'd, Mu Lin
prepared herself to deliver the big news.
"The man known as Saotome Ranma... is dead." she stated, to
the gasps of the assembled. Soun and Nodoka immediately broke into
tears, Genma was stunned speechless, and Nabiki face-faulted. Kasumi's
response was trademark.
"Oh, dear..." she remarked, closing her eyes for a moment,
then rising and walking over to a surprisingly calm Akane.
"Akane-chan... I'm so sorry." Kasumi offered, touching her
younger sister's shoulder gently.
"Daijobu, oneechan... I already knew." Akane replied, a small
smile parting her lips.
"You already knew...? How, Akane?" Kasumi blinked, her hand
automatically covering her mouth.
"You'll see... just give Mu Lin a minute." Akane replied,
smiling knowingly.
Mu Lin, expecting the response to the news to be strong,
patiently waited until she felt she could speak safely.
"There is much more to the story than that, however... In
truth, he lives on... but not as he once was. I understand your
need to mourn your loved one, but my time is short in this mortal
shell. I must relinquish it soon, and so I must also relate my
tale. I ask of you to heed me until it is complete... then perhaps
you will understand what has transpired."
"Go ahead, Mu Lin... I want to hear it... all." Akane
instructed, wiping her own tears. Despite knowing the story, it
still hurt her to hear it.
Mu Lin related the entire story, from the accident to the
conclusion of the mission in China, and the entire gathering listened
intently. As she concluded, Nodoka wiped her tears and rose to face
Mu Lin.
"You said earlier that my son still lives... yet in your
description, he died... which is the truth?" she asked in a shakey
voice, silencing the room.
"Ranma lives on. This body, as described, belongs now to one
known as Hitomi. She bears much of the man known as Ranma, although
she has no memory of him or his life. As to Ranma himself, he is
here... with us."
As the room gasped again, Mu Lin waved her arm toward the wall
behind her, and suddenly Ranma appeared out of thin air. Except
for his tentative smile, he simply stood politely for a few
moments, then cleared his throat.
"I'm... sorry about all this." he commented, lowering his gaze.
Nodoka and Soun fainted, Genma stared gape-mouthed, and Nabiki and
Kasumi responded in stereo... "Oh My..."
"Yeah, I'm a Spirit now... I really am dead, but my Spirit was
allowed to come back to let you know what happened." Ranma explained,
now that his mother and Soun had recovered.
"So... what does this mean, Ranma?" Nodoka asked, regarding
him questioningly.
"Well, I dunno... I have no idea how long I'm able to stay
like this, and once Mu Lin leaves, Hitomi will be going back to
Canada. She has a life and a lover there. Like Mu Lin said, she's
a seperate person, and has no ties to my old life." Ranma shrugged,
glancing at Akane. The look she returned gave him the feeling he'd
better talk to her. "Excuse me, Okasaan... Mr. Tendou... Akane
wants me." he bowed, then floated over to his wife's side.
"Hai, Akane-chan?" he asked, settling beside Akane and
wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Akane smiled and nestled
into his chest, then closed her eyes and moaned gently.
"Ranma... it feels just like you're real. I can still
sense your warmth... still hear your heartbeat. This even makes
me feel safe and secure... just like it used to." she breathed,
nestling in a bit deeper.
"And I can feel you... and smell you... Kuso, Akane...
I've missed you so much... I don't ever want to go back across."
he responded gently, hugging her a bit tighter.
Akane didn't reply right away, enjoying the closeness of
the moment. Abruptly, that very enjoyment prompted a question.
"Ranma..." she began, hesitantly. "What's going to happen now?"
she asked, dreading the answer.
"I wish I knew, Akane-chan. The Fates didn't say how
long I could stay, or if they had any other plans for me. I..."
he began, suddenly stopping in mid-sentence, his eyes growing wide.
"Ranma? What is it?" Akane asked, sensing his reaction.
Across the room, Mu Lin, who had been talking to Miyabi, reacted
in a similar way.
Suddenly, both Ranma and Mu Lin vanished into thin air.
Akane gasped at her empty arms, then collapsed to her knees
crying, her first thought being that the decision had been made,
and Ranma was gone.
"It's not fair!" she wailed, dropping her head to the floor
and pounding her fists into the boards. "You can't take him back!
You can't..! Not now...!" she cried desperately, crossing her
arms in front of her and bawling openly.
Kasumi was at her side in an instant, and began to rub her
back supportively. "Just wait, Akane... we don't know what this
means yet. Mu Lin went, too... I'm sure they'll be back." she
soothed, sweetly.
"Oneechan... I..." Akane sobbed, unable to stop her tears.
"Shhh... It's okay, Akane-chan. You'll see." Kasumi
assured, stroking her sister's hair. "These things always work
out."
Ranma and Mu Lin reappeared in a shapeless, cloudy chamber,
occupied only by a large, black shape in the center of the clouds.
Each looked at the other questioningly, then the pair
ended up simply shrugging in unison. Just as Ranma was about to
say something, a deep, resonating voice seemed to fill the air.
"Saotome Ranma; Fa Mu Lin; You both have done well. It
is time for you to recieve your due." the booming voice stated as
Mu Lin and Ranma again looked at each other... and smiled.
"Saotome Ranma... with no thought of hesitation, you
called a soul back from the brink that was not expected to cross...
thereby saving what would have been a wasted life. As well,
through great personal loss, you enabled the efforts of Mu Lin. It
is our grace to offer you a choice; Eternal rest and a position of
station within the Realm of the Light, or to remain on the Mortal
plane as a Spirit. Bear in mind your decision is final, and the
choice will be offered but once. Choose, Saotome Ranma." the voice
continued, falling silent in anticipation of his answer.
Ranma, now smiling broadly, didn't hesitate. "I wish to
remain with my family... my first responsibility is to my children...
they have suffered too much already. My rest can wait until they
no longer need me." he responded, firmly.
"It is done... we expected nothing less. We shall grant
you the ability to be seen by others, so that you may function
amoung the mortals. You are aware that, even so, you must abide
by the tenets of the Realm of the Light?"
"I am. And I know the price for screwing up, too." he
added, glancing at Mu Lin.
"All is well, then. And now to you, Mu Lin." the booming
voice continued, evenly. "Your efforts on the Mortal plane have
quelled the disturbances brought on by the turmoil between families
in the Spirit World, and averted a full-scale war... the souls that
were meant to rest can now do so without duress. We now give you
that which you have sought for 15 centuries... the chance to at last
cross over and claim your Eternal rest." the voice indicated.
Mu Lin looked at the ground for a moment, then raised her
eyes to the mass before her. "I have sought nothing more than to
be granted my final rest... but I ask one final indulgence. A
matter remains unresolved on the Mortal plane... I wish to address
it, and then I will accept my rest." Mu Lin replied, lowering her
eyes again.
"We will grant you your leave. Be advised that you occupy
the body of another, and it must be relinquished soon."
"Thank you. I shall expedite my affairs." she responded,
smiling.
"It is done then... So have you both chosen, so it shall be
from this day forward. Fare thee well, both... until the time we
meet once again." the voice stated, then the mass it emanated from
began to shrink, seeming to draw in the cloudiness around it.
Within a hearbeat, Ranma and Mu Lin found themselves
standing back in the room at the house, with everyone staring at
them.
"Ranma!!" Akane yelled, diving across the room at him.
Ranma barely had time to react before she landed in his arms,
almost squeezing the breath out of him with her wild hug. "I
thought they called you back!" she wailed, only this time they were
tears of joy.
"No... in fact, it was the opposite. I'm here... for good.
Only thing is, I'm still a Spirit... something like Mu Lin here."
he indicated, happily. "They called us in and told us what the
deal was, and I get to stay." he added, grinning.
"Ranma, that's wonderful... I'm so happy you're back."
Akane gushed, hugging him tightly once more.
As he willingly accepted the hug, which was immediately
followed by a surprise glomp from Miyabi, Ranma caught a glimpse
of Mu Lin, who was watching his little reunion with a small smile
decorating her face. He turned toward her with Akane still in his
arms, and she nodded slowly.
"Ranma... though I shall miss you, It is time for me to
depart. Hitomi must return, and I must take my place. I wish
you and your family well... and that your lives are long." Mu
Lin indicated, extending her hand toward Ranma.
Ranma glanced quickly down at Akane, who winked back
immediately. Ranma then stepped forward and hugged Mu Lin tightly.
After her shock wore off, she wrapped her arms around him, and
rested her head on his chest.
"Ranma... I will miss being a part of you. You made my
curse bearable." she whispered, sniffing back a tear.
"Heh... Mu Lin, I'm going to miss you, too... more than
I ever thought possible. It was only a few years, but I got used
to it. I don't know how I'll ever get past not changing anymore."
"Ranma... you would do well to stop thinking like a Mortal."
Mu Lin winked, stepping back from his embrace. "I must leave
now... fare you well, Ranma and Akane Saotome. Perhaps we shall
meet again... if the Fates are willing." she continued, bowing
and then fading from sight. As she did, the destroyed door suddenly
reappeared in it's proper place, and slid itself shut. Ranma and
Akane looked at each other and grinned.
"So that's it? It's all over?" Akane asked, stepping up
to Ranma and wrapping herself around his arm.
"Hai... I guess it is. Looks like you're stuck with me
for a while yet." he smirked, grinning.
"Ranma... I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't care
if you are just a Spirit... you're here, and that's what counts."
Akane stated, firmly. "Of course, it would be nice if..." she
added, her face taking on 'the look' as she turned Ranma to face her.
"And who said I couldn't...?" Ranma winked, sliding a hand
down to pat her tight backside affectionately.
"Baka ne... we have company." Akane hissed under her breath,
glaring back at him.
"Well, then let's visit for a bit, tell them what's happened,
then toss 'em out. We have some catching up to do..." he responded,
quietly.
"Hai Hai... That's more like it... Shall we?" Akane asked,
smiling. Suddenly, she stopped him in his tracks and turned him to
face her. "Ranma... never do this to me again." she ordered,
staring deep into his eyes.
"I love you too, Akane-chan." he responded, burying her
lips in a passionate kiss, not caring who saw it.
Behind them, the rest of the families suddenly began
applauding... even Nodoka.
Outside the house, Shampoo paced about the yard, anxiously
waiting. Finally, her acute senses detected the presence she was
waiting for.
"I thought I had missed you." Shampoo commented, relief
on her face as she turned to greet Mu Lin.
"Had you not waved through the door, you would have. What
is it you wish of me, Amazon? I must depart." Mu Lin asked,
somewhat impatiently.
"I want... to go back to Canada. I have no life here any
more, and I... have friends there." she asked sheepishly, then
looked back at Mu Lin pleadingly.
"Are you certain? You have no accomodation there..." Mu
Lin noted, looking back at the Amazon questioningly.
Shampoo simply grinned mischeivously. "That is not a
problem." she intoned, producing a bucket from behind her back.
Kikyo thanked the nurse that had brought her supper in for
her, and then turned to pull the TV a little closer. Despite the
fact that she was fully recovered, the Doctors had insisted she
stay in, somewhat unnerved by how fast she had healed.
One thing that Kikyo also noticed was how they made no
mention of her foot, but she assumed Mu Lin probably had something
to do with that.
Finally getting the TV into the right position, Kikyo
turned back to face her supper tray reluctantly, the smell telling
her it wasn't going to be pleasant.
Abruptly, her musings were disturbed by a knock at the door.
"Hai!" she responded, looking to see who her visitor was.
"Kiko-chan! What happened to you? I go out for a walk,
and come back to find you in the hospital! Are you okay?" Hitomi
blurted worriedly, bursting through the door and running to Kikyo's
bedside, grasping her hand.
"Hi... Hitomi-chan? Is that really you? Anata?!?" Kikyo
gushed, recovering from her shock.
"Hai... who else would it be? Kuso... you must have
really hit your head when you went down those stairs..." she
commented, looking carefully at Kikyo's hairline. "Are you
going to be okay?" she added, biting her lip.
"Hai... I'm getting discharged tomorrow. I can't wait!
I'd much rather be home with you." Kikyo smiled, running her
fingers through Hitomi's bangs.
The redhead sighed with relief, then smiled knowingly. "I
brought you something... it's so kawaii... you'll love it!" she
abruptly smiled, reaching down to her side. Rising, she produced
a white cat with purple ears and feet, all decked out with ribbons
and bells.
"Hitomi... she's gorgeous! Where did you get her?" Kikyo
breathed, taking the cat from Hitomi and sitting it on her tummy.
The cat purred happily and rubbed it's ears on Kikyo's
outstretched hand.
"See? She even likes you... I checked with the super
already, and we can keep her in the apartment." Hitomi noted, her
large blue eyes fairly sparkling.
"Hitomi-chan... I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you
so much... I can't even begin to tell you." Kikyo sniffed, smiling
happily.
"Chee... It's only been a couple of hours, Kiko-chan..."
Hitomi replied, regarding Kikyo like she was from another planet.
"I wish... Hug me, Anata... real tight."
"Is it okay? I won't hurt you, will I?"
"Hitomi-chan... you could never hurt me." Kikyo assured,
opening her arms to her lover.
At the same time in another part of the Province, a young
woman lay on an examining table, her swollen midsection exposed
and smeared with clear gel. A Doctor sat beside her, working an
Ultrasound unit over her tummy and watching the ghostly image on
a small screen.
"It looks fantastic, Elysse... healthy and strong, if not
a bit big for it's age." the Doctor commented, sounding quite
pleased. "So, do you want to know?"
"Yes... I think I do. What is it?" Elysse responded,
voice wavering with excitement as she leaned up to see the
monitor.
"Wellll... it looks like... Yep. It's a boy.
Congratulations, Elysse!" the Doctor exclaimed, beaming.
"A boy... just what I wanted. Thank you Doctor." she
gushed, smiling and laying her head back down on the pillow. As
she waited for the Doctor to finish the exam, her hand found her
necklace, and she began to toy with the large gold ring it was
threaded through. Her smile grew even wider as she thought of one
more person she needed to thank. "And thank you, Ranma Saotome.
I'll make you proud of him." she thought to herself, slowly
closing her eyes.
====================================================================
END - Mysteries of the Mind - Part 11 A Ranma1/2 FanFic by Coutuva
Comments Welcomed - Flames Extinguished!
coutuva@vecdev.com
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geocities.com/Tokyo/Bay) (
geocities.com/Tokyo)