WARNING!: In order to understand and enjoy the story more fully, read
Ranma's Curse Part 4 (Parts 1-3 build up to the climax and explain referen-
ces in the rest of the stories.)
Ranma's Memories Part 1
Ghost's of the Past
(version 1.2)
by Bryan Neef
Ranma 1/2 created by Rumiko Takahashi
Nuku-Nuku created by Yuzo Takada
Saotome Ranma had been raised by his father, Genma, to be a "Man among men,"
and an heir to the Saotome School of Anything Goes School of Martial Arts.
To ensure the survival of the School, Genma engaged Ranma to his best
friend's daughter, Tendou Akane. The training went well, until they went to
China.
In China, Ranma became cursed. When he became wet with cold water, he became
a she. He also became "cursed" by defeating an Amazon, Shampoo, in a chal-
lenge. In time, Shampoo discovered the female and male Ranmas were the same.
With the help of her great-grandmother, Cologne, Shampoo tried to force Ranma
into marriage. One attempt locked Ranma in his cursed form. Ranma destroyed
his cure, the Phoenix Pill, by invoking the Cat-Fu technique. When Ranma
confronted Cologne for the final time, he lost his newest cure and his
life...
=============================================================================
Chapter 1
A New Challenge
The first day of classes at a new school was always the hardest for any
student. For Saotome Ranko, it was especially hard. She had just recently
moved in with the mother she had completely forgotten. That meant leaving
the only home she had known, along with the three people who had accepted her
into their family. She also had to deal with a new sister, Xian Pu, and the
death of her twin brother, Ranma.
As difficult as this was, it was not as difficult as dealing with her frag-
mented memories. Nor was it as difficult as being deathly afraid of cats.
The difficulty arose from her new sister being cursed with the body of a cat
when doused with cold water.
The memories were easy to deal with. Ranko could always make new ones. But
she still wasn't sure she could deal with a sister who could become a cat at
the most inconvenient times. Xian Pu had promised to be careful, and the two
truly enjoyed being together.
"Saotome Ranko," Ranko's thoughts were interrupted by the teacher, "Please
tell us a little about yourself."
"Hai!" she answered, standing. "I just moved in with my mother. I hadn't
seen her in ten years. Before I came here, I went to Furinkan High School.
I work at the Tendou Family Center and Dojo, near Furinkan, on weekends. I
help with the daycare, the home care, and teach martial arts, when my father
and uncle let me.
"I've been to China a couple of times, as well as all over Japan. I've been
active in Furinkan sports during the spring term, mostly because my friends
begged me to be. Other than that, there's not much I'm willing to talk
about."
"What style of martial arts?" asked a student.
"My preference is kempo, but the overall 'style' is called Anything Goes or
Indiscriminate Grappling. It combines the moves of several individual
styles, as well as those created specifically by my father, uncle, and their
master. It's...um...very deadly, if not used properly."
"Why do you say that?" asked a student.
"Well, um, I've seen some really nasty fights involving my family style. It
took the fighters a really long time to recover. I'm told that, should a
fight ever be a life and death struggle, then Anything Goes is one of the
deadliest of the Arts."
The class began to shift uncomfortably. Xian Pu watched as Ranko began to
shrink at the sounds. Xian Pu stood, putting her hands on her sister's
shoulders. "Silly Ranko, always talk before thinking. Hard fights Ranko see
very rare. Only greatest of masters do. Fights to death not happen in
Japan. Only in wars. No one at war here."
"I see. Do you, um, think the two of you will use this style? At school,
anyway?" asked the teacher.
"No," replied Ranko.
"No. School for learning, not fighting. Xian Pu know that lesson well,"
replied Xian Pu emphatically.
The class began murmuring at the comments from the two students. One girl
with long, scarlet hair, stood up. "What do you mean?"
"What Xian Pu means, is that we've been treated badly by other students. We
reacted the only way we knew how, fight. It took some very special friends
to help us adjust."
"Do you think fighting will be a problem?" asked the teacher. "The school
frowns on that kind of behavior."
"We no want fight. We come to learn. Fight if must, but want to learn.
Xian Pu need learn much."
"No problem! I'm sure we'll all be good friends" beamed the scarlet haired
girl.
The teacher shook his head. "Thank you, Atsuko. Xian Pu, would you like to
tell us a little more about yourself?"
Ranko sat down, letting her sister take over. "I from China. Have been
adopted by Ranko's mother. I also work for Tendou Family Center and Dojo.
Have one friend, Ranko, but maybe make more with family."
"Do you know martial arts?" asked another student.
"Best of village. Ranko much better, though."
"What style?" asked the student.
"Like kung-fu. Is China version of Anything Goes," beamed Xian Pu.
"Thank you, Xian Pu. If you or Ranko are interested, the school has a number
of martial arts programs, as well as regular sports," commented the teacher.
"Thank you," replied the sisters.
***
Lunch came quickly for everyone. Ranko and Xian Pu entered the cafeteria.
They had begun feeling comfortable with the other students. Between clas-
ses, several of the students had asked them questions. The girls asked
about their time at Furinkan and if they had boyfriends. The boys asked for
their phone numbers, measurements, and what sort of things they did to relax.
Xian Pu's reaction to the questions had forced them to stop. Only Ranko's
explanation eased the tension. Most of the students had accepted them
easily, even after Xian Pu's outburst. They figured that, since she was new
to Japan, she still needed to adjust.
The sisters were caught up in their conversation, they failed to notice the
scarlet haired girl come up to them. "Excuse me, would you like to join me
for lunch?"
"Sure. You're Atsuko, right?" replied Ranko.
"Hai. I thought you two might want some company."
"Thanks," offered Ranko.
"Do you really hate boys?" asked Atsuko.
"No. Was raised to think all men weak. Not good way to live. Only now
learning that way wrong. Met strong men before adopted. Ranma, Ryoga, Tofu,
and Tatewaki. All strong and kind. Ranma no longer here, but Xian Pu man-
age."
"Did you like him?"
A sad amile crossed Xian Pu's lips. "Very much. At first, was because of
village law. After long, terrible time, Xian Pu learn Ranma no like Xian Pu
way law say he should. Xian Pu do many things to hurt Ranma to prove love
for him. In end, Xian Pu drive Ranma away."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. Does he have any family?"
"He was my twin brother. I-I just met him for the first time in years when
he left," replied Ranko, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I still have a lot to learn about conversations. I can
show you around school later. Maybe you can find a club that you like."
"We'd appreciate that, Atsuko. What kind of clubs are you in?" replied
Ranko.
"I'm not in any."
"Why not?" asked Xian Pu.
"Well...I'm too good at sports, but terrible at everything else. No one
wants me to try out for sports, even though I would help them win. And the
other clubs tell me I'm not good enough to a part of them. For a while, no
one would talk to me. Every boy in school wanted to date me. It was just
too new for me.
"Anyway, now I have lots of good friends. They've helped me adjust and
get along with everyone."
A tall woman stood next Atsuko. "Everyone? I doubt that. If you two new-
comers were smart, you'd dump this loser and meet some real people."
She glared at Ranko. "Then again, since you're a red head, you're prob-
ably just as much a loser as the Cat-girl here. Ta ta!"
Ranko and Xian Pu watched as the woman strode off. Ranko clenched her
fists. Noticing Atsuko had lost her smile, Ranko spoke quietly, "Who was
that?"
"One of the few people who hate me. The other girls were jealous because
the boys noticed me. But after a while, they got to know me. Ryoko never
tried. She hates me, and anyone with red hair. Ryoko hates a friend of mine
from Juuban. And I don't know why. I do everything a human does."
Xian Pu looked carefully at Atsuko. She narrowed her eyes slightly. Ranko
shot her an angry look, but ignored it. Xian Pu smiled to herself. "No need
worry. Xian Pu and Ranko be friends. No worry about being human. Only
be good person matters."
"Thank you," beamed Atsuko.
***
Ranko and Xian Pu enjoyed the day. What started as a depressing after-
noon ended with the depression lifting. Both girls agreed it was their new
friend, Atsuko, who had helped relax things.
Atsuko led them on a tour of the school, pointing out the different clubs and
activities available. "This is where the Kempo Club meets. They've won two
district championships in the last three years. We also have a Kendo Club, a
Martial Arts Gymnastics team, and a Combat Ice Skating Club."
Ranko snickered as Atsuko named the clubs. Xian Pu had an easier time sup-
pressing her laughter. Atsuko looked at them. "What's so funny?"
Ranko stiffened, laughter still in her voice, "I think Kasumi has a better
chance at winning against those clubs."
"Not funny. Kasumi pregnant, she in no condition to fight."
"Am I missing something?"
Ranko burst out laughing. Xian Pu shook her head. "Ranko have fun fighting
these clubs. She consistently beat Furinkan Kendo champion. She also win
easy fights against ice skaters."
"I just remember fighting Kunou. Did I fight the other groups?" Ranko asked
seriously.
"I think so. Maybe it Ranma or Akane. You strong like them. You win every
fight," answered Xian Pu, realizing her slip.
She was thankful when Ranko only shrugged. Atsuko smiled, obviously confu-
sed. Ranko looked at her new friend. "Are you a member of any of these
clubs?"
"No. I hate to fight. I know how to do it, but I'd rather make people hap-
py," beamed Atsuko. "Why do you fight?"
"That's how I was raised. Until my father abandoned me, I trained with him
and my brother. After that, I had to protect myself. I've been fighting and
training since I was five. I...I have only recently been reunited with my
mother and father," replied Ranko, shuddering.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize that. Um, what about your brother?"
Ranko remained silent. Xian Pu answered for her sister, "Father Saotome
crazy. Hurt Ranko, her brother, Ranma, and all of family and friends. Ranma
die trying keep family together. We teach peoples to defend selves, as well
as honor Ranma's memories."
"I thought you helped your father teach?"
"I do. Since Mother found us, things have been better. Our extended family
and friends have proved to him that we can take care of ourselves. Before I
met Mother, Father disowned my brother. I think that was shortly before I
found them. Anyway, he's a little less crazy now."
"Oh. I still have so much to learn. Mama-san and Papa-san have stopped
fighting recently. I think they still love each other. Do your parents
still love each other?"
"I don't know. Mother's still angry at him for the way he treated my brother
and me. She blames him for Ranma's death. She's a little more protective of
me, even though she knows I've lived on my own for years. She's often told
me she doesn't want anything to happen to me like what happened to my
brother."
"I'm sorry. Since you're interested in martial arts, would you like to watch
the kempo club practice?"
Both Ranko and Xian Pu nodded. They followed Atsuko into the room. The
sisters quietly evaluated the students. The tall woman from lunch approached
the trio.
"What are you doing here, Cat Girl?" the woman asked, contempt dripping from
her words. "I thought you hated fighting."
Ranko cringed at the term "Cat Girl." Atsuko seemed to lose some of her
smile. Xian Pu stiffened, ready to pounce.
"I do, but my friends are interested in this sort of thing. I thought I'd
show them around. They're new here."
The woman looked Ranko and Xian Pu over carefully. It was obvious they were
in excellent shape. She noted the odd scar on Ranko's forehead. She also
noted how they eyed her.
"How'd you get the scar?" taunted the woman.
Ranko absently touched it, "I don't remember. I think I've had it for a long
time; two or three years."
"And it makes you popular?"
Ranko thought back to her time at Furinkan. She remembered how all of the
girls treated it as a metal of honor, often helping her accentuate it. They
often chastised her for dying her hair to cover the white patch immediately
above it. Even the boys found it attractive.
"I don't think so."
"You mean to tell me you don't use it to pick up the boys that are rightfully
mine. Look, lowerclassman, there is one rule at school, it's I'm in charge.
Even the Cat Girl, here, knows that rule."
"I see. Well, I don't use it to pick up boys. I'm not interested in dating
anyone at the moment. I'm too busy getting to know my mother and adopted
sister. No boy is rightfully yours, just as no woman belongs to a man. My
brother's fiancee was the object of someone else's attention. Because of
that, they had a miserable junior year.
"He also had more women chasing after him than he knew what to do. No matter
what he did, he couldn't stop their unwanted attention. As for rules, heh,
Furinkan had two rules: one, never anger a Tendou if you want to sleep, and
two, never anger a Saotome if you want to be spared the Wrath of Heaven.
"I'm Saotome Ranko, Senior Class, Group D."
The woman looked on, her air of superiority infuriating Xian Pu. "So you
claim. Why are you here?"
"I go to school here. What other reason is there?" replied Ranko evenly.
"This room, baka. Why are you in this room?"
"We here to see kem-po team practice. Maybe we join," explained Xian Pu, her
patience gone.
"You think you can fight? I bet you're just beginners. I'm the school's un-
defeated champion, Shiro Ryoko. I am a first degree black belt," bragged the
woman, assuming her stance.
All of the students moved to watch the fight. Atsuko looked at her friends,
worried they'd hurt Ryoko. Ranko and Xian Pu just grunted their disapproval.
Ryoko waited for the two to attack, confident she could take them both.
Ranko looked at Xian Pu, "Who should do this? I can think of three green
belts who can take her."
"Not care. Only care that Not Nice Girl taught lesson Shampoo learn."
"Green belts? You insult me by saying green belts can take me. That alone
dictates I show no mercy upon you. And you're as bad as that Cat Girl,
thinking shampoo can learn a lesson."
"Um, I don't think this is a good idea," interjected Atsuko.
The combatants ignored her. Xian Pu lost all expression in her face, start-
ling Ryoko. "I Shampoo, of Saotome clan. I take challenge."
She stepped forward, extremely relaxed. She curled one leg under her, taking
a modified crane stance. Her arms snaked forward, poised to strike. She al-
lowed an unnerving half smile to appear.
Ryoko attacked, not seeing any apparent defenses. Before she knew what hap-
pened, she was on the floor, breathing hard from pain.
Xian Pu had Ryoko's arm twisted almost to the breaking point. Her full smile
terrifying Ryoko. Her halted speech burning her opponent's ears, "Not Nice
Girl apologize to Atsuko. No need call her Cat Girl. Apologize to Ranko for
insults. Beg for me not hurt you for insults."
"I...I'm sorry...Atsuko...Ranko," Ryoko gasped in pain. "I'm...sorry Sham...
Shampoo. Please...please don't...hurt me any...more."
"Okay, Xian Pu. You proved your point. She's beat," Ranko stated evenly.
"When I was on my own, I used to eat people like you for lunch. The green
belts I'm thinking of are my students at the Tendou Family Center and Dojo,
where I teach kempo and about a dozen other disciplines.
"You really ought to be nicer to people. You don't need to worry about me
stealing anybody from you, I'm not interested. I've found people like nice
people. Atsuko's popular because she's friendly. I was popular at Furinkan
because I stopped my father's deranged Master from terrorizing the school.
The parents liked me because I was good with their children."
Ryoko attempted to slap Ranko, her anger at being defeated and treated like a
child getting the better of her. Ranko easily evaded the slap. She pro-
ceeded to poke Ryoko in a large number of vital areas in less than a second.
"This is not a good way to make friends. As a fighter, you should choose
your fights more carefully. You left yourself too open."
Ryoko stood there, staring at Atsuko. Atsuko just watched Ranko, amazed at
how fast she moved. Even with her high speed, high definition eyes, Ranko's
hands were a blur. The other students shrank back as Ranko walked around
Ryoko.
"We've had enough people trying to hurt us, we don't need anymore. I've been
training since I was five, so I'm not a beginner. What I just used on you
was a variation of the kachuu tenshin amaguriken. With it, I have cratered a
meter thick concrete wall with about 500 hundred punches in less than a
minute.
"I learned that technique in a Chinese restaurant. They had daily demon-
strations. I had to learn it in order to stay employed there. It comes in
handy when cooking, cleaning, or construction. If you have any ideas about
revenge, forget them. I know several other exotic techniques, some of which
are outright lethal. I don't like to use them, but they come in handy.
"I doubt we'll be joining your club. It's too...restricting. Thank you for
your demonstration," Ranko concluded, smiling.
"Was good to work out. Thank you," added Xian Pu as she left with Ranko.
Atsuko walked over to Ryoko. "Are you all right?"
"GET OUT! You're lucky I went easy on them, and you. Next time, Cat Girl,
you won't be so lucky."
Atsuko left the room quickly and quietly. She didn't need her enhanced ears
to know Ryoko was taking her frustrations out on her teammates. She sighed.
Ryoko was the only one in school who hated her for no reason.
She moved over to Ranko and Xian Pu, smiling. At least she had two new
friends to lessen the pain of Ryoko's rejection. The trio continued the
tour.
***
"We're home!" announced the girls as they entered the yard.
Nodoka emerged from the small dojo. "Over here, Daughters. How was your
first day of school?"
Xian Pu and Ranko looked at each other, giggling. Nodoka raised her eyebrows
at this. Ranko spoke first, "It was...interesting, Mother. We looked over
the school's martial arts programs. We won't be joining the Kempo Club."
"Oh? That's your preferred style. I thought you'd be sticking with it."
"It is, but..."
"Current champion insult us and friend. Shampoo and Ranko put Not Nice Girl
in her place."
"Xian Pu! Ranko!"
"She had it coming! She said I used my scar to pick up the boys 'that were
rightfully hers.' The nerve of her, thinking I liked boys. She also called
me a lowerclassman, and a beginner," growled Ranko.
"That and Not Nice Girl call new friend Cat Girl. Also say she's number one.
When she challenge us, Xian Pu take fight. Thought of using bakusai tenke-
tsu, but only twisted arm. Almost break arm, too."
"I see Genma as been a terrible influence on you two, even for the short time
you've known him."
"Akane's anger bad influence," retorted Xian Pu.
Ranko bonked her on the head, "Don't you dare say that about Akane. She's a
very kind person. I don't think she's been angry at anyone in a long time."
Nodoka smiled to herself.
she thought. It was that interest that gave her, and the others, the hope
that Ranma was not truly dead, but sleeping. Sleeping in the mind of a high-
spirited, seventeen year old girl with fractured memories.
"Xian Pu, I realize the insult to your friend was personal to you, but how
did she react?"
"She stop smiling. Almost afraid of Not Nice Girl. Maybe teach Art to."
"If she wishes. I think you two were a little too eager to fight. Now, be-
fore we argue anymore about this 'Not Nice Girl,' I'd like to know if you've
signed up for anything."
"Yes, Mother. Xian Pu sign up for Martial Arts Gymnastics. Remind me of
home and training with She Who Is Gone," a stray tear rolled down her cheek.
"I see. I wish you luck in it, Dear. What about you, Ranko?"
"I signed up for the same thing. The way I see it, why break up the team? I
mean, I fight best with Akane, but I work well with everyone else."
"But you'll go up against Furinkan, and possibly Akane. What will you two do
then?"
Ranko and Xian Pu looked at each other, broad smiles covering their faces.
"Training!"
Nodoka rolled her eyes as the girls laughed. "Genma has definitely been a poor influence on you. Now wash up for
dinner. We'll have to prepare a leotard for each of you."
"I can always borrow Akane's," replied Ranko, smiling.
"No, Dear. I think it's time you had more clothes of your own. Maybe she'll
borrow them from you, sometime. It's also not fair to Xian Pu, since she's
too tall and thin for either of you. It's better this way."
"You're right," Ranko answered with a sigh.
Xian Pu narrowed her eyes a bit. "You just want to see Pervert Girl again,"
she teased.
Ranko's smile grew even more, despite looking at her sister coldly, "Well
she's MY Pervert Girl!"
Xian Pu giggled with Ranko. Nodoka smiled as she prepared dinner.
***
Ranko and Xian Pu sat in the middle of about ten other girls. The sisters
felt all of these students knew the Art. More so than Ryoko. They watched
and listened to the coach go over the rules.
"...That about covers the rules. Now come the tryouts. Each of you pair
off, preferably with someone you don't know. The first test is to see how
good you are at martial arts. So pair up!"
Ranko went to a woman about her size. Xian Pu paired up with someone slight-
ly taller. Both sisters sighed, neither wanting to hurt her opponent. This
irritated the girls before them.
"Don't bother with formalities. Begin!" barked the coach.
Ranko's opponent lunged at her. An easy dodge. The girl made another attack
with her leg moving into a high kick. Ranko ducked under the kick easily.
She softly hit the girl in her exposed side.
The girl faltered. Losing her balance, she took two steps to the side. She
threw a left-right combo punch into clear air. It was over.
Ranko pulled the girl's legs from under her, causing her to fall, face first,
on the mat. Ranko rushed to the girl's torso, offering to help her up.
Xian Pu's opponent forced her to do a couple of back flips early. This en-
couraged her to fight herder than she first thought. She attacked her oppo-
nent quickly, ducking under and around the defensive attacks.
She was inside the girl's optimum attack zone, leaving her particularly vul-
nerable. Xian Pu threw a couple of moderate punches into her target's abdo-
men. She finished with a soft, open-palmed uppercut to the jaw.
Xian Pu's opponent staggered back before landing squarely on her seat. She
recovered from her daze to Xian Pu's offered hand and smile. She took them,
returning the smile with her own.
The coach had watched two of the fastest bouts of her career. Two foreigners
had beaten two of her best fighters. A wicked smile crossed her face. She
had to remind herself there were still more tests, but things were looking
good for a grudge match with Saint Hebereke's School for Girls.
"Saotome Ranko, what was that technique you pulled on Kyoko?"
"Uh, which technique?"
"Where you pulled her legs from under her?"
"Oh that! Heh heh. That's my own technique. I use it on my students when
they get full of themselves. It also infuriates my father when I do to him,
instead of knocking him out. I don't like to hurt people less skilled than
I, so I improvise."
"Very good. You teach?"
"Hai. On weekends, I teach kempo, aikido, and a few others at the Tendou
Family Center and Dojo. Well, when my father and uncle aren't mad at me.
I'm heir to the Saotome and Tendou Schools of Anything Goes Martial Arts."
"Tendou Dojo? Oh yeah. What is your relationship with Tendou Akane?" asked
Kyoko.
Ranko blushed a bit. Xian Pu had learned what that look meant. Ranko was
getting flustered and wouldn't be able to speak straight. "Akane like sis-
ter. Sorry, Ranko. Akane was to marry Ranko's brother, Ranma. Ranma killed
last winter. Families still joined, thanks to Mother Saotome. Long story.
Too painful for family, still."
"Oh. I heard Ranma was one of the best martial artists at Furinkan. Why
didn't he join any teams?" asked the coach.
"He couldn't. A family curse kept him from participating. I'm not sure what
the deal was, because our idiot father abandoned me when I was six," Ranko
replied, clenching her fists.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. Why don't you go sit over there and relax?
We'll all take a few minutes to recover. Okay?"
"Hai. Thank you, Sensei, for understanding."
"You're welcome, Ranko. And I'm sorry for upsetting you."
"Don't worry about it."
Chapter 2
The Black Rose
Ranko stood in the kitchen, humming her happy tune. Akane and Xian Pu traded
their usual insults. Ranko didn't care. The bickering was normal, so she
tuned it out. Her father had not berated her performance in front of her
class. And the first gymnastics meet was in a week.
A random thought entered her mind, causing her to stop humming. Akane and
Xian Pu stopped laughing at their own insults. "Akane, have I been in this
type of competition before?"
Akane and Xian Pu looked at each other. Xian Pu moved to the door while
Akane slowly answered, "You might have. When you were at a different
school."
"Oh. Then maybe you were in the audience."
Akane looked at Xian Pu. "Yeah. I remember seeing a couple of matches, be-
fore I competed."
"Who'd you go against?"
"Kunou 'The Black Rose' Kodachi. Well, that's who I was supposed to go
against."
"What happened?"
"Ranma and Ryoga showed me how uncoordinated I was. I twisted my ankle in
practice."
"Oh. Who took your place?"
Akane smiled sadly. "Ranma used one of his disguises to take my place."
"You mean he pretended to be a girl?" Ranko asked with wide eyes.
"Well, sometimes. If he wanted to, he could have been just about anyone. He
didn't like to be a girl, but when he did, it was to save me. And he almost
always chose you as his model."
"He did? But he didn't know me."
Akane took Ranko's hands. "He remembered you. When I asked him the first
time, he told me he had a twin sister, but wouldn't say more. When we began
getting along better, he told me your father left you somewhere. Ever since
then, he used you as an escape."
"Wow. I forgot him, but he never forgot me. I'm so ashamed. I'll make it
up to him. Do you think you could teach me? You must have learned some of
his tricks."
Akane smiled. "I can try. We'll have to get everyone together, but I think
we can teach you the basics."
"You quick study. Be excellent in no time," added Xian Pu before she left
the room.
"Why did you ask?" questioned Akane, returning to her chores.
"Well, the coach mentioned St. Hebereke's. I remembered the name and have a
face. Do you have a picture of Kodachi?"
"No, but Kunou might. She's his sister. If you fight her, you'll need to
use every trick you know. She'll cheat in order to win. She has a habit of
attacking her opponents before the event, often in a manner they can't defend
against. She managed to sneak into my room before our meet.
"And Ranma stopped the attack on the regular gymnastics team. Because Ranma
was a good man, he stopped Kodachi from hitting the ground after I booted her
from my room. He was busy chasing Ryoga to know I had been attacked.
"She then claimed Ranma as her fiancee. Although she swore to give up that
claim if we won the meet, she simply doubled her efforts to marry him. Be-
cause he used you as a disguise, she'll think you're him. She can't be
reasoned with.
"That, and he copied many of your mannerisms. There...there were times he
almost became you."
"I'm sorry, Akane. Don't cry. It was just a memory I needed to know more
about. I thought you could help. I just wish I had all of my memories, so I
wouldn't feel so helpless."
Akane hugged her friend as tears came. "I do too, Sweetie. I do too."
***
Xian Pu cornered Saotome Genma before he could enter the training hall.
"Where you go?"
"I'm about to start practicing with Tendou," he growled.
"So you spy on daughter before training?"
Genma flared his anger at Xian Pu. "You have no right to question me. If
not for you, I would still have a son, not that...that..."
"Not the girl. Listen, Panda-man. I cry self to sleep every night. Amazon
torture less painful than watching Ranko. She my sister now. I know you
happy about her new memory, but not time to celebrate.
"Ranko still need remember more. You or Tendou force memory, Ranko get hurt.
Must take slow or Ranma no come back. Remember that, Panda-man," concluded
Xian Pu, poking Genma in the chest.
Genma watched in anger as she returned to the house. He heard the door slide
open behind him. He spoke to his companion without turning, "I cannot take
this anymore, Tendou. I now have two daughters I do not want. One of them
was my son. I...I thought this arrangement would work out.
"With Nodoka on the other side of Nerima, I wouldn't have to suffer. But
with Akane, my torture is worse than with 'Ranko' and Shampoo."
"I know. I had hoped Akane would have married first, to your son. But with
the battle at Joketsuzoku, our lives have become a torture. We can no longer
train on the road. Akane refuses to consider another man, claiming to love
Ranko as if she were still Ranma. We must now rely on the hope that the
Amazons can cure Ranko."
"That is the only thing keeping me going. That, and the fact my daughter is
truly happy. I don't ever recall Ranma being this happy."
"What about when Nodoka accepted him as her daughter?"
Genma cringed. "I suppose he was happy at that. Though I can't say for
sure."
"Do you regret leaving Ranma before his 'death?'"
"Hai, my friend. I have come to regret many things I have done this last
year. And many others are coming to back to haunt me. Perhaps, if I had
taken the time and made the effort to adjust, like our children did, I feel
confident Ranma would still be with us."
"And now, we must look at your daughter and remember our arrogance. And our
errors."
"Hai. I have never looked forward to death, but these next few years will be
the longest I have ever lived. I look forward to release."
"At your wife's blade?"
"Better hers than Shampoo's. I resent that child calling me 'Panda-man.'"
"What would you rather she call you? A coward?" interjected Ryoga.
Both men turned with a start. "What brings you here, Boy?" flared Genma.
"My, my, my, aren't we touchy? Shampoo calls everyone some sort of name, es-
pecially if she doesn't like them. When she's in a bad mood, I'm 'Pig Boy.'
Otherwise, she calls me P-chan. As for being here, need you ask?"
"You're here to see my 'daughter,'" replied Genma, coldly.
"You make it sound like I'm dating my best friend. As good looking as she
is, I ain't interested. Geez, and people thought _I_ was obsessed with
things."
"You should know better than to sneak in here," retorted Soun.
"I live here, too. And for your information, Ranko is Ranma. She just
doesn't have all of the walls in place. What you see in her, Ranma did in
the last month of his life. I'd tell you what I think, but I'm more con-
cerned about Ranko's memory."
Ryoga trotted off to the house, leaving the two men to stare. Genma's face
remained expressionless while Soun's twitched. "I am going to beat him to a
pulp. He is insufferable!" growled Genma.
"Ranko's friend and student has improved greatly. I didn't even hear him ap-
proach."
"Neither did I. We're going to have to do something about this."
"True. Do you have anything in mind?"
Genma turned to face his friend. "The Master's most sacred and secret tech-
niques. Even Ranko will not be able to stop them."
"You can't, Saotome. They are some of the reasons we tried to kill the
Master. These techniques are too evil and dangerous."
"The children must be taught a lesson. I can think of no other way."
Soun sighed. "You're right, my friend. There is no other way."
***
Ranko fidgeted in the training hall. She was impatiently waiting for her
family to show up. Amazingly, Ryoga was the first to arrive. She rushed
him, barely able to get by his defenses for a hearty embrace.
Next came Akane and Xian Pu. They offered no resistance to Ranko's hugs.
Akane even gave the red head a kiss on the cheek. Ukyou finally arrived.
She was barely missing Ranko before they embraced.
"Great! You sleepy heads are here. Now we can start," chirped Ranko.
"When did you ever become a morning person?" asked Ukyou, faking a yawn.
"I'm training! I'm alive when I train. You should know that by now,
Ucchan."
"I know, Ranchan," replied Ukyou, smiling. "So, are we doing anything
special?"
"Hey, Coach! What're we doing?" Ranko asked Akane.
"We're going to teach you how to handle Kunou Kodachi. There will be no
holding back from any of us. If you get hurt, you alone back out, unless
it's very serious.
"We don't use our traditional weapons, either. We have to use gymnastic
equipment. Tatewaki was able to bring some of Kodachi's weapons, last week.
Ryoga, you want to take over while I get the stuff?"
"Right. Aside from Tatewaki, Akane and I are the only ones in this room who
have faced Kodachi in any capacity. Of course, I was fighting as P-chan.
I'm sorry, Ranko, at the time I had a grudge against Ranma; but I do know
she'll pull things, and people, from anywhere around the ring."
"Is good I no meet, eh?" interrupted Xian Pu.
"Yeah. If you had met her, I'm sure you would have tripled your efforts to
get rid of her. As it is, we're glad you were civil in your rivalry with
Akane.
"Since you're on you school's team, I'm sure you've been coached to use your
weapons, not your body. Even so, Kodachi seems to pull weapons from nowhere.
I think she may even use bare attacks whether the referee is looking or not.
She has speed.
"I do know she likes to use poison and drugs. She used them to stop Ranma
after he saved her. She then tried to use tacks on him before the meet. And
the flowers she sent him and Akane were drugged. As much as she cheats, she
is an excellent fighter. Don't let your guard down."
Akane took over for Ryoga. "The ribbon is her favorite weapon. It can slice
through the corner posts of the ring. I don't know how Ranma avoided getting
cut with it, but he did. Kodachi also uses it like a grappling hook, wrap-
ping it around an object.
"Her clubs are spiked. Press a button and they appear. Press it again, and
they're gone. The only way to get the refs to see the spikes is by knocking
them out of Kodachi's hands with the spikes exposed. Ranko, your amaguriken
can do this easily.
"She uses her hoops to cut things as well. They have retractable blades.
Kunou and I have yet to figure out how they work. She can throw the hoop
like Ryoga throws his umbrella. She is just as accurate, if not more so.
"The balls she uses are filled with gas and powders. I think you have to
hold your breath until the air clears. That puts you at an immediate disad-
vantage. I think I have a way to practice for that, so don't worry."
"Why should we worry, as long as you put her things away?" smiled Ranko.
Akane just looked at Ranko, not quite sure what to say. Ukyou smiled, taking
control of things before they got out of hand. "Okay. Let me see if I have
this right: if we go at each other, using every trick we know, we might just
be fighting like Kodachi?"
"Hai," replied Akane and Ryoga.
Akane continued, "It's all of our honorable and dishonorable tricks. We
can't let Kodachi win. If she does what I think she will, Ranko, you may be
in for the fight of your life."
"Well then, let's get started!" exclaimed Ranko without worry.
Akane smiled. She and Ryoga removed Kodachi's gear from the room. Soon, all
five were fighting each other with full force. Genma and Soun watched from
the house.
"It never ceases to amaze me that our children plan their practice bouts,"
noted Soun.
Genma frowned. "They should have learned that planning is useless in battle.
They should have learned from Ranma's mistakes with Cologne."
"True. But what Nodoka said at Christmas sticks out in my mind, Saotome.
She said the children outline what it is they wish to accomplish. I believe
that is what they are doing."
"Hmph! I suppose you'll be telling me that I should become their student.
No, Tendou. I think they are wasting their time 'planning' their practice."
"Perhaps. But they have been less injured than any of our students."
"Hmph! The true test is in actual battle. We'll see if what Akane and Ryoga
has said has any effect on the outcome of the fight."
***
Ranko and Xian Pu walked down the street to their home. They joked about
their training. They also commented on how well Ryoga moved about, especial-
ly between his home, their home, the dojo, Furinkan, and Ucchan's.
They stopped about half way from the bus stop to the house. A figure as tall
as Xian Pu stepped into the light. Her pink and black leotard contrasted her
pale skin. Maniacal laughter escaped her throat.
"So you are the new champions at that pathetic school I face. Identify your-
selves, weaklings, so that I may know who I crush."
"Xian Pu."
"Saotome Ranko."
"Saotome?" Kodachi jumped to Ranko. Their faces nearly touched as Kodachi
spoke, "You are the girl who took my darling Ranma's name. You're the only
one who ever defeated me, cow!"
Ranko instinctively backed away, assuming her stance. Terror covered her
face while Kodachi laughed harder. Xian Pu took up a position behind
Kodachi.
"I don't remember fighting you. I do know you attacked my brother."
"You don't remember? That was the most humiliating defeat of my career. You
say Ranma is your brother?"
"Hai."
"Where is my darling hiding? Surely he wants to return to his true love."
Xian Pu snorted. Ranko looked at Kodachi intently. "Ranma is dead. He died
last Christmas."
"NO!" screamed Kodachi as she prepared to attack.
Xian Pu attacked before the Black Rose could bring her weapons out. Ranko
leapt clear, giving Xian Pu the room she needed to fight and set up for
Ranko. Kodachi used her powerful legs to launch herself up and over Xian Pu,
breaking the Amazon's grip.
Ranko jumped into the fray, giving Xian Pu time to recover. Kodachi had just
sent a gas ball to where Ranko had stood. Three fast punches staggered
Kodachi, while Xian Pu returned to her position opposite of Ranko.
Kodachi attacked with her ribbon and clubs. The sisters only had Ryoga's
bandannas and Ukyou's throwing spatulas as weapons. All three combatants
used their weapons with great skill.
As Kodachi attacked, the ground around Ranko and Xian Pu became littered with
confetti as they sliced her ribbon. She switched to her clubs. They ap-
peared to be useless as the sisters blocked the attacks with the bandannas.
The area to either side of Kodachi became littered with clubs.
Breathless, Kodachi was forced to the wall by the sisters. In an attempt to
defend herself, Kodachi ensnared her arms in Ranko's bandannas. Ranko held
her firmly from above while Xian Pu twirled a spatula dangerously close to
Kodachi's face.
"The only reason you've beaten me is because there are two of you. I shall
have my revenge on you peasants. If not tonight, then soon. I am the Black
Rose. I am unbeatable."
"Hmph! Maybe I should do to you what Ranma did to Tatewaki," commented
Ranko.
"Don't say that name. My brother won't tell me where my beloved is."
"I told you, he's dead. He died protecting his family."
"You lie! What have you gaijin done to him?"
Ranko tightened her hold. Xian Pu pressed the razor sharp blade into the
skin of Kodachi's throat. "I saw Ranma die. He no should die, but opponent
use less than honorable means to win."
"You let my Ranma die? You should all have died with him!"
A tear rolled down Xian Pu's face, "Would have died had Ranma not won fight.
Should have died to stop Ranma's death, but badly injured. Entire family
willing to fight and die for Ranma."
"Who killed Ranma, peasant?"
"Great-grandmother. She Elder of village. Ranma kill her with last of
strength, before he die in my and Tendou Akane's arms. Ranma fight battle of
honor against Great-grandmother. She sacrifice honor and law to kill Ranma.
Now, Great-grandmother dead and disgraced."
"You lie! Ranma is the best fighter in the world. You've done something to
him, I know it! I'll find him after our match. I'll leave your corpses for
him to see. I'll show him that no one gets in my way. You'll be dead and
I'll have my Ranma-sama!"
Kodachi pulled away, laughing maniacally. Ranko fell to the ground, hard.
She and Xian Pu stared as the raving woman leapt from roof to roof. When
Kodachi's form had retreated from view, the sisters embraced each other,
drawing the strength they needed to stem the tide of emotions they now felt.
Chapter 3
In This Corner...
"Okay, team, today's schedule is simple. Kyoko, you are going against
Sakura. Ranko, you face Kodachi. And Xian Pu, you take on Yuriko.
"I don't have to tell you how tough this team is, but we have a chance to
beat the reigning champions. Now let's go out there and win!" concluded the
coach as the entire team cheered.
All eight gymnasts moved out to the practice mats. Ranko and Xian Pu attac-
ked each other full force. The other team members practiced as well, but
with less force.
Ranko spotted her family taking their seats in the rear. While finishing her
punch, she grinned to Xian Pu. "Akane!" she said as she left the practice
area.
She landed on the railing. In a single, fluid motion, she ran up the rail.
At the top, she hopped down behind Akane.
"Hi, Akane!" she chirped.
Akane turned to her friend. "Hi, Ranko! Shouldn't you be practicing?"
Ranko impulsively hugged her friend. "Hai, but I can always make time for
you!"
"Only if you want to lose to Crazy Girl," stated Xian Pu coldly.
"It is good that you fight my sister. It has come to my attention she is out
for blood. She is blaming you and Shampoo for taking Ranma from her. Nearly
every toxin in our home has disappeared since Sunday last."
"Remember our lessons, Ranko. Assume every weapon of hers is poisoned. If
you can disarm her, you'll have an advantage, provided she is not entirely
enraged," reminded Akane.
"Disarm her. No problem!" beamed Ranko.
"So, Brother, have you finally wooed your 'Pig-tailed Goddess?'"
Kunou stiffened. "I have, long ago, given up my claim to her, Kodachi."
"Then you won't mind if she doesn't live much longer."
"She is my friend. I will defend her to the death, even against you."
"Is that so? Then why didn't you protect my darling Ranma? Wasn't he your
friend as well?" Kodachi turned to Ranko, her face contorted with hatred.
"I will kill you for what you have done to my darling Ranma. If you think
you can win like last time, I'll prove you wrong."
She turned to Kunou. "It is good to see you come to watch me. I must leave,
though. I have to prepare to destroy this...this creature."
As Kodachi bounded away, the family sighed their relief. Ukyou put her mini-
spatulas away. "I'm glad that went well."
"You said it," added Ryoga.
"Is that the woman who attacked you?" asked Nodoka.
Xian Pu continued watching Kodachi. "Is one, Mother Nodoka. She scare me."
Everyone looked at her. Ranko broke the shocked silence, "How?"
"Is good fighter. We find out other night. If she had clear mind, no
trouble. Crazy Girl unpredictable. Her dementia make her more dangerous
than Happosai. Be careful, Ranko."
"Right. I'm surprised she didn't try to kill me just now"
"She, like the rest of us, can tell who a fighter is just be their body lan-
guage. As disturbed as she is, she knows when not to attack. Against all of
us, she would be defeated.
"Against you, she will be defeated. You have the skill, the desire, and the
clear mind. You know how dangerous she is. I doubt she understands your
skills."
"Kunou's right, Sugar. But you have something else. You have our love and
encouragement. From what we know, Kodachi knows no love and has little
encouragement," added Ukyou as Kunou nodded his agreement.
"She has to use tricks to get what she wants. That is where you have the ad-
vantage. You have the honest skills to win. You also have this need to
prove yourself to Saotome-san. You have a heart and soul, whereas Kodachi
doesn't really have either. You'll win because that's how you are," con-
cluded Akane.
"I wish I had your confidence. I only vaguely remember facing her before.
She says I've beaten her."
"Don't forget, Ranma used you as his disguise against her. She has no reason
not to think you two fought. Of course, you may have won a fight against her
before you came to live with us," Akane said, reassuringly.
"Remember, Daughter, she may not want to remember your victory. In time, you
will know for sure, when your memories return. Kodachi is one of those who
chooses what to remember.
"No matter what happens, we have confidence in you. You have been training
almost all of your life. Your body will remember what your mind does not.
Now, go in there and make us proud," Nodoka said, hugging her daughter.
"Thanks, Mother. Come on, Shampoo. I need a spotter."
"Bye-bye!" waved Xian Pu as she followed Ranko.
"I think Ranko's a bad influence on Shampoo," commented Nabiki as she re-
turned from her business. "Well, I've got the bouts covered. I didn't even
have to plant rumors."
"Daughter! I do not approve of this, especially today. Ranko's facing one
of the toughest fights she remembers. The last thing she needs is you bet-
ting on her fights."
"Look, 'Mother,' I've been doing this for years. This is how we had enough
money to eat. As for betting on Ranko, didn't you say something about her
body remembering even if the mind didn't?"
"Hai."
"Well, I've had more bets won with Ranko, than anyone else. If she weren't
my sister, I'd lay more money and stacked the odds. Besides, I'm focusing
on college sports and businesses. Someone else is handling high school
events. This is purely recreational."
"Let's just watch the match," interjected Akane. "We have to be ready to
help Ranko if Kodachi gets out of hand."
"I wouldn't worry, Akane. Ranko is fast and smart. She should be able to
handle herself," replied Ryoga.
"And if Kodachi goes berserk? Right now, she's homicidal. We should be
ready to step in at a moment's notice," pointed Akane.
"Right!" answered the extended family.
***
Ranko entered the ring calmly. The first match had been an easy victory for
Xian Pu. Kyoko barely held her own, ending with a marginal victory.
Ranko now faced her opponent, Kunou 'The Black Rose' Kodachi. The two com-
batants approached the ring's center and the referee. Ranko's neutral face
was contrasted by Kodachi's open hostility.
The referee spoke to them ritually, "All attacks and defenses must be done
with a weapon or object. Any bare-handed attacks will disqualify the offend-
ing fighter. Do you both understand the rules?"
"Hai!" answered Ranko as she carefully watched Kodachi.
"Of course, peasant," spat Kodachi.
"All right then, shake hands and may the better fighter win."
Kodachi extended her hand with and evil grin. Ranko extended hers, but in-
stead of shaking Kodachi's, she twisted the woman's wrist. Now in view, the
referee saw several needles exposed.
Ranko watched passively as the referee spoke, "Kunou Kodachi is disqualified
due to unsports...urk!"
Kodachi had used her free hand to strike at Ranko, but hit the ref instead.
The woman went into convulsions. Ranko leapt back, avoiding the return
strike. She immediately assumed her battle stance.
The referee collapsed to the floor of the ring, foam coming from her contort-
ed mouth. Her back and neck arched. Her arms and legs curled. Bones snap-
ped, but only gurgles escaped from the woman's throat.
Her glassy eyes fell on Sakura, Kodachi's teammate. The terrified girl
screamed, panicking those around her. The room became deathly silent as all
eyes fell on the fallen body. Ukyou, Ryoga, Akane, and Kunou rushed to the
ring, meeting Xian Pu at the edge.
Kodachi's maniacal laughter echoed throughout the silent arena. "That should
have been you, wench. Now I'll just have to fight you the old fashioned
way!"
Kodachi flicked her ribbon at Ranko. Ranko easily leapt to the side, bring-
ing out her own ribbon. She kept her eyes on Kodachi, "Get the ref out!"
Xian Pu and Ryoga grabbed the body. Ukyou stood guard, ready to use her
mini-spatulas. Ranko started circling Kodachi, watching her every move.
Kodachi flicked her ribbon, intending to snare Ukyou. Ranko used her ribbon
to block. Both ribbons intertwined tightly, leaving them useless.
They both dropped the weapons, taking out bowling pin like clubs. Kodachi
launched her attack. Ranko easily blocked the attack. She knew better than
to try to slip past the barrage.
She concentrated her defense on one arm, mirroring Kodachi's attacking
stance. Ranko timed her attack new attack. As Kodachi's arm retreated,
Ranko attacked with her free arm, sending about twenty spiked clubs across
the floor.
Kodachi became more dangerous. She started to laugh. Not the maniacal laugh
of before, but a more normal laugh. Ranko shifted to a completely defensive
stance.
Kodachi launched two hoops in wide arcs. Ranko leapt to the ropes behind
her, then to the side as the two hoops crossed where she had stood.
Kodachi sent the hoops out again. This time, on two separate, straight
paths. Ranko ignored the clear miss and leapt across the ring to avoid the
second hoop.
Both hoops severed the ropes, entering the audience. Several people were
cut, some severely. Their screams broadened Ranko's awareness.
"If you won't fight my way, Bitch, the peasantry will suffer!" cooed Kodachi
in an unnervingly serious voice.
"Get them out!" screamed Ranko, not really noticing the first ten rows had
already been cleared by her family. "I have done nothing to you, Kodachi.
Why do you hate me?"
"Because you stole my darling Ranma!" spat Kodachi, launching a new attack.
Ranko barely avoided the batons. Too many people had already been injured.
She did a foot swipe, sending Kodachi to the ground, hard.
Kodachi tried to stand, but was knocked down again by Ranko's spinning kick.
She rolled to the side, avoiding Ranko's stomp. She positioned herself for a
defensive stance.
Ranko bounced to the opposite side of the ring. She, too, assumed a highly
defensive stance. She watched her opponent shift her stance. Kodachi now
held a ball. Ranko's eyes darted around, searching for an escape.
The ball exploded at Ranko's feet. A pale, yellowish-green gas billowed from
the impact point.
Kodachi peered into the mist, but found nothing. She scanned the remaining
crowd as it panicked. she thought triumphantly.
Just then, something hit her shoulder, sending a sharp pain through her arm.
She looked around, but saw no one in range. She heard movement above her.
Looking up, she saw Ranko peering down at her with a deadly calm look.
Kodachi leapt to the low hanging rafters. She navigated them with practiced
ease.
Ranko deftly avoided her attacks. She led Kodachi to the highest levels,
then started back down.
Enraged, Kodachi began attacking more aggressively. Ranko took advantage of
the height by engaging in more direct physical attacks.
Kodachi reeled from the new attacks. She doubled her efforts. She reached
out to Ranko with an attack.
Ranko struck the over extended Kodachi in the middle of her back. Kodachi
grunted as the air was forced from her lungs. Her eyes widened as she saw
the ring rapidly approach her.
The loud crash focused the remaining audience's attention to the center of
the gym. They saw the red headed girl in the rafters. Those at the higher
seats saw the black haired woman lying still on the crumpled mats.
Ranko stared down at Kodachi's shattered body. Her arms and legs were twist-
ed and bent in the wrong places. Kodachi's head looked to be at an impos-
sible angle when compared to the rest of the body. None of this registered
with Ranko as she stared at the body with no emotion.
Chapter 4
The Price of Victory
Ranko watched the paramedics put Kodachi into the ambulance. Images of
Happosai flashed in her mind's eye. She shivered slightly. Her mother
tightened her hug.
The other victims had been rushed to the hospital. The police and fire crews
were interviewing witnesses. Kodachi's coaches and teammates were being
questioned the most.
Ranko and her family had been spared the initial interviews. The police
felt, at this point, it was appropriate for Ranko to calm down, or at least
regain some composure.
"You've done well today. I'm proud of you," soothed Nodoka.
"But I nearly killed someone. Again."
"You have saved lives, Ranko. Had you not fought my sister, more people
would have died, or worse. Perhaps your mother, Akane, or even Kasumi.
Kodachi would have stopped at nothing to get to you. I think you have saved
her life, and soul."
"But..."
"Ranko, Kunou's right. Kodachi was dangerous. As was Happosai. He was de-
ranged enough to hurt somebody. It was just a matter of time. Kodachi had
already hurt people. We just don't know how many," added Akane.
A detective came over to the group. He looked them over carefully. He
shook his head. "Who wants to start?"
"I will," replied Kunou.
"Okay. What's your name?"
"Kunou Tatewaki. The one just taken to the hospital is my sister, Kodachi.
She has had a history of violence and has experimented with drugs. While
this is a combat sport, she prefers to attack her opponents outside of the
ring, before the event.
"She uses her skills to eliminate her targets when they are least prepared.
I know of several who have been seriously injured by her. Those who she can-
not beat through physical means, or are more resilient than she thought, she
uses her drugs on.
"Up until today, they have been sleeping and paralysis agents. I suspect she
is insane, though I cannot prove it."
"I see. So you figured this would happen?"
"Hai, though I always held the hope someone at her school would be better
able to help her. I fear I am unable to give her the help she needs. I
believe I, too, am insane, or at least have been. She and our father share
similar behaviors. I also question his sanity."
"Why not have them committed and yourself counseled?"
"My father is a respected man. In many circles, he can do no wrong. As for
Kodachi, she was sent to a private school. I suppose it was a way of treat-
ing her apparent manias. I am being counseled, though not in the traditional
manner. I also do not trust my own judgment."
"I see. What provoked her 'outburst?'"
"She blames me for keeping my twin from her."
"Your twin?"
"Hai! I'm Saotome Ranko. She wants my brother, Ranma, as her husband."
The detective stared at Ranko for several seconds. He was about to say some-
thing when Nabiki spoke up, "May I have a word with you, Detective? In pri-
vate?"
"I guess," he replied following a short distance.
He and Nabiki stopped, their backs to the family. She spoke calmly, "You're
obviously confused about her statements about a twin brother, especially
since you investigated the incident at Furinkan. I cannot and will not go
into details, but Ranko and the girl you interviewed, Ranma, are the same
person.
"She has amnesia as a result of a martial arts fight in China. In that
fight, a series of pressure points were used to nearly wipe away her
memories. She was smart and fast enough that the process was incomplete.
"In order to protect her mind while it heals, we have constructed her former
self into her twin brother. This is because, one, her father raised her as a
boy in order to unite our families, and two, the pressure points were sup-
posed to alter the victims memories. She goes by Ranko because it is the
name she remembered calling herself in front of her mother a few weeks before
the fight.
"She does remember her fight with Master Happosai, though she remembers
fighting as Ranko, not Ranma. We would appreciate it if our treatment re-
mained intact. She is remembering more every day, but we do not expect a
full recovery for at least five years.
"Here is the card for our family doctor. He is aware of the situation. I
would recommend talking with him and his colleagues in China after you finish
questioning us. That would go better with your records. They can also give
you specifics about Ranko that I don't understand."
The detective glanced back at Ranko. He noticed the woman holding the teen
nod her head. "Aside from 'Ranko,' does everyone back there know about
this...treatment?"
"Except for Natsume Atsuko. That group has no secrets from each other. We
are reluctant to share those secrets with those outside of our clan. Because
of what has happened, and your connection with the investigation at Furinkan,
we feel that you needed to know about Ranko."
"Thank you..."
"Tendou Nabiki."
The two returned to the group. The detective carefully considered what he
was told. His godchild went to Furinkan High. He swore that anyone named
Tendou or Saotome could be trusted as being honest and knew exactly what they
were talking about.
"I'm sorry, Saotome-san, but I have
to ask these questions. Why does she think that?"
"I've been told my brother stopped her from hurting other gymnasts. When she
attacked Akane, he saved her after being knocked out the window. He didn't
know she attacked his fiancee. She apparently fell in love with him.
"He beat her in a contest similar to this. After that, she tried harder to
possess him as her own. Until last Sunday, she did not know he had died.
She swore she'd kill me for hiding him and letting him die.
"She tried to kill me. I had to defend myself from her attacks. When we
started fighting, she had already killed the referee. A little later, a few
more people were injured. Just before I knocked her out of the rafters, she
released some sort of greenish gas. I think it was chlorine, but I'm not
sure."
"Chlorine? That's what the fire crews thought, based on the description.
Did you breath any of it?"
"No. I jumped to the rafters before the gas was released."
"It was chlorine," interrupted Atsuko. "I've seen it plenty of times in
Papa-san's workshop and Mama-san's factories."
"Factories?"
"Hai. Mama-san is CEO of Mishima Heavy Industries. I also smelled it."
"Hey! Someone needs to check this girl out! She's breathed chlorine gas."
"I'm fine. I knew what it was, so I knew what to do. Besides, I was too far
away for it to hurt me. Please, don't fuss."
"Atsuko, dear, let them do their job. I think your parents would be relieved
to know that you weren't injured from the gas," chided Nodoka.
"But..."
A woman as tall as Nodoka and a hair cut similar to Nabiki's walked into
view. Her two assistants were close behind. Atsuko's eyes lit up.
"Mama-san!" she exclaimed, running to the woman.
"Are you all right, Atsuko? I heard about this and came right over. Grand-
father is upset, but I don't care. Kyusaku's worried, too."
"I'm fine. Nothing can hurt me, but they want to check me out because I in-
haled chlorine gas. They won't listen to me when I tell them I'm fine.
Please, Mama-san, talk to them."
The tall assistant spoke quietly, "I'll say nothing hurts her. Lord knows
I've tried."
"Don't ever mention that again, Arisa."
"Hai! Forgive me, Atsuko-san, I meant only to help you," replied Arisa, bow-
ing deeply.
Atsuko smiled. "It's okay. I enjoyed most of our play times."
Atsuko's mother shook her head. She turned to the detective. "Are you in
charge of the investigation?"
"Hai. If your daughter inhaled chlorine gas in concentrated form..."
"She wouldn't have. She handles that and many other dangerous things in my
husband's workshop. She is intelligent enough to know what she handles is
dangerous. She's also a trained astronaut for my company. One of the many
things she has learned how to do is breath efficiently.
"On one of her missions, she had to conserve air until we could launch a res-
cue ship. I personally supervised her training. She is my only daughter,
and I will not see her harmed."
"You let her go into space?" asked the officer.
"She volunteered. There was nothing I could do to stop her. She was one of
two people who had the qualifications needed to perform the task. Because of
company secrets, I cannot say why she went into space."
"I see. Thank you for clearing that up, but we'd still like to check her
out."
"Atsuko, how far were you from the discharge?" asked Mama-san.
"Thirty-two point five two six meters. I was helping people out of the
room."
"That's wonderful. Detective, do you know how the gas was released?"
"Hai."
"Atsuko, how much gas was there?"
"I'd guess about three point two four cubic liters under twenty-five kilos of
pressure. I'm surprised the ball didn't explode earlier."
The detective blinked. The clan looked at Atsuko and her mother intently.
thought Nabiki.
"How far was Ranko from the discharge?" asked Mama-san.
"Ten point one two six meters. Fortunately, the convection currents kept the
gas well away from her."
"That's good. Tell me, Detective, does Atsuko need to be examined now?"
"No, Ma'am. I think we can let it go, but she should see your family
doctor."
"Thank you. Atsuko, dear, take this. Kyusaku is on the other end. He'll
advise you. Please, cooperate with the police."
"Hai, Mama-san!"
Mama-san turned to the clan. She looked at Ranko carefully. "Are you the
young lady who saved these people?"
Ranko nodded shyly. "Hai!"
"Thank you. It would mean a lot to me if you and your family joined me for
dinner next Saturday. Unfortunately, my schedule does not permit me much
freedom during the week."
Ranko bowed, as did the rest of the clan. Nodoka spoke, "We would be
honored. I am Saotome Nodoka, Ranko's mother. If I can be of service to
you, please let me know."
"I will, Saotome-san. I am Mishima Akiko. I will be in touch with you later
this week about the arrangements."
"Thank you."
The detective scratched his head. He had gotten statements from Kunou,
Ranko, and Atsuko. He looked over the group. "How are the rest of you in-
volved?"
"Xian Pu and I pulled the referee from the ring. We did that so Ranko could
defend herself better. After that, we started helping people out of the
arena," replied Ryoga.
"I stood guard while they took the body. I had the weapons to cut Kodachi's
ribbon if she tried to use it on us. After that, I helped clear the room.
I, and the others, would have joined the fight, but the ring was small enough
we would have gotten in each other's way," added Ukyou.
"Weapons?"
"Hai. I carry these with me wherever I go. They've saved my life a few
times. I usually carry one the size of a katana, but I didn't think it was
appropriate. Also, since Kodachi was here and she attacked Ranko and Xian Pu
earlier, we came prpared," replied Ukyou as she showed off her spatulas.
"Oh boy. These are illegal. I can have you arrested."
"I don't think so, Detective," interjected Nabiki. She handed him several
sheets of paper. "These here are the permits we have for carrying these, and
other weapons, in public. I would have handed them out sooner, except I
didn't get final approval until before the match. These are just faxes, but
you can see the signatures clearly."
"Um...these papers seem to be in order, but..."
"If your refering to the Chinese government, don't be alarmed. There are
some people we know in China who are very influential. It seems the Tendou
Family Center and Dojo has been chosen by them as supplemental security on
their visits to Japan.
"For security reasons, we cannot tell you who they are and why they chose us.
I doubt you'll get any answers from the Foreign and Defense Ministries. I do
so hate red tape, don't you?"
The officer shook his head again. He looked at the group. Except for
Atsuko, no one seemed surprised. "How did...I mean you're...what's going
on?"
"I can't answer a question like that. You should just stick with investigat-
ing Kodachi. She's the reason you're here, right?" replied Nabiki without
changing her expression.
"Right. Um...How about the rest of you? What were you doing?"
"Tatewaki and I were moving people away from the ring. I was also trying to
calm Sakura, Kodachi's teammate, down. She's never seen a dead person be-
fore," replied Akane.
"We two," Nodoka concluded, pointing to herself and Nabiki, "started evacuat-
ing the audience immediately after young Sakura screamed."
"How could you all have been so calm?"
Nodoka sighed, "I lost my son last Christmas while saving our lives. He
fought a madwoman. It is his sacrifice, and the sacrifices the woman's
people made, that have encouraged us to go on. It is also how we can look
upon a dead body with little surprise and fear, but only sadness. It is a
task I wish upon no one."
"I understand. It is what every good officer hates to see, the senseless
death. I am sorry for your loss. It comes as a surprise that you can be so
casual about it."
"We are not casual about this. Things will be very...restrained at the dojo
tonight."
"Forgive me, Saotome-san. If we have further questions, we'll be sure to
give you a call. Go home and try to relax."
"Thank you," replied Nodoka as the detective returned to the other investi-
gators. "Nabiki, are those forgeries?"
"Of course not, 'Mother.' While we were in China, I managed to speak with
some of the elders about the spies they had for Shampoo. In our conversa-
tions, I found out that, despite the wars and revolution, the Amazons are
still greatly feared. They also have a network of agents that puts me to
shame.
"Because of their small numbers, and Ranma's prowess, they asked if we would
be willing to train and protect members of their village who were in Japan.
After some dealing, I secured their services in setting it up so we would
have no trouble with weapons.
"In return, I agreed we would train any of their citizens for free for the
first five years or until Ranko gets her memories back, not to exceed ten
years. When Shampoo can return to her home, she can set up a dojo there. I
insisted on that clause, and they agreed.
"They will even teach us a few tricks, though they will not be the ultimate
techniques. Ranko gets free exams when an Elder visits. Any and all infor-
mation about Jusenkyo will be handed over to us.
"We have to send a representative to the annual festivals. They have deemed
that the law that bound Ranma and Shampoo as forever void to us. Though they
did say that the tradition of the law may be harder to kill. And we have to
be able to at least speack Mandarin.
"Before you panic, none of the agreement was binding until we had the appro-
val to carry concealed weapons in public. We all knew how long these could
have taken. In principle, the teachings would have started anyway. The lan-
guage, we didn't have the courses. I figured I could get Shampoo to help be-
fore we all went to college."
Nodoka smiled. "I'm sorry I doubted you."
"You should know by now, family is off limits, except for certain fathers who
still owe me rent."
***
Ranko entered the room. The monitors beeped their steady tune. She had
grown used to them over the last few days. She set the fresh bouquet of red
roses on the stand next to the bed."
"Hello, Kodachi. I brought some more roses for you. Tatewaki lets me pick
them for you. He says 'hi.' He also told me to tell you not to worry about
your father, he won't be causing troubles for you when you get better.
"I know I've said this before, but I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me for
what happened. I've forgiven you, just as I've Master Happosai.
"Akane and Shampoo can't understand why I come. I don't know either. I
mean, you did try to kill me. I guess I come here because you knew my
brother. So do the others, but they won't tell me much.
"I need to know about him. I don't really remember him. He remembered me,
so I owe it to him to remember him.
"I hope you get better soon. We really need to talk about Ranma.
"Well, I've got to go. I've promised to meet Nabiki and Tatewaki for dinner.
They have some questions they want to ask me. If I can, I'll tell you about
them next time. Sorry I had to cut this short. I promise to stay longer
next time. 'Bye."
Ranko patted Kodachi's limp hand. She left the room, nearly running into the
guard. "I'm sorry. I should have been watching where I was going."
"Don't worry about it, Ranko-chan. What I don't understand is why she has to
be guarded. I understand the old creep, but her? She's been like this for
nearly a week."
"She's quite dangerous. She's already killed several people while trying to
kill me. Your bosses, and my family, are afraid of what she'll do if she
wakes up."
"Why do you come if she's tried to kill you?"
"I put her here. She hates me for being my brother's twin. She didn't be-
lieve me when I told her he had been killed. I was told she was unstable,
but I didn't really believe it until the match."
The officer put his hand on her shoulder, smiling. "I think that woman ap-
preciates your compassion, since her family doesn't come by. It takes
strength to show someone like her forgiveness, especially after what she's
done.
"Let me tell you something, you brighten the place up. I know that several
of the nurses look forward to your visits. You keep our spirits up. If I
need help with her, I'll call you."
Ranko giggled at the comment. The guard smiled, waving to her as she walked
down the hall. She waved back to him and the nurses. She stopped smiling
and waving when the monitors went off.
One of the nurses made an announcement over the PA system. Ranko stepped out
of the way as a team of doctors and nurses rushed to the room the guard stood
in front of. She could hear the shouts from where she stood, though the
words meant nothing to her. She watched in horror as more people and equip-
ment entered the room.
An orderly interrupted her view. "I'm sorry, Miss, but you'll have to wait
downstairs."
Ranko nodded, turning toward the elevator. She automatically operated the
system. She turned back to see people slowly streaming from the room. Their
grim looks stabbed at her. The doors closed on her as she broke down and
cried.
***
Ranko stood in front of the closed casket. She stared at its elaborate de-
sign. Her delicate fingers traced the engraved name. She had no tears left
for the deceased. She had spent the last three days crying.
Each of her friends had tried to comfort her over those three days. She had
pushed them away, often lashing at them. To her, everything seemed hollow.
She eventually accepted whatever comments were given her. From her father's
insults to Kunou's encouragement to her mother's unwavering love.
Kunou stood next to her. She cringed. He kept his hands behind his back as
he spoke, "There was nothing you could do. The doctors did all they could,
but, alas, even they could not alter destiny."
"But I killed..."
He spoke quickly and, somewhat, harshly, "Did you? Hai, you were responsible
for the initial injuries. But, do not forget, you did what you had to. I
was there with you. You had no choice. If I could, I would gladly take your
place, and guilt."
"But my fists. They were the ones that pounded..."
"Hai. And it was your brother's fists that injured me so greatly. Do I hold
him responsible? No, because I deserved every punch and kick I received. I
also thank him. From the depths of my dark and tainted soul, I thank him for
ridding me of my mania. If you doubt the good and noble deed you have done,
then ask those you have saved and helped.
"I am your friend, Ranko. You have done no wrong here. In the past, justice
would have been swift and sure. Now, the quilt you feel would be more if
this had gone to trial. I mean no disrespect, but your shattered memories
would have freed this vile creature.
"I know not what else to say. I shall be your friend forever. When you are
ready to talk, I will gladly listen. I share your grief. This is a night-
mare none of us should experience. It pains me to see you like this."
With that, Kunou silently left. Ranko just continued to stare at the casket.
Her mother came over to her. The elder woman put her hands on her daughter's
shoulders. "It is time, Dear. The service is about to start."
Ranko numbly followed. "But I killed..." she whispered before sobbing into
her mother's arms.
"I know, Child. I know. But you had no choice," soothed Nodoka, her own
tears beginning to flow.
The End of Part 1
Acknowledgments-
Ranma 1/2 created and owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz, and Kitty
Films
Nuku-Nuku created and owned by Yuzo Takada
A Son's Duty, and An Alternate History of Ranma 1/2 by Hitomi Ichinohei
The Clothes Make the... by Nicholas Leifker and Hitomi Ichinohei
Thy Inward Love, Magic, related stories, and Thy Outward Part; and the Nuku-
Nuku stories by Richard Lawson.
To the authors of Almost a Miracle, Acceptance, and Better Late than Never.
To my friends at the Normal Society of Anime: Thad Landis, Mark Carlen, and
Todd Foldessi. Also, thanks to my other prereaders: Nicholas Leifker, Lisa
Prior, Ronald Chan, Patrick Vera, and Joeseph Palmer.
Author's Notes-
(c) 1997 Bryan Neef. The situations in this story are mine. This story may
be freely copied and distributed, unaltered. If you wish to add to or use
elements of this story, please get my permission.
Critiques and requests are welcomed at bneef@ice.net. If you are commenting
on the story, please tell me why you liked or disliked it.
Xian Pu and Shampoo are the same person (if you didn't catch the connection.)
Because Nodoka is a very formal person (at least that is the interpretations
I have seen and made,) she is insistent on the correct pronunciation of the
Amazon's name. I have also included the change to reflect Shampoo's changes
in attitude.
This is fiction, folks. No one creates the identity of another person for an
amnesiac (or someone with multiple personalities, or other psychological dis-
turbances.) Jusenkyo ought to be enough of an explanation.
Chlorine is deadly. The US Department of Transportation and EPA have strict
rules about what to do in case of a spill. Most other countries have similar
policies. The amount I described would be enough to clear the building, but
would not, necessarily, be fatal beyond the first twenty rows of the arena.
My physics and chemistry are a little off, so don't flame me for inaccurate
pressures and volume (I used a basketball as a model for Kodachi's bomb.) If
these are inaccurate, please let me know and I will correct them for future
references.
Can you guess who was in the casket? You'll find out in Part 2, so no peek-
ing. Kunou's treatment of Ranko at the visitation is his way of bringing her
back to the world. Think of it as shock therapy without electricity. He is
trying to get her to see the whole picture. This therapy should only be done
by professionals.
As an aside, all of my fics can now be found at
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/3719/fiction.htm.
(
geocities.com/tokyo/pagoda) (
geocities.com/tokyo)