Cologne's Final Confrontation

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Akane bolted straight up, screaming, "RANMA!  NO!"

She breathed heavily, the cold sweat pouring down her.  Her sightless 
eyes darting back and forth.  Small, but strong arms gripped her from 
the side and rear, embracing her.

"It's okay, Akane.  I'm here.  I won't hurt you.  I promise."

Akane's breathing eased.  She moved her hand, searching for her 
companion's face.  "I'm sorry, Ranma.  I didn't mean to wake you.  It 
was a nightmare.  I'll be fine."

Onna-Ranma moved over to face Akane, bringing her hands to her face.  
"Tell me about it, please?  It's how we've survived since..."

Akane withdrew her hands.  A tear rolled down her cheek.  "Ranma 
no baka.  Why do you keep reminding me?"

"Akane, I hurt too.  I can't change and you can't see.  Nobody came 
away the same.  Tell me about the nightmare so WE can make the 
pain go away."

"I dreamt that, early in our marriage, I killed you and Ukyou with your 
mother's katana.  It was all because I couldn't control my anger.  Oh 
Ranma!" cried Akane, collapsing into Onna-Ranma's arms.

"Is that all?  Akane, how many times have you beaten me with that 
mallet of yours?  Hundreds of times.  I probably deserved most of 
them.  But right now, I think my beautifully uncute tomboy needs to lay 
off the midnight snacks."

Akane sniffed as she controlled her crying.  Ranma smiled at her 
wife, knowing Akane could no longer see.  "Besides, I wouldn't want 
my wife upsetting our little unborn baby.  Let's get you cleaned up and 
you'll be ready for bed again in no time."

"Ranma?"

"Hai?"

"Why do you stay with me?  I mean, you should be looking for a cure.  
I can take care of myself."

Ranma kissed Akane on the cheek.  "I know you can, Tomboy.  But 
even with everyone watching you, I still think you're in danger.  If you 
weren't pregnant, I'd have no problem trying to get cured.  But I have 
to watch out for our child, too."

"Thank you."

***

Ranma woke slowly from her sleep.  The first thing she noticed was 
Akane missing.  She leapt from the bed, running to the bathroom first.

Seeing that Akane wasn't there, she ran to the kitchen.  She sighed in 
relief as her mother, Nodoka, helped Akane about the kitchen.  "Good 
morning," she said kissing her wife and hugging her mother.

"Good morning, Ranma," whispered Nodoka.

"Good morning, Love.  Are you feeling better?" asked Akane 
cheerfully.

"I should ask you the same thing.  But yeah, I'm feeling better than 
after dinner."

"Good, because I'm cooking lunch."

"That's nice.  I'm going to the market to pick up some things for 
Saturday.  Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"I think I have everything.  Don't be long, you have class at three," 
answered Akane.

"Ranma, be careful.  Cologne and Shampoo are still after you," 
whispered Nodoka, stroking her former son's red hair.

"I know.  I'll be back by noon."

 thought Ranma as she changed her clothes, 



Ranma headed out the door.  She made sure she had enough money 
to buy the things she needed.  The wedding anniversary was 
Saturday.  One entire year had passed.  The first three months were 
bliss.  No fights, no challenges for Akane's hand.  Nothing until three 
months ago.

Word had spread of Akane's pregnancy.  It was then that the illusion 
of peace had been shattered.  A quiet evening at the Nekohanten 
turned into a nightmare.

	Cologne had spiked their food with something.  Even now, the 
pain Ranma felt then haunted her.  As did the Ghoul's words, "If you 
want this child to live, nullify your marriage to Akane and marry 
Shampoo."

	"Never," gasped Ranma as he shuddered from the pain.  "I 
won't let you hurt Akane or our child!"

	"Shampoo for the child, that is all that matters."

Ranma's thoughts returned as she heard the familiar whine of bicycle 
tires approach her.  She leapt to the wall as Shampoo's bicycle 
landed where she had been.  Shampoo looked at her brightly.

"Ai ren come to marry Shampoo, yes?"

Ranma growled her anger as she leapt onto the startled Amazon.  "I 
WILL NOT MARRY YOU!"

The Amazon felt her ribs crack as Onna-Ranma pounded her.  Her 
eyes were starting to lose focus as she felt the searing pain in her 
sides and chest.  She looked on as fist after fist bludgeoned her.

Ranma felt something behind her.  Whipping the battered Amazon 
around in time to block the thrust of a staff.  The staff connected with 
the base of Shampoo's skull.

"Well, Son-in-law, you have improved.  Do you not care what 
happens to your precious wife and child?"

"More than you will ever care for anyone, Hag.  Here's your puppet, 
don't ever come near me again."

"You're about a hundred years too young to stop me.  I OWN you.  It 
is best you accept your place and come with us.  Akane will 
understand, in time."

"And my Mother?  Will she understand?"

"Yes."

"I see.  Then I really don't have a choice, do I?"

Cologne chuckled, "You never did."

Ranma breathed in the stale air of the city.  She knew it would come 
to this someday.  She calmed herself to the point of feeling everything 
within two meters of her.  The bicycle.  The wall.  Shampoo.  Cologne.

Shampoo?

There was something not right with the young Amazon.  The head 
seemed wrong for some reason.  Ranma concentrated harder, 
keeping Cologne in sight.

Shampoo began to stir.  She coughed up blood as she muttered a 
name in Mandarin, "Mu Tsu."

 thought Ranma as she leapt towards Cologne.  As 
expected, Cologne dropped to the ground.  Ranma grabbed 
Shampoo roughly and bounded off.

Cologne sat on the ground, staring at the direction the two younger 
women went.    
She bounded off after the pair, mulling over the possibilities.  Then it 
hit her,   She picked up her pace, taking a short cut.

***

Ranma burst into the back door of the cafe.  She noticed Mousse 
standing there, looking angry.  Ranma took a deep breath before 
speaking, "You know the rules as well as I do.  The Hag will be here 
shortly.  I need you to tell me where your passports and visas are.  By 
the time we get to the airport, Shampoo will be yours."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Pressure points."

"I'll get them, Saotome."

With that, the young man left the room.  Ranma set Shampoo down 
and tended the broken ribs.  She finished taping them as Mousse 
returned.

"I have them.  What about tickets?"

"Leave that to me.  Can you carry her while I make the arrangements 
on the go?"

"Of course.  But how?"

Ranma pulled out a cellular phone.  The trio left the cafe, through the 
dining area.  Several of the patrons were surprised to see them.

Cologne entered through the back door, same as Ranma.  No one 
was there to greet her.  She stormed into the dining area, looking for 
Mousse.  She was about to head to the living area when she caught 
sight of movement on the roofs across the street.  She bolted through 
the door.

Ranma spoke into the phone as if standing still, "Hello?  I'd like to 
make reservations for two on the next flight to mainland China.  I 
see.  Great!  I'll take them.  Hai!  Saotome.  Sa-o-to-me.  Hai!  
Thanks!"

"Well?"

"You'll have to stop in Taipei, but you're going to Beijing.  The flight 
leaves in about forty minutes.  Plenty of time."

"For what?"

"You'll see."

The trio entered the terminal.  Shampoo regained consciousness, 
gasping in pain.  Mousse looked down at her with sympathy.  He set 
her down gently.

"Where are we?"

"The airport, my love."

"Oh, Ai ren.  Who is woman?"

"I'm your guide, Ranko.  You were asleep when I met your husband at 
your place.  I was asked by some friends of yours to make sure you 
made it to your flight."

"Flight?"

"Hai, Shampoo.  We're going back to China.  Back to our home."

"Aiya!  What we wait for?"

"You two wait over there while I get your tickets."

The Amazons nodded and moved carefully across to waiting area.  
Mousse watched carefully for Cologne.  Shampoo steadied herself as 
she felt the pain.

Ranma returned quickly with two tickets.  She handed them to 
Mousse.  "Do you have the right passports?"

"Hai!" replied Mousse as he showed her the correct books.

"Excellent.  We have to do this right.  Let's get you two to the gate 
before the Mummy gets here."

The three walked to the correct gate.  Watching the shadows as they 
went, Ranma's plan began to take shape.  

Ranma stopped short of the metal detectors.  She waited for a 
moment before turning to Mousse.  "Timing will have to be perfect.  
When the Ghoul gets here, you and Shampoo will have to step 
through.  Will your weapons cause problems?"

"No.  I have gone through many airports fully armed."

"Good.  Your only goal is to get on that plane.  Tell your elders what 
has happened.  I'll send you a letter next week.  It'll be in care of 
Plum."

"I understand.  Thank you.  I hope you get your cure."

"So do I."

At that moment, Cologne stormed into the area.  Her eyes narrowed 
as she watched Mousse and Shampoo walk through the metal 
detector.  "STOP!" she yelled, causing everyone to look at her.

"Do you wish to leave with them?" asked Ranma innocently.

"Mousse will die before I let him touch Shampoo.  She is your bride, 
Son-in-law."

"But I'm not a man, I can't possibly marry another girl," replied Ranma 
with just enough volume to ensure people heard her.

Cologne grew more irritated.  She advanced on Ranma, who stepped 
back.  "Then I guess it doesn't matter to you if that unborn child of 
yours dies.  Hmmm?"

Ranma froze for a moment.  A smile crossed her lips as she spoke 
louder, rubbing her stomach, "But I want this child.  You can't take it 
from me."

Cologne gritted her teeth.  "But I have, Child.  The child will not 
survive to full term.  And neither will you!"

"Somebody help!  She's going to kill me!" shrieked Ranma.  

She hated acting helpless, but it was the only way to get rid of 
Cologne, short of killing her.  As much as Cologne deserved to die for 
the things she did to her family and friends at the wedding, Ranma just 
couldn't bring herself to do it.

Before she could begin her full attack, airport security had surrounded 
Cologne.  She stopped as she noticed their guns.  A smile came 
across her face.  She looked Ranma in the eyes.  "Shampoo will 
remember, Son-in-law.  When she does, you and Akane and that idiot 
Mousse will die."

"I'm not worried about her.  I want the antidotes.  Return me and 
Akane to normal.  Make it so our child will be safe."

"Marry Shampoo."

A man put his hand on Ranma's shoulder.  "Miss, could you come 
with us?  We need your statement."

Ranma nodded.  She followed the man.  She also watched security 
lead Cologne away.  She turned to the man.  "Sir?  Your men had 
better be careful.  She could probably kill them with a touch."

"Oh?"

"Hai.  She knows more about pressure points than anyone I've ever 
met.  She has used them on me several times.  She has even used 
them on my wife."

"Wife?"

"Hai.  I'm Saotome Ranma.  Up until three months ago, I was a man.  
I know I don't look it, but I was.  With luck, she or her people can 
restore me."

"That doesn't make sense.  You would need to see a doctor for those 
kinds of operations.  If this was a delusion, I will have to commit you 
and release her."

Ranma sighed.  "Six years ago, my father and I went to China.  We 
came upon this place called Jusenkyo, the Training Grounds of the 
Cursed Springs.  To make a long story short, my father, several of my 
friends, and I fell into various springs.  Father became a panda, I a 
girl, the Chinese couple become cat and duck, and another friend 
becomes a little black pig.

"As fantastic as it sounds, I can have proof delivered in fifteen to 
twenty minutes.  I don't like to talk about this with anyone, but since I 
need to get rid of the Ghoul, I have to be open about it."

"Who can verify this claim?"

"My family doctor, my mother, my wife and her sisters, my closest 
friends and comrades, and several of my high school teachers."

"Suppose I believe you, why was that woman after you?"

"She and the Chinese couple are Amazons.  After I became cursed 
with this body, Father and I went to their village.  Through a 
misunderstanding, I fought and won against the young female 
Amazon, Shampoo.  Because I was an outsider, and female at the 
time, she had to kill me because of their laws.

"I came back to Japan after that, safely eluding her.  She had never 
seen the real me, so when she attacked my fiancee, I defeated her.  
Again.  Her laws said I had to marry her.  Last year, I thought I won 
the right to be able to refuse.  I married and thought things had settled 
down.

"When my wife became pregnant, our dreams ended.  Akane, my 
wife, is now blind.  I'm locked in my cursed form, and Shampoo and 
the Ghoul have been after me for three months.  They have 
threatened my unborn child in an attempt to get me to leave Akane."

"That's a tall tale, Miss.  I think you should wait her while I get 
someone else."

"Two minutes more.  Please?  If my wife and mother cannot convince 
you to at least consider the possibility, then I will submit to the shrink 
you want to bring in."

"Very well.  Here," replied the man as he handed her the phone.

"Thank you."

***

Ranma walked into the lounge.  She smiled as her mother lead 
Akane to her.  She embraced them both, not wanting to let them go.

Nodoka broke the silence with her whisper, "Are you all right, Son?"

"Hai.  Thank you for convincing the detective.  He seems to 
understand a little more about Cologne."

"What's he doing now?" asked Akane.

"He's talking to the Chinese Consellate.  Maybe they know about 
Joketsuzoku law.  Anyway, I'm sorry about missing lunch."

"Don't worry about it, Ranma.  It wasn't any good anyway."

"Where are Mousse and Shampoo?" asked Nodoka.

Ranma smiled broadly, "On their way back to Joketsuzoku.  I booked 
them passage before we came here."

"How did you convince Shampoo?" asked Akane.

"She didn't have any say.  When I left, she tried to get me with her 
bicycle.  I broke her ribs just before the Ghoul came.  She tried to use 
a pressure point on my head, but got Shampoo instead.

"As far as I can tell, Shampoo has no memory of me over the past 
six years.  She thinks Mousse is her husband.  I'll have to write him 
in a couple of days.  He'll help me get a cure for us."

"That's good to know.  What about Cologne?"

"They caught her threatening to attack me.  Mother, I have 
shamed myself by pretending to be weak and resulting to trickery."

"Honor has its limits, Son.  You did what you had to do.  Cologne and 
Shampoo gave up their honor when they changed you, again."

"Besides, you needed to end this nightmare, Ranma," added Akane.

"Thanks.  Oh, here's Detective Shirow."

"As you suspected, the laws of Joketsuzoku have no bearing beyond 
the village.  The People's National Congress will dispatch an envoy 
today to severely reprimand the village.  Kou Lon has been officially 
labeled Persona Non Grata.  We have to deal with her.

"Are you willing to go to trial over this?"

"Hai.  I want this nightmare to end as soon as possible."

"Good.  It seems the person I talked to has heard of Jusenkyo.  He 
said that the place was destroyed over four years ago.  It seems I owe 
you an apology."

"Don't worry about it, Sensei.  Are you going to tell Cologne?"

"Hai."

"I would like to come along.  I want to see her reaction.  You may 
need me if she escapes."

"I doubt that.  Normally, I don't do this, but since you need her for a 
cure, I'll let you come as long as you're quiet."

"Thank you."

Detective Shirow led Ranma down the hall.  Entering a room, Ranma 
noticed several guards and holding cells.  They moved carefully to the 
far cell, ignoring the calls of the male detainees.

Detective Shirow looked at Cologne for a moment.  "Khou Lon of 
Juketsuzoku, I have news for you from the People Republic of China."

"Why should that interest me?  Only the laws of my tribe matter.  As 
such, that boy behind you must marry my great-granddaughter," 
croaked Cologne.

Ranma fought the slow burn of her anger.  Detective Shirow shook 
his head.  "I expect to hear from your tribe in a few days.  As it stands, 
this document from the Chinese government states that you are no 
longer welcome on Chinese soil.  That means you can no longer 
return to your village."

Cologne looked at the man.  She smiled broadly.  "It no longer 
matters.  Son-in-law will soon be without his false wife and child.  
When my people hear of this outrage, Son-in-law will be killed for 
humiliating me."

"We'll see.  There will be a preliminary trial in a few of days.  You'll 
see your lawyer shortly.  Come along, Saotome-san."

"Hai."

***

Ranma, Akane, and Nodoka walked calmly into the Nekohanten.  
Their lawyer quickly followed.  Nabiki limped from her seat.  She 
hugged her blind sister.  She then hugged Ranma fiercely, "Thank 
God you're alive, Ranma."

"I know.  I really was scared when I took Shampoo, but I'm glad it's 
working out so well."

"Aren't we all?" commented Ukyou as she entered the cafe.

Another man followed.  He bowed to the lawyer, "Sorry I'm late."

"It's all right.  Have you found what you were looking for?"

"Hai.  Please, let's sit down," replied the second man as he motioned 
for the group to sit at a table.

"Does anyone want anything to drink?" asked Ranma before sitting 
down.

"Water would be fine," came the general reply.

Ranma left the room, returning shortly with the drinks.  She had 
several extra glasses and two pitchers.  She set them down in front of 
people.  As she finished, Ryoga and Akari walked in.

The second man looked over his notes before speaking.  "My client, 
one Mu Tsu of Joketsuzoku, has given me instructions regarding the 
ownership of this cafe.  While the lease is under the name of Khou 
Lon, the people of her clan have given control to my client.  She has 
been informed of this.

"His letter of intent simply says, `I hereby relinquish control of the 
Nekohanten Cafe to Saotome Ranma and his wife, Akane.  All 
contents are to be given to them for use as they see fit.  This is for 
two major reasons.

"'First, I wish to distance myself from Khou Lon.  Her actions have 
brought shame to me and our people.  Since most of her possessions 
are in Japan, they shall be distributed to those she has wronged.

"'This brings about the second reason.  This is intended to be 
payment for the livelihood the Saotome's lost when Xian Pu and Khou 
Lon attacked on the wedding day.  

"'Put these gifts to good use, Ranma and Akane.  I do not know when 
or if I will ever see you again.  My deepest apologies.  Mu Tsu.'  As 
you can see, Ranma and Akane now own this Cafe and everything in 
it.  I have here the deed and the document of transfer.  You may 
inspect them before signing."

Ranma went over the documents with her lawyer.  Satisfied things 
were in order, she read them to Akane.  Nabiki added her insights 
into the situation.  Before long, Ranma and Akane signed the papers.

A sigh of relief escaped the small group as they began to relax a bit.  
Nodoka moved over to Nabiki's side.  They smiled at each other while 
Nabiki continued to talk with the lawyers.  Ranma and Ryoga talked 
about small things, including the dojo.  Akane, Ukyou, and Akari 
talked about the baby.

"How's Kasumi?" asked Nodoka, her whisper strained by the noise.

"She's doing better.  The doctors think she should be able to leave 
the hospital sometime next month.  I-I'm thinking about taking her in.  
She'll need someone to watch her while she readjusts to the world," replied Nabiki.

"I could take her.  It won't be a problem."

"She's my sister.  I owe it to her.  Besides, you have to look after 
Akane and that cute daughter of yours," replied Nabiki with a smile.

Nodoka laughed a voiceless laugh.  "Don't let him hear you say that.  
I guess you're right, I need to look after them.  I've watched Ranma 
change these last two months.  You may be closer to the truth than 
you realize."

"Mother?"

"Ranma seems to have become more of a mother than a husband.  
He treats Akane like a small child.  I think she resents it sometimes, 
but deep down, she knows she needs him that way."

"What else, Mother?"

"Have you noticed how he dresses?"

"I'm sorry, I've been away."

"That's all right.  He's been borrowing more of Akane's clothes.  
Something's not right with all of this."

"When did this start?"

"A few days after he changed."

"I see.  I think I know why, but I won't know until everything is settled."

"How so?"

"When Akane can see again and Ranma can, or can't, change."

Nodoka frowned, rubbing the silk choker around her neck.  It was a 
painful reminder of the celebration of Akane's pregnancy, three 
months earlier.  The night that was supposed to be one of the 
happiest of her life.

	Family and friends sat at a table in a secluded room.  The 
women were talking about the baby, going over a list of names.  The 
men congratulated Ranma on his manhood.  Even Kunou 
participated, having had a long talk with Soun, Nodoka, and Genma.

	Shampoo soon brought the food.  She served Ranma and 
Akane first.  It was polite to serve the guests of honor first.  They were 
also special dishes, just for the newly weds.

	Everyone else was served.  Shampoo began to grin evilly as 
both Ranma and Akane began to eat.  She watched in awe as 
Ranma ate at the same speed his wife did.  She was sure he would 
be finished before anyone else.

	Then it happened.  Genma and Ranma began fighting over 
Ranma's food.  Ranma was disgusted with the display.  As he began 
to argue with his father, he doubled over in pain. 

	Akane turned to her husband as the convulsions set in.  
"Ranma?  What's wrong?"

	"The pain.  I can't take it.  Do something!"

	Akane's vision faded.  She heard her husband's groans, as well 
as the others moving about.  Then she felt a tap on the head, just 
below the ear.

	A hoarse voice burned into her mind, "You won't have to see 
your false husband leave."

	"NO!  Leave Ranma alone!"

	The old woman's cackling nearly masked Genma's convulsions 
as well.  She heard the sounds of fighting.  Ukyou and Ryoga fighting 
desperately to protect her and Ranma.  

	She felt gentle hands on her.  Akari whispered to her, "We need 
to get you and Ranma out of here.  Ryoga and the others will take 
care of things."

	Akane found herself nodding as she was lead out of the room.  
Nodoka bent over her son.  She was startled to see the start of a 
transformation without any cold liquid spilled over the young man.  
She picked him up gently, before being forced back by a sharp pain in 
her throat.

	"No one touch Husband but Shampoo!"  

	Nodoka felt warm, sticky liquid on her neck.  Her eyes lost focus  
as she watched Ranma weakly swat Shampoo away.  Then she heard 
Ryoga.

	"SHISHI HOKODEN!"

	Then there was darkness.

"Mom?" interrupted Ranma.

"Hai?"

"Are you all right?"

"I am, now.  What will you two do with this place?"

"We don't know, yet.  I don't want to put Ucchan out of business, but 
since we're waiting on the baby before working with the dojo, might as 
well run it."

"I see.  Are you prepared to cook?"

"Hai.  When the baby's born, Akane can help with the tables and the 
money."

"Good.  I think I'll go see Kasumi tomorrow.  She needs to be told of 
these things."

"Thanks, Mom.  I'll talk to Ucchan about the restaurant.  Maybe we 
can do some creative plan."

"Good luck."

***

Onna-Ranma sat next to her wife and mother.  Khou Lon was led into 
the courtroom.  She watched as the Matriarch sat at the table to the 
left of the gate.  The bailiff broke her thoughts.

"All Rise!  Court is now in session!"

Everyone stood up.  Three judges entered the room.  When they took 
their seats at the bench, the middle judge motioned for everyone to 
take a seat.

The bailiff stood facing the judges.  "The People versus Khou Lon of 
Juketsuzoku, China.  The charges are Assault, Attempted Assault, 
Conspiracy to Commit a Kidnapping, Attempted Kidnapping, 
Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Attempted Murder."

The central judge stood up.  "How does the Defense plead?"

Cologne's lawyer stood, somewhat nervously.  "Not Guilty, Your 
Honors."

"So noted and recorded," spoke the judge as he struck the gavel 
three times.  "This is a preliminary trial to see if there is enough 
evidence and reason to try the Defendant.  Is the Prosecution ready 
to start?"

"Hai, Your Honor."

"Proceed."

"Your Honors, before you sits a former Chinese national.  She has 
confirmed that six years ago, she came to Japan to force a young 
martial artist to marry her great-granddaughter.  Normally, this would 
not be a problem.  However, the Defendant has, according to several 
witnesses, repeatedly claimed that the laws of her home, 
Joketsuzoku, override the laws and traditions of our sovereign nation.

"Witnesses have also described various events that have been 
traced back to chemicals and herbs confiscated from her restaurant.  
These witnesses include the family and close friends of the Martial 
Artist, as well as classmates, instructors, and neighbors.  They have 
also cited times, including recent events at her restaurant, where she 
and her great-granddaughter have pursued the Artist and his friends 
with weapons.

"She has also been observed, by Tokyo Police, threatening the 
Martial Artist's wife and unborn child in Tokyo International Airport.  
Security footage clearly shows her beginning an attack.  We have had 
independent verification on the video.

"Before showing the tape, it is important to know that the Defendant 
and her target are not average.  They reside in the Nerima ward 
where, over the past six years, strange things have occurred on a 
regular basis.  In particular, panty thieves and tame pandas walking 
around unchecked.  These are similar, though not in scale, to the 
happenings in the Tomobiki Ward of a decade ago."

"So noted.  Any reference to and comparison with Tomobiki allows for 
the broadest lienancy allowed by this, or any court in Tokyo.  
Proceed."

"Thank you, your honor.  Ladies and gentlemen, what you are about to see is the Defendent confronting the Martial Artist."

The lights dimmed as the lawyer played the security video.  The court watched as Mousse and Shampoo entered the metal detector, Cologne threatening Ranma, and security personnel surrounding the combatants.

Everyone jumped when Akane screamed.  The lights came on, revealing her bent over in her seat, blood dripping from her lips.  Ranma held her wife protectively.  She caught Cologne's malicious smile.

"What did you do to Akane?"

A short woman, aout as old as Cologne hobbled over to Akane.  Few people paid her any attention as she began to examine the terrified woman.  The baliff approached carefully.

"I have done nothing wrong, Son-in-law."

"That is not true, Nameless One," spoke the woman examining Akane.

Cologne turned to see the speaker.  She quickly noted several other village elders in te room.  "Greetings, Honored Elders.  I had not expected your presence so soon."

"You have taken the life of an unborn child, Nameless One.  The Law will be carried out."

The middle judge pounded his gavel.  "What is the meaning of this?"

The elder attending Akane looked up to one of the other Amazons.  That woman spoke clearly to everyone, "The woman on trial has committed the greatest crime against another woman:  forcing a miscarriage.  The pressure point used not only induces labor, but it kills the child.

"Due to the affects of Jusenkyo, this woman may never have a child by her rightful husband.  By decree of the Counsil, the Nameless One is subject to your laws without threat from the village.  She is no longer amoung the living in the village.  The punishment for this crime is the removal of an heir.

"It has been determined that her great-granddaughter, the one who has tormented this family, shall also be stricken from the village records.  Do with the dead as you will."

Cologne, the judges, and the rest of the court stared at the Amazons as they left the room.  A lone tear rolled down Cologne's cheek as she was led away.  

***

Onna-Ranma sat on the porch, watching Akane navigate the yard with ease.  Although still blind, Akane had gained the confidence she needed to run the dojo, leaving Ranma to tend the Nekohanten.

They, and Ukyou merged the two restaraunts.  It was decided that they retained the original name.  It allowed them to overcoem their fears.  A knock at the gate interrupted Ranma's thoughts.

Opening the heavy gates, she froze.  Before her stood three Amazon elders.  Two guards were positioned in sight.  Ranma's features darkened.

"Greetings, Daughter.  I bring you gifts of peace," began one of the women, one slightly older than Nodoka.

"What do you want?" groweled Ranma.

The woman smiled, "like I said, I bring you gifts of peace.  I am Pai, your Amazon mother.  Your mother, Saotome Nodoka, is my sister.  At least, she is in the eyes of the Village.  Your wife is also my daughter."

"So I'm supposed to call you 'Mom,' and my own mother 'Auntie?'"

"Not at all, child.  Last year, the Nameless One destroyed your future.  She was punished by becoming one with the dead.  Her great-granddaughter is also among the dead, unless she is pregnant with your child."

"Wait a minute, I can't be a man anymore.  How can she have MY child?"

"May we come in?  It would be better to discuss this inside, with your wife.  This is not a trick.  You will never have to fear the village again."

Ranma led the elders into the house.  Akane joined them, more nervous than Ranma.  Pai smiled warmly as Nodoka entered from the kitchen.

"As I was telling young Ranma, you three are part of my family.  Ranma and Akane are my daughters, and you, Saotome Nodoka, are my sister.  In court, I made the announcement concerning Cologne's and Shampoo's judgement.

"Because of the extent of their crimes, and their nature, you instantly became Amazons.  Each of you have proven yourselves worthy.  Because you are married, no one can challenge you."

"Not only that," continued another elder, "but those laws have been adjusted to reflect only willing partners.  No one will have to marry because of the law.  unfortunately, traditions will last longer."

"Why should we care?  Your laws cost me my grandchild," asked Nodoka.

Pai smiled, "Because you now have a granddaughter.  Our laws state that female criminals, such as Shampoo, may be used to produce children for childless couples.  Usually, the husband, or other suitable male, fathers the child.

"Due to the nature of your problem, Ranma, you could not perform the task.  Should you be able to again, I will lock Shampoo in her cat form.  As it stands, the strongest men in the village have become your surrogates."

"Why should we take a child from Shampoo?" asked Akane.

Pai put her hand on Akane's.  "Because she stole your child.  It is only right that you get hers.  If you wish to stop with one daughter, you may do so.  If you wish to have several children, that can be arranged.  Shampoo now has a chance to redeem herself to you."

"What will happen to her if we stop with one child?" asked Ranma.

"She will remain a cat until she dies.  She will become Mei Ling's pet.  If you do not wish to have this child, I will take her as mine.  You will have a new sister, Ranma."

Ranma thought for a moment.  She looked at her mother, who nodded.  She whispered her thoughts to Akane.  Akane's answer pleased her.  looking to Pai, she spoke carefully, "We will gladly take this child as our daughter.  We'll let you know if we want more."

Pai and the other elders smiled.  "This pleases me greatly, Daughter.  Now for the other gifts."

"Elder, how should I address you, and my own mother?"

"As far as I'm concerned, we are both your mothers.  I'll need to speak with her privately, but I would be horrified if you stopped calling her your mother."

Ranma smiled.  "Thanks, Mother Pai."

"Such a wonderful daughter," commented Mei Ling.  "You must be proud of her, Nodoka."

"I am.  I wish for my son, though."

"And my husband," added Akane.

Pai coughed nervously.  "I am truly sorry, Ranma, but we have not discovered a cure for you, or Akane.  Akane, dear, there may not be a cure for you.  It is possible that the Nameless One completely destroyed the point that regulates your sight."

Akane squeezed Ranma's hand.  "T-that's okay, I learning to live with it."

Pai nodded.  "How do you feel about this, Ranma?"

"As long as Akane is healthy, and otherwise happy, I'm happy."

"What about your condition?"

Ranma sighed.  "As long as Akane's happy, I'm happy."

Pai shook her head.  "What about you, Sister?"

"My child is alive, as is my daughter-in-law.  I wish they were healed, but their being alive, and reasonably happy, is more than enough for me."

"Good.  Ranma, here is the remainder of the Nameless One's wealth.  You now carry her crest.  I may be your Amazon mother, you are now the Elder of your clan.  Those you name will be entered into the Village's records.  You have the right to sit on the counsil, as an equal."

Ranma stared at the ornate sword Shampoo oftened used against her.  For the first time, she admired the craftsmanship used to create it.  Carefully, she took it in her hands.  The natural feel of it made her feel born to it.  She smiled, ignoring the other items presented to her.

 thought Pai.  "Akane, would you like to feel the sword?"

Akane nodded, carefully taking the blade.  Pai watched in awe, as Akane fit the blade as well as Ranma.    "Excellent, daughters.  Great things will happen to you.  I believe a new era of greatness will be upon us."

Pai smiled, knowing the future was bright for her new family.  Her insane grandmother and neice had been prevented from destroying the village by the one person destined to lead the village into the next century.

 thought Pai as she watched her adopted daughters talk with the other elders.

						The End(?)

    Source: geocities.com/tokyo/pagoda/3719