This is most certainly a draft.  Any assistance with grammar or spelling 
errors will be appreciated. 

Previous parts can be found at http://www.deranged-otaku.com/


Ranma 1/2 is owned by Rumiko Takahashi
Neon Genesis Evangelion is owned by Gainax

For the Sake of the Children
-----------------------------------
By: Anand Rao



Chapter 9: A Past Revisited Part II
------------------------------------------

Ranma wiped away the water from his face, then stared at his hand as the 
still-cool water dripped from his fingers on to the dojo floor. "It's 
funny. After all this time, I still cringe at the sight and feel of cold 
water.  Every time I come in contact with it, I feel the change occur; 
if only for a moment.  I feel my breasts grow and swell, and my manhood 
disappear.  I feel myself shrink inside my clothes, and hope that no one 
is looking at me; it's as if I was never cured.  

"Then I blink, and realize that I'm still a man.  Still a man!  And 
then. . . I remember what being a man cost me," Ranma finished.  He 
closed his eyes and wiped his hand on the sleeve of his gi.  

"Ranma.  I can't believe; won't believe that Akane's death was your 
fault.  Even through all the fighting, the two of you loved each other 
and you'd never really do anything to hurt her," Kaji replied gently.

"I loved her, but sometimes, love isn't enough, Kaji.  I wasn't content 
to just be Akane's husband, and until her death, I never accepted the 
consequences of my actions," Ranma disagreed.

"You're being too hard on yourself, Ranma.  You need to let this go," 
Kaji said.

"Let me continue with my story, and the you can decide for yourself," 
Ranma suggested.


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

"Are you sure these things are safe, Akane?" Ranma asked a bit nervously 
as he looked out the window.

"You're not actually scared of flying, are you Ranma?" Akane teased.

"Of course not!" Ranma snapped, then glanced out the window once more.  
"I've just never been in a plane before," he admitted.

"This the fastest way to get to China, Ranma.  You should be thankful 
that Nabiki was kind enough to get us these plane tickets," Akane said.

"I know, I know," Ranma sighed resignedly.

"So, have you mapped out our trip yet?" Akane asked.

"Hmmm, sorta.  We'll be landing in eastern China then hike to Tibet and 
the Himalayas.  From there we just need to find the healing spring," 
Ranma replied.

Akane laughed and shook her head slightly. "Oh Ranma, you make it sound 
so simple."

"Isn't it?  I mean, we got a map.  We'll hike and camp and train along 
the way.  We'll find this spring, get me cured, then hike and camp and 
train all the way back."  

Akane smiled fondly at her husband and put her head on his shoulder.  
Ranma's natural resilience and confidence always made her feel safe and 
secure.  "Ranma?" Akane called, after a few moments.

"Yeah?"

"What are you going to do if this doesn't work; if it turns out be 
another fake cure?" 

"I- I can't think like that, Akane," Ranma replied quietly.

Akane straightened up in her sat and turned towards Ranma.  "You know 
that it's a possibility!  It's happened so many times in the past," she 
pointed out.

"I know, but I can't let doubts get to me.  I just need to do everything 
I can to make sure it works, and I'll worry about the consequences 
later."

"You can't always live your life like that, Ranma.  You- you're not 
alone any more.  You and I are a team, a family, and one day, our family 
will grow," Akane said softly.

"This is the last time, Akane," Ranma replied, turning towards her. "I 
promise."

"I believe in you, Ranma," she replied, once again laying her head on 
his shoulder.  


A few hours later, they arrived in Tibet and started the long trek 
towards the Himalayas. They gathered supplies in the tiny, 
over-populated towns they passed through and spent their time camping 
and training.  It wasn't very luxurious as honeymoons go, but for the 
two young martial artists, it was perfect. 

"Ranma, I'm going to starting heating up some water for a bath," Akane 
said, after they had set up camp for the night. They were still near the 
base of the mountain range, and the weather was just warm enough to make 
bathing possible.  Ranma had managed to purchase a large metal barrel to 
serve as a bath from one of the locals.  

"That's fine, Akane," Ranma grunted distractedly. He was busily doing 
pushups near their campfire. 

"Do you want to join me?" Akane asked throatily.  

"Huh?" Ranma asked.

"Do you want to take a bath with me?" Akane explained coyly.  For weeks 
before her wedding, Akane had practiced acting both sexy and demure.  
She had spent hours in front of a mirror, practicing different facial 
expressions; she had recorded her voice, hoping that the correct lilt 
and huskiness could be heard.  As clumsy as she was, Akane was never one 
to do things half way.  It had become almost second nature by her 
wedding night, and now, she was a master.  

"Maybe later, Akane.  I still have to practice my katas," Ranma replied.

Akane frowned in irritation. (The honeymoon's not over yet, Ranma,) she 
thought.  She walked into the tent that Ranma and she shared and started 
rummaging around in her backpack. After a few moments, she found what 
she had been searching for, and exited the tent with it.  She walked 
towards Ranma, stopping directly in front of him.  He was still doing 
pushups, but stopped mid-stride and looked up at Akane.  "There is more 
than one way to train, Ranma," Akane said, dangling a black silken 
negligee in front of his face. 

Ranma grinned widely as he stood up.  "Let's see about that bath," he 
offered.

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

"Great!  We're finally here!"

"Almost.  We still have to hike a few thousand feet up the mountain," 
Akane observed, trying to curb her husband's enthusiasm. 

"Oh, that's nothing!" Ranma exclaimed, shrugging off the distance.

"Maybe for you," Akane replied.

"Are you still feeling sick?" Ranma asked in concern.  As the couple had 
gotten closer to the base of the mountain range, and the weather got 
colder, Akane had started showing signs of weariness, fatigue, and had 
occasional bouts of morning sickness. 

"I'm just tired, I think," Akane said hesitantly.  She had another 
suspicion as to why she was feeling so out of sorts, but decided not to 
bring it up.  

"Maybe you should stay down here, Akane.  I mean, that village looks 
like a nice place to stay, and Shampoo should be along in a day or two 
to keep you company," Ranma suggested.  They had managed to contact the 
amazon via telegram and had decided to have a small reunion while 
visiting China.

"You're overreacting, Ranma.  I'll be fine."

"Well, we still need to wait until Shampoo gets here.  If you're not 
feeling better by then, I -really- think you outta stay here," Ranma 
said firmly.

"I said I'll be okay!" Akane snapped.  She turned away and quickly 
walked to their tent.  Ranma sighed as he watched his wife angrily stalk 
away.  

(This is the closest we've come to a fight since the wedding,) Ranma 
realized.   He sat down in front of the campfire and ruefully stared at 
the dancing flames.  (I hope she's okay.)  Ranma glanced up at the 
mountain he would have to climb and shuddered uncontrollably.  A cure 
was once again within his grasp, and he could already feel the 
bittersweet pain of failure.  (No!  I have to be confident!  This is 
gonna work!  It has to!) he berated himself.  He stood and started 
pacing in front of the campfire.  

"I should make up with her," he mused aloud.  He stopped pacing and 
stared at the tent that he and Akane shared.  (Stupid Tomboy.)  Ranma 
sighed.  He walked purposely up to the tent firmly opened the front flap 
and stepped inside. 

"Hurry up and close the tent!  It's cold in here!" Akane exclaimed.  
Ranma silently complied then turned to face his wife.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

"I'm fine, Ranma," she replied tiredly.  "I just. . . just keeping 
thinking about what will happen if this cure fails."

"If- if that happens, we go home.  I promised you that," Ranma said, his 
voice harder than he intended.

"I shouldn't have said anything, I'm sorry.  I guess I shouldn't talk 
about failing when we haven't even tried yet."

"You're just tired, Akane.  Get some rest," Ranma suggested.  (I think 
this trip might have been too much for her.  She looks so pale!)

"I think will, I -am- feeling kinda sleepy," Akane agreed.  She nestled 
down in her sleeping bag and pulled a thin fur blanket around herself.  
Within a few seconds, she was already asleep, and Ranma settled down 
next to her, all the while staring at her peacefully smiling face.  

"Everything will be okay, Akane.  I promise," he whispered softly.


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

"She was pregnant, wasn't she?" Kaji interrupted.

"Yeah, although I didn't realize it at the time.  I never really paid 
attention to Biology class, ya know?  I had no idea what morning 
sickness was, or even much about a woman's monthly cycle," Ranma 
replied.

"Did she even suspect it herself?"

"Maybe.  If she did, she kept it quiet.  It didn't really matter, 
because Shampoo arrived a few days later and she was able to tell fairly 
quickly what was 'wrong' with Akane," Ranma explained.

"I see.  I would have loved to see your reaction to the news," Kaji 
mused.

"It wasn't pretty." 


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

"Pregnant?"

"Yes, Ranma.  I can't say that I'm surprised, after all, we have been, 
um, enjoying our honeymoon," Akane replied.

"Pregnant?"

"Silly Ranma.  Why men always like this?  Having baby is good, yes?" 
Shampoo chimed in.  The young amazon had arrived in Tibet a day earlier 
and had immediately taken Akane aside when the newly married couple 
explained their situation.  The three of them were currently sitting in 
the Saotome's campsite, eating breakfast.  

"Pregnant?"

(If he says that one more time, I'm going to smack him!) Akane thought 
darkly.  "Yes, Ranma!  Pregnant!  With Child!  I'm going to be a mother, 
you're going to be a father!  Yes, pregnant!" she snapped.

"A-are you sure?" Ranma asked.

"Am sure, Ranma.  Have seen pregnant Amazon women all the time.  You 
going to be father," Shampoo confirmed.

"I. . .think I need to sit down," Ranma observed weakly.

"Baka.  You -are- sitting down!" Akane giggled.  (Poor Ranma.  I guess 
he really wasn't ready for this.  But, am I?) Akane wondered.

"Yeah.  Uh, how long until. . . until. . ."

"Until Ranma become father?  Five to six months, Shampoo think," the 
amazon replied.

"That soon?  B-but we haven't married anywhere NEAR that long!" Ranma 
protested.

"Um, Ranma?  Remember that one night we-"

"Oh yeah!" Ranma said, laughing nervously.  He sighed, unable to meet 
Akane's eyes.  "Akane, I. . . I don't know what to say."

"You don't want to be a father?" Akane asked softly.

"That's not what I meant!" Ranma exclaimed, hastily coming to his feet.  
"It's just kinda a shock.  I figured we'd wait a few years, ya know?"

"I know, me too.  But. . . but it will be okay, won't it?  You'll be 
okay with this, won't you?"

Ranma embraced his wife, gently stroking her back.  "Everything will be 
fine, Akane.  I'll get cured, then we'll go home.  Home to raise our 
family."

"Our family," Akane repeated.  

"Yes."  Ranma squeezed Akane tightly, an euphoric sensation flowing 
through out his body.  (I'm gonna be a father!) he suddenly realized, 
grinning like an idiot. He released his hold on Akane and stepped back.  
"Akane, there's something I want you to do for me."

"What?" Akane asked, suddenly smiling at her husband; his grin was 
infectious.

"I want you to stay here while I go the spring."

"What?  Ranma, no!  The baby won't be due for a long time yet, I can 
handle the trip up the mountain," Akane replied.

"No."  

"What?" Akane demanded, slightly startled at Ranma's behavior.  He 
wasn't angry, or impatient, or even insulting.  Yet, there was an 
iron-will in his voice that she had never heard before.

"I said, no.  Your life is no longer your own, Akane.  I know it sucks 
and it's not fair, but it's the truth.  Until out baby is born, you 
gotta take care of yourself.  It has nothing to do with how strong you 
are or how good you are the art.  All I'm saying is, that you have to be 
careful.  So, stay down here with Shampoo, and I'll be back as soon as I 
can, okay?"

Akane stared numbly at her husband and simply nodded her head.  (That 
actually sounded... intelligent,) she thought.  "All right, Ranma.  I'll 
stay here.  You just make sure that you get back to me as soon as you 
can, and keep yourself safe."

"Nothing is gonna happen to me, Akane.  According to the map, the trip 
is pretty simple.  I just hike up a bit until I find a small village or 
something, and then ask about the springs."

"Yeah, really simple," Akane replied dubiously.

"Ranma be careful.  There many, many villages in mountains," Shampoo 
warned.

"Don't worry about it!  This place is called the Spring of Buddha. It's 
kinda famous around here, right?  I shouldn't have any trouble findin' 
it."


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

"How many stupid villages can there be up here?" Ranma demanded 
irritably.  He had started the long hike before dawn, and after passing 
through half a dozen villages, was starting to become impatient.   He 
took heart, however, in the fact that he was headed in the right 
direction.  Everyone he talked to knew about the spring, and they all 
pointed in the same direction; straight up. 

"I hope Akane's okay," he thought for the hundredth time since he had 
left her with Shampoo.   "I'm going to be a father.  I can't believe it! 
I'm gonna be a father, and a guy -all- the time!  My kid won't have to 
be ashamed of me, he won't get confused and call me 'mommy'.  We- we're 
going to have a normal life!"  Ranma exclaimed.  The exhilaration of the 
moment gave him a burst of energy, and he ran through the snow, hoping 
to see the next village soon. 

Several hours and a couple hundred feet in elevation later, Ranma 
reached yet another village.  The sun had started to set, and Ranma had 
hoped to find the spring by nightfall.  Feeling more than a bit hungry, 
he entered the small mountain village, hoping to see signs of food.  

He walked up to the first small house he could find, and knocked on the 
front door.  The houses in the village were more like hovels.  They were 
small, made completely of wood, except for the few that had metal 
sheeting for roofs.   The door creaked open and an old woman wearing a 
thick fur coat peeked out at Ranma.  "Er, hello.  I'm looking for the 
Spring of Buddha," Ranma said in Chinese.  He and Akane had started 
learning the language before leaving Japan.

The woman pointed off in a direction behind Ranma then shut the door.  
"She was helpful," Ranma muttered sarcastically.    He stepped away from 
the porch and turned towards the direction that the woman had pointed.  

A seemingly young man with a shaved head, wearing only a dull orange 
robe and matching slacks was walking through the snow, carrying a fur 
water skin and a basket brimming over with vegetables. "Maybe he knows 
something," Ranma mused.  He jogged towards the man and yelled in 
Chinese, "Excuse me, do you know where the Spring of Buddha is?"

The man stopped walking and turned towards Ranma.  "Why do you wish to 
know?" he asked.  He seemed more curious than anything.

"Y-you speak Japanese?!"  Ranma asked, pleasantly amazed.

"Yes, I was born there.  Although, I haven't been back there for many 
years.  Now, why do you wish to find the spring?"

"I heard that it's a sorta healing spring. . . and, I need to get 
healed," Ranma replied.

"Healed?  In what way?  You seem like a perfectly healthy young man to 
me."

"You're right, I'm probably in better physical shape than anyone I know.  
But, I- I've been cursed."

"Cursed?"  the man asked, smiling in amusement.

"This isn't a joke!" Ranma snapped.  "I've been to Jusenkyo."

"Jusenkyo.  I see.  You have my sympathies, then.  However, I doubt that 
the Spring can help you," the man replied sadly.

"What?  Why not?" Ranma demanded.

"Through prayer and meditation, the spring becomes a focal point for 
spiritual energy.  This energy can then be used to heal physical, 
mental, or emotional damage.  It can not 'fix' something that occurs 
naturally."

"What's so natural about becoming a girl every damn time I get hit with 
cold water?" Ranma exploded.

"You have a point," the man laughed.  "Spring of drowned girl.  Perhaps 
it was your destiny; to be born as a girl, and nature just adjusted you 
along the way."

"I was born a guy and I intend to stay that way!  One hundred percent of 
the time!" Ranma snapped. 

"The wisest thing a person can do, is accept the things he can't change.  
You will only bring yourself pain and misery by going against nature."

"I'll never know if I don't try.  Now, are you gonna tell me how to get 
to the Springs or what?"  Ranma asked.

The man sighed and shook his head in resignation.  "You are stubborn.  I 
will not tell you where the Spring is, but if you follow me, I'll take 
you there."

"I don't really need a guide-" Ranma began.  

"I'm heading in the direction anyway," the man explained.

"Really?  Why?" Ranma asked suspiciously.

"Because I live there.  My name is Ryo Hashito, and I am a priest of the 
Spring of Buddha."


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

Several hours later, Ranma and Ryo arrived at a large cave.  Ryo 
explained that the spring was located in the cave, and that he and the 
other priests lived in the naturally created caverns within.  "So, how 
many of ya guys live here?" Ranma asked.

"There are six priests and our Master.  We alternate going down to the 
villages once in a while for food and supplies; what little we need," 
Ryo replied.

"Right.  And what exactly is it that you priests do?" Ranma asked 
curiously.

"We mediate and pray."

"And. . . what else?" Ranma asked.

"That's it.  We mediate and pray," Ryo repeated.

(How. . . boring!) Ranma thought with a shudder.  "How long have you 
been doing this, Ryo?" 

"Hmmm. . . It's been about ten years now," the priest replied.

"Ten years!"

"Yes, and I've never been more at peace in my life."

"What did ya do before this?" Ranma asked.

"I was a better than average salary man at big corporation in Japan.  My 
work was my life, but. . . I just got tired of it," Ryo explained.

"Th-that's it?  You just up and left?" 

"Yes," Ryo replied, smiling in amusement. "Every one has dreams, Ranma.  
Dreams of doing something with their lives; something different.  Dreams 
of getting away and finding a sense of peace.  The problem is that most 
people, for whatever reason, don't follow through on those dreams.  I 
decided to be different."

  Ranma nodded his head in understanding as he followed Ryo into the 
cave.  A dull torch light flickered in the distance, bright enough to 
allow visitors to avoid any obstacles in the path.  "Let me put the food 
away and then I'll take you to the spring," Ryo said, leading Ranma to a 
small, naturally carved chamber. 

The chamber contained several thin blankets, a few robes similar to the 
one Ryo wore, and a small pile of unlit torches.  Ryo placed the basket 
of food next to the blankets then exited the chamber.

"Is this all you guys own?" Ranma asked.  "I mean, I'm used to living on 
the road and traveling light, but..."

"What more do we need?  We have food, clothing, and shelter.  Anything 
else will just distract us from our duties," Ryo explained.  "Come, let 
us go to the spring."

Ranma followed Ryo through the cave corridor once more and after a few 
minutes they arrived at the entrance of a large circular chamber.  Ryo 
stopped walking, giving Ranma a chance to look around.  The chamber was 
brightly lit, torches adorning the walls.  Yet, the brightest light 
seemed to emanate from the blue pool of water in the center of the 
floor.  Six men, dressed similarly to Ryo, stood in a circle around the 
pool.  They're eyes were closed and their hands were in front of their 
chests, palms together.  

The room was warm and humid.  Ranma blinked in surprise as he noticed 
steam waft up from the pool.  "It's a hot spring?" he asked in 
disbelief.

"Yes," Ryo whispered. 

"What are they doing?" Ranma asked softly, gesturing at the priests.

"Praying.  Remember, prayer powers the spring," Ryo reminded him.

"Uh, right.  So, what do I do now?"

"Go into the water and close your eyes."

"Um, right now?" Ranma asked, glancing dubiously at the praying priests.

"Seven priests pray over the pool at all times Ranma, that cycle never 
stops.  Go ahead; and good luck to you, and please don't be too 
disappointed if things don't work out, okay?"

"Waitaminute!  How long am I supposed to stay in the spring?" Ranma 
asked.

"You will know when to leave, Ranma," Ryo replied backing away.  "I have 
some chores to attend to.  Oh, by the way, chances are that I'll be part 
of the circle by the time you leave, so one of the others will show you 
out." 

Ranma watched silently as the priest walked down the corridor and out of 
sight.  He sighed as he turned back towards the cavern and stepped 
inside.  (This is creepy.)  Ranma shivered as he moved between two of 
the priests and stepped into the spring.  (At least the water's warm.)  
He waded into the spring until he reached its center; there he stopped 
and stood silently, his eyes closed.  The surface of the water reached 
just under his neck and the heat immediately brought droplets of sweat 
to his brow.  (Okay, now what?) he thought impatiently.

(Why are you here, Child?)  

"What?" Ranma blurted, his eyes snapping open.

(Why are you here?) 

"Who are you? Y-you're talkin' in my head!" Ranma exclaimed.

(Indeed, Child.  And you may respond in the same way. My name is 
Keshedas.  I am Master of this sanctuary.)

Ranma understood the gentle rebuke and immediately closed his eyes 
again.  (I'm here cause I want to be cured of my curse,) he thought. 

(Curse?  I feel no curse upon you.  In fact, you are in perfect health!  
Why are you here?) 

(I . . . I fell into one of the springs at Jusenkyo!  I turn into a girl 
every time I touch cold water!)

(Is this such a bad thing?  Is it so terrible that you traveled this 
great distance, made your wife to suffer such hardship?)

(What do you know about Akane?) Ranma demanded.

(I know that she loves you.  She loves you as you are, and she's waiting 
for you, waiting with the child she carries in her womb.)

(H-How do you know all that?  Akane's not even here!)

(Why are you here, Ranma?)

(I told ya!  I wanna get rid of this curse!)

(Why?)

(Cause I'm a guy!  And I'm tired of everyone thinking that I'm some 
sorta freak or pervert!)

(Everyone?  Akane doesn't think you're a freak.)

(Akane's. . . different.  It's everyone -else- that bothers me.)

(And it's really important to you what other people think, isn't it, 
Ranma?)

"What's with all the questions?  Are you guys gonna heal me or not?" 
Ranma demanded out loud, opening his eyes once more.

(No, we can not heal you.  But perhaps you can heal yourself.  Keep your 
eyes closed, and confront your nature, Ranma.)

His hands clenched, and jaw set firm, Ranma closed his eyes. . . 

. . . and suddenly, he was falling.


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

Ranma opened his eyes and screamed in rage and fear as the pools of 
Jusenkyo grew closer and closer.  (Why is -always- about this?) he 
thought, gritting his teeth and closing his eyes tightly as the water 
came closer.  

He landed; hard and on solid ground.  He painfully sat up and looked 
around.  "What am I doing back here?" he wondered aloud.  He was back 
home; in the Tendo Dojo.  

"Why do you hate me?" 

Ranma quickly stood up, turned around, and found himself staring at his 
female form. "W-who are you?" he asked.

"Who do you think I am, moron!  I'm you," the red-headed female replied.

"Me?  What do ya mean, you're me?" Ranma demanded.

"You wanted to get rid of me, right?  You're embarrassed and ashamed of 
me, and think that I'm a freak, don't you? DON'T YOU?" the red head 
screamed.

"You're the curse," Ranma realized.

I'm -not- a curse! I'm you!  You can't deny me any more than you can 
deny yourself.  It's time to accept me, and yourself, Ranma.  I'm here 
to stay."

"Like hell you are! I've had nothing but trouble ever since you came 
into my life!  I'm starting a new life with Akane, and YOU have no part 
of it," Ranma growled.

"Fine, we'll do things your way.  If you want to rid of me, you're gonna 
have ta defeat me," Ranma-chan replied.  She assumed a combative stance 
and smirked disdainfully at Ranma-kun.  "Think you're up to the 
challenge?"

"I normally don't hit girls. . . but this is something I've dreamed of  
doing for a long time," Ranma-kun said, copying her stance.

"Let's do it," the girl agreed.

"Ladies first," Ranma replied.

Growling with anger, Ranma-chan jumped towards her male counterpart, 
right foot outstretched.  Ranma-kun caught her foot in midflight then 
stumbled back in pain as her left foot snapped into the side of his 
head.  "I'm faster, remember?" Ranma-chan pointed out.  She jumped out 
of Ranma-kun's weakened grasp and got ready to make another attack.

"Yeah, but I'm stronger."  Ranma-kun quickly back handed Ranma-chan 
across the face.  The red head, surprised at the force of the hit, fell 
on her back.  

"Hey, you're not holding back," she complained, wiping a trickle of 
blood from her mouth.  

"What do ya think this is, a game?" Ranma retorted.

"Of course it's a game," Ranma-chan replied cutely.  "You can't really 
get rid of me, Ranma, at least, not like this.  Like I said, I'm you.  
If you kill me, you kill yourself."  

Ranma-kun took a step towards the fallen girl then stopped at her 
outstretched hand.  "You can't change what happened at Jusenkyo by 
beating up on me, Ranma."  

Ranma-kun sighed as he sat down on the dojo floor.  "So, what now?" he 
sulked.

"We stay here until you come to terms with what you are," Ranma-chan 
replied evenly.

"Right." Ranma-kun snorted.  "Are you sure that you're me?  You don't 
sound or act like me."

" 'Act' is a good word, Ranma.  The way you show yourself to those 
around you is an act.  It's how you relate to people, survive, and 
justify things that happen.  I'm truth, pure and simple.  You can't run 
away from me and you can't deny me."

"So, what -is- the truth?"

"You're half boy and half girl, and you like it."

"I do -not- like it!" Ranma-kun yelled.

"Liar.  You're too scared to even admit it to yourself," Ranma-chan 
replied.

"What do you want from me?" Ranma roared.  "I was raised to be a man 
among men!  You may be 'truth' but you're -still- a girl!"

"And so are you!" Ranma-chan snapped.  "But you're also a person.  A 
person who who was raised by a screwed up father.  A person who spent 
-years- running away from responsibility!  A person so filled with 
pride, that there was no room for love!  Enough is enough, Ranma.  
You're not a little boy anymore.  You were raised to be a man?  Fine!  
Then start acting like one!"  

"Fine!  Whatever!  The Spring of Buddha can't cure me!  Enough already, 
let's wake up so I can get on with my life.  I don't need to sit here 
and listen to all the mistakes I've made be thrown back in my face," 
Ranma said tiredly.

"It's not that easy, Ranma," the redhead replied, shaking her head.

"What?  Why not?"

"I. . . don't know.  I know as much about the spring as you do.  Its 
power is keeping you here, like this.  I really can't tell you more than 
that."

"Great." Ranma-kun sighed.  "I wonder why the stupid spring has so much 
trouble with a Jusenkyo curse."

"Remember what Ryo said about the healing power affecting nature?"  
Ranma-chan asked.

"Oh yeah."  

The pair sat in companionable silence for a few moments while Ranma-kun 
tried to gather his thoughts.  "Maybe. . . maybe I do like being a girl. 
. . sometimes," Ranma-kun finally admitted.

"You like the freedom it gives you; the advantages. . . the fun," 
Ranma-chan agreed.

"Don't forget the ice cream!" Ranma-kun exclaimed.

"Oh yes, especially the ice cream," Ranma-chan giggled.

"But, even though I sometimes like it, I still don't want to be like 
this," Ranma-kun said seriously.

"I know, Ranma, I know.  But there's a chance that nothing can be done.  
You may be stuck like this for the rest of your life," Ranma-chan 
replied.

"I. . .can live with that.  I promised Akane.  But I couldn't stop 
trying, at least for this one last time."

"So, no matter what happens, we'll be okay, right?" Ranma-chan asked.

"Right.  Come cure or cold water, I guess I'll be okay," Ranma agreed, 
grinning weakly.

(Excellent.  You're almost ready.)  

"Huh?  What?" Ranma-kun asked aloud as the dojo, then Ranma-chan, faded 
and disappeared.  


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

Ranma opened his eyes to find that he was once again back in the spring, 
the six priests standing in a circle around him.  "What happened?" he 
asked in confusion.

(A cure for your curse is now possible.)

(What?  How?) Ranma mentally asked, recognizing Keshedas' voice in his 
head.

(You had refused to accept your dual nature, Ranma.  Without that 
acceptance, a cure in this spring would have been impossible.  However, 
you have confronted your inner self, and have now accepted you and what 
you are, regardless of whether or not a cure becomes available.)

(So, by accepting that I turn into a girl, and. . . and sometimes like 
it, I can get rid of it?)

(Exactly.  However, it will take time.)

(How much time?)  Ranma asked wearily. 

(I do not know.  You must meditate in the spring while we pray.  The 
legends say that Valmiki, who found this spring 1000 years ago, mediated 
within it's waters for five years before attaining enlightenment.)

"I don't -want- enlightenment, and I ain't gonna stay in this stupid 
spring for five years!" Ranma yelled.

(There are many paths to enlightenment, Ranma.  The choice is, of 
course, yours.  You may leave now if you wish.)

"No! I- I mean. . . I'll give it a try," Ranma replied, sighing softly.  

(Very well.  Close your eyes and breath in deeply through your nose, 
hold your breath, then exhale slowly through your mouth.)

Ranma did as he was told, then repeated the action.  As he breathed, the 
priests around him began to chant.  He couldn't understand what language 
they were using; it didn't -sound- like Chinese, and it certainly wasn't 
Japanese.  

(Concentrate on your curse.)

Ranma did so, envisioning his female form, and continued to breathe.

(With each exhale, expel the curse from of your body, from your soul, 
from your mind. . .)

Ranma strained with all his might, pushing the curse out of him; willing 
it to leave him.  

(Slowly, Ranma, slowly. Remember to breathe.  With each breath, a little 
more of the curse will leave you.)

Ranma relaxed and continued his breathing.  A small smile grew on his 
lips.  The cure was going to work, he just knew it.  


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

"That's it?  I mean, you just sat there in the spring and. . . 
breathed?" Kaji asked incredulously.

"That was it," Ranma nodded.

"That seems so. . . so stupid, and not a bit far-fetched," Kaji replied, 
sounding disappointed.

"Yeah, about as far-fetched as a water-based curse," Ranma quipped. 

"You have a point," Kaji conceeded, chuckling lightly.

"It was a strangely peaceful experience.  I was just standing there with 
my eyes closed, and after a while, I stopped feeling things.  I mean, it 
was like I didn't have a body.  It was like being awake and sleep at the 
same time, I can't really describe it any better than that," Ranma 
explained.

"Sounds like a coma."

"Maybe it was."


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

"Ranma?  Ranma, open your eyes."

"Huh?  What's wrong?" Ranma asked, blinking his eyes in confusion.  He 
stared dazedly at Ryo who was standing in front of him in the spring.

"You're finished," Ryo explained softly.

"Already?"  

"It's been several months, Ranma."

"Several months. . . Months!  B-but that's impossible! I j-just stepped 
in here a few moments ago!" Ranma protested.

"It only feels like that.  It's the effects of deep and prolonged 
meditation.  Time no longer has any mean," Ryo explained gently.

(Months!  God, Akane. . .the baby!)  Ranma thought, scrambling out of 
the spring.  "I gotta get outta here," he said weakly.

"Ranma, take it easy!  You've gone a long time without food or water, 
your body needs to adjust to being active again," Ryo said.

"B-But Akane. . ."

"You'll be no good to her if your sick, Ranma.  Come, eat some food, and 
get some sleep."

Ranma was about to protest, but his stomach growled; loudly.  He sighed 
and wearily nodded his head.

"Oh, by the way, congratulations, you've been cured," Ryo said, grinning 
widely.

"Cured? It- It worked?" Ranma asked.

"Indeed it did.  Come, we'll talk about it after you've eaten."  Ryo led 
Ranma out of the spring and past the still mediating priests.  

"What was that chant they were doing?" Ranma asked, noticing that the 
six men were silent once more.

"It was a prayer of sorts, asking for healing, wisdom, and 
enlightenment."

"I don't feel very enlightened," Ranma replied, chuckling weakly.  The 
two of them walked into the chamber where the priests slept.  

"Here. Get out of those wet clothes," Ryo said, handing Ranma a faded 
orange robe.  "Climb into one of the blankets if you wish, I'll go get 
some food."

Ranma shivered as he stripped off his clothes and donned the robe.  He 
sat on the cold ground, wrapped a blanket around him, and waited for Ryo 
to return.  (I can't believe I'm finally cured.  It's over... It's 
finally over, I can go back home with Akane and get ready to start our 
family.) Ranma sighed, hoping that Akane was all right.  (Damn, she must 
be worried sick about me by now!)

He felt a profound sense of relief, coupled with a small bit of 
inexplicable sadness. "I'm never gonna be a girl again," he murmured.

"Have second thoughts already?" Ryo asked, walking into the chamber as 
he carried a tray filled with fruits and bread.  

"No, not really.  It's just. . ."

"You're going to miss being able to turn into a girl," Ryo finished.

"Not exactly, but, well, the curse was useful at times," Ranma amended.

"There are at advantages and disadvantages to every situation, every 
environment.  You had to learn to live with it, and now, you'll have to 
learn to live without it.  Well, enough talk.  Eat, and rest.  When 
you're well enough to travel, I'll take you back to the village where 
you found me."

"Great.  I'm in a hurry to get back to Akane."


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

After a good night's sleep, Ranma was more than ready for the journey 
back to Akane.  Ryo, amazed at his quick recovery, and sensing his 
eagerness to leave, readily agreed to guide Ranma back to the village.  
After paying his respects to the priests who had cured him, (who were 
still meditating), Ranma left the Spring of Buddha. 

Within a few hours of leaving the spring, Ranma and Ryo arrived at the 
village where they first met.  "Well then, this is goodbye," Ryo said.

"Yeah.  Thanks for your help, Ryo.  And thanks for leading me to the 
spring," Ranma replied warmly.

"I'm glad things worked out for you, Ranma.  I wish you and your budding 
family well."  The priest turned away, starting on his trek back to the 
spring.

"Tell ya what, Ryo.  If my kid's a boy, I'll name him after ya!" Ranma 
promised.  He waved to the priest then ran towards the direction of his 
and Akane's campsite; he wanted to get back to her before nightfall. 

As he ran, his thoughts turned to Akane, and what the past few months 
must have been like for her.  He felt ashamed that he was not there for 
her, to care for her and support her in her pregnancy.  (Let her be all 
right, please!  She can be angry, she can be upset, as long as she and 
the baby are okay!)  Feeling suddenly anxious, Ranma increased his pace.

He reached the outskirts of his campsite as the sun started to set 
behind him.  In the distance, he saw Shampoo standing over a small fire, 
apparently cooking a pot of soup or stew.  "Shampoo!" he called out, 
waving his arm.

"Ranma!  You alive!" the amazon exclaimed, running towards him.  
Reaching him, she grabbed him in a tight embrace, laughing and crying in 
relief. 

"Shampoo, it's good to see you.  Where's Akane?"  Ranma asked, returning 
her hug.

"Aiya!  Akane in tent, baby is almost here!  Any day now!"  

"Really?  Thank God, I made it in time.  Is she okay?  She's not hurt or 
anything, is she?" he eagerly asked.

"See for self!" Shampoo replied, dragging Ranma towards the tent.  She 
opened the tent flap quickly and shoved Ranma inside.

"Shampoo, is the soup done already?" Akane asked.  She was propped up 
against the side of the tent, busily working with a pair of knitting 
needles, staring at the growing yarn bootie in her lap. 

(God, she's. . . huge!) Ranma thought, staring at his wife's torso and 
midsection.  (Huge and. . . beautiful.)  He opened his mouth, trying to 
find the right words, but remained silent, overwhelmed with the emotions 
he felt.

"Shampoo?" Akane queried, finally looking up.  She gasped when she saw 
Ranma, tears suddenly coming to her eyes.  "I'm dreaming. . . I feel 
asleep, and I'm dreaming again," she whispered hoarsely. 

"This ain't a dream, Akane," Ranma replied, kneeling down next to her 
and gently enveloping her in a hug.

"Oh Ranma, y-you're back!  I-I thought you. . ."

"Hey, it's okay, it's okay. . . I told ya I'd be safe.  I'm sorry you 
had to wait so long, I didn't expect it to take as long as it did," 
Ranma admitted.

"What happened?  Are you cured?" Akane asked, suddenly remembering where 
Ranma had been for the past several months.

"It worked, Akane.  The Spring worked!"  Ranma exclaimed, staring 
joyfully at Akane's face.

"You're cured.  You're finally cured," she replied in wonderment.

"God, Akane, I'm sorry I wasn't here for you," Ranma apologized again.

"It's. . . okay, Ranma," Akane said hesitantly.  "I'm just glad you're 
safe, besides, Shampoo was here to keep me company."

"You're not mad?"

"Well. . . not any more."


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

"Wow, she didn't hit you or anything," Kaji observed.

"Well, she was getting too big to make any sudden movements," Ranma 
grinned.  "Besides, I think she missed me a lot more than I thought she 
would.  She was more relieved than anything else."

"So you made it in time for Ranko's birth."

"Yeah, barely.  Akane was getting big.  I mean -really- huge, you know?  
A midwife from the local village had been visiting her every day, just 
in case.  Akane. . .  Akane went into a labor a couple of days after I 
returned," Ranma said, his voice breaking.

"What happened, Ranma?" Kaji asked sadly.

"There were... complications, I guess.  There was so much blood.  She 
wouldn't stop bleeding!  She- she died giving birth to Ranko."


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

"She's going to be okay, right?  I mean, the baby's here, so she's fine, 
right?" Ranma demanded anxiously.

The midwife who had delivered his daughter gently rocked the crying 
newborn in her arms and sadly stared at Ranma's face.  Slowly, almost 
imperceptibly,  she shook her head.

Ranma blinked back the tears from his eyes and grabbed hold of Akane's 
hand.  (NO!  She -can't- die!  Not after all this, she just can't die!) 
he raged silently. "Akane! Hang in there! Please! You can't give up now, 
you stupid tomboy!" he growled angrily. 

"Ranma, I'm so tired. It's. . . it's too late. I've lost too much blood, 
haven't I?" Akane whispered, completely at peace in her husband's loving 
embrace. 

"You can't leave me, Akane," Ranma pleaded, holding on to her tightly, 
"you can't leave me alone like this!" 

"Alone? Oh Ranma, you're not alone. Ranko is with you," Akane replied. 

"Ranko?" Ranma asked, a bit confused. 

"That's what I want you to name her. It's a fitting name, Ranma. You'll 
see; she'll be just. . . just like you. Ranma, promise me that you'll 
protect her like you protected me," Akane whispered. 

"I promise, Akane. I'll protect her," Ranma said, tears flowing openly 
down his face. Then her body went limp, and Ranma hugged her even 
tighter. He had wanted to die right then, until he heard the cries of 
his newborn baby. He turned to the midwife who had delivered his baby 
and wordlessly held out his hands. She gently placed the child in his 
hands and in spite of himself, Ranma managed to smile through the tears. 
"Hello Ranko-chan," he said, before breaking down completely. 

The midwife left the tent and after a few moments Shampoo took her 
place.  The amazon wordlessly wrapped her arms around Ranma's back and 
held him.  He didn't even acknowledge her presence, he just sat there 
and held his daughter; Akane's last gift to him.  The three of them sat 
there for several hours, finally falling silent, all their tears spent.  

"Ranma?"  Shampoo finally asked, "You remember when Shampoo finally give 
you up?"

"Huh?  Yeah. . . It- it was right after Akane and I finally confessed 
our feelings to each other," the newly widowed father replied.

"Shampoo want to die that day.  Wanted to hurt Akane, hurt Ranma, hurt 
self.  But. . . But Shampoo knew that do no good, had to move on with 
life.  Ranma understand?" 

"Yeah," he replied softly.

"Ranma lose Akane.  But Ranma have baby now.  Ranma must life now, for 
baby!"  

"It's so hard, Shampoo.  I- I..."

"Ranma want to die.  Shampoo know.  But Ranma not coward.  Ranma strong 
man; strongest!  Ranma be there for baby, yes?"  

"Her name," Ranma began, swallowing hard, "is Ranko.  My daughter's name 
is Ranko."

"Is good name," Shampoo nodded.

"I'll live for her.  I'll protect her, no matter what. I-I promised 
Akane," Ranma said.  The baby in his arms was now sleeping.  He slowly 
leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.  (I'll take care of her, 
Akane.) 


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

"Oh God, Ranma. . .I'm so sorry.  But I still don't see how it was your 
fault," Kaji said.

"It was my responsibility to protect her, Kaji, and I failed.  But even 
more than that, we never should have been in China in the first place.  
As soon as I found out about the pregnancy, I should have taken her back 
home.  She needed a real doctor and a hospital.  If she had gone into 
labor here in Japan, she'd probably be alive today.  But no, I was too 
concerned with my getting that damned cure!" Ranma snarled.

"You can't read the future, Ranma!  No one can," Kaji protested.  "You 
can't beat yourself up thinking about the maybes and the what ifs.  You 
need to move on, Sensei, and not for Ranko's sake, not for Akane's sake; 
but for -you're- sake.  You need to start loving yourself again."

"I don't know if I can."

"Then you're going to be miserable the rest of your life.  Do you think 
Akane would want that?  Do you?" Kaji asked.

"No."  Ranma softly shook his head.

"Damn right she wouldn't!" Kaji immediately agreed.  "Wake up, Ranma!  
Time to live life again."

"I'll keep it in mind," Ranma replied, suddenly laughing.  

"Good!" Kaji nodded his head firmly, as if the matter had been settled.  
"Well, I'd better be going.  There's still a lot of things I need to 
plan out before tomorrow," he said as the two men stood.

Ranma sobered, remembering Kaji's request earlier in the evening.  "I'll 
watch out for Misato, but you make sure to keep yourself safe, and come 
back, okay?"  

"I'll try, Sensei."  Kaji faced his one-time teacher, bowed reverently, 
then left the dojo.  He walked back into the house and found Ranko 
sitting at the dining table, a textbook in hand.  

"Finishing up some homework?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm, um, kinda failing physics," Ranko sheepishly replied. 

(Like Father, like daughter,) Kaji thought, shaking his head in 
amusement.  "I'll be leaving now.  Oh, thanks for the ice water."

"You're welcome!  Please come back soon, okay?" Ranko replied, walking 
him to the front door.  

"I'll try," Kaji promised.

Ranko opened the front door and sighed as she watched Kaji's retreating 
back.  (He -is- a cute one,) she thought.  She was about to close the 
door when she heard a tiny snort-like noise emanate from the ground 
between her feet. 

Looking down, she squealed in delight at what she saw.  Standing there 
in front of her was a small, blank piglet, wearing a yellow and black 
stripped bandanna around its neck.  

******************************************
The End:  Chapter 9

Notes:

I hated this chapter.  I hated writing it, I hated reading it, I hated 
thinking about it.  Generally speaking, it sucked.  It was twice as long 
as I wanted it to be, and took me a loooong time to write.  No more 
chapter-long flashbacks, I promise!  Anyway, I don't even have an 
outline for chapter ten yet, so I have no idea what's gonna happen, 
except for the fact that a bit of it will probably concentrate on Ryoga. 

Okay, Status report time!!

Love of a Mortal 4:  About 60% done, stuck on a Demon dialogue scene at 
the moment.

The Chosen Path 2:  Not started

For the Sake of the Children 10: Not started.

Mothers and Sons: Tenchi: Not Started

With This Ring 2: Not started

Seeing a trend here?

Born in Darkness 1:  Stuck on a flashback scene,  (it figures!)

 
Next Project:  "My Son the Lecher"  a UY/Ranma crossover...  look for 
it.  

Thanks to everyone who prodded and asked, "When is Chapter 9 coming 
out?"  ^_^  It was nice to know I still had readers, even when I wasn't 
actually writing anything.

Namaste,

Anand


Anand Rao
anandr@earthlink.net
anandr@deranged-otaku.com
http://www.deranged-otaku.com/

"He's a sex object.  He asks for sex and women object."


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com