Mother Knows Best
A "Ranma ½ " Fanfiction by Lunis McLeod
Disclaimer: Ranma ½ and all related characters are copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi, Viz Media and Shugakukan. This is a work of fandom and not intended for profit in anyway.
Synopsis: The classic tale, retold with a slight twist.....
Notes: ' ' = thought, * * = text such as notes or panda signs, ( )= Chinese.
I will be using the Pinyin/Hanyu Pinyin spellings of the Chinese names when spoken by them or someone fluent in Chinese but the standard spellings when by Non-Chinese. Example: Shampoo will be referred to as Shān Pú by fellow Amazons but as Shampoo by the average character. Though I personally prefer other spellings (Xian Pu, Mu Tzu, Ku Lon, etc..), the pinyin and standard ones are more accurate.
Proof-readers- Clicky2006 and DarkenedShadows
BETA-Readers- Hmfan, Clicky2006, and DarkenedShadows
Rain pounded upon the girl in sheets as she ran. She ran not in fear or anger, but in annoyance. She easily kept the heavy pack in her hand aloft as she was pursued by the source of her annoyance, a giant panda.
Were this China and not Japan, such a sight would not have been unusual, but such was not the case, and it was about to get a lot stranger...
"Hey..you better cut that out!" The Redhead commanded as she turned to face the panda, tossing her burden aside and taking a defensive stance.
The panda, as if understanding the gesture, took a similar stance. The panda struck at the girl who leapt into the air and kicked the beast over. Her foe seemingly felled, she turned to continue on her way. As she left on her way the panda rose and attacked, sending the girl skidding across the wet pavement into a more populated area.
The local people were in awe as the girl again faced the animal, "Your move" she stated calmly as if talking to a friend as the two again took stances.
The girl, clad in a Mandarin style blouse matching her hair, looked at the panda with determined sky-blue eyes as they again exchanged attempted blows, "I still say the whole thing sucks." she complained as she sent the panda flying in a judo toss "Picking my fiancée for me without even asking!"
The Panda flew headlong into a sign, slumping against it upside down a moment before crushing the sign under its considerable bulk. As the panda fell the girl shouldered the pack and spoke again "I'm going back to China now, so suck on THAT, Old Man."
No sooner had the girl turned to leave than the panda hefted the offending sign and knocked her unconscious. Throwing her over its shoulder, the panda then noticed the gawking crowds, who it then dispersed with a pair of growls before continuing on its way.
Soun Tendo sat at his dining room table as a stack of envelopes was placed before him by his loving wife, Kimiko. Glancing at the mail, he muttered about bills for a moment before discovering a postcard displaying a cute panda. "Hmm, wonder who sent this?" He asked to no one in particular before flipping it over to read the simple message.
*Tendo.
Bringing Ranma
-Genma*
Soun contemplated this for a moment, then smiled softly, "Kimichan, could you get the girls? Genma is returning with his son."
"Oh? Nodoka will be ecstatic!" Kimiko exclaimed with a grin before seeking out her daughters.
Kimiko hurried upstairs to her daughters' rooms, seeking first her eldest, "Kasumi-chan?" She beckoned as she opened the door to reveal an empty room, "She must be downstairs, I'll get her sisters first then."
Kimiko then went to the next room, where she found her middle daughter doing her homework, "Nabiki-chan, please join us in the family room, there is a matter of great import your father wishes to discuss with the family."
"Yes Mother" Nabiki responded. She was a lithe young girl, dressed casually in white shorts and a blue t shirt, her face framed by a pageboy haircut. Kimiko smiled at her daughter as she went to her youngest's room and opened the door, finding that this girl too was elsewhere. "If they both are not in their rooms, they are likely in the dojo."
Inside the dojo, two figures engaged in a violent yet graceful dance. One, a taller girl with long brunette hair, wore a tattered off-white gi with a blue belt. The other, a shorter girl with short dark navy blue hair, wore a yellow gi with a red belt.
The two traded blows and grapples as if in a trance, neither gaining nor losing ground. The taller girl stopped for a moment when she spotted Kimiko enter, bowing to her. "Mother, what ca-" Unfortunately the younger girl did not spot the visitor so did not halt her attack and struck a powerful kick to her opponents cheek, sending her flying into the wall.
The younger girl blanched, as she realized what she had done. "Sis!" She then ran to her sisters side followed by Kimiko. Seemingly in much better shape than the wall, The older girl sat up slowly, "It is fine, Akane-neechan."
Akane smiled weakly, "Glad to hear it, I'm SO sorry Kasumi..."
Kimiko held her hand out to help Kasumi up, "Here child, let me help you Your father has an announcement to make in the family room" After pulling her daughter to her feet, Kimiko dusted her off and followed her children to the family room where her other daughter and husband waited.
Soun was dressed in his usual brown gi, his long black hair worn loose as he calmly looked over his assembled family. "A very good friend of mine, Genma Saotome is on his way with his son, Ranma. If one of you girls were to marry him and carry on the training hall, then the Tendo legacy would be secure."
The girls stared wide-eyed at their father, this was insane. How could they be expected to marry someone they had never met? They exchanged glances for a moment then looked to their mother. It was Akane who spoke first, "Don't we have any say in who we're gonna marry?"
Kimiko smiled, "Well, of course you do, this is merely a matter of family honor. The arrangement was made between our families before even Kasumi was born. Not only is Genma a good friend of your fathers, His wife Nodoka is a good friend of mine." Kimiko explains, rising again to her feet, "Which reminds me, I must call her, to let her know." Then with a final bow, she exited the room to call her friend.
After a few moments of ringing, a soft sad voice came over the phone. "Saotome Residence, how may I help you?"
"Nochan? This is Kimiko, I thought you'd like to know that we have received word from Genma." Kimiko stated calmly.
"Genma? when? how? Are he and Ranma well?" Nodoka asked frantically, "Are they there?"
Kimiko laughed softly, "No no, we received a postcard from Genma saying that he was bringing Ranma here. The card arrived in today's mail."
Nodoka sighed in relief, "That is good, I do so miss them. Would it be too much of an imposition for me to..."
Kimiko interrupted her friend, "Of course not, that is why I called, come over as soon as you are able."
"Thank you Kimichan, this means ever so much for me." Nodoka smiled "I shall see you soon." She then hung up, leaving Kimiko to return to her family who were finishing their discussion. Soun looked up at the clock, "He should be here anytime now, They just crossed over from China."
"So they hiked all the way to China... big deal..." Akane muttered, causing Kasumi to lean over, "Don't be so hasty, he may be really cute, " Then turning to her father, "Right Father?"
Soun laughed nervously, "I don't know, I've never met him." Again, he looked at the clock, this time to avoid the harsh glares from his daughters.
"You've never met him?" Nabiki said, an obvious exasperation in her voice, "And you expect one of us to marry him?" Before she could receive an answer the door chimes rang and a voice was heard.
"I toldja, I want NO part of this! PUT ME DOWN!" an alto voice called from around the corner.
"Sounds like we have visitors." Kimiko stated as the girls stood and made their way to their guests, followed shortly by the parents.
Kasumi smiled as she went to greet their visitors, "It must be Ranma"
Nabiki on the other hand, was not so enthusiastic about it and muttered, "Oh great..."
Soun ran towards the front door with great excitement, "Saotome, old friend, we've been expecting you!" But he and his daughter were soon cut short at the sight of a towering ursine which had a struggling redhead thrown over its shoulder. The redhead in question was notably perturbed by the situation, "C'mon Pop! You're scaring them spit-less!"
The Tendo females took positions behind Soun, who braced in a ready posture. It was Kimiko who spoke, "Dear, is this panda a friend of yours?"
Soun shook his head fervently, provoking Nabiki into asking a sarcastic question, "So this panda just decided to drop in, is that it?" Again, Soun denied it. As if on cue, the panda set its burden down in front of the Tendos. Soun looked at the teen and stammered, "Y-y-y-you wouldn't be?"
With a heavy sigh and downcast eyes, the scarlet-clad youth answered in apology, "I'm Ranma Saotome...Sorry 'bout this" This answer cause much mirth in the patriarch who proceeded to glomp onto Ranma who bristled at the action. After a moment, Soun noticed something was off about the 'boy' He was smaller, softer and for that matter, curvier than he should have been. Immediately following this realization, Soun staggered back, a blank star in his eyes.
Kasumi noted her father's reaction and took a closer look at Ranma, "He IS cute..." Then her gaze was drawn to Ranma's predominant chest. Kasumi reached her hand out and poked Ranma's chest experimentally, then grabbed it, prompting Ranma to reply in a hushed tone, "Please stop that." Kasumi looked back at her family with a shocked look on her face, "Ranma's not a boy! He's a GIRL!"
"Kasumi! Manners...." Kimiko chided before returning her attention to the girl and panda, "Young lady, I happen to know for a fact that my friend Nodoka did NOT have a daughter, and most definitely not one named after her SON. Care to explain yourself?"
Ranma sighed, tears starting to creep into her eyes despite her best efforts, "I AM Ranma Saotome.... I...." Ranma sniffed and looked away, "Not that it matters, Me and Pops should leave anyways."
Soun calmed himself, "If you ARE Ranma Saotome, where IS Genma?" Soun looking around expectantly for his friend and comrade. "He would not send his son alone for such an important event without some forewarning."
Ranma sighed and indicated the panda, "Pops is right here, but if you are talking about that whole engagement thing he was going on about, I'll tell you what I told him, I don't want any part of it. You can't expect some girl to put up with us just cause you 'n Pops thought it'd be a laugh."
Soun looked at the panda in confusion, "I think I'd recognize my friend, and he was not a panda," his eyes narrowing in scrutiny.
Ranma cringed, "Well.... its true...."
Akane sighed and placed a hand on Ranma's shoulder, "Regardless, haven't you always told us not to be rude to guests? She is our guest." Then turning to Ranma, "My name is Akane, wanna be friends?"
Ranma nodded shyly. She had not had a real friend since Ucchan, and perhaps these Tendos weren't so bad.
Kimiko nodded, "Why don't you and Kasumi show our GUEST to the dojo, while we sort this out." The girls nodded and went out to the dojo.
Ranma looked around the dojo in quite awe, she had been in many training halls and dojo's during her long journey, but this one seemed different, more welcoming. She almost did not hear Kasumi's suggestion, "Huh?"
Kasumi smiled, "I said, How about a little match, you did study kenpo, right?" Kasumi adjusted her belt as she led the two to the center of the room.
"A little" Ranma acknowledged, 'sure, I studied kenpo, but not JUST kenpo.' Ranma looked at the girls in apprehension 'I can't fight girls, but what am I suppo-' His thought was cut off by Akane speaking.
"Don't worry, we won't hurt you" Akane smiled, "I'll go first and if you want, you can spar with Kasumi"
Ranma sighed and stood across from Akane as Kasumi sat off to the side, "Okay."
Kasumi nodded from her seat, "Standard Anything-goes rules, no time limit....If there are no objections, begin."
Akane and Ranma faced each other. Akane was in a basic judo stance while Ranma seemed to be standing in a relaxed manner with her arms behind her back. Akane spoke with an easy confidence, "Here I come" Akane threw a heavy punch which whistled through the air as Ranma casually leaned back out of the way. Again and again Akane attacked with an assortment of kicks and punches, all with similar result, never once did Ranma break her stance. 'Why can't I hit her?' Akane thought, 'Is she reading my moves?' Akane braced herself for another attack, "This time for real!"
As Akane punched, Ranma leapt up, rebounding off the wall and over Akane's head as her fist went through the wall. As Ranma landed, she tapped lightly on the back of Akane's head. Akane looked back at her opponent in confusion which quickly faded to mirth, as both girls began to laugh "You're pretty good...." Akane said, walking over to Kasumi.
Kasumi stood, "You studied more than Kenpo, you are an Anything-goes student, are you not?". Ranma nodded, "Saotome school...."
"Well then, shall we see if I can be of challenge to you, I am Kasumi Tendo, heir to the Tendo School" Kasumi explained coolly as she took her position.
Ranma smiled and stood opposing Kasumi, her stance same as before, though Kasumi seemed to be in a unarmed kendo stance. Akane spoke up, "Same as before, whenever you're ready"
Again, Ranma seemed to be focused on evasion, but unlike his match with Akane, Kasumi wasted no effort, no energy. Her strikes were a fluid poetry of grace in motion. Ranma looked at her in awe, she didn't think any girl could fight like this. Unfortunately, this moment of contemplation gave Kasumi the opening to strike. Kasumi slipped a hand through Ranma's guard and jabbed her solidly in the soloplexes. Ranma dropped to her knees as the wind was unexpectedly forced from her.
"I believe that is a win for my sister" Akane said with a giggle as she stood, "I'm SO glad you're a girl" she said as she exited the dojo.
Ranma was dumbfounded, "huh?" a quizzical expression painted across her face as she watched Akane leave. 'Glad I'm a girl? Whats gonna happen when she finds out?'
Kasumi noticed the expression on Ranma's face, "Don't mind Akane, she has had some.... PROBLEMS with boys as of late, its nothing against you, obviously" With that, Kasumi left Ranma as well.
Ranma re-entered the house to encounter Kimiko, "Ah, um.." Ranma bowed as politely as she could manage, "Tendo-sama"
Kimiko nodded, "Well, no doubt you would like a bath after your traveling and workout." The Tendo matriarch pressed a towel into Ranma's hands.
"But I.." Ranma started to protest before Kimiko halted her statement with a voice of quiet authority, "Nonsense.. now go". Ranma sighed and resigned herself to the task set before her, quietly following the hallway to the furo.
Ranma solemnly disrobed and sat on one of the bathing stools, 'this is a bad idea' she thought as she filled a bucket with cold water and dumped it over her head, "Brr, thats COLD!". After washing, she looked to the tub and then her own body. "I so wish I didn't have this curse of a body...." Taking a deep breath, she walked over and submerged herself into the hot water of the bath. Almost immediately a change occurred, the slim redheaded girl's curves broadened and flattened, her height increasing as she became a athletic black haired young man. Ranma sunk into the water up to just below his nose, "What to do, what to do...maybe I should just go out like this."
Meanwhile, Kimiko was preparing for her other guest's arrival, "Nochan will be able to sort this mess out when she arrives." Quietly she prepared tea while her husband stared across a shogi board at a panda. "I still find it hard to believe that this panda could be my old friend.....regardless of how convincing its signs are"
The panda lifted a sign, *It is I, if I could just get some hot water*
Kimiko sighed, "I am not keen on wasting hot water on some trained animal, especially when I am making tea for my dear friend when she arrives"
The panda's eyes went wide, *Nodoka is coming here?! Now?!*, frantically it looked around for Ranma and an escape route.
"Yes, I called her when Genma's card arrived, she should be here any moment now." Nodoka said, placing a tray of tea and cakes on the table.
"Mother, Akane and I are going to take our baths now." Kasumi said, standing next to Akane in the hall with their buckets of supplies. "Is there anything you need before we do?"
"Not at all dear, Our young guest should be in there now." Kimiko answered softly.
"Her name is Ranma...." Akane growled, slightly ashamed at how her family had behaved towards the seemingly friendly girl.
"That remains to be seen, now get moving you two.... Nodoka will be here anytime now" Kimiko sighed, a bit proud that her daughters were so kind as to extend their concern to a total stranger so readily.
After acknowledging their parents, the girls headed to the furo and stepped into the changing room, where they spotted Ranma's clothing. "Looks like Mom was right, here's her clothes." Akane stated as she removed her gi.
"Hmm, looks like Ranma may have been raised as a boy regardless of her real gender, look" Kasumi points out, gingerly lifting a pair of boxers up from the basket, "Looks like she's more of a tomboy than you get accused of." After exchanging a glance, the two finish readying and step into the inner furo, just as Ranma is stepping out of the tub.
Ranma stared at the two girls, his mind unable to center on either being in awe of their beauty or on being scared to death of the punishment he was destined to receive, so he merely locked up, unable to move or form a coherent thought.
Akane likewise was stunned, teetering on the edge of a homicidal rage, only her sister's presence kept her from exploding and looking for something to smash this perverts head in.
Kasumi on the other hand, appraised the specimen in front of her, 'If this is who I think it is, this engagement may not be so bad after all.' then she spoke aloud, "Excuse me, who are you?" At her words, Ranma managed to regain SOME measure of composure.
"I'm Ranma Saotome, sorry 'bout this" He said in resignation, 'oh crap, well here comes the screaming and fighting'
"Ranma? The same girl we saw earlier?" Kasumi asked, trying to hide the bulk of her confusion, "I was quite sure that you were a girl."
"He's obviously a pervert and a cross-dresser, Kasumi." Akane stated with authority, "Pretending to be a girl and sneaking into the bath to peek at us." Akane was already backing up to get her clothes. "lets get dressed and call the police."
"I ain't no pervert! You st-" Ranma started before he was cut short by Kasumi. "Akane, we DID walk in on him, and the clothes he left in the basket were NOT girls clothes. Ranma, we're going to get dressed, please do likewise after we have left the changing room, so that you can explain everything. Okay?"
Ranma nodded, finally remembering his lack of attire, "uh...yeah...." He managed, grabbing a wash bucket to cover himself. The girls exited the inner bath and changed back into their clothing, calmly returning to the family room.
"Oh, I had thought you two were taking your bath." Kimiko said, as the girls joined the rest of their family. Kimiko was pouring tea for her friend Nodoka Saotome. Soun was sitting at the head of the table with a very frightened panda cowering behind him in the corner. Nabiki was across from her mother and Nodoka.
"We had planned on it, but we believe that Ranma has something to tell us." Kasumi stated stoically as Akane blushed beet red. The two girls took their seats as Nodoka spoke.
"Yes, what is this you were telling me about a girl claiming to be my Ranma and insisting that this panda is my husband?" Nodoka asked as she smoothed out her kimono and laid a hand on the long cloth-wrapped parcel at her side. The panda in question cowered and held up a sign, *MERCY!!!*
"Yes, as I have mentioned, we received word from Genma that they would be arriving today. But instead we are host to a girl, who while she does bear a resemblance to you as you were when we were girls, claims to be Ranma Saotome, and then proceeded to claim that the panda is Genma. The panda so far has seemed to be trained to respond with those strange signs." Kimiko explained, "And from what my daughters have just claimed, she may be about to confess the truth."
"You could say that" Akane muttered, but before anyone could question her on the matter, their attention was drawn to the young man in the door way. Only Ranma managed to see the sign from the panda before it passed out. *It's Done!*
Kimiko raised an eyebrow as she asked, "Young man, it is rather rude to enter someones home unannounced, care to explain yourself?"
"Pops had sent a card, and we met when Pops and I first got here. I'm Ranma." Ranma shot a quick apologetic glance to Akane and Kasumi and then continued, "Give me a moment and I'll tell it the best I can."
Kimiko nodded and gestured for Ranma to have a seat. "Very well, RANMA, please do."
Ranma sighed as he sat down, "Well, it started a few months ago when Pops and I were training in the mountains of China...."
FLASHBACK
Three figures trudged through the mists in the scenic mountains of inland China; one Chinese and dressed in an almost military uniform, the other two were Japanese and clad in dingy white gis. The uniformed man walked with experienced ease, whereas his charges slumped under the weight of their packs as they descended into the valley. In the valley were hundreds of spring-fed pools, adorned with bamboo poles.
"Here Sirs, we have legendary training ground, Jusenkyo. Over one hundred springs and each with own tragedy happen." the uniformed man, obviously a guide of some sort, started, only to be cut off by the other two.
"You ready, boy?" The older of the men said, removing his pack from his shoulder. He was a broad and muscular man, bearing glasses and a handkerchief on his head.
"Ah, this place ain't nothin'" the younger man said, doing the same. He was dressed similar to the elder, but instead of the glasses and handkerchief, he wore his hair tied in a tail by a white strip of cloth.
The older man jumped agilely to a pole in the middle of the pools, "I won't go easy on you, Ranma!" With a cocky grin, the boy followed, "Just the way I like it!" The two stood balanced on the tops of the poles, each standing on a single foot as they took their stances. Neither seemed to hear the guide call out to them "Sirs! What you do? Is VERY bad you fall in Spring!"
The two attacked, a flurry of midair combat that occurred again and again as they leapt to and from various poles. Eventually Ranma gained the upper-hand and knocked the older man into one of the springs. "Hey pop!, whats up? We done already?" Ranma was VERY surprised when what emerged from the spring was not his father, but a rather irate panda. The panda shot up from the water and landed, balanced on one paw atop a pole as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "The heck is that?!"
The guide held up a small sign, "That one Xióngmāonìquán , Spring of Drowned Panda, tragic story of panda what drown two thousand year ago. Legend say, whoever fall in spring take body of panda."
Ranma was horrified, that panda WAS his father, "Hey buddy, you never said anything about that to us!" Unfortunately, Ranma was distracted by his conversation with the guide and failed to notice the panda attacking him until he was flying across the training ground and into a spring.
Again the guide explained, "Oh too bad, you fall in Niángnìquán , spring of drowned girl,there is very tragic legend of girl who drown one thousand five hundred year ago. Now whoever fall in spring take body of young girl."
Ranma surfaced in time to catch the guide's explanation of the fate of those who fell in. With heavy resignation she opened her gi and looked at her now ample chest, immediately closing it in horror, 'CRAP, I'm a girl!'
The guide could not help but add to the obvious realization, "See? Now you young girl"
END FLASHBACK
As Ranma finished his tale, his eyes became downcast, he could feel the stares on him. 'Its always like this, soon as they find out...its always Freak, Pervert or the like. Pops and I will have to leave again, at least til we can get a cure'
It was Soun who first broke the silence, "The legendary training ground of cursed springs, its true horror shrouded in mystery til now" The patriarch turned a harsh glare to the panda. 'To think that my old friend would subject his son to such a thing'
"Horror? He dragged me to that place when he didn't speak a WORD of Chinese!" Ranma growled, looking as if he was going to attack his father at any moment.
*Were you not prepared to lay down your life for the art?* The panda asked via sign. 'I have to play this well, lest Nodoka bring up the pledge.'
"My life YES!, my MANHOOD is another story!" Ranma yelled, slamming his fist into the table, knocking Nabiki's juice into his, now her face. 'great, here I go again'
Nabiki looked at the girl next to her, "So if you were turned into a girl, how is it that you were a boy moments ago?"
"Hot water is a temporary cure, until cold water activates the curse again." Ranma sighed, "speaking of which, could Pops and I have some hot water?"
Kimiko stood, "One moment Ranma." she then left the room to fetch water as Soun spoke, "So that explains the frequent requests by Genma here" he said coldly, gesturing to the panda before walking over to Ranma, "Your problem isn't so bad, allow me to make Proper introductions." He then turned Ranma to face the three girls and indicated them each in turn, "My eldest daughter Kasumi, she's 19.. my Middle daughter Nabiki, she's 17 and my youngest Akane is 16. Choose whichever you like, and she'll be your new fiancée."
Kasumi smiled shyly while Nabiki grimaced and Akane blushed. It was just before her mother returned with the kettle that Nabiki spoke up, "No WAY! This whole mess is insane, how can you expect one of us to marry.... THAT! We barely know HIM and besides, HE is a couple all by himself!"
Kimiko shook her head, "Nabiki-chan, that was very rude." She admonished her daughter as she poured the water over Ranma and Genma's heads.
Ranma had braced for the boiling water but was surprised when he was instead transformed by water barely warmer than the water in the furo, "Huh? Wow...usually we end up with scalding water"
Kimiko smiled, "Your mother would be upset if I poured boiling water on her family, right Nochan?" She then put the kettle down on a cloth on the table.
Nodoka nodded as she appraised her son, "Ranma.... could you humor me and answer a few questions regarding your...condition?" she placed a hand on the bundle next to her, causing Genma to break out in a cold sweat.
"Of course....Mom." Ranma answered, the title feeling strange on his lips, 'How did a guy like Pops end up with a wife like her? She must have gotten roped into it like the Tendos are about to be'
"Very well Ranma, how complete is the change?" Nodoka asked, concern filling her voice as her grip on the parcel tightened.
"Well... When I change, my body is ALL girl...but I'm still me inside, I think.... so anyways." Ranma answered, unsure of the implication that his mother was leading to. He had himself feared becoming all girl, apparently it was not that unusual a thought.
"So you have not had any urges to change behavior since?" Nodoka continued the questioning.
"Well, I kinda learned why girls make a big deal about bein' grabbed and junk, its not fun at all." Ranma grumbled, throwing an accusing glare at Kasumi. Kasumi blushed and muttered, "Sorry"
"I see, so no changes beyond a greater respect for a girl's personal space?" Nodoka smiled, 'perhaps this mess can be a learning experience and once cured, he will be all the manlier for it', she then proceeded, "okay and do you desire to REMAIN a girl?"
"No way, I'm a GUY...first chance I get, I'm getting cured for good. Thats why I told Pops that coming here was a bad idea. I mean, Nabiki was right, I can't be expected to marry some girl I've never met, especially when I'm one half the time."
"That raises another question. Would it not be more logical just to be more careful and avoid cold water altogether?"
"Pops and I tried that... It seems the harder we try not to change, the more creative the curse gets to force the change. I mean we checked the weather this morning before we headed out but..."
"I see." Nodoka unwrapped her parcel, placing a katana and an envelope on the table. This act made Genma freeze up and turn whiter than his gi. "I see you recognize these things, Genma Dear, the question is, do YOU recognize them Ranma?"
Ranma looked at the items, 'looks like an old sword and an envelope, but why would Pops be so scared of them?' "um , looks like just an envelope and a sword to me."
"Yes, but more specifically, it is the Saotome Honor Blade and a family pledge signed by myself, your father and YOU." She then lifted the envelope and passed it to Ranma. "I ask you now if you will submit to judgment and fulfill your duty."
Ranma took the envelope and carefully removed the time-worn document, reading it carefully as the color drained from his face. After a few moments, the paper fell from his hand, back to the table and with downcast eyes Ranma replied, "I await your judgment, and will not dishonor my clan."
Nodoka nodded and looked expectantly at Genma, "and YOU, husband dear? Are you ready for my decision?"
Genma looked at his wife in terror, but knew better than to oppose her on matters of honor. "O-o-of course Nochan, I am... confident... in how I raised the boy...." Genma was sweating profusely 'I hope she doesn't count the curses against us, or find out about the Nekoken'
Nodoka looked over her family, examining her husband and son carefully. "Ranma, Genma, in light of this business of curses, I have decided to reserve judgment until I have had a chance to become reacquainted with my son.
Ranma looked at his mother, "you mean...?" Ranma couldn't believe his fortune, he wasn't being held to the contract and didn't have to die or lose honor, now he just had to get out of this engagement and get cured.
"I will reserve my decision until I know for certain if this curse has affected you, in the meantime, we will settle this matter of the engagement, I believe you and Nabiki have voiced concerns, lets handle those forthright." Nodoka smiled, putting the sword and contract neatly back in their wrapping.
Nabiki glared at Ranma, "I'll say that I have concerns, my sisters and I should not be forced to marry a gender-bending freak-job just because its father knew ours. Besides, what was in that contract anyways?"
Kimiko was about to lecture Nabiki about her lack of tact, but Akane beat her to it. "From what I've seen, both of Ranma's parents are friends of ours, and besides, She.. He isn't so bad... I guess... I don't want to marry him, but there is no reason we can't be friends still."
Kasumi decided to add her opinion to the situation, "Perhaps Ranma could stay here, so that we can all get to know each other, BEFORE he has to make a choice?"
Kimiko smiled, "What a wonderful idea! Ranma is more than welcome to remain here as our guest."
Genma thumped his chest proudly, "Yes, Soun and I can continue the boys training in earnest and see that he and his fiancée are firmly set on the path of martial and marital righteousness!"
Nodoka shook her head, "No, Ranma my remain here if he wishes, but you, dear husband, are returning home with me." Nodoka shot Genma a look that promised NO bargaining, "Thats not a problem is it?"
"Of course not but... what of Ranma's training, I can't have him getting soft!" Genma attempted in vain to argue before his wife hit him upside his head with her wrapped weapon. "He would be in a dojo with no less than three other martial artists, I am sure he will remain diligent in his training."
Soun nodded, "Of course, I would have it no other way. So Ranma, what will it be?" Everyone's eyes turned to Ranma expectantly.
Ranma looked at his parents and the Tendos, 'It'd be nice to stay in one place for a while, but Nabiki obviously doesn't like me and could cause trouble. Then again....' with a heavy sigh Ranma replied, "I'd like to stay here if its alright. Akane and Kasumi have been real nice, and I'd like to train with them and Mr. Tendo."
Nodoka nodded, "I will be checking in on you, and I expect you to be a good guest for Kimiko, understood?" Nodoka stood and gestured for Genma to do the same, getting an overtly obedient reaction. "Kimichan, it was a pleasure seeing you again, thank you for calling me."
"Think nothing of it, I am sure this will all turn out for the best. A handsome boy like Ranma is bound to win the heart of one of my lovely daughters." Kimiko said, unprepared for Ranma having a sudden attack of Saotome-Foot-in-Mouth Disease.
"Not likely with Nabiki, cause I'm better built tha-" He started to boast before Nabiki sent the kettle flying across the table into his face, knocking him out and spilling the cooled contents out on the girl.
"THAT he had coming." Akane groaned, not entirely blaming Nabiki for her reaction. In fact, no one seemed to disagree.
Soun scooped up the redhead up, "I'll take her.. him, to the guest-room to sleep it off.", he then carried Ranma upstairs as Nodoka led her husband out the door.
Kimiko turned to her daughters, "Girls, engagement aside, I want you three to TRY and be courteous to Ranma, he is our guest and his mother is a close friend of mine. So please, at least for my sake?"
"Yes Mother." the three said in unison as they prepared for bed.
The rest of the night passed uneventfully, as Ranma decided to remain in his assigned room when he awoke from his minor injury. 'at least things won't get boring.'