Ranma's Curse
Part 1: The Breaking Point
(version 1.2) by Bryan Neef
Characters and situations created by Rumiko Takahashi
Inspired by fanfiction by Hitomi Ichinohei, Richard Lawson, and Nicholas Leifker
This story takes place immediately after Ranma fights Cologne on the beach for the Phoenix Pill, the cure for the Cat's Tongue. Since Ranma has been locked in his girl form as a means of getting him to marry Shampoo, Ranma has had to suffer at Cologne's hands.
When it seemed like Ranma won, using Neko-Shampoo to trigger the legendary Cat-Fu Technique, something went wrong, forcing everyone to re-evaluate their lives...
Chapter1
Consequences
Ranma sat in her room. She looked at the wall, not seeing it. She wore her favorite outfit, the red, silk shirt and black, ankle-tied pants. She had not slept in two days.
Kasumi had entered the room a number of times, trying to get Ranma to join the family. Since returning from the beach, a dreadful silence and depression had come over the house. Even Kasumi's gentle nature failed to return things to normal.
There was a knock on the door. Ranma did not hear it. She was lost in her own world. The door opened and Akane entered.
She moved over to Ranma. "Ranma? You have to start school again Monday. We need to get you some new clothes."
For the first time in hours, Ranma moved. She looked at Akane, "I can't go like this. I...I lost everything. I'm nothing anymore."
"Did you lose everything? We're here! We don't think any less of you. You're still Ranma."
"Look at me! I had the chance of becoming a man again. Now...now I'm girl. I failed! Do you know how hard that is for me?"
"You didn't fail. You beat Cologne. What happened after that can't be blamed on you. You were...you were a cat. You acted on instinct," Akane said softly, turning her head.
"I know that! But it still doesn't help. It hurts too much. Pop rarely comes in here. He sleeps in the dojo."
"I'm sorry, Ranma. I wanted you to get the Phoenix Pill. I just couldn't hold you back. I tried..." Akane sank to the floor, crying.
Ranma cried as well. She grabbed her fiancee in an embrace. They sat there for several minutes, not trying to control themselves. Kasumi passed the room, waiting for them to calm down. She noted Genma at the head of the stairs.
She motioned him to follow. He did so, reluctantly. They entered her room. She offered him a chair. Noting the unusual look on her face, he complied, swiftly sitting in it. She sat at her desk, looking at him.
"Have you given any thought about Ranma?"
"He's my son, Kasumi. I'll move heaven and earth for him."
"Even now?"
"Yes. I don't want to see him suffer," Genma said defiantly, not yet realizing what he just said.
Kasumi's face showed anger for a brief moment. It was enough to send chills through Genma's spine. Kasumi spoke quietly and forcefully, "Has he not suffered enough? You've trained him in that terrible Cat-fu. You took him to China where he was cursed. And now, he can't change back because of Cologne's desire for him to marry Shampoo.
"You have avoided him for the last three days. It has been Akane, Nabiki, and I who've helped him. Now I ask again: what are you going to do?"
Genma blinked. He had never heard Kasumi like this. He was ready to hide in his Panda form. He felt it appropriate, given the current situation.
Kasumi watched him for a moment. She noted his thoughts, but withheld comment.
Slowly, Genma spoke, "I can think of nothing that will ease my son's pain. Cologne, herself, said she could not make or retrieve another pill for a few years. She added that there were no pressure points to reverse the Cat's Tongue."
Kasumi thought for a moment. She had anticipated this, but still was not prepared for it. She sighed and stood. She moved to the door, turning to Genma. "There will be changes in this household. I know three, no four, people who will not be happy with these changes. It's time I saw to my sisters' needs."
Kasumi left the room. Genma thought for a moment. There was something in that last statement that bothered him, but he couldn't think of it. He rose from the chair and left the room. He was about to enter his and Ranma's room when he noticed the sign written in Kasumi's elegant hand writing:
"This room is off limits!"
He sighed and went to talk to Soun. There was much to consider about the marriage of their children.
Kasumi sat on the floor across from Ranma and Akane. She waited while the girls dried their faces. She noted their now neutral expressions. Sighing softly, collecting her thoughts, she began, "Ranma, there are going to be a few changes in this house. Before you and Akane say anything, please hear me out.
"First, the three of us are going shopping tomorrow. You'll need clothes for school and everyday wear. What you have on is fine for practice and just lounging around home. But you need things more appropriate to your condition.
"Second, you'll have to get a new room. I think it would be best if you moved into Akane's room. There are a number of reasons why I think this should be done. One, Akane can help you adjust to your new self. I'll help, of course, but Akane will be with you nearly all day. That makes sharing her room more practical."
"You mean I'm his fiancee."
Kasumi frowned, "Not right now. What Ranma needs is a friend. Not like Ryoga, but one who's there to answer questions, show her what to do. She'll need you in the days to come."
Ranma just now picked up on the gender references. "I'm a man, Kasumi," Ranma said, softly.
Kasumi smiled. "Not anymore. At least, not physically. Until we can find a way to cure you, you are a girl. All I ask is that you dress like one. I also ask that you refrain from any activities that are not appropriate to your gender. You'll have to wear your girls uniform and gym clothes at school. You'll also have to wear girls clothes in public and around guests. Your outward appearance must be that of a girl.
"Third, you will have to follow my instructions, both of you. Nabiki will also work with us on this. I know it's hard, Ranma, but you have to get used to it." A sad smile crossed her face, "I had to adjust to taking Mother's place. I know a little of what you're going through. I can imagine the rest."
Akane and Ranma sat silently for a moment. Kasumi watched them patiently. Ranma looked at Kasumi grimly, "How long do I have before I have to accept any of this?"
With a heavy sigh, Kasumi spoke, "The sooner the better. But that's only for the dressing and public behavior. As for accepting BEING a girl, that all depends on if a cure can be found. I'm not trying to hurt you or give up on you. I want to help. This is the best I can do. I'm sorry, Ranma, truly I am."
Ranma looked down, "I'm the one who should be sorry for everything."
Akane took Ranma's hand in hers, "This is your father's fault. He took you to China where you were changed, where you met Shampoo. Kasumi's right, though, you do need a friend. I want to help you."
"I guess I have no choice. About being a girl, that is. And yes, I need a friend. You two have helped a lot these last few months. Still, why do Akane and I need to share a room?"
Kasumi smiled, "Well, you both need to learn to change clothes in front of each other. This'll help you change in the locker room at school. Then there's the dressing habits and routines you'll have to learn. You'll need to learn some fashion and make-up tips.
"And there are other...things...that need to be addressed. The sooner you know about them, the better, but tonight's not the night."
Akane's eyes widened in surprise. Ranma looked at Kasumi confused. "What things?" she finally asked.
"How much do you know about being a woman? Not just the physical appearance."
Ranma thought for a moment. "Not much. I was raised by my father. The issue was never important, even after Jusenkyo and Shampoo. We were too busy running and fighting."
Kasumi thought for a moment. "Have you experienced anything unusual this last month?"
"Other than being dressed by you or Akane, no."
"Kasumi!" growled Akane.
"We're going to have to deal with 'it' sometime. She has to know. After all, it may be months before she's cured."
Akane rolled her eyes. Ranma watched their exchange intently. There was something going on between the sisters that concerned her. They weren't willing to say anything, yet. This bothered Ranma. She should know.
"Could you tell me now? If it's related to me, I need to know."
"You'll know, Ranma. If you were a true girl, I could tell you without a problem. Being a half boy, I don't know how to explain it to you. Please give me a couple of days to think of a way."
Ranma frowned. She felt it was serious and had to be dealt with immediately. She also trusted Kasumi's judgment, especially since she was the family nurse and next best thing to a mother. Ranma nodded, maybe she could get answers from Akane.
Kasumi smiled, this phase of returning to a normal family seemed to be working. It was now a matter of working with the fathers. She also hoped to get Ranma in a better mood. It would help with the biology lessons.
Akane spoke up, "I guess I can't really call you a pervert anymore. But if give me any reason to think that, I'll make you regret it."
Ranma replied evenly, "You haven't given me a chance to set things right from the first day. Besides, I'm in no mood to be on your 'bad' side."
Before Akane could respond, Kasumi coughed innocently. "I think we had better get started. It'll take a while to put everything in place. And we still have to explain things to our fathers."
The three girls started picking up Ranma's female clothes and moving them to Akane's room. Akane tried to make room for the larger items in her closet. Space was being made in some of the drawers. Ranma had very little need for the drawer space, but Kasumi said it was important to start with.
Ranma and Akane immediately started making rules about where to sleep, what Ranma could wear, and when she could wear them. Ranma also made stipulations about P-chan for when he reappeared. Akane was not very understanding. It took Kasumi to get her to agree to a compromise.
After the moving and rule making were completed, the girls moved downstairs. Nabiki had just returned from a quick trip to the store. She was sitting in front of the TV with her father and Genma. They heard the footsteps and looked at the door. They noticed Ranma was a bit more relaxed, though the tension had not entirely left.
Kasumi sat at the table with Ranma and Akane at either side of her. She looked at the fathers and Nabiki before speaking, "I've had a brief discussion with Uncle Saotome. You all should be aware that there are going to be new rules concerning Ranma's condition.
"First the obvious. Ranma is no longer a boy. Until we find a way to unlock her condition, she will be dressing as a girl. This is more for her adjustment to school than anything else.
"Second, she and Akane will be sharing Akane's room. There are certain reasons for this. I will not go into detail.
"Third, they are not to be pressured about their relationship. Now is not the time to worry about it. It is inappropriate considering what has happened. Do you understand?"
Both men looked at each other for a moment, considering their options. They nodded their agreement. Before they could begin to question Kasumi, she held up her hand. "The final rule is that, aside from her dress and occasional and necessary manner changes, Ranma is to be treated as she always has been: a boy.
"We all have to make adjustments to her new condition. We'll probably have to make certain, other, adjustments as time goes on. But, for now, this is the best we can do. Nabiki, do we have enough money to purchase clothes and other items for Ranma?"
Nabiki thought for a moment. "If we spread them out over a couple of months, yes. I'd suggest she and Akane share as much as they can. I have a few things I no longer wear that might fit Ranma. You might, too. I'll work on the budget after dinner."
"Thank you."
Genma looked at Ranma, then Kasumi. "He's my only son."
Kasumi flashed her anger again, but said nothing. It was still too early. They all needed to adjust, especially Ranma and her father.
Ranma spoke up, "None of this woulda happened if we didn't go to China!"
Kasumi put her hand on Ranma's shoulder. Ranma quickly calmed down. Kasumi stood up, looking Genma squarely in the eye, "We have to move on, Uncle Saotome. We all need to help Ranma. I have to make dinner, now. Ranma, Akane, Nabiki, would you come help me. There are things we still need to discuss."
The four girls left for the kitchen. Soun and Genma looked at each other intently. Soun broke the uncomfortable silence, "What are we going to do, Saotome?"
"What can we do, Tendou? For now, Kasumi's right. We need to adjust. We may have to come up with a drastic solution to get the children to marry, though."
"How drastic?"
"I'll let you know when I think of it."
"You'd better, Saotome."
Ranma stood in front of the mirror. Kasumi held a modest dress in front of her. Akane sat on the bench, watching the two women pick out clothes. She noted Ranma's apprehension, but couldn't be angry at it. Ranma still needed coaxing, but seemed to be cooperating easier.
Kasumi finally sat down next to her sister while Ranma went to the dressing room to try on the new dress. "I think she'll be fine. She still hates herself, her father, and Cologne."
"Who does she hate more?"
"I think herself. If for no other reason than not being able to control herself during the fight."
"But she couldn't. She was thinking like a cat."
"I know. On one level, she knows that too. But she also has the attitude that she needs to be in control at all times. That's why she hates herself."
"What can we do?"
"What we're doing now. Helping her get used to being this way. How do you feel about Ranma?"
"He's egotistical, rude, disrespectful, and...brave, kind, caring," replied Akane, looking down.
Kasumi smiled, putting her hand on Akane's shoulder. "I guess we made the right choice."
"About what?"
"About a lot of things. First, giving you to her. Moving her into your room."
"Why do you refer to Ranma as 'her?'"
"Because I see a girl. A terrified, confused, little girl. Ranma, the person, is a boy through and through. We have to help her mature. It'll be the only way for her to survive."
"You don't believe I can be cured," accused Ranma, now standing in front of them.
Kasumi looked down, ashamed. "I'm sorry, Ranma. I think you will be cured, eventually. But I don't see how at the moment. I want you to be cured, even if it is only to the point of being a man half the time. I...I won't say anymore about this."
Ranma still looked at her accusingly, but said nothing. She quickly turned to the mirrors, trying to see herself from different angles. Akane stood and helped Ranma with the evaluation. Kasumi just sat there, staring at the floor. She cursed herself for not paying attention to Ranma's locations.
Eventually they left the store. They returned to their part of Nerima. There was still an uncomfortable silence between Ranma and Kasumi. Akane dared not try to patch things up between the two.
The trio turned down their street. Suddenly Ranma stopped. She saw Shampoo sitting on her bicycle, waiting for them in front of the dojo.
"Nihao, Ranma!" she exclaimed as she leaped from her bike.
Ranma backed away, assuming her ready position. This stopped Shampoo cold. She noted something in Ranma's eyes. It looked like fear, but that couldn't be. Her Ranma was afraid of nothing.
"Shampoo so happy to see Ranma!"
"Go away, Shampoo. I don't ever want to see you again!" replied Ranma emphatically.
Shampoo stood there, unable to move or speak. Her Ranma stood there, ready to attack her. She thought he loved her. Her great-grandmother had said he would marry her. But now, rejected her. Again.
"Shampoo only want her Airen. What did Pervert Girl do?"
"It's your fault. If you had accepted all of your defeats at my hand, I wouldn't be like this. As far as I'm concerned, YOU AND COLOGNE DESTROYED MY LIFE! I don't want to see you again," Ranma exclaimed before rushing past Shampoo.
Unable to react, Shampoo stood there, waiting for the attack that never came. Akane and Kasumi stood staring at the Amazon. They gathered the packages and cautiously moved past Shampoo. They then moved quickly to the gate.
They silently entered the house. Nabiki was at the top of the stairs. She pointed toward the bathroom. It was then they heard a scream. The three sisters ran to the bathroom.
They entered the room, finding Ranma naked and on her knees, crying. Akane choked. Ranma's eyes held despair. Akane took a towel and wrapped Ranma in it. She then took her back to their room.
Nabiki and Kasumi remained. They started cleaning up the room.
"What was this all about?" Nabiki asked.
"We ran into Shampoo outside. I...also said some things that shouldn't have been said."
"That's not like you. You usually say things that don't make much sense. Up until now, anyway. What did my wise older sister say?"
Kasumi caught the unintended sarcasm, "Nabiki, it's hard enough Ranma's mad at me. I don't need you making it worse."
Nabiki stopped. She looked at her older sister. She saw the tears run down Kasumi's cheek. It was then that it hit her. "You've accepted that Ranma's going to be like this forever. No wonder he was upset."
"I should have been more careful. I had this planned. Make the transition slow and easy. Just enough pressure she...he would be comfortable, but not enough to cause him...her pain. I don't know what to do anymore."
Kasumi sat down and began sobbing. Nabiki sat, facing her sister. Big changes were ahead of them. With Kasumi unable to deal with this, that would mean problems handling Father. Anger washed over her. She stood up, leaving the bathroom.
She stormed into Akane's room, not caring what was going on. She ignored Akane's protests and went to Ranma. She wasn't trying to hide her anger. She slapped Ranma hard, stunning not only the red head, but Akane as well.
"You listen to me, Saotome Ranma. My sister's been trying to help you, and you made her cry. If you can't appreciate that, then you'd better leave. Because if you EVER make her cry again, I WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE HELL! Do you understand me?"
Ranma nodded slowly. She didn't look at Nabiki or Akane, instead, she buried her head in her folded knees. She felt the sisters glaring at her. She wanted to run away, but a small voice whispered it wouldn't help.
Nabiki left the room, slamming the door behind her. She returned to the bathroom. Kasumi had recovered and was finishing up. "That heartless ingrate! I hope Akane gives him what he deserves," she muttered as she helped Kasumi put things away.
Akane stared at Ranma. She was angry, but for some reason, not as angry as Nabiki. She understood what had happened, but was powerless to stop it. Like Kasumi, she had accepted Ranma's change as being permanent. She held onto the hope that things would turn out better.
Ranma stood up. Not meeting Akane's gaze, she put on her red and black suit, but left off the armbands. She silently left the room, not caring if Akane followed. She looked for Kasumi. First in the bathroom, then in her room.
Kasumi's door was closed. Ranma felt Nabiki's cold gaze, but continued looking at the door. She knocked, waiting for a response. She heard movement on the other side and swallowed.
The door opened. Kasumi looked at Ranma sternly. She made no offer for Ranma to enter the room, nor did she dismiss the young girl. She just stood there, waiting.
Ranma looked at the floor. After a moment, she spoke in a shaky voice, "Kasumi, I'm sorry about the way I treated you on the way home. You're trying to help me deal with the truth, and I'm not letting you. I don't deserve to be called a man, or a woman. I still want your help, but I don't know how to ask for it. I'm sorry."
Kasumi softened her expression. "You just did, Ranma. I don't know how to address you anymore."
"However you want. I deserve the worst."
Kasumi looked at the young woman a moment. "All right, Ranma-chan. You need to rest for tomorrow. You have a long day of lessons."
"Thank you, Kasumi," Ranma turned to leave.
"Ranma-chan. I'm sorry for giving up on you. You've come back from other problems. I shouldn't doubt you now."
"Yes, you should."
With that, Ranma returned to Akane's room. She noticed Akane's smile, and returned a weak one of her own. The two girls prepared for bed in silence. Akane was a little nervous changing in front of her roommate, but tolerated it. Akane knew Ranma wasn't seeing anything at the moment. Not even the floor she was looking at.
Cologne sat at the table, listening to her great-granddaughter's sobbing. "So, Son-in-law refused you. Not only that, but blamed you for his condition. He'll have to pay for that insult. HE was the one who destroyed the cure I offered.
"Hmph! Now I'll have to find another way to get him. Great-granddaughter, stop this crying. It does not become an Amazon warrior. We need to rest and plan for Son-in-law."
"Yes, Great-grandmother."
Shampoo left for her room. Cologne continued to sit there, thinking about her revenge. She still wanted Ranma to marry Shampoo, but she would settle for his continued humiliation. 'Perhaps, if Son-in-law remained female, then his current fiancee would reject him, forcing him to Shampoo.' Cologne smiled. This new plan had merit, but needed work. She had time, though.