Hey so, I don't own these characters or Ranma. And really if you can you should go support the original writer who does own it. Because gods know she deserves the love. Praise be to Rumiko Takahashi.
Also sorry if you catch a dip in quality, I didn't have a beta reader for this chapter, but hey I can still try, right? RIGHT?!
Ranma sat up, she could hear the sound of birdsong through the window over her bed. She shook her head and blinked letting her eyes adjust to the light. How long've I been out? Yeesh. Ranma thought as she pulled her legs over the edge of the bed.
She immediately noticed two things. The first was her splitting headache. And the second was that she was a girl right now. She let out a sigh. Though she wasn't sure if it was relief or resignation. Obviously the cure hadn't worked so she could go back to doing whatever it was that she was going to do.
Finish the school year, marry Akane, and work the dojo. She resolved with a nod. Nothing had changed, she decided to keep pushing through the insanity of her life. She motioned to stand and felt a wave of nausea as the area around her spun. Then she fell letting out an exaggerated yelp, managing to catch herself on her nightstand before hitting the floor.
As Ranma was pulling herself to her bed two nurses scurried into the room helping her back into her bed.
"S-sorry, but we need you to stay in bed for a little longer." The woman on her left said.
"H-how long've I been out?" Ranma asked.
"Today is the third day you've been in this room…" The other said as she helped her sit on her bed.
Ranma's eyebrows nearly flew off her forehead and she tried to stand slowly, but was pushed into a sitting position by the nurses. The nurse to her left shook her head "Please, you mustn't move about too much."
Ranma sighed in resignation. She was too off balance to fight even these two, so instead she remained seated. She pouted and crossed her arms under her chest eliciting a small giggle from one of the nurses; Ranma shot her an annoyed glance and the nurse had to work her hardest to stifle a real laugh.
"Where's Ryoga, where's my old man?" She inquired, trying to push the indignation out of her voice.
The nurse not currently holding back a laugh from the small redheads adorable albeit accidental display managed to answer. "Ryoga is staying not to far down the hall, and your father is… No longer here," The nurse sighed, "However, your mother will be here to pick you up tomorrow."
Ranma had a look of confusion on her face that was so plain that the nurse added. "She was contacted when you woke up last night."
Ranma's expression went from confusion to panic as she thought of what her mother might do upon seeing that the cure failed again.
"Ya… don't have any hot water, do ya?" She asked, worry blanketing her face.
"I can help you to our bath later if you would like, the water there is always nice and warm. Good for a soak." The more serious of the two nurses said as her companion got her giggles under control.
Ranma nodded and decided that it was better for her to get comfortable while she waited to hear more about whatever was going on with her than to get panicked. She sat back against the headboard of her bed and closed her eyes, letting her thoughts wander.
For the most part Ranma felt bad for her old man and Ryoga. They had been looking forward to a cure for a long time and clearly it had failed spectacularly. Ryoga was probably moping and sobbing, while her father was probably out on a mountain trying to meditate and look 'manly'. Not that he's ever looked like anythin' other than a moron. Ranma thought sourly.
Ranma had come to terms with her curse after her fight with Saffron. Or that's what she had said, she still hadn't decided if she meant it or if she was just trying to convince herself. What she did know is that somewhere, somehow, she was relieved the cure didn't work. Though she'd never tell anybody, especially not her parents.
She was pulled out of her thoughts as the priestess entered her room. "Hello Saotome-Chan" She said with a tentative smile.
Ranma instinctively winced at the suffix she'd given her. "M-mornin'"
Etsuko looked her over and then pulled a small stool to the bedside. "Saotome, there are things we need to discuss…"
Swearing and shouting ran through the infirmary of the temple once again. This time no onlookers piled around Ranma's door, as they had all been warned of something like this happening before their head priestess went to talk to her about her 'condition'.
Ryoga had sat outside the room in case he was needed to help reign in Ranma's anger, and he could hear the apologies and complaints through the door. He bobbed his head and leaned back against the wall, letting his dome hit with a loud 'thunk'. I suppose he was cured in a way, when you think about it. He shook his head feeling guilt well up in his chest.
Ryoga scoffed, and shook his head. Somehow this is all Ranma's fault, I'm sure.
A few minutes later a pair of nurses passed, seeing a napping Ryoga on their way in to Ranma's room, pushing a wheelchair with them. Ranma was sitting in her bed with her arms crossed while Etsuko stood at the foot of her bed. She looked downright miserable. Even the giggly nurse from earlier was feeling sadness for the depressed redhead. They moved the chair next to the bed and stood ready to help Ranma into the chair.
Ranma gave the chair a glance and then shook her head. "I don't think I wanna take a bath now… Thanks."
Etsuko sighed and stood next to Ranma, putting her hand on the redhead's cheek. "Ranma, I know this is difficult, but this is probably something you should face before your mother gets here tomorrow. If you want to wait that's fine, but… Just remember you have been in bed for nearly three full days now."
Ranma nodded. "Yeah, fine. I don't need no chair though." She moved to walk and almost managed to stand fully when she collapsed.
Etsuko caught her around the waist and helped her stand. "Ranma your Ki is still in turmoil, until it passes you shouldn't move around too much. Please just use the wheelchair for now?"
Ranma shook her head. "Ranma Saotome never gives in." She sounded hollow when she said it, as though it lacked its usual fire. She was standing, that was the first step. It shouldn't be too hard to just… Just walk. Even if she needed help it would be better than needing the chair. She looked at the priestess with pleading eyes.
Etsuko sighed and nodded. "Okay, but let the nurses here help you. Ani is very kind and wants to help."
The more professional of the two, Ani apparently, gave Ranma a warm smile and wrapped an arm under the redheads arms. She then helped Ranma take the first steps she'd taken in days. Ranma was realizing how dicordent her body felt as she tried to maneuver it. They passed through the door to her room and Ryoga woke from the sound of unsure footsteps. He looked at the sight with a smile. They had told him Ranma would need a few days for her ki to settle from whatever had happened to her. So seeing her standing was a pleasant surprise.
They reached the baths and brought Ranma to a private corner, lowering her on to a small stool with a bucket filled with soaps sponges and various other toiletries. Ranma sat feeling a little wobbly and off balance, but she was able to stay upright without help. So began the, apparently, difficult task of washing and rinsing. Eventually she managed to stop fumbling with the soap and finally she was ready to sit and soak. Ani helped her stand and then lowered her into the bath, ignoring her own now soaked clothes. Ranma sighed as Ani left to give her some privacy. She had a button nearby she could press to call a nurse if she needed it, but her stubbornness made certain she never would.
She was slightly trembling feeling her unease leak from her. The reality of her current situation beginning to crash down. It was a mystery why the curse had settled the way it had, but a simple test had proven that she no longer bore the mark of her Jusenkyo curse. Instead this was supposed to be her new 'normal'. She sighed feeling her trembling slowly fade. She focused on her breathing, and let the steam cleanse her. So this is my new normal eh? Great. At least Pop's and Ryoga came out ahead. Although some part of her wished that her father had been stuck as a panda, but it seemed that he was more or less immune to the karmatic nature of the universe. Or perhaps all of the jackass' bad karma got dumped on me. Sure would explain a lot. She was sure that had to be some of it. Somehow Genma always managed to get away with whatever terrible thing he wanted more or less none the worse for the wear. Or perhaps having me as a child is his karmic retribution. She thought with some bitter finality. She pulled herself out of the bath, and pressed the button as she swung her legs of the edge so she was completely out of the water.
Ani entered with a towel, and handed it to Ranma. Ranma wrapped it around herself and then tried to stand. When Ani came to aid her, she just held up a hand and said, "I still got my pride you know. I know yer' just doing yer job, but I wanna do this on my own." She looked down at the tiled floor when Ani's eyes went wide. "Please."
Ani simply took two steps back. "O-okay, I'm here if you need help though."
Ranma nodded and then resolved herself. She pushed off the edge of the bath and nearly lost her footing before catching herself and standing on her own two feet, a little off balance.
Ani gave her an appraising look. "I'm impressed, you must have great muscle control." She said, approvingly.
Ranma grinned her usual way. "I mean, twelve years of martial arts trainin' has to be good for somethin'." She said as her eyes narrowed on her clean outfit.
Ani's eyebrows shot up at this. "B-but your so young!"
Ranma tried a step and managed to get a little closer to her change of clothes. "Yeah, the old bastard and I left when I was six, and I've trained every day since."
"That's impressive, you must be very skilled." Ani said as she unconsciously moved to Ranma's pile of clothes.
Ranma had made it about half way when Ani simply handed her the change of clothes. Ranma scowled, but decided it was for the best. She didn't want to be in here all day and honestly keeping her ki in check enough to not collapse was a bit of a chore. Ani helped her dress and guided her back to her room. The trip back was much faster than getting there had been.
Ranma sat in her bed, twiddling her thumbs while she waited for her dinner to be brought to her. Ani had been in and out and had been good company for the most part, but Ranma was bored. She hated being stationary for so damn long but moving around wasn't an option at the moment. She wouldn't say she was miserable, but she most certainly wasn't enjoying herself. She hadn't seen the Dojo in a little over a month and she was starting to miss the chaos of her day to day life.
She was feeling down on herself when Ryoga entered the room with dinner. She immediately perked up, so far she'd liked everything the temple cooks had made it was much better than the crap most hospitals pump out.
Ryoga set her tray on her lap and chuckled at Ranma as she gave it a hungry look. It was a simple soup with rice and tonkatsu, but Ranma was eyeing it like a five star experience.
"Ya know P-chan, this place ain't all that bad." She said as she grabbed her chopsticks and dipped her tonkatsu into its sauce.
Ryoga shook his head and laughed. "Honestly Ranma you can't call me P-chan anymore. I'm all man now." He was beaming as he said it. It took him all of a second to regret his wording and he flinched away from Ranma, wary of any potential attacks.
Ranma was too busy shoveling food into her mouth to care it seemed, because she was still happily eating her dinner. "I'm shtill lookin' forward to Kasumi's cookin' though, nothin' beaths it." She said though stuffed cheeks. Apparently she was content to just ignore Ryoga's little slip. Something Ryoga was thankful for. She looked up at Ryoga, swallowed her mouthful and smiled a bright grin.
"I still gotta thank you for helping me. I'm lookin' forward to gettin' outta here. Maybe I'll even guide ya home as thanks!" She said before nabbing a massive bite and shoveling it into her mouth.
Ryoga smiled and nodded. "That might not be a bad thing, Shirokuro is probably lonely and I might even be able to catch mom…" Ryoga looked to the redhead, seeing how she was probably completely unaware of him at the moment he added, "I guess I'll leave you to it then."
"Uh-huh…" Was the only response he got from Ranma as he left the room, Eating was serious business for Ranma and she didn't need any distractions.
When Ani entered the room to check on Ranma she found the redhead sleeping. Her empty food tray was on the nightstand next to her bed, and she was slightly drooling into her hair and pillow.
Ani couldn't help but giggle as she checked over Ranma and then grabbed her tray.
"Akane?" She heard as she opened the door to leave.
"Ranma?" Ani looked over her shoulder to see the sleeping redhead had rolled onto her side and had tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry Akane" Ranma almost whispered it. Her breathing was shallow and her eyes were fluttering underneath their lids.
Ani set the tray down and walked to the bedside. "I'm sorry Ranma, it's going to be okay." Ranma nodded in her sleep as more tears stained her pillow.
"Just don't let him put me back down there with them. Please Akane…" Ranma's voice was a whimper.
Ani had no idea what Ranma was talking about but she decided to stay at the bedside while the redhead cried it out. "Probably best she has someone around right now." she muttered.
The next morning Ranma was awake early and was happy to find that her ability to walk had mostly returned. Though she had been advised to take it easy she felt more or less recovered, save for a little nausea from time to time. Ranma had finally explored the whole compound and the gardens surrounding it. She'd only seen a small portion of it before the ritual, and she never thought she'd have more time to get acquainted with the temple grounds. But it was better than being stuck in bed all day so she took what she could get. Beggars can't be choosers, eh? Ranma thought as she recalled the old saying her father would toss at her any time she complained about what she had. Of course she'd learned pretty much all of his teachings were for his own selfish gain, she'd decided to take away as many good lessons as she could. There were a few lessons she was trying hard to unlearn. Especially now that I'm gunna be stuck like this for who knows how long. She thought with just a little bit of contempt. The reality still hadn't fully hit her yet and she was doing her best to avoid it at all costs.
By the time Nodoka arrived it was just after noon. Ranma heard a commotion from the front of the temple and she moved to investigate. Nadoka was talking to Etsuko and she didn't look happy. She was also carrying a long wrapped sword on her back. That ain't a good sign. Ranma hurried as fast as she could to the gardens where Ryoga was. It was still so hard to move, it almost felt like her legs had fallen asleep. And now, in the process of waking up, offering the sensation of pins and needles. It sucked to say the least and pushing herself only made it worse.
"Ryoga!" Ranma was almost frantic as she ran into a solid wall. She looked up and Ryoga was standing over her being lead by two of the garden staff.
"Everything okay Ranma?" Ryoga looked ranma over, to make sure she wasn't hurt somehow.
"Ryoga we gotta get outta here!" Ranma was almost pleading.
"Ranma, you have to tell me what's wrong." Ryoga was beginning to get concerned. He reached out a hand to help Ranma onto her feet.
Ranma looked wide eyed over her shoulder, listening to the approaching voices. "C'mon man we don't got time." She looked back to him, worry danced in her eyes.
Ryoga sighed, he was getting frustrated even if Ranma was in a delicate state at the moment. "Ranma you have to tell me wha-ACK!" He was cut off as Ranma tried to pull him away from something. He planted his feet before Ranma could pull him further.
Ranma's eyes darted from him to the voices. "Ryoga please…" Ranma whispered.
Ryoga heard Etsuko's voice and the voice of another older woman. He figured it was Ranma's mother, but why was Ranma running from her? He pulled Ranma closer to him and held her firmly in place. "Ranma that's just your mom. I thought you were looking forward to going home."
Ranma struggled against Ryoga but could barely move him. When she realized she wasn't getting away she collapsed onto her rear and began cowering.
Footsteps rounded a nearby corner and Ranma screwed her eyes shut. "Ranma? Ranma honey!" Nodoka's voice was laced with… Concern?
Anger, ice, contempt. She'd been expecting that, but concern? That was something only a few people showed for her. She was beyond words as the stress and anxiety of the past few days started to catch up to her.
It was quiet at first, she felt the tremors, but then it grew. From a silent sob to a wailing that immediately called her mother to her side. "Ranma, wha-what's wrong?" Nodoka stammered.
Instead of words Ranma wrapped herself around her mother in a tight embrace. Nodoka could only return the embrace as her child let out all of her pain from the last three days. Etsuko stood and watched tears running down her face freely as she finally understood why Ranma had seemed so strong, denying yourself the feelings never really makes them go away. Ryoga stepped back, and looked away from the display, least he cry himself. It took almost fifteen minutes for Ranma to start piecing herself together enough to form words.
Ranma and Ryoga had loaded their packs into the back of Nodoka's rental car and were in the process of saying goodbye to the caretakers and friends they had made during their stay. Ranma smiled sheepishly at Ani.
"Thanks for the help, and for chattin'. I prob'ly would'a lost it bein' cooped up like that 'n' not havin' anyone to talk to…" She confessed.
Ani for her part nodded and grinned warmly. "You're an interesting person, Saotome san." She bowed slightly and offered a small piece of paper.
Ranma eyed her hands before taking the paper. It was a business card, with Ani's name and contact information. Ranma looked up with a raised eyebrow.
"Keep in touch, Saotome!" Ani said with a nod.
Ranma bobbed her head in agreement and offered her friend a Saotome style grin.
Nodoka looked on approvingly. "Even when in the body of a woman, my son is so manly." She cooed.
Ranma and Ryoga shared a glance and both turned their heads away from Nodoka to conceal their rolling eyes.
Finally they were ready to go and Inu Etsuko pulled Ranma to the side. "Ranma, before you go you I need to say this." She nodded to a more secluded area and Ranma followed.
"What's up Inu-san?" Ranma asked.
Etsuko sighed and put a gentle hand on the redheads shoulder. The older woman gave Ranma a knowing look before shutting her eyes. "Ranma what has happened to you, it was not without reason. Hopefully you will come to understand that reason, but know that there is no shame in accepting yourself." Etsuko opened her eyes meeting Ranma's stare. Ranma looked lost, and was trying to collect her thoughts when Etsuko continued. "Ranma, take your time to understand your needs. Do not let others pick your path for you." There was sadness in her voice that spoke of a past struggling.
Ranma nodded, dumbfounded, and turned away from Etsuko. "Th-thanks. You and Ani sure were good company. I 'preciate it."
Etsuko followed Ranma back to the rental car. I really hope I got through to you… She thought as she said her goodbyes to the trio.
So this story is going to be dealing with some sensitive subject matter. I'm trying to write a story about abuse, loss, and not fitting in, and while I know Ranma is a light hearted romp and I intend to try my best to keep mostly true to that, things might get a little depressing. I want to make sure that much is clear before going on with this project. That being said, I do believe in happy endings so at least you have that to look forward to. Thank you for showing interest and reading what I have so far. Means a lot to me~