AN: Sorry I took so long to continue. I have just uploaded 2 xhapters and finally know what I want to do with the story.
However updates will not be constant because I have a very busy semester in school right now. Sorry.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Attaining Peace
The next few days, Cologne and Shower watched as Ranma struggled to find balance in his inner self. The struggle manifested itself at night through nightmares that attacked Ranma whilst he was sleeping. Cologne and Shower watched him very closely during these times to make sure he didn't sleep fight or hurt himself.
A week later, Ranma's nightmares finally dissipated. As he slept soundly, Cologne and Shower drank tea in Shower's living room and held a hushed conversation.
"It looks like son-in-law has finally found inner peace," remarked Cologne as she sipped her cup of Black Dragon Tea.
"We shall see tomorrow when he attempts the course again." Shower sipped her tea and then paused.
"Is anything the matter Shower?" Cologne asked, sensing that there was something Shower was uneasy about.
Shower turned to Cologne and looked her straight in the eye, putting her cup down silently but firmly.
"Cologne, you know that I left the village because of the stress of the situation. What I never told you or anyone else was that it was because of Tai Chi that I never returned to the village. I had fully intended to return after several years on the road. I just wanted some space to breathe and think clearly first. However, in the course of mastering Tai Chi, I had to find my own inner balance. In doing so, I came to grips with a truth that I never wanted to admit, the village was better off with you as matriarch than me."
"Shower…"
"Let me continue Cologne. You always were the more diplomatic one between the two of us and at that time the village needed a matriarch who could practice diplomacy, not war. It was your diplomacy that eventually saved the village and brought it peace with the Chinese government and the neighboring tribes. I on the other hand realized that I was perfectly happy being on the road and living outside the village. I did more good for the village by going around and looking for lost artifacts which I sent anonymously to the village. I also acted as an independent spy for the village, checking on foreign threats or allies and sending messages to you."
"So all this time, the artifacts and messages delivered anonymously were from you. "
"Yes. But that's not the point of my story. The point is, in mastering this kata, I had to come to grips with something I didn't want to and the end result was not what I was expecting. When Ranma masters the kata, he will have to do the same. You have to be prepared Cologne, for the results may not be to your liking."
"I figured that much already given the nature of this kata. Truth be told, while I may not show it all the time, I have grown rather fond of son-in-law and view him much like my own son. I want what's best for him so I can live with what decision he might make as long as he finds peace and happiness. Much as I want him to be part of the village, it does us no good to have him there if he is daily unhappy. Besides, it is not the amazon way to force people to do things."
The two old ladies sipped their tea and talked about many other things into the night whilst Ranma slumbered.
The next morning, Shower and Cologne watched from besides the lake as Ranma masterfully demonstrated the kata and then went through the course like it was nothing. Both women clapped and cheered for Ranma when he finished the course perfectly dry and unscathed. Ranma however did not share their joy and Cologne instantly knew something was up. Giving a knowing look to Shower, she approached Ranma.
"What's wrong Ranma? Normally after mastering a new skill you're like a kid on Christmas morning. Why aren't you celebrating this time? Is the kata not good enough for you?" Cologne asked, adding the last part with a wry smile.
The little joke seemed to work as it drew a small smile from Ranma.
"I would never say that Elder. This skill has been most beneficial to me both physically and emotionally. It's just…"
"Just that you've had to come to terms with something you never wanted to?" Shower finished for him.
"How did you know what I was going to say?"
"You're forgetting that I mastered the kata too and had to go through the same training. I expected as much to happen and told Cologne yesterday."
"It's alright Ranma. Just spill it. We won't hold anything against you."
"Thank you elders. In truth, the thing I had to come to terms with the most, surprisingly wasn't my dual natures of masculinity and femininity but rather a fact that I had been running from."
Both elders listened intently as Ranma continued.
"The fact is, Ranma Saotome doesn't have a happy future to look forward to. Before you interrupt me, let me explain. Cologne, you know full well that my idiot of a dad has already promised me as a fiancé to at least 50 other women out there. With that going on, there is no way for me to marry one girl and just settle down and keep my honour intact. I will always be plagued by the stupidity of that sorry excuse of a panda. Even if I were to try to take myself out of the family ledger, my parents would sooner kill me than let it happen. No, thanks to the kata I have found inner peace over a decision that I have had to make. Ranma Saotome, as we know him, must die."