Authors Note: Can you take an X-Ray of a Womans Uterus? xD

Chapter Ten

It was the morning of the exciting Saturday. Akane leapt from bed, but ended up staggering. Her lower abdomen was still in pain, but she hoped it was because she was still healing. She pulled into a modest lacy white dress and skipped to the window. She felt so happy. Dr. Tofu was going to propose to Kasumi! Finally after all of these years of them playing games like there was no spark, one of them finally took the intative to do something. Akane slid her window open and felt the cold air on her face. The end of November was on it's way and soon the happiest time of the year would be here. The cold air made Akane shiver, making her rethink her fashion thoughts for today. She trudged back to her cloest and dressed in blakc stockings, a glack skirt, and a pink turtle neck.

Akane stared at herself in her full-body length mirror. The bruises were fading. Akane ran her hand along her cheeks looking at each patch of bruises. They were menacing to the eyes. Akane's hand then lowered to her stomach. It made her choke up a bit, knowing there was a chance that kids weren't an option. Akane spotted the capsule of pills behind her. Ranma forgot them the night before. She crossed to the capsule and pulled it into her hands.

Reproduction Revival Medication. Akane looked away. A small rap on her door startled her. She gasped, dropping the capsule like it was hot. It thudded to the ground. Akane bent over to grab it, but knocked the glass cup off the table. Fumbling like a klutz, she clawed at the air trying to catch it. The cup shattered at the impact of the floor. Akane then fell backwards, looking at the mess of glass infront of her.

"Akane?" It was Ranma, "Are you okay in there?" He peaked in through the door. He saw the glass, the capsule, and a shocked Akane sitting on the floor. "What happened?" Ranma asked, closing the door after him. He crossed and knelt down, setting the capsule up onto the desk. He then grabbed the base of the cup which was still intact. He began collecting the pieces of glass and dropping them into the cup. "Akane?" He glanced over at her.

"It was an accident," Akane replied lamely.

"I would hope," Ranma smirked as he collected the rest of the shards. He set it onto the desk then helped Akane up. "So, are you ready for this?" Akane nodded excitedly. Ranma grabbed the cup and then gestured for the door. "I got a plan to her there. Just sit there and nod along at breakfast, okay?" Akane nodded.

Breakfast was still quiet. The day after the court case it was absolutely silent. No one spoke. Occasionally someone would murmer something but all that really filled the silence was the clang of silverware and bowls. Ranma glanced at his parents, then at Nabiki. His eyes finally rest on Kasumi. It seemed like her face was eternally etched with a smile. She was gracefully putting the food into her mouth, occasionally patting the corners of her mouth. Ranma decided to soak in the silence for a little longer. Mrs. Saotome let out a low cough. Genma eyed her but continued eating. Ranma allowed his mind to reel while it could. Tomorrow he would be visiting the asylum to see Drager. He wasn't so sure he wanted to now, but was determined to stick close to what he told his parents.

"Hey, Kasumi," Ranma's mouth said automatically. He turned a little scarlet as all eyes lay on him. No one was used to chatter at the breakfast table anymore. Even his own shocked him at this hour.

"Is something wrong with the food, Ranma?" Kasumi asked, setting her bowl down. She was about to stand, but Ranma shook his head. "What is it?" She asked, listening sincerely.

"Uhm, Dr. Tofu wanted me to tell you that he had this wonderful herb cook book at his office. He wanted you to head down with Akane and I this morning to pick it up." Ranma hoped it didn't sound too phony. He noticed Nabiki's cocked eyebrows.

"Oh, does Akane have a check up today?" Kasumi asked.

"Uhm,"

"Yes!" Akane replied, "I do. I was hoping you could go with us to. Anyway, he has that lovely book for you there." Akane laughed. She eyed Ranma. He nodded along. Everyone's eyebrows were raised now except for Kasumi's. She nodded along, taking in the information and making room on her "busy" schedule that she had around the house.

"Okay," Kasumi replied after a moment, "I'll come along. What time shall we leave?"

"Right after breakfast," Ranma told her rather quickly. Everyoned eyed him. "We want to beat the crowd," He explained. He saw Akane's head nod along with his words. "Is that okay?"

"Yes," Kasumi said.

...

Akane was glad she dressed heavier. It was a lot colder outside then the breeze coming into her room. Ranma was even wearing long sleeves. Kasumi was in her fine knitted sweater, her hands clasped in front of her as they strolled down the street. Few people were out. The occasional kids, but they were getting cold. Akane shivered, but she hoped that Ranma didn't notice. When Dr. Tofu's clinic sign came into view, Akane's heart began thudding. She felt like Dr. Tofu was proposing to her rather than Kasumi. Akane could feel herself getting excited.

Ranma felt like he was the one getting proposed to. He actually felt happy for Kasumi and Dr. Tofu. Ranma was wondering how everything was going to happen since Dr. Tofu acted like a complete idiot around Kasumi when he noticed Akane shiver beside him. He glanced at her. She was trying to hide it, he could tell.

"Well, we're here!" Ranma announced, but instantly felt like an idiot.

"Yes, we can see that," Akane replied sarcastically. He rolled his eyes at her playfully and they entered the room. They kicked their shoes off and saw no one else in the waiting room. Perfect! Akane thought happily, We won't have to worry about anyone else here! Akane, Ranma, and Kasumi entered into the office area. Dr. Tofu waved when he saw Akane and Ranma, but his eyes remained glued on Kasumi. Ranma had to admit, with Kasumi wearing her pink knitted sweater, she looked delicate and pretty. "Hi, Doctor. I'm here for my check-up."

"Your check up?" Dr. Tofu looked back at Akane, his mind going completely blank.

"Yes. My check up." Akane nodded, gritting her teeth nervously, afraid of Kasumi catching on. "After my check up, you're also gonna give Kasumi that cool cook book Ranma told her about."

"Oh yes," Dr. Tofu gestured to have a seat on the bed, "Go on and lay down."

Please just ignore, Kasumi. Ranma thought, Just do a check up on Akane. Or atleast act like it. Akane seated herself on the bed, but remained sitting up. Ranma seated himself on the other side of the bed in a stool. Kasumi seated herself in the chair by the door, leaving Dr. Tofu a seat with his back to Kasumi, just forget she is here, Doc. Act like nothing is up. As soon as Dr. Tofu seated himself, he miraculously became serious and the loving look in his eyes disappeared. Out of sight out of mind.

"Your bruises are looking a lot better Akane," Dr. Tofu smiled. "Will you please part your waist-band from your shirt. Akane carefully slid her shirt up past her belly-button, then pulled her waist band down a bit. There was a swell on her lower abdomen. Dr. Tofu's brow furrowed. "I'm going to touch here," He pointed to the swollen area below her stomach and above her lower area. Akane nodded. He lowered his hand to her abdomen. Dr. Tofu's hand felt like ice along her skin. "Oh my..." He adjusted his glasses slowly. The check up slowly became a serious check up. Ranma felt anxiety suddenly grip his heart. His expression didn't look impressed by her improvement as he felt along Akane's abdomen. Ranma glanced over at Kasumi. She was biting her lips, worry etched all over her face. "Akane," Dr. Tofu looked up at her, his hand still resting on her lower stomach, "have you been taking your medicine?"

"Yes," Akane replied, "Ranma has brought it up to me every night before bed." Dr. Tofu nodded, calculating the possibilites. Akane's eyes darted to Ranma, then back to Dr. Tofu.

"Follow me to the X-Ray room." Akane got up and began following Dr. Tofu. She looked back at Ranma. She looked frightened. It was the most scared Ranma had ever seen Akane. They exited the room. There was a silence between Ranma and Kasumi.

"I think she'll be alright," Ranma finally said. He was trying to convince himself, rather than Kasumi. She nodded slowly. If there really is something wrong with Akane, I don't think Dr. Tofu will propose to her when he has to deliver upsetting news to Kasumi. I don't know the first thing about proposing but I sure know that's not how you do it. Kasumi wrung her hands together like Akane had done at the court hearing. "You shouldn't do that," Ranma crossed the room to Kasumi and seated himself in the chair beside her.

"Hm?" Kasumi looked over at him, still wringing her hands. It must of been a habit.

"That," He leaned forward and took hold of her wrist. He pulled his hand away from the wringing, "It isn't good for your hands. Akane does it all the time and it doesn't make your hands any softer." Kasumi smiled at this.

"Can I tell you something silly?" Kasumi asked. Ranma nodded, letting go of her wrist, "For a while I didn't think you or Akane were really going to make it. Who had any idea that you two- so different- could fall in love." Ranma turned a little red at this.

Fall in love. He never really looked at it like that. Had he'd really fallen for Akane? Had this entire Drager situation bring Akane and him closer? Did I really fall for Akane? Ranma asked himself, is that the truth now? Truth it, months ago Ranma couldn't stand Akane. She was such a tom-boy, refused to be cute, and got under his skin whenever she could. She hadn't changed in any way. Infact, it's almost like Ranma began telling himself she was cute. But the truth is that she really is cute. So beautiful that it's almost blinding. Did she fall for me? Of course she had. They'd kiss. Did we only kiss so that she could forget about Drager's kiss? Ranma began searching deep into his brain. I did... I really do love Akane. His eyes began widening in surprise at this confession, though no one had heard it, infact, we exchanged 'I love you's'. She may not feel that way about me, but I feel that way about her. I love her. I really, really do. She's amazing and cute. I want her to be Akane Saotome.

"Kasumi, Ranma," Dr. Tofu appeared at the door that lead to the X-Ray room. He had an X-Ray in his hand. "Will you please step over here?" Kasumi and Ranma followed Dr. Tofu to a lighting scource on the wall. He slid a dim picture into. There was a picture of figures. Dr. Tofu brought his hand up and tapped the picture, "It wasn't the fallopian tubes that were the problems," He explained, "Look, right here, closely." Ranma and Kasumi leaned in. "Look, the lining has a deep gash in the side. Right where the egg would be planted. The baby will fall out of the uterus and the egg will die." Kasumi covered her mouth with her hand. Ranma leaned back. His breath was hitched in his throat.

"So are you saying that Akane can't have kids at all? No chance? There's no need to take the medicine anymore?" Ranma asked, his eyes pleading as he looked at Dr. Tofu. The man thought it over.

"Maybe in time it will heal, but the medicine won't help. It's a very slim chance she will have kids of her own, though." Dr. Tofu replied. Ranma nodded, but everything in his body felt numb.

"Does Akane know?" Kasumi asked. Dr. Tofu shook his head. Ranma turned and headed for the room Akane was in. Kasumi and Dr. Tofu watched Ranma drone through it. There was Akane sitting up and the edge of the cushioned mat. When she saw Ranma, she hopped down and met him half-way.

"Well?" She asked, though Ranma felt like she was talking to him from the other side of Japan. "Am I better?" Ranma looked away for a moment, hesitating. "Ranma?" Akane's eyes grew heavy with worry. "What's wrong?"

"Akane," Ranma took in a deep breath and met her eyes, "you won't be able to have kids." The words sank in to Akane. At first, her lower lip trembled. It felt like a million things just toppled onto her. It felt like the whole world just came crashing down. Ranma stared intently at her, ready for anything.

Except for her fainting.

...

Ranma and Kasumi returned home. They left Akane in overnight stay at Dr. Tofu's office. Kasumi had the herbal cook book tucked under her arm, no engagement ring on her finger. Ranma wondered if Dr. Tofu was mad at him for spoiling his day to propose to Kasumi. The money wasn't a waste is what Ranma kept telling himself. He went straight to his room while Kasumi explained everything to the family over a pot of tea. Ranma slid the door open to his room and roughly slammed it. He looked all around the empty room. Nothing important. A ledge with some bonsai trees that Kasumi took good care of. A closet full of clothes and personal items. The Saotome family futons. His eyes rest on an orange capsule on the window box seat. It was Drager's medicine that he never gave him.

I'll give it to him tomorrow, Ranma told himself as he picked it up. He froze for a moment, that is if I can go tomorrow. Who knows what'll be up with Akane. Ranma instantly hated himself and tossed the capsule back onto the window sill. He regretted ever letting Drager into his life. It's okay... everyone makes mistakes. He told himself, but the other side of the brain disagreed, not that big of a mistake. Akane wouldn't be injured if I let Drager into my life. She would be healthy. No bruises and not a damaged reproductive system. Ranma sank beside the window sill trying to swallow his anger. It was rising quick and his bickering mind wasn't helping.

"Ranma...?" Ranma finally decided to let the anger out. He grabbed the nearest little pot that had a sprouting herb out of it and hurled it across the room. The person who had entered had quick reflexes and quickly caught the pot. "Ranma! Don't throw things in the house." Mrs. Saotome slid the door shut and balanced the little pot on her hip, "I know it isn't the best time, but I brought you some tea." She held out a cup of tea balanced on a small plate. "Please drink it. It will calm your nerves." His martial arts mother handed him the cup of tea without spilling a drop. She then replaced the small pot on the sill. "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked, straight-forwardly. Ranma blew the steam away from his cup and remained silent, "Are you still going to visit Drager tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Ranma answered before sipping his tea. His mother seated herself beside him, pleased to have gotten spoken words out of him.

"Would you like me to go with you?" Mrs. Saotome asked.

"No, that's alright," Ranma told her, "I want to see him by myself. One on one. It's easier that way."

"What are you going to do?"

Ranma simply shrugged, "I dunno. Talk to him about life that he missed. About my childhood."

"Will you bring up the current situation?" Mrs. Saotome asked cautiously, "Are you going to let your dear brother know what pain he has caused you and Akane."

"Me and Akane?" Ranma eyed her.

"You two can't have kids now," Mrs. Saotome saved. Ranma turned a little red at this, but focused his attention on his steaming tea like it was the most interesting thing he had ever seen. "Honey, I know you're in love with Akane." His eyes darted to his mother, "It isn't something to be ashamed of. If you truly love her, the fact that she can't have kids won't change your decision."

"Mom," Ranma said, "I'm too young to get married."

"I was seventeen when I married your father," Mrs. Saotome pointed out, "I didn't even have Drager until I was twenty-two. I finished off school a married woman. You two can still graduate high school and then you'll have this martial arts home to carry on."

"It's more complex than that," Ranma sighed, finishing his tea.

"Oh, is it?" Mrs. Saotome took the cup of tea from him, "You two of kissed. There is obviously chemistry between you two."

"Mom, this isn't about me marrying Akane." Ranma told her, his voice rising slightly, "This is about getting Akane back to normal and keeping Drager locked away."

"I understand," Mrs. Saotome nodded. She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "Just know, Sweetie." Mrs. Saotome brought her left hand up for Ranma to see. Her hands were soft and curved. Her nails were painted ruby red, but Ranma watched her beautiful diamond ring glint off of her finger. "It was your grandmothers. It can be Akane's, too." And with that, she got up and left.

...

The next morning, Ranma was up at dawn by default. He opened his eyes the second the first bird tweeted outside his window. Sunday morning. Ranma rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sat up. Dark circles ring under his eyes. He bathed, then met Kasumi downstairs. She was sitting at the table a clothing catalog in hand. She was stirring the rice at the table about to deposit it among the bowls. When she saw Ranma slug in she greeted him,

"Good morning, Ranma." She said pleasently, "How are you?" When she finally got a close look at him, she was mortified. He looked sleep-deprived. He rubbed his eyes and mumbled something. She slided him her cup of coffee and a bowl of steaming rice. "I'll just make myself another cup." Kasumi lay her catalog down and bounded into the kitchen. She returned moments later with a steaming cup. "So, are you going down to the asylum today?"

"Yeah," Ranma said, feigning a yawn, "after I check up on Akane."

"You work too much," Kasumi told him. Ranma remained silent. He sipped his coffee but left his rice untouched. For some reason he felt like his stomach wouldn't be able to hold any solids. He was so tired, his head was pounding, and his stomach felt weak. Kasumi licked her finger and slowly turned the page, taking one last glance over the models in nice clothing. "It's getting chilly out," Kasumi said, breaking the silence. It saved Ranma from falling asleep.

"Hm?" Ranma took a sip of coffee, "Oh. Yeah, it is. Akane didn't take a jacket with her. Can you get one for me?" Kasumi nodded and went off to find Akane a suitable jacket for the chilly November wind. She returned with one of Ranma's. It was Ranma's rarely worn red one. It was a zip up and had a hood on it. Several patches were sewn on the shoulders and chests, telling which martial arts battles he had won throughout his life.

"I couldn't find Akane a suitable ones. Her's are either for fashion or for heavy snowfall. Is it okay if she wears yours?" Kasumi held it out, "You barely wear it." Ranma accepted it. It had been an awfully long time since he'd last worn it. No doubt would it bag a little on Akane, so it should keep her extra toasty. Ranma folded it into his lap and allowed his mind to wonder while Kasumi got engrossed in her catalog again.

His mind wondered back to yesterdays conversation with his mother. She offered him her ring for Akane. We're so young, Ranma bit his lip, what would give Akane a reason to say yes? She doesn't really like boys... but we've kissed. She admitted she loved me. But- should I cure myself of this curse, shouldn't I? Would Akane want a half-man-half-woman? The thoughts clouded Ranma's mind like fumes from too many cars, But I love her. Dr. Tofu was going proposing to Kasumi because he loved her. He wasn't sure that Kasumi loved him. Was that the game of proposing? The boys took the chance, got down on one knee and prayed for the best? Ranma shook his head back to reality. He glanced at Kasumi who was still looking at her catalog. Could he ask Kasumi for advice about proposing to Akane? Would she think that it was a suitable time to pop the question? She had mentioned not believing they would ever find love in each other. Would Kasumi approve? Ranma opened his mouth, but snapped it shut again. He couldn't bring himself to ask it. He couldn't bring himself to think it. Proposing to Akane. It sounded so weird. He never thought he'd be in this kind of situation. He never thought he'd have to think twice about that dumb tom-boy in the beginning. Should I travel back to Jusenkyo Cursed Springs? The question resounded several times in his head, making his brain hurt. Would Akane want me to leave for so long? Would it even be okay to leave for that long? No doubt would it take close to a year to get to the Jusenkyo Springs and back. Would Akane be okay for that long?

"My, my!" Mrs. Saotome entered the room dressed in comfortable work out clothes, "You two are up mighty early. I thought I'd be the only up for a jog."

Akane took jogs every morning. Ranma thought.

"Oh, would you like some water for your jog?" Kasumi and Mrs. Saotome chatted pleasently over Ranma's head like nothing was wrong. Kasumi got up to fetch the water, leaving Ranma and Mrs. Saotome alone.

"Are you okay, Ranma?" Mrs. Saotome knelt beside her son, "You look awfully tired. Maybe you should go back to bed."

"No," Ranma told her, "I'm getting ready to leave anyway." Ranma sucked down his coffee and stood. Just then, Kasumi returned from the kitchen with a chilled bottle of water.

"Are you leaving, Ranma?" Kasumi asked. Ranma nodded, "Well, okay. Could you return Dr. Tofu's herbal cook book for me? I realized that he'd already let me borrow this book, but didn't find out until we returned home." Kasumi held the book out to Ranma. He stared at it for a moment. It was once the main prop for a set up proposal. A set up proposal that failed. Ranma took the book into his hands, "Thank you, Ranma. Try not to work too hard today. You need to rest."

...

"Hey, Doc." Ranma greeted as he entered the office area. Dr. Tofu was sitting at his desk finishing up his microwavable pancake. He waved back at Ranma. He noticed the dark circles under Ranma's eyes.

"Ranma, have you been sleeping?"

"As much as I can," Ranma replied. He crossed to Dr. Tofu and lay the book on his desk, "You've already let her borrow this one." He reported. Dr. Tofu thanked him, then pointed to the bed at the far end of the room. He saw a figure in the bed. "Oh, hey, uhm, Dr. Tofu?"

"Mh-hm?"

"Are you angry with Akane and I?" Ranma asked, slowly.

"Why would I be angry with you two?" Dr. Tofu asked, tossing away his trash. He then washed his hands, still eyeing Ranma.

"Because we ruined your proposal to Kasumi."

"Not at all," Dr. Tofu placed a firm hand on Rama's shoulders, "Akane's health comes before my proposal. She's seriously hurt this time. I could hear her all night last night, Ranma. She was crying." Ranma couldn't bear to hear that. He left Dr. Tofu's grip and jogged down to the other side of the hall. Akane was laying on her back staring straight up at the ceiling. Her eyes were red, her hands resting on her lower abdomen. She looked to the side to Ranma standing there with a coat draped over his arm.

"Akane," Ranma was at her side in seconds. "How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good," Akane lied, but Ranma saw through it.

"Don't you lie to me," He told her. She sighed and looked away. He lowered his eyes, "I can't stay long. I have a long trip out of Tokyo."

"Where are you going?" Akane looked back at Ranma. Her eyes were almost pleading him to stay.

"I'm going to visit Drager," Ranma told her. "Here, I brought you a jacket. Either Kasumi or I will come by to get you later. I don't want you to be cold on the way home." He slipped her arms through it. She snuggled into it.

"Haha," She giggled. Ranma cocked an eyebrow up at her, "It smells like you."