In walked Nodoka, dressed in her trademark yakuta, cloth wrapped bundle
under one arm.
"Ukyo dear, did you know there's a panda on our front lawn? Oh, you have guests."
Ukyo unfroze first. "Welcome home auntie." His voice got rougher as he spoke, trying to hide the change in pitch.
Deru gave Ranma a meaningful look and said. "Come with me and we'll sort out some tea." They headed off with all possible speed.
Nodoka looked after them. "Ukyo dear, are they friends of yours from school? You should be in there yourself. It's not ladylike to let guests do the work, even if you're starting a cold."
Ukyo nodded, partly to avoid having to lie, and partly because he didn't want to trust his deeper voice again.
He raced into the kitchen, to be handed a jug of warm water. Ukyo changed back as she'd seen the others do. Ranma and Deru were already in male form.
Her first words were. "She didn't notice! I can't believe it!"
Ranma gave a sigh of relief. "Be thankful. Mom didn't recognise us either." Ukyo did not seem pleased with this statement.
Deru quickly said, "Just take it that you look beautiful in either form. Besides, what would you expect her to think she's seeing?"
Ranma looked around at them. "O.K what do we do?"
Deru lowers his head. "We take the tea in and explain. Ranma, do you trust me to do this? We faced death many times during our training, this is just another test."
"Go for it bro. This is your kind of fight. The Saotome brothers don't loose."
Ukyo intervened. "I'm here too. If you think I'm going to risk you or De- chan getting hurt because of this ridiculous pledge, you've got another think coming!"
Deru looked into her eyes gratefully. "It won't come to that. But if you can stand ready to disarm mum if. something goes wrong. I know I wouldn't be able to."
Ranma nodded in agreement. "Not if our lives depended on it." He winced as he realised his words. "Make it good bro."
The three entered, Ukyo carrying a tea tray.
Nodoka jumped up. "Ranma.Deru. You're both home!" She engulfed them in a hug, ignoring them both stiffening for a second before relaxing into it, or Ranma's "Aw mum."
She stepped back. "Let me look at you. You've both grown. Your father has raised some fine, manly sons."
Deru spotted an opening. "Mum, I've got to ask, what exactly is your definition of a 'manly' man."(1)
Nodoka looked surprised. "But you should know. Your father and I have surely taught you well."
"Call it seeking reassurance that we live up to the standards you set."
"Very well. A manly man is courageous and honourable, ready to fight and die for what he believes in." she warms to her subject. "He should take a healthy interest in women, and have that interest returned."
Ukyo jumped in at this point, taking Deru's arm, and Ranma's, one each side.
"Auntie Nodoka, you need have no worries on that score. Deru and me, we're like that." She put two fingers together. "And Ranma, well there are still girls at Mugen who come up to me and ask when that handsome pigtailed guy is coming back. I'm willing to defend them with my life, just like they would me." She looked meaningfully at the bundle which sat where Nodoka had been kneeling.
"When will you and Deru sleep together?" Nodoka inquired, as if asking about the weather. [Yes she would ask that sort of question. This woman thinks multiple fiancees are a sign of virility.]
A mass facefault occurred.
Ukyo blushed a dead crimson. "Well. ah.we've cuddled on occasion..."
It's Deru who recovered the conversation. "Not yet mum. I'm not going to risk Ucchan having a baby. Not while she's still at high school. I know how much you want grand kids but it's a matter of. propriety. Our children will have the best life we can arrange. That means being able to support ourselves. That means Ucchans being a going concern, at minimum."
"What about you Ranma. Surely you've met some nice girls on your training trip."
It's Ranma's turn to blush. "Well yes. I've met some girls."
"What about those two pretty young ladies who were here earlier?"
Deru started over Ranma's stumbled words. He continues, "They came back with us from China. But there's a complex story attached, and first we have to find out something. Less than an hour ago, our dad told us of a pledge, made many years ago, about us commiting sepukku."
Nodoka looked puzzled. "What about it? Surely you've always known about it?"
Ranma and Deru both shook their heads. Deru replied. "No mum, we never heard a word about it. Could we see this thing?"
Nodoka brought a flat folded piece of parchment out of her yukata. "But you both signed it. Your father must have explained it to you long ago."
The letter lay on the table, the barely legible kanji spelling out. 'I will train my sons, Ranma and Deru to become men among men. We face sepukku if we fail.' and below it, Genma's sloppy signature, the two neat hirigana of Deru's name and a several child's ink hand prints.
Ranma slumped. "It's true then. All this time we've had a death sentence hanging over us and we didn't know it. Mom, how could you agree something like this? Are we worth that little to you?" He was clearly running off at the mouth, speaking before thinking.
Nodoka looked shocked. "You are the most important things in my life. But Saotome men, and women must hold to the highest standards. That's why this was so critical to me. I wouldn't let your father take you away, but he insisted that for you to truly become men you had to go and was willing to put his life on the line to prove it. It was the act of a truly noble martial artist. After such a commitment I had no choice."
Deru asked, "Our lives too? We got a different story. Dad told me it was a going away letter. I remember clearly because I was so proud to be able to write my name on a real letter. I don't think Ranma even knew that much."
Nodoka looked uncertain. "Your fathers word binds you as well. Besides you must have read it."
Deru sighed. "I can barely read it now. Dad's penmanship is less than perfect. I couldn't have been more than 6 or 7. I was probably still learning the phonetic alphabets. I certainly wouldn't have known most of these kanji. And I know dad never explained it."
"I'm sure your father must have had his reasons. But you've succeeded, and without even knowing of it."
"Mum. Did you really believe you needed to bludgeon us into working that hard? I thought you knew us better."
Ranma piped up. "It's true. Everything we've done, all the training we've been through was because we wanted you to be proud of us. Not because of some moth eaten contract."
Nodoka teared up. "I am proud, of both of you. Even if you haven't yet got a wife, I'm sure there are plenty of fine young ladies for you to choose from. How about those two I saw earlier, you never did explain about them, or where your father got to?"
'The hard bit. She's not going to cancel that contract. She believes she did the right thing.' Deru thought. "It's a complicated story. There was a training accident while we were in China. Our dad refused to come with us to explain because he believed that some of the effects of the accident called our manhood into question. Indeed that was the only reason he told us at all. He is currently. reconsidering his position."
Ukyo muttered in English. Both the brothers successfully stifled laughs.
Nodoka's face turned from a proud beam to a more serious frown. "What happened?"
"First you've got to understand some things. First there is a cure for the effects. Unfortunately we may have to wait a year to obtain it. Secondly, we disagree with dad. Our accident hasn't changed our attitude or beliefs. We are still the same people, whether or not the effects of our accident are active. We both consider dad's assessment to be rather hasty and somewhat superficial." He looked sideways at Ranma. Ranma nodded and headed for the kitchen.
"In China, at the final training ground we visited, there were pools that cursed you with an alternate form. Cold water activates the curse, hot water reverses it. We could have been turned into anything, pigs, ducks, cats, even pandas." Ranma entered with hot and cold water. Ukyo stepped into a position where she could block any hostile moves by Nodoka. ". however fate had other plans for us. We fell in." Deru stuck his hand in the cold water jug. ". Nyannichuaan, the spring of the drowned girl."
Nodoka watched open mouthed as the change took place.
"I got the same curse mom." Ranma dipped his hand in, turning red headed.
"Only because you jumped in to save my life." Deru quickly said.
"Because you fell in saving me." Ranma returned.
Nodoka is still sitting there in shock.
Ranma looked directly at her, pleading. "Mom.please don't do anything hasty. I know it looks bad but we're still your sons. Please tell us you aren't angry." He used the hot water to shift back. "It's that easily fixed." He then turned girl with the cold. "But this curse. it's part of us."
Nodoka finally spoke. "You both turn into girls?"
Deru nodded then stopped himself. "No. Our bodies take on the form we would have had if we had been born female."
"Did you know this, Ukyo dear?" she asked in a more normal tone.
"I did. They told me as soon as they arrived. It doesn't make any difference. They are still my closest friend and my future husband." She squeezed the hands of both in turn, in a gesture of support. However her free arm was tense, ready to draw her spatula. "I always considered you to be the mother I never had. You taught me so much. But now I don't know what to think."
Deru squeezed her arm gently. "No need to say anything."
Ukyo shook her head. "This needs saying Deru. You've had to pussyfoot around it because you feel obligated by that ludicrous piece of paper. I can't and still consider myself worth anything. Auntie, despite the fact that they were tricked into signing it and deceived about it, they still feel bound by it. Because you held to it rather then admitting that both you and uncle Genma must have been temporarily insane to arrange it, they've gone the whole route to convince you they have not failed you."
Nodoka clouded up, but Ukyo pounded on, not willing to let her say something she'd regret.
"They could have run, they could have stayed away until they found a cure, no matter how long it took. That's what their father" the word was spoken with disgust, "told them to do. But no, they came here. Revealed everything. Because they love us and they would not have us hurt. If that's unmanly, I'm a bad cook. If you want to harm them you'll have to go through me. And you know why I'm defending them? Because, despite everything, neither of them will raise a hand against you, even to save their lives. That's how lucky you are." She almost shouted this last sentence.
"Ucchan." Deru said, in a voice that somehow mixed sadness and affection. "There is no need to fight about this. I know mum will make the right choice."
"I believe in mum too, Ucchan, just as I believed you wouldn't reject us." said Ranma.
Nodoka held up her hand. Her expression had calmed. "I've seen enough. Ranma, Deru, your actions are manly, showing both compassion and honour. It's quite clear your father wrought better than he knew. He has clearly fulfilled the terms of the contract." There were clear tears in her eyes. She picked the piece of paper up and tore it in two. (2)
"Yes!" said Ranma as she punched the air, while Ukyo and Deru hugged each other briefly. Then they stopped for a second while Deru used some hot water.
"Ukyo-san." Ukyo turned back to Nodoka, a slight expression of worry on her face. "It was not very ladylike, the way you just acted just then. It was however the right thing to do."
Ukyo smiled, relieved, "You taught me that yourself. I am a martial artist and the wife of one, as was my mother before me." she inclined her head to indicate Nodoka. "That means we sometimes have to fight to protect those we love."
&&&
A short time later Genma Saotome woke, and really wished he hadn't. His now panda sized body still ached with panda sized contusions inflicted by his two sons. It was early evening, and the garden was already in shadow. He pushed himself up and looked around. 'Oh no! Our house!' Thoughts of Nodoka and her katana entered his mind. 'My idiot sons must have come home and are going to tell everything. Maybe I can get them out of there before Nodoka gets home.' A familiar figure crossed behind a lighted kitchen window. 'Too late! I must find out what has happened.'
He stealthily crept towards the house, tripping over a half overturned kettle before he'd gone three steps. [Well, just how stealthy can a panda be?] A cursory glance showed it had enough hot water to return him to normal. Rather than use it immediately, he crept up to the window to hear two female voices, those of his wife and Ukyo as they prepared a meal, from the sounds they were making. The conversation was obscured and even it's tone was unclear but a few fragments did come to his furry ears.
Nodoka: ".cut the heads off." Ukyo: ".wish there had been another way." Nodoka: ".matter of honour." Ukyo: ".never want.husband like that." Nodka: ".stood by him.did what honour demanded." Ukyo: ".Uncle Genma acted. jackass. dishonour." Nodoka: ".my husband. curse ." Ukyo: ".you remember the panda you saw. cursed form." Nodoka: ".please fetch him, Ukyo dear. I want to have words with him about his conduct." A sharp steely noise was audible. Ukyo, in a tone of anger clearly audible even above the kitchen sounds: ". agree . should pay for what he's done."
Needless to say at this point Genma stopped listening and started running. A panicked panda proceeded post haste to the portal [ok gate, but I had a good alliteration going there.] 'Oh my kami Oh my kami. They actually went and did it, and Nodoka made them. She's gone mad, and Ukyo too. I always thought that cross dresser was weird." He picked up the kettle as he passed and changed, his clothes reappearing as his body shrunk into them. 'Can't even hide as a panda. They know! Must find safe place. I know. Soun, my old buddy. He'll help.' The sturdy figure raced through the darkening streets towards Nerima and the Tendo house.
Of course, the real conversation was far more innocent.
Ukyo was chopping carrots as Nodoka busied herself with other parts of the meal. "Ukyo dear, remember to cut the heads off first."
"Don't worry auntie, I'm not that distracted. I'm sorry I said the things I did, I wish there had been another way."
"I understand dear, it was a matter of honour. I never wanted to uphold that contract but I had no choice. If it gives you any comfort, I would never have considered them unmanly for having that curse forced upon them."
"I never want to have to choose between you and my husband like that again." Ukyo barely held back tears.
Nodoka hugged the girl. "You stood by him and Ranma and did what honour demanded. I don't blame you, I'm just glad my sons inspire that kind of loyalty."
"The way uncle Genma acted in not standing by them. That. jackass! He had them both convinced that their female forms were a great dishonour."
Nodoka frowned. "I am afraid my husband has been somewhat foolish about this curse. Do you know where he is?
Ukyo smirked. "You remember that panda you saw outside? Genma didn't escape that place untouched. That is his cursed form, and personally I think it suits him."
"As a punishment for his actions? Maybe. However he still needs to explain himself. Please fetch him, Ukyo dear. I want to have words with him about his conduct. After dinner though." She put away the knife she was using in it's self sharpening holder, making the steely noise that so disquieted the eavesdropper.
Ukyo's momentary amusement faded. In an angry tone she said. "I don't agree that he's been punished enough auntie. He should pay for what he's done."
She picked up the battle spatula hung over the worktop and slotted it into a holster on her back in a single easy motion. Then she stalked off towards the kitchen door.
Ranma popped his head in from the hall. "Mom, we've finished unpacking. How is dinner coming along?" He inhaled the cooking aromas deeply. "It smells wonderful!"
Nodoka coloured. "Thank you dear. It will be ready in a few minutes. Ukyo has just gone out to fetch your father."
At that moment Ukyo raced into the kitchen and said. "He's gone!"
1) Nokoda's definition of manly. As I understand it in cannon this is closer to being Happousai than anything else (i.e. girl obsessed pervert machine) on the principle that she wants grandchildren, lots of them, and would have no problem with him having 4 wives. However this maybe stems from the fact that she had no contact with Ranma for 10 years and is over compensating. So hopefully my version is valid.
2) Nodoka's decision on their manliness. She would have carried out the contract if she truly felt Ranma was not manly. However Nodoka judges Ranma on his actions, not his outward form. At one point Ranma in male form meets with his mother, but due to a whacked out set of circumstances he's in a Project Ako style fuku. She decided her son is not manly and brings out the sepukku robes. In the end when she finds out about the curse she judges him manly on the fact he acted that way even when he was a girl. Side note. No- one ever mentions in fan-fics that Nodoka was going to kill herself after performing the actions as second in their suicide.
"Ukyo dear, did you know there's a panda on our front lawn? Oh, you have guests."
Ukyo unfroze first. "Welcome home auntie." His voice got rougher as he spoke, trying to hide the change in pitch.
Deru gave Ranma a meaningful look and said. "Come with me and we'll sort out some tea." They headed off with all possible speed.
Nodoka looked after them. "Ukyo dear, are they friends of yours from school? You should be in there yourself. It's not ladylike to let guests do the work, even if you're starting a cold."
Ukyo nodded, partly to avoid having to lie, and partly because he didn't want to trust his deeper voice again.
He raced into the kitchen, to be handed a jug of warm water. Ukyo changed back as she'd seen the others do. Ranma and Deru were already in male form.
Her first words were. "She didn't notice! I can't believe it!"
Ranma gave a sigh of relief. "Be thankful. Mom didn't recognise us either." Ukyo did not seem pleased with this statement.
Deru quickly said, "Just take it that you look beautiful in either form. Besides, what would you expect her to think she's seeing?"
Ranma looked around at them. "O.K what do we do?"
Deru lowers his head. "We take the tea in and explain. Ranma, do you trust me to do this? We faced death many times during our training, this is just another test."
"Go for it bro. This is your kind of fight. The Saotome brothers don't loose."
Ukyo intervened. "I'm here too. If you think I'm going to risk you or De- chan getting hurt because of this ridiculous pledge, you've got another think coming!"
Deru looked into her eyes gratefully. "It won't come to that. But if you can stand ready to disarm mum if. something goes wrong. I know I wouldn't be able to."
Ranma nodded in agreement. "Not if our lives depended on it." He winced as he realised his words. "Make it good bro."
The three entered, Ukyo carrying a tea tray.
Nodoka jumped up. "Ranma.Deru. You're both home!" She engulfed them in a hug, ignoring them both stiffening for a second before relaxing into it, or Ranma's "Aw mum."
She stepped back. "Let me look at you. You've both grown. Your father has raised some fine, manly sons."
Deru spotted an opening. "Mum, I've got to ask, what exactly is your definition of a 'manly' man."(1)
Nodoka looked surprised. "But you should know. Your father and I have surely taught you well."
"Call it seeking reassurance that we live up to the standards you set."
"Very well. A manly man is courageous and honourable, ready to fight and die for what he believes in." she warms to her subject. "He should take a healthy interest in women, and have that interest returned."
Ukyo jumped in at this point, taking Deru's arm, and Ranma's, one each side.
"Auntie Nodoka, you need have no worries on that score. Deru and me, we're like that." She put two fingers together. "And Ranma, well there are still girls at Mugen who come up to me and ask when that handsome pigtailed guy is coming back. I'm willing to defend them with my life, just like they would me." She looked meaningfully at the bundle which sat where Nodoka had been kneeling.
"When will you and Deru sleep together?" Nodoka inquired, as if asking about the weather. [Yes she would ask that sort of question. This woman thinks multiple fiancees are a sign of virility.]
A mass facefault occurred.
Ukyo blushed a dead crimson. "Well. ah.we've cuddled on occasion..."
It's Deru who recovered the conversation. "Not yet mum. I'm not going to risk Ucchan having a baby. Not while she's still at high school. I know how much you want grand kids but it's a matter of. propriety. Our children will have the best life we can arrange. That means being able to support ourselves. That means Ucchans being a going concern, at minimum."
"What about you Ranma. Surely you've met some nice girls on your training trip."
It's Ranma's turn to blush. "Well yes. I've met some girls."
"What about those two pretty young ladies who were here earlier?"
Deru started over Ranma's stumbled words. He continues, "They came back with us from China. But there's a complex story attached, and first we have to find out something. Less than an hour ago, our dad told us of a pledge, made many years ago, about us commiting sepukku."
Nodoka looked puzzled. "What about it? Surely you've always known about it?"
Ranma and Deru both shook their heads. Deru replied. "No mum, we never heard a word about it. Could we see this thing?"
Nodoka brought a flat folded piece of parchment out of her yukata. "But you both signed it. Your father must have explained it to you long ago."
The letter lay on the table, the barely legible kanji spelling out. 'I will train my sons, Ranma and Deru to become men among men. We face sepukku if we fail.' and below it, Genma's sloppy signature, the two neat hirigana of Deru's name and a several child's ink hand prints.
Ranma slumped. "It's true then. All this time we've had a death sentence hanging over us and we didn't know it. Mom, how could you agree something like this? Are we worth that little to you?" He was clearly running off at the mouth, speaking before thinking.
Nodoka looked shocked. "You are the most important things in my life. But Saotome men, and women must hold to the highest standards. That's why this was so critical to me. I wouldn't let your father take you away, but he insisted that for you to truly become men you had to go and was willing to put his life on the line to prove it. It was the act of a truly noble martial artist. After such a commitment I had no choice."
Deru asked, "Our lives too? We got a different story. Dad told me it was a going away letter. I remember clearly because I was so proud to be able to write my name on a real letter. I don't think Ranma even knew that much."
Nodoka looked uncertain. "Your fathers word binds you as well. Besides you must have read it."
Deru sighed. "I can barely read it now. Dad's penmanship is less than perfect. I couldn't have been more than 6 or 7. I was probably still learning the phonetic alphabets. I certainly wouldn't have known most of these kanji. And I know dad never explained it."
"I'm sure your father must have had his reasons. But you've succeeded, and without even knowing of it."
"Mum. Did you really believe you needed to bludgeon us into working that hard? I thought you knew us better."
Ranma piped up. "It's true. Everything we've done, all the training we've been through was because we wanted you to be proud of us. Not because of some moth eaten contract."
Nodoka teared up. "I am proud, of both of you. Even if you haven't yet got a wife, I'm sure there are plenty of fine young ladies for you to choose from. How about those two I saw earlier, you never did explain about them, or where your father got to?"
'The hard bit. She's not going to cancel that contract. She believes she did the right thing.' Deru thought. "It's a complicated story. There was a training accident while we were in China. Our dad refused to come with us to explain because he believed that some of the effects of the accident called our manhood into question. Indeed that was the only reason he told us at all. He is currently. reconsidering his position."
Ukyo muttered in English. Both the brothers successfully stifled laughs.
Nodoka's face turned from a proud beam to a more serious frown. "What happened?"
"First you've got to understand some things. First there is a cure for the effects. Unfortunately we may have to wait a year to obtain it. Secondly, we disagree with dad. Our accident hasn't changed our attitude or beliefs. We are still the same people, whether or not the effects of our accident are active. We both consider dad's assessment to be rather hasty and somewhat superficial." He looked sideways at Ranma. Ranma nodded and headed for the kitchen.
"In China, at the final training ground we visited, there were pools that cursed you with an alternate form. Cold water activates the curse, hot water reverses it. We could have been turned into anything, pigs, ducks, cats, even pandas." Ranma entered with hot and cold water. Ukyo stepped into a position where she could block any hostile moves by Nodoka. ". however fate had other plans for us. We fell in." Deru stuck his hand in the cold water jug. ". Nyannichuaan, the spring of the drowned girl."
Nodoka watched open mouthed as the change took place.
"I got the same curse mom." Ranma dipped his hand in, turning red headed.
"Only because you jumped in to save my life." Deru quickly said.
"Because you fell in saving me." Ranma returned.
Nodoka is still sitting there in shock.
Ranma looked directly at her, pleading. "Mom.please don't do anything hasty. I know it looks bad but we're still your sons. Please tell us you aren't angry." He used the hot water to shift back. "It's that easily fixed." He then turned girl with the cold. "But this curse. it's part of us."
Nodoka finally spoke. "You both turn into girls?"
Deru nodded then stopped himself. "No. Our bodies take on the form we would have had if we had been born female."
"Did you know this, Ukyo dear?" she asked in a more normal tone.
"I did. They told me as soon as they arrived. It doesn't make any difference. They are still my closest friend and my future husband." She squeezed the hands of both in turn, in a gesture of support. However her free arm was tense, ready to draw her spatula. "I always considered you to be the mother I never had. You taught me so much. But now I don't know what to think."
Deru squeezed her arm gently. "No need to say anything."
Ukyo shook her head. "This needs saying Deru. You've had to pussyfoot around it because you feel obligated by that ludicrous piece of paper. I can't and still consider myself worth anything. Auntie, despite the fact that they were tricked into signing it and deceived about it, they still feel bound by it. Because you held to it rather then admitting that both you and uncle Genma must have been temporarily insane to arrange it, they've gone the whole route to convince you they have not failed you."
Nodoka clouded up, but Ukyo pounded on, not willing to let her say something she'd regret.
"They could have run, they could have stayed away until they found a cure, no matter how long it took. That's what their father" the word was spoken with disgust, "told them to do. But no, they came here. Revealed everything. Because they love us and they would not have us hurt. If that's unmanly, I'm a bad cook. If you want to harm them you'll have to go through me. And you know why I'm defending them? Because, despite everything, neither of them will raise a hand against you, even to save their lives. That's how lucky you are." She almost shouted this last sentence.
"Ucchan." Deru said, in a voice that somehow mixed sadness and affection. "There is no need to fight about this. I know mum will make the right choice."
"I believe in mum too, Ucchan, just as I believed you wouldn't reject us." said Ranma.
Nodoka held up her hand. Her expression had calmed. "I've seen enough. Ranma, Deru, your actions are manly, showing both compassion and honour. It's quite clear your father wrought better than he knew. He has clearly fulfilled the terms of the contract." There were clear tears in her eyes. She picked the piece of paper up and tore it in two. (2)
"Yes!" said Ranma as she punched the air, while Ukyo and Deru hugged each other briefly. Then they stopped for a second while Deru used some hot water.
"Ukyo-san." Ukyo turned back to Nodoka, a slight expression of worry on her face. "It was not very ladylike, the way you just acted just then. It was however the right thing to do."
Ukyo smiled, relieved, "You taught me that yourself. I am a martial artist and the wife of one, as was my mother before me." she inclined her head to indicate Nodoka. "That means we sometimes have to fight to protect those we love."
&&&
A short time later Genma Saotome woke, and really wished he hadn't. His now panda sized body still ached with panda sized contusions inflicted by his two sons. It was early evening, and the garden was already in shadow. He pushed himself up and looked around. 'Oh no! Our house!' Thoughts of Nodoka and her katana entered his mind. 'My idiot sons must have come home and are going to tell everything. Maybe I can get them out of there before Nodoka gets home.' A familiar figure crossed behind a lighted kitchen window. 'Too late! I must find out what has happened.'
He stealthily crept towards the house, tripping over a half overturned kettle before he'd gone three steps. [Well, just how stealthy can a panda be?] A cursory glance showed it had enough hot water to return him to normal. Rather than use it immediately, he crept up to the window to hear two female voices, those of his wife and Ukyo as they prepared a meal, from the sounds they were making. The conversation was obscured and even it's tone was unclear but a few fragments did come to his furry ears.
Nodoka: ".cut the heads off." Ukyo: ".wish there had been another way." Nodoka: ".matter of honour." Ukyo: ".never want.husband like that." Nodka: ".stood by him.did what honour demanded." Ukyo: ".Uncle Genma acted. jackass. dishonour." Nodoka: ".my husband. curse ." Ukyo: ".you remember the panda you saw. cursed form." Nodoka: ".please fetch him, Ukyo dear. I want to have words with him about his conduct." A sharp steely noise was audible. Ukyo, in a tone of anger clearly audible even above the kitchen sounds: ". agree . should pay for what he's done."
Needless to say at this point Genma stopped listening and started running. A panicked panda proceeded post haste to the portal [ok gate, but I had a good alliteration going there.] 'Oh my kami Oh my kami. They actually went and did it, and Nodoka made them. She's gone mad, and Ukyo too. I always thought that cross dresser was weird." He picked up the kettle as he passed and changed, his clothes reappearing as his body shrunk into them. 'Can't even hide as a panda. They know! Must find safe place. I know. Soun, my old buddy. He'll help.' The sturdy figure raced through the darkening streets towards Nerima and the Tendo house.
Of course, the real conversation was far more innocent.
Ukyo was chopping carrots as Nodoka busied herself with other parts of the meal. "Ukyo dear, remember to cut the heads off first."
"Don't worry auntie, I'm not that distracted. I'm sorry I said the things I did, I wish there had been another way."
"I understand dear, it was a matter of honour. I never wanted to uphold that contract but I had no choice. If it gives you any comfort, I would never have considered them unmanly for having that curse forced upon them."
"I never want to have to choose between you and my husband like that again." Ukyo barely held back tears.
Nodoka hugged the girl. "You stood by him and Ranma and did what honour demanded. I don't blame you, I'm just glad my sons inspire that kind of loyalty."
"The way uncle Genma acted in not standing by them. That. jackass! He had them both convinced that their female forms were a great dishonour."
Nodoka frowned. "I am afraid my husband has been somewhat foolish about this curse. Do you know where he is?
Ukyo smirked. "You remember that panda you saw outside? Genma didn't escape that place untouched. That is his cursed form, and personally I think it suits him."
"As a punishment for his actions? Maybe. However he still needs to explain himself. Please fetch him, Ukyo dear. I want to have words with him about his conduct. After dinner though." She put away the knife she was using in it's self sharpening holder, making the steely noise that so disquieted the eavesdropper.
Ukyo's momentary amusement faded. In an angry tone she said. "I don't agree that he's been punished enough auntie. He should pay for what he's done."
She picked up the battle spatula hung over the worktop and slotted it into a holster on her back in a single easy motion. Then she stalked off towards the kitchen door.
Ranma popped his head in from the hall. "Mom, we've finished unpacking. How is dinner coming along?" He inhaled the cooking aromas deeply. "It smells wonderful!"
Nodoka coloured. "Thank you dear. It will be ready in a few minutes. Ukyo has just gone out to fetch your father."
At that moment Ukyo raced into the kitchen and said. "He's gone!"
1) Nokoda's definition of manly. As I understand it in cannon this is closer to being Happousai than anything else (i.e. girl obsessed pervert machine) on the principle that she wants grandchildren, lots of them, and would have no problem with him having 4 wives. However this maybe stems from the fact that she had no contact with Ranma for 10 years and is over compensating. So hopefully my version is valid.
2) Nodoka's decision on their manliness. She would have carried out the contract if she truly felt Ranma was not manly. However Nodoka judges Ranma on his actions, not his outward form. At one point Ranma in male form meets with his mother, but due to a whacked out set of circumstances he's in a Project Ako style fuku. She decided her son is not manly and brings out the sepukku robes. In the end when she finds out about the curse she judges him manly on the fact he acted that way even when he was a girl. Side note. No- one ever mentions in fan-fics that Nodoka was going to kill herself after performing the actions as second in their suicide.
