Chapter 9: Choices
Ranma steeled herself, ready as she could be to give her explanation. Yes, it still sounded so absurd when she thought about it, but perhaps her knowledge about the location of the Kaisuifuu would be enough to convince her family. Besides, it was all to help out her sister, who was starting to suspect something was wrong anyway. Yeah, she would just explain everything and it would all work out in the end and-
She felt Mama Kimiko place an arm around her shoulder. "Oh, that's wonderful, Kiddo! This thing was supposed to be completely lost. How did you find out where it is?"
She looked up into the older woman's eyes, which were so full of love and joy, and froze. "I…um…" Oh right, Mama Kimiko spent so long waiting to reunite again with her daughter, and here Ranma was about to say how she had almost no memory of her. How until she finally got all those memories, she basically wasn't even-
"Ranma, dear, it's alright," Mama Nodoka said in a gentle voice as she sat down on the other side of Ranma. "I know how much you want to help your sister, but sometimes there's nothing we can do. Sometimes an object is just lost forever."
"But I really do know where it is!" Ranma almost pouted, her hands squeezed tightly into fists. "I…I…I heard someone in the ninja village talk about it!" She quickly blurted out the last part before her brain could fully catch up with her words.
"Oh, Ranma." Mama Nodoka had an almost sympathetic tone to her voice. "Rumors in that place tend to spread around like sake, generally at the same time. Who was it that talked about the Kaisuifuu?"
"Um…well, you see…" Ranma's mind raced to come up with any plausible name. Her memories once more replying back with nothing, she quickly thought back on the story Konatsu told earlier. "It was…that Mr. Hayabusa guy. I mean…I heard him talk about a lot of stuff, but I'm pretty sure he mentioned the Kaisuifuu and Mt. Horai."
"He did, did he?" Mama Nodoka leaned back into the couch, looking up at the ceiling.
"Do you think this person might be right?" Mama Kimiko asked.
"Well…" Mama Nodoka drawled out, "that Ryu kid tended to tell some pretty outlandish stories, but still…" She slowly stood back up. "It's not something we can just ignore. I'll call Ku Lon back and see what she thinks about it," she finished, absentmindedly rubbing the top of her head.
"Then, here's hoping it pans out," Mama Kimiko said, standing up herself and looking around. "So, it's getting pretty late and I'm sure my girls are getting worried."
"You're not leaving now, are you Mother?" Konatsu asked. "I only just got to meet you. Also, you haven't had the chance to hear my full story yet."
"Yes, I think your girls can handle themselves for one night," Mama Nodoka said, stepping forward to take Mama Kimiko's hands into her own. "Michan, please stay. If not for my sake, then at least for our daughters."
"I…" Mama Kimiko looked down, then over to Ranma and Konatsu, then back to Mama Nodoka. "Okay. I'll call them and let them know I'm staying here for tonight." She then pulled Mama Nodoka into a tight hug and softly spoke into her ear, still loud enough for Ranma to catch. "Just so you know, Dochan, I'm still a little upset at you."
"Yes, I understand," Mama Nodoka responded with a light sigh, "I will be sleeping on the couch tonight."
Ranma sat cross legged on her bed, changed into her pajamas but still nowhere near ready for sleep. Her mind was not quite done racing through all the things that happened that day on top of the numerous revelations that each time struck her like a straight punch right between the eyes. When she woke up this morning, her main worry was how to introduce herself to the Akane of this lifetime. However, it turned out she was the one who had to figure out not just Akane, but all of the Tendos (including the mother she'd never known from her past life) who had a much different relationship with her, or at least this universe's version of her. And as nice as it was, having a family that really did feel how she thought a family was meant to be, it also felt so foreign. Like she was a stranger in her own homeland.
A knock on her door caused her to look up. "Ranma, sweetie," called the voice of Mama Nodoka from the other side. "Can I come in?"
"Sure, Mom," Ranma said, scooting forward on her bed to sit on the edge.
Mama Nodoka entered the room, changed into her nightclothes. There was a soft smile on her face, although something about it looked a little strained. "Hey, how are you holding up?"
"Alright, I guess," Ranma muttered out, looking down at the floor as her mother quietly sat down next to her. "What did Cologne think?"
Mama Nodoka gave her a comforting pat on the head. "Remember dear, it's pronounced 'Ku Lon'. I doubt she'll hear you saying that, but you can never be too careful. As for what we talked about, she seemed a bit surprised at first, and was almost ready to simply dismiss it. However, after she thought about it for a bit, it turns out there might actually be something to it. Apparently there's some newer texts within the last hundred years or so that weren't maintained that well, and she originally thought the person that wrote them was just being rather snarky about 'looking out for the mountain'. Horai might actually be the answer."
"Yeah, I really hope so," Ranma said, really hoping her tone was managing to hide just how much she actually knew. "Konatsu really deserves this." She definitely doesn't deserve all the crap I had to deal with in my past life, and I wasn't even an actual girl then. For some reason, she felt something almost like a slap coming from the back of her mind.
"I'm proud that you're thinking about your sister so much," Mama Nodoka said, although there was a hint of worry in her voice. "Right now though, I'm more concerned about you."
Ranma let out an annoyed groan. "Don't worry, Mom. I remembered to put the pad on like you asked," she said, fidgeting slightly. She'd never thought until now that she'd be actually grateful for that talk Kasumi gave to her so long ago.
"Thank you, dear, but that's not what I mean."
"Yeah, I know," Ranma said, looking up to Mama Nodoka. "It was a lot seeing everyone, especially…y'know…my other mom. I'm really happy I did though."
"Yes, I'm glad your reunion went much better than mine," Mama Nodoka responded with a ghost of a smile on her face. "I'm sure they'll fully support you whatever decision you decide to make."
"Decision? What do you mean?" Ranma asked innocently, utilizing every ounce of her skill in Martial Arts Refuse To Think About The Problem So It Will Go Away On Its Own Eventually.
"Ranma, dear," Mama Nodoka said, a tinge of irritation starting to seep into her tone. "Like I said last night, you can talk to me about this."
"What's there to talk about?"
"Ranma, please. It's okay," Mama Nodoka said with exasperation in her voice. "If you wish to use the Kaisuifuu, I will accept it."
"What?" Ranma gave a big smile. "Why would I…" It was simply ridiculous. She was obviously born as a girl in this lifetime, so the Kaisuifuu wouldn't do anything for her. Of course that was the case. It had to be. It was the most obvious. The perfect place for that whole point in time thing that the goddess was talking about where everything changes. She was born a girl and her father wanted a boy for an heir so he took her away to raise as one like what happened to that one girl in Tomobiki she heard about. It perfectly explained why Mama Nodoka rejected the contract and went after her when…when his mother didn't.
It was only when she felt Mama Nodoka's arms wrap around her in a strong embrace that she realized just how much she was trembling.
"Oh Ranma. I'm sorry," Mama Nodoka said, her soothing voice with a tremble of its own. "If I ever made you think I wouldn't love you because of this, I'm so sorry! If you want to be a boy again, I will do everything I can to support you. We all will."
Ranma returned the embrace, but before she could fully lean into Mama Nodoka and accept her support, there was one more thing she needed to know. "Would…would you hate me if I decided to stay a girl?"
"No, of course not, sweetie. I would never hate you. If that's what you decide, then we will all keep supporting you. I promise."
"I…I…" Anything more Ranma wanted to say was choked out by the emotions bubbling up inside her. The simultaneous feelings of relief and frustration overwhelmed her as the tears started to flow freely. She lay there, weeping openly for the second time in as many days as her mother slowly rocked her while lightly singing a soothing song that was strangely familiar.
X
"Wow, Daddy! This place is cool!"
"Keep your voice down, boy."
"Sorry, Daddy. Wow, this place is really cool."
"Yes, well, you'll soon learn that magic shops like these always have their really interesting and actually useful items in the storage rooms and basements. I'm certain we can find a couple of things here to help with your training."
"Oh, so I can get super strong and show Momma whatta great martial artist I am?"
"Y-yes. Of course. But first I want you to do the important Saotome Perch of the Observant Eagle."
"Right. Look out for people coming and don't move."
"That's right, boy. Keep that up while I check the other side of the basement."
"Okay, Daddy. Observant Eagle. Observant Eagle. Observant Eagle. Observant-hey, what's that up there? It looks really cool. I bet if I climb up and get it by myself, Daddy will be real proud of me. Okay. Scrambling Bear. Scrambling Bear. Scrambling Bear. Almost got…woah! Ow."
"Boy, what was that noise? What did you break?"
"Sorry Daddy. I tried to be a strong bear, but the little barrel I stood on fell, and then I fell, and then I got all wet."
"What happened to your hair, boy?"
"Huh? My hair? Hey, it's all red now."
"Hmmm, if they have magical hair dye here, I bet they have some magic hair growth tonic as well. We should…damn, we need to get out of here. We'll have to come back another night."
"Wait, Daddy! It's gone!"
"Not now, boy."
"But Daddy, I lost-"
"We'll come back and get it later. Now move!"
X
Ranma slowly blinked away the sleep from her eyes as she stared up at the ceiling. While she was vaguely aware of a feeling of warmth encircling her, she was much more focused on trying to process the newest memory given to her and found herself only coming back with a feeling of, well, annoyance. Your timing with these really does suck, you know. Although, at the very least she was able to get one more answer. Now it made a lot more sense why her pops took her to China that early. Then something must have happened with the Musk and…"Ah crap." 'Marry a dragon', huh. I really hope Herb gave up on that one. Ugh, knowing my luck…Geez, even with a wish I just can't get away from being someone's fianceé.
A small groan from nearby caught her attention and with a pop she was instantly on her feet on the other side of her room in a combat ready position, only to find the source of the noise as Mama Nodoka, fast asleep on the bed. As she relaxed and walked back over, Ranma first thought was to berate herself for her own obliviousness. Someone was right there besides me the whole time, and I was too distracted to even notice. Some ninja I am. Then she noticed how her mother was positioned on her side, her arms reaching out as if in an embrace. Oh, I guess I fell asleep crying and Mom stayed with me the whole night. Ranma watched for a few seconds and then put a gentle hand on her mother's shoulder. She really does care.
Another groan escaped from Mama Nodoka's lips as she opened her eyes and turned to look up at Ranma. "Good morning."
"Morning, Mom," Ranma answered.
Mama Nodoka gave a yawn and sat up, wiping the sleep away from her eyes. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah. Yeah I did," Ranma said in a soft voice. "Thanks for, you know, staying here…with me."
"Oh, of course." Mama Nodoka swung around to sit on the edge of the bed and leaned forward to give Ranma another hug, pulling the girl into her lap. "Any time, dear. Whenever you need me, I'll be here for you."
Ranma didn't say anything more, instead just leaning her head onto her mother's shoulder as she allowed herself to simply bask in the warm glow of love and affection.
"Ah, there you are," came the sound of Mama Kimiko from the direction of the bedroom door. "You know, Nodoka, it's not really much of a punishment if you just go and nick your daughter's…" Her teasing voice trailed off as the two turned to her. "Kiddo, is everything okay?"
Ranma blinked in confusion, only to notice the tears starting to form in her eyes. "I'm fine, Mother. It's just…I mean…"
Mama Nodoka gave her a reassuring squeeze. "We were discussing the Kaisuifuu last night and what it means for Ranma."
"Oh." Mama Kimiko gave a nod, then her eyes widened. "Oh right. You'll finally be able to…" She walked up and put a hand on Ranma's shoulder. "I know this is a lot, Kiddo. You've been through so many big changes already, and now you have the biggest one coming up. We're all right here for you the whole way, me and the girls. Oh, I suppose we'll need to finally explain everything to them, huh? Don't worry, I'm sure they'll understand why you wanted to keep it a secret. If you want, Dochan or I could tell them for you."
"I don't know," Ranma finally said.
"Okay, but if you are going to tell them yourself, I still want one of us there with you."
"No, not that." Ranma shook her head and then looked back and forth at her two mothers. "I mean, the Kaisuifuu. I don't…I don't know if I want to unlock my curse."
"Ranma, dear, this is not a curse. You are not a curse," Mama Nodoka lightly admonished. "Please do not even think of starting up with that again."
"Sorry, Mom," Ranma quietly whispered.
"It's alright. I just want to make sure you know that whatever version of yourself you want to be, we'll support you. You don't have to make a decision right now. It'll be a couple of weeks before they show up and who knows how long before we finally get that kettle, so we still have a lot of time to talk about this."
"Oh shoot. Speaking of time," Mama Kimiko said, "I need to get going. I have my morning classes I need to get ready for and I never like to disappoint my students."
"Right," Mama Nodoka said with a sigh. "I have to get ready for work myself. Will you be okay, Ranma? If you want, you can stay home today."
"I'll be alright," Ranma said, climbing out of her mother's lap. "Probably'd look bad if I skip on my second day of school." She gave a little chuckle. Honestly, she still didn't care all that much about the school part. However, there were a few people that would be there that she really did want to see.
"Okay, Kiddo." Mama Kimiko gave a smile and ruffled Ranma's hair. "How about tonight you come to my home and we can have an official reunion dinner."
Ranma smiled and gave her mother a hug. "I'd like that."
"Good. Now go ahead and get cleaned up. I want to talk to your mom alone before I head out."
"Okay," Ranma said, breaking the hug and holding up a chastising finger. "No mallets though. Got it?"
"Oh, I should have known you would take her side," Mama Kimiko said in a gesture of faux betrayal, before giving Ranma a light slap in the back. "Yeah I promise, you little goof. Now get going." As Ranma was just about to leave the room, Mama Kimiko quickly spoke up again. "Hey, I love you, Kiddo."
Ranma paused, hand on the doorframe and turned around to say, "Love you too, Mother," before exiting and heading to the bathroom. She closed the door then paused for a bit to steady herself, putting a hand up to her chest as she felt the warmth growing within.
She then started to get ready to clean up for the day and went over to the shower, turning it on and feeling the water as it went from cold to just the right level of hot for her tastes. Nodding in satisfaction, she was about to hop in, but stopped and looked down at herself, then back up at the running showerhead before slowly and more cautiously stepping into the shower.
The hot water ran over her and almost by reflex she prepared herself for the change. However, once more, no change occurred. She was still a girl. She was still…herself?
As Ranma washed up, her mind was stuck on that point. Shouldn't she be more upset about this? It seemed so easy to accept when she thought she was simply born a girl in this life. Now though…
Back in her previous life when her curse was…when she was stuck in her girl form, she…he worked so hard to reverse it. He even went so far as to fight a life or death battle on a crumbling mountain against a guy with actual dragon blood coursing through his veins to get that damned kettle. She remembered that battle so clearly. But, she also remembered how a pleasant spring rainfall or a nice soak in a hot spring became something to fear and dread depending on her current form.
Did she actually want to go back to that? That constant change back and forth, being judged by others who wondered which one she really was even though…even though she didn't actually hate either of her forms.
Ranma turned off the shower and just stood there in silence, dripping for a couple of minutes before stepping out and toweling off. The random changing was definitely the most annoying thing, but was getting rid of that for good really worth losing her guy form?
She glanced over to the mirror, hopeful to maybe find an answer in the girl staring right back at her.
No answers were found.
