To quote Azusa, "Here we go again..."
Nightelf (nwl9354@tamvm1.tamu.edu) presents...
Contagion
All characters property of Rumiko Takahashi. I beg pardon if the powers that
be take offense. Please don't do anything stupid with this fanfic without
the author's permission. I'm not unreasonable...in fact, I may be quite
agreeable if you do it with a sense of humor and without a pocketbook in
mind.
Word of warning: If you are expecting a dark, serious fic, DON'T. This is
not Sunrise. This is (hopefully) more lighthearted than that.
For reference:
<...>: Thoughts
{...}: Pig speech (You'll understand...)
****************************************************************************
Contagion
A fanfic by Nicholas "Nightelf" Leifker
Part 1
****************************************************************************
Day 1
For once, it seems like peace reigns in Nerima. The sun shines down on
the city, its life-giving warmth balanced by a cool breeze blowing in from
the ocean. The few clouds in the sky show no threat of raining, much to the
relief of several members of the populace. A youth runs along the fence
bordering the city streets, a huge smile plastered on his face as he tries
to outrun the wind, his trademark pigtail flapping behind him. <What a
day...no rain, which means _she_ won't be appearing...Nothing short of
Akane's cooking could ruin this...>
Ryouga: Ranma, prepare to die!!!
Ranma: oh. Hello, Ryouga.
<It had to happen...> Ranma leaps to the ground, combat ready, as
Ryouga attacks from a nearby building. Not really in the mood to fight,
Ranma simply dodges each of Ryouga's blows until his opponent is left
breathless. Seeing Ryouga's fatigue, he then leaps back onto the fence
and continues on his way. Needless to say, Ryouga is not pleased.
Ryouga: Why you...Bakusaitenketsu!!!
The ground beneath them explodes, sending them both flying...straight
into the water. A moment later, Ranma-chan sits up, an unconscious pig on
her knee. Annoyed by the change, she revives the pig and begins to pick up
Ryouga's belongings.
Ranma-chan: Gee, thanks, Ryouga. Now we both need a bath. (softens
a little) C'mon. I'll take you over to Dr. Tofu's.
She picks up the rest of Ryouga's clothes, leaps over the rubble onto
what's left of the street, and begins the short walk to the clinic.
Ranma-chan (still annoyed): What is it with you, Ryouga? I'm sorry
about the curse and all, but that's in the past. Nothing either one of us
does is going to change what happened. Believe me, if I could just erase
that entire day, I would...
They reach Dr. Tofu's, where the good doctor is sitting at his desk,
looking over files. Mr. Saotome is also there, in panda form, sweeping
up the place.
Dr. Tofu: Hello, Ranma! Let me guess...hot water, right? Sit down,
it'll be ready in a minute.
Tofu turns to face Ranma-chan as the panda fills up a pot with water
and puts it on the stove. An animated look crosses his face as he notices
Ranma-chan's companion.
Dr. Tofu: So...is this P-chan? I've heard Akane talk about him on
occasion. (Looks puzzled for a second) It's funny...I was under the
impression you didn't like him much.
Ranma-chan: Oh, he's okay. He's just a little...high-spirited at
times. It seems that he doesn't like me a lot more than I don't like him.
P-chan (voicing his disagreement): Bwee!
Dr. Tofu (looking curiously at P-chan): Hmmm...Has he been fixed?
Ranma-chan (eyes wide): F-Fixed???
P-chan begins to struggle wildly in Ranma-chan's arms.
Dr. Tofu: Sure. All that energy is probably because he can't find a
girl pig to keep him company. I know a good veterinarian...
P-chan (scared for his life): BWEEE!!!!!!!
Ranma-chan (desperately trying to hold the pig still): Uh...no thanks,
doc. I don't think getting him...fixed...would help P-chan. In fact, it
would probably make him worse.
Dr. Tofu: Really? What makes you think so?
Ranma-chan (waffling): Well...
Genma (human): Water's ready!
<Saved by the bell...> Seeing an escape from the conversation,
Ranma-chan leaps up with P-chan, throws Ryouga's stuff into the next room,
grabs the hot water, and runs in there with the pig.
Ranma-chan (pouring water on P-chan): Here. Now hurry up and get
dressed before Dr. Tofu sees you. I'll buy you some time...
Once Ryouga turns human, Ranma-chan lifts the kettle above her head
and pours the rest on herself. He then runs back into the office to find
a bewildered Dr. Tofu waiting.
Dr. Tofu: What was that all about, Ranma? What did you do with P-chan?
Ranma: Uh...Akane's pig has...well...water problems. I had to take
him out and take care of it.
Dr. Tofu: oh. By the way, have you considered getting a flu shot? A
few strains have been spreading around lately. (Ryouga enters, human and
clothed) In fact...I...think...I...*ACHOO* may be coming down with it. If
so, Mr. Saotome, I'll have to temporarily shut down the clinic.
<I need to get Ryouga out of here before Dr. Tofu becomes suspicious...>
Ranma: I'll...think about it. uh...Ryouga and I need to get back to
the dojo. Take care, doctor.
Dr. Tofu: You too, Ranma. And say hello to the Tendos for...for...
*ACHOO* me, especially Ka-Kasumi.
<Ranma...why...what are you...> Ryouga has his head down, lost in
thought, as the two exit the clinic. Neither one says a word for several
minutes.
Ryouga (breaking the silence): You know, Ranma, I still can't figure
you out.
<huh? What brought this up?>
Ranma (uncertain): What do you mean, Ryouga?
Ryouga: (sigh) Let's see...you've stolen my lunch on dozens of
occasions, ran out on a man-to-man fight, knocked me into a Jusenkyo
spring, are currently engaged to the woman I love, and even had the nerve
to pose as my fiancee to keep us apart. But...you also haven't revealed
my secret to Akane, haven't tried to inflict serious bodily harm on me
in our fights, and you even do things like get me hot water and guide me
here or there when I need it.
Ranma: So?
Ryouga: What are you? Are you my friend, my enemy, or what? I know
you're my rival for Akane...
Ranma: ...Let's just say I don't want to fight you anymore.
<He...doesn't want to fight me?>
Ryouga (uncertain): W-Why not?
Ranma: (sigh) Do you remember what started this stupid feud? Bread.
Now look at us. Look at what we've lost. I'm a woman half the time, and
you're a pig. Because of this...curse, I can't even show myself to my own
mother. You, you can't even find your way home. It's gone too far...
(shakes his head sadly, sighs)
<Yeah, Ranma...I remember...all of it...> Ryouga has his head down,
silently crying, as he thinks about the pain of the last year and a half,
a time he now realizes is lost to them both. <Should I...yes. It's time.>
Ryouga (softly, wiping tears): yeah. You want...You want to call a
truce?
<What?!? Did he say...> Ranma's face reads shock - but only for a
moment. Quickly recovering, he locks eyes with Ryouga and solemnly nods.
The two then walk back to the dojo, neither one wishing to soil the moment
with words.
****************************************************************************
End part 1
****************************************************************************
Contagion
Part 2
****************************************************************************
Day 4
Ranma: ah...ah...*ACHOO*...ohh...
Ranma and Genma are lying on their futons, wiped out, neither one in
any condition for strenuous activity. Kasumi is busy tending them, making
sure the two of them are warm and comfortable and are drinking plenty of
fluids...The rest of the family is standing by the door, checking up on
them.
Ranma: Ohh...this sucks...I can't believe I caught Dr. Tofu's flu...
Kasumi (typical cheerful self): Don't worry, Ranma. You'll be over it
in a few days or so.
Akane: So...does this mean you're not going to school tomorrow?
Ranma (shaking his head no, wincing from the movement): I couldn't
*cough* make it through like this, Akane. Could you get my *cough,cough*
homework for me?
Akane: Okay. (Turns to her left. An excited look spreads across
her face.) P-chan!
The pig staggers down the hall toward Akane, looking as though he
had a fight with a motor vehicle - and lost. He smiles weakly and sneezes
as Akane picks him up.
Akane: Oh, P-chan...poor baby...are you not feeling well? I know...
a nice hot bath will warm you up.
<A...hot bath?> Akane runs to the bathroom before Ranma has a chance
to stop her. He just shakes his head slowly and sighs.
Ranma: Oboy.
Kasumi: What is it, Ranma?
Ranma: I think Akane's in for a big surprise when she gives ol'
"P-chan" a bath.
Nabiki: Why? Does P-chan not like baths or something?
Ranma: Not when...*ACHOO* Akane's around.
*SPLASH* Before anyone can remark at Ranma's cryptic answer, Happosai
rushes in, splashing water on Ranma and Genma as he does so. He then
latches squarely onto Ranma-chan's chest.
Happosai: Oh, my darling Ranma-chan! How good it is to see (and feel)
you again!
Ranma-chan: You...old...*ACHOO* lech...
Ranma-chan is now in an extremely unenviable position: Glomped by
Happosai and lacking the strength to pry him off. Fortunately, Kasumi
picks up the lech by the collar and opens the window.
Kasumi: Now, now, Happosai...it's not nice to do that to Ranma...
especially in his condition.
She then proceeds to punt him to kingdom come, much to the amazement
of the rest of the household.
****************************************************************************
As Happosai is getting his kicks, Akane walks to the bath, trying to
calm down a struggling P-chan.
Akane: What's wrong, P-chan? Do you not like baths? (P-chan sneezes,
then shakes his head no.) Oh, don't worry. You'll feel much better once
you're in the water.
<Oh my god, what am I going to do? If Akane sees me change...Akane....>
One look at Akane's naked flesh and P-chan faints, blood gooshing from his
snout.
Akane (panicked): P-chan! P-chan! Speak to me!!
P-chan (woozy): bwee...
He wakes up, a little dazed from the experience. He then faces the
corner, as any proper gentleman would, as Akane scrubs herself in the
shower. Then comes bath time. Akane picks up the pig and walks to the
tub, perplexed and a little annoyed at P-chan's struggles and tears.
Akane: Come on, P-chan! If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you
were as bad as Ranma with water.
The look of sheer terror on P-chan's face as the water drew closer was
indescribable. <Oh no...Akane...Please....please forgive me...ohno.........
waitasec....something's wrong here....NOOOOOOOOOO!!!>
P-chan bursts into new choruses of squeals and tears as he realizes
the nightmare of the Jusenkyo-cursed: He isn't changing.
Akane: What is it? Is the water too hot?
P-chan sits down on her knee and begins to cry, his sobs and squeals
occasionally punctuated by the sounds of illness. Noticing the sad look
in his face, Akane holds him close to her.
Akane (gently): Oh, P-chan...it'll be alright...You'll get better in
a few days or so...
Normally, P-chan would be fainted dead away from being so close to
Akane's exposed chest, but he was far beyond caring at this point.
****************************************************************************
Ranma-chan expects the worst as Akane enters the room, a sullen
P-chan in her arms. She tenses up for a moment, then becomes confused at
her lack of anger.
Ranma-chan (nervous): So...how was *cough,cough* your bath?
Akane: (shrugs) It was nice. <NICE?!?> P-chan didn't like the hot
water at first, but he settled down after awhile.
<Huh?>
Ranma-chan: *ACHOO* waitasec, Akane...*cough* you put (points to
the pig) P-chan *cough* in the hot bath?
Akane: Yes...
Ranma-chan springs up out of the futon, nearly fainting from the effort.
She recovers, grabs P-chan, and hurries for the bathroom, flinging clothes
off along the way. She slams the door, then looks P-chan squarely in the
eye.
Ranma-chan (whispering): Ryouga, is that you?
Dread fills Ranma-chan as the pig sadly nods his head yes. <Oh no...
if Ryouga's stuck...> Akane begins to knock on the bathroom door.
Akane: Ranma! You'd better not be hurting him...
Ranma-chan flings the last of her clothes off, then dives into the
tub with P-chan.
No change.
Ranma-chan: AAAAAAAAAAAA! *cough,cough*
Akane bursts in, followed by Soun and Kasumi.
Akane: Ranma?
Soun: What's wrong, son?
Ranma-chan: *ACHOO* I...I...I'm not changing...
Kasumi: Oh my...
Akane: You mean...
Ranma-chan: I think it has something *cough* to do with this flu...
*ACHOO*...I dunno...but for now I'm stuck....
****************************************************************************
Ranma-chan and Genma are lying on beds in Dr. Tofu's clinic. Akane
stands with her back to the wall, concerned for her fiance's well being,
but not wishing to interfere with the doctor's work.
Dr. Tofu: Hmmm...This is definitely an unusual side effect...
Akane: What is it, Doctor?
Dr. Tofu: (sigh) Well, I need...to...*ACHOO* do a few blood tests
first, but what I think *cough,cough* happened is that the virus mutated
when *cough* it encountered their unique cell structures...
Akane: Huh?
Dr. Tofu: Ranma and...*ACHOO* Genma are unique beings. Their change
was *cough,cough* something the virus hadn't seen before. I'm guessing...
*ACHOO* that whatever's inside them that...*cough* changes them also changed
the virus.
<Hmmm....whatever changes them changed the virus...and viruses spread...
ohoh...>
Akane (scared): D-Doctor, what happens when th-this new virus infects
a normal person?
Dr. Tofu (shakes his head, sighs): I don't know, Akane. I don't know.
****************************************************************************
End part 2
****************************************************************************
Contagion
Part 3
****************************************************************************
Day 8
The early morning sun kisses Ranma-chan's face, announcing to her the
start of another day. She sits up on her futon, blinks at the light, then
tries to rub the sleep from her eyes. <Maybe...> she thinks, desperately
wishing to be in her natural shape. She walks to the bathroom, quickly
(very quickly) takes off the nightgown that Nabiki had given her to use
<I _still_ can't believe they made me wear that thing...>, washes herself,
then jumps in the water. <Still female. Chikusho. Oh well. Might as
well go out for a jog. Pop still doesn't feel well, so...> She dresses
in her ususl red satin outfit and heads past the kitchen, where Kasumi is
busy making breakfast.
Ranma-chan: Good morning, Kasumi.
Kasumi: Good morning, Ranma. How are you feeling?
Ranma-chan: A lot better, but I still can't change back...When
will breakfast be ready? I'm going out for a bit.
Kasumi: About thirty minutes.
Ranma-chan: Okay. Thanks, Kasumi.
Kasumi: Take care, Ranma.
Twenty-five minutes later...
Kasumi: Father! Nabiki! Akane! Breakfast is ready!
Soun Tendo wakes to the sound of his daughter's cry. Something seems
wrong, though he can't quite place it...<uhhh....Maybe I'm getting that
flu...I wonder if I have time to shave before they miss me...> He rises
from his bed, which only adds to his unease. <Whoa. My balance...yep.
I definitely have the flu.> He drags himself down to the bathroom, rubbing
his face with his hands. <Uhhh...something wrong...something...missing?...
I must be imagining things...>
It is the sight in the mirror's reflection that wakes Soun up, though it
takes a few seconds for the indigestible information to sink in. The first
thing he notices is the lack of a mustache. In fact, there is no trace of
facial hair anywhere. The face itself is rounder and softer than the hard,
stern, angular face he's used to. Then he looks down...and takes in the rest
of his body. His chest now sticks out far more than it's supposed to for
any man. The hard, firm muscles of his body are gone, replaced by soft
curves. He has shrunk a few inches, though the more obvious changes grab
his attention...To sum it up, Soun now looks like an older version of
Kasumi.
Soun Tendo does what any red-blooded man would do in this situation.
She screams weakly just before passing out.
Nabiki is also awakened by Kasumi's call. <Uhhh...I feel so...
so...bloated...>, she thinks as she gets out of bed. She looks down...
growls loudly...and also passes out.
Akane wakes up...to darkness. <Huh?...What is this, a circus tent? I
thought I heard Kasumi calling me...> She crawls through the darkness,
wondering what (or who) got her in her current predicament. <This is
probably Shampoo's doing...something to scare me...well, it's NOT GOING
TO WORK!...help...> No matter how far she crawls, she can't find her
way out...then she hears it.
P-chan: {Akane! Akane, where are you?}
<It's...It's P-chan! But...why can I understand him?> She follows the
voice to find her way out, where things seem even stranger...<I'm...on
my bed? P-chan...since when did you get so...ohmygod...>
P-chan: {no...no...dear god, no...}
Akane: {P-chan? What's going...}
All that comes out of her mouth (to human ears, anyway) is a small
"bwee". She then gets a look at herself in the mirror. A small black
piglet...
Unlike her "father" and sister, she doesn't pass out. She's too
terrified.
Five minutes later, Ranma-chan walks into the dining room, glistening
with sweat from her morning jog. Kasumi is standing there, patiently
waiting for everyone to come down.
Ranma-chan: Where is everybody?
Kasumi (shrugs): I called for breakfast a few minutes ago. Would you
go up there and wake everybody up?
Ranma-chan: Sure.
Akane's room is the first one she approaches.
Ranma-chan: Akane? Akane, are you in there?
pig (muffled): bwee!!
Ranma-chan (sliding the door open a crack): Akane? It's time...
When she sees the sight on the bed, Ranma-chan opens the door. Two
piglets, both black, one wearing the tiger-stripe bandanna, the other without
any such adornment. As she enters, the second pig panics and begins to
crawl underneath the covers. Ranma-chan picks up the pig and looks at her,
realization giving way to disbelief.
Ranma-chan (voice shaking): A...Akane?
Akane (nodding her head): bwee...
Ranma-chan: Oh, Akane...
She then cradles the pig in her arms and sits down on the bed, unable
to contain her tears.
A few minutes later, after finding the strength to stand, Ranma-chan
heads to Nabiki's room, a crying pig underneath each arm. She doesn't
bother to knock as she enters to find a panda, wearing Nabiki's nightshirt,
passed out on the floor. She nearly drops the pigs from shock.
Ranma-chan: Oh no...not Nabiki too...
Both pigs (eyes wide, but still crying): Bwee?
Stirred by the intrusion, Nabiki gets up slowly. She stands, then
stretches her bulky limbs. Noticing a pile of blank signs in a corner,
she picks up a few, then begins to write, a serious expression on her
bearlike face.
Nabiki (sign): I'm going to kill Genma.
Ranma-chan: Now, now...take it easy...it could be worse...
Nabiki (sign): HOW???
Akane: bwee...
Nabiki (sign): AKANE?!?
Ranma-chan nods her head sadly as the pigs look downward.
Ranma-chan: C'mon. Breakfast is ready.
****************************************************************************
<What are they doing up there? It can't take that long for Ranma to
wake them...Breakfast is getting cold...Maybe someone's in the bathroom...>
Kasumi walks to the bathroom door and gently knocks.
Kasumi: Hello? Is anyone in there?
Soun: Ohhh....
Sensing trouble, she opens the door to find her father, semiconscious
and very feminine, lying on the floor.
Kasumi (panicked): Father?!? Father, what happened? Did Happosai
pour some strange water on you or something?
Soun (barely audible): Kasumi. I...I had a terrible dream...(notices
herself, begins to cry) It's not a dream...
Kasumi picks her father up, confusion written on her face. <What to
do...What to do...Yes. First things first.> Kasumi leads Soun up into her
own room. Soun follows numbly.
Kasumi: Come on, father. I'll find you something to wear.
***************************************************************************
Breakfast, once it was finally served, was eaten in an uncomfortable
silence. Ranma-chan sits there, watching, wondering if she was the cause
of...this. Soun sits at her usual position at the head of the table,
silently eating her miso soup, looking extremely uncomfortable in one of
Kasumi's outfits. Nabiki chews thoughtfully on her bamboo, an occasional
growl betraying her anger at the sleeping animal above. Akane stands with
her back to P-chan, avoiding his crying face like the plague. <I bet she
found out about Ryouga...> Finally, Kasumi watches all of them one by one,
eyes wide, not touching her food, trying to take it all in.
Kasumi: Oh my. I guess I'd better call Dr. Tofu.
Suddenly a shocked look hits Ranma-chan's face. A wicked smile
spreads as she turns to Kasumi.
Ranma-chan: Oh...Did you check on Happosai?
Kasumi: No...
Ranma-chan quickly runs to the pervert's room, where she is treated to
a most unusual sight. An old woman sits there, eyes glazed over, hands on
her breasts, her senses overwhelmed by the feel of her own ample bosoms...
For the first time in days, Ranma-chan laughs.
Ranma-chan: Heh...There truly is justice in the world...
***************************************************************************
End part 3
***************************************************************************
******** COMMERCIAL BREAK ********
It's a party...and by the look of it, a boring one. Most of the
guests are just sitting around, vegetating, doing nothing...
Announcer: Want to put some excitement in your party?
The party goers (those still conscious, anyway) perk up, their heads
nodding their affirmative. A certain Chinese guide breaks through the door,
carrying several cases of beer. The party rushes toward the guide, grabbing
cans of beer.
Announcer: Then try Jusenkyo!! Made from the finest natural spring
water, Jusenkyo will change the way you think about beer!
A rather obnoxious guy is sitting on the couch, stuffing his face with
chips. A cute-looking girl approaches, holding a couple of cans.
Girl: Ewww....stop making such a pig of yourself...here. (She hands
him a can, which he guzzles down. Instant pig. She downs her own.
Instant cat.)
The guide looks around at the party in awe...piles of clothing are
lying all over the place, and animals are scurrying about.
Guide: Ohhh....very tragic story....
Announcer: So...if you want to be a _real_ party animal, try Jusenkyo!
A guy dressed in cowboy attire - hat, button-down plaid shirt, huge
belt-buckle, jeans, and boots - steps forward. The guide hands him a can.
Announcer: And now there's new Jusenkyo Light...
The cowboy opens the can and chugs it. The cowboy's features shift...
He shrinks by a few inches...his chest expands...the cow...er, girl looks
down at herself in disbelief.
Announcer: ....for those who want to watch their figure.
******** END COMMERCIAL ********
***************************************************************************
Contagion
Part 4
***************************************************************************
Day 13
Ranma-chan wakes up to the early morning sunlight, gently lays down the
sleeping pig nestled in her arms, and sits up, yawning. Getting up, she
takes a moment to check herself...she hadn't felt any symptoms for a few
days, but was still stuck. <Maybe today...please...> she thinks, running
for the bath.
After a quick scrubbing, she closes her eyes, says a small prayer, and
jumps in...A slight tingling sensation spreads throughout her body as her
prayers are rewarded.
Ranma: Yes! I'm back!
He jumps out of the bath, dries off, and dresses. He pauses for a
moment to contemplate his current form, then runs outside, where his
father, in panda form, awaits in a fighting stance.
Genma (sign): You changed back.
Ranma: I should hope so!
Genma (sign): Excuse me.
The panda quickly runs into the house, banging his head on the overhang
as he does so. A few minutes later, the same panda walks back out, head
hung low.
Genma (sign): Chikusho.
Ranma: Don't worry, Pop. You'll change back in a couple of...whoa!!
Narrowly ducking a sign, Ranma leaps back onto the rocks and assumes a
fighting stance, waiting for the session to begin.
****************************************************************************
Kasumi: Mr. Saotome! Ranma! Breakfast is ready!
Breakfast had returned to a new semblance of "normality" as
conversation, while less lively than before due to a lack of vocal cords,
was calm and respectable, though everyone was excited at Ranma-kun's
return. For the first time in days, something was in abundance at the
house: hope. Chances are, nobody would have to be a girl - pig - panda
forever...
Soun: Ranma! (a little envious) So...how's it feel to be back to
normal?
Ranma: Great! (mischievous grin) By the way...nice outfit.
Soun: Grrr....
Kasumi (defusing the situation): So...you can go back to school...
right?
Ranma: I guess...it'll be good to get back for once. I haven't been
out since everyone got sick. Consider yourself very lucky, Kasumi.
Kasumi (embarassed): well...
Ranma: Kasumi? (realizing) You _did_ get sick...didn't you?
Kasumi: I...I got the same thing Father did.
Ranma (confused): How...what are the...
Kasumi (beet red): Uhhh...(very quietly) breast straps.
Ranma: ...............oh.
Kasumi (recovering): Have you seen what it's like out there?
Ranma shakes his head no, an answer rewarded with a gentle laugh.
Kasumi: You're in for a shock.
Akane: bwee!!
Ranma turns around to find Akane, still in pig-form, staring up at him
with imploring eyes. A white silk ribbon is tied in a bow around her neck.
Ranma, remembering how Akane used to take P-chan to school, picks her up
and smiles.
Ranma: I hope you don't mind my backpack...Kasumi, do you think
Dr. Tofu will mind me taking her to school?
Kasumi just bursts out laughing.
Kasumi: No...(tee hee)...I don't think...(giggle)...she'll mind...
<Huh? Did she say....she?>
****************************************************************************
Ranma walks to Furinkan by his usual method (fence), going slowly to
accomodate his passenger. <What is it with Kasumi this morning? It was
like there was some joke to be told at school or something...A school can't
change that much...>
Female voice: Hello, Saotome.
He turns and leaps down to face the source of the voice. A small, thin
girl stands there, in the Furinkan school uniform, looking rather
uncomfortable in the outfit. A headband with candles attached adorns her
short red hair. Her face...thin, gaunt, with dark circles under her eyes...
Ranma would know that face anywhere.
Ranma: Hey, Gosunkugi. What's the disguise for?
Gosunkugi (icily): It's _not_ a disguise.
Ranma: Hmmm...I didn't know you were that kind of...er, guy.
Gosunkugi: What rock have you been hiding under, Saotome? You had
to have heard about the plagues...
Ranma: The...plagues? You mean...(poit,poit)...oh my...
Gosunkugi: So...where have you been, anyway?
Ranma: Stuck in my girl body, probably because of the plague.
Gosunkugi: Hmmm. You should see some of the people around here.
It'll surprise you.
Ukyou: Ranchan! Where've you been?
He turns around to find Ukyou, in her boys' uniform, running to
embrace. A blue corona and a lot of squirming come from Ranma's backpack
as she does so. Akane jumps out of the bag, bonking Ranma on the head with
a very small mallet in her teeth.
Akane: Bweee!!
Ukyou: What the...Akane?!?
<Oh no...I hadn't thought of that...I'm a pig...what am I in Ranma's
eyes now compared to Ukyou? Or Shampoo, for that matter? A...pet?> Akane
slumps down and begins to cry. Seeing her tears, Ranma picks her up and
comforts her.
Ranma: It's okay, Akane...Ukyou didn't mean any harm...don't cry...
Ukyou: Ranma? Can we go someplace to talk?
Gosunkugi (leaving): I'll see you three at school, okay?
Ranma (still cradling Akane) and Ukyou head over to Ucchan's. She
unlocks the door, inviting them in. Ranma sets Akane down on a table.
Ranma: So what is -
Ukyou (looking squarely at Ranma, interrupting): Ranma. Are you the
cause of all this?
Ranma (nervous): Wh-what do you mean?
Ukyou buries her face in Ranma's chest and begins to cry. Akane,
watching the proceedings, flares up for a moment, then relaxes, depression
written on her face.
Ukyou (sobbing): I've seen...horrible things, Ranchan...friends...
classmates...customers...melt before my eyes. Do...do you know what it's
like to see a man looking down at his body as it...changes? The horror,
the helplessness in their eyes as...as breasts form...or paws? (realizes
_who_ she's asking, wipes eyes) Sorry. (Grasps chest for a moment) Ohhh...
Ranma: It's...it's okay, Ucchan. As for the plagues...I dunno.
Ryouga, Pop, and I got the flu. Apparantly, when we changed, so did the
virus...
Ukyou (clutching chest): My chest...the straps normally don't feel
this tight...
Akane: bwee?
Ranma (eyes wide at Ukyou): ohno...
Ukyou: What?
Ranma takes her over to a mirror. A mane of fiery red hair has sprung
up in place of her usual brown tresses. A ripping sound can be heard as
her expanding chest breaks free of its prison. She examines herself for a
moment curiously.
Ukyou: Hmmm. At least I got this one...
Ranma: Anyway, the flu locked us in cursed form. Then the Tendos got
sick, and it's probably spread from there.
Ukyou: Do...Do you know how far it's spread?
Ranma shakes his head no.
Ukyou: Worldwide.
Shock is written all over Ranma's face - his eyes are bulging, and his
mouth is wide open. It looks like he's having trouble breathing. Ukyou
begins to walk to the back room.
Ukyou: I'll walk to school with the two of you if you'll give me a
minute. I need to get into a girl's uniform. (looks down at herself)
There's no way I'll be able to disguise myself today...
***************************************************************************
End part 4
****************************************************************************
Contagion
part 5
****************************************************************************
Day 13
Afternoon
<Let's see...60% of Tokyo infected...cases reported in every major
North American city...no hope of containment...Oh god, I can't deal with
this...> Ranma eats his lunch in moody silence, occasionally feeding a
bite to Akane. The day has been a...culture shock for him, surprised
at familiar faces attached to strange bodies, pigs and pandas wandering
around the school squeezing into desks or standing on top of them, and
strangers' voices, growls, and bwees answering to friends' names. He
really didn't want to speak to them, especially the (formerly) masculine
ones. After all, the whole thing started because of him...
*SPLASH* Ranma-chan turns around to find Ukyou, in a girls' uniform,
holding a bucket, a mischievous smile across her face.
Ranma-chan: Ucchan!
Ukyou: Hey, Ranchan. You want to have a little fun? Follow me.
Picking up Akane, Ranma-chan follows Ukyou to the practice fields,
where the kendo club is currently practicing. About a half-dozen of
them, all female, watch as two of their group spar. One quickly defeats
the other, then turns to face the trio. The figure runs toward them a
few steps, then hesitates, as though fearful to approach.
Ranma-chan (aside to Ukyou): What's with him?
Ukyou: Watch.
The figure removes the facemask, to reveal...a noblewoman's face,
smooth, longer than most, adorned with short brown hair. She looks
uncertain for a moment, then runs to Ranma-chan in anguish.
Woman: Pigtailed Girl...
Ranma-chan: KUNO?!?
Woman (Kuno): Oh how the fates have cursed me! To think that I,
Tatewaki Kuno, once the "Shooting Star" of Furinkan High, have been reduced
to this weak, feminine form! Oh, but do not worry, my pigtailed goddess!
Even if the kami curse me to be this way for eternity, I shall never give
up my love for you! (Looks down in sadness) Truly these are dark days
for clan Kuno! Ny father, transformed into a raging beast! My self,
cruelly stripped of my manhood! My sister...oh Kodachi...(starts crying)
Ranma-chan: Ko-Kodachi?!?
Kuno (sobbing): She was transformed into a pig before my eyes and was
devoured by her pet alligator...
<Ko...Ko.......> Ranma-chan faints at the news, but is quickly revived
by Akane's frantic squeals. Kuno recovers her composure, bends down over
Ranma-chan, then turns to Ukyou curiously.
Kuno: Hmmm...I see that you too have been cursed, Ukyou. My
condolences. (looks at her critically) Were it not for your former
manhood, I would desire to date with you.
Ukyou: Uh...right, Kuno. By the way, have you heard about Akane?
Akane: Bwee?!?
Kuno (stands up and rushes toward Ukyou): What news have you of Akane?
Where is her loveliness, so that I may gaze on her once more?
Ukyou: Just...*OW!* look underfoot...
Kuno looks down...and sees a pig with its teeth firmly embedded in
Ukyou's ankle. She stares at the pig for a moment...taking in her large
dark eyes...her ferocity...her beauty showing even beneath her beastly
form. She picks up the pig and cradles her, sobbing.
Kuno: Oh...poor Akane. Such a tragedy...(hardens) It would not
surprise me to find that cur Saotome responsible for this. Only his
powerful lust could desire so many women and only his dark arts could
make it happen.
Ranma-chan's face saddens for a moment. She gets up and turns away,
unable to meet Kuno's gaze.
Ranma-chan (sadly): Maybe I am responsible...
Kuno: How could you be responsible, my love?
She stiffens, then turns back to face them, a determined look chiseled
on her face.
Ranma-chan: That's it. Come on, Kuno. Ucchan, get me a kettle of hot
water...make it three...and a couple of cold.
Ukyou: Are...Are you sure, Ranchan?
Ranma-chan: It's time this baka were told the truth. I'm tired of
secrets.
Ten minutes later, girls' locker room
Kuno stands there, stunned, as though she is trying to hold onto
the last vestiges of her sanity. Ranma-chan is standing in front of her,
a bucket in her hands, wet and wearing only boxers. Ukyou and Akane are
nearby, trying to stifle their chuckles - without much success. After
a long moment, Kuno's mouth moves, in a desperate attempt to speak.
Kuno: S-Sao-Saotome?!?
Ranma-chan: Yep.
Kuno: How?
Ranma-chan: Ran into some cursed springs in China. You fall in, you
get the body of whatever drowned there. I fell in the Spring of Drowned
Girl.
Kuno: The...plagues?
Ranma-chan: I got the flu, as did a few others. When we changed, so
did the virus...
Kuno's mind is blown. She's just sitting there, eyes glazed over.
Ranma-chan (waving a hand in front of Kuno's face): Kuno? Hey, Kuno!
Anybody home?
Ukyou (throwing Kuno over her shoulder): Let's take him to the nurse.
He...er, she...looks like...she...needs help.
Ranma-chan quickly gets dressed, picks up Akane, and heads out the door
with Ukyou. As they exit, they watch as a small panda runs past carrying a
sign reading "Delinquents!" and brandishing a 5-yen piece.
****************************************************************************
End part 5
****************************************************************************
Contagion
Part 6
***************************************************************************
Day 13
Evening
Ranma moodily sits on top of the Tendo house, contemplating the mess
that is his life. For perhaps the first time, he is genuinely _sorry_ for
something, and it's not something he's used to. Akane is in his lap,
snuggling. <What do I do now...because of me...millions of people are...
are going to know what it's like to...change. We still don't know if they
can change back...oh god, I can't take this...Akane...oh Akane...>
Akane's mood matches Ranma's perfectly. <Ranma...what am I to you
now...I'm a pig, for crying out loud...There's no way...no way you could
love me now...How could I even hope to compete?>
Akane: bwee...
Ranma: I know, Akane...I know. Sumimasen. sumimasen...(begins
to cry)
<He's crying...for me? Does he...> Akane, sensing his pain, begins to
nuzzle up against Ranma, in an effort to ease his turmoil.
Ranma: I'm so sorry...you must hate me for what's happened...
Akane: bwee? Bwee!!! (Her eyes are wide and crying as she shakes
her head no)
Ranma (looking down at her): Th-thanks, Akane.
<I'm tired of secrets...I told Kuno-chan about my other self...maybe...>
Ranma stares into Akane's dark eyes...<yes. It's time.>
Ranma: Akane...I...I don't know how to say this...I...l...I lo..
<Ohmygodhestellingme...>
Ryouga (interrupting): Hello, you two.
<Great timing, Ryouga...> Ranma looks really annoyed while Akane
facefaults.
Ryouga: uh...Ranma? Could you leave Akane and I alone for a minute?
We...uh...need to talk.
<I hope he isn't going to do what I think he's going to do...>
Ranma (uncertain): Su...sure.
Ranma hands Akane to Ryouga reluctantly, then swings off the roof and
into his room. Ryouga sits down and cradles Akane in his arms, then stares
off into space, unable to meet her gaze.
Ryouga: Akane...I...I remember the nights when you would hold me like
this...
Akane: bwee...
Ryouga: Akane...I...this may be the hardest thing I've ever done...
(Akane looks up, her eyes wide) I...I just...I...I love you. Ever since
you...you showed kindness to a stray little black piglet...
Akane starts to cry. She continues to stare at Ryouga's face, still
looking out into the night, but now becoming wet with tears.
Ryouga: But...you love Ranma. I've tried to deny it to myself...
but I've always known it. I've seen it in the looks you steal of him
when nobody else is looking...the way you look after him when he's in
trouble...the murmurs in your sleep...I...I only hope...you consider me
a friend...even after all this.
Ryouga finally looks down. Akane is looking up at him, still crying,
but shaking her head yes. <Oh Ryouga...>
The two stare into the night, their thoughts a jumble of the past,
present, and future...
***************************************************************************
Day 18
Dawn has yet to shine on Nerima, yet a figure moves in the darkness
through the halls of the Tendo house. It is impossible to ascertain
the identity of the figure in the darkness, though it is obviously human
and female. She stops in front of Kasumi's room and silently enters.
The occupant of the room, stirred by the small noise, wakes and sits up
in her bed. Rubbing her eyes, she stares groggily at her visitor.
Kasumi: Uhhh...Akane? What is it?
Akane (in shadows): Kasumi...I was wondering...could you help me
with something?
Kasumi (getting up, smiling): Sure, Akane...
***************************************************************************
Morning has come. The family is sitting at the table, eating
breakfast, noting the relative normality that has returned to the house.
All are back in normal form, save Akane, conspicuously absent, and Nabiki,
who's back to human proportions, but still a little fuzzy.
Nabiki: Dr. Tofu says that I should be back to normal in a few hours.
Soun (masculine, but without his trademark mustache): So...how has he
been lately, with the increase in his workload?
Nabiki: Well..._she_ hasn't been taking too many patients lately...
but she was thrilled when she heard that the changes were only temporary.
Kasumi: You should have seen her, Father. She was so cute...
Stop. Everybody stops and stares behind Ranma...Soun starts crying,
Nabiki chuckles softly, Kasumi gives one of her patent motherly smiles, and
Genma's mouth hangs open in shock. Happosai (yes, _Happosai_) gets a
nosebleed, then passes out.
Ranma: What?
He turns around. <Akane...> He stares at the vision before him...
in complete astonishment and joy. Akane is wearing a white knee-length
silk evening dress, beautiful without revealing too much. Gold earrings
hang from her ears and tastefully applied makeup accentuates her facial
features. In her hair is a familiar white ribbon. <She's so beautiful...>
Ranma stares at her, tears running down his face. She approaches him, wipes
the tears from his face, and bats her eyes at him seductively.
Akane: Uh...Ranma? I was wondering...could we go for a walk? We
need to talk...about certain things...
***************************************************************************
End.
***************************************************************************
Okay...I first wrote this to the Solaris feed of R.A.A.S. (back when it was
R.A.A.S.) with a slightly different ending and in pieces. One problem:
Megazone (We're not worthy, we're not worthy...) didn't get all of the
pieces. However, I did get a few comments from other Solaris subscribers,
most notably David Bateson. (Thanks, David.) So...I changed the ending a
bit, lumped them into one message, and threw in a commercial for the heck
of it.
Thanks...
To Rumiko Takahashi...creator of the adventure...
To my roommate Doug...for the use of his computer.
To all those on the Fanfic ML, most notably Harvey Torrance Griffin,
Christopher Willmore, Rob Orick, Joyce Meadows, Robert Bentley, and
(especially) John Biles...for their entertaining correspondence and
their help.
To ANOC, for their friendship and support.
Damn...eight hours banging away on a computer wears you out. Take care, all.
Nicholas Leifker
"Nightelf"
April 14, 1996