As promised, here's the next installment... As always, *please* let me
kmow what you think.
Coutuva.

** In order for this to make sense, you should be familiar with 
"Ranma nibun no ichi", all episodes.  My thanks to Kunoichi for
her excellent stories and inspiration.
        Please note!!  This is a Parallel Universe to the one represented 
in Kunoichi's series, and is in *NO* way intended to be a continuation or
addition to her storylines.  Since this is a first effort, I 'borrowed'
from an established line.  If response is good, I'll go out on the limb
with my next attempt.
        All characterizations, circumstances and backgrounds used 
with **Kunoichi's** permission.**
========================================================



Almost a Miracle Part 2 - A Ranma 1/2 FanFic!    
Where no man has gone before...                             <Warning -
LIME>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------


        Two weeks now had passed since the eventful trip to Jusenkyo, and
Ranma and Akane were looking forward to getting their lives back to
something resembling normal.  The reactions to Akane's affliction
had been many and varied, such as Ryoga promptly trying to kill Ranma.
Uuchan stepped in, however, and used her spatula to smooth things over.
        Genma and Soun had behaved predictably.. Soun spent several days
alternating between a self-inflicted grief-coma and bouts of crying,
and Genma changed to a panda so he wouldn't have to answer to Soun.
        Miyabi thought it was great that her Okaasa could change too, and
Masao was still too young to have an opinion.
        Ranma, for his part, had only barely gotten over the guilt he felt
for allowing such a thing to happen to her, although he could never quite
forgive himself.  He still placed the blame squarely on his own broad
shoulders, since it was his obsession that had brought them to Jusenkyo in
the first place.  Akane, however, was less concerned;  She felt that now,
onna-Ranma had a counterpart, and that she still had her around to be
friends (and more) with. In addition, she could now say she really
understood how Ranma had felt all these years, although never to the same
extent.
        One thing that changed in a positive way was the excitement in the
bedroom.  Ranma had earlier discovered what it felt like to be made
passionate love to as a woman, and even he had to admit, Akane was pretty
good at it.  Despite her newness to being male, she was a great lover,
which she explained quite simply;  She hadn't ignored what Ranma was doing
over all this time, and just "Put herself in his shoes" as it were.
Privately, Ranma actually began to look forward to Akane's suggestions that
they change roles, but he wanted no part of the guy-guy thing.  That was
just too much for him to take.  Akane had already seen Dr. Tofu, just to
make sure that she was physically all right, and he passed her with flying
colours.  He couldn't help but comment that her male side was very healthy,
and probably quite fast and agile in combat.  Akane blushed, saying she was
only sure of a few things so far, but had no reason to complain.  Ranma,
standing behind Dr. Tofu, winked wickedly, and Akane stuck out her tongue
at him.
        Eventually, the regular routine did settle in, with Ranma back to
teaching in the Dojo, and Akane returning happily to the business of her
children, whom she missed terribly while they had been away.

        After a good day in the Dojo, Ranma stood in the bathroom, about
to douse himself with a bucket of cold water prior to taking his bath.
Akane wandered up behind him, snaking her arms around his waist just as
he dumped the water.
        As the two of them stood there dripping, Akane-Kun gently turned
onna-Ranma around and kissed her deeply.  Ranma was impressed by the
strength in Akane's male form, and made a mental note to talk to Akane
about training it.  These thoughts, however, were soon chased away by
the overpowering desire being stirred by her lover.  Akane-Kun's hands
slowly roamed over onna-Ranma's lithe, naked form, delicately exploring
every smooth curve and making her moan softly.
        Finally, the little Chinese girl could stand no more.
        "Akane.  Let me bath, and I'll meet you upstairs.  I'm not clean
enough for you."  She breathed, looking into her lover's simmering dark
eyes.
        "Only if you promise not to keep me waiting."  Akane-Kun whispered,
his excitement already showing.  "I'd hate to have to start without you."
He continued, winking.
        Onna-Ranma smiled deliriously, and slipped slowly out of
Akane-Kun's
embrace.
        "And miss this?"  She replied, striking a sexy pose for her lover's
approval.  "Don't worry.  I expect you to finish what you started.  Go on..
I'll be right there."  She assured, shooting Akane-Kun a smoldering glance.
        Within a few minutes, onna-Ranma appeared in their bedroom door,
clad only in a small towel.  Akane-Kun smiled,  put aside the diary he had
been writing in, and patted the bed beside him.
Onna-Ranma smiled lecherously, and slowly pulled the door closed behind
her,
letting the little towel slip to the floor.

        The next morning, onna-Ranma woke with first light, and leaned over
to kiss Akane-Kun's forehead.  Akane moaned gently, mumbling he'd had
enough.  Ranma 
had to smile, knowing that last night would have been enough to sap
anyone's energy.  
Glancing about, she looked for a shirt to slip in to in order to head to
the bathroom, 
and had to smirk again at the condition of the room.  She thought to
herself that it just 
might be time for a bigger room, perhaps with more durable furniture.
Gently extracting herself from beside her lover, she slid off the bed, and
wiggled into a shirt she dug out of the toppled dresser.  Casting another
wistful glance at Akane, she yawned and wandered sleepily out of the room,
headed down the stairs.  On the way, she encountered Genma, still in panda
form, waddling down the first floor hall.
        "Hiya, Pop.  Still can't face him, eh?"  She jibed, poking the
large animal in the stomach.
        Genma responded by mouthing a few unintelligible grumbles, and
finally held up a sign stating "None of your business!"
        "Well, you're gonna hafta face it someday, old man.  You live in
the same house as him."
        Genma flipped the sign over in response.  It read "Pandas don't
talk."
        "Old fool."  onna-Ranma replied, pushing past Genma.
        Ranma entered the bathroom and stuck her head into the tub room,
checking to see if Soun was already in there.  She figured he didn't need
any more stress, and wanted to avoid him herself for a while longer.
Satisfied all was safe, she peeled off the shirt, and doused herself with
the cold water.  She then drew a nice hot bath, and humming happily to
herself, stepped in.


        A chilling scream from downstairs jolted Akane-Kun awake, sending
a stab of panic down his spine.  The scream sounded like onna-Ranma, and
it sounded painful.
        Bolting from the bed, he grabbed a shirt and threw it over his
shoulders as he flew down the stairs.  Crashing the through the bathroom
door, he saw Ranma's male form in a heap on the floor, convulsing violently
and grabbing at his stomach.  He was unable to speak, but his face showed
incredible pain.
        Soun was next through the door, and Akane-Kun yelled at him to call
Dr. Tofu.  When Genma arrived a few seconds later, he yelled at him to
change back to himself and help get Ranma to a mat.
        Within minutes, Dr. Tofu and Kasumi arrived, and Tofu wasted no
time
in examining Ranma.  He was still screaming in agony and convulsing
terribly,
which had the now female again Akane in a panic.  Kasumi took her
frightened
sister aside, almost having to drag her physically away from her agonizing
husband.  Akane was beside herself with worry, expecting that this had
something to do with their trip to Jusenkyo a few weeks ago.
        As all this took place, Miyabi wandered into the room, rubbing her
eyes sleepily.  Spotting her mother curled up sobbing in Kasumi's arms,
she trotted over to them.
        "Aunt Kasumi, what's wrong with Okaasa?  Was she bad?"  The little
girl asked, hugging her mom.
        "No, Mi-Chan.  Your Daddy is.." Kasumi began, but was interrupted
by Akane sitting bolt upright.
        "It's okay, Mi-Chan.  Mommy just got scared, but I'm okay now." 
She
stated, trying to gather her wits before Miyabi got upset. "Let's go make
breakfast for our company." she sniffed, wiping her eyes.
        "What's wrong with Papa?  He's..."
        Again, Akane broke in quickly.  "Papa fell in the bathroom, and
hurt
his tummy.  Dr. Tofu will fix him up just fine."  She assured, forcing a
smile.
        "You didn't pound him again, did you mom?"  Miyabi inquired, giving
her mother an accusing stare.
        Akane looked incredulously at her daughter, and began to laugh
despite herself.  "No, Mi-Chan.  I didn't pound him."  She replied,
snickering.
        "I'd say she's used to the way things work around here, wouldn't
you Akane?"  Kasumi observed, smiling.

        Dr. Tofu was having a difficult time trying to discover the cause
of Ranma's suffering.  All of his techniques had so far discovered nothing
that would cause the symptoms Ranma had, and he was reaching the end of his
guesses.  Finally, a few carefully administered touches stopped Ranma's
pain, and he 
quieted down.
	Once Ranma lay more or less still, Dr. Tofu began to palpate his chest and
arms, then his legs, and finally, his stomach.  Just as he neared the area
below Ranma's navel, he pulled his hands back as if he had hit a sliver.
        "This can't be.."  He stated in disbelief.
        "What is it, Doctor;  Tell us!"  Soun begged, moving in beside the
Doctor.
        "Let me see one more time..."  Tofu-Sensei answered, again
palpating
Ranma's stomach.  When he reached the area of concern, this time Ranma
reacted, wincing visibly.
        "Get me a bucket of cold water - fast!"
        Before Tofu-Sensei could finish the sentence, Soun had the bucket
in
the Doctor's hands.
        Dr. Tofu wasted no time in splashing Ranma's face, turning him back
into onna-Ranma. "Thank the Gods."  He sighed, dropping the bucket to the
floor.
        Akane ran over to her husband's side, noticing that he was now
completely calm and relaxed, if not a little wet.
        "Doctor?  What is it?  Will he be all right?"  Akane implored,
looking expectantly at Tofu.
        The doctor drew a deep breath, and straightened himself to his full
kneeling height.  A flash rolled across the frame of his glasses as he
prepared to speak.
        "Ranma is.. Pregnant!"
        The entire room face faulted.

        A short while later, onna-Ranma slept peacefully while the others
sat around the low table, discussing this new development.  Akane stared
sheepishly at the table, partially hiding her face behind a large cup.
        "So, it seems that Ranma will have to remain a female during the
entire pregnancy, since changing back to a man would almost certainly cause
the baby to abort.  She almost lost it today, but we changed him back to
his girl-type in time." Dr. Tofu explained, still a little shaken himself.
        "But.. it happened so fast... Ranma has been a guy almost all week,
and not had a problem.  Last night was the first time he'd changed to
onna-Ranma."  Akane stated, speaking from behind the cup.
        "All it took was for the sperm to meet the egg.. I assume her eggs
must have been close to the end of her tubes."
        Akane flushed a deep shade of red.
        "So then.. how will we keep her from changing back?  She's around
water all the time."  Soun injected, inhaling a deep puff from his
cigarette.  Akane 
thanked him silently for the change of subject.
        "You should contact Shampoo.  Remember how Cologne managed to do
that to him with her "Full-Body Cat-Tongue" Technique?  Shampoo should have
all of her great-grandmother's spells around somewhere, and that would be
enough to ensure the baby's safety."  Tofu recommended, heartily.
        "I can do that!"  Akane almost shouted, slamming her cup down on
the table.
        "Akane..."  Kasumi responded, surprised by the sudden move.  "Do
you really think Shampoo will help you?  You know how she feels about
Ranma, even today."
"Shampoo loves children.  She wouldn't do anything to endanger a baby,
even mine."  Akane asserted, her eyes flashing.
        Soun broke out in tears at that statement, dropping his head on
Kasumi's shoulder.
        "Dad!"  Akane screeched, throwing her cup at him and laying him
out on the floor.
        "Akane!"  Kasumi scolded, in an uncharacteristic display of anger.
        "Sorry, Dad.. I'm just a little edgy right now."
        "Did you have to throw it so hard?" a weak voice from the floor
protested.
        At that moment, Nabiki stepped into the room, and, noticing the
gathering and the dozing Ranma, looked at her sisters questioningly.
        "Okay.. something's up here.  Spill it, sis."  She intoned, looking
directly at Akane.
        "Well, it's kind of hard to explain.  You see, Ranma.."  She began,
starting to blush again.
        "Let me guess.  She's pregnant."  Nabiki observed, leaning over and
regarding the prostrate onna-Ranma.  "Way to go, Sis.. didn't know you had
it in you.. literally."
        Akane erked, almost losing her balance.
        "How did you.." She sputtered, staring wide-eyed at her sister.
        "It's obvious.. look at that glow.  Apparently, child-bearing
agrees
with her.  Remember?  Dr. Tofu's Mom even said so."
        Tofu laughed sheepishly at that remark, and Akane walked over to
Ranma to confirm what Nabiki pointed out.  Sure enough, onna-Ranma's face
fairly glowed with robust colour.
        "That reminds me.. Akane, you know how despite possessing a female
body, Ranma never really acted like a girl?  If everything goes according
to the books, that will likely all change.  Over time, her hormones will
react on her like they did with you, only in this case, the changes could
be more dramatic due to the special circumstances." Tofu-Sensei inserted,
thoughtfully.
        "So, what does that mean?"  Akane prodded, curious.
        "You will have to be prepared for changes in her personality. It's
still to early to be sure what they will be, but if things get out of hand,
you can come to me for help."
        "So I take it Ranma wants to keep the baby."  Nabiki stated, still
looking down at her.
        "He.. She doesn't know yet."  Akane replied, wringing her hands.
        "Ohh, this should be good."  Nabiki smirked, envisioning Ranma's
reaction.
        "That's true." Added Kasumi, walking up behind Akane, and placing
a hand on her shoulder. "Before we do anything, we should at least ask her
what she wants to do.  After all, Ranma is a man first... he may not want
this at all."  She continued, covering her mouth with her hand.
Nabiki's eyes sparkled mischievously.  She could sense a wagering
opportunity on the horizon, and already the gears were turning over how to
take maximum advantage.
        "I.. never thought about that."  Akane admitted, quietly.  "I know
how he loves his children, so it never occurred to me that he might not
want this one.  Dr. Tofu, how long will she sleep?"  She asked, walking
over and kneeling beside her husband.
        "She should be able to wake up any time now.  All I did was hit
some pressure points to make her relax."
        "Could you leave us alone, everyone?  I think this... should come
from me."  She asked, eyes downcast.
As everyone rose to leave, Kasumi touched Nabiki's shoulder.  "What was it
you came for, Nabiki?  It's not like you to just drop in unannounced."
        "I wanted to go shopping with Akane and Miyabi today, since
Kuno-Baby
is still out of town.  But this is much more interesting."  She replied,
smiling at Akane.
        Akane returned her a smirk, and turned to her sleeping husband once
again.  She watched as Ranma dozed peacefully, steeling herself for what
she
knew was coming.

        Out  in the yard a few minutes later, the rest of the family sat
near
the pool, discussing the situation and offering their guesses as to what
Ranma would decide to do.  Kasumi played happily with Miyabi and Masao, and
tried to keep them distracted.
        Abruptly, their conversations were disrupted by a horrific shriek
from within the house.
        "I'M WHAT??" blasted the words, combined with a Chi flare that blew
the outside doors off the dining room.

        The next day, the Tendou Dojo became the center of attention,
courtesy of one Kuno Nabiki, who wanted to get as many takers on her pool
as she could.  All the women the Saotomes knew had congregated around
Ranma,
wanting to talk to the only pregnant man they would likely ever know.  They
fussed, chattered, interrogated and advised poor Ranma into a tizzy, all so
excited over the prospect.
        Akane herself was bombarded with well-wishers, including Mikado,
the only other man to ever kiss onna-Ranma.  He had heard over the
grapevine
of Akane's transformation, and came to congratulate her on her conquest.
Had she not been in the middle of a crowd of friends, she would have given
him more than the quick shot to the gut that left him wheezing on the
ground.
Asuza, meanwhile, thought he turned a kawaii shade of blue.
        Finally, as evening fell and the guests had filtered out, Ranma
collapsed on a mat beside an equally worn-out Akane.
        "Man.. I never knew a baby was such a big event with women.  It's
like they were all pregnant, too."  She observed, tiredly.
        "Well, it is Ranma.  Having children is very important to us.  It's
the most special time of our lives."  Akane stated, wistfully.  As she
spoke,
she stroked the side of onna-Ranma's face tenderly.
        "There is one thing though... it's really strange to be on the
other
side of the situation.  I just hope..."  She broke off, looking down at
Ranma, who in turn looked back up at her.  "I shouldn't say anything." She
continued, softly.  Ranma, hearing the unasked question, swung to a sitting
position, and took Akane by the shoulders.
        "Akane.. I know that I'm a guy inside, and it's not very macho to
be
thinking like this, but I.. want to keep this baby.  After all, no matter
whether it was backwards or not, it's our child.  To hell with the rest of
the situation."
        "Ranma... I love you."
        "I love you Akane.. and I know you'll turn out to be a great Dad."
Ranma replied, bracing for the blow she expected. When it didn't come, she
opened her eyes slowly, and saw Akane looking at her with the strangest
expression on her face.. sort of half-way between a smile and a cry, with
moisture collecting in her eyes.
        Ranma gently pulled her into a hug, at which Akane sighed into her
shoulder, "Ranma, No Baka."

        A few minutes later, Akane and Ranma wandered hand-in-hand out to
the pool, just enjoying the quiet and the moonlight.  As they stood
wordless,
gazing into the shimmering water, a voice from behind them broke the
silence.
        "About time you two come.  It cold out here with no coat!"
        "Shampoo!" they exclaimed in stereo, both startled out of their
wits.
        "How long have you been here?"  Akane asked first, regarding the
blue-haired Chinese Amazon.
        "Shampoo been here all day; not able to get you two alone to talk
about Full-Body Cat-Tongue.  Too many peoples around."
        "The Full-Body Cat-Tongue?  Akane, what's going on?" Ranma
inquired,
regarding Akane questioningly.
        "Dr. Tofu says you have to remain a girl for the entire pregnancy,
because changing back to a guy will abort the baby.  We asked Shampoo about
using the "Full-Body Cat-Tongue" Technique to keep you a girl by making you
afraid of hot water.  I never got a chance to tell you with everyone here,
and I still didn't even know if you wanted to keep the baby."  Akane
explained hurriedly, knowing she had to make her point quick.  Onna-Ranma
hated the Full-Body Cat-Tongue when it was inflicted on her by Cologne,
and she expected that her opinion would be much the same now.
        Ranma stood quietly for a few seconds, considering her options.
        Akane stood by nervously, and Shampoo simply tapped her foot
impatiently.
        "Okay. For our baby, I'll do it."
        "Hai-ya!  I knew Girl-type Ranma not let us down.  Okay.  Shampoo
do Full-Body Cat-Tongue, make you girl-type for good, yes?"  She giggled,
delighted to be able to help.
Ranma was floored by her reaction, expecting her to ask some sort of price.
Even Akane, who hoped for just such a situation, was surprised.  Shampoo
noticed this, turned to Akane with a sincere face, and took her by the
hands.
        "I no play games.  Baby something too special to use in tricks.
After what Great-Grandmother do to you, I owe you this much, yes?  Also,
Shampoo no have any babies yet.. Stupid Mousse no give me any.  This as
close as I get for now."  She admitted, almost sadly.
        "Thanks, Shampoo... I won't forget this."  Akane responded, looking
into the Amazon's eyes.
        "Oh, Shampoo... " Ranma injected, anxiously.
        "What you want?  We having a moment here."
        "You will change me back after this, right?  I don't want to stay
a girl forever.  Just till the baby is born."  Ranma asked, cautiously.
        "You know I have anti-dote.  You use before, remember?  Just stand
still and take medicine."
        Before Ranma could react, Shampoo's hand shot forward and caught
her in the sternum, and Ranma could feel a strange tingling wash over her.
        "There.  Now you no be boy-type no more.  After baby comes, you
visit
Shampoo for anti-dote.  We fix you up, you bet!"  Shampoo giggled again,
quite pleased with herself.
        Akane sighed, then turned and ran into the kitchen, returning with
a
kettle full of hot water.  As she neared onna-Ranma, she closed her eyes,
and let it fly.
        "Ho!  Akane!  That's too hot!"  onna-Ranma shrieked, dancing around
to avoid the boiling water.
        "You see?  It work so good!  You no able to stand hot water, so no
more boy-type till after baby!"
        "This is perfect.  Thanks again, Shampoo."  Akane bowed, tossing
the
kettle aside.
        "Shampoo must go back to Nekohanten now.. been away too long, and
Mousse no good at Cash.  Nihao, Ranma!"  she exclaimed, leaping over the
back fence and into the night.
        Akane watched her go, then turned happily to onna-Ranma and took
her
hands.
        "How do you feel?"  Akane asked, looking Ranma over from head to
toe.
        "Aside from scared, just a bit dizzy.  That Shampoo has still got
it,
hasn't she?"
        "I suppose.  I'm just happy we don't have to worry about you
anymore."
        "Let's go inside, Akane.. I feel like I should lay down for a
while."
        "That's probably a good idea, Ranma.. or should I say, 'Mommy'."
Akane replied, smiling.
        "...Mommy..."  onna-Ranma whispered, the word and it's implications
slowly sinking in.  Unconsciously, her hand moved over her tummy, gently
stopping over the new baby.
        Akane, noting the odd expression on onna-Ranma's face, grew
concerned.
"Something wrong, Ranma?" she asked, nervously.
        "No.. " Ranma replied, slowly.  Meeting Akane's gaze, her
expression
brightened.  "In fact, things couldn't be any better."  She continued,
smiling.

        The next morning, Akane awoke at her usual time, and was surprised
to discover onna-Ranma still asleep beside her.  Leaning over, she kissed
the red-haired girl's forehead gently.  Feeling the brush of Akane's lips,
Ranma opened her eyes slowly.
        "Morning, lazybones... Time to get up.  I have to get the kids fed,
and Mi-Chan off to school."  Akane stated happily, flinging the blanket off
and rising to a sit.
        "Oooaaaggghhh.. Kuso, Akane.. I feel like I never slept at all last
night.  Is that normal?" Ranma groaned, wearily.
        "Yes, it sure is.  Welcome to motherhood, Ranma!" Akane responded,
cheerfully.
        "Great.  I feel like I had some bad octopus or something.. Akane,
could you hand me a shirt or nightgown?  I gotta get to the bathroom."
Ranma
replied, turning a noticeable shade of green.
        Akane had to suppress a giggle as she tossed a nightgown at her
spouse, and as onna-Ranma staggered unsteadily out of the room. she thought
to herself how amusing it was going to be to see Ranma go through all of
this.

        Ranma tried to conduct business as usual in the Dojo, but noticed
that she was having a really hard time concentrating on the classes.  Not
to
mention the frequent trips to the bathroom that she couldn't avoid.  By
the end of the day, she was thoroughly frustrated.
        As the family sat around the low table for supper, onna-Ranma
didn't
feel much like eating.
        "Akane, it was awful.  I couldn't even think straight out there
today." Ranma stated, wearily.
        "It's called Morning Sickness, Ranma.  It's all a part of having
children.  Just wait.. it gets better." Akane replied, grinning smugly.
        "Well, it sure takes the shine off it." Ranma added, bitterly.
        At the opposite end of the table, Genma growled disapprovingly at
Ranma's lamentations.
        "What's your problem, Pop?" Ranma asked, innocently.
        "Ranma!  What are you, a cry-baby?  You've been handed a training
opportunity that no other martial artist could ever dream of having!  You
should be grateful, and all you want to do is complain!" Genma yelled,
leaning forward over the table.
        Ranma's eyes flared with anger.  "Is that all this is to you?
A 'Training Opportunity?'  Listen, Pop.. I'm stuck as a girl, and pregnant
to boot.  And on top of all that, I'm sick all day long!  If you think that
makes good training, then you're more of an old fool than even I thought
you
were!"  Ranma shouted, eyes shimmering with tears.
        "Listen, Ranma.. a true Martial Artist can turn any..."  He was cut
off in mid sentence by the deftly-thrown iron pot ricocheting off his
forehead.
        "Suck on that, old man!  Now, leave me alone!" onna-Ranma ordered,
turning and striding away.  "I'm going to bed!" she continued, heading up
the stairs.
        "Hmmmm.. Out cold.  He should know better than to try that on
someone 
in her condition."  Soun observed, looking down at Genma's dented cranium.
        "Dad!" Akane scolded, shooting him a look.
        Miyabi, meantime, well used to such goings on, reached over and
swiped her Dad's supper.

        That evening, Akane sat at the low table enjoying tea with Kasumi,
who had stopped in to check on them and drop off some fresh, home made
coconut cakes.
        "So she's having morning sickness, is she?  Oh, Dear.. I hope it
doesn't last too long.  You were lucky there, Akane.. yours only lasted
about a week and a half." Kasumi said, thinking back.
        "Yeah.. I was lucky.  Ranma's seems to be more violent than mine
ever was, though, and lasts longer into the day.  I'm a bit concerned."
        "Well, have her keep some plain crackers beside the bed, and tell
her to eat a couple before getting up each day.  That might help with the
nausea and dizziness." Kasumi advised, smiling.
        "I remember that.. Thanks, Kasumi.  I'll bring some to her
tonight."
        Just then, onna-Ranma appeared in the hall, wearing one of Akane's
nightgowns, and looking truly rough.
        "Feel any better, Ranma?" Akane asked, gently.
        "A bit.. That little rest helped a lot." She replied, yawning and
stretching.
        Akane and Kasumi looked at each other wordlessly, then both began
to giggle.
        "What's so funny?" Ranma asked, wiping her hair away from her eyes.
        "I'm sorry, Ranma, but it's just so cute to see you going through
all these things." Akane responded, running up to onna-Ranma and hugging
her happily.
        "Trust me Akane, it's definitely UN-cute." She replied, bitterly.

        Over the next week, Ranma tried valiantly to keep up the teaching,
but found herself increasingly unable to concentrate, and noticed a
distinct
lack of energy.  As well, her morning sickness kept her running to the
bathroom constantly.  Akane became more and more concerned, and finally
booked her an appointment to see Dr. Tofu.  Ranma reluctantly agreed, and
turned the teaching responsibility over to Soun and Genma.
        On the appointed day, as Akane and onna-Ranma sat in Tofu-Sensei's
waiting room, the opening of the door heralded the arrival of another
patient.  It was the old man that lived down the street from the Doctor's
office, and he stopped short in his tracks when he saw the two women.
He noticed Akane, whom he recognised immediately, and he saw all the "New
Mother' pamphlets in onna-Ranma's hands.  His brow furrowed, and he finally
could not contain his curiosity.
        "Saotome Akane.. I didn't know your daughter was of the age to
have children.  I must be getting older than I thought."  he stated,
scratching his balding head.
        Akane's mouth dropped open, and she stared at the old man, unable
to respond.  Ranma couldn't resist the temptation.
        "I.. He - She's not.." Akane sputtered, still unable to get the
words out.
        "Tell him, Okaasa.. I am so old enough." Ranma exclaimed. feigning
indignance.  "Tell him how you can't wait for the grand-kids!" She
continued, 
hugging Akane's arm tightly.
        Akane, meanwhile, had finally gotten her wits about her, and
whispered in Ranma's ear.  "I'll get you for this, Ranma!" Ranma could only
giggle in response.
        Just at that moment, Kasumi appeared in the doorway to the
examining
rooms, and called the two of them in.  Once they got out of sight of the
waiting room, Akane got off a half-speed punch to Ranma's shoulder.
        "0w!  Hey, whatja do that for?"
        "Don't ever do something like that to me again, you jerk!" Akane
retorted, angrily.
        "Huh.. and I thought you had a sense of humour.."
        "Not about that!"
        Just as Ranma was about to issue a return shot, Dr. Tofu stepped
in from the rear door.  He handed Ranma a dressing gown, told her to strip
and change into it, then lay down on the table.  He also mentioned that he
would be back in a moment to examine her.
        Akane's face suddenly lit up with a mischievous grin.
        "What's that all about?" Ranma asked, as she pulled her top up
over her head, and tossed it aside.
        "You'll find out soon enough." Akane stated, grinning smugly.

        Half an hour later, when Kasumi called Akane back into the
examining
room, she saw a fully dressed Ranma sitting on the edge of the table,
looking totally stunned.  Instantly, Akane burst out laughing.
        "You knew all along he was gonna do that, didn't you?"  Ranma
accused, angrily.
        "I told you I'd get you back, Ranma!"  Akane gasped between howls
of laughter.
        "That wasn't funny.. and it hurt, too!"  Ranma pouted, bitterly.
        "Serves you right!  Never bug a woman about her age!" Akane
retorted,
still laughing hysterically.  Kasumi, meantime, had to turn her back to
conceal her own laughter.
        Finally, Dr. Tofu returned to the room, chart in hand.  As soon as
Akane saw him, she lost it all over again.  Ranma just sat quietly, her
face burning red.
        Once everyone had calmed down, Dr. Tofu delivered his report.
        "The baby is doing great, and Ranma here is as healthy as a horse.
There is one thing that I discovered, though, that I didn't expect."
        "I don't like the sound of this.." Ranma groaned, looking at Akane.
        "So.. is it good or bad?" Akane implored, expecting the worst.
        "I'm not yet prepared to say it's either.  What I discovered is
that this pregnancy is awakening the Spirit that shares your body, Ranma."
        "What?  Is that possible?" Ranma exclaimed, stunned.
        "According to 'The Legend of Jusenkyo, Third Edition, Revised
1994',
the Spirit normally remains dormant, lending only it's body and some skills
to it's host.  But in this case, the creation of the new life inside a
shared body is throwing the curse a curve; the Spirit is reviving, and her
Chi is becoming noticeable.  In fact, I sensed it during the examination."
        "What?  You mean it's coming to life?" blurted Ranma, aghast.
        "No.  It means that this has never happened before, and bears
watching.  For the moment, it's having no noticeable effect on either
Ranma or the baby... But, I can't predict what will come of it later.
We'll just have to see."
        "Great..." Ranma muttered, sighing.
        "And that's not all.  Your blood test showed a deficiency in
estrogen, which would account for your problems with concentration and
energy."
        "Estrogen?" Ranma echoed, inquiringly.
        "A female growth hormone.  Your 50/50 body isn't producing enough
to properly meet the demand.  We'll have to start giving you weekly
injections to maintain the proper level."
        "Female hormones?  Hey.. this isn't gonna make me.."
        "More feminine?  Definitely.  But, it's only for the short term,
and the effects will reverse themselves."
        Akane couldn't help but grin smugly.
        Ranma's head dropped, and she sighed heavily.  "What happens if
I don't take them?" She asked, weakly.
        "It's not really a matter of choice, Ranma.. if you want that baby,
you must have the shots.  I can't stress that enough.  I have the first
one here, and then we'll follow with a regular series on you." Tofu-Sensei
replied, holding up the syringe.
        Ranma sighed once more, and glanced over to Akane.  Akane caught
the unspoken plea, and moved in close to Ranma.  They looked into each
other's eyes for a moment, then Ranma turned to the doctor and regarded
him levelly.
        "Okay, Doc.. If it's for the baby.. I'll do anything."
        "A wise decision, Ranma.  Roll up your sleeve."
        Akane, realising how much of a blow Ranma's strong male pride
had just suffered, leaned forward and kissed her gently.
        "Thank you Ranma.. for me and for our baby." She said, softly.


        At home that night, Ranma lay on the roof, watching the stars as
she had been since after supper.  All the new developments had her a bit
freaked out, and she needed some time to think.
        Most disturbing was the news about the spirit Dr. Tofu had
detected... Ranma knew what having a Spirit along for the ride meant to
her, and feared that the baby may inherit it.
        She sighed aloud, and pulled herself to a sitting position.  Just
then, Akane landed a few feet away.
        "Still bothering you, is it?" she asked, sitting beside her spouse.
        "Yeah.. this 'Spirit' business has me worried.  If it comes to life
and curses the baby..." She couldn't finish the sentence.  She just stared
out into the night sky, her face contorted with anger.
        "Dr.  Tofu said it's not affecting either of you, so maybe it's too
soon to be worrying.  It'll be alright, Ranma.." Akane assured, slipping an
arm around her hubby.  "Don't get so upset.. we can deal with this."
        "Akane... "Ranma began, turning and looking deep into her eyes.
"What is it about you that makes me believe that?" she continued, her face
softening to a gentle smile.
        Akane returned Ranma's look wordlessly, then gently pushed her down
on her back.  "You're madly in love with me." She replied, moving in to
kiss
her hubby affectionately.
        Suddenly, Onna-Ranma forgot all about her troubles.




========================================================================
End - Almost a Miracle Part 2 of 3,       A Ranma 1/2 FanFic By V. Coutu



Comments Welcome, Flames Extinguished!
coutuva@vecdev.com


Well, there you have it.. Part Two of my first ever attempt at a Fanfic.
I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!  Enjoy!


Apologies to Takahashi-Chan, <If I may be so forward> for whom I
have the greatest regard!


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he achieves it... like it's damn-near instinctive."
Maj. Motoko Kusanagi.