On Mon, 15 Sep 1997, Coutuva wrote:

As always, C&C is anticipated, accepted, and appreciated.
My thanks to Kunoichi, whose "Ranma Nibun no ichi" Lemon
Series inspired my Ranma works, and to Susan Doenime, whose
Fanfic "Poison" contributed to this episode.

Well, that tips a plot point...

        Eyes starting to tear up and chest tightening, Kikyo tried
her best to sniff back her tears, but she knew it was a losing battle.
Finally, she buried her face in her hands and let herself cry, cursing
the day she had ever heard the word 'burakumin'.

Thought so...

        "Moshi, Moshi."  Nabiki answered, mildly annoyed at the
interruption.  "Ano... a light came on?  You mean she's there?
Move in!  Move in!  I want her taken to the safehouse and held there
until I say different.  What about the redhead?" she asked excitedly,
but then her face dropped at the reply.  "Okay. Just get her, then.
Watch it, though.. she's deadly with guns.  And don't hurt her, or you
could very well end up dead.  No, I'm *not* kidding.  And if that
redhead shows up, just leave the girl and get out... fast!  Call me
when you have things under control.  Good work.  Bye."

Thought this might happen...

        Nabiki's eyes sparkled at the thought of having the girlfriend on
ice, thinking that she could then be 'convinced' to get out of the picture.
She figured that if there were no distractions, it would be easier to work
on getting Ranma back to normal... with a little specialized help from
some friends.

If there weren't a few complications...

        "That is correct.  I was to come and explain your true fate to
your mortal kin.  Your presence is... unexpected." 

But probably for the best, considering...

        "I am.  As your husband has likely pointed out..." Mu Lin began,
only to be interrupted by a surprisingly angry outburst from Akane.

I'm not surprised.

        "You're the one that stole his body for your little 'quest'."
Akane hissed, eyes narrow and forehead wrinkling.  "Did it ever occur
to you, 'Miss Princess', that he had a family?!?   A wife and children
left hanging with no word about their husband and father?  We agonized
for almost six months not knowing if he was alive or dead, male or female,
or if he was still even himself!"  she continued, her voice rising to a
scream.  "I hope your success was sweet, because it sure as hell left a
bitter taste with us!"  she added, her voice suddenly cracking as a tear
rolled down her reddened cheek.
        Mu Lin was totally unprepared for the ferocity of Akane's response,
and stood wordlessly staring at the woman.  That reaction only seemed
to fuel Akane's rage.
        "You took him from us... and used his body and soul for your own
ends.  Now, our children have no father... I have no husband... and all
because you happened to need a body!  It's a good thing you're already
dead, 'Princess', because if you weren't... I'd kill you!"  Akane
shrieked, turning and running from the yard as tears streamed from
her eyes.
        Mu Lin was stunned.  She had expected that once she had explained
what had really transpired, Ranma's family would have been proud of his
sacrifice... instead, his wife was beyond furious.

Riiight.  "Your husband died so I could do this neat stuff, and not 
bother to give you any consideration until it was all over."  That was 
going to be her repayment to Ranma?

        "Hah!  You don't even know her... I'll bet you don't even know
that 'she' has a wife and young kids back in Japan!  And 'she' has been
married for several years!"  the woman taunted, pointing a gloved finger
at Kikyo.

Just like it said on page two of that missing person report...

        Kikyo's mouth opened, but no sound came out.  The words of her
captor had reached into the back corners of her mind, dragging up
one of her worst fears.  All the time she had known Hitomi, she always
worried that the man she used to be might have had a family in Japan...
now, it was too late.
        "And we did a little digging into your background, sweetie..."
Kikyo's captor added, a smirk detectable beneath her mask.  "So, I have
to ask... what makes you think that 'she' would ever want to have a life
with someone who's burakumin?"  her captor added, coldly.

Now that's just cheap...

        Suddenly, she knew she had nothing left to fight for.
        Silently, she closed her eyes and lowered her head.  As her tears
began to fall into her lap, she took a deep, slow, wavering breath.
        "Suki da yo, Hitomi-chan... Gomen nasai... Sayonara..."  she
whispered, and suddenly tipped her chair forward.

idiot.  Stupid, selfish idiot.

        "Akane-chan?"  Ranma ventured, floating up behind the crying woman.
        "H-Hai, Ranma?"  she responded at length, her tears making it
difficult to talk.
        "What happened back there?"  he asked, settling in beside her on the
guardrail she had finally perched on.
        "Akane-chan... I love you, too... and as I said a while ago,  I
came back from the other side to tell you that.  I am dead... and my body
belongs to someone else.  But this is me... the part of me that you love,
the part of me that made me who I am.  Mu Lin wasn't the one who decided
what she was doing... she was given a job.  She had to avert a war between

Wrong.  Mu Lin is indeed the one who decided to build Hitomi a cozy 
little life in Canada without bothering to check on Ranma's family or to 
help them when they needed it.  (It's just a little too damn much of a 
coincidence that Hitomi found the one daycare in Canada that would hire 
an illegal alien with no work experience the very first day she went 
looking for a job..._)\

        "You mean... the baby..."  she began, but her voice failed her.

Ah...

        "Hai.  I was already dead.  Killed instantly."  Ranma confirmed
quietly, lowering his eyes.  "Akane-chan, I'm truly and deeply sorry for
what has happened to you and the kids... you didn't deserve this.  If
there was any way I could've made it easier, I would've."  he added,

But Mu Lin wouldn't've...

        Abruptly,  Nabiki's cell phone trilled insistantly, disrupting the
nascent conversation.
        "Gomen... I'll get it."  Nabiki flustered, quickly opening the phone.
"Moshi... What?!?  What the hell did you do?!?  Nevermind!  How is she?"
Nabiki shouted, startling everyone present.  "Oh, my God... You stupid...!
You'd better hope she does!"  Nabiki continued, her face contorted in
obvious panic.  "Keep me posted!"  she concluded, slapping the phone shut.

Bad news indeed...

        "NO!"  Nabiki yelled back, shocking everyone.  "I have NOTHING to
apologise for!  She wasn't supposed to get hurt!" she added angrily,
leaping to her feet.  "But that has nothing to do with it... I was only
trying to get Ranma back for Akane... My Sister!  Her mother died 20
years ago, and it tore her heart out... and now, you and that hentai
bimbo come along and steal the only other person she ever loved!  Do you
have a *clue* what that did to her?  And her kids?  All this time with
no idea what happened?  How the hell would you like it?!?  I don't even
care what your reason is...  I'm not going to stop until he comes back
to her... one way or another!"  Nabiki yelled, her eyes seething even
more than Mu Lin's.
        Mu Lin glared at Nabiki hard for several seconds, then dissipated
the energy ball and her aura.  Eyes narrowing, she regarded Nabiki
contemptuously.
        "Woman... your motives do not justify the means.  You resort to
base trickeries, lies and bullying to accomplish your ends, and in so
doing have brought great dishonor upon yourself.  I should, in accordance
with my pledge, kill you where you stand.  But, I will not.  Unlike you,
I believe there is a value to life... but yours has none.  I will not
waste my energy on one such as you.  Better for you to live, and endure
the dishonor."  Mu Lin stated bitterly, regarding Nabiki as if she were
trash.  Nabiki's mouth dropped open, but before she could protest, Mu Lin
stepped toward her and shook her head in pity.
        "This family has suffered greatly... and your actions have brought
them shame.  Enjoy your life,  Kuno Nabiki."  Mu Lin stated, abruptly
fading from sight.

Cheap shot, Mu Lin, considering how much *your* actions added to their 
suffering and shame...

        "Thank you, Mu Lin, for sparing my sister-in-law's life."  Ranma
bowed, smiling.
        "I cannot bring any more sorrow to your family, Ranma."  Mu Lin
replied, lowering her eyes.  "I must express my apologies for my
brashness... though I would likely have done your family a service."
she added, raising her gaze.

Well, if you apologize for the rest of it, we'll consider your not 
burning in hell...

and immediately touched her cheek.
        "She lives... but not for much longer.  Her neck is broken and her
brain is injured... she could actually survive,  but she desires death.
She feels that she does not deserve the love of Hitomi... and thereby has
no reason to live."  Mu Lin indicated softly, her eyes misting up.  "She

Well, she doesn't deserve Hitomi's love so far, considering their entire 
relationship is built on lies...

        "They told me she has children... and was married.  I... kept
her from seeking that knowledge because I didn't want to lose her."
        "No, Kikyo... *I* have the kids... *I* have a wife.  Hitomi does
not.  She posesses what was once my body, and parts of my soul... but
she's an entirely new person... one that loves you with all that she

Yes, but Kikyo did *not* know that at the time.  Intentions count.

        "No, Ranma... you don't."  Kikyo acquiesced, shamefully.  "I've
been baka, haven't I?"  she added, remorsefully.

For a long time.

        "Hai.  I am.  I can't wait to see Anata again... and tell her
how much I... missed her."  Kikyo responded, quietly.

But not the truth?

Hitomi, ne?"  he added, winking.  "You two were made for each other."

More like Mu Lin made Hitomi for Kikyo...

        In Nerima, the remanants of the door had been cleared away,
and Akane was in the kitchen preparing more food for her still somewhat
shaken family.

eeps!

        Mu Lin related the entire story, from the accident to the
conlusion of the mission in China, and the entire gathering listened
intently.  As she concluded,  Nodoka wiped her tears and rose to face
Mu Lin.

But she never does apologize for the bad stuff...

        "Shhh... It's okay, Akane-chan.  You'll see."  Kasumi assured,
stroking her sister's hair.  "These things always work out."

heh.

the Realm of the Light, or to remain on the Mortal plane as a Spirit.
Bear in mind your decision is final, and the choice will be offered
but once.  Choose, Saotome Ranma."  the voice continued, falling silent
in anticipation of his answer.

I'd say it's a pretty obvious choice.

        "It is done... we expected nothing less.  You are aware that
you must abide by the tenets of the Realm of the Light?"

Hmmm....

        "I am.  And I know the price for screwing up, too."  he added,
glancing at Mu Lin.

Did she screw up?  Certainly she didn't do as well as she could have...

        Mu Lin looked at the ground for a moment, then raised her eyes
to the mass before her.  "I have sought nothing more than to be granted
my final rest... but I ask one final indulgence.  A matter remains
unresolved on the Mortal plane... I wish to address it, and then I will
accept my rest."  Mu Lin replied, lowering her eyes again.

Ho-kay...

thing is, I'm still a Spirit... something like Mu Lin here."  he
indicated, happily.  "They called us in and told us what the deal
was, and I get to stay."  he added, grinning.

Okay, so that's the Spirit World paying its debt to Ranma, now, what is 
Mu Lin going to do to pay *her* debt to Ranma?

        "Ranma... though I shall miss you, It is time for me to depart.
Hitomi must return, and I must take my place.  I wish you and your
family well... and that your lives are long."  Mu Lin indicated,
extending her hand toward Ranma.

Apparently nothing...

        Outside the house, Shampoo paced about the yard, anxiously
waiting.  Finally, her acute senses detected the presence she was waiting
for.
        "I thought I had missed you."  Shampoo commented, relief on her
face as she turned to greet Mu Lin.
        "Had you not waved through the door, you would have.  What is it
you wish of me, Amazon?  I must depart."  Mu Lin asked, somewhat
impatiently.
        "I want... to go back to Canada.  I have no life here any more,

And what about your husband, Hm?

                                                         
        "Hitomi... she's gorgeous!  Where did you get her?"  Kikyo
breathed, taking the cat from Hitomi and sitting it on her tummy.  The
cat purred happily and rubbed it's ears on Kikyo's outstretched hand.

Oh, this is going to be interesting...

        "See?  She even likes you...  I checked with the super already, and
we can keep her in the apartment."  Hitomi noted, her large blue eyes
fairly sparkling.
        "Hitomi-chan... I'm so glad you're here.  I've missed you so
much... I can't even begin to tell you."  Kikyo sniffed, smiling
happily.
        "Chee... It's only been a couple of hours, Kiko-chan..."  Hitomi
replied, regarding Kikyo like she was from another planet.
        "I wish...  Hug me, Anata... real tight."
        "Is it okay?  I won't hurt you, will I?"
        "Hitomi-chan... you could never hurt me."  Kikyo assured, opening
her arms to her lover.

	But you're still going to have to tell her the truth.  All of 
it.  (Or at least the parts Kikyo knows...for example, she doesn't know 
Nabiki's off her back now...)

        At the same time in another part of the Province, a young woman
lay on an examining table, her swollen midsection exposed and smeared
with clear gel.  A Doctor sat beside her, working an Ultrasound unit over
her tummy and watching the ghostly image on a small screen.
        "It looks fantastic, Elysse... healthy and strong, if not a bit
big for it's age."  the Doctor commented, sounding quite pleased.  "So,
do you want to know?"
        "Yes... I think I do.  What is it?"  Elysse responded, voice
wavering with excitement as she leaned up to see the monitor.
        "Wellll... it looks like... Yep. It's a boy.  Congratulations,
Elysse!"  the Doctor exclaimed, beaming.
        "A boy... just what I wanted.  Thank you Doctor."  she gushed,
smiling and laying her head back down on the pillow.  As she waited
for the Doctor to finish the exam, her hand found her necklace, and
she began to toy with the large gold ring it was threaded through.

Hmmm....

Her smile grew even wider as she thought of one more person she
needed to thank. "And thank you, Ranma Saotome.  I'll make you proud
of him."  she thought to herself, slowly closing her eyes.

Still boggled no one thought of checking with Elysse for the last six 
months.  Well, you can fix that by having her come home and parent saying 
"Where have you been for the last (amount of time)?  Your friend Akane 
Saotome from Japan left all sorts of messages, apparently her husband 
Ranma got into an accident here in Canada and disappeared.  You should 
hear how upset she is!"  or something like that...


SKJAM!