The conclusion of Chapter 10 is finally written.  As I said, there will
be a sequel after I finish a couple of shorter projects.  In the
meantime, I welcome all comments on either the series as a whole or this
chapter.  I hope everyone enjoys reading it.  Thanks go to David
Johnston and Kaneda Saotome for serving as prereaders.

Disclaimer:      The characters and situations of Ranma 1/2 are owned by
Rumiko Takahashi and are used in this fanfic without permission.  That
doesn't really surprise anyone though, does it?
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10:
     Ranma was rising to leave the table after breakfast, when Nodoka
motioned for her to remain.  "Ranko, I'd like to talk to you and Ryoga
about what happened last night.  I know that you're unhappy you don't
get to go to China, but you shouldn't sulk.  It isn't ladylike."
     "I'm sorry.  It's just so disappointing.  If Ryoga hadn't blown up
half the auditorium..."
     Nodoka directed a stern look at Ranma.  "I don't think it's fair to
blame Ryoga, dear.  It was Mikado's fault for attacking him even after
he lost the first duel."
     "Yeah.  I wanted to go to China just as much as you."  Seeing that
Ranma wasn't being moved by his protests, Ryoga shifted tactics.
"Besides, Kuno did more damage to the school than me."
     "I'm afraid I don't understand.  Was there another fight at the
dance?"
     "Two.  Kodachi attacked Ranko and Kuno and Ukyo fought as well."
     Nodoka turned back to Ranko after Ryoga finished speaking.  "Have
you considered transferring to a different school, Ranko?  Furinkan
seems to be rather violent.  I've heard good things about St. Hebereke."

     Ranma laughed uneasily at the suggestion.  "I don't think that
would be a good idea.  Kodachi goes there.  Anyway, I don't want to go
to an all-girl school."
    "Yes I suppose that if you did transfer, you'd want Ryoga to go with
you."
    "The fighting isn't too bad.  We're getting today off, while they
repair the damage, aren't we?"
    "You should devote more effort to your education, Ranko.  But, since
you do have the day off from school, why don't we spend some time
together?"
    "That sounds like a great idea, Auntie Saotome."  Inwardly, Ranma's
mind was racing.  The dance hadn't been a complete fiasco.  It wouldn't
take much more before her mom thought Ranma was a perfect lady.

===================

     "Nabiki, I found this picture while I was cleaning your room.  Do
you know anything about it?"
     Nabiki glanced at the picture Kasumi held.  "Yes I do.  Remember
that night that Ranma was supposed to have spent in my room?"
     "I take it he didn't."
     "Right.  It's no big deal.  Ranma and Ryoga are both guys and they
just got a bit tangled up while they were sleeping."
     "I know that."  Kasumi paused briefly, considering how to
continue.  "There are some people that might not see it that way,
though.  I really think you shouldn't..."
     Nabiki cut in, impatiently, "Sell copies for a huge profit?  Don't
worry, Kasumi.  I don't mind a little chaos, but what that would cause
is well past my limits.  I will keep the picture as a souvenir
though."   Kasumi jerked back, a moment too late, as Nabiki snatched the
picture from her hand.
    "I think you should get rid of it.  If the wrong person saw it it
could cause a lot of trouble for Ranma."
    "Don't worry about Ranma.  He's perfectly capable of creating
problems for himself without my help."

===================

     Ryoga walked through the unknown territory, eyes alert and every
sense straining.  Actually, he was fairly certain that he was still in
the Tendos' home, but it didn't pay to take chances.  It had been over
an hour since Akane had given him directions to the living room, after
all.  He smiled in relief when he finally found the person he'd been
seeking.  "Ran-"  Ryoga spotted the other occupant of the room and
stopped himself, barely in time.  "Ranko, I was wondering if you wanted
to spar a bit."
     "I'm sorry, but I can't right now.  I'm helping Auntie Saotome with
some housework."
     "If you want to spend some time with Ryoga, that's all right,
dear."
     "No, I can do that later.  I think I'd like to talk to him alone
for a minute though."
     Nodoka smiled as she watched watched the two teenagers step into
the kitchen.  It was unusual to find to people so young who were that
close.  You'd almost think that they were involved in some elaborate
plot together.
     In the kitchen, Ryoga spoke softly to Ranma.  "Housework?  Don't
you think that you're taking this a bit far?"
     Ranma's reply was equally quiet.  "No.  Today's the last day."
     "What are you talking about?"
     "The plan, remember?  I mailed the Tendo's a letter a couple of
days ago.  It should arrive today and it says that I left for Korea
yesterday."
     "Are you sure that you can make it convincing?"
     "I passed through Korea on my way to China."  Ranma paused a
puzzled expression on her face.  "You should know that.  You went there
too when you followed me."
     "Heh, heh.  I knew that."
     "Sure you did."
     Ranma reentered the kitchen while Ryoga wandered off.

====================

     "You're back already, Soun?"
     "I just went out to pick up the mail.  How interesting, there's a
letter from Ranma."  Soun froze as the meaning of the letter registered
on his mind.
     "A letter from my son?"
     "I- That is what it says."
     "May I read it?"  Nodoka eagerly grabbed the letter from Soun, who
did not protest.  "According to the return address the letter was mailed
from Korea."  Nodoka quickly opened the letter and read it.  "Ranma says
that they've heard about a mysterious temple in the mountains.  He and
Genma have gone looking for it and Ranma doesn't know when they'll be
able to return."
     "I suppose this means you'll be leaving soon."
     "What?  Oh no, you don't have to worry about that Ranko."
     "I don't?  I mean I thought you were waiting for Ranma to come
back."
     "I still am.  But, you've become almost as much my child as Ranma
is. Even if Ranma does return, I won't abandon you."
     Ranma's mind reeled at the statement.  "That's great.  I-I'll go
tell the others about Ranma's letter," she choked out.
     "Poor girl, obviously overcome by emotion."

====================

     Ranma burst into the dojo gesturing excitedly.  "Ryoga, we've go to
talk.  My plan didn't work.  My mom is staying."
     "And you put so much thought into it too.  What could have possibly
gone wrong?"  Ryoga's tone stopped just short of a sneer.  Fortunately,
Ranma was too distraught to notice.
     "Just what is this plan, Ranma?"
     "Akane!  What are you doing here?"
     "Ryoga was helping me train."
     "He was just helping you train, huh?  We'll talk about that later."
      "Ranma, forget about that.  I asked you a question," Akane said,
her voice acquiring a slight edge.
     "We were going to convince my mom to leave, by making her think
that Ranko was a perfect lady.  The idea was that she wouldn't have any
reason to stay.  Only it didn't quite work like that."
     "I can imagine.  You couldn't act like a real lady if your life
depended on it."
     "Nah, that part was no problem.  She was so happy about it she
doesn't want to leave."
     Ryoga cut in, "Let me guess, you have another plan."
     "Sure.  All I have to do is act unfeminine.  Akane, you can help
with this."
     "I can?"
     "Of course.  I'll need a role model for this and an uncute tomboy
like you is perfect."
     There was a resounding crack as Akane's hand connected with Ranma's
cheek.  "I was wrong the first time.  A cute girl like you could never
act unfeminine."
     Ryoga stared after Akane in puzzlement.  "Why do keep saying things
like that?  You know she'll hit you."
     "Ah, we don't mean anything by it.  She knows that."
     "I wonder.  Anyway, I won't let you get away with it.  Prepare to
be punished, Ranma!"  The grin on Ryoga's face belied his words.
     "Fat chance.  I could use a good fight though."

====================

      Two figures quietly entered the upper floor of the Tendos' home
through a convenient window.  Convenient that is, for highly trained
martial artists.  After their entrance, they paused for a whispered
conversation.
      "Are you sure this will work?  These sort of things usually don't
turn out too well."
      "Ukyo, no worry.  Splash Ranma with hot water and then Shampoo use
special powder.  Ranma be ten times as manly."
      "Quiet.  I hear something."
      Voices drifted up the stairs from the kitchen.  "Ranko, that was
very unladylike language.  I think that you should apologize."
     "I'm sorry, Auntie Saotome."
     "Good.  Now why don't you take this tray up to Nabiki?  She skipped
lunch."
     Ranma's reply was inaudible, but Shampoo and Ukyo heard footsteps
climb the stairs.  Grinning they moved into position.
     "Now!"  Even as Ranma heard the cry she felt a bucket of hot water
drench her, causing an abrupt change in gender.  Panicking, Ranma hurled
the tray he was holding at the second form.
     "Ranko, is something wrong?  I heard voices."
     Glancing at the ruined clothing he was wearing, Ranma jerked open
the nearest door and darted inside.
     "Ukyo not breathe any dust?"
     Ukyo's reply was a smoldering glance that raked Shampoo from head
to feet.  "What's the matter, Shamchan?"
     "Gack!"  Shampoo dove out the open window an instant before Ukyo
reached her.  When Nodoka arrived seconds later their was no one to be
seen.

===================

     "Man, I knew I should have kept using the waterproof soap."
     "That outfit's a bit torn, Ranma.  Let me help you get it off."
     "Kasumi, I can explain," Ranma said nervously.  He was completely
shocked, when Kasumi tackled him.
     Kasumi and Ranma struggled on the floor for a moment, with Ranma
trying halfheartedly escape.  His normal reluctance to hit girls paled
before his aversion to harming Kasumi, so he didn't have much success.
Mustering his resolve, Ranma reached up to push Kasumi off of him.
     In the hallway, Nodoka unsheathed her katana.  There was no one in
sight, and she really wasn't very skilled.  The gesture calmed her all
the same.  Hearing the sound of a struggle in Kasumi's room she opened
the door and almost dropped the Katana in shock. A strange boy in torn
clothing was lying on the floor, with Kasumi straddling him.  She was
trying to pull his shirt over his head, while his hands rested lightly
on her breasts.
     "What's going on here !?" Nodoka demanded.
     "Oh, I'm sorry.  Ranma and I couldn't wait any longer."
     "Wha-mph."  Whatever Ranma was about to say was cut off when Kasumi
clamped her hand over his mouth.
     "Ranma!  He's my son?  But, why is he wearing Ranko's clothes?"
Shocked by the sudden revelation, Nodoka sat down heavily on Kasumi's
bed.
     "Don't worry.  I can explain everything."  Kasumi spoke
confidently, but she could hardly stop herself from trembling.

===================

     "So, you're saying that as a result of his trip to China, my son is
cursed to turn into a girl.  You also maintain that, despite this, he is
a man among men.
    "Essentially yes."
    "I want to believe you, Kasumi and he certainly seemed manly when I
surprised you.  However, there are a few remaining questions."
    "I was just pretending to be a girl so you wouldn't find out about
the curse," Ranma protested.
    "So you say."  Ranma had the grace to blush when Nodoka gestured at
his unusual attire.  "I think that I need to talk to some of Ranma's
friends, to find out the truth for myself.."
    "In that case, I have a few ideas about where you should start.  I
think that Kodachi Kuno would be a good place to begin and then..."  As
Kasumi spoke, Ranma felt his spirits begin to revive.

==================

     Nodoka left the Kuno estate deeply divided.  Kodachi had portrayed
her son as a paragon of masculine virtue, something that heartened
Nodoka a great deal.  However, her conversation with Tatewaki Kuno had
been far more disturbing.  His insistence that her son was in fact a
girl was particularly upsetting.  The fact that he knew about the curse
only made matters worse.  Still, Nodoka had to admit that things could
have been worse.  She'd take Ranma or Ranko over any of the lunatics who
inhabited the Kuno estate.  Maybe her next interview would go better.

===================

     As Nodoka entered Ucchan's, she halted in confusion.
     "Ukyo, drink antidote!"
     A beautiful chinese girl, wearing a revealing dress had a rather
androgynous looking young man strapped into a chair.  She was waving a
beaker filled with a noxious green liquid in front of his mouth.
     Nodoka coughed quietly before proceeding "Pardon me.  Who might you
be?"
     "I Shampoo.
     "Ukyo Kuonji.  Would you mind untying me?"
     "Perhaps later.  I'm Nodoka Saotome and I have a few questions to
ask you about my son and his curse."
     An expression of dismay crossed Shampoo's face, but she rallied
quickly.  "Shampoo answer.  Ask."
     "First, do you consider my son to be manly?"
     "Ranma very manly.  He handsome and strong.  Defeat Shampoo in
combat."
     "I guess Ranma's guy form isn't bad, but I prefer her as a girl.
She's so graceful and- UMPH."
     "Stupid spatula girl not helping," Shampoo said as she stuffed a
convenient rag into Ukyo's mouth.
     "She does have a point.  Ranma makes a very convincing girl."
     "That curse's fault!  Great-grandmother say if person spend too
much
time in cursed form it affect their mind."
     Nodoka's eyes widened in realization.  "Then it's my fault!  I'm
the one who forced Ranma to live as a girl.
     "You not mean to.  Just not know about curse."
     "Nonetheless, I must bear at least some of the blame."

===================

     When Nodoka entered the Tendos' house, she found the entire
household waiting for her.  Ranma was dressed more appropriately  for
his gender, having borrowed an outfit from Ryoga.
     "It will doubtless interest everyone here to know that I have
reached a conclusion regarding Ranma."  Nodoka noticed a somewhat
battered panda trying to creep away, but Ryoga caught it in an iron
grip.
     "What is it?"  Ranma's voice remained level as he spoke, but he was
obviously nervous.
     "I find Ranma to be both a man among men and a woman among women.
Because the promise I exacted was never intended to deal with magical
curses, I'm nullifying it.  I'm just proud to have such a wonderful
child."
     "You really mean that, Mom?"
     Nodoka smiled fondly at Ranma.  "Yes I do.  Now, onto more cheerful
business.  I think we should transfer the engagement from Akane to
Kasumi."
     "Excellent idea."  Soun stroked his mustache, imagining an
engagement that didn't cause major property damage.
     "Ranma..."
     Kasumi became aware of the blue glow surrounding her youngest
sister and spoke quickly.  "Why don't we let Ranma decide who he wants
to marry.  There isn't any hurry after all."
     The glow surrounding Akane flickered and went out, although her
scowl remained firmly in place.
     "I suppose that is for the best. I can wait a few years for
grandchildren."
     #Then everything turned out for the best.#
     "Not quite, Genma.  I still want to talk to you."  Nodoka's fingers
caressed the katana she was holding.
     Seeing the look on her face, the panda tried to back away, but
found that Ryoga hadn't released his grip.

=================

     Ranma's curse revealed, life at the Tendos' quickly returned to
normal or as close to normal as it ever was.
     "Ranma, what are you wearing?" Akane demanded.
     "A school uniform.  We have classes today remember," Ranma answered
impatiently.
     Drawn to the commotion, Genma burst into tears, managing to rival
one of Soun's floods.  "Betrayed by my own son!"
     "A girl's uniform you mean."
     Realizing her attire Ranma blushed a deep red.  "Whoops.  Sorry.  I
guess it's habit."
     "Don't worry, Ranma.  You look fine."
     "I think I'll change anyway, Mom," Ranma said heading back up the
stairs.  "I don't know how I'm going to explain things at school
anyway."
     That woukd prove to be the least of his concerns, though.  At that
very moment an airliner from China touched down in Tokyo.  A small,
wizened figure in the baggage compartment cackled softly before
gathering up his loot.  He'd show Ranma and his friend the folly of
defying the master of Anything Goes Martial Arts.

End Chapter 10