Epiphany Chapter 5

By Tripolar Disorder
and Dragon Dagger

Previous Chapter can be found a www.fanfiction.net
and at Tripolar's web space at Geocities.
www.geocities.com/thegoddessamanda/epiphany.htm

This is a Ranma Alternate Universe timeline.

Here is what has happened so far.
Chapter one: Genma and Soun are dead.  Nodoka goes to the Tendo
Dojo to find word about her son.  She is told that Ranma is
still alive but afraid to she her because of the contract.  Nodoka
doesn't care about the contract and she learns about Ranma's
curse.  She doesn't care and wants to love him anyway.

Chapter 2:  Nodoka accepts Ranma and they have some Mother Son
bonding.  Shampoo tries to attack Nodoka not realizing Nodoka's
prowess with a sword.  Nodoka makes an idle comment about Ranko
and causes a strange moment with Ranma trying to help as a girl.
Nodoka learns of the Neko-ken when she witnesses one of Ranma's
Nightmares.

Chapter 3:  Ranma has an encounter with the curse magic, in his
dream.   Ranma-chan takes a bath when Ukyo shows up.  But Ranma
does not change back into a man.  Cologne is blamed, the cafe
trashed before Cologne determines and proves that Ranma has 
control of the curse.

Chapter 4:  Ranma and Nodoka go home.  We learn that Nodoka is a
photographer.  Ranma causes a little trouble by being a girl.
Nodoka solves the problem by introducing a female Ranma as her
daughter Ranko.  Ranma asks his mother not to tell anyone about
his ability to change at will.

Now for the continuing story....

*****************************************************************

Things changed slowly over the week as Nodoka modified her
schedule to fit into the new life that she had taken on.  Caring
for the Tendos and getting to know her son again was an education
for them all.

Ranma would be by her side almost constantly.  Always eager to
help her, no matter what.  The fact that she had accepted
him and loved him, no matter what gender he currently was, made
him happy it seemed.  He did tend to spend more time as a girl
around his mother, and Nodoka noticed how much more cheerful her
daughter was. 

Ranma's attitude change was noticeable by all.  He stopped being
mad at changing forms.  Ranma-chan turned down an offer to use
the restroom after someone accidentally overturned a beaker of
water in chemistry.  Everyone seemed surprised, but Ranma just
stopped for a moment when it happened, then continued working
without any comment or insult.

Rumors had begun to form that Ranma would rather be a girl.  
Akane had denied them, but Ranma seemed to be enjoying it.  She
actually joined the girls volleyball game in Gym class, after the
coach had told her that the hot water heater in the gym was
busted, and "she" could sit out instead of trying the Greek
wrestling with the other boys. 

Inwardly, Ranma was laughing, knowing how much chaos he was
causing.  He purposely acted more reserved and shy as a girl.
Not too much, as to easily appear fake, but just enough that
others would notice.

Ranma did make the adjustment to being able to control his curse
rather quickly, but it was bothersome to have to remember
to change every time he got hit with water.  He did ask his mother
not to tell anyone.  Cologne agreed to it as well, since she
could not figure out what caused it.  Shampoo was swore to secret
about the entire event.  No one wanted cursed martial artists
attacking Ranma for a cure that he didn't have.

Since the funeral, two new pictures adorned the shrine.  One was
of Soun and Kimako on their wedding day, and the other was of
Soun and Genma, knocking back sake.

Nodoka convinced Kasumi to take some culinary classes at the
nearby university.  She would not accept no for an answer, saying
that her talents were being wasted.  Now that they had a mother
figure again, Kasumi didn't have to be there for the family all
the time.

Also Nodoka had moved her studio into Happosai's room.  It was
the largest room in the house after one of the Shoji walls was
moved.  This made Soun's room now Nodoka's smaller, but she
didn't seem to mind.

They did end up paying the trash man to haul away almost twelve
metric tons of underwear.  Ranma informed them that the old man
had used his Chi to fold space and that was how all that could
be hidden away.

Her client's loved the whole family atmosphere.  Kasumi would be
serving tea, and Nabiki seemed to have a flair for photography.
She did confess to taking shots of Ranma-chan topless, and had
to give up the negatives for burning.  Ranma/Ranko was always
there to help as well, and he had to ask surprised to see the
women from before.

When Nodoka and Ranma stayed at their home on the weekend, she
began to teach Ranma her sword technique.  He was quick to learn
and was nearly mastering it.  She was amazed at his speed while
not losing any grace or form.  Each time she thought he had
reached the limit of his abilities, he would surpass them.  After
they returned to the Tendo Dojo, he had a series of new kata to
practice.

*****************************************************************

When Nabiki, Akane, and Ranma returned from school that they all
noticed a new picture on the mantle.  Walking up to it slowly
they all realized that it was a picture of Ranma and Ranko.

"He" was standing behind "Her" and she looked like she was
leaning against him.

Ranma smiled slightly as he realized what his mother had been
doing on some of the photo shoots with him and noticed that the
picture was rather well done.  his mother had caught the serious
charged look that seemed to pervade in his eyes as well as the
easy going, open and caring look in his female form's face and
eyes.

It was then that he also realized that he was being stared at.
Looking at them all defiantly the tense situation was broken by
Nodoka's entrance from the kitchen with an after school snack.
"Oh good, I see that you all have seen my latest work."

With the tableau broken Ranma's nose lead him strait to the tray
and in true form started in on his part of the snack.  The other
girls stared at Ranma, then at Nodoka then back at Ranma.  

"Um, Auntie Saotome.  How'd you do that?"  They all knew that
Ranma's mom was a photographer, but they did not know just how
she managed to catch both sides of Ranma.  It was Akane that
asked and as they all sat down to eat the light snack Nodoka
explained.

"It was nothing dear.  All I did was take posed shots of each of
Ranma's sides and using my computer I edited them so that it
would look like they had both been in the studio as separate
entities."  Smiling she nodded once and continued.  "However for
anyone else, that little part of the photo doesn't need to get
spread around.  Better for all in the end."

Akane and Nabiki nodded as they knew that there were still people
that had not quite comprehended Ranma's curse.  Ranma's recent
calming was unsettling, though it did not hamper his fighting
abilities any, as both Principal and Tatewaki Kuno found out that
morning.

Looking over at her new family she knew that Kasumi wasn't due
home for another couple of hours yet so she figured that she
would start the cooking.  "You all have home work, Get started
and I will start dinner for the evening."  

The three high schoolers headed up the stairs to start their
school work and each knowing that thanks to Nodoka's prompting,
Ranma was actually doing better in school and actually getting
interested in some of the classes.

It wasn't but moments later that two bundles of roses landed on
the now cleared table only to find themselves lacking recipients.
As the deliverer of the flowers entered the room he was puzzled
as to the emptiness of the room.  That is, he was puzzled until
he felt the very sharp point of a sword poking him gently in the
back.

"You have but one chance to tell me why you have invaded my home.
You had better make it good."  The calm female voice sounded
behind him.

"I am here but for one reason.  To defeat that foul sorcerer
Saotome in honorable combat thus winning the hearts of my beloved
goddesses."  Kuno announced to the person he could not see.

"Turn around Tatawaki Kuno."  The sword had disappeared even
before the startled young man could whip about to face the woman
that had bested him.  He was even more startled to see a striking
resemblance to Ranma in the woman's features.

"Who are you that you would dare hold such an honored person at
blade point woman?"  Kuno was surprised and in his surprise
proceeded to get defensive as his hand twitched towards his own
boken.

Nodoka took due note of the action and with narrowed eyes
proceeded to give the young Kuno the dressing down most of the
occupants of the house thought he so richly deserved.  "Who are
you, to sneak into my house, uninvited at that, and accuse my son
of being a foul sorcerer?  I am Saotome Nodoka, Matriarch of the
Saotome family and with the deaths of Tendo Soun and my husband
I have taken over as head of both of the Tendo and Saotome
families until such time as they are ready to be on their own."

Kuno's left eye started to twitch, he seemed unresponsive, so
Nodoka continued.

"I have heard much about you Tatawaki, Your methods are brash and
borderline cruel.  From this day on, you will never enter this
home again with out my express permission and you shall be very
careful on how you treat my son and daughter."

Tatawaki looked browbeaten and miserable as he stood in the face
of Nodoka's controlled wrath.  Looking about him he noticed the
picture of Ranma and Ranko on the mantle just as Nodoka warned
him against fighting Ranma.

His attention swiveled sharply back to the Saotome matron as the
words sunk in.  "Your...Daughter?"

"Yes, she and Ranma are twins.  Both practicing the art and they
traveled together on his training journey with my husband.  You
call her pigtailed girl, but she has a name and it is Ranko."
Nodoka leveled a stare at Kuno that made him gulp.

"You have insulted my family name, and the honor of my clan, by
accusing my son of sexual acts against his sibling.  There is no
truth behind it.  I will not tolerate this abuse, so I suggest
that it stop."

"I...I see."  And he did see.  For once it was painfully clear to
him why Ranma had been protecting and keeping Kuno away from the
object of his affections.  It was not love of the sort that he
felt for the girl, but brotherly affection and family honor that
caused Ranma to protect the girl so.  

"And what of my dearest Akane?"  His manner obviously humbled and
severely subdued for the usually overbearing young man it was
almost funny to those that had known him to see this.  But there
was no one else in the vicinity to see his embarrassment save for
Nodoka and it was her that he was worried about the most.

"Young man, I think that Akane is well enough able to think and
choose for herself.  But if you get her into a situation where
she would need Ranma's assistance at any time, I will not stop
him."  As he looked at her in askance the import of her comment
about being the head of the Tendo Family now sunk in.

"I see.  I then humbly beg your forgiveness and your leave so I
will darker your door no further."  He looked over at the
picture of Ranma and Ranko as he left and noticed that they
indeed looked like siblings in the photo.  Knowing when he was
beaten he quietly walked down the street, disappearing from view.

*****************************************************************

"What WHAT!!  You cannot be serious dear brother?  His sister?"

"Indeed, I was just there and spoke with Saotome's mother.  She
has opened my eyes.   They are twins.  I saw a photograph and was
able to compare.  There is no doubt upon it."

"You seem scared brother dear, did my Ranma-sama frighten you?"
Kodachi's wicked grin only seemed to infuriate him.

"Nay, it was the Saotome Matriarch.  With Both Akane and Ranko's
father now past, she is head of both clans.  Her prowess with a
blade is remarkable.  I did not hear her at all until..."  He
put his hand behind his back to rub the spot she had gotten his
attention with.

Kodachi began laughing in her usual cruel and annoying style.  "I
shall meet Ranma's mother tonight, for I only need to impress her
to win my Ranma-sama!"

And with that she disappeared.

Tatawaki could only stare into the space where his sister had
been, and remarked to himself.  "Nothing good will come of this."

*****************************************************************

Ranma, Akane Nabiki and Kasumi were sitting down at the table.
Kasumi had been shooed from the kitchen when she got home, so was
patiently waiting dinner along with everyone else.

Nodoka was just bringing it out when everyone at the table heard
Kodachi's disturbing laugh.

Akane dove out of the way of a black rose which embedded itself
in the wall behind her.

Instantly Ranma and Nodoka were at the ready.  Ranma spoke up,
even as the laughter continued.

"Mom, meet Kodachi, Kuno's sister."  At that point the girl, clad
in only a rear-skirted leotard stepped from the shadows.

"I'm here Ranma-sama.  I just wanted to get some filth out of the
way."  She turned toward Akane.  "Too bad you were too fast.  I
thought I had you."

Ranma was visibly affected by her last statement.  Through teeth
clenched he growled out a warning.  "Get lost Kodachi, your not
welcome here."

Not responding in the least she laughed.  "I am welcome anywhere
I choose Ranma-sama.  I have come to impress your mother and win
your hand."

With that she tossed something else at Akane.  "You look tired,
you need some rest!!"

And that was when Nodoka stepped into the way.  She sliced the
bag in midair, to try and shield the girls from it, not knowing
it's contents.

A moment later Nodoka collapsed to the floor.

Kodachi stood for a moment staring at what had happened.  She had
not expected this.

Ranma meanwhile was at his mother's side, holding her hand.  He
was too confused and emotional to remember to check for a pulse.
He thought Nodoka was dead.

Kodachi felt the hairs on her neck beginning to rise.  She felt
a strange wave overtake her.  Then she saw it.

A red aura like a magical fire was escaping from Ranma's skin.
It became larger and brighter, until it was hard to see the boy
beneath.

*****************************************************************

At the nekohanten, Cologne was supervising Shampoo washing table
a when she felt it.  Larger than before but further away.  Even
Shampoo stopped and looked up.  "Great-Grandmother, do you feel
that?"

Cologne nodded.  "Quickly child, let us make haste to Ranma.  But
do NOT approach him when you see him, do you understand?"

Shampoo acknowledged though not knowing why.  They exited out the
front door quickly.

*****************************************************************

He turned toward Kodachi, a look of pure anger and hatred upon
his face.  Then, he moved.

Before Kodachi could take another breath she was struck in the
chest.  The impact was with such force she was knocked outside.

She didn't even have time to hit the ground before being struck
again.  This time from behind and was slammed into the wall.
She could not see her attacker, only feel the air part as she was
struck again, this time into the pond.

She broke the surface of the water for air but heard the rush
and again was slammed against the wall.

She could not catch her breath.  Each time she tried to inhale
she was struck again, and again.

She could not continue.  She reached out toward Nabiki who she
could see inside, but suddenly her wrist was twisted and her arm
broken.  Then another series of blows took her legs out from
under her.

Kodachi collapsed to the ground.  Unmoving.

At that moment Shampoo and Cologne hopped the wall, and landed
near her.  Cologne saw the scene before her.  She focused her
vision to try and see where he was through the shear waves of
force Ranma was producing.  She then saw Nodoka lying on the
floor inside.

<What has that crazy woman done now?>  She bounced inside, and
examined Nodoka.  She was asleep.  The powder on the floor and
on her clothes had a distinct odor.

She turned back to the scene outside.

Ranma was holding up Kodachi by her hair in one hand.  While she
desperately tried to shield her face with her good hand.  Ranma was
drawing back his other arm.  Set to make a blow.

Cologne shouted.  "Your mother is alive Ranma, let her go."

Kodachi was dropped to the ground once again.  Ranma turned and
jumped inside.  His aura had calmed as he touched his mother's
wrist and noted the pulse.  Ranma then proceeded to pass out.

Kasumi called for paramedics, while Cologne checked Kodachi.

Several minutes later Police and Ambulance were on the scene.
Taking the twisted girl away and taking statements from those at
the scene.

Tatawaki showed up as well.  He told the paramedics to check his
sister's blood for poisons, and told the Police to search his
estate, but bring heavy tranquilizers or large caliber bullets.

He then viewed the chaotic vision before him.

Several burn marks on the ground.  Like if someone on fire had
stepped there.  Great gouges of grass torn away leaving nothing
but dirt.  "I was afraid that nothing good could have come from
this, and I was correct."

He then turned his attention inside.  He stood before Ranma and
Nodoka's collapsed forms.  Akane relayed how Ranma had acted so
violent.  Like he wasn't himself.  "I have never seen him so
calculating, so torturous.  He was deliberately keeping her from
breathing."

Turning toward Nabiki, he gestured at Ranma.  "I would suspect
that had it been my mother, I would have reacted similar.  I will
take my leave now."  With that, he calmly strolled out the front
gate.

*****************************************************************

"Ranma....."

There it was again.  That calming, soothing female voice that was
his own, but it was he who was speaking.  The voice sounded like
it came from down a long tunnel.  The echo was warm and not
hollow as a normal echo would be.

"Ranma....."

This time it was closer, he thought he heard footsteps around
him, and then he heard it again.

"Ranma....."

No echo this time, he opened his eyes.

He was back in his room at the Dojo.  He was sitting cross-legged
on the floor.  But sitting in front of him was his girl side.  He
looked down at himself,  he was still male.

He leaned forward and questioned her.

"Curse?"

She nodded, smiling.

"What's up?  I thought we merged or sumthin'?"

He noticed the look in her eyes, like a longing or a fearful
dread.  She opened her mouth several times as she tried to form
the right words.

She sighed.  "Ranma, you know that you can never be completely
cured right?"

He nodded.  "Yeah, I kinda figured there wasn't a way."

She shook her head.  "There was a way Ranma, but we became one,
and the method will no longer work.  I hope you don't hate me."

Ranma sat and pondered this for only a few seconds, before
smiling.  "You know, I mighta gotten mad a long time ago, but
I don't seem to mind as much.  I ain't mad at you.  Thank you for
giving me the choice."

She nearly jumped at him, knocking both of them over.  Ranma
landed on his back with Ranko on top of him.  He found his head
lying on a pillow.  She had her arms around his waist and she was
hugging him tightly.  She was also crying.

He held her, not sure of how to continue.  He sat up, and she
started to curl up into a ball.  She continued to lean against
his chest as she sat in his lap.  He held her trying to comfort
her until she finally calmed down.

"You know Ranma, you are getting better at expressing your
emotions. <snif> Akane would enjoy it I'll bet."

He chuckled at her.  "You mean when I try acting girly at school?
It is just that, an act."

She turned toward him, he could see the evil grin on her face.

"It's not an act Ranma.  You are trying to be yourself, not some
arrogant brute that your father wanted.  You see the way mother
treats you when you act differently.  Akane and everyone at
school treats you differently too."

Ranma growled.  "But it feels ..... wrong somehow."

She giggled.  "You can't lie to me Ranma, we are the same person,
and like it or not I do know that part of you that you hide."

Ranma stiffened slightly.  

"I want to ask you a favor for me Ranma."

His brow perked up.  "What favor could I possibly do for you?"

He shuddered a little as she grinned, then leaned toward his ear,
and whispered something which made his eyes bulge.

As she leaned back, he looked into her eyes, to try and make
sense of her request.  "How long?"  He asked.

"Only tomorrow, I promise."

Ranma sat there, pondering, a stoned expression.  He finally
shrugged and spoke only one word.  "OK."

*****************************************************************

A rather long chapter we admit, but there was much to cover, and
we ended it on a massive Cliffhanger.

I can hear the voice of the narrator for the Dubbed DBZ, saying
something.....

"What does this mischievous water sprite want with our hero?
Find out next time, on another Exciting episode of Drag, err
Ranma 1/2  Epiphany.

	     .---Anime/Manga Fanfiction Mailing List----.
             | Administrators - ffml-admins@anifics.com |
             | Unsubscribing - ffml-request@anifics.com |
             |     Put 'unsubscribe' in the subject     |
             `---- http://ffml.anifics.com/faq.txt -----'