Ranma's Birthday

by Bryan Neef

All characters created and owned by Rumiko Takahashi

Ranma woke up eager to face the day. It was his birthday. The first birth- day spent in the Tendou home. With Akane.

He was now seventeen. Another step closer to being his own man. He smiled to himself with that thought.

Careful not to wake his father, he left the room. he thought as he went downstairs. He glanced around the family room before leaving the house.

The sun shone brightly as Ranma returned from his stroll. He heard the family talking vigorously about this or that. The quiet Sunday morning broken only by the cheerful voices of his family. The word came naturally to him.

He stepped into the room where everyone was eating. He smiled broadly at them. "Morning everyone!"

"Good morning, Ranma-kun. I saved you some breakfast," answered Kasumi cheerfully.

"Thanks."

"Happy birthday, Ranma," smiled Akane.

"Thanks, Akane."

"Yes, Boy, happy birthday," added Genma as he handed Ranma a small box.

Ranma eyed it briefly, not sure what to do. His father rarely gave gifts to him. Then he smiled, remembering his promise. "Thanks, Pop. This means a lot to me."

Genma smiled back. His intended response was silenced when a voice came from the front hall, "Hello? Is anyone home?"

Before they could answer, Onna-Ranma and Genma-panda emerged from the pond. The woman entered the room, smiling at the family. No one paid attention as Onna-Ranma slumped down at the table. "Hello, Auntie," she stated flatly.

"Hello Ranko. What's the matter?"

"Don't worry about it. There's nothing you can do about it anyway. If you'll excuse me, I don't feel good."

Onna-Ranma stood up and left the room. She stiffened at her mother's touch, then slumped her shoulders more and continued to her room.

"What's that all about?" asked Saotome Nodoka, Ranma's mother.

"She and Ranma were supposed to celebrate their birthday together, but Ranma's father drug him off on a training trip at the last moment. Ranma didn't have a chance to say goodbye to anyone," replied Akane as she stared daggers at Genma-panda.

"Oh dear. Was she looking forward to this?"

"Of course, Auntie," answered Nabiki in an unusually emotional voice.

"And I was so hoping to see Ranma today. It is his birthday. They won't be back anytime soon, will they?"

"If ever," replied Onna-Ranma as she headed out the front door.

Everyone noticed her in a white and blue sundress. She could care less what their reactions were as she left the compound. The Tendou daughters stared at Genma-panda as he started to finish Ranma's breakfast.

"OH NO YOU DON'T, MR. PANDA! You will go to that corner of the yard and stay there until you can behave yourself. Forcing poor Ranko into the pond like that is inexcusable," yelled Kasumi, pointing to the far side of the walled yard.

Genma-panda began to sweat. Looking at Soun's stern face, he complied. After he left, Akane slid the door closed. She took in a deep breath before speaking, "I'm going to look for Ranko. Don't wait for us."

"Maybe I should go, Akane. She looked like she needed some motherly advice," suggested Nodoka as she put the packages on the table.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Auntie. I've got to go and keep her from hurting anyone. She never wears that dress unless she's playing jokes or is really hurting. And she's not joking."

"Why would she hurt anyone?" asked Nodoka.

"Go on, Akane, I'll tell her," replied Nabiki, disgust on her face. "Ranko has problems making friends. It's not that she doesn't try, it's just that some of the people who like her aren't quite normal.

"She has to fight an annoying upperclassman everyday. He grabs her and Akane, proclaiming his love for them while denouncing Ranma, despite their protests. There's a crazy Amazon after her because she tries to keep her away from Akane and Ranma.

"I have never seen her THIS upset. Upset, yes. Fighting mad, yes. But this is something I've only seen in Ranma's friend, Ryoga."

"Oh dear. Is she that lonely?"

"More than we ever thought," replied Kasumi.

"But she has us as her family," stated Soun proudly. "Surely she can't be that bad. Especially with three wonderful cousins like you."

"You don't have a clue, do you, Daddy?" stated Nabiki coldly.

"Heh! Heh! No."

***

Akane found Onna-Ranma in the park. She noticed that no one even came close to her fiancee's bench. Akane sighed and went over to the red-head.

"Your mother's upset, Ranma."

"I don't have a mother, remember?"

"Yes you do. It's just that you can't talk to her directly. She wanted to come after you, but Nabiki and I stopped her."

"Why?"

"She needed to understand why you left. Nabiki told her something. Nothing to give away your secret."

"What's it going to cost me this time?"

Akane swallowed her anger, knowing that her sister deserved that comment. "I think it'll be free. If not, I'll pay for it. By the way, Kasumi kicked your father out. He won't be allowed in the house for the rest of the day."

"Like that helps."

"Ranma no baka! We're trying to help you."

Ranma sighed. "I made a promise to myself this morning: nothing would spoil the day for me. I was looking forward to having fun with you, Kasumi, Nabiki, Ucchan, and even Mom. I figured this would be the one day I wouldn't have to hide from her.

"Obviously that was wishful thinking. So if I can't be me on my birthday,who should I be?"

"Oh no! You're not going to take the easy way out of this, Ranma. We'll find a way to tell her."

"What's the point? Pop's never going to give us the chance. It's my birthday and he threw me in the pond so Mom wouldn't see me. Do you know how that makes me feel?"

"Hai."

"Good. We've gotten along better the last few weeks. I felt that maybe, just maybe, you didn't mind having me around. I knew Pop wanted a `manly' son, but what do I do now?

"I can't go back to Mom unless I'm Ranko. I can't really stay Ranko without upsetting Pop. Can you tell me what to do?"

Akane shook her head, fighting the tears. "I'm sorry, Ranma. I don't have an answer. I'll...we'll think of something, though."

"Until then, Ranma's out on a training trip. Until I can tell Mom, Ranko will be here."

"You mean..."

"That's right. Until Pop has the courage to face Mom, and I can get her without that damn sword, Ranma won't be around for a while."

"Then you're giving up?"

"No. It's the Saotome Secret Technique-Revised: How to Tell Mom without Losing My Head. Let's face it, Pop really doesn't want Ranma getting to know Mom. I might as well get used to not having a mother or father.

"Since you're here, would you like to go shopping with me?"

"Shopping?"

"Hai. If Ranko's going to be here a while, she might as well dress appropriately. It may be the only way to make Mom happy while Ranma's gone."

"What about..."

"I don't care what that freak thinks. Please, Akane, help me with this. You may be a tomboy, but I need your help. You may be the only one who can."

Akane slowly nodded. She feared what was happening to her fiancee. The man she loved. She mentally shook that thought away. He'd called her a tomboy, but their was no hint of any emotion other than pain.

It was now her duty to help Ranma. Perhaps there was a way to help before the day was over. After all, it was Ranma's birthday. And special things happen on people's birthdays.

"Ranma, why do you want to hide as Ranko?"

Ranma looked at Akane sadly. "I...I need to find out who I am. I'm not Ranma and I'm not Ranko. Am I both, or am I neither? Until I know, you don't have to worry about me being your fiancee.

"No one has to worry about me being a fiancee."

***

Akane and Onna-Ranma entered the grounds. They were talking quietly, not caring what Genma-panda thought. Onna-Ranma smelled the food baking from the doorway. She led Akane to the kitchen.

"We're back!" she chimed with a false smile.

"That's good, Dear. You had me worried. Don't worry, I forgive you. Are you feeling better?" replied Nodoka.

"Hai. I bought some things that might cheer you up, with Ranma gone and all."

"But I don't want anything, Ranko. Besides, it's your birthday too. You should get something for yourself."

"Auntie, today my day turned rotten. That spoiled your happiness. I'm used to it, so please, let me show you what I bought before you make any judg- ment."

Nodoka blinked at the young girl. She then smiled sadly, seeing the determination and pain in the young girl's eyes. "Very well, show me."

"Come to my room, please. It's easier and less embarrassing there."

"Hai. Lunch can wait awhile."

"I'll take care of lunch," added Kasumi.

"I think you should come too, Oneechan," replied Akane in a strained voice.

Kasumi looked at her youngest sister. Seeing the sad look, she nodded and followed Onna-Ranma to her room. She and Akane sat on the floor as Nabiki joined them. Onna-Ranma sat Nodoka in the desk's chair.

With forced ease, Onna-Ranma removed her sundress, revealing a modest bra and panties. Kasumi and Nabiki fought back gasps of surprise as Nodoka smiled. Onna-Ranma then put on a denim skirt and a teal sleeveless, cotton blouse.

Twirling around, she curtsied for approval. Nodoka nodded her approval. Kasumi and Nabiki just stared. Akane remained neutral, having seen the garments before and knowing the reasons for their purchase.

After the fashion show, Nodoka hugged Onna-Ranma and left to finish lunch. Kasumi and Nabiki remained in the room, while Onna-Ranma put her original sundress back on.

"Are you feeling all right, Ranma?" asked Kasumi.

"Ranma left this morning, remember? Does it really matter anymore? I've been locked like this before, so voluntarily staying like this should be easy."

"Why?" asked Nabiki.

"Do I really need to tell you?"

Nabiki and Kasumi nodded. "It's my birthday. I was looking forward to this day. Spending it with family and friends. Thanks to Pop, I don't have a family anymore. Just four people I'm freeloading off of. Maybe this way, I'll know what having a real family is like."

"Ranma," began Kasumi, "we're your family. We don't care what your father thinks anymore. You're our little brother."

Ranma glared at Kasumi. "How can I be your brother if I have these? How do you know what I am if I don't? Thanks to that damn panda, I don't have a family."

Nabiki stood up, walking to the trembling red head. In a rare show of emotion, she hugged the smaller woman. "That's not true, Ranma. That damn panda doesn't have any family. You, on the other hand, have a wonderful mother, two sisters, and devoted fiancee."

"Baka or not, you're family," added Akane. "I don't know what life would be like without you anymore. I pray I never find out. No matter what, I will be here for you. I l-love you."

Ranma sniffed as she hugged Akane. "I love you, too. But I don't want you engaged to me right now. I don't know what, or who, I am. I don't want to torture you."

Akane's silent tears were her only answer. She held Ranma tightly, praying for the strength to see this through without falling back on old habits.

***

Nodoka brought out the cake. It was expertly decorated. Onna-Ranma looked at it with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. The Tendou daughters looked at it with no interest. They had hardly eaten their meal. Soun was eyeing it with joy.

Nodoka set it down in front of Onna-Ranma. "Make a wish when you blow out the candles. If you blow out all seventeen, your wish will come true," Nodoka commented with a warm smile.

Onna-Ranma nodded. She took in a deep breath. I wish I didn't have to deal with this and still have a REAL family.> She exhaled, blowing out all of the candles in a single breath.

She grinned as Nodoka congratulated her. The cake was divided up for the family. Onna-Ranma opened some of her gifts. Those that were more masculine were held for later. She steadfastly ignored her father's gift.

As Onna-Ranma's friends arrived, including Mousse, Shampoo, and Ryoga, the mood became less depressing. Kasumi made sure that they each understood the importance of Ranma's secret. For once, even Ryoga agreed.

Ukyou and Shampoo pulled Akane aside. Akane was annoyed, but remained calm, for Ranma. Ukyou spoke first, "Akane, is Ranchan all right? There's something about him that's not right."

"What Violent Tomboy do to husband?"

"I have done nothing to Ranma. As of this morning, Ranma has no fiancees. That was her choice, not mine. As for things not being right, when have they been since he fell into that damned spring?"

Ukyou and Shampoo looked after Akane as she returned to the small party. They then looked at each other before shrugging. They took a quick look at Onna-Ranma before Kunou burst into the room.

"My Pig-tailed Goddess! Had I known that today was the celebration of your arrival into this dark world, I would have brought a more suitable gift. But alas, I can only give you the affections you deserve from me, Kunou Tatewaki, and not those of the foul sorcerer, Saotome Ranma!"

Kunou made the mistake of embracing the red head from behind. He glomped onto her breasts. In movements faster than the eye could follow, she had removed him from her.

*Snap!* *Crack!* *Thump!*

Kunou screamed in pain as his wrists swung loosely before him. Onna-Ranma had broken them with little effort. She turned to him, his screams of pain the only sound in the room. "That is the only `affection' you will ever get from me, Kunou Tatewaki. Touch me again, and you will lose more than the use of your hands."

She turned to the stunned guests. Bowing politely, she spoke to them, "I'm sorry, I guess the party's over. Thank you for coming. I really appreciated it. Good night."

She didn't bother waiting for the responses as she went to her room, fighting her tears every step. Akane looked smugly at Kunou before attempting to follow her fiancee.

"I have never seen her this pissed off before," muttered Nabiki as she went to each guest. "I guess this party is officially dead. I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Nabiki? Sorry? There is definitely something wrong," commented Ryoga.

Nabiki leaned into him, staring into his eyes. "Listen here, Hibiki-san, as of now, all deals are off. One more word from you and you will be worse off than Kunou. What started out as a perfect day has ended disastrously. This was supposed to be a special day. Obviously, the gods decided it wasn't worth the effort."

Ryoga backed down as Nabiki stood. He only nodded, carefully walking out the door. Mousse and Shampoo followed. Shampoo wanted to say something, but decided against it. Ukyou drug Kunou to his feet.

"I'll take him to Tofu's. Nabiki, was Ranko wearing..."

"Don't worry about it. It is no longer your concern, unless she wants it to be," replied Nabiki coldly.

Soun and Nodoka sat on the sofa, unable to move from the shock. Nabiki sat in the chair across from them, waiting. Kasumi began cleaning the room. Her movements were less than smooth, almost as if her heart wasn't in her task.

"Was that..." began Nodoka.

"That was the upperclassman who manhandles Ranko and Akane. It looks like Ranko has reached the end of her patience."

"How can you be so calm about what she did? I'm going to give her a piece of my mind," stated Nodoka as she stood to leave.

"Better give her a piece of your heart as well. Right now, she's punishing herself far more than you ever could. I'd bet seppuku would appeal to her, if she weren't strong enough to live."

Nodoka froze. Her eyes looked at the carefully wrapped katana leaning against the wall. She sat back down. Her thoughts became clear again. She took in her surroundings.

The simple room held a low sitting sofa with three matching chairs. The large, well used table sat in the middle of the room. It's low height unob- trusive. Traditional art hung on the walls. Even the small TV seemed in place.

Her attention turned to those around her. Soun was still unmoving. Kasumi continued cleaning the room, though she looked on the verge of tears. Nabiki looked almost as aloof as she did on previous visits. This time, however, sadness and pain shone through her usually unreadable face and eyes.

"Why do you say that?"

"Ranko never wears a dress unless she has to. When she showed off her new clothes, she was wearing appropriate undergarments. Again, that is something she never does, except to please you. I suspect she will continue being the woman you wnat her to be, even after you leave tonight.

"Even after hurting Kunou, she had to be polite. She doesn't do these things normally. She has real problems. I don't even know where to start with them. I don't even know if I should say anymore.

"But today, I beg you, don't punish Ranko for what she did. It looks, to us, like she's giving up on her former self, becoming the young woman you think she should be. And one thing Ranko never does is give up."

"Thank you for your honesty, Nabiki. Maybe I should go home now."

"Please stay, Auntie. Ranko needs you more than ever," interjected Kasumi as a tear rolled down her face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cry."

Nodoka sat back down. She noticed that Soun had not moved in a long time. She shrugged, feeling it was unimportant to bother him. "What is really go- ing on? You've acted far more passive today than on any other visit."

Nabiki shrugged, "It was supposed to be a birthday party for Ranma and Ranko. For the last week, they had been planning and talking about this day. This morning, just before you came, your husband took Ranma on another impromptu training mission.

"The first real chance at happiness in a long time for both of them, and it disappears in a backpack. As violent as Ranko can get, today was the worst. I doubt anyone will go near her for quite sometime. If you ask her about that, she'll say she's used to it and change the subject.

"She's alone in the world. We can help, but this is beyond us. We're losing someone we care about and we don't know what to do. If it were a fight, Akane and the others would have no problem. If it were financial, I'd lick it in a second. If it were anything but this, we'd have it beat."

"Will time ease the pain?" asked Nodoka.

"It may already be too late," replied Kasumi. "Usually, this sort of thing doesn't bother me. But I feel helpless. Almost as helpless as when Mother passed away. I...I've noticed a gradual change in attitude over the last several months, but I figured they were because she now has a stable home. I guess I was wrong in that."

Nodoka left the family room. She sighed as she went up the stairs. She turned the corner and saw Akane leaning against the wall opposite Ranma's door. She put her hand on Akane's shoulder.

"She won't come out and talk. She's been crying since I got here. It hurts to see her like this."

"Has Soun adopted her?"

"No. He's too busy trying to get Ranma and I married. Unfortunately, she came to live with us at a really bad time. It's not her fault, and Kasumi, Nabiki, and I try to help her as much as we can. But it can be tough with Father and your husband devoting almost every thought into our marriage."

"Do they really do that?"

"Hai. Not to hurt you, but Ranma's a little clueless when it comes to deal- ing with women. I guess that's why we don't really get along. But it's not his fault. He tries, but he still thinks all women are the same: weak and passive, needing his protection."

"That's not good, Akane. You know that makes him less than a man, don't you?"

"Not really. Every boy in school seems to think that way, except they all wanted to fight me in order to date me. Ranma doesn't like to fight girls, but he also doesn't want to hurt our feelings, either. It takes a lot for him to apologize after we fight. But he doesn't know how to tell his other fiancees no."

"And you blame my husband?"

"Hai. He did take Ranma away from you for over ten years. He did engage Ranma to a number of different women for food. And he treats Ranko as an unwanted child. Ranma, on the other hand, treats her like his sister.

"They get along great. They're almost inseparable. The only times they're not together is when you come around. And it's not by choice, either. Ranma really wants to see you.

"When he finds out you've been here when he's gone, he takes the pain out on Kunou, his father, and even Ryoga. But they usually provoke him first. I've never seen Ranma pick a fight with anyone."

"I'm glad to hear that. I think Ranko's stopped crying. Shall we?"

"Hai."

The two women open the door quietly. They saw Onna-Ranma lying on her futon, sleeping fitfully. Not wanting to bother her further, they cover her with a blanket and leave the room. Onna-Ranma sighs as the door closes.

***

The pounding on the door echoed in the room. An insistent voice came through the door, "Tendou Ranko, it is time to get up for school."

"I'm up already," replied Ranko as she sat up in her...bed?

Her eyes opened instantly. She looked around the room, soaking in the de- tails. A dresser with a large mirror sat against the far wall. Make up con- tainers and a jewelry box sat on the unit.

The closet door was open, revealing an array of slacks, blouses, and dresses. The Furinkan High uniform hung neatly on the hanger on the closet door. A pile of laundry lay in a basket next to the door. She noticed panties, bras, and other clothes haphazardly thrown in.

She looked at the posters on the walls. Some of them were of Jackie Chan, her favorite action star. There were few that show gymnasts performing. One of the 1996 Chinese Olympic Team. Another of the 1996 Japanese Team. There was one of figure skaters.

She let out a giggle when she saw the poster of a giant panda. Her thoughts were interrupted by another knock on the door. This accompanied by a differ- ent voice, "Hurry up, Sis! You don't want to be late again."

"Coming!"

She grabbed her clothes. She opened the door to see an unfamiliar woman with long, black hair nicely braided standing before her. The woman's gaze forced Ranko to look away. The woman's voice sounded almost like Kasumi's, "Honestly, Ranko. When will you learn to use your alarm clock? You're seventeen, I shouldn't have to get my daughter up."

Daughter? But I'm a guy.>

"Hai, Mother. I'll set it for tomorrow. I promise."

"Good. You don't have much time, so you'd better take your bath with Akane."

"Hai."

I hope she doesn't hit me with her mallet.

Ranko carefully opened the door to the inner bathroom. Akane had just en- tered the tub. She smiled at Akane before nervously going to the mirror. She saw that her red hair was done in a pony tail similar to Akane's, nearly reaching the top of her hips.

"What's wrong?" asked Akane from the tub.

"Nothing, I guess. Something just doesn't seem right," replied Ranko as she began washing herself.

"Oh? What seems wrong?"

"I can't tell you, just yet. Maybe tonight or tomorrow. I have to figure it out, first."

"One of those problems. Does it have to do with the Hentai Squad?"

Ranko finished rinsing herself. She looked at the tub for a moment. She's obviously comfortable with me. Maybe she's accepted my curse without a care.

"I don't know," she answered, entering the tub.

She braced herself for the inevitable transformation and the insults. As she sat down, she felt the warm water cover her. She didn't feel the sensation of change wash over her with the water.

She opened her eyes. Looking down, she saw she was still a girl. With a heavy sigh, she looked at Akane.

"Something must really be bothering you, Sis. You aren't usually depressed. Is it that bad to have just turned seventeen?" teased Akane.

"Aren't you seventeen, too?"

Akane grinned. "Not until next month, silly."

Next month? That's the way it was in real life. This is a real nightmare.>

"Like I said, it's nothing like that. I just can't put my finger on it. It'll come to me. Things like this usually do."

"Hai. Hai. It's time to get ready."

The two exited the tub. Quickly drying off, they dressed. Ranko was sur- prised at how instinctively she dressed. It was only yesterday that she started wearing a bra and panties with the intention of doing it for the rest of her life. Only yesterday? It's too easy. I've been doing this for years.>

Ranko and Akane raced down the stairs. They were greeted by Kasumi holding a large bowl of soup. Ranko noticed the strange woman putting the final touches on the toast. She quickly moved to the table, greeting Nabiki with a smile.

"Well if it isn't Sleeping Beauty. I hope you're refreshed enough to fight the boys. After all, you did party until late last night."

Ranko blushed for a brief moment. I did? I thought I cried myself to sleep.

The woman looked at Nabiki. "'Biki, quit teasing your sister. She's had a rough time with Kunou. I'm just glad he didn't see Akane as well. You know how he gets when he sees them."

"Hai. I know. In fact, I count on it. He keeps me rolling in money."

"I know. But you shouldn't take advantage of him, though."

"Hai. I should lay off. I mean, we'll be going to separate universities."

"Good. Then maybe your sisters will have a chance at peace and quiet before they graduate. Now Ranko, what have I told you about staying late at Ukyou's?"

"Um, be careful not to get caught up in her wild activities?"

The woman smiled. "You're learning, Dear. Of course, I'd be happier if my now seventeen year old daughter would learn to use an alarm clock. That way, she wouldn't be late for school."

The three young girls gulped as they raced to finish getting ready. The woman and Kasumi suppressed their giggles as the trio left the house. "It's so good to see them full of energy, Mother."

"Hai. You'd better get yourself ready for your class as well. We wouldn't want to give the impression we Tendous are lazy, would we?"

"Of course not, Mother. I'll help with dinner when I get back."

"Don't worry about it. It's Akane's turn."

Kasumi hugged her mother before leaving. The woman sat at the table, sipping her coffee. She watched Ranko leave. Something's bothering her. I guess I'll just have to talk to her after school. Maybe she wants to know more about her real family.

***

Ranko and Akane entered the school gate. A large crowd of boys stood there. Half of them rushed toward Akane while the rest took an unhealthy interest in Ranko.

With ease and grace, Akane disposed of her would be suitors. She chanced a glance at Ranko, her adopted sister. She was horrified at the sight.

Ranko looked like a woman possessed. While her hair remained in place and her clothes neat, hear face contorted into an animalistic smile. The few suitors on the ground were either unconscious or in incredible pain. The rest backed away, dropping any weapon they may have had.

The remaining boys ran off. "Cowards!" yelled Kunou as they left. "Where is your honor? You have lost the right to date the goddess, Tendou Ranko. But alas, she is driving you away so as to date with me!"

"As if anyone would want to date you, Blowhard. I am sick and tired of tel- ling you 'no' every single day. Unless you back off now, you will be in a world of hurt," spat Ranko as she dropped all appearances of defenses.

Akane stepped towrds her sister. "Ranko?"

"Some vile spell has been put over you, my love. Fear not, I shall find and vanquish the evil sorcerer for you."

"That's it!" Ranko screamed.

She leapt at the kendoist with ease. With what seemed to be a mild touch, his bokken shattered. He fell back, surprised by the ferocity of his god- dess's rage. He tripped on a tree root.

Ranko hit Kunou in the sides, breaking his ribs. The man instantly blacked out, blood erupting from his mouth. She leapt away from his body, trembling violently. Several instructors rushed out of the school.

"What's wrong with you, Ranko? You could have killed him!" yelled one of the teachers.

Ranko sank to her knees as the impact of her fight returned to her. A dis- tant look came into her eyes. She looked at Akane, begging for help.

"Ranko, you'd better go home. Considering what has happened in the past, we'll let it slide. You and Akane have been extremely patient. Go home. We'll talk tomorrow," suggested the vice-principal.

Ranko nodded. Akane hugged her sister before talking with the teachers. Ranko slowly walked back to the dojo. It was interesting that it was now called the Tendou Family Center. Then she remembered her vivid dream. She entered the gate.

The strange woman, her mother, came out of the house. She ran over to the woman, hugging her tightly. She allowed the tears to come. An act that was natural for her.

"What happened? Why are you home?"

"I hurt Kunou, Mom. I broke his ribs. They sent me home. I just couldn't take it."

"There, there. Let's go inside. I should have seen this coming. We need to have a long talk. You've been acting strangely all morning."

"Hai!"

The two entered the house. Ranko's mother helped Ranko out of her uniform. Ranko put on a soft pink shirt and denim cover alls with the English word China written cutely on the chest and leg. The pair she barrowed from Akane in her dreams.

Ranko sat on her bed as her mother brought in a pitcher of lemonade, two glasses, some cookies, and a few books. They looked to be photo albums. Ranko just stared at the woman.

"You looked confused this morning. Last night, you expressed interest in learning more about your parents, so I thought I'd share what I remember with you. Maybe you can tell me what's really bothering you."

"I had a dream last night. It seemed so real, almost like I lived it. I...I guess it confused me."

"Tell me about it," the woman said gently, handing Ranko a glass.

Ranko took a sip, collecting her thoughts. "Well...it sort of takes place over a year's time. I was supposedly born a boy: Saotome Ranma. My father, Genma, took me from home when I was about five or six. He taught me to be a martial artist. As it turns out, I was supposed to be engaged to Kasumi, Nabiki, or Akane in order to fulfill an old promise.

"But before I arrived, I became cursed in China. When hit with cold water, I turned into a girl, while hot water turned me back. Anyway, I became engaged to Akane. As time past, it was one adventure after another. Akane and I had the same problems with Kunou. Genma engaged me to several women for food when I was little. I defeated a Chinese Amazon who was out to kill me and marry my boy form.

"It was all kind of fun. But then, Genma tells me my mother's alive, but I can't see her because he promised to make me a man among men. If she found out I was cursed, then she'd have us commit seppuku. So my boy form reluc- tantly agreed to hide. My dream family and friends agreed to help.

"But the dream ended with my birthday. My dream self, the boy, was going to enjoy his birthday with his family and friends. He was even hoping his mother would show up so he could spend time with her in his 'true' form. Un- fortunately, when she shows up, Genma sees to it that the boy isn't around. I do remember making a wish in the dream: I wish I didn't have to deal with this and have a real family.

"Then I fought Kunou, breaking his wrists. I then went upstairs and cried myself to sleep. The next thing I know, I wake up to you trying to get me ready for school."

"And you say this dream was vivid enough to seem real?"

"Hai. I was so disoriented this morning, I actually thought something magical happened. Because whenever my dream mother came, I assumed the name Tendou Ranko. I guess I had to have some anchor to reality."

"True. Was I in your dream?"

Ranko frowned. "No. Was Dad's name Soun?"

The woman smiled warmly. Opening a book, she turned to a page with several pictures. Ranko's delicate fingers traced the faces. She came to a handsome man. His long hair hung loosely about his shoulder. A mustache graced his face.

Ranko looked at the woman. "Father?"

"Hai. He was my husband, Soun. He died of a heart attack six months after you came to live with us. The couple in the next picture are your birth parents, Saotome Genma and Nodoka. Nodoka was my best friend and Genma was Soun's. They were killed in a plane crash fifteen years ago.

"We took you in while they went on a trip to China for their anniversary. The doctor's said Soun died of a heart attack, but I think he died of a broken heart. He wanted our families united, any son we had would marry a Saotome daughter and visa versa. When your parents died, we adopted you as our own.

"You have been my daughter for fifteen years. I guess the vividness of your dream made you forget, ne?"

"Hai. In my dream, Akane and I fought each other all of the time, but I never had any real problems with Kasumi or Nabiki. Nabiki used me for money, but that was it. Dad was always crying."

"What about me?"

Ranko took in a deep breath. "Mom, in my dream, you weren't alive. Everyone was sad because of it. I don't know why, either, because I love you so much."

Ranko thrust her arms around the woman, crying as she hugged her mother. The woman kissed Ranko's head, stroking the red head's hair. "It's all right, baby. It was just a dream. It was just a dream. You're awake now."

"But why weren't you in my dream?"

"Maybe because you didn't want to torture yourself anymore than you did. After all, you had a rough night at Ukyou's. That girl throws some pretty wild parties, but she is a wonderful girl."

"Hai. She's my best friend. In my dream and in my life."

"I'm glad some things are consistant. Are you feeling better?"

"Hai."

"Good. Then why don't you get into your gi and we'll go work off some stress. And while we do that, I'll answer any questions you have about your parents and my husband. After that, we'll go get some ice cream."

"You're the greatest, Mom."

"Ha! Ha! Ha! You and your sisters only say that to make me feel good."

"But it's true. You're always here for us. And taking me in was the best thing that ever happened to me. Thank you for everything."

"You're most welcome, Ranko. Next time you have a vivid dream, let me know so I don't worry about my precious little girl anymore."

"I promise. And a Tendou always keeps her word."

"That she does."

The woman left the room, leaving Ranko to change into her gi. Ranko looked at the photo of Genma and Nodoka one more time. They were the parents in her dream. She choked back a sad tear.I'm sorry Mama, Papa, I guess I'm Tendou Keiko's little girl now. I hope I've made you proud of me.

She closed the book, not seeing the tear drop that splashed Nodoka's face. She quickly changed clothes, leaving to practice with the only mother she's known. She turned out the light and closes the door. The rustling of the light curtains whisper, "I'm proud of my daughter."

The End

Acknowledgment--

Rumiko Takahasi always gets top honors. The authors of Careful Destiny, You Say It's Her Birthday, and several other wish/birthday authors. Just a Dream and Still Dreaming by Lew Burden.

(c) 1997 Bryan Neef. This story may be freely distributed, unaltered. If you wish to continue this story or use this setting, get my permission first.

Critiques welcome at bneef@ice.net. Tell me what you liked or disliked about this story.

Author's notes--

As I've been reading stories on the web (instead of studying or working on my graduate project,) I've noticed several stories concerning Akane's birthday. Curiously, no one, to my limited knowledge, has written a story about Ranma's birthday. So here it is. I hope I made the story convincing with a believ- able ending. It would have been longer, but I needed to get back to my ser- ious studies and I think this ending works best.

For those of you who have read my other 'published' work, Ranma's Curse, this story has no relation to it whatsoever. The only logical reference was the Tendou Family Center (which turns up in RC Part 3.)

The original story can be found at: here.


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