Ranma New Half Part 10

I am finishing this today, come hell or high water I am finishing this today! 

Ranma's first memories were of an endless dirt road on a warm summers day. Her weak little body long since exhausted was wrapped in her fathers arms, and he hummed a tune that had burnt itself into her mind. 

For all her life it had just been Ranma and her dad. Friends and foes came and went, but always it was them, the Saotome's against the world. Even when she hated him, even when she banished him she never imagined he'd ever really be absent. 

He couldn't be. Her dad might as well have been the ground upon which she walked, the support beams that held up her very identity. Without her dad there was no Ranma and however fearful or furious she could be with him, her dad was like the sun, an ever present constant in her life.

And now he was dead. 

His blood had been wiped from her skin but she could still feel the warm droplets, still detect the dried crimson on her once pristine white top. She could still hear him gasping his last as the one thing she'd always had was ripped away from her leaving Ranma to... What? 

She didn't know, she could barely even think. 

Instead she was just slumped against Nabiki on the shrine steps, the girl not knowing what to do save keep her steady. 

Ranma was vaguely aware of the world passing by around her. Of how Tofu-Sensei was inspecting her mother, Kasumi was consoling her broken father, of how Akane had cried at seeing a man cut down. Of the temple monks tending to the body and the police inspector who showed up just long enough to confirm it was a clan matter and leave.

She was aware but barely seeing how everyone else sort of flittered in and out trying not to crowd her but to ensure she knew they were there. The only absence she noticed was Uchan, disappearing when the monks came out to talk about funerary rights. 

'Keep it closed casket, don't open it again,' Nabiki had said for her and Ranma just nodded numbly. She didn't know if Soun or her mother agreed, but it didn't matter, soon enough the monks were gone, Uchan was back and Ranma could smell the faint scent of smoke in the air. 

Her dad was dead and Ranma couldn't do a thing about it. 

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Kasumi felt like she was somehow in free fall and yet weighed by chains. 

The trip back to the Dojo had been, crowded and quiet and all together awful. 

Ranma didn't speak she barely moved, needing to be coaxed along as she struggled to even find the will to put one foot in front of the other. 

Kasumi would have helped but for the first time in a week their father was walking with them. Silent tears streamed down his face as he held the urn containing Genma's ashes close to his chest. Any effort to make him speak only earned a choking, wretched sob before he stilled again. 

The only silver lining was that Tofu had decided to escort Ranma's mother home, sparing them that potential confrontation. But as they returned to the Dojo, family, friends and guests alike, Kasumi feared... She feared something finally snapping. 

Her father immediately set off for his room and only once he was out of sight, did Kasumi turn and face Ranma. Cradling the girls cheeks she kissed her brow and whispered, "Sit down dear, Ill bring us all something to drink." 

Ranma nodded weakly, a whispered thanks on her lips before the light died in her eyes and she was guided to the table, dropping to the floor with a limp thud. 

Kasumi disappeared into the kitchen and busied herself with her task. Not quite able to lose herself in the humdrum of familiar duties, but finding them calming all the same. A few stray droplets of tea were enough to shatter the illusion, the kettle hitting the bench with a low clang as she steadied her nerves. 

'I must find someone to speak to about this...' she turned to the crowd of unrested teens filling the living room and nodded. 'First I must look after them.' 

Wiping away the mess, Kasumi's head shot up at the sound of foot falls and she looked to see Nabiki and Kuonji sliding into the kitchen. 

"We'll take the tea Nee-Sama," Nabiki said. 

Kuonji nodded, "Your father is collecting travelling gear." 

"We thought you should know," Nabiki finished, picking up the tray. 

Kasumi clasped her hands and nodded slowly before making her way out of the kitchen, waving Kuonji and Xian Pu's silent offers of escort off. He was her father, and for all that she was disappointed with him in this last week, she knew it was not in him to hurt her. 

Pushing open the door, Kasumi watched as her father meticulously and mechanically packed his old travelling pack. Interestingly he left Ranma's items entirely undisturbed even as he worked with one hand, the other unwilling to part with the urn. 

"Father?" 

"Kasumi-Chan..." His words were weak, but at least he was speaking. 

"Is there something I can do to help?" 

He looked at her and then away, askance, "No my dear, I do not think anything can be helped now." He must have seen her expression as he spoke again, hastily, confusedly, desperately. 

"I just wanted... I just wanted what was best for the families, for our dreams to come true I just.... I just wanted the joys and hopes and ambitions of who we were to be realized. I just thought... I thought it was for the best of all of us." 

"And now father?" 

"I now know that nothing I say matters, that I cannot change what has come to pass and that I cannot stay here." 

"Father-"

"I cannot, Kasumi-Chan. I can see now that whatever I might think you have all made you decision and I've not the strength or will to fight you." He clutched the ern to his chest, "I have not the motive or the heart to continue down this path or to stay in this place."

Turning he sealed his bag, "I think it would be best for all of us if I left for a time, to reflect. The house is more yours than mine in many ways, and I know I can trust you to care for everyone under its roof." He slung the travelling bag over his back and strode up to her, swallowing he murmured, "I am so proud of the woman you've become. Whatever else, know that my dear." 

Kasumi offered her father a gentle embrace, "Stay safe, father." 

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Ranma ate her meal mechanically, exhaustion of every shade suffusing her being and the air around the table was mostly quiet. She vaguely registered Uchan and Ryoga helping Kasumi clear the table while Akane, Nabiki & Xian Pu all... Hovered. 

"Guys, thanks but its, ah, fine..." 

Xian Pu flicked her forehead, "No lying." 

Ranma flopped to the floor with a thud, unable to eve argue. 

Akane patted her hand, murmuring, "I... I've never seen someone die like that, it scared me, it still scares me, but I get the impression that isn't what's gotten to you." 

"Dying's not new, not really, but dad dying? I never..." She looked at her hands, ever callous and hidden scar. "I can't even think about the moment, or the one after..." 

"It was the same for us when our mother died," The words were cool, clipped and came from Nabiki of all people, the brunette brushing her fingers through Ranma's hair. "Not," she stressed, "That I'm comparing the two, cos they aren't even close to the same." 

Ranma chuckled weakly, "I bet, still though..." 

"You are without structure, support, systems," Xian Pu said, "At home, there is community, closeness. Even when... Even when... Warriors fell to the Musk, no one was alone to mourn. No one was left with no guidance." 

"In that case," Akane said slowly, "Can we be your new supports Ranma-Chan? Its not a village or a clan but, we can be there for you." 

Ranma could feel her body tingling, eyes watering, a whispered, "Thank you," Escaping her dusty ashen mouth. 

"You're not alone," Nabaiki intoned grandly, "And I know for sure I can give you guidance, for a fee~" 

Ranma laughed for the first time that night, a weak, pathetic, wheezing thing, but she laughed. 

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Some unspoken agreement had let to everyone setting up to sleep in the dining hall. Tables were moved, pillows fluffed and the TV was playing set on some kind of movie rotation Ranma didn't recognize. 

Nabiki, despite participating, was grousing, "If I am sleeping down here, I at least want the best pillows." 

"I think the pillows are all much the same, Nabiki-Chan," Kasumi answered idly, before gasping as she realized her mistake. 

Nabiki rocked back and forth in her sitting position, bare legs on display enough that & Ukyo had felt the need to look away but it was Ranma & Xian Pu she sent her wink. "Oh I don't know those two seem better equipped to- Arf!" 

Akane came to the rescues with a mighty thwack of her pillow to Nabiki's face. A challenge, the brunette answered with a well placed tickle, sending the younger girl flopping over in hysterics, "Nabiki Nee-Chan!" 

Nabiki tossed the pillow aside and smiled all too sweetly, "Ranma-Cham, be a good girl and hold her down for me." 

Akane braced, "Xian Pu-Senpai, reinforcements?" 

The warrior sent Ranma a fierce and wickedly amused smirk that had her running to the opposite side of the room as the Amazon snatched up a pillow and gave chase. 

It wasn't long before a stray pillow struck Ryoga, drawing them into the fight and with that Uchan began provided long range support with his good arm. Finally, a well placed trip from Kasumi dragged her into play and soon enough the living room was flooded with noise and life. 

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Ranma awoke slowly, later than the dawn for once. 

That reality left a weight on her chest, one that forced from her nearly all the work done by everyone the night before. 

Only a herculean effort even let her lift her head off the pillow and attune her senses enough to register Kasumi in the kitchen and the gliding sound of Xian Pu's Dao sword outside. Everyone else was still sleeping, including Nabiki who had gotten her wish and was currently snoozing on Ranma's chest. 

Careful rolling and sliding deposited Nabiki onto her and Ranma's original pillows/ The brunette frowning in her sleep as she ground her face into the soft material, apparently unsatisfied but still asleep. 

Sitting up, Ranma considered going to the kitchen to help Kasumi, but the sudden whip crack sensation of her fathers chastisement rang in her head stopped her. 

'I never even like him,' she told herself, face in her hands, body quivering quietly as her body tried and failed to cry. She was shamefully grateful for the distant sound of a ringing bell, giving her the motive and energy to stand. 

Waving off Kasumi and Xian Pu as she left the room, Ranma made her way to the front of the house, expecting maybe a package or something. Instead what greeted her at the gates was an elegant visage with dark red hair, a deep blue kimono and a single sword resting gently in her arms. 

"Mother..." 

The older woman bowed, "Ranma-Sama, may I speak?" 

Ranma couldn't even properly form words, which was as good as permission as Nodoko needed. She rested the katana in both her hands and said. "I assume you don't know much of my families history, but this katana was wielded by a great samurai nearly eight centuries ago. Since then it has been passed down our line from father to son, until my grandmother, who bore a daughter and then myself." 

The sword shook in her hands, her words growing hotter and more ragged. "Its ancient, its an heirloom, and its something I thought I would use to kill my own child..." 

Her hands encircled the shaft and tip and with a bitten back shriek she shattered the blade on her knee. Glinting steel and dark wood work falling to the ground as Ranma could barely do more than gasp. 

Nodoko looked at her, really looked at her, body quaking, eyes shimmering with tears. "For over ten years I awaited my beloved son's return, burying myself in honor, resolving myself through duty as my heart began to break and when you come back to me..." She choked her words out, "I do nothing for you, I fail you again as I did then and... I.." 

She wiped tears from her eyes with a sort of clumsy desperation, "I don't understand you, I don't know you and perhaps I don't deserve to and yet. You are kind, you are brave and you are honorable." She steeled herself before Ranma, "You have every right to banish me from the clan, do so and I won't begrudge you but if you can.. I you would let me..." She held out a hand, "I want to try and know you, as my daughter." 

At those words, the walls of apathy and despair were broken by a flood and Ranma flung herself forward, embracing the woman with a cry. "You're my mother! All I've wanted for so long is to know you!" 

She was crying, sobbing, burying her face in her mothers shoulder as the woman embraced her, weeping and whispering. "Oh sweet child, I am so, so sorry." 

The pair fell to their knees, the rest of the world forgotten as mother and daughter embraced. 

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Epilogues: 

Money Troubles: 

Nabiki tapped a clipboard, drawing the very crowded room's attention as she began tp speak. 

"Family, friends, handsome and pretty guests," She added with a wink. "Its time we discuss something important." 

A hand shot up, "Yes, Kuonji-Kun." 

"If this is about money-" 

"It is about monkey," she assured, seeing several of the fighters wiggling uncomfortably. 

Xian Pu however shrugged, "Shall we go hunting to put food on the table? Or perhaps rob some triad for their money?" 

Nabiki blinked, "OK as hot as that sounds, I actually already have a solution, but it needs you fighter types present around the clock." 

Ranma perked up, "Wait this is about-"

"Right you are Ranma-Chan," Nabiki crowed, motioning to Kasumi, "Big sister here has an account set up, I have a list of potential buyers and with it, we can begin making ready for an aunction." 

Hibiki and Akane raised their hands, "Uh, auction what?" Akane asked. 

Nabiki turned over the clip board to reveal a single strand of hair inside a plastic sleeve. 

Xian Pu screamed, "Nǐ yǒu lóng xū!" 

Nabiki's Chinese wasn't great, especially given Xian Pu's archaic annunciation, but she got the message, "Dragon Whisker, yup, the cure for baldness. We're gonna sell it and I want you lot on hand to keep it safe in case anyone tries to steal it rather than pay up." This had been in the works for weeks and with Genma out of the way the only threats would come from outside. 

"Ai-ya, we can do much better," Xian Pu grinned, "Because I know recipe." 

Nabiki's mouth slowly opened and close as the realization hit her, "Then we can... Sell the meal, not to one person, but several rich guys at once!?" 

Xian Pu nodded proudly, "Should be able to make at least eight bowls with that whisker." 

'Eight buyers. Eight buyers! EIGHT BUYERS!' 

Nabiki got up, and pulled Xian Pu into a kiss. 

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The Black Rose: 

"I can't believe that girl left rose petals all over my room!" Akane shrieked, as Xian Pu and Ryoga helped her clean up the mess. 

"Is very strange courting ritual," Xian Pu concurred. 

"I don't think she was courting Akane-San," Ryoga cut it, "The Black Rose is just theatrical like that." 

Akane blinked and turned to face the fanged fighter, "Wait, you know her?" 

Ryoga blushed, "I've uh, studied Martial Arts Gymnastics, in fact I was going to offer to help you train if you wanted." 

"Oh, wow Hibiki-Chan, thank you, that's very nice of you!" Akane cheered, only to be tapped on the shoulder. 

"I shall aid as well, you can also borrow my tools," Xian Pu opened her top to reveal her Chui, a spear, and that godlike Dao sword. 

"I'm not sure those are legal." 

"Oh no, they're all very legal, any tool is accepted, its just traditional tools make it easier to get points, but with Kodachi-Sama," Ryoga shrugged. "Its better to go in hard hitting I think." 

"See, is excellent idea, Akane should listen to her Senpai!" 

"All right, all right, well thank you both, let's finish cleaning and start training all right?" 

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Shinobi

Ukyo knelt before the heads of several great Shinobi Clans. Some in person, other's through everything from magical artifacts, to techniques, to laptops 

Sitting before Ukyo were two items, a freezer box, and a weathered scroll, "Elders, clan heads, masters of the shadows, I bring to you the head of our enemy, and a gift from their clan as recompense." 

There was a series of silent motions and whispers before one of the elders spoke up, "You have then slain, Genma Saotome?" 

Ukyo frowned and bowed, "If the elders will permit me to speak, I shall tell you what has transpired within these last two months." 

Ranma was staring at Ukyo with wide eyes as the Shinobi casually tossed the girl a Okonomiyaki. 

"I will have to thank your mother properly, the scroll she gifted me really helped the elders ease up on me." 

The redhead swallowed her first bite with a pleased moan before answering. "So that got you your old rank back?" 

She could have asked if that alone had been enough, but Ukyo knew Ranma, at the very least suspected the truth but would not comment on it. A polite fiction between old friends to never ask and never tell. 

Smiling the Shinibo spun a spatula, "I'm now a fully acknowledge Shinobi, with all the ranks, rights and responsibilities that entails. I am still to be the son and not the daughter, buuut there's not going to be as much enforcement on that anymore." Ukyo shrugged, "Besides, once we find Hibiki-Chan again, I plan on setting off for China." 

Ranma nodded, finishing her meal, "Sounds like a plan, we're still tryna figure out how Xian Pu can go home too." 

"Hmm, had much luck there," Ranma's expression said it all. 

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Home & Hearth: 

Akane was, well, she was happier than she'd been in a long time. The occasional fight for her life and safety notwithstanding, things were just wonderful! 

Case in point, Kuno had completely diverted his obsession with her to some kind of rivalry with Nabiki which always ended with Kuonji stomping his head in. And while Kodachi very much was the new Kuno in her life, Akane didn't resent having an obsessive rival as much as she had an obsessive suitor. The Principle was still absurd though, and was the one point of contention everyone agreed with even Tatewaki on. 

Nabiki-Chan had, well Akane couldn't say she'd softened exactly, but her hard edges were no longer directed at her loved one's, which was already a huge improvement. Plus, with all the money they'd raked in and with some gentle encouragement, Kasumi was now engaging in a medical apprenticeship with Dr Tofu. Ranma-Chan had settled in quite happily and while the others tended to drift in and out, the house never felt lonely. 

Akane felt strong arms embrace her from behind, Xian Pu's elegant voice echoing in her ears as the purple haired woman rested jer chin on Akane's head. "Stop studying dull books and sleep." 

Chuckling Akane closed the book, "All right, the reports not due for another week anyway," stretching as she rose. Xian Pu watched her, nodding at some silent appraisal that Akane had just gotten used to. 

Following her 'Senpai' because Xian Pu would not let that go, to the bathroom to wash up, Akane had a thought occur. 

"You know we have a guest room if you want it, why have you never slept there? Not that I mind, and I mean, I guess others do end up sleeping there too." Xian Pu's penchant for bed hopping was well known after all. 

Xian Pu looked at her, crimson eyes deadly serious and slightly shimmering, "At home there is... We are communal, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, often under one roof. Affection is never far, another's warmth always nearby, not like here where everyone locks themselves in little boxes." 

"Oh Xian Pu..." She pulled the taller girl into a hug, "We'll find a way to get you welcomed back home, I know we will and until then. we'll always be here for you." 

Xian Pu hugged her tightly, no words needed to be spoken, but the pair joined Ranma in her bed that night, just to ensure Xian Pu had two people beside her. 

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The Old Master: 

Kasumi could not say she was unhappy with how her life had been going in the recent months, but the last day had certainly been, a hassle. Clothes vanishing from all across the neighborhood, angry shouting and screams. All while her younger kin were dealing with some sort of cat ghost summoned by one of Akane's classmates. 

"Ah sweeto, Dojo sweet dojo, come to Happy," Crowed a voice she did not recognize. 

Kasumi peaked into the training hall and saw a strange little man counting his sordid prizes in the heart of the room while smoking a pipe. A spark in her synapses told her who it was, the horrific and ancient master from her fathers nightmares... 

"Grandfather Happosai," She intoned happily, opening the door and bowing to the man. 

He looked surprised at being snuck up on even as a lecherous grin spread along his face. "MY word, is that Kasumi-Chan? You've grown into a beautiful woman, why I should-"

"Would you like a back rub, grandfather?" 

He stilled, seemingly boggled before, nodding, "Why yes I would actually, such a polite girl, your father clearly raised you right." 

Kasumi knelt behind the man, a sweet smile on her lips as the chart Nabiki had pulled from their roof flashed into her memory and she silently thanks Dr Tofu for what she was about to do next. 

'The Ultimate Weakness Moxiburn, and a sleepy time Pressure Point, that should do the trick," she thought hands resting on Happosai's back as the man preened and boasts. 

Right up until he felt his ability to cycle Chi vanish, but before he could even speak the world went black and he passed out. 

With her job done, Kasumi set about returning what had been stolen, she just hoped there was a more permanent solution to the Anything Goes Grand Master. 

Three hours later, when her erstwhile ghost hunters returned, still in possession of a magical kettle drum, bereft of any feline spirits for it had been chased away by Ranma-Chan, Kasumi was please to have her solution. 

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To Travel: 

Xian Pu knelt before the table, her tone somber but hopeful, "An ancient Musk artifact. A bag of great wealth an unknown technique, and a wanted criminal... This, this might be enough." 

It might be enough alongside her repaid honor debt to return home and see her family again. 

Ranma's hand clapped her on the back, "I bet it you it is, but just to be safe, how about everyone who can comes along?" 

"You do not have to-"

"But we want to," Akane added, hugging her from behind. 

Konatsu slid Xian Pu a drink, the girl was grinning and slightly teary eyed, "SUch strong and beautiful bonds of camaraderie. I am truly blessed to have been welcomed into your home and shall join you on this quest, both to aid you, and for myself."  

Ukyo waved from his perch, "If Hibiki-Chan showed up, we'd be able to take the whole gang. 

It was at that moment that Ryoga happened to march into the back garden, head buried in a map, "So if I turn left here," Ryoga spun around entirely, "Then I should be at the Springs!" 

"Why is there only one Spring!?" 

Xian Pu couldn't help herself, she began to laugh so hard she almost cried from joy. 

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To Return:

Nodoka's heart stilled at the sight of the man before her. Master of the Tendo Dojo, father of three daughters and the best friend of the husband she had slain. And here she was, standing in his Dojo, answering the door, much to his clear astonishment. 

Swallowing, she tensed, ready for anything, "Tendo-San." 

He looked at her intently for a moment, his visage was sharper than she recalled, but more aged as well. Thin streaks of grey in his hair and his moustache was missing, as he said, "Nodoka-San, you have nothing to fear from me. I... I may not be happy with how everything transpired last year, but I have made peace with it." 

She relaxed, ever so slightly, "I am heartened to welcome you back then, if I confess, still wary of what this means for my daughter." 

He blinked owlishly, before nodding, "I see, I see, yes, well, I shan't give your daughter any trouble, in truth I recently started... Attending classes." 

That brought a smile to her face, "Ah, one of the classes for parents to understand their children's preferences yes?" At his nod she smiled and let the door open further, "I have been attending those as well, for nearly a year now." 

Soun nodded, looking relieved, "I only started recently, but it is already showing me much and I... I wanted to at least visit my children and to offer your daughter my regards." His gaze drifted to the remodeled second story, "I see there's been some changes." 

"Indeed, the Dojo is quite crowded these days, its part of why I stay over most weeks, Kasumi-Chan needs to focus on her studies after all and can't be freting after every guest. Though, its not just students either." She stepped back and beckoned him inside, "I do not know what their reaction will be, but I think this shall be well. Especially compared to if you had returned anytime during the last few months?" 

"I take it I left that poor of an impression?" He said gravely. 

"Well yes, but also because your self proclaimed, illegitimate daughters have been staying her for the last two or so months. They have rooms upstairs now." 

She shouldn't have bothered finishing that sentence because Soun had already passed out. 

Sighing she shook her head, "I did say self proclaimed," before dragging him to the nearest room. 

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Jusenkyo: 

The great valley and planes of Jusenkyo would probably never lose their austere beauty to Ryoga. It was a wonder she had ever mistaken anywhere else for it when even the air felt nearly divine. 

She was at the heart of their nine strong party, with everyone else ensuring she didn't wander off. 

Nabiki was managing to keep up despite her relatively simple training regime and the long hike they took to arrive. 

Xian Pu was chattering with her grandmother and Akane in their native toungue, the Japanese born girl trying and somewhat keeping up. 

Konatsu was practically bursting with excitement as she peppers their guide with questions, nearly skipping with every step. 

Ukyo having already dived into his Spring was now going shirtless and seemed lost in a blissful daze. 

Meanwhile Ranma was looking at Ryoga intently as she finished rattling off a rejoinder about fighting the Dojo Destroyer on the road. 

"Say Hibiki-Chan, how come your voice is so high now?" 

Ryoga blinked, "Oh, you noticed. haha, I wasn't sure it was obvious and it probably sounds weird, but ah. Well," She rubbed the back of her head, "Because I was struggling to find the Spring so much, I started this thing called Voice Training to make my pitch higher." 

"You can do that?" Ranma gasped, as Ryog'a nod she clapped him on the back, "Well grats girl, it sounds great on you, super cute!" 

Ryoga blushed intensely, "T- Thanks, Ranma-Chan!" Her voice pitched even higher than was becoming custom, which only made Ranma smile brighter. 

"And here we are, honored guests," The guide intoned, "First stop on our trip, the Spring of Drowned Girl." He motioned to one spring among many, but Ryoga watched Ranma stride forward, recognition clear in her eyes as she bowed to the Spring. 

Ryga and Konatsu followed suit, each bowing respectfully and in thanks before the Shinobi grasped her hand and they leapt into the water together. 

When Ryoga surfaced she still had her hands, her feet, her everything human, but she had something else as well. 

A tail, and a great big, incredibly high pitched squeal of joy escaping her lips. 

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The End: 

Ranma had parted ways with her friends over the span of nearly an hour or longer. 

Xian Pu, her siblings and Great Gandmother wouldn't be visiting for awhile yet.

The Tendo's had their own business to work through, including the two official, unofficial adoptees. 

Konatsu & Ukyo were off on some training mission for a Shinobi Master to help get used to their new bodies.

Ryo-Chan had stumbled across her very excited mother and the Oni descended pair raced off to into the sunset. 

Which left Ranma alone with her mother as they walked down the street, cherry blossoms falling around them. Ranma lifted her hands above her head, purring contentedly as she stretched, the gentle sun rays beaming down upon her. 

Ranma heard a small chuckle escape Nodoka and looked to her mother who just smiled up at her daughter, still perched as usual on the highest spot she could. "Its nothing Ranma-Chan, I just thought you looked so happy and it made me smile." 

Chuckling, she flipped down to the ground and offered her mother her hand who took her it and embraced her briefly, before they made their way into the park. 

Ranma smiled, squeezing her mothers hand, she murmured, "I am happy."