Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ I'm the Mother and the Father? ❯ Legalities ( Chapter 16 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

I'm the Father and the Mother?
A Ranma Fanfic by Michael A. Ivins
 
Ranma and friends are owned by Rumiko Takahashi along with her publishers and Viz Video. I make no money off this so please don't sue me.
 
Recap of Chapter 15
Dr. Hinagami stopped by the Tendo home for a visit to talk about Ranma's situation. Because of that conversation plans were changed and a decision made for Ranma and Nabiki to get married right away. At school Kodachi attacked but Ranma was saved when Miss Hinako used her chi draining attack on the gymnast. At lunch time, before Ranma could eat, Nabiki got them both into a taxi to go downtown. There they signed the papers to be legally married.
 
 
Chapter 16
Legalities
 
As they made their way back to the street, Nabiki told Ranma, “The timing worked out really good. That lawyer Dr. Hinagami mentioned is coming by in about 15 minutes to pick us up. He wants to talk about some things related to setting up the adoption.”
 
They didn't have to wait long. A cream colored limosine pulled up in front of the building and the rear door of the vehicle opened. Ranma and Nabiki steped to the door and looked in, seeing a tall slender man whose hair was gray with a hint of dark. He wore a mustache that was darker than his hair. He said, “I am Takeuchi Akira. Are you the Saotome's?”
 
Both girls nodded. The dapperly dressed man said, “I am the lawyer of whom Dr. Hinagami told you. Please, get in. I was on the way back from an appointment and thought it would be a good idea to pick you up. We are going to my office which is a few blocks from here.”
 
As the girls got settled into a seat that faced the lawyer he spoke again, “You with the brown hair must be the new Mrs. Saotome.” Nabiki felt a thrill go through her at being address that way.
 
The gentleman turned and said, “You must be Saotome Ranma, the young… woman with the unique problem. I must say, Dr. Hinagami's description hardly does you justice. It strains the limits of belief that such a lovely creature as yourself was born male.”
 
Ranma replied, “I am Saotome Ranma. Yes, I was born male. I spent most of my life that way until my current `unique problem' happened. For more than a year I was cursed to spend half of my time as a boy and the other half like this.”
 
Nabiki pulled a photo of male Ranma out of the envelope she was carrying and handed it to the lawyer. The picture showed the martial artist in a fighting stance and wearing the Chinese clothes he favored. Ranma explained, “That's what I look like when I'm not a girl.”
 
The lawyer looked back and forth between the photo and the girl. “In the face I can see a family resemblance but only so much that I would think the two of you brother and sister if I hadn't heard the story. If it had been anyone other than Dr. Hinagami telling me the story, I would have thought someone was trying to pull some kind of elaborate joke on me. It would have taken some remarkable circumstance to convince a hard headed pragmatist like her believe that magic is real.”
 
As the lawyer handed the photo back to Nabiki, Ranma told him, “Dr. Hinagami told me about a friend she has who is a computer hacker. That woman bought some packets of Instant Nannichuan powder.”
 
“Oh? What does this powder do?”
 
“When it's mixed with water, it can make a woman change into a man. The doc said her friend actually changed right in front of her and then changed back. I guess it was a pretty convincing demonstration.”
 
“I can well imagine. Unlike Dr. Hinagami, I am more of a romantic and open to belief in the fantastic and wonderful. If she can be made to believe in your story, then I won't ask for any such demonstration. Ah! We've arrived.”
 
The limo had pulled up to the entrance of an underground parking garage beneath one of the taller buildings in the downtown Tokyo area. As they watched a barred gate rolled back to allow them entrance. Nabiki guessed the driver had some kind of radio control that activated the gate.
 
The limo stopped in front of an elevator and the passengers all got out. As the driver moved off toward a parking space the lawyer and his guests entered the elevator. Mr. Takeuchi pressed the button for the tenth floor. They rode up in silence.
 
They entered the door to a suite of offices and proceeded past some other doors. They were met in front of a set of double doors by a smartly dress middle aged woman who ushered them through the doors and into a huge office. Off to one side of the room there was a couch and two comfy chairs that faced each other. They went to these rather than the very large desk that sat in front of the panoramic windows.
 
As the two girls seated themselves on the couch Mr. Takeuchi explained, “Some of my clients find it intimidating to be talking to me across that big desk. I find that especially true of the younger clients, such as yourselves. The couch provides a more relaxed atmosphere. If you wish my assistant can bring in tea.” Since lunch wasn't that long ago, the girls declined.
 
Nabiki opened her purse and from it pulled a videocassette. “I know you said you don't need a demonstration, but I thought this might help to remove any doubts you might have about Ranma.”
 
The lawyer accepted the tape and opened the doors to a cabinet that contained a TV and VCR. He turned on the equipment and placed the tape in the machine. The scene recorded was one of Ranma's sparring sessions with his father. They threw punches and kicks at each other until the black haired boy fell into the koi pond and a red haired girl in the same clothing emerged. She leaped over the head of her father and delivered a kick that landed Genma in the pond where he transformed into a panda.
 
The lawyer hadn't been aware that anyone other than Ranma was cursed and his eyes got wide and this demonstration. As the tape continued, Ranma went to sit on the porch and take off her shirt to wring it out. Nabiki said, “I brought this tape so there could be no question as to Ranma's gender. Into the frame of the video camera Kasumi came with a kettle of hot water that she poured over Ranma's head. The image showed the shapely breasts shrink back to a muscular male chest. As the sex of the person in the image changed the body also grew several centimeters.
 
The lawyer pressed the stop button and ejected the tape. He handed it back to Nabiki. “Thank you, Mrs. Saotome. If I were a skeptic I'd probably say that was a clever fake done with special effects and computer graphics. On the other hand I'd hazard a guess that the kind of effects it would take to fake what I just saw would be more expensive than either of you young people could afford.”
 
The lawyer sat down. “Before we continue, let me ease your minds about one thing. I'm sure you have guessed from my car and this office that my law practice is successful and that I am fairly wealthy. Wealthy enough that I can afford to occasionally take a case for a reduced fee or free when I feel the client is worthy. I think Miss Saotome here is need of help that she would not normally be able to afford. I am willing to give her that help.”
 
“The situation as I understand it is that Miss Saotome is pregnant and through accident and magic the boy I saw in that video is in fact the father of her child. Does that sum up it up accurately?”
 
Ranma and Nabiki exchanged a look. Ranma said, “That's right.”
 
“I can appreciate the problem you face. The child of such parentage would likely be labeled a freak by any who heard the story. The same could be said of the… parent of the child. The chance that such a child could have anything resembling a normal life would be almost nonexistent.”
 
He leaned on the arm of his chair. “I think the idea of adoption is the best one. That way she will have parents instead of a single `parent.' When she goes to school she can talk about her mother and father as two separate people. I can imagine problems if Miss Saotome still has her curse, but they should be more manageable.”
 
He then turned on a recorder and had Ranma and Nabiki talk about their situation. Nabiki gave him a certified copy of the marriage license.
 
After a while the lawyer said, “The law doesn't recognize the existence of magic. I shudder to contemplate the kind of chaos that could result if that were to change. Ranma is on record as being male. I could see where that might be changed to female if medical evidence were presented of her current state, but there is no chance that her legal status will ever show both sexes. As far as the current situation and the welfare of the unborn child, I don't see any advantage to be gained by getting Ranma declared female.”
 
He continued. “Partly what this means in practical terms is that Ranma's female form has no legal existence. While I don't generally approve falsifying records, I can recognize that it it may be necessary sometimes. It should be possible to create a name and history for Ranma's female form as an unmarried, pregnant teenager who doesn't know who the father of her child is. She would be an orphan with no family to take her in or care for her child.”
 
“Such a baby could end up in foster care or become a burden on the government, so it is always preferable if adoptive parents can be found. Dr. Hinagami could come up with a plausible reason for you as husband and wife to be unable to have children. It would of necessity be either a temporary condition or something reversible through surgery or other medical treatment if you wish to have other children later.”
 
“We could then say either that you two knew or at least knew of this girl and offered to adopt her baby. We could say that as your lawyer, I put you in touch with the girl and you made the offer. Then Ranma, as the fictitious girl, signs the papers to let the Saotomes adopt the child. After the child is born Miss Nabiki could come to take her home, possibly while Ranma is still in the hospital after giving birth.”
 
“It would be best if the fictitious girl (let's call her Watenabe Kimiko) disappears after Ranma leaves the hospital. We could say she died in an accident or moved to America or something. Is something wrong Miss Nabiki?”
 
He had noticed a startled reaction on Nabiki's part. She answered, “Nothing wrong. It's just that Kimiko was my mothers name.”
 
“We can pick another name if you wish.”
 
“That's all right. I just wasn't expecting to hear that name in this kind of situation.”
 
“I understand. That at least is the general outline of how I think we should proceed. Understand that this is what I think can be done, but I will need some research to see if it possible and more importantly, if it is achievable. Do you agree with it at least in principle?”
 
Ranma and Nabiki looked into each other's eyes for a few moments. Both nodded. Ranma said, “We agree.”
 
Mr. Takeuchi said, “Good. For now lets call that the plan. If there is some change in your situation that might require a change in this plan, call me.” He handed them business cards. “I will put my staff to work on researching all of the relevant points of law and everything else we can think of. If we find out something that will require any changes to the plan, I will call you so we can discuss it. If at any point you feel the plan is no longer one you can accept let me know and you can drop out.”
 
They all stood up and bowed and the girls left. The secretary who showed them out told them she would call a taxi and they should wait in front of the building.
 
Shortly they were on their way back to the Tendo dojo. Ranma commented, “This has been a busy day.”
 
Nabiki nodded. “It's not over yet. I think we should let the family know about the marriage. I'm not sure how the parents are going to like us getting married without a ceremony. I also wonder how it will affect what Akane and Kasumi are doing or if it will have any effect on them at all.”
 
Ranma said, “My mom was there when Dr. Hinagami was visiting. She heard the doctor's suggestion that you and I get married right away. She might be surprised that we got it done this fast, but not that we actually did it.”
 
“That's one thing on our side, anyway.”
 
When the taxi arrived at the Tendo dojo Nabiki found that she didn't have to pay the fare. It was being charged to the account of Mr. Takeuchi Akira.
 
As they came in the front door, Kasumi rushed up to them. “Akane said the two of you left school at lunch in a taxi. Is anything wrong?”
 
Ranma smiled, “No, nothing wrong in fact it's something very good. Do you know where my mom is right now?”
 
A familiar voice spoke from behind her, “I'm right here, dear. What's been going on?”
 
Ranma looked at Nabiki who used a motion of her head to indicate they should go to the dojo. Ranma turned back to her mother and asked, “If you've got a minute, could we talk to you in the dojo?”
 
Now intrigued the auburn haired woman nodded and followed the teenagers down the walkway that connected to the dojo. When they got there Nodoka said, “We should be private here. Now what did you want to talk about?”
 
Ranma said, “Remember the conversation with Dr. Hinagami?”
 
“Yes, I remember it quite well.”

“You know how she suggested that Nabiki and I would have a better chance to adopt Ranko if we were to get married as soon as we could?”
 
“Yes, I remember that. I'm not sure we can do that when both of you are girls right now.”
 
Nabiki pulled the marriage license out of its envelope and handed it to Saotome matriarch. “Take a look at this.”
 
Nodoka read over the official document then read it a second time. “Is this real?”
 
Ranma grinned hugely, “Yes, it's real. Nabiki had a contact in the city who helped set it up. It wouldn't have worked if I wasn't still in the records as a guy.”
 
“But there's been no ceremony.”
 
“To be legally married you don't need a ceremony. You just need to fill out the right forms, sign them and get them registered at the right city office. We are officially, legally married.” Nabiki also had a big grin on her face.
 
“Oh, my dear children.” Nodoka wrapped one arm around each of the girls. It developed into a tight group hug.
 
Tears of happiness wet Nodoka's cheeks as they separated. “While I'm disappointed that I didn't get to attend a ceremony, I recognize the necessity for what you did. The way you did this is likely the only way you could have gotten married given Ranma's current gender and condition.”
 
The elder Mrs. Saotome was wearing a huge smile. Overcome by emotion, she enfolded her daughter in another hug that was more of a glomp. Ranma was forced to wheeze, “Mom… need… to… breathe.”
 
Ranma's mother released her child and stepped back. “When the doctor suggested that you get married right away I never expected you to do it so fast.”
 
Nabiki said, “It helps to have contacts in the city government. I didn't see any advantage to be gained by waiting. Besides that I wanted to be married to your daughter… son, whichever.”
 
Nodoka nodded, “I assume you took me aside so I could help you break the news to your fathers. Soun will be disappointed there was no ceremony.”
 
Ranma spoke up. “We plan to have a ceremony when my curse unlocks. It would be a Western style ceremony with me in a tuxedo and Nabiki in the pretty gown. Mr Tendo can give the bride away, Akane and Kasumi can be bridesmaids. You know, the whole deal.”
 
Nodoka was thoughtful. “I was wondering if this way might actually be better. The ceremony with Akane was a disaster.”
 
Nabiki looked sheepish. “A lot of that was my fault. I sold information on where and when the wedding would be. Considering how things turned out, it may be a good thing that I did that.”
 
“With Akane's temper and her penchant for using a mallet, Ranma may have right in predicting that a marriage between them would have ended badly. It's better not to dwell on migh-have-beens. At the very least we should have something nice for dinner to celebrate. Since Kasumi is already working on tonight's dinner, we can do something special tomorrow. Maybe I could bake a cake.”
 
Both teens protested that this was not necessary but Nodoka insisted. “You don't get married every day. Since you plan to have a ceremony later, we can limit our celebration tomorrow to the just the family.”
 
They headed back inside. Nodoka went up to the fathers and spoke, “Soun, dear, would you mind interrupting your game? Ranma and Nabiki have some important news to tell you. Akane, come here please. Kasumi, if you're at a point where you can pause your work, please come here as well.”
 
Everyone felt a bit of apprehension. The last time they had been called together like this was when Ranma announced she was pregnant. They hoped this would be less traumatic.
 
Ranma smiled, “As of today the honor agreement between the Tendo and Saotome families has been satisfied.”

Before anyone had time to fully digest this Nabiki held up the marriage license and with a huge grin on her face bowed, saying, “Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Saotome Nabiki, the wife of Saotome Ranma.”
 
“Wife?” said both Genma and Soun in unison. Akane and Kasumi looked at each other and mouthed the word.
 
Soun seemed to try several times to find words before asking, “When did this happen?”
 
Nabiki handed him one of the certified copies of the marriage license and instructed him to, “Look at the date.”
 
“Today? How can you be married with no ceremony? How could you be married at all when you're both girls right now?”
 
Nabiki explained that all that was needed was to have the right paperwork registered.
 
“But you're both girls.”
 
Nabiki patiently pointed out, “Ranma is still on the books as male. We just had to do a bit of a fast shuffle with a different witness for each of our signatures. The witness for Ranma's signature didn't notice she had signed in the husband's space.”
 
Ranma ventured, “I don't know if this counts as joining the schools, since Akane is the official heir to the Tendo Anything Goes School.”
 
Soun took on a thoughtful look. “I'll have to think about that.”
 
Genma demanded, “Why now? Not that I'm complaining, but you were both talking like you would only consider getting married after the baby was born. What changed your minds?”
 
Nabiki explained the adoption plan. She told of the lawyer and the help of the doctor.
 
Genma asked, “Are you sure this is the only way my granddaughter could have a normal life?”
 
Ranma answered, “It's the only way we can think of.”
 
Nabiki put in, “If we don't try something Ranko will be called a freak, Ranma will be called a freak, and I'd probably be called a freak for marrying Ranma. Can you imagine little Ranko trying to grow up with that?”
 
More than one of the listeners shuddered at the thought.
 
Nabiki said, “Because Ranma's curse is locked right now we can't make any kind of public announcement of the marriage. Nothing in the newspapeprs. We can tell a few friends and we should limit that to just people who know about Ranma's curse. We're going to have to tell Ranma's other fiancés. I'm working on a way to handle Shampoo. Ukyo is likely to need a delicate touch.”
 
Tears began streaming down Soun's face, “Can't we even celebrate?”
 
Nodoka joined the conversation, “Of course we'll celebrate. We'll just have to keep the celebration to the family. I'll bake a cake, Kasumi can prepare a special meal with all of Ranma and Nabiki's favorite foods. I know Ranma likes ice cream. Maybe we could also get balloons and other things.”
 
Nabiki chimed in, “I like ice cream too.”
 
Nodoka smiled, “Then we definitely must get ice cream.”
 
Nabiki said, “Now that Ranma and I are married I hope nobody would object to a change in the sleeping arrangements.”
 
“What?”
 
“I think Ranma should move her stuff into my room It's a much bigger room and I've got room in my closet for her clothes. My bed is plenty big enough for two people.”
 
Soun sounded scandalized. “You want to sleep with Ranma when you're both girls?”
 
“Daddy, unless we find a cure for Ranma's curse (after the baby's born) I'm going to have to be used to her in both forms. Also, since we're now legally married, does it really matter what we do in the privacy of our bedroom? I can promise you this, if you don't agree to us moving in together, I'll sneak into her room or she'll sneak my room. We may even take turns.”
 
Soun looked like he was about to summon his demon head when Nodoka placed a hand on his arm. “What harm will it do if they sleep in the same bed?”
 
The Tendo parent calmed a bit. “I'll allow it, but you must promise to do nothing unnatural while you are in bed together.”
 
“Yes daddy, I promise.”
 
Ranma looked at Nabiki like she'd taken leave of her senses. She couldn't say anything in front of the parents.
 
“Very well. Ranma, why don't you get started moving your clothes. Nabiki, you may help.”
 
When they got to the top of the stairs Ranma said in an urgent whisper, “Nabs, what's the idea of that promise?”
 
Nabiki placed a finger over her lips and led the way into Ranma's room. When the door was shut behind them she smiled mischievously. “Sex is a very natural thing to do. I guess to really live up to the promise we'll have to stop using the sex toys, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.”
 
“What about getting together with you as a guy?”
 
“If we keep doing that in the dojo, it would still be living up to the promise because we wouldn't be doing it in bed.”
 
Ranma couldn't help herself but giggle. “You are one devious woman.”
 
“And you love it.”
 
“I do. I am in awe of your abilities.”
 
Nabiki gave a mocking bow. “Come on, grab and armload of clothes and let's get started moving.”
 
They quickly moved all of the clothing. The managed the speed of moving by not trying to organize anything. The clothes were put in a big pile in the corner along with all of Ranma's other belongings. Ranma couldn't help a small sigh at the sight. She'd hadn't finished organizing this stuff in her room all that long ago. Oh, well.
 
While Ranma started working on stowing away her clothes and other belongings, Nabiki opened her laptop computer and started to check her email. There was one from someone named Kitusne. Wasn't that the name of Dr. Hinagami's hacker friend?
 
She opened the email. The first thing that caught her eye was an icon of an anime style red-furred fox girl. The character was quite buxom with a ridiculously large bushy tail and wearing a skimpy bikini. As she watched the animated character changed her stance to put one hand on her hip, smile and wink. Then the character moved back to her previous position. The movements began to repeat from that point.
 
The message said, “While I was researching Jusenkyo I got curious about the Amazons that live nearby. I think you might find this useful.” There was a link included.
 
Nabiki was normally very careful about using links that came in like this, but decided to risk it. What she found was a collection of image files. These contained digitized photos of the book of law for the Joketsuzoku Amazons.
 
Ranma noticed the look of wide eyed delight on Nabiki's face and asked, “What ya got there?”
 
“That hacker friend of Dr. Hinagami's just sent me a link to a copy of the complete book of Amazon law. Now I can look for a loophole in those stupid marriage laws of theirs. Either tonight after dinner or tomorrow I'm going to need you to tell me everything you can remember about the fight with Shampoo at the Amazon village. I'll need every detail.”
 
At that moment Akane knocked on the door to let them know that dinner was ready. When the newly married couple stepped out into the hall, Akane hugged her sister and told her, “Congratulations, sis.” Impulsively Akane planted a kiss on Nabiki's cheek.
 
When Akane let Nabiki go she looked at Ranma for a moment then suddenly enveloped Ranma in a hug and pressed her lips on the red haired girl's. Ranma felt Akane's tongue probing at her mouth and after a moment of reluctance opened her lips.
 
Akane stopped when she felt Nabiki tapping her on the shoulder. She was told, “That's my husband you're kissing so passionately.”
 
Akane smirked, “Looks more like your wife.”
 
“Either way, that's my spouse. Get your own woman (or man.)”
 
Akane looked into Ranma's eyes. “You got the Tendo sister who is best for you. I'm sorry it didn't work out between us. I just wanted you to get a taste of what you're missing.
 
Akane turned and went down the stairs. Ranma rubbed a thoughtful finger over her lips then said, “Well, that was a lot nicer than the mallet anyway.”
 
Ranma leaned close to her spouse and whispered, “Did someone slip something into the water here? It seems like everyone is horny. Not that I really want to know about it, but it wouldn't surprise me if my mom and dad were doing it and maybe your dad joining them.
 
“Eeww. Did you have to say that? That's not an image I want in my head.”
 
After a moment, Nabiki said, “I know what you mean though. First there's us, then Kasumi and Akane and now Akane seems to be getting the hots for your girl body. As far as I know there hasn't been anything like this going on since my mom died.”
 
“Anyway, let's go eat.”
 
When they got to the table Kasumi also congratulated her sister with a hug and a kiss. She did the same for Ranma. Ranma wondered if she would also have given the kind of kiss Akane had if the parents had not been there to watch.
 
After dinner Ranma continued putting away clothes while Nabiki printed out the book of Amazon law. After she had it on paper she began studying it carefully, trying to get a feel for it. She was looking especially for laws that would bear on Ranma's problem. She found some things in the Outsider laws that might be helpful.
 
By the time Nabiki was finished with her preliminary study of the Amazon laws she notice that Ranma seemed to be mostly finished. Ranma commented, “With my stuff and yours in the closet it's kind of full.”
 
Nabiki took a look. There was some room left, but not much. Nabiki commented, “Your mom sure bought a lot of stuff. I have to wonder how much she was able to return to the stores.”
 
“I guess she just sort of made me her personal project before she knew I was really related to her.”
 
Nabiki said, “That's enough of that for now.” She got up from her desk and went over to the bed. She patted the mattress and in a sultry voice said, “Come here, Ranma.”
 
“Oh, what did you have in mind?”
 
“Did you forget, this is our wedding night? A newlywed husband and wife are supposed to naughty things with each other on their wedding night.”
 
Ranma started taking off her clothes. “Which are you tonight, husband or wife?”
 
“Does it matter? Which do you want me to be?”

“Even if I don't exactly have the equipment to be the husband right now, let's call you the wife. You can the husband tomorrow night in the dojo.”
 
Nabiki laughed, “I like the way you think.”
 
Ranma sat on the bed and the two began kissing. Lips moved from other lips to other parts of bodies. Kissing turned to licking and other things.
 
The next morning Ranma and Nabiki couldn't afford to sleep late because it was Saturday and it was a half day at school. Ranma found that paying attention in class paid off because she had a quiz and it was easy. Maybe Nabiki was right and Ranma was smarter than she thought.
 
That afternoon Ranma and Nabiki settled into their bedroom and Ranma began to repeat the tale of the fight on the suspended log in the Amazon village. Nabiki wouldn't let it go with the usually brief description. She pressed Ranma for details, details and ever more details. After the brown haired girl had wrung every scrap of information out of Ranma they went on to a discussion of the encounter where Ranma had the fight with Shampoo that led to her declaring him her husband.
 
Nabiki started to point out passages in the copy she had printed out then translated them for Ranma. The redhead began to get excited. There were loopholes in the Amazon laws that could be exploited. Maybe she could finally be free of Shampoo and the Amazons. They made plans.
 
No author's note this time
 
Coming up - Foursome in the dojo with Ranma and all the Tendo siblings. Nabiki presents her legal arguments against Shampoo's claim on Ranma.