===============
===============
For the Sake of Honor
Part 2: Ranma's view
By Ling Mao
Notes: It seems that there is some confusion on what happened. I guess I didn't write it well. Well for those of you how thought the characters didn't seem right, trust me there is a reason, I just thought it was clear. My apologizes.
This is a retelling of the story in Ranma's view. Hopefully this will clear things up. ^_^
= Thoughts
= Sound
[ ] = Panda signs
" " = Spoken
===============
===============
Ranma starred blankly at the figure before him. Her body, which was once full of life, was now drained of any signs that it had lived. He looked closely at his dead mother and let a tear steak his eye. He quickly wiped it away as turned and walked off.
The Tendos and Saotomes had gathered in the dojo. In front of them sat his mother's will. He picked up the will and began to read it out loud. Each word pinned his sore heart. Each word was a constant reminder that she, she was gone. He continued to read the will without emotion. As he neared the end of the list of possessions she'd given away he began to read a short note.
To all the people I know, I loved. And I hope that everyone will continue to live happy. But I am selfish, and I hope to have my final wish granted. To my dear son. Even if the time we have been together shortened, I always loved you. And I want more than anything for you to be happy. As my last wish, I wish for the marriage of my son and his fiancée Akane Tendo.
Ranma stopped. His heart began to pound as he looked around the room to see if anyone had heard what he had just read. As he scanned the room all he saw were bowed heads. All accept one. Akane looked strait at him. He gulped and quickly looked back down to the will and rushed through the rest. He looked back up, quickly folding the paper and walking out of the room.
Slam He shut the door to his room and sank down to the floor. He almost left out a sniffle, but suppressed his emotions. His depression for the death of his mother. His anger at not being able to do anything about it. And his fear, for what he had just read. He felt he had always lived full of pride, and would do anything to keep it. But this was different. He thought it over again in his mind. His mother, who he had met not too long ago, had died. And as her death wish, she wished for him to marry Akane. HIS MOTHER. What could he do. His mother was dead. If he did not do as she wished, she'd be disgraced by her only son. But... But... Akane... How could he impose on her so? To ask her to marry him for the sake of his mother. He crawled over to his bed, where he curled into a ball, holding himself. How can I... But... But... I must... for the sake of my mother... for the sake of my pride... For the sake of honor...
Akane walked up the stairs, worried. I hope Ranma's ok.
Slowly his door opened. His eyes opened and he carefully glanced towards the door without moving. It was Akane. She slowly stepped inside.
"Ranma... Ranma..." she called. Ranma lay still in his bed, careful not to move. He could feel her move closer to him, then sit down near him. He wanted to turn around, to turn back and to look at her, but he couldn't right now. He heard her move towards his legs, he shivered, afraid of what she might do. She pulled the blanket over him and he stopped shivering. Akane... how can you be so sweet to me... After... After everything I've done... His mind continued to reprimand himself until he heard a sweet sigh. A small hand was lowered towards his head and pushed back his hair. The hands gently played with the ends of his hairs.
"Ranma... If only I knew how I could help you..." she whispered. Oh Akane... She stood up and walked out of his room.
"Goodnight..." she said before she shut his door. Akane... please forgive me... For I am about to commit a sin...
-------------
Ranma had lain in bed almost all morning. He was afraid. He was afraid of what his mother would think, afraid if something went wrong, afraid of what Akane would think. Eventually he mustered the courage to go downstairs and talk to Akane.
When he went downstairs, he found Akane sitting in the dojo. Quietly he walked into the dojo and lightly pressed his hands onto Akane's shoulders. She looked up at him slightly startled.
"What's wrong Ranma?"
"Akane..." Please forgive me... I'm sorry...
"Hmm?"
"Akane... I would like for you... if you would... marry me..."
"What?"
"Akane... will you... marry me?"
"Ranma... I... I..." Ranma looked deeply into Akane's eyes. Oh how he loved her. Why, why was he doing this? He knew Akane would say yes, but only because of the will. She had heard it. She knew. She even said herself that she wanted to help him. Then why was he feeling so bad about it all. No, he knew. It was because he was making Akane marry him. He wasn't thinking about her feelings, just his own greed. His greed to satisfy his mother. His greed to satisfy himself. He hated himself.
"Ranma...I...I... y-yes... I will..." He smiled half-heartedly.
"I'm glad..." he whispered. I'm sorry... I'm sorry... "I'll...go and tell the others..." he removed his grip on Akane's shoulders and walked off.
Outside the light patter of the rain had turned into the smacking of water onto the pavement. The wind snapped angrily at the trees and the homes. Ranma looked outside at the rain that poured heavily down and pressed his hand against his chest. If only he could lift the things that weigh you down.
---------------
Sounds of celebration echoed through the Tendo home. Genma and Soun danced singing, "Finally the houses will be united..." From the corner, Ranma could see Akane blushing as she spoke with her sisters. Indeed, Akane was beautiful. He starred at her for along time, occasionally glancing down when he suspected others to be watching him. For a moment he was caught off guard as Akane peered towards him, catching him in action. He looked back to the ground ashamed he was looking at him. Akane's head cocked to the side a bit in confusion, then continued talking to her sisters.
Wedding plans were soon made. Next week, their wedding was to take place. Only family and close friends who didn't want to break the two up were invited.
The days went by quickly. Ranma avoided Akane with each passing day. Each day brought more guilt to his heart. The day of the wedding had flashed before him and before he knew it, he was in a tux and ready to get married. Akane had come looking for him, reminding him to come down soon. She was angelic. Fully clothed in a white dress, which hugged her trim form. He could feel his heart lift for a moment as the angel floated in, but was soon weighed down again as he reminded himself of the deed he had done.
"Come on Ranma... We'll be late..."
"You go on ahead, I'll met up with you." Akane smiled and skipped out of the room. Ranma picked up a hand mirror and examined himself. Disgusting. He thought. How can I can I call myself a man... When all I do is cause more trouble... He frowned and put the mirror down.
---------------
Music began to play as the bride walked up the aisle. Ranma stood stiffly at the altar. When she finally stood next to Ranma. The ceremony began, but Ranma wasn't paying any attention to anything except for Akane. Her head was bowed down and towards to ground, hiding an excited blush. If only... If only that blush was for me... Again he frowned.
"Do you Ranma Saotome take this woman to be your lawfully wed wife. Through sickness and in health, through rich and through poor, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do..." With all my heart... So much more that you could ever imagine.
"And do you Akane Tendo take this man to be your lawfully wed husband. Through sickness and in health, through rich and poor, as long as you both shall live?"
Akane stopped for a moment. Please... don't say no... please...I know I don't deserve you... but I beg you... please...
"I...I do..."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Ranma slowly put his hands onto her waist and leaned forward. Oh Akane... How I've waited for this moment... Yet... I know the truth... and I must not take anything away from you... With both regret and excitement Ranma leaned in to kiss Akane, but only for a moment as he quickly pulled away. He looked into Akane's eyes to find a mix of wonder and disappointment.
---------------
The non-household members began to file out. For the rest, they decided to have a celebration party/dinner, which was rejected by Akane and Ranma, both saying they were too tired. The others waved back to Akane and Ranma as they left for dinner.
Ranma ran upstairs and quickly changed out of his tux. He went back down to get a glass of water. Not to long after he heard Akane coming down the stairs. Ranma smirked as he felt Akane sneaking up from behind, but chose not to say anything. He was about to turn and spook Akane when he suddenly felt a pair of arms being wrapped around him. He stopped in his tracks. Two small hands pressed lightly against his chest. He felt her lean her head into his back. He shivered at the closeness. He wanted to turn around and hug her back, but he couldn't. No I mustn't... She's... she's not mine... I can't... degrade her... Ranma shook and released himself from her grip.
"I'm not in the mood Akane..." He tried to sound harsh in order to hide his disappointment.
"Oh... I'm sorry..." He heard her say. When he turned around, he saw Akane slumped, walking up the stairs. Damn it...
He walked up the stairs to Akane's room and tapped on the door. No response. Again he tapped on the door, still receiving the same response. Akane...
"Akane... I'm coming in... Ok?" He voice ended shaky, not sure whether what he was doing was right or not. Akane sat on her bed with her back towards him, clutching a pillow tightly in her hands.
"Akane, look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so harsh... It's just that... it's not that way between us..." The words sounded bitter to Ranma.
"What do you mean?" Akane responded.
"Well. I mean... Just this whole thing... It was for... It was... It's just not right..."
"I don't understand."
"It's just that..." He hesitated, not quiet sure what he was trying to say, "It's just that we can't be that way... because it's not that way..." Ranma finished.
"Ranma..." Akane muffled into her pillow, "Ranma... why did you marry me..."
Because I love you!!!! His mind screamed, but he did not answer.
"Is it because... your mother?" Ranma, not thinking nodded his head.
"Akane... My mother and I... you know how it is... and she never asked anything of me... I felt..."
"So you don't have... any feelings for me..." Akane interrupted.
Oh course I do!
"Akane... I..."
"And so... you married me for the sake of your honor? Your pride?"
"..." No, Yes... I mean... I did but...
"And so you married me as a fool, as a puppet... to your own desire..."
"..." But... I love you... I just hoped that... maybe you could love me too...
"Is that all I am to you... a tool for uphold your honor..." Her words were faster and harsher "Is that it? Is that really all I am... a tool? Am I not worthy of more..." Ranma saw her leave her bed and walk directly in front of him
"You jerk... you jerk... you jerk... You JERK..." He saw it coming. Her arm lifted and struck his face. The sound of the slap echoed on and on. He could feel his heart shatter. What have I done?
"Do you hate me that much?... Do you hate me so much that you would only marry me because of your need to have pride, to have dignity, to be a man?" She began to cry.
Ranma did not shift from his position. He merely sat starring at the window. His mind could not function. Akane hates me. Akane hates me. Akane hates me. The words repeated in his head over and over again. He then felt the two small hands on him again. This time they were shaking him.
"Why won't you answer me?" She said. She turned and began walking out the door.
No WAIT! You've got it all wrong. Ranma quickly stood up and grabbed hold of Akane's wrist and pulled her into his grasp. Into his arms. You've got it all wrong... You've got it all wrong... His lips moved and softly he spoke.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." He felt Akane struggle again. She pushed against his chest, breaking his hold on her. She turned back around and walked to the door, where she stopped only momentarily before continuing down the stairs.
Ranma stood awe struck. What have I done... What have I done? The wind could be heard whistling through the trees. It sung a melody of a lost soul. It sung.
This flower here is beautiful,
But it is fragile,
Take care of my flower,
Do not let its petals fall,
Do not let its stem break,
Do not let its thorns prick,
Care for it with all you heart,
For there is only one of this flower,
Because if it is gone,
It is gone forever.
-------------------
Notes again: Did that make sense? Hopefully I cleared things up... alas, I'm ashamed I messed up so much before. Please tell me if this helps. Thanks a bunch!
Ok... just so I don't go insane... In case it didn't click with you, Ranma loves Akane and marries her not only because of the will, but also because the he loves her, but Akane doesn't get the love part, just the will part... Ok... Ja na
===============
For the Sake of Honor
Part 2: Ranma's view
By Ling Mao
Notes: It seems that there is some confusion on what happened. I guess I didn't write it well. Well for those of you how thought the characters didn't seem right, trust me there is a reason, I just thought it was clear. My apologizes.
This is a retelling of the story in Ranma's view. Hopefully this will clear things up. ^_^
= Thoughts
= Sound
[ ] = Panda signs
" " = Spoken
===============
===============
Ranma starred blankly at the figure before him. Her body, which was once full of life, was now drained of any signs that it had lived. He looked closely at his dead mother and let a tear steak his eye. He quickly wiped it away as turned and walked off.
The Tendos and Saotomes had gathered in the dojo. In front of them sat his mother's will. He picked up the will and began to read it out loud. Each word pinned his sore heart. Each word was a constant reminder that she, she was gone. He continued to read the will without emotion. As he neared the end of the list of possessions she'd given away he began to read a short note.
To all the people I know, I loved. And I hope that everyone will continue to live happy. But I am selfish, and I hope to have my final wish granted. To my dear son. Even if the time we have been together shortened, I always loved you. And I want more than anything for you to be happy. As my last wish, I wish for the marriage of my son and his fiancée Akane Tendo.
Ranma stopped. His heart began to pound as he looked around the room to see if anyone had heard what he had just read. As he scanned the room all he saw were bowed heads. All accept one. Akane looked strait at him. He gulped and quickly looked back down to the will and rushed through the rest. He looked back up, quickly folding the paper and walking out of the room.
Slam He shut the door to his room and sank down to the floor. He almost left out a sniffle, but suppressed his emotions. His depression for the death of his mother. His anger at not being able to do anything about it. And his fear, for what he had just read. He felt he had always lived full of pride, and would do anything to keep it. But this was different. He thought it over again in his mind. His mother, who he had met not too long ago, had died. And as her death wish, she wished for him to marry Akane. HIS MOTHER. What could he do. His mother was dead. If he did not do as she wished, she'd be disgraced by her only son. But... But... Akane... How could he impose on her so? To ask her to marry him for the sake of his mother. He crawled over to his bed, where he curled into a ball, holding himself. How can I... But... But... I must... for the sake of my mother... for the sake of my pride... For the sake of honor...
Akane walked up the stairs, worried. I hope Ranma's ok.
Slowly his door opened. His eyes opened and he carefully glanced towards the door without moving. It was Akane. She slowly stepped inside.
"Ranma... Ranma..." she called. Ranma lay still in his bed, careful not to move. He could feel her move closer to him, then sit down near him. He wanted to turn around, to turn back and to look at her, but he couldn't right now. He heard her move towards his legs, he shivered, afraid of what she might do. She pulled the blanket over him and he stopped shivering. Akane... how can you be so sweet to me... After... After everything I've done... His mind continued to reprimand himself until he heard a sweet sigh. A small hand was lowered towards his head and pushed back his hair. The hands gently played with the ends of his hairs.
"Ranma... If only I knew how I could help you..." she whispered. Oh Akane... She stood up and walked out of his room.
"Goodnight..." she said before she shut his door. Akane... please forgive me... For I am about to commit a sin...
-------------
Ranma had lain in bed almost all morning. He was afraid. He was afraid of what his mother would think, afraid if something went wrong, afraid of what Akane would think. Eventually he mustered the courage to go downstairs and talk to Akane.
When he went downstairs, he found Akane sitting in the dojo. Quietly he walked into the dojo and lightly pressed his hands onto Akane's shoulders. She looked up at him slightly startled.
"What's wrong Ranma?"
"Akane..." Please forgive me... I'm sorry...
"Hmm?"
"Akane... I would like for you... if you would... marry me..."
"What?"
"Akane... will you... marry me?"
"Ranma... I... I..." Ranma looked deeply into Akane's eyes. Oh how he loved her. Why, why was he doing this? He knew Akane would say yes, but only because of the will. She had heard it. She knew. She even said herself that she wanted to help him. Then why was he feeling so bad about it all. No, he knew. It was because he was making Akane marry him. He wasn't thinking about her feelings, just his own greed. His greed to satisfy his mother. His greed to satisfy himself. He hated himself.
"Ranma...I...I... y-yes... I will..." He smiled half-heartedly.
"I'm glad..." he whispered. I'm sorry... I'm sorry... "I'll...go and tell the others..." he removed his grip on Akane's shoulders and walked off.
Outside the light patter of the rain had turned into the smacking of water onto the pavement. The wind snapped angrily at the trees and the homes. Ranma looked outside at the rain that poured heavily down and pressed his hand against his chest. If only he could lift the things that weigh you down.
---------------
Sounds of celebration echoed through the Tendo home. Genma and Soun danced singing, "Finally the houses will be united..." From the corner, Ranma could see Akane blushing as she spoke with her sisters. Indeed, Akane was beautiful. He starred at her for along time, occasionally glancing down when he suspected others to be watching him. For a moment he was caught off guard as Akane peered towards him, catching him in action. He looked back to the ground ashamed he was looking at him. Akane's head cocked to the side a bit in confusion, then continued talking to her sisters.
Wedding plans were soon made. Next week, their wedding was to take place. Only family and close friends who didn't want to break the two up were invited.
The days went by quickly. Ranma avoided Akane with each passing day. Each day brought more guilt to his heart. The day of the wedding had flashed before him and before he knew it, he was in a tux and ready to get married. Akane had come looking for him, reminding him to come down soon. She was angelic. Fully clothed in a white dress, which hugged her trim form. He could feel his heart lift for a moment as the angel floated in, but was soon weighed down again as he reminded himself of the deed he had done.
"Come on Ranma... We'll be late..."
"You go on ahead, I'll met up with you." Akane smiled and skipped out of the room. Ranma picked up a hand mirror and examined himself. Disgusting. He thought. How can I can I call myself a man... When all I do is cause more trouble... He frowned and put the mirror down.
---------------
Music began to play as the bride walked up the aisle. Ranma stood stiffly at the altar. When she finally stood next to Ranma. The ceremony began, but Ranma wasn't paying any attention to anything except for Akane. Her head was bowed down and towards to ground, hiding an excited blush. If only... If only that blush was for me... Again he frowned.
"Do you Ranma Saotome take this woman to be your lawfully wed wife. Through sickness and in health, through rich and through poor, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do..." With all my heart... So much more that you could ever imagine.
"And do you Akane Tendo take this man to be your lawfully wed husband. Through sickness and in health, through rich and poor, as long as you both shall live?"
Akane stopped for a moment. Please... don't say no... please...I know I don't deserve you... but I beg you... please...
"I...I do..."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Ranma slowly put his hands onto her waist and leaned forward. Oh Akane... How I've waited for this moment... Yet... I know the truth... and I must not take anything away from you... With both regret and excitement Ranma leaned in to kiss Akane, but only for a moment as he quickly pulled away. He looked into Akane's eyes to find a mix of wonder and disappointment.
---------------
The non-household members began to file out. For the rest, they decided to have a celebration party/dinner, which was rejected by Akane and Ranma, both saying they were too tired. The others waved back to Akane and Ranma as they left for dinner.
Ranma ran upstairs and quickly changed out of his tux. He went back down to get a glass of water. Not to long after he heard Akane coming down the stairs. Ranma smirked as he felt Akane sneaking up from behind, but chose not to say anything. He was about to turn and spook Akane when he suddenly felt a pair of arms being wrapped around him. He stopped in his tracks. Two small hands pressed lightly against his chest. He felt her lean her head into his back. He shivered at the closeness. He wanted to turn around and hug her back, but he couldn't. No I mustn't... She's... she's not mine... I can't... degrade her... Ranma shook and released himself from her grip.
"I'm not in the mood Akane..." He tried to sound harsh in order to hide his disappointment.
"Oh... I'm sorry..." He heard her say. When he turned around, he saw Akane slumped, walking up the stairs. Damn it...
He walked up the stairs to Akane's room and tapped on the door. No response. Again he tapped on the door, still receiving the same response. Akane...
"Akane... I'm coming in... Ok?" He voice ended shaky, not sure whether what he was doing was right or not. Akane sat on her bed with her back towards him, clutching a pillow tightly in her hands.
"Akane, look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so harsh... It's just that... it's not that way between us..." The words sounded bitter to Ranma.
"What do you mean?" Akane responded.
"Well. I mean... Just this whole thing... It was for... It was... It's just not right..."
"I don't understand."
"It's just that..." He hesitated, not quiet sure what he was trying to say, "It's just that we can't be that way... because it's not that way..." Ranma finished.
"Ranma..." Akane muffled into her pillow, "Ranma... why did you marry me..."
Because I love you!!!! His mind screamed, but he did not answer.
"Is it because... your mother?" Ranma, not thinking nodded his head.
"Akane... My mother and I... you know how it is... and she never asked anything of me... I felt..."
"So you don't have... any feelings for me..." Akane interrupted.
Oh course I do!
"Akane... I..."
"And so... you married me for the sake of your honor? Your pride?"
"..." No, Yes... I mean... I did but...
"And so you married me as a fool, as a puppet... to your own desire..."
"..." But... I love you... I just hoped that... maybe you could love me too...
"Is that all I am to you... a tool for uphold your honor..." Her words were faster and harsher "Is that it? Is that really all I am... a tool? Am I not worthy of more..." Ranma saw her leave her bed and walk directly in front of him
"You jerk... you jerk... you jerk... You JERK..." He saw it coming. Her arm lifted and struck his face. The sound of the slap echoed on and on. He could feel his heart shatter. What have I done?
"Do you hate me that much?... Do you hate me so much that you would only marry me because of your need to have pride, to have dignity, to be a man?" She began to cry.
Ranma did not shift from his position. He merely sat starring at the window. His mind could not function. Akane hates me. Akane hates me. Akane hates me. The words repeated in his head over and over again. He then felt the two small hands on him again. This time they were shaking him.
"Why won't you answer me?" She said. She turned and began walking out the door.
No WAIT! You've got it all wrong. Ranma quickly stood up and grabbed hold of Akane's wrist and pulled her into his grasp. Into his arms. You've got it all wrong... You've got it all wrong... His lips moved and softly he spoke.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." He felt Akane struggle again. She pushed against his chest, breaking his hold on her. She turned back around and walked to the door, where she stopped only momentarily before continuing down the stairs.
Ranma stood awe struck. What have I done... What have I done? The wind could be heard whistling through the trees. It sung a melody of a lost soul. It sung.
This flower here is beautiful,
But it is fragile,
Take care of my flower,
Do not let its petals fall,
Do not let its stem break,
Do not let its thorns prick,
Care for it with all you heart,
For there is only one of this flower,
Because if it is gone,
It is gone forever.
-------------------
Notes again: Did that make sense? Hopefully I cleared things up... alas, I'm ashamed I messed up so much before. Please tell me if this helps. Thanks a bunch!
Ok... just so I don't go insane... In case it didn't click with you, Ranma loves Akane and marries her not only because of the will, but also because the he loves her, but Akane doesn't get the love part, just the will part... Ok... Ja na