Runaway 3
Disclaimer : I do not own Ranma ½ and I'm not making any profit out of this.
AN. Wow, Lipana, I was left speechless and absolutely moved when I read your reviews (I checked your links, just to erase any doubt). All I can say is thanks with a virtual bowing. Thanks to the other people reviewing this fic, too, either going along with my view on the story or supporting your own. I will humbly ask you to read my fic again, specially those playing the lawyer on Ranma's case. I'm not putting all the blame on Ranma, 'cause he's not the sole guilty here (if there is any guilty). If you didn't get the idea, then it's my fault for not stating it clearer and I will try to make amends. I just hope I didn't open some kind of Pandora's box, because this is starting to sound like a sex war... C&C welcome, nonetheless.
AN2. Before anyone goes and misinterpretate the last sentence on Chapter 2, I quote myself « I'm going to be A martial artist... » not « THE (BEST) MARTIAL ARTIST (IN THE WORLD) ».
AN3. Those who feel that Ranma is badly treated here and has had a hard life (which I'm not ignoring at all, whatever you may think) to be the best, etc, try to be honest and answer this : if he has spent ten years of his life training to be what he is and he finds that suddenly Akane becomes a lot better when she wears Do-Chan, why doesn't he try to learn from them, so he will be again the one on top, instead of trying to destroy it at any cost ? « If I can't wear it, then no one can » doesn't sound like a good reason to me...
Finally, on with the chapter.
Nabiki watched him leave. One down, two more to go.... She turned and sat by the table, picking her rice and munching it very carefully. She eyed both her father and Genma, and continued to stare at them, absolutely expressionless, until some sweatdrops appeared on Soun's forehead. She coughed, as if to get their attention.
'I'm just a cute little panda'. The house pet was back.
« Mr. Saotome, I wouldn't advise that. I heard somewhere panda fur is highly appreciated in China. I could make a great business... »
« Ahhh, a hot bath in the morning is what I needed »
« ... if I managed to find one, that is » she ended.
« Hehehehe ». Genma gulped.
She left her bowl on the table.
« I'm going to be very clear. If at any point you think you don't understand something, just let me know ». She picked her cup and took a big gulp of tea. The men were sweating profusely by now.
« Dad -she took a deep breath- this is all your fault ». She waited a few seconds until her words settled. « It's obvious now that Akane had a lot of potential as a martial artist, and I assume that's why Do-Chan chose her over everyone else. But you are her father, you are a martial artist. You should have known -I should have known she berated herself- You haven't helped her train for years and spoiled whatever chance she had to learn for good... »
« How could I do that to my little girl ? You don't know what the Master put us through... » Soun wailed.
« I didn't mean you should have taught her like Happosai did with you two. Or teach her the Nekoken, for what matters -she glared Genma-. You did teach some classes before Mother died. Will you honestly tell me you were using that old letch techniques on your students ? I haven't seen any charges for stealing underwear or molesting women on your police record. You'd better give me a better explanation ». She tapped the table with her fingers, waiting. There was no answer.
« Well, I'm going to let aside that thing about her lack of training under your care.-She faced Genma now-. Mr. Saotome, you're in the same boat as my father. You didn't take the time to actually consider Akane seriously. What is she to both of you ? A womb to carry children ? »
« Girl, you shouldn't be allowed to speak to your father and me like that. Have you no respect for your elders ? »
« Oh, please, do not sound like Happosai, I don't think I could take that. And will you care to explain to me how do you think a girl should be raised ? I'm really interested.- She crossed her arms over her chest- . This lecture coming from someone who abandoned some little girl we all know on the road and took her family's yatai away must be indeed a milestone in modern education ».
Genma was steaming and tighted his fists. Ah, to bring up his shameful past like this was cowardice...
« My sister -she went on- can be pretty obnoxious, stubborn, has an awful temper and can't cook to save her life. Ranma isn't such a jewell, either. He's arrogant, insensitive, a complete jerk and has a huge mouth that some day or another will dig his grave. I don't know and I don't want to know how much sake did make you come upon that damned agreement of marriage between the families, but I'm telling you this : do not play with them anymore. You have already done enough harm as it is. Akane was lucky that dogi chose her, but Ranma, with your support, I will remind you, acted like a coward. Instead of acknowledge Do-Chan as a challenge and train with Akane so he could find a way to beat them, all of you decide that it's better to destroy the battle suit, no matter how. They could have spent ages training together, do you realize that? - they were stunned by the brutal truth in her words-. And that you managed to convince Ranma to try and seduce her... I'm still trying to find the right insult. That was low. If he manages to find Akane, I don't give a yen for their engagement standing... »
« They will honour the arrangement between the families!!! » they shouted.
« DO NOT DARE PRONOUNCE THAT WORD BEFORE ME!!! » she shouted in return. « You have no honour at all for what you did ».
« Daughter... » Soun started, anger rising in his voice.
« Father, don't -she took turns glaring at them-. Both of you should be out there looking for Akane and appologizing, but knowing you, Ranma is much better on his own. At least he will have time to do some thinking. But you're not going to get away so easily. It's time you acted like you should, like a pair of responsible adults. And I will make sure you do. Starting today. I expect you to go and fix the dojo and the rest of the house. You will be both teaching self-defence classes to women. And I don't want to hear the slightest complain, or believe me, you will think Happosai's training was a promenade-. She got up-. Ah, and the food will be cut down a little until you're able to earn for it. And do not even dream of ordering take out . I have all the bills you owe to different takeout owners. You wouldn't want to pay a little visit to jail. That would be indeed a shame to our families' names, wouldn't it ? Tata ».
Soun and Genma were looking at the table, pondering Nabiki's words. They jerked their heads, so they were facing each other.
« Hehehehe ». Genma was the first one to break into an uncomfortable laughter.
« Hahahaha ». Soun was rubbing the back of his head.
« She's got a temper, uh ? »
« Yes, she's just like her mother when she was angry... »
« Must have been a remarkable woman... » Flattery will get you anywhere...
« Yes, she could be the sweetest person on earth, but when she was angry, well, I certainly didn't mind going on those training trips with our Master, hehehe... »
That bad ? And here I thought Nodoka-san was tough... « What are we going to do ? » he sobered.
« There's not much we can do. We could just disappear for a few days, but I don't think my daughter would take that too well. And we have to stay and make sure your son brings back my baby... »
« Oh, com'on, Soun, Akane's not a baby anymore... »
« Well, she is my baby daughter and your son broke her little heart. Oh, how much she must suffer... »
« Hey, wait, you were the one who insisted on spying on them on the closet and gave out the whole affair... »
« And if your son had a little bit of backbone, we would be having a wedding by now. My plan was going all too well. It was that damned dogi who spoiled it all. We have to make sure it stays away from Akane so her relationship with your son would flourish... ». Tears were trailing down his face, daydreaming about the happiness of little children running around the house.
« So, what are we going to do? »
« Ummm, how about a game of go? We will think about the other things later... »
« I'm on ».
******
Nabiki went to the kitchen after the little friendly chat with Soun and Genma. Man, she was thirsty ! It had taken a lot of her. She didn't like being angry, she felt she could no longer control the situation and she didn't like that. One Akane in the family was enough.
She drank some juice while waiting for Kasumi to finish preparing her bento. How to break her plans to her ? And would she understand ?
« Here you have, Nabiki. I hope you have a nice day at school ». She smiled. Nabiki's heart almost melted.
How am I going to ask her this???. She took a deep breath.
« Kasumi, I would be very thankful if you could do me a little favour ».
« Yes, Nabiki ? What is it ? »
Do not let her charm you. Do not let her charm you... « I want you to reduce the meals for our father and Mr. Saotome by a half. Do not make any cookies... I will have to do without myself... or any snack. Please ».
« My, Nabiki, that sounds so impolite. I wouldn't be a good host if I did that. Father is...well, our father and Mr. Saotome is a guest. I can't be so... unconsiderate to them... »
Nabiki's left brow twitched.
« And you don't think that they have been extremely unconsiderate to both Ranma and Akane this whole time ? Don't you think they deserve some punishment for that stund about the dogi ? I mean, Kasumi, please, look at the facts, Akane ran away from home and who knows where she is. Ranma is going after her and let's pray it won't take him long to pick her trail. But the main responsibles for the whole affair are there on the living room, stuffing themselves with your food, in a warm place and no worries at all. Do you think that's fair ? »
Kasumi seemed to think over her speech. Finally, she gave her a cheerful smile.
« Don't worry, Nabiki. I'm sure Akane will be back in no time. She wouln't want to miss school. And Ranma-kun will take good care of her ». She went back to her dishes, humming softly.
Nabiki was left speechless. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She had always thought a blessing that Kasumi was so optimistic, but this... this didn't have to do with optimism. Only for brief, really brief moment she thought about punching the wall, she needed a release for her anger. She took a deep breath, then another and swallowed. I'm Akane's sister, no doubt
She left the kitchen, the bento forgotten on the table. She walked to school in deep thought, going over her chat with Kasumi. She must be a firm zen practicioneer, you know, 'if a problem has a solution, why worry ? If it has no solution, why worry ?'.
« Ah, the ludicrous Nabiki Tendo comes in sight, pray tell me, have you got any news of my two loves? Where did that foul sorceror has snared them ? Today I will prove... »
« I have nothing for you, Kuno ». She walked way past him into her classroom. Her asignment was a lot more difficult than she had first thought.
Disclaimer : I do not own Ranma ½ and I'm not making any profit out of this.
AN. Wow, Lipana, I was left speechless and absolutely moved when I read your reviews (I checked your links, just to erase any doubt). All I can say is thanks with a virtual bowing. Thanks to the other people reviewing this fic, too, either going along with my view on the story or supporting your own. I will humbly ask you to read my fic again, specially those playing the lawyer on Ranma's case. I'm not putting all the blame on Ranma, 'cause he's not the sole guilty here (if there is any guilty). If you didn't get the idea, then it's my fault for not stating it clearer and I will try to make amends. I just hope I didn't open some kind of Pandora's box, because this is starting to sound like a sex war... C&C welcome, nonetheless.
AN2. Before anyone goes and misinterpretate the last sentence on Chapter 2, I quote myself « I'm going to be A martial artist... » not « THE (BEST) MARTIAL ARTIST (IN THE WORLD) ».
AN3. Those who feel that Ranma is badly treated here and has had a hard life (which I'm not ignoring at all, whatever you may think) to be the best, etc, try to be honest and answer this : if he has spent ten years of his life training to be what he is and he finds that suddenly Akane becomes a lot better when she wears Do-Chan, why doesn't he try to learn from them, so he will be again the one on top, instead of trying to destroy it at any cost ? « If I can't wear it, then no one can » doesn't sound like a good reason to me...
Finally, on with the chapter.
Nabiki watched him leave. One down, two more to go.... She turned and sat by the table, picking her rice and munching it very carefully. She eyed both her father and Genma, and continued to stare at them, absolutely expressionless, until some sweatdrops appeared on Soun's forehead. She coughed, as if to get their attention.
'I'm just a cute little panda'. The house pet was back.
« Mr. Saotome, I wouldn't advise that. I heard somewhere panda fur is highly appreciated in China. I could make a great business... »
« Ahhh, a hot bath in the morning is what I needed »
« ... if I managed to find one, that is » she ended.
« Hehehehe ». Genma gulped.
She left her bowl on the table.
« I'm going to be very clear. If at any point you think you don't understand something, just let me know ». She picked her cup and took a big gulp of tea. The men were sweating profusely by now.
« Dad -she took a deep breath- this is all your fault ». She waited a few seconds until her words settled. « It's obvious now that Akane had a lot of potential as a martial artist, and I assume that's why Do-Chan chose her over everyone else. But you are her father, you are a martial artist. You should have known -I should have known she berated herself- You haven't helped her train for years and spoiled whatever chance she had to learn for good... »
« How could I do that to my little girl ? You don't know what the Master put us through... » Soun wailed.
« I didn't mean you should have taught her like Happosai did with you two. Or teach her the Nekoken, for what matters -she glared Genma-. You did teach some classes before Mother died. Will you honestly tell me you were using that old letch techniques on your students ? I haven't seen any charges for stealing underwear or molesting women on your police record. You'd better give me a better explanation ». She tapped the table with her fingers, waiting. There was no answer.
« Well, I'm going to let aside that thing about her lack of training under your care.-She faced Genma now-. Mr. Saotome, you're in the same boat as my father. You didn't take the time to actually consider Akane seriously. What is she to both of you ? A womb to carry children ? »
« Girl, you shouldn't be allowed to speak to your father and me like that. Have you no respect for your elders ? »
« Oh, please, do not sound like Happosai, I don't think I could take that. And will you care to explain to me how do you think a girl should be raised ? I'm really interested.- She crossed her arms over her chest- . This lecture coming from someone who abandoned some little girl we all know on the road and took her family's yatai away must be indeed a milestone in modern education ».
Genma was steaming and tighted his fists. Ah, to bring up his shameful past like this was cowardice...
« My sister -she went on- can be pretty obnoxious, stubborn, has an awful temper and can't cook to save her life. Ranma isn't such a jewell, either. He's arrogant, insensitive, a complete jerk and has a huge mouth that some day or another will dig his grave. I don't know and I don't want to know how much sake did make you come upon that damned agreement of marriage between the families, but I'm telling you this : do not play with them anymore. You have already done enough harm as it is. Akane was lucky that dogi chose her, but Ranma, with your support, I will remind you, acted like a coward. Instead of acknowledge Do-Chan as a challenge and train with Akane so he could find a way to beat them, all of you decide that it's better to destroy the battle suit, no matter how. They could have spent ages training together, do you realize that? - they were stunned by the brutal truth in her words-. And that you managed to convince Ranma to try and seduce her... I'm still trying to find the right insult. That was low. If he manages to find Akane, I don't give a yen for their engagement standing... »
« They will honour the arrangement between the families!!! » they shouted.
« DO NOT DARE PRONOUNCE THAT WORD BEFORE ME!!! » she shouted in return. « You have no honour at all for what you did ».
« Daughter... » Soun started, anger rising in his voice.
« Father, don't -she took turns glaring at them-. Both of you should be out there looking for Akane and appologizing, but knowing you, Ranma is much better on his own. At least he will have time to do some thinking. But you're not going to get away so easily. It's time you acted like you should, like a pair of responsible adults. And I will make sure you do. Starting today. I expect you to go and fix the dojo and the rest of the house. You will be both teaching self-defence classes to women. And I don't want to hear the slightest complain, or believe me, you will think Happosai's training was a promenade-. She got up-. Ah, and the food will be cut down a little until you're able to earn for it. And do not even dream of ordering take out . I have all the bills you owe to different takeout owners. You wouldn't want to pay a little visit to jail. That would be indeed a shame to our families' names, wouldn't it ? Tata ».
Soun and Genma were looking at the table, pondering Nabiki's words. They jerked their heads, so they were facing each other.
« Hehehehe ». Genma was the first one to break into an uncomfortable laughter.
« Hahahaha ». Soun was rubbing the back of his head.
« She's got a temper, uh ? »
« Yes, she's just like her mother when she was angry... »
« Must have been a remarkable woman... » Flattery will get you anywhere...
« Yes, she could be the sweetest person on earth, but when she was angry, well, I certainly didn't mind going on those training trips with our Master, hehehe... »
That bad ? And here I thought Nodoka-san was tough... « What are we going to do ? » he sobered.
« There's not much we can do. We could just disappear for a few days, but I don't think my daughter would take that too well. And we have to stay and make sure your son brings back my baby... »
« Oh, com'on, Soun, Akane's not a baby anymore... »
« Well, she is my baby daughter and your son broke her little heart. Oh, how much she must suffer... »
« Hey, wait, you were the one who insisted on spying on them on the closet and gave out the whole affair... »
« And if your son had a little bit of backbone, we would be having a wedding by now. My plan was going all too well. It was that damned dogi who spoiled it all. We have to make sure it stays away from Akane so her relationship with your son would flourish... ». Tears were trailing down his face, daydreaming about the happiness of little children running around the house.
« So, what are we going to do? »
« Ummm, how about a game of go? We will think about the other things later... »
« I'm on ».
******
Nabiki went to the kitchen after the little friendly chat with Soun and Genma. Man, she was thirsty ! It had taken a lot of her. She didn't like being angry, she felt she could no longer control the situation and she didn't like that. One Akane in the family was enough.
She drank some juice while waiting for Kasumi to finish preparing her bento. How to break her plans to her ? And would she understand ?
« Here you have, Nabiki. I hope you have a nice day at school ». She smiled. Nabiki's heart almost melted.
How am I going to ask her this???. She took a deep breath.
« Kasumi, I would be very thankful if you could do me a little favour ».
« Yes, Nabiki ? What is it ? »
Do not let her charm you. Do not let her charm you... « I want you to reduce the meals for our father and Mr. Saotome by a half. Do not make any cookies... I will have to do without myself... or any snack. Please ».
« My, Nabiki, that sounds so impolite. I wouldn't be a good host if I did that. Father is...well, our father and Mr. Saotome is a guest. I can't be so... unconsiderate to them... »
Nabiki's left brow twitched.
« And you don't think that they have been extremely unconsiderate to both Ranma and Akane this whole time ? Don't you think they deserve some punishment for that stund about the dogi ? I mean, Kasumi, please, look at the facts, Akane ran away from home and who knows where she is. Ranma is going after her and let's pray it won't take him long to pick her trail. But the main responsibles for the whole affair are there on the living room, stuffing themselves with your food, in a warm place and no worries at all. Do you think that's fair ? »
Kasumi seemed to think over her speech. Finally, she gave her a cheerful smile.
« Don't worry, Nabiki. I'm sure Akane will be back in no time. She wouln't want to miss school. And Ranma-kun will take good care of her ». She went back to her dishes, humming softly.
Nabiki was left speechless. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She had always thought a blessing that Kasumi was so optimistic, but this... this didn't have to do with optimism. Only for brief, really brief moment she thought about punching the wall, she needed a release for her anger. She took a deep breath, then another and swallowed. I'm Akane's sister, no doubt
She left the kitchen, the bento forgotten on the table. She walked to school in deep thought, going over her chat with Kasumi. She must be a firm zen practicioneer, you know, 'if a problem has a solution, why worry ? If it has no solution, why worry ?'.
« Ah, the ludicrous Nabiki Tendo comes in sight, pray tell me, have you got any news of my two loves? Where did that foul sorceror has snared them ? Today I will prove... »
« I have nothing for you, Kuno ». She walked way past him into her classroom. Her asignment was a lot more difficult than she had first thought.