Eloping
By JoPa-kun
I don't own Ranma, or any of its chast. They belong to someone else. Really. I swear.
This is a continuation of sorts. I will try not to let the characters get to much out of character, but then again I'm lazy. I tried more to bring the story on paper, then spending time developing characters.
chapter 2 night and morning
To whom it may concern,
We eloped.
Yes we are going to marry not because of honour,
meddling fathers, the blackmailing Icequeen Sibling,
Rivals, Amazon elders, wrinkled perverts, or other
suitors, that can't take a no for a no, but despite
all of this. We are marrying because we really love
each other. A lot of you guys, I thought, were
friends to me and Akane, well like the love of my
life, likes to point out, "Ranma no Baka".
So I want everybody to read the next line really
carefully,
$%°?* ~#§!!!
Kasumi, Mom you were the only ones that ever
cared about us, instead of solely pursuing their
own goals. It saddens us that it came so far,
because now you can't attend our wedding.
We'll probably be home for Christmas,
but we ain't promising anything.
Oh and mom, if Tendo-san doesn't want us at the
dojo anymore, can you prepare my room for the two
of us at 'your' house.
Kasumi you're in charge of our stuff, don't let
anybody get their dirty hands on it, including
our own families, as you see fit.
Ranma and soon enough Akane Saotome
In the Metro, Akane scolded Ranma for being so harsh to them in his letter, before giggling and kissing the 'love of her life'. "And, who says it won't be Ranma Tendo?"
Kasumi finished reading the letter and shrugged, she had seen it coming. She frowned slightly, the letter was a little harsh, not that she complained about the praise, but it was harsh none the less.
She thought for a moment. Where would Ranma have taken her little sister? A smile spread over her face, and she snapped her fingers. She had phone calls to make.
Nabiki had just finished reading out the letter, to the remaining Saotome and Tendo family members, including Happosai. To say everybody was shocked, was like saying Cologne was old. Happosai dashed out of the room.
"Ranma you will pay, for stealing my sweet innocent Akane-chan." His voice drifted of, as the distance to the dojo grew.
"Explain yourselves. Why had you two interfered repeatedly, *after* I told you not to? Now I can't see my own son's wedding." Nodoka had her Katana drawn pointing it at the two fathers.
Both men started stammering incoherently.
"Auntie. I don't think, that will help any." Nabiki said massaging her temples.
"Yes Nodoka-sama, blackmailing sibling, is absolutely right."
"Kasumi!"
"I think that's an absolutely adorable Nickname, Nabiki. No need to be ashamed of it, dear."
"Oh yes pray tell me. Why did you invite those Nutcases to my son's wedding? You knew they would sabotage it." Nodoka was spraying an inch from Nabiki's face. Like an American drill instructor, Nodoka Saotome stood in front of the middle Tendo demanding answers. Nabiki really felt intimidated, her 'Auntie' was scaring her spitless. She started explaining herself, her voice quivering.
"I was, I was..."
In that moment four martial artists dropped into the yard. Two of them demanding loudly, to see Ranma immediately. Nabiki fell to her knees, safe for now.
Kasumi went to the kitchen to get four more cups and some cookies. When she returned Nodoka, was having a screaming match with Ukyo and Shampoo, while Cologne and Mousse were already seated at the table, the two fathers glaring at the Amazon elder suspiciously. Kasumi filled two cups, and past them on to the two Chinese at the table, asking if the needed anything else. She then handed the letter to the elder, who read it.
"Finally. I was beginning to fear he'd turn out like his father", Cologne cackled. Mousse tried to eye the letter, but cologne wouldn't let him.
"What's that supposed to mean you old...growf" the panda finished.
"Shampoo, Ukyo" No reaction.
"Xiang Pu, Ukyo Kuonji!" the elder yelled. That got everybody's attention.
"Young ladies, we are civilised, and you should respect your elders, so I don't want you screaming at Mrs Saotome anymore, or *I'll* settle it."
"But..." the 'Young ladies' said in unison.
"No 'buts' she has every right to. Now promise to behave like good girls, and listen. And I don't want to hear any yelling or fighting from you." Both girls 'Humphed'.
The elder then read out the letter again. Mousse started jumping up in joy, which earned him a stick to the head. Both girls started crying, accusing Akane to have used magic on Ranma to elope with her. Before Nabiki could tell them, that no Tendo was ever desperate enough to steep so low. Kasumi cut in.
"I fear she has used magic, a very old and powerful one to"
Cologne and Nodoka caught right on, what she meant. The others just stared at her, they hadn't really believed she would've done that.
"Yes a very powerful magic indeed, the oldest one I know." the Elder confirmed.
"It binds them for all eternity, and beyond." Nodoka chirped in.
"Great-Grandmother know cure to save airen?"
"We have to go save him immediately." Ukyo said standing up.
"Sit down young girl. You can not save him from this, for he does not need to be saved. And in all the Amazon lore, there is no 'cure' mentioned."
"Then tell me, what it's called. There is always a cure."
"Not to this one I hope." the Saotome-matriarch answered.
"What. Is. It. CALLED?"
"True Love", the answer came from Mousse.
Somewhere else Ranma was making a phone call to book a passage on a ship that left from Tojama towards china, under false name.
Akane and Ranma boarded another train, headed south towards Osaka, away from Tojama.
"What duck-boy talk about, airen no love violent girl?" the answer sounded almost pleading.
"Great-Granddaughter, stop referring to Ranma as Airen, you have lost. He has finally recognized, that the Tendo-girl is his soul mate." everybody, except the three oldest females in the room gasped.
"It's sad, but you girls never stood a chance." she continued.
"But..." both girls started again.
"Shush. Xian Pu, Mousse ask yourself how much did you gain from our stay here. Both of you have improved a lot. If I had have told you, from the beginning, that they would end up together in any case, you would've lost that. This situation has lasted much longer, then I dared hope to.
And Ukyo, you came here for revenge, you hated his guts for nearly ten years, and now you claim to love him. Ask yourself. do you love him, or the Idea of love?"
Both girls started crying again, stammering incoherently, but not raising their voices again.
"And what about Xian Pu's honour?" The sometimes duck asked.
"She will compete in the next tournament. She is sure to win. She'll marry the male champion, as it is our tradition."
Mousse allowed himself a gentle smile.
"NO!" The purple haired girl screamed, as she dashed out into the yard and over the wall. Ukyo, looked after her for a second, then her face hardened, she also dashed out of the house.
"Stupid girls." The Elder muttered, "go bring her back, Mousse." He left.
Silence fell over the living room.
"Go find my son. If I am not at the wedding, to congratulate him, and my daughter, You will pay for your failures, husband." She wasn't screaming. Her voice held no threat, her head was bowed, tears dropping from it. Genma just stared at his wife. His life passed his inner eye, as a single thought crossed his mind. 'I am *so* dead'. He grabbed Soun and went to his room, came straight back out, both wearing backpacks. They ran towards the station.
The women, nodded. Well everybody except Nodoka, who started weeping.
"I hope Ranma and Akane are well." Kasumi said, "They must be, if Ranma can even outthink Nabiki?" she ended, her voce hopeful, and honest, her face reflecting her voice.
"What?" her sister yelled.
"Why, he surely left without you noticing. No need to get angry Imoutochan, he probably, didn't mean anything, by it." she offered in a sweet voice, looking innocent.
"GGGRRR." Nabiki ran up and came back with a small satchel. "I'll be back in a few days." she said before leaving.
When the door shut, Cologne spoke up.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily Kasumi."
"Pardon me? I don't understand, what you mean."
"He took him away for ten years, and now he drives him away with his foolish acts." The wailing mother announced. The other two women ignored her for the moment.
"Sure child. You just cued everybody out of here, without them noticing. So where are they."
"I really don't know..."
"I promise not to anything to oppose their wishes. I merrily wish to be at my students wedding."
Kasumi looked intently at her.
"Child. I'm an Amazon, a woman, and a mother. I got kind of a softspot for romantic adventures, and weddings." That obviously did it, because Kasumi's gentle smile, grew a bit bigger.
"In 20 minutes our train is leaving, be ready." she finally said. She, then turned to Nodoka.
"Auntie. Auntie. Stand up we need to leave, now." she said pulling the older woman up.
"No, we must stay. What if they come back." The Saotome opposed.
"They won't and I think I know where they are headed to."
"You do?" Kasumi nodded.
At the train station, 5 martial artists, and a mercenary boarded a train towards Tojama.
Twenty minutes later, three women, each with a small suitcase, boarded towards Osaka.
"How do you know, where they are headed to?" Nodoka asked comfortably seated in the train.
"He did write, he wanted us to be there. So I thought, that maybe he left us a hint. I read the letter again and again." She pulled said letter from her pocket. "I feared he hadn't my eyes unfocused, and then I saw it. The ink. It was written with 'Osaka blue' ink, instead of black tush or 'Kings blue' ink, which are more common around here. The only one in the house, who uses that kind of ink is me. Then I called the train station, they gave me the number of the vendor, who was running business yesterday night. I called him, and he told me, the only one who, was at the train station yesterday, were two girls. A redhead and a strong dark-haired girl. They bought tickets to Tojama."
Cologne cackled, Kasumi *was* good.
"But that is almost the opposite direction." Nodoka frowned, and then brightened, inspiration had finally struck." Oh, I see. That *is* smart. My son is so manly."
"If he hadn't used that ink, nobody could've followed them. Moreover, the other fools are headed to Tojama, where I am sure Ranma booked a passage to China. He must have planned this for days." Cologne said in between laughs.
"Oh I think it was more like 20 minutes." Cologne eyed Kasumi, and contemplated, what the younger woman had said. She fell out of her seat and laughed louder.
Kasumi got something out of her bag. "Cookies?" she offered, the two women.
In the late afternoon, Akane and Ranma got of their train. They would have to wait another night before getting married, they knew. It was already after hours, the town hall would already be closed. They asked for direction, and then headed towards the shopping centre.
In Tojama Nabiki was on the phone, trying to locate Ranma. The five martial artists waiting for her, to finish.
In a train towards Osaka. Three women were playing cards.
"Cologne-san?" Nodoka, looked up from the cards in her, hand.
"Yes, dear child?"
"Why are you so calm, about this? I thought you would..." she started to ask, being rather straight forward
"...raise all Hell, or start a war with Japan, to prevent this marriage?"
"Er... Well I was thinking more in the lines of magic, and murder, but yes something along those lines."
"Like I said, I knew from the first time I saw those two together, on the Tendo porch arguing, because of Great-Granddaughter, that's when I knew that nothing could prevent them from getting together.
Don't misunderstand me; I actually came to Japan with every intention to marry Shampoo of to Ranma. We needed the blood of that strong outsider, to strengthen our tribe. When I realized, that that wouldn't happen, I kept up that act, because those two were the perfect training dummies, for Shampoo. She could learn, more of the subtle arts of our culture, not just the martial ones, she would be able to experience what live outside the tribe offered. Later I made sure the strongest man of Shampoo's age, Mousse, followed us. His martial arts skill have improved fast, and he still is not done growing."
"So you used Ranma and Akane, so Shampoo could learn magic?" Kasumi asked
"Not just magic. She had lots of growing up to do. I had to break her pride and her heart, so she could grow stronger from the experience." The other women nodded, looking grim.
"But you often came very close to breaking, them up and you often enough made them suffer. Weren't you worried, that you, or her could actually harm them?" the sister inquired.
"Like I said, nothing could've broke them up. And if they needed it I would've made sure anything Shampoo had done, wasn't permanent. Surprisingly, they never needed my help."
"And how will you explain this to your tribe?" The mother asked.
"I will tell the elders the truth, of course. She still would get punished for her failure, but it would be toned done, very much. The punishment would be more like a show, so none of the younger tribe members get the wrong idea. But that won't happen either. Over the months both of them have aided Shampoo and me, when we needed help. And their help in saving her, from the people of Mount Phoenix, will make sure she won't lose honour."
"Looks like we're all headed for a happy end, after all. If the others could just see that."
"They are young, and have not our experience. They need time to acknowledge, what they have and not morn over what they never had."
"Kasumi is only nineteen, and she seems unfazed by events. Sometimes I even think she is more mature then me."
"Don't forget, she has raised her family, since she was nine, and had more time adjusting to Ranma's interesting life, then you had, but yes she is already a fine matriarch, for her family." the old shrew answered.
Ranma and Akane had spent a nice day talking, and looking for what Akane thought essential for a wedding, even if it only was a signing of papers actually. She had bought a new white dress and a blue silk scarf to wrap around her hip. Then they spent an hour looking for a second hand shop, where she bought a pair of white gloves that went up to her elbows.
After that they bought two rings, for the wedding. They weren't exactly spectacular; they were simple aluminium rings with a gold plating, that could easily be rubbed of. But Akane loved them, so Ranma had bought them. He would've rather only bought one ring; one made out of gold, instead of gold plated, maybe with some stone on it, so she would've at least have something to be proud of. She just wouldn't've heard of it. So he complied with her wishes.
At least, this way they had more then enough money left, to go to a restaurant, instead of cooking their own meal.
Now they had set up camp in a secluded opening in the city park.
Inside the tent Akane zipped the sleeping bags together, so the two could snuggle up.
Akane was clad in underwear and one of Ranma's shirts, as she lay comfortly in Ranma's arm, who was wearing a black muscle shirt and boxers, enjoying looking into his eyes, while he stared into hers. She snuggled closer to him, their foreheads and noses touching now.
"I Love you my inazuke" They both said as one. They then started kissing each other their kisses soon started exploring each others face and neck. Akane rolled to lie on top of him. Her hands started to explore his chest, while his hands traced her back, staying away from the bottom of her shirt, he then moved both his hands down at once, squeezing her bottom. She moaned, at that. He then slapped her behind.
"Eeep! Stop that." she playfully hit his shoulder.
"Oh yeah, make me?" she sat up and placed his hands upon her breasts. When she released them, he quickly pulled his hands away from her assets. He didn't like, where this was leading to.
"Ranma?" she blinked at him. He carefully placed his hands on her hips, and drew a deep breath.
"I don't want us to, er.you know. before marriage."
"Oh." she said her face looking puzzled. She started standing up, but was pulled back down.
"No. Listen. I...I really want to, but I want to do this right, I guess. I know my mother wouldn't think I was being manly, or anything, but she don't matter.
And you probably think I'm rejecting you, but I ain't. I really ain't. My, Our life is always so screwed up, that for once, when it's really important, I want to do it the right way. The honourable way. Can you understand that?" He asked shyly.
She stared in his sincere eyes, biting her lower lip. And after a while she answered.
"I think so!" she tried rolling of off him, but he held on to her.
"Hey we can do anything you want, but my pants stay up, and that Shirt on." He said pointing at was she was wearing. An evil grin spread on her face.
"Anything I want?" He nodded. She took his hands and placed them where, they had broken of. This time his hands staid put. He knew she would respect his wish. She leaned down and whispered in his ear.
"Good then you'll start training me for real. And don't you dare refuse; you did say 'anything'. But for now, I think I'll do this." She started nibbling at his ear.
By JoPa-kun
I don't own Ranma, or any of its chast. They belong to someone else. Really. I swear.
This is a continuation of sorts. I will try not to let the characters get to much out of character, but then again I'm lazy. I tried more to bring the story on paper, then spending time developing characters.
chapter 2 night and morning
To whom it may concern,
We eloped.
Yes we are going to marry not because of honour,
meddling fathers, the blackmailing Icequeen Sibling,
Rivals, Amazon elders, wrinkled perverts, or other
suitors, that can't take a no for a no, but despite
all of this. We are marrying because we really love
each other. A lot of you guys, I thought, were
friends to me and Akane, well like the love of my
life, likes to point out, "Ranma no Baka".
So I want everybody to read the next line really
carefully,
$%°?* ~#§!!!
Kasumi, Mom you were the only ones that ever
cared about us, instead of solely pursuing their
own goals. It saddens us that it came so far,
because now you can't attend our wedding.
We'll probably be home for Christmas,
but we ain't promising anything.
Oh and mom, if Tendo-san doesn't want us at the
dojo anymore, can you prepare my room for the two
of us at 'your' house.
Kasumi you're in charge of our stuff, don't let
anybody get their dirty hands on it, including
our own families, as you see fit.
Ranma and soon enough Akane Saotome
In the Metro, Akane scolded Ranma for being so harsh to them in his letter, before giggling and kissing the 'love of her life'. "And, who says it won't be Ranma Tendo?"
Kasumi finished reading the letter and shrugged, she had seen it coming. She frowned slightly, the letter was a little harsh, not that she complained about the praise, but it was harsh none the less.
She thought for a moment. Where would Ranma have taken her little sister? A smile spread over her face, and she snapped her fingers. She had phone calls to make.
Nabiki had just finished reading out the letter, to the remaining Saotome and Tendo family members, including Happosai. To say everybody was shocked, was like saying Cologne was old. Happosai dashed out of the room.
"Ranma you will pay, for stealing my sweet innocent Akane-chan." His voice drifted of, as the distance to the dojo grew.
"Explain yourselves. Why had you two interfered repeatedly, *after* I told you not to? Now I can't see my own son's wedding." Nodoka had her Katana drawn pointing it at the two fathers.
Both men started stammering incoherently.
"Auntie. I don't think, that will help any." Nabiki said massaging her temples.
"Yes Nodoka-sama, blackmailing sibling, is absolutely right."
"Kasumi!"
"I think that's an absolutely adorable Nickname, Nabiki. No need to be ashamed of it, dear."
"Oh yes pray tell me. Why did you invite those Nutcases to my son's wedding? You knew they would sabotage it." Nodoka was spraying an inch from Nabiki's face. Like an American drill instructor, Nodoka Saotome stood in front of the middle Tendo demanding answers. Nabiki really felt intimidated, her 'Auntie' was scaring her spitless. She started explaining herself, her voice quivering.
"I was, I was..."
In that moment four martial artists dropped into the yard. Two of them demanding loudly, to see Ranma immediately. Nabiki fell to her knees, safe for now.
Kasumi went to the kitchen to get four more cups and some cookies. When she returned Nodoka, was having a screaming match with Ukyo and Shampoo, while Cologne and Mousse were already seated at the table, the two fathers glaring at the Amazon elder suspiciously. Kasumi filled two cups, and past them on to the two Chinese at the table, asking if the needed anything else. She then handed the letter to the elder, who read it.
"Finally. I was beginning to fear he'd turn out like his father", Cologne cackled. Mousse tried to eye the letter, but cologne wouldn't let him.
"What's that supposed to mean you old...growf" the panda finished.
"Shampoo, Ukyo" No reaction.
"Xiang Pu, Ukyo Kuonji!" the elder yelled. That got everybody's attention.
"Young ladies, we are civilised, and you should respect your elders, so I don't want you screaming at Mrs Saotome anymore, or *I'll* settle it."
"But..." the 'Young ladies' said in unison.
"No 'buts' she has every right to. Now promise to behave like good girls, and listen. And I don't want to hear any yelling or fighting from you." Both girls 'Humphed'.
The elder then read out the letter again. Mousse started jumping up in joy, which earned him a stick to the head. Both girls started crying, accusing Akane to have used magic on Ranma to elope with her. Before Nabiki could tell them, that no Tendo was ever desperate enough to steep so low. Kasumi cut in.
"I fear she has used magic, a very old and powerful one to"
Cologne and Nodoka caught right on, what she meant. The others just stared at her, they hadn't really believed she would've done that.
"Yes a very powerful magic indeed, the oldest one I know." the Elder confirmed.
"It binds them for all eternity, and beyond." Nodoka chirped in.
"Great-Grandmother know cure to save airen?"
"We have to go save him immediately." Ukyo said standing up.
"Sit down young girl. You can not save him from this, for he does not need to be saved. And in all the Amazon lore, there is no 'cure' mentioned."
"Then tell me, what it's called. There is always a cure."
"Not to this one I hope." the Saotome-matriarch answered.
"What. Is. It. CALLED?"
"True Love", the answer came from Mousse.
Somewhere else Ranma was making a phone call to book a passage on a ship that left from Tojama towards china, under false name.
Akane and Ranma boarded another train, headed south towards Osaka, away from Tojama.
"What duck-boy talk about, airen no love violent girl?" the answer sounded almost pleading.
"Great-Granddaughter, stop referring to Ranma as Airen, you have lost. He has finally recognized, that the Tendo-girl is his soul mate." everybody, except the three oldest females in the room gasped.
"It's sad, but you girls never stood a chance." she continued.
"But..." both girls started again.
"Shush. Xian Pu, Mousse ask yourself how much did you gain from our stay here. Both of you have improved a lot. If I had have told you, from the beginning, that they would end up together in any case, you would've lost that. This situation has lasted much longer, then I dared hope to.
And Ukyo, you came here for revenge, you hated his guts for nearly ten years, and now you claim to love him. Ask yourself. do you love him, or the Idea of love?"
Both girls started crying again, stammering incoherently, but not raising their voices again.
"And what about Xian Pu's honour?" The sometimes duck asked.
"She will compete in the next tournament. She is sure to win. She'll marry the male champion, as it is our tradition."
Mousse allowed himself a gentle smile.
"NO!" The purple haired girl screamed, as she dashed out into the yard and over the wall. Ukyo, looked after her for a second, then her face hardened, she also dashed out of the house.
"Stupid girls." The Elder muttered, "go bring her back, Mousse." He left.
Silence fell over the living room.
"Go find my son. If I am not at the wedding, to congratulate him, and my daughter, You will pay for your failures, husband." She wasn't screaming. Her voice held no threat, her head was bowed, tears dropping from it. Genma just stared at his wife. His life passed his inner eye, as a single thought crossed his mind. 'I am *so* dead'. He grabbed Soun and went to his room, came straight back out, both wearing backpacks. They ran towards the station.
The women, nodded. Well everybody except Nodoka, who started weeping.
"I hope Ranma and Akane are well." Kasumi said, "They must be, if Ranma can even outthink Nabiki?" she ended, her voce hopeful, and honest, her face reflecting her voice.
"What?" her sister yelled.
"Why, he surely left without you noticing. No need to get angry Imoutochan, he probably, didn't mean anything, by it." she offered in a sweet voice, looking innocent.
"GGGRRR." Nabiki ran up and came back with a small satchel. "I'll be back in a few days." she said before leaving.
When the door shut, Cologne spoke up.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily Kasumi."
"Pardon me? I don't understand, what you mean."
"He took him away for ten years, and now he drives him away with his foolish acts." The wailing mother announced. The other two women ignored her for the moment.
"Sure child. You just cued everybody out of here, without them noticing. So where are they."
"I really don't know..."
"I promise not to anything to oppose their wishes. I merrily wish to be at my students wedding."
Kasumi looked intently at her.
"Child. I'm an Amazon, a woman, and a mother. I got kind of a softspot for romantic adventures, and weddings." That obviously did it, because Kasumi's gentle smile, grew a bit bigger.
"In 20 minutes our train is leaving, be ready." she finally said. She, then turned to Nodoka.
"Auntie. Auntie. Stand up we need to leave, now." she said pulling the older woman up.
"No, we must stay. What if they come back." The Saotome opposed.
"They won't and I think I know where they are headed to."
"You do?" Kasumi nodded.
At the train station, 5 martial artists, and a mercenary boarded a train towards Tojama.
Twenty minutes later, three women, each with a small suitcase, boarded towards Osaka.
"How do you know, where they are headed to?" Nodoka asked comfortably seated in the train.
"He did write, he wanted us to be there. So I thought, that maybe he left us a hint. I read the letter again and again." She pulled said letter from her pocket. "I feared he hadn't my eyes unfocused, and then I saw it. The ink. It was written with 'Osaka blue' ink, instead of black tush or 'Kings blue' ink, which are more common around here. The only one in the house, who uses that kind of ink is me. Then I called the train station, they gave me the number of the vendor, who was running business yesterday night. I called him, and he told me, the only one who, was at the train station yesterday, were two girls. A redhead and a strong dark-haired girl. They bought tickets to Tojama."
Cologne cackled, Kasumi *was* good.
"But that is almost the opposite direction." Nodoka frowned, and then brightened, inspiration had finally struck." Oh, I see. That *is* smart. My son is so manly."
"If he hadn't used that ink, nobody could've followed them. Moreover, the other fools are headed to Tojama, where I am sure Ranma booked a passage to China. He must have planned this for days." Cologne said in between laughs.
"Oh I think it was more like 20 minutes." Cologne eyed Kasumi, and contemplated, what the younger woman had said. She fell out of her seat and laughed louder.
Kasumi got something out of her bag. "Cookies?" she offered, the two women.
In the late afternoon, Akane and Ranma got of their train. They would have to wait another night before getting married, they knew. It was already after hours, the town hall would already be closed. They asked for direction, and then headed towards the shopping centre.
In Tojama Nabiki was on the phone, trying to locate Ranma. The five martial artists waiting for her, to finish.
In a train towards Osaka. Three women were playing cards.
"Cologne-san?" Nodoka, looked up from the cards in her, hand.
"Yes, dear child?"
"Why are you so calm, about this? I thought you would..." she started to ask, being rather straight forward
"...raise all Hell, or start a war with Japan, to prevent this marriage?"
"Er... Well I was thinking more in the lines of magic, and murder, but yes something along those lines."
"Like I said, I knew from the first time I saw those two together, on the Tendo porch arguing, because of Great-Granddaughter, that's when I knew that nothing could prevent them from getting together.
Don't misunderstand me; I actually came to Japan with every intention to marry Shampoo of to Ranma. We needed the blood of that strong outsider, to strengthen our tribe. When I realized, that that wouldn't happen, I kept up that act, because those two were the perfect training dummies, for Shampoo. She could learn, more of the subtle arts of our culture, not just the martial ones, she would be able to experience what live outside the tribe offered. Later I made sure the strongest man of Shampoo's age, Mousse, followed us. His martial arts skill have improved fast, and he still is not done growing."
"So you used Ranma and Akane, so Shampoo could learn magic?" Kasumi asked
"Not just magic. She had lots of growing up to do. I had to break her pride and her heart, so she could grow stronger from the experience." The other women nodded, looking grim.
"But you often came very close to breaking, them up and you often enough made them suffer. Weren't you worried, that you, or her could actually harm them?" the sister inquired.
"Like I said, nothing could've broke them up. And if they needed it I would've made sure anything Shampoo had done, wasn't permanent. Surprisingly, they never needed my help."
"And how will you explain this to your tribe?" The mother asked.
"I will tell the elders the truth, of course. She still would get punished for her failure, but it would be toned done, very much. The punishment would be more like a show, so none of the younger tribe members get the wrong idea. But that won't happen either. Over the months both of them have aided Shampoo and me, when we needed help. And their help in saving her, from the people of Mount Phoenix, will make sure she won't lose honour."
"Looks like we're all headed for a happy end, after all. If the others could just see that."
"They are young, and have not our experience. They need time to acknowledge, what they have and not morn over what they never had."
"Kasumi is only nineteen, and she seems unfazed by events. Sometimes I even think she is more mature then me."
"Don't forget, she has raised her family, since she was nine, and had more time adjusting to Ranma's interesting life, then you had, but yes she is already a fine matriarch, for her family." the old shrew answered.
Ranma and Akane had spent a nice day talking, and looking for what Akane thought essential for a wedding, even if it only was a signing of papers actually. She had bought a new white dress and a blue silk scarf to wrap around her hip. Then they spent an hour looking for a second hand shop, where she bought a pair of white gloves that went up to her elbows.
After that they bought two rings, for the wedding. They weren't exactly spectacular; they were simple aluminium rings with a gold plating, that could easily be rubbed of. But Akane loved them, so Ranma had bought them. He would've rather only bought one ring; one made out of gold, instead of gold plated, maybe with some stone on it, so she would've at least have something to be proud of. She just wouldn't've heard of it. So he complied with her wishes.
At least, this way they had more then enough money left, to go to a restaurant, instead of cooking their own meal.
Now they had set up camp in a secluded opening in the city park.
Inside the tent Akane zipped the sleeping bags together, so the two could snuggle up.
Akane was clad in underwear and one of Ranma's shirts, as she lay comfortly in Ranma's arm, who was wearing a black muscle shirt and boxers, enjoying looking into his eyes, while he stared into hers. She snuggled closer to him, their foreheads and noses touching now.
"I Love you my inazuke" They both said as one. They then started kissing each other their kisses soon started exploring each others face and neck. Akane rolled to lie on top of him. Her hands started to explore his chest, while his hands traced her back, staying away from the bottom of her shirt, he then moved both his hands down at once, squeezing her bottom. She moaned, at that. He then slapped her behind.
"Eeep! Stop that." she playfully hit his shoulder.
"Oh yeah, make me?" she sat up and placed his hands upon her breasts. When she released them, he quickly pulled his hands away from her assets. He didn't like, where this was leading to.
"Ranma?" she blinked at him. He carefully placed his hands on her hips, and drew a deep breath.
"I don't want us to, er.you know. before marriage."
"Oh." she said her face looking puzzled. She started standing up, but was pulled back down.
"No. Listen. I...I really want to, but I want to do this right, I guess. I know my mother wouldn't think I was being manly, or anything, but she don't matter.
And you probably think I'm rejecting you, but I ain't. I really ain't. My, Our life is always so screwed up, that for once, when it's really important, I want to do it the right way. The honourable way. Can you understand that?" He asked shyly.
She stared in his sincere eyes, biting her lower lip. And after a while she answered.
"I think so!" she tried rolling of off him, but he held on to her.
"Hey we can do anything you want, but my pants stay up, and that Shirt on." He said pointing at was she was wearing. An evil grin spread on her face.
"Anything I want?" He nodded. She took his hands and placed them where, they had broken of. This time his hands staid put. He knew she would respect his wish. She leaned down and whispered in his ear.
"Good then you'll start training me for real. And don't you dare refuse; you did say 'anything'. But for now, I think I'll do this." She started nibbling at his ear.