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 9 The fight
It was Christmas Eve. It was the day of Love and Joy. It was the day for all those things that made your heart glow and your tummy warm. It also was the day Ukyo, Mousse and Shampoo returned. It was also the day of a match.
In order to keep Kuno from pestering them it was stipulated that Ranma and Akane, had to fight him and his sister one final time to settle things. And as the two Ex-fiancés attacked the Tendo home in the morning they were also 'invited' to participate at 'The Showdown' how Nabiki was advertising it. Indeed no less then three Camera teams were present all working for Nabiki, although Kuno paid for two of them.
"The vile sorcerer" the Kendoist claimed "will surely attempt to twist truth to dishonour the agreement of men,." following that was a half an hour description why Ranma would never classify as such. "Not even he can escapeth the incontestable truth the eyes of modern prove." Nabiki held equal hopes not concerning Ranma's delusions, but his. She also had numerous presales for the final tape.
Then there was the new Amazon's in town. Three elders, with their four personal male servants had arrived with new trainees for Cologne. It seemed that the old woman was staying after all and Nerima with all its weirdness was deemed a training ground worthy of only the best of the maturing generation. The three elders, referred to only as the Sisters of Graia, never left their carriage at any time their Servants tending them and carrying them wherever they went. The Amazons had also brought fourteen- year-old Laung'aix.
She was not a warrior but a recorder, keeper of stories. It seemed that back home Shampoo had been quite the star and Laung'aix had taken it upon her to record the drama that had unfolded around her tribe sister. She had a copy of all the letters anybody in the village had received from Cologne (these letters had undergone a censorship through the tribe council), Shampoo and Mousse since they left on this journey to find the redheaded outsider girl. Over the past days, she had interviewed everybody that had been in any way available and in some way related to the whole thing. Those interviews had shattered the whole picture she had about the situation, no two days after arriving she tore up her rough draft and started from scratch. Nabiki was surprised at the girl that not only spoke seven languages fluently but also already knew what it was her audience wanted and what spurned their imagination. It did not take long for Nabiki to start negotiating a deal of sorts with the girl. With all the video material Nabiki had gathered over the years she would make an in depth documentary that would be published the same day as the book. Both would be published in China and Japan first, determent from the sales they would decide on a worldwide release later.
Ranma and Akane were the first to arrive. They wore their Ying Yang outfits, they had received from the animal Kamis when parting. They both wore slacks, a bomber jacket, and Chinese slippers. Ranma wore the black one with the white circle on the back, while Akane wore the matching white outfit. Only 'official personnel' were admitted to the fight, what meant friends and families of the fighters. That meant the audience consisted out of all the Amazons, the Tendos and Saotomes, Sasuke (although his masters where nowhere around), and a group of eleven people whom only Akane and Ranma knew and refused to talk to anybody else. For a moment, Nabiki could have sworn to see a twelfth figure tall and pale, but she never really saw him. He was more like a shadow on her retina.
Cologne frowned and the sisters of Graia did not seem so happy either. Over there by the side of *them*, whatever they might be, stood the one figure the old Amazons would have never expected to see here. Death. That was no good omen. She frowned a little more as he pulled something out of the depth of his robe. Then she relaxed, maybe there was no threat after all.
Behind the Kami's, Bill put on a white Bandana with a simplified red sun on it, he pulled a huge foam finger over his hand and held a fan in the other hand. He did a little rooting dance.
Ukyo, Mousse and Shampoo took a stand, on one end of the Arena, as Ryoga, by accident stumbled in. Akane looked back at the assembled Kamis that tried their best to look innocent. A short explanation later and Ryoga joined the three in their quest for revenge. Ranma flowed into stance and Akane mirrored him. Cologne called the fight.
Shampoo and Ryoga charged in immediately, while Mousse and Ukyo stayed back half-heartedly throwing potties and spatulas respectively. Ranma and Akane took a step closer to each other, each raising a hand.
Nabiki watched with keen interest, it seemed to her that there actually was a new school of martial arts as Ranma grasped her sisters hand. "Is that a Samba or a Rumba?"
"I don't think it's either." Kasumi said, one finger resting on her chin.
"Actually child it is a ."
"TANGO!" the three sisters ended for Cologne. They were laughing, cackling, giggling and just generally joyful. It was the first fight of Ranma's they had seen and the boy and his wife had started out with a move that was generally assumed of as being non-lethal not even a combat stance. Quite an impressive first move, indeed.
Shampoo and Ryoga already sported their fair share of bruises and cuts. They both realized that Ranma and Akane worked too much as a unit for their uncoordinated attacks to have any effect. They went to opposite sides of the field waiting for Ranma and Akane to attack. Akane immediately charged Shampoo and left Ryoga for Ranma. As much Akane wanted to kill the little pervert pig, Shampoo was more off a nuisance for her.
The Amazon struck repeatedly going at top speed. It was apparent that Ranma had trained his wife well. It was like fighting water. Akane flowed around the punches, or if not she flowed with them absorbing the energy of the punches into her movements. Shampoo backed away, she could not keep up the speed forever. "Fat girl, feel like pudding when Shampoo hit. Shampoo scared Shampoos fist get lost in violent girls big belly." Shampoo smiled as Akane charged her, some things never changed.
Akane was no fool, she knew Shampoo was baiting her into attacking, but did not mind at all. She held back though, it would be so much more fun to beat Shampoo on her terms. Akane threw Punches and Kicks towards Shampoo who immediately backed off leading Akane in a twelve-step spiral. Even though Akane had seen it coming, she powered her Aura up even more. At the last step when Shampoo was about to struck her fist upwards, to unleash the whirlwind, Akane beat her to it. With a cry of 'Bakkusai-Shoten-Ha' she struck the ground beneath her with her extended finger. Still with her Aura flaring, Akane hopped out of the forming whirlwind.
Shampoo was not so lucky, the whirlwind kept on pulling her back towards the centre and on her knees. She already bled from several cuts caused by the stone splinters Akane had made with her blow. Shampoo tried to climb out of the vortex, her Aura extinguished, it would have worked with the Hyriu-Shoten-HA but it would never with this attack.
The Hyriu Attack forms a whirlwind that creeps towards the heavens, feeding of the victims Battle-Aura.
This Attack fed from the coolness the absence of a Battle-Aura presented. It started at the spiral went as high as two meters to meet in the point over the ground Akane struck. It was one of the more impressive counters for the Hyriu Attack. It was a bubble, and it sucked the air out of its insides.
Shampoo fought it but she was suffocating slowly and soon fell unconscious. Before her head even touched the ground, Akane had already reacted, thrusting her hands in the vortex feeding it with hot chi and so dissipating it.
She stood next to the Amazon and extended her senses to check her pulse and breathing. She let go of the breath. The girl was fine. Turning to her husband, she saw that he too had disposed of the perverted Pig-boy he had been fighting.
Ukyo nervously looked at Ranma and . his wife. She really did not want to fight them. Sure she felt betrayed, Ranma had abonded her, had married Akane, but he had to marry someone and it had been Akane. The initial anger, jeleausy, fear, feelings of betrayal and the despair had been so strong. They had sent her out into the world to find the source of all these feelings and to make it pay. None of that mattered anymore. Things had happened and she just wanted to be friends to Akane and Ranma.
"You do not want to fight them, do you?" Mousse whispered his intent gaze at the afformentioned couple, who slowly walked towards Mousse and Ukyo. "You do not have to. You know that, and you know that I will be at your side if you decide you do want to fight."
Ukyo relaxed. There really was no reason to fight anymore. She stored the small spatulas she held in her hands away and took a deep breath. True there was no need to fight, but it did not mean it would make what came next any easier. As if he felt her precariousness Mousse' arm snaked around her hip and pulled her to him. She smiled and leaned into her newfound friend. There was no reason to fight Akane, and there was no reason for hard feelings either.
Akane's eyes grew wide as she saw how Mousse held Ukyo. She was dimly aware of gasps and murmurs of surprise from the sidelines. Akane turned to Ranma who seemed to be at least as surprised as she was. She took a step forward and pulled Ranma with her. From the corner of her mouth, she whispered. "Stop staring, and don't say anything stupid. Be happy she found someone and isn't fighting us." Ranma nodded, but his eyes were still glued on Mousse and Ukyo.
Mousse felt Ukyo tense when Akane and Ranma walked towards them. Also with every step that the heirs to the Anything goes school took towards them, Ukyo leaned more into Mousse' Shoulder, putting almost all her weight on him, as if she were trying to hide, but had not the energy to go on. Then Ranma and his wife stood before them.
"Hi. Been awhile since I saw you guys last." Ranma started lamely.
"Hello Saotome, indeed some time has past since we last saw you." Mousse looked intently at him.
"So what's with." He noticed the look Mousse was giving him. It dared him to say something stupid, dared him to hurt the girl, Mousse' girl, Mousse' Ucchan.
"You two have questions." It was not a question. She felt Ranma's hand catching hers. Thanking his wife for the rescue. "Ukyo. Ask. Whatever it is, ask." Akane waited but Ukyo did not respond. Akane saw that she was not only holding on to Mousse for comfort, but for rescue as well. "Listen, Ukyo. We still would be like to be friends if possible. We understand if you feel angry but Ranma is now my husband and I am his wife. Nothing anybody will do can change that. It would have been nice to have you at our wedding, you are one of the few friends we both have, but well with the bombed wedding." Akane trailed off. Ukyo was not responding.
"Mousse." Ranma started, and stopped. He was unsure himself; this was new to him, talking things out. He had expected a fight. That was the way his life was. Nobody listened to him; they assumed the worst and fought. He did have hopes that this time they would be reasonable, but prior experience told him that was unlikely, and so he had not prepared for it. He felt his wife tightening her grip on his hand. "Mousse, Ukyo. You know where we live, if you want to talk. If you want to fight. I'd rather not but I *will* defend my family, no matter who or what attacks them."
They were silent once again. Nobody knew what to say, or if there was something to say, at all. Luckily, the silence was broke by a groan from Shampoo. The four of them turned to look where Cologne and the Amazons stood over a slowly awakening Shampoo. Ranma smiled everybody was fine, and it was all over. Behind Shampoo, the sun was setting throwing its red glow over the field. Maybe it was an omen. Then he heard someone he had forgotten about appeared. Then Maybe it was no omen.
Shampoo felt dizzy, and her chest hurt, as did her throat. She slowly sat up. Her Great-grandmother stood over her, and said something Shampoo did not catch. She got to her feet and saw more Amazons around her. Shampoo was confused more Amazons? She remembered seeing them before the fight, but then she had paid no attention to it. She stood up and made her way to Ranma, this was not over it. Someone else spoke up, but she still paid no attention to it. The new voice was coming closer though as she stumbled towards her Airen. She turned to see whom it was, and immediately took a battle stance as she saw someone attacking her.
Cologne could not believe, what she saw unfolding before her. She wanted to warn her Great-granddaughter, help her, but with the other Amazons around, especially with the Sisters of Graia she could not. She stood idle by; maybe she could do something after the fight. Shampoo turned around and prepared for the attacker. Then maybe she could not do anything about it.
The boy had made one of his usual speeches, and jumped up to face Ranma. Shampoo had not paid him any attention, so she was unaware that she stood right where the boy would land, until it was too late.
Kuno saw what would be happening and mistook Shampoo's intention and assumed she was defending Ranma, he brought his bokken down to attack. He had the better position. He was rested, and she hurt and was tired. Shampoo brought her arms up, crossed them above her head to defend herself. The bokken hit and Shampoo blocked with her arms, but he had his weight behind the thrust. Her arms faltered and the bokken hit her head. Again the blackness of unconsciousness' claimed her.
Cologne was ready to beat herself and her Great-granddaughter. Why had she put up a fight? Why? The damage was done there was nothing she could do about it. She went over to her Heir and once again woke her up.
Akane was stunned tremendously. Had that really just happened? She was brought out of her reverie when she saw Kuno approach Ranma. "Kuno stop. Stop, Kuno." Next to her Ranma made the same plea to Kodachi. Akane half turned, reluctant to take her eyes of the Amazon party. Sure enough there was Kodachi. "You two just wait a moment okay? Watch." She pointed to the group of Amazons.
Shampoo was slowly waking up again, and then sat up. Ranma could see Cologne saying something. Shampoo turned her head towards her Great- Grandmother, who only nodded. Shampoo jumped up, and started yelling. Cologne rapped her over the head with her staff. Cologne yet again said something, and then she and Shampoo turned towards the carriage, that held the three Sisters of Graia. He saw how Shampoo trembled with anger, then slumped her shoulders. She made her way to where he, Akane, the Kunos, Mousse and Ukyo stood.
"Fair Akane, why shall I Tate."
"Shh." Came the immediate response from the four non Kunos.
Shampoo came to a halt, before Kuno. She turned her head towards her Great- grandmother, but there was no salvation. She faced Kuno and took his face in her hands. Before the stunned boy could respond, she kissed him on the lip0s. "Wo Ai Ni." She then glomped him halfheartedly. Her arms and legs wrapped around him, but she was putting no effort behind it. She slid down the tall boy, until she sat on the ground her arms and legs wrapped around his legs. Shampoo sighed and rested her head on his leg.
"W.Wh.What?" Kuno was baffled the girl was obviously enthralled by his power. Many girls were, he knew, but this was the first to show it in such ways. She was also the first girl to have her head . there.
"Kuno. Yo Kuno."
"Ra.Ra.?"
"Yeah I know my name. Listen. You should know something. You beat Shampoo in combat, so according to the law of her people you are now married."
"What?"
Akane had an idea. "Married, Kuno. You are now married to her. As married man you surely would not dishonour yourself and I by pursuing me, a married woman, would you?"
"Yeah she really must like you, Kuno-san. She let herself be beat too easily." 'Paybacks a Bitch' thought Mousse. "She is quite a catch, Kuno- san. Congratulations."
Cologne stepped up to the group. She was not very happy. Shampoo could have done much better then . him. The smirks of those not directly involved were not helping either. "Congratulations son-in-law, welcome to the family."
"I am related to . to that thing? I shall not." A staff met his head and knocked him out.
"Come Shampoo, and bring your groom. Not Him." Cologne said before Shampoo made a grab for Ranma. The elder pointed to Kuno. "Take him." Shampoo obliged, tears were forming in her eyes. She picked up one of Kuno's feet and dragged him along.
"What is the Chinese peasant doing with my Brother?" Kodachi hadn't moved since Ranma told her to stop.
"Making him happy I guess."
The voice of her beloved reminded her of something "Ah Ranma. I shall free you from the grasp of that vixen." She swung her ribbon, to attack Akane, but the ribbon was blocked by one of Mousse' chain. She swung again and again. Mousse met her blow for blow, swing for swing using his chain as she did her ribbon. Akane just stood and complained that she was perfectly fine to handle the situation.
"Who are you that you match the Black Rose of Saint Hebereke with such art? It is for one sure that you are not such a meek peasant as the cross- dressing chef that tries to steel your affection."
Mousse was about ready to kill the girl. Judging from the sudden breeze, he felt on the side Ukyo had just stood, she was too. Neither had time to attack.
"His name is Mousse. He is a apprentice of his tribal Arts, Kodachi. Do not waste your time on him such an uncultured culprit does not deserve the affections you can give." Nabiki finished with a grin. That Kuno girl brought money, but she was a pain in the ass. Now if she just took the bait.
"Is this true my black mane beauty, Mousse?"
Ranma was about to say something, but was silenced by his wife's elbow.
"Mousse. Do not be selfish. She deserves and will have the best. So tell her the truth." Now if Mousse does not botch this.
Mousse confusion over Kodachi and then Nabiki's statement lifted. He had sawn how Kodachi shared her affection. Right now, she had more interest in him then in Ranma. Nabiki obviously thought he would stay with Ukyo, what was exactly what he would do. And Unlike Ranma he had no trouble with his pride to say. "Yes Kodachi Kuno. I have raised false hopes in you. " I am a mere apprentice of my tribe's art."
"So there are those that are better then you? That are more mature then you?" she licked her lips, a whole tribe of strong manly warriors that was like heaven to her.
"Yes. There is mistress Kuno."
"A village of strong warriors more skilled then the likes you get here, and they all now there place it seems. You must tell me where that village is, now."
Mousse was about to open his mouth, to give her directions, but was cut of by Nabiki again. "Mousse. Instead of directions. Why don't you go over to the elders? Tell them your decision, and introduce Kodachi to them."
Mousse forced a smile. "Yes splendid idea, Tendo-san. Please follow me, mistress Kuno." He hated it to be read like an open book, by Nabiki, and sending both Kuno's to the village seemed a little too cruel.
Mousse and Kodachi followed by the other five that had stood around them walked, over to where Amazon procession was waiting for Mousse. A few meters away he excused himself and told everybody to wait; he went towards his elders and bowed.
"Elders. I was best by an outsider woman. In addition, my actions in the last months have brought my superior Shampoo to renounce me as an Amazon. I seek thee to validate that decision." Shampoo gasped she still had a chance if she played her cards right. Cologne couldn't believe what she heard. What had her Great-granddaughter done this time? The other Amazons were just generally shocked. It rarely happened that one wanted to cut all his ties to the village. Leave it? Yes. Exile? No.
"Tell us what you have done to deserve such hardship?"
"I have fought Shampoo several times on our journey. I have acted against her wishes and orders. I have bested her in combat twice. I have protected an outsider from her. I have not paid her the proper respect in words or in deeds."
Cologne turned to Shampoo. "Is this true?" Shampoo nodded. Cologne also saw the hope in her eyes. Cologne knew what she meant. It would be cruel towards Mousse, but it would be better then having Kuno in the family.
"Come here lad." Mousse obliged and knelt before the carriage of the three sisters. "Look at us." Mousse lifted his head to look at the three sisters. And his eyes rested on their eye. That is all they had one eye. Between the three sisters, they had one tooth, one eye, and one ear. The middle sister wore it now. To her right, the sister that currently had the tooth was munching on salt sticks. On her left side sat her other sister and was hearing intently, but Mousse attention was drawn to the eye. He had the feeling of something sucking at his brain through his eyes. It felt like something was turning his mind inside out, that somebody was scratching that one spot he never would reach, because it was inside his head. Then it was all over. "We see."
Cologne licked her dry lips. The sisters were superior to her. They had powers she had not. The sisters always did what was best for the village. Those made Cologne worry. For her, family was more important then the village. For most Amazons it was. She taught that the village had precedence, but it all came down to family and politics, eventually. Whatever the sisters decided she could not object to it.
"Mou of Tzu Warrior of Joketzuku. She has done things to you, which you wish not to share. You could deny her position in the village, Mousse. Still you want to leave and let her be?" Mousse nodded. The Sisters announced out loud. "So it shall be. The village shall mourn for the death of a great warrior, Mou Tzu."
Ukyo was having a bad day. The mother of all bad days. She had no clue what to say to Ranma and Akane, especially after they had been so nice. She too wanted to stay their friend, but she did not know if she could. Neither did she know where to start. Then there was Mousse, she did not know how far this friendship would go. The incident with Kuno and Shampoo was hilarious and it was so different from what she felt before, that it took all her willpower not to laugh aloud. Her heart almost stopped again when Kodachi bashed her eyelashes towards Mousse, but thanks to Nabiki that was avoided. Another Reason not to be angry with any of the Tendo's. She heard a voice from the carriage announce that Mousse was dead and in response drew a few throwing Spatulas. She was ready to defend her friend.
"The village shall rejoice for the village has gained a new friend. Mou Kuonji." The middle sister of Graia ended.
Ukyo stopped. What had she just said? "What?"
"Step forward outsider woman Ukyo." Ukyo did so. "So you are the warrior who best Mou? Who captured his heart? No need to be shy child. You have best him, and you have consummated, by our laws, which he was rightful under until now, you are married."
Ukyo could feel the stares of disbelief burning in her back. "M.Married?" she asked. Then she shrugged. She could have done worth. He had taken her virginity; it was the honourable thing to do. "Come Mousse I have to open up the restaurant."
"Just a minute, U.dear." He was blushing and grinning like an idiot. Ukyo too was blushing, but she was also grumbling under her breath. "Elders of Joketzuku. There is warrior here that wishes to find a suitable husband within the village."
"Bring for the girl."
Kodachi stepped forward and before anything else happened. Akane was dragged away by a bored Ranma, Mousse by an impatient Ukyo. The rest of the Saotome's and Tendo's followed.
On the sidelines, the Kami and Bill exchanged valuables. Only Bill had guessed right on the outcome. There was a sound like a distant circus that was being raided then all twelve were gone.
"Calm down Mousse. It is not as you aren't married already. This is just a little ceremony for family and taking photos, something to remember."
"I know that Ranma. It's just that. How can you not be nervous?"
"I guess, 'cause I had some family there the last time." He turned around to look in to a mirror. Mousse, too, positioned himself to look into the mirror and readjusted his bow tie.
"So Ukyo got Yuka, to help out at the restaurant?"
"Yes, Ukyo thinks it is better for the shop to have 'female' employees only. She is teaching Yuka all she needs to know about how to make okonomiaki. Konatsu was a little disappointed, but he agreed that Yuka was the better choice after eating some of hers."
"What I thought they just started dating?"
"Not that, you idiot, her okonomiaki of course."
"Yeah I know, I know. Just teasin' ya 's all." They fell silent, trying to get comfortable in the suit he wore. Ranma broke the silence.
"I still can't believe Ryoga though man, I wanted him as best man. I mean, I knew he had feelings for Akane and all, but I dunno, I had the feeling he had given up on her. Akane didn't put up with the continued attacks too well. 'Die Ranma' was not something a mother to be needed to hear."
"You do not need to tell me. Remember there also was a 'Die Mousse' cry, though I am glad that he came when he did. He showed up just as the doctor told us that Ukyo was pregnant. She was about to gut me when Ryoga came. That and trying to kill the father (before she did) brought him on her 'wanted dead' list."
"Yeah why did he attack you anyway?"
"After Ukyo beat him senseless, He started babbling. This is what I could gather. Ryoga had given up on Akane after all and had left to visit Akari. She had waited for him and for a time they were happy. Then something happened. I did not get what, but something happened and she kicked him out. Therefore, Ryoga went to look for Akane, again, but when he saw that you were already married, he could not bare it any longer. You beat him. Then he went to the only other woman besides Akane and Akari that ever had treated him with kindness."
"Ukyo."
"Yes. Well he did not take it too well that she, also, was taken."
"Oh. Man I feel sorry for him, though. Three straight rejections from the girls he loved."
"I too feel sorry for him, but it was he who was at fault. If he had not been so indecisive He might been able to have saved his relationship with Akari. If he had been honest maybe, he would still be friends with Akane. Ukyo. I think she was a last straw for him, I have the feeling if Shampoo was still around that he would have attacked Kuno for her."
"I hope he comes to his senses soon. I kinda hoped the three of us would have a triple wedding. I miss our constant fights. Good workout. How much longer do we have to wait, for this ceremony to start?" Ranma was getting agitated.
Mousse smirked at the 'calmness' his friend displayed. "I do not now, be patient. I doubt Ukyo would be very forgiving towards Ryoga."
"Yeah Akane neither. Stupid pig. You know he was here the other day."
"What did he say?"
"Not much. Kasumi brought him home. He was a pig at the time with a blue bandana around his neck. She did not recognize him, 'cause well the blue bandana. Heck of a disguise. She named him Ono-chan. I guess she still has feelings for the Doc. Well she brought him Home and Akane saw the pig. She said he was having a slight nosebleed as he rubbed his head in Kasumi's," Ranma waved his hand before his chest. "Akane did not think it was the same pig, but wanted to make sure. He was a little tense whenever Akane came close. That was her first hint. Then she asked him if he was a good little piggy, he nodded. Second strike. That is when Nabiki came in and asked if he was P-chan. He shook his head. Third strike. A splash later, and a naked Ryoga was glommping Kasumi. His hand was right were his head had been before. Nabiki says he was 'at attention' at the time, if you get the drift."
"What happened?"
"Let's say Nabiki is still looking for him. Got his house under constant surveillance. Akari'll call if he turns up, and Akane is teaching her sisters how to use weapons, and I don't mean her Hammer either I am talking blunt steel here." They were silent for a few minutes. Then Ranma again broke it.
"By the way. Nabiki will be in the beginner class with the other Amazons. That makes a class of thirty, I got Pops, the lazy bastard, to help you teach it. He and father-Tendo will cover for you during your Honeymoon."
"Will it be okay? That makes nine beginners classes he has to teach."
"It'll be only for a week, and Pop will help him with yours. Father-Tendo made a condition that he gets you for two hours a week, to help you with the basics of Anything goes. Can't have a teacher that doesn't know the schools style, eh?"
"I guess. Why isn't Kasumi participating?"
"Oh I tested her like I did with Nabiki, and well she got a hit in. I underestimated her major time."
"What?"
"That's what I said. Everybody was watching too. We all had a good laugh after that. Except Father-Tendo he just smirked at me."
"I remember Soun telling both of us to call him by his first name though, seeing that you won't call him just father instead of Father-Tendo."
"Yeah I know. It just needs some get used to call him Soun, and I won't call him father, because well it would be awkward, although it would bug the hell out of pops. Maybe I should call Pop by his first name as well."
The door opened and their best man peeked in. "Saotome-Okaasama says we should get start now, since Saotome-san is already indulging his private party."
"Pops is already drunk? Stupid old man."
"Er, yes. You are expected to greet some guests before the ceremony. So hurry."
"Thanks Konatsu. That tux really suits you."
"Yes it brings out your feminine charms."
Konatsu blushed. "Thank you Saoto." A hard glare from both Ranma and Mousse made him reconsider his words. "Thank you Ranma. Mousse." The Kunoichi left.
"Well let's go."
"You know Ranma. If you really want to give me a good wedding present, then let me have another 'spar' with your father." Both men laughed.
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 9 The fight
It was Christmas Eve. It was the day of Love and Joy. It was the day for all those things that made your heart glow and your tummy warm. It also was the day Ukyo, Mousse and Shampoo returned. It was also the day of a match.
In order to keep Kuno from pestering them it was stipulated that Ranma and Akane, had to fight him and his sister one final time to settle things. And as the two Ex-fiancés attacked the Tendo home in the morning they were also 'invited' to participate at 'The Showdown' how Nabiki was advertising it. Indeed no less then three Camera teams were present all working for Nabiki, although Kuno paid for two of them.
"The vile sorcerer" the Kendoist claimed "will surely attempt to twist truth to dishonour the agreement of men,." following that was a half an hour description why Ranma would never classify as such. "Not even he can escapeth the incontestable truth the eyes of modern prove." Nabiki held equal hopes not concerning Ranma's delusions, but his. She also had numerous presales for the final tape.
Then there was the new Amazon's in town. Three elders, with their four personal male servants had arrived with new trainees for Cologne. It seemed that the old woman was staying after all and Nerima with all its weirdness was deemed a training ground worthy of only the best of the maturing generation. The three elders, referred to only as the Sisters of Graia, never left their carriage at any time their Servants tending them and carrying them wherever they went. The Amazons had also brought fourteen- year-old Laung'aix.
She was not a warrior but a recorder, keeper of stories. It seemed that back home Shampoo had been quite the star and Laung'aix had taken it upon her to record the drama that had unfolded around her tribe sister. She had a copy of all the letters anybody in the village had received from Cologne (these letters had undergone a censorship through the tribe council), Shampoo and Mousse since they left on this journey to find the redheaded outsider girl. Over the past days, she had interviewed everybody that had been in any way available and in some way related to the whole thing. Those interviews had shattered the whole picture she had about the situation, no two days after arriving she tore up her rough draft and started from scratch. Nabiki was surprised at the girl that not only spoke seven languages fluently but also already knew what it was her audience wanted and what spurned their imagination. It did not take long for Nabiki to start negotiating a deal of sorts with the girl. With all the video material Nabiki had gathered over the years she would make an in depth documentary that would be published the same day as the book. Both would be published in China and Japan first, determent from the sales they would decide on a worldwide release later.
Ranma and Akane were the first to arrive. They wore their Ying Yang outfits, they had received from the animal Kamis when parting. They both wore slacks, a bomber jacket, and Chinese slippers. Ranma wore the black one with the white circle on the back, while Akane wore the matching white outfit. Only 'official personnel' were admitted to the fight, what meant friends and families of the fighters. That meant the audience consisted out of all the Amazons, the Tendos and Saotomes, Sasuke (although his masters where nowhere around), and a group of eleven people whom only Akane and Ranma knew and refused to talk to anybody else. For a moment, Nabiki could have sworn to see a twelfth figure tall and pale, but she never really saw him. He was more like a shadow on her retina.
Cologne frowned and the sisters of Graia did not seem so happy either. Over there by the side of *them*, whatever they might be, stood the one figure the old Amazons would have never expected to see here. Death. That was no good omen. She frowned a little more as he pulled something out of the depth of his robe. Then she relaxed, maybe there was no threat after all.
Behind the Kami's, Bill put on a white Bandana with a simplified red sun on it, he pulled a huge foam finger over his hand and held a fan in the other hand. He did a little rooting dance.
Ukyo, Mousse and Shampoo took a stand, on one end of the Arena, as Ryoga, by accident stumbled in. Akane looked back at the assembled Kamis that tried their best to look innocent. A short explanation later and Ryoga joined the three in their quest for revenge. Ranma flowed into stance and Akane mirrored him. Cologne called the fight.
Shampoo and Ryoga charged in immediately, while Mousse and Ukyo stayed back half-heartedly throwing potties and spatulas respectively. Ranma and Akane took a step closer to each other, each raising a hand.
Nabiki watched with keen interest, it seemed to her that there actually was a new school of martial arts as Ranma grasped her sisters hand. "Is that a Samba or a Rumba?"
"I don't think it's either." Kasumi said, one finger resting on her chin.
"Actually child it is a ."
"TANGO!" the three sisters ended for Cologne. They were laughing, cackling, giggling and just generally joyful. It was the first fight of Ranma's they had seen and the boy and his wife had started out with a move that was generally assumed of as being non-lethal not even a combat stance. Quite an impressive first move, indeed.
Shampoo and Ryoga already sported their fair share of bruises and cuts. They both realized that Ranma and Akane worked too much as a unit for their uncoordinated attacks to have any effect. They went to opposite sides of the field waiting for Ranma and Akane to attack. Akane immediately charged Shampoo and left Ryoga for Ranma. As much Akane wanted to kill the little pervert pig, Shampoo was more off a nuisance for her.
The Amazon struck repeatedly going at top speed. It was apparent that Ranma had trained his wife well. It was like fighting water. Akane flowed around the punches, or if not she flowed with them absorbing the energy of the punches into her movements. Shampoo backed away, she could not keep up the speed forever. "Fat girl, feel like pudding when Shampoo hit. Shampoo scared Shampoos fist get lost in violent girls big belly." Shampoo smiled as Akane charged her, some things never changed.
Akane was no fool, she knew Shampoo was baiting her into attacking, but did not mind at all. She held back though, it would be so much more fun to beat Shampoo on her terms. Akane threw Punches and Kicks towards Shampoo who immediately backed off leading Akane in a twelve-step spiral. Even though Akane had seen it coming, she powered her Aura up even more. At the last step when Shampoo was about to struck her fist upwards, to unleash the whirlwind, Akane beat her to it. With a cry of 'Bakkusai-Shoten-Ha' she struck the ground beneath her with her extended finger. Still with her Aura flaring, Akane hopped out of the forming whirlwind.
Shampoo was not so lucky, the whirlwind kept on pulling her back towards the centre and on her knees. She already bled from several cuts caused by the stone splinters Akane had made with her blow. Shampoo tried to climb out of the vortex, her Aura extinguished, it would have worked with the Hyriu-Shoten-HA but it would never with this attack.
The Hyriu Attack forms a whirlwind that creeps towards the heavens, feeding of the victims Battle-Aura.
This Attack fed from the coolness the absence of a Battle-Aura presented. It started at the spiral went as high as two meters to meet in the point over the ground Akane struck. It was one of the more impressive counters for the Hyriu Attack. It was a bubble, and it sucked the air out of its insides.
Shampoo fought it but she was suffocating slowly and soon fell unconscious. Before her head even touched the ground, Akane had already reacted, thrusting her hands in the vortex feeding it with hot chi and so dissipating it.
She stood next to the Amazon and extended her senses to check her pulse and breathing. She let go of the breath. The girl was fine. Turning to her husband, she saw that he too had disposed of the perverted Pig-boy he had been fighting.
Ukyo nervously looked at Ranma and . his wife. She really did not want to fight them. Sure she felt betrayed, Ranma had abonded her, had married Akane, but he had to marry someone and it had been Akane. The initial anger, jeleausy, fear, feelings of betrayal and the despair had been so strong. They had sent her out into the world to find the source of all these feelings and to make it pay. None of that mattered anymore. Things had happened and she just wanted to be friends to Akane and Ranma.
"You do not want to fight them, do you?" Mousse whispered his intent gaze at the afformentioned couple, who slowly walked towards Mousse and Ukyo. "You do not have to. You know that, and you know that I will be at your side if you decide you do want to fight."
Ukyo relaxed. There really was no reason to fight anymore. She stored the small spatulas she held in her hands away and took a deep breath. True there was no need to fight, but it did not mean it would make what came next any easier. As if he felt her precariousness Mousse' arm snaked around her hip and pulled her to him. She smiled and leaned into her newfound friend. There was no reason to fight Akane, and there was no reason for hard feelings either.
Akane's eyes grew wide as she saw how Mousse held Ukyo. She was dimly aware of gasps and murmurs of surprise from the sidelines. Akane turned to Ranma who seemed to be at least as surprised as she was. She took a step forward and pulled Ranma with her. From the corner of her mouth, she whispered. "Stop staring, and don't say anything stupid. Be happy she found someone and isn't fighting us." Ranma nodded, but his eyes were still glued on Mousse and Ukyo.
Mousse felt Ukyo tense when Akane and Ranma walked towards them. Also with every step that the heirs to the Anything goes school took towards them, Ukyo leaned more into Mousse' Shoulder, putting almost all her weight on him, as if she were trying to hide, but had not the energy to go on. Then Ranma and his wife stood before them.
"Hi. Been awhile since I saw you guys last." Ranma started lamely.
"Hello Saotome, indeed some time has past since we last saw you." Mousse looked intently at him.
"So what's with." He noticed the look Mousse was giving him. It dared him to say something stupid, dared him to hurt the girl, Mousse' girl, Mousse' Ucchan.
"You two have questions." It was not a question. She felt Ranma's hand catching hers. Thanking his wife for the rescue. "Ukyo. Ask. Whatever it is, ask." Akane waited but Ukyo did not respond. Akane saw that she was not only holding on to Mousse for comfort, but for rescue as well. "Listen, Ukyo. We still would be like to be friends if possible. We understand if you feel angry but Ranma is now my husband and I am his wife. Nothing anybody will do can change that. It would have been nice to have you at our wedding, you are one of the few friends we both have, but well with the bombed wedding." Akane trailed off. Ukyo was not responding.
"Mousse." Ranma started, and stopped. He was unsure himself; this was new to him, talking things out. He had expected a fight. That was the way his life was. Nobody listened to him; they assumed the worst and fought. He did have hopes that this time they would be reasonable, but prior experience told him that was unlikely, and so he had not prepared for it. He felt his wife tightening her grip on his hand. "Mousse, Ukyo. You know where we live, if you want to talk. If you want to fight. I'd rather not but I *will* defend my family, no matter who or what attacks them."
They were silent once again. Nobody knew what to say, or if there was something to say, at all. Luckily, the silence was broke by a groan from Shampoo. The four of them turned to look where Cologne and the Amazons stood over a slowly awakening Shampoo. Ranma smiled everybody was fine, and it was all over. Behind Shampoo, the sun was setting throwing its red glow over the field. Maybe it was an omen. Then he heard someone he had forgotten about appeared. Then Maybe it was no omen.
Shampoo felt dizzy, and her chest hurt, as did her throat. She slowly sat up. Her Great-grandmother stood over her, and said something Shampoo did not catch. She got to her feet and saw more Amazons around her. Shampoo was confused more Amazons? She remembered seeing them before the fight, but then she had paid no attention to it. She stood up and made her way to Ranma, this was not over it. Someone else spoke up, but she still paid no attention to it. The new voice was coming closer though as she stumbled towards her Airen. She turned to see whom it was, and immediately took a battle stance as she saw someone attacking her.
Cologne could not believe, what she saw unfolding before her. She wanted to warn her Great-granddaughter, help her, but with the other Amazons around, especially with the Sisters of Graia she could not. She stood idle by; maybe she could do something after the fight. Shampoo turned around and prepared for the attacker. Then maybe she could not do anything about it.
The boy had made one of his usual speeches, and jumped up to face Ranma. Shampoo had not paid him any attention, so she was unaware that she stood right where the boy would land, until it was too late.
Kuno saw what would be happening and mistook Shampoo's intention and assumed she was defending Ranma, he brought his bokken down to attack. He had the better position. He was rested, and she hurt and was tired. Shampoo brought her arms up, crossed them above her head to defend herself. The bokken hit and Shampoo blocked with her arms, but he had his weight behind the thrust. Her arms faltered and the bokken hit her head. Again the blackness of unconsciousness' claimed her.
Cologne was ready to beat herself and her Great-granddaughter. Why had she put up a fight? Why? The damage was done there was nothing she could do about it. She went over to her Heir and once again woke her up.
Akane was stunned tremendously. Had that really just happened? She was brought out of her reverie when she saw Kuno approach Ranma. "Kuno stop. Stop, Kuno." Next to her Ranma made the same plea to Kodachi. Akane half turned, reluctant to take her eyes of the Amazon party. Sure enough there was Kodachi. "You two just wait a moment okay? Watch." She pointed to the group of Amazons.
Shampoo was slowly waking up again, and then sat up. Ranma could see Cologne saying something. Shampoo turned her head towards her Great- Grandmother, who only nodded. Shampoo jumped up, and started yelling. Cologne rapped her over the head with her staff. Cologne yet again said something, and then she and Shampoo turned towards the carriage, that held the three Sisters of Graia. He saw how Shampoo trembled with anger, then slumped her shoulders. She made her way to where he, Akane, the Kunos, Mousse and Ukyo stood.
"Fair Akane, why shall I Tate."
"Shh." Came the immediate response from the four non Kunos.
Shampoo came to a halt, before Kuno. She turned her head towards her Great- grandmother, but there was no salvation. She faced Kuno and took his face in her hands. Before the stunned boy could respond, she kissed him on the lip0s. "Wo Ai Ni." She then glomped him halfheartedly. Her arms and legs wrapped around him, but she was putting no effort behind it. She slid down the tall boy, until she sat on the ground her arms and legs wrapped around his legs. Shampoo sighed and rested her head on his leg.
"W.Wh.What?" Kuno was baffled the girl was obviously enthralled by his power. Many girls were, he knew, but this was the first to show it in such ways. She was also the first girl to have her head . there.
"Kuno. Yo Kuno."
"Ra.Ra.?"
"Yeah I know my name. Listen. You should know something. You beat Shampoo in combat, so according to the law of her people you are now married."
"What?"
Akane had an idea. "Married, Kuno. You are now married to her. As married man you surely would not dishonour yourself and I by pursuing me, a married woman, would you?"
"Yeah she really must like you, Kuno-san. She let herself be beat too easily." 'Paybacks a Bitch' thought Mousse. "She is quite a catch, Kuno- san. Congratulations."
Cologne stepped up to the group. She was not very happy. Shampoo could have done much better then . him. The smirks of those not directly involved were not helping either. "Congratulations son-in-law, welcome to the family."
"I am related to . to that thing? I shall not." A staff met his head and knocked him out.
"Come Shampoo, and bring your groom. Not Him." Cologne said before Shampoo made a grab for Ranma. The elder pointed to Kuno. "Take him." Shampoo obliged, tears were forming in her eyes. She picked up one of Kuno's feet and dragged him along.
"What is the Chinese peasant doing with my Brother?" Kodachi hadn't moved since Ranma told her to stop.
"Making him happy I guess."
The voice of her beloved reminded her of something "Ah Ranma. I shall free you from the grasp of that vixen." She swung her ribbon, to attack Akane, but the ribbon was blocked by one of Mousse' chain. She swung again and again. Mousse met her blow for blow, swing for swing using his chain as she did her ribbon. Akane just stood and complained that she was perfectly fine to handle the situation.
"Who are you that you match the Black Rose of Saint Hebereke with such art? It is for one sure that you are not such a meek peasant as the cross- dressing chef that tries to steel your affection."
Mousse was about ready to kill the girl. Judging from the sudden breeze, he felt on the side Ukyo had just stood, she was too. Neither had time to attack.
"His name is Mousse. He is a apprentice of his tribal Arts, Kodachi. Do not waste your time on him such an uncultured culprit does not deserve the affections you can give." Nabiki finished with a grin. That Kuno girl brought money, but she was a pain in the ass. Now if she just took the bait.
"Is this true my black mane beauty, Mousse?"
Ranma was about to say something, but was silenced by his wife's elbow.
"Mousse. Do not be selfish. She deserves and will have the best. So tell her the truth." Now if Mousse does not botch this.
Mousse confusion over Kodachi and then Nabiki's statement lifted. He had sawn how Kodachi shared her affection. Right now, she had more interest in him then in Ranma. Nabiki obviously thought he would stay with Ukyo, what was exactly what he would do. And Unlike Ranma he had no trouble with his pride to say. "Yes Kodachi Kuno. I have raised false hopes in you. " I am a mere apprentice of my tribe's art."
"So there are those that are better then you? That are more mature then you?" she licked her lips, a whole tribe of strong manly warriors that was like heaven to her.
"Yes. There is mistress Kuno."
"A village of strong warriors more skilled then the likes you get here, and they all now there place it seems. You must tell me where that village is, now."
Mousse was about to open his mouth, to give her directions, but was cut of by Nabiki again. "Mousse. Instead of directions. Why don't you go over to the elders? Tell them your decision, and introduce Kodachi to them."
Mousse forced a smile. "Yes splendid idea, Tendo-san. Please follow me, mistress Kuno." He hated it to be read like an open book, by Nabiki, and sending both Kuno's to the village seemed a little too cruel.
Mousse and Kodachi followed by the other five that had stood around them walked, over to where Amazon procession was waiting for Mousse. A few meters away he excused himself and told everybody to wait; he went towards his elders and bowed.
"Elders. I was best by an outsider woman. In addition, my actions in the last months have brought my superior Shampoo to renounce me as an Amazon. I seek thee to validate that decision." Shampoo gasped she still had a chance if she played her cards right. Cologne couldn't believe what she heard. What had her Great-granddaughter done this time? The other Amazons were just generally shocked. It rarely happened that one wanted to cut all his ties to the village. Leave it? Yes. Exile? No.
"Tell us what you have done to deserve such hardship?"
"I have fought Shampoo several times on our journey. I have acted against her wishes and orders. I have bested her in combat twice. I have protected an outsider from her. I have not paid her the proper respect in words or in deeds."
Cologne turned to Shampoo. "Is this true?" Shampoo nodded. Cologne also saw the hope in her eyes. Cologne knew what she meant. It would be cruel towards Mousse, but it would be better then having Kuno in the family.
"Come here lad." Mousse obliged and knelt before the carriage of the three sisters. "Look at us." Mousse lifted his head to look at the three sisters. And his eyes rested on their eye. That is all they had one eye. Between the three sisters, they had one tooth, one eye, and one ear. The middle sister wore it now. To her right, the sister that currently had the tooth was munching on salt sticks. On her left side sat her other sister and was hearing intently, but Mousse attention was drawn to the eye. He had the feeling of something sucking at his brain through his eyes. It felt like something was turning his mind inside out, that somebody was scratching that one spot he never would reach, because it was inside his head. Then it was all over. "We see."
Cologne licked her dry lips. The sisters were superior to her. They had powers she had not. The sisters always did what was best for the village. Those made Cologne worry. For her, family was more important then the village. For most Amazons it was. She taught that the village had precedence, but it all came down to family and politics, eventually. Whatever the sisters decided she could not object to it.
"Mou of Tzu Warrior of Joketzuku. She has done things to you, which you wish not to share. You could deny her position in the village, Mousse. Still you want to leave and let her be?" Mousse nodded. The Sisters announced out loud. "So it shall be. The village shall mourn for the death of a great warrior, Mou Tzu."
Ukyo was having a bad day. The mother of all bad days. She had no clue what to say to Ranma and Akane, especially after they had been so nice. She too wanted to stay their friend, but she did not know if she could. Neither did she know where to start. Then there was Mousse, she did not know how far this friendship would go. The incident with Kuno and Shampoo was hilarious and it was so different from what she felt before, that it took all her willpower not to laugh aloud. Her heart almost stopped again when Kodachi bashed her eyelashes towards Mousse, but thanks to Nabiki that was avoided. Another Reason not to be angry with any of the Tendo's. She heard a voice from the carriage announce that Mousse was dead and in response drew a few throwing Spatulas. She was ready to defend her friend.
"The village shall rejoice for the village has gained a new friend. Mou Kuonji." The middle sister of Graia ended.
Ukyo stopped. What had she just said? "What?"
"Step forward outsider woman Ukyo." Ukyo did so. "So you are the warrior who best Mou? Who captured his heart? No need to be shy child. You have best him, and you have consummated, by our laws, which he was rightful under until now, you are married."
Ukyo could feel the stares of disbelief burning in her back. "M.Married?" she asked. Then she shrugged. She could have done worth. He had taken her virginity; it was the honourable thing to do. "Come Mousse I have to open up the restaurant."
"Just a minute, U.dear." He was blushing and grinning like an idiot. Ukyo too was blushing, but she was also grumbling under her breath. "Elders of Joketzuku. There is warrior here that wishes to find a suitable husband within the village."
"Bring for the girl."
Kodachi stepped forward and before anything else happened. Akane was dragged away by a bored Ranma, Mousse by an impatient Ukyo. The rest of the Saotome's and Tendo's followed.
On the sidelines, the Kami and Bill exchanged valuables. Only Bill had guessed right on the outcome. There was a sound like a distant circus that was being raided then all twelve were gone.
"Calm down Mousse. It is not as you aren't married already. This is just a little ceremony for family and taking photos, something to remember."
"I know that Ranma. It's just that. How can you not be nervous?"
"I guess, 'cause I had some family there the last time." He turned around to look in to a mirror. Mousse, too, positioned himself to look into the mirror and readjusted his bow tie.
"So Ukyo got Yuka, to help out at the restaurant?"
"Yes, Ukyo thinks it is better for the shop to have 'female' employees only. She is teaching Yuka all she needs to know about how to make okonomiaki. Konatsu was a little disappointed, but he agreed that Yuka was the better choice after eating some of hers."
"What I thought they just started dating?"
"Not that, you idiot, her okonomiaki of course."
"Yeah I know, I know. Just teasin' ya 's all." They fell silent, trying to get comfortable in the suit he wore. Ranma broke the silence.
"I still can't believe Ryoga though man, I wanted him as best man. I mean, I knew he had feelings for Akane and all, but I dunno, I had the feeling he had given up on her. Akane didn't put up with the continued attacks too well. 'Die Ranma' was not something a mother to be needed to hear."
"You do not need to tell me. Remember there also was a 'Die Mousse' cry, though I am glad that he came when he did. He showed up just as the doctor told us that Ukyo was pregnant. She was about to gut me when Ryoga came. That and trying to kill the father (before she did) brought him on her 'wanted dead' list."
"Yeah why did he attack you anyway?"
"After Ukyo beat him senseless, He started babbling. This is what I could gather. Ryoga had given up on Akane after all and had left to visit Akari. She had waited for him and for a time they were happy. Then something happened. I did not get what, but something happened and she kicked him out. Therefore, Ryoga went to look for Akane, again, but when he saw that you were already married, he could not bare it any longer. You beat him. Then he went to the only other woman besides Akane and Akari that ever had treated him with kindness."
"Ukyo."
"Yes. Well he did not take it too well that she, also, was taken."
"Oh. Man I feel sorry for him, though. Three straight rejections from the girls he loved."
"I too feel sorry for him, but it was he who was at fault. If he had not been so indecisive He might been able to have saved his relationship with Akari. If he had been honest maybe, he would still be friends with Akane. Ukyo. I think she was a last straw for him, I have the feeling if Shampoo was still around that he would have attacked Kuno for her."
"I hope he comes to his senses soon. I kinda hoped the three of us would have a triple wedding. I miss our constant fights. Good workout. How much longer do we have to wait, for this ceremony to start?" Ranma was getting agitated.
Mousse smirked at the 'calmness' his friend displayed. "I do not now, be patient. I doubt Ukyo would be very forgiving towards Ryoga."
"Yeah Akane neither. Stupid pig. You know he was here the other day."
"What did he say?"
"Not much. Kasumi brought him home. He was a pig at the time with a blue bandana around his neck. She did not recognize him, 'cause well the blue bandana. Heck of a disguise. She named him Ono-chan. I guess she still has feelings for the Doc. Well she brought him Home and Akane saw the pig. She said he was having a slight nosebleed as he rubbed his head in Kasumi's," Ranma waved his hand before his chest. "Akane did not think it was the same pig, but wanted to make sure. He was a little tense whenever Akane came close. That was her first hint. Then she asked him if he was a good little piggy, he nodded. Second strike. That is when Nabiki came in and asked if he was P-chan. He shook his head. Third strike. A splash later, and a naked Ryoga was glommping Kasumi. His hand was right were his head had been before. Nabiki says he was 'at attention' at the time, if you get the drift."
"What happened?"
"Let's say Nabiki is still looking for him. Got his house under constant surveillance. Akari'll call if he turns up, and Akane is teaching her sisters how to use weapons, and I don't mean her Hammer either I am talking blunt steel here." They were silent for a few minutes. Then Ranma again broke it.
"By the way. Nabiki will be in the beginner class with the other Amazons. That makes a class of thirty, I got Pops, the lazy bastard, to help you teach it. He and father-Tendo will cover for you during your Honeymoon."
"Will it be okay? That makes nine beginners classes he has to teach."
"It'll be only for a week, and Pop will help him with yours. Father-Tendo made a condition that he gets you for two hours a week, to help you with the basics of Anything goes. Can't have a teacher that doesn't know the schools style, eh?"
"I guess. Why isn't Kasumi participating?"
"Oh I tested her like I did with Nabiki, and well she got a hit in. I underestimated her major time."
"What?"
"That's what I said. Everybody was watching too. We all had a good laugh after that. Except Father-Tendo he just smirked at me."
"I remember Soun telling both of us to call him by his first name though, seeing that you won't call him just father instead of Father-Tendo."
"Yeah I know. It just needs some get used to call him Soun, and I won't call him father, because well it would be awkward, although it would bug the hell out of pops. Maybe I should call Pop by his first name as well."
The door opened and their best man peeked in. "Saotome-Okaasama says we should get start now, since Saotome-san is already indulging his private party."
"Pops is already drunk? Stupid old man."
"Er, yes. You are expected to greet some guests before the ceremony. So hurry."
"Thanks Konatsu. That tux really suits you."
"Yes it brings out your feminine charms."
Konatsu blushed. "Thank you Saoto." A hard glare from both Ranma and Mousse made him reconsider his words. "Thank you Ranma. Mousse." The Kunoichi left.
"Well let's go."
"You know Ranma. If you really want to give me a good wedding present, then let me have another 'spar' with your father." Both men laughed.