A New Beginning
by Lerris
Smith
Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma 1/2, Sailor Moon or Tenchi Muyo. This piece of work is purely for entertainment purposes. This is just a reposting to insure clean chapters. This story is on hold for now.
The scene shifts to the front of the school yard at Furinken. Various students were waiting around in anticipation of another Kuno bashing.
"Saotome, you evil Sorcerer. I shall smite you and bring down the wrath of heaven on you and free my true loves from you vile clutches."
In a weary tone Ranma replied, "Do you ever learn Kuno? I do not love you, and neither does Akane."
"Have at thee!" Strike, strike.. strike.. "
Ranma easily dodges them all and is about to send Kuno on his way when...
Kodachi leaps at Ranma. "I'll save you my Ranma-sama. Hohoho." She jumps into his arms and suddenly dark powder is sprayed into his face. It begins to glow green and sink into his skin.
Ranma sensed it too late. Across Ranma a sickly green aura began to form. Ranma expanded his own aura, to try to push it away, to try to buy time.
Akane felt something, something horribly wrong but was too far away to help. "Ranma!"
Kuno tried to strike him again. There was no time. He could feel the darkness trying to subvert his spirit to take control. He punched Kuno in the ribs breaking several of them and taking him down hard. I must keep Kodachi away. How could she find something so evil? I will never be her slave. Ranma torn at the pieces of the evil magic that surrounded him, until he could weave a few threads of it into a ball of power. He then launched the ball at Kodachi who promptly collapsed in agony.
"I have returned a small portion of the evil you tried to force on me Kodachi. I do not know how you came across magic that dark, but for the sake of your immortal soul let the pain and anguish you feel now warn you from its use again."
Akane had finally gotten to Ranma and was trying to figure out what to do, but the decision became obvious when Ranma collapsed. She abandoned her book bag and took Ranma in her arms and ran all the way to Dr. Tofu's.
Hiroshi asked, "What just happened?"
Sayuri replied, "I think the Kuno's just went too far. I hope Ranma is ok."
Hiroshi nodded. I hope he is ok too.
Nabiki saw what had happened and ran after Akane as well, but couldn't keep up.
Sasuke stayed in the shadows. Why do I work for these idiots? He pulled out a cell phone and called for an ambulance for both of the Kuno's. If Ranma was correct, then Kodachi had been messing with stuff she shouldn't again. That hardly surprised him, although it did surprise him that Ranma knew about such things. Still he had a duty to protect the Kuno's, even from themselves. He called a very old friend of his family. Mr. Sato was the only one he knew who knew anything about true magic. If Kodachi truly had done what Ranma had said then the mansion might be contaminated. If so, he hoped Mr. Sato could help him get rid of it. He had no desire to die serving a pair of fools.
Akane was winded by the time she got to Dr. Tofu's office. She had screamed for Dr. Tofu to help the last part of the way, so Dr. Tofu had the door open and picked up Ranma when she got there. He quickly laid him on a hospital bed. As Akane was telling Dr. Tofu what happened, Cologne pogoed in. She looked at Ranma as well.
Himiko was in a bed at the other side of the room. She was looking on, but didn't see anything she could do to help so tried to remain quiet and feigned sleep.
Cologne said, "I would say Ranma is correct. Whatever is attacking him is magical in nature. Something is tearing at his very spirit. Were it anyone else he would have lost by now. I doubt Dr. Tofu can do anything. What about those friends of yours?"
Akane called the Senshi for help. Pluto arrived with Saturn in short order.
"Can't you two stay out of trouble?", announced Pluto.
Saturn bent down next to him and laid her hands on Ranma's head. She concentrated and searched for what was wrong. She about collapsed when she found it. It was like concentrated evil trying to eat its way into Ranma's spirit. The only thing that still connected Ranma to the outside world was his bond to Akane and that was deteriorating. She tried to use her magic to destroy the evil, but it was repulsed and ineffective. She pulled back from Ranma and looked up at Akane. "I cannot help him. The healing I know is useless against that. You may be able to help him though."
"How? What. I'll do anything. Please."
"The bond linking you two, is about all that still connects Ranma to the rest of the world. It is possible you can use that bond to help him fight. It will be very risky for you. You could easily die. If you try it, you should first become Io for the strength your guardian star can give you. Then you must embrace the connection between you two with all of your will .. with all of your love. I will try to give you what strength I can from out here, but if you become surrounded by the evil as well, there may be nothing I can do. You may be on your own."
Akane nodded. She became Io without a thought to the consequences or who was watching. She pulled Ranma to her and tried to do what Saturn said, tried to embrace and strengthen the bond between them.. She glowed violet for a few minutes and then the glow faded and she was elsewhere.
"She has done it. Her spirit is with Ranma's and they are fighting it together now. They have time now, but I can't help but wonder if I just sentenced Akane to her death as well. I can still see their spirits slowly slipping away..."
Dr. Tofu was at a loss for words. Cologne spoke up, "It was Akane's right to choose. She has the heart of an Amazon. You are right though I don't think this is enough. I don't know of anything that will help either. We can't let them die. Too much depends on them."
Nabiki said, "I know of someone who might be able to help. Sailor Pluto, could you possibly take me there? It is a long shot, but its all I can think of."
Pluto looked over at Nabiki and stared at her for several seconds. "Follow me." Nabiki followed Pluto out the door and around the corner. "Where do you need to go?"
"I was thinking of the people we met from the Masaki shrine. They might be able to help considering..."
"I do not think Katsuhito has that kind of power, but if you think it worth a try, then we will go. You will probably be disoriented by this.." She grabbed ahold of Nabiki and opened a portal to the shrine.
They soon met Yosho and Achika. Ryoko was nowhere to be seen. Nabiki and Pluto explained what they knew of what happened to Ranma and then Akane and why they were there.
Yosho was first to speak. "I am sorry Nabiki. I know nothing of that kind of healing. Had I known how to do so, I would have saved my wife..." Yosho is overcome by grief for few seconds. "Legends say that long ago, our goddess Tsunami had been able to perform true miracles in healing, but no it is no use. I prayed to her for days, when my wife fell ill. She was able to convey her sorrow through Funaho but could not help. From what I can tell she has been trapped, in the world where all the space trees are connected for thousands of years now."
Pluto looked at Yosho. She knew the man standing in front of her was Katsuhito Masaki. Nothing else fit after all. I wonder how he made himself look old. She caught herself admiring his now youthful looks and pushed the though out of her mind. They had to find a way to save Ranma and Akane. Too much of the future seemed to hinge on those two. I still can't believe I missed that danger. When this is over its time to spend a few weeks at the time gates to make sure I don't miss something else.
"There must be something we can do. I can't let my sister die. Perhaps if I could talk to her somehow? Maybe she knows something, some cure, some magic.. something.."
"We should at least try father."
"Yes we should. Come let us go to Funaho. If Tsunami can be reached it will be there."
In short order they were in front of Yosho's space tree Funaho. It looked much like any other tree, except for its great size and age and the great care that was evident in its surroundings.
"My ship was destroyed in the landing. I barely managed to plant Funaho before it was too late and now she can never roam the stars again. ... Nabiki you should sit down and lean against the tree. I will ask Funaho to help.. It may not work you know.."
"I know. Please, can we begin? I don't know how long they have."
Yosho sat down near Nabiki and began to glow a faint blue that extended into the tree. Soon enough the glow came back out of the tree and surrounded Nabiki who's eyes closed as if in sleep.
Pluto queried, "What is happening?"
"I think father is using his Jurian power to help create a link between Nabiki and Funaho and possibly Tsunami. I'm afraid, this is all so new to me too. Ranma said he seemed to be a magnet for chaos. I guess its true."
Pluto nodded. "He is that, and yet he has touched many peoples lives for the better. Already the other Senshi think of them as a part of their family, and they have known each other such a short time. It is remarkable."
Achika nodded. "I guess we wait and see now. I hope father was wrong and their is a way..."
Pluto nodded and they sat down to wait.
Nabiki was wondering in another place not of this world. It was beautiful. Perhaps this was how Eden was long ago. She was wandering aimlessly looking for some sign of this Tsunami she barely knew anything about, in the hopes that she could help them save her sister, oh and Ranma too of course. She stopped when she saw her. A beautiful young woman with rose colored eyes and blue hair sitting near a tree looking at her.
"I cannot help them you know. I have been trapped here for thousands of years now. I made a place of safety for myself and the roots of the space trees, never imagining I would become trapped here."
"Please there must be something. Some medicine, magic, something, anything... She is my sister. I can't lose her."
"You feel guilty for encouraging some of the chaos. Despite your pretense otherwise you will miss Ranma every bit as much as your sister. I am sorry. I have no physical body to enter your world anymore."
"But if you did, then you could help them?"
"Perhaps. It is truly a great evil that surrounds them now. It would still be very hard, and they are not Jurian which would make it harder yet."
Nabiki was desperate, "What if you borrowed my body? Surely you could help them then."
"It would not work I'm afraid. The only way I can think of to leave here would be to merge with someone else, and that would be permanent and final. That person as they were would cease to exist, and a new person would be born that would be a melding of me and that person. In a very real sense that person would die, as in a way so would I. It would be much like what happened to Ranma in fact."
Nabiki thought about what she had said. I like who I am. I don't want to lose myself, to become half of what... this goddess. This goddess who could save her sister and Ranma. Her sister and Ranma who were from what she knew somehow critical to the future of the world. Why mother? I swore on your grave to allways protect my family. Must I now sacrifice myself to keep that oath? That wish? She thought about it for several minutes but in the end what choice did she really have? It was the choice between letting them die and doing this. For that matter, she might have no future if they didn't save Ranma and Akane, so perhaps it was no sacrifice at all.
"What must I do?"
"Are you sure? I may be a Goddess as you think of such things, but I have made many mistakes in my life. Some of my life experience will undoubtedly be lost if we do this.. Perhaps even most of it, as well as a great deal of my power, but the rest will be a part of you forever. I may not have the strength to save them if we do this and there is no going back once we begin. We will be one forever. I have already looked at your life. I know of your mistakes and I know why you ultimately do things else I wouldn't have brought the topic up. If we do this the person we become will still be the Goddess of Jurai in a very real sense and will have responsibilities there, but then by you becoming a part of me the person we become will also in a sense be a Goddess of Earth."
"Yes I am certain. Their really is no choice. From what I know, if they die, then there is a very good chance much of the world will eventually follow. It is the only way I can protect my family and they are a part of it. I am curious why you are willing to sacrifice so much for this though.."
"I too have little choice, unless I wish to remain here forever. I can do little to help those I care about here. If we merge I will be able to travel freely and at least do something. I too would like to see Ranma and Akane live. I have watched their lives at times. Nerima is perhaps one of the most entertaining places for a Goddess trapped in her own prison to watch."
Nabiki chuckled. "Yes, life in Nerima is seldom dull. Let's do this. There may not be much time."
Tsunami nodded. "Come to me Nabiki. Let down your mask and do your best to welcome what we will become. There is nothing to fear. Though I called it death before, in a way it is also rebirth. A chance to begin again." In an empty world the spirit of a Goddess embraced and became forever a part of the spirit of a mortal who in turn embraced the goddess. Memories flooded though her being threatening to overwhelm her. After about an hour the flow ebbed and their was peace. Where once there was two, now there was one and she was complete once more.
Nabiki/Tsunami. Now what shall I call myself. I suppose answering to either makes sense now. I wonder what that fool Kuno would think of a real Goddess. She went back into her body and felt it change. Her hair changed to sky blue and flowed down to just past her neck. Her eyes changed to a a dark rose color with flecks of brown. Her body grew slightly more lithe and athletic. Her chest shrunk slightly but complemented her overall look.
Pluto asked, "Nabiki? Is that you?"
Yosho awoke tired and saw her and spoke up. "Tsunami? How... "
"It was the only way. Nabiki gave herself up so that I might walk the world again. I am as much her as I am Tsunami now. It is strange. I have lost much yet I feel complete. There is no time though. Sailor Pluto will you transport me back to them. I dare not waste the strength to do so myself."
"Of course. She took hold of Nabiki and opened a portal. Then they were back in the clinic."
In a timeless place, Ranma and Akane fought off the darkness. They fought back to back more ferociously than they had ever fought in their lives, yet slowly they were losing. The darkness was overtaking them, bit by bit.
Dr. Tofu asked, "Who are you? How did you get here?"
"I am Nabiki. I will explain later. Their is not much time."
Saturn sensed the power and the goodness in the one who called herself Nabiki. She stepped out of the way and looked to Sailor Pluto who nodded. "If you can do something, you'd better hurry."
Nabiki nodded. She sat down on the bed next to them and held them to her. She began to glow a brilliant light blue that extended out from her and surrounded and seemed to snap into Ranma and Akane.
Pluto inquired, "What is she doing?"
Saturn said, "From what I can tell she is calling upon her own power and smashing it into the evil that is killing them. Her progress is slow though even given the fact that Ranma and Akane have weakened it."
Cologne asked, "Is their anything we can do to help?"
"I don't think so. I may be able to help a little though." Saturn carefully extended her power into the strange young woman who called herself Nabiki and offered her strength to her. To her surprise it was immediately accepted and she found herself drained and collapsing into the floor. The glow around Ranma and Akane brightened considerably.
Pluto came over and helped Saturn up. "What happened?"
"I tried to give her some of my strength to help. She took more than I expected. I'm fine though or will be once I can rest some."
Himiko gave up her pretense at sleep: "Will they be ok now?"
Everyone except Nabiki glanced over at the occupant of the room they had forgotten about. "Don't worry. I won't say anything."
Saturn said, "They have a chance now."
The blue haired girl seemed to wilt more and more as time passed. Saturn and pluto left once, only to reemerge a moment later. Saturn looked as if she had gotten a good nights sleep. She went over to her and once again gave Nabiki what power she could. The glow around them brightened once again.
Cologne looked at them again with her ki senses. "I can see parts of their aura now. I think they are going to be alright."
"They are the ones that saved me and my baby after all, aren't they?"
Dr. Tofu replied, "Yes it was Ranma, Akane, Sailor Saturn and Sailor Pluto. You must keep that a secret though. If people knew that you know, it might endanger your life or your child's."
"I will. I promise. I can't thank Ranma and Akane right now, but I can thank you two. Thank you for my life and that of my child. I owe you a debt that cannot be repayed."
"Do you know that I'm also known as the Senshi of Destruction or the Senshi of Silence? I was given the power to destroy an entire world, though it will cost me my life if I ever use it. They were scared of me after I came to be, and even came up with plans to destroy me. You do not need to thank me for helping you. Every time I am able to make a difference with my healing, it is like the world telling me again that there is a purpose for me beyond death and destruction."
Cologne gasped. Such a fragile shell to give such responsibility to.
"In truth, I did little. I simply gave what energy I could to my adopted daughter Saturn. The only thanks I ask for is you keep our secrets, and you have already promised to do so."
The glow around Ranma and Akane had dimmed now. Nabiki had fallen asleep next to them as the glow finally faded away completely. Saturn went back to them and checked them. "They are fine now, just exhausted. The bond between those two is now much stronger than it ever was. Perhaps something good came out of this after all. Now if they would hurry up and get married, I might win the raffle yet."
Dr. Tofu commented, "Not you as well. I thought they had put a stop to the meddling."
Pluto replied, "We are not meddling. Its not as if any of us are pushing them to get married. We are just taking bets. A girl has to have some fun in her free time does she not?"
Cologne cackled.
"I've held off calling their family since I didn't know how to explain well most of this and to be honest, its possible they would make matters worse. I should call them soon or they will be getting worried though."
"We should go as well. Hopefully those two can stay out of trouble for a day or so. I feel like a taxi service. One last thing. I don't fully understand what Nabiki has become, but it seems clear she did it to protect her family. You should be proud of her." Pluto and Saturn departed silently.
Dr. Tofu and Cologne nodded. Himiko seemed a bit confused.
"Your other patient is healthy now is she not?"
"Yes she is doing fine, but given what she has been through I'd rather not have her alone by herself."
"I call a taxi. She can come home with us."
"I wouldn't want to intrude."
"Nonsense. It is the duty of any amazon to help a pregnant woman. You wouldn't ask us to forsake our duty would you?"
Pluto and Saturn stopped by the Masaki shrine on their way home. They let them know that everyone was ok and that they just needed rest now. Kodachi Kuno was passing in and out of unconsciousness and had thrown up more than once. The doctor's didn't understand what was going on, but she seemed to be doing ok. Tatewaki Kuno had been sedated to prevent him from injuring himself while his bones were set. Well perhaps they had used a little more sedative than was truly necessary.
Kasumi, Soun, Genma and Nodoka showed up at the clinic shortly thereafter. Dr. Tofu had placed Nabiki on the couch and Akane on the bed next to Ranma's.
Dr. Tofu went on to explain what he knew about the attack. "Whatever Kodachi used must of had a delayed effect on Akane and Nabiki since they passed out not long after they got here. In truth I don't know why exactly Nabiki is like that, but she is healthy and should make a full recovery, as should they all. They are just resting now."
"My daughter has blue hair and red eyes!" waaaah!
"Thank you again doctor for taking care of my family. I just wish your services weren't needed so often."
Nodoka added, "Who is this Kodachi? What has been done with her? She shall pay for messing with my family."
"She is one of the people after your son for a husband. From what I can tell she got ahold of some very dangerous magic that she for some reason thought could help her win Ranma. As for paying. I called the hospital. It seems that Ranma gave Kuno several broken ribs after it happened and did something to Kodachi that has made her very sick. She has been alternating in and out of unconsciousness since then and has even thrown up several times."
Genma nodded. "Good. Ranma has always been too forgiving, even to those idiots trying to step all over him. It was almost a relief when he stood up to me."
Kasumi looked from Nabiki to Ranma and Akane. I hope they will be ok. Nabiki worries me. She is so different. "Do you need anything doctor?"
At that moment the door opened to reveal Shampoo loaded down with several trays of takeout.
"Great grandmother tell me what happened. In tribe, fools that play with such dark things get executed for the protection of tribe. I not sure I shouldn't go kill her for what she did, but Great Grandmother say that since no one killed that it Ranma's decision. I brought ramen for sick people, but more people here than expected. What happened to Nabiki's hair? She look like amazon now."
Nodoka got thoughtful and stopped fondling the wrapped katana at her back. "Don't worry, we can go home to eat. They will be ok won't they doctor?"
"Yes, they will be fine. I will call you when they wake. Oh and thank you Shampoo for the ramen." I wonder why she sees what Kodachi did as different from some of the stuff she herself did in the past? Still the stuff was never quite so lethal. I'm still amazed they survived, again. Lady luck must love those two.
"Thank you again doctor. Though he no longer bears my name, he is still my son."
Everyone left save for the patients and the doctor.
Nabiki yawned and stretched and sat up. She then looked around found the boxes of takeout and went to help herself.
"What happened to you Nabiki?"
"They were dying doctor. The only one we could find with the power to save them was the goddess of another planet that I learned about just yesterday in fact. She had made a mistake long ago, and in the act of making something to help her people became trapped in her own creation. It was the only way to free her. We are one person now. Its sort of like what happened to Ranma. In a way the Nabiki you knew is gone, but in reality she is just a part of me now. Don't worry Doc, I can still get you some more pictures of Kasumi."
Dr. Tofu: "I um.. ah.. that is.. "
"You are so cute Doc when your flustered."
"What exactly did happen to Ranma? He promised to tell me after all. Perhaps I should know before something else weird happens."
Nabiki told him the story.
"That is some story. Well at least he didn't end up engaged to any of them."
Nabiki laughed. "You should know that Kasumi is moving to Jubaan as well to learn healing from Ranma and attend medical school. Who knows, she might could use a study partner. Well doc there are some people I want to talk to. I'll be back before they are ready to go home.
Dr. Tofu seemed to be lost in thought after the words "study partner". When he look back to Nabiki she was gone.
Near a tall tree a newly young half goddess rested. "Funaho please pass along a message to the head of the shipyards on Jurai. Tell him that I wish him to build a new ship body for you. Yes I can do more now that I'm in the real world again. You will be able to sail through the stars once more, and no longer need the energy of Ryoko's gems." I was a powerful goddess just a few hours ago, and now I am so much less. At least I am free again.
Near the house Yosho was teaching Achika Jurian sword forms. Given recent events she was working as hard as she could to learn what her father could teach her. She planned to be ready when the time came. Yosho heard what Tsunami asked Funaho to relay, and smiled. He did wonder though, what the Jurian people would think of their Goddess now that she had merged with a mortal. A human one at that. A distant Goddess that just might be watching you was one thing after all, but one that could walk in the door was another altogether.
Not far away the goddess had similar thoughts. Jurai did seem in safe hands for now, and this world might need my help yet. Besides those two were bound to get in more trouble, and where would they be without Nabiki Tendo to bail them out?
Nabiki vanished and reappeared outside of Kodachi's rooms. She extended her senses into them and into the surrounding house. Hmm it seems that someone already cleaned up whatever Kodachi was messing with. Sasuke perhaps. A quick thought confirmed that he was unaffected and asleep. Well while I'm here I might as well do some house cleaning. She found and collected all the pictures that either Kuno had of Ranma or Akane. It took her two very large bags by the time she was done. This is what happens when your filthy rich and don't hire any security. Tsk Tsk. Still I can't believe I sold all these. I guess I'll give them to Ranma and Akane and they can do what they want with them. She teleported to near Dr. Tofu's place and walked in with the bags over her shoulder.
Ranma said, "Hey Nabiki? Is that you?"
Akane looked at her sister. Well it seems you got a cuteness upgrade sis. I'm not jealous. No of course not. "What happened to you?"
Nabiki told them what had happened and that really it was ok.
"I'm so sorry sis. I'm so sorry. First Ranma and now you."
"Hey! I'm still here you know."
"Oh you know what I mean. I love you silly. Its just as if I've lost a sister and I had just lost the Ranma I knew for so long."
"Akane, really its ok. I'll be able to help you two now, and I don't know, but its almost as if I'm more complete now. Before I allways felt that I had to be the best but it felt that a purpose was lacking in my life. When I found out about everything lately, I felt I had a bit of a purpose, but then I felt left behind as if I wasn't truly important anymore. Akane if you are losing a sister, then you are gaining one as well. Their are advantages to being the sister of a Goddess you know." Nabiki gave a small slightly evil sounding laugh.
Ranma turned to Akane. "So do you truly mean it?"
Akane looked thoughtful and said, "Yes Baka. Can't you tell? I mean I can feel your love like a living thing now and your still having doubts?"
"I just thought, that perhaps it was wishful thinking. I mean how..."
Akane silenced him with a very enthusiastic if a bit clumsy kiss.
Nabiki commented, "Now look Dr. Tofu. Thats how its done. Are you taking notes? Kasumi's getting impatient you know."
Dr. Tofu sputtered and seemed to relapse into silly mode.
Akane giggled. "Well I think Dr. Tofu is going to need an extra session with his shrink."
"So when is the date you two?"
"Date to do what Nabiki?" Ya as if thats going to do more than buy me 5 seconds.
"Why get married of course."
"Yes, um, but, well. We, um ya.. Ranma?"
"Well considering that was our first real kiss as boyfriend and girlfriend perhaps you could give us a little more time to work out the details?" He begged. "Please?"
Nabiki laughed. "Oh ya, these are for you two. I stopped by the Kuno mansion and made sure there was nothing left of whatever Kodachi had found, and picked these up on my way out."
Ranma said, "Is that safe? That stuff almost killed us."
"Safe? Hardly. Thats why I went there to be sure it was all gone. All I could sense was a faint residue. I was in no significant danger though. By the way, are you sure Kodachi will be ok? I suppose it would be fitting if she died but still."
"She should recover in a couple weeks, or perhaps a month at most. She only got the tiniest amount in the blast, combined with a small amount of raw chaos magic. Still I almost regret lashing out like that. There was no time though."
Akane said, "Don't be Ranma. They will live and Kodachi almost killed us both. I can't find much sympathy for that."
Dr. Tofu added, "I agree. Ranma, there is no doubt that whatever she used would have succeeded had it been anyone else. I'm still amazed you survived, even with all the help. I plan on speaking with a colleague of mine and getting psychological tests run on the pair of them. If they don't want to live in our world, then perhaps a padded world would be better." Dr. Tofu wondered if this time it would actually work. They had bought out so many people.
Ranma nodded and then his eyes saw Nabiki again. One look at her is enough to remind me how precious life is. I will miss the old Nabiki. I wish I had gotten to know her more before too. Now I know how Akane feels I guess. Ranma fumbled in his pocket. He had bought it months ago using money he had saved. It wasn't much, probably not even pure gold. Ranma got down on one knee and looked up into Akane's eyes. She was so beautiful.
Dr. Tofu was fishing for a camera he kept around for medical photos. He quickly found it.
"Today's events, and all the rest have made me realize a mistake I made. I so wanted for us to be in control of our own life that I pushed aside even our own engagement. I was also afraid you might not love me given how much I had changed, and didn't want to risk your rejection."
Akane was gazing at Ranma. Is he going to really.. I sense love, and fear, so much fear from him...
Ranma fumbled for the ring and held it out to her. "I love you Akane. I would have died today without you, and the thought of living without you is too horrible to contemplate. Please by my wife. Please will you accept this ring and let our engagement be truly real this time and of our own choosing."
Akane was crying softly now. Nabiki had stepped out of the frame of the doctor's camera lens. "Yes. Yes. I will you silly baka." She launched herself at him, and for the second time that day Ranma found it impossible to speak.
The camera flashed several times after the yes, as Nabiki raced Dr. Tofu to his computer to look at the photos. Nabiki emailed a set home and printed off two on one page. The first was Ranma holding out the ring. The second was Akane tackle kissing him.
By the time Nabiki finished the print and folded it in half, Akane had let Ranma up for air.
Nabiki said, "Come on you two. Lets go home. Your carrying the bags of Kuno's former pictures by the way."
Akane replied, "Gladly."
They arrived at home a little before dinner was ready. Akane and Ranma were busy building a bonfire for the pictures, so they didn't notice Nabiki folding a paper airplane and tossing it through the open door before sneaking around the other way into the kitchen.
The smell of smoke was lightly filling the air as Soun's curiosity got the better of him and he unfolded the paper. "Genma, Kasumi, everyone... quick look at this. The houses will be joined after all."
"Stupid boy. Find him the perfect fiancee and he doesn't appreciate it, then turns around and decides to marry her himself."
Nodoka smiled. "I'm so happy."
Kasumi added, "Its about time." Now what to do about the good doctor..
Nabiki just grinned and went back to see what she could help with in the kitchen.
Ranma and Akane walked in covered lightly in ashes.
Akane heaved a sigh of relief. "Finally all of Kuno's memorabilia of us is gone. All up in smoke. Hey why is everyone looking at us like that?"
Nodoka looked at Akane. "Daughter, so when is the happy occasion going to be?"
Akane gasped. Daughter? She looked around and saw her father looking at something. She grabbed it. "Nabiki! Will you ever learn?"
Ranma had calculated the quickest way to all the exits, but didn't think it would be necessary. Still he was feeling daring. Two near death experiences in less than two weeks will do that to a guy. "Well I was thinking the Saturday evening after Nabiki graduates... How does that sound to you Akane?"
Akane's head turned around as if spring loaded. "Huh? Then. I mean its so soon. What would I wear? Um.. ah.. Its so sudden.. I'm too young.."
Kasumi said, "Well as for what you would wear, Father and Mr. Saotome were planning to trick you into a wedding after you came back from China. Your dress and Ranma's tuxedo are in the back of father's closet. I'm pretty sure they only abandoned the issue when Ranma called off all the engagements before."
Soun looked at his eldest daughter. "Kasumi? How did you know.."
"Oh really father. I'm not that unobservant."
Ranma grinned. Mallet-sama may come out of retirement for this, but oh well some risks are worth it. He reached over and tilted her head back and placed the best kiss on her lips that he knew how. "Well Akane, we can wait if you really want to."
Akane was speechless.
Ranma splashed some water on himself and became instant Ranma-chan. "Perhaps I should kiss you again, and then see if you can make up your mind." I'm gonna die, but its been fun.
"Ranma... you... you... Baka! Fine, we will get married then. After all who else could put up with the baka?" She then turned and kissed a very surprised Ranma-chan on the lips. "Oh and one more thing. No cold water on our wedding night."
Akane then got up and went to take a bath, leaving a very stunned Ranma-chan not to mention several other members of the family. Nabiki of course had snapped a picture.
"Well if Kuno hasn't learned to give up yet, maybe I can convince him that he has driven his two loves to become lesbians."
The rest of the family did a group face fault. Kasumi muttered something about having to fix dinner. Nabiki thought she heard laughter coming from the kitchen a minute later.
2006-02-01