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 events of the past few days repeated themselves often for the time before the wedding battle as it was now being called. Ryoko and Ranma were relentless in their training, surprising Akane anytime they thought she was vulnerable. Ryoko became good friends with the pair. This was something that surprised Ryoko most of all. Ryo-ohki finally surfaced from the lake she had slept in all those years, just two weeks before the wedding battle. Yosho spent much of his free time buying carrots for the cabbit. Ryo-ohki fell in love with Achika almost immediately, but then Achika was adept at winning the heart of the little cabbit. Some might argue that any similarly adept cook would have been the little furball's friend for life. Ryo-ohki also fell in love with Nabiki. The two would sometimes work together to pull pranks on Achika or Yosho.
About half the time Ryo-ohki would miyaa around Ranma he would cringe from what his brain interpreted as the sound of a cat. He was getting better though. He could almost control it, if he kept saying to himself that it wasn't a cat. Akane became, if anything, even more beautiful. She was now a sculpted vision of athletic beauty. An unbiased observer might say Nabiki or Kasumi were more beautiful, but well Ranma was anything but unbiased.
Her speed and grace grew by leaps and bounds. It was a week before the battle when Akane first managed to cast the spell correctly. Ryoko now had to work to stay faster than her. Ranma could no longer match her speed without magic unless she was in her girl form and even then she had to use a lot of ki to do so. Ranma noted that while they were training Akane, both Ryoko and his own skills had improved noticeably.
Nabiki was on her way to learning Jurian sword forms, as was Achika. The two became fast friends. Nabiki would sometimes spend a couple hours a day beginning to teach Kasumi what she needed to know to use Jurian energy to heal. It was very slow and tedious work, but she was making progress.
Kasumi spent all her free time with Dr. Tofu, often leaving the Tendo's to deal with their own food. Soun suggested that they have a double wedding, and neither Kasumi or Dr. Tofu could think of reasons fast enough to prevent it. Dr. Tofu had a very bad feeling about it though. Having a double wedding with Ranma and Akane almost seemed like begging for lightning to strike while holding a metal rod up in the air.
Ranma would often pick up food from his mother at Uchans when Kasumi wasn't around to cook something. Both Nodoka and Genma were thrilled at the planned wedding. They worried about the fight though. Genma didn't think much of Akane's chances.
One time Akane cooked, but she was so distracted by trying to study the book at the same time that it turned out to be a disaster. Ranma was spared having to eat it though once Akane tasted it. Ranma quickly ran in and handed Akane a glass of water, which earned him a cold stare once she recovered enough to give it. Even feeling what Akane felt when she ate that second hand was unpleasant. Fortunately their rapid healing had allowed Akane to recover quickly. Ranma meekly helped Akane clean the kitchen and make something to eat afterward.
As the time of the dance approached Akane's fidgeting increased. She never brought the topic up, but it didn't take an empathic bond for Ranma to figure it out given her reaction every time someone else brought it up. Well I would kind of like to go as well. An hour break would do us good.
"Akane, I was thinking if we just went for an hour..."
"But what about training? Tomorrow I have to fight Shampoo and I don't even have a dress... and.."
Ranma laughed and smiled. "As to what we will wear, well being a pretty sailor suited soldier does have its advantages. I think being transformed as a guy is impossible, but the disguise pen works well on either gender."
Akane glomped Ranma in thanks. "Thank you."
"Shampoo has got nothing on you. Ouch, I think you just cracked a rib."
In a soft voice Akane said, "Baka."
It turned out that the disguise pen wasn't very creative when it came to formal wear at least when Ranma and Akane tried it. Still their outfits were good, just not nearly as good as Nabiki's. Nabiki surprised everyone when Yosho came to the door to pick up his date.
Ranma and Akane got out of the taxi after Nabiki and Yosho. As Nabiki and Yosho walked onto the dance floor all heads turned to them. The combination of the two of them both in Jurian formal wear was to say the least stunning. Many were so surprised that the ice queen could find such a handsome date that Ranma and Akane's entrance went almost unnoticed. They were really surprised with the care and consideration with which Yosho treated her. For once many of the girls were jealous of Nabiki and not her sister Akane or Kasumi. That alone made the night worth it for Nabiki.
Ranma kept Akane firmly to himself dance after dance much to the annoyance of many of the male members of Furinken. Through the bond Ranma could feel how much Akane cherished this time. The two were lost to the world until almost an hour and a half later Ranma remembered that they still had training to do tonight.
"We need to go Love. We should get a little more training in before tomorrow."
Akane sighed. I wish we could stay, but so much depends on tomorrow. "Ok let me get a few more pictures of Nabiki and Yosho, then we will go."
Yosho was as jealously guarding his date's time as Ranma was. This young woman who was his goddess and his friend. Surely none of these people deserved her. How could anyone deserve her? Nabiki was secretly pleased at the jealously. She supposed that when she was Tsunami alone she would have found the whole thing petty, but right now she relished in it. She also treasured the kindness and caring that Yosho was showing her. He is falling in love with me and I don't know what to do. She continued to enjoy the dance.
The time had finally arrived. Nabiki had managed to get the use of the field behind the school for the match. The Amazon's had arrived. The Masakis and Ryoko were also there. Nabiki sold tickets to people from school and took bets. Ranma tried to talk her out of it claiming they didn't need the attention, but she pointed out that they knew about it anyway and nothing could change that. Besides they needed the money. She did agree to forbid cameras at the event though. If nothing else it increased ticket sales. Word came that the Kuno's had bought their way out of the funny farm a week ago, although no one had heard from them yet.
Konatsu had told Ukyo about this match a couple weeks ago and Ukyo had decided to go. There was no way that Akane could ever beat Shampoo of course, which meant that the marriage would not happen. Ukyo smiled. Things were going to work out after all. Ukyo had closed up shop and made sure to get a good seat. Konatsu had come as well. He worried so for his mistress.
Genma and Nodoka arrived early to serve food at Nabiki's insistence. Nodoka wished Akane luck. Genma thought they had brought too much food. It was not as if any fight between Akane and Shampoo could take that long after all. The inner scouts as well as Hotaru had come in normal form. They were introduced to everyone as Ranma and Akane's friends from Jubaan. Shampoo ground her teeth. Even though she suspected who they were in truth, it still annoyed her to see yet more girls around Ranma. Ukyo's reaction was little better. She just turned white and clenched her hands. She then noticed that they made no move to flirt with Ranma and relaxed somewhat.
Ranma and Akane were doing last minute preparations in the locker room at Furinken.
"Now remember, Try not to give away your real speed and skill before you must if you can avoid it. Sometimes the key to victory is making your opponent underestimate you."
"Yes, Ranma. You've told me all this before Ranma. Of course Ranma."
Ranma sighed. Some people just didn't appreciate all the effort he went to.
Akane grew solemn. "Ranma, I want to do this on my own. Will you remove my ring?"
"But Akane... But... If.. Please.. "
"Please Ranma. I'd like you to keep the bond from helping me as well."
Nabiki walked in. "Do it Ranma. In some ways I still know my sister better than you. This is perhaps the most important thing she has ever done in her life. Let her do it on her own."
Ranma was at the point of tears, and yet he was so proud when he removed the ring from Akane's finger as she removed the one from his.
Ranma sighed. "I'm afraid I can't block the bond, at least not for very long. It has grown too strong. As soon as the imbalance was great enough it would break through any block I put in place."
"Thats all right. I can block it, after a fashion. Give me the rings. They would interfere with what I need to do."
Ranma was hesitant to part with the rings, but relented and handed them to Nabiki.
Nabiki flared a brilliant blue and a pillar of light formed in her hand. "This is what is known as a light hawk wing. I used to be able to make ten of them." She then held the wing in front of Ranma and it expanded and enveloped him and settled onto his skin and disappeared. His clothes remained as they were.
"It is like Ranma is very far away, yet I can see him."
"The light hawk wing is isolating Ranma somewhat from this universe. It will take much of my focus to maintain the wing, even as little as it is doing. Ranma, while you are surrounded by my power you are nearly invulnerable. It may be useful to know that fact someday."
Ranma looked at Nabiki. "I don't know what to say." I could wish you weren't able to do that. Now she is really on her own.
Soun came in. "It is time." You make me so proud my daughter and so worried.
Usagi was of two minds about this event. She was proud of her new senshi. She was fighting for the one she loved something she had done so often herself in the past. This fight also seemed so pointless. Everyone could see that Ranma and Akane loved each other. What could this fight prove? Mamoru took hold of her hand..
The other senshi were of various opinions about the whole thing. Most thought the battle ultimately pointless. Rei and Makoto thought it was something that Akane had to do. Ami was secretly envious of Akane. They were similar in appearance in so many ways, yet so different in so many others. She wished it was her about to fight for the man she loved.
Konatsu was watching both Akane and Shampoo. It would seem they had both improved a great deal. Akane had a confidence and surety that she lacked before. She also moved with an unconscious grace he had never expected to see in Akane Tendo.
Cologne still remembered her surprise when she tested Akane this morning on Amazon law and history. She had done remarkably well, better than many Amazons did in fact. Cologned looked over at Akane. It appears Ranma has done wonders with her training as well. This may be interesting yet. She would have Ranma for the tribe. After all the prophecy was already fulfilled when he became a Senshi. There was no reason there couldn't be a Senshi Amazon, or hopefully two. Beside Cologne was another very old Amazon by the name of Sulin. The law required an additional elder to make Akane's admission into the tribe official should she win.
Yosho and Achika stared in wonder at the carnival like atmosphere around this strange seemingly pointless event that centered around their new friends. Tsunami most definitely supported her new sister and for father and daughter that was enough for them as well. Ryoko had taken to flying around in boredom, waiting for it to finally begin. This being Nerima, and given that many had already seen her several times, it was largely unnoticed. She would never admit it, but she was proud of Akane Tendo. In a way she was her student too, and she really wanted her to win.
Dr. Tofu sat beside Kasumi. His medical bag was sitting to his right. He hoped he would not be needed here today, but feared he would.
Akane and Shampoo took their places in the impromptu ring. Shampoo was wearing her usual chinese pants suit with one exception. She was carrying a short sword. Akane was wearing a beautiful yellow shirt with an ornate green dragon flowing from the back to the front. Her pants were of green silk. Both were presents from her father.
Cologne got up to speak. "It has been almost a year and a half since Ranma Inverse caused the stain on my granddaughter's honor. Ranma refused to marry my granddaughter as our laws required and has instead chosen to marry Akane Tendo. As the one who has lost honor, my great granddaughter Shampoo has chosen to give Akane Tendo a chance to become an Amazon. If Akane succeeds, my great grand daughters honor will be restored, for she will have brought two strong Amazons to the tribe. If Akane fails, she will be forbidden from marrying Ranma Saotome for a period of one year, when she will have the chance to prove her strength again."
Ukyo grimaced. It would seem the Amazons have claimed Ranma as property, no matter what happens. What I don't get is why he went along with it. Still there is no way Akane could ever win against me let alone Shampoo.
Cologne continued. "A victor will be declared when one combatant is unconscious, dead, or the other surrenders. Both of you do honor to your families. Begin."
Shampoo came at Akane with her sword. Akane dodged the attack.
"Violent girl improve."
Akane said nothing. Both her father and Ranma had warned her over and over not to get distracted by words.
Akane continued to dance away from Shampoo's strikes waiting for an opportunity that never seemed to arrive. This continued for about fifteen minutes.
"Fight me! Clumsy violent girl. Stupid kitchen destroyer."
Akane face took on an expression of anger. She made several awkward seeming passes at the Amazon. Finally an opportunity arose and she knocked the sword out of her hand and across the field.
"Clumsy am I?" Akane snickered.
Ranma stared at Akane. Please, oh please don't get over confident. Shampoo is still playing with you.
"Shampoo not need sword to finish violent maniac." Shampoo came at Akane yelling, "Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken!" Akane was able to dodge or block many of the hits, but a few slipped through.
Akane slowed down and seemed to be protecting her side.
"Shampoo will win and take Ranma from you! Ranma deserve strong wife, and you is just stupid violent brat!"
Akane lunged at her, attacking wildly and taking several hits for her trouble.
From one of the Furinken students, "Oh no, she's leading Akane into a spiral!"
Akane continued her ineffectual attack at Shampoo. Finally they had reached the middle of the spiral and Shampoo uppercut the air and shouted "Hiryuu Shoten Ha!" but much to the surprise of many of the audience nothing happened. Akane took the opportunity to unleash her full speed and skills against Shampoo and deliver a merciless assault to the young Amazon warrior.
Cologne was having trouble keeping count. One hundred, two hundred, now three hundred. Finally Akane put her remaining strength into a hit that sent Shampoo flying. Akane collapsed to the ground immediately after.
Cologne pogoed over to check on her great granddaughter. "Akane wins. She has completed the test of a warrior. My great granddaughter lives as well, but is unconscious. Both have fought well."
The audience clapped and cheered, even though only a handful had fast enough eyes to really see how Akane won. It didn't matter to them. They liked Akane and its always good to see the underdog win.
Ranma went over to Akane and held her. Ranma shimmered for a brief moment as Nabiki dropped the light hawk shield around him.
Sulin stood. "I concur. Akane Tendo has proven herself. By the agreement and will of two Amazon elders I pronounce Akane Tendo a member of the Joketsuzoku. Further by our ancient laws Akane Tendo is now married to Ranma Inverse who now is also a member of our tribe. I further declare that Shampoo's honor is fully restored. She fought well and has brought to the tribe the strength of Ranma Inverse and Akane Tendo. Welcome Akane, Ranma."
Cologne continued. "Because of Ranma's unique condition, I have asked and have received approval of the full council for a special dispensation in his case. Ranma Inverse will be entitled to all the rights and privileges of a women warrior of the tribe."
Ranma heaved a sight of relief. He suspected that Cologne had just pulled the noose off his neck. Akane seemed slightly disappointed though. Just what was in that book? Nabiki walked over and handed the rings back to them. They hurriedly put them back on each others fingers.
"That helps allot. Thanks" panted Akane.
Genma was stunned. The girl had won. How had she won? Ranma moved that fast when he beat me. I bet the boy is keeping something from me. Still they are finally married, sort of. It was about time.
Soun said, "The houses are joined. Waaaah, this is so beautiful."
Nabiki said, "Maybe by Amazon law, but we do have a wedding tomorrow."
Nodoka had a huge grin on her face, "My son is so manly to have won the love of such a strong woman."
Dr. Tofu was carrying Shampoo back to his office. Kasumi was following with his bag.
The others departed soon thereafter.
Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki made there way to Dr. Tofu's clinic.
"I still don't understand how I got so tired so quick." commented Akane.
"Your endurance has improved a great deal, but there are limits. I originally suggested that spell since I knew you could effectively draw on energy from both of us. There is just no way to sustain that kind of speed for very long no matter who you are. You did fine."
"Yep, you did great sis. I'm just glad nothing happened else happened. Even Ukyo remained sort of calm, although I think in her case it may have been shock. I'm just glad Konatsu was there to take her home."
They were soon in the room with Shampoo. Cologne was sitting on the bed.
"Akane did a very good job on her. She will recover in a month or so I would think. Several of her ribs are cracked as well as one of her arms." said Tofu.
"I didn't mean to hurt her so badly. I just.. I just was so afraid I'd lose, and I could tell I couldn't afford to let the battle drag out very long once I finally started to attack at that rate."
Cologne said, "No one is faulting you. You did what you had to do. Had you not driven her unconscious you would have ended up vulnerable and probably lost. It was even completely your own strength, was it not?"
Akane said quietly, "Yes it was. Nabiki found a way."
Cologne nodded. "I was fairly sure when Ranma wasn't affected at the end there. I have never seen a correctly done Hiryuu Shouten Ha fail completely. An opponent always generates some battle aura. Maybe not enough to be useful, but there is always some."
"Right then Akane couldn't exert a battle aura if her life depended on it. All her ki and the little magic she can now summon was directed into her body. There was nothing projected externally for Shampoo's attack to use against Akane. What I didn't expect was for Akane to fight without the link between us. I truly didn't think it was possible short of me leaving town."
Akane grinned. "I won. Thats all the matters."
"You almost ran out of energy before taking Shampoo down."
"She is right. She won thats all that matters, at least today." added Cologne.
Ranma nodded. You have done well my love. Akane smiled a small smile. She could feel what Ranma felt after all. Ranma returned the grin.
She turned to Ranma, "Can we heal her? I didn't mean for her to be hurt so badly."
Ranma smiled at his Amazon wife. "I was hoping you would ask." Ranma and Akane sat next to Shampoo and joined their hands together and placed them on Shampoo's stomach. They each glowed a bright violet, except around their rings where a soft blue glow blended into the mix. They stood like this for almost half an hour then the glow faded. All the visible signs of injury on Shampoo were gone. Ranma's voice was very quiet. "She will be fine now." Ranma and Akane sagged in their seats. Dr. Tofu and Kasumi helped them to the couch in the waiting room where they promptly fell asleep against each other.
"They are just tired. Akane's battle took a lot out of her. The healing on the top of that was enough to exhaust them the rest the way." said Dr. Tofu.
Kasumi gently covered them up. "I will learn to do that." Dr. Tofu enfolded Kasumi in his arms and gently held her. He knew well the feeling of being helpless. He hoped to learn how to do what Ranma did someday himself.
Nodoka, Soun, and Genma arrived a short time later. Dr. Tofu again explained that they were all fine. They just needed to sleep.
Nabiki stayed at the clinic with them and pondered the days events. Ranma was right. There were limits, and she had exhausted hers today. All that effort just so her sister could have her wish and win without anyones help. Still the experience was a learning one. She just hoped she never had to apply what she had figured out. Nabiki smiled when she saw her sister start to wake and quietly left for home.
Author's Notes: I'd like to thank my prereader Ray DeVore for his comments. The current scene at the dance is extended from my original paragraph at his suggestion.
2006-02-01