Chapter 7 Family Matters
Nabiki was resting quietly on her bed in the hospital room, dressed in her street clothing, waiting for her release. She was silently crying, regretting the pain she had caused to her family in her blind pursuit of a man that didn't love her.
Her father opened the door to her room and asked, "Is it okay if I come in? I've spent some time talking to Akane and Ranma as well as spending time thinking and I discovered that I have been a bit of a fool."
Nabiki wiped the tears from her eyes, and replied, "Sure, Father. Why not join another fool."
"Nabiki, daughter, I'm sorry for what I said to you before. I should have believed you when you said that there wasn't anything between you and Ranma," Soun began, sadly. Then his tone changed as he continued. "I listened to my good friend Saotome last night and nearly drove another daughter away from me in my foolishness," he said bitterly, "I shouldn't have needed Ranma to set me straight by swearing on his honor like he did. Both Ranma and Akane told me several things that are uncomfortable for me to face."
Nabiki grimaced as she replied, "Father, I can forgive you for doubting me. After all, which Nabiki were you supposed to believe. I'm the one that set this whole disaster in motion with my lies. I can't blame you for not knowing which of the two stories I told you to believe. I just hope that you can forgive what I've done to tear this family apart."
"I'm to blame for this mess as well, Nabiki. I thought I was saving the family from a dishonorable situation by supporting you," Soun replied, with a sad smile, "But all I was doing was pushing two of my daughters away from me."
Nabiki answered, "Well, I think there is a little hope. Akane and Kasumi are willing to call me sister again. After what I did, I was afraid that I had driven them away completely. It'll take Akane a long time for her to forgive me, but she did tell me she still loved me. She doesn't like me much, not that I blame her. The sooner they're married, the sooner she'll forgive me." Then she said, under her breath, "And the easier I'll sleep at night."
"She's still angry with me as well," Soun said ruefully, "But at least she talked to me and called me Father. Kasumi still won't talk to me at all. I disappointed her a great deal, I'm afraid."
"I don't think Kasumi will talk to you until Mr. Saotome is gone from our life. She thinks he is a bad influence on you and has certainly been upsetting the harmony of our house," Nabiki replied softly, "He is not a good man, Father. Ask Ranma for the file I put together on what he's done over the last ten years and you'll see what I mean."
"I'll do that. Speaking of Ranma, he suggested that being in the same house as his father may not be the best thing for you right now. He said you would be welcome to stay at Nodoka's house with them if you want," Soun said.
Nabiki said shakily, "That's probably a good idea. I really don't want to face Saotome right now. I need some peace and quiet and I won't get it as long as he's around. I definitely don't want to sleep in my bedroom until I'm rid of all of my fears."
Tofu and a nurse came into the room, the nurse pushing a wheelchair. "Okay, Nabiki, you're good to go. I've got all of the paperwork filled out and they've cut you loose," Tofu said cheerfully, "I think they want to rent this room out to someone else."
Nabiki grumbled as she sat in the wheelchair, "I'm not an invalid. I can walk you know. And don't tell me it's hospital policy!"
"Okay, I won't," Tofu said as he picked up the small suitcase containing her belongings. Soun and Tofu followed the nurse out, Nabiki still grumbling, sitting in the chair. As they entered the hall, Nabiki saw Ranma, and Akane waiting for her.
"Hi, sis, you ready to go?" Akane asked.
"Yeah. I guess you guys have a new houseguest. Think you can stand having me around again?" Nabiki asked, slightly wistfully, as the nurse wheeled her toward the elevator.
Ranma smiled quickly and answered, "Biki-chan, you're family and always welcome." Ranma winked at his fiancée as he continued. "There's plenty of room, especially for someone cute like ya."
Akane playfully swatted her fiancé and said, "Hey, stop flirting with my sister. Seriously, Sis, Ranchan's right. You need to be someplace where you feel safe, and right now, Mom's house is the best place for you."
Nabiki raised an eyebrow at that and asked, "Mom, huh! So, did you two get married and forget to invite me?" She giggled at the expression on Akane's face.
Akane blushed and replied, "No, we didn't get married. It's just that Auntie Nodoka asked me to call her Mom. I've been doing that for a while when it was just the three of us, and I guess I got used to thinking of her that way."
As the elevator doors opened, Ranma put his arm around Akane's waist and said simply, "Besides, it will be the correct thing to call her soon enough, at least if we have anything to say about it." Everyone crowded into the elevator and Soun pushed the button for the ground floor.
"Mom and Kasumi will have dinner waiting for us when we get home," Ranma said, "And that us includes you, Mr. Tendo. That is if you want to come. Doc is joining us, of course."
The elevator stopped on the ground floor and the doors opened. The nurse wheeled Nabiki past the doors of the hospital and down to the sidewalk, where she stopped. Nabiki stood up in relief and said, "Thanks for the ride, but I guess this is where I'm supposed to get off."
"Well, this is where your ride in the wheelchair ends," Ranma said, "However, Acchan and I are under strict orders from Mom not ta let you walk home tonight. Something about making sure ya have a good home-cooked meal in you instead of hospital food before ya exert yourself."
"So how do you propose to get me to her house, then?" Nabiki asked, puzzled, "I don't see a car or anything."
"I guess you're going to ride the Ranma Express, Sis," Akane said with a smirk
"What's the Ranma Express?" Nabiki said, then she squealed in fright as Ranma swept her up in her arms.
"Just hold on tight, I've got ya," Ranma said softly, with an apologetic look at Akane. "You ready ta go, Acchan?"
Akane smiled and nodded, saying, "We'll see you two at Mom's house. You guys play nice with each other, okay?"
With that, Ranma and Akane ran off, with Nabiki clutching in desperation to Ranma, one arm around his neck. Soun stared in shock as Ranma and Akane jumped to the roof of a nearby building and roof-hopped out of sight. The last thing they heard was a despairing wail of "Ranma-a-a-a" from Nabiki as they vanished from sight.
"When did Akane learn how to do that?" Soun wondered aloud.
Tofu laughed gently, and said, "Ranma taught her that. That's why she has been wearing slacks or shorts more lately. He says it's part of her training. I know she enjoys it. It's amazing how much ground they can cover that way. Well, I guess we normal humans should start walking over to Nodoka's." The two of them headed off in the general direction of Nodoka's house.
Nabiki couldn't believe what Ranma and her little sister were doing. The two of them were jumping from roof-top to roof-top. What's worse is she was being carried along for the ride. She finally gave up and closed her eyes and turned her head until her cheek was against Ranma's chest. Nabiki thought, 'Maybe if I don't look this will be over sooner.' Eventually, though, she relaxed and just reveled in being held in Ranma's arms. Of course, then the ride ended as they hopped down into the yard of Nodoka's house.
Ranma looked down at the head of the girl in his arms and sighed, thinking, 'I hope this wasn't a mistake. I think she enjoyed being in my arms entirely too much.' He said, quietly, "Hey, Nabiki, don't expect this happen very often, okay?" as he set her down on her feet.
Her eyes shining with excitement and just a hint of mischief, she kissed his cheek and said, "Don't worry brother of mine, while I finally managed to enjoy it, I think I'll walk next time." She snickered to see the relief on his face, but then she whispered, "I won't tell Akane you enjoyed carrying me, either."
Ranma's eyes widened in fear as he stammered, "I-I-I don't know what you're talking 'bout, Nabiki!" His cheeks reddened as he blushed, then he rushed into the house leaving a bewildered Akane and a giggling Nabiki behind.
"What was that about, Sis?" Akane asked innocently.
Nabiki turned and stretched, tightening her blouse across her chest, highlighting her nipples. She replied, "Someone didn't bring a bra for me this morning, and well, I guess Ranma realized that, somewhere during our run." She reached out and grabbed Akane and said, "Hey, it's not his fault, Sis, that he reacted, okay?"
Akane suddenly burst out laughing, as she hugged her sister. "Nabiki, you're a horrible person. How could you do that to him?"
Nabiki giggled as she answered, "Who me? I didn't do anything, well, except maybe rub a little bit against his chest."
Ranma cautiously stuck his head out the door and asked, "Hey, are you two done making fun of me, yet? Mom suggested that ya show 'Biki her room, Acchan, and then she wanted ta talk to us."
Nabiki followed Akane into the house and then up the stairs to the guest room. "We brought some of your things over. The blouses, slacks and dresses are hanging in the closet, of course, and the rest is in the dresser. The bathing room is next door if you want to get cleaned up or maybe soak in the furo for a while," Akane said.
"Thanks, Sis. I think I'll take that bath. I really hate hospitals, they remind me of too many painful memories," Nabiki replied, "Maybe I'll feel a little more human after I soak in the furo. Tell Auntie that she was right; I definitely wasn't up to walking this far. I'm a lot more tired than I really thought I would be."
"Okay, I'll tell them you're gonna be in the furo. Now, I'd better go see what Mom wants," Akane said. She turned and left her sister looking around the pleasantly appointed guestroom. Then Nabiki gazed at the bandage covering her left wrist, staring at it in indecision. Then shaking her head, she carefully removed the bandage, and gazed grimly at the wound she had caused herself in her fit of despair. 'I sure did a number on this wrist. It must have taken thirty or so stitches to close that cut," she thought, "How could I have let myself get that foolish?" Angrily, she wiped away the tear that was rolling down her cheek as she swore silently to herself, 'Never again! I've got way too much to live for to sink into that kind of depression. I have a family that still loves me, in spite of my faults."
Nabiki wearily made her way down the hall into the bathing room next door. After shutting the door, she took her clothes off and carefully hung them up on one of the hooks in the changing room. She deliberately posed in front of the full-length mirror, gazing at the woman reflecting back at her. 'That's funny, I expected to look different for some reason,' she thought with a giggle.
After getting a towel from the rack, Nabiki opened the door to the bathing room proper and walked in. After cleansing herself with soap and cold water, she climbed into the furo and allowed the warm waters to relax her. After sighing contentedly, she allowed herself to slip down into the water until she was completely submerged except for the arm with the stitches. After staying under for what seemed eternity, lost in her thoughts, she broached the surface and took a deep breath, feeling strangely refreshed and reborn. Closing her eyes, she leaned back, resting her head against the side of the tub, letting the soothing waters of the furo finish its magic.
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Akane found Ranma in the kitchen with his mother and Kasumi, attempting without success to steal samples of the food they were preparing. As she entered, Nodoka embraced her and then asked, "How's Nabiki? Is she feeling all right?"
"She says she's a little tired. Apparently, the ride over here took more out of her than she expected, plus I doubt she slept well last night. She looked like she was feeling a lot better, though just getting out of the hospital was probably a part of that. She said that she was going to go soak in the furo for a few minutes, hoping that might make her feel more alive," Akane answered, "What did you want to talk to us about, Mom?"
Nodoka hesitated and then unexpectedly lost her normal calm composure. She turned away from Akane, looking at the floor, but not before Akane and Ranma both saw a look of anguish pass across her face. Suddenly, Nodoka felt herself embraced by two strong arms, holding her tightly. Looking up, she saw that she was sharing a hug with both her son and almost daughter-in-law, with Kasumi looking on in concern.
"I'm sorry, dears. This is harder than I thought it would be," Nodoka said, as she began to weep.
"What's harder than you thought it would be, Mom?" Ranma asked, his voice filled with concern.
After getting her emotions back under control, Nodoka said quietly, "A few days ago, I set in motion several things concerning your father that will affect both of you as well." She took a deep breath, and then continued, "I have had the two of us removed from the Saotome clan roster and added to my clan roster. As of today, we are now members of the clan Himura. Genma is now the last living member of the Saotome clan. I have also set in motion the steps necessary to end my marriage to that person as well."
"I'm sorry it came to that Mom," Akane whispered.
"Oh my, Auntie!" Kasumi said as she moved to join the three of them in the group hug, surrounding Nodoka, "I can't say that I'm surprised though, I never did understand what you saw in him in the first place."
"It was an arranged marriage," Nodoka said, "that our parents agreed to. Family honor required that I marry him, but I was very young when we did, only sixteen at the time. He did make an effort to sweep me off of my feet. I did love him then, but I don't recognize the person that he has become. The man I fell in love with would not have done those things to you Ranma. Something in him must have twisted."
"I can see how this affects me, Mom. I guess this means I'm supposed ta be Ranma Himura now. That'll take some getting used ta, I suppose, but I was already planning on taking the Tendo name when Akane and I wed anyway," Ranma said, "The Saotome name has become very painful ta me. But how is Akane affected?"
"Since there is no longer a Ranma Saotome, any promises that Genma Saotome made are no longer valid, including any of the engagements," Nodoka said.
Stricken, her eyes starting to fill with tears, Akane asked, "Even mine?"
Ranma answered quickly, "Remember, I asked ya ta marry me. That had nothing ta do with Genma. That was my promise, not his." Akane looked at him gratefully, and kissed him.
"Ranma's right, since he asked you to marry him because he wanted to, your engagement is still intact. In fact, if you stop to think about it, now you know he is marrying you because of love and not family honor," Kasumi said, "Isn't that sweet?"
Nodoka smiled and said, "Kasumi, you're just a romantic at heart, aren't you? But yes, you two are still engaged, Akane. The other reason it matters is now you two can get married with just my permission and your father's."
"And I'm ready to give that, daughter," Tendo said from the doorway where he and Tofu had been listening.
Akane ran over and jumped into his embrace, yelling, "Thank you, Daddy!!" Soun almost buckled from the impact.
"Ranma," Soun said gasping, "Nabiki said something about a file that I should read. Do you know what she is talking about?"
Ranma replied, "I knew Saotome had done some things that weren't honorable. Shortly after we arrived, I asked Nabiki ta trace our path from when we left home ta when we got ta your house so I could find out all of the people he had cheated. She came up with a report that was even worse than I had expected. I gave it ta Mom after we met. I need ya ta read it, but only if ya promise not ta overreact. Saotome has ta meet me tomorrow and fight me."
"I have it in the living room, Soun," Nodoka said, "You can read it after dinner. Ranma, would you go let Nabiki know that it's ready?"
"Uh, wasn't she gonna go soak in the furo?" Ranma said, as he hesitated.
Akane said, "I'll go with you, Ranchan." The two of them walked upstairs to find Nabiki.
Kasumi sighed and then said, "Father, I'm sorry I slapped you yesterday. That was wrong of me."
Soun reddened, and replied, "Kasumi, there's nothing to apologize for. I was hysterical and what you did was necessary." He walked over and bowed to Kasumi, and then continued, "Kasumi, I apologize for what happened with Ranma. They have made their peace with me. Is it possible for us to do so as well? I know I was a fool."
"Father, I accept your apology. What you did was wrong, and I'm glad that you know it. However, until that horrible man is gone, there can be no peace between us," Kasumi said sadly.
"He is my oldest friend, Kasumi. It's hard to believe that he is as bad as everyone says he is," Soun replied, "But my family is more important than he is. After tomorrow, I will ask him to leave."
"Thank you, Father," Kasumi replied.
Nodoka said, "Kasumi, I think everything is ready. Let's get the food to the table. You two go sit down." Tofu and Soun left the kitchen and headed for the dining room, while Kasumi and Nodoka started bringing in the meal.
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Ranma followed Akane upstairs to get Nabiki. Akane walked into the changing room and saw Nabiki's clothing still hanging on the hook. She opened the door to the bathing room and saw Nabiki lying there with her eyes closed. "Biki-chan, dinner's ready," she called softly.
Nabiki opened her eyes and slowly stood up, grabbing her towel and wrapping it around her. She stepped out of the furo and began toweling herself dry. "Thanks, Acchan. Tell them I'll be down in a minute, okay," Nabiki said softly.
Akane gazed at her for a second, and then said, "Sis, something's different about you. You seem softer and warmer somehow."
"I'm not the same person that you knew two days ago, Acchan. You might say that I actually succeeded in what I was trying to do. The Ice Queen died sometime last night," Nabiki said wryly, holding her wrist out.
"If you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to later, let me help, please. You shut everyone out in the past," Akane said.
Nabiki went into the changing room and began getting dressed. "I think you'll find that I'm going to be a lot more open in the future. I did hold everything in before; I'm not going to do that anymore," Nabiki said. She finished toweling her hair dry, then she took a deep breath and said, "I guess I'm ready to face the rest of the world now." Akane opened the door and the two of them left the changing room where they found Ranma leaning against the wall waiting for them.
"You're looking better, Nabiki. There's a lot more color in your face than before," Ranma said. Then his eyes narrowed as he noticed the wound in Nabiki's wrist. He murmured, "That's odd. Excuse me," as he pulled her arm up to where he could see the damage better.
"What's the matter, Ranma?" Nabiki asked, "You're scaring me."
"Hm-m, interesting," Ranma said, mostly to himself. Shaking himself back to full awareness, he answered, "Actually, Biki-chan, nothing's wrong. You're just healing fast is all. That cut looks like it's a week old, not just one day." Nabiki relaxed as Ranma released her arm.
"You think that flash of light last night had something to do with this?" Akane asked.
Ranma stared at Akane in awe, and replied, "That must have been what did it Acchan! Somehow the three of us must have healed her or something. I've never done anything like that before, but whatever it was, it knocked all three of us out. I think we need ta talk ta Doc about this after we eat." Ranma's stomach chose that moment to growl in agreement.
Akane and Nabiki burst out laughing while Ranma shrugged his shoulders and looked sheepish. The three of them walked downstairs and found places to sit in the dining area.
After dinner, Ranma pulled Tofu aside and said, "Doc, something happened last night that we need ta talk ta ya about. Could ya join us in our room?"
Curious, Tofu nodded his head and followed Ranma, Akane and Nabiki upstairs. Once they got settled in the bedroom, Ranma turned Nabiki's wrist over and showed the healer the cut. "Doc, this looks like she cut her wrist a week ago. I think somehow between the three of us, we healed her last night."
Tofu looked startled, and then asked, "This is a lot farther along than I would have expected. Why do you think you three healed her?"
"Well, the three of us were holding Nabiki's hand and basically were praying for her to be all right when suddenly a white light flared from the three of us and then included Nabiki. It lasted for some time, I really don't know how long, and then disappeared. After it went away, I felt drained, and then the three of us collapsed," Akane replied.
Nabiki added, "I was lost somewhere in my mind, Tofu. I was surrounded by darkness, and then suddenly saw this bright, white light and felt a lot of warmth, especially on my arm. I suddenly wanted to come back home. When I woke up, the three of them were asleep."
"Well, Ranma has always been a quick healer. I think that is because his chi levels are extremely high. I've always thought that Kasumi had the healing touch, but I didn't mean it quite literally. I wonder if somehow, between the three of you, that you combined to provide some chi energy to Nabiki," Tofu mused. He gazed at Nabiki, trying to read her chi. "Nabiki, your aura looks a lot better today, than when I read you yesterday. It has some similarities in common with what I'm used to seeing in Ranma or Akane, though. I'm going to need to think about this and do some research back at the office. Do any if you feel any different?"
Ranma shook his head and replied, "No, physically I feel fine. I was still pretty tired last night, but I'm okay now."
"I agree with Ranchan. I feel fine," Akane said.
"Physically I feel fine, but emotionally, I feel different. I feel a lot closer to Akane and Kasumi, for instance," Nabiki replied.
"I'll go down and check on Kasumi then, but I don't think there's anything for you two to worry about, now," Tofu said. With that he got up and left the room.
Nabiki said, "I think I'll head to my room and try to get some more sleep. Thanks again, you two, for loving me in spite of everything." She leaned over and hugged Ranma and Akane and then started to leave the room.
"Sis, if you ever need someone ta talk ta, don't hesitate ta ask," Ranma said.
Nabiki looked seriously at Akane and said, "You've got a helluva guy there, Sis. Don't do anything to lose him."
Akane said, "I know, but we were trying to keep it a secret from him. He's egotistical enough as it is!"
Ranma smiled and said, "Stop it you two, now you're gonna embarrass me. But thanks Nabiki. You two are pretty special as well, you know."
Akane giggled and replied, "You say the nicest things." She scooted over to Ranma and began to hug him.
Nabiki snickered and left the room, thinking, 'I ought to talk to Father first, though, before I go to sleep.' She headed downstairs to find Soun.
Ranma moved his head closer to Akane and they kissed.
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Nodoka followed Soun into the living room and gave him the report that Nabiki had prepared. She then went back into the kitchen to help Kasumi clean up, while Soun slowly sank down into one of the chairs and began reading the report. As he read, he started getting angry. Once he finished reading the report, filled with stories of betrayal, thievery, and abuse, he began to cry slow tears, and whispered, "Oh, Genma old friend, how could you have done this? What happened to you? You explained away all of the fiancées and I believed you."
"That's not all, Father. Ranma and I are convinced that he wants to repeat his pattern, and try to steal the house and dojo out from under us," Nabiki said. She walked gracefully to the couch and sat down next to her father. "In fact, I know that he wants to control the money. I don't think he is quite capable of trying to sell it and throw us out on the street, but he might be shortsighted enough to do that. I really think he sees it as a way for him to live comfortably in retirement, but I could be wrong," she continued.
Soun grew grim-faced, and replied, "I can assure you that will not happen. If Ranma and Akane are ready to get married, I will simply set up Nodoka and myself as trustees until they are old enough."
"Uh, I'm pretty sure they're not only ready to get married, I think they are pretty eager to do it," Nabiki said, "The only thing that has been holding them back was the situation with his father. And between you and Auntie, he's no longer gonna be a factor, especially when Ranma defeats him tomorrow."
"If he shows up. I wouldn't put it past him to run away, Nabiki. Of course, if that happens, then he doesn't deserve the title of Master. I guess my task will be to make sure that my old friend shows up," Soun replied.
"Thanks, Father," Nabiki said, as she surprised him with a hug. Then she said, "Goodnight, I'm going to head on up to bed."
"Goodnight, Nabiki, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll be heading home soon, at least once I think I can face Saotome," Soun answered. Nabiki headed off back upstairs.