A Mother's Tale
by Alex Tomas
This is my first work of fan fiction. Reviews welcome.
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Ranma characters.
Conventions:
" " - Japanese
{ } - foreign language (Chinese, English)
[ ] - sound effects
- thoughts
# # - signs
Summary:
This happens during season 7 episode 143, Ranma Meets Mother Boy Meets Mom, Part I in the television series or volume 22 chapter 2 of the manga. It takes elements from both the anime and the manga.
Ranma's mother, Nodoka Saotome, on her way for the first time to the Tendo Dojo sees male-type Ranma fall into the storm drain and transform into girl-type Ranma. Ranma stutters some excuse but Nodoka waves it off as she is in a hurry and proceeds to the the Tendo Dojo without giving out each other's names.
I am assuming that Nodoka does not know the Tendos and has no knowledge of the honor contract Genma and Soun entered into to unite their two families. My reason is that if Genma informed her then she would know the Tendos and vice-versa.
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Chapter 2: Mommy! Mommy Changes Everything.
After walking for almost an hour Ranma was about to ask his mother where their house was when Nodoka finally stopped at the gates of a modest home in a neighboring ward of Tokyo. It was typical of modern Japanese two-story homes with a concrete wall surrounding it. She opened the gate and ushered in her family.
"Welcome home, son." Genma didn't miss the point he wasn't included. He still decided to risk asking a question.
"Uh, dear, honey, love?"
Ranma almost gagged.
"Yes, husband?"
"Whose house is this? This isn't the house that I remember we lived in." Genma scratched his head as he looked at the nice house, very much nicer than he remembered. Bigger also.
"Oh, I sold our old house several months ago just after I received your last postcard and bought this new one. I think the new owners tore the old one down already. I think this one is much nicer." Nodoka replied casually. (1)
"Oh." Genma said. He obviously wanted to ask more questions but he didn't want to push his luck too much. Genma's eyes widened as they enter the house. I wonder where she got the money to buy all these? It was sparsely appointed with modern household appliances but to Genma it was luxuriously equipped compared to their old home. Genma caught himself calculating how much he could sell the stuff, yen signs appearing in his eyes. He shook his head. Genma, it's not worth losing your life over. He looked closer anyway, greed overcoming his survival instincts for the moment and was surprised to see something engraved on every piece of furniture and appliance.
#Saotome Family Property. Not For Sale, Pawn Or Trade.#
Genma winced and the yen signs disappeared.
Nodoka smirked inwardly as she saw Genma's reactions. Surprised at how well your wife did, husband? She decided to let him stew for some time. She was not going to volunteer information unless he asked. Even then she'd be careful in what she said to him. She looked at her son.
"How do you like your new home, Ranma?"
"It's okay, I guess. Mom, you live here all by yerself?" Ranma looked around. The house looked a little too big for someone living alone.
"Yes but now that you're home I don't have to live alone anymore." Nodoka replied happily. "We'll be one big happy family again." She hugged her son. "Here let me show you to your room."
Ranma even has his own room?! Genma was getting more curious by the minute. He followed his wife and son. Nodoka led them up the stairs to one of the doors. She opened the door to reveal a room that was somewhat smaller than the guest room Ranma and Genma shared at the Tendo home. It was furnished with a single bed with a mattress, a small table with a lamp, a study table, two chairs and a cabinet. She went to the middle of the room and waited until Ranma stood beside her. She faced him.
"I've been waiting for the day you would use this room, Ranma. I've been cleaning it every day in the hope it would be the day you finally came home." Nodoka was on the verge of tears. "Ranma, I've missed you so much!" She hugged Ranma tightly. Sobs began.
"Mo-mom!" Ranma hugged back hesitantly. "Mom, don't cry. I'm home now. Every thing's gonna be alright from now on." He tried to sound reassuring. Genma simply shuffled uncomfortably at the doorway.
"Do you promise? Do you promise your mother everything's going to be alright from now on?" Nodoka was sounding desperate, ten years of separation from her child can do that to a mother. She looked up into his eyes with her tear-streaked ones.
Ranma swallowed, realizing the enormity of the promise he was about to make. He firmed his resolve and his voice. He straightened his back and looked his mother in her eyes.
"I promise, mom."
"Thank you, my son." Nodoka wiped her eyes. "Oh, dear. I must look terrible right now." She smiled radiantly.
"Aw, mom, ya can't ever look terrible to me."
Nodoka smiled, blushed and fluttered her eyelids. "Oh, my! No wonder so many girls are after you! You say the nicest things!"
Ranma panicked and began backing away while waving his arms. "Um, ah, uh, I..." He stammered.
"Oh, my. You look so cute when you do that." His mother teased mercilessly. Ranma began to blush furiously.
"gggrrruuurrrgggllleee..."
"Oh, well. I'll leave you to settle yourself in. I'll prepare the furo so you and your father can clean up before dinner." Nodoka exited and led her husband to their bedroom leaving Ranma to get his brain back into gear. After a few seconds he shook his head.
Women! I'll never figure them out.
He unpacked his few belongings and put them away in the cabinet. He sat down on one of the chairs.
Home. I'm finally home.
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After a quarter of an hour inspecting his new room Ranma went out to look for his mother. He found her in the kitchen preparing tea and some crackers.
"Hi, mom. Need any help?"
"Oh, thank you dear but I'm fine. I'm happy to be finally able to do this for my family again. The bath will be ready in another fifteen minutes." She indicated the kitchen table and chairs. "Why don't we have tea while you wait. We really haven't had a chance to talk."
"Okay, mom. Um, where's pops?"
"I left him upstairs to unpack. He should be finished by now."
"Um, so watcha wanna talk about, mom?"
"Well, why don't we start with the way you speak?"
"Er, anything wrong with the way I talk, mom?"
"For one, your grammar leaves much to be desired."
"Uh, what's 'grammar'?"
"Let's add vocabulary to the list."
"Mom, I dunno what yer talkin' about."
Nodoka sighed deeply.
"I take it your father didn't put too much significance in your education while on your training trip?"
"Uh, well, we didn't stay in one place long and the few times I did went to school its been nothing but trouble. Besides the teachers are boring and I don't see how what they teach in school's gonna help me become the best." Although I'm the best there is already! "And pop didn't want nothing to interfere with my training."
"I see, is there anything else your father neglected in your training journey?"
"Well, I dunno. I think I turned out okay. Doncha think so, mom?"
Nodoka sighed deeply again.
"Perhaps it would be best for me to observe you for several days to see whatever deficiencies you may have."
Ranma wasn't sure he understood correctly and simply shrugged. "Ah, whatever ya say, mom."
His father chose that moment to make his entrance. He had just made a tour of the house and what he saw astonished him. He had an awed look to his face and seemed oblivious to his surroundings.
"Is something the matter, dear?"
"Wha? Wha?" The shock hadn't worn off yet.
"Hey, pops! Mom asked ya a question."
[Bonk!]
Genma blinked and looked around to get his bearings. He rushed to Nodoka startling her.
"Nodoka, where, how, when, why?" He had so many questions to ask they all came out in a rush.
[BONK!] Ranma hit his pop harder on the head.
"Pop, cut it out! Yer scaring mom!"
Genma composed himself as best as he could.
"Nodoka, how did you get all of these?" Genma indicated his surroundings. "Where did you get the money?"
"Well, dearest, when you left me all alone ten years ago you didn't leave me much. I had to find work to support myself and pay all the bills or else I would have been thrown out on the street."
Genma looked doubtful. He couldn't think of any job that would have paid that much for Nodoka to do this well. He wanted to ask more questions but the look she gave him said she wouldn't tell him more.
Oh, well. I have other ways of knowing.
Ranma was angry. He couldn't believe his pop would leave his mother just like that without any means of supporting herself. He wanted to beat the crap out of him but he didn't want to spoil his reunion with his mother and damage the house she obviously worked so hard for.
"Uh, mom, what job did you do?"
That's my boy!
"Well, a friend from college hired me to teach nursery at the school her family runs. She's such a good friend and I enjoyed teaching the students. They were your age when you left. It helped ease the pain a little." Nodoka smiled at the recollection.
Genma squinted. I didn't know teachers made that much money.
Ranma gulped. Not another teacher! "So how long did you teach, mom?"
"Oh, I stopped about a year and a half ago so I taught for almost nine years. By then I had saved enough money to concentrate searching for you. The money is with another college friend who is a stock-broker. He's such a dear and very smart. He's been able to do wonderful things with the money I saved so that we won't go hungry..."
Genma's eyes glinted, yen signs reappearing. Money! And lots of it! He schooled his features lest he gave away his thoughts. Nodoka feigned indifference.
"...although I expect husband dear to get a job as is proper for a Japanese male."
Genma sagged. Get a job? What for? You just said we've got enough money! He was already calling the money theirs. Out loud he said. "Oh, sure, honey. First thing tomorrow, I'll go look for work."
Nodoka wasn't fooled for a moment. "Husband, if you want to drink sake, go out with Soun or just make a fool of yourself you will have to spend your own money. The money I have saved is for our necessities. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, honey, very clear." Soon, very soon. Wait for me, my precious.
Nodoka looked at him and sighed. Sometimes she wondered what she ever saw in him.
"The bath must be ready by now. Why don't you two freshen up while I prepare dinner. Anything you want, Ranma?"
"Um, anything's fine, mom. Just make enough for the three of us."
"Oh, alright dear. Now go on and take a bath."
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Nodoka surprised father and son by cooking sukiyaki for her family. Ranma and Genma were further surprised by the generous amount Nodoka prepared. They each had more than enough to satisfy their respective Saotome male stomachs. It was another thing for Genma to wonder about. He also began to doubt the wisdom of his decision to stay at the Tendo Dojo. He could have been eating like this a long time ago! If he survived the homecoming, he corrected.
After dinner Ranma helped his mom clean up the dishes while his father stayed in the living room watching television.
Ranma was about to go upstairs to sleep so that he could wake up early the next day when Nodoka called out to him.
"Ranma, can you stay for a while? There is something we must discuss." She took a seat at the kitchen table.
Ranma was immediately on guard. The tone of his mother's voice told him to be careful. Genma also took the hint and made himself scarce. It seemed too nice a night to waste lounging around a katana wielding wife.
"Um, what about mom?"
"Please take a seat, son." Nodoka waited until Ranma had seated himself. "It is about your engagements and the girls."
Ranma winced. He was right. It was something he had to be careful about.
"Uh, can't we talk about this some other time, mom?"
"Unfortunately no, Ranma. If it is something that only involved you then I would not mind postponing the discussion." Ranma sighed. His mom was right.
"So what about them, mom?"
"How do you feel about the engagements and the girls?"
Ranma blinked. That's a new one. "How do I feel about them?" He asked just to be sure he heard right. He'd never been asked how he felt before.
"Yes. How do you feel about them. They have all been thrust upon you without your consent."
"I guessed they have, haven't they?"
Nodoka smiled "You do know that you are living one of the wildest fantasies known to man, do you not?"
Ranma snorted, thinking of the countless times Hiroshi and Daisuke reminded him of that fact. Hah! I'd like to hear them say that after they spend one day living my life. Ranma blanched as he reconsidered what he just said. On second thought, they're perverted enough to actually enjoy the experience. He shuddered as he thought what the two perverts would do with Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo, even Kodachi. He quickly banished the thought.
"I take it you are not exactly happy with the situation?"
Ranma sighed again. "Don't get me wrong, mom. I do know I'm living 'one of the wildest fantasies known to man' as ya put it. Under different circumstances I'd probably be overjoyed. But I just don't know what to do about it. It seems no matter what I do someone's gonna get hurt."
"So it is not the engagements or the girls themselves that you are unhappy about?"
"Well, the girls could lay off a little. And I could do without all their nutcase suitors that are coming after me."
"Oh?"
"Well, ya can't exactly expect cute girls like Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo not to have some suitors. Just my luck that those jerks think the only way they can win the girls is by getting rid of me." Ranma went on a little about Ryoga, Kuno, Mousse and Tsubasa.
"I see. Do they cause you harm, my son?" Nodoka fingered her katana.
"Them? Hah! They couldn't touch me even with my eyes closed and both hands tied behind my back! I'm the best!" Ranma puffed out his chest.
Nodoka smiled at her son's bravado. If he wasn't in any immediate danger then she can handle the jilted suitors later. She returned to the subject beforehand.
"I think the reason the girls act that aggressively towards you is because they feel they are competing against each other for you."
Ranma shrugged. "I guess so. Still it would be a load offa my back if they'd lay off a little."
"Would it help if I talked to them about it during the slumber party?"
Ranma brightened. "Really mom? That'd be great!"
"So aside from those two complaints, you are not totally unhappy about the engagements and the girls?"
"Well, I guess I could do worse than them." They were all cute (not that he'll admit that to the uncute tomboy), sexy (again he wouldn't admit that to the built-like-a-brick girl), smart (okay he'll admit that one to Akane) and can cook (except for Akane although she was getting better. The last time he ate one of the meals she prepared was after the love-predicting cherry blossom cake incident and he was shocked to find himself still conscious after how much he ate. Not that he'll admit that also.)
Yep, Ranma considered himself lucky to have such girls interested in him, especially if he considered what he might have instead. The thought of Shampoo losing the championship match to the other person Was that... person really a girl? and he winding up being married to... that person still gave him nightmares.
"And if I were to find a way that would allow you to satisfy all your engagements?"
"I don't see how, mom."
"Humor your mother, son."
"Heck, I'd be happy if anyone could solve my girl problems including my curse!" Ranma made an attempt at humor.
Nodoka smiled at seeing her son's attempt at lightening the mood.
"Elder Cologne did say that she and Shampoo wouldn't mind if you married Shampoo by Amazon law only. That would enable you to marry another by Japanese law. And since Ukyo is registered as a boy, we could adopt your girl form so you can marry each other."
Ranma thought about what her mother said. It was tempting. It would solve _his_ fiancee problems. Then he shook his head.
"Mom as tempting as it sounds it's just ain't right. Marrying Shampoo by Amazon law may be fine if we were going to live back in her village but we probably wouldn't. If I marry Shampoo and we stay here I want her to be married properly to me by Japanese law. She deserves as much. Same with Ucchan. If I marry Ucchan, I marry her as the woman that she is and not some person she had to make up because of what pops did to her. Besides that's the only way she'd regain the honor that she lost."
Ranma blinked. Where did that come from? I must be sick or something.
Nodoka tried to hold back the tears of happiness at the overwhelming pride she felt towards her son. My son is so manly!
"My son! You make me so proud!"
"Huh?" What brought this on? He noticed the watery eyes. "Mom, don't cry. Whatever I said to make you cry, I take back. I'm sorry!"
[Sniff. Sniff.]
"Oh, Ranma. I'm not crying because I'm sad or angry. Quite the opposite."
"Oh. Ya sure, mom?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you, Ranma, it has been a very enlightening conversation. Now why don't you go to bed and let your mother think for awhile. You have to be up early tomorrow for school."
"Okay, mom." Ranma stood up and turned to leave. He paused as he thought of something. Nodoka noted the hesitation.
"Is there something more you wish to discuss, Ranma?"
Ranma faced his mother. "Well..." He didn't know how to continue.
Nodoka gave a reassuring smile and reached over to squeeze Ranma's hand.
"Whatever it is you can tell your mother, Ranma. I promise to listen."
Ranma sat again and took courage from the smile and hand contact. "You see, mom, there's another girl who's after me, obsessed is more like it. A real nutcase. I don't want to hurt her feelings or anything but I just can't see myself with her."
Another girl? My son is so manly! Nodoka suppressed a giggle and tried not to smile too much. Ooohhh, the number of grandchildren I will have! "And who is this girl?"
"Her name's Kodachi, Kodachi Kuno. She's the younger sister of that Kuno I told you about. Their father's the principal at Furinkan. Another nutcase. I tell ya, the whole family's nuts! They give me the shivers."
"Really, Ranma, how can you say they're 'nuts' as you put it?" Now where did I hear the name Kuno before?
"For starters, the father has a palm tree growing on his head, a fetish for haircuts, goes out of his to annoy his students, wears these weird clothes and plays that ukelele of his all day long. Then that Kuno guy has this samurai-wanna-be fantasy, can't talk straight, has this idiotic idea that I've enslaved Akane and his 'pig-tailed goddess', won't believe that me and his 'pig-tailed goddess' are the same person even when I changed right in front of him (I'll be damned if I'll say while he was hugging me), that I'm some kind of evil sorcerer who use dark magic to be able to beat him and that's just what I can think of off the top of my head. As for Kodachi, she keeps an alligator named 'Mr. Turtle' for a pet and wouldn't think twice of feeding anyone to her pet, uses all sorts of potions/powder/whatever against everyone including me, has a fetish for black roses and leotards, cheats at everything, hates my girl form although I don't think she knows we're the same person, and is such a snob."
"I see." Nodoka continued to think of where and when she had heard of the name Kuno.
"Uh, mom, something wrong?" Ranma became concerned at the blank look on his mother's face.
Nodoka came to with a start. "Oh! I'm sorry, Ranma. I don't know what came over me."
"Do you need anything?"
"Oh, Ranma, I'm fine. I was just trying to think of when and where I've heard of the name Kuno before."
Ranma blinked. "Ya know them?"
"No, I don't really know them but I've heard of their family before."
"Well, they are filthy rich."
Something clicked in Nodoka's mind.
"Of course! Now I remember where and when I heard of their family before."
"Ya do?"
"Yes and I think I may know why the family acts the way they do today."
"Ya do? Ain't the family just crazy because they're nuts?"
"No, they did not always act the way they do today. In fact, the Kuno family was one of the most respected families in Japan."
"Ya gotta be kidding! Ya can't be serious, mom! Them?! That Kuno family?!" Ranma had difficulty with the concept. If someone told him the world was flat he would have found it easier to believe in.
"But I am, Ranma. Tell me, my son, how would you react if you saw your mother or wife savagely gang-raped and then brutally murdered right before your eyes?"
Ranma blanched at the statement.
"Th-That happened to them?" Ranma had difficulty imagining the horror.
"Sadly, yes. It happened around eight years ago, it was all in the news. Some criminals, at least half a dozen if I recall correctly and suspected of being under orders from a business rival, probably a yakuza member, of the father broke into their house. It was never found out what the mastermind wanted but the father wasn't home because he was at a business meeting. They subdued the servants, tied up the men and raped the women. Then they rounded up Mrs. Kuno and her two children in front of the servants in the living room. There they took turns repeatedly raping Mrs. Kuno. Mrs. Kuno was killed when she tried to protect her daughter from being sexually abused by the criminals. It was while Mrs. Kuno lay dying that the father came home. In a blind rage he killed all the criminals with his bare hands. After that the family simply came apart. Mr. Kuno blamed himself and retreated from the world and left his children to deal with the trauma on their own." Nodoka recalled the news accounts vividly. It had enraged the nation for a long time.
Ranma was ready to throw up. It would explain a lot of things about the Kuno family. He looked at his mother and shuddered violently.
"Terrible isn't it? For something like that to happen to any family."
Ranma nodded.
"Now tell me about the Kodachi girl. What would you like me to do?"
"Um, let... um, nuthin'... nuthin', mom. It ain't nuthin' important. I... I'll see ya in the morning." Ranma quickly stood up and left for his room. Ranma felt sick, even to his most hated enemy he would not wish such a fate. He stumbled into bed and tried to keep images of the horror from his mind.
Nodoka watched her son leave. Such a kind heart you have, my son. I pray it does not become your undoing. Nodoka made a note to find out more about the Kuno family and Kodachi in particular. After a while she stood and went to the bedroom she shared with Genma. It didn't bother her that her husband wasn't around. Ranma was with her and all was right in the world again.
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Dinner at the Tendo home was a subdued affair. The fact that they each had bigger portions of the delicious meal Kasumi prepared did little to brighten the mood. There was little conversation as each was lost in his or her own thoughts on the departure of their long time house guests. Even Soun did not have the energy to cry his usual amount of tears.
Each went their own way after eating. Soun sat at the porch smoking and drinking sake while staring out at the koi pond, sighing loudly and forlornly once in a while. The three sisters retired to their respective rooms after clearing up the dishes. The Tendo home fell into an eerie silence.
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Akane was lying in bed and having a totally miserable time. Sleep eluded her. She had been tossing and turning for the last hour.
Where can P-Chan be? I really need someone to talk to right now.
She hated to admit it but she missed the jerk. She had felt hollow as she watched Ranma leave and she regretted the way they had parted. She hated him for making her feel this way and she hated herself for feeling this way. The feeling was somewhat similar to what she felt when her mother died. It made her angry.
She didn't exactly know when she started caring for the obnoxious martial artist just that it happened. God knows they had gotten off the wrong foot. She smiled as she remembered the day they met.
'Built better to boot.' Hah! She showed him!
She sighed.
Life was so much simpler back then.
Now it's one craziness after another. She remembered all the times they had shared, the good and the bad. At the end she had to admit the good far outweighed the bad.
Her thoughts wandered to the engagement.
Do I really want to keep it?
Her memories of the love predicting cherry blossom cake episode came back. And she knew the answer. Yes, she wanted to keep it. God help her but she wanted to keep it. Not that she'll admit it to anyone, though. Especially to the jerk involved. His ego's big enough as it is. But now that Auntie Saotome has recognized Ukyo's and Shampoo's engagements she had to abide by a different set of rules regarding her own engagement to Ranma. Especially now that he no longer lived with them.
Do I want to fight Ukyo and Shampoo for it?
She realized she couldn't find a straight answer to the question. The only thing she was sure of was that she didn't want to regret not fighting for something she wanted. Yes, she decided, she'll fight Ukyo and Shampoo.
How do I go about that?
She sighed as she compared herself to the two other girls. It just made her so insecure. They were prettier, sexier and more talented than her. How can she ever compete with those two? She burned with jealousy mixed with despair as the thoughts continued. In frustration she decided to have some milk to help her sleep.
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Nabiki lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling in her room. There was a gnawing sensation inside her that she couldn't push away. It was the same feeling she felt whenever she let a good deal slip away. And it bothered her greatly.
She didn't expect to be be so affected by the sudden departure of Ranma and his father. After all, didn't she always complain of the added burden those two imposed on their finances? She remembered the time when they had barely anything to eat and Ranma tried to take in students and revive the Dojo on his own initiative. She really appreciated the effort, it was more than either father had tried. She snickered at the recollection of Kodachi offering anything to Ranma when she heard he was living in poverty. Too bad Ranma had to go all noble and refuse all their requests. She could have had her CD player by now! The idiot!
Heh! Kodachi even came to live here and do housework! Imagine someone as snobbish as the Black Rose doing laundry and cleaning floors like an ordinary maid. She must have it really bad for Ranma. Wonder what she sees in him?
Nabiki realized it just wasn't Kodachi who was head over heels for Ranma. It amused her no end to think of the time that Kodachi, Ukyo and Shampoo had dropped everything to go with Ranma when they had thought Ranma's mother had come to take him away.
What do they all see in him?
They were all beautiful, sexy, intelligent and talented girls who, despite a quirk or two, could have almost any boy (or girl if they swung that way) they wanted.
Am I missing something here? Do they know something I don't?
Then she remembered when she became the fiance. It was nothing but a lark for her. Something to annoy her baby sister with. She blushed slightly at the memory of those strong arms cradling her, of Ranma protecting her from his other fiancees with his own body.
Nabiki barked a short laugh at Ranma's pathetic revenge against her when he realized she was playing him. She had actually been terrified that she might have pushed Ranma's buttons one too many times. She should have known better. He was just too kind-hearted for his own good.
She stiffled a giggle at how easily she manipulated Ranma, of his reactions whenever she turned on her feminine charms. The giggle died when something struck her.
When was the last time a boy was charmed by me?
Try as hard as she could, Nabiki couldn't recall the last time it had happened.
Was there even a first time before Ranma?
She couldn't recall either.
Ranma had been the first boy who treated her as a girl and not as the 'Ice Queen'.
Even though he already knew of my reputation and despite all I put him through.
It was then a tear ran down Nabiki's cheek. She wiped it off with one hand.
Where did that come from?
It had been a long time since Nabiki Tendo had shed a tear. She remembered the day very clearly. She remembered the pain even clearer. It was the day her mother died. The day she vowed never to be hurt like that ever again. The day she became the 'Ice Queen'.
It had worked, she was never hurt like that again, but it came at a price.
Combine the 'Ice Queen' facade with her money raising activities and you have a person not many people are willing to be friends with.
Yet Ranma actually believed me when I said I loved him. He panicked every time I pretended to be hurt. He did everything I asked him to do to please me. He tried to avoid hurting me. He really cared for me. What did he ever see in me to make him do those things?
A person. He saw something in me even I didn't see anymore. She answered herself. Then blinked. Is that the reason why I have this gnawing feeling in me? That I've let a good thing slip away? Maybe the girls were onto something after all.
Will I ever meet someone like him again? Someone who would see me as a person?
Who knows? Probably not.
Nabiki frowned. She didn't like the emotions her thoughts were evoking. She tried to suppress the thoughts and emotions but the gnawing sensation persisted. It was unknown territory for her and she didn't like not knowing. Besides he already has too many girls after him, her baby sister even being one of the fiancees. She sighed as she knew she had to settle this before she could go to sleep.
So what if I never meet anyone like him again?
Do I want take that chance and spend the rest of my life alone?
This is getting nowhere.
Why am I even thinking of this?!
Because he's suddenly gone and I have this empty feeling inside me.
Nabiki shook her head angrily. Damn it! She's the Ice Queen! She's not supposed to feel this way. She stood and paced restlessly in her room. After several rounds she decided a midnight snack might help clear her head.
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Kasumi lay on her side in her bed looking out of the window. She contemplated the day's events. It was strange, she mused, how much their lives had changed since the day Ranma and Uncle Genma had come into their lives.
She wouldn't admit it to anyone but she found it a refreshing change from the dreariness her life had become. Nothing to relieve the tediousness of the housework she had to do day after day. Not that she didn't love doing the household chores. It was, after all, her way of expressing her love for her family especially for her mother. Its just that she sometimes wondered at what she had missed ever since she had to take up the responsibilities her mother had left behind.
In the several months the Saotomes had been with them they had gone out more times than in the several years since her mother passed away. She had thoroughly enjoyed herself on those outings, either to the beach, mountain, hot spring resort, local fair or amusement park. She even had worked up the courage to wear a two-piece bikini the last time they went to the beach (2) and she had been mobbed by the boys for her effort. She sometimes wished she was able to accompany Ranma and her sister on some of their adventures but her duties at home prevented her from doing so.
Oh, there were times when she found the chaos that seemed to follow the younger Saotome everywhere distressing and she wished for the calm before the two arrived but now that they were indeed gone she found herself longing for the excitement the father and son brought into her life. If dinner was any indication then the life of dreariness has returned and returned with a vengeance as if making up for the time it was gone. Her father was back to losing himself in self-pity and would probably never go out, much less take his family out. That meant she again had to stay home to take care of her father and the house. She sighed. It was very likely she'd find her father drunk and passed out on the porch in the morning. She hoped he wouldn't throw up anywhere in the house.
Will my life always be this? Will I forever be just a housewife?
Kasumi had no doubts she wanted to have her own family someday but before she does settle down to the same life she had been living since taking over her mother's duties she wanted to experience more of life. It was the reason younger men bored her. They only thought of one thing and she wanted more than that. It was her hope that since older men already had their sexual urges satisfied, they were interested in other pursuits as well, like travel.
On some days and nights when she was bored out of her skull, Kasumi had wondered about the adventures Ranma must have had on his ten-year training journey. She did not envy his life to be sure, but what he must have experienced on that journey had always intrigued her. The things he had seen, heard, tasted, smelled and felt. Sometimes she thought he had enough memories to fill ten lifetimes. Definitely enough bedtime stories to tell to children for years. Too bad his father thought of nothing outside the martial arts, neglecting his overall growth. Kasumi was sure Ranma could have done just as well in other endeavors.
Her thoughts turned to their recently departed pig-tailed house guest. To be honest she was surprised at how well he had developed under someone like Uncle Genma. He surely has some rough edges to him but considering who he had for a role model and teacher it was a miracle he wasn't worse. He was kind-hearted, honorable beyond his father, polite when he wanted to be, a complete gentleman when it came to girls, was a better seamstress and cook than either of her sisters, had a well-developed physique girls drooled over, a face that was pleasant to look at and possessed a surprisingly sharp mind that could do amazing analytical feats.
Kasumi sighed at the last thought. It was such a waste that Uncle Genma did not see fit to develop Ranma's intellectual skills more. Kasumi boggled at what Ranma could accomplish or achieve if someone nurtured that potential. She smiled. Perhaps now that his mother is back in his life she could see that potential finally unleashed. And some of the rough edges smoothened out. She hoped Ranma had a better life from now on.
The smile lessened as her thoughts went back to her own life. She would turn twenty in another couple of months and would be expected to marry soon. She thought of kindly and silly Dr. Tofu and was torn inside. She liked him and but marrying him meant more of the life she now lived. She wasn't prepared for that yet. However she didn't know if he could wait until she was ready to settle down. She knew his mother was pressuring him to marry and have grandchildren now. Marriage, pregnancy then babies. She didn't want that yet. Her eyebrows furrowed as she considered what to do. After several minutes of indecision and since she couldn't sleep she decided she might as well check on her father. She rose and put on a robe over her nightgown before leaving her room.
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Ukyo hummed happily to herself as she prepared to go to bed. It was one of the happiest days of her life. Even happier than the day she learned that Ranchan did not abandon her knowingly all those years ago.
She had met Ranchan's mother and the results were better beyond her greatest expectations. Not only was Auntie Saotome beautiful, kind, fair and saner than most adults in Nerima she had a sense of honor that was severely lacking in Ranma's father. She had without hesitation recognized Ukyo's engagement to her son. That alone made Nodoka Saotome number one in Ukyo's book. Ukyo shook her head and wondered for the gazzilionth time how such a woman could marry someone like the jackass Ranma was cursed to have for a father.
I must be missing something.
For whatever reason, Ukyo fervently beseeched the heavens that Ranchan do not turn out the same way his asshole of a father-panda did. She shuddered if ever she wound up marrying Ranchan and he did turn out like his father. She quickly banished the horrible image.
The fates couldn't be that cruel, could they?
She turned her attention to more pleasant matters like how to impress Ranchan's mother more.
She seems to be a traditional woman. I guess I'll have to dress more lady-like from now on.
Ukyo quickly check her wardrobe and found to her chagrin that she severely lacked feminine clothing, she even had only one set of the Furinkan girl's uniform.
I'll have to do some shopping. Hmmm... wonder if Auntie would like it if I invite her to accompany me shopping? It'd be a good opportunity for us to get to know more about each other. Yeah, I'll ask Ranchan tomorrow.
With that happy thought Ukyo turn off the light and went to sleep with a smile adorning her beautiful face, the loneliness of her life temporarily forgotten as she looked forward to the new day and hopefully the start of a much better and happier life.
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In another restaurant in another part of Nerima, the residents were also preparing for bed.
Shampoo was in as much a good mood as Ukyo as she finished her chores humming happily along, her happiness almost having a physical manifestation. This did not escape the notice of the two other residents.
Cologne had a grin on her face that would have the most battle-hardened musk warrior fleeing for his life wondering what diabolical scheme the Amazon Elder was concocting to have such a hideous expression. Luckily for the other residents, one was too happy to notice while the other was too blind to see. Cologne was also glad at how the day had gone and she indulged herself to bask in the warmth her great-granddaughter was radiating.
But she was still an elder. With a sigh she called for Shampoo's attention.
{Great-granddaughter, I see you are in a very good mood tonight.}
{Aiyah! I'm very, very happy, great-grandmother! Many good things happened today!}
That perked up the ears of the remaining resident. He tried not to be to conspicuous as he listened. The other two noticed he was eavesdropping but simply ignored him.
{Yes, we have much to be thankful for today, child, but the battle is not yet over and we must not rest till then. There is still much to be done.}
{Aiyah! I know this great-grandmother and I will double my efforts to win Airen.}
That earned a scowl from the eavesdropper.
{That is good to hear, Shampoo, but you must realize that there are now new rules to the battle that we must abide by. We must reconsider our tactics very carefully.}
New rules? What could the dried up old monkey mean by that?
[Bonk!]
Mousse crashed to the floor with a big lump on his head.
{It would be best for you, Mousse, not to think such thoughts out loud especially when I am only a few feet away.}
{As I was saying, Shampoo, we must reconsider the way we have been trying to win son-in-law.}
{I know this great-grandmother. Airen's mother have now made my engagement to Airen official and Airen have left the Kitchen Destroyer's house. It makes things simpler.}
{And at the same time more complicated, child.}
{What do you mean, great-grandmother?}
{Mostly we must not displease son-in-law's mother. I believe she can be a great ally if treated with respect but an even greater enemy if provoked unnecessarily.}
{Yes, I agree great-grandmother. Airen's mother is a great woman with great honor. I will respect honored elder's wishes. What do I have to do?}
{To begin with, you must stop calling your rivals insulting names like 'spatula girl', 'kitchen destroyer', 'mercenary girl', and 'crazy ribbon girl' and you will try to get along with them. No more 'obstacles are for killing' or 'kisses of death'. I feel son-in-law's mother has taken a liking to them and will not take kindly to such actions.} And hopefully you will like them enough to have them as co-wives. Shampoo pouted.
{That's no fun!}
{Nevertheless, it is something you must do.} Shampoo grudgingly nodded. {Second is the way you speak Japanese.} Cologne gave a small sigh. {Really, Shampoo, it's a little too childish even for you to resort to such tactics.}
{But it makes me sound cuter when I speak like that!} Shampoo pouted even more.
Cologne blinked and sighed in exasperation. Ancestors, give me strength! The sheer vanity of the girl!
{You are 'cute' enough as you are already. Son-in-law's mother will want a daughter-in-law who can speak Japanese properly.}
{Oh, alright, great-grandmother!} [grumble, grumble] {phooey.}
"From now on we shall converse in Japanese."
"Yes, great-grandmother."
"Good. Third is that we will no longer resort to magic and potions. Son-in-law's mother will not approve or tolerate such tactics."
Shampoo thought about that for a while. "You do not have to tell me that, great-grandmother. No mother would want their child to be enslaved."
"Good, good. Last for now is the way you dress."
Shampoo blinked. "What's wrong with the way I dress?" She looked down at her short cheongsam. "I love the way I dress. Its very practical for a martial artist and it shows my assets well. It's very funny to see boys and men getting nose bleeds, walking into things and passing out when I pass by on my bicycle while on the fence."
"It is not proper for a Japanese girl to wear clothing so revealing."
"Then why do all those other schools' girls' uniform have short skirts? I've always wondered why it is only in Nerima where the girls' school uniforms are so prudish."
Cologne blinked. Shampoo did have a point. Why do Nerima's schools have such prudish uniforms for girls? It was something to ponder upon.
"Very well, continue the way you dress. But if son-in-law's mother makes a comment you will listen carefully."
With that the the discussion ended and Shampoo and Cologne went up to their respective rooms to sleep. Shampoo dreamed of tomorrow and its endless possibilities.
On the floor of the Nekohanten, Mousse gingerly pried himself from the floor where he had been listening.
So Ranma's mother is in town. Interesting. Maybe its something I can take adavantage of.
He carefully dusted his robes and went to his own room to make plans.
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Nabiki was surprised to see Akane sitting at the kitchen table drinking milk this late at night. Or should that be this early in the morning. Nabiki greeted her kid sister as she went to the refrigerator to get something to snack on. She settled for some crackers and a soda and went to sit opposite Akane.
Maybe it'll do me some good to talk to someone, at least take my mind off my problem.
"So can't sleep either, huh?" Nabiki noted the tear streaks and reddish eyes but decided not to comment on them.
Akane sighed. "That obvious, huh?"
"Yep. Me too."
Akane perked at that. "Oh, and why is that?"
Nabiki winced. Wrong thing to say. "I wished I knew." Nabiki tried to lie.
Akane didn't buy it. "Well, only one thing I can think of why we can't sleep."
It was Nabiki's turn to sigh. Well its official. If Akane can see through my lie then I'm definitely not myself tonight. "That obvious, huh?"
Akane snorted. "Yep." She paused. "You miss the jerk, too, huh?"
"Yeah, hard to imagine, right? Me, the 'Ice Queen' of Furinkan, being capable of missing someone."
"Its not really that hard to imagine. You do miss mother, don't you?"
Nabiki shrugged.
"Well, I know you do miss mother and that means you're not totally the 'Ice Queen' you want people to think you are."
Nabiki shrugged again, munching on a cracker.
"So why do you miss the jerk?"
"Why do you always call him a jerk and pervert?" Nabiki was uncomfortable with the questions so she decided to turn the tables.
"Hey, I asked first." ... "How about we make a deal? I ask a question and if you answer honestly then you get to ask a question. If I answer honestly I get to ask another question and so on. Deal?"
"Why do you get to ask the first question?"
Akane sighed "Okay, okay. Let's play rock-paper-scissors for it."
Nabiki shrugged. It was something to do to while away the time. Nabiki won the right to ask first. Akane grumbled under her breath.
"So first question, why do you always call him a jerk and a pervert?"
"Because he is a jerk and a pervert!"
"So why..."
"Hey, my turn!"
"But you didn't really answer the question! Honestly, Akane, why do you call him a jerk and pervert?"
"As if you didn't know! He insults me, annoys me, doesn't want to eat my cooking, doesn't spar with me, does all these weird things and has all these girls chasing him."
"Well I'll give you that he can be an aggravating SOB at times but all the other things you've said isn't his fault or just him being honest, too honest."
"Well, he knows how to lie, also!"
"But not when it counts right?"
"Why are you defending him?!"
"Why are you so angry at him?! Damn it, Akane, can't you see how lucky you are to have someone like Ranma or are you just too proud to admit it?! He's not perfect but he's way better than most guys we know and you know it! Well, then, if you can't appreciate what you have then maybe someone else should have it!"
Akane and Nabiki glared at each other.
"Oh, my! Nabiki, Akane, it's not nice to make so much noise this late at night."
"Kasumi!" They both cried at once.
"Why are you up so late, sis?" Nabiki was the first to regain her composure. "We didn't wake you did we?" Nabiki was a little guilty.
"Oh no. You didn't wake me up. I just couldn't sleep and I thought to check on father."
"I checked on him earlier." Akane volunteered. "He's passed out dead drunk on the porch. I can smell the sake all the into the living room."
"Oh, my. Did he throw up anywhere in the house."
"I didn't notice any vomit but I think it'd be a good idea to keep him on the porch in case he does vomit."
Kasumi thought for a while. She didn't like the idea of leaving their father out in the cold but cleaning vomit didn't appeal to her at the moment. She decided to compromise.
"Oh, well, I'll just bring him some pillows and blanket so he wouldn't be too uncomfortable and catch a cold."
Kasumi went back into the house and returned after several minutes.
"You were right Akane, the living room did smell of sake."
Akane shrugged.
"So what were my two baby sisters arguing about?"
The two blushed.
"Would you believe we were fighting over Ranma?" Nabiki answered.
"Oh, my. Why would you two fight over Ranma?"
"I don't know. I couldn't sleep and went down for a snack and found violent, uncute, built-like-a-brick tomboy here drinking milk." Nabiki couldn't resist taunting Akane. Akane steamed.
"Why you..."
"Nabiki! That's not nice!" Kasumi gaved the middle sister the dreaded look. Nabiki crumbled like a cookie.
"Oh, alright. I take back what I said."
"Now that's better isn't it? We can discuss more if we do it in a civilized manner."
"Sometimes, you're just too nice, sis."
"Why thank you, Nabiki. That's so sweet of you." Nabiki simply blinked.
"Anyway... I just asked baby sister here why she always calls Ranma a jerk and a pervert and she started getting all defensive..."
"I did not get defensive! And he is a jerk and a pervert!"
"Akane, its not nice to interrupt and shout when someone else is speaking."
"Um, sorry, sis. Its just that Nabiki's putting words into my mouth."
"So why do you always call him those awful words?"
"Because he is a jerk and a pervert. He insults me, won't eat my cooking but eats all the others', won't spar with me, picks on poor P-Chan and Ryoga..."
Nabiki flinched inside at the mention of the pet and the lost boy. Fortunately neither of her sisters noticed it.
"So what he says and does bothers you?"
"Who wouldn't be bothered?!"
"So why do you put up with him?" Nabiki butted in.
"What do you think?! Its all because of this engagement nonsense and thanks to you two I'm stuck with it!"
"So its all because of the honor contract between our families and nothing else you put up with all the crap you say he gives you?"
"Of course!"
"So if one of us," Nabiki indicated Kasumi and herself "were to volunteer to be the fiancee you'd give him up?" Nabiki saw an opportunity and went for it.
Red warning lights were flashing but Akane had her anger and pride blinders on. She bulled ahead.
"I'll even have him gift-wrapped!"
"Okay, I volunteer then."
Akane and Kasumi blinked.
"You?!" Akane was incredulous. "Yeah, right!" Akane snorted. "Like last time you volunteered? I may not like the jerk much but I'm not that cruel!"
The barb stung but Nabiki maintained her composure. Not a nice thing to say to your sister, Akane.
"Akane, apologize to Nabiki at once." Kasumi reprimanded in a low, serious tone. Akane cringed at the feeling of guilt the admonishment elicited.
"Nabiki, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I didn't mean what I said!"
"Last time was a mistake, I see that now." Nabiki admitted. "Funny how a life-changing event can make you see things in another light." Nabiki paused, unsure whether to continue or not. "The reason I couldn't sleep was because I had this uncomfortable gnawing feeling inside me. Its the same feeling I get when I let a good deal slip away. And the good deal is the person you call a jerk and a pervert and I let him slip away."
Nabiki breathed deeply before she continued.
"I realized something while in bed. Despite knowing my reputation and the way I mistreated him Ranma still believed in me and actually cared for me. I saw that when I pretended to be his fiancee. He believed me when I said I loved him, he felt flustered when I teased him, he protected me, he tried not to hurt me, he did everything he could to please me _and_ he even called me a 'normal, defenseless girl' and not the 'Ice Queen'! I can think of no other boy who would or will do that for me."
Nabiki paused again.
"So Akane, if you don't want the jerk then I will gladly take him off your hands. And I promise you it will be different this time. This time I won't give or even sell him back."
Akane stared, thunderstruck. She didn't know what to do. Her sister just poured her heart out. Her sister the 'Ice Queen OF Furinkan' saying she had feelings for her fiancee. Akane shook her head. It can't be real. It must be a nightmare. That's it it must be a nightmare. One way to find out. She hit her head on the table.
[Bonk!]
"Ow! That hurt!" So it wasn't a nightmare, it was real. Uh, oh.
"Akane, if you wanted to make sure this isn't just a dream you could have simply pinched yourself." Nabiki pointed out.
Akane blinked. "I knew that!" she huffed.
"So what's it going to be? Are you going to give your engagement to Ranma to me?"
"I... I..." Akane didn't know what to say. How could her sister do this to her?! Her own sister! Doesn't she know how I feel? Akane blinked. Of course she does, you idiot! You just said you didn't want Ranma! She screamed at her herself. Akane would have kicked herself in the back of her head if that was possible. She tried anyway.
[Pop! Thud!] Akane fell to the floor.
"Ow!"
"Akane, are you alright?" Kasumi asked in a worried tone as she looked over.
"I'll be fine, sis. I just need to pop my hip back into place. Just a sec."
[Pop!] Akane tried rotating her hip.
"Ah, that's better." She didn't notice the green tinge on her sisters' cheeks. "Where were we?"
"Nabiki just asked you a very important question, Akane. I think you should consider your answer very carefully."
Akane blinked again, remembering the spot her sister put her in.
"Why are you doing this, Nabiki?"
"Why shouldn't I? And why should you care?"
"Because I do care!" Whoops! Shouldn't have said that.
"You care about what?" Nabiki pressed.
"None of your business!"
"Okay, then you agree to give up your engagement to Ranma to me? We have Kasumi here as a witness."
"No, I don't! And you can't make me!"
"Why? You just said he's just a jerk and pervert who annoys and insults you? Why don't you go to Ryoga? He likes you, doesn't insult you, seems to enjoy your cooking or at least tries to eat it and you yourself have siad he's not a pervert or a jerk like Ranma."
"That's not the point and you know it!" Akane was getting frustrated.
"Know what, Akane? What is the point of all this?"
"Ooohhh...! If you weren't my sister I'd... You know exactly what I mean!"
"That you don't like Ranma, that you hit him for the littlest of reasons, that you think he's a jerk and pervert, and that you only tolerate him because of the honor contract between our families and because we dumped him on you? Which, by the way, I now know was a mistake. A mistake I'm willing to correct now."
"That's not true! And that's not what I meant!"
"What's not true?"
"Aaarrrggghhh!" Akane was beyond frustration. Nabiki had out-argued her at every turn but she wasn't going to give up just yet. And she wasn't just about to admit to anything yet, not under these circumstances. She turned to Kasumi for some breathing space.
"What about you, Kasumi? Don't you have any say in this?"
"Oh, I think you two are saying everything very well."
"That's not what I meant!" Akane blinked. "I'm sorry Kasumi, I didn't mean to shout at you. It's just that..." Akane wrung her hands.
"It's alright, Akane. I know it must be very frustrating for you right now with Ranma suddenly gone."
"Don't you have anything to say about Ranma? Why are you up anyway?"
"I had difficulty falling asleep."
"Why can't you sleep? Don't tell me you miss the jerk too?!" Akane was beyond incredulous.
Kasumi smiled. "Don't you, Akane? Whether we like it not, Ranma and his father affected our lives very much. And now that they're gone its only natural for us to have some difficulty adjusting again."
"So how did Ranma affect you, sis?" Nabiki was curious. She couldn't imagine Kasumi, the bedrock of their home, ruffled by someone leaving.
"Do you remember how our live were before they came? After mother died?"
"What's there to remember?"
"That is exactly what I mean. There's not much to remember in those years. But ever since Ranma came into our lives, life have been... oh, I don't know, exciting?"
"That's understating it."
"Yes, yes, but do you understand what I'm trying to say? Before Ranma came we barely lived our lives. It was the same thing over and over again, day in and day out. Don't get me wrong, I love doing housework but I have always felt that there must be more to life. That is the reason why I don't like younger men. They're just too boring. They are interested in only one thing."
"You got that right, sis." Akane said under her breath.
"But Ranma is anything but boring, right sis?"
Kasumi colored a little. "Yes, you can say that. I felt more alive in the past few months than I did all those years." Kasumi paused. "I've often wondered about what Ranma experienced on his training trip. The places he'd been to, the sights he'd seen, the sounds he'd heard, the people he'd met... even now he goes off to one adventure after another. How much I wish I could have gone on some of those."
"Have you gone insane, sis? Why would you want to go on one of Ranma's _mis_adventures?" Emphasis on the mis. Akane couldn't believe what she just heard.
"Akane, if you lived your life the way I have you would understand why I want to."
"But what about Dr. Tofu, sis?" Akane asked.
Kasumi smiled. "Oh, I _do_ like Dr. Tofu, he's so nice and silly, but I don't think I'm ready for the kind of life being his wife will be. I will be doing more of the same things I've been doing all these years. And with his mother wanting to have grandchildren right away I don't think I'll have much chance having more out of life."
"But I"m sure if you told Dr. Tofu want you wanted he'd happily give it to you."
"I wouldn't feel that would be right. Dr. Tofu has lived his life's adventures and now all he wants is a simple life. Someday I want that life but not now." Kasumi continued sadly. "The problem is I don't think he can wait until I am ready with his mother pushing him very hard to marry and have grandchildren now."
"So you're giving up on Dr. Tofu?"
Kasumi sighed. "I don't know but if he asked me to marry him today... I don't think I can say yes."
"I see." Akane would have thought she'd be happier at the news but somehow it didn't. She gave up on Dr. Tofu all those months ago when it became clear Dr. Tofu only had eyes for Kasumi _and_ only saw her as a little girl. She didn't think she can convince him otherwise even now.
"What exactly are you saying, Kasumi?" Nabiki didn't want any misunderstanding.
"I don't know exactly what I'm saying, Nabiki, but I do know I want something more out of my life right now than just being a plain housewife."
"Do you know who, how or where to get more out of your life?"
"I don't know. What I do know is that the best chance I have to get more out of my life is by being close to Ranma."
Nabiki nodded in understanding. "Strange how much effect one boy has on so many lives."
Kasumi smiled. "He does have that effect, doesn't he?"
Nabiki smiled in return. "And the jerk doesn't even know it. What do you plan to do about it?"
"I don't know. What can I do about it?"
"Hmmm... okay how about this. Are you willing to risk not doing anything about it?"
Kasumi went quiet.
Akane did not like the way their conversation went. Her sisters liked Ranma?! The pervert! He even had the gall to seduce her sisters! Wait till she gets her hands on him! I'm going to do this, then do that... A silly grin appeared on Akane's face as she imagined what she was going to do to Ranma.
"Akane?" Akane was brought out her reverie by Kasumi's question.
"Yes, Kasumi?"
"How do you really feel about Ranma?"
Akane immediately squirmed under the combined gaze of her two sisters.
"Uh, um, I don't know what you mean, sis." She stalled. "Oh, look at the time! Its way past bedtime! Good night, Kasumi, Nabiki." She tried to make a break for it. Too bad she's a klutz. She immediately tripped on her own foot. She scrambled on all fours to get out of the kitchen.
"Akane." That one word from the eldest sister brought the youngest sister to a halt.
"Akane, please sit down." Kasumi waited until Akane had sat down again. "Please, Akane, we are having a serious discussion right now. Something that may have major repercussions on our lives."
"What brought this about?" Akane felt like a deer in a hunter's cross hairs.
"Gee, I dunno, Akane. Maybe its the fact that we had a life-changing event yesterday?"
"Aren't you putting too much into Ranma's leaving?"
"Well we can definitely say his arrival changed our lives so why can't we say the same about his departure?"
"Akane, please, this is important for all of us. How do you honestly feel about Ranma?"
"How do think I feel about the jerk?"
"We don't know, Akane. If you really don't like him and the engagement is simply a burden to you, would it make you feel better if the engagement was transferred to either me or Nabiki? It seems we are both willing to take a chance with it."
"I... I..." Why are they doing this to me? Don't they know how I feel?
"So what's it gonna be, sis?"
"What about Ranma? Doesn't he have a say in this?"
"Well if you really don't like him and the engagement I don't think he's going to force you to continue being his fiancee."
"Now quit stalling already!"
Akane looked down at the table and twirled her fingers nervously. This was it. She was being asked by her sisters, two of the dearest persons in the world to her, how she felt about the boy they were both interested in.
"I... I don't know how I feel about him." That's not true you stupid idiot! You just don't want to say it!
Nabiki sighed. "Akane, how would you feel if you lost Ranma?"
"I... I..." The words caught in her throat. Lose Ranma? No, I can't lose Ranma. I don't want to lose Ranma. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"Becasue, Akane, we already lost Ranma from our home, we're afraid we might lose Ranma from our lives as well. Answer honestly, Akane, can you imagine yourself without Ranma?"
Several minutes of silence followed the question. The sisters could clearly hear the ticking of the clock in the living room.
"No, I can't." It came out as a whisper but was heard clearly in the silence. "I don't know what I'd do if I lose him. I don't want to lose him. I care for him too much." Tears begun to fall. Pride and anger, the two emotions that had helped keep her going ever since the death of their mother, had taken a beating. "I hate him for making me feel this way and I hate myself for letting him make me feel this way!" Shuddering sobs followed the tears.
Kasumi quickly went to hug her youngest sister. Akane cried into the comforting embrace of her sister. She felt Nabiki's reassuring hand on her shoulder and grasped it with her own. The three sisters shared the tender moment. They had been through many trials and tribulations ever since they lost their parents, one to death and the other to sorrow. They will get through this one also. They clung together for several minutes.
"I'm... I'm okay now sis." Akane let go of Kasumi and wiped her tears away.
"Are you sure, Akane?" worry was etched on the two elder sisters' faces.
"Yes, I'm sure. It just took a lot out of me to admit to that, that's all."
"Yes, it must have been very hard for you and you were very brave and strong to do it."
"Thanks, Kasumi." Akane felt much better now, like a great burden had been lifted.
"So you're keeping your engagement to Ranma, sis?"
"Yes, yes I am." The admission made her heart sing.
"I'm happy for you, Akane." Nabiki couldn't keep some of the sadness she felt completely from her voice. Will I ever find someone like Akane has found Ranma? "Don't do anything stupid to lose him."
"Sis..." Akane felt the emotion in Nabiki's voice. "Do you really mean what you said about Ranma?"
"Yes."
"How about you Kasumi? Did you also mean what you said?"
Kasumi looked away. "Yes. I'm sorry, Akane. I..."
"Don't be, Kasumi, I know why you feel the way you do about Ranma because that's how I feel too."
Kasumi looked back at Akane. "Thank you, Akane, for understanding."
"No, if there's someone who has to say thanks, it's me. I have to thank you both for making me face my feelings. I've been a fool not to admit it until I almost lost him."
"I'm glad you did also, Akane. Hopefully you two will be able to get along better from now on."
"I hope so, Kasumi, I hope so." Akane paused, wondering if she should continue. I should, I must. They're my sisters. "What about you two? What are you going to do now?"
"What else but wish you all the luck, you'll going to do it." Nabiki responded as cheerfully as she possibly could. She put on her fake smile.
"I don't feel its right that you'll have to give up your chances at happiness just because of me."
"No, Akane, we gave up our chances at Ranma when we dumped him on you when he first arrived. We don't have any right to pursue him if you're still willing to go through with the engagement, after all you've been through."
"Nabiki is right, Akane. We made a mistake when we did that, we both see that now."
"But still, I don't feel right knowing I took away your chances at happiness."
"Who knows, Akane, we might still find someone."
"What if you don't?"
Kasumi and Nabiki forced a smile on their faces. "I'm sure we will." There was little confidence.
"No, its just not right." Akane looked thoughtful for several moments. "Besides who knows who Ranma will marry? It's not sure I'll be the one. Maybe he likes one of you better than me." It was said a little tightly.
"What are you saying Akane?"
"I'm saying that you should act on your feelings. Who knows, maybe Ranma will pick one of you."
"Akane, I don't know what to say. Are you sure about this?"
"You two have been taking care of me since mother died. I know I've not been the best baby sister in the world and I may not always show it but I really do appreciate all you've done and sacrificed for me. This is one way of saying thanks."
"Akane." Kasumi hugged her sister again.
"Well, well, what do you know. Beneath that spoiled brat exterior actually lives a human being." Nabiki teased.
"Hey! I can say the same thing about you! Imagine, the Ice Queen having feelings."
"Now, now, you two. Its not nice to fight, especially among sisters."
"So what do we do now?"
"I suggest we go to sleep now." Kasumi indicated the time. "We've much to think about and being well rested will help. We can continue our talk tomorrow after school."
"Yeah, I guess you're right, sis." Nabiki yawned, she threw her soda can into the wastebasket. "See you in the morning."
"Need any help, Kasumi?" Akane washed the glass she used and replaced it in the cupboard.
"No. But thank you for asking. I'll just check on father before going up as well."
"Okay, sis. Good night."
"Good night, too, Akane."
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In another house in another part of Nerima a certain pig-tailed martial artist shuddered violently in his new bed as a feeling of impending doom settled over him. He knew the feeling well. He was going to get blamed for something.
"Whatever the hell it is, it's not my goddamn fault!" He screamed at the heavens.
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(1) In Volume 28 Part 1, 'Mother I'm Ran
ma!', of the manga Nodoka tells Ryu Kumon, who is masquerading as Ranma, that their old house was torn down without much explanation. I'm taking liberties here.
(2) "Battle for Miss Beachside" episode in the anime television series, season seven.
Author's Notes:
Alagon commented that Nodoka is "nodoka is badly O.O.C." Well she is OOC but I don't think too its too way OOC.
Regarding the solution he proposed:
"Shampoo and ranma are already married according to amazon traditions, ranma can turn into a woman allowing ukyo, who is legally a man, to marry him (her?) thus leaving otoko-ranma free to marry akane.
nope, no legal problems there at all..."
I've answered it in this chapter but for those who missed it, Nodoka proposed the same thing to Ranma but Ranma refused because if he's going to marry either Shampoo or Ukyo he wants to marry them properly under Japanese Law because in the case of Shampoo they're going to stay in Japan and not in China while in the case of Ukyo he wants her to regain everything she's lost (honor and womanhood are just two)because of what his father did to her. I believe Ranma is that way. Maybe if he has no other choice he might consider it.