"Nodoka? What are you doing here? I was looking for you everywhere!"
Suki said as she slowly came at Nodoka's side, who was standing on the private beach of the hotel as she was silently observing the ocean. When she heard Suki calling her, she slowly turned towards her and gave her a polite smile,
"Hello dear.. I just came here to have some fresh air..It's so comfortable here, isn't it?"
Suki saw as Nodoka turned to face the ocean again as she gave a big sigh. She shook her head and looked at the ocean as well as she asked her,
"Are you missing your family, dear?"
"You mean Ranma?"
Suki smiled as she turned to look at her,
" I mean to say Ranma and your husband.."
"Genma?!" She turned to stare at Suki for a brief moments, then turning to watch the sea again she said,
"To be honest with you dear, I am use to living without him.. I am only missing my son, Suki.."
"Don't mind me asking you Nodoka, but Ranma also stayed away from you for long ten years! Just like your husband did .. So how come you miss him and not your husband?"
Nodoka giggled as she puts her hand over her mouth as she replied,
"Oh Suki, I really don't know why.. but, I really don't care about my husband that much. All I care about is my Ranma. If I tell you the truth, if it wasn't for Ranma, I wouldn't have wasted my time waiting and looking for them!"
Suki now fully turned to look at her as she asked her in a serious tone,
"I am sorry that I am asking you this, Nodoka, but after I came to know the real you, I really have to know this.. I mean, a girl such a kind and soft-hearted like you, how come you ended up with that… that.. what I mean to say is.."
"A dumb grumbler like, Genma!" Nodoka giggled again as she turned to face her with a sad smile as she said,
"It was not in my hand, Suki.. My father.. he was way too fascinated about one thought that his daughter would marry a strong martial artist. So, one day when Genma came asking for my hand, he immediately agreed!"
"But, that's SO unfair!!! I mean, how could your father agree to give your hand to a random guy who has nothing to offer you in return!!" Suki said in an annoyed tone.
"Ya I know.. You know what Suki.. They actually lied to my father.."
"They?"
"Yes, they.. My husband Genma and Master Happosai. They told my father that Genma is not an ordinary Martial artist.. He indeed had lots of fortune as well. My father foolishly agreed and we got married. His lie smoothly continued for a year and when Ranma turned one year old, we got to know the real Genma. My father was furious at him, he wanted to end it all. But, it was not possible. Our generation was more strict, Suki. If I hadn't had Ranma that time, I would have backed out from this relationship. But, whatever I did was only because of Ranma. "
"Then why have you allowed Genma to take your five-year-old on a training trip! This is so insane!"
Nodoka again sighed sadly,
" Honestly, I wanted to save, Ranma. Everyday lots of people started to show up in our house, for the money that Genma had shamelessly borrowed from them. And the way they started harassing us, I had no other choice but to send my son into some safety, away from this uncertain situation his father had shamelessly laid upon his back. For the last ten years, when we were apart, all I did was work and pay all the debt..Because I didn't want to pressure my innocent child. And after everything had settled down, I started searching for them. You know Suki, if it was not for my Akane, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet my son. Genma always tried to hide Ranma's identity from me, but with Akane's help, my son finally managed to meet me. That's why Suki, Akane is really very special to me, just as she is precious to my son…"
Suki smiled at her as she laid her one palm over her shoulder and said in a low tone,
"Don't be upset, dear. I think Ranma will return here soon…"
"I hope too.." Nodoka replied while putting her hand over her hand which was laid on her shoulder. Then she said in a sly tone,
"And don't worry, Suki. My husband dear will also join the party soon. I have already given him the ticket to visit Mount Fuji. He will get in there on time, no worries!"
"Aww..Wha..!?" At first Suki didn't understand what Nodoka meant to tell her. But when she realized what Nodoka had done and the playful way she had told her the news, made her laugh hard as she asked her in disbelief,
"Oh my God! Girl, what did you just say! You sent him to Mount Fuji!!"
Nodoka started laughing alongside with her as she said in between her laughter,
"Aw Suki, I want to enjoy my Kasumi's wedding wholeheartedly! I think we should keep those trouble makers out of sight.."
Suki awed and hugged Nodoka tightly. Then laying her hand around her shoulder, she started to take Nodoka inside the hotel as she said, ..
"Let me give you a special treat for this, dear.. Trust me, I owe you big time!!"
"Oh, with pleasure, honey!"*
For the past one hour, Akane has been searching for her aunt. But she couldn't find her anywhere! She asked her sisters, Tofu even Akio, but with no success at all! Tonight she was determined enough, that she would make things clear to her aunt and tell her that she can't leave Ranma. At any cost, she will risk her future to be able to stay by his side. She doesn't care if Ranma comes back to her on time or not, she will wait for him. But, now that she couldn't find her mom, she began to feel restless. She was about to end her searching when suddenly her eyes locked onto something so unusual! She blinked her eyes in confusion and became stunned to see that scene in front of her.
She saw with her wide stunned eyes that her aunt Suki and Nodoka were enjoying some dessert on the restaurant and fussing over it like some teenagers. The way they were savouring every spoonful and the way they were laughing and chatting, it was as if they were aome childhood friends, who had met after so long time! She smiled to herself as she slowly began to make her way towards them.
In her heart, she had believed that once her mom comes to know Nodoka, she will be just fine with her. But to see them enjoying each other's company like this, it was too good to be true for her. Because, for her, now that she knows that they have become comfortable with each other, she can convey her message to her mom more easily. As she got closer to their sit, she could clearly hear all the silly things her aunts were saying and their kiddish giggles.
Suki felt a presence approaching them, she looked up slowly and her face immediately brightened up when she saw her daughter approaching them.
"Akane! My baby! Come here!"
She pulled her by her hand and almost dragged her by her side, to sit with her. Suki and Nodoka giggled again as Suki hugged Akane tightly at the side and gave her a kiss..
"Akane, you okay?"
"Yeah, mom! I was searching for you for so long!"
"You were?" Suki saw her nodding as she asked her, "But why, dear? Do you need anything?"
Akane sighs as she looked at Nodoka, then turning to Suki, she said,
"I want to tell you something, mom… And it's really important.."
"Okay.. I am listening.. Tell me.."
"Mom… Mom, I want to tell you that… that.. I.. What I mean to say is.."
"SUKI!!!"
Surprised by the sudden yell, they all turned simultaneously towards the voice as they saw a random guy running towards their way with open arms.
"Josh! Oh my God!"
Suki cried out happily as she hurriedly stood up and ran toward the man as well.
Akane and Nodoka both became surprised as they stood up as well. Nodoka came beside Akane and they saw Suki hugging that men tightly as they began talking historically with each other. After some brief surprised moments has passed, they saw as they both stopped chatting and slowly came in front of them, holding hands.. Upon reaching them, Suki excitedly said to them,
"Let me introduce you guys.. Akane, Nodoka, this is my very close friend, Josh.. My all-time disciple.. And this hotel belongs to him! He is the one who has made everything possible for us! And Josh, this Is my.."
"This is your princess, Akane.. Isn't it right?"
Josh asked in a warm tone as he eyed Akane with a smile on his face. He saw Suki nodding excitedly as Akane said while bowing slightly,
"Hello Uncle Josh, nice to meet you.."
"Same here dear, I have heard so many things about you. It's the first time we have met, but trust me dear, I know you very well…"
Akane blushed hearing that as she smiled at him. Suki laid her hand over his chest to pull his attention back to her as she said,
"And meet my friend, her name is Nodoka."
His face immediately turned naughty as he laid out his hand in front of Nodoka as he said in a low husky tone,
"Oh, such an elegant looking woman you are! Really nice to meet you!" Nodoka slowly laid her hand over his extended hand as he slowly kissed her hand, making her blush red as well..
"Oh my! Nice to meet you too, Josh!" She replied while smiling elegantly at him.
"Oh honestly , Josh..! Stop flirting already! You are making her blush now!" Suki said laughing, he stood up smirking as he elbowed her side jokingly,
"Stop being so jealous!"
"Oh! Dream on, buddy! But why did you come here too late?"
"I am not late, dear! You guys came before time!"
"Well.. We certainly wanted to enjoy before the big day, you know.." She said playfully as she remembered something and asked him in a worried hush tone, "Did you bring it with you, Josh?"
He smirked and winked at her. Then they suddenly heard a woman yelling Suki's name in excitement as she started running towards them as well. Suki also ran towards her as they shared a friendly tight hug with each other..
Akane was looking at them with amazement as she suddenly felt a presence beside her. She looked up and saw Josh standing by her side. He looked at her with a soft smile in his face and said in low tone,
"That's my wife, Amber.. They are good friends as well.. Akane dear, you guys are so lucky to have an aunt like Suki, you know. She has sacrificed everything for you guys. Her youth, her desires, her dream, not only that, her love as well!"
"Her love?!" Akane asked as she looked at him with surprise in her eyes.
He smiled at her and nodded,
"Yes dear.. I remember she had a huge crush over a guy. And I also remember that, he also shared the same feeling for her. But, despite getting the chance to tell him and start her life with him, she choosed to be silent about this matter. Because she didn't want to get married and risk her responsibilities towards you guys."
Akane kept looking at him with shock as she bites her lower lips and heard him saying with a sad tone…
"You know, I used to have a crush on her too, but she denied me. She didn't want to hook up to any relationship, only because she wanted to build a good future for you guys. And not only me, in her life circle, lots of opportunities also came in her way, that offered her a secure life for herself. But, she refused everything! I knew her from my childhood. Me and my family adore and respect her so much for her selfless character. That's why we never left her side. You have no idea dear, how many hardships she had gone through in her life! Yes, we were there with her, but we couldn't be there all the time for her. She lived a lonely life all by herself, working day and night to achieve her goals. I always used to see how tired she used to feel, how lonely she was, but she never used to complain about that.. When I asked her why she is doing this injustice to her life, she used to say to me that, it's not only her that's going through injustice.. Her daughters also need justice in life. And she would do whatever it is possible to give you guys a life that you guys deserve. I used to wish that, someday maybe she would get tired of all this and get selfish and she will began to think about her own happiness. But no… I was wrong! As time passed by, she became even more determined for you guys.. And now, after all those years of struggles, now when we are witnessing her daughter getting married, trust me dear, I don't know why, but I am feeling so light hearted as well! I am feeling so happy for her! For me, my stubborn friend finally reached her goal and I know she will get happiness as a form of you guys.. And now that I am seeing you, young lady, I can actually understand why my friend was so overprotective of you! You Tendo girls surely look like angels.."
He finished while grinning widely as Nodoka came beside Akane . She protectively circled her arm around her, giving her a small squeeze she said,
"They not only look like angels, but they also act like one too..! You are right Mr Josh, these Tendo girls are so amazing! I am so glad that I have got to know them..! And I know very well that these girls could never break their aunt Suki's heart!"
Akane looked at Nodoka helplessly as her lower lips began to tremble as she whispered to Nodoka,
"Obasan.. I.. I want to.."
"Akane!"
Akane stopped her talking as she turned to face her mom with a troubled expression on her face.
"Akane.. Please come with me to our room, I have something very special to give you girls. I have already called Nabiki, she and Kasumi are on their way.. So… let's go?"
Akane sighed sadly as she nodded her head in her direction. Suki nervously smiled at her and turned to look at Nodoka,
"Nodoka. Would you join us, dear?"
Nodoka nodded excitedly and soon she started to follow Akane and Suki, to go to their shared room. Where Suki and her three daughters were currently staying together.
Upon reaching their room, Suki got excited to find Nabiki and Kasumi approaching them. She ran towards them and hastily started to open the door for all of them to enter.
Nodoka looked at the room with awe in her eyes. It was a very big luxurious room, with a living and dining room and with three separate bedrooms inside.
Suki took all of them to one spacious bedroom. It has a big mirror attached to one corner. Suki asked all of them to make themselves comfortable. She was shaking with excitement. The thing she was about to give them, it has always been her big dream. She never thought that she could even dare to fulfil it. But she did it! And now, she is going to give her daughters something that they couldn't even imagine getting. She realised a deep sigh and closed her eyes to compose herself.
"Aunt Su! Are you sure you are ok?" Nabiki asked her as she sat beside Kasumi on the bed.
"Oh my, Suki.. You are really scaring me now! What is so important that you called us to come here so urgently!?"
Akane couldn't utter any word to her. She was feeling concerned for her mom as well, but for some reason,after she heard what Josh had explained to her, it is as if something is gripping her throat tightly and preventing her from talking to her mom. She gulped in anticipation and as she kept looking at her aunt, she could feel her aunt had a very important announcement to make to them. She kept looking at her mom as she saw her finally opening her eyes with a nervous smile on her face.
"First of all, I am okay.. NO! I am not fine actually! Oh Kami what am I saying!! Look, I am really shaking with excitement right now, so don't get any funny ideas about me, ok?" Suki sighs and began saying in a trembling tone,
"Honestly, I never thought that THIS day would ever come!! I dreamed of it day and night, but I never thought this would ever come true. And when I finally managed to get it, I became so overwhelmed that I didn't even know how to present it to you guys. So, after much thinking, I have finally decided that I will give this to you guys at Kasumi's wedding.."
"A gift!" Kasumi asked softly, "Suki, you have already overdone yourself for my wedding. I don't need any gifts from you…"
Suki smiled and said,
"After you see this my dear, I promise you can't resist it.."
Suki slowly went towards Kasumi and helped her to stand up. She then pulled a box out from a bag that she was carrying with her. She then smiled at her and finally revealed what was inside the box.
It was an elegant looking choker necklace, the sparkling diamonds which was attached to it making it look so breathtaking. Kasumi took a sharp breath as she looked at Suki with wide eyes,
"Oh my, Suki! This is way too much! This looks so expensive! I can't take this from you.."
"Even if I tell you…. that this is the same necklace that your mother had given me, Kasumi.."
Kasumi took a shape breath as she asked her in complete disbelief,
"What did you just say?!"
Nabiki stood up as well, equally stunned by the unexpected revelation as she asked in a whisper tone,
"But … but you have told us that you had to sell it for your business.."
A tear escaped from Suki's eyes as she said in a trembling tone,
"I didn't want to sell it. I wanted to keep it for you guys. Because, it's the last reminder of your mother. It was way too valuable for me, not because it is made of diamonds, but because this belongs to my Natsumi Oneechan. I didn't want to lose it. So, I begged Josh's mother to take it from me but on one condition, that she had to return it to me if I could ever buy it back from her. His mother kept it secure for me and just recently, I managed to buy it back from her…"
Suki saw as Kasumi began to weep silently as Nabiki looked at the necklace with adoration. She composed herself and to make the situation a little more calm, she started to act cheerfully and started explaining her experience in a haste,
"Now, don't just stare at it! You know how confused I was when I got that single long piece of jewellery in my hand! Oh Kami! I was so confused! Because, I wanted to distribute it to three of you equally, but I didn't even know what to do with that! So, Josh helped me to solve the problem as he took me to one jewellery shop and that man there suggested that I make three chokers out of this! I was so happy about that! And the result is in your hands now! I wanted to surprise you guys with this, Kasumi! That's why I didn't tell you about this!" She held Kasumi's hand as she turned to face Nodoka and asked her,
"Why are you all so silent! Say something! Isn't it great, Nodoka!?"
Nodoka smiled with tears in her eyes. She wiped her tears clean as she said in an emotional tone,
"Oh Suki! You are such an amazing person! This is the most precious thing anyone could ever give them..! I am so proud of you, dear.."
Hearing Nodoka put it like that, Suki gave a relieved laugh as she nodded at her. Then her eyes fell upon Akane, who was looking back at her with awe-struck sparkling eyes, her mouth slightly agape. Suki sighs as she slowly goes towards her. She stopped in front of her and slowly took her hand and started pulling her to come with her. She took her in front of the big mirror and made her look at it. Then silently, without uttering any words to her, she arranges the necklace on her neck. After she was done with her task, she laid her hands over Akane's shoulders and silently looked at the mirror, at the image she always dreamed of seeing oneday..
Akane also couldn't utter any word to her mom as she also kept staring at the necklaces on the mirror. Her mind started swirling with thoughts as Josh's words started whirling on her mind,
"You have no idea dear, how many hardships she had gone through in her life!
She lived a lonely life all by herself, working day and night to achieve her goal.
I used to wish that, someday maybe she would get tired of all this and get selfish and she will began to think about her own happiness.
She has sacrificed everything for you guys. Her youth, her desire, not only that, her love as well!
She didn't want to get married and risk her responsibilities towards you guys."
" Akane…! Akane? Dear.. You don't like it?"
Her train of thoughts broke as she heard her aunt's worry-filled tone. She looked at the mirror and saw herself wearing a part of her mother's jewellery. She slowly started to trace it with her fingers as she began to breathe unevenly..
"Akane.."
"Mother!.." Akane turned to Suki with wet eyes as she whispers to her in a shaky tone, "Mom… It's my mother's.. She.. she is with me now..!"
Suki smiled sadly as she whisper to her while laying her warm hand over Akane's wet cheek,
"She was always there with you guys, dear.."
"Oh mom!!"
Akane broke down on Suki's warmth as she hugged her aunt Suki tightly. Soon, Kasumi and Nabiki also joined the hug as tears of happiness and satisfaction began to pour through their eyes.
Nodoka also got emotional by seeing that scene as she decided to give them some privacy and silently left the place.*
"I am HOME!!!"
Ranma declared loudly as he slid open his house's door. But to his utter surprise, darkness welcomed him as well as the silence. He made his way inside the house and started calling for everyone,
"Mom! Pop! ….. Akane!! Kane, where are ya? Kasumi Onee-chan? Anybody home? Kane!"
After some brief searching, he finally found Kasumi and his mother cooking in the dark kitchen. He became nervous to see that as he slowly made his way towards them,
"Mom, Kasumi Onee-chan.. Why are you guys cooking in the dark?"
No answer came from them as they kept cooking with an emotionless expression on their faces. Ranma started to sweat in anticipation as he asked them in haste,
"Where is Kane?"
They started giggling after hearing that as Kasumi replied,
"Oh my , Ranma! She is there where you have sent her!"
"What! But… but I haven't sent her anywhere!"
He hastily left them as he heard them laughing at him. He got scared as he quickly made his way towards Akane's room. In his way up to her room, he found Nabiki sitting on the middle of the stairs as she was eating some chips, a dark blank expression on her face.
"Nabiki, do ya know where Akane is?"
Nabiki looked up at him with a sly smile on her face as she said,
"I warned you right? I told you that, your every action will have consequences from now on… So, now enjoy your consequences, Ranma.."
She started giggling like a maniac after that. He left her as well as he hurriedly ran upstairs, but in his haste he tripped and fell on the ground. Suddenly, his wooden floor changed into tile floors. He looked up in a panic and instantly found relief when he saw his Akane standing in front of him, with a blank expression on her face.
Ranma hurriedly stood up and hugged her tightly. He pulled her head on his chest as he buried his face on the crook of her neck. He then said with a shaky tone,
"Kane.. Oh Kane.. I was so scared! I thought.. I thought ya left me.."
Saying that with his trembling tone, he slowly realised her from his hug and looked at her. He was shocked to see her crying hard and sobbing. He hastily wiped her tears clean as he asked her in a panicked tone,
"Hey! Everything's gonna be okay, tomboy! Please.. Please don't cry.."
Then he heard her shaky whisper as she replied to him,
"You promised me, Ranma… Why did you break it? Why did you left me? You promised me that we will overcome this obstacle together.. But you left me to deal with it alone! Why Ranma, Why?"
"No! I didn't break any promises! I came back for ya, Kane! .."
Akane shakes her head as she began to back away from him,
"You broke your promise, Ranma.. Now it's too late! I can't do anything anymore.. Forgive me.."
"Akane dear.. Let's go.." Suddenly Suki came to the scene and started dragging a crying Akane with her..
After some moments of shock, Ranma finally came back to his sense as he started to ran towards them. But it was as if, how much he tries to reach them, he couldn't get to them as they eventually got vanish in a darkness. Ranma helplessly called out to Akane as he tripped over the hard floor. He looked up horrifyingly, not finding them anywhere as he yelled in desperation,
"AKANE!!! COME BACK TA ME!! I CANT LIVE WITHOUT YA!! PLEASE!!! I BEG YA.. I SWEAR TA KAMI, I WON'T BREAK ANY MORE PROMISES! PLEASE COME BACK TA ME.. AKANEEEE…!!!!!!!"
Ranma woke up with a shock, as he began panting hard. His clothes became wet with his sweat as he desperately tried to calm himself down. He gulped hard as his nightmares came to his mind again and again.. Since he came to camping here, every single night he had woken up with the force of his nightmares. But, today's was so vivid and felt so real that, his whole body began to shake with fear. His heart was banging painfully as he tries to take some deep breaths to calm himself. Finding no solution to his shattering situation, he gave up trying as he buried his face on his sweaty palms, as he began to mumble to himself,
"No… no.. It's not real! It's.. it's just a dream.. Akane won't leave me.. She can't leave me behind.. I need her.. She just can't.. I.. I won't let that happen.. No! I will never let her leave me! I WON'T let anyone take her away from me! Akane is MINE! SHE IS DAMN MINE!!!!"
A/N: Things are getting tougher for this fic. And my timetable is not allowing me to sit and write T-T. I really hope that, I will be able to post next week. But, I am still not sure.. All I know is, I will try my hardest to post this on time. English is not my first language! So, explaining my imagination in English sometimes gets so tough for me T-T.. But I won't stop trying.. I want to finish this fic with happy ending!! So, please keep supporting me and show me your support via your reviews. I hope you liked it.. In the Next chapter, you can guess who is returning to Akane :p.. Stay tuned!!!!