Author's note: My thanks for all the reviews. Unfortunately I have to inform you all that my updates will slow down considerably. My remaining grandfather has been getting worse these past few days. He has some serious trouble with his memory and has walked to an old home of his, some 30 years ago, on his slippers. We're monitoring things closely and are trying to keep our spirits up. This cuts my free time down and thus time to write. I am determined to finish this story, it will just take sometime.
Chapter 4 Laying the foundations for the future
Rubbing the sleep from their eyes, Ranma and Hitomi sat at the table, waiting for breakfast. Grumbling Genma glared at his son-turned-daughter.
"Boy, you've been slacking off too much lately. You've been neglecting your training and wasting time sleeping so long. Have you gone soft, boy?" Genma said, frowning.
"Can it pops. I don't get enough sleep as it is. And I neglecting my training either." Ranma heatedly replied.
"Stop whining like a girl, boy. And change back this instant, I won't have my son be a weak girl." Genma snuffed.
"Uhm, what I meant is that our 'son' is stronger as a boy and he is a boy from birth. I'm just trying to help the boy adjust to his curse, dear. Re-enforcing his manhood." Genma nervously amended as Nodoka frowned.
"Blablabla, pop. We'll spar after breakfast if ya're so eager." Ranma commented as she yawned.
"I too want to know why you're remaining in that form, my son." Nodoka said.
"Cause I usually end up in the pond and change. Seems like a waste of hot water. And like pops said, I need to 'adjust' to my curse. Especially in a fight." Ranma grinned at his father.
"I suppose that makes sense, but I expect you to change afterwards." Nodoka stated.
Nodding, Ranma returned her attention back at the kitchen doorway. Humming a bit, Ranma sniffed the delicious scent. Occasionally glancing at Hitomi, Ranma patiently (for once) waited. For about 2 minutes that is. Stomach growling, Ranma sheepishly shrugged and smirked proud as Hitomi's stomach echoed hers.
"I'll go and see if Kasumi needs some help." Ranma said and got up with Hitomi trailing, causing Genma to grumble again.
Quickly setting the plates on the table, Ranma helped Kasumi with the food. Hitomi had placed the teacups on the table, avoiding getting close to Genma and Nodoka. Finishing preparations, Kasumi gathered the rest of the family from upstairs as Ranma and Hitomi sat down again. Except for the normal pleasantries, breakfast was a quiet affair as Nodoka held Genma's usual pilfering in check and Ranma ate at a more subdued pace.
"Okay, pops. Ready when you are. Breakfast was good as always, Kasumi. Wanna watch us Hitomi?" Ranma asked.
Nodding her head, Hitomi moved to the dojo to watch. Ranma and her father moved before the koi pond into ready positions. At an unseen signal both jumped into the air. Blocking the others kick each combatant tried to grab the other for a throw. As Genma landed, he started throwing insults at Ranma as he charged. Redirecting a punch and going for a leg sweep, Ranma caught a glimpse of Hitomi just as she started to return the insults. Crowing at this son-turned-daughter's distraction, Genma threw her in the pond.Draging herself out of the pond, Ranma admonished her father about the insults. Laughing, Genma threw himself into the fight and made a particularly nasty insult. Grimly, Ranma met her father head on in silence. Blocking a kick and grabbing the offered leg, Ranma returned the previous favor. Scowling, Ranma waited for the panda to clear the water. Cracking her knuckles, Ranma ignored her father's signs and played the ever popular game of pound the panda. After using her Amaguriken attack, Ranma grumbled and dragged her beat-up father to the house. Dumping a kettle of hot tea over her father, waking him up in the process, Ranma started to berate her father.
"Damned pops, what's the big idea with yelling those insults in front of Hitomi? Are ya trying ta turn her into another me? I don't want her to learn the same vocabily… vocataly… words as me. I got in enough trouble with all the insults I kept throwing around, thinking that was how people talked." Ranma practically screeched.
"Ha, that girl is making you weak, boy. Leave raising her to the woman as they should and train more. I will not tolerate you slacking off." Genma scoffed, eeping at the angry aura's the present females displayed.
"Husband, I agree with my son. Hitomi is to be brought up as a lady and such foul words will not be tolerated in her presence. The word you were looking for, my son, is vocabulary." Nodoka firmly stated.
"Yes, dear." Genma sighed and accepted the towel from her, moving to the shogi board to sulk.
"Hitomi, I don't want ya to use those words pops said." Ranma said to Hitomi, whom was standing to the side.
"Understand? Those words are a big no-no. Except for those people whom deserve such words." Ranma added.
Nodding her head, Hitomi grabbed Ranma's hand and started towards the furo. Smiling, Ranma picked Hitomi up and went to clean up. Returning after a while, Ranma sat at the table for some tea. Looking around the room, Ranma saw Nabiki watching tv, Nodoka and Kasumi were enjoying a cup of tea with him and the two fathers were cheating at shogi again. Blinking, Ranma looked around again.
"Say, where's Akane? Didn't see her at breakfast either." Ranma asked after sipping some tea.
"Akane ate early and went to her friends to work on their homework." Kasumi answered.
"You should also start on your homework, my son." Nodoka stated.
"Uhm, in a while mom. I've got some things ta do first." Ranma responded, fidgeting slightly.
"Nabiki, could I talk to ya about something? In private?" Ranma asked Nabiki, finishing his tea and moving to stand beside her.
"Sure, we'll step into my room. I'll even give you a discount on the consultation fees." Nabiki smirked as she stood.
Carrying Hitomi, Ranma followed Nabiki to her room. Inside, Ranma sat down on the bed with Hitomi on his lap. Nabiki sat on the chair at the desk, smirking.
" So, Ranma. What do you want to talk about? Remember, you pay an hourly rate and one photo session for this consultation." Nabiki stated, fully engaged in her 'Ice-queen' mode.
"As long as I get half of the money. I mean, I need ta money too." Ranma grumbled.
"Half? Have you forgotten your debt? Or all the costs involved with your stay? Just because Akane considers you a brother dies not mean you get pardoned from your monetary aid to this family." Nabiki coldly lectured.
"While I accept that you now have responsibilities towards Hitomi, I too have certain responsibilities towards the rest of my family." Nabiki firmly continued, forestalling a protest from Ranma.
"I know, I know. Ya've kept the Tendo's under a roof and food on the table. Me and pops ain't helping much with us eating like we do. I ain't the one breaking stuff, but I am the one they usually want and the break things to get to me. Mr Tendo doesn't want me to work, so I help by letting you take my picture. I don't like being a freeloader anymore than ya do." Ranma responded.
"Wonderful. We now both understand the situation. Anything else I can help with?" Nabiki deadpanned.
"Sh…, darn Nabiki. I came here for your help, not your sarcasm." Ranma stated heatedly, glancing at Hitomi.
"Then stop talking around the subject and say what it is you need my help with." Nabiki replied.
"I need a job or some other way ta make money. Ya the only one I know who is good with getting money." Ranma quietly said, after swallowing his pride.
"I don't wanna do something illegal, do." Ranma added.
"Interesting. So, big bad Ranma wants a job, ne? Why Ranma, that sounds so mature coming from you." Nabiki chuckled.
"No jokes, Nabiki. I wanna do things right for Hitomi here, not like how pops did for me." Ranma said, briefly hugging Hitomi.
"Alright Saotome, no jokes. Considering your new 'leaf' in school, there aren't many 'legal' jobs available that have flexible schedules. I suspect you want some time with Hitomi, so that cuts the number of hobs down again. Off hand I would say, delivery boy, escort service in both forms, demolition company or a model… as a girl." Nabiki counted on her fingers.
" Great, which one would get me the most money for the least time?" Ranma asked, cringing slightly in expectation.
"That would either be the escort service or the model job. Escort service would likely ask for one or two nights a week. As a model, your agent would be able to make a schedule to your liking." Nabiki replied.
"Ain't I a bit young for a escort service? I mean, don't ya need ta be 24 or something?" Ranma asked after a moment of consideration.
"Not the escort service I'm considering. It's a dual service, offering protection and company in a formal setting. With your martial arts prowess, they would sign you up in a jiffy." Nabiki explained.
"I don't know. Still sounds like your selling … , uhm, you get the idea."Ranma stuttered, indicating Hitomi.
"Well, Saotome. That leaves the model job." Nabiki smirked.
"Yeah. Don't like it, but what can a guy do? I would like to contribute to the finances to help. I don't want to freeload if I can avoid it and since ya're good with these things, would ya be my agent?" Ranma ventured.
"You're serious, aren't you?" Nabiki blinked.
"I am." Ranma stated, sitting as upright and formal as possible.
"Something can be arranged. What do you suggest, as you seem to have given this some thought." Nabiki mused.
"Uhm, as I said I don't wanna freeload any longer. I guess that the money should be split in three parts. Some for me, some for you as my agent and some for the household." Ranma considered, after a few moments of silence.
"Sounds fair enough, I'll get the ball rolling and will ask auntie to help create a legal identity for 'Ranko'. I should have a contract ready by tomorrow and a photo shoot in a few days." Nabiki answered, warming up to the challenge.
"Uhm, my girl side is already getting an id." Ranma interjected.
"Oh?" Nabiki blinked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, since I was in City Hall to adopt Hitomi anyway. Seemed like a good idea." Ranma said, trying to act nonchalantly.
Hurumping in disbelief, Nabiki ushered Ranma and Hitomi out of her room and pulled out her cell phone. Ranma carried Hitomi downstairs and into the kitchen.
"Say, Kasumi? Can I talk to ya for a moment?" Ranma asked.
"Sure Ranma." Kasumi responded with a smile.
"Kasumi, I want to ask ya if ya want ta watch Hitomi if I'm not around or some challenger comes." Ranma asked.
"Of course I'll help. I would be delighted to watch over Hitomi." Kasumi pleasantly answered.
"Thanks, Kasumi. Being a parent takes a lot of work and a lot of things to think about." Ranma said in relief.
"It does take some effort, but it often is rewarding to see the results of your labor." Kasumi stated.
Nodding his acceptance, Ranma fell silent in contemplation. Hitomi looked as Kasumi glided around the kitchen. Nodding to himself, Ranma focused on Kasumi again.
"Kasumi, could ya help me with finding a school for Hitomi? She needs ta learn new stuff and play with boys and girls her own age." Ranma questioned.
"There is a school nearby for her age group, I'll inquire about entering Hitomi. I'm glad you are trying to do what is best for Hitomi." Kasumi praised.
"Aw, I just wanna do what's right. I already talked to Nabiki about a job. Me and Hitomi even have something we'll be able to do together, martial arts." Ranma stated, embarrassed by the praise.
"I'm happy that you have something to do together. Just remember to let Hitomi's wounds heal first." Kasumi gently chided.
"No worries, Kasumi. I ain't like pops. We're starting with meditation techniques 'till her wounds are healed." Ranma responded.
"That is good. As long as Hitomi is getting enough rest and her wounds aren't agitated, then she should recover just fine." Kasumi commented as she placed a plate of cookies on the table.
"I'll keep tha in mind. I could use a few address for rolling stock for cloth, preferably silk for the blouses and something strong for slacks. Hitomi needs a new wardrobe and I figured it would be cheaper to make them myself." Ranma said.
"I'll show you tomorrow, when I do my groceries." Kasumi replied.
"Are you finished, my son? Your homework still needs to be done." Nodoka interjected as she entered the kitchen.
"Yeah, mom. I'll go and get my homework, thanks Kasumi." Ranma answered unenthusiastically as he stood.
Nodding, Nodoka returned to the living room. In the last few months Nodoka had put her foot down and insisted that Ranma do better in school. Properly 'motivated' and Nodoka watching like a hawk, Ranma's grades started to rise slowly. This rise increased when Nodoka and Hinako convinced Ranma of the relevance of school subjects with martial arts (challenge in English, physics to aerial combat, etc). Nodoka still had to supervise the homework to ensure that it would get done.
Nodoka also started the hard work of teaching Ranma better manners and speech. This was an up-hill battle at the moment, with the occasional success (most noted success to-date was a meal where Ranma appeared to eat at a normal pace).
Genma tried to interfere once, but was quickly 'convinced' by Nodoka that it was her turn. That particular discussion had lasted about a hour and ended with a mummified panda. Apparently the discussion held the argument of the training trip and training methods, which Ranma finally had explained in detail to Nodoka. The odd grumbling about how his son was getting soft was still heard from time to time, despite frequent attempts to end the grumbling.
Sitting down in the living room, Ranma opened his math homework with clear disdain. Seeing Hitomi staring a bit at the wall, Ranma called her over and gave her some paper and pencils to draw. Smiling, Hitomi set to work besides Ranma. Sighing, Ranma turned his attention to his homework. Occasionally asking his mother for help with the more difficult problems, Ranma worked until lunch.
Reminding Ranma about his manners from time to time, Nodoka seemed pleased with the progress her son had made. Lunch was a nice and peaceful affair. As the table was cleared, Nodoka questioned Ranma about his homework from yesterday to try to find out if the material was remembered.
Still sitting at the table, Ranma was looking at the drawings Hitomi had made. Complimenting Hitomi on her stick figures Ranma showed her a trick he had learned to add perspective and depth to the drawing. He mentioned how his art teacher had demonstrated this using a drawing from a famous painter. Hearing a knock on the front door, Ranma moved to sit facing the doorway to the front of the house. Warily sighing, Ranma waited for this new problem to arrive in his life. Seeing Mousse enter, Ranma quickly stood and moved in front of Hitomi. Mousse, with an arm in cast and limping slightly, moved in front of Ranma. Gingerly sitting down, Mousse bowed.
"Ranma Saotome, I have come to apologies for the mistake I made yesterday." Mousse formally stated.
"What mistake did you make?" Nodoka sternly questioned, gripping her wrapped katana.
"I attacked and endangered an innocent, specifically a child. A serious offence according to our people's laws and on I must make amends for. Children are meant to be cherished." Mousse explained.
"Good ta hear that ya got some honor." Ranma snuffed.
"So, how are ya gonna make sure it won't happen again?" Ranma continued, glaring at Mousse.
"I don't expect it to happen again. I doubt you will go around carrying children everywhere you go, unless it is an emergency." Mousse replied, calmly.
"Hitomi is my daughter, Mousse. I carry her often enough for ya surprise attack to be a problem." Ranma countered, frowning as he looked down at Mousse.
"Daughter! I did not expect to hear such god news as I preformed my duty. My Shampoo is finally free from your clutches." Mousse crowed ecstatically.
"Ya mean, all I had ta do was adopt a child and Shampoo would have to release me from her crazy laws?" Ranma blinked at his good fortune.
"Adopt? What do you mean adopt? Didn't you knock a girl up and was forced to marry her to satisfy your honor?" Mousse frantically asked, face dropping as Ranma shaked his head.
"Then my Shampoo is not free." Mousse said dejected.
"Drat. Still, it is nice ta know all I havta do is marry and have a kid to lose Shampoo." Ranma mused.
"I suppose you have fulfilled the child part of that law, even if she is adopted. Only marriage would needed." Mousse added his two cent, before shaking his head.
"I doubt it if tha dried-up old mummy sees it that way. Pity, it would solve a few problems." Mousse said.
"Ya still haven't answered my question." Ranma pressed, returning to the subject.
"I will put on my glasses before any attack to ensure your daughter is not involved." Mousse answered stiffly.
"Good enough for me." Ranma replied in the same voice.
"Young man, why do you insist on attacking my son when all is needed is patience? In your own words, my son needs to marry to 'release' your Shampoo." Nodoka interjected.
"While I respect your son for his prowess in martial arts and his accomplishments at Phoenix Mountain, it is the Amazon way. He is an obstacle for me in my pursued of Shampoo and obstacles are for killing, that is the tradition." Mousse formally replied.
"He is also the best way for me to get stronger, like a rigorous training. Strength is valued in our village." Mousse sheepishly added, causing a facefault of those present.
"If you wish to challenge my son, then write a proper challenge letter to do so. That should prevent any innocent bystanders to get involved with your spar." Nodoka said.
"Formal challenges aren't a option. We have strict rules and laws for those. Amazons don't spar with an obstacle either." Mousse replied, shoulders slumped.
"Then I suggest you look for a way to satisfy your laws and our traditions. Now back to the apology, which was interrupted by this topic." Nodoka ordered.
"Ahem, I Mhu Zu of the Joketsuzoku, offer this gift to apologies for the offence I ade towards you and your family." Mousse stated, presenting a package.
Grabbing the package, Ranma eyed it and Mousse suspiciously. Carefully opening the package, Ranma unwrapped the gift. Blinking, Ranma showed everyone the gold-and-silver bracelet.
"That bracelet belonged to my mother." Mousse softly said.
"Ya mother? Ya sure about this Mousse? This doesn't have any magic, right? Ranma responded.
"No magic is involved with my mothers bracelet. It also shows how serious I am taking this." Mousse stated.
Nodding, Ranma handed Hitomi the bracelet and accepted the apology. Escorting Mousse to the front door, Ranma exchanged some small talk with him. Returning to the living room, Ranma sternly addressed his father about respecting other people's property. Satisfied his message was clear, Ranma announced he was taking Hitomi to a nearby park. Ranma gently rebuffed Nodoka's attempts to join them and walked with Hitomi to the park.
"Ya ain't very fond of me mom, are ya?" Ranma noted as they walked.
"She's scary." Hitomi replied.
"Yeah, she does have that effect on people." Ranma chuckled.
"Kasumi seems nice." Hitomi softly said.
"A regular saint. If it hadn't been for her, I would have gone insane. Good cook too." Ranma added, liking his lips.
"Is Nabiki always so cold?" Hitomi asked.
"I guess. She brings in the money as you heard and tha ain't easy. She has ta be cold ta do what she does." Ranma answered, trying to say the right words.
"She may not show it, but she cares for her family. If someone tries to hurt her family, she gets even in her own way and few want ta get on her bad side." Ranma elaborated.
Nodding her understanding, Hitomi started window shopping. Pointing out interesting things to Ranma, Hitomi smiled. Ranma returned the smile as he tried to answer the questions of Hitomi. The questions abruptly ended as water fell on Ranma. Hitomi giggled as her father turned into her mother again and was pouting at her misfortune. Shaking her head, Ranma continued her way to the park with Hitomi.
Pointing out a group of children playing with a ball, Ranma asked Hitomi if she wanted to join them. Shaking her head, Hitomi dragged Ranma to the swings. Smiling, Ranma pushed Hitomi as she told some stories about her training trip and the things she had seen. Hitomi listened in rapture and kept asking what happened next. After the swings, they walked around the park and used the boats. Enjoying their time together, they rested at a bench before they were joined by two elderly ladies.
"Hello dear, lovely day isn't it." One of them said.
"Yeah, it's nice." Ranma replied.
"Where are our manners? I'm Aki Shinohara and this is my friend Naoko Seaki. Is this your little sister? She's adorable. We're watching over our grandchildren, whom are playing tag over there." The second lady pleasantly babbled.
"I'm Ranma Saotome. This is my daughter Hitomi." Ranma answered back in greeting.
" And such a lovely girl it is. You've certainly aged well, maybe you could tell us you secret." Naoko mused as Ranma chuckled nervously in response.
"Would you like to play with the others, dear?" Aki asked Hitomi, indicating her grandchildren.
"Ah, she ain't comfortable with strangers." Ranma said as Hitomi tried to hide behind Ranma.
"Sensible girl. It's hard these days to know whom to trust. Still with you watching with us, little can go wrong." Naoko confidently replied.
"Don't think she's up for it." Ranma politely declined.
"Of course." Naoko conceded.
"So what do you and your husband do for a living? My family has been in construction for several generations." Aki asked.
"Well, I'm a martial artist and I don't have a job yet officially, I'm getting my contract tomorrow as a model. I'm still in school, do." Ranma answered, fidgeting slightly.
"Good for you. You look like a model too and a woman needs her collage decrees in these times. So, what does your husband do?" Naoko stated.
"I ain't got one." Ranma answered, frowning at the personal questions.
"Divorced?" Aki questioned.
"It's a touchy subject, alright?" Ranma grouched, barely keeping herself from snapping at the noisy ladies.
"No problem, dear. If you don't want to talk about it, then we don't." Naoko assured Ranma.
The three exchanged a few more pleasantries, before Ranma bid them a good day and left the park with Hitomi. Checking if the conversation hadn't bothered Hitomi, Ranma treated her to ice-cream again to her ease her unrest. Taking to the rooftops, Ranma swiftly returned to the dojo with Hitomi.
"Hi, Kasumi. When's dinner?" Ranma asked, pouring hot water over her head.
"In about a hour, a hour and half at most." Kasumi answered as she cut the vegetables.
"Okay, Hitomi and me are in the dojo practicing." Ranma responded, before heading to the dojo.
"Alright, ready to meditate again?" Ranma asked as he and Hitomi sat near the wall of the dojo.
"Pappa, what is ki?" Hitomi countered.
"Ki is life. Ki is the energy the exists in every living creature and without that energy we would die. Everyone starts with a certain level of ki, but like a muscle ki can be strengthened and increased. Martial artists are usually the persons who are able to do this, through physical exercises and meditation. Some monks are also able to use their ki, but they build it through exposing to extreme temperatures and really heavy meditation."Ranma lectured, unconsciously entering his 'Sensei' mode.
"Then how do my ki-reserves grow if I don't practice kata's like you, pappa?" Hitomi questioned.
"The meditation technique I'm teaching ya has several parts. First you have to find your ki, before you can use it. Once you find your ki, then you start moving it around your body. This improves your control over your ki and strengthens the ki-flows in your body, helping you body to handle the stress of using ki. Lastly you work on increasing your ki-reserves." Ranma replied seriously.
While physical exercise is the best and safest method, there are a few short cuts. Using you ki to enhance your healing is one. Visibly manifesting your aura another. Increasing or lightening your weight is a third. However, like any short cut there is a prize. Using all your ki for healing leaves you exhausted and if incomplete it only worsens your problems as your body has to heal itself and fill your ki-reserves at the same time. A visible aura puts pressure on the ki-paths and body as you are forcing part of your ki outside your body. In your case, it would agitate your wounds and Kasumi said to avoid that. The third method might seem like it is harmless, but it requires precise control. Increasing your weight helps with building your strength and endurance, while taxing the body. But a careless mistake could send you to the hospital as you place too much weight on your bones. Lessening your weight is the method you will be using. Control is still a big part of the method, but loosing control doesn't have too many consequences. The side effect of this method is that there is a good chance your muscles will weaken, like astronauts spending too much time in space." Ranma continued.
" So, you're showing me how to fly?" Hitomi interjected.
"No. You will always keep some weight and that will pull you down. We can't change the laws of physics … normally anyway. Flying is another technique, but it uses a lot of ki to power." Ranma answered.
"Now, do you understand how you will increase your ki-reserves?" Ranma asked.
"Uhm, I guess. I find my ki to build up my ki-paths and make myself lighter, like on a planet with less gravity. Oh, and I repeat the less gravity part in a cycle, where I use all my ki and wait until my ki is back to full strength for the next attempt." Hitomi stated.
Blinking, Ranma sheepishly nodded his consent. Going through the steps of finding ones ki with Hitomi, Ranma noted the increased focus of her aura. Smiling at the progress, Ranma started practicing his kata's. Passing the time in comfortable silence, they waited for the call for diner. When the call came, twin growls answered from the dojo, followed by a giggle.
Dinner started with the familiar sight of Ranma and Genma fighting over the food. Nodoka quickly put a stop to it and gracefully accepted the murmured apologies. Pleasantries were exchanged as dinner progressed. Genma and Soun talked about shogi, Nodoka and Nabiki tried to convince Kasumi to join them on a shopping trip for cloths, while Ranma and Akane talked about their homework.
After dinner Ranma and Hitomi returned to the dojo to train some more. Kasumi joined them after a short time to check Hitomi's bandages. Akane followed after a minute, having changed into a gi for training. Smiling, Akane suggested a spar between her and Ranma. Shaking his head, Ranma declined.
"Why not? How can I improve if I'm not challenged? Or am I not good enough for you?" Akane heatedly retorted.
"That is exactly why, Akane. As long as your temper keeps getting the better of you, then ya won't learn. Your look at thing has also got to go. Ya only see the bad things ya do, while ya have improved your speed and technique." Ranma soothed, trying to calm Akane.
"I'm trying. It's just so hard at times." Akane said sadly.
"Don't feel bad. Since our talk, ya've been better with ya temper." Ranma replied.
"Yes, I have gotten better haven't I? That talk about our feelings did get a weight of my chest." Akane smiled.
"Oh my, so you two finally admitted your feelings towards each other?" Kasumi asked, causing Ranma and Akane to share a look.
"Ah, yes and no. We did talk about our feelings towards each other, but we both agreed our love wasn't enough to be husband and wife." Akane said as spokesperson for both.
"What do you mean? I know you two love each other." Kasumi replied.
"We do love each other, but as siblings. My beatings had slowly killed Ranma's love and I wasn't much better, when we had the talk. I did love Ranma at the wedding, enough to go through with it. At the same time I hated him for being better then me at martial arts, for being a jerk, for not solving the mess with the fiancees and for several other reasons that weren't his fault." Akane stated, smiling nostalgic.
"The day after the wedding I did a lot of soul searching and found I couldn't handle it anymore. The insecurity of our love, the confusion or the constant pressure. If we only had talked sooner or if we ere given a chance without all the pressure, then … maybe it would've been different." Akane added, signing.
"We left the engagement intact, so we ain't got ta deal with our parents." Ranma interjected.
"Yes, father would be disappointed. Perhaps the engagement should be moved again." Kasumi mused.
"I ain't sure if that is a good idea. Akane can handle the other fiancees. Ya and Nabiki could get hurt and I don't want that." Ranma replied.
Extracting a reluctant promise from Kasumi to keep this news quiet, Ranma took Hitomi to the furo. Kasumi did add her own stipulation to the promise. If the situation called for it, she would inform the parents. Accepting a glass of water from Hitomi, Ranma turned in a girl again at Hitomi's request. Bidding everyone goodnight, they retired for the night.