I do not own Gold Digger and its associated characters. They belong to that marvelous fellow Fred Perry. I do not own Ranma and its associated characters. They belong to the wonderful lady Rumiko Takahashi. This production is strictly for entertainment, and I am not making any money off of the writings. I am just a poor student, so please Don't sue me Please?
Broken Hearts Combined Chapter 5: Saying Goodbyes, and off to America!
It's has now been almost two weeks since the failed weddings of both Britanny and Ranma. Britanny has come to a decision. She no longer feels 'too bad' about what happened with Stripe, and decides that it's time to return home. However, she realizes that she feels better because of her friend Ranma, and she doesn't want to have to leave him. She has a family to go back to. What does he have? A whole mess of 'fianc es' and 'rivals', a father who sees him as a bargaining chip, an old ghoul trying to make him her son-in-law, and old pervert trying to cope a feel, and a whole mess of chaos Britanny doesn't think Ranma deserves that though. He's helped her get over Stripe, and she wants to repay him for that. One thing she can think of is to take him to America with her to meet her family. Hopefully, her father can help Ranma get over his fear of cats, and perhaps get rid of his curse as well. So Britanny decides to tell Ranma this.
Britanny finds Ranma doing some sit-ups. He isn't really paying attention to what he's doing. Britanny decides to start of her plan with light conversation.
Britanny: Hey Ranchan!
Ranma (Doing sit-ups): Hey Britchan! What's up? We aren't doing more shopping are we? (Shudders).
Britanny: Ranchan. I have a question.
Ranma stops his sit-ups and looks at her.
Ranma: What is it Britchan?
Britanny: What're you going to do now?
Ranma: What do you mean?
Britanny: Ranma I've gotten over my pain It's time to return home
Ranma (Saddens somewhat): Oh Okay. I understand.
Britanny: That's not all I want to know something Ranma Ranma: What is it Britchan?
Britanny: What are you going to do now? What can you do?
Ranma goes silent for a moment. Honestly taking this into consideration. What can he do? All the people of the Nerima Wrecking Crew will follow him all over Japan. So he tells Britanny what he honestly plans to do.
Ranma: I'll travel I still got so much to do I still have to train to be the greatest martial artist, and even though I won't like it, I may have to 'go on the run' for my own safety. I know that wherever I go, chaos follows. And I really get tired of it always biting at my heels
Britanny: Well You don't have to do that
Ranma (Raises an eyebrow): Oh? What else can I do?
Britanny: Well Ranma Remember what I told you about my family? Well, I want to repay you for helping me get over that mean, old, nasty Stripe. There's only one thing I can think of. And that is to take him to America with me to meet my family, and specifically my father, Theodore. Hopefully, he can help you with his aura magic. Possibly help you get over your fear of cats, and perhaps he may even be able to get rid of your Jusenkyo curse as well. What do you think Ranma?
Ranma just sits there quietly and thinks about the possibilities of what to do next. If there's one thing he's learned from his adventures, and years in Nerima, it's, think before you talk! Better to let them think you're a fool than confirm it so to speak
Ranma (Thinks): Okay Let me see I could try going back home and going through hell BLAH! What am I thinking? Oh well I could easily just go on the road. It's not like I haven't lived there for most of my life But, I don't want to insult Britchan either And she says her father may help me
Ranma's eyes then widen when he takes the full capacity of what Britanny told him into his mind
Ranma: HELP ME GET OVER MY FEAR OF CATS AND GET RID OF MY CURSE!?
Britanny falls onto her butt, pushed back by the force of Ranma's outburst.
Britanny (Sitting on floor, rubbing her butt): Ouchies.
Ranma: Oh! I'm so sorry Britchan! Britanny (Sweat-drops): It's okay Ranchan Just be more careful next time, okay?
Ranma then helps Britanny back onto her feet, and he looks at her.
Ranma: Britchan
Britanny: Yes?
Ranma: Do you really think your father can help me?
Britanny: I don't see why not. My father is one of the most powerful Mages in all of the Jade Realm. Heck, he's even part of the Conclave of Mages. I think he could help you get rid of that nasty curse, and your fear of cats.
Ranma (Smiles): You mean that? Britanny: Of course So does this mean you accept my offer?
Ranma stops to think for a moment He would have to leave his family, his homeland, and go and stay with his friend and her family for a bit However, this may be his only chance to finally get rid of the curse. Ranma then turns to Britanny with a smile on his face.
Ranma: I accept.
Britanny (Jumps up into the air): YES! You won't regret this Ranchan! I'll help you just as you've helped me!
Britanny then glomps onto Ranma and buries her face in his chest, a huge smile adorning her face. Ranma sighs He's gotten used to this behavior from her And to be honest, he kind of likes it There's only one thing that bothers him though Why does he feel the way he does? Does he like her as a best friend, or Possibly Something more?
After awhile of making some calls, and getting plan tickets to go back to America Britanny tells Ranma he should say his goodbyes to those he cares about, since it may be awhile before he returns. Ranma nods his head in agreement with what Britanny suggests However
Ranma: Hey Britchan
Britanny: Yes Ranchan?
Ranma: I know this will sound odd, but will you go with me to Nerima, so I can say my goodbyes?
Britanny (Eyes Ranma with curiosity): Oh? And why is that Ranchan? I mean, I don't mind going with you, but what's your reason?
Ranma (Closes his eyes): Sigh I know this will sound strange But here goes I need you there so I can have some confidence So that I am sure what I want to do is the right thing
Britanny: Oh?
Ranma: With you there, I'll have the confidence to know what I'm doing is the right thing, and I'll be able to explain to the others why I'm leaving
Britanny: Okay Ranchan I understand Where shall we go off to first?
Ranma takes a moment to consider his next choice of action. It doesn't take him long to come to a conclusion.
Ranma: My mother's and then to Dr. Tofu's They're probably the few places that Nabiki DOESN'T have bugs at Mom because she found all the stuff before I left, and Nabiki never planted stuff at Tofu's office
And so, Ranma and Britanny head towards the elevator, ready to make another, and possibly, last trip to Nerima
Ranma and Britanny have been walking for a while now Ranma's walking pace has seemed to slow down as they get closer and closer to Nerima. Britanny frowns upon seeing the dread in Ranma's eyes. It's obvious he doesn't want to be here.
Britanny (Worriedly): Ranchan?
Ranma: Yes?
Britanny: Are you okay? We don't have to tell them if you don't want to. I can understand why.
Ranma (Shakes his head): No. I gotta do this. There are a few people I know will worry about me. And I feel they have a right to know what I'm doing
Britanny (Nods her head): Okay Ranchan
And so the two continue walking
Nodoka's head hurts. She hasn't slept in a week For all she know her son could be dead. He never returned home that night, and Nodoka has been incredibly worried about him.
And it's not like Nodoka hasn't looked for him either. When he was missing for three days she went back to the Tendo Dojo to find out what happened What she got was a nice 'surprise'. Most of the household was a wreck to begin with. She tried asking Kasumi what happened, but the Tendo girl was just too upset to speak. Nabiki was rather angry, and didn't feel like speaking. Nodoka had even offered her money, and Nabiki just ignored her. It was no use speaking to Akane, Soun, or her worthless husband. Genma and Soun were drunk as skunks, too plastered to do anything except cry about how the two houses won't be united. Akane on the other hand was angry and destroying cement blocks as usual The only thing Nodoka could get out of Akane was a bunch of growls and snarls whenever she said the name of her son Ranma.
And so all Nodoka could do is wait. Wait, and hope for the safe return of her son. Suddenly, there is a ringing at the door. Nodoka gets up to answer it.
Nodoka: Hello
Nodoka sees two people standing in front of her and her eyes widen in shock and joy. One of the two standing in front of her is a boy in dark blue denim jeans, black leather boots, and a white dress-shirt, and he has his hair in a pigtail. Nodoka knows who this is automatically
Nodoka: MY SON!
Nodoka grabs Ranma into a hug, not wanting to let her treasure go. She is so relieved he has come back to her safe and sound.
Ranma (Hugs her back): It's good to see you too mom
Britanny stands to the side and smiles. She's happy that the reunion between mother and son has gotten off to a good start. Soon Nodoka notices Britanny standing to the side. She lets go of Ranma and bows to Britanny.
Nodoka: I do not know who you are but thank you for helping my son return to me. Oh Where are my manners? Come in; come in both of you. There is much to discuss
Ranma: Yeah We do need to talk
Once inside, they are all seated at a table. Ranma is seated across from his mother, and Britanny is seated to the right of Ranma and left of Nodoka. Nodoka has prepared some tea for them. She is very anxious to find out what happened to Ranma that night at the Tendos, and they tell her Upon hearing the whole story Nodoka is livid!
Nodoka (Eyes wide with fury): THEY DID WHAT!?
Ranma winces. He's never seen his mother this angry before.
Britanny winces as well She remembers how her mother Julia gets when her or any of her sisters are in danger And Nodoka is pretty darn similar to her reaction-wise
Ranma: Uh Yeah mom That's basically what happened
Nodoka gets up and starts walking through the house. Her voice still audible to Ranma and Britanny.
Nodoka (Voice): That worthless, lying, evil, demented, insane, cruel, heartless, slimy, greedy, sinister, scourge!
Britanny (Wide-eyed): Wow Your mom is MAD!
Ranma just nods his head. He is really not used to hearing this sort of language from his mother Eventually Nodoka comes back with a box. She takes out a piece of paper from the box.
Nodoka (Holding the paper): Ranma Do you know what this is?
Ranma (Eyes widen): Is that the contract?
Britanny (Confused): What contract?
Nodoka: This is the contract Genma had Ranma sign when he was 5-years-old. This contract states that Ranma will become a man among men, or else he shall commit seppuku
Britanny (Eyes widen): WHAT!? YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS ABOUT THAT!
Nodoka (Eyes narrow): I was once But not anymore I have been trying to break off the arrangement between the Saotome clan and the Tendo clan for quite some time now. The only thing is, this document would work against me. Genma would say if Ranma didn't marry Akane, then he wouldn't be a man in that sense. His honor would be destroyed, and he would make Ranma commit seppuku. This document, such a damnable thing that was supposed to make sure Genma stayed in line has been used against my son and his honor constantly! I will not allow it anymore
With that, Nodoka rips up the contract into confetti, throwing it up into the air, and letting it fall like snow
Nodoka: Ranma my son Your life is now your own. You're free
Ranma's eyes widen in joy. He rushes over the table and grabs his mother in a fierce hug, happy that she has taken it into her own hands to 'free him'. Britanny smiles, happy that Ranma can do what he wants without worry now. After Mother and Son disengage from their embrace, they begin to talk. Ranma tells his mother about how he wants to travel to America with his friend Britchan so he may finally be able to get rid of his Jusenkyo curse. Nodoka then looks at Britanny.
Nodoka: If I may ask, Britanny, is it?
Britanny: Yes. My name is Britanny.
Nodoka: Are you sure your father can help my son?
Britanny: Yes, I am. My father is well immersed in magic, and knows more than man can ever dream about heaven and earth.
Nodoka: Sounds like an interesting man.
Britanny (Smiles): My daddy is! I am sure he can help Ranchan!
The rest of their time together is a bit of friendly talk and goodbyes. Nodoka wishes her son good luck, as she hopes Ranma will become 100% manly man again. Ranma and Britanny wave good-bye to Nodoka, and make their way to Tofu's office.
Doctor Tofu uses a broom to sweep around the office. It's quite dusty since there hasn't been use for it lately When Ranma disappeared, accidents and injuries went down. It's quite amazing to Tofu when he makes a realization The reason he's always been so busy was because he was taking care of Ranma
Tofu sighs He was so sure in the beginning that Ranma would be the one for Akane. So sure that Ranma was the one that would finally help Akane mature. Sure, they did get off to a bit of a rough start, as most couples do, but Tofu honestly thought they could get over that rough start It wasn't to be. He's known Akane and the other Tendo girls for all of their lives, and seeing Akane develop into what she has It's just incredibly depressing Suddenly, someone walks into his office.
Tofu: Hello? How may I help you?
Ranma: Hey Doc!
Tofu's eyes widen. It's Ranma AND HE'S WALKING IN ON HIS OWN FEET AND WITH A WOMAN NO LESS! Will wonders never cease?
Tofu: Ranma! It's good to see you again. I was getting very worried. What happened? Where've you been? Who's your friend?
And so Ranma goes into a slight explanation of what had been going on. Explaining he needs to invite two other people over here to have a conversation. Tofu agrees to hear the rest of the story later, when the others arrive. Ranma then makes a few phone calls
Ucchan's Okonomiyaki
Ukyo Kuonji sits by her griddle, waiting on a few customers. The usual light of joy in her eyes has long been gone Ever since that night at the Tendo's
Suddenly the phone rings. Ukyo picks it up.
Ukyo: Hello, Ucchan's Okonomiyaki, what'd your order?
Ranma (Voice): Hey Ucchan!
Ukyo (Eyes widen): Ranma? Where are you? Are you okay?
Ranma (Voice): I'm fine. Listen Ucchan, I need you to come over to Dr. Tofu's right away. I want to explain something to you.
Ukyo nods her head and tells Ranma she'll be there shortly, before hanging the phone up. She then asks Konatsu to look after thee shop while she goes out for a very important meeting. Konatsu agrees, and Ukyo takes off for Dr. Tofu's office like a bat out of hell!
Kasumi is cleaning at the moment It's all she really can do at the moment She has nothing better to do This has been her life for ten years now Being the mother-
figure of the household And boy does she hate it
Suddenly, the phone rings. Kasumi picks it up and answer.
Kasumi: Hello, Tendo residence, how may I help you?
Ranma (Voice): Hi Kasumi.
Kasumi's eyes widen with shock. She looks around to make sure no one is within listening distance. She speaks quietly to Ranma.
Kasumi (Whispers): Ranma, are you okay? Where are you?
Ranma (Voice): I'm at Dr. Tofu's office. Could you please come down here? And please, DON'T sit near Dr. Tofu. I want him to hear what I have to say.
Kasumi (Whispers): Sure. I'll be right there.
Kasumi hangs up the phone. She then goes to her drunken father and tells him she's going off to get some groceries. He doesn't really notice, but waves goodbye . At least he made an attempt to act like he was sober
Britanny paces around Tofu's office. It's not that she minds waiting for Ranma, she just hopes this goes well for him. What Ranma told her about the two he called is they are both good people That doesn't bother her at all It's just that one is one of Ranma's 'fianc e'
Soon Kasumi and Ukyo arrive. Both are relieved to see that Ranma's alive and okay. Tofu almost goes into shock upon seeing Kasumi, but he knows that Ranma has something important to tell them all, so he manages to control himself Or at least promises to control himself for at least ten minutes
Soon once it is settled, Ranma speaks.
Ranma: First off, I would like to say thank you for coming.
Ukyo: No Problem Ranchan!
Britanny (Stares at Ukyo): Hey! That's my name for Ranma!
Ukyo: Is not!
Britanny: Is too!
Ukyo: Is not!
Britanny: Is too!
Ukyo: Is not!
Britanny: Is too!
Ranma (Calmly): Girls? Please stop
Ukyo and Britanny stop bickering for a moment. Ranma then goes into discussion about what he plans to do next. He introduces Britanny and explains how he met her, what happened 'that night', what he's been doing in the meantime since they last saw him, (omitting the part of finding out Britanny is a werecheetah) and how he plans to go to America with Britanny to get himself cured of the Jusenkyo Curse. The listeners have mixed reactions.
Kasumi: I'm so happy for you Ranma! I'm sure you'll find a cure.
Tofu (Glasses are fogged, starts to lose it): Yes Kasumi Kasumi is sure to find a Kasumi for his Kasumi
Kasumi (Stares at Tofu): Oh my
Ukyo: Ranchan You promise me you'll come back?
Ranma: Hey, I promise. And you know me
Ukyo (Somewhat sadly): Yeah You keep your promises Can I ask you a question Ranchan?
Ranma: What is it Ucchan?
Ukyo: I know this will sound crazy, but why did you fall for Akane originally? What did she do that I didn't?
Britanny: Yeah I was kind of wondering the same thing
Kasumi: Actually so was I
Tofu (Glasses slightly un-fog): And I as well
Ranma takes a moment to consider what they asked. He thinks for awhile and then speaks honestly
Ranma: Why did I actually 'like' Akane? To be honest, she was the first person who had ever walked up to me so they could ask if I would like to be friends with them. It was a question that had made me feel something that had made me fall for her due the lack of and form of love and friendship I had gone through for most of my life. But like everything, it too had its limit One that had been reached on that night sometime after the failed wedding attempt
Kasumi: Sigh I understand that Ranma It's kind of my family's fault she ended up like that. Akane gained her violent manners due the poor upbringing our father, Nabiki, and I provided for her. We made sure Akane always got whatever she needed or wanted And when you arrived to our home, you turned her whole world upside-down, and you unintentionally shoved the reality down her throat.
Ranma (Shakes his head): If that's the case, I am sorry for her But she needs to grow up, and learn she can't get everything on a silver platter.
Britanny: True (Thinks: Brr I HATE SILVER!)
Ukyo: Well Ranma What did you think about Shampoo? Or Kodachi? Or me?
Ranma sighs and puts his head in his hand. She just wants to be play hardball with this. Ranma takes about ten minutes to think before answering. And once again he goes with his gut instinct He speaks his heart
Ranma: Well Ucchan, When it comes to Shampoo Well I admit that she's a good fighter and real looker And if you ask me honestly, if it had not have been for the life I've been forced to live so far, I might actually have been glad to be married to her and I would probably consider it even right now if it weren't for those Goddamn stupid laws of her people. I don't wanna be bound into some dumb Amazon society where I'm considered to be next to nothing, less then the dirt over on the road. As for Kodachi BLEAH! Don't even ask me about it. It's all in her mind I have no love for that crazy gymnast! I just wish she'd get mental help!
Ukyo (Hesitant): Okay Ranchan But What about Me?
Ranma: Well Ucchan, I don't have the love for you that you want from me. Ucchan, your one of my closest friends, almost like the sister I never had. And while I'd like very much to be able make you happy, I don't want us to be bound into an unhappy marriage. You deserve better than that.
Ukyo sighs to herself. It hurts But for some reason She feels a relief to her She now understands how he feels about her And while it's not what she wants She is slightly happy that he took her feelings into consideration, when he decided to tell her how he felt about her. Ukyo gets up from her sitting position. A look of determination adorns her face.
Ukyo: Ranchan Thank you I know understand. And I make this vow for you. With you gone, I promise to keep your title of "Nerima's Greatest Martial Artist" out of the hands of that bitch Akane! I'll practice hard to try to attain to a level near you, so those jerks can't lay waste to your good name Besides You need someone to run damage control around here with you gone. (Winks).
Ranma: HA HA! Sure Ucchan! I wish you the best of luck!
Soon, after talking to the others and giving their goodbyes, Ranma and Britanny walk back to the hotel to pack up. They're going to Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow There, they hope that Dr. Theodore Diggers will be able to help Ranma out
The next morning Britanny and Ranma board a plane back to the States Along with a few wererats that snuck aboard
End Chapter 5
Next Time: Ranma gets to America and gets to meet the Diggers family! As usual, chaos ensues
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