Ch 9: Emotion
A/N: This is actually based off a one shot I was going to write about Ranma. Also, I have updated my profile, so go check it out. There is also a poll to vote for my next story, so tell me what YOU want. All the story concepts are in my profile, so go take a look.
Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma ½. I also don't own Oh My Goddess, I just make references to it.
Genma and Soun played Shogi after dinner, enjoying some sake to take the edge off the chill that was starting to appear in the late autumn air. Genma was mumbling at the board about girly sons and disgraces to the Art. Akari found herself draining her herbal tea as opposed to sipping it just to keep calm instead of beating up her oji-san. She decided a good work out was what she needed to calm down. Normally she would have taken any frustration out on a sparring partner, but now she couldn't even do that for fear of teaching someone any techniques indirectly, and thus altering the timeline. She thought back to her conversation with the Kami of Chaos on the subject.
***Flashback***
Akari was listening in fascination to the Kami of Chaos, but something was nagging her. She remembered hearing some science club nerds talking about something called…
"But wait, wouldn't going back in time cause a problem with the grandfather paradox?"
" Ah yes, the quaint little theory that you could actually change time. No, unfortunately, the Ultimate Force has cemented time in place. It cannot be changed."
"But-" He held up a hand.
" Allow me to explain. In an existence where any and all choices have an infinite number of solutions, the universe must allow for all of them to occur. Thus, alternate realities are created. The 'observable' universe is only limited by what your four dimensional mind can handle or grasp, thus saving you from going insane. "
"…"
Can you imagine what it would be like if you had the memories of all the versions of yourself in existence, as well as their thoughts and feelings, running through your head at the same time?" Akari could only shudder at this rhetorical question.
"By going back in time and 'altering' the past, you merely change the 'choice' of that timeline, and thus create a new reality, completely separate from the one you started in.
Take this spoon for example," he pulled a spoon from out of nowhere, "to you, it may seem just an ordinary spoon. But somewhere, in some other universe, its metals may have been used to make… oh say… a katana, or an airplane. The universe is only defined by the limitations you put on it." The Kami of Chaos grinned, " In essence, there is no spoon." The Kami of Chaos promptly poofed the spoon into a cookie and devoured it.
Akari let all this sink in for a moment. She decided to go with her mother's old style of response. Be a sarcastic smart ass. "Fine, then if I define the universe, then I say there is a steaming hot cup of tea in my hand." She held out her hand as if she was grasping a cup…but nothing happened. The Kami of Chaos chuckled.
"I'm sorry my child, but the universe doesn't conform to the wishes of every mortal. I'm only allowed to do this," he gestured to the half eaten cookie, "myself because I am an essential force to the universe." He adopted a far off look. He mumbled to himself.
"However, you are a Tendo so maybe…"
"Maybe what?"
He waved his hand in a dismissing gesture. "Nothing dear. Now, about the things you shouldn't change..."
***End Flashback***
Akari arrived at the dojo, only to hear something far more disturbing than the conversation with the Kami of Chaos.
"Ranma, fight me!" Akari opened the door to a familiar, if very upsetting, sight of Ranma with both arms behind his back and dodging nimbly round Akane's punches and kicks. Akari felt her anger flare up within her.
"Okaa-san no BAKA!" A chi hammer appeared in her hand and she slammed it down on top of Ranma. This probably wouldn't have affected Ranma much, seeing as it happens on a regular basis, but due to the vast difference between Akane's and Akari's chi levels, it changed from the level of being hit with a medium sized rock to the level of being hit by a pallet of bricks. Akari's hand flew up to cover her mouth, and she looked at the mallet still clutched in her other hand with revulsion. She struggled to unclench her fist, her whole arm shaking with the effort, a sigh escaped her lips as she let it disperse, and then slumped to the floor.
Akane rushed over, only sparing Ranma a glance to make sure he was ok. Akane heard her mumble something that sounded suspiciously like "I can't do it, can I?" The strong teenager clutched the front of Akane's shirt, and she found herself comforting the teenager a second time in less than 3 days.
It's strange, thought Akane, I almost forgot how young she was. Akane gained a thoughtfull look, slowly shifting into a slight frown. She's so strong normally, so confident, it's hard to believe she is not a full grown adult. She favored Akari with a slight smile as she stroked her hair. She reminds me of…it can't be… can it? Oh kami she really is Ranma's daughter! She took a mental step back and examined the evidence. Red hair, Confident Nature, Protective… as Akane listed the similairities off, she grew more and more positive that Akari was Ranma's daughter, but then, who was the other parent?
A thought struck Akane, a memory of Akari talking to her. The way she lit up when Akane praised her skills. The way she always stuttered out Ot- before correcting herself. It couldn't be! But what if it was? Ranma, having recovered, peeled himself off the floor, and walked over to where Akane was, only to have her gaze up into his eyes with a look that said 'I don't know either' but also 'I'm scared'. Ranma just stared into her eyes for a long time, and, with a resigned sigh, sat down next to Akane to support his inazuke.
Time drifted, leaving the scene before us undisturbed. Akari, clutching to Akane's shirt, with Ranma's hand on her shoulder. Awkward as he felt, he hated to see girls cry. Slowly, as all things do in life, Akari's sadness receded. Her flow of tears calmed and, with an ever fading series of hiccupping sobs, she slowly drifted off to sleep, snuggling into Akane's chest(remind you of any pigs?). All the while Akane took the active comforting role. She slowly stroked Akari's hair, quietly reassuring her all the while. As Akari drifted off to sleep, Akane found herself staring down at Akari with a smile on her face. I wonder if this is what it's like to be a mother?
***
Akari woke to the sound of Ranma and Akane quietly talking.
"… dunno Akane, it just doesn't sit well with me."
"But you can't deny the possibility that she is your daughter."
Akari took a deep breath and opened her eyes, alerting Akane and Ranma to the fact that she was awake. Akane was smiling down at her with one of those glowing smiles that seemed to light up the room(at least to Ranma and Akari).
"Hey, you feeling any better?"
Akari sighed, and sat up, placing herself so she was facing both of them. She took another deep breath and stated, "I need your help." Akari looked both Ranma and Akane in the eyes. "I can't do this alone anymore, I need someone to help, and thus, I turn to you."
"But why us-" Ranma started, only to be cut off by a raised hand from Akari.
"Please, allow me to explain fully before asking any questions." Akari broke off, muttering to herself "Where to start?"
Saotome foot-in-mouth disease kicked in, "The beginning would be a good place." Akane favored him with a less than pleased glare, but Akari, displaying an oblivious smile (guess who she learned that from) stated, "Yes, I believe that would be the perfect place to start. As you both know, my given name is Akari, but I have never given my family name, that is because, my family name is, Tendo."
A/N: Yes, I am truly evil for leaving such a cliffhanger, don't worry, the next chapter is practically done. Also, to reiterate for those of you who didn't read the top A/N but are reading these for some reason, I have updated my profile, so go check it out. There is also a poll to vote for my next story, so tell me what YOU want. All the story concepts are in my profile, so go take a look.