** I do not own Ranma 1/2. That masterpiece is the property of Rumiko Takahashi.**
** Hey there everyone! I am going to try to get as many chapters out as I can before I leave on vacation on July 4th. Some story lines may wrap up in the next couple of chapters. I want to know if you want more story lines to enter (like a soap opera would, as story lines come and go and the story just goes on), or if you're looking for an ending sometimes soon with or without a sequel. Thanks everyone for your reviews, patience between Chapters 26 and 27, and sticking with me this long. You are all amazing!**
Akane walked with Ukyo to the flower shop. Today's wedding tasks involved flowers and Ukyo's mission was to distract Akane from the drama.
"These white ones are beautiful, Ukyo. They look very bridal, especially with all the baby's breath," Akane said, spotting a beautiful white floral arrangement through the front window of the shop.
"I agree, but maybe we get something with just a little colour. We could also just add in a few coloured flowers with these white ones. I'm sure we can come up with something gorgeous," Ukyo smiled at her friend. "Maybe a little bit of those purple ones over there," Ukyo pointed across the shop.
"Akane and Ukyo, right?" a voice said behind them.
"Yes? Oh, hello Machiko," Ukyo greeted. It was easier to keep her cool around this woman now that she knew Miyuki was back, since there was no way Ranma could even consider Machiko an option at this point.
"Hey there, what are you guys up to?" Machiko asked them.
"We are looking for flowers for Ukyo's wedding," Akane answered.
"Oh, the wedding to Ryoga?" Machiko asked. Ukyo nodded. "Oh, you'd think that he would have held on until our engagement was abolished. I really don't know how long it will take to convince our parents. I am doing my best, as promised."
Ukyo raised an eyebrow. "Whose engagement?" she asked.
"Mine and Ryoga's. Wait, he didn't tell you about it?" Machiko's face fell. Oops.
"Listen, sugar. I don't know who you think you are, but Ryoga and I have been together for well over a year now. He proposed to me. We are getting married soon," Ukyo glared at Machiko.
Machiko nodded. "Absolutely. He's all yours. We just have to fix things with our parents first." she explained.
Ukyo's face quickly turned red with rage. "Akane, we will need to pick out flowers later. I need to go find my fiance right this very instant," Ukyo fumed and started to storm off.
Akane turned to Machiko. "Is this true?" Akane asked her.
Machiko nodded. "Why would I lie about it?" Machiko asked.
"Sorry, Machiko. I have to go after Ukyo. It was nice to see you again," Akane told her as she turned on one heel to chase after Ukyo.
Ryoga happily cleaned the counter at Ucchan's while he hummed a tune he had heard earlier.
"Ryoga!" Ukyo yelled with rage from outside the shop.
Ryoga's eyes widened as he shifted his gaze toward his fiance's voice. Shit.
Ukyo threw open the door. "Ryoga!"
Ryoga gulped. "Yes, my love?" he asked sheepishly.
Ukyo glared at Ryoga, a red aura surrounding her. "You're engaged to Machiko?!"
Ryoga's eyes couldn't widen anymore without losing an eyeball at this point. He started to sweat. "What are you talking about?" he asked with a fake chuckle.
Ukyo slowly moved toward Ryoga, who moved back as much as he could. "The truth, Ryoga!" she demanded.
Ryoga's head dropped. "I didn't want to upset you. It's not like I had any choice in the matter! My parents decided I needed to marry this random girl because they felt like they owed her parents. She wasn't into the marriage, either, and was going to take care of it if I set her up on a date with Ranma!" Ryoga defended.
"Ranma lied to me, too?!" Ukyo was inches from Ryoga's face now.
"We didn't exactly lie. We met her at my parents' house and she likes Ranma!" Ryoga looked terrified.
Ukyo looked away with an angry smirk. "I can't believe my fiance would keep that very important information from me! What if they don't sign the papers?!" Ukyo asked.
"They will," Ryoga assured her.
"You don't know that!" Ukyo looked back into Ryoga's eyes with anger.
"I will make sure they do. I promise," Ryoga said as he lifted her chin and looked deep into her eyes, hoping his fiance would see how serious he was.
Ukyo's anger started to slowly fade. "I want to meet them," Ukyo insisted.
"You will meet them. They will be at the wedding," Ryoga said.
"I want to meet them as soon as possible, Ryoga," Ukyo looked at Ryoga sternly.
Ryoga sighed. "Okay."
Akane left Ukyo a while ago when she saw the direction that the interaction between Ukyo and Ryoga was about to go. As much as she wanted to be there to support her friends, she knew that this was not going to be pleasant and she shouldn't interfere. On her walk home, she saw Ranma outside pushing Megami in her stroller. Akane smiled at them as she approached the stroller and saw Megami was sleeping soundly.
"Hey, Ranma," Akane said with a touch of apprehension.
"Hey, Akane. Megami was fussy, so we decided to go for a walk," Ranma said, looking quite tired.
"Can we talk?" Akane asked.
Ranma took a deep breath. "Sure. Where do you want to talk?" he asked.
"Let's go back to my place. We can talk in the dojo," Akane said. Ranma nodded and followed Akane as she led the way.
When they entered the dojo, Ranma pushed the stroller to the side, checked Megami's state and tucked her in a little better. He then turned and faced Akane.
"I've made some decisions about what I need to do, Ranma," Akane started.
Ranma tried to look into her eyes, but Akane wouldn't meet his gaze. "Go on," Ranma said.
"Ranma, you fell in love with someone else to the point that you lost your virginity to her and had a child. I accepted that and moved on with someone else who treats me like a queen. You came to me and started confusing me with all kinds of proclamations of love and devotion, which really sent me for a loop because of course I love you," Akane explained as she sat on the bench at the side of the dojo.
Ranma's face dropped. "I hope you know how sorry I am for everything, Akane. I should never have ruined things with us," Ranma said.
"Ranma," Akane started to speak.
"I just need to get this out. I promise you that I will do whatever it takes to make everything right again. I never realized how much I need you in my life until you started to outright reject me. I know that's not even fair to say, since I know I did the same to you, but now I guess I just know how you felt and I'm so sorry for putting you through that," Ranma proclaimed.
Akane looked at Ranma with sympathy in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Ranma, but I just can't keep doing this," Akane said.
Ranma moved to sit on his knees in front of Akane. He took one of Akane's hands in his and looked up at her. "What can't you do, Akane? I know I have a lot to make up for. I know I have even more to figure out now that Miyuki is back. I know all this, but I still need you in my life," Ranma pleaded.
"We can still be friends, Ranma, after some time has passed. We definitely can not be together now. It's just not right," Akane said.
"We can be together," Ranma said frantically.
"Are you even sure that's what you want? Miyuki just returned a couple of days ago," Akane asked.
"I," Ranma started, but paused. "I am not going to lie, Akane. I am still confused about everything that is going on. Miyuki doesn't even remember me right now. I will not abandon her and will do everything I can to help her and reunite her with Megami, but I also know that we are getting closer and my feelings for you are real."
"I am not doubting your feelings for me, Ranma," Akane said. "It's not about any of that. I will admit that it feels nice to finally hear you say some of this, and I do believe you are being sincere, but this isn't right. We can't do this."
"Then what is it about, Akane? I know you want this. You have to. I felt it when you kissed me," Ranma asked with determination in his eyes.
Akane took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. "It doesn't matter, Ranma. Your daughter deserves both of her parents together. You at least need to try to be with Miyuki. You can't just ignore the fact that you already have a full family and you need to give that family a chance. You love Miyuki, too, and those feelings are real as well," Akane said, fighting the tears that were starting to form in her eyes. I need to be strong for this. I feel so empty saying all of this, but that sweet girl deserves it and I deserve so much more than this constant drama.
Ranma began to grow more desperate. "Marry me, Akane," he said.
Akane's eyes widened. "What?!" she exclaimed.
"We can be a family with Megami and get married like we wanted. We can elope so no one interferes. I will find a way to pay for everything. You can have whatever you want. We will run the Anything Goes School together like we always wanted. I know I don't deserve this and I know everyone deserves better from me. I also know that I am trying so hard because you make me want to be a better person. Just.. please don't shut this door yet," Ranma said, distraught.
"Ranma, we can't get married. You don't even know how you feel about Miyuki's return yet. I won't set myself up for regret and resentment. This is not a life that I want. I don't want to always be looking over my shoulder at what girl is going to come along to try and steal you away next. More than that, I don't want to stand in the way of a sweet little girl having both of her parents, espeically when you love her mother. I don't want any of this anymore," Akane said.
Ranma stood up and started to pace across the dojo. He put his hands on his face, trying to compose himself, but failing. "I don't believe you, Akane. I know you want this. Give me a chance to make this right," he begged as he brought one hand down.
"Calm down, Ranma, please," Akane said softly, silently praying he wouldn't have another panic attack. It had been a long time since she witnessed Ranma having one, but the signs were showing and it was a heartbreaking sight for her to witness. "Ranma, I'm sorry for my part in all of this. I shouldn't have kissed you. I shouldn't have made you think there would be a future with me. I thought, for sure, that, after Jusendo, we would be married and that we would have lived our lives together. That all of the fighting would be replaced with only love and maybe our own family. I knew that we loved each other, even though you wouldn't admit it."
"I admit it now!" Ranma said.
"I know, Ranma, but you love Miyuki, too. Even if I were able to forget all of that, Megami still deserves a chance at a complete family. I will not stand in the way of that. It is not fair to her. You didn't get to grow up with your mother, and I didn't get to grow up with mine. Megami got hers back and should be with both of you," Akane said.
"I can't do this without you, Akane. You're my best friend," Ranma continued to plead.
"Yes, you can. You will be happier with Miyuki and Megami. You will have less drama and be less conflicted. You can focus on your family and not all of this back and forth with me or the other fiances," Akane said. Stop making this so hard, Ranma.
Ranma's eyes started to let tears escape down his cheek. "No, Akane. You're wrong!"
"We fought hard, Ranma. We did our best. We tried, we failed, we created a bond that just wasn't enough. We need to stop all of this now and put Megami first," Akane said. Ranma let out a frustrated growl and hit his fist against the wall, breaking the drywall. Akane sighed. "Remember how you felt after Jusendo. This is what you wanted. You wanted her. I had never seen you so affectionate or loving with anyone else, especially not me. She made you feel things you just couldn't with me. You never treated me the way you treated her. I get it now. She got you to open up when I could barely get you to look at me. You left me because you fell for her. Remember that."
"I'm sorry, Akane! I'm so sorry I did all of that. I don't know what I was doing or thinking. I can't lose you!" Ranma's tears started to drop more freely as he dropped back to his knees in front of where Akane was sitting. "I can't do this without you. We can't just throw everything away."
"You already did over a year ago, Ranma. You chose to throw this away because that's what you wanted," Akane said as Ranma's head fell into his arms, on Akane's lap. Akane took a deep breath as Ranma became more hysterical. Ranma's tears started to fall more freely and his body shook. Akane was shocked, as she had never seen Ranma like this before. Having Ranma crying against her was enough to break her heart all over again, but she knew she was doing the right thing. She thought she could hear Ranma saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," but it was so muffled, she wasn't sure. "I'm sorry it all turned out this way, Ranma."
Ranma sniffed, lifted his head and wiped his face with his hand. He looked up at Akane. "Me too, Akane. I'm so incredibly sorry, you have no idea."
"Ranma, you will be okay. I need some space right now, but we will still be friends and maybe even still family. Your family and mine will always be connected and, if Kaze is kind enough to forgive me, then maybe one day we will all be family through another means," Akane said, but immediately regretted it when she saw Ranma wince at the thought of her marrying someone else.
"I'm so scared to face everything without you. You've always been there for me. I don't even know what's going on with Miyuki or who she is right now inside with no memory," Ranma said.
"I know you still have a connection with her, Ranma. I saw it when you two were hugging outside my house. I know it's all new, confusing and all needs to be figured out, but I know you can handle this. Your daughter needs you to try," Akane said, trying her hardest to encourage him. Ranma looked away, wiped his face with his hand again and nodded sadly.
"Akane!" Kaze called from the house.
Akane's eyes widened. "Ranma, he can't see you in here like this. I'm sorry, but I have to talk to Kaze now. Can you please just stay here until I'm in the house before you leave? I'm sorry," she asked.
"Can we talk again later?" Ranma asked.
Akane shook her head. "I think some distance is better for right now, Ranma. I'm sorry," she said, even though it hurt her to say.
Ranma nodded. "I understand. I'm so sorry, Akane," he said.
"I know, Ranma. I know."
"Akane?" Kaze was looking around the house for Akane.
"Kaze?" Akane said as she entered the house.
"There you are. Your sisters said you were home, but I couldn't find you," Kaze said.
"Sorry, I was just outside. How is everything going? Is Miyuki getting any better?" Akane asked.
"Not really. I just went to see my parents. They aren't sure either. We don't want to risk bringing Miyuki up there right now, so they are trying to figure out how they can help," Kaze said. "Arashi came back down with me to help me with Miyuki, too."
"That must be nice to have the help and be able to spend time with two of your sisters again," Akane smiled at him.
"It is. It also gives me a bit more time to worry about my own life and not just Miyuki's. I'm sorry I was so angry. I always knew you had a connection with Ranma, it just really hurt to hear what happened," Kaze said.
"I'm so sorry, Kaze. It was a big mistake on my part and I take full responsibility. How can I make it up to you?" Akane asked.
Kaze smiled. "You don't have to make it up to me, but I do think we need to talk," he said.
Akane nodded. "Okay. Would you like some tea while we talk?" Akane asked.
Kaze shook his head. "No, thank you. Let's sit at the table, though," he said as he moved toward the table.
Akane and Kaze sat down. "Kaze, I don't want to start off with another secret, so I want to tell you something that just happened," Akane said. Kaze looked at her and nodded. "Ranma was just here with Megami. We were outside in the dojo talking."
Kaze frowned. "Can he not just leave you alone? Doesn't he have better things to worry about like Miyuki being back with no memory?" he asked in a bitter tone.
Akane smiled weakly. "I invited him to talk. I needed to tell him what I decided," she said.
Kaze raised an eyebrow. "And what did you decide?" he asked.
"I decided that I needed some space from Ranma while I sorted things out with you and that he should focus on Miyuki," she explained.
"I don't disagree and I appreciate you telling me, but why are Ranma's actions your decision?" Kaze asked.
"Well, I guess they aren't, but that's what I want for Megami and you are what I want for me," Akane said.
Kaze smiled. "This is the Akane I know," he said.
"Kaze," Akane started as she grabbed his hand. "I want to be honest with you. I was honest when I told you I loved Ranma, but I think I really figured some things out since then," Akane said, then took a deep breath. She looked into Kaze's eyes. "Kaze, I love you," Akane said, hopeful.
Kaze smiled. "I love you, too, Akane," he said as he reached over and kissed Akane on the lips. Akane was shocked, as Kaze was so upset with her before and she didn't expect this kindness from him today, but she immediately smiled and leaned into his kiss.
"Glad to see you two made up," a voice said from behind them.
"Arashi! Hello!" Akane said with a big smile on her face after breaking the kiss with Kaze.
Arashi smiled back. "Hey, Akane. I was going to go check on my niece but thought I'd stop in here to say hello to you, as well," she said.
"Great timing, sister," Kaze said as he rolled his eyes. "Where's Miyuki?" Kaze asked.
"She was getting sick of me and needed a break. I really hope she starts remembering who we are soon, because she's getting quite annoyed with us," Arashi said.
Kaze nodded. "Ranma just left with Megami," Kaze said.
"I know. Megami has divine energy, too. It's different, being a halfling and all, but it's there," Arashi said with a wink.
"Oh, right. Sometimes I forget now that I'm usually in human form on Earth," Kaze said.
"Anyway, I thought you should know. I'm going to let Megami have a visit with her cool aunt, if Ranma will let me. When are you going to let Miyuki see her?" Arashi asked.
"Whenever we know it's safe," Kaze said.
Arashi nodded. "Okay, big brother. I'll see you back at the house," Arashi said as she continued on her way.
Akane turned and smiled at Kaze. "I'm so happy right now. Thank you for giving me a chance," Akane said.
Kaze smiled back. "I'm sorry I reacted so poorly. I know you have feelings for Ranma, too. I'm not blind. I just hope you don't act on them again while we are together," Kaze said.
Akane wrapped her arms around Kaze's neck and pulled him into a hug. "No way. I won't do that again."
"Knock, knock!" Arashi called into the Saotome residence. She could hear Megami making noises in the living room, as she has now woken from her nap.
"Coming!" Ranma called. "Oh, Arashi! Hey there, how are you?" Ranma said as he pulled Arashi into a hug.
"Hey Ranma! How is my favourite niece doing today?" She said as she returned the friendly hug.
"She just woke up and would probably love some quality auntie time," Ranma smiled at her.
"That's just what I came to deliver! How are you doing today?" Arashi asked.
"It's been a rough day, but I will survive," Ranma admitted.
"Great to hear! I brought Megami a present!" Arashi said as she pulled out a new toddler toy.
Ranma chuckled and shook his head. "Of course you did. Just what she needs. More toys," he said with a laugh.
"It's my duty as an aunt to make sure she has way more toys than she needs," Arashi laughed as she walked into the living room to see her niece.
There was another knock at the door.
"Hey, Arashi, I'm going to go answer the door while you spend time with Megami," Ranma said as he walked back toward the door. He opened it.
"Hey there, Ranma," Ukyo looked at him with an angry grin.
Uh oh. What did I do now? "Hey there, Ukyo. What's going on?" Ranma asked nervously.
"I hear there's another fiance in town for my man, you knew about it and you didn't say anything about it to your best friend, Ukyo," Ukyo said with venom in her voice.
Ranma backed up. "Ukyo, I promise I was just trying to help. He's not going to marry her, he loves you. We will get this sorted in time. I'm going to help make sure of it," Ranma defended.
"I can't believe you two kept this from me!" Ukyo scolded.
"I'm sorry, Ukyo. You're right. We should have told you," Ranma said, not wanting to tell her that it was her fiance's choice. He was the best man and he was going to act like it.
"I'm so disappointed in both of you. No more secrets, got it?!" Ukyo continued to scold.
Ranma nodded. "No more, I promise," he promised.
Suddenly, the phone rang. Ranma looked at Ukyo, "Sorry , Ukyo, just give me one second. Everyone wants my attention at the moment. You can go see Megami while I answer the phone, if you want. Arashi is in there right now," Ranma said.
Ukyo's face lit up. "Oh, Arashi is here?" Ukyo started toward the living room. "This isn't over, though, Ranma. We will still talk about this after your call," Ukyo threatened.
Ranma nodded then went to answer the phone as Ukyo entered the living room. He picked up the phone. "Hello, Saotome residence," he said as he answered the phone.
"Ranma," Kaze's voice called from the other end of the line. "Is Miyuki there?" he asked.
"Miyuki? No, why would she be here?" Ranma asked.
"She's missing," Kaze said frantically.
"Missing? How did you lose her? Where would she go?" Ranma said with worry.
"I have no idea. I need your help finding her," Kaze almost demanded.
"Right. I'll be right over. I'll ask Arashi and Ukyo to watch Megami," Ranma said as he hung up the phone.
Ranma hurried into the living room to find Ukyo and Arashi playing on the floor with Megami. "Hey, that was Kaze. He says Miyuki is missing and wants me to help find her," Ranma told the ladies.
"Missing?!" Ukyo and Arashi exclaimed.
Ranma nodded. "I hope nothing has happened. I need to hurry up," Ranma started to say, but then stopped. "Miyuki?" Ranma almost whispered as he noticed Miyuki looking in through the window. As he followed her eyes, he noticed she was staring at Megami. Uh Oh.