Hey.  This should be my final send of this before posting this to
RAAC.  I'd just like to give it a once-over to the list.  I'd really
appreciate all C&C.

The first part is very similar to my last go at this chapter (in early
1994, or something) but the last third or so is new, and sends the
story in a very different direction from where I had planned to send
it, so you may want to check it out if you're following this series.

http://wwwcsif.cs.ucdavis.edu/~rutsch/story.html has the earlier
chapters.  Chapter 9's rough draft is completed and should be up soon.

And any good ideas for a title?

Tales of Ranma and Nabiki 8
by: Jeff Rutsch

     Giving scarcely a conscious thought, Ranma released a quick
barrage of punches and kicks at the blocking dummy.  Pushing himself
as hard as he could, he released fourteen strikes in what probably
amounted to less than ten seconds.  If it had been a human opponent,
the blows surely would have been fatal.  Stepping back, he
contemplated what would be next in his workout.  Until he fell flat on
his face.

"You're getting sloppy, boy," came the voice of his father.

"You took me by surprise, old man," said Ranma, getting into fighting
position.  "Besides, I thought mom was after you!"

Genma got into a fighting stance, but didn't initiate an attack.

"Ranma...when will you learn?  There's not a woman in the world who
can resist my charms.  I merely explained to your mother the
predicament that led me to betrothe you at such an early age.  She
understood perfectly."

"Yeah...whatever."  Ranma initiated an attack with a sweeping kick to
the upper body.  Genma narrowly dodged the attack, but didn't take the
easy counter-strike.

"I thought you came to fight, pop," said Ranma, backing off.

"Ha!  Why should I spar with you?  A blocking dummy is a more suitable
opponent for one of your skills!"

"Don't knock it.  It's good practice for when we do fight.
Surprisingly good."

"Ranma," Genma was changing the subject.  "I came here for a more
serious reason."

"More serious than fighting?" Ranma looked at his father quizically.

"More serious than fighting."

"You...you mean Nabiki."

"You're about to get married to her, boy."

"Married?  I didn't say nothing.  I haven't even proposed yet.
You...you don't get married until then!"

"Foolish boy!  Have you learned nothing?  You get married when your
mother tells you to get married!"

"No way!  I'm the one getting married, not mom!"

"And she's the one wielding the katana, not you!"

"Yeah, so..."  Ranma didn't respond.  He half-heartedly resumed
training with the blocking dummy.

"Don't take it so hard, son."  Ranma still didn't respond.

"I was betrothed to your mother.  At first I was unsure..."

"Yeah, you and mom are a real marriage success story."

Ranma flinched, expecting a harsh reprisal.  Instead, Genma calmly
nudged his glasses and continued speaking.

"Even when we are not together, there is love," said Genma.  Ranma
unleashed a series of strikes at the dummy.  Genma watched.  It was a
while before either said anything.

"You can't just let the marriage happen, Ranma."

"Geez!  I said I'm gonna get married to her!  What else do you want?"

"I want you to love her!  And to make sure she knows it!"

"What do you care?  Calm down!"

"Ranma...I can't stress enough just how important it is..."  Genma
paused.

"Ranma...do you promise not to repeat what I am about to tell you?"

"Sure," said Ranma, curiously.

"I think you know that Soun, too, was betrothed."

"That's what I guessed..."

"He loved his wife very much.  But he never proposed.  He never told
his wife he loved her, just on a whim.  And...he never got the chance.
It will haunt him for the rest of his days..."

"Geez..."

"I don't want that to happen to you."

Ranma didn't respond.

**

"Ukyou!"

"Oh, hello Ran-chan!  What's up?"  Ukyou had been working on something
during lunchtime, but she set her papers aside and turned to face
Ranma.  Ranma sat down on the grass beside Ukyou.

"Nothing much..."

"Mmmm."

"Actually, there is something."

"What?"

"About yesterday."

"Oh.  Yeah.  What?" Ukyou looked a little uncomfortable.

"Well...I was just wondering what you meant, when you told mom about
our engagement." Ukyou looked to the side.

"We're engaged, aren't we?  I just mentioned it."

"Yeah, but there's more than that.  I mean, maybe I'm wrong, but it
seems that you...I dunnow.  Maybe meant something more.  It's probably
all in my mind....but..." Ranma didn't continue.

"Ranma..." Ukyou blushed.  "it's not, well...I told you our betrothal
was off."

"Then why..."

"I don't know.  I wasn't trying to make your mother call off your
engagement to Nabiki or anything.  It just...it seemed so fast.  One
second you were just sitting around the table, the next minute your
mother comes in and tells you that if you don't marry Nabiki you'll
have to commit seppuku."

"Yeah..."

"I guess I didn't want to see you forced into a decision."  Ranma
thought about this for a second.

"Ukyou..."

"Yeah?" Ukyou responded, with a hint of hesitancy in her voice.

"Thanks a lot.  But no thanks."

"What?"

"It's just...you're the first person I've told this to...so don't go
telling everybody or nothing..."

"Tell what?"

"I guess...well, there's no other way.  I...I have to get married to
Nabiki.  I'm going to make a real proposal sometime soon."

"You are?"

"Yeah.  Tomorrow, or something."

Ukyou didn't know how to respond.  A tear formed in her eye, which
she wiped off with as quick and subtle a motion as possible.
Eventually, Ukyou broke the silence.

"That's hard to believe."

"You're tellin' me it's hard to believe" said Ranma.  Despite her
sorrowful state, Ukyou laughed.

"So what are you doing?  To propose?"

"Actually...I was kind of hoping you could...assist me."

"You want my advice?" Ukyou was a bit startled.

"Yeah.  Why do you look so surprised?"

"Uhhh...No reason, I guess.  So, what are you thinking of doing?"

"Proposing."

"That's it?"

"Yeah," replied Ranma.

"I guess I can try to think of something."  Ukyou paused for a few
seconds before turning to face Ranma.

"So when would you get married?"

"I don't know.  Soon."

"Mmmm..." Ukyou wavered.  "I like what you said.  It's hard to
believe."

"Yeah," said Ranma.  He agreed, and he felt like he should expand on
what she said, but didn't know what to add.  After a few seconds, he
returned to the old topic.  "So got any ideas?  I can't think of
anything."

"Nabiki seems like the type of person who'd appreciate being 'swept
off her feet.'  Why don't you do something unexpectedly romantic?"

"Like roses and chocolate and limo rides and everything?"

"Maybe some of that.  But you're not trying to be Santa Claus."

"She'd go for it."

"I don't think so.  It seems to me like anything she can attach a
price tag to she views apathetically.  I mean, I haven't known her
that long, but..."

"Yeah, I think you're right." interrupted Ranma.

"Ok, here's an idea..."  for the next fifteen minutes Ukyou discussed
plans with Ranma.

"That sounds like a pretty good idea" said Ranma.

"Yeah...but not perfect."

"Well...it's hard to be perfect."

"That doesn't mean you can't try.  Want to work on it later today?"

"Sure."

"Ok.  While you're at it, you can drop by my new place, check it out!"

"Sounds good."

"So after work, okay?  Let me give you directions."

"Ukyou?"

"What?"

"I know it may have seemed kinda weird, me asking you how to propose
and all, when you're still my fiancee and everything."

"Yeah..." admitted Ukyou.

"I just wanna say...thanks."

"Thanks?"

"Thanks for helping out, and for your good ideas, and everything."

"It was...no problem."

"I hope we can stay friends...even after everything." Ranma stopped.
He looked uncomfortable.

"Of...of course."

"I'll see you after school."

"You too, Ran-chan."

"Ok, bye!"

**

"Hey Ukyou..."  Akane walked up to Ukyou, still sitting on the grass.

"Oh, hello Akane!  C'mon, sit down!"

"Sure...ok." Akane sat in the grass beside Ukyou.

"So what's up?"

"Well...I saw you with Ranma."

"Yeah?"

"I was just wondering..." Akane came to a standstill.

"What he said?"

"Yeah.  I don't mean to sound petty, but I couldn't help but look.
And wonder."

"You like Ranma, don't you?" asked Ukyou bluntly.

"Ukyou!"

"Just asking."  Akane blushed.

"Maybe."

"Maybe.  Akane, well..." Ukyou paused before continuing.  "I think
Ranma's getting serious with Nabiki."

"Getting serious?  He's already betrothed to her, and now his mom's in
on it too!"

"True.  I meant...getting more serious."

"Getting more serious?"

"Yeah."

"You don't mean..."

"I...I can't say for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if he proposes
to her any day now."

"Oh my god."

"Yeah..." said Ukyou.

"I have to do something!"  Akane sounded agitated.  Ukyou put her hand
on Akane's shoulder to calm her down.

"Akane...I can't tell you what to do....but..."

"But what?!" asked Akane, raising her voice.

"Don't go too far."

"I have to do something!"

"Akane..."

"I'll never forgive myself if I don't!"

"Akane..."

"What?!"

"Sometimes there's nothing you can do.  Or should do.  You have to
accept that."

"I can't!"

"You have to try...you can't."

Akane sat on the grass, thinking.  She clutched at the grass with her
fists.

**

After school at the Tendo household, nothing much was happening.
Nabiki was busy working on some problem with her abacus, Genma and
Soun were playing a game of Go, and Ranma was sitting at the table
looking bored.  Kasumi was busy serving tea and snacks to everybody.
Nodoka was busy talking to her husband and son.

"So you decided to train by the springs even though the guide told you
they were cursed?"

"Yes..." admitted Genma.

"And after you were transformed into a panda, you jumped up and
decided to push Ranma into a spring?"

"Not exactly...you see..."

"Oh," said Nodoka..

"It's not like that!  I mean, I was in a state of rage!  And
confusion!"

"Oh," said Nodoka.

"You can't know what it's like!  I've never been...in less control!"

"Oh," said Nodoka.  Genma didn't reply.  Nodoka continued.

"And then when you got here, you betrothed Ranma to Nabiki?"

"Yep," replied Nabiki, who continued to work on her abacus.

"Well, at least you did something right."

"Hard to believe, isn't it?" grumbled Genma.  Kasumi entered the room
and sat down to the side of Ranma.  Nabiki turned to face the
conversation.

"Mr. Saotome is very skillful managing Ranma's affairs," Kasumi said,
cheerfully.

"Yeah, don't I wish," replied Ranma.  Kasumi smiled.

"You're an excellent martial artist, Ranma.  Your father trained you
well."

"Thanks, Kasumi, but I'm not like world-class or anything."

"Sure you are," replied Kasumi.  "Besides," she said, "Nabiki likes
you enough to pause from her calculations.  He must have raised you
well for that to happen!"

"Kasumi!" replied Nabiki, turning to face her sister.  Kasumi flashed
a ridiculously happy smile at Nabiki.  Nabiki caught Kasumi's joke and
stuck her tongue out.  In response, Kasumi was about to say something,
but before she could she was startled by a loud crash to the side of
the room.  Everybody turned and look as one of the walls was
demolished.

"Somebody just broke down the wall!" uttered a shocked Nodoka.

"You get used to it," responded Ranma, whispering.

"So," asked Soun, sternly, "who goes there?  And why didn't you use
the door?"

Through the hole walked a stranger to the family, although evidently
no stranger to Ranma.

"Sh...Shampoo?  What are you doing here?"

"You know this girl?" asked Nodoka.

"Long story, mom" replied Ranma.  Meanwhile, a hostile if
uncomfortable-looking purple haired Amazon approached Ranma.

"Uhhhh...long time no see, Shampoo.  I mean, not that I've ever seen
you before.  How did I know...uhhh...heard about..."

"Stop you stupid talk."  Ranma felt compelled to obey.  Shampoo
reached down to her hip pouch and opened two containers.  Nonchalantly
taking one, she doused the contents on Ranma.

"Wha'd you do that for?!" asked Ranma-chan.  Shampoo didn't reply,
only flashing a nasty look at Ranma.  She reached for the second
container and tossed the contents at Ranma.

"Hey!" replied Ranma-kun.  "You can't just come in here and..."
Shampoo looked at Ranma, a look of restrained wonder on her face.

"Is true!  You a man!"

"Uhhh...yeah, I'm a man, all right."

Shampoo looked at Ranma with momentary indecision.  Eventually she
hugged Ranma passionately and spoke.

"Mota airen."

"Mota airen?" asked Nabiki, still in a state of disbelief.

"My beloved husband," translated Nodoka.

"Oh my!" said Kasumi.  "Well, I imagine our guest will want a glass of
tea!"

"Uh...look Shampoo," said an uncomfortable Ranma, struggling to remove
himself from Shampoo's embrace.  "I uh...Well, I can't..."  Ranma
broke out of the embrace and started running away.  He couldn't get
too far before his progress was impeded by Shampoo, so he started
running around the room, Shampoo in chase.

"I hope this doesn't change your opinion of my son," said Nodoka to
Nabiki.  She ducked as Ranma jumped overhead.

"Of course not.  I mean, he wouldn't be running away if he was
interested in her." Nodoka smiled.

"There's still people who would have been jealous.  I admit that I
would have been."

"Nah," replied Nabiki, moving her arm to avoid being jumped on by
Shampoo.  "I mean, I know Ranma..." Nabiki paused.

"Loves you?"

"Yeah..."

"And you love him?"  Nabiki didn't answer.  Nodoka smiled and
continued.

"It gets easier every time you say it."

"Yeah...I love him."

"That's good."  Nodoka raised her hand to block her head in case
Shampoo made a careless jump, which didn't happen.

"When I..." Nabiki came to a halt.  "When I paused, I hope you didn't
think I didn't mean it."

"Of course not," replied Nodoka, sweetly.  Kasumi, arriving with some
tea for Shampoo, side-stepped a charging Ranma and sat by Nabiki and
Nodoka.

"I'm sorry for the chaos, Mrs. Saotome.  Ever since Ranma and Mr.
Saotome arrived, life has been so unpredictable."

"Don't worry," replied Nodoka, smiling,  "I hadn't forgotten the
trouble they can cause."

**

Shampoo finished moving steaming hot bowls of Ramen, covered with fish
cakes, mushrooms, and green onions, to the table.  They joined an
already impressive display of Chinese and Japanese foods, with a wide
array of sauces and styles of cooking.  The entire family sat around
the table.

"So Shampoo good cook and make wonderful wife, Ranma!" said Shampoo,
excitedly.

"Right, right.  So get on with it, why aren't you trying to kill me,
and now trying to marry me?" Shampoo filled bowls with steamed rice
and passed them around.

"When you challenge Shampoo, and Shampoo loses, Shampoo suffer grave
consequence."

"You mean your prize food?  Heck, you're cooking more food for us now
than you ever would have won..."

"That stupid!  No!  In Joketsuzoku, when Amazon woman loses, if loses
to a woman, she must kill woman or face dishonor!"

"Yeah.  I knew that.  That's why you were trying to kill me back in
China..."

"Just because a law.  Shampoo no mean anything.  When Amazon woman
loses, if loses to a man, she must marry man!"

"Oh my!" said a startled Kasumi.

"What type of stupid law is that?!" yelled Akane.

"Is ancient law of Chinese Amazon.  Very important tradition.  Is what
makes us Amazon, not just women of Joketsuzoko."

"But wait a minute..." butted in Nabiki.  "It's only if you're beat by
a man that you have to marry him."

"Shampoo just say that!"

"Well, you weren't beat by a man!"

Shampoo reached over and put her hand on Ranma's chest.

"Ranma is man!  Shampoo no blind or stupid!"

"But he's also a woman!  He's an exception to your laws!"

"Amazon council already make ruling.  Is really a man, so Shampoo
marry."

"How'd you find that out, anyway?  That Ranma was really a man?"

"Great-grandmother tell Shampoo!"

"How'd she find out, then?" asked Ranma.

"Very mysterious stranger come to village.  Tall woman, strange
markings on face.  Great-grandmother sees her.  Great-grandmother not
see every stranger, this one very special!"

"Oh,"  answered Ranma.  "Regardless, Shampoo, I already have a
fiancee."

"You do?" asked Shampoo.

"Yep.  Nabiki over here.  So I'm afraid you'll have to tell the people
at your village that I'm already taken..."

"Shampoo do no such thing!  You no marry sneaky girl!"

"Shampoo," said Nabiki, "Ranma isn't bound to obey your village's laws
and traditions."

**

Ranma walked back from the store, a bag of groceries in his arms.

"Mota Airen!" a voice cried out.  Before Ranma had time to react,
Shampoo had him wrapped in an embrace.

"Would..."  Ranma paused, and squirmed out of Shampoo's embrace.

"Would you cut that out, Shampoo?"

"But you I love!" replied Shampoo, giddily.

"I said, CUT THAT OUT!" yelled Ranma.  Shampoo backed off.

"Geez, Shampoo!  What's wrong with you, anyway?  Other girls don't go
jumping all over people!"

"Shampoo is sorry, Ranma."  Ranma's anger quickly dissolved when he
saw the sorry expression on Shampoo's face.  Shampoo genuinely looked
ready to cry.

"I...I'm sorry for yelling at you," apologized Ranma, with difficulty,
and continued.  "I...you see...well..." Shampoo interrupted him.

"Is my fault, Ranma."

"C'mon.  It's not your fault.  You just took me by surprise.  I'm
sorry."

"If you think is your fault, apology accepted."

"Uhhh...great.  So, what do you want, anyways?"

"I want marry you."

Ranma just looked at Shampoo.  It was difficult to respond to that
statement.

"What?" asked Ranma, more out of disbelief than anything else.

"I want marry you!  You defeat Shampoo, now you marry."

"Are you kidding?"

"You know Shampoo no kid around!"

"But it was just...just random!" protested Ranma.

"So?" asked Shampoo.  Ranma continued, oblivious to what she said.

"You just happened to bump into me!  And I just happened to eat the
food!  And you just happened to challenge me!  It was just chance!  We
can't...that's not enough of a reason to go any farther!"

"Is way of love!  Many 'just happenends!'" protested Shampoo.  Ranma
continued.

"And why do you want to marry me anyway?  Just...just because of some
stupid law?"

"Is not stupid law, Ranma.  Is way of Amazon women!"

"It's a stupid law!  You didn't get a choice in the matter!  Marriage
shouldn't be based on that!"

"Like is for you?"

"Huh?"

"When you get engaged Nabiki, you get choice in matter?"

"Well, no..."

"Then why me for is different?"

"What?"

Shampoo looked at the ground, frustrated.  "My Japanese no good."

"Heck of a lot better than my Chinese," admitted Ranma.

"But is not true for you, too?  You is young.  You is married because
of rules.  You think marriage should be with love?  Then why you no
marry love?"

"What?"

"You is engaged Nabiki because betrothed, not because you love."

"I...Nabiki's...great!  I wouldn't mind marrying her!"

"But do love her?"

"That's NOT..."  Ranma paused.  "It doesn't matter.  I don't love you!
I hardly even know you!"

"Shampoo love you."

"How can you say that?  You don't know me, either!"

"What Shampoo know now, Shampoo love.  And what Shampoo no know 'till
later, Shampoo love them.  Is may seem strange, but is Amazon way."

"But...love isn't one way!  And even if you can love me, I can't love
you without getting to know you!"

"Then get to know me."

"Get to know you?"

"Yes."

"That's crazy!"

"Why?  Ranma afraid love?"

"What?"

"When love greet you, you afraid run?"

"Huh?"

Shampoo again looked at the ground, frustrated.  After a few seconds,
she continued.

"You marry Nabiki cause have to, no because love."

"I didn't say that!" yelled Ranma.

"No need," replied Shampoo, a deliberate restraint to her voice.
"And then what of Ukyou-girl?  She love you, and you say is not
betrothed!" Ranma didn't reply.  Shampoo continued.  "And younger
sister Akane love Ranma to, but you ignore."

"I didn't ignore her!  I have to get married to Nabiki!" yelled Ranma.
Shampoo looked at Ranma, smiled, and waited a few seconds before
speaking.

"So is true.  Ranma is afraid love.  Ranma let be pushed around."

"Listen Shampoo.  I'm a martial artist.  And as a martial artist, I
have to act a certain way, and follow the samurai code of honor!  So I
can't just..." Ranma stopped speaking when Shampoo interrupted him.

"So what you do, Ranma?" asked Shampoo.  "You marry love, or you marry
ninja code?" Ranma looked back at Shampoo for a few seconds, a blank
expression on his face.

"What...whatever.  I don't have to hear this." Ranma turned away from
Shampoo and continued walking home.  Shampoo didn't follow him.

**

"So why are we going to the park?" asked Nabiki.

"You'll see," answered Ukyou, smiling.

"Ooh.  A surprise.  I'm so excited," said Nabiki, sarcastically. Ukyou
didn't respond.  Nabiki continued speaking.

"I don't like surprises, Ukyou.  Just tell me."

"You'll find out!"

"Does it have something to do with your apartment?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe?  I bet it does...you got it furnished or something?"

"I'd show you that later....I wouldn't drag you over to the park to
show you that, anyway."

"And you wouldn't be so excited about couches."

"Maybe I would.  If they were nice couches..." joked Ukyou.  Nabiki
didn't respond.

"Okay, so we're here.  Now what?"

"Go to the veranda."

"Okay..." Nabiki walked, but stopped when she realized Ukyou wasn't
following.

"I'll just look.  You go," encouraged Ukyou.

"What?"

"Just go..."

"Okay..." said Nabiki with a look of hesitancy.  Ukyou looked from
about twenty feet away.  Nabiki noticed her pull out a camera.  She
was about to question Ukyou about it when she noticed a man in a
tuxedo walk onto the veranda.  It was Ranma.  He was holding a dozen
roses.

Visibly shaking, he approached Nabiki slowly and determinedly.  Nabiki
looked back in confusion.  Ranma stopped a few feet in front of Nabiki
and bent down on one knee.

"Nabiki..." he eventually got out.  After a pause that seemed
infinitely long, but was truthfully only a few seconds, he continued.

"Nabiki, since I met you I've come to love you very much, and I want
to ask you something..."

Eventually, Ranma went down to his pocket and fumbled out a ring,
which Nabiki recognized as her mother's engagement ring.

"Nabiki, I..." Ranma paused.  Nabiki looked back at him expectantly.
Ranma continued.

"Nabiki, I got this ring from your father, because he told me...He
told me that..." Ranma paused

"Yes?"

"Nabiki, I...I can't do this."

"What?" asked Nabiki, to surprised to be shocked.

"Don't take this the wrong way.  I can't do this.  I love you.
But...I can't.  Please understand."

"But...but...I love you!"

"Nabiki, I can't.  Please forgive me.  I can't"

"Why?  Did I do something?  What did I do?"

"You didn't do anything.  It's my fault.  It's all my fault," answered
Ranma.

"What...then why?"

"Later.  Maybe...we can marry later.  No, you're going to hate me.
But...but I can't.  I...not when I'm not sure.  I have to make sure."

"But...but..."

"Nabiki...I can't."  Ranma turned and walked away.  A few seconds
later, he started to run.

**

Author's comments:

Wow, I actually get around to finishing this thing off.  I would
really appreciate all comments and suggestions before I post this
thing to RAAC.  My main thought is that with so many characters in
this chapter, I'm spreading characterization time a little thin.

I need to work on my currently completed rough draft of chapter 9,
I'll try to post that as soon as possible.  I have my outline of
chapter 10 completed and worked out in my head.

If you have any comments, criticisms, or if you liked it, I'd
appreciate a reply either to the FFML or to my e-mail address:

jdrutsch@ucdavis.edu

Thanks for reading,

Jeff
 


****jdrutsch@ucdavis.edu***********************Jeff Rutsch***************** 
I -I -I-I *"She's a kind hearted woman, she studies evil all the time.
IV-IV-I-I * She's a kind hearted woman, she studies evil all the time.
V -IV-I-I * You well's to kill me, as to have it on your mind."-R. Johnson
**^_^***.daed si luaP**^_^**Bird Lives**^_^**Ranma Loves Akane**^_^****^_^*