Ranma 1/2: The Insanity Continues
Volume 1 - Trapped
Chapter 2 - Revelations
Written by: Lord Archive
This story may be considered Lemon-scented as it refers to certain
characters having sex 'off-screen' and contains some sexual innuendoes.
Legal babble: Characters are owned by Takahashi, Viz Video, ect... I'm
just borrowing the characters. I'll return them... eventually.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
It was now Sunday morning at Tendo home. Nabiki, Kasumi, Genma, and Soun
sat quietly at the table, finishing their breakfast. There was a black
gem sitting on a pillow in the middle of the table.
"Aiya, Shampoo here to free husband," announced the young Amazon warrior,
as she and her great-grandmother arrived.
"I am surprised to see you still have that gem and that it is intact.
Anyway, I have discovered the means to free them. Where were they when
they disappeared?" Cologne asked.
The Tendos and Genma pointed at the vacant side of the table, where Ranma
and Akane usually sat.
"The table should be close enough. If you would clear the table, I can
begin. Kasumi please get them something to cover themselves up with,"
Cologne said.
Shampoo raised an eyebrow to this statement. While Kasumi rushed off, the
others quickly cleared off the table. Just as Kasumi returned with a pair
of robes, Cologne knocked the black gem and pillow off the table.
"What did you do that for?" Genma screeched as he dove for the gem.
"As I said before, `I'm surprised you still have that gem and that it is
intact.' I switched the gem with a marble yesterday to insure nothing bad
could happen to it," replied the elder Amazon.
"Grrr..." emitted Genma.
"Now I shall begin," Cologne said as she pulled out the gem and placed it
on the table. She began to speak a Chinese chat, causing the gem to glow.
In a flash of dark light, Ranma and Akane appeared. They were both
asleep, with Akane resting on top of Ranma. It was obvious to all those
in the room what the two had been doing before they fell asleep.
"IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!," screamed Shampoo,
drowning out the others gasps of shock.
The scream woke Ranma and Akane from their deep, peaceful slumber. Ranma
looked to the source. Seeing Cologne next to her, he uttered, "Oh man."
Shampoo stared at them in shock.
"This is what I feared would happen," Cologne said, shaking her head.
Kasumi gave Ranma and Akane the robes. They quickly put them on. Shampoo,
recovered from the shock, advanced toward Akane saying, "Tomboy no take
husband."
Ranma prepared to protect Akane, but was surprised Cologne stopped
Shampoo. "It is too late child, Ranma has made his choice. It is over,"
Cologne stated.
"It can't be to late," said the irate Shampoo. Her face returned to shock
and said, "It only can be to late.. if.. if.. she's... she's...
p-p-pr..." Shampoo couldn't finish what she was trying to say as Cologne
decided it was best to put the near hysterical Shampoo to sleep using
pressure points.
"My little girl is all grown up! I'll go call a minister and have you two
married right away," Soun said with joy filled tears in his eyes.
"Our families will finally be joined," Genma cheered, as he threatened to
join his emotional friend.
"Hold it! Despite what we did while trapped, we decided it would be best
to hold off the actual wedding until we graduate," Ranma retorted.
"You have no choice, Ranma. Your actions have forced a quick marriage,"
Cologne replied.
"What do ya mean by that?" Ranma demanded.
"I mean that Akane is..."
Cologne was interrupted by Akane screaming, "Oh, No No No NO. I can't
be..." Akane's voice refused to say the last word.
Cologne simply said to her, "You are."
"She is what?" Ranma demanded.
"Pregnant," Cologne replied.
With that word, Ranma went into an impersonation of a deer caught in
headlights.
Kasumi said, "Oh my."
Genma and Soun shouted for joy, "We're going to be grandparents!"
Nabiki's pencil snapped as it was pressed into the notebook she was
writing notes into,
Shampoo was still doing a good impression of a pile of cloths.
Akane screamed, "Ranma you jerk! You got me pregnant!" She landed an
uppercut on Ranma, sending him flying into the sky over Nerima. She then
collapses onto her knees, mumbling, "I'm to young. I've got another year
of High School ahead of me. I can't be pregnant. I can't be."
"Do not try to be upset about the gift of life you now carry. I realize
that this comes early in your life. And, it will bring additional
challenges into your life, but I'm sure you and Ranma are strong enough
to over come them," Cologne assured Akane. She announced to the others,
"I will be sending Mousse here to talk with Ranma about how to resolve
some Amazon legal problems. Now Nabiki, I would like the Imprisonment Gem
back."
Nabiki reluctantly handed Cologne a black gem to which the amazon stated
angrily, "I said the Imprisonment Gem, the gem that held Ranma and
Akane."
"Ok, fine," Nabiki replied, handing the gem to Cologne.
"Um, Cologne, are you sure I'm pregnant?" Akane asked, still in shock.
"I can feel the life force of the child in you, and it is very strong
indeed. I knew Ranma would father strong children. That is why I fought
so hard to get him married to Shampoo," Cologne answered.
"Why have you surrendered your claim then?"
"The Amazons are a matriarch society. As such, we value motherhood above
all else. If we bring harm to you, which includes taking Ranma away from
you, Shampoo and I face far worse punishments than not bringing him back
with us. Mousse will explain this to you and Ranma later," said Cologne
as she grabbed a nearby glass of water, splashed Shampoo, picked up the
now sleeping cat and her cloths, and left.
Akane got up, still very much stunned by the news, and said, "I'm going
to take a bath."
Kasumi finally recovered from the shock of finding out Akane was
pregnant, looked at her retreating form. Kasumi decided it best to wait a
little so she could figure out what to say and give Akane some time to
recover.
Genma and Soun were crying for joy about the joining of their family
lines.
Nabiki rushed for her coat. Kasumi saw this and stopped her before she
could leave, asking, "Where are you going?"
"Oh, just going out for a quick walk."
"You're not going to tell anybody about what has happened, are you?"
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Dreaming about it won't cause a problem. Telling others may cause
problems."
"What could possibly happen?"
"Besides Ranma being attacked by every guy who has a crush on Akane, or
Akane being attacked by the girls that have their eye on Ranma."
"They'll eventually find out and attack them anyway, so why not try to
make some money by telling them first?"
Kasumi stated in an even tone, "Because it would be better if someone
with your skills decided to help prevent possible attacks. And it would
disappoint me to find out you sold out your sister and Ranma."
Nabiki was taken aback by the reprimand Kasumi just gave her. She put her
jacket back, saying sadly, "I guess it wouldn't hurt to wait and see what
Ranma and Akane have to say."
Kasumi smiled to her sister and returned to dining room to clean up
breakfast.
<Maybe I could solve their suitor problems instead of calling off
Ranma's debts to me as a wedding present,> Nabiki thought as she rushed
upstairs to her room to started to formulate some plans.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside Ucchan's, Ukyou swept the sidewalk in preparation for opening her
store when Ranma finally landed from Akane's uppercut, right into a trash
can.
"Ranchan? What happened this time? You're a mess," asked a concerned
Ukyou.
Ranma pulled himself out of the trash can, replying, "I look like I feel
then, huh."
"What happened?"
"I'll explain later. Um, can I use your bath?"
"Sure you can. I'll have something for you to eat when you get out."
"Thanks," said Ranma as he entered Ucchan's.
Ukyou smiled as she resumed her work. Her hopeful thought, "Maybe Akane
dumped him once and for all this time," feeding the smile.
--------------------------------------------
Cologne entered the Neko-Hanten with Shampoo still asleep in her hands.
Mousse prepared to open the restaurant and noticed them enter.
"What happened to Shampoo?" Mousse asked with concern.
"She's asleep. I'll explain what happened after the lunch rush. For now,
get to work," Cologne replied.
"Asleep where?" he asked, apparently not seeing Cologne holding
neko-Shampoo.
Cologne whapped Mousse in the head and stated, "I'm holding her stupid.
Now wear your glasses." She stomped off and took Shampoo to her room.
"Why should she be asleep now? If Ranma hurt her, I'll kill him,"
Mousse muttered.
--------------------------------------------
A half-hour later, Akane still sat in the Tendo bath with a blank look on
her face. There was a knock at the door to the bath. Kasumi asked,
"Akane, I've got some cloths for you to wear. Mind if I come in?" After a
moment passed without a response, Kasumi entered.
"Akane, are you okay?" Kasumi asked, concern heavy in her voice. She sat
down on the side of the bath.
"I don't know," Akane replied so low that Kasumi barely heard her.
"I think it's wonderful that you're going to be a mother."
Akane scowled at Kasumi, saying, "Oneechan, please. I'm to young. I can't
finish high school if, half way through my final year, I'm going to give
birth to a child."
"Teenage pregnancy isn't that rare of an event, and there are programs to
help young mothers, like you, finish school."
Akane blinked and asked, "How do you know about stuff like that?"
"It was in one of the books I borrowed from Dr. Tofu."
Akane returned to being emotionless and said, "Oh... Father set up the
time for my wedding already. Hasn't he?"
"Yes, it's scheduled for tomorrow after school."
Akane screeched, "Tomorrow?"
"We can't delay it too long, can we."
Akane sighed, "I guess not. But, I still can't believe how much my life
has changed, and is going to change. Two days ago, Ranma and I were
fighting, he had three financees, and we couldn't admit our true
feelings. Now I'm pregnant and I'll be married to him tomorrow."
"Yes things have changed. Mostly for the better. But I'm sure you will be
surprised at how much will stay the same."
Akane smiled a little, hoping what Kasumi said was true, and said,
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"Has Ranma come back yet?"
"No, but judging by the way you hit him. I'd say he's at Ucchan's."
"I guess I should call him. I'll be out in a minute."
Kasumi smiled. Getting up to leave, she asked, "Are you okay now?"
"I'm still not sure, but I'm feeling better now."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ranma sat in Ukyou's bath with a dazed look on his face. He was deep in
thought, <What am I going to do now? What little I've planned of the
future has been stripped away. I wanted more time to be free. I don't
want the responsibilities of being a husband and a father yet. This is
not fair!>
His thought was interrupted by Ukyou as she called, "Ranchan, Akane's on
the phone and wants to talk with you."
"Thanks Ucchan, I'll get it in a second," replied Ranma as he exited the
bath and began to dry off. <I hope she's not upset,> he thought as he put
on the robes Kasumi gave him earlier. He exited the bath area and went to
the kitchen where Ukyou kept her phone. Ukyou was in the room and could
hear what Ranma will say on the phone.
Ranma picked up the phone and nervously said, "Hello, Akane."
"Hi, I'm sorry I hit you. I was just surprised at what Cologne told me,"
Akane said over the line.
"I'm surprised you didn't hit me harder. Um, is what the old ghoul said
true?"
<What happened this time? What does Cologne have to do with it?> wondered
Ukyou.
Akane replied, "I'm pretty sure it is. I doubt she would have done some
of the things she did if they weren't."
Ranma shook his head, "I see. I guess delaying things are out of the
question now."
"Yes, the time is set for tomorrow after school."
"That soon. I guess I better tell Ucchan what has happened."
"Good luck, and come home soon."
"Yeah, thanks. Bye."
"Bye," Akane said as she hung up.
Ukyou looked at Ranma with nervous concern and thought, <Something big
has happened. Whatever it is has Ranchan shook up.>
"At least she sounds okay. But now I have to do something I really don't
want to." thought Ranma, and then said, "Ucchan, Konatsu, I need to talk
to both of you in private."
"Sure thing Ranchan. Konatsu could you put the closed sign up?" replied
Ukyou and thought, <I don't think I want to hear this.>
"It would be my pleasure," answered Konatsu.
Ranma walked over to one of the booths inside the empty restaurant and
sat down towards the end, forcing Konatsu and Ukyou to sit on the other
side. Ukyou notice this and asked, "Ranchan, why don't we talk by the
grill? That way I can keep Okonomiyaki on your plate."
"I'm not that hungry and I'd be more comfortable talking to you here,"
said Ranma nervously.
"If you say so," replied Ukyou as her concern grew and thought, <I'm
positive I won't want to hear this.>
Konatsu went to the booth and sat across from Ranma. He left room for
Ukyou to sit down next to him. Ukyou followed with a couple plates of
Okonomiyaki and placed them down in front of each of them.
"So what did you want to talk about Ranchan?" Ukyou asked.
Ranma began, "Well I guess I should start at the beginning, huh. Several
things have changed over the last couple days. It all began with Happosai
getting pissed at me and he decided to trap me in a magical prison. He
not only trapped me, but Akane as well."
Ukyou was showing signs that she is not liking what she was hearing as
Ranma nervously continued, "While trapped Akane and I started to talk
about things like love and which of my fianc‚es that I love. I came to
realize during that talk how much you really love me."
Ukyou was now showing signs of being very hopeful.
Ranma continued, "But, I also realized that I don't share that love. You
are my best friend, but I do not love you in the way one should love a
wife. The way... I love... Akane."
"WHAT!?!" screamed Ukyou as she stood up and pounded the table and
continued, "How can you love that violent, uncute, tomboy? I'm the cute
fianc‚e and I love you more than she ever will!"
"You might be right in saying you love me more, but that doesn't change
that I love Akane more."
"How can you say you love her more if you always insult her?"
"I'm not sure. It started when we met. It became a force of habit."
"So you're going to marry her then?"
"Yes, and you two are invited to the wedding."
"When?"
"Tomorrow, after school."
"Tomorrow? Why the hell are you going to marry her tomorrow? You can't
possibly want to marry her that soon."
"We can't delay getting married."
"If you're serious about getting married, your parents shouldn't mind
delaying it."
"Um... They want us to get married. We want to get married. Why should we
wait?" Ranma said not wanting to tell her the real reason.
"If you're marrying her, why did she punch you here and what does this
have to do with the old ghoul?"
Ranma shook his head and thought, <She'll figure it out sooner or later.>
He took a deep breath and said, "It was the old ghoul who got us out of
the gem. And 'bout when Akane punch me, it was 'cause the ghoul said...."
His voice had trailed off to the point where Ukyou could not hear what he
said.
"What did you say?" Ukyou asked.
"I said Akane is pregnant," Ranma replied.
Konatsu looked at Ranma with a pleased yet stunned look. Ukyou, however,
screamed, "WHAT?"
"Akane is pregnant."
"How?"
"How do you think? Me and Akane were trapped in the prison for two days.
We actual got to sit down and talk. One thing led to 'nother and we did
it and now she's, you know."
"Are you sure you want to marry her?"
"Yes."
Ukyou proceeded to collapse into a crying fit on Konatsu, who carefully
held her. After several moments Ranma got up and said, "I'm sorry I hurt
you. I hope you can forgive me. I want us all to be friends, and I really
would like to see you at my wedding." Ranma left, leaving Ukyou behind as
she cried and a full plate of Okonomiyaki.
------------------------------------------
"I'm home," announced Ranma as he entered the Tendo home.
Akane quickly appeared in the hall and asked, "How did it go?"
"As well as I could hope," he replied sadly. "I asked her to come to the
wedding, but I don't know if she'll come."
"I hope she does. It would help her get over you."
"You didn't leave her alone, did you?" Akane asked.
"No, Konatsu is with her," replied Ranma.
Nabiki appeared at the top of the stairs and said "Oh good. You're both
here. I have a splendid idea for a wedding present for you. How would
guys like it if I solved you all your suitor problems?"
"I don't know. Shampoo is already handled, I talked to Ucchan, and Akane
should handle Ryoga," answered Ranma.
"That still leaves the Kunos and someone should check on Ukyou. Nabiki,
that would be a great gift if you can handle them," Akane stated.
"Excellent. So Ranma, you told Ukyou while you were out?" asked Nabiki.
"Yeah," replied Ranma.
"So what did you tell her?" Nabiki inquired.
"Everything," said Ranma.
"Everything?" screeched Akane and Nabiki.
"She woulda figured it out sooner or later."
"I'll check on Ukyou after I deal with the Kunos. I'll see you love birds
later," Nabiki smirked as she grabbed her coat and left.
"I was hoping she was going to cut off all my debts, but I guess this
will be better. I wonder how much money she'll swindle out of Kuno before
convincing him to leave us alone?" Ranma said to no one in particular.
Akane replied anyway, "Probably more than he can afford."
"Akane, are you okay?" Ranma asked.
"I guess I'm fine. It'll take time to adjust to all this," Akane answered.
"It certainly will. Oh, when you talk to Ryoga, it might be best to talk
to him while he's P-Chan."
"Why?" she said with a tinge of anger.
"Damage control. It'll prevent him from going ballistic before you finish
talking to him."
"While you may be right about that," Akane said before she punched Ranma
in the stomach and added, "You still need to learn to be more sensitive
of other people's feelings." Akane left a bit angry and went to her room.
"What'd I say?" Ranma asked himself aloud while holding his stomach.
------------------------------------------
The lunch rush has just ended and Mousse was busy cleaning the tables.
<Shampoo will be awake soon. It's best I get rid of Mousse before she
comes down. She's likely to kill him if he shows any kind of affection
for her,> Cologne thought and then said, "Mousse, get over here. I have
to tell you something."
"What do you want?" Mousse replied to Cologne with contempt in his voice.
Cologne leveled her gaze at Mousse and said in Chinese, "For your
inability to win Shampoo as your wife, for your interference in her
marrying Ranma, and for your general lack of respect for not only for
elders but women as well, you are here by banished from the Amazon
tribes."
"What?" he screeched in Chinese, looking at a nearby plant in shock and
thought, "Banished!?"
"You are no longer of the tribe. You are an outsider."
"An outsider? That means I can become Shampoo's husband by defeating
her." he said as he tried to understand what happened and asked, "Why?"
"Ranma has not only chosen Akane, but has gotten her pregnant as well."
"He has?" Mousse said with grin that went ear to ear.
"Until you defeat Shampoo in battle, you are not welcomed here. I suggest
you make arrangements to live with the Tendos and the Saotomes and train
under Ranma until you are ready to fight Shampoo. Leave now," she
ordered, still speaking in Chinese.
Mousse could only nod and left for his room and placed his few belongs in his room into his robe and left. "At last! I can finally prove my love to her. Shampoo, I will marry you." he shouted as he ran towards the Tendo home.
----------------
Shampoo woke up as if she had a nightmare. She could not believe what she
remembered. <Ranma will never be my husband now,> she thought as she made
her way downstairs to the restaurant and saw Cologne working on the few
customers alone.
"Great-grandmother, where is Mousse." she asked nervously in Chinese.
"I sent him away. He will not bother you." replied Cologne, also in
Chinese.
Shampoo relaxed a little and then asked, "Please tell me what I remember
is just a dream."
"I'm afraid I can't."
"Aiya! Ranma ran off with Ryoga and got pregnant with his child!?!"
Cologne promptly landed face first on the floor. After a second she got
up and whacked Shampoo in the head and stated, "NO! He chose Akane and
she is pregnant with Ranma's child."
Shampoo muttered in Chinese as she neared a crying fit, "Is worse. At
least if Ranma married pig-boy, I can admit defeat because I'm not a guy.
But to Akane? Why? She's a violent, sexless, tomboy, and can't cook. Why
did he choose her?"
"Love has it's own reasons. I'm sorry, Shampoo. I wish it had worked out
otherwise. You should go upstairs now, I'll call you down for the dinner
rush."
Shampoo nodded and returned to her room, thinking, <Thank you,
great-grandmother, for letting me mourn in private.>
------------------------------------------
Next to the koi pond, Ranma practiced his kata. He was wearing his usual
Chinese outfit. He tried to imagine what his future is going to be like
now, as a shadow suddenly appeared over him. A shadow that belonged to
Mousse.
"Hi, Mousse," Ranma said, trying to figure out if Mousse has come as
friend or foe. No one told Ranma to expect a visit from Mousse.
"Saotome Ranma, is it true that you have chosen Tendo Akane to be your
wife and that she is pregnant with your child?" announced Mousse loudly.
"Geez Mousse, not so loud. And yes," Ranma answered.
"You have made me very happy this day, Ranma," said an overjoyed Mousse.
"You are no longer fit to be Shampoo's husband, and in order for Shampoo
to return to the village she must be married or face the great shame.
Preferably her husband has defeated her in combat and was trained by you.
So, Cologne has sent me here, to be trained by you. Once my training is
complete, I get to fight Shampoo and make her my wife," Mousse said
dancing around like an idiot.
"I'd be glad to help you, Mousse. How come you didn't tell me this option
before?"
"Two reasons. First, it is forbidden to speak of Amazon laws to outsiders
unless it deals specifically with them. Secondly, it was not an option
unless you got someone, besides your first defeated amazon, pregnant. And
I doubted you would do such a thing, considering how many times Shampoo
threw herself at you and you rejected each of those advances."
"Well, I didn't expect it to happen this soon myself."
"What's done, is done. And I am eager to begin my training."
"Let's start now, first let's spare without use of weapons or special
attacks."
"Okay."
Mousse leapt in front of Ranma and began to attack. Ranma was not
attacking back.
"Why aren't you fighting back?" inquired Mousse.
"I'm just testing your unarmed skill level."
"Makes sense."
After several minutes, Ranma said, "All right now dodge."
Mousse felt dozens of light impacts as Ranma pierced through his defenses
in a matter of minutes.
"Without weapons you're a mediocre martial artist at best. Akane could
defeat you blindfolded," stated Ranma.
"Oh yeah," Mousse replied as he launched a series of attacks at a faster
speed than previously thrown, but still did not connect.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Akane watched Ranma and Mousse spar from her window since they moved into
view. She heard most of the conversation between them, and thought,
<Things definitely are changing. Ranma has a student to train. Mousse no
less. I hope things work out between Shampoo and Mousse.> After she
watched them a for a little while longer, Akane left her room. She
returned with a couple boxes and returned. "I'm going to have store some
of my stuff somewhere else, now that I'll be sharing my room with Ranma,
starting tomorrow. I doubt he'll want all this girl stuff in our room.
Our room? I don't know if I'll ever get used this."
Akane spent the next couple hours slowly putting many items of her youth
into the boxes. The entire time she looked as if she was about to break
down and cry.
A knock was heard at her door. "Come in."
"Hello dear." came the sweet voice of Saotome Nodoka, Ranma's mother.
"Auntie Saotome, hi. When did you get back from visiting your friends?"
"Just a little while ago. I rushed back here when Kasumi called, telling
me the great news."
"How much did she tell you?" Akane asked a little nervously.
"That you and Ranma decided to get married tomorrow."
"She didn't tell you anything else?"
"No. Is there a problem?"
"No. No problem at all," Akane said very nervously.
"Come now. Something is troubling you. You can tell me."
"It... it's just... just that I'm pr....." Akane voice trailed off that
the last part couldn't be heard.
"I didn't hear what you said, could you repeat it?"
"I'm pregnant," Akane said very meekly.
Nodoka eyes widen in surprise and said, "That's wonderful. When did it
happen?"
Akane blinked in surprise at how happy Nodoka was about this. "Well, I
guess it happened yesterday. You see, Ranma and I were trapped in a
magical prison. After about a day of being trapped in there, I came up
with the idea that a possible means of escape may be for us to have sex.
I actually had to convince Ranma to do it. I think he really wanted to
wait until we were married to have sex."
Nodoka frowned a little, saying, "It was your idea to have sex with him?"
Akane nodded, "Yes."
"If you only had sex with him yesterday, how can you be sure you're
pregnant?"
"The amazon matriarch, Cologne, is capable of seeing a person's life
energy. She saw the life energy of my child."
"Can you trust what she said?"
"She wanted Ranma to marry Shampoo due to some stupid Amazon laws. It is
only because I'm pregnant that Ranma can't marry Shampoo."
"Now Akane, how do you feel about all of this?" said Nodoka with obvious
concern.
"I'm fine. It... It's just going to be hard to adjust to all the changes.
Tomorrow, I'll be Saotome Akane. This will no longer be my room, but
Ranma's and mine. I will not be able to attend my last year of high
school with my friends because I'm going to be a mother," Akane said
before the tears she held back for the past couple hours rushed out.
"Everything will work out fine, dear," Nodoka said sympathetically,
holding her future daughter-in-law.
"I've messed everything up. We were planning on getting married after we
graduated, but I forced the issue of sex. And we have to get married
tomorrow. The little girl that I was, is dead, I've forced myself to grow
up to fast and now I lost the final years of my childhood."
"We each grow up at our own pace, some faster than others. You have
turned out to be a beautiful young woman, and you will be a great
mother."
"Some great mother I'll be, I can't cook, sew, or anything else a mother
should be able to do."
"Those are not things that make a great mother. Kindness, compassion, and
love makes for a great mother. Things which you have in abundance."
"Auntie..." Akane began as broke Nodaka's hug.
"Call me Mom. After all you are marrying my son tomorrow."
"I'd rather not," Akane replied as her eyes fell upon a picture of her
mother.
Nodoka saw what Akane was looking at and said, "I understand."
"I would like to be alone right now, and finish putting away some of my
old stuff."
"Just remember that little girl you once were is still alive inside you.
You should never try and forget, nor deny, her presence."
"I'll remember."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Nabiki approached Ucchan's, she thought, <The Kunos are handled. They
won't try to interfere in the wedding, but Kuno-Chan was pissed about
what I told him. Oh well, now to make sure Ranma didn't mess up things
too badly with Ukyou.> She reached the door and entered. She saw that
Ukyou had so completely absorbed herself into her work, she didn't offer
any greeting. Nabiki thought, <Good. Only two customers here. Don't want
her to make too much of a scene.
Nabiki first went to Konatsu and told him, "Please, keep your eyes on
Ukyou. Don't leave her alone for a minute."
Konatsu replied, "I would never leave her in this time of need."
Nabiki then went to the counter and said in a friendly tone, "Hello
Ukyou, I'd like two of your specials."
"Hi, Nabiki, coming right up," Ukyou replied without emotion.
As Ukyou finished the order, Nabiki asked, "So how is one of my favorite
customers doing?"
"How do you think I feel? Ranchan left me for your sister!" Ukyou shouted
in anger, while she crushed her spatula in her hand. The two customers
were now looking at Ukyou and Nabiki.
"You probably feel terrible, and besides, you know I had nothing to do
with him choosing her. It was in my best interests to keep his
relationships unresolved." The two customers returned to eating as they
attempted to ignore the rest of the conversation.
"You would have continued pitting us against your sister for Ranma's
love?"
"Sure. It was a great source of income."
"You helped delude us into thinking we had a chance for Ranma's heart!
Just for money! Don't you love anything beside money?"
"My family."
"How can you say that, when you've caused your own sister no end of
misery over this fianc‚e business?"
"Because I know my sister, she wasn't ready to get married and she loves a
challenge. If there wasn't any competition for him, she wouldn't have any
feeling of accomplishment when she finally won. And you gave her a real
challenge. You've known him the longest. In terms of martial arts and
marital skills, you beat her hands down."
"If I'm so much better than Akane, why did he chose her?"
"Can't say for sure. I guess, in the end, it came down to love. And love,
as we all know, can be blind."
"Gee, that sure helped me figure things out." Ukyou said sarcastically.
"Look, I know it hurts to lose someone you're in love with. At least he
is alive and you should try to be happy for him. The world won't end
tomorrow. It'll just feel like it. Eventually the pain will fade away.
And when it does you can try to find love anew."
"I don't think I'll love anyone the way I love Ranchan."
"I have no doubt of that. No one ever loves two people the same way,
because that would mean they're the same person. But you will eventually
find, and love, someone who loves you back. If you need help finding him,
just let me know."
"I would have to be pretty desperate to ask you for help."
"You would be surprised at how many desperate guys and girls I've
helped."
"Judging from the `Tendo Akane Fan Club,' there has to be a lot of
desperate people out there, and I don't want to be one of them right
now."
"That's good. Oh... Look at the time, I've got to go. But, in waiver of a
fee for talking with me, I just want you to promise that, no matter how
bad you feel, you won't do anything stupid or rash, like stop the wedding
or commit suicide."
"What kind of person do you take me for?"
"A very sad, upset, and angry person. A person who might be capable of
doing anything."
"The only stupid or rash thought I'm fighting right now is the one that
says I should beat the crap out of you."
Nabiki said calmly, "Just remember, Ranma would never forgive himself if
you commit suicide, nor forgive you if try to stop the wedding." She then
put 1500 yen on the counter for the meal and left.
Ukyou stood there and made a silent oath to herself, "I promise I won't
do any stupid or rash. I will be happy for Ranma. And one day, I'll find
someone to love who loves me." She then returned to work as Konatsu
continued to watch over Ukyou.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Everyone had finished dinner. Mousse and Nodoka were still present.
Kasumi has left to work on the dishes. Akane has returned to her room.
Ranma was about to follow her, when he was stopped by Soun's
announcement, "Well, my boy, you're finally going to marry my daughter. I
think we should celebrate."
Genma added with a grin, "I agree, Tendo. I even got out the special sake
I've been saving just for an occasion like this."
"Come on Nabiki, let's leave these boys to their impromptu bachelor
party," Nodoka said.
Nabiki almost whined, "It would be fun watching them get drunk."
"But it's more fun to find out where they end up in the morning," joked
Nodoka.
"As long as I get to take photos of them."
"I'll leave you men to your party. And Ranma, please avoid being the
dancing girl," Nodoka said as she dragged Nabiki with her.
"This could be fun," Mousse grinned.
"If any of you try to get me to be the dancing girl, I'll kill you.
Understand," commanded Ranma.
The others laughed and Genma said, "I will not permit that to happen,
your Mom might make us commit Seppuku if you did."
As the sake was passed around the conversational quality of what was said
went out the window.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Akane sat on her bed, looking out her window. When she heard a knock at
her door, she said, "Enter." Nabiki opened the door, entered and sat down
on the desk chair.
"Where's Ranma? We were going to talk now," Akane asked angrily.
"Dad stopped him. He decided to through Ranma an impromptu bachelor
party," Nabiki replied.
"They're having a what?"
"A bachelor party, Auntie feels it's important that the guys have the
party to celebration of the end Ranma's childhood and the beginning of
true adulthood. At least that's what she told me."
"How come you're not down there video taping it?"
"Auntie won't let me, but I do get to take photos of them in the
morning."
"I wonder what Ranma will look like," Akane said with a slight grin.
"Probably hunched over the toilet and in great pain."
"Oneechan, how's Ukyou," Akane said, concerned.
"I'm not sure. I don't think she'll do anything stupid. But I can't be
sure with her. I told Konatsu to keep an eye on her."
"I hope she's okay. How did it go with the Kunos?"
"They won't be chasing after either of you anymore. Given Ranma's and
Kuno-chan's history, though, I doubt that they've had their last battle."
"How did you get them to agree to stop?"
"Kodachi was surprisingly easy. I got her to stop by helping her land
some boyfriends. As it is, I already got her a date with Sanezin Makido.
For Kuno-Chan, I made him swear an oath to not interfere with you and
Ranma if I told him how he could find his pig-tailed goddess."
"You didn't!?!" Akane screeched.
"Once he agreed, I proved to him that Ranma is his pig-tailed goddess,"
Nabiki grinned.
"What? Are you nuts? Kuno is going to want to kill Ranma," Akane said,
shocked.
"Like he didn't want Ranma dead before. And as I said, he will not attack
either of you because he wants a date."
"If Ranma ends up getting a hang-over, I may to have to fight Kuno." Akane
shook her head.
"I doubt it, Ranma will end up kicking Kuno into orbit for talking to
loud. Oops, its getting late, I better get to my homework. Good night."
"Good night."
------
Akane resumed looking out the window. She thought about what the future
may hold. An hour had passed when she noticed that something is trying
climb into her window. It was P-Chan.
"Hello there," Akane said in a tone a little colder than usual as she
picked up P-Chan. "I've got some things to say to you."
P-Chan began to nervously move, and thought, <Did she find out?>
"Where to start? Well, two days ago Ranma and I were able to have a long
private talk. While talking, we admitted we love each other," she said
with increasing in warmth in her voice.
P-Chan relaxed, thinking, <He finally got the courage to tell her.>
Akane grinned, "We decided to get married."
He frowned, <At least I still have Akari.>
"The wedding is tomorrow."
"Bweeep?" <That soon?>
"Of course you're invited," she said with a smile and then frowned a bit,
"But, that wasn't all we talked about. While talking with Ranma I asked
why he always kept fighting Ryoga."
<He told her!>
"He wouldn't tell me. No matter how hard I pushed."
The pig sighed, <He didn't tell her.>
"But, when I joked that you and Ryoga were one and the same, I would kill
him. He got really nervous when I said that."
<OH GOD NO!> he thought with his eyes wide in shock.
"I finally figured it out. You really disappointed me. You should have
told me, Ryoga. I am trying to understand why you decided to become my
pet."
"Bweep eep bukweep" <Because, I love you.>
"I want you to promise me something, Ryoga. You will never, ever fight
Ranma for what has happened in the past. Do you understand? You will not
attack Ranma or I'll make roast piglet out of you."
P-Chan nodded his head and emitted, "bweeep." <Yes.>
"You need to stop blaming others some of your mistakes. While Ranma may
have knocked you into the cursed pool, you are as much at fault for
following him."
<My fault for following him?>
"Now, I would like to see you and Ranma to become friends. Can you try to
do that for me? Please?"
P-Chan once again nodded and said, "bweeep." <Yes.>
"Good. Now let's get you downstairs so you can join Ranma's bachelor
party."
"Bwee Bweeep?" <Bachelor party?>
Akane got up, carried P-Chan to the bath and opened the door, set him
down, and shut the door. A moment later a splash was heard then the
sounds of someone getting dressed. <It's true,> Akane sadly thought as
she wished this was a joke. The door opened revealing Ryoga.
"Akane, you aren't mad?" Ryoga asked.
"Not mad, just very disappointed."
"I don't blame you if you hate me."
"I don't hate you, I still consider you a friend. But, it may be a while
before I completely forgive you."
"I understand."
"Now hurry up and join that party, you silly pig." Akane said with a
little giggle as she pulled Ryoga towards the party. Ryoga reluctantly
went along. She opened the door to the remnants of the party and saw
Genma and Soun passed out, while Mousse and Happosai were apparently
trying drink the other under the table. It looked like Mousse was
winning.
"I brought someone who should be in this party," she said as she pushed
Ryoga into the room.
"Greetings, Ryoga," Mousse said.
"Hiya," Happosai slurred.
"Sit down and join what's left of the festivities," encouraged Mousse.
"Ah, okay," Ryoga said.
"So where's the groom?" Akane asked.
"Praying to the porcelain god. He really can't hold his liquor," said a
smug Mousse.
Akane left them to finish the party and went to the bathroom to check on
Ranma. Sure enough, he was asleep as a she with her head resting on the
toilet seat. Akane started to go over to her, but got a devious idea and
turned around and left. She returned a minute later with Nabiki and her
camera. Nabiki took several pictures of Ranma. Then Akane dragged
onna-Ranma into the bath area to get her cleaned up. Once accomplished,
Akane dragged onna-Ranma unceremoniously up the stairs and into her
futon. Then Akane went to bed herself.
* Lord Archive the JAFO, furverted otaku that is addicted to Mtg. *
***********************************************************************
*web page: www.mich.com/~archive A Mtg page now, soon to have Anime *