Hi, my fanfic is entitled, 'When Past Was Present'. Hope you enjoy it and
find the time to post my fic on the site.
-Kiwi
A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic
By Kiwi Noriega
When Past Was Present
****************************************************************************
**********
This fanfic is based on Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma 1/2. All characters are by
Rumiko Takahashi except some new characters that I have made up for the
story.
NOTE: This series takes place exactly two years since the Final Chapter.
A FEW NOTES:
Akane knows Ryouga is P-chan and has already forgiven him.
Legend:
* * - thoughts
****************************************************************************
**********
Chapter 1-- Memories' long past
Akane sat there in the dojo staring at nothing. She was angry, but at the
same time sad.
"Where is that baka!? Two years have passed and I'm still thinking about
that pervert!"
There was no heat in her voice when she said that. Not anymore since the
year he had promised, went by. She remembered when he had just left;
irritability was second nature to her and smashing was an uncontrollable
reflex. Everyone steered clear from her path, afraid to incur her
wrath--except Kasumi, of course. Even Kunou's usual ramblings of poetry
dwindled.
Then another year went by. Destruction became more pointless to her that
she'd end up crying. Time and loneliness revealed the other side of her
that was hidden behind a mask of pride. When she walked to school with
Nabiki, she would always look up at the fence and wait for him to tease her
or anything. But when she looked up, only memories of what was and what
could've been haunted her.
Those two years passed so slowly. Only in the three months' start of the
third year since he left did she start to calm down. She was now in her
first year in college. She now no longer thought about him everyday but
only when she was really depressed. With the help of her sisters Kasumi and
Nabiki, she had started to get over him. Only when he had left did she
realize how much she missed him. Hard as it is to admit it, she really
missed hearing his voice. Even if it was for a taunt.
Even with these thoughts, she smiled. She was finally getting over him. At
first she thought she would be always angry, but now, she had peace.
Two years changed Akane in so many ways. Her hair was now long again and
tied as before. Her face no longer looked like a young teen instead she
looked like a young woman blooming . There were only minor changes, she was
a bit taller for one and the shape of her face became sharper, not round.
Her body had changed too, she had more curves than before. She was sure
that Ranma wouldn't tease her about the size of her clothes now. She
smiled. Although she was an undergrad, she became tough competition for the
older women in college.
"Even though you didn't keep your promise, I wish that you are happy now."
Akane sighed. She still remembered the day when he left, and now when she
looked back, she no longer cried but cherished the memories.
(two years ago, five months since vol.38)
It was a normal day in the Nerima district, the sun was shining, the birds
were singing, but there was one thing different about this day. There was
no one shouting, no one being thrown into the atmosphere and no one
smashing each other. A meeting of some sort was taking place in the Dojo.
We can see the whole Tendou family, the Saotomes and Ryouga in the Dojo
obviously discussing something of importance. Everyone is seated in a
straight line, except Ranma and Ryouga who are seated right across the
others.
"Are you sure about your decision?" Soun said, nervously. He wanted to cry
and beg Ranma not to go, but he held on.
"Everyone loves you the way you are boy. You don't have to do this." Genma
looks pleadingly at his son, but saw grim determination and a little bit of
sadness in his eyes. He wondered about what would be the cause of his sons'
sorrow. Could it be Akane? He wasn't sure.
Ranma knew they would ask him again. They've been asking that question
since he first made up his mind about going back to China again. "I know,
but I have to do this for myself, Pop." Ranma glanced at Akane and thought
no one noticed but everyone did. Akane noticed too and her face paled even
more.
Genma and Soun looked at each other and nodded.
Genma spoke. "Fine, we give the both of you our permission," Akane's eyes
tightened at that and became teary eyed, not wanting anyone to notice.
Ranma and Ryouga shifted in their kneeling position and stood. "but," Ranma
and Ryouga looked at him waiting. "you must come back in a year, cure or no
cure." They both nodded at that and went back to gather their belongings.
"You must promise that to us."
Both boys nodded and said, "We promise."
(In the scene we see Ranma in his room preparing his things)
When he finished, he went to the dojo to think. *What's the matter with
me? Why am I hesitating? Is it Akane? Nooo... How could he hesitate leaving
because of that tomboy, who always hit him with that large wooden mallet
that appears out of thin air, who always teases him, who was always so
jealous, who was more macho than him.....Who always helped him when he
needed help, who was making his stomach turn in knots at the sight of her,
who doesn't care about his stupid curse, who was very kawaii when she
wanted to be, who is very beautiful when she smiled.... * His train of
thoughts disturbed him. Since when did he think she was beautiful, that
tomboy macho girl. Ranma thought a bit. Weeell, maybe he did l-l-like her
or maybe even l-lo-missed her when she's gone. She-
A timid tap sounded by the dojo door.
"Come in." He hoped it was Akane.
Ranma smiled inside as Akane went in from outside, a fake smile painted
her lips. She sat down near Ranma and stared at nothing too. Probably
thinking about something.
Akane sat there, thinking about what to say. *How do I bring this up?* she
thought.
"Ran-"
"Akan-"
They both turned red.
"I-"
"I-"
Ranma blushed again and said, "Ah..hehehe! Akane I-I-" *why was he
stopping? Geez, I'm starting to act like Ryouga!*, "I mean, I have to ask
you something,"
Akane looked at him, apparently waiting for something. He took a big breath
and spoke in a rush looking at his hands, "Doouikeme?"
"What are you saying Ranma?" Akane asked.
He stopped fidgeting and looked at Akane seriousness painted all over his
face. "Do you...l-l-like me?"
Ranma waited. Akane looked at him as if he had grown horns.
Ranma looked at her in exasperation. "You don't have to look so surprised
y' know!"
To Ranma's surprise, Akane giggled.
"Well?" Nervousness showed on Ranma's face.
Ranma sighed in relief when Akane said, "Yes Ranma, I like you."
He looked at her and stared into her eyes and saw that she meant what she
had just said and that it was not a joke. *This is it, now or never* He
thought. He took her hands in his and spoke the words that came from his
heart.
"Akane, I love you .....and I want to marry you when I come back." *There,
it was all out.*
Akane looked just about to faint. She looked at him and tears streamed
down her face. She hugged him as tight as she can without hurting him.
"I love you too Ranma." Akane murmured to his chest, tears in her eyes.
They looked up at each other's eyes, then without knowing their lips met
and they kissed. It was the first time Ranma had felt this way. Sure he had
kissed her a lot of times but in different circumstances, like when a big
cat traumatized him then he acted like one. Akane was the only one alive
who could turn him back to normal again. That was different, he had not
remembered kissing Akane then. Then on the play where he, Happousai and
Kunou played Romeo and Akane played Juiliet. He had to fight the two of
them and he even kissed the jerk Kunou in female form so he wouldn't kiss
Akane. *That was the sickest thing I had ever done* He shivered at the
memory. *Good thing I placed tape on that jerk's mouth.* Ranma and Akane
kissed at the end, but Akane had put scotch tape then so that was another
thing.
Akane's heart was pounding. This was the first time they had shown such
strong feelings for one another without the other teasing. She really does
love Ranma. She could feel it in her heart. Akane reluctantly broke off the
kiss and was glad when Ranma looked disappointed.
Akane looked deep in her fiancés eyes and said, "Promise me you'll come
back in one year Ranma."
He smiled and said, "I promise." Ranma didn't notice Akane's face harden at
his words.
With that, Ranma squeezed Akane's hand and left to speak to his father and
mother.
Akane sat there, staring at nothing. Then a voice sounded behind the dojo.
"WHERE ON EARTH AM I NOW?!!!!!"
He turned, he had to go find Akane before they left. He had to tell her
something. Ryouga tensed when he felt someone's presence.
"Who's there?"
Akane emerged from the Tendou training hall and said, "It's me, Akane."
He looked to the direction of the voice. There she stood the woman of his
dreams. Or maybe it was Akari? He didn't know. Akane stood there. She was
so beautiful, and kind and caring.
"Akane, I--"
Ryouga broke off as Akane lunged forward and hugged him. He was
dumbfounded. *Did Akane love him? And didn't want him to leave? He would
gladly stay if she asked him to. Did the affection she had shown Ranma all
these months a fake?* He just stood there, savoring the moment.
Then it all shattered when Akane spoke.
Akane smiled at him and said, "Ryouga, I'll really miss you, please take
care of him for me."
Ryouga stared at her. The pleading in her voice and the look in her eyes
told him that she really did love Ranma, not him. He stared down at Akane.
All his dreams shattered in an instant. His eyes fogged. *I'm gonna kill
Ranma... no it wasn't his fault.* He had also seen the look Ranma had given
Akane in the dojo a while ago. He loved her too. He sighed and thought
about what to do. Thoughts came to his mind about punishing Ranma and all,
then a stray thought made up his mind. *I want her to be happy* A voice
whispered in his head. His eyes cleared and tried a weak smile. He knew
long ago that Akane did love Ranma, he just didn't want to admit it.
Ryouga looked into Akane's eyes and said,
"I promise you Akane, I will do my best."
She smiled again, tears forming in her eyes. "Thanks Ryouga, it really
means a lot to me. I know you'll always be there for me." She wiped away
her tears and said, "What was it you wanted to tell me?"
*I wanted to tell you that I love you...* he thought "Hehehe, nothing, just
wanted to say goodbye to a friend who means a lot to me." He held up his
hand to the back of his head.
Akane smiled and raised on tiptoe and brushed a kiss on Ryouga's cheek.
Akane ran back to the house while she turned back and waved goodbye. "Take
Care!"
When Akane left, Ryouga touched the cheek she had just kissed. *I will
keep my promise Akane.*
Ryouga turned around and walked away. Though his eyes weep at Akane's
words, his heart soared at her happiness. Inner peace went all over his
heart. No more fears of Akane rejecting him, no more fears of her turning
him down. No more nightmares of the truth he knew. He smiled, the worst
fear was Akane telling him herself that she didn't love him. He knew that
that would definitely shatter his heart. At least he had spared Akane the
guilt of knowing someone loved her but she didn't and then she would pity
him or something. He didn't want pity from Akane. It was a good thing she
had spoken first or else he would have been in shock by now. He knew that
she knew, she just told it in her own way that made it easier for him.
At least he knew that Akane loved him, but as a friend. To be Akane's
friend was enough. He thought back again at the words he had spoken in
Ryugenzawa. *No matter who she ends up with, I'll always love her, I'll
love her for the rest of my life.* Those words echoed throughout his mind.
Ryouga looked around. He stopped walking. Then he looked around again in
panic, the Tendou Dojo was nowhere to be seen!
"WHERE ON EARTH AM I NOW?!!!!!!! AARRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!"
He cursed his curse and set out to find the dojo before Ranma left him.
(the present)
Akane sighed. She thought that that was what she was always doing now,
sighing. She stood up, and went to her room. In her room she picked up a
picture of Ranma in male form smiling. Nabiki had given her that when Ranma
left. She was surprised that Nabiki didn't charge her anything for that.
She stared at it. She wondered what Ranma would look like now. *He might be
taller for one thing. And more handsome* She thought with a laugh. She
started for her bed and stopped when her dress caught on her stool. The
picture fell on the floor. She carefully untangled her dress.
"Now where is that picture?" she asked herself aloud. She scanned the
floor and saw it just beneath the bed. Akane knelt and reached for the
picture. When she looked under the bed she blinked. Lots of boxes were
under her bed. *I didn't know I had so many things here.*
One by one she opened the boxes. They all held mostly rubbish. Then she
reached for the last box that was way far. The small cardboard box looked
familiar but she couldn't put her finger on it. She pulled it up and sat on
her bed. She opened the box and gasped.
There, in the box were pictures in mint condition and a smaller parcel.
Akane's eyes began to water. All the old memories she had buried away burst
into the top. She gazed at the photographs she held in her hands. There
were lots of pictures, but one Polaroid picture on the top caught her
attention. On the picture a young man of about 15 years old was holding the
hand of a young girl of about 14 holding a bouquet of red roses. The young
man wore what looked like a traditional Japanese samurai outfit. His hair
was pitch black and his eyes were the most beautiful hazel Akane had ever
seen. His face was quite young. He wore a dark blue long vest that flared
at the midsection. There were no sleeves but the shoulders of the vest were
slightly curved upward. He wore light blue loose fitting pants that were
tied at the ankles and wore wooden slippers. All in all he looked like a
young samurai.
The girl holding his hand was a young cute girl with big brown eyes and
bluish black hair. A ribbon by the end tied her long hair. She was wearing
a blue and white school dress.
Akane smiled through her tears at the young her in the picture. This
picture was at least 2 years before she met Ranma. She looked at the back
where a short message was written.
To my sweet Akane,
Remember this day? We were in the park and I gave you a bouquet of red
roses. I was so nervous on giving you those flowers then, but when you
turned a bright red and couldn't even speak, I thought that it was worth
it. It was just our luck then that a man who took pictures of couples was
there. I never told you this before, but this picture was my favorite of
all and I made tens of copies of it that you didn't know. I brought all of
them everywhere and taped it in my dresser to always remind me of you.
That's the reason I didn't want you to look in my dresser. Do you know why
this picture is my favorite? It's because it was the first time we had ever
expressed our feelings even if it wasn't spoken. Well, please keep this
picture as a reminder of US. I promise you I will come back my dear Akane.
I love you....
Love,
Heishiro
Her hands trembled while she read the message over and over again. She had
tried so hard long ago to hide this box and the memories that it held.
She held the photograph to her heart while tears slid off her cheek. She
reached for the small parcel. She untied the strings, trying hard not to
quiver in the process. When the strings were untied, the parcel burst and a
shower of rose petals surrounded Akane. A simple gold band with small
carvings was covered with petals. She picked up the ring, carefully
brushing away the petals that covered it then stared at the gold band that
awakened more memories.
Etched inside the ring were the names, Akane ~ Heishiro.
(somewhere in Nerima)
A man in a long vest and loose fitting pants is walking through the
streets of Nerima. He has looked forward for this trip for many years now.
* * *
Two men are walking in the streets of Nerima. Both were wearing chinese
clothes. One of the men seems to be always going to the wrong direction,
while the other man always keeps him in the right track. There was
something different about them, the one who keeps on getting lost is
wearing a black and yellow bandanna while the other has a pigtail. *At
last,* they thought, *We are finally home.*
* End chapter 1
Well, that's the first part of When Past was Present. Hope you like it,
it's the very first fanfic I've ever written. I've written lots of fiction
stories, mostly fantasy. This is the first time I've written anime
fanfiction.
Comments, criticisms and suggestions welcome. PLEASE!! Don't be too harsh.
E-mail me at becknkal@addax.bc.ca
A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic
By Kiwi Noriega
When Past Was Present
CHAPTER 2-Feelings from the Heart
****************************************************************************
**********
This fanfic is based on Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma 1/2. All characters are of
Rumiko Takahashi's except some new characters that I have made up for the
story.
New Characters:
Heishiro
Kentaro
NOTE: This series takes place two years since the final chapter.
Legend:
* *- thoughts
****************************************************************************
**********
CHAPTER 2-Feelings from the Heart
A man walked the busy streets of Nerima filling himself with the warmth
and familiarity he had once felt in this town. He stopped and took a deep
breath. *It feels good to be home again. * He thought. But something else
was tugging at the heart of the man. A feeling he still felt after long
years of training and traveling. A feeling that made his heart overflow
with joy at the memories he has cherished over the years. He opened his
small bag and pulled out a worn picture. The feeling of joy that he had
felt a while ago was not compared to the surge of happiness he felt while
looking at the picture. It was not in mint condition but the figures were
still clear. He always pulls this picture out whenever he felt lonely and
sad. He took care of this particular photograph because this was his last
copy. Something always just keeps on happening to the tens of copies he
had. A small touch of sadness marred the feeling of joy he felt. He was
really nervous on coming back. Millions of thoughts came to his mind on his
journey to Nerima. Thoughts like, what if she's married, what if she
doesn't love me anymore, what if...what if there's someone else..... He
always dismissed the last thought. *It's been so long.... long enough to
... to meet someone else and fall in love. I do still love her, I can't --
no, I will not let our love just die. As long as I love her, there's hope;
there's always hope..... I can't let go now...... she's all I have left. *
Heishiro turned a corner and saw the house he sought.
He knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. The door opened
and a man with brownish black hair and green eyes greeted him warmly.
"Good morning! How may I help...." The man took a closer look at the
other.
"Remember me?" Heishiro said grinning to his friend.
The man looked at Heishiro who was wearing a dark blue vest, loose fitting
light blue pants and wooden slippers. He looked at Heishiro's eyes. Hazel.
The man smiled and ferociously hugged the samurai.
"Heishiro! How have ya been?" he let go waiting for his friend to answer.
"Kentaro, same as ever. Even your clothes are the same since high school."
Kentaro was wearing his favorite clothes that consist of, a sleeveless
black top with equally black loose fitting pants and wooden slippers. He
smiled at the bandages on each forearm of his friend. There was really
nothing under those bandages, at least, not anymore. Heishiro was sure it
had healed a long time ago, but maybe his friend got used to it and kept
wearing it. His black bandanna was also still resting on his temple. He
looked back at his high school years, the best part of his life. *Kentaro
was the only one I could really trust then, except for one particular
girl..... her beautiful smile, the warmth of her words, the depth of her
eyes, the--*
"Um, I think you forgot her gigantic mallet." Kentaro said teasing his
pal.
Heishiro blushed a furious red, he didn't know he voiced out his thoughts
like that. He always did and didn't notice it; he always got in trouble for
that.
A voice called from the inside of the house, "Kentaro, son, come here!
Don't keep the young ladies waiting!"
Kentaro jumped, looked back inside the house and silently closed the door
behind him taking Heishiro to a run to the next block. Kentaro peeked
behind the wall about twenty meters from his house.
"How many girls does your mother have inside there, eh Kentaro?" Heishiro
said, getting back at his friend.
"Shhh! Quiet! Would you believe that my own mother would set me up with
girls she met at the grocery store?! Last week I had to deal with women
from the beauty salon." He winked at Heishiro, "Great timing Shiro."
Kentaro calmed down and kept on looking back as they walked from their
house. He turned to his old friend and saw a little nervousness in his
eyes. Kentaro also noticed him biting his lip. *Hmmm ... he never does
that. *
Kentaro looked sideways at his friend and said, "Um, Heishiro, got any
problems you want to talk about?"
Heishiro looked at him with fake innocence, "Me? No! I absolutely have no
problem. What makes you think that?"
Kentaro motioned his friend to stop, "C'mon, you're a terrible liar. You
can tell me anything, you know that."
"I dunno.... Is she ok? I mean I haven't seen her for years now...."
Kentaro looked at him in puzzlement, "I mean Akane--"
Kentaro looked at his friend in disbelief, "You mean you left her?! Shiro,
that's the stupidest thing you've ever done!"
"You...didn't know?" was all Heishiro could say.
"No, I didn't know. She didn't come to school the next year; we all
thought she went with you. There was a rumor that she changed schools, but
most of us weren't really sure about it."
Heishiro studied his feet; "I didn't know. . . . at first she wanted to go
with me.....but....but I wouldn't let her. We got into a fight right after
that and the last thing I remembered was her mallet in my face." Heishiro
started kicking stones as they resumed walking. "I sent her a letter, well
not exactly a letter. I wrote it on the back of my favorite picture of us
and sent it to her. I was hoping you knew how she is right now."
Kentaro regretfully smiled at his friend and said, "Sorry,"
A moment of silence descended as they walked aimlessly, then Kentaro
spoke, "You can stay in my house for as long as you want. You're my best
friend after all."
Heishiro ruefully smiled and answered, "Yeah, and a big excuse for not
being set up by your mom." Heishiro said. Then Kentaro started protesting
to what he said.
"It's not that...I mean.... you can't think that...I--" Kentaro started
babbling.
The samurai warmly smiled at his friend that made him stop babbling. "I
was just messing with you, I didn't think that you were making me as an
excuse." He punted his friend on the head and got a punch on the stomach in
return. They started sparring and ended up on the pavement laughing.
"I'm getting hungry, let's get something to eat." Kentaro said pulling his
friend along.
Both men walked towards a place to eat as the sun started it's slow
descent.
* * *
The man with the bandanna walked with his friend towards their home -- his
home. He remembered weeks before they left what his friends' family had
done for him. Ryouga's parents had written Mr. Tendo a letter asking if he
could stay there because they were having slight problems getting home.
Since then, Mr. Tendo and the rest of the family treated him as one of
their blood. Ryouga looked at his friend. Ranma looked really nervous
today, he had been for most of the trip back home. Ryouga could recall the
look he had now, the look he had when they left.
"Ryouga?" Ranma said.
Ryouga turned to Ranma and said, "What is it?"
"I...I'm afraid. I..I..don't know what to do...I mean what if....." words
died in his mouth, he couldn't even say the horrible thoughts that came to
his mind, as if speaking it, might make it come true. He has never been
afraid before that Akane would have someone else because he was still there
then, but years have passed, and maybe, just maybe, someone had claimed her
heart. *It could be...Shinnousoke...no he'd forget before he even says his
feelings.... Toma, no....I heard he's already married.....Kunou...NO WAY!
Impossible...Akane would never... but, what if? * He pushed that thought
away, which had been haunting him for months now. Still ... since then,
Ranma always thought back to Ryouga's words. *No matter who she ends up
with, I'll always love her, I'll love her for the rest of my life. * He
could feel tears forming up. He knows that he couldn't bear giving up
Akane, but if she really loved someone else, he would back away and keep
her happy. A single tear slid down his cheek.
Ryouga didn't answer to Ranma's words. He was afraid he might say
something stupid that would make things even worse. Ryouga wasn't still
used to the new Ranma, the Ranma that appeared since they neared Nerima,
and the Ranma that cried at night because of nightmares. Still, Ryouga
would do his best in keeping Ranma ok. *I will keep my promise. * He could
understand what Ranma feels like right now. Uncertainty, sadness,
nervousness, sometimes even joy at the thought of her. Ryouga laughed a
little.
"What's so funny?" Ranma said.
Ryouga grinned at him and said, "You, you look so stupid Ranma." Ryouga
didn't really mean that, he just wanted the old Ranma back even if they
tease each other a lot.
Ranma didn't take offense but teased Ryouga back, "Ha! Ha! Pig boy!!"
Ranma said poking his friend on the side.
Ryouga retaliated and said, "I am NOT a pig!" Ryouga stopped and slyly
looked at Ranma, "At least I don't wear panties."
Ranma looked at him in surprise, "Why you!!" Ranma went in front of Ryouga
then said patting his friend's head, "At least _I_ wear clothes!!" Ryouga
stopped in mid step not knowing what to say back at Ranma.
Ryouga felt Ranma pat him on the head and say, "Gotcha!! Hahahahaha!!!"
Ryouga looked at Ranma while he ran ahead. "Prepare to die Ranma!!!!!!"
A considerable time went by when they had finally stopped hitting each
other, they settled on a brisk walk.
Ryouga mindlessly kicked a can. He remembered back then when he and Ranma
would spend hours trying to kill each other. It's still almost the same now
except they didn't want to kill each other. They stopped killing each other
when their quest to find a cure started. They would still fight
occasionally, but never going too far. In the middle of their trek, they
started to trust each other more. They would never give up on one another.
He remembered especially at one point of the trip that had caused their
late arrival. Their friendship was really tested then, they both had a
really high sense of honor. They had to choose between a broken promise and
the life of one's friend. Ryouga forced away the memories that tore them
apart.
Ranma continued on walking silently, different thoughts in his mind.
*Akane, I hope you forgive me.... It's just that...I...* he gave up on
thinking of what to say to Akane. He'll just speak with his heart and hope
for the best.
They walked silently, the setting sun behind them, not knowing what to
expect. Their hearts filled with mixed emotions, hoping that whatever
problem arises can be solved.
* * *
Akane turned the ring in her fingers. She looked again at the names
engraved inside. *It's been so long.... * She put the ring back and placed
the box on her table. She noticed two pictures still lying on the floor,
one of Ranma and one of Heishiro. She picked up the two pictures and set
each one on either side of her on her bed. She glanced to her right at
Ranma. *I love him...I still do...I think. * She glimpsed at her left to
Heishiro. *I miss him...maybe even.... still love him? * She bent her head
in dismay. *Now I know how Kunou feels.* That made her laugh a bit. *Well,
either one of them aren't here, so why am I doing this? After all, I am
over them..... or am I? * A sudden thought came to her mind, *What will I
do if they both come back? *
"Nah...impossible." She said trying to convince herself. But still, she
could not get the feeling out of her mind. She thought of something to keep
her mind off such thoughts.
Akane went down to help Kasumi cook dinner.
* * *
Heishiro started for the Tendo dojo when Kentaro left him at the
restaurant. He was really getting nervous and excited to see Akane after
years. *Akane, how I've missed you all these years. * He was a few steps
away from the dojo, so he took a deep breath, fixed his hair and continued.
The door was open so he went right in. He smiled in comfort at his
surroundings. He remembered everything, the koi pond, the dojo, the sun
deck, everything. He glanced around at the cherished memories. This was his
old home in his younger years with Akane. Heishiro walked to the koi pond
and half kneeled in front of it. The moon's reflection on the pond smiled
at Heishiro. The light wind caressing his face recalled different things
that had occurred in this dojo. *Akane used to throw me into the pond when
I barfed at her cooking. * He laughed, a very slow and warm laugh.
* * *
While Akane was trying hard to separate the pot from what looked like soup
turned ice cream, she thought she heard someone laugh outside. Kasumi heard
it too and wiped her hands on the dishcloth to see who it was. Akane
immediately wiped hers and spoke to her sister.
"I'll see who it is, Oneechan."
Kasumi smiled at her and continued on cooking.
Akane slowly peered out into the night. She could see a silhouette huddled
up by the koi pond. Akane stepped out into the sundeck and confronted the
person, her hand on her mallet.
"Who are you?!" Akane said brandishing her huge hammer.
Heishiro looked up to the voice and saw the most beautiful woman he had
ever seen. Her beautiful brown eyes that he thought he would never gaze
into again, her long hair that was tied up by a ribbon. The moon's light
touched her face and made it look softer and smoother than the last time he
held her face in his hands. His heart tightened at the sight of her. He
stood up and slowly walked nearer his hand extended.
Akane backed away from the man and assumed a fighting stance, "Stay away,
or you'll get hurt."
"Akane, I don't want to fight you, I'll die before I ever hit you."
Heishiro said about two paces away from Akane.
Akane froze at his words, *His voice seems so familiar. *, "Who are you?"
Akane said in curiosity more than anger.
Heishiro started to feel tears forming up. He longed to just keep her in
his arms and never let go, "Akane, it's me. Don't you remember?" Heishiro
was now in front of Akane gazing down at her big brown eyes. He reached out
for her hand and placed it in his, "It's me, Heishiro."
Akane dropped the mallet; it disappeared before it even touched the
ground.
* * *
Ranma and Ryouga turned a corner and saw the Tendo gate open. They ran to
the gate. Ranma was first to come in and stopped in his tracks, making
Ryouga crash into his back. But it didn't even budge Ranma from his place.
"What's your problem Ranma?" Ryouga said, not noticing what his friend was
staring at. He looked up from dusting his clothes and stopped in horror.
Ranma stood there, not believing what he was seeing. Akane was there
looking scared and surprised, with a man holding her hand by the sun deck.
Ranma felt his heart go to pieces. All he could get out was a strangled,
"Akane?"
Akane and the man turned and saw them.
*End Chapter 2
So that's the 2nd chapter of When Past Was Present. Hoped you liked it!
I'm not sure of the spelling of Shinnousoke's, if it's wrong please tell
me.
By the way, I would like to tell you that I'm not a subscriber of the FFML
so if you have any comments, criticisms or suggestions, please e-mail me at
becknkal@addax.bc.ca
Thanks!!! :C)
*Yeah, I know what you're thinking. I'm really sorry this took so long.
School has started and I'm a new student so I had to catch up. I'm really
sorry!
A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic
By Kiwi Noriega
When Past Was Present
CHAPTER 3
****************************************************************************
**********
All rights are of Rumiko Takahashi's
****************************************************************************
**********
Chapter 3-Home at Last
All out rage came out of Ranma and he approached the man slapping his hand
away from Akane's. He faced the man, his aura a bright blue.
"Get away from her." Ranma said in a firm but strong voice. His
concentration faltered a bit when he saw a blue aura surrounding the other
man.
"Who are you to push me aside, away from my fiancée?" Heishiro said.
Ranma's blue aura faded and he said, "Fiancée?! But I'm Akane's fiancé!"
Heishiro's aura disappeared just as suddenly and he leaned closer to
Ranma, his eyes narrowed. "I am Akane's fiancé!"
Ranma leaned closer too and said, "No, I am!"
"No I am!"
"No way, pal. I am!"
"I am not your pal, but I am Akane's fiancé!"
"Impossible, Akane will never choose someone like you!"
"Oh yeah?! Then what makes you think Akane will choose you over me!"
"DUH?! Isn't obvious?!"
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
Both men kept on arguing and didn't notice a somewhat blue aura getting
brighter and brighter.
"How dare you?" Akane said getting the two's attention. Her head was bent
so they couldn't see her face.
Two big sweat drops appeared on each guy, as Akane loomed over them with
two gigantic mallets in her hands.
"Uh, oh..." was all they could manage to get out.
* * *
Ryouga watched from the side as Akane pummeled both men into bruised
pulps. Akane had stopped the pummeling when the Tendo's came out of the
house accompanied by Mr. Saotome. Ryouga didn't bother to look at the two
heaps on the ground to know that they're unconscious. He kept on looking at
Akane. *Oh Akane, how much you've changed, but yet the same as I
remembered.* He chuckled a bit at that. If it were years ago he would've
been laughing at Ranma now, but now, a lot has changed. He ran up to Ranma
and carried him in while Mr. Saotome carried the other heap in to.
* * *
(in Ranma's room. Soun, Genma, Kasumi, Nabiki, Akane, and Ryouga are
sitting all around the two men.)
Both men stirred and said in almost the same time, "Akane..."
All eyes turned on Akane. She seemed oblivious to their attention. She had
a far away look in her eyes. She snapped out of it and said, "Daddy, Ranma
and Heishiro came back..." Akane said.
Soun looked at her and said, "Ranma came back! Well, that's great news!
Who is this...Heishi--" words died at his mouth as everything came clear to
him and old memories came back. Soun hastily glanced at Genma and tries to
sneak away, but was easily caught.
Mr. Saotome looked Soun straight in the eyes and said, "Tendo, now who
_is_ this Heishiro guy? Don't tell me you're keeping it as a secret from
your best friend?"
"I, um, I--" Soun was cut off as Nabiki talked.
"It's like this," everyone turned to her, "Daddy engaged Akane since birth
to Heishiro," that made Ryouga and Genma gasp, "Then, Heishiro came when he
was about ten years old and met us. That would make Akane nine. Heishiro
came with his father, but, his father left about five years later, coz' he
and Heishiro had this big fight about staying, so Heishiro's dad left. When
Heishiro first came, Daddy didn't make him choose. After some years passed
by, Akane and him got closer because of martial arts and stuff. Heishiro
was studying bushido. Hey, y'know I should be paid for this!" everyone
stared at her, "Okay, okay, sheesh! Can't blame a girl for trying to make a
little cash! Well, on with the story. When Akane was about fourteen,
Heishiro announced that he wanted to be engaged to Akane. About a year
passed by and something came up. Heishiro received a letter and then he
said he had to leave and he wouldn't tell us the reason--" Nabiki was cut
off by Akane.
"Not even me..." Akane said, a bewildered look in her eyes.
Nabiki looked at her and continued on, "Well, that's the shortest I could
get."
Ryouga sighed. <Poor Ranma...>
Genma looked at Soun through narrowed eyes, "You mean you engaged your
daughter to another?"
Soun looked at him thought up an answer, "Well, you did too!"
Genma turned from a glare to a huge smile, "I know! Now I know we're
really pals! Now we're even!"
With that, the two broke into a happy dance.
"I can't believe this." Nabiki said while looking at her father and Mr.
Saotome. She ignored them and turned to Akane, "Hey sis, what're you going
to do with the both of them since they're both engaged to you?"
Everyone was silent and waited for Akane's answer.
"I-I-" Akane said, not sure what to say.
"Hmmm?" Everyone said.
"I don't know, I-" Akane's eyes glazed over and she said, "I don't know
anymore." Tears welled up and she stood up running out into the night.
* * *
"Let me get this straight, this moron here," he said pointing his finger
at Heishiro, "is Akane's _other_ fiancé. Now why wasn't I told that when I
first came here?" Ranma asked.
Soun smiled at him and said, "Son, we didn't want to lie to you, but we
didn't want any more conflict about the matter."
"You mean, everyone knew all along, but I didn't?" Ranma said.
"That's the reason Akane was so pissed off by boys." Nabiki mentioned.
Ranma faced Nabiki and said, "You didn't even tell me!"
Nabiki smirked at him and said, "You didn't ask."
"I should've expected that answer from you." Ranma muttered.
"Maybe you were just so blind to see." Heishiro put in.
"Haha. Very funny, I have no problem, Akane will surely choose me over
you." Ranma wasn't sure if he really believed that.
"Like I told you a while ago, impossible! Akane and I have been together
since we were ten. You've only been with her for a year!" Heishiro said
smiling at Ranma.
"The length of time two people have been together isn't what's important,
it's the strength of the love that they shared is what matters the most!"
Ranma shouted back at Heishiro.
Everyone was impressed at what Ranma had said, except Heishiro.
"What book did you get that from?" Heishiro calmly said.
Ranma exploded at the samurai, "I didn't copy that from a book, you dolt!"
Heishiro erupted and said, "I am not a dolt! You idiot!" Heishiro said,
shaking his fist at Ranma.
Ranma was about to say something when Kasumi appeared from nowhere and
placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
"Now, settle down you two. You have to find Akane so that all of us can
have a quiet dinner tonight." The two of them couldn't say no to Kasumi's
big beaming smile, "Now, off with the both of you, and no fighting okay?"
They both stood up still scowling at each other. They both left the dojo
in search of their fiancée.
* * *
"Look what you've done! You made her go away!" Heishiro said, scolding
Ranma.
Ranma looked at him indignantly and said, "What do you mean it's my fault?
You're the one who started it!"
They were walking through the streets of Nerima looking for their fiancée.
They both knew how Akane could get so careless when she's angry or
confused. They were both worried. It's been more than an hour since Akane
had fled into the night.
"If you hadn't come back, then everything would be fine right?" Heishiro
said.
"I'll never leave Akane with you! And anyway, if _you_ hadn't come, then
everything would be great!" Ranma answered.
A short silence descended and Heishiro finally spoke up.
"Okay, we split up and look in different directions. Deal?" Heishiro
extended his hand for a shake.
Ranma obligingly held up his hand and shaked the other's.
They both went their separate ways; each had an idea where to find Akane.
* * *
Ranma ran on top of the roofs, his forehead creased with worries. <Akane,
where could you have gone to? Hmmm, where would the places she'd be going
to? Why is it she always makes me worry?> Ranma thought for a while then,
<I got it!>
Ranma ran as fast as he could, hoping that he would be able to see Akane
safe in his arms.
* * *
Heishiro hopped from roof to roof, thinking of where Akane would go to
find peace. <Now, what would I do if I was Akane?> Heishiro smiled and
thought, <If I were Akane I would dump that pig tailed guy, named Ranma and
go with Heishiro!> He laughed, he caught sight of a cherry blossom tree and
then, <I got it!>
Heishiro raced through the night sure that he would be the first to
arrive.
* * *
Akane wept silently by a cherry blossom tree. She pulled her knees closer
to her chest. The wind was gently playing with her hair, as if trying to
brush away the worries-it wasn't working. She didn't know what to do. Both
of her fiancé's left for a long time and then they come back after years!
What _was_ she supposed to do? She had hit them with her large mallet,
which she had always done in the past. <Why can't I think before I act? If
I hadn't smacked them right away I could've gotten a clear answer. >
Akane felt a hand on her shoulder; she looked up, not to see Heishiro, nor
Ranma. A kind face warmly smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder lightly.
Ryouga looked down at her and sat down on the ground in an indian sit.
* * *
Ranma crawled behind a bush. He was on all fours when he saw someone
already there with Akane. He wasn't surprised that Ryouga had quietly
followed Akane when she ran off. He was barely in hearing range but he
could make out the words clearly. He crawled closer into the bushes to hear
them more clearly and was surprised when he bumped his head on something.
"Owww!" Ranma quietly hissed. He looked in front of him and glared at the
face of Heishiro also on all fours trying to eavesdrop on Akane.
"What're you doing here?" Heishiro whispered.
"What're _you_ doing here?" Ranma answered.
They both stopped when they heard Akane's voice.
"Did you hear that?" Akane asked when she heard a rustling in the bushes.
Ryouga looked at her and said, "It was nothing. Don't mind it," Ryouga
looked into the bushes and said in a much louder voice, "I'm sure that
there won't be anymore _noises_ out there!" Ryouga knew that both Heishiro
and Ranma were hiding in the bushes, he had sensed them when they first
came.
Akane looked weirdly at Ryouga and asked, "Why are you shouting like
that?"
Ryouga was caught off guard by the question and held his hand up to the
back of his head saying, "Oh! Uh, nothing! Hehehe! Just...wanted to warm up
my voice!" Only when he finished the sentence did he realize how stupid his
excuse was. Luckily, Akane didn't press on the subject.
* * *
"Just wanted to warm up my voice? What a stupid friend you got Ranma."
Heishiro whispered.
"I admit, he's thickheaded some times, but he's not stupid. Anyway, don't
go on insulting my friends or somethin'." Ranma answered.
They both silenced when Akane and Ryouga resumed talking.
* * *
"Hey, thanks for coming out here to cheer me up." Akane was looking into
the star filled night.
"It's nothin'. So why are you out here anyway?"
Akane looked at him and tried weak smile, "I dunno, I'm confused I guess.
I just don't know what to do now that both of them are here. I just don't
know who to choose, y'know, when the time comes."
Ryouga thought carefully for an answer, then said, "Akane, why don't you
just spend time with both of them and see whom you love more." That was the
simplest answer Ryouga could think of to give, he wasn't that good in this
emotional talking and stuff.
Akane sighed and thought about the answer Ryouga gave. It was simple, but
logical. She thought about it some more because she didn't want to make a
mistake.
"Ok, Ryouga I'll try that." Akane said, some of her spirits lightening up.
"Great! Now, if you could just lead me back to the dojo, so that we could
have dinner now, everything's gonna be fine." Ryouga said helping Akane up.
He felt Ranma and Heishiro silently creep away.
"Maybe you're right. Everything will be fine." Akane wasn't sure if she
could believe what she just said, but who knows?
(in the dojo...)
Everyone was waiting for Akane and Ryouga at the dinner table. Dinner was
ready and waiting. Heishiro and Ranma had just arrived and settled down on
their places. Ranma was seated in his normal place before he left. Heishiro
was seated right in front of Akane's place.
Akane came in, a slight smile on her face, "Hey, I'm quite fine now. Has
anyone seen Ryouga?"
Ranma answered without thinking, "Wasn't he with you?" Heishiro elbowed
him when Akane had a questioning look in her face. Ranma continued, "I
thought he went with you coz', um, coz', he's...uh...not here! That's
right! I thought he was with you coz' he's not here!" Ranma was glad he
could think up an excuse.
"Oh." Akane said, "Yeah, he was with me a while ago."
"What do you mean was?" Ranma asked.
"I had to go to the bathroom on the way home, and when I got out, he was
nowhere to be seen." Akane answered.
"He probably got lost again." Ranma said yawning.
Heishiro stood up and held his hand to Akane, "Here, let me help you to
your seat."
Ranma watched as Heishiro took Akane's hand and led her to her seat. He
could hear Heishiro's silent victory cheer shouting at him.
Everyone was now starting to eat.
Ranma picked up a piece of meat and placed it on Akane's bowl, "Um, here
Akane, it tastes great." He grinned at Heishiro when Akane smiled sweetly
at him.
Heishiro, not backing up, took a piece of vegetable and placed it on
Akane's bowl, "Here Akane, vegetables are much more healthier than meat."
He said returning a grin of his own.
"Um, thanks Heishiro." Akane said.
Ranma took Akane's cup and poured tea in it, "Here's some tea." Ranma
again smiled at Heishiro.
"Uh, yeah, I am a bit thirsty." Akane said reaching for the cup.
Before Akane could take the cup, Heishiro took it and handed Akane some
water, "Here, Akane, water is much better than tea coz' it's pure."
Heishiro said smiling triumphantly at his rival.
They resumed eating, then Akane finished her rice then Ranma took it from
her and said, "Let me get you more rice Akane."
"No, I'm--" Akane was cut off by Heishiro.
The samurai grabbed the bowl from Ranma's hand and said, "No, let me get
it for you Akane." He beamed at Akane.
Ranma took hold of the other side and said, "No, I will."
Heishiro pulled the bowl to him and said, "No, _I_ will."
"No way, man, I will." Ranma said.
Everyone except Genma who was eating his dinner, watched as the two boys
both started pulling the rice bowl back and forth from each side of the
table. The others watched as it turned into a grudge match of who'll get
rice for Akane.
Nabiki rolled her eyes and said, "Gimme a break."
Kasumi just said, "Oh my."
Soun looked at the boys and proudly said, "That's the spirit you boys!"
Genma didn't even notice them.
All were surprised when Akane silently plucked the bowl from their hands
and said, "No, let me get it myself."
The two both silenced and exchanged now-look-what-you've-done looks.
Dinner passed silently and they all helped with cleaning the table.
"I see you'll have to stay here Heishiro, you'll be sleeping with Ranma in
his room." Soun told Heishiro.
"Whaddya mean my room!" Ranma exclaimed.
"I'm not thrilled either if you ask me." Heishiro mildly said.
"I'm really sorry Ranma, but Heishiro's old room is so dirty and your room
is the only one with the space. Don't worry, you'll get along." Kasumi said
smiling at Ranma.
(in Ranma's room...)
Both Ranma and Heishiro eyed each other as they fixed their futons on the
floor.
Ranma opened his backpack and took out his things. He was silently taking
a look at Heishiro's things. <Vests, loose fitting pants like the one he
has on, socks, boxers, of course, and many other things. Pretty normal
guy.> "So, uh, where do you live?" Ranma asked breaking the silence.
Heishiro looked at Ranma and said, "I don't know where I was born. I was
pretty much raised outdoors. Y'know, training. My dad brought me here when
I was about ten, so I practically call this my home. How 'bout you?"
Ranma noticed how similar they were in being raised, so he answered,
"Pretty much the same, I was also raised in training, I came here when I
was 16." Ranma said.
"Oh, you're the same age of Akane." Heishiro voiced as he changed into his
boxers and shirt.
"Um, yeah." Ranma answered. He was a bit uncomfortable talking to this guy
knowing that he's also Akane's fiancé. He changed into his boxers and sat
down on his futon.
"So, are you going to college here?" Heishiro asked.
"I think so, I'm going to where Akane studies."
"Yeah? I'll be going there too." The samurai answered.
"Oh."
They both quieted and resumed their nightly rituals.
After a while, they finished and went to their futons and slept.
* * *
Akane sat in her room, thinking about Ryouga's advice a while ago.
"He's right, everything's gonna be fine." Akane said talking to herself.
<I hope.>
Akane waited for a while and thought, <I guess they're asleep by now,
better go check at them.>
So she stood up and silently went to Ranma and Heishiro's room. She opened
the door, went in, and closed it behind her, careful not to wake them up.
Akane smiled at her thought. <A bulldozer through the house won't wake up
these two.>
She looked down at them and smiled. They looked so calm and peaceful, as
the moonlight shined through the window. Akane sat down between them while
brushing a couple of strands of hair from Ranma's face and softly
whispered, "I love you..." then she turned to Heishiro's sleeping body and
pulled his blanket to his chin then added, "but I love you too..."
Akane stood up and gave each guy a kiss on the forehead. She looked at
them and noticed Heishiro's face suddenly become serious and he looked like
he was running from something. <Must be a nightmare.> Akane thought. She
did the one thing Kasumi always did to her when she had nightmares when she
was little. She kneeled down beside Heishiro and whispered softly into his
ear,
"Shhh, I'm here. Don't be afraid." She held his hand for a while and when
Heishiro's face calmed down, she stood up. She took one last look and
smiled as she closed the door behind her.
{Heishiro stood in a room, surrounded by the dark. He didn't know where he
was, but he knew something was there with him. He started to walk, and felt
something following him. He felt it getting closer and he started to run.
Faster he ran as beads of sweat dripped down his body. He felt his body
becoming heavier and his legs were turning to stone. He continued to run
and felt the shadow coming up to him. He struggled for safety and couldn't
find it. Then there was this light ahead of him, a light that seemed to
grow brighter by the second. He reached for it knowing it was the only
thing that would keep him away from the shadow following him. He ran
faster, ignoring the pain tearing at his limbs. He had to get to the light
or he knew he would surely die. When he thought the shadow was upon him, he
finally reached the source of the light and felt safe again. It was no
longer dark, the shadow was nowhere to be seen or felt. He was lying on his
bed, in Ranma's room. He looked around and saw the one thing that saved him
from the shadow. The door closed behind Akane. It was Akane. It was Akane
that had saved him from the shadow. It had always been Akane who saved him
from the shadow right from the start when he had first had these
nightmares. He closed his eyes and felt safe again, dreaming of his beloved
Akane.}
When the door closed, the soft moonlight gently shone on two smiling
faces.
*End Chapter 3
I would just like to clear up a few things,
1. Akane and Ranma are both 18 now.
2. Heishiro is 19 right now.
3. You might not see the other characters here because this fanfic will
center around the Tendo's, the Saotome's, Heishiro and some other
characters.
Well, that's about it. As you might expect, Chapter 4 will take a while
because of school and everything. I hope you bear with me.
Well, that's the 3rd chapter of When Past Was Present, hoped you liked it.
The 4th chapter might come a little late coz' school's starting, but I
promise I will write it whenever I have the time.
If you have questions, comments, criticisms, or suggestions please e-mail
me at becknkal@addax.bc.ca
Thanx!
-Kiwi :C)