Send C&C to: oddball22@hotmail.com Find my stories at: www.geocities.com/kaiphantom2000 Ranma 1/2: New Challenges Bonds and Connections Chapter 2 The audience held their breath, and those nearest the center aisle edged their seats farther away from the impending violence that they were positive would soon ensue. Ryoga braced himself for action, while Ukyo's hand crept back to the handle of her spatula. Ranma broke out of his stunned state. "Don't do this, Kodachi," he warned her carefully, flashes of the last wedding attempt shooting through his mind. Kodachi's gaze turned to him, a strange emotion flickering in her eyes. "I know you cannot want this!" she accused. "Why? Because you being forced by petty promises!" Ranma's face showed brief flicker of disbelief, then tightened and became firm as a strange sense of confidence filled him. "No. I'm doin' it because... I love Akane." Kodachi's eyes reflected some of the great sadness she held within, but she kept herself composed. She turned to the bride, holding the ribbon up and running it through her fingers. "Why are you doing this? You cannot possibly love him, you always denied it before!" "I was... scared and confused before," Akane admitted softly. "I barely knew my own feelings." Her head came up, fierce determination written across her face. "But I know what I feel now. I know I love him." "You would fight for him?" Ranma and Kodachi tensed as Akane took a step forward, and the Kuno girl was struck by the fire burning in her eyes. "I would die for him." Kodachi's eyes widened a bit, as the statement was delivered with the supreme confidence that Akane HAD died for Ranma, or came very close at any rate. The nervous tension in the room shot up ten-fold, as it seemed Kodachi was about to attack anyway. Inside, she was fighting with indecision. Would she be willing to die for Ranma? She didn't know, but she figured it might be a non-issue anyway. What were the chances her death would save Ranma? She discarded such thoughts for now and turned back to Ranma. "Ranma-sama, the affection she might be able to offer, pales in comparison to my boundless love. Please reconsider this course of action! Give me a chance before you commit your life to this!" Kodachi's words and actions had always been driven by the intense need for someone to love her. Her mother left her, then her father left her, and her brother was hardly very supportive of her. Every other male had already heard of her reputation, so they feared to approach her. When Ranma showed her kindness that first night she met him, she thought she had found the perfect love she sought, and latched onto him hard. But she was losing him now. Ranma reluctantly shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. Please don't try ta stop us, `cause ya can't change my mind." The glistening of liquid could be seen forming in Kodachi's eyes as she glanced back and forth from Ranma to Akane. She had hoped that it was just honor that was forcing them together; that, she could deal with. She had known Ranma didn't love her, and she could deal with that as well. It would just mean she had a chance and could work on him. But to hear Ranma acknowledge love for Akane, when in the past he had always denied his feelings... The love in his eyes shone only for Akane. For Kodachi, they merely showed traces of fear and maybe a little pity. Akane's eyes spoke volumes of the depths she had gone through, and would go through, for Ranma. Kodachi suddenly realized that whatever chance she might've had, was long gone. "Come sister, `tis not our place," Tatewaki called softly from the doorway. "Let us retire once more to our abode." The distraught girl took one last look at the bride and groom. She was on the verge of breakdown, and didn't want anybody to see her cry. Otherwise, she might have attacked in a last ditch effort to win Ranma. However, that thought was squashed by the knowledge that Ranma would no longer be a prize that could be won. He had made a choice and even she could see that he would stick to it. "Yes," the Kuno girl replied slowly. "I see that now. I do not have the right to be here. I shall not interfere." Kodachi Kuno turned and strode softly from the dojo. Once she was outside, she leapt for the rooftops and fled home as fast as possible. "Please forgive my sister and I," The elder Kuno boy offered, bowing low. "She is still... recovering. She received word of thy... wedding," the word was extremely difficult for him to say, "and felt driven to see with her own eyes." "Kuno-sempai, will she be alright?" Akane asked with concern. "In time," he replied, his face carefully guarding his emotion. "Now, fair Tendo Akane, if you will pardon us, I must see Kodachi safely home." And then he was gone, before anyone else could say or do anything. The breath the assembled Tendos, Saotomes, and assorted guests had been holding was released in a large sigh of relief. Ranma and Akane glanced at each other, their eyes echoing the same thoughts. `That was close!' Sensing no more action or protests would be forthcoming, the priest continued. "Then because of your love for each other, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." With trembling hands, Ranma reached for Akane's veil, pulling it up over her head. His breath caught in his throat as her pretty face was revealed. He had been extremely nervous about kissing Akane in public, especially in front of their families. But eyes her eyes came into view, the outside world faded away and he tilted his head down. Akane was just as nervous as Ranma, if not more so. Her heart had been threatening to burst out of her chest since the ceremony began, but she felt herself oddly becoming calm as Ranma's gaze found her own. There was plenty of love in his deep blue eyes, and it had been one that she had wanted to see from him for so long. She tilted her head up. Their lips met and, for a few moments, nothing else in the universe existed. Then it was over, and the priest presented them to the audience. "It is my pleasure to present, Mr. and Mrs. Saotome." The cheer went up from the assembled family and guests. The reception was also short, though not by design. There were a few gifts, but only from the family. Since the money from the first wedding wasn't returned, the guests didn't bring any this time around. In fact, they were specifically asked not to. It was the only way Soun could get any of them to attend. Natsume stood off to the side of the dojo, trying to avoid any attention. The dress she was wearing (borrowed from Nabiki, at discounted price) was like nothing she had worn before, and she was feeling decidedly uncomfortable in it. Oh, she had worn a skirt before, but it simple, not as fancy as the frilly thing she had on. Too many ribbons and bows in her opinion, and the make-up was doubly uncomfortable. She sighed, wishing she was anywhere other than here. It wasn't that she wasn't excited for Ranma and Akane; indeed, she was very happy that the two were married. They had been nicer to her than she probably deserved, given how she had tried to take the dojo away from them last time. But looking at the pair as they danced, made Natsume think momentarily of Ryu Kumon. She shook head to clear the thought of him out. He was merely a challenger to the dojo, and Natsume had done her job in defending it, nothing more. She couldn't afford to let a boy distract her from her training. Maybe she should take Kurumi on a short training trip to help clear their minds, Natsume decided. The sound of her sister's whining drew Natsume's attention to the buffet table. Apparently, it looked like Kurumi was trying to polish off all the food by herself, but was being deflected from her goal by the eldest Tendo daughter. It seemed that Kasumi had gracefully turned Kurumi away and guided her to talk with a boy instead, one of Ranma's school friends. Natsume merely shook her head, then sipped her punch. Ranma felt decidedly uncomfortable during the whole reception, seeing that social gatherings weren't exactly his most favorite thing in the first place. Coupled with the fact that he was part of the main attraction and his new relationship with Akane was out in the open, well, the phrase `fish out of water' didn't do justice to his predicament. Of course it didn't help that Hiroshi and Daisuke were teasing him throughout the whole affair. "So, Saotome, would you be a pal and tape the honeymoon for me?" Daisuke asked. "Dai, do you want to live?" Hiroshi asked, seeing the cup of punch in Ranma's hand disintegrate in a blue flash. The other boy shrugged. "Can't blame a guy for trying..." "I just want to hear all the details afterward," Hiroshi commented absently.. "If you two don't shut up now," Ranma told them through clenched teeth, "the next time you wake up you'll be eatin' through straws!" "I think we've overstayed our welcome, Dai." "I believe you're right," his companion agreed. "But why don't you give him our gift before we go?' Ranma cocked his eye. "Gift? What gift?" Secretly, he was dreading what his `friends' might give him. Daisuke nodded and slipped something thin and papery into Ranma's tuxedo coat. "From us, for tonight. If you find yourself wondering what to do." Ranma frowned at the cryptic comment while the two boys wandered off. Curious, he opened his jacket and pulled out the magazine... ...and put the hentai doujinshi right back, blushing furiously. Then Soun was announcing the next dance as being for the bride and groom, and Ranma was forced to ignore the magazine in his shirt as all attention turned to Akane and him. Ranma's breath caught in his throat once more, as he spied his bride turn to face him from across the room, still resplendent in her wedding gown. She had been chatting with her friends, but now gazing shyly at him, her face tinged pink. When it became clear that neither one was moving, Sayuri gave Akane a slight push, while Tofu did the same for Ranma. Hesitantly, they walked to the center of the dojo. As they grasped each other's hands and gazed into each other's eyes, the outside world faded away once more. And they began to dance. Ryoga spent the whole ordeal with Akari clamped to his arm. He got the impression that it was because she was afraid he'd wander off and get lost. True, his direction sense wasn't as bad as it was before, and she tended to let him roam around places he was familiar with (like the Tendo dojo and the Unryu farm), but it still felt like he was on a leash with her guiding him around. He wondered if that's what his relationship was going to be like from now on. How could she put up with a guy like him? Akari sighed wistfully at his side as she glanced at the bride and groom. "Wasn't the wedding so beautiful, Ryo-chan? And Akane's gown is so lovely." Her face grew a fond smile as she glanced up at her fiance. Ryoga had to admit that Akane was quite beautiful. For a moment, he almost wished it was him in Ranma's place, dancing with Akane as a bride and groom. Then he shoved those thoughts out of his head. Akane had made her choice, and Ryoga had conceded to that. He might still care for her, but it wasn't fair to Akari for him to continually pine after another woman, especially a married one. He had recognized that his crush on Akane was just that: a crush. He glanced down at his fiancee and beheld her pretty face smiling up at him, prompting him to return a nervous smile of his own. Perhaps, he decided, it would be a good idea to spend quite a bit of time at the Unryu farm, after he completed his training under his sensei. Akari gave him what he needed most: love and acceptance. He cared for her very much, but after his experiences with Akane, he wanted to make sure it was love. "So, when do you think we should set our own wedding date for?" Akari was asking him. So caught up in his thoughts and in gazing in her lovely eyes, he almost missed what she was saying. "W-wedding?" he squeaked. Akari's smile dimmed somewhat. "You do want to marry me, right?" Ryoga swallowed nervously, and a part of his mind told the rest of him that he had better answer this right. "Uh, it's not that. It's just that this is, uh, all kinda new to me." She smiled in understanding. "It's okay. I will wait until you are ready." She gave him a peck on the cheek. Ryoga smiled in relief, and once again wondered why she put up with a guy like him. Whatever her reasons, he was extremely glad she did. The final song ended and the reception came to an end. The bride and groom said their good-byes to all the guests, who wished Ranma and Akane well in return. Soon, everyone had departed except for family. Even the newlywed couple had left on their honeymoon after changing clothes for travel, leaving the Tendo household in a state of peace and quiet once more. Wanting to get an early start, Kasumi had started cleaning up the dojo. She had just started sweeping up the confetti when a hand on the broom stopped her. She looked up in surprise, but smiled warmly when she saw who it was. "Now, now, Kasumi-chan," Tofu said with a wide grin. "There will be time enough for this later. You should leave some for the rest of us!" Kasumi sighed and accepted Tofu's hug, then turned around so that her back was to him, his arms encircling her waist. She leaned her head back to rest on his shoulder as she gazed out the window dojo window. "It seems like I've been waiting for this moment for most of my life," Kasumi mused. "My little baby sister is all grown up and married at last. I must say, I did have some doubt when she turned into quite the tomboy." Tofu chuckled, remembering all the times little Akane had come into his clinic to be treated for bruises and scrapes. "Yes, she was quite the lively girl when she was younger, and nowhere near the traditional girl she was supposed to be. I suppose it's just as well, since Ranma does make a good match for her. I must confess that I was worried about those two for awhile, as well. It's good to see them together and having some happiness at last." That thought about Akane brought something to Tofu's mind that he had noticed earlier. Being the kind of healer he was, he had noticed a distinct change in Akane's aura when he had examined her before. While glowing with the familiar colors of love, it also seemed much weaker than normal. Somehow it seemed weaker, subdued. Even given the explanation of the Kami Heart Crystal, his own research suggested it shouldn't have affected her that much. From what he understood, the crystal merely amplified what was already there. It should not have drained Akane this much, leading him to believe something else was at work. That was as far as Tofu had gotten, as he had pronounced her recovered enough to get married, which was what she wanted. He had made a note to check up on her when she returned, however. "So," Kasumi was saying, "Akane will soon be mistress of the house. With Nabiki graduating at the end of the month and moving off to college in April, and Natsume and Kurumi taking over much of the chores, I believe it will be time for me to move out as well." Tofu's arms tightened and his head became momentarily dizzy, as he realized the implications. "Really?" They had developed an understanding between them. Dating and/or the pursual of any relationship would have to wait, since Kasumi felt her family needed her. So, an unspoken agreement to wait had come about, to push aside any ideas of a relationship until such a time when Kasumi felt she was free enough to pursue one. Which she had just hinted at. True, they had been dating a little since Kasumi was kidnapped by the Mage Clans nearly eight months ago, but that was mainly due to the fact that they couldn't hold back their feelings anymore, and it seemed that Ranma and Akane were finally settling down into accepting the engagement. "I am nearly twenty-one," Kasumi said, a bit of a sad edge to her voice. "And I do think it is nearly time to be married. What do you think, Ono Tofu?" The use of his full name was all the implication Tofu needed. He turned her around his arms, then knelt down on one knee in front of her, bring out a small box they he had carried for the longest time. "Tendo Kasumi, I have watched and admired you for several years. I would be honored if you would consider me for your hand." He open the small velvet box. Kasumi gasped at pretty gold band that was displayed within, topped by a small sapphire gem. She smiled and nodded, giving the gesture for Tofu to remove it from the box and slide it onto her finger. "I would be honored to become your wife," Kasumi told him, bringing Tofu to his feet with a tug on his hand, and then rising up slightly to kiss him gently. As the couple pulled away from each other, the sniffle from the dojo entrance got their attention. The sniffle had come from Soun, but also present were Genma, Nodoka, and Nabiki as well. Kasumi blushed, while Tofu turned to address Soun. "That is, if your father would agree to the marriage, of course." Soun dried his eyes, then shook the doctor's hand while patting him on the back. "Of course, of course! Welcome to the family!" Nodoka gave Kasumi a teary-eyed hug. "Oh, Kasumi-chan, congratulations!" "Thank you, Oba-sama," the eldest Tendo daughter replied, still blushing. "Two of my daughters are all grown up," Soun wailed. "Now if only-" "Forget it, Father," Nabiki replied, cutting him off. "I'm not getting married. I've got too many plans as it is, and none of them revolve around a husband." "Well, perhaps you just need to find the right young man," Nodoka offered Nabiki merely rolled her eyes. "Well, let's leave this mess for tomorrow, shall we?" Genma suggested. "We've got much celebrating to do tonight!" For once, everyone agreed with him. "Hurry up, Akane!" Akane growled. "I'm coming, Baka!" She adjusted her pack once again, wondering for the one-millionth time where he was taking her. All he would say was that it was a surprise and she would find out when they got there. she thought. She realized Ranma was getting ahead of her, so she picked up the pace to keep up with her husband. Her pack was lighter then his by a large margin, since her strength was still down. Before the Crystal Kami Heart, that was her family's legacy, was removed from her body and destroyed, her strength had been nearing Ranma's under his intense training. Now she was almost weaker then before Ranma showed up at her house. It made her angry while shattering her self-confidence all over again, bringing her insecurities back to the surface. Was it just that crystal that gave her all that strength? Could she ever be as good as she was before? Would Ranma still love her if she was stuck as a weak, little girl? Akane was deathly afraid of that last question. Even though he had married her, would he leave her for someone else? She still loved him with all her heart, though she also still harbored doubts and fears about how good a wife she could be to him. What did she have to offer? She absently touch her chest where the crystal had emerged, and a tear a appeared in her eye. It was her mother's last gift to Akane, entrusted for safekeeping, and she had lost it. With it, she could easily fight beside Ranma as his partner. Where did that leave her without it? Akane shook her head to clear her dark thoughts. This was no time to be brooding. This was supposed to be her honeymoon, and she was determined to make sure they both enjoyed it. As soon as she figured out exactly where Ranma was taking her. Ranma's mood was more upbeat. Traveling through nature was something he was used after ten years on the road and he believed he had a good surprise in store for Akane. Before the wedding, Nabiki had called him in to have a talk... "Have you given any thought as to where you'll spend your honeymoon?" she asked him as soon as he stepped inside, a sly smile on her face. "What?" Ranma blinked. "What's a honeymoon?" Nabiki rolled her eyes. "You've got to be kidding' me. A honeymoon is where a newlywed couple go to spend time together, alone." "Like a training trip?" he suggested. A funny smile broke out on Nabiki's face, and she seemed to be fighting back a case of the giggles. "Right... Training trip... Exactly." She took a deep breath. "The point is, wouldn't you like to get away for a few days? I know Akane would love to go with you somewhere." That sounded reasonable to him. "Yeah, sure! That'd be great!" "Now I have a few ideas that..." "In fact, I know the perfect place!" Ranma continued, eager at the sound of a few days alone with Akane. "I was up there a year ago, and it'd be perfect!" He turned back to the middle Tendo. `Thanks Nabiki... oneechan!" He grinned. The change in address caught her off-guard. "Um, sure. But what about-" "I gotta go plan this out and pack for it!" And with that, he rushed out of her room, completely missing the frustrated face of the middle Tendo. Ranma casually hopped to top of a nearby boulder and grinned. They were headed in the right direction, and should reach it by early tomorrow morning. This time, it wasn't as cold, seeing as how it was late spring and there was no snow on the ground. He knew there would be when they finally reached their destination, but it wouldn't matter much. He turned back to watch his wife coming up the trail behind him and his face unconsciously grew a fond smile. He knew she was still a bit weak, but she was bound and determined not to show it, doing her best to keep up with him. That was something he always admired about her. Even though he wanted to keep her out of danger and protect her, he always secretly liked her `never-give-up' and `give-it-all-you've-got' attitude. He supposed she wouldn't be Akane if she didn't have that inner fire, that determination that made her seek her own path, instead of demurely conceding like a traditional girl. She paused to see him smiling at her, and she blushed faintly. Then she scowled at him, before continuing right on past his perch. "Well, you coming or not?" She called over her shoulder. Ranma chuckled, then leapt off the boulder after her. Akane entered the tent, a pleasant smile on her face. Today had been one interesting day, especially since Ranma had surprised her with something she never would have thought possible of him. They had finally arrived at their destination, at least that's what Ranma had announced. All Akane could see was a small forest of sparse trees, lightly dusted with snow. It was melting, because spring was arriving and the temperature was raising, but it still was a little chilly out. Ranma spent several moments searching around, before finding what he was looking for. He called Akane over and gestured to the trunk of the large tree after dusting it off. She gasped when she read the carvings, totally not expecting to see what she saw. She murmured Ranma's name in awe, taken aback by what he had shown her. He didn't seem to have a romantic bone in his body, and then he goes and shows her the tree where his parents carved their names on their honeymoon. He also revealed that he had enough money for a couple nights at a hot spring resort nearby, that his parents stayed at on their honeymoon. Akane turned to see that Ranma had a small knife in his hand, and with crystalline clarity she knew what he was about to do. Still, the emotions flooding her body of seeing him engrave their own names next to his parents were very powerful nonetheless, and she couldn't resist giving him a big hug and a passionate kiss when he was finished. The sight of their own names embedded in the thick bark, somehow made their marriage and feelings all the more real, along with a sense of permanence. That no matter what happened, the carvings would stand as a reminder, to them and to the world, that their lives were now deeply intertwined. Back in the tent, Akane had finally finished the preparations and her heart was now threatening to pound itself out of her chest. Some part of her couldn't believe she was actually going to do this, and another part wondered if she was going to chicken out or if Ranma would. Gathering her courage, she called out to her husband. "You can come in now." Ranma had just finished putting out the fire and securing the packs for the night when Akane called to him. There was something in her voice that he couldn't identify, almost a mixture of apprehension and excitement. Nervously, he zipped open the dome tent and slipped inside. He hadn't really known what to expect, his knowledge of honeymoons being very limited, and he was afraid of asking, since it seemed it was something that everybody was supposed to know. All he knew was that Nabiki had suggested the idea to him. The sight that greeted him inside, however, was enough to freeze all higher-level functions running through his brain. Akane was kneeling on the opened sleeping bags and gazing shyly up at him. Her face was tinged with a nice shade of pink and her hands were folded in her lap. What locked Ranma's brain up was the that as far as he could determine, the only thing she had on was one of his red Mandarin shirts. The overall picture she was portraying, was affecting him in ways that he couldn't describe. Somehow he got the feeling that he was in for an interesting night.** It had happened a couple of days ago, that much he was sure about. He knew if she left their little sanctum she would become vulnerable. He also knew it was an opportunity the Rogues wouldn't dare pass up. He closed his eyes as he sagged in his chair, suddenly feeling the weight of all ninety of his years hit him at once. A long breath escaped his lips as the elderly man leaned back in his comfy chair, the only real amenity in the abode he shared with Lady Kuno. He was the caretaker. There was a name before that, one he was born to, but at the age of ten he was apprenticed to the previous caretaker and his given name ceased to be spoken. He had long since forgotten it as he learned the duties he would be performing from the old man who taught him. Quite simply, his duty was to assist the Lady. All he was told at the time was that she was very old, though she still appeared to be in her 30s. He was also to dust and clean, keep her sanctuary and library in order, as well as read the mountain of knowledge that the library contained. Later on, he also became her friend and companion, to help ease her loneliness in her isolation. But that was 80 years ago. Normally, he would have sought out his own apprentice by now, who would take over the post once he was gone. However, there was no longer any need, for there was no longer a Lady for a Caretaker to take care of. For a sudden and brief moment, he felt her spirit passing by him on her way to the afterlife, and she whispered a few words to him before disappearing from the mortal plane. Normal men would have only felt a slight breeze, but members of his line had a better sense of supernatural, not to mention his long years by his Lady's side helped attune his consciousness to hers. He nodded once as the spirit departed. "I shall do as you ask, Lady. I shall fulfill your last request." He stood up slowly and walked to what appeared to be small well, but water wasn't the only thing to be glimpsed inside. Reflected in the still pool were the faces of several youths, some more prominent then others: A boy with a pigtail, a girl with short hair and fiery temperament, a half-cat humanoid, a near-sighted hidden weapons master, a muscular boy with canine teeth, and a chef skilled in the culinary arts. The eyes of the caretaker were suddenly filled with incredible sorrow. "I shall tell them everything." ------------------------------- Author's Notes: Bet you were expecting a fight during the wedding, ne? Most every Ranma/Akane wedding I've read has had violence/fighting in it. The idea that it could go off rather peacefully is, in my opinion, a rare concept. And I freely admit it, I'm a hopeless romantic. ^_^ There will be more conflict later, naturally, but these two chapter were designed for humor and WAFF. **I've written a Lemon sidestory (my first in this series) to this, entitled "Physical Bonding." It doesn't add much to the plot, so you can skip it. If, however, you want to read it, e-mail me and I'll give you the link to the file. Also, before this Volume is over, much will be explained to both you and the Ranma crew, as they learn what part they play in the ever-unfolding events. Secrets and truths will be revealed, and it will affect the characters in different ways, some you may or may not expect.