Based off of characters by the ever-lovable Rumiko Takahshi, which
are her's, no copyright infringement is meant, and they are used
without permission.
Story idea based off the script- Ranma 1/2: the final solution,
what a couple of dips! - written by Joe Rispoli and Mike Termena of
the Dayton Anima club. Again, no copyright infringement is meant as
to their storyline.
Any other Non-Rumiko type characters have their own copyrights
and are also used without permission, no infringement is meant
any other characters are mine, and Are used with permission
(Mine!)
This story can be spread around, as long as the author is
acknowledged, and it is not sold for profit, either in part or in
whole.
The Train pulled up to the Tomobiki-cho station, where it
disgorged it's passengers into the sunlight of the early summer day.
The platform was full of others who pressed forward, eager to
board the new arrival and get on with their lives.
Three of the arriving passengers however, were eager to arrive to
witness the beginning of a new life.
Soun Tendo, of the anything goes martial-arts Tendo training hall,
gathered up his travel bag and walked off onto the platform. A tall
man, he had no problem looking for his two companions, who were as
equally tall. All three of them received some stares, as they were
dressed formally, two of them in tuxedo's, one in chinese robes, but
soon they were fighting like everyone else to get through to the
street.
"Hey Pops! let's get a move-on, alright?" one of his companions
snapped, hoisting another travel bag.
"Yes, it would be most unfortunate if we missed the wedding," the
second companion agreed.
"Well, I'm not Against getting to the wedding," Soun grumbled as
he was buffeted by onboarding passengers, "But trying to make headway
in all this..."
"Rooftops are nice," companion 1 said to companion 2.
"Indeed, I say we should pursue that option," companion 2 agreed.
"W-What are you doing?" Soun gasped as he was grabbed by both arms.
"C'mon Mr. Tendo, just click your heels together and think happy
thoughts," companion 1 said as they launched into the air over the
crowds. Soon, they were bounding from rooftop to rooftop.
The Mendo family chapel. Many cars had arrived here, and many
others were gathering outside.
A wedding was taking place.
Well, a dual wedding.
Okay! it's more than that! (leave me alone!)
After much procrastination, Morobishi Ataru was finally to be
united to Redet Lum, (her Father had thought to bring a blaster rifle
to ensure the wedding, but had been convinced otherwise.) at long
last.
Many (all, actually) of their friends were in attendance (many of
which had brought various weapons of destruction to ensure the wedding
did NOT take place, but had been disarmed by Lum), and Ataru had asked
his favorite cousin, friends since childhood, to be his Best Man.
Saotome Ranma.
Sadly, Ranma had had to refuse the honor.
Understandably, as he no longer qualified as a best Man.
Because of a sudden sickness due to his Jusenkyo curse, Ranma,
Akane, and their families had gone back to the pools to find a cure.
They had found one, by accidently dropping Ranma back into the
pool of Nyanneechuan, where it was unforunately discovered that a
second emersion in the same pool causes the curse to become
irreversible, forever locking Ranma in the form of a girl.
Akane, however, in order to prove that she loved him (er...her)
and so that they could be together, had found the pool of Nannichuan
and dove in twice.
ain't love grand?
The various wedding parties had taken over several of the bedrooms
in the Mendo Household to prepare, especially the anxious brides.
"I think I'm gonna throw up."
"Now Ranma-chan, your just nervous," Kasumi calmly said around a
mouthful of pins, "please quit fidgeting or you'll--"
"OW! that Hurt!"
"--get stuck," Kasumi sighed and sat back as Ranma continued to
fidget.
"C'mon, Ranma," Nabiki scolded as she tried to work on Ranma's
hair, "I don't see why your so nervous, you've been in worse
situations before."
"Name one." Ranma snapped.
"Winning back the Dojo, facing off against the Seven lucky gods,
eating Akane's cookies..." Nabiki trailed off. She tried again to
set Ranma's hair, then gave up.
"If you keep bouncing around you'll never be ready," Nabiki
growled. Unlike Ranma, the two sisters were dressed in their
Kimono's, Nabiki's was black with dark blue birds across it, while
Kasumi's was sky blue with white floral patterns. Nabiki set the
brush down and turned the nervous young girl around.
Nabiki's eyes grew round. Ranma was almost as white as the
wedding Kimono she wore, and almost looked frightened.
"A little nervous, are we?" Nabiki asked as she took the bride's
trembling hands, noting how cold they were. she started rubbing them
to warm them up.
"Oh Ranma, you're worried over nothing," Kasumi said from the
floor in a soothing voice, "You'll make a beautiful bride."
"That's just it!" Ranma whined, her voice rising, "Not only am I
getting married to a violent uncute tomboy, I'm the one in the dress!
This is not how I planned to get married."
Nabiki looked at Kasumi, "The `I'm not ready ' stage?"
"Definitely, soon to be followed by the `I can't go through with
this', then the `calm before the storm' stages" Kasumi agreed.
Nabiki looked Ranma in the eyes, "are you saying that you don't
wish to marry Akane-kun?"
Ranma's hands stopped shaking. A moment later a familiar light
came back to her eyes.
"No," She said defiantly, "I love her--HIM, and I want to marry
him, and she's sacrificed so much to prove she loves me...I'd go
through with this even if we were turned into cats." she looked away
then, "I'm just nervous, that's all..."
"We know you are, Ranma-chan," Kasumi said soothingly as she
stood, "Everyone is before the wedding."
"You didn't eat anything at breakfast, would a small snack help?"
Nabiki asked, still holding Ranma's hands.
Ranma's stomach flipped at the thought of food, "No, I wouldn't
keep it down."
"You sure? some tea maybe?" Nabiki asked sweetly.
Ranma's eyes narrowed, "Alright, why are you being so nice?"
Nabiki tried to look hurt, "I'm shocked Ranma, can't I play the
loving step-sister?"
"Not unless a profit margin is involved."
"Ranma! You make it sound like I'm some sort of cold hearted
mercenary who's only interested in making money!"
Before Ranma could answer there was a knock on the outside door.
Nabiki left to answer it, and Kasumi was there to pick up Ranma's
hands, giving them a warm squeeze.
"Is part of it the fact that your a girl permanently now?" Kasumi
asked gently.
"I--yes, maybe, I think, kinda, that's part of it," Ranma sighed,
"I've gotten used to turning into a girl, somewhat, over the last two
years, but being one all the time? I still think of myself as a Guy,
but..."
"But...?" Kasumi prompted when she trailed off.
Ranma looked down to the floor, she might feel better, she
thought, if she talked about what she had noticed, "But lately, I
find that I'm... acting or thinking... more and more... Like a girl."
she shuffled her feet for a bit before looking up. "Am I losing
myself?"
Kasumi raised her hands to Ranma's shoulder's, "I don't think
that's the problem, it sounds more like your simply adjusting to
what's happened. Your still the same Ranma I've known for the last
two years, that will never change."
"I wonder if Akane-kun is going through this," Ranma asked.
Kasumi was about to answer when Nabiki knocked on the doorframe,
"Ranma, you have a visitor."
Ranma and Kasumi walked out to the next room, where a beaming
Tendo Soun stood.
"Oh Father," Kasumi sighed, "you look very dashing in your
tuxedo."
Ranma smiled slightly and nervously allowed herself to be hugged,
"I wasn't sure you'd make it back."
"I'd never miss such an important event," Soun told her. He held
her out then at armslength, "you look marvelous."
"Yeah, well..." She ran her hand tentatively through her hair,
which was still loose.
"I still wish you'd let us trim that," Nabiki commented as she
leaned against the bedroom doorframe.
"Like Hell! I haven't cut this in five years!"
"I can tell."
"Now girls, no need to fight," Soun said gently.
"I'm a --" was the automatic response, but Ranma stopped herself.
Soun looked back down at his soon to be daughter-in-law, "Nabiki
tells me your very nervous. Is there anything I can do?"
"No, no, I think it's just pre-wedding jitters," Ranma smiled up
at him, "it's just that..."
"Yes..." Soun gently coaxed.
"Well...you guys have all been great, and I don't think I've seen
Pop happier, it's just that...well, I wish...more of my friends were
here, too."
"You know what they say, Ranma-honey," a new voice spoke up, "Be
careful what you wish for."
Ranma looked up and for the first time saw that they were being
video-taped. Then with a smile and a flourish, the camcorder was set
down on a table.
"Ucchan!"
Ukyou smiled at the shocked expression on Ranma's face, "What,
you think I would miss something like this? "she asked cheerfully,
then she looked at Soun.
Soun took his que, "Nabiki, Kasumi, let's let them have a moment's
privacy, shall we?" they left the room, with Kasumi giving them a
smile as she shut the door.
There was silence between the two for a moment, Ukyou's smile
faded, while Ranma kept looking down to the floor and back.
Finally, unable to take the silence any longer, Ranma spoke.
"You...umm...look fabulous, Ucchan..."she started.
"You think so?" Ukyou raised her arms and spun around, showing
off. She was dressed in a tuxedo, black, with a gray bowtie and
cumberbun, and a white long-sleeved blouse with frills in the front
and cuffs. The jacket was cut above the waist, with long tails, and
a pair of black heels instead of shoes. Her hair was tied back with
its usual bow.
"Thanks, you look good yourself."
Although it was a western ceremony that was being conducted, Ranma
was clad in the traditional wedding Kimono. Around her waist was a
blue sash, but it was evident by the fit of her dress and her loose
hair that she wasn't done dressing.
"heh heh, I wish I felt it," Ranma admitted, looking back down to
the floor.
"Let's see here," Ukyou crossed her arms and started circling
Ranma, looking her over. A large tear-shaped sweat bead appeared on
the back of Ranma's head, "According to tradition, a bride needs four
things," Ukyou completed the circle and stood in front of Ranma, an
eyebrow raised, "I see you have something blue, do you have something
old?"
"Uhh, yeah, the dress..." Ranma started weakly.
"Something new?"
"My earrings," she gestured to the two pearls clipped to her
lobes, "they're wedding gifts from Kasumi--"
"What about something borrowed?"
"Well, sort of Everything is borrowed in a way--"
"A-HA! get me a brush."
Ranma drew back, "Your not gonna smack me, are ya?"
"Get a brush, Idiot! I want to help."
Confused, Ranma went back into the bedroom and came back with
Nabiki's brush. Ukyou moved a footstool over and gestured for her to
sit down, pulling up a stool for herself and sitting behind her.
"Mr. Tendo says the curse is permanent now," Ukyou asked as she
brushed Ranma's hair out in slow, even strokes. When free of the
pigtail, her hair came down to mid-back.
"Yeah, happens if you fall in twice," God, she's gonna blow up
and smack me.
"And Akane-chan jumped in after you, right sugar?"
"She did it because she loves me," Ranma started to turn around,
but Ukyou turned her back around.
"Stay still, I can't do this otherwise," Ukyou finished and set
the brush down, then started pulling Ranma's hair back.
"What about you?"
"What about me?" Ranma repeated.
"Do you love her?"
"It's him now, actually."
Ukyou bopped her lightly on the head, "Answer the question!"
Ranma took a moment to think how best to answer. "If I didn't, I
wouldn't be here now."
"That's not an answer, Ranma."
"Alright, yes, I do love him." Ranma straightened as Ukyou paused,
"It took awhile to admit it, but I've always loved Akane."
Ranma felt Ukyou start to weave her hair, "Ranma...do you love me?"
Ranma paused even longer, "Ucchan...I do love you, but I have to
be honest..." As she was turned around, she didn't see the emotions
that played across Ukyou's face, "I love you as a best friend, even a
Sister.
"I can't lead you on, you deserve the truth, and I have to be a,
well,*man* about this. You have my greatest Friendship, Akane has
my Heart."
Ukyou was silent for a moment as she worked the hair, then
finished. "Okay, you can get up now."
Ranma turned around and saw that Ukyou's hair was now loose
around her shoulders. Reaching around, Ranma discovered that Ukyou's
ribbon had been french-braided into the pigtail with the bow at the
end.
"Ucchan, Thank you! it's very nice," she saw that her friends
eyes were misting "Ucchan...please, don't cry, I didn't mean to hurt
you."
"Hey," she grabbed Ranma's hand's, "That is enough, just let me
speak for a moment.
"I don't have long, but I want to say that what's important is
your happiness right now. To be honest, yes, I wish that it was me
that was walking the aisle with you, but it's not. If it's Akane-kun
that you love, then you should do the best you can to make him happy.
"There are others who won't like what your doing today, but you
can't worry about that, you have to make the right choice for
yourself, Ranchan. everything else will take care of itself."
Biting her lower lip, Ranma drew her friend in and hugged her.
"Thank you."
"I love you, Ranchan, friends?"
"Always, Ucchan, always."
After a moment Ukyou broke free and stood up, "Don't worry, I'm
not gonna make trouble for you," she went and picked up the camcorder,
"In fact, I'm your family photographer."
"You'll do a great job, Ucchan."
"So will you, good luck." Ukyou turned and opened the door to
leave, causing Soun, Kasumi, and Nabiki to tumble into the room.
"I can't believe you jerks!" Ranma snapped as she jumped to her
feet.
"Oh my..."
"Hello there, Ranma, we were just about to knock..."
"Yeah, Right! Get up! we have to finish getting ready!"
Ukyou stepped over them and went to the end of the hall, where she
could still hear Ranma going off on the others.
There, she'd done it, She had talked to Ranma, in a mature,
reasoning manner, and had remained friends with her, just like she had
promised herself she would.
Ukyou leaned against the wall and released a ragged sigh, her
emotions warring within her. They were her friends! I want to be
happy for them!
{He's your true love, and that uncute tomboy is taking him away!}
No! he loves her!
{He could love You like that!}
"God, this is more painful than I thought," she muttered, trying
to collect herself.
By the time Soun walked up to her, Ukyou's mask was firmly back
in place.
"Come, child, let's see the other's," he said cheerfully as he led
her by the elbow.
"Right! I want to give my best to the Groom, too," she set the
camcorder on her shoulder and they walked off.
Soun and Ukyou knocked on the door to the groom's quarter's, and
entered on Mr. Saotome's gruff, "Come in!" Ukyou hid behind the
camcorder again, hoping for another surprised reaction.
Akane-kun and Genma Saotome were alone in the room. Akane-kun
{she's the enemy! stop her!} was dressed in a gray tuxedo with blue
cumberbun, and was currently sitting on the bed in a lotus position,
coat off and collar open, watching Mr. Saotome, who was dressed in the
traditional robes of the Brides Father, trying to figure out the
bowtie.
"is it over...no, under...wait..."
"Well, Saotome, at last, the day is here!" Soun greeted.
"Ah, Tendo, when did you get back?" Genma turned and faced his
friend, the bowtie convienetly forgotten, "Did you get what you needed
at home?"
"Sure did, Saotome," Soun turned and looked at his newly acquired
son, who jumped off the bed and gave him a quick hug.
"You got them?" Akane asked, stepping back "The ring?"
Soun reached into his coat pocket and produced a small, three
banded gold ring, "Yes, your Mother's wedding band," he said quietly,
remembering his own wedding.
"What about our friends?" Akane asked next.
{See? your not important to them! She asked about you Last!} Ukyou
cleared her throat and pasted a smile on her face, setting the camera
down, "Right here, Kiddo."
Akane ran over and unexpectedly swept Ukyou up in a hug,
surprising her. He was as tall as she was! Nervously, Ukyou
returned it.
Akane drew back then and gave Ukyou one of the most dazzling
smiles she had ever seen, "Ukyou! I'm so glad you made it!"
He was? Of course he was! "Hey, I wouldn't miss this for the
world..."
Akane turned and looked at his father then, "If you two could
excuse us please?" he asked, "I'd like to talk to her alone."
"Ohh, if only you knew how proud you've made your Father today,"
Soun bawled as they walked out.
"Yeah, yeah, that's only the fortieth time you've said that since
China," Akane muttered, "And no eavesdropping!"
Ukyou just stared at this stranger-friend who had greeted her so
warmly, "Wow, Akane--" she finally said, "-- you came out --
Good looking..."
"You like?" Akane spun around, showing off. "It's the latest in
Jusenkyo fashions."
If Ukyou hadn't known better, she would have sworn that this was
Akane's brother. His built and height were almost identical to Male
Ranma's, a bit wider in the shoulder's and hip's, maybe, and he had
the same facial structure as before, although the face was male now,
maybe a bit longer. The only thing that hadn't changed were her eyes.
They were still the same expressive hazel ones that Ukyou remembered.
"You're going to drive the girls wild back at home," she finally
said after a long pause.
Akane simply shrugged at this. He seemed the epitome of calm,
although Ukyou did notice his hands shaking.
"Daddy obviously found you, did anyone else come?" unlike Ranma,
Akane knew exactly why his father had gone to Nerima.
"Just Mousse and I," Ukyou said, "I didn't think we needed Shampoo
or Ryoga disrupting the wedding." she shifted nervously as Akane
walked past and sat back down on the bed, "Your certainly holding up
better than the Bride is."
"How's that?"
"Nabiki called it the `I'm not ready stage' , but she just seemed
nervous to me."
"Ah, that," Akane smiled again, "Yeah, I went through that last
night, now I'm just anxious to get this over with."
{How *Dare* she be so calm!} Ukyou bit back that particular
response, "Uh, why aren't you finished dressing?"
Akane shrugged, "I don't know how to tie bowties, neither did
Mr. Saotome."
"Well, I think I can help there," Ukyou picked the bowtie up from
the endtable {That's it, Help the Enemy!} and quickly set it right,
"Here you go."
"Thank you," Akane took the bowtie and walked over to the mirror,
slipping it over his collar. Ukyou sat down on the edge of the bed
and watched.
"I want you to know I'm really glad you could come on such short
notice," Akane said as he tried adjusting the tie, "We would have sent
invitations but things have been moving so fast..."
{I'm sure you would have!} "Hey, I'm here now, that's what
matters..." Ukyou trailed off as her throat started to tighten up
against her will. dammit, this was harder that she thought.
"I'm sure Ranma appreciates it too, she was really upset that more
of her friends couldn't be here, especially since her mother doesn't
know..."
{Do you hear that? Your only a Friend!}
{Just a Friend!!}
{A FRIEND!!!}
With a shriek of rage Ukyou's fist smashed into the bedside lamp,
almost of it's own violation, then in shame she bit into her palm to
try and stop the tears that suddenly wouldn't stop.
Akane relaxed from the defensive stance when it was apparent that
he wasn't under attack, and slowly edged toward the bed.
Tentatively, he reached out, but Ukyou curled away.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Ukyou managed to force out.
Akane slowly sat down, "About what, tell me."
"I--I want to-- to be happy-- for you, or I-- I want to be a-
angry with you-- but I *can't!*" Ukyou tried to stop crying but
couldn't. "That's all I am to-- to him is a *friend!* I-- I never
stood a chance! It's not fair! It's *not!*" she whirled and started
flailing away at Akane, but he easily caught her fists.
With a sudden jerk Akane pulled Ukyou forward and held her. She
tried to break free but Akane was stronger now. Eventually, Ukyou
collapsed against him and sobbed into his chest.
"It's alright, it's alright," Akane whispered as he rocked her
back and forth, running his hand over her back and shoulders, "Let it
out Ukyou, let it out..."
They stayed that way for several minutes, the only sound being
Ukyou's slowly fading cries. Eventually, Ukyou quieted and slowly
backed away.
Akane reached for several tissues and started cleaning mascara
from Ukyou's face. "I didn't think the tears would start before the
wedding," he said.
Ukyou sort of chuckled but wouldn't look up. "Can you imagine
what it's like, Akane, to see the one that you love being married to
someone else?" she took the tissues away and rubbed her eyes,
sniffling like a small child, "And the worst part is, I want to hate
you for it but I Can't"
Akane laid a hand on her shoulder, "Why's that?"
"You two always fight, you never seem to get along, But I know
that you both are good people, and that you care for each other..."
she looked up then, "It hurt's, Akane, it really hurts!"
"I'm sorry, Ukyou, I really am. I wish I could say something to
make it better."
"I'm not even able to stand by Ranchan as part of the wedding
party..."
"We could ask one of my sisters to step aside," Akane started,
"I'm sure they'd understand."
"No, no, they're family, they deserve to be there," Ukyou
interrupted, waving the suggestion aside, "I'm just a friend..."
"HEY!" Ukyou jumped at the sharpness in his voice, "Let's get one
thing straight: you are not *just* anything! You are Ranma's best and
closest friend, and she wants you to be here just as much as I,
because we love you. We want you to be happy, and to share in our
happiness, your very important to us. I'm sorry that we didn't
consider that this would be painful to you, and if you want to leave
because it's painful, then we understand," Akane softened a bit then,
"But I'd really like it if you stayed."
Ukyou was quiet for a long time. Akane slid her right hand over
her shoulders and pulled Ukyou against him in a partial hug. Gingerly,
Ukyou rested her right hand on his shoulder.
"Do you really mean that?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, I do." Akane whispered, "I'd like to think of you as my
friend as well, and to be honest, we're going to need all the friends
we can get."
"Really?"
"It's not going to be easy for us or those around us, adjusting to
the fact that we're of the opposite sex now," Akane told her, "We need
people we can turn to for support, just like you are now."
Ukyou sat back up, "I got your shirt dirty," she pointed to
the mascara stains on the shoulder.
"That's okay, the jacket will hide them."
They sat in silence for several more moments, Ukyou rubbing away
at the stains. She then stopped and sat back.
"You've changed, your a lot calmer than you used to be," Ukyou
observed.
Akane shrugged, "I only seem calm, I worked a lot off last night,"
he raised one of his hands, which was still shaking, "I just decided
that nothing was going to ruin this day for us."
Akane stood and helped Ukyou up, "Feel any better?"
"No, I feel miserable." Ukyou said. She reached up and adjusted
Akane's tie, "But that's not going to stop me. C'mon, lets get you
ready."
Five minutes later, the groom was ready and being filmed by Ukyou.
Mr. Tendo walked in then to tell Ukyou to take her place for the
ceremony. With a quick good-bye for both of them, Ukyou ran from the
room as fast as her heels would let her.
Memories flashed through her mind as she hurried to the chapel;
Her last memory of Ranma as a child sitting on top of a rapidly
retreating okinomiyaki yettai, training against the seas as a warrior
to seek revenge, then finding Ranma again years later and bidding for
his hand. The battles they had fought, both for and against each
other, the friendships she had made, The battles she had won.
{But you lost the most important one, didn't you? And now Ranma's
marrying someone Else!}
Stop it! Ukyou told herself, he found someone he loves. They
fought constantly, but even I can see now that it's because of their
egos, not from hatred. Akane was a good person, basically, at heart.
And I really am trying to be happy for you, Ranchan, she told
herself, I love you too.
Herself laughed back at her mockingly.
Herself then found herself on the receiving end of a giant mental
Spatula.
Ukyou reached the entranceway to the Chapel where ushers were
leading people in. Waiting for her was Mousse, dressed in the
ceremonial robes of a wedding guest for his village. She walked up
and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Are we ready, Mr. Tendo?" he asked.
With a sigh, Ukyou reached up and lowered Mousse's glasses down
with her free hand.
"Yes Mousse, I'm ready," she told him, shaking her head, "Thanks
for waiting."
Mousse bowed his head, his hands hidden in the depths of his
volumeous sleeves, "It is an honor to serve."
An usher walked forward and, after a brief discussion to find
Ukyou the best spot to videotape the wedding, led them to the honored
guest seating.
After ten minutes, the Groomsmen started filing in to their
positions. "That's my que," Ukyou ran over and assumed a position by
the front rows, one where she wouldn't be in the way of the wedding
parties, yet still giving her a clear range in which to film.
Ukyou quickly checked her equipment, feelings of anxiety and grief
mixing with her excitement of the moment.
Don't back down now, girl, she thought to herself, then started
recording as the Priest signaled for the Wedding March and the wedding
parties approached.
First she did a pan across the Grooms and best men, ending on
Akane and Mr. Tendo. Akane glanced over and smiled shyly at her,
while Ukyou noticed that Mr. Tendo hadn't waited for the wedding to
begin, as the front of his coat was drenched.
Ukyou then panned over to the approaching wedding parties,
noticing that everybody had calmed down when the march started. Her
view back was limited to the middle of the aisle, so she focused
there, letting the other couples walk by, then centering on the
Tendo's when they appeared.
Nabiki and Kasumi were first, acting as Ring Bearer and Maid of
Honor, both of them looking fabulous in her opinion. Then came the
Father and Bride, Genma clad in the ceremonial robes of the Father,
joy and pride radiating off him. On his arm was--
oh my god...
Ranma-chan looked Beautiful! Kasumi really outdid herself with
the wedding dress. Through the veil Ukyou could see the expression of
simple happiness that Ranma wore. Ukyou felt a stab of ugly
depression, then strengthened her resolve. With a quick glance at
Akane-kun, who was simply staring down the aisle, she followed her
friends procession up the aisle.
"Will you SHUT UP!!!"
What?
Ukyou looked up in time to see a fireball leaping off a frying pan
from Lum's wedding party. Ukyou gasped and kept the camera targeted
on her friend's, while watching what was going on.
Suddenly one of the women from the front row pulled out what
looked like a super-soaker and fired, dousing the fireball in mid-air,
but the stream of water continued through, to splash Mr. Saotome
squarely in the face.
Everybody gasped as a giant panda suddenly appeared in there
midst, clad in robes no less.
The panda reached up and adjusted his glasses, then gave out a
huff and patted Ranma's hand (who looked like she was trying to
smother herself in her bouquet), walking past the offending parties
with his nose up.
The scene was so typical that Ukyou did something she hadn't done
in days.
She laughed.
In spite of the people shushing her from the pew next to her, she
couldn't stop. Covering her mouth only made her snicker, and even
when the Priest called for silence, it still came as a muted giggle,
but she snapped her attention forward when the Priest scowled at her,
focusing on her job and aware of Akane and Ranma only.
Everyone's attention focused forward as the Panda handed Ranma's
hand to Akane, then stepped back. Nabiki handed something to Soun,
who also stepped back behind the couple, and took a seat in the front
pews.
Ranma handed her bouquet to Kasumi, who also stepped behind them,
then all the couples turned to face the Priest.
As he started to speak, Ukyou scooted forward , not wanting to
miss the words.
"We are gathered here today, Family... Friends... Loved ones,
young and old, to witness today the joining of these fine young
couples within the bonds of holy Matrimony," the Priest started, "In
today's uncertain times, they come forth to show to the world the
depth's of their love and trust in each other as they proceed down
this most uncertain path.
"May I ask, who is ready to start down this road?"
"I am, Holy one." Akane spoke clearly, stepping forward.
"And who gives the Bride to this good man?"
"Grrarfff."
"Excuse me?" the Priest seemed startled.
The panda held up a sign. `I do, Holy one' it read.
Ukyou snickered again as the panda stepped back and took a seat by
Nabiki. The Priest visibly had to regain his train of thought.
"...ah ...yes ...Is there anyone here today who can show just
cause as to why any of these couples should not be joined?"
Ukyou tensed, expecting Kuno or Shampoo to come bursting in, but
after a few moments, the hall remained quiet.
"Very well," The priest addressed each couple singly, moving down
the line. Soon he reached her friends.
"...Do you, Saotome Ranma, take this man to be your lawfully
wedded Husband, for better or for worst, for richer or for poorer, in
sickness and in health, to have and to hold, from this day forth?"
Ranma looked up into Akane's eyes and smiled, "I will."
"Do you, Tendo Akane, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded
Wife, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness
and in health, to have and to hold, from this day forth?"
Akane had to clear his throat first, "I will."
"Present the rings."
Mr.Tendo stepped up and handed a ring to both of them.
The Priest looked at Akane, "Repeat after me: With this ring, I
thee wed."
Akane slowly slipped the ring onto Ranma's left hand, "With this
ring, I thee wed."
The Priest looked to Ranma, "Repeat after me: With this ring, I
thee wed."
Ranma slipped the ring onto Akane's left hand, then squeezed said
hand softly, "With this ring, I thee wed."
And now, by the power invested in me by the authority of the
church and God, and in the presence of all those held dear, I know
pronounce you Husbands, and Wives," The Priest looked at all the
couples and smiled, "You may now kiss your Brides."
Ukyou sighed as Akane lifted the veil back and met Ranma halfway
in a deep, passionate kiss.
After a moment, the Priest tapped each couple and turned them
around as he presented them, ending with--
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tendo
Akane!"
The entire audience by then were on their feet and showing their
joy with thunderous applause. Kasumi seemed on the brink of tears,
while Soun was well over the brink and falling fast. The Panda was
trying his best to applaud and dab at his eyes at the same time.
Kasumi and Nabiki reached into their pockets, and suddenly they were
throwing confetti at the newlyweds.
Ukyou stood up , still filming, and started waving her free hand
in the air.
But even in the midst of everyone's happiness, she couldn't ignore
the darkness that seemed to close around her heart.
* * *
About half an hour later, everyone had adjourned to the Mendo
reception hall, which was set up with a live band and was already
playing soft jazz. After the Bride's dance, all of the Bride's had
gone upstairs and changed out of their wedding Kimono's (except for
Ranma, who only had her chinese clothes, and couldn't figure out how
to remove all the pins to take the dress off.) while most the Grooms
and Groomsmen had shucked their coats upstairs. Long tables were set
up for all the party goers, with large round tables for the newlyweds
and their immediate families.
Akane walked into the room and over to the table where his new
bride sat with the Fathers, having changed into a clean shirt and
carrying his coat. Also at the table were Nabiki, Ukyou, and Dr. Foo,
who had arrived from China to attend the wedding.
Akane walked up behind Ranma and hugged her from behind where she
sat, "I'm back love."
Ranma looked up and met him with a soft kiss, which provoked a
round of kissing sounds and table-thumping from the other occupants.
Blushing, Akane pulled out a chair and sat, holding Ranma's hand.
"So, how's it feel to finally be married, Son?" Genma asked, back
in his normal form.
"Well, It's--" both of the newlyweds started to say, then broke
into giggles, "This is going to take some getting used to," Akane
finished.
Ranma reached up to touch his face, "We have all the time it the
world, Love, enjoy it," she drew Akane close and kissed him again,
provoking another round of table-thumping from everyone except Ukyou,
who looked down at her hands. They were cut short, however, as a
voice from behind interrupted.
"SAOTOME!"
Ranma and Akane turned, then slowly stood as Mousse, arms still
hidden in his sleeves, walked toward them.
"H-hiya, Mousse, h-how's it goin'?" Ranma stuttered. Dammit, this
was no place for a fight, and she sure couldn't kick in this kimono...
"Mousse, this is not the time or place--"Akane started to say.
"I have only one thing to say to you two," Mousse growled as he
walked up to them. With blinding speed his hands shot out towards
them. The two Newlyweds dropped to defensive stances, then just gaped
at what they saw.
Mousse stood there, a small smile starting to creep onto his face,
as he held out two red roses for both of them, "Congratulations on
your new life together."
Both of them visibly relaxed, "God, don't scare us like that!"
they said in unison, then took the roses. Mousse then swept both of
them up in a fierce hug.
"I didn't know you were here too," Ranma said when let go,
motioning for Mousse to sit with them, "Is anyone else here?"
"Just one other," another voice from behind said. They looked up
to see...
"Dr. Tofu!"
The good Doctor smiled down at them kindly, placing a hand on
their shoulders, "It's nice to see that the two of you finally decided
to get along. I'm glad to see that you've recovered too, Ranma-chan,
Although I must say that the cure was a bit unusual."
"Yes, most unpredictable are the Springs of Jusenkyo," Dr. Foo
said as he stood and bowed, "Doctor, a pleasure to finally meet you,
I am Dr. Foo."
Dr. Tofu bowed back, "The pleasure is mine, Doctor Foo, I was
hoping to be able to consult with you on their conditions, as I am the
family's doctor." the soft jazz the band played ended, and a waltz
started.
"I am at your disposal, sir," Dr. Foo agreed, "In fact, if you
have a moment..."
"Why Doctor Tofu, how nice to see you," Kasumi said as she walked
up to the table.
Dr. Tofu turned around and a idiotic grin appeared as his glasses
fogged, "K-Kasumi! Imagine meeting you here... heh heh... what a
coincidence..." he continued to babble while twiddling his fingertips.
Kasumi giggled demurely, "Dr. Tofu, your such a character, would
you like to dance?"
"Dance? why it's no trouble at all..." Tofu babbled as he was led
away.
Akane looked over at Ranma, then was suddenly pulling her out
onto the dancefloor.
"I find that I also would not be adverse to a bit of recreation,"
Mousse said, also rising. Bowing at the waist, he offered his hand
to Ukyou, "Shall we?"
Ukyou jumped in total shock, "uh, um, well... sorry Mousse, gotta
play photojournalist," grabbing the camcorder, she ran off to tape the
newlyweds.
Mousse straightened, clearly disappointed, but smiled again when
Nabiki rose.
"I however, would never pass up the chance to dance with such a
handsome gentleman," she offered her hand and was led out onto the
dancefloor.
"Ahh, Tendo, what a great day this is," Genma spoke in his deep
rumble of a voice, "Our families finally united--"
"And the legacy of the School of Anything goes martial arts is
secured," Soun Agreed, sipping from his sake glass.
"I will admit to a bit of surprise, Ranma taking Akane's name
like that..." Genma said after a pause.
"Eh? what's wrong with that?" Soun asked tersely.
"Nothing! nothing at all, heh heh..." Genma nervously laughed, "I
simply meant that it seems the boy is accepting his transformation in
rather good grace, don't you think?"
The two fathers watched their children dance in silence.
"Augghhh..." Genma wailed suddenly, "If only his Mother could be
here to see this day--"
Genma was suddenly interrupted as a water bucket was broken over
his head, driving him to the floor, "And who's fault is that, *Old
Man!*" Ranma screamed over him, Akane trying to pull her away, "If you
didn't go and make that *STUPID* promise--!"
Genma-Panda stood up, rubbing the large bump on his head, and
started growling at her.
"Don't give me that!" Ranma bellowed back, "It's your fault that
she's not here!" She hauled off and punched the panda in the stomach.
"Ranma, you're causing a scene!" Akane hissed, trying again to
move her by the arm. Ranma ignored him as she ducked a swing and
smacked the panda again.
"Aurruu, grafff braww--!"
"Shut Up! I don't want to hear it Old Man!" Smack! Thump!
Mousse returned Nabiki to the table, then calmly walked over and
grabbed Ranma's free arm, helping to drag her bodily from the room.
"Hey! Leggo--! I'm not finished--!"
Genma-panda slumped back down and bawled into his paws.
"Such a violent girl, that Ranma, wouldn't you agree, Darling?"
Lum asked Ataru as they waltzed, having seen the whole thing.
"Yes, not at all like her husband..." Ataru agreed.
Akane and Mousse dragged Ranma down to the end of the hall, then
blocked her in as she paced back and forth.
"What was that about?" Mousse asked in a whisper.
"Ranma hasn't seen her mother since she was six," Akane whispered
back, "She doesn't know about the curse, and Mr. Saotome promised that
they would commit seppaku if he failed to raise Ranma as a `Real
Man'."
After a moment, Ranma stopped pacing and walked up to them.
"I'm... Calmer now," she muttered sullenly, not looking up.
"That was totally uncalled for," Akane started to chastise.
Ranma looked up to say something, and Akane saw a look of--was
that regret? --in her eyes, but just then the panda walked out into
the hall. He looked down at them, meeting eyes with his daughter,
then Ranma spun around, her anger back.
Dejected, the panda shuffled upstairs in search of hot water, his
head low.
"Mousse, thank you. Could you please go back? I'd like to talk to
my wife in private," Akane asked.
Mousse bowed and turned to leave, but then stopped.
"I have no parents, Ranma" he said simply, "Consider yourself
lucky that you have a mother who just doesn't know you, instead of no
mother at all." he then returned to the reception hall.
Akane looked after him for a moment, then turned back to Ranma,
who still faced away and was now shaking with anger.
"You should probably apologize to your father," he started, and
was met with silence.
Now Akane started getting mad, "Are you even listening to me,
Ranma!" he turned her around by the shoulders and was shocked to see
that Ranma wasn't mad.
She was crying.
Akane stood dumbfounded as Ranma put her arms around his neck and
cried into his shoulder.
"Ah-- uh-- C'mon Ranma, it's not that bad..." Reflexively, Akane
glanced around to see if anyone was watching, then started to stroke
Ranma's hair.
"You don't understand," Ranma looked up, seeming like a small
child at that moment, "For once, I was actually happy, then Pop had
to bring that up? If I couldn't see Mom before, how am I supposed
to Now?"
"I can't answer that, Love," Akane said as he held her closer,
"We'll think of something, though." They stood and held each other
for a few quiet moments.
"I don't think beating your father up helps, though," Akane
suggested.
"No, I guess not..." Ranma quietly agreed, "But it makes me feel
better."
Akane thought back to all the times he had wanted to smack Mr.
Saotome around as well and started laughing. Soon Ranma joined in.
Mousse, Ukyou, Nabiki, and Soun all sighed in relief as they
peered around the doorway, they wouldn't have to diffuse a fight
scene today.
Genma returned in time to see Lum and Ataru cut the wedding cake,
and quietly sat down as the other couples took turns serving each
other from it. He caught Ranma and Akane glancing at him while eating
there's from across the room, but they quickly turned away.
Genma felt low. He nodded perfuctually as Soun continued to talk
to him and they sipped sake, but he really wasn't listening. He was
overjoyed that Ranma and Akane were finally married, and he was proud
of the son he had raised, the fact that he was now a daughter was
totally irrelevant.
But Genma was afraid that these feelings were only one-way.
Genma sighed and sipped from his sake glass again. Yes, that was
the crux of the matter. He knew that his child was angry with him,
had every right to be, really, but did Ranma like him? Genma was
afraid that the answer was no.
And if it was, he really couldn't fault him.
After the cake cutting was done, the dancers started heading out
to the floor again. Mousse offered his hand to Ranma, who took it in
surprise, (the surprise being Akane shoving her forward) Soun swept
Nabiki onto the floor, while Tofu asked Ukyou, who turned him down and
busied herself with the camera again.
Genma almost jumped when a hand was placed on his shoulder.
"Mr. Saotome, I don't believe you've danced yet," Kasumi asked
pleasantly.
"Why Kasumi, I'd be delighted," Genma rose and led her to the
dancefloor, leading her in a classic waltz.
"Your a very good dancer," Kasumi complemented as they weaved
around the other dancers.
"It's been years, really," Genma replied, starting to reminisce,
"When I was younger, your Aunt and I used to dance every weekend, it
was a delight simply to hold her..."
"Have you contacted her yet?" Kasumi asked. Genma started and
stared down at her.
"Mr. Saotome, I know about the conditions of your promise, but
Auntie Saotome has a right to see her son, and Ranma has a right to
meet his mother," she spun them in a way that Genma was suddenly
looking at Ranma, " His change is permanent now, there's no way around
that, and she needs her mother."
"There's more to this than you think--" Genma started to say
sullenly.
Kasumi didn't frown, but she suddenly lost her pleasant
expression, scaring Genma, "Ranma became my Sister-in-law today, Mr.
Saotome. Today is one of the happiest in her young life, and rarely
have I seen her or Akane so giddy. The one thing that takes away from
that is that they cannot see Auntie Saotome, and it hurts both of
them. I do not like to see my sisters hurt, and you know that I will
protect them. This is a situation that has gone on far too long due
to your short sightedness, and I don't see you doing anything to
remedy it.
"Quite frankly, if Ranma hadn't struck you with that bucket,
I would have."
Kasumi softened somewhat as it seemed that Genma was about to
cry, "Mr. Saotome... Genma... I say this out of concern for you too.
If you and Ranma don't address your problems soon, they will continue
to drive both of you further apart, until one day you find that you no
longer have a child, just a stranger with no interest in knowing you,
and I don't want that to happen. Make amends, while you still have
the chance."
Silently, Genma nodded.
Ranma was quite surprised, to say the least. Although the idea of
dancing with any man besides Akane (Which didn't count in a way) made
her nervous, Mousse was actually quite comfortable to dance with. He
held her close enough to lead, but not enough to be intimate. His
hand on her waist was firm but not offensive, and he was skilled
enough to compensate for her lack of skill. Ranma also found that if
she thought of this as being led through a Kata, she enjoyed it more.
"Mousse, why are you being so nice?" Ranma asked as he spun her
out in a twirl, drawing her back in.
"Several reasons, which one do you want to hear?" he asked,
keeping her from stumbling.
"Is one of them because I married Akane and not Shampoo?"
"That's one," Mousse agreed, "Although I do not think she'll be
too happy when she finds out. Another is that I always thought that
you and Akane should be together, and I'm glad you two finally
realized it."
Mousse paused for a moment, "It is also that I... Sympathize with
you, I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life as a duck."
"It's hard," Ranma agreed, "I don't think I could do it if it
wasn't for Akane," Ranma also seemed to pause for a moment, "Mousse,
there's something I should tell you..."
"What, you like tall men with glasses?" Mousse asked deadpan.
Ranma's jaw dropped and she stared at Mousse, who was smiling at
her reaction.
"God, that's sick," Ranma shuddered, then tried again, "Mousse,
I've brought back water from Jusenkyo, from the spring of Drowned
Man."
It was Mousse's turn to stumble, but he quickly recovered, "Are
you serious?"
Ranma nodded, "I brought it back for-- to stop one of the feuds.
I'm sorry, but I hadn't even considered your curse, But I have enough
for you as well."
Mousse said nothing for a minute.
"Mousse, I'd like to be friends, the reason for our feud is
stupid--"
"Keep it," Mousse interrupted.
"Keep it?" Had she heard him right? "But I thought you said--"
"I wouldn't want to Stay a duck, true," Mousse agreed, "But I have
accepted my curse, it no longer has power over me. And I might one
day have need of the power it gives me. Do you understand?"
" I guess I can," Ranma agreed, "Are we friends then?"
"I would not be adverse to that," Mousse also agreed, whirling her
around again, "So, how do you plan on getting the water to Ryoga?"
Ranma face-faulted, "You KNOW?"
Mousse nodded, "Most of us do. I found out at the Christmas
party," the music stopped then, and Mousse led Ranma back towards the
table on his arm.
"I really don't know," she sighed, "But I have to do it so that
Akane doesn't find out, He'd kill us both if he does."
Just then Ranma became aware of something, as if an icy finger
had just touched the back of her skull. Ranma stopped, looking
around. She had only felt this before when in the presence of danger,
or something weird.
"Something wrong, Ranma?' Mousse asked, pushing his glasses back
and looking too.
"I don't know... Something..." Her attention was drawn to the
Host's table, where a Occidental couple had just approached and was
talking to the still standing Lum and Ataru. The man was tall,
dark-haired with a beard, and had laughing blue eyes. The woman was a
voluptuous brunette, her hair a dark mane of tight ringlets down to
her waist, and had exotically dark eyes. The man was dressed in a
classic tuxedo, while the woman wore a forest green dress which clung
to her curves. "Mousse... who are they?"
Mousse adjusted his glasses again as he looked at them, "I'm not
sure, friends of your cousin, maybe?" he shrugged.
The woman looked up and around, then looked right at Ranma.
After a moment, she turned back to her companion, made their
apologies, then the two of them walked away.
"That was weird," Ranma said, then was led back to the table.
* * *
The couple walked out into the hall and looked around, making sure
they wern't spotted.
"What was that about?" The man asked his companion.
"I sensed that one of the brides had spotted us," The woman
replied, "I thought that our cover might be at risk."
"Do you think anyone suspects?" The man asked her, a concerned
look on his face.
The woman pasued for a second, as if seeing back into the
reception hall, "No, I don't think so, but it's hard to tell with so
many people close by. I don't think it's a good idea to go back in
there."
The man nodded, "I think your right, we have the information we
came for, there's no need to risk getting caught." He reached into
his pocket and pulled out a small golden broach, which chirped when
he tapped it, "Landing party to Transporter room, Two to beam up."
The two of them disappeared in a shower of light.
* * *
At the table, Doctor Foo and Tofu were talking quietly, while
Nabiki sat next to them and looked bored. Genma was listening to the
conversation from across the table, while Akane was sitting next to
Tofu, also listening. Kasumi and Soun were already back on the
dancefloor.
Mousse pulled a chair out for Ranma, but she evidently thought it
was too close to her father, and sat down next to Akane. Before
Mousse could sit down, Nabiki was pulling him off towards the dancers
again.
"Ah, Ranma, you and Akane might be interested in this," Dr. Tofu
said to them.
"I was just explaining to the good Doctor here some of the
possible changes you might experience due to your transformations,"
Dr. Foo explained, suddenly the center of attention.
"Changes? what sort of changes?" Akane asked.
"Nothing drastic, I assure you," Foo said quickly, "Just that as
your bodies are now different, you should be made aware of the fact
that males and females have different chemical and hormonal processes
than what you are used to."
"And how would these... Processes affect us?" Ranma asked.
"Without further study, it's hard to say," Dr. Foo shrugged,
"I would say possibly at best case, some mild discomfort until you are
used to your bodies new cycles. Possibly at worst case, your
emotional makeups might alter to accommodate a more masculine-- or
feminine, as the case may be-- outlook. But at this point, it is
purely speculation."
"Actually, any real changes you experience will probably be due to
social pressures," Dr. Tofu added, "People will tend to treat you both
differently now."
"Is there anything that can be done about it?" Akane asked him,
slightly worried.
"I'll want to do a complete physical on the both of you when we
get back to Nerima," Dr. Tofu answered, "But to be honest, any changes
you do experience are probably just a natural effect of your bodies
adjusting to the transformation, so that it doesn't harm you."
"In my village, when someone falls under the curses, we advise
them to talk about it when it bothers them," Dr. Foo added, "you
would be surprised how well it helps.
"But, in the meantime..." Both doctors pulled out small packages
from under the table and handed one to each of them, "These should
come it handy in answering some of your questions."
The two of them opened their presents, revealing three books.
"`Pools of Longing' the secret history of two pools," Akane said,
reading off the title of his book.
"`The Male / Female body; a user's guide'" Ranma read off, holding
the two books up, "Cool! I knew there had to be a instruction manual
out there someplace." Everyone started laughing or choking on what
they just drank at this.
Soun and Kasumi came back then, along with Ukyou, to cool off and
catch their breath. The conversation turned casual, being joined
shortly by Mousse and Nabiki, as they sat out the next few songs.
Then a fast jazz song started, and all of them jumped to their feet.
"C'mon Akane, I know this number!" Ranma said, dragging him off.
"It's rather fast paced--"
"Don't worry, you could use the exercise!"
"What was that--! Would you care to repeat that!"
Mousse again asked Ukyou to dance, who again declined. Mousse had
expected this, however, and snagged Kasumi's hand before he was
claimed by Nabiki again.
"Kasumi, I need to talk to you about Ukyou," he softly told her as
they walked onto the dancefloor.
As the two danced, Mousse quickly explained his concerns and asked
Kasumi's advice, which she was quite willing to give. After a moment,
they intersected Akane and Ranma and cut in, quickly explaining their
plans to their new partners.
By the time Four o'clock came around, the buffet tables had been
set up for an early dinner, and the band had gone to break, promising
to be back within the hour.
Kasumi sat at the table alone and quietly watching her family
mingle with the other guest. Nabiki was headed off to one of the back
rooms with several other couples, probably to start up one of her
poker games, Father was off talking to the other parents, Ranma and
Mr. Saotome (separately) were in the buffet line (Naturally), while
Akane was nervously chatting with the other newlyweds. Mousse was off
in the corner holding a one-sided conversation with a post, while
Dr. Tofu... Where was he...
Ah, there he was. Tofu and Ukyou were further down the buffet
line. Kasumi looked at the Camcorder that she had relieved from Ukyou
an hour ago, in spite of her protests, and sighed. Since then,
Someone, either Herself, Tofu, Ranma, Akane, or Mousse, had been with
Ukyou, trying to draw her into the circle of friends, but as of yet
she didn't seem to be enjoying herself.
Hopefully though, that problem would get resolved itself, Kasumi
thought as she watched Ranma walk over, balancing three plates of
food while chewing on the rice cake in her mouth, now to hopefully cut
short another.
"Ranma, don't sit down yet," Kasumi asked, standing. Ranma set
the plates down and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Wabduya waab?" Ranma mumbled around the rice cake.
"Walk with me please, I need to talk to you." they walked off to
one of the back rooms.
"What do you want to talk about?" Ranma asked as she shut the
door behind them.
"You were raised mainly by your Father, right Ranma?" Kasumi
asked, turning around.
"More or less."
Kasumi folded her hands in front of her, "Have you ever had a
girlfriend before?"
"Uh... well, maybe... kinda... sorta... no," Ranma stuttered as
she nervously scratched the back of her head, "W-why do y-you ask?"
"Ranma..." Kasumi took her hand, "has anyone ever talked to you
about the wedding night?"
Half an hour later they walked back out. Ranma's eyes were glazed
over, her face was red, and her right eyebrow had developed a nervous
twitch. Ranma tried to walk back to the table and bumped into the
doorframe.
Kasumi walked her back to the table and sat her down. Everyone
else was finishing up and had started bombarding Akane with questions.
"Have you given any thought to College yet?"
"Dad! I'd like to finish high school first," Akane shuffled his
remaining food around on his plate, "We're probably the only Seniors
attending our school to be married, right Ranma?"
"Uhh... uh huh..."
"We've yet to talk about it, but I think I'd like to pursue a
career in theater arts."
"What about your training as a martial artist?" Genma asked.
"I want to keep up with my training," Akane agreed, "But it's not
the only thing I want to do." Akane laid his hand over Ranma's as
he talked, then noticed something.
"Ranma, are you feeling alright?" he asked, "you're not eating?"
Ranma seemed to come out of a daze, "I-I'm not v-very hungry
right now... you go ahead."
Akane looked over at Kasumi, his eyelids `Sqwuenking' as he did.
Kasumi simply looked back in innocence. Kasumi then leaned aside and
whispered something to Tofu, who nodded.
"Akane, can I see you for a moment?" he asked as he rose.
Everybody but Ranma watched them leave, then turned on Ranma.
"What was that about?"
"Where are they going?"
"Do you know anything about it?"
"I'd-- rather not talk about it right now, Okay?" Ranma finally
answered, not looking up.
About twenty minutes later, Tofu led Akane back to the table, who
was visibly sweating. Akane was sat back down, and he started to
giggle hysterically.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Ranma muttered, getting a glass of
water for him.
After a moment, Akane clutched the glass in both hands. "Ranma,
we need to talk."
Shortly though, the conversation returned to lighter things,
covering friends, martial arts, TV shows, and what not.
Around Five the band came back, and the couples once again
started moving to the floor, dancing the range from waltzes, soft
jazz, to fast and slow dances, that they played. All too quickly,
though, the night seemed to wind down.
Mousse picked up the two glasses of punch and, with a sigh and a
grim look, headed back to the table. This might be his last chance.
Arriving at the table, he set one of the glasses down in front of
Ukyou, who was resting her chin in her hands and watching the dancers
with a small smile. The camcorder sat next to her again, and the
only other person there was Genma, who also watched the dancers.
"Now that's nice to see," Mousse said as he sat down next to
Ukyou.
Ukyou looked up at him, "What is?" she asked.
"Your smile, it looks nice on you," Mousse said as he sipped his
punch, "Even if it IS a bit unusual..."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ukyou turned her chair to face
him.
"Well it's just that you've been so moody lately that I thought
you were enjoying not having any fun," Mousse kept his eyes on the
dancers as he spoke.
"What do you mean? I've been having lots of fun!" Ukyou's voice
started to rise slightly.
"Yep, not dancing once today, not talking to anyone, brooding by
yourself, sounds like lots of fun," Mousse agreed, still watching
the dancers.
"Hey! just because I'm not out on the floor Prancing around--"
Ukyou was getting madder now.
"Of course not," Mousse agreed, "that would be too feminine."
"What!!" Ukyou kicked Mousse's chair out from under him, sending
it under the table and him to the floor, then stood over him
threateningly as Mousse sat there, still sipping his punch, "You
listen to me and you listen good! I'm just as Feminine as anyone
else here!"
"Like who, Akane?" Mousse stood up quickly and caught Ukyou's
wrists before she could bring down the Spatula of Doom, "You know,
you seem to be very angry for some reason."
"Really? I wonder why!" Ukyou shouted, trying to free her wrists.
While this went on, they heard the Band's announcement for the last
dance.
"I just have to wonder, are you mad because I'm teasing you, or
is it because what I say is true?" Mousse asked simply.
"What?" Ukyou looked surprised. By then most of the others had
come over to break up the fight.
"You came here today to stand by your friends," Mousse said
softly as he lowered his hands back into his sleeves, "But you haven't
done anything with them. You've stuck yourself behind a camera, you
haven't danced, you haven't talked, you haven't laughed. do you
really think we want you to be this unhappy?"
After a moment, Ukyou tossed her spatula onto the table and turned
away.
"So what do you suggest I do?" she asked.
"Well... as it's Tradition... " Mousse pulled another red rose
out from his sleeve and held it out to her, "Have this dance with me?"
"Please, Ucchan, dance with him?" Akane pleaded.
"Try to be happy," Ranma added.
"It is the Tradition to save the last dance for the one you came
with," Genma added, standing up.
It is? Mousse thought, I was only making that up.
"PLEEESSE??" all of them whined.
"Well... I guess so..." Ukyou relented. All of them cheered as
Mousse led her to the dancefloor.
Akane and Ranma watched, happy that Ukyou was at least trying
to enjoy herself. Then Akane turned and offered his hand to Ranma,
"May I have this dance, Dear?"
Ranma started to take it, but then seemed to think of something,
"Sorry Love, but this dance is for someone else."
Akane looked surprised, but then smiled as Ranma walked over to
her Father.
"Daddy, would you like this dance?"
Genma stood straighter, eyes glazed, as his daughter took him by
the hand.
Akane was then snatched up by Nabiki, and was soon joined by
Tofu and Kasumi. Soun picked up the camcorder and taped them all,
his sobs almost drowning out the band.
"Tell me what your thinking, Ukyou," Mousse asked gently as they
danced.
"They seem so happy today," Ukyou sighed, watching Ranma, "I just
wish that I was the one he'd chosen to marry."
"Tell me, Ukyou," Mousse asked, "Does their happiness bring you
joy, even though it hurts, too?"
Ukyou looked up at him then, "Yes. Yes, it does, Mousse."
"Then you are a true Friend to them, and they are lucky to know
you." He whirled Ukyou around, then drew her back in, "Never
underestimate your importance."
"Y'know, it's odd to hear you say these things, considering your
track record with Shampoo," Ukyou didn't miss the twinge that
crossed Mousse's face.
"That... is an entirely different matter," Mousse sighed, "And
one that I must deal with soon."
"How's that?"
Mousse grinned, "Shampoo and the old Ghoul will not take kindly to
the Marriage, or to the fact that I am friends with them."
They danced in silence for a moment, then Ukyou spoke again, "I
wonder if I'll ever be that happy?" she sighed wistfully.
"Happiness is where you find it, Ukyou, not who you find," Mousse
finally said, "If you want to be happy, you have to discover it
yourself."
Ukyou smiled.
"Ranma, I must tell you, I'm glad to see you so happy today,"
Genma finally said as they danced slowly.
"To be honest, I never thought I'd get through today," Ranma
agreed, then a very nervous silence followed.
"Ranma, I have to apologize, I haven't been much of a father to
you--" Genma started.
"No, really? why would you say that?" Ranma interrupted
sarcastically, then clamped her mouth shut at the expression of pain
that crossed her Father's face, "I'm sorry, please go on."
"I know you have many reasons to hate me," Genma continued,
"And... I'll probably give you more, but I just want you to know... "
"Yes?" Ranma asked when he faltered.
"I want you to know... that I'm proud that your my child, and that
I wish I could have done more for you." He looked down at his
daughter then, but her expression was unreadable. Ashamed Genma
looked away.
"Yes, you have given me alot of reasons Pop," Ranma finally
agreed, "All the engagements, going to Jusenkyo, the Cat-fist
training, butting in where your not wanted...
"But, you have always been there for me, and for that... I-I L...
Love you Pop."
Genma pulled Ranma closer, hugging her as they danced.
"So, what are your plans now, Little brother?" Nabiki asked.
"For what, a Honeymoon?" Akane blanched at the thought, "God, I
really don't know... we haven't given it much thought yet."
"You are so unprepared, Akane," Nabiki shook her head, "At least
there's One good business woman in the family."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Nabiki only gave her an evil grin.
* * *
Akane and Ranma approached the main entrance of the Hotel hand in
hand, having decided to walk instead of driving with the others.
Outside the doors were four taxi's that the drivers were loading
luggage into.
As they walked into the main vestibule, they noticed a large pile
of luggage in the middle of the floor. As they watched, Mousse
entered dragging five large suitcases, followed by Nabiki, who carried
a handbag.
"I thought... women... were supposed to... travel light?" Mousse
growled as he threw the heavy bags on the pile.
"But I just Had to pick up some clothes while we were in China,"
Nabiki cooed, "I just Love the fashions..."
Akane and Ranma stared after them as Nabiki dragged Mousse off
again, "Nabiki--?"
"Well, she has been hanging around him all day... " Ranma
reasoned, still staring.
""And Mousse is rather handsome... " Akane agreed.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Why Ranma..." Akane looked down at her, "I think your jealous."
"Jealous--! of that near-sighted--" any further comments were cut
short by Akane's kiss. Ranma quickly melted into it.
"Oh, it's such a joy to see them getting along," Soun bawled.
The two jumped apart to see the whole family watching them as Soun
bawled, Ukyou recording them again.
"Ah jeez, we're always being interrupted," Ranma sighed, "What are
we supposed to do for a little privacy?"
"What do you think the Honeymoon's for, Boy?" Genma asked. Akane
blushed as Ranma facefaulted.
The others started moving the luggage again when Akane noticed
that none of his or Ranma's bags were in the pile.
"Did our stuff get loaded already?" he asked, stopping Nabiki.
"Ah, on that note..." Nabiki pulled an envelope out of her handbag
as the others moved around them, "Your stuff isn't loaded because your
staying here."
"What?" neither Akane or Ranma were sure they heard her right.
"Yep. This is my wedding present to you," Nabiki handed the
envelope to Akane, "This is a receipt for the Honeymoon suite for the
next week, along with sixty thousand yen that I won*SAVED*... for you
for spending money."
Akane slowly took the envelope, "Nabiki... that's... very... Nice
of you" Akane said, stunned.
"Yeah, when are the rest of the pod people arriving?" Ranma asked,
then collapsed as Nabiki's handbag found the top of her head.
"Thank you Nabiki, that was very nice of you," Akane said before
Ranma could say anything, hugging his sister. Ranma stood back up,
but didn't say anything.
The three of them walked out as the last of the luggage was
loaded, "Now remember, you two are now on a Honeymoon, No Fighting!"
Nabiki tried to look stern, but ended up smiling. Everyone walked up
to them then, except for Tofu and Ukyou, and amidst tears and hugs,
said their good-byes.
"C'mon, people, the meters are running!" Nabiki shouted out.
Reluctantly, the family climbed into the taxi's and drove off to the
trainstation.
A moment later, Tofu pulled up in front of them in his subaru,
then he and Ukyou stepped out.
Tofu walked up to Akane and Ranma and talked to them softly for
several minutes, again expressing his congratulations, and asking
them again to stop by his clinic when they returned. Ukyou, however,
stood quietly by the front of the car, almost as if she was afraid to
approach.
"So why are you driving back, " Akane asked him.
"Well, I drove here, so it made sense," Tofu smiled down at him,
"I was going to ask Kasumi to ride back with me, but everybody seemed
to think that Ukyou would be a better choice, as she doesn't have any
luggage."
Akane tried to ignore Ranma's snickering to continue the
conversation.
"Well, I think that Ukyou also wants to talk to you, so... " Tofu
said after a moment, "I wish you two luck." with a smile, Tofu bowed
to them, then stepped back into the car.
The couple turned to look at Ukyou, who still watched them
silently.
"Ucchan, it's time to say good-bye," Ranma said finally, breaking
the silence.
Suddenly, Ukyou was there, holding onto Ranma tightly, not making
a sound. After a moment she stepped back, then reached for Akane and
hugged him just as tightly.
Again, after a moment, Ukyou stepped back, holding her hands in
front of her and her face flushed.
"Stop by the restaurant when you get back," she asked softly.
"Are you going to be alright?" Ranma asked her, holding Akane's
hand.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Just take care of
yourselves, alright?" Ukyou's voice wavered then, so she turned and
stepped back into the car.
With a wave, Tofu drove off, leaving the couple alone at last.
"I hope Ucchan will be okay," Ranma muttered as they walked back
inside.
"I hope so too," Akane agreed, "She's going to have to work
through alot of it on her own, all we can do is be there for her when
she needs us."
"I was Really surprised that Mousse showed," Ranma said, pointing
toward the elevators.
"Yeah, that's just One problem solved though," Akane sighed,
moving along, "I can think of one called Shampoo, one called Cologne,
Kuno, Kodachi, half the school population--"
"Hey!" Ranma drew Akane short on his ramblings and pushed the
button, "All day today we've been paraded around, shown off, video
taped, asked questions about our future, I've danced with people I'm
usually fighting with, saw a couple that gave me the willies but
didn't attack, I've been in a dress all day that I can't take off, and
I've more or less enjoyed myself. Not a typical day."
"I guess so," Akane agreed bemused, "So what's your point?"
"My point is that I'm tired of wondering about what others are
going to do, and want to spend some time alone with my beloved." Ranma
finished as the doors opened.
"Then what would you like to talk about?" Akane asked as he was
pulled into the elevator.
"I wasn't thinking about talking..."
The elevator doors closed.
End part one
Authors notes: Okay this is my first attempt at fan fic (but not
at writing) and this looks like the spot to say a few things. First
of all, Most of my knowledge of Ranma 1/2 comes from Viz video and a
few translated comics, as well as many hours of reading textfiles.
That's all. Unfortunately, I know almost* Nothing* of the
`UY regulars' so I tried to use them as little as possible. As my
knowledge is somewhat limited, please forgive any gross mis-
characterization on my part. I realize some of the characters
aren't acting themselves, (Ranma and Akane aren't punching each other)
but hopefully the reasons will soon become clear. Besides, they'll
be back to normal soon.
The idea for this story came about after reading the script:
the final solution, what a pair of dips! in which Ranma and Akane are
both permanently cursed, then get married. I liked the script, but
it occurred to me that it didn't even touch on the reactions of the
other cast members. (and hence, many opportunities for some great
chaos!) so, the story before you was done.
If you like the story, please tell me why, if you hated it why,
please tell me (but please! say more than "you suck!" I Crave
constructive criticism! It's my ADDICTION!!)
Comments, questions, insults, and odd comments can be sent to:
[email protected] or [email protected]
send to subject: Ridgewolfe
sayonara!
Ridgewolfe
* * *
It's nice to know that I went too far and there's a hall full of
people saying "Yes you did!" Robin Williams
