From: BlackRaven13@hotmail.com
Subject: [Ranma][Fanfic] Interpretation Of Law
The characters in this story owned by Viz Communications, and
Rumiko Takashai, and others.
Interpretation Of Law
It had been three weeks since the failed wedding and the
emotional climate at the Tendo residence was still very cold.
Ranma walked quietly a couple of steps behind Akane on their
way to school. Just looking at the stiff way she walked along led only
to one conclusion. [Awww man... She's still pissed...It's not like
it's my fault...Awww, who am I kidding, she blames me for everything.]
He felt himself start to slide back into his usual way of thinking and
forcibly stopped himself. He walked along a little slower. [Maybe
she's right... this time. There's got to be something I can do. It's
not like she'd wanted to get married... Did she?]
As they neared the school he could see Ukyo waiting near the
entrance. She didn't dare come within arms reach even yet. It was
obvious that Akane hoped she would get within mallet range just once.
The Furinkan "Let's Date Akane Association" wouldn't come near her
either. Somehow they'd managed to figure out that it wouldn't be
healthy. At least Kunou was a constant in life. Ranma winced as Akane
proceeded to massacre him in record time. [Yep, she's pissed.]
The day seemed to last forever. Even lunch, which was Ranma's
favorite part of school, seemed to drag along. He'd finally had enough
and skipped the last two hours of school. It wasn't like it'd hurt his
grades that much more. He simply wandered around Nerima, not going
anywhere in particular. He wanted time to himself to just think. He
knew he didn't stop to think very often but he figured he needed to
start.
"Going somewhere son-in-law? He heard asked from directly
behind him.
"Go away Old Ghoul." He replied, not even bothering to turn to
look at her. "I've had it with the games."
So... You're finally going to marry Shampoo eh?"
"No! I. Am. Not. Going. To. Marry. Shampoo.' Each word was
it's own sentence. Ranma was finally starting to get mad. Mad at
Cologne. Mad at Shampoo. Mad at his father. And, most especially, Mad
at himself for letting this all go on for so long.
You WILL marry Shampoo, Son-in-law. That is the law."
Cologne was starting to sound like a broken record. Always
going on about their laws. "That's your law, not ours. You're not in
China you dried up pain in the..." Ranma stopped as Cologne smacked
him over the head with her staff.
`Don't be rude to your elders, boy. As for our laws...
Wherever Amazons go, so go our laws. Our laws always have precedence.
Ranma stood there and rubbed his head for a moment. "They do
huh? Anywhere, Old Ghoul? They always have precedence?"
"I said anywhere." She replied.
"Okay..." Ranma turned away and headed back towards the house.
"If that's they way you really want it..." He muttered under his
breath
******************************************************************************
"And what's my payment for getting you this?"
Ranma ignored Nabiki's question and stared for a moment out
her window. "I want the real thing. No fakes, no `almost all there'. A
full real item.
"I heard you the first time, Ranma. I repeat, what's in it for
me? You already owe me a ton of money. And what do you want that for
anyway?" Nabiki was honestly curious as to what use Ranma thought he
could put a book to. She wasn't completely convinced he knew how to
read.
"I'll know what I want it for when I get it Nabiki... as for
your payment. He suddenly turned to face her and his voice dropped a
little. "It's not so much what I will do for you as it is what I won't
do." As she opened her mouth he shushed her. "What I won't do is press
charges of kiddy-porn for all of the naked pictures you sold of me. I
won't tell everyone that you fixed the Sumo tournament last month.
And... " Nabiki's mouth had dropped open as he told her a list of what
he wouldn't do. "...And... one thing I will do. The Pig-tailed-Girl
will simply tell Kunou that there's no way that She could ever be with
him when there was another who loved him so much..."
"Y-Y-You wouldn't..." Nabiki could only stare at him in
horror.
Ranma had a smile that was devoid of all humor. "Oh yes, I
would. And we both know how hard it is to convince Kunou that
someone's not interested don't we? I figure you shouldn't have to put
up with him following you around for much more than... Oh, say a year
or so."
Nabiki shuddered at this thought and then decided to cut her
losses. "Okay, Ranma, you've got a deal." [What's gotten into him?
He's been weird since the wedd...] "The wedding."
"Yes?" Ranma asked. "What now?"
The whole concept seemed to congeal inside of Nabiki's head.
"You really DID want to get married, didn't you?"
"I was going through with it wasn't I? I was going through
with it, Nabiki." Ranma paused as he opened the door to leave. "As for
what we wanted... It's a little late for people to be asking that
question isn't it?"
She really didn't have an answer for that question.
***************************************************************************
Ranma sat at the table looking over his notes. [Treat it like
a fight] He thought to himself. He sometimes lost a small battle but
he always won in the end. He taken to eating after the rest of the
household. The arguments just weren't worth it. [Two months now and
it's still not any better, there's got to be a way to...] His thoughts
trailed off as he suddenly realized exactly what he was reading. The
quiet of the house was broken by a loud "Yes!" as Ranma began
celebrating to himself. [Calm down, calm down, this is going to get
ugly before it gets better...] "First things first..." He said out
loud as he started jotting down more notes.
***************************************************************************
It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The sun was shining, the
birds were singing, a few clouds floated lazily in the sky. [Yep, it's
a good day to die...] Ranma frowned a little as the thought crossed
his mind. [Oh well... Might as well start the circus.]
the yard had a good sized group of people in it. Ranma had
decided to hold the festivities out here. With any luck it would cut
down on the damage to the house and dojo.
Ranma stepped off of the porch and motioned for silence. That
not working, he finally yelled "Shut up!" at the top of his lungs.
That got the desired effect and suddenly everyone was looking at him.
Okay, first thing is everyone shut up `till I'm done. Things
have changed and I'm the one doing the changing." Ranma paused for a
moment to punch Kunou right in the mouth. "I said shut up." He grabbed
Kunou by the front of his shirt. "Let's handle you and your demented
sister first." Kodachi started to open her mouth but thought better of
it as Ranma glared at her. "I'll deck you too Kodachi. I mean it. I
told you, things have changed. Ranma released Kunou and started to
pace around. Everyone was watching Ranma as if he'd suddenly grown a
second head. This was NOT a Ranma that they had ever seen before.
Suddenly Ranma turned towards Kasumi. " Do you have them ready
Kasumi?" he asked nicely.
"Yes Ranma." She replied holding out two large pots of water.
Ranma turned back towards the Kunous who surprisingly hadn't
moved yet. "Okay you two morons. Watch closely. Just shut up, listen,
and watch. I'll use small words so hopefully you both can understand.
I went on a training mission with my Pop to Jusenkyo in China. Are you
with me so far? No, don't talk, just nod your head. Right. So anyway,
these pools are cursed. If you fall into one of these pools you turn
into whatever drowned in the pool whenever you get hit with cold
water. You still with me? Good. Now watch. Kasumi... I you would
please."Ranma pointed towards his father. Six transformations later
the Kunous were finally starting to grasp the concept. "It's
involuntary. That's not to big a word for you is it? Good. Yes, hot
water makes you turn back to your real form. Notice I said form... It
only changes your form not your personality or feelings." [Well...
sorta, but they don't need to know all of that...] "Okay, have you got
that concept down? Good. Now watch... Kasumi, please?"
Kasumi poured some cold water over his head triggering the
transformation. Then she poured Hot water over him. It took awhile but
the Kunous finally got the idea through to them that Ranma and the
Pig-Tailed-Girl were the same person.
"I'm still me on the inside, see?" At their hesitant nod
Ranma-chan pouted, and then winked at Tatewaki. She pursed her lips at
him "Still want a kiss now Kunou?" She asked in a husky voice. At his
shudder she smiled and then turned to Kodachi. "And don't you be
getting any ideas....Male or female I'd never touch you, you crazy
bitch."
Everyone was shocked at this comment coming as it did from the
usually mellow Ranma. No one could believe he'd actually told Kodachi
off. "Now get out of here and leave us alone. I mean it this time. If
you rationalize this away and come back after me again..." Ranma's
voice trailed off. "Well...The consequences will be your own fault."
The siblings left silently in a state of shock. Ranma could
only hope that he'd shocked them enough to keep them away.
Ranma wiped his hand across his forehead. [Whew... two down,
two to go.] "Ukyo..."
Ranma turned towards his oldest and best friend.
"I don't care if you're cursed Ranma. It doesn't matter to
me."
"I know U-chan, that's what makes you the hardest for me..."
She winced at hearing this.
"You're my best friend Ukyo, and I do love you..." She started to beam
at this but stopped as he continued. "But not as a husband should love
a wife." Tears started to well up in her eyes as she slowly shook her
head, trying vainly to deny what she was hearing. "I will always love
you Ukyo, but only as a friend." Ranma lowered his head unable to meet
her eyes any longer.
"B-But my dowry..."
"I've tracked it down, Ukyo." Ranma said quietly. "Pops will
be paying for the return of it. Won't you Pop?" It wasn't a question
and Genma realized it. "You're paying if I have to sell you to the
zoo. Got it, Mr. Panda?" Genma started sweating as he realized that
Ranma meant it. One look at his wife convinced him that he'd get no
support from her in his defense. In fact, from the look in her eyes it
appeared that she was willing to help Ranma sell him to the zoo.
"I'm sorry Ukyo, it's the best I can do." She stood there crying
silently, trying to deny what she'd heard but she couldn't.
[And then there were two] Ranma was genuinely sorry that he'd
hurt Ukyo but the insanity had to stop and he was the only one who
could stop it. [Growing up sucks.]
"Akane..." Ranma started and then faltered. Looking into her
eyes he really hated what he was about to do but hoped that she would
someday understand. "Akane... I L-L-Like you a lot. I have for a long
while now, but I couldn't make myself admit it. Even to myself. I'm
sorry that our wedding got ruined." He continued as Genma and Soun
started to dance around and Cologne started to glower. "But, Shamppo
and Cologne are never going to give up. Sooner or later you'll get
hurt and it'll be my fault. I can't deal with you getting hurt. So I'm
gonna marry Shampoo. Today.
Akane couldn't believe her ears. First Ranma had actually
admitted that he liked her, and would have married her, And now he was
gong to marry that Chinese bimbo. She reacted in her time honored way
and proceeded to pound Ranma with her mallet. At least that's what she
tied to do. Ranma calmly stopped the blow and removed the mallet from
her hands. "Trust me, Akane." He whispered to her. "Just once in your
life believe that I know what I'm doing."
Shampoo on the other hand, reacted joyously to the news. She
had always known that she would win out over the violent
kitchen-wrecker. She also understood now why Ranma had not wanted
Mousse to be here today.
"So, what does it take to get married Mother-in-law?" Ranma
asked while everyone else in the yard was stunned senseless.
It's a very simple ceremony Son-in-law. Even you can do it."
Cologne couldn't help but gloat. She'd won. "As a Matriarch and member
of the council I could perform the ceremony right now. All we would
need is two..." She blinked as Ranma held out two plain gold bands.
The ceremony was very short, just as Cologne had promised.
They got to the end just as the shock was starting to wear off of the
assembled group.
"That's it then, right?" Ranma asked. "We're married and I'm
an Amazon now?"
"Yes, you are truly my son-in-law now." Cologne answered
smugly as Shampoo glomped onto him extra tight.
"Good." Ranma said as he suddenly pushed Shampoo away from
him. He stripped the ring off of his hand and threw it at her feet.
"Wife," he intoned formally, "I challenge you to divorce."
"WHAT!!???" Was the collective comment that came out of
everyone's mouth. Everyone except Soun that is, who promptly fainted
from the multiple shocks to his system.
"It's your law Old Ghoul. You're the one who said that your
laws always take precedence wherever there's Amazons. It says in your
own Book of Laws that, and I quote: `At any time either member of a
marriage, being honestly unhappy with the marriage, may challenge the
other for divorce."
Nabiki could only stare at Ranma in awe. She'd read the Book
of Laws, slowly, granted, as her Chinese wasn't to good. She'd even
read the section that Ranma was quoting two or three times. It's just
that she'd never taken it to the same conclusion that Ranma had.
"T-That not what law is for..." Shampoo stammered out
completely flustered. She'd never expected this from Ranma and by the
look on her Grandmother's face, neither had she.
"It was meant to stop unwanted marriages. This marriage was
unwanted... by me."
Ranma stopped talking and looked Cologne square in the face. "And if
you attempt to interfere in ANY way I automatically win and you are
outcast. Isn't that so, `Respected Elder'?"
"R-R-Ranma..."
"Be quiet `wife'." Ranma snarled. You've drugged me and people
I care about, threatened Akane, ruined my wedding, insulted my family
and came real close to injuring my Mother. Did you rally think that I
would love you for that? You got your marriage, you keep your precious
Amazon honor. Now I get my divorce. Do you accept the Challenge
Shampoo, or do you simply accept the divorce?"
Shampoo had no choice but to accept the challenge. She simply
nodded her head and went to pick up her Bon-bori. Tears were falling
steadily down her face as she squared off against him. She'd seen her
dream come true, only to have it turn into a nightmare.
Cologne could only stand of to the side and fume in silence.
She had been out thought and outmaneuvered and she hated it. There was
nothing she could do, her own laws prevented her from acting.
Ranma, for his part, was doing his best not to look at
Shampoo's tears. He hadn't wanted it to be this way but they'd left
him no choice.
The fight took longer than expected because Ranma kept trying
to find a way to subdue Shampoo without really hurting her. Shampoo
was fighting for her dream but knew deep down that she just couldn't
beat him. Finally Ranma got inside her guard and hit some pressure
points, causing Shampoo's entire right side to lock up. As the
Bon-bori slid from her nerveless fingers she knew it was over.
"Will you yield Shampoo? Come on, You know you can't win."
Stubbornly, she shook her head. She may be defeated but she
would never surrender. Ranma just looked disgusted as he nodded. "Fine
then..." He stepped in and knocked her out with one well placed blow.
Immediately he turned to Cologne. "This was your fault Old Ghoul....
You have no one to blame but yourself. You pushed the issue. There is
my ex-wife. Take her and leave. Never darken this house with your
presence again." Ranma quoted the law carefully, not wanting to screw
things up this close to the end.
She had no choice... Cologne... looked...lost. After a long
moment she splashed Shampoo with some water and slowly carried the
bedraggled kitten away. For the first time since he'd known her
Cologne actually moved like an old woman.
Ranma slowly turned around and headed towards Akane.
"Uhmmm... I... Uh...Look, I know I'm used goods now... but do
you think you could consider marring me?"
He looked her in the eye and said the three words she'd always
wanted to hear.
BlackRaven
Author's Notes: Maybe it's OOC for Ranma to act this way... I don't
know. Eventually we all have to face certain facts about our lives. As
Ranma said `Growing up sucks'. Sometimes pressures will build and we
have to find a way to deal with it. This is what I get for a Fan-fic
When I'm on a plane for 16 hours from Korea after dealing with my
ex-wife and drinking to much.
Extra Special Note: Kiwi--- I'm sorry.
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