jason.ashton@vuw.ac.nz (Jason Ashton)
Hi all.
I was watching tv a while back, watching the movie Regarding Henry,
starring Harrison Ford, when I thought of Ranma 1/2
In the movie we have a lawyer that is slimey, nasty, having an affair
while his marriage breaks up, sending his child to a unpleasant
boarding school etc etc etc. He has an accident and things change.
I thought to myself... Ranma is always getting into huge fights, even
getting injured.
I prefer nice endings so a little incentive to make things go right was
needed as well. Mousse does what I think he might do if he ever thought
things through (and there was ever such a rule).
Anyway. I hope you enjoy.
Post me at jason.ashton@vuw.ac.nz should you feel the need to comment.
All criticisms welcome.
Now....... on with the tale:
BEGIN -- Cut Here -- cut here
Regarding Ranma
By Jason Ashton.
Akane fell back, dazed and hurt. All around her lay the still forms of
the attack group. Shampoo lay upside down against a broken brick wall,
bleeding slowly. Mousse was buried under a pile of his own weapons, at
least one wing broken. Cologne had had her staff broken and was last seen
hurtling towards the south pole. Ukyou was also out of sight, having been
thrown through a rather solid stone wall. Ryouga's head was plastered on
the bottom of a three foot deep depression, clearly out for the count.
Kunou and Kodachi were entangled together by Kodachi's whip and had rolled
out of sight. Ranma was the only one still standing.
Before him stood a huge figure. Bright red, twelve feet high, six claw
tipped tentacles, five eyes, and a mean attitude. The warrior demon from
the third level of hell chuckled as Ranma launched yet another attack.
Akane could see Ranma waver and nearly fall. The demon looked badly injured
but not nearly so as Ranma. It attacked in return. Ranma managed to block
the first four tentacles but two got through. His left arm sagged uselessly
and he flew backwards past her, landing hard.
Akane struggled to stand but before she was up the demon turned to
face her. It's glare pierced her flesh, making her shiver. Weakly she tried
to get into a defensive posture. The creature reared back, it's six
tentacles tensing to strike. Time then seemed to slow. She could see the
six appendages approaching, each one bound to hit her, and was unable to
move. Something pushed her to one side at the last moment. As she fell
slowly towards the ground she could see a ball of blue fire hitting the
demon squarely between all five eyes. The tentacles hit Ranma harder. He
staggered before falling forwards onto his head. The demon roared in pain
and reeled towards Ranma, death in his eyes. Akane watched in horror as it
began to form an energy blast between it's appendages, it was going to kill
him.
Fighting with all her strength she forced herself to her feet, she
couldn't let it kill Ranma, she couldn't. The globe of pulsating energy was
growing incredibly large. It crackled and spat with barely contained fury.
The demon's balance faltered momentarily, stepping back uncertainly, then
it raised the ball of destruction to throw it down at Ranma's still form.
Akane wrenched her self to her feet and all her energy brought her mallet
down on the creatures head. She fell backwards and watched in amazement as
the demon dropped the ball of energy onto it's own head and promptly died.
What little was left collapsed to the ground.
Akane crawled to Ranma and hugged him close. He was barely breathing
and his chest moved unnaturally. She lay him down carefully and crawled
down the street to a payphone. She just managed to call for ambulances
before she passed out.
It was quiet when she woke. Very quiet. She could feel soft sheets
covering her and the rough texture of bandages. It was warm and dark. She
snuggled into her warm bed and turned over. The window was strangely
distant and there was something between her and it. It was a bed. This
wasn't her room. She began to wake up further. There was a soft slightly
irregular beeping sound and there were wires trailing from the form in the
bed before her to odd looking machines. Akane sat up slowly and carefully
got out of bed. She approached the still form. It was Ranma.
She gasped and looked closer. He was pale, very pale. His left arm was
in a cast, his head in bandages, a complicated wire frame surrounded his
chest and he was mottled with black purple bruises. A tube down his throat
was breathing for him and the beeping measured out his every heartbeat.
"Oh Ranma...." She collapsed into a chair by his side and held his
right hand, it was surprisingly undamaged. "Be alright, you've got to be
alright." She cradled his hand to her cheek, laying her head by his side.
"I'm here. Don't worry... I'm here..." Her eyes closed and she drifted back
to sleep.
"Miss Tendo? Come on Miss Tendo, time to wake up."
"Huh???" Akane grogerly opened her eyes. She tried to sit up but her
neck was painfully stiff. Ranma's hand was still in hers.
"Here now, up you get." The nurse helped her to her feet. "The doctors
want to have a look at you fiancee."
"Ranma!" She looked down at his form and found it unchanged. He did
not look well. "What's wrong with him?" She turned and grabbed the nearest
doctor. "What's wrong with him!"
"Easy Miss Tendo. Why don't you..." He could see Akane swell with
anger and hurriedly changed track. "Ranma Saotome is not in very good
condition. His left arm has been broken in three places. Half his ribs are
cracked or broken. One lung had collapsed and it's operating weakly just
now. He several torn ligaments and muscles. He's a mass of cuts and
contusions. And he's sustained some nasty blows to the head."
"SO?? What does all that mean? Will he be alright?!"
"Bones, muscles and such will heal. However when he was brought in
he'd been clinically dead for five minutes. At the moment he's in a coma
and we don't know how long it will last. He was without oxygen for a long
time and he'd already taken several blows to the head. We don't know yet
but there may be brain damage."
"Brain damage?..." Akane released the doctor and half fell back into
her chair. "What do you mean brain damage?"
"We don't know yet. He may be alright, however he may not. We'll be
able to tell when he wakes up."
Several days pass. We see shots of the other fighters slowly
recovering. Shampoo, Ukyou and Ryouga are confined to bed with severe
injuries. Akane quickly recovers. We see various shots of her around
Ranma's bedside. Holding his hand, watching TV, reading to him, sleeping.
We cut to a doctor's patient record and see a brief list of Ranma's
conditions over these days. He seems to be improving rapidly, much to the
amazement of the doctor.
"Well Ranma, there's nothing much of interest in today's newspaper. A
few burglaries, some political scandal, and so forth. Do you want me to
read out the martial rankings?" Akane waits for an answer she knows she
isn't going to get. "No? Maybe later. I suppose I'd better do some of the
homework father brought round. You'd think being in hospital lets you off
schoolwork wouldn't you?" Again she pauses. Akane sits by his side and
holds his hand. "Oh Ranma...."
A couple of tears slide slowly down her cheek, and she lowers her
head. She shakes herself roughly and turns back to her homework. Maths,
Ranma hated, hates maths. Akane does a couple of problems before she
notices a change. The background beeping, the pulse of Ranma's heart,
increases slightly.
"Ranma?" Akane spins and grabs his hand. Ranma's eyes blink sleepily.
"Ranma!"
Ranma's gaze slowly orientates over to Akane. She shivers when she
sees that his eyes are blank.
"Ranma?" Still the blank gaze. "Come on, wake up. It's me, Akane." He
looks at her with a complete lack of recognition. "Ranma.... Snap out of
it! Stop kidding around!" Nothing, absolutely nothing. Akane slowly backed
away until she reached the door of the room. Poking her head outside she
shouted "DOCTOR!!!!"
They came, they prodded, they muttered unintelligible doctorise. They
took one look at Akane's face and started speaking normally.
"Possible severe concussion..." "Still doped up of the drugs we..."
"Amnesia, nothing else..." "Tests, tests, we need more tests..."
And test they did. Simple tests, complex tests, weird tests, seemingly
normal tests, inexplicable tests.... On through the night and into the next
day. Finally the next afternoon Akane, her family and Genma were herded
into a office.
"Ah come in, sit down. My name is Dr Bonsai."
"What's wrong with my son?" Said Genma
"Ah.... There we have not such good news. Physically he's fine. Given
a few weeks he should be back to full physical condition."
"Physically? What about mentally?" Lawsuits, thought Nabiki.
"From what we can gather the injuries sustained at the fight scene,
along with a long history of concussions, compiled with the oxygen
deprivation he suffered has affected him mentally. He has Amnesia." The way
he said it you could hear the capital A.
"Amnesia?" Akane's voice was rather small. "What sort?"
"Unfortunately nearly the worst sort. He remembers nothing at all, not
even his name. He has even forgotten many basic motor functions, he can't
talk, walk, use his hands etc... The physical side we can easily rectify,
he should be physically back to normal in a couple of months with intensive
care...."
"What about his memory?" Kusami's voice was soft and full of pity.
"To be frank, it may never return. He is able to remember words and
their meanings, and may remember physical reactions but nothing else."
Genma broke down at that, as did Soun. Akane looked confused, as if not
sure what to think. "The only thing you can do is send him to a special
clinic to aide his physical recovery. Beyond that....."
"Is there nothing else you can do for Ranma?" Kasumi was clearly the
calmest person there.
"Nothing. We pride ourselves on our progressive ways but even the best
magiks won't help young Saotome. It would be best not to confuse him while
he's recovering physically so I would suggest only one of you going with
him to the clinic. Perhaps the presence of someone familiar may bring to
light a few vague memories."
"Go with him.....?" Akanes voice was very small.
"You are the best choice." Said Kasumi.
"My daughter... you must!" Soun declared hysterically.
"Not me!" Nabiki was firm.
"My son! My son! My son!..." Genma was clearly less than his calm
self.
"But..." Akane still wasn't really listening to the rest of her
family, all she could think about was Ranma's sightless gaze.
"No buts... You're going." They all said.
Mousse stood up silently and stepped over Sasuke's still form. He had
been lucky enough to knock the ninja out before he had heard anything much
from the electronic bug in the doctor's office. He listened carefully to
the discussion before destroying all records of the conversation. Kunou and
Kodachi would not hear of this. Ranma had risked his life fighting that
demon, taking at least one blow intended for Mousse's beloved Shampoo. He
had also helped save Mousse's life. Akane had been the one to kill it,
saving them all. He owed a debt of honour to them, one that temporarily
took precedence over all others. He longed to kill Ranma, burned to free
Shampoo from his clutches, but to do so now would not be honourable. Ranma
was too weak from the fight, and may never recover. And Akane cared for
him. There had to be a way to free Shampoo.
He thought long and hard about it as he had been doing so for the past
few days. Torturing himself by excluding all other thought, even that of
his love. His head still rung from the fight and he was only distantly
aware that he wasn't thinking quite like himself. It had been so long now
since the fight between them had begun, and every battle had been lost. It
was not good tactics to continue so. As a master of the hidden weapon he
knew that the direct approach was not always the best. An unexpected
strike, from an unexpected direction. That was what was needed. Perhaps
using the very rules that entrapped Ranma, or devotions some would deny.
Ranma's position could be used against him. Mousse slowly came up with a
glimmering of an idea. He ran to the restaurant and grabbed all his stuff,
every item of his he could get his hands on, all his oddly shaped weapons.
Then he took it all to a pawnshop and dumped it all on the counter.
"What you give me for all this?"
The jewellery auctioneer looked at the earnest boy, shrugged his
shoulders, and examined the pile before him. He gasped in surprise and
hurriedly reached for his calculator.
Mousse, hearing the gasp, and being very proficient at identifying
sounds as a result of being near blind, quickly spoke in as menacing voice
as possible.
"And want fair price too, know what are worth."
The auctioneer, being very unfamiliar with threats, took the lad at
his word and began to honestly appraise the items. Gold chopsticks,
intricately engraved. A bejewelled staff. A two thousand year old vase. And
other such treasures Mousse had inadvertently taken from Cologne's room.
The auctioneer named a humungous price. Mousse blinked, assumed he'd
mis-read the last exchange rate between China and Japan, and accepted the
cheque.
He stopped off at the bank, exiting with two bulky suitcases. Sixteen
attempted muggings later he managed to make it to the Tendo dojo. He
knocked politely on the door blinked when Kasumi opened the door.
"Nabiki?"
"Oh, hello Mousse. Nabiki's upstairs."
"Thank you." After bumping into the door he made it up the stairs.
Nabiki looked up at the knocking on her door.
"Come in." She was surprised to see Mousse in the doorway. "Sorry
Mousse, Ranma can't fight you right now, he's... in... the.......
hospital." She slowed down quickly as she recognised the type of suitcase
he was carrying.
"Nabiki. Business." With that word she had him inside, seated
comfortably, tea by his side.
"What's on your mind Mousse?"
"Ranma and Akane."
"....?"
"I have business proposition." He placed one suitcase on his lap and
opened it. Nabiki's eyes bugged out and she began to drool. It took her a
moment after Mousse had shut the case to pull herself back together.
Mentally she tried to calculate the amount she'd just seen. Reached a
figure that seemed far too much. Re-calculated and came up with the same
figure. More than she could earn in ten years at her current rates.
"I..... I'm listening."
"Shampoo mine. Ranma not have her. But, owe Akane and Ranma debt of
honour. Must eliminate Ranma from competition and pay back him and Akane
honour I owe them."
"Sooooooo?"
"I heard all doctor said about Ranma. I know he and Akane going to
clinic. And Ranma has lost all memory."
"And.....?"
"Here two suitcases of money. Both yours if you do task."
"Yes.... yes....?"
"Ranma and Akane must be happily married."
"...??"
"If Ranma happily married then Shampoo can not have him. Old rule:
subclause 4, paragraph 12 of 'Laws of the Amazons'. Akane show concern over
hurt Ranma, she make good wife for him. Make both happy. Leave Shampoo free
for me."
"Let me get this straight.... You want me to arrange to get Akane and
Ranma married?"
"No. Must be happily married."
"Okay... Happily married. They're already engaged."
"Not good enough. Ranma engaged to others too. Ranma not happy. Akane
not happy either. Both must be happy for rule to work."
"Hmmmmm. Without his memory Ranma is sure to be more susceptible to
suggestion right now. Can't let any of the others interfere. Might be able
to.... " She muttered to herself for a bit. Glanced at the suitcases full
of money. Muttered to herself a bit more.
"Also." Nabiki glanced warily at Mousse. "Must be married soon, in six
months, and be happy for six more. You get first suitcase when they
married, second at end of second deadline."
"I'll need some cash right now. This won't be easy or cheap to
arrange." Mousse thought about this for a moment, produced a large book
entitled 'Making a legal deal' in outsized print from his robe, and read a
little before replying.
"Third of suitcase now, two thirds when married."
"And the second suitcase after another six months." Nabiki finished
for him. "How can I be sure you'll keep your word? And where will you keep
all that money?"
"Mousse's word is honourable, no break. Not know where keep money."
"Okay I'll accept you word. As for keeping the money in a safe
place..." Between them they quickly agreed on two high interest bank
accounts and immediately went to the financial district to seal their
bargain. Mousse walked away looking very satisfied.
Akane sat in the grey room feeling very small and alone. Ranma had
been put into the bed before her and was lying listlessly. The trip here
had been fast and bewildering. Shunted down dark hallways, hustled into a
windowless van, driven like a madman to god knows where and finally dumped
into this room sometime around midnight. Nabiki had dropped off a couple of
suitcases with her and Ranma's stuff and left before Akane could stir.
Ranma gurgled softly and Akane rose to take his hand, shuddering a little
at his touch.
"Oh Ranma... You silly pervert, you'll remember again, you'll come
back to me..." Someone cleared their throat behind her and she whirled in
embarrassment. "I... ah... It isn't what you think."
"I rather hope it is actually." It was a slight, older man, dark of
skin, in a white outfit. "Hi, I'm Bob. You must be Akane."
"Uh... yeah..."
"Sorry I wasn't here to meet you, they were supposed to deliver you at
twelve, mid-day, not twelve midnight. Welcome to McDoodle's Hospital.
You'll be in my care here, as will Ranma. But it's too late to talk, lets
get you settled in the next room." He picked up her suitcase and hustled
her out the door. "Get settled and some sleep, we'll talk later in the
morning."
Bob went back to his room and sat down at his desk. On it's surface
were two folders, labelled Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo. Both were equally
thick and from what we can see the writing looks very familiar. Beside them
was a letter. Bob picked this up and re-read bits of it.
"...two patients... ...serious amnesia... ...volatile temper...
..healing from a nasty beating... ...He saved her as he always tries to...
..she jumped in as she always does... ...death wish surfaces in form of
cooking... ...suffered from macho pride and course tongue... ...failing
education levels... ...problem with men... ...fear of intimacy...
..martial artists..." He made a few notes before returning to bed.
We see several disjointed images here.
In a dark room a torch flashes briefly on rows of filing cabinets.
There is the scraping of metal against metal and the rustling of paper. All
pauses before a computer screen flares to life. Keys tap, a program runs
with insidious silence, following connections to the main database. The
screen dims and the paper rustles once more. Red light springs to life, red
hot flames dance over crumpled paper in a metal wastepaper basket. The door
to the room opens and shuts quietly.
Elsewhere two men discard the ill fitting ambulance uniforms and begin
to fade into the city background. In their hands a small wad of money. The
guard at the ambulance parking grounds slowly wakes from his drug induced
sleep to a puzzle. A busted gate lock and an ambulance that has moved all
of five meters sideways.
In another part of the city a figure dressed in black tries
desperately to keep up with a speeding ambulance as it dashes through the
traffic, sirens wailing. The ambulance drivers are responding to an
emergency, though what the CPR dummy on the stretcher in the back is needed
for they have no idea.
Finally we see the aftermath of a fight between invalids. Three girls
already injured lying in pain having just beaten each other over an empty
bed, recently occupied.
Akane woke to bright sunshine. Her room looked as nice in the light as
it had been daunting in the gloom of the night before. She dressed quickly
and opened her door. Ranma's door was ajar and someone was humming within.
Her heart beat a little faster as she went to open the door, but it was
only Bob.
"Good morning."
"Ah Akane, good morning. Come in, come in. I was just helping Ranma to
wake up." The sheets had been pulled back and Bob was pushing and pulling
on Ranma's arms and legs. Ranma's eyes were open but his gaze was still
unfocused. Akane watched with mixed emotions from the doorway.
"What are you doing?"
"Ranma here has forgotten even basic movements. This should eventually
help re-establish some connections. It also helps to get the blood flowing.
There... that should do for now. Come over here and help me get him into
the wheelchair." Akane reluctantly approached and helped lift Ranma into
the chair. She shuddered a little at touching him. "There, now lets go get
breakfast."
They walked down to a private dining room and Bob quickly fetched food
from a nearby room, three plates. He and Akane ate quietly while Ranma sat
unmoving before them. After Bob collected their dishes and returned with a
bottle of murky liquid. With well practised ease he got Ranma to drink it
without swallowing his own tongue. Akane had to turn away while he did
this. After breakfast they went outside to a sheltered little grove and sat
down. Bob put Ranma into a comfortable position and then lay down, facing
the two of them.
"Okay.... lets talk. Ranma here is not in good condition, but he will
get better with time. However it will take a lot of patience and work,
especially on your part Akane."
"Me?..."
"Yes, you. While I can help Ranma recover physically to remember how
to move on his own it will be your help that will encourage him to remember
himself." Akane looked very nervous. "You do want him well don't you?"
"Of course." She was quick to retort.
"But......? Look at him Akane. Really look at him. At this point he is
as innocent as a babe, and like as helpless. He needs help. He needs you
now as he never has before."
"Hai..... but..... He's always.... He's never shown any.... Why should
I...."
"Whatever he did before Akane he has forgotten about. It's as if, for
him, he has never met you. Ask yourself, do you want him to know you? Or do
you want him to not forget you, he's already done that, but to never have
the chance to know you."
"I.... want....?" Akane stammered in indecision.
"Think about it, think hard. You have a chance here, but only if you
take it. If you can't, or won't, help Ranma now when he needs you the most,
then you might as well say goodbye right now." He stood and began to wheel
Ranma away. "Think Akane. We'll see you tonight for dinner."
"Hi Ukyou." Nabiki greeted her as Ukyou limped out the hospital doors,
using her giant spatula as a crutch. "Feeling better are you?"
"Nabiki, do you know where Ranchan is? His room is empty and the
doctors won't say what happened to him other than he's well."
"Oh, he was discharged yesterday."
"He's back at the dojo then?" Her face lit up.
"Wellll nooooo." Ukyou's face fell. "But I do know roughly where he
is."
"Where?"
"It's my memory you know, so hard to remember." Nabiki's hand was out,
fingers rubbing together in the common gesture for money.
"Nabiki! Oh very well... A weeks free okinomiyuki for yourself."
"He and Akane left for some training place, somewhere with a good
reputation that he hasn't visited before."
"Ranchan and Akane???"
"There are others there as well, as far as I know."
"I've got to find him." She left quickly. Nabiki continued through the
doors and headed towards the elevators. They opened before she got there
and Shampoo stepped out, followed by Mousse. Nabiki could see an impression
of Mousse in the back wall of the lift and he looked rather battered.
Shampoo's arm was still in a sling. She saw Nabiki and grabbed her.
"Where darling!"
"Urk..."
"You tell where husband now!" Nabiki felt her not so thin wallet and
compared it to the look in Shampoo's eyes. Perhaps she could extend
Mousse's credit to her, just this once.
"I... ah... saw him leaving yesterday, lather late. He was in a bit of
a hurry to get to a training place, a new one for him."
"Shampoo go, darling need her. Where training place!"
"They left south." Until they reached the motorway that is. Shampoo
released her and raced out the main doors. Nabiki was about to enter the
elevator when a voice hailed her.
"Hold there, oh sibling to the divine Akane. I venture forth, I am
ashamed to admit, to seek information from your capitalistic self of the
two exquisite souls who grace my heart but are all too often overcome by my
magnificent presence and have apparently been kidnapped by that fiendish
sorcerer Ranma, he whose name must be cursed to die a thousand deaths and
live forever in torment as punishment for his unending sins, who has so
recently fled this institution of healing to run amok through the
innocent..."
"Hi Kunou. What do you want."
"Though my resources are vast I find that the evil magiks of he
against whom my noble blade shall drink of his blood and purge the land of
his corrupt ways, have clouded my sight and misled my servants so that the
location of the two flowers whose beauty rivals even my own are unknown to
me and are as such at the mercy of Saotome the malignant."
"25,000 yen."
"...?"
"25,000 yen."
"You think that I, the noble son of the.."
"Just pay up Kunou, I'm in a hurry."
"Oh very well."
"Thank you. I just told Shampoo where to go. If you hurry you can
follow her. She always leaves a easy trail." Nabiki hurried away before
Kunou could thank her, she didn't want to be stuck there all day. Walking
down one of the corridors she came across Ryouga. He was a bit red in the
face, redder than his wounds would account for. He was studying a chart on
the wall, obviously trying to figure out the directions.
"Hi Ryouga."
"Nabiki. Thank god you're here. I can't find anything in this cursed
maze."
"What are you looking for?" Ryouga's face turned even redder.
"The toilet..."
"..... uh.... It's right behind you." She pointed to the sign on the
door behind him."
"Thanks."
"You can pay me later."
Dinner at the clinic was a quiet affair. No word was spoken. Bob left
the two of them in the lounge, in front of the Tv. Ranma still gazed about
with unfocused eyes. Akane half watched him and half the programme
currently showing. She stood after a while and sat beside him, taking his
hand in hers.
"Oh Ranma..... What do I do... We've never gotten along... But you
always fought for me... always got protective when I was hurt... never
stood for anyone approaching me... why?... why......" She snuggled down
beside him, head on his shoulder. "You once said I was cute........"
Several weeks pass.
Ukyou closes shop for a couple of weeks and goes searching. Long does
she scour the few training grounds that Ranma and co have not yet
terrorised. But to no avail. Searching far and wide she found no trace of
them. Finally, when her funds began to run low she was forced to retreat to
her restaurant.
Shampoo travels south in a zig zag fashion, carefully looking about.
Behind her trails Mousse and behind him there are a dozen servants
dutifully looking after their master Kunou. They bump into Ukyou several
times, pausing to exchange news before staggering away to resume their
search.
Ryouga finally manages to escape the twisted hallways of the Hospital
and ventures forth to find everyone. A week goes by before we see him
studying a map outside an old manor house surrounded by a large wall. There
is a sign saying "McDoodle's hospital for the mentally impaired", Ryouga
can't find it on the map. He turns to knock on the gate and ask directions
but loses his way and wanders off.
Inside the clinic events pass with rapid slowness. Days pass quickly
as Akane slowly, at first, helps Bob to exercise Ranma and keep him moving
about. There are several amusing incidences when Ranma gets wet. Bob freaks
out temporarily, Akane runs around desperately with a steaming kettle, the
other patients accept it all as part of their warped worlds. Surprisingly
Ranma accepted it as well, showing as little surprise as Akane did and far
more calm about it.
After the first week there is only slight improvement on Ranma's part.
His eyes now focus, and they move about, following people. After the second
week there is more. His head turns to help his eyes and his fingers and
toes begin to move. The third week and he manages to chew a little soft
food and swallow, as well as jerk his limbs.
Time has effected Akane a little too. She and Bob have talked at great
length in the evenings, Ranma between them. He draws out of her the whole
story of their engagement and the troubles they have had. Having begun to
speak it is as if a plug has been lifted. Akane talks of many things,
unburdening herself from the stress and strain of the past year or so. She
touches Ranma almost constantly now, gently, with affection rather than
revulsion, reminding herself why she is at the clinic. She appears a little
more relaxed, a little less taunt with anger.
Nabiki calls in once a week, bringing samples of Kasumi's cooking,
more books and homework, and news of the family. She talks to Bob each
time, giving instructions and handing him wads of money on receipt of
current psychological evaluation.
This day brings change. Bob finishes exercising Ranma and roughly get
him into the wheelchair. Akane is not about to help him. Ranma looks about
with a slight frown on his forehead. They walk slowly down the corridor and
enter the elevator. As the doors open and they exit they are confronted by
an odour most foul. Green smoke wafts on the breeze towards them and there
is the sound of pots clattering together in the kitchen. Bob frowns and
quickly places Ranma in the small dining room. When he opens the kitchen he
is confronted by a most unusual sight.
Akane, dressed in a heavy leather apron, oven mittens and a wielders
mask is fighting with a pot that seems determined to jump off the stove. It
seems that she had to fight it all the way from the bench. Overturned
chairs, a broken rolling-pin, spilt ingredients all attest to this. Akane
turns and grins at him.
"Bob, hi. You're both ready then."
"Ready for what?"
"Breakfast of course. Go sit down and I'll bring it through."
Bob retreated quickly and sat next to Ranma, a notebook in hand. He
was making notes about the situation when Akane brightly walked in with two
plates in hand. She places one before him and picks up the spoon in front
of Ranma. The bowls contain a yellowish, purplish, oily goo that burps
greenish smoke. Bob holds his nose, feeling a little ill.
Akane scoops a little up with the spoon and approaches Ranma whose
eyes have bugged out a little. She waves the spoon before him but he
refuses to open his mouth. Getting obviously annoyed she holds his nose
shut and waits, spoon poised. After turning as red as a beet Ranma opens
his mouth to breath and she shoves the spoon forward. Ranma chokes, spits
it out starts to make glutteral sounds. Bob stands to end this but Akane
scoops up another spoonful and brings it closer. Ranma finally gets himself
under control, knocks the spoon aside and almost shouts.
"No!" Akane turned bright red and habitually brought out her mallet to
thump him. Bob steps behind her and grabs the hammer before she can swing.
"Akane! Wait. Ranma, he spoke."
"....?"
"He spoke Akane, Ranma spoke." They look at him as he looks back at
them. Akane's anger quickly fades and she embraces him.
"You're going to be alright, he's going to be alright isn't he?"
"Yes Akane, he's going to be alright."
The sun was very soporific. Akane dozed on the grass, the book she had
been reading forgotten. Ranma was lounging nearby. The day had been busy
doing weird physical and mental exercises. Progress had been swift, Ranma
was now walking hesitantly, his balance a little uncertain, but his
strength and confidence slowly returning. He had spoken little since his
first word, mostly reactions to immediate events. Akane had taken to
reading to him as a way to fill the silence. She stirred a little and Ranma
looked at her sleepily.
"Akane....."
"Hmmmm....."
"Akane....."
"Uh? Ranma?" She sat up, shading her eyes to look at him. He was
looking a lot more himself these days though there was a difference.
Something that made her feel very protective of him. "Yes Ranma, what is
it?" He blinked a couple of times and when he spoke it was a little
hesitantly.
"Who am I?"
"Oh Ranma..." She sat beside him and he gazed at her with such an
intensity that both warmed and embarrassed her. She smiled as she quietly
said "Your name is Ranma Saotome. You are one of the best martial artists
in Japan, you've been studying most of your life. You're also heir to the
Tendo school of indiscriminate grappling, and........ and my fiancee."
There was a pause while Ranma digested this.
"You...." He looked puzzled, as if trying to grasp something
indefinite. "You're cute when you smile." Akane turned even redder and
looked away, her hand slowly sought his and they sat holding hands until
the shadows grew.
"Bob! Bob!"
"Yes Akane?"
"Ranma remembered something." Bob put his pen down and turned to face
her. She was smiling brightly and there was a bounce in her step.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm..." She suddenly paused uncertainly. "I think so. He
said... that is... he... said I'm cute when I smile."
"Well you are you know." Akane blushed a little. "It might only mean
that he's starting to think properly again."
"But he had this distant look on his face, and... and he said the same
thing before."
"Don't get your hopes up Akane. Please. There are bound to be many
things that he repeats just because it's reflex. Physically he may make
familiar gestures, vocally he may use the same phrases. Give him, and
yourself, time Akane."
"Okay Bob..." Akane looked deflated.
"Still, he did say you were cute."
"Yessss......" She looked up, a little hope in her eyes. "Yes."
Some days pass. Bob receives a large package in the mail. Inside is
what looks like an ancient recipe book and a receipt from the 'Authentic
antique book store: Heirlooms made while you wait'. Bob goes in search of
Akane. He finally finds them in the gymn. Ranma is walking a little
uncertainly along a high bar while Akane looks on concerned. After Ranma
descends Bob approaches the two.
"Akane, Ranma."
"Bob." They reply in unison.
"You're looking good Ranma, I need to speak to Akane alone if you
don't mind."
"Okay Bob." Ranma looked at Akane as she glances at the high beam.
"I'll go lift some weights." Akane smiles with relief and Ranma smiles at
her smiling. Bob gestures and Akane follows him out into the hall.
"Ranma really is looking much better these days Akane. Soon you'll be
ready to leave."
"Leave??? But his memory? He still doesn't remember a thing."
"I'm sorry Akane, but there's not much more we can do here. Familiar
surroundings and other familiar faces may help but we doubt it. Our tests
show that it may be a long time, if ever, until he regains his memories."
Akane's face fills with mixed emotions, a curious cross between relief and
sadness. "Anyway, if Ranma is soon to leave then you're going to have to
learn what medicines to give him to keep his recovery going so well."
"Medicines???"
"Yes they've been part of every meal he's had. You need to learn how
to cook those meals."
"Me....!?! But I... that is everyone says that my..."
"No matter. All you have to do is follow the instructions in the
recipe book exactly. Not one thing different." Bob placed the ancient
looking book on the kitchen counter. "This is very old. These recipes have
been handed down from doctor to patient for centuries. As you learn them
you shall copy them down into a book of your own." Akane looks at him with
extreme trepidation.
"But everything I cook doesn't quite end up the way it should." Bob
looked at her sternly.
"For Ranma's sake then, you'd better practice hard. These are not
normal recipes, make one little mistake and things could go bad." Akane
began to sweat. "But you'll have a few weeks yet to get things right. Ah,
here's Mrs Sake'."
"Bob, is this Akane?"
"Yes. Akane, this is Mrs Sake'. Our chief cook and a master food
taster. She can taste if any ingredient has been added a little too much or
a little too little, any variation. She can taste as little as a milligrams
difference. Now then, lets get to work."
Weeks pass again.
Tension is building round the Tendo dojo. In the past seven days there
have been twice as many fights. Kodachi, Ukyou, Ryouga, Shampoo, Kunou,
Mousse, Genma, Cologne. All itching away. The two missing people were both
the cause of the violence and the relief from more. With them they would
have fought over possession. Without them they fought for the right to have
possession. The repair bills were getting so high that Nabiki had forbidden
fights inside the fence (house included). The neighbourhood was trashed.
That evening Nabiki got the letter she had been fearing. They were due
home in two days. Eleven weeks had passed since the start of the deal and
from all reports things had been going right on track. Now the hammer was
about to fall. Fifteen weeks to the first deadline. It was going to be
tough.
The next day Nabiki began to drop hints and rumours about Ranma and
Akane. She had many willing ears. Before the day was out people were
leaving Tokyo left right and centre. A few days grace. She also visited
many dubious shops. Ones with strange mystical symbols decorating their
walls. There were many preparations to make.
The van pulled up to the kerb and stopped. Bob turned around and
looked at his two charges. Akane was nervously grasping Ranma's hand and
looking out the window as if all the demons of hell were about to descend.
Ranma was holding Akane's hand like a security link and looking about as if
all were new. Bob got out and opened the door.
"Well, here we are. Come on, out you get. There, now I'll carry your
bags." They walked slowly to the main door. Bob rang the bell and turned to
go. "Now you both have my phone number, call me if you wish to talk. And
take care you two."
"Bye..." They both spoke in unison. The door opened and Kasumi looked
out.
"Akane, Ranma! Welcome home." Kasumi embraced them both and drew them
in. "Come in and sit down, I've just finished some biscuits." They sat down
quietly.
"Akane?"
"That's Kasumi Ranma. My older sister and the one who looks after the
house mostly." Nabiki appeared from the upper story
"Right, Kasumi. So this is, Nabiki?"
"That's right. Hi sis."
"Hello Akane. So, how's Ranma?"
"Ask him yourself."
"Hello Ranma, how are you?"
"Hi Nabiki. I'm, alright mostly. I'm afraid I don't remember you."
Nabiki could see that Ranma was not nearly himself. He was quiet, polite, a
little tentative and far too innocent looking. She made a note to check his
martial abilities before the day was out. God help things if he couldn't
defend himself when the horde returned.
"That's alright Ranma, I remember every cent you owe me."
"Nabiki!" Akane stood between her and Ranma. "He doesn't owe you
anything!" She said it like a statement. Not that it was true of course,
but Nabiki decided that Mousse was paying her enough already and it didn't
help her plan. Interesting that Akane had been so quick to jump to his
defense though, looked promising.
"Alright, he doesn't actually."
"Akane!" "My Son!" The two respective fathers hurtled in through
doorways and embraced their kin. Ranma looked over his fathers shoulder at
Akane and raised his eyebrows, she nodded in return so he hesitantly
embraced the man. Things became rather complicated as everyone wanted to
talk and few were listening. After an hour Akane stood up and shouted for
quiet.
"Look enough is enough. Give Ranma a little space." She dragged him
upright and went upstairs. Ranma went happily. They went to her room. Akane
collapsed on her bed while Ranma looked around in bemusement at the
feminine decor and fitness equipment. He looked in askance at her.
"Ah, this is my room, okay!" A little anger crept into her voice, she
habitually waited for a sarcastic remark about the various unfeminine
things. Ranma nodded without comment, reminding her as he constantly did
now of his change in behaviour. "Look, I've got to go and prepare your meal
soon. You can stay here, or wander about the house if you like. Don't
worry, you're with family here." She left.
Ranma looked about the room for a while before opening the door. There
was no one in the hall. He wandered quietly about the place, following the
blueprints that Akane had drawn for him back at the clinic. All the
bedrooms, the bathroom, the dojo, nothing looked familiar. He was looking
at the large writing in the dojo when there were footsteps behind him. It
was his father.
"Ranma..." He approached hesitantly. "How are you?"
"I'm well, physically that is. I don't remember you father."
"I know." Soun was quiet and surprisingly sensible. "Do you remember
any martial moves?"
"Akane said I was a good fighter, I don't remember though."
"Do you think we could... spar a little. Just to see."
"Sure." They took up positions. Nabiki quietly entered the dojo and
sat down, her suggestions had worked. Ranma stood sloppily and Genma easily
hit him with his first blow. Ranma flew backwards, flipping over to land on
his feet. Good agility, he remembered that much. He began to dodge,
avoiding each and every blow with ease. He seemed to be alright as far as
defensive was concerned, in fact he was better if anything. But Ranma
wasn't hitting back, he didn't seem inclined to. A short while later Genma
was so exhausted trying to hit Ranma that he nearly collapsed when Ranma
poked him in the back of his head. Nabiki was satisfied, he could avoid
harm at least.
Kasumi entered and announced dinner. After towelling down they all
trooped along to the dining table and sat waiting. Kasumi brought in food
for all but Ranma. When they looked at her questioningly she gestured
towards the kitchen as Akane entered bearing a very different meal. Genma
turned white and stood up.
"You didn't cook that did you?"
"Of course I did." Akane's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"My son has suffered enough, don't force your cooking on him."
"Uh, Akane." Nabiki tried to be more diplomatic, it wouldn't do for
Akane to lose her temper, and it wouldn't do to let Ranma be poisoned by
the one he was supposed to marry. "Do you think that's wise?"
"Get out of my way! I worked very hard at this."
"Daughter to be, don't do this. You'll poison h###" The mallet
squashed him into the floor and Akane stepped over his still body. Ranma
looked on wide eyed at the scene.
"Here Ranma." She sat beside him. "Oh don't worry, this is sort of
normal round here. He'll be alright, he's got a hard head. You used to do a
lot worse all the time." That didn't seem to comfort him. He picked up the
bowl she handed him and began to eat quietly. Everyone, except Akane,
looked at him, awaiting a reaction. He finished the entire bowl and turned
to Akane.
"Thank you Akane, that was delicious." Akane blushed while the others
gaped in surprise.
The evening and next day pass slowly. Everyone walks about as if on
eggshells, especially around Ranma. Akane spends the day getting used to
her room, siblings and such. As for Ranma, he talks to each of the
inhabitants and examines every section of the house and area. Nothing helps
him remember anything. The others are struck by the change the Amnesia has
had on him. His gaze is guileless, his manner polite and hesitant, all in
all not quite the person they knew. Nabiki is seen sneaking about several
times, placing odd herbs in odd places. Genma was found later that day in a
corner, cradling a small photo album, by Kasumi and Akane.
"Mr Saotome? Are you alright?"
"Kasumi, (sigh), Akane. I'm fine. I'm just.... it's Ranma." Kasumi
placed a hand on his shoulder while Akane looked uncomfortable. "He's like
he was before we left home, exactly. Did I change him that much?"
"Children grow Mr Saotome, we all change."
"Not always for the better though, not always..."
When Akane opened the door early the next day she found Ranma waiting
for her. He was dressed in his usual attire but seemed rather unsettled.
"Morning Akane."
"Good morning Ranma. What's wrong?"
"Kasumi said today's a school day, what do we do?" Akane sighed and
started to lead him downstairs.
"Well, first I go running while you and Genma spar. We have breakfast
and then leave for school."
"Spar... You mean father and I fight, every day? Like we did
yesterday?"
"Mock fight only, you test each others skills, practice what you've
been taught."
"Oh. I don't want to fight right now, could I run with you?" Akane
stared at him. Ranma, not wanting to fight. Admittedly he'd been rather
gentle, even a little meek since the incident but not even wanting to spar?
She took his hand and led him outside.
"Are you sure Ranma? You used to enjoy sparring."
"Did I?"
"Oh yes, you couldn't resist a challenge fight, even used to seek them
out. Look, how about we spar."
"I couldn't hit you Akane??? Why should I learn how to fight anyway?"
A new voice interrupted before Akane could speak.
"One learns how to fight for several reasons Ranma," Dr Tofu stepped
around the corner of the house, "to avoid getting hurt when a fight is
inevitable, to learn how to avoid fighting in the first place, to help
others who have not learnt how to avoid being hurt, to stand up for what is
right. I could go on."
"Dr Tofu-san!" Akane almost embraced the man.
"Akane, Ranma. How are you both feeling?"
"I'm fine Tofu-san and Ranma's well too, though..."
"Though I can't remember anything. Do I know you Dr Tofu?"
"You used to Ranma, I'm sure you will in time. I'll leave you two to
spar." Looking at the expression on Ranma's face. "Don't worry Ranma. It's
not a bad thing, as long as neither of you really hurt each other. Go and
try it at least." He left quietly then leaving the two of them to make
their way out into the backyard.
Akane started and soon the two of them were practising nicely. Ranma
did a lot more dodging than he did attacking. After a good workout they
went inside for breakfast.
Ryouga paused as he looked at his map. This wasn't Tokyo, where was
he. He walked quickly down the road looking for someone to ask directions
from. As he looked down one side street he failed to notice the sign behind
him. Nabiki paused at the gate to the dojo, wondering why Ryouga was
looking about so lost, this was usually his destination. She shrugged her
shoulders and didn't argue with luck. Reaching into the bag at her side she
withdrew a small pouch and grabbed a handful of powder from within. Taking
care not to make a sound she threw the handful so that it hit Ryouga
softly. He walked away without noticing.
Later they left side by side on the way to school. They were a little
late due to the time Akane had spent meticulously cooking Ranma's lunch.
Nabiki had managed to slip something into Ranma's lunch bag while the two
of them weren't looking. Akane became more and more restless as they came
closer to Furinkan High. Finally, when they were nearing the school grounds
she stopped Ranma and hesitantly faced him.
"Um..... Ranma...."
"Yes?"
"Uh.... Schools sort of.... It gets rather chaotic. There tend to be a
lot of fights and such." She could see Ranma getting a bit concerned. Once
again she was reminded how vulnerable he was now, how much he depended on
her. She was ashamed that it felt good. "Ah, just stick by me, and don't
worry if we get into a fight or two."
He didn't look happy but let her drag him along to the school gates.
Shortly after they entered the crowd that had gathered at the main doors
noticed them. Akane saw that it was her old group of morning combatants.
There was an almighty cry and they surged forward.
Akane was about to start pounding them into the ground when something
grabbed her round the waist and flung her airborne. She spun a little but
that didn't prevent her from seeing Ranma weaving his way between all the
opponents without once striking back. They knocked each other out as Ranma
dodged their every blow. He caught her neatly at the other side of the
courtyard.
"Ranma! That was my...."
"I couldn't let them hurt you Akane."
"You don't think I'm good enough to beat them?!?"
"I... But..." He looked sad, Akane immediately relented.
"(sigh)... Sorry Ranma. I shouldn't have snapped at you. Try not to
surprise me next time okay?" They were about to proceed when Kunou stepped
forward, red roses in one hand his bokken in the other.
"What vision of delight do I see before me. Can this be the light of
my heart, the warmth of my heaven. Akane Tendo, let me sing your praises
for all to..."
"Oh can it Kunou." Akane tried to step past him but the bouquet of
roses halted her. Before she could react he swept her up in an embrace.
Akane was about to hit him when Kunou suddenly let her go and slumped to
the ground. An embarrassed Ranma was standing on Kunous head.
"Um... Are you alright Akane?"
"I'm fine Ranma. Come on, lets get to class."
Lunchtime saw the two of them separated. Akane was swept away by
numerous girls eager for gossip. She quickly disappeared with them, eager
for all the news herself and the company she had missed over the past
couple of months. Ranma was left at a loss. He wandered about for a bit
before settling down under a tree to start on his lunch. Akane had packed a
bag three times the size of anyone elses. He was immediately swamped by a
group of boys.
"Hey Ranma, where you been?" "Long time no see." "What's with the
change in fighting tactics?" "What did you do to Akane?" "Where'd you go?"
"Darling!?!" Everyone scattered at that last shout. Ranma just looked up
when someone hurtled into him, knocking him backwards. They rolled for a
distance before stopping, Ranma underneath. He opened his mouth to speak
when the person kissed him. He went rigid with shock.
When she stopped he was able to recover enough to dislodge her and
stand up. He backed away slowly from the beautiful girl. She pouted
slightly and frowned.
"Why darling back off?"
"Uh..... Who are you??"
"Ranma Shampoo's husband, why not know Shampoo?"
"Husband???????"
"Violent girl's fault, Shampoo kill Akane." She turned to go but
stopped when Ranma put a hand on her shoulder. Before he could react she
had embraced him again. He wriggled out of her grip and retreated back to
the tree. He grabbed his half eaten lunch and continued to back away, the
pause was enough for Shampoo to latch onto him again. He froze again as she
kissed him.
"Ranma!!!?!" Akane's voice broke his paralysis and he turned to face
her while disentangling Shampoo's arms.
"A... Akane?" Her face was red and her eyes wide. He was about to
explain when she hit him.
Dr Tofu looked up as his clinic shook from an impact. He walked into
the next room and opened the window. Reaching out he snagged Ranma just as
he fell off the roof. A minute or two later he began to come round.
"Oooohhh.... Ouch. Where am I?"
"Ah Ranma. You're awake, good. What happened this time?"
"Dr... Tofu? This time?"
"That's right, I'm your regular doctor. Was it Akane again?"
"Yes." Ranma said miserably. "Another girl was kissing me and she
saw."
"That would account for it." Dr Tofu dabbed a little lotion onto the
bruise. "Who was the girl?"
"Don't know. She kept talking about shampoo and she called me
darling."
"Ah, that girl's name is Shampoo. You're her husband."
"......?"
"You defeated her in combat and according to her Chinese amazonian
laws that makes you her husband."
"I... ah...."
"Of course Akane didn't take it very well, especially since you're
engaged to her. There, the bruise should fade quickly. You'd better get
back to school."
"Uh... what about Akane and Shampoo?"
"I'm afraid you'll have to deal with that on your own."
"What did I do before?"
"Ignored it. Put up with it."
"Oh...." He left and headed for school.
The rest of the day passed slowly. Ranma tried to talk to Akane
several times but she turned away each time and ignored him. It didn't help
that all the schoolwork was entirely new to him, he couldn't follow it at
all. At the end of the day he had to race to catch up with Akane.
"Akane, please wait up." She kept up her swift pace. He ran up level
with her but hurriedly had to dodge when she swung at him. Taking refuge on
the top of a fence he took a moment to catch up with her again.
"Akane.... It wasn't me. She was the one who grabbed me." he jumped
down beside her.
"You could have dodged. You didn't have to let her kiss you!" She
swung again so he jumped back onto the fence.
"I didn't know. I won't let her grab me agai### Arrrgh!" No soon as
the words were out of his mouth did a bicycle crash through the section of
fence he was standing on. Ranma immediately lost his balance and fell
straight towards Shampoo. Akane's school bag shoved him enough sideways
that he missed Shampoo's grasp and was able to retreat.
"Darling! Why retreat?"
"Um... ah... Shampoo.... Leave me alone..."
"....?" Shampoo looked between Akane and Ranma and frowned. "Shampoo
make husband food, Ranma hungry."
"Uh... Actually I had a good lunch, Akane made plenty for me."
"...?!?" Shampoo swung round to face Akane. "You put spell on darling.
Shampoo kill."
"No!" Ranma darted forward, grabbed Akane and jumped up to a nearby
roof. Another leap and they were out of sight. Shampoo was too stunned at
his flight to immediately pursue.
"Ranma!" Akane squirmed in his grasp, causing him to misjudge their
trajectory. "Why'd you gr#" They landed just right in the centre
of an open barrel full of water.
"Didn't want to fight. Don't want to hit girls, and didn't want you to
get hurt. Sorry I couldn't warn you."
"(sigh) okay.... Thank you Ranma.... Lets go home."
By the time they got home they were nearly dry. They went inside and
Akane put the kettle on for Ranma. She showed her where everything was as
she did so so she could do it himself next time. Just as the water was
beginning to heat up there was a squeal from the doorway and a little
piglet rushed inside.
"P-chan!" Akane grabbed him and hugged him tightly. Ranma looked
curiously at the little thing. He felt the faint twinges of something.
"Ranma, look. This is P-chan, he's my little pet. He keeps wandering off
but he always returns." P-chan looked up and Akane, puzzled. Ranma scooped
him out of Akane's grasp and stroked his head.
"Hello P-chan. Nice to meet you." P-chan squirmed in her grasp so
Ranma gave him back to Akane. They sat at the table to wait for the water
to boil. Nabiki popped her head in and out before they could see her.
"Akane... Why is it that I can remember to read but I can't remember
any of the school lessons?"
"Well... you never really payed any attention in school."
"I didn't? Why not?"
"You always said that you didn't need schooling to be a master at
martial arts."
"Oh... are you sure?"
"Here, hold P-chan. I'll go get your old school books." She handed her
the piglet and went upstairs. Ranma carefully held the little creature by
it's spotted collar, ignoring it's attempts to escape. She waited until the
kettle was just beginning to steam, she didn't want it to be too hot.
Quickly she grabbed the kettle and poured it over herself. His arm suddenly
felt heavy. He looked down into the furious face of a boy near his age.
Ranma let go of the boy's bandanna.
"Who are you?"
"RYOUGA!!!!!!" They both turned to face the doorway. Akane was
standing right in it's centre, in full view of the two of them. She was
bright red and a huge mallet was before her. "YOU HENTAI!!!!!" Ryouga made
a very big hole in the ceiling and roof. She then fell to her knees,
shivering, tears in her eyes.
Ranma approached her quietly and knelt. At his touch she seized him
and began to cry on his shoulder. She shuddered for quite a while. Kasumi
entered and stopped when she saw Akane so upset. She opened her mouth to
speak but didn't say a word when Ranma shook his head. She smiled in
acknowledgement and left as quietly as she had arrived. When Akane finally
stopped shaking Ranma spoke.
"Akane? What's wrong? Who was that boy?" Akane looked at him angrily.
"That.... that.... hentai was Ryouga Hibiki. He's been P-chan all this
time." At his bewildered look she continued in a vicious voice. "He must've
been cursed like you. He.... he.... slept with me, as P-chan!" She
shuddered, Ranma's face went hard. "He tricked me. He was your friend."
Akane accused him.
"No more..." Akane almost flinched at his tone. This was a very
different Ranma. "Such an honourless person deserves no friends. I...
Do..." Ranma released her and moved back. Akane could see that his face
looked as outraged as she felt, she could also see that he was very unhappy
about what he was about to say. He had a faint faraway look, as if
remembering fragments of something. "Akane Tendo, you have been victim to
one foul man. Do you wish retribution?"
"Ranma??"
"If... if you wish, I will seek Hibiki out and do justice upon him."
Akane was amazed at the change in Ranma. Ever since the accident he had
been so calm, so quiet, so peaceful. Reluctantly sparring, dodging rather
than striking, even running away. She could still see that person within
him, and she could see the effort he was making to do right by her. She
felt tears gather in her eyes.
"Oh Ranma!" She embraced him tightly. "Just don't let him near me
again."
In the other room Nabiki moved away from the intervening wall. She had
heard enough. Damn but that had been a surprise. Fancy Ryouga being cursed
as well. She wished she'd known that before. Things couldn't be going
better than if she wrote the script herself. Of course a little subtle
magik always helped. She glanced at the bags of herbs at her side and their
labels, misdirection, luck, ill-luck, mild sedatives, inhibition relaxers,
truth encouragers. They had been extremely expensive. Even with the advance
Mousse had given her. Still, it would be worth it to see Akane and Ranma
together. Worth every yen she got.
Akane was awakened the next day by someone pounding on her door. She
pushed the sheets back to stared resentfully in that direction. The
pounding got louder.
"Alright, alright. Who is it?"
"Akane, please open the door." Ranma sounded a bit hectic.
"What is i####" As soon as the door was open a crack Ranma dived
through and disappeared into her closet. Akane was about to protest when
Shampoo burst into the room through the half open doorway.
"Where husband? What violent girl done with darling?!" Akane narrowed
her eyes.
"Get out of my room Shampoo."
"Ranma here."
"Do you think I would let Ranma into my room." Shampoo paused
"Violent girl always mean to darling. Shampoo kill Akane later, find
Ranma now." She left just like that. Akane sighed and opened her closet.
Ranma was huddled in one corner, he looked up at her gratefully.
"Thank you Akane. She crept into my room this morning, then chased me
when I left. I couldn't get rid of her." Akane just sighed, at least Ranma
wasn't standing still for Shampoo. Voices rose up from outside Akane's
window.
"Oh hi Shampoo." Nabiki.
"Where Ranma? You see husband?"
"Yes I saw Ranma just a moment ago, he was heading towards the shore.
Goodbye!" Well, at least she'd be gone for a while.
The sparring between them went well though Akane left early to prepare
lunch. In the kitchen she set forth with all the concentration she could
muster, sweating with the effort, the strain. Her teacher had been exacting
but what really motivated her was the memory of Ranma's first try at these
recipes, his continued appreciations, and that his well being depended on
her. He liked her new cooking, he complemented her. It was enough to keep
her mind on the cooking instructions, enough to prevent her from varying.
Kasumi had volunteered to help but Bob had entrusted her the medicinal
recipes and she didn't want to betray that trust. Akane was concentrating
so hard that she failed to see Kasumi enter the kitchen behind her.
Kasumi entered quietly for the drink she had forgotten to take to the
table for breakfast. She didn't mean to spy on her sister but she couldn't
help glancing at the cook book, medicinal meals would be quite a help round
here. To her surprise she saw what looked like a perfectly ordinary recipe,
it was identical to one she had written down elsewhere.
School started well, Kunou wasn't in sight, Shampoo didn't ambush
them, Ryouga didn't turn up. Even during class Ranma didn't once get into
trouble. Akane was amazed when he even answered a question correctly. He
had failed to fall asleep and was taking notes. They were separated once
again at lunchtime but nothing untoward happened.
It was during sportstime, while Ranma was resting on one side of the
playing field, when someone latched onto him from behind.
"Ranchan! You're back." Ranma quickly broke the grip and backed away.
He half expected it to be Shampoo but it was another girl instead. A very
nice looking girl with an odd object strapped to her back. He paused as she
looked at him in surprise. "What's wrong Ranchan?"
"Uh..... Do I know you?"
"...?"
"You do know I'm engaged don't you?"
"Ranchan? What's wrong with you? Of course I know you're engaged, to
me. Where have you been?"
"To you??? Oh no.." He began to back up. "Not another..."
"Another what? Fiancee? We've been engaged for over ten years Ranma,
you don't have any other fiancees."
"Ten years??? But?... I.... Uh.... Akane?...."
"I brought you lunch. Okonomiyaki."
"I, ah.... Already had lunch."
"My cookings just as good as Kasumi's. What's wrong Ranchan?"
"Akane's was delicious. Uh.... Who are you?"
"Akane's??? What do you mean who am I. Stop playing around Ranchan,
this isn't funny."
"I... ah.... think.... I should... be going..." Just as Ranma spun
round to go, he was stopped by a shout from the other end of the field. It
was Akane. Ignoring Ukyou he sprinted towards the cry. There was a crowd
gathering in his way so he jumped over it, landing between the two in the
center. Akane was bright red with anger and shame. Ryouga looked more
miserable than he ever had before.
"Akane if I could just explai###"
"You!!!" They both turned to face Ranma. "The one without honour.
Akane Tendo doesn't want you anywhere near her. Go away! Now!"
"Ranma....! You oathbreaking cowardly son of a..." Ranma lashed out,
catching Ryouga neatly in the stomach. The space around them grew larger as
the crowd stepped back. They started to fight in earnest. Ryouga's face was
a mask of pure frustration and depression. It fed him strength and he was
soon moving faster than he had ever before. Ranma's face was of tightly
controlled anger and a little pain. While he dodged and evaded far better
than he usually did his strikes had less force behind them. They fought
viscously to a standstill, creating a region of destruction about them in
the first few seconds. It was when Ranma saw the look on Akane's face as
she looked at Ryouga that he finally began to attack. Ryouga went flying up
into the clouds, out of sight. Ranma was still full of energy as he broke
Ryouga's umbrella over his knee and tossed it to one side.
He was about to go and comfort Akane when he felt a presence behind
him. Whirling he faced a crone balancing on a staff. He would have relaxed
at the unformidable sight if she hadn't moved with blinding speed to poke
him. He dodged, barely, and moved back out of range.
"Who the hell are you?!?"
"So.... Great granddaughter was correct. You have lost your memory."
She hopped over Ranma, placing her between him and Akane. Ranma could see
Akane's displeasure at the crone's appearance.
"What do you want old woman?"
"It's certainly improved your manners. Too bad you're so misguided
about who you're really engaged to."
"Akane is my fiancee!" The look Akane gave him helped dispel his
doubts and gave him confidence. Ranma tried to edge around to her side but
the crone moved to intercept him.
"I can return your memory to you, groom." Everyone paused. Ranma
looked at the crone uncertainly. She was so confident, so sure, that she
could do as she said. He almost stepped forward when the look on Akane's
face made him stop. She looked sad? Almost despairing? Ranma frowned in
puzzlement. Just then there was the sound of sirens as fire engines rushed
by and other student voices could be heard.
"Wow, that was some explosion." "Pity... the Nekohanten was a nice
restaurant." "Was anyone hurt?" "Don't know, several ambulances though."
The crone whirled, cursing under her breath, and dashed away. Ranma
was about to relax when he was assaulted on two sides. The girl who had
embraced him earlier ran forward just as Kunou jumped at him from the other
direction. He dodged quickly.
"Ranma Saotome! You whose foul sorcery has bespelled the light of the
heavens who graces the Earth in the name of Akane Tendo must now face the
wrath of Tatewaki Kunou, Blue thunder of Furinkan High....."
"Ranchan, are you alright...."
This was getting too much. Ranma took one brief look at Akane's
annoyed face and left, quickly. He needed more information. His need guided
his feet and he soon found himself outside the clinic of Dr Tofu. The
doctor had answered Ranma's questions before, perhaps he might again. Ranma
entered quietly.
Inside there was the faint smell of smoke. Ranma knocked hesitantly on
a door.
"Come in." He entered but stopped when he saw the confusion inside. Dr
Tofu was busily applying salve to burns on half a dozen people. One of
which was a very unconscious Shampoo. Ranma began to back up.
"Oh, Ranma? Are you hurt as well?"
"No Dr Tofu... I.... ah.... needed some information."
"I'm afraid I'm a little busy right now. Mousse, I can't help her if
you're going to get in my way. Go stand over by Ranma. Ranma, can you wait
a bit?"
"Uh, yeah, sure." Ranma moved back into the waiting room and was soon
joined by the boy in the heavy coat and thick glasses. Mousse peered at
him. "Hi. I'm Ranma, you're Mousse?"
"We met before. Why you here?"
"Have we? Sorry but I don't remember you. There were a couple of
people at school today and I was hoping Dr Tofu could explain who they
were." Mousse examined Ranma, noting his altered manner.
"Ask me, I know you well." Know your enemy, one of the first rules of
tactics between enemies. Ranma described the two women and Mousse quickly
filled him in on their backgrounds. He spared Ranma not a bit while
relating many of the more embarrassing parts of his history. Ranma could
hear the contempt in his voice while Mousse described some of his actions.
It made him very uncomfortable so he left quickly, just avoiding the
arrival of Cologne.
When Ukyou failed to find Ranma again, and couldn't get an explanation
from Akane, she returned to her restaurant only to find several men in grey
suits waiting for her. They presented a very official looking form to her
when she approached.
"Miss Ukyou Kuonji? Owner of the restaurant Ucchan?"
"Uh, yes?"
"Tax department. Our computers indicated that you have been negligent
in filing your tax returns and that there are many discrepancies. I'm
afraid we're going to have to examine all your financial records."
"But.....?"
"Just step lively Miss, it shouldn't take more than a few days."
The police officer stepped cautiously through the door and into the
smoky interior. There was surprisingly little fire damage compared to the
amount of smoke that still hung around after a thorough dousing. He was
making some notes when someone coughed behind him. He turned to face a tall
man in a black suit.
"This is a restricted area, who are you?"
"My name is Mr Shanghai, I'm with the immigration department."
"What are you doing here? This is a fire, arson perhaps but not
immigration?"
"That's where you're wrong. We were recently notified that two of the
three people in residence here were illegal aliens. This fire may be
nothing more than a cover for their escape from us. I'm taking charge of
the investigation."
Nabiki rubbed her hands in satisfaction. Ryouga had landed outside of
town and had immediately walked off towards China. Ukyou was going to be
extremely busy for the next few days despite her having nothing to hide. A
little computer error and they were all over her. Then there was Cologne
and Shampoo. Expired VISAs, no work permits, deliberate arson (even if the
building did belong to them), evasion of the law and so forth. The
government loves cases like these. And it had been done so simply. When she
had renewed Mousses papers she had innocently indicated the other two's
status and negligence. From then on they just had to check past records.
Nabiki turned and paced about her room. The walls were covered with
charts, photos and lists. She picked up a book titled "Psychology 201" and
leafed through it for a bit before pacing again.
Ranma met Akane at the school gates and walked home with her. She was
a bit tense and didn't talk to him but did let him link his arm through
hers. He stopped her outside the Tendo house.
"Akane, about what Cologne said about.."
"Don't."
"But I..."
"Please, not now." Her face was again sad and a little wistful. "I
just... later OK." She pecked him on the check and went inside. Ranma
touched his check and sighed. The evening passed quickly and quietly and he
found himself lying on the roof, watching the stars. Everything was getting
so complicated. So many people claiming ties with him, people angry with
him. He was slowly getting a picture of things before the accident and he
wasn't sure he liked what he saw.
The stars were beautiful this night. Too beautiful to be worried about
his past follies. He was daydreaming when Akane's voice floated up on the
breeze from her open window.
"Oh Ranma..... Why does everything have to be so difficult." Guiltily
Ranma moved over so he could hear better. "You've been so different lately,
so nice. Everythings bound to change if you get your memory back. Damn
Cologne. Damn Shampoo. Even Ukyou. I love you. Why can't things go right
for a change............."
Ranma retreated, even more confused. Everything was so confusing now.
So many people he didn't know, all assuming he would react as he always had
before. So many actions he found himself doing, not knowing if it was for
the first time or if he'd always done it. So many feelings based on past
unknown events. It was frightening quite frankly. And there was Akane, the
one person he had learnt to depend upon as he was recovering. The person
who made him happy when she smiled and sad when she didn't. The person who
tried so hard to make him well. Here she was not wanting him to go back to
who he was.
Had he been so awful? Ranma quickly remembered Shampoo and Ukyou. What
kind of person had he been?
The next day passed quickly and quietly. Ranma wasn't bothered by
mysterious females at all and he even began to grasp some of the school
work. Akane kept looking over her shoulder for Cologne but the crone didn't
appear.
After school Akane was watching TV while Ranma lay on the roof,
thinking. He was sort of dozing when someone knocked on the door below him.
He slid to the edge of the roof and looked down.
"Hello?" The person looked up. It was an older lady, dressed a little
conservatively though she had a odd looking bundle on her back.
"Hello. What are you doing up there?"
"Oh, thinking. Can I help you?"
"You really shouldn't be on someone else's roof you know. Do the
Tendo's know you're up there?"
"I don't know, I don't recall anyone seeing me up here." Ranma flipped
off the roof to drop the two stories and land gently beside the woman,
startling her. "Everyone is out right now and Akane's got the sound up a
bit high, she probably hasn't heard your knocking." The woman's eyes
narrowed at Akane's name. Ranma almost sighed, was this another person with
a grudge or something?
"What do you know of Akane Tendo? You're rather free with her name."
"Well she is my fiancee, why shouldn't.. I.... be........." Ranma
slowed as the woman stared at him with huge eyes and an expression of
complete disbelief on her face. "Excuse me? Are you alright?"
"Ranma???????" She whispered.
"That's right, do I know you?" He was suddenly in her arms as she
hugged him very tightly. "I.... urk..... ah....."
"Oh Ranma! My son! My little child all grown! Ranma! I can't believe
it's you." Ranma was shocked. He could feel tears from the woman's eyes,
his mothers eyes? Desperately he tried to remember what Akane had said
about his family. Father-Genma, mother-..... Nodoka? There was something
else too but he couldn't quite remember. He was released as she stood back
to really look at him. "Oh Ranma.... it's been so long."
"Uh.... has it?" Nodoka looked sharply at him then but was diverted
when the door opened.
"I thought I heard someone knocking. Hi Aunt Nodoka, I see Ranma's
already..... oh."
"Akane. Let me see the two of you together." Nodoka gently yanked
Ranma to Akanes side and gazed happily at the two of them as they grasped
hands. "Oh you look so good together." She hugged them both. "My dear
children. My dear dear children...." There was much more of this while the
three slowly moved inside. Akane kept looking over her shoulder, expecting
cold water to any moment drench Ranma. She was constantly amazed when
nothing appeared. Ranma was just generally stunned.
Nodoka finally began to notice Ranma's confusion at her comments at
how long it had been and his silence over what he'd been doing all these
years. Akane noticed Nodoka noticing and she slowly grew silent. When there
was complete silence Akane spoke up.
"Aunt Nodoka..... uh..... I don't know how to tell you this...."
"What?!" Nodoka's eyes grew hard and her hand moved towards the bundle
on her back.
"Ranma was.... injured a few months back...."
"I've got Amnesia." It was almost easier for Ranma to say it, he
didn't know how the various people would act.
"Amnesia? Then....."
"I don't remember anything. I don't remember you I'm afraid, or
anything that's happened in the past."
"How....?"
"Happosai accidentally released a warrior demon from hell, we were
lucky to defeat it."
"Akane was the one to kill it apparently."
"But you took the blow that would have killed me Ranma." Akane hugged
him tightly, making him blush. "You saved my life." Nodoka looked at the
two of them as they clutched each other.
"Why didn't Genma call me? Why wasn't I told?"
"I don't know Aunt Nodoka, I was with Ranma at the rehabilitation
clinic, he was hurt pretty badly physically as well."
"You'll make a good wife Akane. Oh Ranma.... come here." She patted
the cushion beside her, tears in her eyes. "Let me tell you about
yourself." Akane sat back and watched happily as Nodoka began to give Ranma
a mothers view of her child. Unfortunately it was all too little given that
they'd been separated since his childhood. She got a lump in her throat at
the picture of a son and his mother. It had been so long since her mother
had died. Ranma slowly noticed this and drew her against him, including her
in the discussion.
The rest of the family slowly arrived home. Kasumi walked in with a
bag of groceries, smiled and went straight into the kitchen. Nabiki looked
in at the unfamiliar voice, grimaced and quickly ducked out. Plans needed
to be adapted, changed. Soun took one look and fled the house, Genma needed
to be warned. Unfortunately while he left by the front door Genma entered
the back, nearly walking right into Nodoka. He stopped dead still as he
realised who it was sitting right beside Ranma.
"Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh...................."
"Genma!... Why didn't you tell me my son was injured!"
"Ah... ur... um... eh... ayia... weh..." Nodoka stood and grabbed him.
"You've got a lot of explaining to do husband." She dragged him
towards the stairs. "A _lot_ of explaining." They disappeared upstairs. The
noise of dinner soon covered any noises that might be occurring above.
Everyone was settling down when there came a very soft hissing sound
that no-one noticed. They began to yawn uncontrollably and before they knew
what was happening everyone in the house was fast asleep. A shadowy figure
entered the domicile, it's head carefully wrapped against the gas. It moved
over to Akane and Ranma and stopped. Something sharp glittered in it's hand
as it moved towards Akane. Ranma stirred and the figure paused. Ranma's
eyes opened momentarily and the figure cursed quietly. It grabbed Ranma and
fled the house, leaving the other inhabitants unharmed. An evil chuckle was
all that remained.
When they finally awoke Akane couldn't understand why she'd been
sleeping in the lounge. She felt thick and stupid, she couldn't think, an
aftereffect of the gas. It took long minutes of staring at each other
before she finally began to question why everyone had fallen asleep. It
took even longer before she noticed that Ranma was missing. The household
soon dissolved into chaos.
When Ranma came to himself he found himself tied quite securely to a
chair in the middle of the weirdest room he'd ever seen in the brief memory
he had. It was a warped mixture of pink frilly bits and hard black edges.
Behind him someone moved. Turning his head he saw that it was a girl
dressed in a pink and black leotard, she was tending some black roses and
her hair was in disarray. When she turned to look at him he saw that her
eyes were wide and held very little sanity.
"You're awake, he he he he he he. You're mine! All mine! Ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Ranma
shuddered
"Who are you? Why have you kidnapped me?"
"Don't play the fool with me Ranma Saotome, I am Kodachi Kunou, your
one and only fiancee. I have saved you from the poisonous clutches of that
Tendo brat."
"But...."
"The priest will be here shortly, we'll be married soon. Ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha! Now rest beloved." She thrust a bunch of roses in his face
and their scent put him out again.
When he next regained consciousness it was to the sound of fighting.
Blearily he could see what looked like a ghoul attacking his kidnapper, and
winning. He only had a brief glance before something began to smother him.
He was startled to realise that they weren't smothering him, but kissing
him. When they drew back he could see it was Shampoo sitting in his lap and
that her great grandmother had just defeated Kodachi.
"Wha....?"
"Crazy girl have good plan. We wait for priest, get married now."
"Bu###" He was cut off as she kissed him again. The kiss was cut short
as more opponents entered the room.
"Blood calls to blood, withered one, though it shames me to admit the
link I must stand forth and defend the honour of my sister from those who
seek to destroy that which must be linked to the noble house which I
Tatewaki Kunou, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, am the crowning example of
it's legendary worth. Prepare to defend yourself." With which he launched
himself at Cologne, with surprising skill. The second opponent didn't waste
any time with words but drew her spatula and hurtled herself at Shampoo.
Kunou was quickly knocked out but Cologne seemed content to let the fight
between the two girls continue. She hopped over to Ranma.
"Well groom, shall we see what a little food does for you?"
"What... what do you mean?"
"Great granddaughter will soon finish that interloper, you must be
ready for when the priest arrives so we can leave for China immediately."
She began to extract a number of containers full of food from a bag. "I
think a mixture of these will ensure your positive participation in the
event." She had just started stuffing suspicious edibles down Ranma's
throat when the wall next to him blew in, revealing a very angry young man.
He glared at Ranma with extreme hatred.
"Ranma Saotome! Prepare to die!" His leap forward was intercepted by
the crone, she obviously didn't want damaged goods for her granddaughter.
Kodachi and Kunou were recovering and about to join in the fighting
when yet more combatants arrived. Akane launched herself in through the
window and tackled Kodachi before she was fully recovered. Nodoka entered
the doorway and started slashing at Kunou. Mousse crashed through the roof
and immediately attacked Ukyou who was still attacking Shampoo. Genma and
Soun bounded through the doorway and started to help Ukyou in her defense.
It was a medley of pure confusion.
Ranma suddenly felt the ropes holding him fast beginning to loosen. He
glanced behind himself and saw Nabiki cutting away at the mass. His head
was still whirling from the double dose of drugs so he remained stationary
when the ropes finally fell. Nabiki came round to his front and peered
clinically into his eyes.
"Gods I hope these don't clash with whatever's already in your system.
No hope for it..." She produced some spiced leaves and shoved them into his
mouth. "Eat these!" He did. Everything immediately became so much clearer.
"Good. Now listen closely to me Ranma. You will go and help Akane in this
fight. Okay." Ranma found himself nodding agreeably. "You will stay by her
side and protect her. Okay off you go." Ranma repeated what he had to do to
himself, help Akane, stay by Akane, protect Akane, as he launched himself
into the fray.
There was a period of utter confusion. Duels enlarged to mass free for
alls and shrunk into duels as opponents temporarily dropped out. Enemies
became shield brethren and reverted back to enemies as sides changed and
warped. It was five on one one moment then everything reversed and the odds
favoured the individual. It was complete and utter chaos.
The priest arrived just as everyone was slowing down with exhaustion.
He entered the door, took one look at the carnage and yelled as loud as he
could.
"STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Like a movie paused in mid frame everyone
obeyed, they slowly turned from their opponents to face the angry priest.
"What in Heavens name is going On Here!" There was a brief shuffling of
feet as everyone backed away from everyone else.
"Uh..." "Well..." "Um..." "Er..." "It's..." "She..." "He..."
"I come here to conduct a wedding and I find this?!? You, " He said
pointing at Ukyou, "tell me what's going on?"
"She stole my Ranchan and was###"
"He belongs to me Ha ha ha ha ha!!!" "Ranma Shampoo's husband!" "He's
my fiancee!" "The groom must marry my granddaughter!" "My Daughter! He'll
marry my daughter!" "Shampoo is mine!" "I have prior claim!" "My son will
be honourable!" "He's mine!" "No he's not!" "She's Mine!" "Shampoo
Ranma's!" "Ranma's mine!" "Ranchan's mine!"
Ranma could only stand in bewilderment at the chaos that once again
reigned. Everyone was visibly restraining themselves from physical action
due to the priest there. It was all so confusing, and the drugs in his
system didn't help. Four fiancees, a protective lover of one, a bizerker
enemy, a powerful crone, two boisterous fathers, a noble mother, an idiot
samurai. All, but one, people he'd only just met recently, all determined
to grab hold of him, claim him. He was baffled beyond belief. All the
voices whirled around him, all saying the same things from a multitude of
mouths. There was only one he could isolate. It came from within.
Help Akane, stay by Akane, protect Akane. Help Akane, stay by Akane,
protect Akane. It cried out within him as the only voice to be recognised.
He grabbed Akane round the waist and, before anyone could react, jumped out
the window. Running as fast as he could, ignoring all cries of protest or
sounds of pursuit, he headed for the one place of sanity in this mad world.
Nabiki calmly left the room and sought a phone. Finding one she
dialled a number, entered an extension and waited for it to be answered.
The bleary voice on the other end reminded her how late it was.
"Bob! Wake up! You're going to have two patients knocking on your door
very soon. Akane will be in need of minor medical attention, Ranma is more
serious. His system is full of numerous drugs right now, they'll need to be
flushed from his system. Be careful with Akane and keep them together, I
believe Ranma may get violent if she's hurt or you separate them. Are you
getting this?"
"Yea.. Yes. Akane and Ranma, need treatment, keep together."
"Right. Now while they're there I want you to do what you can for
them, psychologically. I'll be over tomorrow morning, uh actually later
this morning. You might want to let them sleep when I get there."
"Right. Okay. Is that all?"
"For now." Nabiki hung up before dialling again, she had a couple more
arrangements to make.
Akane was easy to treat. Some cuts and bruises, nothing much. Ranma
however needed more advanced treatment. A sample of his blood went
immediately to be tested and all they could do was hover as he restlessly
paced around Akane. She had to sit before coming too dizzy at his unnatural
energy. He refused to talk so Bob talked to Akane about what had been
happening over the last few days. The telling took quite a while. Just as
she was recounting the evening's events Ranma suddenly paused and turned to
face them.
"I'm a little tired now." He blinked at them a little stupidly. "I
think I need to.... res..." He collapsed into Akane's lap.
"Ranma! Bob.... is he....?" Bob was examining him.
"He fine Akane, the negative reactions to the drugs are beginning to
kick in. Help me put him on the bed." Though tired Ranma's thoughts were
still moving in rapid circles. With Akane holding his hand on one side, the
more familiar surroundings of the clinic about him and Bob on his other
side he found it very easy to talk about his confusion and the problems
he'd had over the last few days. Bob quietly listened as Ranma poured his
soul out, only making the odd comment. When the blood analysis came back he
gave Ranma a very large injection that also put him out. He then convinced
Akane to have a smaller shot as well and arranged for a second bed to be
placed by Ranma's so they wouldn't be separated.
Later that morning he had a long talk with Nabiki. Much was discussed,
only some to do with Ranma or Akane. Payments were made and assurances
given.
When Ranma awoke he found Bob by his side.
"Hi..."
"Hello Ranma, lets finish what we were talking about the other night."
"Okay..." Ranma noticed Akane nearby, still asleep, and relaxed.
"Everythings so confusing. I can handle school work, I can catch up I can.
And my martial skills seem to be alright so I can still be heir to the
dojo, eventually. But the people.... They all expect me to behave as I did
before."
"And you don't want to? Don't you want to yourself?"
"I.... I don't know if I like who I was...."
"Why?"
"I don't know.... I can't have been very nice, I mean I had four
fiancees, four! One was a bloodthirsty girl and one was even crazy. That's
not very honourable? Or right?"
"Perhaps your being engaged to so many wasn't your fault."
"Maybe... but I could still have picked one for sure, or stood by one
or something. And that's not all. It seems that I was forever getting into
fights, always beating people up. And lots of people have mentioned how
rude I always was. And Akane gets sad when she hears about me recovering my
memory so I can't have been very nice to her."
"That's important to you isn't it?"
".......yeah......"
"Why?"
"She's....." Ranma looked at her sleeping form. "Sometimes I get
feelings, odd thoughts, as if I remember the faintest fragments of things.
I.... I think I love her......"
"What about the other fiancees?"
"I..... I don't know. I don't think I love them. That Ukyou girl
seemed nice but they didn't affect me the way Akane does."
"So from all accounts you don't think you liked how you were before?"
"No..... But Cologne says she can restore my memory, and even you said
I might remember in the future."
"That doesn't mean you will be the person you were before."
"But what if I do?!? What if I stop being myself.... to be....
myself?"
"You will always be yourself Ranma. The trick is to remember who you
_want_ to be. So..... Who do you want to be Ranma? What do you want out of
life?"
"I....................................." Ranma gazed at Akane's
sleeping form, smiling as she smiled. "I want Akane to smile more......"
"So......... What are you going to do about it?"
Nabiki smuggled them in one by one. They disappeared from the Tendo
household without warning, each initially leaving due to completely natural
reasons. They were watched of course, by a number of very emotional, very
skilled persons but to no avail. Nabiki called in favours from many
directions, creating tens of false trails which in turn branched into ten
each, abducting family, keeping opposition occupied. Nothing was to go
wrong with the event.
The day before she had again visited certain sectors of Tokyo,
purchasing items of subtle and yet powerful magiks. They cost, a lot, but
the final rewards would be worth it.
Now they were all here, ready and waiting. Kasumi seated at the front
with a fogged out Dr Tofu beside her. Genma standing beside Ranma, both
dressed to a T. Nodoka in the back, helping Akane. Soun waiting just
outside to escort her. Even the priest was ready, spirited away from his
home as he had been. Nabiki finished arranging things out the back and took
her place.
It was a small ceremony, quiet, peaceful, surrounded by family. Words
were spoken by all, following rituals, from the heart. The priest directed
it all with a calmness that soothed everyones nerves and eased what tension
there was. Finally Akane and Ranma were nearing the end. They had drunk the
tea, partaken the food, exchanged gifts. They knelt, facing each other, the
priest just behind them. He nudged Ranma to speak.
"Akane.... I do love you, will you consent to be my wife?"
"Ranma.... I do love you, will you consent to be my husband?"
"Hai...."
"Hai...."
The priest leant forward and joined their hands, hands now wearing
rings as if it were only natural to do so, special gifts to each other
(given them by Nabiki).
"So you two pledge your love, so I bless this union. You are wed."
They leant forward and gently kissed each other, sealing the bond between
them.
(
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