Part Two - Partners

Chapter 8 – Home At Last

A tall handsome youth emerged from the busy Nerima Train Station. He stood uncomfortably in a suit as he tried in vain to hail a taxi. He was not accustomed to wear such formal attire, yet he wore it today for this was a special day.

Finally, a taxi pulled up in front of him. He got in the taxi and told the driver his destination.

"Tatewaki Kuno Law Firm."

The taxi took off. The young man sat back as he observed the sights from his window. Nerima was not like his hometown, Takasaki. It was far much busier compared to home, but he figured that he could get use to it here.

The driver pulled up in front of a building, and his passenger stepped out after paying his fare and including a tip. He entered the building and made his way inside. A few ladies passed him by and could not help but notice how handsome he was. He became aware of this, and gave them a shy smile. No one could deny it, but he was always worth a second look. It should have made him proud that people found him attractive, but the truth was it embarrassed him. He never was pompous about his looks instead he was very humble about them.

Finally, he reached a small corridor where he saw two women talking to each other. The one who was facing towards him was tall and had a very serene face. She smiled at him and then said something to her companion.

Instantly, her companion turned. She was a beautiful woman with long black hair and big brown eyes. She was wearing a white tailored suit. The moment she saw him, a smile appeared across her face.

"Hikaru!"

"Mom!"

Akane took him in his arms and hugged him. Then Hikaru looked at his mother’s companion. "Hi, Aunt Kasumi."

Kasumi said sweetly, "Hello, Hikaru. I’m so glad you could join us."

"Yeah, me too. Hey, where is everybody? I thought we were all suppose to meet here at eleven?"

"We have to wait for the others," Akane told him.

At that moment, Nabiki came out of her husband’s office. "Hello, everybody. Sorry for the delay. Tacchi had to see a few walk-in clients, but he’s in there now gathering the necessary papers." She looked around. "Hey, where’s Ranma?"

"Oh, I’m sure he’ll be here," replied Kasumi as Akane turned towards her.

Hikaru tapped his mother’s shoulders. "Uh, Mom?"

She looked at him. "Yes, Hikaru?"

"You’re not mad at me for talking to Saotome-sensei, are you?"

Akane glanced towards her sisters, who were curious about her answer. Smiling at Hikaru, she replied, "No, of course not."

"I only did it for you, Mom. It seemed like he was the only person who could help out. I don’t know what it is, but the moment I saw him at the dojo, I felt really drawn to him."

Akane’s face went pale as her smile disappeared. "Oh?"

"Yeah, and he seems like a really nice guy. I like him."

Staring at him, she wondered if he could actually sense who Ranma really was. She gave him a quick smile. "Yes, I suppose."

"That doesn’t surprise me at all, " spoke up Nabiki.

"Nothing ever does surprise you, Nabiki." Someone called out.

They all looked towards the direction of the voice and found Ranma walking arm in arm with Michiko.

Nabiki gave him a crooked smile. "Well, it’s about time you got here, Ranma. I thought maybe you changed your mind."

"Only you would think of that, Nabiki."

Nabiki turned to everyone. "Well, since everyone is here, let’s not waste anymore time. We’ve got a partnership to make here."

They all followed Nabiki into Kuno’s office. Inside, they saw Kuno standing by a huge oak table. In his hand was a file.

Kuno greeted them. "Ah! Welcome thy honored guests. Allow yourselves to be seated." As the others took their seats, Kuno shook hands with both Akane and Ranma. "Nothing is more gratifying to hear that you have reached an agreement. I hope we can go through this gathering without any chaos."

Nabiki put her arm around him. "Oh, don’t worry, Tacchi baby. We will barely hear a peep from them. Isn’t that right, Akane?"

Akane managed to keep her indignation inside. "Right, Nabiki oneechan."

Her sister was pleased. "Kuno baby, let’s have those papers signed."

"Yes, my beautiful maiden."

Kuno sat at the head of the table. Akane, Kasumi, and Hikaru sat on his right side while the Saotomes sat across from them. Nabiki remained standing next to Kuno.

"Both parties have brought forth thy witnesses?" Kuno asked Ranma and Akane.

Ranma nodded. "My wife."

"My sister." Akane glanced at Kasumi who nodded.

"Very well then. Let us begin." Kuno took out a piece of paper from the file. "This was drawn two weeks before Soun Tendo’s death. I shall read it to you." He started to read. "This document states that both Akane Tendo-Sato and Ranma Saotome have agreed to disregard any resentment for each other and any disputes that have taken place in the past. Any misgivings between them must be dismissed. It is important that both parties must understand that they must reach a compromise before taking any part of the partnership and before Akane Tendo-Sato can claim the Tendo house hers. Do both agree to the terms?"

Ranma and Akane replied, "Yes."

"I feel nothing for you."

"Get out of my life!"

Kuno slid the paper to Akane. "I ask thou fair Akane Tendo to sign."

Quietly, Akane signed the paper. Am I doing the right thing here? Of course, you are, Akane. Remember. You have no life in Takasaki. Use your head.

Akane gave the paper to Ranma who took it without a word and started to sign. Can a piece of paper really say that I’m forgiven? Come on, Ranma. Stop feeling so guilty. Remember. You can't bring it all back. Just pick up the pieces.

As soon as Ranma and their witnesses signed, Kuno went on to the next one. "This document states that both parties are required to instruct classes together at the Tendo-Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts in Nerima for twelve months starting on this date. This condition must be accomplished first before the partnership can be officially declared and before Akane Tendo-Sato can claim ownership of the house. However, during this period, both parties must act as if they are officially partners. They must treat each other with respect. Neither must think that he or she is superior to the other. Both are equal in making decisions and must consult one another before any action is taken. The two parties must be loyal to one another. No party can get involve with another outside the partnership in any agreement or contract without discussing it with each other. Both must give their full commitment to the other."

"Interesting," remarked Nabiki. "Why, it’s almost as if they’re a married couple."

"Without love, of course," added Michiko quickly.

"Oh, my," Kasumi said. "I’m sure Ranma and Akane like each other just fine to get into such an agreement."

"Are both parties willing to agree?" asked Kuno.

"Yes," answered Ranma, as Akane echoed the same reply.

Kuno let them sign. As soon as he received the papers, he announced, "Congratulations. The school is now in your hands."

Ranma and Akane gave each other a quick smile.

Nabiki said, "A handshake would be nice you know."

Ranma made the first move. He leaned over the table and stuck his hand out to Akane. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

As they shook hands, everyone’s thoughts differed.

Nabiki: Thank goodness! We’re not going out of business!

Kuno: Rest assured now that my wife still has something to be occupied with other than shopping.

Kasumi: Oh my. I hope everything works out for them.

Michiko: That hussy! She’s making calf-eyes at my husband! Ranma, let go of her hand!

Hikaru: This is so cool! I’m so happy for Mom. I hope Saotome-sensei also teaches me when I come and visit.

Ranma and Akane: It’s going to be a long year.

***

Moments later, Ranma and Michiko were leaving Kuno’s office. They were the last ones in the group to go out. Both saw Akane, her sisters, and Hikaru ahead of them. Michiko tugged her husband’s arm. Ranma nodded and knew why.

He called out, "Akane!"

All four of them stopped and waited for Ranma and Michiko to catch up to them. Ranma stopped in front of Akane. "Akane."

She looked up at him. "Yes?"

"Listen, I’d like to open up another school. I was wondering if you would agree. I mean Michiko found this great spot where we can build it."

"Where is this place?" asked Akane.

Michiko replied, "Utsonomiya. I already bought the lot since I was planning to build a mall there. There’s perfect spot for your school. I can already visualize it."

Ranma explained, "Michiko has a very good eye for this stuff."

Akane asked him, "Have you seen it?"

"Well, no, but…"

Turning to Michiko, she said, "I would like to see the lot, and the plans for the mall just to see exactly where the school is. I mean it’s hard for me to give you an answer now since I really haven’t seen it." Akane suddenly realized that both of them were staring at her. "Is that alright?"

"Well, actually, we’re already building the mall," Michiko told her.

"Oh. Well. I would still like to see the place."

Michiko’s smile was icy. "Fine. I’ll give the plans to Ranma."

"Thank you." Then Akane said, "Oh, by the way, we’re all going out to eat. It’s sort of like a celebration. You’re both welcome to come to join us."

Ranma put his arm around his wife. "Sorry, Akane. Michiko and I made plans already. Thanks, anyway."

"Well, maybe next time then." She turned to the others. "Come on, guys. Let’s go eat." Then she turned to Ranma. "I guess I’ll see you at school tomorrow morning."

"Bright and early at eight," Ranma called out as Akane and the others left.

***

~Nekohanten~

"Are you sure you guys want to eat here?" asked Akane as they reached the entrance of the restaurant.

"Hey, I’m always game for Chinese food," replied Nabiki.

"Well…"

Akane continued to hesitate. She had not seen Shampoo since her father’s funeral. She and her husband Mousse came to say their condolences, but that was all they ever said to her. Akane figured that there must be still some old grudges left, although she did not know why. She and Ranma never got married.

"Go on, Akane," urged Kasumi.

Akane finally agreed. "Alright."

She came in the restaurant. She was surprised to find it dark. Puzzled, she called out, "Hello?"

"SURPRISE!" several voices shouted as the room lit up.

Akane gasped as she saw Shampoo, Mousse, and their children Yi Ping and Mao smiling at her. Also present was Hibiki family. She even saw her old high school friends and classmates. Behind them hung a banner, which said, "WELCOME HOME, AKANE!"

Akane was almost speechless. "Oh…for me!"

Ryoga nodded. "That’s right, Akane. Welcome back to Nerima."

"You…shouldn’t have. Oh, thank you."

Ryoga, Ukyou, Shampoo, and Mousse approached her. Ryoga gave her a hug and so did Ukyou.

Ukyou said, "Oh, Akane, we’re so glad you’re back."

"Thanks, Ukyou. It’s great to be back."

Akane turned to Shampoo who held out her hands. "It is nice to have you back, Akane," the purple-haired Amazon woman spoke in a clear, sincere voice.

Akane took her hands. She knew that Shampoo meant every word she said. Akane figured that if she could forgive Ranma, then she could forgive Shampoo. "Thank you, Shampoo. I appreciate you having this party at your restaurant."

"It’s the least I could do."

Mousse agreed, "We’re glad to have you celebrate your homecoming here."

"Thanks, guys." Akane’s eyes were filled with joy. "It’s really overwhelming. But I’m just glad that we can all just let bygones be bygones."

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

***

"See the place she says!" Michiko exclaimed as she yanked off her earrings angrily. "Who the hell does she think she is!"

Ranma rolled his eyes. It had been an hour since their exchange with Akane. He had already taken her out for lunch yet she was still fuming.

Michiko went on. "What does she know about real estate anyway? Doesn’t she know that I own Tanaka Enterprises, and that I’ve been in this business for years!

Ranma sighed. "Oh, Michiko, give it a rest please."

"And you! You just stood there and let her make the decision! You didn’t even bother to speak up!"

"I already told her that you are good at finding locations. I thought that would have convinced her enough to say yes."

"Well, you didn’t convince her hard enough!"

"Michiko, you gotta understand the situation. Akane doesn’t know you very well. So, of course, she feels that she needs to be aware. I mean it’s okay with me because we’ve been conducting business for years. Akane, on the other hand, hasn’t so you really can’t blame her."

Michiko dropped her jaw. "I don’t believe this! You’re on her side!"

"No, I’m looking at this in a professional manner. She has the right to say no. Even if I want to set up a school, I can’t do anything until she says okay."

Michiko let out a sigh of frustration. "Oh, alright! You’ve made your point. I might have to ask the construction company to cancel a few days of work."

"There’s no need to go that far. Go ahead and build your mall as if nothing’s change. I’ll talk to her."

"And what if she says no?"

He shrugged. "Well, I guess you gotta put something else up on that part of the lot."

"I suppose."

Ranma went behind her and put his around her waist. "That’s better. Now, let’s not talk about business anymore. You have to go back tomorrow morning and I’d like to spend time with my wife."

Michiko closed her eyes as she snuggled up to him. "I like that idea."

"I miss you a lot, you know. I wish you would come home more often."

"I can’t do that, Ranma. I have work…unless you move with me to Osaka."

"I can’t. I got the school. I have to teach with Akane for a year."

"That’s right." Michiko rolled her eyes in disgust. "Akane."

Ranma felt her body go tense in his arms. "Now, Michiko, remember it’s only for a year." He kissed her neck. "Come on. I thought we were gonna spend time together."

Michiko turned around and kissed him. Ranma kissed her back. They continued to exchange passionate kisses until Michiko drew away from him. "Wait a minute, Ranma. Let me put something on, okay?"

Ranma’s arms automatically let go of her. He tried not to look annoyed since he didn’t want to ruin their time together. "Fine. Go do your thing."

Michiko kissed him and grinned. "It’s just something to make us comfortable, sweetie." Then she sprinted off to the bathroom.

You, maybe, but not me.

***

The party was still going on at the Nekohanten. Everyone was so busy having a great time that no one noticed an elderly lady come in. She had a gentle look on her face. One might say that she had been attractive in her younger years.

Carefully, she asked one of the guests, "Excuse me. Where is Akane?"

He pointed across the room. "Over there, ma’am. She’s talking to Ukyou Hibiki."

Meanwhile, Ukyou was saying, "Too bad Ranchan is missing this. Where is he anyway?"

"He and Michiko had other plans," replied Akane.

"Oh, Michiko’s here?" Ukyou’s eyes went wide with surprise. "I didn’t expect her to come home. That wife of his…I don’t know. She is out of town a lot because of her work. She and Ranchan see each other only during the weekends."

Akane felt sorry for Ranma. "He must hate that."

She sighed. "Well, he’s been putting up with it for five years. I don’t know how he does it."

Suddenly, a voice interrupted them. "Excuse me. Akane? Is that you?"

Akane whirled around and found herself staring at an elderly lady. She looked familiar to Akane. "Yes."

"Akane, don’t you remember me?"

A look of recognition crossed her face. "Auntie Saotome!"

The two women hugged, and then Nodoka put her at arms’ length. "Oh, Akane! It’s so wonderful to see you."

"Same here, Auntie."

"You’ve gotten so beautiful. It’s a shame that my son didn’t marry you."

Akane laughed uncomfortably. She did not know how to reply to that one. Luckily, Ukyou saved her. "Auntie, would you like me to get you some tea?"

Nodoka replied, "Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you."

When Ukyou left, Akane suggested that they sit down. Nodoka agreed. They found a table all to themselves and settled down.

"I’m so glad that you’re back in town. I was pleased to hear that you decided to take up the partnership with my son."

"Well, martial arts has always been my life. Besides, I was also in a financial trouble," she admitted sheepishly.

"There’s nothing to be ashamed of, dear. What’s important is that you’re about to start a new life here in Nerima." Nodoka let out a sad smile. "I’m very sorry to hear about your father. I was on my way to my friend’s house in Ueda when he died. By the time I got back, he was already buried. I apologize for not paying my respects."

"That’s alright, Auntie." Akane understood. It was her decision to bury her father the day after he died. There was no way Nodoka could ever attend the funeral.

"I did visit his grave when I returned."

Akane reached out for her hand. "Thank you, Auntie. That means a lot."

A shadow loomed above them. Akane thought it was Ukyou coming to bring the tea, but she heard a voice say, "Mom."

Akane looked up. "Oh, Hikaru."

"Hey, Mom, I gotta split. I gotta take the train back to Yokohama. I still got class tomorrow."

"Of course." Akane stood up. Then she saw Nodoka staring up at her son curiously. "Oh, I’m sorry. Auntie, this is my son Hikaru. Hikaru, this is Nodoka Saotome. She’s Saotome-sensei’s mother."

Nodoka continued to stare at him as Hikaru bowed down. "Pleased to meet you, ma’am."

I don’t believe it. Those eyes. Could it be…? Nodoka was at loss, and for awhile she was almost speechless. "Please…call me Auntie Saotome. Everybody does."

Hikaru turned to his mom again. "Mom, I gotta go." He hugged her. "I’ll call you as soon as I get there."

Akane hugged him back. "Alright. Take care. Did you take some food?"

He smiled. "Aunt Shampoo gave me some dimsum while Aunt Ukyo wrapped up some of her okonomiyaki."

"I’d say that you’re ready to go." She ruffled his hair. "Now go on. Get out of here."

"It was nice meeting you, Auntie Nodoka." Then he said his good-byes and left.

Nodoka watched him leave, and then she turned to Akane who was sitting down again. "So, that was your son."

"Yes."

"But he’s not Sato’s. Correct?"

He heart began to beat faster. She wanted to say no, but it was difficult to lie. "Auntie Saotome…"

"He is Ranma’s, isn’t he?"

Akane’s face went white but she recovered quickly. "Yes…but how did you know?"

"He’s got the same eyes as my son’s."

Her voice dropped below a whisper. "Yes…he does. Dad said the same thing when he saw Hikaru."

Nodoka stared at the younger woman with disbelief. "Akane, how could you hide this after all these years?"

Akane looked down and then faced her again. "I didn’t really know I was pregnant until after Ranma went back to the States. I know that I should have at least written him a letter, but I didn’t. Our good-byes were not very pleasant. He rejected me. He used me. He loved Michiko, not me. I figured that if I told him then, he would have been forced to marry me. I didn’t want that, Auntie. I wanted him to marry me because he loved me. I didn’t want to be stuck in a loveless marriage, and I didn’t want Hikaru to have a father who feels obliged to be there for him. Hikaru and I deserved better than that. I know that it was wrong and selfish of me, but I don’t really regret what I did. I don’t blame you if you are angry with me. All I’m asking from you is to understand."

Nodoka had listened to her words carefully. It was true that Akane was wrong to keep Hikaru away from Ranma, but her reaction had only been natural. Ranma refused her and married Michiko.

"Akane, I’m not angry," she said after a moment passed by.

Akane was startled. "You…you’re not?"

"No, I’m not." Then Nodoka smiled. "How can I be angry when I just gained a grandson? I have always wanted a grandson. This is actually a relief."

"A relief?"

"Yes, because now I know that the Saotome line will continue. One day, you will tell him the truth."

"You mean…you won’t tell him?"

She shook her head. "That is not place, Akane. You and Ranma are now just beginning to patch things up. Someday, I know that you will tell him when you’re good and ready."

"Oh, Auntie, thank you." Akane stood up and hugged her. "Thank you for understanding."

"No, Akane, I should be the one who’s thanking you. You gave me a grandson."

Akane smiled. "Well, I’m so glad that we had this talk. Good thing Ukyou hasn’t arrived yet, but I’m sure you want your tea."

Nodoka nodded, and Akane left to get it for her. Nodoka sighed as her eyes followed Akane. She knew that she should have told Akane the real reason why Ranma did not marry her, but she was not sure how Akane would react. No, she would let it lie for awhile. After all, it was not her place to tell, but Ranma’s.

Author’s Notes:

Well, what did you all think? I know that the story is going pretty slow, but I at least wanted to let Nodoka know that Hikaru was her grandson, and I thought this was the best way for her to know. I would also like to point out that at the beginning of this chapter that I described Nerima to be a busier place than Takasaki. The truth is I really don’t know if that’s true. I only looked up the map of Japan, found Takasaki pretty far from Nerima, and decided that it would do. I would also like to point out that some of you might not agree with Ryoga and Ukyou getting married. (I should have mentioned this in the last chapter, but I forgot.) The thing is I really like Ryoga with Ukyou. It’s not that I have something against Akari because I happen to like her, too. But I just find pairing up Ryoga with Ukyou interesting. The moment I saw them together at the movie, Nihao! My Concubine! I thought they looked so cute together (awww!) Also, some of you may wonder why I put Shampoo with Mousse. Again, I must point out that I like them together. Some of you think that Shampoo doesn’t really like Mousse, but I disagree. If you watch the episode, Ranma Vs Mousse, and Nihao! My Concubine, then you’ll see what I mean.