Chapter 20 - At the End of the Storm

~Yokohama University~

Hikaru let out a tired sigh as he plopped down beneath a tree. He leaned against the trunk. It was Friday and classes finished for the week. Weekend was approaching. A blessing for most students, but for Hikaru, it wasn’t so.

Two weeks ago, Hikaru and Yi Ping returned from a training trip in China. There they encountered the Joketsuzoku village and lived with the Chinese amazons. Such an interesting trip it was…China. Hikaru knew he would never forget that beautiful, yet strange country.

Upon their return to Japan, Yi Ping wasn’t ready to go back to Nerima yet. Since Hikaru’s dormitory didn’t allow non-students to reside, Hikaru moved out. He and Yi Ping decided to rent an apartment near the campus. This meant that they needed money for the rent. While Yi Ping found a job at a restaurant waiting tables, Hikaru worked at a local deli store. The money they both made wasn’t much, but they were happy. They were together, and they were independent.

"Hikaru!"

He looked up towards the direction of the voice. Yi Ping was running towards him with her backpack. Hikaru waved and smiled at her.

She sat next to him, all out of breath. "Hikaru…I have to tell you something."

"What?"

Yi Ping took a deep breath first. Then she took out a newspaper from her bag. "Guess who’s in the front page news!"

"Who?" Hikaru asked, not even taking the paper from her.

"Michiko Saotome!"

Hikaru frowned. "Yi Ping, I don’t really care what happens to that woman. She can go to hell for all I care."

"Hikaru! Just read it!" Yi Ping dropped the paper on his lap.

Hikaru sighed and unfolded the newspaper. There on the front page, the headlines screamed: MICHIKO TANAKA-SAOTOME FACES CHARGES ON ATTEMPTED MURDER AND ARSON!

"Kami…" Hikaru gasped. He stared to at the blown-up picture of Michiko who was escorted by the police to a courthouse. "Who’s charging her?"

"Your father…for trying to kill your mother."

"WHAT?!" Hikaru’s face went white.

"Read the article."

Hikaru did what he was told. Afterwards, he put the paper down quietly. Yi Ping watched him, concerned.

"I wonder if mom is okay. The paper doesn’t say much except she was taken to the hospital."

"Well…why don’t we find out?" suggested Yi Ping.

Hikaru turned to her, surprised. "Yi Ping!"

"Don’t you want to find out yourself?"

"Why, sure, but…are you ready to go home?"

Yi Ping gazed around and then turned to him. "As much as I enjoy being here with you in Yokohama, I do want to see my family."

"You’re ready to reconcile with your parents?"

"We have to start somewhere…somehow. Don’t you think?"

Hikaru nodded. "We’ll leave tomorrow."

***

Since Kodachi’s attack, Ranma and Akane had been staying at Nodoka’s home. Authorities advised them to stay away from the Tendo home for awhile just to be on the safe side. Now that Michiko Saotome was under police custody, the two were allowed to go home.

"All packed?"

Akane saw Ranma standing at the doorway while leaning against the door with his arms crossed.

She nodded. "Uh-huh."

As Ranma picked up the suitcase, Akane said, "I’m so glad that we finally get to go home. Not that I didn’t enjoy my stay here, but I just don’t want to be any trouble to your mom."

"Mom doesn’t mind, Akane, but of course…we do need to stay at our own place now."

Akane followed him out of the room. "Where is Aunt Nodoka anyway? I want to say good-bye and thank her for letting us stay."

"Oh…she had to visit some friends."

"That’s too bad."

"Well, you can thank her when you see her. Right now, let’s go home."

***

A smile came to Akane’s lips as she and Ranma walked towards the Tendo home. Ranma looked sideways, seeing the profile of her face. He squeezed her hand and smiled at her.

Ranma opened the door for her and let her step inside first. Walking in behind her, Ranma put down the suitcase at the hall.

"Home sweet home." Akane sighed happily. She turned to him. "So, Ranma, what do you want for dinner?"

Ranma said, "Well, this is our first day at home in awhile. Maybe we should order in dinner instead."

"Sounds good, Ranma."

"Why don’t you go ahead and rest in the living room? I’ll make a call."

"Okay." Akane agreed.

Akane walked down the hall. Once she reached the living room, she was greeted by a chorus of voices.

"SURPRISE!!!!"

Akane’s hands flew to her mouth. In her living room, she saw a sea of happy, smiling faces. All her friends and family were there. The Hibikis, Shampoo, Mousse, Mao, Nodoka, the Tofus, and the Kunos were all present.

"Oh…my…"

"Ranma…you…you did this for me."

He smiled at her. "Welcome home, Akane."

She threw her arms around him and kissed him.

"Hey, you two, "called out Ryouga. "Save it for the honeymoon!"

Everyone laughed. Ranma and Akane broke away from each other and grinned. Akane giggled as Ranma chuckled. Then they turned their attention to the guests.

Nodoka and Kasumi reached Akane first, giving her a hug. Ryouga and Ukyou came next. Afterwards, Shampoo and Mousse approached Ranma and Akane.

"Hello, Shampoo. Mousse." Akane greeted.

Shampoo said, "We are so glad that you are okay, Akane."

"Well, I probably wouldn’t be standing here today if you and Mousse didn’t come and rescue us." Akane put her hands on her bulging stomach.

"And we heard that you and Mousse are going to testify against Michiko," said Ranma.

"After all what has happened…we know that it is up to us to make things right."

"Ranma, Akane," said Mousse, "we regret what we did to you. Saying sorry never seemed to be enough since we hurt you both and your son very badly. We hope that you can forgive us."

"Apology accepted…and thank you." Akane smiled at them.

Ranma nodded slowly. " Yeah, you don’t know how thankful I am for the two of you for saving Akane and our baby." He looked at Shampoo. " And, Shampoo, I want to apologize for the way I acted that time."

The Chinese Amazon woman shook her head. "It’s okay, Ranma. You had your reasons. I can’t blame you. What we did was wrong, but what happened, happened and we can never go back."

"Yes. It’s time we put the past behind us, move on from here and start anew."

Shampoo agreed softly, "Mousse and I would like that to happen very much."

Akane shared a hug with Shampoo and then with Mousse. Later when the Chinese couple left to join the others, Nabiki approached them.

Nabiki said, "Well, Akane, you look very well. I’m so glad."

"Thanks, Nabiki." Her younger sister nodded at her.

She was quiet for awhile until she told them, "Listen, I want to apologize for that time…"

Akane shook her head. "It’s alright, Nabiki."

"It’s not that I hate you, Akane. I was just concern for you. I mean I know I don’t really show you how I feel. I’m not like Kasumi. I was afraid that you might get your heart broken. I didn’t want to happen to you what happened eighteen years ago."

"I know, Nabiki."

"And…I’m sorry about what I said about Kouhei… I didn’t mean it."

"That’s alright, Nabiki. We both lost our heads that day and said some things. Even I said some terrible things I shouldn’t have."

"I think I deserved that, sis." Nabiki smiled.

"Well…yeah, I guess you did."

The two sisters laughed. It felt so good. They realized how much they missed each other. They shared a hug.

Nabiki turned to Ranma. "I owe you an apology, Ranma. I misjudged you. I didn’t think you would keep your word to Akane."

"I’m here now, aren’t I? And I intend to stick around with this woman for as long as I live." Ranma promised as he put his arm around Akane. They looked at one another and smiled.

"Take care of them, Saotome, "said Nabiki.

"I will."

***

As the party went on, Kasumi gazed at the happiness that filled the room. Everyone seemed to be enjoying himself or herself. She watched her two younger sisters chatting quietly. And then at one corner of the room, Ranma was speaking to Mousse and Shampoo with Ukyou and Ryouga beside them.

The doorbell rang. Kasumi saw that Akane was about to go answer the door. However, the elder Tendo sister quickly approached Akane and volunteered to get it. She didn’t want to spoil the moment between her two sisters.

After hearing Akane’s thank you, Kasumi left and opened the front door. As soon as she saw the two visitors, she could only say two words.

"Oh my."

***

Akane listened intently to the gossip Nabiki was telling her. She was so glad that they were talking again. She never really realized how important the times she spent with her sister then. At least everything is okay now. She thought to herself. That’s all it matters.

"Excuse me. Excuse me, everyone." A soft yet very clear voice spoke out. "May I have everyone’s attention please?"

The noise stopped and everyone looked at Kasumi.

"Sorry for the interruption, but we have two new guests who had just arrived."

Kasumi slowly moved out of the way, and then Hikaru and Yi Ping emerged from the hall.

"Hikaru!"

"Mom."

"Mama! Father!"

"Yi Ping!"

Akane, Shampoo, and Mousse ran towards Hikaru and Yi Ping. Akane’s arms suddenly went around Hikaru as soon as he reached her. Mousse and Shampoo hugged their daughter. Mao who saw his sister immediately went to join his family.

Akane backed away from Hikaru’s arms and put her hands on his cheeks. Tears filled her eyes as she laid them on her son for the very first time in months.

"You came back. You came back to me," she murmured.

She smothered his face with kisses like she did when he was a little boy and hugged him again, sobbing on his shoulder.

Hikaru hugged his mother tightly. "I am so sorry, Mom," he said in a choked voice as he tried to hold back tears. "I am so sorry."

"No, no, I should be the one who should be saying that. I should have told you the truth."

"Mom, no, please…I understand why now. I should have let you explain…"

Akane shook her head and put her finger on his lips. "Hush…it doesn’t matter. You’re here with me. That’s what counts the most."

In another part of the room, another family reunion was taking place.

"I am so sorry that I got everyone worried," Yi Ping said as Shampoo hugged her one more time.

"You are home now." Shampoo smiled at her as she smoothed out her daughter’s black hair. "Safe and sound. That’s important to me."

"We’re so glad to have you back," said Mousse. "We missed you so much, Yi Ping."

Yi Ping reached out and embraced her father. "I missed you, guys, too." She glanced down at her younger brother. "Even you, Mao."

As Mousse put his arm around his daughter, Mao asked, "Gosh, sis, where did you go anyway?"

Yi Ping smiled sheepishly. "Um…would you believe…China?"

"China?!" The other three Chinese Amazons cried out and face-faulted.

***

While Hikaru was still in his mom’s embrace, he heard footsteps approaching them. Slowly, he let go of his mother and looked up into the eyes that were identical to his.

Ranma cleared his throat. "Hi, Hikaru. Welcome back."

"Thank you. It’s great to be back." Hikaru hesitated before speaking again. "Listen, I want to say sorry for those accusations I made."

Ranma shook his head and waved a hand at him. "It’s okay, Hikaru."

"And I’m sorry for just running off like that without even giving you a chance."

"I understand. I probably would have done the same thing. Look, I know that I can never take your dad’s place. You hold a special spot for him in your heart. You can’t imagine how sorry I am for missing all those years I should have been with you, but I’m here now. I would like to have another shot."

Hikaru nodded and smiled. "I’d…I’d like that."

Ranma smiled. Slowly and awkwardly, the two approached each other for a hug. The awkwardness soon disappeared and they finally put their arms around one another.

And for the first time in eighteen years, Ranma Saotome held his son.

***

When the party ended that evening, Hikaru told his parents that he was going to walk Yi Ping home. Ranma and Akane approved, and moments later they were alone.

Akane sat at the porch, gazing at the koi pond. She saw the reflection of the moon and stars at the shimmering water. Later, Ranma joined her. They sat in silence as Akane dropped her head on his shoulder while Ranma gently put his arm around her shoulder.

"You know what, Akane? Today was almost perfect," he said.

Akane gave him a strange look. "Almost? We’ve reconciled with Shampoo, Mousse, and Nabiki. Our son came back to us. I’m here with you at our home, alive, well, and very happy. I mean I can’t think of anything else that would top all that."

"Oh…I don’t know. Something is missing…"

"Oh? And what is that?"

"Oh…just this."

Ranma offered a tiny ring box before her. Akane let out a startled gasp and she looked up at Ranma who smiled at her.

"Akane Tendo, will you marry me?" He asked softly.

Tears formed in Akane’s eyes. "Oh, Ranma! Yes, yes, I’ll marry you." She threw her arms around him.

Ranma hugged her back and held her for a moment. Then he drew back and put the box in her hands. "Open it."

Her hands slowly lifted the lid. She stared at the ring with surprise. She couldn’t believe her eyes, and for awhile she could not speak.

"R-Ranma?"

"It’s your ring," he said. "Your old ring."

Akane’s facial expression didn’t change. "You mean…you kept it all this time…"

He nodded. "That afternoon…after I broke off our engagement…I was going to sell it. Then I got to the pawnshop. Somehow, I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t stand the fact that someone else was going to wear your ring. So I kept it."

"But…"

"Yes, it hurt me since the woman I truly love couldn’t wear the ring that symbolized my eternal love for her, but it was also served as a memory of what she and I had once."

The tears flowed down her cheeks. "Ranma…I don’t know what to say."

"Just say that you’ll wear it and be mine forever."

"Yes, I’ll wear it. I am yours, Ranma Saotome. Now and forevermore."

Ranma took her hand and slipped it on her finger. Akane smiled as she looked at the ring. "I never thought I’d see this ring ever again. Let alone wear it." She turned to Ranma. "Thank you, Ranma."

"Your welcome."

"I love you."

"And I love you."

Ranma leaned over to her until his lips met with hers in a sweet kiss.

***

One month later…

The wedding took place at the garden outside the Tendo home. Ranma and Akane agreed to have a Western wedding that had been denied of them before. It was a small wedding. Only their families and closest friends were invited.

The Wedding March played as Akane walked down the aisle with Hikaru giving her away. Waiting for her at the end was Ranma, smiling at his beautiful bride. Once Akane took her place next to Ranma, she and the groom faced the priest.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this man and this woman in matrimony. If anyone here thinks that these two should not be together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." When no one spoke out, the priest continued, "Without further ado, Ranma and Akane, you will now have your chance to exchange your vows."

Ranma took her hand as she faced him giving him that familiar smile he always loved. "I, Ranma Saotome, take you, Akane Tendo, to be my wife, knowing in my heart that you will be

my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special day, I give to you in the presence of these witnesses my sacred promise to stay by your side as your husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, honor and respect you, provide for your needs as best I can, protect you from harm, comfort you in times of distress, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

Akane’s eyes were filled with tears and then she spoke out in a clear, sincere voice. "I, Akane Tendo, take you, Ranma Saotome, to be my husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special day, I give to you in the presence of these witnesses my sacred promise to stay by your side as your wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

The rings were exchanged next, and afterwards the priest announced, "And now...since you have marked your love by the exchange of vows and the exchange of rings, I pronounce you husband and wife. These were two. Now they are united as one." He smiled at the grinning bride and groom. "You may now kiss the bride."

They wrapped their arms around each other and kissed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Saotome!"

The guests clapped their hands as Ranma and Akane faced them. Hikaru was clapping the loudest of all. Standing beside him was his grandmother Nodoka who shed some tears.

Ranma and Akane approached their friends and family who surrounded them. Heartfelt congratulations and hugs were exchanged.

"Ranma and Akane, you guys are married! You finally did it!" Ukyou exclaimed. "I’m so happy!"

"Yeah," said Ryouga. "It’s about time, too."

"Mom, Ranma, congratulations," said Hikaru.

"Thank you, Hikaru." Ranma looked at his son gratefully while Akane nodded at him with a smile.

The ceremony was quickly followed by a reception where the joyous celebration continued. The day, however, soon had to come to an end. The guests soon left. Hikaru, who wanted to get to know his grandmother better, decided to spend the night at her house. Nodoka was happy to have him over since she wanted to spend time with her grandson.

After Ranma and Akane said goodbye to the last of their guests, they turned to each other.

"What a day," remarked Ranma.

Akane nodded. "Yes, it was quite a day."

They started to go inside the house. Ranma was in the lead. As soon as he opened the door, however, he turned around.

Puzzled at why Ranma suddenly paused, Akane asked, "What’s wrong?"

"Well, now that we’re married, there’s one thing I now have the privilege of doing."

"Oh, really? What’s that?"

Ranma gently swept her up in his arms. Akane shrieked and laughed. He carried her inside and stopped at the doorway, laughing along with her. Then they stopped and gazed at each other lovingly.

"My wife…"

"My husband…"

They shared a sweet, loving kiss.

***

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