Little Condo on the Prairie
A scenario which MIGHT play out a decade after Susan Doenime's
"Poison"
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publishing rights are held
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. My purpose is to honor the
creator and her works. No infringement intended.
---------------------------
Akane looked at the photograph again. It showed her sister and her two
children... at least they had to good sense not to show HIM. Though
Kasumi had told her not to do it, Akane had decided to fly to this
foreign land to see her sister, niece, nephew. Meeting HIM was
inevitable. She wondered what sort of life they must lead. They fled
to a place where his past might not matter, where he might be able to
TRY to get an education, to TRY to hold a job, but he could not escape
what he WAS. She hoped she could comfort her sister in her sorrow.
2319 Rosebud Lane was the address. Akane had thought she spoke
English, she had taken it all through college, after all, but she was
mistaken. She finally found the complex where the condo was located.
She had to admit the complex was quite nice. She knew the one HE lived
in might look nice on the outside, but... she hoped she could tolerate
the interior.
Akane rang the doorbell. Two little children, her niece and nephew,
poked their heads from behind the curtain. They looked at her, smiled
and ran off. She heard they were yelling "Auntie Akane!" She wondered
how they knew who she was. Nabiki had not taken any photos with her...
A familiar face, framed by red hair in a braided ponytail, interrupted
Akane's thoughts. Ranma-chan lifted the curtain for a moment, saw
Akane, then dropped it. Akane felt smug for a second then was filled
with sorrow for her sister's lot. All her husband was good for was a
servile role, no better than a maid. It was surprising, better than
she had expected, but Ranma was better than...her...father, Genma had
committed Seppuku after they had thrown them out. Akane suddenly
realized that Kasumi was right, that she should not have come here.
She was sorry about what had happened to her sister, but the jerk
deserved it. What had Nabiki EVER done for her, anyway? She turned to
leave, and nearly ran into Nabiki. Her sister was extremely well
dressed, wearing a black business suit.
Nabiki had not seen her sister in ten years, but seeing HER told
Nabiki why Ranma had acted the way she did on the Phone. "What brings
you here Akane?"
Akane tried to comfort her sister. "I'm so sorry for you! Is that all
Ranma is, a housewife? It is better than I had thought one of THEM
might turn out, however." She reached out to embrace her.
Nabiki was enraged. "HOW DARE YOU!" She pulled back her hand to strike
her sister, then remembered her control and lowered her hand, pushing
off Akane's attempt at an embrace. "Please judge us after you have
visited with us." Nabiki got out a key and opened the door. "After
you, Akane." Akane entered the house.
-------
The living room was decorated with portraits of people she knew well.
There was a portrait of the Tendou family. Akane and Soun were dressed
in their gis, Kasumi was wearing an apron over a blouse and skirt, and
Nabiki was wearing her usual blouse and shorts with a camera dangling
from her neck. Akane realized how the children recognized her. Looking
at the painted image of herself, she could see both fire in her eyes
and warmth in her smile. Nabiki was a great artist; maybe she HAD
learned something from all those photos she had taken. Akane was proud
of what her sister had done.
Another portrait showed the Saotome family. Genma had the smile Akane
remembered when he was talking with Soun about past exploits. Nodoka
was dressed in a beautiful Kimono, frozen in the middle of a kata with
her katana. Ranma and Ranma-chan were back to back, with Ranma dressed
in a gi, and Ranma-chan dressed in a smock and holding a paintbrush,
putting the finishing touches on...a panda sitting to her side,
holding a sign saying "The Saotome Family" in English.
Yet again Ranma had surprised Akane, clearly she was much more than a
housewife. The third portrait was of the family whose members she had
met. Ranma had obviously let the children "help" by finger-painting a
background in front of which he painted himself, herself, Nabiki, the
two children, and their grandmother.
Nabiki looked at her sister, and felt the adage 'a picture is worth a
thousand words' was a few volumes short. In the meantime, Ranma-chan
had silently entered the room. After a few more moments, Akane looked
around the room, and walked to her sister. "It seems I owe you an
apology, Nabiki."
Nabiki pointed to Ranma. "I think you owe HER much more."
Akane walked over to Ranma. "I'm sorry..." Akane swallowed, hard.
"'Sorry' will not bring my father back, Akane. I do not know if I can
forgive you, but I DO understand why YOU did it. If only you had had
the courage of your sister..." DON'T GO THERE! Ranma shouted to
herself. She needed only to think of what Akane had done to her to
douse any feelings rekindled by her presence. "Akane, you made your
decision. Because of what you did, I married the most wonderful woman
I have ever met." She looked at Nabiki with affection. "She stood by
me in my darkest hour, a time my father could not survive." Ranma
looked down.
Nabiki glanced at her watch. "Ranma, we still have a meeting at
12:00."
Ranma regained her composure. "Ok, I'd better start getting ready."
She left the room.
"I'll call my clients back & tell them I'll be back this afternoon,"
Nabiki said as she dialed a number on the Phone.
-------
Nabiki directed her sister to sit down opposite her on a sofa. Akane
sat and spoke almost immediately. "So, what have you been doing the
past ten years? Are you still running from his past?"
"What does it matter if it means nothing, Akane? We don't care what
someone a more that century ago did! My husband had no trouble getting
degrees in Art and Physical Education. We both could have gone to grad
school, but he sacrificed his Masters so I could get my MBA, not
because of grades, because of our family. Only one of us could go, and
he knew how much it meant to me. Excuse me a moment."
Nabiki left the room, returning with a large binder, stuffed almost to
overflowing. Nabiki spoke as she opened the book. "This is a scrap
book we have kept. It pretty well tells the story of the ten years
Ranma, his mother, and myself have shared. We have kept an identical
copy to give to the Tendou family someday, I hope you will take it
with you."
The first picture was of Ranma & Nabiki holding a document outside of
city hall. "We were married within a week after you threw Ranma out.
Immigration required us to because Ranma's Uncle was going to sponsor
Ranma and Nodoka, so I needed to become related if I wanted to go with
them."
"So, it was a marriage of convenience?"
"At the start, but it became much more. I LOVE Ranma, Akane... Did
you?"
Akane answered with a sad "yes."
There was one picture of a pained Genma, Nodoka, Ranma and Nabiki,
then a series of pictures of a somber ceremony. "Mr. Saotome was truly
pleased that Ranma and I got married, but could not get over the
'dishonor' he thought he had brought to his son, wife, and myself. As
you heard, he committed Seppuku. I took a few pictures of the services
to remember him by." She glared at Akane. "Only the three of us
attended, where were you?"
"I had heard about them, but I never really cared for the man..."
"But, what about Ranma? You said you loved him, that man was his
FATHER. Did you REALLY love Ranma, Akane?"
"Yes, when I did not know his past..."
Nabiki angrily turned the page, showing a series of scenes on a farm.
"After several months of waiting in Japan, we were allowed to
immigrate. Nodoka...Mom's brother and his family live on a farm. Here
are some pictures..."
Akane looked at the rolling hills covered with green crops. "It's
beautiful." was all she could say.
"Hai, it is." Nabiki smiled at her sister then turned the page. There
were several pictures of Ranma & Nabiki studying, as well as several
with Ranma-chan wearing women's jeans and cutoffs. She was often posed
with Nabiki and two other girls, one a child, and the other Ranma's
age.
"Ranma sure changed her style."
"Ranma's cousins were really glad to see him, but when they found out
about his other part, they insisted that she join them on shopping
trips, visiting friends, and other things they liked to do. They
helped Ranma pick out some clothes to wear on trips with them. It also
helped Ranma accept his transformations as something other than a
curse. Mom and I agreed that we hadn't ever seen Ranma as happy as she
was with her cousins."
"It looks like she also started wearing..."
"Mom came down on Ranma, if he was going to live part-time as a girl,
he had to wear appropriate clothing, and behave in a more modest
manner than he had in the past."
"Good," was all Akane could say.
"We studied for a little over a year, learning English and preparing
for our equivalency exam, since neither of us finished high school. We
both passed on our first try, and were accepted by a public university
a few hours from the farm."
"Is that the one I saw driving in?"
"Hai. We found we really like this area, and we have so many friends
here, that this is our home now." Nabiki turned the page.
"I guess it was when we went to the university that our lives REALLY
changed. Not only did Ranma decide to try for two majors, art & PE,
but he decided that he would attend art classes as a girl."
Akane gave Nabiki a strange look. "I see?" she said, showing she
didn't.
Nabiki grinned at her little sister. "It seems that Ranma had a talent
for painting, and her preferred media were water-based, so it was
natural for her to attend art classes as a girl."
"How did you keep the curse a secret?"
"We didn't. Ranma decided he was tired of hiding, so he didn't hide
it. We became minor local celebrities, though that isn't why he did
it. It sure helped business at the cafe, though." She turned the page,
finding photos of Ranma-chan and Nabiki waiting tables. "Though it
does hurt a little when your husband gets bigger tips that you do..."
"Tell me about it... I never really got used to a fiancée who was
prettier than I was." Akane tried hard to suppress a grin, reminding
herself it was HIM she was thinking about... one of THEM.
"She certainly got her looks from her MOM, that's for sure! So did HE
for that matter."
Akane was surprised by the goofy smile on her sister's face. She was
still in love after ten years. Ryouga had only lasted two for Akane...
That PIG! To think all that time... Akane's aura began to glow.
"AKANE, EARTH TO AKANE!"
Akane realized what she was doing, making a fool out of herself in
front of Nabiki, of all people. "Sorry, sis, just thinking..." She
smiled at her big sister.
"Anyway, the restaurant is still quite successful. Ranma's mom works
as manager, but we're looking for a replacement, if you know anyone
who might like a fresh start at life..." Nabiki looked hopefully at
Akane.
A voice called from the bedroom, "Honey, could you help me?"
Akane set down the book as she waited for Nabiki to return. A new
chance... But could she live so close to Ranma again, to accept the
offer would be to admit that it was wrong to throw them out, that she
didn't need to abandon the man she loved, HAD loved. The 'new' Ranma
was not to her liking, but perfect for Nabiki, a 'trophy wife' AND a
'trophy husband'. She wondered what Ranma had done with HER life
besides baby-sit & paint a few pictures. And what of the MAN she had
fallen in love with?
-------
Nabiki returned a few moments later with Ranma-chan. Akane could only
stare at the spectacle in front of her. Ranma was dressed in
beautifully tailored pinstripe suit, which must have cost a mint. Her
hair was down, she was obviously wearing a bra, the skirt was too
short, but that pervert ALWAYS liked to show off! Akane's aura flared,
and she prepared to summon her... Her look of indignation changed to a
more wistful expression. She no longer had any right to pound Ranma,
nor was it her place. She gave up all rights ten years ago. She could
only ask "So, are you a woman, Ranma?"
"Right now, yes! I'm the woman who paid for this house, and who needs
to meet with her publisher at noon. Later on, probably not. Tonight
DEFINITELY not." Nabiki and Ranma exchanged smiles. "I'm comfortable,
Akane. That's another thing Nabiki's done. When Nabiki found me, after
I'd been kicked out, she told me that she would do all she could to
help me, that she had to repay the debt SHE owed me, as well as any
owed by her clan. The first thing she did for me was tell me that she
accepted my dual nature, accepted ME," the redhead said, pointing to
herself, "you NEVER did that for me, Akane! All you could ever see was
a perversion, Nabiki saw a woman who had been wronged by you, her, AND
by me. Well, I guess we'd better get ready. Will you stay for the
meeting, Akane?"
"Yes, I'd like that." Seeing Ranma HAPPY made her feel a better,
somehow. Would this part of Ranma EVER have flourished if Akane and he
were wed? Would they have been as happy? The questions could not,
would NEVER, be answered...
"Thank you! I need to pick up my portfolio in the studio, would you
like to look?"
"Sure, Ranma!"
Nabiki smiled, she had never dreamed ANY reconciliation was possible,
but...
-------
The studio was flooded with sunlight from above, illuminating the work
area with natural light. One large easel and two tiny ones were set
up. It was obvious the little ones painted while their father did. On
a drafting table was a large portfolio case, which Ranma picked up.
"Ranma, They'll be here in ten minutes..."
Ranma turned to Akane, "I guess I will have enough time!"
She took a large piece of paper and a few pencils and placed them on
the drafting table. Her hands flew over the paper, it was obvious that
she had added some martial arts techniques to her drawing skills.
Akane stood by her to watch. In two minutes, the sketch was done.
"How's this, Akane?"
The picture was a sketch playing out what almost happened in the
living room, Akane, mallet on a downward arc, about to pound Ranma.
There was a title at the bottom "10 year reunion". It was signed
Saotome Ranma in Kanji. "Here, you can have this."
Akane looked at the sketch. She was angry for a second, then laughed.
"Thanks, Ranma. You really are a good artist! I've got to show this to
Nabiki!" Akane hurried out of the room. Ranma picked up her portfolio
and followed.
-------
Akane and Nabiki laughed at the picture, then Nabiki got very serious.
"Akane, Ranma and I will be delivering on a very large and important
contract today. I will ask you this ONLY once. Will you accept Ranma,
in this country, as a person you are willing to be seen in public
with, or do you want to leave?"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"I hope so, for your sake," Nabiki concluded.
The doorbell rang.
"Is it Auntie Ellen?" One of the children asked.
"I'm sure it is!" Ranma replied with a smile. "Be good, you two!"
"Sure, daddy!"
Nabiki went to answer the door.
-------
A tall blonde woman entered the room. Like Nabiki and Ranma, she wore
a business suit. She embraced Nabiki, then shook Ranma's hand. Ranma
introduced the woman to Akane. "Ellen, This is my sister-in-law, Akane
Tendou." She turned to her ex-fiancee. "Akane, this is my publisher,
Ellen Roberts." Two women exchanged greetings and shook hands, Akane
bowing.
Ranma, Nabiki, and Ellen went to the dining room, where Ranma began
showing her a series of pictures. All the while, they were talking in
English, so Akane only occasionally understood what was being said.
Akane DID think the pictures were wonderful, however.
After she had shown all of her paintings, Ranma went to the
refrigerator and got out a plate of sandwiches she had made, as well
as a pitcher of iced tea. Placing both on a tray, along with a stack
of plates, cups, silverware, and place mats, she returned to the table
and rejoined the conversation.
A few minutes later, they broke for lunch, Ranma motioning Akane to
sit next to her. Ranma's son sat in her lap, while the daughter looked
at Akane with expectation. Akane motioned for the child to sit in her
lap. Nabiki smiled at her sister. Akane looked down at the beautiful
child, her niece, Katherine Keiko, her name was, and realized that
this child was one of THEM as well. She decided it wasn't as important
as it was ten years ago...
Ranma looked at Akane. "Do you have any children?"
"Yes, one. But I haven't seen her in three years, when I see Keiko, I
only think of Ryouga... That PIG!"
"But you gave her your mother's name, don't you see your mother in
her? Don't you remember how you felt when your mother was taken from
you?"
"She still has a mother, Ranma. Ryouga married Akari. The two of them
thought it best if I not see..." Akane wanted to cry, but quickly
controlled herself.
"I'm sorry, Akane, but you DO have rights to see your child. I can't
even think about being away from my children for a year, let alone
three. You MUST see her." Ranma's expression brightened. "I'll give
you a collection of my books, giving them to her will be a great
excuse to see her! On another subject, did 'biki mention that our
restaurant needs a new manager?"
"Yes, she did. I'm seriously considering your offer."
"We'd LOVE to have you! Perhaps our children can heal the rift which
has divided our family."
"Yes, perhaps..." Akane smiled at her ex-fiancee.
The meeting began again. Akane's jaw dropped when she saw the figures
on the check Ranma was given. It would have been a respectable sum of
Yen, but they didn't use Yen here...She wondered why her sister even
bothered working, but she knew the answer, because she LOVED her work,
it was part of her life.
The publisher left with the paintings, and Ranma went to deposit the
check, leaving Akane alone with her sister again.
--------
Ranma came back and hurried to the bedroom. A few minutes later, Akane
saw the man she had fallen in love with for the first time in a
decade. He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, a look that reminded
Akane of the photos, gender not withstanding. "Go back to work,
Nabiki, I'll look after the kids."
"OK!" Nabiki attempted to give him a quick kiss, but Ranma had other
ideas, not letting Nabiki go for a minute or more. Nabiki breathlessly
broke the kiss, "Save some for tonight!" she said, as she hurried out
the door, leaving a smiling husband in her wake.
"Akane, I need to get something." Ranma left the room for a few
moments, returning with a stack of six books. He opened each one &
began writing inside the cover. When he was done, he handed the stack
to Akane.
Akane opened the first book. Inside the front cover was an Autograph
in English & Japanese:
To Keiko, with love
Your uncle,
Saotome Ranma
The Japanese signature was in Kanji, as it had been before.
Akane looked up from the book. "Thank you, I WILL give these to my
daughter."
"You'd better! Hey, is your daughter an uncute tomboy?"
"Not yet Ranma, but if I have MY say, she'll grow up to be one!"
The two laughed for a bit.
"If you need any legal assistance, don't hesitate to call. We'll be
happy to cover all your expenses. "
"Thanks, I'll be sure to call if there are any problems."
"Good!" Ranma gave her a broad grin. "Did Nabiki show you our
scrapbook?"
"She started, but we never finished."
"Well, let's look at the rest..."
A procession of images paraded past Akane. Several celebrations at the
restaurant, honoring graduates... A dojo Ranma ran in a strip mall, it
was really strange seeing in ENGLISH "Saotome School of Anything-Goes
Martial Arts"... Nabiki as captain of the college gymnastics team,
leading it to 2 victories her senior year... Ranma's first check from
the sale of a painting... Nabiki on the job, working as a
consultant... Ranma teaching his students at the dojo... A photo
spread Nabiki took for a national magazine... The births of the
children... Family photos, though only of the small part of the family
that lived here.
Akane realized how much she had missed, events in her sister's life,
and the relationship she lost with Ranma. She wouldn't cry, because he
wasn't worth it... But he was. Akane got up and walked to the door.
The two children hurried after her.
"Are you going Auntie? We just saw you for the first time..."
"I'm sorry, I need to go home and straighten a few things out... I'll
be back, and I'll bring your cousin next time, I promise!"
Ranma looked at her with a strange combination of hope and sadness.
"Good Luck! Our door is always open. Wait! At least let me take a
picture of my children with their aunt!" Ranma ran into the bedroom,
returning with both a 35 mm & instant camera. The four went outside,
and Ranma took a few pictures of Akane holding the children. "Boy,
you're a strong as ever, Akane!" Ranma commented from behind one of
the cameras, noting how easily she held the kids.
"Thanks, I DO keep in shape," Akane replied, returning a smile which
would make one of the prints extra-special.
Ranma gave her two of the instant prints as they walked to her rental
car.
"Will you bring your family back to Japan, at least to visit?"
"Not until your father and sister visit US. Until they accept our
wonderful children and myself, we won't be visiting our homeland. It
will never be our home again."
"I understand." Akane bowed, then looked up with a smile. "Thanks, for
everything," she said, getting into the vehicle. It was not until she
had left the complex that she allowed herself the luxury of tears.
-------
Akane tried to rest on the planes, she had to change more than once
before she was on a flight to Japan, but couldn't stop looking at the
notebook she had been given. The pictures had convinced her that
Ranma's usual form wasn't female, but she had just come on a day when
Ranma's female side had to come to the fore. Would her father or
Kasumi even look at it? She intended on finding out. She would try to
get joint custody of her daughter, and maybe even take Nabiki up on
her offer of employment. Perhaps she could be with her daughter in an
environment untainted by... HIM, the pig...
-------
(END)
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geocities.com/~khammel)