From bryandc@yahoo.com Thu Mar 23 07:12:38 2000 Received: with LISTAR (v0.128a; list ffml); Thu, 23 Mar 2000 07:12:39 -0500 (EST) Return-Path: Delivered-To: ffml@fanfic.com Received: from smtp.mail.yahoo.com (smtp.mail.yahoo.com [128.11.68.32]) by ffml.fanfic.com (Postfix) with SMTP id 134BB1EE15 for ; Thu, 23 Mar 2000 07:12:35 -0500 (EST) Received: from tc-3-91.dynamic.minn.net (HELO viper) (216.177.136.91) by smtp.mail.yahoo.com with SMTP; 23 Mar 2000 04:12:15 -0800 X-Apparently-From: Reply-To: From: "Bryan Croft" To: Subject: [FFML] [Fanfic] [Ranma] 'Another Chance' chapter 1 Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 06:10:47 -0600 Message-ID: <000001bf94c0$d29e88e0$5b88b1d8@viper> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain X-Priority: 3 (Normal) X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook 8.5, Build 4.71.2173.0 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.00.2014.211 Importance: Normal X-MS-TNEF-Correlator: 000000002A27328983F0BE11BDA23E24D6B99C91C4692200 X-archive-position: 8223 X-listar-version: Listar v0.128a Sender: ffml-bounce@fanfic.com Errors-to: ffml-bounce@fanfic.com X-original-sender: bryandc@yahoo.com Precedence: bulk X-list: ffml This is a revised copy I had sent to my pre-readers. I have made some of their changes to the story. I am thinking of making other, more drastic changes, to the story. If done these changes will be based on what other pre-readers have sent. The reason for the post is to get a broader response. I do plan to make some of the drastic changes, but some of the other suggested changes are 50% for 50% against. Any input will be helpful. This fanfic takes place after volume 38. Some back references are made. Disclaimer: Characters are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Viz Video, etc..., and are used without permission. Another Chance. Chapter 1 --A Clean Slate-- The crisp late afternoon air hung heavily over Nerima. The weather complemented Ranma's mood as he slowly paced across the floor of the guestroom. "It failed... Maybe this will help set things right," he whispered as his fingers slowly traced the cold metal of the kozuka. "Why couldn't I say those three words? If I did... this may not have happened." Sunlight gleamed off the blade as it was set down on the dresser. Soon the gleam was replaced with the image of Ranma's frown as he opened the top drawer; he removed his journal before retreating to the sanctuary of the roof. Journal Entry. Feb 25 The only nice thing to happen all day was a half-hour ago. It was the simplest thing, a soak in the furo. It gave me time to sort out some of my feelings. I don't know if I am ready for marriage yet. I wonder, am I too young? But most of all, I don't know if she loves me, we always fight. I love her, but I'm scared she may reject me. Although I may not be ready now-- I want to marry Akane when the time is right. The pain I felt, when I thought I lost her, was worse than anything I felt before. I lost my will to live. I don't feel that way for Ukyo or Shampoo. I guess that is why I fight with them, but I can't bring myself to properly train Akane. If I were to hurt her, I don't know what I would do. Today started off well. That was until I barged into her room. We got into a fight when she asked me if I loved her. As usual I stuck my foot in my mouth and denied it. She was right though: I wanted to say yes. The Jusenkyo guide sent a barrel of Nannichuan to Mr. Tendo. It was to thank me for my help. When Pops, Ryoga, and Mousse found out they started to fight over it. They did something stupid during the fight. They ignored Happosai; I can't believe the old letch thought it was sake; he drank my cure. What chance do I have with Akane now, I'm only a freak in her eyes. Until today she hardly acknowledge that we were fiancees, it was always 'it's our parents idea', now she was willing to marry me. The only reason I can think of is that she knew of the cure, and she wanted the freak to be destroyed. Once the freak was gone, then I would fit her ideal and be accepted. What was worse is that my friends betrayed me. Shampoo and Ukyo were throwing bombs at me. Well actually Shampoo said she was going after Akane. Thank Kami she was not hit, but it will be a long time before I can forgive them. I was wrong when I thought the day couldn't get any worse. I finished my soak and wanted to talk to Akane. I went to tell her that I want to marry her someday; not for family honor but because I love her. Before I entered the kitchen I heard her calling me a baka. I realized my fear was becoming a reality. I left, and did not catch what else she mumbled. Knowing how I messed up, it probably was 'go and die'. I don't know, maybe that will be the only way to make her happy. ----- Ranma sighed as he rose from the tiled roof. He slowly made his way inside and replaced the journal. The fading light of the sun caught his eye; he turned to gaze at the start of the multicolored sunset. he thought as walked outside to his meditation rock by the koi pond. ----- Akane's Diary Entry Dear Diary: Feb 25 That jerk just passed me in the hall and didn't say anything. I know something is wrong: he forced his smile. If we could just talk and try to work it out. Why can't he just say it? I know he loves me, I feel the same way, but I need to hear him say it first. I need to see Ranma put love above one of his most important possessions - his pride. I can thank Nabiki for ruining the wedding. She invited everyone from school over to the dojo. Is seemed all the guests wanted the wedding stopped. Shampoo and Ukyo, they were throwing bombs at Ranma. Mr. Saotome and Mousse heard about the Nannichuan my dad got. Well I guess you know what happened next, a big fight broke out. With all his 'Prepare to dies' I would never have known that Ryoga cared that much for Ranma. The way he tried to protect the Nannichuan for him; it makes me proud we're friends. It's too bad he failed. I thought it couldn't get any worse. I was wrong. Kodachi had the gall to show up wearing a wedding gown. It took a while for everything to settle down, but when it did the dojo was destroyed. Well at least Nabiki made enough money to pay for the repairs. I have never been this confused before. This afternoon he looked so upset when he was told we were to be married, but when it was all over I couldn't help think he was a little disappointed. I guess I am too; I wanted to be married. I used to hate the sound of that name before. I slowly grew to want it, even before China. But after what happened there it confirmed by pride in him, in that name that I hoped would soon be mine - Akane Saotome. ----- Akane paused as she heard the door to the furo open. "Ranma, you baka... please talk to me," she whispered after a few seconds pause. The steady creaking of the steps caused her heart to sink. "Ranma I know you love me. Why don't you admit it?" Akane whispered as she paged through her diary. Page after page brought back memories of the prior year: happiness, anger, sorrow flooded her mind; she became lost in thought. For over an hour her eyes never left the pages of the diary; she was emotionally exhausted and needed a break. Akane peered out the window and saw her release- the deep crimson and purple in the sky. She left the kitchen and slowly she made her way out to her viewing rock. She paused when she saw its counterpart was occupied by Ranma. His reflection, in the still water, stared back at her. Distress and anguish were visible on his face. "He needs you, go and comfort him," emotion cried. "You are Akane Tendo, you should not go to him... not until he humbles himself to you. If you go to him now he will think that you are weak, and that jerk should never have that satisfaction," pride answered emotion. Ranma sensed no danger from the presence and ignored the creaking of the steps. Pride won the battle and wrapped another layer of protection around her heart as she left. ------ There in the cool evening air Ranma sat on the rock struggling to find his wa. Darkness had yet to take charge of the night; it was in a battle with the sun's multicolored rays. At that moment another battle was raging on in his mind. Ranma thought, "And that's a bad thing?" A voice questioned. "Who... who's there?" Ranma asked as he grew concerned; he was unable to sense anyone. "Your conscience. Are you sure it was a bad thing for them to stop the wedding? You said it yourself, you may not be ready yet." "Yes... no... argh, I don't know; I am so confused. I want to marry Akane, but not until I know she loves me." "All the more reason to keep your other fiancees. What if Akane rejects you? You should have a fallback plan. You know Ukyo loves you." "No, even though they disappointed me, they are still my friends. They are not fallback plans. I know I can never return Ukyo's love. I care about her, and it's not fair to string her along like that... like I have been. I need to dissolve the engagement. Ukyo needs to find her *real* love, someone who will love her in return. I know she has very strong feelings for me, but I doubt it is love." "Why do you say that?" "I don't know how to explain it. When Ukyo came here it was because she thought I had abandoned her. She hated me. To cheer her up I told her she was cute. Now she will not leave me alone. To go from hate to *love* that quick- I think she likes me *a lot*, but she is confusing that for love." "What of your other fiancee?" "Shampoo? If it wasn't for that Amazon law I doubt she would have came after me. She is always trying so hard to please Cologne." "What if it is not the law? What if she loves you." "Two reasons it will not work. First, same as Ukyo, I do not love her. I enjoy her friendship, and that in itself is nowhere near the level I have with Akane and Ukyo. Second, she turns into a cat!" Ranma shuddered at the thought. "I love Akane, and I will *not* let anyone get in the way..." "They got in the way today, and you could not protect her could you?" Ranma mentally shook his head as tears forced their way out of his closed eyes. "You failed to protect her. They think you don't love her. They think they have a chance. What would you have done if one of the bombs Shampoo or Ukyo made hurt Akane? What will you do if someone gets in the way?" "I... I don't know. I love her so much; I was prepared to kill for her. I did kill for her. I doubt I will be pushed to that level again, but I do know that if *anyone* tries *anything* they will regret it." The voice faded as Ranma finally found his wa; he finally realized his true feelings for Akane. ----- The beeping of the alarm brought Akane into the world. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as a familiar voice announced that breakfast was ready. Guilt gripped Akane's chest as she entered the dinning room; Onna- Ranma was still meditating by the pond. "Ra-Ranma are you ok?" Concern permeated her voice as she neared her fiance. Onna-Ranma turned and looked at Akane. The pain in her gaze was so powerful that Akane could swear it had a physical presence. Shame washed over Akane as she broke contact. Akane thought, but her pride still refused to give in to emotion. "Kasumi, I ain't hungry. I will be in the furo if anyone needs me," Ranma said as she quietly rose from the rock and made her way to the bathroom. "She looks so hurt. Someone should cheer her up." Kasumi replied as she looked at Akane. "Kasumi," Soun interrupted. "Saotome and I are officiating a tournament this afternoon. Tell Ranma to take care of my Akane." pride told her. "Dad, I can take care of myself! I don't need or want that pervert's help." Akane screamed as she left the table under pride's control. ----- Ranma thought as he looked at Akane's face during their walk to school. He stopped when heard Nabiki call his name. "Yes," anger filled his voice, "What do *you* want?" "I need to talk to you... in private." Something unusual in Nabiki's eyes caught his attention. "Go ahead Akane, I will catch up with you later." Akane started to protest but backed down when she saw the hurt in his eyes. Ranma waited until Akane was out of sight before he turned to face Nabiki. "Now, what do you want?" anger still filled his voice. "Did you like my present?" "What present?" "The failed wedding, of course. You two are *not* ready." She gloated. "And that's for you to decide!?" Ranma fumed. "Ranma, Akane is my little sister, and *I will* do what I can to make sure she doesn't make a big mistake." "And that mistake would be?" "You." Nabiki replied with an icy voice. Last night's conversation filled his head. Ranma lost control and snapped. He spun around wrapping his now white knuckles around the neck of her shirt violently lifting her off the ground. "Mistake? Look at me, I *love* Akane. If you get between us, I swear sister or not I will *kill* you." Ranma scowled. "Yeah right, kill me a... wa-wait did you just say you love her?" Ranma's mind reeled when he realized what he said. Sighing deeply, he released Nabiki and dropped his head. "Yes, I said I lo-love her, I love her, but I think I've lost her." Nabiki looked as Ranma lifelessly collapsed into the fence. His gaze shocked her; it brought back bitter memories. The armor around her heart started to break apart. The last time she saw that much hurt was, when she looked in a mirror, the day her mother died. "Why didn't you say it before?" Her voice choking back her tears. "She deserves to know how you feel." Pride lost the battle; he started to speak from the heart. "I know... I know but I... I am scared. I love her Nabiki, but... but what if she doesn't love me. A day doesn't go by where she doesn't hurt me..." "Well, that hammer..." Nabiki interrupted. "Not the hammer, emotionally." Ranma replied as he slammed his fist to his chest. "She's right. I am her worst nightmare; she deserves better." "Ranma, why would you think that?" "I heard her, after the fight with Kuno. I was going to thank her for her help, and before I knocked on her door, she called me her worst nightmare." "Forget it, she didn't mean it." "I can't. It's one of her nicer comments." Ranma grimly replied. Nabiki paled at his comment as she reached out to grab his trembling hand. Nabiki thought before she mentally slapped herself. "Ranma, you're right, she may not love you, but it does not matter. You need to tell her, she deserves to know. I think you *will* be surprised at her response." "I... I will tell her soon." Ranma rose from the sidewalk grabbing her hand. "Why?" confusion entered his voice. "Why what?" "Why... why are you being so nice to me? A few minutes ago you said I was a mistake." "I don't know? You've changed Ranma, I don't know what it is but you *have* changed. I like it. Ranma I am not going to say I am sorry for stopping the wedding. I now know you love her, but I *love* her, too. Until I know she loves you, I *will* stop any other attempt. I am sorry for saying you are a mistake, I was angry. I found it unusual that Akane would change her mind on marriage so soon. When you came back from China, you two were different. I thought she may have been blackmailed into the marriage. I should have asked you two. The only way I could think to stop the wedding was to invite people that did not want to see you two married. When I heard about the Nannichuan I guessed that was how she was blackmailed into marrying you." "Ask?" Ranma shook his head. "That wouldn't have worked. If you had asked me if I loved her before the wedding, I would have denied it. I... I did deny it; that is why we had that fight. I had a long time to think last night. I realized I loved her. She seemed so happy when I first came in her room. I think she wanted to go through with the wedding, but because of my stupid pride I may have done what all my enemies and rivals could not do... make me lose her. Pride..." Ranma became lost in thought. "All the trouble pride has caused in the past, all the misunderstandings. I wonder if... if I didn't let it control me, would we have been married now." Ranma cocked his head and looked up at Nabiki. "You have changed too, I like it. You are usually so cold... no, that's not right. You're not cold, but locked in a business mode. It was nice to talk to you," Ranma squeezed her hand as he leaned in and gave her a one-arm hug. "Like a friend." "No one knows about this, ok?" "Why? They may like the new Nabiki." "Ranma, when my mom died it hurt so bad. I locked up all my feelings; I didn't what to risk being hurt again. When you looked at me today, I could see you were willing to tell me everything. I can't explain the feelings I had; I just opened up to you. I'm not ready yet, maybe in time." Nabiki turned with a twinkle in her eye and laughed. "Besides it's easier to make money as the *Ice Queen*." Ranma laughed as he stood up. "Speaking of money, how fast can you raise it for me?" "What?" Nabiki asked as a sly look crossed her face "You need money from moi?" "You are the only one I know that can help me make a lot of money fast. I don't know how much I will need, but I do know I wont get that much money on my own. Last night I realized that I like Ukyo, but only as a friend. Why did pops have to engage me to her? He knew I was engaged to your family." "Your dad will do anything for free food Ranma." Nabiki joked. "Let me guess. You will need the money to pay back Ukyo's family, to honorably dissolve the engagement, right?" Nabiki asked as she tugged Ranma's hand and started walking to school. "Yep, but when can I talk to her? I want to dissolve our engagement, fast. I want to ask Akane to marry me." "You're going to ask Akane to marry you?" "Yes, thanks to last night and our little talk, I know how much she means to me. I will not risk losing her again." Ranma sighed "If I haven't already." "Ranma, I have a few tests before lunch, but nothing important after that. We'll skip out and talk to her then, OK?" Ranma nodded, unable to speak. "What took you guys so long?" Akane asked as they entered the school grounds. "Not much, it's just business." Nabiki responded "We better get going or we will be late for class." ----- Their classmates swarmed the couple as they entered the classroom. The questioning ceased as the spine tingling sound of fingernails running down the blackboard filled the room. "So many delinquents to punish," the class paled as Hinako-sensei pulled out a 50 yen piece. "Picking on this poor couple." With speed, that would make Carl Lewis proud, the students took their seats. From that point on class was uneventful. "Ranma, would you like to eat lunch with me?" Akane asked after the lunch bell rang. "I'm sorry Akane, I can't." Akane questioned herself. ----- "Hey..." Ranma replied as Nabiki walked up to him. "Mind if I do somethin' before we meet Ukyo?" "Depends. What is it?" "I would like to buy a rose for Akane, let... let her know how I feel, before I go see Ukyo. Don't want her to get the wrong idea when me 'n' Ukyo are gone." "OK, I think Akane will like that," Nabiki coughed. "Besides, after our little talk, I've come to like you a lot. I don't want you to bankrupt me." "Huh, bankrupt?" Ranma was confused. "Uh Huh, you know how angry Akane gets, and closed casket funerals are *so* expensive," Nabiki giggled. Ranma soon joined her as they made their way to the flower shop. "Welcome, may I help you?" the florist asked as they entered his shop. "I need a single long stem rose for my fiancee." "You have a pretty cute fiancee there." The shop owner replied as he eyed Nabiki. "What? No, you got the wrong idea. This is *not* my fiancee." "Wou-would it have been that bad if I was still your fiancee?" Nabiki pouted as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Nab..." "Got ya," Nabiki giggled as she watched the relief wash over Ranma. "He's my sister's fiance." Nabiki stated as she turned to shop keeper. "What is your most expensive rose?" "2300 yen." "He'll take it," Nabiki replied as she elbowed Ranma in the ribs. "Add it to your tab?" Ranma nodded as they left the shop. Nabiki looked at Ranma. "When did you realize that you loved her?" Ranma massaged his temples as he looked at Nabiki. "A long time ago. I realized I cared for her when she first got P-chan as a pet. I've never been that jealous. When I saw her kiss him and cuddle him; I... I wanted to explode. I wanted to have someone care for me like that. But I guess I realized I loved her at the skating match. They had us in the *good-bye whirl* and Akane wanted me to let her go. I couldn't, no, wouldn't let go. When they lost control of the move, all I could think about was taking the blow to protect her. In that split second I saw my life without her, and it scared me. I hardly knew her and she already owned the keys to my heart. I guess pride stood in the way. It would not allow me to loose the battle of who would say 'I love you' first. I called Akane 'dumb as a brick' a number of times. Looking back, I was dumber--- if I told her how I felt. I... I know we're willing to die for each other, but we're not willing to say I love you." Nabiki looked around as they re-entered the school grounds; she spotted Akane eating with Yuka and Sayuri under a tree. "Over there." Nabiki pointed as they slowly approached the trio and hid behind the tree. "Akane what's wrong?" Yuka asked as she turned and looked at Akane. "Huh?" "Yeah, you look depressed. Is it because the wedding failed?" Sayuri asked. "No, are you crazy!" "Do you love him?" Yuka asked. Akane thought before she turned to Yuka. "Me, love that perverted baka. No way, I am glad Nabiki ruined the wedding. Why would I want to be married to him? The world would be better off if Ranma's mom said he was not a man," venom registered in her pride-controlled voice. "What do you mean not a man?" Yuka and Sayuri asked in unison. "Oh! Nothing, never mind." Nabiki paled when she saw Ranma's face. "Ranma..." Nabiki whispered The rose stem snapped and fell lifelessly to the ground. "Come on, let's go deal with Ukyo." The lunch bell rang as Sayuri looked at Akane, "Lunch is too short." "A rose," Akane mused as she rounded the tree. Akane's eyes looked back and forth between Ranma and Ukyo's empty seats. Anger started to build in Akane. "That jerk. One day after the wedding fails what does he do? He runs off with that... that bimbo." Akane grumbled, drawing the stares of the other students. ----- "Ukyo, thanks for meeting me." Ranma replied as they entered the restaurant. "Ran-chan, you said it was very important we talk, what is it?" "Why did you ruin the wedding?" "Because, I love you Ranma. I love you more than her sister ever will. I am saving you from making a mistake you'll regret. You should be with someone who loves you, me." "But I love her," Ranma sighed as he interrupted. "Ukyo, I care for you too, but you're a good friend... nothing more. I don't know if I could ever love you the way I love Akane." "You could learn Ra-ran-chan. I am your 'cute fiancee' right?" Tears started to run down her face. "I... I am sorry I called you that. I was only trying to make you feel better. Pops had no right to engage me to you. He promised me to the Tendos before I was born. I am sorry *I* damaged your honor by stringing you along like this. I had no right to do it." Moisture started to form in his eyes as he took a deep bow. "I am sorry. The arranged marriage between me and Akane was honorably made, I must honor it." "What about my honor!" Ukyo screamed. "I'm sorry, but the agreement between our fathers was made without honor. An honorless agreement cannot be enforced." "No! Your engaged to me! Your old man took our yatai; he abandoned me. You *belong* to *me*!" "I do *not* belong to you, and I'm *not* engaged to you. I will pay your family back for the yatai, and do what I can to restore your family's honor." Ranma flinched as Ukyo reached back; she grasped air. A long sigh escaped his lips; he was thankful that Nabiki had Ukyo remove her combat spatulas before their talk. "Nabiki will help determine how much I will owe you. This is the way is has to be, I'm sorry." Ranma bowed deeply as he walked away to another booth. He sat down, and for close to three hours, watched Nabiki work her magic. "You *owe* me Ranma, big time," Nabiki said as they left Ucchan's. "At least the matter is settled. I told her you still want to be friends, but she is so upset. I do not know if it will happen." "I hope it does," Ranma paused as he turned to Nabiki. "Do you think it will work?" "I hope so." Nabiki responded as they parted ways. ----- After lunch, the rest of Akane's day passed slowly. Her ever- growing anger prevented her from learning. A sigh of relief left Akane's lips as the last bell sounded. Visions of a broken and battered practice dummy filled her mind as she hurried home to work out her anger. "Kasumi, is Ranma home yet?" Akane asked as she entered the house. "I haven't seen him. Why?" "Just wondering." Akane replied as she ran upstairs to get her gi. "What are you doing in here?" Akane asked as she walked into her room. "We need to talk, Akane," Nabiki replied. Akane thought. "What is it?" "Do you love Ranma?" "I... I don't know." Akane stuttered. ----- Kasumi turned as the door opened. "Ranma, your home." Ranma did not answer, but motioned for Kasumi to be quiet. He quietly made his way upstairs to Akane's door. ------ "Akane, yes or no, not 'I do not know.' Do you love Ranma or not?" Nabiki asked. "Me, love him. Our family would be better off if he was dead." Pride interjected for Akane - a vision of Ranma and Ukyo burned in her mind. The unintended words slowly chipped away at her soul: she immediately wanted to take them back. "No I di-" A soft knock came from the door, and Ranma peeked his head in. "Hello Nabiki." Ranma paused as he turned to Akane, "Can I talk Tendo-san?" Akane thought as her memories shifted to the afternoon's events. "Did you have a fun afternoon with your *cute fiancee*?" Akane screamed as her anger returned. "I saw how you two skipped school. So have you slept with her yet?" Tears streamed down her face. "What am I asking? I should be asking is she pregnant yet! No wonder you're happy the wedding failed!" Akane slapped Ranma as she tried to close the door. "Tendo-san. We need to talk." Ranma sighed, "We really need to talk. I wish you would *trust* me, allow me to *explain* things. "Why would I ever trust someone as honorless as you? I wanted to talk to you at lunch, but you wanted to have some *fun* with Ukyo. Why don't you go and die?" Ranma's whole body slumped. "Nabiki... it's over. No transfer, just talk to your dad and find out how much I owe." Ranma sighed and wiped a tear from his eye. "Tendo-san I have never *slept* with anyone. I now know how you feel about me, and that you do not want to hear this. Please don't be angry." Ranma sighed "Akane, I... I love you." Akane thought as her anger quickly died. She was on an emotional rollercoaster, and she could swear her heart skipped at his declaration. Ran..." Akane tried to respond but stopped when Ranma held his hand up - she would allow him to explain. Ranma turned and faced the open door. "I wanted to tell you how I felt at lunch. It hurt so much when I heard you tell your friends it would be better if I was dead. Do you know how much that hurt? I still was hoping to ask you to marry me, but then I heard you tell your sister the same thing. I could understand when you told your friends that, but not family. You deserve to be with someone you love, not hate. I now know that I am the latter. Looking back, I guess I was always the latter. I don't know why, but I still love you. Enough to let you go, so you can be happy." Ranma turned his head and looked at the tear-blurred image of Akane. "I was hoping to give you a gift, my heart. Instead I will give you what you long for, Akane, I give you your freedom. Remember, I will always love you." Akane collapsed to the bed. A large, dark, cold void opened as Ranma vacated the room - the one she prepared in her heart. The click of the front door echoed through the silence of the house. "Ranma!" She cried as she tried to get up. "Let him go," Nabiki replied as she placed a hand on Akane's shoulder "But he thinks I *hate* him." Akane hugged her knees to her chest. What am I going do? I... I..." Akane broke down in uncontrollable sobs. "Do you know how much you hurt him?" Nabiki asked as she sat down next to her sister. "Not because you slapped him, but because you would not trust him. What did he say when he left 'remember I will always love you.' Akane if you treated me half as bad as you treated Ranma, I would not be able to say the same thing. You don't know how lucky you were to have someone like that." "What have I done?" Akane cried. "You let your anger and pride control you. When you are under their control you don't listen and you say things you do not mean. You were right: Ranma was with Ukyo this afternoon. Did you know I was with him?" This simple statement shocked Akane; all she could do was shake her head. "He dissolved his engagement with Ukyo this afternoon. He did this *after* you told Yuka and Sayuri it would be better if he was dead." "Then why did he leave now?" "Why? You weren't listening to him, were you?" Nabiki shook her head, "You hurt him. He said he could understand you saying that to your friends. But not to me - not to family." Nabiki turned as she sat down next to her sister. "Akane, on our walk to school, I got Ranma mad at me. He assaulted me." Akane's expression immediately changed to fury as she tried to interrupt. "He what. That-" "Akane, are you going to treat me like Ranma and let anger control you, or will you listen? I've forgiven him and he forgave me." "Why should he forgive you." Akane snarled. "Fine, I'll leave you alone. I can see that you don't want to listen." "I'm sorry Nabiki. I'll listen." Nabiki breathed deeply. "I forgive you. To answer your question I was mad and said something I should not have. I told Ranma that he was a mistake, that I wouldn't let him ruin your life. He grabbed me, and in his rage he said he loved you." Nabiki smiled as she patted Akane's hand. "As we talked he broke down; we had a heart-to- heart talk. He told me his biggest fear would be that you would reject his love." Nabiki frowned, "He thinks you hate him. How would you feels if the person you love hates you?" "I don't hate him; I *love* him." Akane grabbed and hugged Nabiki holding onto here as a lifeline. Akane thought as she broke into more tears. "It's about time you finally admitted it." Nabiki paused as Akane nodded. "Well?" Nabiki asked as she separated herself from Akane. "Well what?" "Why are you waiting here? Go look for him; he needs you." ----- Ranma slowly walked the streets of Nerima. His mind was stuck on a song he heard when Kasumi had him listen to that musical. Ranma thought as Kasumi's words echoed in his head. He resisted at first but now one stuck in his mind. With a slight modification of Kaho Shimada's words he made the song fit his mood. Ranma's thoughts were shattered at the sound of a blowing horn. He quickly spun around to see an out of control car barreling down on a small child. Instinct, training took over. In one quick bound Ranma was three quarters of the way to his target. His hand shot forward pushing the child out of the way. The child's scream caught a certain onlooker's attention. His eyes narrowed and focused on Ranma pushing the child. his thoughts were stopped short by the sickening thud. "Ranma!" Ryoga screamed "Bakusai Tenketsu!" The car's body shattered as he knelt next to Ranma. A toothy grin appeared as he joked, "Ranma, prepare to die." The response shocked him. <'I am?' Come on, you don't mean that Ranma.> ----- Later that night, Soun and Genma returned from the tournament and were briefed by Nabiki on what had happened. The Tendo household was getting worried there had been no sign of Ranma since he left. "I will get the door." Kasumi replied in response to the knock. "May I help you?" "I am Officer Ukime, is Genma Saotome here." "Yes... I will get him." Genma paled as he entered the kitchen "You need to see me?" "Mr. Saotome, I'm Officer Ukime, I am sorry to inform you that your son, Ranma, was involved in a bad accident." "Is... is he ok?" Genma interrupted. "I am sorry; all I know is that he has been surgery for close to three hours. We have been trying to locate you; we missed you at the tournament. I was asked to take you to Kitamachi Hospital." "I will wait for Akane," Nabiki replied as she helped her family out the door. Time dragged on for an eternity for Nabiki; she was thankful when the phone rang. "Hello, Tendo residence." "Is Akane home yet?" "No, not yet Kasumi. How is Ranma?" Nabiki became unnerved by the long pause. "Kasumi?" "He just got out of surgery twenty minutes ago. The... The doctor does not expect him to live more than a few days. Please, get Akane down here as soon as you can." "I'll call a cab now. I'll have it wait until she gets here. Don't worry, I can afford it." "Just hurry." "I will." Nabiki sat down at the table after calling a cab. Her thoughts were broken when, as if on cue, Akane entered the kitchen door. "Nabiki, I can't find him anywhere. No one knows, not even Shampoo or Ukyo. I'm worried." Nabiki got up from the table and hugged her sister. Akane looked into Nabiki's tear stained eyes "No..." she choked as she hugged her sister tighter. "Akane they fou-found Ranma. He was in a car accident. The doc- doctors do not think he will make it." Tears streamed down her face. "I have a cab waiting. Let's go." "Why... why would he want to see me?" Akane cried into her sister's arms. "'Cause he loves you." "Nabiki, I hurt him. I hurt him so bad. You're wrong. You can't make me go!" Nabiki thought as the answer popped in her head. "Akane, are you sure you want your last words to Ranma to be 'go and die?' The words had the desired affect. Nabiki gingerly helped Akane out of the cab. The two made their way to the lobby and were greeted by the rest of the family. Hugs and tears were exchanged as they sat down at a table. "Nabiki, can we talk privately?" "Hey, I heard what happened. How are you holding up?" "Good. Ranma wants you to do him a favor. He wants you to get his journal; he said you'd know where it is. He wants Akane to know everything about him." ----- "Ranma... I am sorry. I did not know. Akane sighed and closed the curtain. "How can you love me, after what I did?" "Akane, you did not know the whole story. You got upset. I learned to live with it." Ranma squeezed Akane's hand and looked straight into her eyes. "I really do love you; I wanted to marry you." "Why did you hafta to be a," tears streamed down her face "A baka and..." Ranma was shocked by the amount of warmth in the former insult. "Akane. I love you. I still wish we could get married, but..." Ranma paused, he was unable to find the right words. "What? After all this... you still want to marry me?" "I would, but... I never had anything to offer you. I can't even be a true man for you. The only thing I can offer you now is the fact that I have less time to ruin your life." Ranma paused as he wiped a tear from his eye. "You have every reason to hate me." "Don't say that, don't you *ever* say that again. I *love* you. I do *not* hate you. Why couldn't we say these words before?" "Pride. We couldn't admit-" "Quiet," Akane whispered as she placed a finger across Ranma's lips. "You're right. It was pride, but you were wrong before. Having less time to spend with you, my love, makes me miserable. I want to spend a *long, loving* life with you." "Akane, I can offer loving..." Ranma took a painful, deep breath as he clasped her hands. "But the doctor said not long. I'm fighting to prove him wrong though. You've called me a selfish jerk before." "Ranma, I'm sor-" "Please, let me finish. Allow me to be selfish again. Akane... will you marry me?" Tears stung her eyes as she rested her head on his chest. "Yes... Yes I will." I know you will prove the doctor wrong." Nabiki lowered her camera and smiled. "Here Ranma, its your marriage license from yesterday. There is a shrine next door. I'll get a priest." "Thanks 'Biki." ----- "I wish I could give you a better honeymoon," Ranma replied as he looked into his wife's eyes. "But I want you to read this. It is my journal; I had Nabiki get it for me. I want you to know how I felt about you. I want you to know... me." Akane grabbed the journal and walked back to her chair. She opened the book-bag and grabbed her diary out. "I want you to learn about me too, we have no time for secrets." She leaned and kissed Ranma on the head. Akane opened Ranma's journal to see that the inside cover had the wedding picture taped inside. A tear dropped to the photo. Hours later both finished reading the journals. Ranma reached to hand Akane her journal back but she stopped him. "Keep it with you, just give it back when you prove the doctor wrong." Akane slipped the both journals under his arm and held his hand. "I'm sorry Ranma, I want more time with you. I love you so much, please keep fighting." They talked for hours exchanging memories and tears. Finally they both fell asleep from exhaustion. ----- Ranma awoke to the sensation he associated with his change. This was different, it was more intense, and he was still dry. His whole body tingled like it was asleep. Soon the tingling subsided. A pulling and stretching sensation over took him; fear engulfed Ranma. He tried to command his eyes open, but he failed. The pull became more intense as his body ignored all of his commands. Ranma felt a pop and the pull was gone. "I'm too tired, let me sleep longer." Akane sleepily replied as the alarm sounded. It took a few seconds for the grim realization to set in. Ranma was shocked. He was looking down over his body. He turned and focused on his wife. "Ra-Ranma, it's too soon, I loved you. I loved you along time ago you baka I loved you!" Akane cried. "I know. I lost this fight, forgive me." All was dark as he heard a rumbling voice "Ranma, we have taken pity on you. You will be granted another chance." Ranma looked down and he was shocked to see events of his life play out before him. He saw himself get cursed, his first meeting with Akane. He now recognized the event before his eyes; Ryoga was getting ready to throw his belt and cut Akane's hair. "Get her down" he screamed and to his amazement he saw his past tackle Akane - the belt missed her. Ranma had to hide his eyes; he sensed a bright light as he descended. His vision cleared in time to see P-chan sitting on Akane's bed. Ranma thought as he turned into Akane's uppercut, sending him out the window. Onna-Ranma picked herself out of the canal and walked back to the Tendo residence. She was surprised to find something pressing against her breast. Looking down she saw both journals under the shirt. Smiling inwardly she gazed up at the sky. "Why have me start here? Why wouldn't you let me stay in control when I tackled Akane?" "Ranma, your hardships defined you. Without them you will cease to be the person she fell in love with. Sending you back here insures hardships - some are old, some new. Choose your actions carefully, and with luck and guidance you may be rejoined with Akane. "Thank you, I understand," Onna-Ranma whispered. Onna-Ranma arrived back at the house and took a dip in the furo before heading to the guestroom. Ranma hid the future journals and pulled out the present journal. Ranma removed Akane's diary and read some more Ranma sighed as he looked out at the starry night "I guess I have a lot of work ahead of me. Akane, I love you and I will remarry you, we got our wish. We have another chance." Bryan Croft "Dazzlingly marvellous! Perfect! Flawless! Staggering!" Bilbo talking to Smaug- NOT about my fanfics. -- Binary/unsupported file stripped by Listar -- -- Type: application/ms-tnef -- File: winmail.dat -- .---Anime/Manga Fanfiction Mailing List---. | Administrators - ffml-admins@fanfic.com | | Unsubscribing - ffml-request@fanfic.com | | Put 'unsubscribe' in the subject | `---http://www.fanfic.com/FFML-FAQ.txt ---'