This one was always one of my favorites. It worked so well, but I had to stop. I've wanted to do more for a while now. It surprised me how well it all meshed together, and it reviewed well. The only thing that kept me from writing more was the fact that I didn't have more than a bit of Ruroni Kenshin of my own. I'd seen the whole thing in both manga and anime form, but didn't have enough to use as a reliable reference for this. [Ranma 1/2 on the other hand, is almost completely burned into the back of my brain forever. Thanks to my past writings.]
Rough draft v1.0 not edited, expect sorted misspellings, etc.
Anyway, I do now. So here we go.
If you've not read the rest, it's here. http://www.fanfiction.net/s/248035/1/Rurouni_Ranma
Ruroni Ranma
Part 5
The missing link.
OooOOooOO
Akane Tendo stood in her pajama's with a surprised expression on her face. She was standing near the table by the door, looking out into the yard. Her jaw was open, and her stare was rather blank as she watched in silence.
Ranma was standing in the yard, the ground still wet with dew and a light fog was in the air. His arm was extended in a punch at that moment, but he was flowing through a kata like water, at a very relaxed speed.
The girl blinked and realized that his blade was right in front of her, resting against the wall right by the door. It was still dim, a gray cool morning before sunrise. Akane looked back up at the young boy as he continued, either ignoring, or not noticing her presence. It was the same style she used, but he was doing it at a pace only a little faster than Tai-Chi, and with more grace than any form of Kung Fu she'd ever seen.
Akane felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. ôI could do it like that if I moved that slow.ö She was shoving that phrase down her own throat and she knew it.
ôOh. Good morning, Akane. You're up early today, is everything all right?ö Kasumi appeared beside her with a dish towel in her hands.
The younger girl almost jumped out of her skin. ôGah! I uh...I got up to practice a bit early today. I wasn't expecting...ö She flushed and looked away.
ôRanma does this every morning.ö The older girl's cheer never faded as she gave a small shrug. ôWe usually wake up about the same time. I start working in the kitchen, and get a few things done before everyone wakes up. He goes out to practice martial arts.ö
The younger girl frowned. ôI thought he said he didn't do it anymore.ö
ôActually, I said my skill isn't what it used to be. I'm afraid I've let my training get rather lax.ö The boy was walking towards them with a towel over his shoulders. He had a grin on his face and rubbed the towel behind his head. ôGood Morning, Kasumi-donno. Akane-san.ö
ôI thought you woke up with the rest of us.ö Akane was flushed, and seemed to calm a little.
The boy nodded. ôI usually go back upstairs to get cleaned up and rest a bit before we eat.ö
ôSo you still practice anything goes?ö Akane's interest perked up a little.
ôNot like you do I'm afraid. I do it to honor my father's memory. Great Grandmother would probably scold me for being so lazy as of late.ö The boy chuckled and nodded at her.
The younger girl almost pounced on him as she jumped forward. ôGreat. I can help with that.ö
Kasumi blushed and turned to walk away without being noticed.
Ranma scratched his head. ôI'm afraid I only do this in the morning. If you'd like to practice with me, I don't mind. You'll have to wake up I'm afraid.ö He lifted his sword by the strings tied around the scabbard and nodded. ôI've got other responsibilities as well.ö
ôGreat. I'll wake up tomorrow and we'll spar for a bit.ö The short haired girl almost jumped up and down, but managed to contain herself.
The boy leaned back and staggered for a moment. ôWell. I was thinking something a little less physical. I'd rather not get injured over doing it.ö
The girl stomped her foot and grabbed the front of his shirt. ôIs this because I'm a girl?ö
He looked away. ôNo. Don't be silly. I'm serious.ö
ôAfter that mess with Ryoga?ö The girl shook him a bit. ôAre you kidding me?ö
ôI was sore for days.ö Ranma gave a small shrug.
ôWell, if I'm gonna help, I'll need to know how good you are first. So...ö The girl looked a bit shifty eyed as she said it. She was imagining herself with her foot on his back flexing her arm in triumph. Yuriko was shaking in terror in the corner looking up at her in awe. ôHeh.ö
ôI'm not so sure I like that look.ö The boy muttered it, but nodded. ôWhy don't we start off slow? I'd rather ease back into things. I really just started doing this again when I arrived here. I didn't have much time for it before.ö
The girl shifted her eyes away. ôFine. We'll start tomorrow. I can wait a bit for a match I guess. You're going to give me one sooner or later.ö She let go of his shirt and backed away.
His smile returned and he nodded. ôThat you will. I give you my word. When I feel I'm ready, I'll give you a sparring match. Just don't over do it all right?ö He walked by towards the stairs, not noticing the surprised expression on the girl's face.
Akane looked at the ground for a moment and then at his back as he moved towards the bath. She didn't know what to say to that. It was an odd feeling that flushed her cheeks and warmed her chest. Without a word, she shuffled off towards the dojo. She found herself surprised how easy it was to push the matter aside. Ranma had given her his word, and she believed him. She found herself a little surprised at that as well.
OooOOooOO
ôRanma? You're not going to school?ö Yuriko was holding a bento box as she noticed he was still sitting at the table with Mr. Tendo. Akane and Nabiki both looked back in mild surprise as well. They were all on the way out the door.
Akane looked a bit annoyed. ôCome on you dope. We'll be late!ö
The boy shook his head at the trio. ôI'm sorry. I won't be attending today. I've a bit of personal business to take care of today. I'm afraid I've put it off much longer than I should have. Seeing as I'm staying here now, I've no reason to put it off.ö
Soun looked a bit surprised and put down the paper. He didn't say anything.
Kasumi was seeing her sister's off and turned to look at him with a little worry on her face. ôOh my! I hope everything is all right?ö
The boy smiled at them and shook his head. ôI'll be back this evening probably. Tomorrow morning at the latest. I'll walk with you tomorrow. It's no trouble really, but I really shouldn't put it off.ö
ôWhy? What's going on?ö Nabiki didn't like the way the boy sounded. He had a strange smile on his face that almost looked sad.
ôI have to see my mother. I've been gone ten years after all.ö He turned away and the girls all got rather blank and surprised expressions on their faces.
ôYou haven't seen your mother...ö Akane had gone pale. ôWhat?! You've been gone ten years and...?!ö She had tears in her eyes. ôYou jerk!ö She turned and rushed away.
The boy stood up with a surprised and horrified expression on his face. ôWha?ö
Nabiki had her arms crossed and didn't look pleased, or angry with him. ôDon't worry. She'll be fine.ö
The boy didn't move, but calmed. ôI had planned to go after I came here. It didn't appear I'd be staying long at first, so I decided to wait.ö
Kasumi seemed a little embarrassed and nodded. ôI see. I'm terribly sorry about that.ö
Yuriko was trying her best to look small and stay out of the way. ôIf she's your mom, I'm sure she's really cool!ö She turned to walk out with Nabiki, and Kasumi returned to the kitchen. The air seemed a little cooler.
The boy nodded once and sat down. Soun put his hand on his shoulder and gave a grave nod. ôI'm sorry, son. I'm afraid Akane has the hardest time dealing with my late wife's passing.ö
Ranma gave a small sigh and nodded. ôI suppose she is right. I should have done this sooner.ö He turned his eyes towards the man. ôI'm afraid I was going to ask for your assistance. I'm not sure where she is. One of the reasons I came here first...ö
ôI'll get you her address. I've spoken with her a few times over the years. I'm certain she is very eager to see you again.ö Soun smiled and shook his shoulder. ôShe is a lovely woman, my old friend Saotome was a lucky man.ö
The boy nodded and seemed to relax a little. ôThank you. I was hoping you could tell me where she was. I was very young when I left here, and I remember very little.ö He seemed to space out.
Soun said nothing else as he stood up and walked off to find the address.
OooOOooOO
Ranma Saotome was nervous. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so scared. His hands were shaking and he looked down at them with a small frown on his face. He'd faced countless battles and duels, but none of them had shaken him the way this had.
In front of him was a simple door. To him, it looked as impassible as a heavy locked fortress gate. He swallowed and raised his hand to knock. The home was nice, two stories with a good sized yard. He found himself surprised that his father could afford such a place. That was overpowered by everything else and pushed aside as he felt his knuckles rap against the wood.
He closed his eyes and heard movement from the other side. ôJust a moment.ö He opened his eyes as the door opened in front of him.
A woman with red hair in a kimono opened the door. She was very beautiful, and seemed very warm and pleased to have a visitor. ôHello? Can I...ö She seemed surprised as her eyes met the person in her doorway. He had messy black hair tied back into a ponytail, and was wearing a flashy red top, with a blade resting on his hip. Both his arms were behind his back, and he moved to bow.
ôI am looking for, Nodoka Saotome.ö He was a little surprised when she put her hands on his shoulders before he finished his bow.
ôR-Ranma?ö Her eyes were wide, and her voice wavered.
He nodded once. ôYes. I...ö
The woman pulled him into her arms as she fell to her knees. ôMy son!ö
The boy could feel her tears on his neck, her lips on his cheek, and the wetness of his own eyes. It was all a blur. ôHello, Mother. It has been a long time.ö
The woman pushed herself back to have a look at him. Her eyes wide and hopeful. ôThis is real? It is you? My son?ö
The boy was weeping, and turned his eyes away. ôI am sorry I have been...ö She collapsed into his arms in a dead faint. ôOro?ö It seemed to shock him out of his shame as he held her up.
OooOOooOO
She woke up and gasped. A cold cloth across her forehead. She was lying on a mat, with a blanket over her body. Nodoka Saotome sat upright and looked around.
She froze, half expecting to find nothing but another dream, but instead looking at her son's startling blue eyes. ôIt is good to see you, Mother.ö He gave her a smile, with his eyes as well as his lips.
ôRanma!ö Once again the boy found himself dragged into an embrace. ôOh! My son!ö
She calmed after a few moments, and both of them were wiping their eyes, the boy with his sleeve, and his mother with a handkerchief. ôHow have you been? I'm sorry I have not written, I wasn't permitted, and I'm afraid I didn't know the address once I was able.ö
ôYou did find me though?ö She almost looked like she didn't believe it.
ôYes. Mr. Tendo was kind enough to provide it to me.ö He nodded and seemed pleased to speak to her.
The woman's smile got a little wider. ôSo. You know of the agreement then? Where is your father? He used to write me, tell me of...ö Her features faded.
Ranma had his head hung low. His smile was gone, and she knew why. ôI am sorry.ö
She put her hand on his shoulder, tears flooding her eyes again. This time tears of bitter sadness. ôI see. I suspected. I knew you would return though.ö She was shaking and her voice wavered as she forced a smile. ôHe was so proud of you. I know that the two of you were separated. Still, he would write to tell me what he had heard of you. When his letters stopped, stories of you did not.ö
Ranma was clenching his knees, his eyes wide with both surprise and sadness. He was shaking and looked up at her. Something dark rose up inside him, making his pain even worse. He gave a small nod and did not look at her. ôI saw him once more after we...parted. He was dying.ö
Nodoka gave a small gasp. Her hand went up to her mouth.
ôHe told me to tell you he loved you, and asked that I honor the agreement between the Saotome and Tendo clans.ö He had told him that he was proud of him as well. The memory of that only stabbed at his heart. He had only felt shame at his father's final words to him. He did not hold back his tears. ôHe died with honor.ö
She nodded, sharing in his grief, but unaware of the pain in his memories. ôHe said that you lived with honor.ö Her tears were fading. She had dealt with her husband's loss already. Her hope was shattered, but in an odd way it was a little freeing. ôI have missed you.ö
ôI am glad to see you again.ö Ranma understood that the change in subject was deliberate.
She stood and ushered him over to the table. ôI'll get us some tea. How long will you stay? You will stay won't you?ö
ôI'll be returning to the Tendo dojo this evening. I'm staying there.ö He nodded and moved to the table to wait as she went into the kitchen.
About five minutes passed and she set out tea for them and sat down across from him. Her eyes moved to the blade resting on the floor at his side. ôI am pleased that you remembered what I asked of you.ö
He looked at her and seemed a little surprised as his eyes fell down to the blade. ôThat's...ö A memory returned, dusty with time and faded. ôYes. I...ö
She nodded and smiled at his reaction. ôMy father trained with me a little when I was a girl. I'm afraid I'm a bit clumsy.ö She stood up and pulled the family blade off the wall and set it on the table between them.
Ranma noticed that she was being very formal and looked down at it.
His mother's lips turned up as he looked down at the family blade. Her son was manly, a man among men. Her husband had kept his promise. ôMy son. I know you have just returned. I feel that I should pass this on to you now. It is time. You carry our name and our honor now. It is fitting you should carry our family's blade.ö
The boy looked up at her with a calm expression. He lifted the blade and pulled it partway out to inspect the blade. It was well cared for, a fine weapon of exquisite craftsmanship. ôA fine blade.ö He nodded and put it away before looking back up at her. ôIt is a beautiful weapon. If it is your wish, I will accept it as a symbol of our family honor. I am afraid, I can never use it myself.ö He gave her a genuine smile and put his own blade on the table top.
The woman was pleased, but confused. She lifted his sword and pulled it part way out as well. A small gasp escaped her lips. ôA sakabato?ö
Ranma gave a nod. ôI swore an oath, only to use my sword to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I will carry our families honor, if that is your wish. I cannot take a life, and thus, cannot use a weapon like this one. Proud and strong though it is.ö
His mother put his sword back down and gave a confused nod. ôI see.ö Pride welled up inside her. Her son was very polite, handsome, and humble. ôI am...pleased to hear this.ö She was, but it confused her a little. She knew of his other name as well. ôYour father told me, that you were the one known as Hitiokiri Battosai.ö
He nodded and hung his head. ôI was. I have no love for the name. I would prefer to leave it behind me.ö Her son smiled as he looked down at the family sword again. ôI will accept this. I feel it would be best cared for here. I'm afraid I am staying at the Tendo dojo, and I've no place of my own to keep it.ö
Nodoka nodded her head. ôI understand.ö She lifted the family sword up and placed it back on the wall. Ranma put his blade back in it's place at his side and sipped at his tea.
ôYou make a very good cup of tea.ö He seemed to relax a bit more and became more cheerful.
ôThank you.ö She flushed and was pleased with his praise. ôI'll get lunch started.ö
ôI'd be glad to help.ö He started to get up.
ôNo need. I've been looking forward to this for many years.ö She was beaming as she stood up and moved towards the kitchen. She would be swimming in grandchildren soon.
The boy nodded and flushed a little. ôIf you need anything, just let me know.ö
She giggled to herself and flushed as she moved away into the kitchen. ôNo girl could resist a boy like that!ö Her heart still ached from the news of her husband's death. He had kept his word, and their son was beyond her hopes and dreams. He was engaged already as well.
As she started putting together ingredients, she looked at the doorway. ôI'm going to have to visit Soun soon. I'm looking forward to meeting my future daughter in law.ö
OooOOooOO
TBC...
You'll see bits of both RK and Ranma 1/2 through this one. I'll not be following one or the other too closely. Though, RK has a larger influence over the story of this one than R 1/2 at least at this point.
Rough draft v1.0 not edited, expect sorted misspellings, etc.
Anyway, I do now. So here we go.
If you've not read the rest, it's here. http://www.fanfiction.net/s/248035/1/Rurouni_Ranma
Ruroni Ranma
Part 5
The missing link.
OooOOooOO
Akane Tendo stood in her pajama's with a surprised expression on her face. She was standing near the table by the door, looking out into the yard. Her jaw was open, and her stare was rather blank as she watched in silence.
Ranma was standing in the yard, the ground still wet with dew and a light fog was in the air. His arm was extended in a punch at that moment, but he was flowing through a kata like water, at a very relaxed speed.
The girl blinked and realized that his blade was right in front of her, resting against the wall right by the door. It was still dim, a gray cool morning before sunrise. Akane looked back up at the young boy as he continued, either ignoring, or not noticing her presence. It was the same style she used, but he was doing it at a pace only a little faster than Tai-Chi, and with more grace than any form of Kung Fu she'd ever seen.
Akane felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. ôI could do it like that if I moved that slow.ö She was shoving that phrase down her own throat and she knew it.
ôOh. Good morning, Akane. You're up early today, is everything all right?ö Kasumi appeared beside her with a dish towel in her hands.
The younger girl almost jumped out of her skin. ôGah! I uh...I got up to practice a bit early today. I wasn't expecting...ö She flushed and looked away.
ôRanma does this every morning.ö The older girl's cheer never faded as she gave a small shrug. ôWe usually wake up about the same time. I start working in the kitchen, and get a few things done before everyone wakes up. He goes out to practice martial arts.ö
The younger girl frowned. ôI thought he said he didn't do it anymore.ö
ôActually, I said my skill isn't what it used to be. I'm afraid I've let my training get rather lax.ö The boy was walking towards them with a towel over his shoulders. He had a grin on his face and rubbed the towel behind his head. ôGood Morning, Kasumi-donno. Akane-san.ö
ôI thought you woke up with the rest of us.ö Akane was flushed, and seemed to calm a little.
The boy nodded. ôI usually go back upstairs to get cleaned up and rest a bit before we eat.ö
ôSo you still practice anything goes?ö Akane's interest perked up a little.
ôNot like you do I'm afraid. I do it to honor my father's memory. Great Grandmother would probably scold me for being so lazy as of late.ö The boy chuckled and nodded at her.
The younger girl almost pounced on him as she jumped forward. ôGreat. I can help with that.ö
Kasumi blushed and turned to walk away without being noticed.
Ranma scratched his head. ôI'm afraid I only do this in the morning. If you'd like to practice with me, I don't mind. You'll have to wake up I'm afraid.ö He lifted his sword by the strings tied around the scabbard and nodded. ôI've got other responsibilities as well.ö
ôGreat. I'll wake up tomorrow and we'll spar for a bit.ö The short haired girl almost jumped up and down, but managed to contain herself.
The boy leaned back and staggered for a moment. ôWell. I was thinking something a little less physical. I'd rather not get injured over doing it.ö
The girl stomped her foot and grabbed the front of his shirt. ôIs this because I'm a girl?ö
He looked away. ôNo. Don't be silly. I'm serious.ö
ôAfter that mess with Ryoga?ö The girl shook him a bit. ôAre you kidding me?ö
ôI was sore for days.ö Ranma gave a small shrug.
ôWell, if I'm gonna help, I'll need to know how good you are first. So...ö The girl looked a bit shifty eyed as she said it. She was imagining herself with her foot on his back flexing her arm in triumph. Yuriko was shaking in terror in the corner looking up at her in awe. ôHeh.ö
ôI'm not so sure I like that look.ö The boy muttered it, but nodded. ôWhy don't we start off slow? I'd rather ease back into things. I really just started doing this again when I arrived here. I didn't have much time for it before.ö
The girl shifted her eyes away. ôFine. We'll start tomorrow. I can wait a bit for a match I guess. You're going to give me one sooner or later.ö She let go of his shirt and backed away.
His smile returned and he nodded. ôThat you will. I give you my word. When I feel I'm ready, I'll give you a sparring match. Just don't over do it all right?ö He walked by towards the stairs, not noticing the surprised expression on the girl's face.
Akane looked at the ground for a moment and then at his back as he moved towards the bath. She didn't know what to say to that. It was an odd feeling that flushed her cheeks and warmed her chest. Without a word, she shuffled off towards the dojo. She found herself surprised how easy it was to push the matter aside. Ranma had given her his word, and she believed him. She found herself a little surprised at that as well.
OooOOooOO
ôRanma? You're not going to school?ö Yuriko was holding a bento box as she noticed he was still sitting at the table with Mr. Tendo. Akane and Nabiki both looked back in mild surprise as well. They were all on the way out the door.
Akane looked a bit annoyed. ôCome on you dope. We'll be late!ö
The boy shook his head at the trio. ôI'm sorry. I won't be attending today. I've a bit of personal business to take care of today. I'm afraid I've put it off much longer than I should have. Seeing as I'm staying here now, I've no reason to put it off.ö
Soun looked a bit surprised and put down the paper. He didn't say anything.
Kasumi was seeing her sister's off and turned to look at him with a little worry on her face. ôOh my! I hope everything is all right?ö
The boy smiled at them and shook his head. ôI'll be back this evening probably. Tomorrow morning at the latest. I'll walk with you tomorrow. It's no trouble really, but I really shouldn't put it off.ö
ôWhy? What's going on?ö Nabiki didn't like the way the boy sounded. He had a strange smile on his face that almost looked sad.
ôI have to see my mother. I've been gone ten years after all.ö He turned away and the girls all got rather blank and surprised expressions on their faces.
ôYou haven't seen your mother...ö Akane had gone pale. ôWhat?! You've been gone ten years and...?!ö She had tears in her eyes. ôYou jerk!ö She turned and rushed away.
The boy stood up with a surprised and horrified expression on his face. ôWha?ö
Nabiki had her arms crossed and didn't look pleased, or angry with him. ôDon't worry. She'll be fine.ö
The boy didn't move, but calmed. ôI had planned to go after I came here. It didn't appear I'd be staying long at first, so I decided to wait.ö
Kasumi seemed a little embarrassed and nodded. ôI see. I'm terribly sorry about that.ö
Yuriko was trying her best to look small and stay out of the way. ôIf she's your mom, I'm sure she's really cool!ö She turned to walk out with Nabiki, and Kasumi returned to the kitchen. The air seemed a little cooler.
The boy nodded once and sat down. Soun put his hand on his shoulder and gave a grave nod. ôI'm sorry, son. I'm afraid Akane has the hardest time dealing with my late wife's passing.ö
Ranma gave a small sigh and nodded. ôI suppose she is right. I should have done this sooner.ö He turned his eyes towards the man. ôI'm afraid I was going to ask for your assistance. I'm not sure where she is. One of the reasons I came here first...ö
ôI'll get you her address. I've spoken with her a few times over the years. I'm certain she is very eager to see you again.ö Soun smiled and shook his shoulder. ôShe is a lovely woman, my old friend Saotome was a lucky man.ö
The boy nodded and seemed to relax a little. ôThank you. I was hoping you could tell me where she was. I was very young when I left here, and I remember very little.ö He seemed to space out.
Soun said nothing else as he stood up and walked off to find the address.
OooOOooOO
Ranma Saotome was nervous. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so scared. His hands were shaking and he looked down at them with a small frown on his face. He'd faced countless battles and duels, but none of them had shaken him the way this had.
In front of him was a simple door. To him, it looked as impassible as a heavy locked fortress gate. He swallowed and raised his hand to knock. The home was nice, two stories with a good sized yard. He found himself surprised that his father could afford such a place. That was overpowered by everything else and pushed aside as he felt his knuckles rap against the wood.
He closed his eyes and heard movement from the other side. ôJust a moment.ö He opened his eyes as the door opened in front of him.
A woman with red hair in a kimono opened the door. She was very beautiful, and seemed very warm and pleased to have a visitor. ôHello? Can I...ö She seemed surprised as her eyes met the person in her doorway. He had messy black hair tied back into a ponytail, and was wearing a flashy red top, with a blade resting on his hip. Both his arms were behind his back, and he moved to bow.
ôI am looking for, Nodoka Saotome.ö He was a little surprised when she put her hands on his shoulders before he finished his bow.
ôR-Ranma?ö Her eyes were wide, and her voice wavered.
He nodded once. ôYes. I...ö
The woman pulled him into her arms as she fell to her knees. ôMy son!ö
The boy could feel her tears on his neck, her lips on his cheek, and the wetness of his own eyes. It was all a blur. ôHello, Mother. It has been a long time.ö
The woman pushed herself back to have a look at him. Her eyes wide and hopeful. ôThis is real? It is you? My son?ö
The boy was weeping, and turned his eyes away. ôI am sorry I have been...ö She collapsed into his arms in a dead faint. ôOro?ö It seemed to shock him out of his shame as he held her up.
OooOOooOO
She woke up and gasped. A cold cloth across her forehead. She was lying on a mat, with a blanket over her body. Nodoka Saotome sat upright and looked around.
She froze, half expecting to find nothing but another dream, but instead looking at her son's startling blue eyes. ôIt is good to see you, Mother.ö He gave her a smile, with his eyes as well as his lips.
ôRanma!ö Once again the boy found himself dragged into an embrace. ôOh! My son!ö
She calmed after a few moments, and both of them were wiping their eyes, the boy with his sleeve, and his mother with a handkerchief. ôHow have you been? I'm sorry I have not written, I wasn't permitted, and I'm afraid I didn't know the address once I was able.ö
ôYou did find me though?ö She almost looked like she didn't believe it.
ôYes. Mr. Tendo was kind enough to provide it to me.ö He nodded and seemed pleased to speak to her.
The woman's smile got a little wider. ôSo. You know of the agreement then? Where is your father? He used to write me, tell me of...ö Her features faded.
Ranma had his head hung low. His smile was gone, and she knew why. ôI am sorry.ö
She put her hand on his shoulder, tears flooding her eyes again. This time tears of bitter sadness. ôI see. I suspected. I knew you would return though.ö She was shaking and her voice wavered as she forced a smile. ôHe was so proud of you. I know that the two of you were separated. Still, he would write to tell me what he had heard of you. When his letters stopped, stories of you did not.ö
Ranma was clenching his knees, his eyes wide with both surprise and sadness. He was shaking and looked up at her. Something dark rose up inside him, making his pain even worse. He gave a small nod and did not look at her. ôI saw him once more after we...parted. He was dying.ö
Nodoka gave a small gasp. Her hand went up to her mouth.
ôHe told me to tell you he loved you, and asked that I honor the agreement between the Saotome and Tendo clans.ö He had told him that he was proud of him as well. The memory of that only stabbed at his heart. He had only felt shame at his father's final words to him. He did not hold back his tears. ôHe died with honor.ö
She nodded, sharing in his grief, but unaware of the pain in his memories. ôHe said that you lived with honor.ö Her tears were fading. She had dealt with her husband's loss already. Her hope was shattered, but in an odd way it was a little freeing. ôI have missed you.ö
ôI am glad to see you again.ö Ranma understood that the change in subject was deliberate.
She stood and ushered him over to the table. ôI'll get us some tea. How long will you stay? You will stay won't you?ö
ôI'll be returning to the Tendo dojo this evening. I'm staying there.ö He nodded and moved to the table to wait as she went into the kitchen.
About five minutes passed and she set out tea for them and sat down across from him. Her eyes moved to the blade resting on the floor at his side. ôI am pleased that you remembered what I asked of you.ö
He looked at her and seemed a little surprised as his eyes fell down to the blade. ôThat's...ö A memory returned, dusty with time and faded. ôYes. I...ö
She nodded and smiled at his reaction. ôMy father trained with me a little when I was a girl. I'm afraid I'm a bit clumsy.ö She stood up and pulled the family blade off the wall and set it on the table between them.
Ranma noticed that she was being very formal and looked down at it.
His mother's lips turned up as he looked down at the family blade. Her son was manly, a man among men. Her husband had kept his promise. ôMy son. I know you have just returned. I feel that I should pass this on to you now. It is time. You carry our name and our honor now. It is fitting you should carry our family's blade.ö
The boy looked up at her with a calm expression. He lifted the blade and pulled it partway out to inspect the blade. It was well cared for, a fine weapon of exquisite craftsmanship. ôA fine blade.ö He nodded and put it away before looking back up at her. ôIt is a beautiful weapon. If it is your wish, I will accept it as a symbol of our family honor. I am afraid, I can never use it myself.ö He gave her a genuine smile and put his own blade on the table top.
The woman was pleased, but confused. She lifted his sword and pulled it part way out as well. A small gasp escaped her lips. ôA sakabato?ö
Ranma gave a nod. ôI swore an oath, only to use my sword to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I will carry our families honor, if that is your wish. I cannot take a life, and thus, cannot use a weapon like this one. Proud and strong though it is.ö
His mother put his sword back down and gave a confused nod. ôI see.ö Pride welled up inside her. Her son was very polite, handsome, and humble. ôI am...pleased to hear this.ö She was, but it confused her a little. She knew of his other name as well. ôYour father told me, that you were the one known as Hitiokiri Battosai.ö
He nodded and hung his head. ôI was. I have no love for the name. I would prefer to leave it behind me.ö Her son smiled as he looked down at the family sword again. ôI will accept this. I feel it would be best cared for here. I'm afraid I am staying at the Tendo dojo, and I've no place of my own to keep it.ö
Nodoka nodded her head. ôI understand.ö She lifted the family sword up and placed it back on the wall. Ranma put his blade back in it's place at his side and sipped at his tea.
ôYou make a very good cup of tea.ö He seemed to relax a bit more and became more cheerful.
ôThank you.ö She flushed and was pleased with his praise. ôI'll get lunch started.ö
ôI'd be glad to help.ö He started to get up.
ôNo need. I've been looking forward to this for many years.ö She was beaming as she stood up and moved towards the kitchen. She would be swimming in grandchildren soon.
The boy nodded and flushed a little. ôIf you need anything, just let me know.ö
She giggled to herself and flushed as she moved away into the kitchen. ôNo girl could resist a boy like that!ö Her heart still ached from the news of her husband's death. He had kept his word, and their son was beyond her hopes and dreams. He was engaged already as well.
As she started putting together ingredients, she looked at the doorway. ôI'm going to have to visit Soun soon. I'm looking forward to meeting my future daughter in law.ö
OooOOooOO
TBC...
You'll see bits of both RK and Ranma 1/2 through this one. I'll not be following one or the other too closely. Though, RK has a larger influence over the story of this one than R 1/2 at least at this point.
