Okay, I'll try posting it here and see if I can get some more feedback of any sort... Here goes
Sin's Redemption
A Fanfic by BlueDragon
Standard Fan Fic Disclaimer: Ranma¢ characters ®1998, 2002 Rumiko Takahashi, and Viz. All are being used without permission. I do not have any money so it won't do any good to sue me. Also I want to thank all these people that created such wonderful characters for me to be able to write about in the first place.
Reminder: "Talking Lines"
½ Thinking Lines ?
~ Sound Effects ~
{ Typing Lines }
^ Phone Lines ^
\\ Time, or Location \\
Authors' notes: The Prelude to this story was originally written by Innortal. You can find his Original version @ www.fanfiction.net/s/2515990/1/. And as this is a continuation of events set in motion by him this is what follows, and yes I had his permission to do this. As well as him reading through probably a hundred or so drafts to get to this point. Okay now this particular story will have no crossover elements in it what so ever. And while the original story was Dark, and somewhat Angsty. The rest of my story will not be quite as dark, though the last chapter will probably be a little WAFFY, and definitely not a romanceà
Okay now on with the storyà
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Chapter 1 Tadßima - We're Home
As the three returning students, plus one little girl, walked through the gate Nabiki called out, "Hey Sis we're home" Then she looked at Kaede and held out her hand, "Kaede I want you to come with me up to my room for a bit while I lock up that money you have for us." ½And keep two stupid old men from the drinking binge of the new century? Kaede looked at her and smiled, taking her hand and following her up the stairs, as Kasumi and Nodoka came out of the kitchen with some tea and a few snack's.
Nodoka had noticed the little red headed girl walking up the stairs with Nabiki and smiled, she looked like she could have been Ranma's little sister, if Genma hadn't left for that training journey. As she sat down at the table with her son and the other two Tendo girls, she looked at her son and smiled. "So, son, is there something that you want to tell me about that little girl that came home with you today?"
Ranma looked a little sheepish but reached into his pocket and handed his mother the letter. "Yeah, Mom but this might explain it better'n I could."
Nodoka only needed a minute to read through the letter, and then she looked back at her son. "Oh, I'm so happy you've made me a grandmother already."
Kasumi's hand went to her mouth in surprise though no 'Oh My' was heard. About that same time the afore mentioned little girl had come back down the stairs to hear this and landed in the elder Saotome's lap.
"Grandmaà" She exclaimed as she hugged the woman tight.
Ranma smiled at his Mother's reaction to the little girl who was going to be his daughter. "Kaede, this is my Mother, Nodoka Saotome, your Grandmother. And the other girl is Kasumi Tendo, Akane and Nabiki's older sister. Mr. Tendo and Ëyaji seem to be gone for a change. Speaking of which; Mom, where did they go this time."
"Father and Uncle Saotome are in town for a shogi tournament today. Father was really looking forward to it, but Uncle Genma just complained that he was not being allowed to cheat." Kasumi answered.
Ranma chuckled at the thought of his father in a tourney where he could not cheat. "Really, you mean Pop's actually knows how to play without cheating. That has to be a first."
Kasumi started fixing some snacks, and pouring tea for the people around the table. Nodoka just hugged her granddaughter and smiled at the contented expression on her face. "So Kaede-chan, how old are you now, and just how long have you been trying to find my son?"
Kaede smiled as she took the plate of snacks Kasumi offered her. "Thank you I'll be eight years old this August. And as far as I remember, I think I've been traveling for about a year, give or take a few weeks."
Nodoka was surprised at this, "Your mother sent you away a year ago, just what have you been doing all this time?"
Kaede leaned into her grandmothers' lap. "Mommy had me go around ta find the other things that she wanted me to give to Mr. Ranma. Some of the scrolls that her friends had, and some other things."
Nodoka looked at her son, "Well I suppose you already have committed those scrolls to memory."
"Momà I haven't even seen um yet. We only just got home."
Nodoka smiled, "Well then maybe we need to find sleeping arrangements for my Granddaughter, then have her join you in the dojo for an afternoon practice with her new father. How does that sound, Kaede-chan?" She already was well aware that the Tendo home really couldn't handle many more guests let, alone new family members.
Kaede just smiled at her grandmother and nodded, when Kasumi decided to offer her suggestion. "I think Kaede should stay in my room until we can make better arrangements for her. Both Akane and Nabiki are still in school and need to be able to study, and I don't think she will be an imposition."
"Why Kasumi-chan that sounds like a marvelous idea, and thank you for offering."
"Ahh, I don't want to be an inconvenience or noth'n. I'm sure I can just stay out in the dojo or something." Even though she had grown up around Kasumi, she could be a rather hard person to live around. She had been the disciplinarian and Kaede had more then her share of run-ins with the eldest Tendo daughter. But she didn't want to be in a position that might cause her to slip up on something.
This was her chance at a new and normal life. What she had grown up wanting so badly, and now it was so close. But then she remembered things she had been told growing up. These Tendo daughters were very different then who she'd known. All she had been told was they had a generally happier view of life and the world around them. She decided she would not try and fight things to hard, but also had just try and get used to the differences between what she knew and what she was now living.
Kasumi just smiled, ôPlease Kaede itÆs really no problem, and as a guest I couldn't forgive myself for making you have to sleep out in the dojo. It just wouldn't be right. Besides it really isnÆt a problem for me at all. And I donÆt think IÆll disturb you much, if at all.ö
"My Mom taught me everything she knew, but I'm nowhere near as good as she was before she died." Kaede answered.
Akane looked smug. "Well if you really want someone to train Kaede in the martial arts we should wait for Ryoga to get back. At least he knows how to be polite to girls and treat them with respect, unlike somebody else at the table." She turned and glared at Ranma.
~Grrrrà~ Ranma just scowled back. "Yeah right, as if Ryoga had any real manners. He just has a thing for violent, uncute tomboys.
As everyone, including Nabiki, was watching the show between the two resident fiancÚe's nobody noticed the clenched jaw on the youngest now seated at the table.
"So Mom what's for dinner tonight?" Ranma asked.
Nodoka looked around the table and smiled. "Well I think maybe we should let Kaede-chan pick the dinner menu for tonight, in celebration of her arrival. How does that sound Kaede?"
With the topic having changed now to food Kaede was all smiles and sunshine. "Mmmmà let me think for a second." She put her finger to her chin thoughtfully. "I know what would taste goodà how about something with pork." And she looked around the table expectantly.
Nodoka looked at the eldest Tendo even though she helped out with some of the chores and cooking during her visits. But this house was still her domain and she would help but also follow her lead.
Kasumi looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well I have everything but the meat to be able to do a stir fry, or even sweet and sour porkà" The others around the table thought it was rather funny watching Kasumi dissect the dinner menu like Nabiki did business deals. "Oh, I know what would be marvelous. I can make Katsudon, I haven't done that in ages and I would just need to pick up some pork cutlets."
Ranma smirked as any thing that his Mother or Kasumi made would taste delicious; that the little girl wanted pork was even better. "Yeahh gee, but what a shame that Ryoga isn't here tonight because he just loooves pork."
Akane smacked Ranma in the shoulder, "I've never seen Ryoga eating pork before, why would you think he likes it so much."
"Jeeze Akane, you just haven't known the porker as long as I have." Kaede just snickered.
Nodoka smiled again then looked at Kasumi, "Well dear if you can show our young one here to her new room, I will make a quick stop at the market and get you those cutlets to use for dinner. Then we can have everything ready by the time the men get home."
"Yeah, as there are no real men here right now anywayà" Akane smirked she just had to get in a few more dig's at her fiancÚ to feel like she had a good day.
Before Ranma had a chance to retort, he was stopped by his Mother's ever-present bundle appearing in front of his nose.
"That's enough now you two. Son why don't you just head out to the dojo, I'll send Kaede out for some practice with you after she has a chance to get her things settled into Kasumi's room." With that Nodoka shooed Kaede and Kasumi upstairs before she left to go shopping.
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Kasumi had felt that dinner tonight was a marvelous reason to celebrate. Even though she knew the adoption would take time, for all practical purposes Ranma was now a Father, which also had the nice side effects of Auntie finally being a Grandmother. And after Akane finally got married she would already be a mother. And this thrilled her as she thought it would be nice to be the Aunt instead of the surrogate parent and housekeeper she normally felt like. These thoughts made her realize that maybe after Akane and Ranma got married, she should see about starting her life again and maybe even find her own future husband.
So dinner was prepared and served in even better then normal humor between the two ladies of the house as it stood at present. Even laughter was heard coming from the kitchen as the two fixed the evening meal.
Of course as the evening progressed topics shifted from how Kasumi had outdone her usual evening meal, and went on to other topics that seemed to revolve around the newest member of the family.
Genma was still trying to grasp the situation somewhat, here his son wasn't even married to Akane yet and he already had a granddaughter. But it bothered him more that he could not remember dealing with the girls' mother; not that he could remember everyone who he bilkedà Ahmmà asked for assistance during Ranma's early training years. "What I still don't understand girl is why your mother would have been so impressed with our familyà to ask my son to adopt you after her passing?"
ôListen here Panda no Bßka,ö Kaede snorted. ôKnowing what my Mommy said about you, she half expected you to offer æDaddyÆ to her as husband just for a few weeks of free food and lodging.ö Then humphed again, ôProbably wouldÆa too if she wasn't already married. Bßka Ëyajiàö was said under her breath as she turned away from him, but it was still loud enough to be heard by everyone.
Nodoka shook her head, "Kaede, you do need to show your grandfather some respect. It is impolite to do otherwise."
"But Grandma, the stupid Panda has been the reason for most of Daddy's problems." Her new Grandmother gave her a look that said she meant what she had said. So Kaede pulled another letter out of her blouse and handed it to Nodoka.
As the Saotome matriarch looked at the paper, she noticed it was a list of names and places. "What is this last column? It looks like a menu of someone's favorite foods."
Nabiki took a look over the paper Nodoka was reading, her finger going down the list of names, surprised at how many she recognized. Then she saw the one she was looking for Kaori Diakoku, her finger followed the line across ½fish, rice, 2 - pickles?. "Ahà it's a list of all of Ranma's fiancÚes; the last column is what they paid Genma for your son."
Nodoka glared at her husband "You mean taisetsu; you have been making arrangements for my son's marriage just so you can get food too feed that fat gut of yours?"
Genma thought to make a quick escape but Nabiki used her school' bag to trip the fat panda-man. Kaede looked at Nodoka, "See Grandma, the stupid panda just causes problems for everyone." After Nodoka's nod she knew she had the victory, "How bout I just use Jijii, even Daddy always calls him 'Ëyaji', never 'Daddy'"
Genma snorted indignantly, trying to look put out, but was totally ignored by his wife. Nodoka thought for a second and decided her Granddaughter had a point, "That should be okay as long as were are just around family, but in public you must put forth the effort to show more respect, please." To which Kaede nodded her agreement to the condition.
Ranma was looking over his Mother's shoulder also, "Hey Mom that one doesn't have food under ità '2 - Hasmendahl Passage' Hey Pop's wasn't the Hasmendahl the name of the ship we took to get home from Hong Kong when we were be'n chased by Shampoo?" Genma could only nod from where he was pinned under an energetic Kaede.
Nabiki looked at the line on the list Ranma was pointing out, "Yeah Ranma, but who is this Jonathan Richards." She started to grin as she quickly put the facts together. Ranma still looked slightly confused; but it only took Nodoka a couple of seconds after Nabiki to reach the same conclusion.
Nodoka's smile became predatory, and she began to finger the silk wrapped bundle at her side. "Why Soun dear, would you mind terribly if my husband and I slept in the dojo for the next couple of evenings. I think our son might need some quiet time, and with things as they are I won't be going home for a while, as I will need to help arrange things here?"
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Genma now looked ready to explode. "WIFE!, I refuse to let you get any sort of help from thatà thatà"
"Husband, you are currently in no position to tell me whom I may get help from for any family issues. Especially from Miku-chan, if I so choose. You have already created enough messes here for my son to spend the rest of his life trying to make amends, as well as restitution. If I choose to consult Miku-chan then I will, and that is FINAL."
Ranma looked at his mother slightly bewildered, "Mom who is this Michael Connors, and why would he be able to help?"
The elder girls around the table were waiting just as intently as Ranma for this answer. Not many knew any details from the Saotome matriarchs' life, and this had to be worth knowing.
Nodoka glared at her husband one last time before turning to her son with a smile on her face, she decided to get some not so subtle digs on her oaf of a husband in the meantime. "Why that's simple son; Michael Connors would have been your father, if my own father hadn't of been so against it." She glanced at her husband and noted his impending reaction, so she started to finger the hilt of her katana at her side; fortunately this was not lost on her spouse, who just crossed his arms over his chest. "He had been our neighbor and my best friend through school. He was also my first boyfriend. And while your grandfather thought he was a fine young man, because his father was a foreigner he was by his definition not good enough for his daughter."
The three Tendo girls were most surprised by this. And there thoughts were mirrored by each other. ½Auntie's first boyfriend was a foreigner, 'Wow'/'Oh my'? Ranma was also rather surprised by this information too.
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The next morning before breakfast Nabiki tracked Ranma down as he was practicing in the dojo. "Ranma, we're going to have to skip classes this morning."
Ranma stopped his kata mid-kick and turned towards Nabiki. The first thing he noted about her was she was thoroughly wide-awake, and it wasn't even time for breakfast. "Huhà what'cha mean Nab's?"
His greeting was returned with a growl; ½I hate it when he calls me Nab's? and she watched a smile form on his face and knew he had done it on purpose. ½Oh don't worry Ranma, I'll pay you back for that one? And her predatory smile returned to her own face as she thought of ways to charge the 'Wild Stallion' out of much more of his money then normalà
When he saw her grin he instinctively flinched. ½Okay so maybe that wasn't such a good idea? He tried to give her one of his disarming smiles, ½Saotome secret technique #13? "Sorry, Nabiki. I just couldn't resist, you're almost never out of bed at this hour." He hoped it worked.
½Got himà? She dropped the smirk and just smiled back, "Don't worry about it Saotome, you'll owe me." And she started walking towards him.
½Okay, I'm a dead manà? "So why are we skipping classes this morning? Not that I don't mind an excuse to avoid all the nut-jobs at school."
"For starters we have to go to the bank first thing when they open, and start that account." She stated with her arms crossed over her chest.
Nabiki just shook her head, "Ranma do you have any idea how much money was in that pack Kaede was carrying around." Ranma just shook his head, and Nabiki had to admit, Ranma was happy if he had managed to hold onto three to six thousand yen for more then an afternoon. "Well for your information, I stopped counting after I hit three hundred forty thousand, this morning." She paused for a moment to let that sink in, "And I want it far away from our fathers before they find out how much was there."
"Thà Threeà Three hundredà" Ranma stuttered out. And Nabiki just nodded as Ranma collapsed to the floor of the dojo.
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\\ Nerima Consolidated Bank \\
"Here you are Miss Tendo, Mr. Saotome, your new account passbook. Everything is in order and your teller cards will be in the mail by the end of the week." He smiled and bowed deeply as they got up. "Oh yes, before I forget, Miss Tendo this pouch was also in the bag, but we don't process transactions with this type of material." He handed Nabiki a small brown drawstring pouch, which she started to open. "Unless you would also like to get a safe deposit box to store them in."
Nabiki dumped the bags contents into her hand, to find herself holding around twenty, to thirty gemstones all about ¥ carat or less, and eight of those were diamonds. The rest being a mix of emeralds, rubies, and a few sapphires.
"Wowà" Was all Ranma could say at first, as he looked over Nabiki's shoulder to see what she had in her hand. After he recovered from his initial shock, "Nabiki, I thought you said you counted the money this morning."
Nabiki took one last look at the gems in her hand, and then poured them back in the bag and sealed it. "Ranma if you loose that pouch, I swear I hunt you down and pound you into the ground, you got meà?" As she handed them to Ranma, "Besides I said I stopped counting after I hit three hundred thousand yen, I didn't just dump the bag in my room to count it." She noted Ranma acted like he put the pouch in the side of his shirt, but she new he actually use a trick to hide it in his stuffspace like how Mousse, and the others, stored their weapons. "Well thank you for you help, Mr. Tanaka. We had better be going now so we don't miss too much more school time."
As Ranma and Nabiki were walking out of the bank, he started to look at the Passbook for the new account when he started to ask Nabiki. "Am I reading this right? The current balance in the account is this number in the bottom right corner for these transactions."
Nabiki leaned closer to Ranma to look over his shoulder and see what he was so stunned about. She followed the headings to find the running balance, "Okay so why didà What! One hundred, thirteen millionà" Nabiki stopped walking, and Ranma turned to look at her. It was the first time Ranma had ever seen Nabiki with her mouth down at her ankles.
"See I told yaà "
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\\ JR Subway - en route \\
Nodoka had left her son and Nabiki at the train station where she was going to return to Sendagaya, as the two were heading towards the bank.
She had been surprised that Kaede's mother had known about her childhood friend and first crush, and it was even funnier for her to watch Genma's reaction to that fact. But Miku-chan had followed several of the other members of his family and went into the field of Law. She hoped Kaede was right that he might be able to help with these new family issues.
Fortunately the subway would only take half an hour so she would have enough time to get from Sendagaya station to his office.
After a somewhat comfortable ride on the subway. She had been glad it was just after the morning rush. She had actually been able to find a seat, though it was still somewhat crowded.
As Nodoka walked into his office he smiled, and walked around to his desk. "So Nodoka it's wonderful to see you after so many years, but on the phone last night you were somewhat vague."
He smiled at his old classmate, "Well then Doka-chan, I think I can be of some help, not to mention my Shojin-jisan sets on the bench at Family Court. I think he might be willing to help also."
Nodoka smiled at her old friend; maybe he was a good person to have helping out with this particular family issue. "Thank you Miku-chan for helping me on such short notice with this small problem."
The gentleman leaned back in his seat. "Just what kind of trouble are you in Doka-chan that you need legal counsel for?" He couldn't help but think that her husband had done something to cause serious problems for the family.
As Nodoka sat down in one of the plush leather chairs in front of his desk, she then straightened out her kimono. "Well Miku-chan, I'm not very sure how difficult of an issue that this should be. But we need some help arranging an adoption for my son."
Michael looked perplexed for a second. "Why would you want to help somebody to adopt your son, Doka-chan?"
Nodoka giggled, not entirely sure if he was being serious or just kidding, and pulled the papers out of the envelope she'd been carrying with a letter on top. "Silly, it's my son who's trying to adopt the girl" she said as she handed him a stack of papers. "but unfortunately he is still minor, although he is engaged to be married."
Michael had been quickly scanning the letter while listening to Nodoka. "Then how old is your son right now as the courts will take both his age and the age of his iinazuke into account in their decision." As he finished reading through the letter he looked back up at Nodoka. "There will also be other factors involved in the court's decision; such as the kind of home environment, sources of income, etc. But I'm pretty sure Shojin-jisan, would want to do what he can to help us out."
"Well my son has been staying at the home of his fiancÚe, while he finishes school. He is currently in his junior year at Furinkan."
"Well how about I give him a call quick and see if he will join us for a working lunch? And it will give us an opportunity to catch up on old times." He didn't wait for an answer but picked up the phone and started dialing. On the first ring he set it down again after hitting speakerphone.
^Moshi moshi^
"Ojisan I was just calling to see if you'd mind joining me and a client for lunch to discuss an uncontested adoption."
^And after all this time and the number of cases you've won what would you need my help with an adoption for?^
"Haà ojisan, it's not that I don't know how to process the adoption, it's that the client wanted it to proceed smoothly and quickly."
^Oh I see now, to help some client you want to use family connections to circumvent the normal procedures of the court. I thought you knew better than to try something like that^
"Well ojisan if it'd been for any other client I wouldn't bother asking but the client in question is Saotome Nodoka."
^Ahhà who? ^
"Mifune Nodokaà Ojisan, you remember her."
There was a pause from the speakerphone, while the two sitting in the office waited for realization to dawn.
^Little Doka-chan, you mean she's trying to adopt someone; oh the joy. You know your Okßsan and I tried pretty hard to arrange your marriage. Your father should have just been the arrogant American bastard that he normally was and demand her as your iinazuke. But Nooo! He had ago and try and be proper Japanese father and not push the issue. Yoà^
"Ojisan, stop that. I love my wife, and wouldn't change a thing." ½Maybe it would've been nice if Kßsan and Ojisan had managed to arrange our marriage?
Nodoka giggled from her chair
^You said lunch; well I wasn't planning on going out for another hour yet. But a chance to see Doka-chan will change my plans. I'll get a table reserved for us at Tama over in Kita-Aoyama and I'll meet you there in say a half an hour^
Nodoka had, after hearing this, decided her husband was going to get a serious piece of her mind. If Shojin-jisan has had to cover for her husbands' transgressions, she would make sure he understood the peril he was in.
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Kaede stayed at the house with Kasumi after everyone else left for the day helping with the chores. And for a change Kasumi was working with a real smile on her face, even occasionally humming a cheery tune.
Kasumi was glad for the little girls help and had insisted she use onÚechan. It was not a normal occurrence that someone helped around the house; when Auntie was around she always tried to help where she could. And Ranma would sometimes pitch in around the yard and dojo, if he were not recovering from some injury or being chased by any of the numerous girls that always seemed to flock around him.
But Kaede was a pleasurable child to have around the house. And most of her morning chores were finished early; after all three loads of laundry had been washed and hung out to dry. Since lunch was a while away yet, Kasumi decided to spend a few minutes exercising in the dojo this morning instead of before she did her afternoon shopping run.
Kaede had been in the dojo practicing with her new father last night and she also watched him work out this morning. While Ranma performing his kata's, would be described as if he was dancing, but what surprised Kaede as she watched Kasumi-nÚesan, it would have to be described as she flowed around the dojo like a slow running river.
She was performing the first six kata's of the Tendo Ryuu at a slow and graceful pace like she used the kata's as a form of TaiChi. She had heard many describe the eldest Tendo as the perfect Japanese wife, but watching her exercise now, Kaede felt a better description would be that she was the perfect Japanese Woman.
As Kasumi finished her last set, she turned and bowed towards the shrine across the dojo, then picked up the towel she had brought out.
Of course growing up the only time Kaede ever watched Kasumi in the dojo was if she was praying at the shrine or cleaning up. So she decided to take a closer look at Kasumi's aura and noticed that her aura was a bright spring green of contentment. Though not very large was extremely concentrated, this was a bit of surprise for the young Saotome.
When Kaede had been growing up she only really tended to seem happy when she was cooking, cleaning or much of anything else tended to have her scowling and grumbling around the house. She never quite understood when Nabiki would tell her that Kasumi always use to be cheerful and happy before her Mommy had left. But after seeing her now she thought maybe she was starting to get an idea of the old Kasumi. She decided she wanted to help her to stay focused on that happier spirit that she must have had before she got married.
ôKasumi,ö Kaede started ôdo you spend much time actually meditating. Cause if you do that I can help you start learning how to use your Ki. ItÆs not that hard to learn after youÆve gotten good at meditating but it does take a lot of practice to learn how to find it and actually applied it through your body. I'd be glad to show you."
Kasumi smiled and motioned for Kaede to sit down with her. As they got ready to start meditating, and for Kasumi learn something new. Kaede went on to explain how to locate and center herself in that place where she could use it. After maybe 20 minutes Kasumi exclaimed softly. ôItÆs like a field of tall green grass isnÆt it?ö
Kaede smiled ôFor most people it tends to look like a colored fire. But yes your should be green.ö she went on with some exercises to help her feel and return to this place easier. As well as explaining to her how she can focus portions of her ki into the various other parts of her body.
ôDoes that mean I might eventually be able to jump across the rooftops like Ranma and most of his friends?ö Kaede answered in the affirmative but told her it would probably be a while before she would actually be able to do something like that. Kasumi actually started giggling softly at the idea of her chasing Ranma and his friends across the rooftops. ½0h how much fun that could be? that thought abruptly came to a halt, when she realized jumping across the rooftops in her normal dresses might not be such a good idea. She decided if she ever got that good, she would have to start wearing pants more often.
Kasumi kept up the exercises for a while longer, when Kaede said she had practiced enough. ôWhen you get better at using your Ki you can start reading how people around you are feeling and that by looking at their auras. As time goes on and you practice more you may even be able to learn how to draw some of the ambient ki from the surrounding area and use it to enhance your own to make you stronger or faster.ö
Kasumi just smiled as they both got up and headed back into the house to start some of the preparations for dinner that night.
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Kasumi was surprised that Auntie Nodoka didn't get back till just before dinner. But she had picked up some Takoyaki as a treat for everyone on her way home.
She sprinkled on the green laver, and bonito flakes then grabbed the bottle of mayo and a container of toothpicks. She was sure Genma-jisan would probably just skewer them on his chopsticksà how gauche, but her father did like to use more manners and he would enjoy the extra treat. It wasn't often they could afford to buy some to have at home with dinner.
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"Well as of this afternoon Kaede is now officially registered in the Saotome clan." She turned a smile on her son and new granddaughter. "But Michael did have some problems with the adoption that we must work out as a family." She looked forlorn and focused on her lap and creased the hem of her kimono sleeve.
"Michael and I had lunch with his Uncle this afternoon, and he was saying son, that your age, as you are still a minor, is somewhat of a problem. But that can be overlooked some; the real problem is it would be almost impossible for an unmarried man to adopt a child who is not physically related. In other words, if you are serious about adopting Kaede then you are going to have to make a decision as to who you will marry, and soon, before the Children's Services Department finds out and has her removed from our family."
"What?!!!" the general comment from most of those around the table.
"Okay Mom, I'll figure it out, I don't want Kaede go'in to no orphanage on my account."
Nodoka smiled at her son, "I'm glad to hear you say that, son. And your father and I, as well as Soun, will be glad to help you outà"
Ranma was pretty nervous about the idea of having to 'marry' but he was more worried about loosing Kaede, and for some reason he wanted to make her mother proud of him, and confirm her original choice for him to raise her.
"Soun, that reminds me, if I remember the agreement correctly, wasn't my son supposed to have his pick of one of your daughters?"
Soun looked surprised, "àWell yes that was the original agreement but everyone felt that Akane would be the best choice for Ranma."
"As if I would want to marry that stupid pervertà Everyone else but me decided it." Akane just crossed her arms in front of her chest.
½Oh Akane dear, why are you still being so stubborn after all this time? Even I can see that you like my son. But this must be done for Kaede's best interest as well as my sons? She took a second to look at both of the other two Tendo sisters, and knew that both felt their original opinion of her son had been a bad decision on both their parts. "I can understand your frustration Akane dear," Akane smiled back sure she had a staunch supporter in Nodoka-obßchan. "so that is why Soun, I think we should go back to the original agreement, and allow my son to also consider both Nabiki and Kasumi as a potential wife."
Most everyone around the table was shocked, but Genma was the first one to be able to bring voice to his opinion. "Wife, just where did you get such a stupid idea? The boy has to marry Akane to join the schools." He felt that was enough of an explanation. His wife just shook her head sadly.
"No, husband, Ranma does not have to marry Akane. The schools would still be joined if he married any of Soun's daughters, and all three have talents that would help the school prosper."
At this Soun's eyes lit up as he realized that if Ranma seriously considered all his daughters, he had a three out of six chance to get what he and his friend had been wanting all alongà ½As long as some new fiancÚe that my friend had promised Ranma too, does not show up before the wedding?
Ranma looked at the sisters and saw both Kasumi and Nabiki were surprised but not upset really. Nabiki was looking at her lap and her hands were fidgeting, while Kasumi covered her mouth, but Ranma noticed her blush. And when she saw Ranma notice her, she quickly turned away, blushing even more. Then he noticed Akane, now she was glaring daggers at him and looked about ready to pull out her mallet and pound him. He turned to his mother and looked at her as she was watching him at the moment. ½Mom is waiting for something from me, I can tell. Just not sure exactly what? "Okay, Mom just don't go including Kodachi in on this, I can't stand that nutjob. And I never asked her to be my fiancÚe ta begin with, but I'll think about Kasumi and Nabiki too, that all right? And I'll do my best to decide quickly, but I can't say how long it would still take me." His mother smiled back at him.
½This is even better? Soun thought ½Three out of fiveà Oh yes?
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Akane was fuming; here she was pacing around her own room, while her sisters sat on the side of her bed. ½'The whole reason I'm stuck being engaged to Ranma is because of them and here Auntie just says they should let that Perverted Jerk consider marrying any of them, and they don't say a word to Auntie? Of course these thoughts just served to confuse and anger the youngest even more.
"All right, so why are you so interested in being stuck with that perverted jerk? I've had to deal with him for over a year, and the only thing that keeps him in line is his fear of the poundings I'll give him. He's insensitive, egotistical, and rude. He always lets those other Floozies of his hang all over him, not to mention they wreck our house repeatedly. And he even tries to beat up P-chan because he's so jealous of my little pig."
Kasumi looked at her little sister with sad eyes, "Please Akane, you really shouldn't talk about Ranma like that. And he's always tried to protect all of us and our home." Nabiki nodded in agreement with her onÚechan.
Nabiki sighed heavily, realizing it was now time to remove the kid gloves with her imoot¾. ôListen Akane, KasumiÆs right; Ranma at least tries to do everything in his power to make sure that everyone in this dojo is safe. He is far from perfect and he can be arrogant, not to mention try the patience of any of us. But he is definitely not a pervert.ö
Kasumi nodded in agreement with Nabiki. ôAnd remember Akane, this isnÆt only about Ranma marrying once of us to join the schools. ItÆs about Ranma picking his wife; itÆs about Ranma deciding who is going to help him raise Kaede as their daughter. You cannot just be willing to marry Ranma youÆll have to be willing to be KaedeÆs new mother. And thatÆs a much bigger responsibility then just deciding to get married to someone. I hope youÆre willing to remember that in the next few days as Ranma tries to make his decision.ö
Akane shook her head for second realizing that Kasumi did have a point. ôAll right I'll agree that this is if pretty seriously now, but that still doesnÆt explain why you didn't try to convince Auntie that it was a bad idea. One year ago when the SaotomeÆs first got here and we found out about the engagement you couldnÆt pass him off to me fast enough. Why now do you suddenly just say Okay?"
The younger sisters noticed Kasumi ringing her hands in her lap, and looking down and away from both of them. So Nabiki decided she answer first and give Kasumi a minute to recompose herself. ôAkane the simplest answer for me is I suppose, after all the time Ranma has been here I'm at least willing to consider marrying Ranma. And that doesn't mean that I want him really, it simply means IÆm willing to see what happens. If Daddy hadnÆt thrown this mess at us so suddenly last year, and actually gave us some time to get to know each other; I may have been willing to marry him to begin with.ö
Kasumi looked over at Nabiki as she said that. ôSorry Akane, it was wrong of Nabiki and I to foist Ranma off on you. But I was scared; IÆd been managing this House since mother passed away. And the idea of marrying anyone at the time, let alone someone younger than me was not very appealing. As the eldest I really should have been the one to accept the engagement. So if he should ask me I would be willing to accept.ö
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Kasumi fixed both sisters with a look; "We're all going to have to consider the possibility of marrying Ranma, and being Kaede's mother. But above all, the final decision in this has to be Ranma's." After a bit the other two sisters nodded in agreement.
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Later that evening, well after dinner, Kaede was sitting in Nabiki's room while Nabiki was checking over the families' books.
Kaede had been somewhat surprised by her Grandmothers announcement, even more so by Ranma reaction to it. But if that was the way things had to go, she had her own ideas of what needed to happen. ½Mommy always thought of Kuonji-san as a friend. Shampoo, is out for a ton of reasons. And even 'Daddy' said that Kuno girl was not being included. That left the Tendo girls? and she already had her own ideas there. She could never understand why her Mommy talked about Akane the way she did, she was as mean and violent as her Mommy had said; but something about the way she would talk about her was an indication that Mommy had felt something for the girl before 'daddy' had to ruin things. ½'NO' I'm never going to refer to that 'pig' as 'daddy' again. Ranma is my Daddy now. I just have too figure out how I can get Daddy and mamma-Nabiki together?
Kaede set her book down, "So onÚechan, are you going to marry my Daddy?"
Nabiki almost choked after hearing that. "What was that Kaede?" she asked, trying to regain her composure, and turned her chair to face the other occupant of her room.
Kaede smiled, "I asked if you were going to marry my Daddy."
Nabiki set her pencil down and slid closer to Kaede. "Now why would you think I wanted to marry Ranma?"
Kaede smiled, "Its not that I think you want to, I just think you'd make a good Mommy."
Now Nabiki was surprised, she had been thinking about the possibilities, but now Kaede was saying that she'd like her to be Ranma's new wife. "And what about my sister?" She saw Kaede's confused expression. "Akaneà you must know that even with all their problems, they both care for each other."
Kaede scowled, "I don't see why, she's always beating on him and calling him mean names. I just think Daddy would be better off marrying you."
At first Nabiki was upset with Kaede, she didn't like hearing other people badmouth her imoot¾, then she remembered that Kaede had seen firsthand how Akane treated Ranma on a regular basis, and had to agree maybe she had a point. "Okay, maybe you're right about Akane, but that's not a reason that he should choose me, there is still Kasumi, Ukyo, and Shampoo to consider too."
Kaede looked puzzled. "What, you don't like Daddy at all then?"
Nabiki paused for a moment. ½The kid is serious about this? "Kaede, I think you should understand that I even caused your Daddy some problems in the past and he may not want to be with me."
Kaede thought about the things her Mommy had said regarding the middle Tendo, and realized she was going to have too do some serious work with her to get her over her general opinions of her new daddy. "Bahà daddy is a lot smarter then people ever give him credit for. My Mommy even said if he had been allowed to apply himself he would have done fine in any school. Just no one thinks so or wants to give him a chance."
"Kaede are you trying to tell me that you think Ranma is as smart as me." Nabiki snorted at just the thought.
Kaede thought for minute before answering and thinking about Nabiki's reaction. "I don't think so, but daddy is too good a martial artist to be considered stupid. And my Mommy had said that he does learn things very fast."
"I'll admit Ranma is a great martial artist and can learn somebody's moves quickly and duplicate them, and can even improvise new moves and counters. But his manners and speech are pathetic, and he's quite possibly the worst student in all of Furinkan; and that's saying a lot."
Kaede smiled to herself because she was pretty sure how to play her daddy to the middle Tendo. And she already knew the answers to the next couple questions she planned to pose to her perspective mommy. "But you're not taking into account the way the bßka panda treated him growing up on that training journey. Mommy said she was only able to track Ranma going to school twice during the whole time he was gone till he came here. And then it wasn't too long before she became ill and sent me to find him."
Nabiki raised an eyebrow at this bit of information. True, Ranma had told them some of the stories of his training trip; but if he had really only attended school twice that whole time, it was a miracle he had any grasp of the world at all, let alone that he was able to be advanced last school year even if he had just barely succeeded at that.
Nabiki's brain started putting together things that she had learned over the past year-plus about Ranma, and what Kaede just told her. And as the possibilities that these items all pointed too, all ended with one scary realization. ½Oh man, how stupid could I have been after all this time? and what made it even scarier, was that things pointed towards a very devious, and somewhat subtle planning by one bßka panda.
Now Nabiki really scowled. "Like hell I'm going to let that stupid fat panda live off of his sons talents and my family's resources for the rest of his days."
Now Kaede was surprised by Nabiki's sudden outburst, but it did mean she was closer to getting what she wanted, and that had her smiling, "
"I'll be dammed if I let the panda control anything." Nabiki was mad enough now that if she could pull her own mallet from stuffspace, she'd go pound one Panda into a pile of goo.
"Obßchan, will gladly support any choice Ranma makes that will mean more grandchildren for her." And both giggled at the truth of that statement.
After Kaede recovered from her giggles, "Why don't you make daddy's lunch tomorrow, I'm sure he'd like that."
And Nabiki was shocked yet again; here Kaede thought she should make Ranma his lunch in the morning. "What, me try and make his lunch, do you want him to have a heart attack or something?"
Kaede looked at the older girl, "Whaaa!à You don't know how to cook?" she asked.
"Hey, quiet down kiddo, I don't want other people hearing something like that. Come on you've had Kasumi's and Aunties cooking." She paused for second and watched Kaede's nod and she smiled ruefully. "I'm a realistà I know Kasumi's cooking is way better than mine. So why should I bother? And on the rare occasions she is not here to cook, I can figure much better things to do with my time than cooking, it's just easier to order for delivery."
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Nabiki smiled at Kaede, and several people from around Nerima would have been scared by that smile. Nabiki had never really given much thought to the things that Kaede had said tonight before. But she was smart enough to realize that maybe Kaede was right about Ranma. And ideas of the business savvy and well-mannered pigtailed boy started going through her mind. If anybody could train the Saotome youth it was Nabiki Tendo. "Alright kiddo I'll give it a try and make Ranma's bento for school tomorrow. But you'd better hurry to bed and get some sleep. Goodnight." Kaede got up an
d hugged Nabiki before leaving the room.
Nabiki lay back on her bed, looking at the ceiling. She had plans to make for one Saotome Ranma.
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Ranma was lying back on the roof looking up at the stars. Normally this was one of his favorite times of the day next to practicing the Art, or eating of course. And in most cases a time to relax and be free of the chaos that always seemed to be a part of his life. But not so tonight.
No tonight he was forcing himself to look at the situation he was now in. He was sure that he wanted to adopt Kaede; at first he thought it was just his sense of honor trying to do what her Mother had asked of him. He wished he could remember her, but figured it was from sometime when he was much younger, probably even before he had met Ryoga. But that wasn't really too important, because he quickly found he had a need he couldn't even explain, that he wanted to be Kaede's Father. And he was sure he could be a better example for her then his own father had been for him.
He started to think about the examples of fathers he knew. When he quickly realized it was a pretty short list, and he wasn't even including his ownà While Mr. Tendo was not what he would want to as a shinning example of fatherhood. He pretty quickly realized he wasn't all that bad either. He did try and do things for the good of his community working with the town council. And while that was the closest he had to a job he still tried to do what he could for his daughters. Even if it really wasn't much in the long run, he could see that anything in the mans power to provide for his girls he would even to sacrifice himself for any of them. He didn't think he'd get even that much from his old man.
It was a shame he lost so much of his will to live, when his wife passed away. And he wondered if he could love someone so much that the same thing could happen to him in the same situation. That was a tuff concept for him as he wasn't sure he could give up on life, or the Art one iota. It was just too important for him that he didn't think he could go that low. But this line of thought brought him to his dilemma. To be able and adopt Kaede he was going to have to decide on one of his now five fiancÚe's and do it soon or Kaede would be taken away from him and he would have failed in his promise to her.
He wished he could talk to Kasumi about this particular problem. She was the one person who in the past had always tried to listen and then give what she felt was sound advice. Only thing was, now she was one of the fiancÚe's and while he didn't think she'd use that sort of help to her own advantage, he had enough experience with the women after him to not want to take the chance. She would be just too easy to choose. Her daily life was proof positive she would be the perfect wife. Her cooking was heavenly, and even though he loved his Moms cooking if he was honest, he thought Kasumi's was just a touch better then even his Mothers. She ran the daily operations of the house with an efficiency that most would envy. And she was one of the most kind and caring that he had ever met.
But while he knew she would be willing to be his wife and a mother to Kaede, he knew she also wanted so much more then that. In some of their chats she had hinted that she wanted to do more with her life, but her first duty was to her home and her younger sisters. Could he in good conscience ask her to marry him and keep running the house as she is now as well as helping him raise Kaede, he just couldn't bring himself to ask that of her.
He decided to move on to some of the other possible future Mrs. Saotomes. While he wasn't sure what Ukyo would think of Kaede, he suspected she would like her. He just wasn't too sure he could bring himself to want to marry her. She was his best and oldest friend, and he was well aware of the fact his list of friends was really short. It was too bad he met her when he was so young, he had no idea back then that there were differences between boys and girls. And it wasn't till he had started to get older that his old man would start harping about girls being weaker, as well as a major distraction to the art.
As a result he never realized she was a girl till after their first real fight when he cut her shirt. Man was that a shocking day for revelations. But she was definitely the cutest of his fiancÚe's. And even a pretty good cook, but again he still thought of her as his buddy, and you don't marry your buddyà ½Man stop think like that, Mom said I had to seriously consider them all. Besides this whole mess has always been an arranged marriage, loving the girl I marry really has noth'n ta do with it. Kaede needs a mother, and I have ta marry one of them for that. Love or not, and I better do it soon too?
But if he married Ukyo what would he do with his life then, She had a successful business, and he always got the idea that Ukyo thought he would either help her run her shop, or end up raising the kids. Really he had no idea how he'd fit into that. His Art was what he wanted and while his ol' man had drilled into him that he would run the dojo. Really truth be told that was what he really wanted to do with his life. He wanted to teach others the Art just for himself, regardless of his ol' mans wishes.
Shampoo was a bit of a problem. How would she react to Kaede, and would she be wiling to help him raise her as her own daughter. Of course he didn't like the idea of being part of the Ol' Ghouls breeding program. And he certainly didn't want to live his life in the Amazon village in China. But would Shampoo be willing to stay in Japan for him. Sure she was sexy and really good-looking. Almost as good a cook as Ukyo too, but he was sure if he married her Cologne would be trying to get then to move back to China at the first possible minute. So when it really come down to it Shampoo was outà he just hoped he could make a decision about the other four and maybe be lucky enough to be married before the Amazon contingent came back from where ever their training trip took them off to.
Then there was Nabikià brother did he really have to consider her. He'd already been engaged to her for almost a week, and that was pure hell. Most of his fathers' harebrained training ideas didn't make him half as tired as he was from all the things Nabiki had him scheduled for that week. And while he thought Shampoo was sexy, Nabiki admittedly took Sexy to a whole new level. Of course that was when she was trying to impress someone or as most normal cases just make his life miserable. Because if she was looking sexy he couldn't help but look. Which always ended up with Akane going postal and hitting him with that damn mallet of hers for having perverted thoughts about her sister. He was beginning to think Nabiki was doing it just to get herself off by seeing him get pounded.
He shook his head to clear both the disturbing thoughts of Akane pounding him for no reason as well as the equally disturbing thoughts of Nabiki in some of the rather interesting things she wad almost been wearing that got him into those situations.
He tried to get back to the topic he had been contemplating when he was distracted by his own thought. Nabiki may be good looking but hey, she never cooked, always kept him nearly brokeà well until they deposited Kaede's money this morning. He had to admit it was funny seeing her reaction when she saw just how much money was in that account now. She would probably always order dinner from one of the local restaurants if she had her way. He wasn't even sure if she even knew how to cook.
He shook his head, worried that maybe she was just as bad in the kitchen as Akaneà no he didn't think she could be anywhere near that bad. But his Mother had said all the girls had talents that would be a help to his future family. What were Nabiki's, other then blackmailing or swindling him and most everyone else out of their spare money? It didn't take him long to realize, if nothing else Nabiki was very good with money. While he knew most of what she earned from all her scams went into keeping the house afloat. She was a shrewd businesswoman. If she put her mind to making the dojo work, it probably wouldn't be long till they had a whole string of Dojo's all over the Tokyo metro, if not the whole country.
His eyes almost became alight with thoughts of having Martial Arts Schools all over the place that all had his name on them. Man that would really be somthi'n wouldn't it. The only catch was could he survive all her scams in the meantime. At least he hoped if that's what he decided he could.
Last was Akane, this was a hard one. He had been so long figuring she would be the one he would marry, that while being a scary thought, it was still hard to think about it being anyone else. He had been surprised by Mr. Tendo's sudden turn, he was always agreeing with his ol' man that he must marry Akane, that the shift tonight made him wonder if he had been taken over by some kind of Pod Person. It was almost creepy.
Of course Akane could be cute, when she wasn't going on a Pound the Bßka binge. But only the kami knew when she might cook something that could be considered edible. And if she tried to clean around the house he had taken to helping Kasumi get her out quick before she did more damage to things then if she punched him through the roof. He knew Kasumi appreciated the effort on his part even if it normally got him pounded in the process, he felt it was still worth it. He just could not think of anything that she could do. Unfortunately he still could not bring himself to just dump her. He could not explain it but he felt maybe, just maybe she really was the girl for him. He just couldn't be sure.
"Ranma it's getting late, and I need to be closing up the house for the night. Are you ready to come in?" Kasumi called up
Ranma smirked as he got up off the roof, walking over to the side Kasumi was calling from. "Sure thing Kasumi, I was just about ready to come in anyway." He jumped off the roof with a double summersault-¢ twist to land nimbly on his feet right in front of Kasumi. Seeing her giggle at his antics was enough to improve his day all on it's own. And he followed her into the house to get ready for bed.
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Authors' final rantings; Hard to believe that I have this chapter finished. I want to thank the members of Shinjis Sharing Inc, for their help with this chapter as well as their insights. But most of all I need to thank Innortal for letting me write this story, as well as all the readers who have been reading this little piece of my rambling brain. A few other notes on my use of Japanese words, In particular Okßsan, Mom, and Mommy as well as there 'father' counterparts; If I planned to say Mother or Father I my often use Okßsan or Ot¾san. If saying Mom, Mommy, Dad, or Daddy I will tend to stick with English.
Well if you like it or not please remember to review. Good or Bad I do like to hear how I'm doing.
Thanks, BlueDragon
Some of the Japanese words and phrases I used, or have added in this chapter, that may or may not have been listed before:
san, sama, kun, chan = Mr. Mrs. Miss (Suffix applied to names, sama-very respectful, chan-younger, or child, also used as an endearment) this definition is very simplified
okßsan = mother
ot¾san = father
onÚesan = big sister
oniisan = older brother
obasan / obasan = aunt/grandmother
ojisan / ojisan = uncle/grandfather
imoot¾ = little sister
otoot¾ = little brother
ts·ma (kßnai) = wife (my wife)
iinazuke = fiancÚ/fiancÚe
anata = darling (used by girl to boyfriend/husband)
taisetsu = Dear (as in term of endearment)
koibito = boyfriend/girlfriend, lover
bßka = fool, idiot
arigßtoo (gozaimasu) = thanks / Thank You (polite)
gomen (nasai) = sorry
kawaii = cute
Itadakimasu = thanks for this food, simple blessing
Tadßima = I'm home / now
Kon'nichi wa = Good morning/afternoon
Ohayo = Morning - casual
Konban wa = Good evening
takoyaki = snack food (fried dough ball with octopus)
bento = boxed lunch
nßni = what? / why?
ja = well or then
¾yaji = father / old man (vulgar)
jijii = colloquialism for Grandfather, or Gramps; can also be used as a vulgar form of 'Old Man'.
Sin's Redemption
A Fanfic by BlueDragon
Standard Fan Fic Disclaimer: Ranma¢ characters ®1998, 2002 Rumiko Takahashi, and Viz. All are being used without permission. I do not have any money so it won't do any good to sue me. Also I want to thank all these people that created such wonderful characters for me to be able to write about in the first place.
Reminder: "Talking Lines"
½ Thinking Lines ?
~ Sound Effects ~
{ Typing Lines }
^ Phone Lines ^
\\ Time, or Location \\
Authors' notes: The Prelude to this story was originally written by Innortal. You can find his Original version @ www.fanfiction.net/s/2515990/1/. And as this is a continuation of events set in motion by him this is what follows, and yes I had his permission to do this. As well as him reading through probably a hundred or so drafts to get to this point. Okay now this particular story will have no crossover elements in it what so ever. And while the original story was Dark, and somewhat Angsty. The rest of my story will not be quite as dark, though the last chapter will probably be a little WAFFY, and definitely not a romanceà
Okay now on with the storyà
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Chapter 1 Tadßima - We're Home
As the three returning students, plus one little girl, walked through the gate Nabiki called out, "Hey Sis we're home" Then she looked at Kaede and held out her hand, "Kaede I want you to come with me up to my room for a bit while I lock up that money you have for us." ½And keep two stupid old men from the drinking binge of the new century? Kaede looked at her and smiled, taking her hand and following her up the stairs, as Kasumi and Nodoka came out of the kitchen with some tea and a few snack's.
Nodoka had noticed the little red headed girl walking up the stairs with Nabiki and smiled, she looked like she could have been Ranma's little sister, if Genma hadn't left for that training journey. As she sat down at the table with her son and the other two Tendo girls, she looked at her son and smiled. "So, son, is there something that you want to tell me about that little girl that came home with you today?"
Ranma looked a little sheepish but reached into his pocket and handed his mother the letter. "Yeah, Mom but this might explain it better'n I could."
Nodoka only needed a minute to read through the letter, and then she looked back at her son. "Oh, I'm so happy you've made me a grandmother already."
Kasumi's hand went to her mouth in surprise though no 'Oh My' was heard. About that same time the afore mentioned little girl had come back down the stairs to hear this and landed in the elder Saotome's lap.
"Grandmaà" She exclaimed as she hugged the woman tight.
Ranma smiled at his Mother's reaction to the little girl who was going to be his daughter. "Kaede, this is my Mother, Nodoka Saotome, your Grandmother. And the other girl is Kasumi Tendo, Akane and Nabiki's older sister. Mr. Tendo and Ëyaji seem to be gone for a change. Speaking of which; Mom, where did they go this time."
"Father and Uncle Saotome are in town for a shogi tournament today. Father was really looking forward to it, but Uncle Genma just complained that he was not being allowed to cheat." Kasumi answered.
Ranma chuckled at the thought of his father in a tourney where he could not cheat. "Really, you mean Pop's actually knows how to play without cheating. That has to be a first."
Kasumi started fixing some snacks, and pouring tea for the people around the table. Nodoka just hugged her granddaughter and smiled at the contented expression on her face. "So Kaede-chan, how old are you now, and just how long have you been trying to find my son?"
Kaede smiled as she took the plate of snacks Kasumi offered her. "Thank you I'll be eight years old this August. And as far as I remember, I think I've been traveling for about a year, give or take a few weeks."
Nodoka was surprised at this, "Your mother sent you away a year ago, just what have you been doing all this time?"
Kaede leaned into her grandmothers' lap. "Mommy had me go around ta find the other things that she wanted me to give to Mr. Ranma. Some of the scrolls that her friends had, and some other things."
Nodoka looked at her son, "Well I suppose you already have committed those scrolls to memory."
"Momà I haven't even seen um yet. We only just got home."
Nodoka smiled, "Well then maybe we need to find sleeping arrangements for my Granddaughter, then have her join you in the dojo for an afternoon practice with her new father. How does that sound, Kaede-chan?" She already was well aware that the Tendo home really couldn't handle many more guests let, alone new family members.
Kaede just smiled at her grandmother and nodded, when Kasumi decided to offer her suggestion. "I think Kaede should stay in my room until we can make better arrangements for her. Both Akane and Nabiki are still in school and need to be able to study, and I don't think she will be an imposition."
"Why Kasumi-chan that sounds like a marvelous idea, and thank you for offering."
"Ahh, I don't want to be an inconvenience or noth'n. I'm sure I can just stay out in the dojo or something." Even though she had grown up around Kasumi, she could be a rather hard person to live around. She had been the disciplinarian and Kaede had more then her share of run-ins with the eldest Tendo daughter. But she didn't want to be in a position that might cause her to slip up on something.
This was her chance at a new and normal life. What she had grown up wanting so badly, and now it was so close. But then she remembered things she had been told growing up. These Tendo daughters were very different then who she'd known. All she had been told was they had a generally happier view of life and the world around them. She decided she would not try and fight things to hard, but also had just try and get used to the differences between what she knew and what she was now living.
Kasumi just smiled, ôPlease Kaede itÆs really no problem, and as a guest I couldn't forgive myself for making you have to sleep out in the dojo. It just wouldn't be right. Besides it really isnÆt a problem for me at all. And I donÆt think IÆll disturb you much, if at all.ö
"My Mom taught me everything she knew, but I'm nowhere near as good as she was before she died." Kaede answered.
Akane looked smug. "Well if you really want someone to train Kaede in the martial arts we should wait for Ryoga to get back. At least he knows how to be polite to girls and treat them with respect, unlike somebody else at the table." She turned and glared at Ranma.
~Grrrrà~ Ranma just scowled back. "Yeah right, as if Ryoga had any real manners. He just has a thing for violent, uncute tomboys.
As everyone, including Nabiki, was watching the show between the two resident fiancÚe's nobody noticed the clenched jaw on the youngest now seated at the table.
"So Mom what's for dinner tonight?" Ranma asked.
Nodoka looked around the table and smiled. "Well I think maybe we should let Kaede-chan pick the dinner menu for tonight, in celebration of her arrival. How does that sound Kaede?"
With the topic having changed now to food Kaede was all smiles and sunshine. "Mmmmà let me think for a second." She put her finger to her chin thoughtfully. "I know what would taste goodà how about something with pork." And she looked around the table expectantly.
Nodoka looked at the eldest Tendo even though she helped out with some of the chores and cooking during her visits. But this house was still her domain and she would help but also follow her lead.
Kasumi looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well I have everything but the meat to be able to do a stir fry, or even sweet and sour porkà" The others around the table thought it was rather funny watching Kasumi dissect the dinner menu like Nabiki did business deals. "Oh, I know what would be marvelous. I can make Katsudon, I haven't done that in ages and I would just need to pick up some pork cutlets."
Ranma smirked as any thing that his Mother or Kasumi made would taste delicious; that the little girl wanted pork was even better. "Yeahh gee, but what a shame that Ryoga isn't here tonight because he just loooves pork."
Akane smacked Ranma in the shoulder, "I've never seen Ryoga eating pork before, why would you think he likes it so much."
"Jeeze Akane, you just haven't known the porker as long as I have." Kaede just snickered.
Nodoka smiled again then looked at Kasumi, "Well dear if you can show our young one here to her new room, I will make a quick stop at the market and get you those cutlets to use for dinner. Then we can have everything ready by the time the men get home."
"Yeah, as there are no real men here right now anywayà" Akane smirked she just had to get in a few more dig's at her fiancÚ to feel like she had a good day.
Before Ranma had a chance to retort, he was stopped by his Mother's ever-present bundle appearing in front of his nose.
"That's enough now you two. Son why don't you just head out to the dojo, I'll send Kaede out for some practice with you after she has a chance to get her things settled into Kasumi's room." With that Nodoka shooed Kaede and Kasumi upstairs before she left to go shopping.
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Kasumi had felt that dinner tonight was a marvelous reason to celebrate. Even though she knew the adoption would take time, for all practical purposes Ranma was now a Father, which also had the nice side effects of Auntie finally being a Grandmother. And after Akane finally got married she would already be a mother. And this thrilled her as she thought it would be nice to be the Aunt instead of the surrogate parent and housekeeper she normally felt like. These thoughts made her realize that maybe after Akane and Ranma got married, she should see about starting her life again and maybe even find her own future husband.
So dinner was prepared and served in even better then normal humor between the two ladies of the house as it stood at present. Even laughter was heard coming from the kitchen as the two fixed the evening meal.
Of course as the evening progressed topics shifted from how Kasumi had outdone her usual evening meal, and went on to other topics that seemed to revolve around the newest member of the family.
Genma was still trying to grasp the situation somewhat, here his son wasn't even married to Akane yet and he already had a granddaughter. But it bothered him more that he could not remember dealing with the girls' mother; not that he could remember everyone who he bilkedà Ahmmà asked for assistance during Ranma's early training years. "What I still don't understand girl is why your mother would have been so impressed with our familyà to ask my son to adopt you after her passing?"
ôListen here Panda no Bßka,ö Kaede snorted. ôKnowing what my Mommy said about you, she half expected you to offer æDaddyÆ to her as husband just for a few weeks of free food and lodging.ö Then humphed again, ôProbably wouldÆa too if she wasn't already married. Bßka Ëyajiàö was said under her breath as she turned away from him, but it was still loud enough to be heard by everyone.
Nodoka shook her head, "Kaede, you do need to show your grandfather some respect. It is impolite to do otherwise."
"But Grandma, the stupid Panda has been the reason for most of Daddy's problems." Her new Grandmother gave her a look that said she meant what she had said. So Kaede pulled another letter out of her blouse and handed it to Nodoka.
As the Saotome matriarch looked at the paper, she noticed it was a list of names and places. "What is this last column? It looks like a menu of someone's favorite foods."
Nabiki took a look over the paper Nodoka was reading, her finger going down the list of names, surprised at how many she recognized. Then she saw the one she was looking for Kaori Diakoku, her finger followed the line across ½fish, rice, 2 - pickles?. "Ahà it's a list of all of Ranma's fiancÚes; the last column is what they paid Genma for your son."
Nodoka glared at her husband "You mean taisetsu; you have been making arrangements for my son's marriage just so you can get food too feed that fat gut of yours?"
Genma thought to make a quick escape but Nabiki used her school' bag to trip the fat panda-man. Kaede looked at Nodoka, "See Grandma, the stupid panda just causes problems for everyone." After Nodoka's nod she knew she had the victory, "How bout I just use Jijii, even Daddy always calls him 'Ëyaji', never 'Daddy'"
Genma snorted indignantly, trying to look put out, but was totally ignored by his wife. Nodoka thought for a second and decided her Granddaughter had a point, "That should be okay as long as were are just around family, but in public you must put forth the effort to show more respect, please." To which Kaede nodded her agreement to the condition.
Ranma was looking over his Mother's shoulder also, "Hey Mom that one doesn't have food under ità '2 - Hasmendahl Passage' Hey Pop's wasn't the Hasmendahl the name of the ship we took to get home from Hong Kong when we were be'n chased by Shampoo?" Genma could only nod from where he was pinned under an energetic Kaede.
Nabiki looked at the line on the list Ranma was pointing out, "Yeah Ranma, but who is this Jonathan Richards." She started to grin as she quickly put the facts together. Ranma still looked slightly confused; but it only took Nodoka a couple of seconds after Nabiki to reach the same conclusion.
Nodoka's smile became predatory, and she began to finger the silk wrapped bundle at her side. "Why Soun dear, would you mind terribly if my husband and I slept in the dojo for the next couple of evenings. I think our son might need some quiet time, and with things as they are I won't be going home for a while, as I will need to help arrange things here?"
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Genma now looked ready to explode. "WIFE!, I refuse to let you get any sort of help from thatà thatà"
"Husband, you are currently in no position to tell me whom I may get help from for any family issues. Especially from Miku-chan, if I so choose. You have already created enough messes here for my son to spend the rest of his life trying to make amends, as well as restitution. If I choose to consult Miku-chan then I will, and that is FINAL."
Ranma looked at his mother slightly bewildered, "Mom who is this Michael Connors, and why would he be able to help?"
The elder girls around the table were waiting just as intently as Ranma for this answer. Not many knew any details from the Saotome matriarchs' life, and this had to be worth knowing.
Nodoka glared at her husband one last time before turning to her son with a smile on her face, she decided to get some not so subtle digs on her oaf of a husband in the meantime. "Why that's simple son; Michael Connors would have been your father, if my own father hadn't of been so against it." She glanced at her husband and noted his impending reaction, so she started to finger the hilt of her katana at her side; fortunately this was not lost on her spouse, who just crossed his arms over his chest. "He had been our neighbor and my best friend through school. He was also my first boyfriend. And while your grandfather thought he was a fine young man, because his father was a foreigner he was by his definition not good enough for his daughter."
The three Tendo girls were most surprised by this. And there thoughts were mirrored by each other. ½Auntie's first boyfriend was a foreigner, 'Wow'/'Oh my'? Ranma was also rather surprised by this information too.
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The next morning before breakfast Nabiki tracked Ranma down as he was practicing in the dojo. "Ranma, we're going to have to skip classes this morning."
Ranma stopped his kata mid-kick and turned towards Nabiki. The first thing he noted about her was she was thoroughly wide-awake, and it wasn't even time for breakfast. "Huhà what'cha mean Nab's?"
His greeting was returned with a growl; ½I hate it when he calls me Nab's? and she watched a smile form on his face and knew he had done it on purpose. ½Oh don't worry Ranma, I'll pay you back for that one? And her predatory smile returned to her own face as she thought of ways to charge the 'Wild Stallion' out of much more of his money then normalà
When he saw her grin he instinctively flinched. ½Okay so maybe that wasn't such a good idea? He tried to give her one of his disarming smiles, ½Saotome secret technique #13? "Sorry, Nabiki. I just couldn't resist, you're almost never out of bed at this hour." He hoped it worked.
½Got himà? She dropped the smirk and just smiled back, "Don't worry about it Saotome, you'll owe me." And she started walking towards him.
½Okay, I'm a dead manà? "So why are we skipping classes this morning? Not that I don't mind an excuse to avoid all the nut-jobs at school."
"For starters we have to go to the bank first thing when they open, and start that account." She stated with her arms crossed over her chest.
Nabiki just shook her head, "Ranma do you have any idea how much money was in that pack Kaede was carrying around." Ranma just shook his head, and Nabiki had to admit, Ranma was happy if he had managed to hold onto three to six thousand yen for more then an afternoon. "Well for your information, I stopped counting after I hit three hundred forty thousand, this morning." She paused for a moment to let that sink in, "And I want it far away from our fathers before they find out how much was there."
"Thà Threeà Three hundredà" Ranma stuttered out. And Nabiki just nodded as Ranma collapsed to the floor of the dojo.
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\\ Nerima Consolidated Bank \\
"Here you are Miss Tendo, Mr. Saotome, your new account passbook. Everything is in order and your teller cards will be in the mail by the end of the week." He smiled and bowed deeply as they got up. "Oh yes, before I forget, Miss Tendo this pouch was also in the bag, but we don't process transactions with this type of material." He handed Nabiki a small brown drawstring pouch, which she started to open. "Unless you would also like to get a safe deposit box to store them in."
Nabiki dumped the bags contents into her hand, to find herself holding around twenty, to thirty gemstones all about ¥ carat or less, and eight of those were diamonds. The rest being a mix of emeralds, rubies, and a few sapphires.
"Wowà" Was all Ranma could say at first, as he looked over Nabiki's shoulder to see what she had in her hand. After he recovered from his initial shock, "Nabiki, I thought you said you counted the money this morning."
Nabiki took one last look at the gems in her hand, and then poured them back in the bag and sealed it. "Ranma if you loose that pouch, I swear I hunt you down and pound you into the ground, you got meà?" As she handed them to Ranma, "Besides I said I stopped counting after I hit three hundred thousand yen, I didn't just dump the bag in my room to count it." She noted Ranma acted like he put the pouch in the side of his shirt, but she new he actually use a trick to hide it in his stuffspace like how Mousse, and the others, stored their weapons. "Well thank you for you help, Mr. Tanaka. We had better be going now so we don't miss too much more school time."
As Ranma and Nabiki were walking out of the bank, he started to look at the Passbook for the new account when he started to ask Nabiki. "Am I reading this right? The current balance in the account is this number in the bottom right corner for these transactions."
Nabiki leaned closer to Ranma to look over his shoulder and see what he was so stunned about. She followed the headings to find the running balance, "Okay so why didà What! One hundred, thirteen millionà" Nabiki stopped walking, and Ranma turned to look at her. It was the first time Ranma had ever seen Nabiki with her mouth down at her ankles.
"See I told yaà "
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\\ JR Subway - en route \\
Nodoka had left her son and Nabiki at the train station where she was going to return to Sendagaya, as the two were heading towards the bank.
She had been surprised that Kaede's mother had known about her childhood friend and first crush, and it was even funnier for her to watch Genma's reaction to that fact. But Miku-chan had followed several of the other members of his family and went into the field of Law. She hoped Kaede was right that he might be able to help with these new family issues.
Fortunately the subway would only take half an hour so she would have enough time to get from Sendagaya station to his office.
After a somewhat comfortable ride on the subway. She had been glad it was just after the morning rush. She had actually been able to find a seat, though it was still somewhat crowded.
As Nodoka walked into his office he smiled, and walked around to his desk. "So Nodoka it's wonderful to see you after so many years, but on the phone last night you were somewhat vague."
He smiled at his old classmate, "Well then Doka-chan, I think I can be of some help, not to mention my Shojin-jisan sets on the bench at Family Court. I think he might be willing to help also."
Nodoka smiled at her old friend; maybe he was a good person to have helping out with this particular family issue. "Thank you Miku-chan for helping me on such short notice with this small problem."
The gentleman leaned back in his seat. "Just what kind of trouble are you in Doka-chan that you need legal counsel for?" He couldn't help but think that her husband had done something to cause serious problems for the family.
As Nodoka sat down in one of the plush leather chairs in front of his desk, she then straightened out her kimono. "Well Miku-chan, I'm not very sure how difficult of an issue that this should be. But we need some help arranging an adoption for my son."
Michael looked perplexed for a second. "Why would you want to help somebody to adopt your son, Doka-chan?"
Nodoka giggled, not entirely sure if he was being serious or just kidding, and pulled the papers out of the envelope she'd been carrying with a letter on top. "Silly, it's my son who's trying to adopt the girl" she said as she handed him a stack of papers. "but unfortunately he is still minor, although he is engaged to be married."
Michael had been quickly scanning the letter while listening to Nodoka. "Then how old is your son right now as the courts will take both his age and the age of his iinazuke into account in their decision." As he finished reading through the letter he looked back up at Nodoka. "There will also be other factors involved in the court's decision; such as the kind of home environment, sources of income, etc. But I'm pretty sure Shojin-jisan, would want to do what he can to help us out."
"Well my son has been staying at the home of his fiancÚe, while he finishes school. He is currently in his junior year at Furinkan."
"Well how about I give him a call quick and see if he will join us for a working lunch? And it will give us an opportunity to catch up on old times." He didn't wait for an answer but picked up the phone and started dialing. On the first ring he set it down again after hitting speakerphone.
^Moshi moshi^
"Ojisan I was just calling to see if you'd mind joining me and a client for lunch to discuss an uncontested adoption."
^And after all this time and the number of cases you've won what would you need my help with an adoption for?^
"Haà ojisan, it's not that I don't know how to process the adoption, it's that the client wanted it to proceed smoothly and quickly."
^Oh I see now, to help some client you want to use family connections to circumvent the normal procedures of the court. I thought you knew better than to try something like that^
"Well ojisan if it'd been for any other client I wouldn't bother asking but the client in question is Saotome Nodoka."
^Ahhà who? ^
"Mifune Nodokaà Ojisan, you remember her."
There was a pause from the speakerphone, while the two sitting in the office waited for realization to dawn.
^Little Doka-chan, you mean she's trying to adopt someone; oh the joy. You know your Okßsan and I tried pretty hard to arrange your marriage. Your father should have just been the arrogant American bastard that he normally was and demand her as your iinazuke. But Nooo! He had ago and try and be proper Japanese father and not push the issue. Yoà^
"Ojisan, stop that. I love my wife, and wouldn't change a thing." ½Maybe it would've been nice if Kßsan and Ojisan had managed to arrange our marriage?
Nodoka giggled from her chair
^You said lunch; well I wasn't planning on going out for another hour yet. But a chance to see Doka-chan will change my plans. I'll get a table reserved for us at Tama over in Kita-Aoyama and I'll meet you there in say a half an hour^
Nodoka had, after hearing this, decided her husband was going to get a serious piece of her mind. If Shojin-jisan has had to cover for her husbands' transgressions, she would make sure he understood the peril he was in.
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Kaede stayed at the house with Kasumi after everyone else left for the day helping with the chores. And for a change Kasumi was working with a real smile on her face, even occasionally humming a cheery tune.
Kasumi was glad for the little girls help and had insisted she use onÚechan. It was not a normal occurrence that someone helped around the house; when Auntie was around she always tried to help where she could. And Ranma would sometimes pitch in around the yard and dojo, if he were not recovering from some injury or being chased by any of the numerous girls that always seemed to flock around him.
But Kaede was a pleasurable child to have around the house. And most of her morning chores were finished early; after all three loads of laundry had been washed and hung out to dry. Since lunch was a while away yet, Kasumi decided to spend a few minutes exercising in the dojo this morning instead of before she did her afternoon shopping run.
Kaede had been in the dojo practicing with her new father last night and she also watched him work out this morning. While Ranma performing his kata's, would be described as if he was dancing, but what surprised Kaede as she watched Kasumi-nÚesan, it would have to be described as she flowed around the dojo like a slow running river.
She was performing the first six kata's of the Tendo Ryuu at a slow and graceful pace like she used the kata's as a form of TaiChi. She had heard many describe the eldest Tendo as the perfect Japanese wife, but watching her exercise now, Kaede felt a better description would be that she was the perfect Japanese Woman.
As Kasumi finished her last set, she turned and bowed towards the shrine across the dojo, then picked up the towel she had brought out.
Of course growing up the only time Kaede ever watched Kasumi in the dojo was if she was praying at the shrine or cleaning up. So she decided to take a closer look at Kasumi's aura and noticed that her aura was a bright spring green of contentment. Though not very large was extremely concentrated, this was a bit of surprise for the young Saotome.
When Kaede had been growing up she only really tended to seem happy when she was cooking, cleaning or much of anything else tended to have her scowling and grumbling around the house. She never quite understood when Nabiki would tell her that Kasumi always use to be cheerful and happy before her Mommy had left. But after seeing her now she thought maybe she was starting to get an idea of the old Kasumi. She decided she wanted to help her to stay focused on that happier spirit that she must have had before she got married.
ôKasumi,ö Kaede started ôdo you spend much time actually meditating. Cause if you do that I can help you start learning how to use your Ki. ItÆs not that hard to learn after youÆve gotten good at meditating but it does take a lot of practice to learn how to find it and actually applied it through your body. I'd be glad to show you."
Kasumi smiled and motioned for Kaede to sit down with her. As they got ready to start meditating, and for Kasumi learn something new. Kaede went on to explain how to locate and center herself in that place where she could use it. After maybe 20 minutes Kasumi exclaimed softly. ôItÆs like a field of tall green grass isnÆt it?ö
Kaede smiled ôFor most people it tends to look like a colored fire. But yes your should be green.ö she went on with some exercises to help her feel and return to this place easier. As well as explaining to her how she can focus portions of her ki into the various other parts of her body.
ôDoes that mean I might eventually be able to jump across the rooftops like Ranma and most of his friends?ö Kaede answered in the affirmative but told her it would probably be a while before she would actually be able to do something like that. Kasumi actually started giggling softly at the idea of her chasing Ranma and his friends across the rooftops. ½0h how much fun that could be? that thought abruptly came to a halt, when she realized jumping across the rooftops in her normal dresses might not be such a good idea. She decided if she ever got that good, she would have to start wearing pants more often.
Kasumi kept up the exercises for a while longer, when Kaede said she had practiced enough. ôWhen you get better at using your Ki you can start reading how people around you are feeling and that by looking at their auras. As time goes on and you practice more you may even be able to learn how to draw some of the ambient ki from the surrounding area and use it to enhance your own to make you stronger or faster.ö
Kasumi just smiled as they both got up and headed back into the house to start some of the preparations for dinner that night.
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Kasumi was surprised that Auntie Nodoka didn't get back till just before dinner. But she had picked up some Takoyaki as a treat for everyone on her way home.
She sprinkled on the green laver, and bonito flakes then grabbed the bottle of mayo and a container of toothpicks. She was sure Genma-jisan would probably just skewer them on his chopsticksà how gauche, but her father did like to use more manners and he would enjoy the extra treat. It wasn't often they could afford to buy some to have at home with dinner.
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"Well as of this afternoon Kaede is now officially registered in the Saotome clan." She turned a smile on her son and new granddaughter. "But Michael did have some problems with the adoption that we must work out as a family." She looked forlorn and focused on her lap and creased the hem of her kimono sleeve.
"Michael and I had lunch with his Uncle this afternoon, and he was saying son, that your age, as you are still a minor, is somewhat of a problem. But that can be overlooked some; the real problem is it would be almost impossible for an unmarried man to adopt a child who is not physically related. In other words, if you are serious about adopting Kaede then you are going to have to make a decision as to who you will marry, and soon, before the Children's Services Department finds out and has her removed from our family."
"What?!!!" the general comment from most of those around the table.
"Okay Mom, I'll figure it out, I don't want Kaede go'in to no orphanage on my account."
Nodoka smiled at her son, "I'm glad to hear you say that, son. And your father and I, as well as Soun, will be glad to help you outà"
Ranma was pretty nervous about the idea of having to 'marry' but he was more worried about loosing Kaede, and for some reason he wanted to make her mother proud of him, and confirm her original choice for him to raise her.
"Soun, that reminds me, if I remember the agreement correctly, wasn't my son supposed to have his pick of one of your daughters?"
Soun looked surprised, "àWell yes that was the original agreement but everyone felt that Akane would be the best choice for Ranma."
"As if I would want to marry that stupid pervertà Everyone else but me decided it." Akane just crossed her arms in front of her chest.
½Oh Akane dear, why are you still being so stubborn after all this time? Even I can see that you like my son. But this must be done for Kaede's best interest as well as my sons? She took a second to look at both of the other two Tendo sisters, and knew that both felt their original opinion of her son had been a bad decision on both their parts. "I can understand your frustration Akane dear," Akane smiled back sure she had a staunch supporter in Nodoka-obßchan. "so that is why Soun, I think we should go back to the original agreement, and allow my son to also consider both Nabiki and Kasumi as a potential wife."
Most everyone around the table was shocked, but Genma was the first one to be able to bring voice to his opinion. "Wife, just where did you get such a stupid idea? The boy has to marry Akane to join the schools." He felt that was enough of an explanation. His wife just shook her head sadly.
"No, husband, Ranma does not have to marry Akane. The schools would still be joined if he married any of Soun's daughters, and all three have talents that would help the school prosper."
At this Soun's eyes lit up as he realized that if Ranma seriously considered all his daughters, he had a three out of six chance to get what he and his friend had been wanting all alongà ½As long as some new fiancÚe that my friend had promised Ranma too, does not show up before the wedding?
Ranma looked at the sisters and saw both Kasumi and Nabiki were surprised but not upset really. Nabiki was looking at her lap and her hands were fidgeting, while Kasumi covered her mouth, but Ranma noticed her blush. And when she saw Ranma notice her, she quickly turned away, blushing even more. Then he noticed Akane, now she was glaring daggers at him and looked about ready to pull out her mallet and pound him. He turned to his mother and looked at her as she was watching him at the moment. ½Mom is waiting for something from me, I can tell. Just not sure exactly what? "Okay, Mom just don't go including Kodachi in on this, I can't stand that nutjob. And I never asked her to be my fiancÚe ta begin with, but I'll think about Kasumi and Nabiki too, that all right? And I'll do my best to decide quickly, but I can't say how long it would still take me." His mother smiled back at him.
½This is even better? Soun thought ½Three out of fiveà Oh yes?
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Akane was fuming; here she was pacing around her own room, while her sisters sat on the side of her bed. ½'The whole reason I'm stuck being engaged to Ranma is because of them and here Auntie just says they should let that Perverted Jerk consider marrying any of them, and they don't say a word to Auntie? Of course these thoughts just served to confuse and anger the youngest even more.
"All right, so why are you so interested in being stuck with that perverted jerk? I've had to deal with him for over a year, and the only thing that keeps him in line is his fear of the poundings I'll give him. He's insensitive, egotistical, and rude. He always lets those other Floozies of his hang all over him, not to mention they wreck our house repeatedly. And he even tries to beat up P-chan because he's so jealous of my little pig."
Kasumi looked at her little sister with sad eyes, "Please Akane, you really shouldn't talk about Ranma like that. And he's always tried to protect all of us and our home." Nabiki nodded in agreement with her onÚechan.
Nabiki sighed heavily, realizing it was now time to remove the kid gloves with her imoot¾. ôListen Akane, KasumiÆs right; Ranma at least tries to do everything in his power to make sure that everyone in this dojo is safe. He is far from perfect and he can be arrogant, not to mention try the patience of any of us. But he is definitely not a pervert.ö
Kasumi nodded in agreement with Nabiki. ôAnd remember Akane, this isnÆt only about Ranma marrying once of us to join the schools. ItÆs about Ranma picking his wife; itÆs about Ranma deciding who is going to help him raise Kaede as their daughter. You cannot just be willing to marry Ranma youÆll have to be willing to be KaedeÆs new mother. And thatÆs a much bigger responsibility then just deciding to get married to someone. I hope youÆre willing to remember that in the next few days as Ranma tries to make his decision.ö
Akane shook her head for second realizing that Kasumi did have a point. ôAll right I'll agree that this is if pretty seriously now, but that still doesnÆt explain why you didn't try to convince Auntie that it was a bad idea. One year ago when the SaotomeÆs first got here and we found out about the engagement you couldnÆt pass him off to me fast enough. Why now do you suddenly just say Okay?"
The younger sisters noticed Kasumi ringing her hands in her lap, and looking down and away from both of them. So Nabiki decided she answer first and give Kasumi a minute to recompose herself. ôAkane the simplest answer for me is I suppose, after all the time Ranma has been here I'm at least willing to consider marrying Ranma. And that doesn't mean that I want him really, it simply means IÆm willing to see what happens. If Daddy hadnÆt thrown this mess at us so suddenly last year, and actually gave us some time to get to know each other; I may have been willing to marry him to begin with.ö
Kasumi looked over at Nabiki as she said that. ôSorry Akane, it was wrong of Nabiki and I to foist Ranma off on you. But I was scared; IÆd been managing this House since mother passed away. And the idea of marrying anyone at the time, let alone someone younger than me was not very appealing. As the eldest I really should have been the one to accept the engagement. So if he should ask me I would be willing to accept.ö
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Kasumi fixed both sisters with a look; "We're all going to have to consider the possibility of marrying Ranma, and being Kaede's mother. But above all, the final decision in this has to be Ranma's." After a bit the other two sisters nodded in agreement.
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Later that evening, well after dinner, Kaede was sitting in Nabiki's room while Nabiki was checking over the families' books.
Kaede had been somewhat surprised by her Grandmothers announcement, even more so by Ranma reaction to it. But if that was the way things had to go, she had her own ideas of what needed to happen. ½Mommy always thought of Kuonji-san as a friend. Shampoo, is out for a ton of reasons. And even 'Daddy' said that Kuno girl was not being included. That left the Tendo girls? and she already had her own ideas there. She could never understand why her Mommy talked about Akane the way she did, she was as mean and violent as her Mommy had said; but something about the way she would talk about her was an indication that Mommy had felt something for the girl before 'daddy' had to ruin things. ½'NO' I'm never going to refer to that 'pig' as 'daddy' again. Ranma is my Daddy now. I just have too figure out how I can get Daddy and mamma-Nabiki together?
Kaede set her book down, "So onÚechan, are you going to marry my Daddy?"
Nabiki almost choked after hearing that. "What was that Kaede?" she asked, trying to regain her composure, and turned her chair to face the other occupant of her room.
Kaede smiled, "I asked if you were going to marry my Daddy."
Nabiki set her pencil down and slid closer to Kaede. "Now why would you think I wanted to marry Ranma?"
Kaede smiled, "Its not that I think you want to, I just think you'd make a good Mommy."
Now Nabiki was surprised, she had been thinking about the possibilities, but now Kaede was saying that she'd like her to be Ranma's new wife. "And what about my sister?" She saw Kaede's confused expression. "Akaneà you must know that even with all their problems, they both care for each other."
Kaede scowled, "I don't see why, she's always beating on him and calling him mean names. I just think Daddy would be better off marrying you."
At first Nabiki was upset with Kaede, she didn't like hearing other people badmouth her imoot¾, then she remembered that Kaede had seen firsthand how Akane treated Ranma on a regular basis, and had to agree maybe she had a point. "Okay, maybe you're right about Akane, but that's not a reason that he should choose me, there is still Kasumi, Ukyo, and Shampoo to consider too."
Kaede looked puzzled. "What, you don't like Daddy at all then?"
Nabiki paused for a moment. ½The kid is serious about this? "Kaede, I think you should understand that I even caused your Daddy some problems in the past and he may not want to be with me."
Kaede thought about the things her Mommy had said regarding the middle Tendo, and realized she was going to have too do some serious work with her to get her over her general opinions of her new daddy. "Bahà daddy is a lot smarter then people ever give him credit for. My Mommy even said if he had been allowed to apply himself he would have done fine in any school. Just no one thinks so or wants to give him a chance."
"Kaede are you trying to tell me that you think Ranma is as smart as me." Nabiki snorted at just the thought.
Kaede thought for minute before answering and thinking about Nabiki's reaction. "I don't think so, but daddy is too good a martial artist to be considered stupid. And my Mommy had said that he does learn things very fast."
"I'll admit Ranma is a great martial artist and can learn somebody's moves quickly and duplicate them, and can even improvise new moves and counters. But his manners and speech are pathetic, and he's quite possibly the worst student in all of Furinkan; and that's saying a lot."
Kaede smiled to herself because she was pretty sure how to play her daddy to the middle Tendo. And she already knew the answers to the next couple questions she planned to pose to her perspective mommy. "But you're not taking into account the way the bßka panda treated him growing up on that training journey. Mommy said she was only able to track Ranma going to school twice during the whole time he was gone till he came here. And then it wasn't too long before she became ill and sent me to find him."
Nabiki raised an eyebrow at this bit of information. True, Ranma had told them some of the stories of his training trip; but if he had really only attended school twice that whole time, it was a miracle he had any grasp of the world at all, let alone that he was able to be advanced last school year even if he had just barely succeeded at that.
Nabiki's brain started putting together things that she had learned over the past year-plus about Ranma, and what Kaede just told her. And as the possibilities that these items all pointed too, all ended with one scary realization. ½Oh man, how stupid could I have been after all this time? and what made it even scarier, was that things pointed towards a very devious, and somewhat subtle planning by one bßka panda.
Now Nabiki really scowled. "Like hell I'm going to let that stupid fat panda live off of his sons talents and my family's resources for the rest of his days."
Now Kaede was surprised by Nabiki's sudden outburst, but it did mean she was closer to getting what she wanted, and that had her smiling, "
"I'll be dammed if I let the panda control anything." Nabiki was mad enough now that if she could pull her own mallet from stuffspace, she'd go pound one Panda into a pile of goo.
"Obßchan, will gladly support any choice Ranma makes that will mean more grandchildren for her." And both giggled at the truth of that statement.
After Kaede recovered from her giggles, "Why don't you make daddy's lunch tomorrow, I'm sure he'd like that."
And Nabiki was shocked yet again; here Kaede thought she should make Ranma his lunch in the morning. "What, me try and make his lunch, do you want him to have a heart attack or something?"
Kaede looked at the older girl, "Whaaa!à You don't know how to cook?" she asked.
"Hey, quiet down kiddo, I don't want other people hearing something like that. Come on you've had Kasumi's and Aunties cooking." She paused for second and watched Kaede's nod and she smiled ruefully. "I'm a realistà I know Kasumi's cooking is way better than mine. So why should I bother? And on the rare occasions she is not here to cook, I can figure much better things to do with my time than cooking, it's just easier to order for delivery."
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Nabiki smiled at Kaede, and several people from around Nerima would have been scared by that smile. Nabiki had never really given much thought to the things that Kaede had said tonight before. But she was smart enough to realize that maybe Kaede was right about Ranma. And ideas of the business savvy and well-mannered pigtailed boy started going through her mind. If anybody could train the Saotome youth it was Nabiki Tendo. "Alright kiddo I'll give it a try and make Ranma's bento for school tomorrow. But you'd better hurry to bed and get some sleep. Goodnight." Kaede got up an
d hugged Nabiki before leaving the room.
Nabiki lay back on her bed, looking at the ceiling. She had plans to make for one Saotome Ranma.
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Ranma was lying back on the roof looking up at the stars. Normally this was one of his favorite times of the day next to practicing the Art, or eating of course. And in most cases a time to relax and be free of the chaos that always seemed to be a part of his life. But not so tonight.
No tonight he was forcing himself to look at the situation he was now in. He was sure that he wanted to adopt Kaede; at first he thought it was just his sense of honor trying to do what her Mother had asked of him. He wished he could remember her, but figured it was from sometime when he was much younger, probably even before he had met Ryoga. But that wasn't really too important, because he quickly found he had a need he couldn't even explain, that he wanted to be Kaede's Father. And he was sure he could be a better example for her then his own father had been for him.
He started to think about the examples of fathers he knew. When he quickly realized it was a pretty short list, and he wasn't even including his ownà While Mr. Tendo was not what he would want to as a shinning example of fatherhood. He pretty quickly realized he wasn't all that bad either. He did try and do things for the good of his community working with the town council. And while that was the closest he had to a job he still tried to do what he could for his daughters. Even if it really wasn't much in the long run, he could see that anything in the mans power to provide for his girls he would even to sacrifice himself for any of them. He didn't think he'd get even that much from his old man.
It was a shame he lost so much of his will to live, when his wife passed away. And he wondered if he could love someone so much that the same thing could happen to him in the same situation. That was a tuff concept for him as he wasn't sure he could give up on life, or the Art one iota. It was just too important for him that he didn't think he could go that low. But this line of thought brought him to his dilemma. To be able and adopt Kaede he was going to have to decide on one of his now five fiancÚe's and do it soon or Kaede would be taken away from him and he would have failed in his promise to her.
He wished he could talk to Kasumi about this particular problem. She was the one person who in the past had always tried to listen and then give what she felt was sound advice. Only thing was, now she was one of the fiancÚe's and while he didn't think she'd use that sort of help to her own advantage, he had enough experience with the women after him to not want to take the chance. She would be just too easy to choose. Her daily life was proof positive she would be the perfect wife. Her cooking was heavenly, and even though he loved his Moms cooking if he was honest, he thought Kasumi's was just a touch better then even his Mothers. She ran the daily operations of the house with an efficiency that most would envy. And she was one of the most kind and caring that he had ever met.
But while he knew she would be willing to be his wife and a mother to Kaede, he knew she also wanted so much more then that. In some of their chats she had hinted that she wanted to do more with her life, but her first duty was to her home and her younger sisters. Could he in good conscience ask her to marry him and keep running the house as she is now as well as helping him raise Kaede, he just couldn't bring himself to ask that of her.
He decided to move on to some of the other possible future Mrs. Saotomes. While he wasn't sure what Ukyo would think of Kaede, he suspected she would like her. He just wasn't too sure he could bring himself to want to marry her. She was his best and oldest friend, and he was well aware of the fact his list of friends was really short. It was too bad he met her when he was so young, he had no idea back then that there were differences between boys and girls. And it wasn't till he had started to get older that his old man would start harping about girls being weaker, as well as a major distraction to the art.
As a result he never realized she was a girl till after their first real fight when he cut her shirt. Man was that a shocking day for revelations. But she was definitely the cutest of his fiancÚe's. And even a pretty good cook, but again he still thought of her as his buddy, and you don't marry your buddyà ½Man stop think like that, Mom said I had to seriously consider them all. Besides this whole mess has always been an arranged marriage, loving the girl I marry really has noth'n ta do with it. Kaede needs a mother, and I have ta marry one of them for that. Love or not, and I better do it soon too?
But if he married Ukyo what would he do with his life then, She had a successful business, and he always got the idea that Ukyo thought he would either help her run her shop, or end up raising the kids. Really he had no idea how he'd fit into that. His Art was what he wanted and while his ol' man had drilled into him that he would run the dojo. Really truth be told that was what he really wanted to do with his life. He wanted to teach others the Art just for himself, regardless of his ol' mans wishes.
Shampoo was a bit of a problem. How would she react to Kaede, and would she be wiling to help him raise her as her own daughter. Of course he didn't like the idea of being part of the Ol' Ghouls breeding program. And he certainly didn't want to live his life in the Amazon village in China. But would Shampoo be willing to stay in Japan for him. Sure she was sexy and really good-looking. Almost as good a cook as Ukyo too, but he was sure if he married her Cologne would be trying to get then to move back to China at the first possible minute. So when it really come down to it Shampoo was outà he just hoped he could make a decision about the other four and maybe be lucky enough to be married before the Amazon contingent came back from where ever their training trip took them off to.
Then there was Nabikià brother did he really have to consider her. He'd already been engaged to her for almost a week, and that was pure hell. Most of his fathers' harebrained training ideas didn't make him half as tired as he was from all the things Nabiki had him scheduled for that week. And while he thought Shampoo was sexy, Nabiki admittedly took Sexy to a whole new level. Of course that was when she was trying to impress someone or as most normal cases just make his life miserable. Because if she was looking sexy he couldn't help but look. Which always ended up with Akane going postal and hitting him with that damn mallet of hers for having perverted thoughts about her sister. He was beginning to think Nabiki was doing it just to get herself off by seeing him get pounded.
He shook his head to clear both the disturbing thoughts of Akane pounding him for no reason as well as the equally disturbing thoughts of Nabiki in some of the rather interesting things she wad almost been wearing that got him into those situations.
He tried to get back to the topic he had been contemplating when he was distracted by his own thought. Nabiki may be good looking but hey, she never cooked, always kept him nearly brokeà well until they deposited Kaede's money this morning. He had to admit it was funny seeing her reaction when she saw just how much money was in that account now. She would probably always order dinner from one of the local restaurants if she had her way. He wasn't even sure if she even knew how to cook.
He shook his head, worried that maybe she was just as bad in the kitchen as Akaneà no he didn't think she could be anywhere near that bad. But his Mother had said all the girls had talents that would be a help to his future family. What were Nabiki's, other then blackmailing or swindling him and most everyone else out of their spare money? It didn't take him long to realize, if nothing else Nabiki was very good with money. While he knew most of what she earned from all her scams went into keeping the house afloat. She was a shrewd businesswoman. If she put her mind to making the dojo work, it probably wouldn't be long till they had a whole string of Dojo's all over the Tokyo metro, if not the whole country.
His eyes almost became alight with thoughts of having Martial Arts Schools all over the place that all had his name on them. Man that would really be somthi'n wouldn't it. The only catch was could he survive all her scams in the meantime. At least he hoped if that's what he decided he could.
Last was Akane, this was a hard one. He had been so long figuring she would be the one he would marry, that while being a scary thought, it was still hard to think about it being anyone else. He had been surprised by Mr. Tendo's sudden turn, he was always agreeing with his ol' man that he must marry Akane, that the shift tonight made him wonder if he had been taken over by some kind of Pod Person. It was almost creepy.
Of course Akane could be cute, when she wasn't going on a Pound the Bßka binge. But only the kami knew when she might cook something that could be considered edible. And if she tried to clean around the house he had taken to helping Kasumi get her out quick before she did more damage to things then if she punched him through the roof. He knew Kasumi appreciated the effort on his part even if it normally got him pounded in the process, he felt it was still worth it. He just could not think of anything that she could do. Unfortunately he still could not bring himself to just dump her. He could not explain it but he felt maybe, just maybe she really was the girl for him. He just couldn't be sure.
"Ranma it's getting late, and I need to be closing up the house for the night. Are you ready to come in?" Kasumi called up
Ranma smirked as he got up off the roof, walking over to the side Kasumi was calling from. "Sure thing Kasumi, I was just about ready to come in anyway." He jumped off the roof with a double summersault-¢ twist to land nimbly on his feet right in front of Kasumi. Seeing her giggle at his antics was enough to improve his day all on it's own. And he followed her into the house to get ready for bed.
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Authors' final rantings; Hard to believe that I have this chapter finished. I want to thank the members of Shinjis Sharing Inc, for their help with this chapter as well as their insights. But most of all I need to thank Innortal for letting me write this story, as well as all the readers who have been reading this little piece of my rambling brain. A few other notes on my use of Japanese words, In particular Okßsan, Mom, and Mommy as well as there 'father' counterparts; If I planned to say Mother or Father I my often use Okßsan or Ot¾san. If saying Mom, Mommy, Dad, or Daddy I will tend to stick with English.
Well if you like it or not please remember to review. Good or Bad I do like to hear how I'm doing.
Thanks, BlueDragon
Some of the Japanese words and phrases I used, or have added in this chapter, that may or may not have been listed before:
san, sama, kun, chan = Mr. Mrs. Miss (Suffix applied to names, sama-very respectful, chan-younger, or child, also used as an endearment) this definition is very simplified
okßsan = mother
ot¾san = father
onÚesan = big sister
oniisan = older brother
obasan / obasan = aunt/grandmother
ojisan / ojisan = uncle/grandfather
imoot¾ = little sister
otoot¾ = little brother
ts·ma (kßnai) = wife (my wife)
iinazuke = fiancÚ/fiancÚe
anata = darling (used by girl to boyfriend/husband)
taisetsu = Dear (as in term of endearment)
koibito = boyfriend/girlfriend, lover
bßka = fool, idiot
arigßtoo (gozaimasu) = thanks / Thank You (polite)
gomen (nasai) = sorry
kawaii = cute
Itadakimasu = thanks for this food, simple blessing
Tadßima = I'm home / now
Kon'nichi wa = Good morning/afternoon
Ohayo = Morning - casual
Konban wa = Good evening
takoyaki = snack food (fried dough ball with octopus)
bento = boxed lunch
nßni = what? / why?
ja = well or then
¾yaji = father / old man (vulgar)
jijii = colloquialism for Grandfather, or Gramps; can also be used as a vulgar form of 'Old Man'.