This is a draft... hope ya all like it!
Mothers and Sons: Ranma
--------------------------------
By: Anand Rao
Ranma 1/2 is owned by Rumiko Takahashi
----------
Genma looked on morosely as his wife packed her clothes into a large bag
pack. The two of them were sitting on the floor of their small room at the
Tendo Dojo. He did not understand why she felt the need to do this. Of
course, he had not seen her in over ten years, but he thought he had
understood her. (Kami-sama alone understands a woman,) he thought to
himself bitterly. She packed away the last of the clothing and smiled
thoughtfully as she tied the pack shut. "Is this really necessary?" Genma
finally demanded.
Nodoka's smile became amused as she turned towards her husband. "You took
him away for -ten- -years-. How can you possibly be upset that I'm taking
him away for only a few days?" Nodoka asked.
"It's not natural. If he needs some kind of training, I can give it to
him," Genma replied.
"How many times do I have to tell you? This -isn't- about martial arts! I
just want to spend some time alone with my son. I want to get to know him.
Is that so very wrong?" Nodoka asked plaintively.
"Why do you have to go away to do that? Why not get to know him here?"
Genma demanded.
"You -must- be joking. He's under too much stress here. I don't think he
even relaxes his defenses when he sleeps!" Nodoka shot back.
"A martial artist must be prepared for -any- eventuality at any time. That
'stress' as you call it, gives him an edge. Don't you see it? He's -so-
close now! He has the potential to be the best there is, the best I've
ever seen!" Genma said excitedly.
"And you think a few days alone with me will ruin all your work?" Nodoka
asked acidly.
"It's nothing like that!" Genma replied hastily, eyeing the wrapped katana
that was lying beside his wife, "I just don't want you to coddle the boy,
or fill his head with foolish ideas," Genma continued.
"A mother is -supposed- to coddle her son! He's my baby. He -always- will
be," Nodoka replied, wiping away the tears that formed in her eyes.
"No-chan, please don't cry! I- I was just concerned about his development
in the Art. I guess. . . a few days alone with his mother won't hurt,"
Genma sighed. He was more heartless than most men, but like his son, he
couldn't bear seeing Nodoka cry.
"I want him to strong in the Art too! Loving him, nurturing him, and
talking to him is not mutually exclusive to that goal! You -must- realize
that. If you had, Ranma would have any where near the number of problems
that he does right now," Nodoka pointed out.
"I agree with you, completely. A great number of -my- actions are causing
him problems and adversity right now. But, No-chan, without those
problems, he wouldn't be as good in the Art. The boy picks up techniques
and adapts to changing situations faster than I can think!" Genma exclaimed.
"Sometimes, my husband, I think that is not such a great feat," Nodoka
replied dryly.
"I meant-"
"I know what you meant. Look, this is something that we will discuss
later; at length. But right now, I want to prepare dinner. The children
should be home from school soon. They just had the last of their finals
today and are probably exhausted!" Nodoka said, ending the conversation.
"Very well," Genma grumbled.
"Cheer up, dear. We won't be gone that long," Nodoka said soothingly.
"What if the boy doesn't want to go?" Genma thoughtlessly asked.
"If. . . he doesn't want to spend time with me, then I won't force him,"
Nodoka replied, her voice pained as she quickly left the room.
Genma gently picked up the wrapped katana that his wife had left behind.
"I hope the boy is careful around her," he thought aloud, staring at the
sword in his hand.
********************************************
"Oh man, I'm glad that's over!" Ranma exclaimed, lazily walking on top of
a chain-link fence. He yawned and stretched out his arms. Akane, who was
walking on the sidewalk adjacent to the fence, smiled and shook her head in
amusement.
"Are you feeling -tired-, Ranma?" she asked sweetly.
"Ya -know- I didn't get enough sleep last night! What got into ya anyway,
making me study all night like that?" Ranma asked indignantly.
"I refuse to be engaged to a ronin! Besides, you don't want to go to
summer school, do you?" Akane asked.
"Well, no. But ya didn't have ta keep me up all night! You were up just
as late. Why aren't you tired, Akane?" Ranma asked.
"Idiot. We were only up until midnight. I -always- stay up that late to
study for an important test," Akane pointed out.
"Really?" Ranma asked, surprised and secretly impressed at the same time.
"Yeah, and last night was simple compared to what studying for the
University exams are going to be like!" Akane exclaimed.
"Aw, who cares about college? I just wanna get outta high school," Ranma
replied. Akane sighed and silently continued walking. "What? You're not
gonna yell at me?" Ranma asked, surprised once again.
"What's the point? It's not like you every -listen- to me Ranma. Besides,
you -are- going to college," Akane replied, her voice firm.
"Oh yeah? Who's gonna make me? You?" Ranma snorted disdainfully. Akane
turned towards Ranma and smiled mirthfully.
"You don't understand, Ranma. I'm not going to -force- you into anything.
You'll have enough to deal with in your Mom," she replied smugly. Ranma
missed a step and nearly fell off the fence. After a few moments, he
regained his balance and glared down at Akane.
"Have you an' Mom been talkin' about me?" Ranma asked angrily.
"Oh not really. . . She was just saying how -happy- she was that you were
graduating soon, and how -eagerly- she was waiting for you to start
college. She thinks university life will help mature you," Akane
explained, giggling uncontrollably.
"Hey! I don't need any help maturing!" Ranma exclaimed.
"Don't tell me, tell your mom. Besides, you have to admit Ranma, your life
is a bit crazy. I know -mine- has been every since -you- showed up! Maybe
college will help tone things down. I'd have thought you would like that,"
Akane said.
"What's with you today anyway Akane? Jeez, I don't need -you- motherin' me
too!" Ranma yelled angrily. Akane stopped and glared at Ranma. She slowly
walked over to the fence and kicked it, nearly knocking Ranma off.
"You -really- are a jerk, Ranma!" Akane yelled, kicking the fence again,
harder. "When are you going to grow up and realize- Oh never mind!" Akane
said, kicking the fence once more for good measure then stalking off
towards the Dojo.
"Stupid tomboy! What's eatin' her?" Ranma muttered aloud, hanging onto the
fence by his arms and legs.
"She's just too good for you Ranma," an amused voice said from behind.
"What do -you- want, Ryoga?" Ranma asked irritably as he righted himself
then jumped off the fence.
"Actually, I have a favor to ask you," Ryoga said levelly.
"What do you want?" Ranma repeated wearily.
"Having a bad day, Ranma?" Ryoga asked mildly.
"What's up? You're acting kinda funny," Ranma observed.
"Ranma, Ranma, Ranma," Ryoga said as he walked up to the pig-tailed martial
artist. "You'd be acting funny too if you were getting married," Ryoga
continued, grinning broadly.
"M-m-married? To who?" Ranma asked lamely.
"To Akari, you idiot!" Ryoga scowled, smacking Ranma on the side of his head.
"Ouch, jeez, right, right. Sorry, it's kinda a shock, that's all," Ranma
explained.
"I guess it would be, to you. But I've been thinking about it for a while
now, every since you and Akane almost got married last year," Ryoga said
seriously.
"So you're completely over Akane?" Ranma asked skeptically.
"Have you seen P-Chan around lately?" Ryoga asked back.
"No. No, I haven't," Ranma admitted grudgingly.
"Right. And you're not going to, at least, not if I can help it," Ryoga
replied.
"So what's this favor you want? Need help getting' to the church on time
or something?" Ranma asked, smirking slightly.
"Actually, a little more than that," Ryoga replied.
"Oh? What do ya need?" Ranma asked seriously.
"Ranma, I- I don't really have too many friends," Ryoga said, turning
slightly away from Ranma. "Who am kidding? I don't have -any- friends. I
just don't stay in one place long enough, you know?" Ranma just nodded, he
understood Ryoga's feelings completely. "I haven't even scene any of my
family in years, they're all lost too," Ryoga continued.
"Do you want me to help you look for them? I mean, school just ended today.
We can spend all summer looking for them, if ya want," Ranma suggested.
"Thanks, but no. It would be too hard to keep us all together even if you
did find them all. That's not why I'm here. Ranma, I want you to be my
best man," Ryoga said.
"Me? But you- I mean-"
"Ranma, the thing with the bread feud, and even the Jusenkyo curse became
meaningless when I fell in love with Akane. I fought you because you were
my rival. I hated you because you took for granted what I so desperately
wanted. Now, well, I don't love Akane anymore, and I can't find a reason
to hate you. Believe me, I've tried! You are and idiot and a jerk! And I
-still- think Akane deserves better than you, but I just can't hate you,"
Ryoga explained.
"I'll be honored to be your best man," Ranma replied, formally bowing to
Ryoga.
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Ryoga replied, bowing back.
"I never really hated ya Ryoga. I just got mad 'cause you were always
getting' in the way; also sleeping in Akane's bed, and then -I'd- get
blamed for it! You're always callin' me dishonorable and a pervert, but
-you- were worse!" Ranma said heatedly.
"So we both have our faults," Ryoga agreed. "But at least I've learned from
mine! I've moved on in my life Ranma, what about you?" He asked.
"What are you talking about?" Ranma asked defensively.
"You -know- what I'm talking about! Akane loves you, and you love her.
You all but admitted it when she nearly died, remember? You can deny it
all you want, but I was there! Now, you're pushing her away again. It's
always the same thing with you. What's it going to take Ranma? Having her
-really- die?" Ryoga asked vehemently.
"Shut up! Our relationship is none of your damn business!" Ranma spat out.
"You just don't get it, do you? You have no idea what its like to love
someone and -know- that they love you. It's wonderful. Heh, I haven't
been able to perform the Shi Shi Hokudan in months, ever since Akari agreed
to marry me. I just -can't- get depressed. Looks like I'm going to have
to learn your way of do it," Ryoga said, smiling a bit ruefully. He wasn't
used to being happy for days on end. It was like a dream and he was scared
that he would wake up soon.
"I'll teach it to ya. It'll be my wedding gift," Ranma said dryly. Ryoga
smiled in reply, shaking his head in resignation and after a few moments he
began to laugh. Ranma, in spite of himself, joined in.
***********************************************
"I'm home!" Ranma called as he entered the Tendo house.
"What took you so long, Ranma? We're about to eat dinner," Akane said from
the dining table. Ranma sat down next to Akane and quickly filled his bowl
with rice.
"Sorry, I was talkin' to Ryoga," Ranma explained, giving Akane a small smile.
"Ryoga-kun? I haven't seen him in awhile. You two weren't fighting, were
you?" Akane asked suspiciously. The rest of the family subtly edged away
from the dinner table. It was getting easy to predict the fights that
ensued between the engaged pair.
"No, we didn't fight. Actually, I don't think we'll being fighting
anymore; ever," Ranma replied, smiling thoughtfully. Nodoka looked up at
her son in surprise.
"Did the two of you settle your differences, then?" She asked.
"Sorta. The main thing is, he asked Akari to marry him. I think he's too
happy to be mad at me," Ranma replied.
"They're getting married? When? Where are they having the ceremony?"
Akane asked excitedly.
"Hey! I don't know all the details! He just said that he proposed and
that she accepted. Oh, he also asked me to be his best man," Ranma said.
"He asked -you- to be his best man?" Nabiki asked flatly.
"Yeah. What's wrong with that?" Ranma challenged, forgetting his own shock
at Ryoga's request.
"The guy's been trying to -kill- you since he got here. You have to it
admit, it's pretty strange that he wants you to be his best man," Nabiki
pointed out.
"Oh Nabiki, Ryoga-kun isn't like that all! Ranma just kept picking on him!
That's the only reason he fought him. Ryoga-kun is a really nice guy,"
Akane protested.
"Yeah right," Ranma muttered as he started shoveling food into his mouth.
"Did you say something, Ranma?" Akane asked.
"Not really. I was just thinking that I'm glad Ryoga's gonna be getting'
off my back now. This is the -first- one of my problems that managed to
get fixed!" Ranma said happily. "Well, maybe the second problem," he
amended, glancing at his mother.
"So, when -are- they getting married?" Soun asked.
"I dunno. It's at least a couple of months away. It'll take Ryoga that
long to invite everyone," Ranma replied.
"I see, perhaps you and Akane could-"
"I think we may want to hold of the -that- idea for awhile, wouldn't you
agree, Tendo-san?" Nodoka quickly interrupted. Soun glanced at Nodoka then
looked at Akane and Ranma. A small blush had grown on Akane's cheeks and
she was staring intently into her rice bowl. In contrast, Ranma's face had
paled and his chopsticks wavered unsteadily in his hand.
"I suppose you're right," Soun replied, letting out a frustrated sigh.
(When are those two going to stop this nonsense?) He wondered as Ranma and
Akane visibly relaxed. The glanced at each other simultaneously and
blushed. Soun shook his head ruefully. (Well, at least they're not
yelling or destroying the house. Perhaps there's hope for them yet,) he
thought.
"Ranma? How were your finals?" Nodoka asked, trying to ease past the
tension.
"Huh? Oh, they were okay, I guess. I think I passed," he replied.
"You're lucky that Akane was there to help you boy," Genma observed. Ranma
was about to protest, but glanced at Akane and opted for simply nodding his
head.
"Yeah, I guess I am," he admitted. Akane looked at him, her eyes searching
his face for any sign of insult or sarcasm; she found none.
"Good. In that case you'll be able to enjoy your summer vacation," Nodoka
said warmly.
"Yeah," Ranma replied noncommittally as he started wolfing down his dinner
once again.
"Ranma-chan? Know that you're out of school, I was wondering, do you have
any plans for the next few days?" Nodoka asked hopefully.
Ranma ignored Genma's warning glanced as he looked at his mother and shook
his head. "Any plans? No, not really. I was just gonna stay here, spar
with the Old Man a bit an' see what comes up," he replied.
"Wonderful! You'll be able to come on a 'training' trip with me then,"
Nodoka said cheerfully.
"A training trip?" Ranma asked, glancing meaningfully at the ever-present
katana that was resting at Nodoka's side.
"No, not with this," Nodoka laughed, resting her hand on the katana.
"Oh?" Ranma asked, looking at his mother inquiringly.
"Well, it's not -really- a training trip. It's just an opportunity for us
to spend some time together," Nodoka explained.
"Uh, okay... sure," Ranma said, wondering what had instigated this idea.
"That is, if you -want- to go. I don't want to force you into anything,"
Nodoka said in a small voice.
"No! It's fine, I- I'd like ta spend some quality time with you. We- we
haven't really gotten a chance to do that," Ranma replied.
"Great! You'd better get pack after dinner then. We'll be leaving in the
morning," Nodoka said.
"Well, I'm done eatin' now, so I'm gonna go get packed!" Ranma said,
bolting from the dinner table.
"How long will you be gone, Auntie?" Akane asked after Ranma was out of
ear-shot..
"It will only be for a few days Akane-chan," Nodoka assured her.
"Why? I mean, is there any reason you want to take him away?" Akane asked
hesitantly.
"I don't have any ulterior motives dear, this isn't about your marriage,"
Nodoka replied, laughing warmly as Akane blushed. "I just want to spend
some time with him, that's all," Nodoka finished.
**********************************************
Ranma pulled his old bag pack out his closet and stared at it fondly as he
set it on the floor. (It's been awhile since I needed ya,) he thought,
reverently wiping away the dust that had accumulated on it. He hadn't been
on any kind of adventure or training trip since returning from Mt. Phoenix
a year ago. He didn't know what his mother had planned, but he decided that
getting away from Nerima for a few days wasn't such a bad idea. (Besides,
there's some stuff I need ta think about,) he thought soberly.
"Man, I can't believe Ryoga's getting' married!" Ranma exclaimed as he
started stuffing clothes into the bag pack. (I can't believe he had built
up enough nerve to actually ask her!) Ranma thought, and that was closer to
the truth. Deep down, he knew Ryoga and Akari would eventually get
married; it was only a matter of time. (Just like me an' Akane,) he
thought. (But what's stoppin' me? If Ryoga could do it, why can't I?)
Ranma's thoughts were interrupted as Genma quietly sneaked into his room.
"What's up Old Man?" Ranma asked in irritation.
"Quietly boy! I don't want your mother to here me," Genma warned.
"What are ya planning Pop?" Ranma asked wearily.
"I'm not planning anything. I just wanted to talk to you about this trip
Ranma," Genma replied.
"Right. Why aren't -you- coming with us, Old Man?" Ranma asked.
"I wasn't invited. In fact, I was -specifically- not invited," Genma
grumbled.
"You do somethin' ta make Mom angry?" Ranma asked, grinning widely.
"Yes, I separated her from her son for ten years," Genma replied, sighing
loudly. "She may not have used that katana on me boy, but she hasn't
forgiven me yet either," he continued.
"Pops, look, I-"
"Let me finish, boy. You have no experience with mothers so you don't know
what to expect. They can become. . . emotional.. They get upset at the
littlest things! They go from laughter to tears within seconds, and no one
knows better how to use guilt as a weapon. In spite of all that, they
spend the rest of their lives worrying what the world will do their
children; and no one in your life will ever love you more than your mother,
Ranma; not even Akane," he finished.
"What's this trip really about?" Ranma asked, a bit scared at Genma's
revelation.
"I have no idea, boy. I'm just warning you to be careful. You don't know
what to expect, and the two of you may end up hurting one another," Genma
warned.
"I'd -never- hurt Mom!" Ranma gasped, horrified at the thought.
"Not intentionally, no. But then again, you really haven't spent much time
with her, have you? She's known about the curse for over a year now Ranma,
but you still keep your distance," Genma pointed out.
"N-not on purpose! Things just kinda happen. You -know- what my life is
like!" Ranma exclaimed defensively.
"Yes, I know. I -also- know that none of those 'things' are going to
happen to you for the next few days. Just. . . be careful," Genma said.
"I don't understand what yer talkin' about, but I'll be careful," Ranma
said dubiously. Genma was about to reply, but was interrupted by a knock
on the door.
"Ranma? Can I come in?" Akane asked from behind the door.
"Sure Akane," Ranma replied.
"Remember what I've told you Ranma," Genma said, as the door opened and
Akane walked in.
"I'm sorry, am I interrupting you two?" Akane asked Genma.
"Not at all Akane, I was just leaving," Genma replied, walking out of the
room and closing the door behind him.
"So Akane, what did ya want?" Ranma asked, trying to make sense of the
conversation he just had.
"Your mother is really looking forward to this trip Ranma," she replied.
"Really? You been talkin' to her about it?" Ranma asked, a slightly hard
edge in his voice.
"When did you start being so paranoid?' Akane asked, rolling her eyes. "We
didn't talk about you or this trip, but you can see the excitement in her
eyes. I- I don't think any of us realize how lonely she was during all
those years without her family," Akane explained softly.
"I know," Ranma replied hoarsely. "But it's okay now, we're all together
again," he continued.
"It's good for the two of you to spend time together. She needs it and, I
think, so do you. So, d-don't worry about anything. E-Everything around
here will be fine, take as much time as you need to get to know each other,
okay?" Akane requested.
"Akane. . . Th-thanks. I'll back as soon as I can," Ranma replied.
Akane nodded and moved back towards the door. "I'd better let you get
packed," she said, opening the door and slipping outside to the hallway.
"Maybe it's about time ta solve some of my -other- problems," Ranma
murmured, staring at the closed door in front of him.
**************************************************
Ranma yawned as the first rays of sunlight became visible through his
bedroom window. He let out an irritated growl and buried his head under
his pillow. Ranma was never a morning person, and the -last- thing he
wanted to do on his first day of vacation was wake up early. The door to
his room slowly opened, but he didn't hear it. Ranma was once again
sleeping deeply.
Nodoka silently crept into Ranma's room and gazed at his sleeping form.
She smiled in sad remembrance, recalling the times, many years ago, when
she would look at her son's sleeping form, then kiss him goodnight, praying
that he would remain safe. To anyone else, it would have seemed silly,
really. After all, what could possibly harm him in the comfort of his own
home? But a mother always prayed, and hoped, and kept a silent vigil over
her children.
Nodoka giggled at the sight of Ranma's prone form. The only visible part
of his body was his two arms, which were holding his pillow in place. She
knelt beside his futon and gently shook his arm. "Ranma-chan, it's time to
wake up," she said softly. Seeing that she was getting absolutely no
response, she shook his arm a little harder. "Ranma! Wake up!" She said.
She heard him groan softly as his arms tightened around the pillow. (Akane
wasn't joking,) Nodoka thought. Her son's fianc�e had warned her how
soundly Ranma slept. "Hey Sleepy Head, time to wake up!" Nodoka chided as
she pulled off the blanket that was covering Ranma. He still did not
respond; it was as if he hadn't even realized that the blanket was missing.
(Well, it always worked on -me- when I was a little girl,) Nodoka thought.
She was almost ready to use Akane's suggestion of a bucket of cold water
when an idea occurred to her. Grinning slightly, she lifted one side of
the pillow, and took a deep breath. "Ranma no baka!" She yelled loudly.
Ranma's response was immediate. He jumped out of the futon and landed
hard, face first onto the floor. "I'm sorry Akane! There's no need to-" he
babbled loudly before noticing his mother's laughing form sitting next to
his futon. "M-Mom? What's goin' on?" Ranma asked sleepily.
"It's time for breakfast Ranma," Nodoka replied, grinning broadly.
Ranma nodded his head absently and glanced at the large bag pack sitting
in one corner of his room. "So, are we leavin' after breakfast?" He asked.
"That's right," Nodoka replied, "Hurry up and brush your teeth! The food
will be ready shortly."
"All right," Ranma replied as he followed Nodoka out of the bedroom. They
walked downstairs and Ranma entered the bathroom and started brushing his
teeth. His drowsiness left him while he went through his morning routine.
After a few minutes, he left the bathroom feeling refreshed and more than a
little excited over his impending journey. (No school, no fianc�es, no
Kuno. . . Man, this is gonna be nice,) Ranma thought.
The rest of the household was already present at the dining table as Ranma
sat down next to Akane. "Are all packed Ranma?" Akane asked as Kasumi and
Nodoka started placing food on the table.
"Yeah. I'm pretty much ready ta go," Ranma replied.
"That's good. You usually put that stuff off until the last minute," Akane
said.
"It's not a big deal Akane. I can pack for a trip -really- quickly, when I
need to," Ranma pointed out, smiling slightly.
"I guess that's true," Akane conceded, smiling as well, "Do you know where
the two of you will be going?" She asked.
"Actually, no. Hey Mom, where are we going anyway?" Ranma asked.
"Not very far. We'll be taking a bus to Chiba. I thought a few days at
the beach might be nice," Nodoka replied.
"Chiba? Are you going to your parent's cottage?" Genma asked, somewhat
surprised.
"Yes. Is there anything wrong with that?" Nodoka asked curiously.
"No, nothing wrong. . . I just forgot about that place," Genma replied
sheepishly.
"Somehow, I'm not surprised, Dearest. After all, we only spent our
-honeymoon- there!" Nodoka replied sarcastically.
(Oh man, we'd better leave soon, before Pop gets himself into even -more-
trouble,) Ranma thought.
**************************************
"Here we are!" Nodoka said cheerfully as she and Ranma stood in front of
the small cottage that would be their home for the next few days.
"Check out the view!" Ranma said appreciatively as he looked at the sandy
beach and ocean blue water that was in the background behind the cottage.
"Yes. It is quite nice, isn't it? I always loved waking up in the morning
and walking out into -that- backyard," Nodoka agreed.
After breakfast, Ranma and Nodoka had boarded a bus that would take them to
Chiba. A three-mile walk from the bus stop to the cottage followed the
two-hour bus trip. The cottage was located on a small, surprisingly
isolated, stretch of beach. It was a tiny cottage; smaller than even the
Saotome home. (Before the girls destroyed it, anyway,) Ranma thought wryly.
"Shall we go in?" Nodoka asked.
"Yeah, guess we'd better get unpacked and settled in," Ranma replied.
"We probably need to clean the place as well, I haven't been here in well
over a year," Nodoka commented. She entered the cottage, Ranma walking
closely behind her. The curtains were closed and the cottage was dark.
The only light came from the open front door. Ranma walked inside and
looked around curiously. The living room was well furnished; there was a
small sofa, several chairs, and a dining table present. Several pictures
adorned the walls and there was even a small television set sitting on a
small coffee table. Nodoka briskly opened all the curtains and the small
house a critical inspection. "I was right. We do need to clean up a bit,"
Nodoka said. "Ranma-chan, why don't you start on the bedrooms while I take
care of things in here," she suggested.
"Sure, no problem," Ranma replied. Ranma walked to the small hallway the
led to the bedrooms. He noticed a light switch on the wall and turned it
on. On the ceiling above him, a light bulb suddenly came to life, flashing
a few times before flaring brightly.
There was a single door on the left wall of the hallway and two doors on
the right. Ranma entered the first door on the right and entered a
bedroom. Finding the light switch, he turned it on and looked around the
room. "Woah, the bedroom's got furniture in it too!" Ranma exclaimed. He
was having trouble adjusting to the fact that he was going to relatively
comfortable during this trip. Every time he had gone training with his
father, they had stayed out doors, sometimes without the benefit of even a
tent. Although not as large as the Tendo home, the cottage was luxurious
in comparison to his usual fare.
The previous occupant of the room was obviously a girl. The bed was
covered with a pink cotton blanket with floral designs. A dresser in
corner of the room had several stuffed animals sitting on it. (Mom was
right though, the place does need to be cleaned,) Ranma thought, noticing
the layers of dust that covered everything. He walked over to a
nightstand that was placed next to the bed. The small table had a lamp and
a framed picture sitting on top of it. Ranma picked up the frame and wiped
away the dust that was covering the photograph.
In spite of himself, Ranma smiled as he looked at the picture. It was of a
young girl, about six years of age, wearing a kimono. She would have
looked quite lady like if it wasn't for the dripping ice cream cone in her
hands and the smattering of ice cream stuck all over her face. "That's a
picture of me as a little girl," Nodoka said quietly from the bedroom
doorway. Startled, Ranma nearly dropped the picture.
"I, uh, was just lookin' around," Ranma explained lamely.
"There's no need to apologize. -This- is why I brought you here. I want
you to be able to know me a little better, and then maybe, you'll let -me-
get to know you a little better as well," Nodoka replied, smiling hopefully.
"Yeah, sure," Ranma said uncertainly. (Get to know me better? What's she
talkin' about?) Ranma thought. He tried to recall every detail of his
conversation with his father, hoping to uncover some detail that would help
him.
"We had better hurry up and getting everything cleaned, then I'll fix us
some lunch," Nodoka suggested.
"Great! I'm startin' to get hungry!" Ranma exclaimed, his confusion and
worry forgotten.
Nodoka shook her head and smiled sadly as she left the bedroom. (Oh
Ranma-chan, I hope you can find the courage to let me be your mother,) she
thought.
*************************************************
"So? How's lunch?" Nodoka asked.
"It's good! I haven't had fish curry in a long time!" Ranma exclaimed,
quickly shoveling food into his mouth.
"The markets here have fresh fish. That's part of the reason right there,"
Nodoka said modestly.
"That's not it, you're a great cook! -That's- why it tastes so good,"
Ranma protested.
Nodoka smiled and nodded her head in acknowledgement. (If only he could
pay -Akane- such complements,) she thought. She watched bemusedly as Ranma
continued to eat. (Akane has improved her cooking skills, but she's going
to have to get a lot better to keep up with him,) she thought.
"Whew. I'm full! Thanks Mom, that was great," Ranma said, letting out a
contented sigh.
"I'm glad you liked it, Ranma-chan. You're like your father in that
regard. He used to inhale everything in site. I amazed he survived all
those years on the road with my cooking!" Nodoka exclaimed, laughing softly.
"No need to worry about that! Pop was very creative when it came to
finding food," Ranma muttered darkly.
"Yes, I know, dear. He's caused you a few problems," Nodoka said.
"A 'few' problems? Yeah, you could say that," Ranma snorted.
Nodoka picked up the dishes and took them into the kitchen. "Well, for a
few days, you won't have to worry about your father," she said, walking
back into the living room.
"I guess so," Ranma replied, visibly brightening.
"So, what would you like to do?" Nodoka asked, sitting down at the dining
table once again.
"Do?" Ranma asked, somewhat confused.
"It's still pretty early. Would you like to go to the beach?" Nodoka asked.
"Er. . . I didn't bring a bathing suit," Ranma replied, a blush growing on
his face.
"Why would that matter- Oh! I see," Nodoka said, realizing Ranma's problem.
"Yeah, I don't like to go near -that- much cold water unprepared," Ranma
replied.
"Well, is there anything else you would like to do?" Nodoka asked. Ranma
looked at her blankly in response and Nodoka sighed. "What do you and your
father usually do when you go on trips?" She asked.
"We train. Pop comes up with these crazy new techniques and training
methods. Usually they're pretty stupid, but once in a while, he comes up
with a useful idea," he replied.
"That's it? The two of you just train? All the time?" Nodoka asked in
bewilderment.
"Well, yeah. I mean, that's why we go on training trips! To, ya know,
train," Ranma said.
"Didn't you ever talk?" Nodoka asked, not willing to give up.
"Sure! We talked all the time! Pop had ta explain the techniques to me,
and then I had ta explain what an idiot he was," Ranma replied sincerely.
"That's not exactly what I meant. . . Well, never mind. Why don't we just
sit down on the sofa and talk for a bit?" Nodoka suggested.
"Okay," Ranma replied. Mother and son got up from the dining table and
moved to the sofa in the living room. Ranma sat at one corner of the sofa,
trying to sink into the soft and incredibly comfortable cushions. He
stretched his right arm out on the backrest and relaxed. Nodoka smiled as
she sat down next to him, relieved that some of the stress he carried was
leaving him.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Nodoka asked.
"Huh? I, uh, I. . . dunno," Ranma replied.
"Okay then, how were your finals?" Nodoka asked, vainly trying to start up
a conversation.
(Uh. . . Didn't she ask me that last night?) Ranma thought. "The tests
were okay, I guess," he replied.
"You were very lucky that Akane-chan was there to help you," Nodoka
observed, unconsciously mirroring her husband's words.
"Yeah, guess I was," Ranma admitted again, albeit, this time a bit warily.
(Jeez, why do they keep pushin' us? If this whole trip is gonna be about
Akane, I'm gonna get sick! Even Mom won't leave this alone!) He thought
irritably.
Nodoka noticed his change in demeanor and wondered what she had done wrong.
"Ranma-chan, there's nothing wrong with having to depend on someone for
help once in awhile," she said gently.
"I know! I mean, I know. . . That's not it," Ranma replied.
"Then what? What's wrong, Ranma-chan?" Nodoka asked.
"It's nothin'," Ranma said, trying to brush off her concern.
"Please Ranma, if there's something bothering you, I want to know about
it," Nodoka insisted.
"Aw Mom, nothing's bothering me. I'm just. . . tired, I guess," Ranma
replied lamely.
(Tired? Him?) Nodoka thought unbelievingly. "Ranma, I'm not going to
judge you. I'm not going to get angry with you. Sometimes, a people need
to talk about their problems, that's all I'm offering you," she explained.
"Thanks Mom, but I'm okay. I don't really like ta talk about that kinda
stuff," Ranma replied.
"What 'stuff'?" Nodoka asked.
"Ya know, emotions and junk like that. Guys don't talk about things like
that!" Ranma exclaimed.
"Where did you get such a ridiculous idea like that?" Nodoka demanded.
"From Pops," Ranma replied flatly.
"I see," Nodoka replied, her anger deflating, "Ranma-chan, your father may
know a great deal about Martial Arts, but he doesn't seem to know much
about life."
"Heh. I figured that out a -long- time ago," Ranma said.
"Then why follow his way? You're too young to carry so many burdens alone.
All I want to do is help you. You can be so much happier if you just talk
about your problems," Nodoka said earnestly.
"I understand what yer sayin', but I wasn't raised that way! Pops and I
never talked about our problems. The Art was the only thing that held us
together. We have nothing in common besides that; and he- he didn't -care-
about anything besides that," Ranma said quietly.
"Ranma. . . "
"So I learned to deal with things for myself. I didn't -talk-. I didn't
-whine-. I didn't -explain-. Most of all, I didn't cry! Cause a man
doesn't cry!" Ranma yelled vehemently.
Nodoka was speechless. She just stared at Ranma, not know what to do or
what to say. (My baby. What happened to you? What kind of hell did my
husband put you through?) She wondered as tears welled up in her eyes.
(Oh man! She's -crying-) Ranma thought frantically. He remembered what
his father had said about hurting her. (We've only been here a few hours
and I've already messed things up,) he thought miserably. Before he could
blame himself even further, Nodoka embraced him and held him tightly.
"Oh my poor Ranma-chan," she murmured softly as she cried.
"Mom?" Ranma asked, hesitantly putting his arms around her. She just held
him tighter, leaving Ranma confused and uncomfortable. "I- I'm sorry, Mom.
I didn't mean ta make ya cry," Ranma said guiltily after a few minutes
"What?" Nodoka asked, pulling away slightly to look at Ranma's face.
"I'm not any good at talkin' and stuff, and sometimes I just say things.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean ta hurt ya. You're the -last- person in the world
I'd wanna hurt, Mom," Ranma said.
"I -know- that Ranma-chan. You didn't hurt me, -I- hurt -you-. I hope
you can forgive me," Nodoka said.
"What? What are ya talkin' about? You didn't hurt me!" Ranma protested.
"Yes, I did. I hurt you by letting my husband take you away. No mother
should give up her child, no matter what the circumstances," Nodoka
explained softly.
"But- but it wasn't your fault," Ranma said.
Nodoka let go of Ranma and leaned back on the sofa. "Wasn't it? I made
the choice. I -let- you go. I- I just didn't think that the two of you
would be gone for so long. A-and when I came looking for my family, they
were scared of me. What kind of person was I that my family would fear
me?" Nodoka cried.
Ranma's face burned with shame. He looked down at his hands and sighed.
"It was that damn promise," he said quietly.
"How could you even -think- that I would kill you?" Nodoka asked.
"Mom, I didn't even -know- you! Pop was so scared, he was sure you'd make
us commit seppuku. Sure he's an idiot, but I figured he knew you better
than I did! Besides, that's not the main reason I hid from you," Ranma
replied.
"If it wasn't fear, then what was it?" Nodoka asked, wiping her eyes with
the back of her hand.
"It- it -was- fear. Yeah, I didn't wanna die, but that was only a part of
it. I- I wanted you to see me without the curse. I- I wanted to be the
son you always wanted! I was hopin' ta get cured before meeting you. I
just. . . I guess, I just wanted you to be proud of me," Ranma finished
quietly, his voice hoarse.
"Ranma-chan, I -am- proud of you! You may not talk to me, but I've talked
to others -about- you. I know about your strength, your courage, and your
commitment to the Art. There can be no better heir to the Saotome School
of martial arts than you. You are truly a man among men," Nodoka said,
smiling proudly.
"Mom. . . I- I-" Ranma stuttered, at a loss for words. He reached forward
embraced her once more, resting his head on her shoulder.
"You are a man among men," Nodoka repeated, "But all I want now is my son."
She held him close for a few minutes before letting him go.
"Man, I think understand why you said this was a 'training' trip. I'm
exhausted!" Ranma exclaimed.
"Actually, that was more of a joke for your father's benefit. Only -he-
would call a ten-year separation a 'training' trip," Nodoka explained,
sighing in exasperation.
"I don't know if I can do what ya want. . . Talkin' about my. . . feelings
is kinda hard," Ranma admitted.
"Anything worth doing is difficult my son. All I ask is that you try. You
don't. . . you don't necessarily have to talk to me, but talk to someone,"
Nodoka replied.
"I guess. . . I can try," Ranma promised.
"Good enough. It's more than what I got from your father," Nodoka sighed.
"How -did- you end up a person like. . . him?" Ranma asked. This was a
subject he had been curious about for a long time.
"That. . . is a long story; one that I will tell you tomorrow. There's no
rush, after all, we're going to be staying her for a while, right?" Nodoka
asked. Ranma smiled as he felt the stress he had built up over the years
start to fade.
"Yeah, I think I'd like that," he replied.
*********************************************
The End
*********************************************