mrpvisse@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca (Mark Visser) Ranma 1/2 Anything Can Happen Martial Arts Part 2 Expanding Family [Ranma 1/2 and all it's characters belong to Takahashi Rumiko] Morning begins in much the way it has begun since mornings began. Light covers the land, and the world starts to wake up from it's slumber. Nerima is no different from the rest of the world. Morning has come to the town almost the same as it always does. There are just a few minor differences. Well, maybe minor to most people, but to the neighbours of the Tendou dojo the differences are very welcome. Not only do we not hear Genma and Ranma busily pounding away at each other in their usual morning practice, but we also don't hear any shouting, punching, or any mayhem or violence of any kind. It is soon obvious why that is as various scenes of the Tendou home flash by. Empty dojo. Empty dining room. Empty kitchen. Occupied bedrooms. Everybody is still fast asleep. Everybody is worn out from the previous night. But who can blame them! It was a very eventful night! Not only were Ranma and Genma finally re-united with Nodoka, but their curses were revealed, and they are still alive to tell about it! Everybody was up so late getting re-acquainted and just generally partying, that they are all exhausted, and sleeping late. Luckily for them it is Sunday, and nothing is keeping them from sleeping in. As the scene shifts from room to room we see that actually not everybody is fast asleep, but the scene quickly skips on past the room Nodoka and Genma are sharing in an attempt for the story to obtain no higher than an R rating, but then what do you expect. Ten years is a long time! And unsurprisingly Ranma has been moved into Mr. Tendou's room for the night, to allow Ranma's parents to get to know each other again. The scene finally stops on Kasumi, who is just starting to stir. She rolls over, slowly opens her eyes and looks at her alarm clock. She blinks a few times, sits up, and rubs her eyes, looking at the clock again trying to check what she sees. Kasumi: Oh my! It's already 10:30! Everybody must be starving. Why didn't they wake me?! Kasumi quickly gets dressed and heads down to the kitchen. Much to her surprise, no one else is up yet. Feeling a little relieved, yet still a little guilty at sleeping in so late, she starts to prepare a late breakfast. Nabiki is the second one up. Or at least the second one downstairs. She enters the kitchen where Kasumi is busily chopping and stirring, and doing all sorts of food-prep things. Nabiki: Hey Kasumi. What's for breakfast? Kasumi: A little of everything. Will you wake up everybody? I think they've slept long enough. Nabiki: Okay, might as well. This peace and quiet is too unnatural for this house. Might as well get the ruckus started. Nabiki goes through the house knocking on bedroom doors waking up the house's occupants. The members of the household trickle in to sit around the table as Kasumi puts the finishing touches on breakfast and sets the table. Everybody looks fairly well rested, but despite sleeping in, a few like Ranma still give out large loud yawns. Genma and Nodoka have large grins on their faces, and look much like a pair of newlyweds. Soun: My, it smells wonderful as always, Kasumi. Genma: Yes, you sure are a lucky man to have such a talented daughter, Tendou. Soun: Truely, Saotome. I'm blessed. Ranma-kun: Oh knock it off you two. I'm sure we've all heard that line enough times to do us for the rest of our lives! Genma: Don't you know any manners at all boy! Why when I was your age... Nodoka: You have to admit you sound very silly when you start giving a speech like that. You are rather preachy. Genma: Preachy! (sulking)I am not preachy! Nodoka simply gives Genma the traditional "Yes dear" response and leaves it at that. Nabiki: You two sure are chipper this morning. How can you be so full of energy this morning? (sly look)You couldn't have gotten much rest last night from what I could hear! Soun: Nabiki! Kasumi: Oh my! Nodoka blushes a bit, but doesn't really look all that embarassed. Nodoka: Let's just say ten years is a LONG time and leave it with that. Ranma-kun: MOM! I really don't want to be hearing this! Akane: Oh give it a rest Ranma. It's not like you're parents are too old or anything. Akane smiles at Nodoka who nods in agreement, also with a large smile. Nodoka: I completely agree with you. Genma quickly decides that he really doesn't want to be drawn into this conversation, and dumps a glass of water over his head to make talking impossible for him. Nodoka gives a small gasp but quickly recovers. Nodoka: That still surprises me. Akane: Don't worry auntie. You get used to it failry quickly. Akane picks up her cup and splashes Ranma. If I have to tell you what this results in, you shouldn't even be reading this! Ranma is less than pleased. Ranma-chan: What was that for!?! Akane: (smiles at Nodoka) See! Ranma gets up and trudges off to the kitchen for some hot water, muttering under her breath her usual descriptions of Akane. A male Ranma returns to the table, a little wetter, but also warmer. Everybody finishes up the meal with no more than the usual conflict between Ranma and Akane about the quality, or lack thereof, of Akane's cooking. While Kasumi starts to clear the table, refusing Nodoka's offer of help, Nabiki gets up and stretches. Nabiki: Mmmm. Delicious as always Kasumi. Well, I have to make a few business calls. Later. Nabiki walks off with a predatory look in her eyes, talking to herself quietly. Nabiki: ...then gain 5% more stock with the extra money...from there liquidate all possible assets...only 5 years till I can take over from Bill.. IBM comes next... As Nabiki leaves to plan her financial conquests attention is drawn back to the breakfast table. Ranma-kun: That reminds me mom, who was that you called last night? Nodoka: Oh, thanks for reminding me Ranma. I have to go! Ranma-kun: Go? Go where mom? Nodoka: I have to go pick up your sister from the Baby-sitter. She was nice enough to take care of her over night, but I really have to go pick her up now. Nabiki leans back into the room, phone in hand and Kasumi looks out from the kitchen. All: SISTER!?!? Nodoka: Yes. Your little sister Noriko. Oh! You can almost see the light bulb, can't you? Nodoka: Haven't I told you about your sister? Everybody collapses in that sideways manner they all seem so fond of. Nodoka: I'll take that as a no. Everybody gets up and wipes themselves off. Ranma and Akane look a little embarassed, because the path of their collapses landed them on top of each other. Their curiosity about what Nodoka has to say over powers their desire to argue and pound each other. Nodoka: Well, when Genma left with Ranma ten years ago, I was very lonely of course. Soon after Genma left I discovered that I was pregnant. Eight and a half months after the two of you set out I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I named her Noriko, and have raised her by myself ever since. Ranma reaches over and pours hot water over his father. Ranma: Well pop, what do you have to say for yourself? Genma goes into immediate defensive mode, but can't manage to maintain the proper attitude. Genma: How was I to.... Nodoka. How can you ever forgive me for what I have done? I took your son from you for ten years, and left you to raise our daughter alone. I am ashamed. Nodoka: Don't worry. I forgave you a long time ago. Genma's face brightens up. Nodoka: But I'm still going to make you pay for what you've done. It falls again. Nodoka: But that's for later. Right now I have to go pick up Noriko. I'll be back in a few hours. Nodoka gets up and is almost ready to leave when Ranma stops her. Ranma-kun: Umm....Mom. Can I come too? I don't think I can wait that long. I'd really like to meet my little sister. Nodoka: Sure thing. Would you like to come too Akane? Akane: Me? Sure. Why not. Nodoka: Genma? Genma: I have to get some sleep! I'm beat. Ranma and Akane get up and join Nodoka. They put on their shoes and set out for the train station. Ranma-kun: Where do we have to go to pick her up? Nodoka: The next door neighbour is taking care of her. She's a nice old grandmother. Noriko gets along very well with her. Ranma-kun: Do you mean Ekibo-san? Nodoka: You remember her? Ranma-kun: I..I do. Vaguely. You mean you still live in the same house?! I'm going home! I haven't been home in ten years! I'm going home! Nodoka: Calm down Ranma. Yes you are. I still have all your old things. But I'm not sure if you'll still want your toys from when you were 6. Ranma-kun: I can't wait! The three of the them eventually get to the train station and just manage to catch the train headed for the Saotome home. Ranma and Akane sit down behind Nodoka and beside each other. Nodoka turns to the two of them. Nodoka: I'm exhausted. I'm just going to take a nap now. Please wake me before we get to out stop. Nodoka winks at Akane, who smiles. Ranma just looks embarassed, and manages to convey the feeling that he wishes he were anywhere else at the moment. Nodoka turns around, leans up against the window, and quickly falls asleep. The three of them ride along in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts (or dreams in Nodoka's case). After a while Akane turns to Ranma and notices that he's crying. Akane: Ranma? What's wrong? Ranma-kun: What? Ranma turns to Akane and realises that she sees him crying. He quickly wipes his eyes and sits up straight. Akane: What's the matter Ranma? Ranma-kun: Nothing. Nothing's wrong. Akane: Then why are you crying? Ranma-kun: I'm happy. Really happy. For ten years it was only me and dad. I've never had much of any kind of family life. I've been without mom. And.....I can't really put everything into words properly. It's just, all of a sudden I have my mom back. I'm heading back to a home I haven't seen in ten years, and only vaguely remember, and all of a sudden I have a sister. I've never had any kind of brother or sister before, and now I'm going to meet my little sister. I'm just so.... Akane: I think I know. You have somewhere to belong now. Ranma-kun: Maybe that's it exactly. Before I was always moving around, so I didn't stay long enough to belong anywhere. The closest thing to a family has been living with you and your family, but even there I'm still somewhat of an outsider. But now I'm going to have a family that's all mine! Akane smiles at Ranma, who can't help but smile back. Akane: I'm happy for you Ranma. But you know, you'd better wipe away those tears a little better. Your mother might not think it's too manly of you. Akane laughs quietly, and Ranma just can't help but join in. In the seat ahead a seemingly asleep Nodoka just smiles. By the time the train finally pulls into the station, Nodoka has woken up, assuming she ever actually slept at all that is. The three get off the train, and are soon headed off down another road. Behind them a figure cloaked in shadows moves out to follow them. A few streets latter, Nodoka turns to Ranma to ask him a question. Nodoka: Ranma, how good is your memory? Can you find the way home from here? Ranma looks around. Nothing seems familiar. To Ranma it just seems like any other street in any Japanese city. But then memories of early childhood start to return. Ranma-kun: That's the park where you used to take me to play isn't it? Nodoka: Yes. So which way home? Ranma-kun: Ummm, this way! Ranma points off to the right, and starts down the street. Nodoka doesn't move to follow. Ranma realises this and turns back. Ranma-kun: No? Nodoka: No son. Down that way is a restaurant your father liked to take us to. I'm not surprised you want to head down that way. The food was very good, and you always were a big eater. Akane: (smiles) He's gotten even worse! Or I guess you could say better. Ranma-kun: Thanks a bunch Akane. So which way is it? Nodoka: Just follow me. Nodoka leads Ranma and Akane three streets in the exact opposite direction that Ranma wanted to go, and soon they come apon a small, but excellently maintained property. Ranma's eyes light up. Ranma-kun: I'm home! Nodoka: Yes, but let's go get your sister. I think she's more important than seeing your old room. Ranma-kun: Oh yeah. Right. Of course. The three walk down the sidewalk to the next house. It is slightly larger than the Saotome house, and just as well maintained. Nodoka walks up to the door with Akane and Ranma immediately behind. Nodoka: Ekibo-san! I'm here. The sounds of someone getting up and walking down the hallway can be heard. The door soons opens revealing a short elderly lady. Ekibo-san: Ah, Saotome-san. Glad to see you home. How was your dinner with Tendou's? Everything went well I trust. Noriko was just a little angel. Nodoka: Everything was fine. Ekibo-san, I'd like you to meet Ranma. He's finally come back to me. Ekibo-san: My my my. Ranma! I haven't seen you in ages. The last time you were over, you were a lot smaller, I'll say that for sure! Nodoka: And this is Ranma's fiance Akane. Akane: (bows to Ekibo-san) Hajimemashite Ekibo-san. Ekibo-san: My, what a polite young woman. And really attractive to boot. You sure are one lucky young man Ranma. (Akane and Ranma both grumble under their breath about how it's not their idea about getting married. You know, all the usual stuff, but not too loudly in an attempt to be polite to Ekibo-san). Well come in, come in. Don't just stand on my door stop all day! The three, along with Ekibo-san enter the house and head back into the building. Ekibo-san: Have a seat around the table. I'll make some tea. Noriko is out in the back playing. I'll just go get her. Ekibo-san heads back into the kitchen. Ranma, Akane, and Nodoka can hear her call out into the back yard from the kitchen window. Ekibo-san: Noriko! Come inside. Your mother's back! A pounding of feet can be heard as Noriko comes running up to the house. Stopping only to take of her shoes, the little girl comes flying into the dining room, and into her mother's arms. Noriko: Okaasan! I'm glad you're back! I had a great time with time with Ekibo-san, but I still missed you. Did you miss me Okaasan? Nodoka: Of course I did dear. But stand up straight now. There's someone I want you to meet. Noriko stands up and turns to face Ranma and Akane. In many ways Noriko looks very much like a little Ranma. A little Ranma-chan that is. Well, not all that little. The top of Noriko's head would have been level with the middle of Ranma-kun's chest had he been standing. She has red hair, just like Ranma-chan, except that instead of a pig tail, Noriko's hair falls straight down, unbound, to just below her shoulders. Nodoka: Noriko, this is your oniichan Ranma. Ranma, this is your little sister Noriko. Noriko's face lights up. She launches herself at Ranma, much like she did to Nodoka. Noriko: Oniichan! I've heard so much about you! Noriko latches on to Ranma with a vise like hug. Ranma is very surprised and a little uncomfortable (you know that shocked look he gets), while Akane just smiles at the two. Noriko is a fountain of questions, all piling out one after the other, not even waiting for any previous questions to be answered. Noriko: So what's daddy like Ranma? Is he here? Where have you been? How come you were gone so long? Did you bring me anything? Did you meet anybody famous on your trip? Who is she? She's cute, is she your girlfriend? How come you haven't been home sooner? Can I meet daddy soon? Is he here? What.... Just then Ekibo-san enters the dining room from the kitchen, carrying a tray with a pot of tea, four tea cups, and a glass of juice for Noriko. As luck would have it (and it always does have it in the Ranma universe), Ekibo-san's dining area has some really nice rugs in it. Rugs which love to bunch up, and catch your feet if you don't pay attention. So of coarse Ekibo-san's rugs catch her foot, and send her off balance. Ekibo-san manages to keep almost everything on her tray. Not a single drop of tea is spilled, or tea cup knocked out of place. The juice however lands right on top of Ranma and Noriko. Ranma-chan: Urk!.... Ekibo-san: Oh my. Noriko: Oniichan? What.....? Nodoka: Well, I suppose this had to happen sooner or later. Ranma and his father had a small accident on their trip. Nodoka goes on to explain to Noriko and Ekibo-san the exact nature of Ranma and Genma's curse. Noriko takes everything in stride, and after getting a towel for Ranma to dry off with, resumes her hugging. Noriko: Oneechan! Ranma-chan: Hey, stop that! I'm a guy! Akane: You wouldn't know it to look at you Ranma. Ranma-chan: Baka. Nodoka: Ranma! Try to be more polite! Ranma-chan: Gomen. Ranma manages to pry Noriko off of himself long enough to pour some tea over his head and change back. Noriko picks up the discarded towel and begins to dry off Ranma's head. Noriko: I've always wanted a sister! This is going to be wonderful! We can do all kinds of things together! Ranma-kun: Now hold it! Get it straight Noriko! I'm a guy! I only change into a girl now and then because of a curse! I am not your sister! Got it! Noriko: Okay oneechan! Ranma-kun: Grrrrrr. Ranma continues his muttering and grumbling while taking over drying himself off from Noriko. Noriko decides now is a good time to pick back up on her line of questioning. Noriko: So oneechan, who is the girl beside you? Is she your girlfreind? Is... Ranma-kun: Hold it a second. I can only answer one question at a time. This is Tendou Akane. She's...um...well...she's a...freind. Pop and I have been living at her father's place. Nodoka: Noriok-chan, Akane is Ranma's fiance. Noriko: Really! Noriko gets up and walks over to Akane. Noriko: Hajimemashite Akane. I'm Saotome Noriko. Pleased to meet you. Akane: I'm pleased to meet yo..Acck! Noriko gives Akane her traditional flying hug, cutting off Akane's words of greeting rather effectively. Noriko: Can I call you oneechan? You are going to be my sister in law. Akane is having a hard time breathing with Noriko's vice like hug, and her reply is somewhat strained to get out. Akane: Sure. Just don't hug so tight. You're crushing my windpipe. Tea with Ekibo-san is soon finished and Noriko is sent to collect her things from upstairs. Ranma, Nodoka and Akane are waiting for her by the door as they say good by to Ekibo-san. Akane: The tea was delicious. Arigato gozaimasu. Ekibo-san: Oh you're welcome dear. Now don't let another ten years go by Ranma. I want some regular visits from you. Shouldn't be hard with you back to living next door again right! Ranma-kun: Ah...yeah..I guess so. Noriko finally gets down to where her mother and brother, and Akane are patiently waiting, carrying all her things in a Sailor Moon backpack. Nodoka: Do you have everything dear? Noriko: Hai. Nodoka: Arigato Ekibo-san. I'm grateful for you taking care of her. Ekibo-san: Any time dear. My own grand children don't visit nearly often enough for me. See you latter. The four leave Ekibo-san's house and head back down the sidewalk to the Saotome house. Ranma seems rather anxious to get inside. Ranma almost barges into the house with impatince once Nodoka gets the door unlocked. Nodoka: Welcome home Ranma. It's been a long time. Ranma just looks around at the vaguely familiar suroundings. Nodoka: Sorry to say, but your room is not as you left it. It's Noriko's room now. Ranma-kun: That's okay. I don't even remember what my room looked like. Noriko: Let me show you then oneechan! Noriko grabs a hold of Ranma's hand and starts to pull him along behind her, up the stairs. Akane follows Nodoka, who is heading down the hall. Ranma-kun: I told you don't call me that! call me Ranma, or oniichan, but not oneechan! Noriko: Come on! Come on! I want to show you my room! Noriko hustles Ranma up the stairs, while Akane gets Nodoka's attention to talk with her. Akane: Um...Mrs. Saotome...Um.... Nodoka: Yes Akane? Akane: What Ekibo-san said......About Ranma living here.... Nodoka: Well of course Ranma will be living here. He and his father have been freeloading off your father for far too long. They'll be moving out of the Tendou home immedietely. Akane: Um, well...that's just it. I..um.....I uh...don't want....um... Nodoka: Yes dear? Akane: (to herself) I don't want him to go. (outloud) Never mind. Nodoka: Then excuse me dear. I have to change into some clean clothes. Ranma meanwhile, is being given the grand tour of his old house by his little sister. Ranma is paying very little attention to what his sister is saying, however. Noriko: And this is the teddy bear Okaasan gave me on my seventh birthday. Kawaii ne? Oneechan?.....ONEECHAN! Ranma-kun: Huh?.....Nani? Noriko: You're not paying any attention at all! You haven't heard anything I said, have you? And why are you staring at me like that? Ranma-kun: Well, I guess it's just that for sixteen years, as far as I knew I was an only child. Now today all of a sudden I have a little sister. It's kinda a big shock. Noriko: You'll get used to it I'm sure. Okaasan has been telling me for years about you, and father, and how father was going to make a big strong man out of you. I'm so happy that we're finally together oneechan! (Ranma says "Don't call me that" which Noriko ignores). You'll get used to me after you get to know me. Now, this is my teddy bear I got for my seventh birthday. Kawaii ne? Ranma-kun: Yeah. Adorable. Um, Just a sec. I have to go talk to mom Okay? Noriko: Okay. Come back up soon though. I'm not done showing you my room. Ranma gets up and jogs down stairs. He almost runs right into her when he reaches the bottom of the staris. Ranma-kun: Oh, Hey mom. I want to talk to you. Nodoka: Ok Ranma, but make it later. We have to be heading back to the Tendou's right now. Go and get your sister. Ranma-kun: Hai. The four are soon standing outside the house. Nodoka locks up the door and they all turn to go back to the train station. The shadowy figure from the train station can be seen down the street a little ways. Shadowy figure: (quietly) Ah. There's Akane and Ranma. I wondered where they'd gone. Funny, but this doesn't look like anywhere near the Tendou dojo that I can remember. The shadowy figure starts to run after the four departing people. As the shadowy figure passes by Ekibo-san's house, a spray of watter hits the shadowy figure, who's cry of "Akane!" gets cut off right after the "Ah" sound and turns into more of a "Bweeeee!". Akane turns around and looks back. Akane: P-chan! What are you doing here! Akane runs back to the small wet black pig and picks him up. Akane: P-chan, where on earth have you been? Ranma: Australia. Akane: What? How would you know that? Ranma: Look right here. (Ranma picks P-chan up by the back leg, holding him upside down, and points at his stomach). You can see the customs stamp right here. Akane: Stop picking on P-chan! (WHAP!) Ranma rubs his reddening cheek, while Akane tries to console P-chan. Akane: Ah, poor widdle P-chan. Did the big bad Ranma hurt my sweet P-chan? Ranma: (to himself) Stupid Ryouga. Why'd he have to show up? Akane holds P-chan to herself, and continues to console him, while P-chan bweee's contentedly. Noriko looks on interested. Noriko: What's that Akane-oneechan? Akane: This is my pet pig P-chan. Noriko: Kawaii! Can I hold him? Akane: Sure. (Akane passes P-chan to Noriko) Don't let him go now. Ranma-kun: Yeah, he'll probably get lost. Akane: Ranma, stop it! Ranma-kun: Aw come on Akane. Admit it. P-chan is just like Ryouga! (P-Chan glares at Ranma, but also looks very nervous). Both of them would manage to get lost in a room with no doors if they had to find thier way from one wall to the other! Akane and Ranma spend the rest of the walk back to the train station arguing. Secretely Ranma is grateful for the familiarity of one of his and Akane's fights after all the unfamiliarity of the surprises he's gotten in today, and the day before. Noriko just contents herself to walk ahead with Nodoka and pet P-chan. Nodoka looks at Ranma and Akane, grimaces to herself and let's the two of them continue in their battle. The train ride and walk back to the dojo pass uneventfully. The same things can't be said for when the four actually reach the dojo. Akane: We're home! Is everybody here? Kasumi comes into the front hallway. Kasumi: Welcome home Akane. Hello, you must be Noriko. (Kasumi bends down a little to be face to face with Noriko) I'm Tendou Kasumi, Akane's older sister. It's very nice to meet you. Noriko: Konichiwa Kasumi-oneechan. Noriko latches on to Kasumi with the now almost famour trademark killer hug (patent pending). Kasumi: Oh my! She really is affectionate ne? (Kasumi hugs Noriko back) I have to go work on dinner now. (Noriko lets go, looking a little disappointed) Akane, will you go wake up Mr. Saotome? He's still asleep in the guest room. Akane: Hai. Ranma walks into the dining area with his mother and sister. Soun is sitting on the porch reading a paper, while Nabiki watches TV inside. Ranma-kun: Mr. Tendou, Nabiki, I'd like you to meet my little sister Noriko. Nabiki and Soun turn to Ranma, and both give their greetings to the young girl. Noriko in turn walks up to each of them, and puts some more practice into her hugging technique. Nabiki: She sure has a some strong arms there. Ne Ranma! Ranma-kun: No kidding. I think she could wind up choking someone with that hug of hers! Nabiki: (to Nodoka) She looks a lot like Ranma doesn't she. Especially Ranma in female form. Nodoka: Yes she does. Noriko: (turns to Ranma) Oneechan, can I have a glass of water. Ranma-kun: Sure, but stop calling me that! Nodoka has sat down beside Nabiki. Nabiki turns to her, smiling. Nabiki: Hmm, I think it's safe to guess that Noriko has already found out about Ranma's curse, ne? Nodoka: Yes. She took it very well too. I think she wants Ranma to be an older sister instead of an older brother though. Nabiki can't help but laugh. Ranma-kun: I heard that. It's not funny Nabiki! This could be embarassing! (Ranma hands Noriko the glass of water) Really! Genma has finally come down the stairs and sees his wife and daughter he did not know he had until this morning. His first words are addressed to Ranma however. Genma: I didn't raise you to be such a whiner boy! How can you... Nodoka: (Interupting) Don't you think greeting your wife and daughter are more important that lecturing your son. Genma turns to his wife, and then notices a small female ball of energy barreling towards him. Once Noriko saw her father come down the stairs, she launched herself towards him. She also made sure that her glass travelled towards Genma faster than she herself was travelling. Noriko: Panda-otoosan! (A killer hug ensues) Genma just stands there for a second a little shocked. After a minute he finally stirs up the brain power to act. He raises a sign. Genma-panda: (sign) She knows huh? Nodoka: Hai. Genma-panda: (Flips sign) Good grip. Nodoka: Hai. Noriko climbs down off of Genma, who then grabs a kettle and pours it over himself. Genma: Noriko, please don't do that. Noriko: Ah, but you're just like a big teddy bear Otoosan! Nabiki, Akane, and Ranma all break out laughing at this. Noriko just looks up at Genma innocently. Genma: Noriko.....I'm sorry.....I'm sorry I haven't been there for you..... Noriko: It's okay Otoosan. I understand. Nodoka: (Goes over to the two of them) Why don't you two go get to know each other. Genma: Good idea. Let's go outside and talk. Tell me all about your life so far. Noriko: Hai. Akane: Oh before that, where did you put P-chan Noriko? Noriko: I put him down by the TV over there when I hugged Nabiki-oneesan. Akane: Okay, thank you. Noriko and Genma head outside, and sit down on some rocks beside the pond and start to talk quietly. Every now and then laughter can be heard from the two of them. Akane meanwhile starts searching for P-chan. Akane: Where is he? Nabiki, did you see where P-chan went? Nabiki: Nope. Gomen. Ranma-kun: Aw, you're better off without that pig anyways, Akane. Akane: What's that supposed to mean? Ranma-kun: He's nothing but a pain in the butt! I can't beleive you're too thick to realise that! Akane: Who are you calling thick?! Ranma no baka! Ranma-kun: Kawaikune! Akane: Hentai! Nodoko decides it is a good idea for both peace and preoperty values, not to mention collateral damage, to stop the two before the argument turns physical. Nodoka: That's enough you two! Stop it right now. Ranma, come with me. I want to talk with you. Ranma-kun: Hai. Nodoka leads Ranma out of the house and back towards the dojo, so that the two of them will be able to have a conversation with a little more privacy than would be possible in the house. Turning to Ranma, Nodoka wastes few words, and starts right into her point. Nodoka: Ranma, it's true you've become a true man among men, ignoring the certain hydro-modifier, but, as much as it pains me to say it, you haven't become much of a person. Ranma-kun: Wha.... Nodoka: Let me finish. Almost all your life had been spent training in various martial arts styles and techniques. You've moved from place to place with your father learning what you could from those you encountered and places you visited. In all that time you didn't settle down in one place long enough to learn how to get along well with others on a personal level. Take Akane. That's the best example I can think of right off. You are going to be marrying Akane, but you always tease her, and insult her cooking. How do you expect to get along after you're married if you can't get along now. Ranma-kun: I never asked Pop to engage me to some violent tomboy! And it's not my fault that Akane's cooking is the one thing that would have killed Rasputin on the first try! I can't be expected.. Nodoka had had more than enough of this, and quite unlike what was usual for Ranma's calm mother, she raised he voice loud enough to scare the birds off the dojo roof. Nodoka: RANMA! You are going to marry Akane. It is a matter of family honour. You do not have to like it, but you father and Tendou-san have decided that you and Akane shall marry, and so it shall be! Ranma is completely at a loss for words. While his mouth still moves quite well (which it should after all that practice it has had chewing) the only sounds that come out of his mouth are "wha...'s", "buh...'s" and the occasional "yeahbut...". Nodoka: (back to a normal tones of voice) And besides......I don't think you are quite so opposed to the idea of marrying Akane as you pretend to be. Ranma-kun: Mom, I.. Nodoka: (Interrupting) It's not important right now Ranma. For now I just want you to think about what I've said. Ranma-kun: The part after the yelling, ne? Nodoka: Right. Nodoka turns and heads back to the house. Ranma follows very slowly lost in his own thoughts. As he comes around the corner of the house he sees Noriko playing with Genma, who is again a panda. Noriko looks up and sees Ranma. Noriko: Oneechan! Come and play with us! Noriko launches a bucket full of cold water straight for Ranma. Ranma-kun: I thought I told you not to (thunk) Ranma-chan: Call me that. Later in the evening, Ranma is sitting up on the roof alone thinking about his conversation with Nodoka. He's so engrossed he doesn't even notice when Akane joins him. Akane: A penny for your thoughts Ranma? Or the yen equivalent, seeing as I don't have any pennies. Ranma: Wha...Oh, you startled me Akane. Ummm, I was just thinking......Um... Akane......I'm ssss.....I'm ssss...sorry for the way I acted earlier today. I was a bit of a jerk I guess. Gomen. I hope you find P-chan too. Akane: Ranma...... Ranma: I'll.....miss you...Akane. Sayonara. Ranma quickly gets up and jumps down off the roof, quickly disappearing inside. Akane: Miss me? What is he talking about?...Wait...They're not! Akane rushes over the way Ranma went and jumps down, hitting the ground at a run towards the nearest entrance. Akane: Ranma! Akane almost runs head first into Nodoka, who is standing with Kasumi, Naviki, and Soun, who is of crying, but then he's long overdue for a good cry today. Nodoka is saying goodbye, while Ranma, Genma-panda, and Noriko wait for her by the door. Ranma and Genma have everything of theirs packed up into their backpacks, ready to go. Akane: Mr. Saotome. Ranma. Are you moving out? Genma-panda: (sign) Hai. We're going home. Nodoka: My son and husband have been here far too long. We can't allow them to freeload from you any longer. Thank you for everything you've done for them, but for now we must say sayonara. Noriko: Bye Bye. See you all soon I hope. The Saotome family heads out the door together, and out the gate to the roadway. Ranma stops, and turns to look straight back at Akane. Akane: (Whispered) I don't want you to go Ranma..... Ranma: (Whispered) Akane...... Soun: (Tearfully, how else!)Sayonara. We'll miss you. Kasumi: Sayonara. Nabiki: Have fun. Akane: (Whispered) Ranma...... Ranma holds Akane's gaze for a moment, before turning and joining his family, walking down the road to the train station with a brilliant sunset lighting up the sky around them. NEXT: Episode 3: Some more elements thown into the mix. A character emigrates from on other Ranma fan-fic to this one. Author's Notes: -Well, today is boxing day, and I've just completed my second fan-fic. I started on Christmas when my Grandmother and some neighbours were over. I was bored, so I was finally able to get myself writting this second episode (which I've been meaning to do for 4 months). I wrote a quarter of this Christman, and all the Rest boxing day. My first fan-fic was originally title Final Apeal. It is now Ranma 1/2 Anything Can Happen Martial Arts #1. After writting it and posting it however, I decided that I didn't want to leave the story where it was. I had a few ideas, and decided to carry on with the story in this hopefully to be continuing series. -I decided to call the series Ranma 1/2 Anything Can Happen Martial Arts. This doesn't have anything specific to do with my planned storylines, but I thought it was appropiate, beacause it is similer in name to the Viz releases entitled Anything Goes Martial arts, and beacause it is descriptive of the Ranma 1/2 universe, where indeed anything can, and does happen. -The writing style for this episode has loosened up from the last one. looking back, Final apeal is much too Directing with cut to this and fade to that. Hopefully this episode is more narative than the first. -I'm hopping to keep the original flavour of the Ranma 1/2 universe, while adding in new elements and problems to deal with, and even managing to solve a few current problems along the way. But for every problem solved, another is sure to follow. -I was having a hard time finding a name for Ranma's sister (since I'm not only lousy at remmebering names, but making them up to) when I saw the name of the Doco seiyu somewhere are saw Noriko under Akane. I thought, what the hell, better than the name I had come up with previously. -I know the number of 10 years conflicts with the Anime in a few places as far as I remember, but it the number I have heard many times as the last time Ranma saw his mother, so that is what I used. Besides, if it was longer, Noriko would be a teenager, and that would add all kinds of other problems with Noriko that we already get with other characters so it wouldn't have been as good. Whatever -Before this commentary becomes as long as the fan-fic itself, just let me say, send me any comments, critisisms, story ideas (I need a few of these as I don't have enough currently) to me at mrpvisse@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca. Japanese notes: For those of you who may not know all the Japanese terms used in this story. I haven't used anything too dificult, but everybody may not know them all Oniichan: older brother Oneechan: older sister -These terms can also be used for a close freind/relation like Noriko calling Akane oneechan Hajimemashite: Said the first time meeting someone. polite. Sayonara, Hai, and Arigato should all ne known by now. ne: Added onto the end of the sentence as a semi question you are expecting over a 90% yes response to type question. My freind and I determined in Japanese class at Waterloo that the Japanese ne? is equivalent to the Canadian eh! That's all I can think of right now. Special thanks to:Chris Schumacher, author of Original Flavour(and the Crys Saga) Jason Prentice, creator and author of KOR TNG, Do you all know why he is a nasty bastard yet? Joe Zubkavich for feeding my addiction to Anime Karl Zaryski the Sailor Moon Fanboy and my prereaders: Bob Tomasevich James A. Holzhauer and Jason Prentice again.