It's a story about the children of Ranma and Akane, and the children of their friends. Many of the original characters will be involved, as well. I mean, they're still alive and everything. It's also an open-ended story, in that I have no idea where I'm going. I do have quite a few chapters plotted. Just thought I'd warn you.
This evolved out of my short-short "Decisions", which several people thought I should expand upon. At present the actual scene found in "Decisions" will probably never occur, but that's okay. It wasn't a very good short-short anyway, but the concept behind it has potential, or so several people seem to think.
Chapters are intended to be short, which should allow me to post them on a regular basis (yeah, right).
Seven Fiancées
M A Davis / Miko
Chapter One: A Typical Reunion
Bright afternoon sunlight warmed her arm, and Ranma blinked in confusion. She was inside, lying on a bed, but not her own. Had she been asleep? A comforter covered her feet. Her head was throbbing.
She was in the guest room, she realized. In the corner, half asleep, sat one of her students, Kazayuki Tamakaji. Ranma wandered through her memories, but failed to locate the path that led to her waking up here, now. She shook her head, wincing at the pain it caused, then focused on her student.
Kazayuki yawned. His gaze drifted across the room, coming to a stop when it encountered Ranma. The boy sat up, abruptly.
"Ah, Sensei! You're finally awake! We were so worried!"
Ranma managed a weak smile. "Don't worry," she said, "you won't get rid of me so easily." She winced again at the pain in her head. "Did you get the number of the truck?" she asked.
"Truck?" the student asked blankly.
Ranma regarded the boy. Although young, he was nearly the same size as her father, and what he gave up in speed he more than made up in sheer power. Unfortunately, like her father, Kazayuki was not the brightest star in the sky.
His face was puffy, which wasn't unusual -- Kazayuki generally resembled a Japanese Pillsbury dough boy with a shaved head -- but at the moment, his eyes were threatening to vanish beneath waves of flesh. Ranma recognized the look. Kazayuki was worried, and feeling more than his fair share of guilt.
Ranma sighed. Her whole life she'd planned on becoming a martial arts Sensei. It had seemed like such a noble calling. She just hadn't realized how much it resembled babysitting.
"It's a joke," Ranma said, sitting up. "All I meant was, what hit me?"
"Um... I did, Sensei."
Ah, thought Ranma. It begins to make some sense...
"Hmm? Nice try, Tamakaji, but we both know you can't lay a finger on me. I may not remember what happened, but for you to get through my defenses...."
"But I did, Sensei. You were distracted."
"A martial artist is never distracted, Tamakaji. Remember that."
"As you say, Sensei."
"Good. Next question. Why am I a girl?"
"Your niece threw water on you," the student said.
"Ah. This would be just before you didn't hit me when I wasn't distracted?"
"Hai!"
Ranma put her hand to her head. "It's all coming back to me now. We were all celebrating the opening of the new dojo, and the dormitory on the third floor. All my family was here -- mom, pop, Kasumi and Tofu-Sensei, even Nabiki. We were giving a short demonstration in the dojo, after showing off your award for first-place in the all-Tokyo competition..." Ranma stopped, glancing up at her student. "I didn't just dream that part, did I? You really won, didn't you?"
"Hai, Sensei! Just last Saturday!" Kazayuki produced the blue ribbon and beamed with pride. "You said I was the luckiest S.O.B. you ever saw!"
"Ah. And so you are, Tamakaji."
"Sensei, what's an S.O.B.?"
Ranma smiled. "I'm asking the questions here, Tamakaji. How long have I been out?"
"About two hours, I think."
"Like a light, huh? That's some punch you've got there, boy."
"Hai, Sensei!" The beefy boy appeared to physically swell with pride, and Ranma wondered briefly if he were about to burst. The image wasn't pleasant.
"Okay, then." She slid off the bed and did a simple kata to stretch her limbs. "Is everyone still here?"
"Hai. They decided to have dinner without you. They said to bring you out as soon as you woke up."
"How nice of them," Ranma said, sourly. "Oh, gee, the master of the house has suffered a concussion. So then, what's for dinner? No doubt pop's already eaten my portion. Well then, come, Tamakaji."
***
The sound of raised voices and heated discussion drifted from the family room. The loudest, angriest voice was Akane's, as was often the case. Ranma rounded the corner just as she launched into another tirade.
"Absolutely not! I can't believe you two! Don't you have any idea what you put Ranma and I through, even now? You are not putting my daughters through anything similar, and that's final!"
"Not this discussion again," Ranma muttered. Akane spun about at the sound of her husband's voice. The anger in her eyes gave way to concern. "Ranma! How are you feeling? Tamakaji clocked you pretty hard; you had us all worried! Wait, I'll get the teakettle."
Heads turned as Ranma stepped into the family room, concern in every face. Ranma scratched the back of her head "Heh. Sorry to worry you all," she said. "I guess my student got in a lucky shot."
. The student in question stood stiffly a few feet behind her, like an ever-present bodyguard, which he probably thought he was.
"You're losing your touch, boy!" her father, Genma Saotome, growled. The massive man was beginning to show his age, but still dressed in his white gi with a white cloth tied over his bald head, and still wore the same glasses, attached by strings looped about his ears. "That punch should have been easily blocked!"
"Hey! I was distracted!"
"A martial artist is never distracted," her father intoned.
Ranma rolled her eyes. Moments later, she felt the very familiar sensation of warm water running over her head and down her sides, and the inevitable tingling change that came with it. She -- now he -- smiled at the dark-haired woman standing next to him. "Thanks, love," he said with a smile. "That's much better."
"I like you this way better too," Akane said, planting a light kiss on his cheek. "Dinner's finished. The children are all out in the dojo. I saved you some food, if you're hungry."
"Maybe a little later."
"You really gave us a scare, Ranma. You need to be more careful; you're not as young as you used to be."
"Me? Old?" Ranma laughed. "I've still got all of my hair, right? I can't be old!"
He glanced around the room again. His mother, Nodoka, sat near her husband, as regal in her decorative kimono as he was not in his simple clothing. His father-in-law, Soun Tendo, sat nearby, also dressed in his familiar brown dojo outfit. They had christened the newer, larger dojo earlier today, and Genma and Soun, as the current patriarchs of the Anything Goes Martial Arts school, had given a simple demonstration. Ranma smiled, recalling that he'd expected at least one of the two to come away limping. Instead, it was he, the undisputed master of the school, who had embarrassed himself.
Also gathered in the room were his two sisters-in-law, Nabiki Tendo and Kasumi, along with Kasumi's husband, Dr. Tofu Ono. Kasumi and Tofu didn't look much different from when he'd first met them; she wore a simple but pretty blue top and a dark blue ankle-length skirt, while he wore the loose casual clothing he preferred. Nabiki, however, habitually dressed like the powerful businesswoman she now was, and wore a crisp white blouse, thin red tie, and pressed black slacks.
Ranma was happy to have his entire, extended family beneath one roof. Nabiki, especially, had a full schedule and visited rarely. If only they could just relax for one evening....
"Speaking of getting old..." his father said. "We were just having a discussion...."
"I know," Ranma replied, anger creeping into his voice. "The same one we always have. Why can't we have at least one family gathering without you two ruining it?"
"It's for the good of the school, boy," Genma said. "There must be a male heir. Tendo and I insist, and as the heads of the school, we have the right. If Tofu's son is too weak to take the responsibility...."
"There's nothing weak about the study of medicine," Tofu said in a calm, steady voice. There was not the slightest hint of threat in his tone, but Genma flinched anyway. Dr. Tofu had a mild, easy-going temper, and was the only one present to never study the Anything Goes style, yet he was a formidable martial artist in his own right. At a family gathering just over twelve years earlier, a drunk and belligerent Genma had actually managed to anger him, and he'd shown exactly how formidable he could be. No one, least of all Genma, had ever forgotten it.
"No, no, I didn't mean to suggest that, Tofu-Sensei. Being a doctor is a noble profession, as I'm well aware. It's just that, being the only male of his generation, he might have considered...."
"He did, father," Kasumi said. "It's not something he wanted. We respect his decision."
"Which is all well and good," Genma said, "but the problem remains: the school must have a male heir."
"Why?" Akane asked. "Aren't our daughters good enough to run the school on their own?"
"Your daughters and the Ono daughters are all fine students of the school," Genma said, "but they are still women. For the school to continue, we need to have a man in charge, who won't do stupid or foolish things, or act cowardly, or weak. Only then can Tendo and I live out our remaining days in peace."
"Ah. Someone to carry on the shining example that you two have set, then," Akane replied sarcastically.
"Exactly!" Genma said, beaming with pride.
"Are you nuts? Without Ranma and I, this school would be nothing! We are the ones who have maintained the school, and we will be the ones who decide who will carry it on, and when, and how! End of discussion!"
As Akane stomped down the hallway, Soun Tendo began to weep uncontrollably. "My daughter is angry with me! Oh, Akane!"
"Well," Nabiki said, "that could have gone better."
"Never-the-less, what I say is true."
"That's all you care about, isn't it?" Ranma growled. "Honor and rules and being right, that's all that matters. Honestly, Pop, I don't know how mom puts up with you!!" Ranma spun and headed down the hall after his wife. After ten steps he stopped.
"Tamakaji?"
"Hai." The boy called out, not three steps behind him.
"You are not following me into my bedroom. Is that clear?"
"Hai, Sensei."
***
Back in the family room, the rest of the clan were still talking over the subject at hand.
"We're not trying to force them into a decision," Genma said.
"Forgive me, father Saotome," Kasumi replied, "but that's exactly what you're doing."
"What the decision might be is completely up to them," Genma continued. "It's not like we're telling them who we want to inherit the dojo. All we ask is that he be a student of the school, and that he marry one of our granddaughters. Is that too much to ask?"
"For what it's worth," Nabiki said, "I agree with you, for once. Even Ranma and Akane admit that it takes two to run the dojo these days, and now that I have a stake in it, I want to be sure the future of the dojo is in good hands. It's best if the dojo inheritance goes to two people who are married and both of the school."
"Since when do you have 'a stake' in our dojo?" Genma growled.
"Why, since I financed the new dojo and the third-floor dorm rooms," Nabiki said. "If Ranma and Akane can pay me off, that's one thing, but until then I essentially own a part of this place."
Genma frowned, but before he could speak, Kasumi spoke up. "Tofu and I agree as well," she said. "Ranma and Akane have waited long enough to name an heir. What if something were to happen to them? I don't like to think that way, but we need to consider all possibilities. The school will need to be placed in good hands, and having two people who are both students of the school is the best way."
"It should be someone who is worthy of the school," Genma said. "Kameichi Urena, for example. He was one of the best I've seen."
"He's married," Nabiki said. "Anyway, he's almost twice as old as any of your granddaughters."
"Yadori Maeno then," Soun said. "He had an excellent grasp of the art."
"He's in Hollywood now, father," Nabiki said. "He's making good money. He doesn't want to come back here and run some dojo."
"How about Mitsuki Shibu?" Soun asked. "He's young, still, and as I recall he was very good."
"Very good," Nabiki agreed. "He's head of my security, you know."
"That's right! I remember now! A fine lad! Why, he'd be perfect!"
"Except he's not interested in women," Nabiki said. "Sorry to disappoint you."
Genma frowned. "Shibu? Are you sure?"
"Quite."
"Nabiki," Soun said, "I don't approve of you having a head of security who's weak or cowardly...."
"Dad! He's not weak or cowardly, he's gay! One's got nothing to do with the other! Anyway, he was one of Ranma's best students; you just said so yourself!"
"I can't believe I didn't know he was gay," Genma said. "Every day, grappling with my son... it turns my stomach just to think of it...."
"Genma, please. Ranma was a girl half the time, was he not?"
"Well, I suppose that's true...."
"How about Raita Haguri?" Soun asked.
"Haguri the thief?" Genma asked. "He's in jail."
Soun frowned. "When does he get out?"
"Dad!" Nabiki yelled, "we want someone honorable."
"Okay, okay," Genma said, "but considering how the school was founded... well, never mind. Can you think of anyone else, Tendo?"
"Perhaps someone who's won best all-around at a recent tournament?" a voice from the back wall asked. Several eyes flickered to Kazayuki Tamakaji, who was carefully inspecting the ceiling.
"Can you think of anyone else, Tendo?" Genma repeated.
"Someone who is the best current student?" the voice suggested helpfully.
"Tamakaji," Genma said, "this is a family discussion. Please remove yourself."
"Hai, Sensei!" the boy exclaimed. "But I am the best current student, am I not?"
Nabiki smirked. "Have you defeated my niece Karu yet, Tamakaji?"
"Well, no, but...."
"Have you defeated my niece Keiko?"
"No, but she's good!"
"Have you defeated Akara then?"'
"No, but she cheats!"
"Have you defeated Yori?"
"She won't fight me. She says she could beat me, but she'd have to touch me to do it. But am I not the best current student who is not one of Sensei's daughters?"
"Hai, Tamakaji, and we can all be thankful for that. Now please leave us."
After the young man had left, Genma snapped his fingers. "I've got it! Yoshime Oke!"
"One of Ranma's brightest students," Nabiki said. "Of course, she's a girl...."
"She is?" Genma rubbed his chin in contemplation. "Too bad, she was a good one. Hmmm, let's see.... Aiko Katsu? No, she's a girl too... let me think...."
"Father, Mr. Saotome," Nabiki said, "there isn't anyone else. All of the others can be disqualified, either because they're not worthy, or they're not of the right gender. Unless you want to drag one of my nieces off to Jusenkyo...."
"I've thought about it..." Genma began.
Everyone stared at Genma. A large sweatdrop appeared on his forehead. "Heh heh, that was a joke, of course," he said.
"Of course," Dr. Tofu said. "However, the solution to this problem is not difficult. Ranma and Akane have many friends who are skilled martial artists, and who have no doubt trained their children in the arts. Now that the school can house students, some of them might consider sending their sons here to train under Ranma. Ukyo Kunoji has expressed an interest before, and some of the others might be similarly inclined. If one of them were to train under Ranma, then marry one of our daughters or nieces...."
"There are others, as well," Nabiki said. "Natsumi and Kurumi have sons, as does Hinako-Sensei. All are trained in the Anything Goes school already, and you can't tell me that Natsumi or Kurumi wouldn't jump at the chance to have one of their sons inherit the school. All they have to do is move here, and train under Ranma, and then...."
"An excellent plan, Ono-san!" Soun exclaimed. "That way, the children can decide. The first to marry will be the one to inherit."
"Friends," Genma said, "I think it's time we enact Operation: Dojo Inheritance."
"An excellent suggestion, Saotome!"
"Oh, my," Kasumi said. "I never thought I'd be involved in one of father and father Saotome's nefarious schemes!"
"There's nothing nefarious about it," Genma said. " Ranma and Akane will be actively searching for students to house and train."
"Yes," Soun said. "What harm is it if we steer a few worthy students their way?"
"None at all," Nabiki added. "Folks, just leave everything to me. I'll have worthy candidates lined up in no time!"
***
Ranma found Akane at the window in their bedroom, staring out at the koi pond. He sat on the bed and waited for her to speak.
"Sometimes your father makes me so mad I could just punch him," she finally said.
"Maybe you should do it," Ranma said.
"Ranma, he's your father."
"So? That never stopped me, did it?"
Akane giggled, then turned serious again. "It really doesn't matter what I say or do, or what you say or do. We both know he won't change his mind. He's going to keep bringing this up forever and ever until it drives us absolutely mad!"
"Your father's involved in this too, you know."
"Yeah, by my dad's easily cowed. If it weren't for your father, he'd have given up by now." Punches wall.
"That's a new wall."
"No it isn't. Besides, when did that ever stop us?"
"Ranma! You're not helping!"
"Pop's got a point, Akane. You even said it yourself: this dojo wouldn't be where it is today without the both of us. It really can't be run by just one person."
"I know that. And I realize that it should be a married couple, everything's easier that way. But I swore I would never put our children through what you and I went through."
Ranma stood, and his voice took on a more authoritative tone. "That's not going to happen, Akane. Not if I have anything to say about it. There will be no arranged marriages, nor any pressure on anyone to uphold the family honor or carry on the family traditions. Our daughters can do whatever they want with their lives.
"But it's different than it was with you and I. We've got five daughters, and Kasumi and Tofu have two more, and they've all studied the art, even Mitsuko and Nanae. I'm sure that at least one of them will want to carry on the dojo. We don't need to pressure them. But it is a good idea to at least tell them that, if you want to inherit the dojo, you should marry someone who's a student of the school. That's fair, isn't it?"
"I don't know," Akane said. "I suppose it is. Even that creates some pressure, though. Sometimes I wish we'd never had a dojo to inherit, or a school to carry on. It would've made things a hell of a lot easier."
"Yeah. Except that we'd have never met."
A sly smile appeared on Akane's face. "Well, I could've always married Kunou...."
Ranma grinned and pulled her body close to his. "Oh, and he would have satisfied you, would he?"
"Perhaps," she said, suppressing a grin. "Of course, there are certain things I would have never been able to do with him...."
"Mmm? Such as?"
"Such as this." Flashing a wicked grin, Akane lifted the flower vase on the nightstand and upended it on Ranma's head. In a flash, Ranma shifted and shrank, as water soaked his hair and his red silk shirt. He -- now she -- was once again red-haired and female.
"Hey!" Ranma started to protest, but Akane kissed her passionately, cutting off further protest. When she could finally come up for air, Ranma said, "What was that for?"
"I'm in one of those moods."
Ranma's eyes got wide. "Now? We have guests."
"So? Kasumi's down there, and mother Saotome. I'm sure they'll be fine for half an hour or so. I just need a diversion, okay?"
"Well...." Ranma began.
Akane walked over to the dresser and began digging around in it. "Have I ever fought your father?" she asked.
"Not that I know of."
"I think I'm going to challenge him later tonight to a duel.'
"He doesn't like to fight women, you know."
Akane smiled and held up a thin packet with Chinese writing on it. "That won't be a problem," she said.
"Oh," Ranma said. "One of those moods...."
***
Thanks: to those who encouraged me initially... William Jones, Mark Ferrer, skeezy5, Jonathan Ng, Ryan Erik, and Scott Pollert. Taper Wickel for nifty names. My twisted roommate Tom Hayes for Miss Hinako's son. David Johnston for his detailed critique of the second chapter, which I posted on the FFML originally as chapter one. It's been rewritten just a little. Natsume Atsuko's for her comments. And again, William Jones for reminding me months later that he still wanted to read the darn thing! ^_^ Hope I don't disappoint!
Seven Fiancees Chapter 2
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