Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Past and Future ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Author's Notes: I finally got up to the computer and finished typing the next chapter even though it's been sitting in my not

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"I want to be

What I was when

I wanted to be what

I am now."

Ray Price

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ORanma stepped through the sliding door, slipping on his shoes. He turned back to give the house, or more importantly, the certain person in a certain closet, one of his devastatingly handsome grins.

"Judging by that satisfied smirk on your face dear brother, I would wager my entire life savings that you just 'got some.'"

"Nabiki! Such language. . " OKasumi shook her head in elderly disapproval. ORanma, on the other hand, gave ONabiki a sly wink.

"Saotome you cad!"

"Ah, dry up Kuno or I might be forced to tell my wonderful sister-in-law about our conversation at Ucchan's last week. . "

"What's Casanova talking about, Kunobaby?" The endearment had a slight edge to it.

"Um. . hehe. . nothing, nothing darling. . I would tell you but," OKuno casually flipped a glance at the silver plated Rolex adorning his wrist, "alas, I must leave now, very important business. . adieu my love!" And the one formally known as the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School vanished.

"Heh! That'll teach him to call me a cad!"

"Ranma, what was he talking about?"

"Ahhh. . nothin'. I'm sure he'll blab all about it the next time he drinks too much. . Anyway, Akane's inside if you wanna talk to her." He then walked over to OUkyo, who was watching the awed wonder on Ranko's face as she felt the baby kick for the first time. "Hey Ukyo, you want to stay a while with Akane and the girls? I'm sure you all have something to talk about." OUkyo straightened and smiled at ORanma while gently stroking Ranko's bangs off her forehead.

"You know I'd love to sweetie, but Ucchan's short handed today, and you know how big the crowds get at lunchtime on Sunday."

"Are you sure you can handle it, ya know, with you being so far along. . "

"Don't you start too!"

"I'm just making sure your up to it."

"I'll be fine. Oh! Are you still bringing the kids over tonight?"

"Daddy Daddy!" ORanma grinned down at the little girl tugging at his black pants. "Can I go to Autie Uko's now? I'm hungry!"

"Fine by me, that okay with you Ukyo?"

"Sure sugar! Ranko's always so lively that she provides entertainment for the customers." She grabbed Ranko's hand and started for the gate.

"Hey Ukyo! Where'd pigboy go?" She turned around snapping her fingers in response.

"Oh right! That reminds me. I suggest you check out the dojo because I saw Ryo drag him in there for a new technique, and a few minutes later. . I heard about a mile away, the familiar sound of my husband shouting 'where on earth am I now?'" ORanma burst out laughing.

"Why am I not surprised. Thanks for the tip, I'll see ya later, around six thirty." With a final wave, OUkyo and Ranko headed out the gate, OUkyo laughing as Ranko chattered on. ORanma smiled and headed towards the dojo. As he slid open the door, a loud yell echoed off the walls, followed by a giant crash.

"Kyah! Yah!" *CRASH* ORanma winced as the broken cinderblock crumbled to the floor. Hmph. . now what crazy tomboy does that remind me of? He hid his smile and quickly rushed over to Ryo's side, as he hefted another heavy block. Ryo frowned deeply as his father took the block from him and placed it back on the large stack against the wall. "Hey Dad! I was using that!"

"Cool it Squirt! You Know how annoyed your mom can get when you use up all her cinderblocks, And you also know what she uses when her cinderblocks are all gone don't you?"

"You?" His father laughed.

"That's right! So tell me," ORanma settled himself on one of the bracing blocks, "what's got ya so bugged that your breaking cement?" Ryo knelt down with a dejected sigh.

"Aw Dad, Uncle Ryoga was s'posed to train me, an' he was gonna show me somethin' really neat, but then he got lost again! 'An he promised ta help me 'cause you were goin' to Grandma's taday." Ryo paused in his small tirade to glare at his father. "Quit laughn' Dad! It's NOT funny! How can I get good when no one'll help me?!?"

"Easy easy," ORanma held up his hands in mock surrender, "How 'bout this? You can come with me to Grandma's today and we can do some training on the way."

"Really? That'd be cool!"

"Good, oh, and on the way home, I'll drop you off at Ucchan's."

"Me an' Ranko spendn' the night?"

"You got it pal."

"Alright! Okynomiaki for dinner!"

"Lucky. . " ORanma hid his smile behind his hand as his son got up and gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"Aw Dad, Mom's cookn' aint That bad. . ."

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"Yes, yes, good. . uh huh, right, what else do you have? Oh really. . that will come in handy, yes, of course, yes. . they're what?" Nabiki, vaguely startled spoke into the receiver of the phone. "You're telling me that not only were they acting all lovey-dovey over ice cream, but Akane challenged Shampoo for Ranma?" She shook her head in disbelief. Sis and the hydrosexual. . getting along? Over ice cream? Something is going on. . "What was that?!? Ranma is letting her fight?!? I'm on my way, you better make sure you get all of it on tape." She slammed down the phone and rushed out the door, ignoring her concerned older sister standing in the hallway. Damnit Sis, you better not get hurt. . or else Ranma will never forgive himself.

"Oh my. . . Father, do you suppose Akane is in trouble?"

"Not to worry Kasumi, the boy will take good care of her, " Genma said confidently as he lifted a game piece when suddenly Soun's demon head came out floating above him. "Ghyyyy!"

"He better Saotome!!!"

"Sure Tendo, nothing. . hehe. . to worry about. . hehe." The head slowly deflated back down to the sobbing Soun everyone was so accustomed to.

"Oh my little girl. ." *sob* Kasumi stepped forward to lay her hand on his shoulder.

"Oh father, father. . "

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"Akane? Akane. . where are you?" Akane lifted her head from her bent knees when she recognized Kasumi's voice. Kasumi? Thank goodness, if it's one person you can count on for comfort, it's Kasumi. She hastily wiped the tears from her eyes, attempting to compose herself as much as possible, and stepped into the hallway.

"Hello? Kasumi?" She walked into the kitchen and spied not one, but two sisters chatting by the stove. OKasumi looked as wholesome as ever, her hair still tied to the side with a pale blue ribbon, a white apron tied around her waist. ONabiki, on the other hand, was the complete opposite of wholesome. Her hair, clipped extremely short in the back, angled forward to swing threateningly over the sunglass covered eyes. Her suit was dark blue, cut to fit her body perfectly. Her ensemble practically screamed money.

"Why hello Akane." OKasumi smiled pleasantly at her.

"Hey Sis, sure took you a long time to get out of bed this morning, it's almost 11:00."

"Nabiki, don't scold her, it is, after all, Sunday. And that is the only day she Can sleep in, what with all the classes she teaches early every morning." Well, at least I got my wish to take over the dojo. Akane could not stop the tears that filled her eyes at the site of the two's semi-bickering. They're exactly the same. .

"Akane? Are you all right? Why do you look like you are going to cry?" OKasumi reached over to grasp Akane's hand, warm concern filling her eyes. Akane smiled slightly and wiped her eyes.

"N-nothing, I'm just, I'm just really glad to see you guys."

"Really Akane, so dramatic, we havn't been away that long, hubby not keeping you busy enough?" Akane felt the color enter her cheeks. My 'hubby' isn't, but someone else certainly is.

"I think it's sweet Nabiki. Akane, we're glad to see you too." She grabbed Akane in a gentle hug.

"Thanks Kasumi." Maybe I can talk to them about my little problem later.

"So Akane, have any plans for this afternoon?"

"I- I don't think so. . "

"Good, then you can come with Kasumi and me to visit Mother."

"But before we leave, do get a sweater Akane, it's a little cold out."

"Um, okay Kasumi, I'll be right back." Akane turned away to hurry up the stairs to her new bedroom.

"Hey Kasumi, Akane acting a little odd to you?"

"Oh my, yes, I wonder if anything's wrong, she seems troubled."

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Hmmm, sweater sweater, maybe in the dresser. . Akane walked over the the mahogany dresser against the wall, Huh? What's this? A letter? Addressed to me? From China? She fingered the envelope slowly. It was full of creases, many postmarked dates printed on it. After merely a seconds thought, Akane carefully slit the envelope open, and with shaky fingers, slowly unfolded the single sheet of paper.

Dear Akane,

This is Shampoo that is writing to you. . .

To Be Continued.