Disclaimer: All Ranma 1/2 characters copyright Rumiko Takahashi (Takahashi-sama) and are used without her permission. I am merely a fan, and after years of watching and reading, I want to take a hand at seeing what writing about these colorful characters would be like.
Enjoy!
Cupid Keys
Ranma ½ - Transition
Chapter 1
"The Last Stage of Childhood"
Plain (Description / Narrator)
Bold (Ranma's thoughts)
Italic (Akane's thoughts)
I don't know why, but lately I've been thinking a lot more. I guess it all started with Ms. Hinako. She gave us an assignment one month before our Graduation date. The assignment was spoken simply.
Hinako: You are all adults now. Age, appearance, and academically you are all adults. But there's more to being an adult than social status. So with this I give you your final assignment. For those of you who take it seriously you stand to gain so much more than a good grade. You may just gain control over your future. All you need to do is make a plan that would mark your transition from a child to an adult.
Student: But Hinako-sensei, we're not children, we're teenagers.
Ms. Hinako quickly drew a coin and drained the chi from the interrupting young man.
Hinako: Delinquent. Did anyone see me transform into a teenager? No I went strait from one form to the next, no in between. A teenager is nothing more than an old child. It is merely the final stage. The cycle goes from newborn, to infant, to toddler, to adolescent, to preteen, to teenager, but they are all stages of being a child. Just as being an adult has stages, from young adult, to adult, to middle aged, to senior citizen, to those that are just plain ancient.
The class laughed at that.
Hinako: Now, I know I'm giving you this assignment with only a month to go before you graduate, but truth be told it may take longer. There's only one way you can fail, and that's if you fail to try. It's completely signature to how you want to do it.
The school bell rang, and regardless of how early the student body made their way into the school grounds,they all try to leave at the same time today. Miss Hinako waves to the class as they depart.
Hinako: Have a good evening class, have fun but don't forget the assignment. I expect those papers no later than a week before graduation. Oh, Mr. Saotome and Ms. Tendo.
Ranma:Huh?
Akane: Yes Sensei?
Hinako: I'm really looking forward to yours.
The smile she gave us as she quickly bounced out the window was at best disturbing.
Akane: I wonder what she meant by that?
Ranma: See that's the problem, you wonder, I don't want to know.
Later that night I started thinking about it, what could I really do to change my life.
Ranma: Let's see.
a. Bring closure to the multiple fiancée thing
b. end the rivalries
c. cure this damned curse
d. get to know my mom
e.
I look over my list again and again, but no matter what I just can't seem to find a fifth reason. I thought that maybe the first four were enough but every time I try to erase the "e" I get this feeling like I need to fill it in.
Akane: Whatcha doing Ranma?
Ranma: Akane!
Akane:What? Don't tell me you didn't hear me coming up behind you?
Honestly, I didn't.
Ranma: I had something on my mind.
Akane: It must be something serious if I was able to sneak up on you without trying. What was it?
Ranma:Oh, nothing. Just the assignment that Ms. Hinako gave us.
Akane: Well, what's the problem? I filled out mine rather easily.
Ranma: Really? What was it you felt you needed to change?
She just starts blushing from ear to ear, honestly she's kind of cute when she blushes.
Akane: Well, I just felt that I needed to better my martial arts. It's the only thing I can think of that really needs some improving.
Ranma: What about your cooking, your violent temper, your jealous rage, your want to never hear a person out, your…
I was prepared to say a few more things, but a fist in my face works as a good way to shut me up. By the way… Ouch.
Akane: OK! So I could use a little improving in some other areas.
Ranma: A little?
Ouch again.
Akane politely removes her fist from Ranma's face again.
Akane: I can do this all night you know.
Ranma: You dont need to, I get the picture.
Akane: So what about you? You seem to be able to point out everyone else's flaws, what did you write down as yours?
Instead of saying it which would make me feel like I'm admitting it I just hand her the paper.
Akane: So what's the fifth thing going to be?
Ranma: I don't know, I want to put something there, but I can't really think of anything.
Akane: Well, I would say that you need to work on thinking before you speak, but I think you'll learn that pretty well as you try to end the rivalries.
Ranma: So any suggestions?
Akane: Hum…
We sit there on the rooftop and stare at the skyfor a few minutes. I look at her reactions from time to time just to see if I can guess what she's thinking about. I can't.
Akane: What about getting to know you?
Ranma: Huh?
Akane: Well, we've lived in the same house for the last three years and I've never heard you talk about anything else aside from Martial Arts. You don't dance, you don't really play sports, you don't really do anything outside of Martial Arts and that was because you've been taught since you were first able to walk. Even when it comes to our engagement, you're only in it because your father put you up to it. So how well do you really know yourself?
I hate to say it, but after taking a second to think about it I realized that she's making a valid point.
Ranma: Thanks Akane.
Akane: What? What are you thanking me for?
Ranma: For giving me my fifth goal. I'll get to know myself.
Akane looks at Ranma like he's finally lost his mind.
Akane: Did you just admit that I was right about something? Are you feeling ok Ranma?
I hope so…
Ranma: I'm fine. And do go letting that get to your head, if you mention it to anyone I'll deny it all.
Akane: Now there's the Baka I know.
Kasumi: Nabiki did you remember to tell Ranma not to stand on the roof because we haven't gotten it checked for weak spots after that bad storm we had last week.
Nabiki: Sis, something tells me that if you haven't mentioned it yet, it's about to be too late.
I love looking out on the sky like this. A gentle breeze blowing through. Akane's smiling again, smiling like she's trying to kiss the wind. At times like this, I don't want to talk because I think I might say something that causes me to get knocked a few blocks away, either that oractually admit that she's cute . I might even give in to that urge that makes me want to kiss her. Well I guess I'd better go. I hate to leave right now when things are good between us, but I know if we stay still too long something's bound to happen.
Ranma: Well, I guess I may as well get started on that assignment. Can I have my list back Akane?
Akane: Oh yeah. Here.
As Ranma and Akane stand and reach out to one another the roof creeks.
Ranma: Damn…
That instant they fall through the roof and into Ranma's room.
Nabiki climbs the latter leading to the roof just in time to see Ranma and Akane falling through the hole and shakes her head.
Nabiki: Why do I even bother?
The room is filled with dust and the sound of hacking.
Ranma: Akane? Are you alright?
Akane: Yeah, I'm fine.
Ranma: Where are you?
Ranma sits up and runs into Akane… lip to lip.
OHMYGOD!
The two quickly back away from one another, as the dust finally settles they look across the room at each other, neither really knowing how to respond. Akane was the quickest to come up with a reaction, and Ranma knows what it is.
Ranma: Wait a minute Akane, it was an accident!
Akane: RANMA! YOU PERVERT!
Ranma instantly exits through the entrance he just made.
Ranma: Ahhhhhh!
Nabiki walks back into the dining area, sits down, and grabs a cracker as she flicks through the channels.
Nabiki: Kasumi. You may want to tell Dad and Mr. Saotome that there's a hole in the roof that needs to be prepared. I'm sure Ranma would be happy to repair it himself but he just took a free flight, courtesy of Akane Air.
Kasumi: Oh My.
Akane enters her room and quickly flops down onto her bed.
I can't believe he did that. That was our first kiss… Hold on girl? First Kiss? More like the first and last. I can't believe he did that… No… Wait a second, that wasn't our first kiss. He kissed me before when he was in Neko form. OH I'M SOGOING TO KILL HIM! I mean where does he get the nerve to go around kissing me and all that after calling me all those names and putting me down. This must be some kind of sick plan of his, accidentally kiss me and then… Accidentally? He said it was an accident. What's wrong with me lately? I guess ever since I got that assignment from Ms. Hinako I've been thinking about a lot of things.
Akane goes to her dresser and pulls out her list.
a. Become a better Martial Artist
b. Get better at cooking
c. Learn to control temper
d.
e.
Akane: I guess we were kind of on the same path. I gave him the one point he needed to complete his list, he have me the two I needed to complete mine.
And then she added
d. Listen before reacting
e. Find out if Ranma and I have a future
After filling in the last two points she quickly tucks the list back into her dresser.
In actuality Akane is a very strong girl, the punch does hurt, but the flight is actually rather enjoyable. I mean just imagine for a second, being completely weightless, your can flip and twist and do those crazy Superman poses that everyone has seen thousands of times, but there is however one additional problem… The Landing!
Ranma: Ouch! Stupid Tomboy!
Not to sound like Ryouga or anything, but…
Ranma: Where the heck am I?
After taking a second to look around I finally recognize where I am, and I realize that it's going to be one long walk home. As I walk down the street of the Nirema shopping district I see the Neko Café, and Ukyou's Shop and I'm struck with an idea. Actually I was struck with a duck shaped toilet ring, but then I was struck with an idea, I only have three weeks to make a change. I may as well start with getting rid of a few rivals.
Mousse: Ranma Saotome! Prepare to die!
Ranma: Mousse! Aside from the bruise that's going to leave I'm actually happy to see you. Care to talk?
Mousse looks confused, but quickly presses his attack.
Mousse: You louse, Ranma, I'm not going to fall for such a petty trick.
Ranma: Mousse, stop I'm not trying to fight, I really want to talk.
I say as I dodge strike after deadly strike.
Ranma: Damn it Mousse, what do I have to do to get you to listen to me.
Mousse stops dead in the middle of his attack and looks at me seriously.
Mousse: Take one hit from me.
Ranma:What?
Mousse: If you stand there and let me land one blow than I'll stop and listen to you.
Ranma: Didn't I already get hit with a potty trainer?
Mousse: That was before we made this deal.
I feel like I don't really have a choice, if I fight him he'll just keep pressing on until I knock him out.
Ranma: OK. But only one hit.
Mousse: That's all I'll need.
Mousse draws out a wickedly sharp katana and runs towards Ranma screaming and preparing to issue his one attack.
I made a promise. Now I just have to survive… Wait a second, he's got a katana! I realized it too late!
Ranma: NO!
I flinch hoping that there's no pain aside from the explosion of my heart if I die from fright first. But as I sit there waiting for the end that never came I open my eyes and see Mousse just standing there with his katana a hair away from my face.
Mousse: You must really want to talk. I'll listen to you Saotome, but this had better be good.
OhthankyouGod…
Ranma:Thanks… I mean great. Now can we take this somewhere else? I don't want unwanted ears to hear us.
Mousse: Sure, let's go inside.
Mousse walks towards the Neko Café
Ranma: Those are some of the ears I don't want hearing…
Mousse: Oh… Sorry.
Ranma: Come on. I have a differentplace in mind anyway.
This is my first time here, but I've passed by it a few times and it does smell rather good.
Mousse: Here? You brought us here? It's louder than a fight in here.
Ranma: Of course, that makes it harder for others to hear us.
Mousse: What about the people who can read lips.
Ranma: I swear Mousse, you worry way too much.
Mousse: But of all the places we could have went to why here and how the heck do you pronounce the name of this place?
Ranma: It's Jackie Pan Pizza. I've been meaning to come here and get something to each for a while now.
Mousse: Well, now that you've ordered your food, can we get down to business, I have other things to attend to.
Ranma: Ok. Mousse, I don't want to fight you any more.
Mousse: Than just let me kill you.
Ranma: Would you just shut up and listen? What I'm trying to say is, I'll give up my claim on Shampoo.
Mousse quickly jumped across the table and grabs Ranma's shoulders.
Mousse: Oh thank you Saotome! I shall make your death quick and painless.
Mousse draws out a very large broad sword and draws his hand back.
Ranma: Mousse stop!
Mousse tucks the blade away back into his sleeves and sits down.
Mousse: I assume this to mean you have some other kind of plan?
Ranma: Actually I don't have a plan really, but that's where you come in. I need someone that's familiar with Amazon customs to find a loop hole. Something that will free me from her, without hurting her too badly.
Mousse: This is rather unexpected Saotome. I must admit that I'm shocked to hear you using your brain for something asides from Martial Arts and a space saver between your ears.
This coming from the guy who was just about ready to take my head off in a public place, some how just doesn't seem funny.
Ranma: Yeah, whatever. So will you help me or not.
Mousse: Well, though I wouldn't mind seeing your head on a pike, mind you I do have one, I believe that helping you would be of my best interest. I will have any and all information on how to get out of Amazon weddings for you soon enough.
Ranma: You mean you don't know off the top of your head.
Mousse: The only ways I know are marrying someone else, being defeated by another suitor, or dying. None of which are things you've allowed in the past, so I assume we'll need another way.
Well, when he's right, he's right.
Ranma: Fine, now let's eat, I'm starved.
Mousse: There's just one more thing Saotome.
Oh great ask me a question while I'm just about to devour this pizza.
Ranma: What's on your mind Mousse.
Mousse: Well, I was just wondering, what brought this on so suddenly?
Ranma: I was hungry.
Mousse: No, I mean the denouncing Shampoo?
Ranma: Oh. Well it's kind of like this…
Akane moves swiftly in the dojo through kata after kata, exploding with power in her attacks. After stopping she quickly goes in the house and takes a bath.
It's amazing how the world changes. Here I am, a mere month away from Graduating, and I'm still dealing with a lot of things I had t deal with a year ago. I mean there are some changes. Nabiki and Kuno graduated last year. Nabiki's now running her own back ground checking business from home.It's still getting off the ground but she's already made more in the last eight months than she did all three years at Furinkan High. Kuno's still chasing me, but now he's doing it from afar. I don't know if he made his way in or paid his way in, but he got accepted into Tokyo University. Somehow he's still a complete idiot. I get a letter from him nearly ever other day, and he comes home on every other weekend to beg and plead with me in person to go on a date with him. I guess I still feel a little bad for Ranma because Kuno's gotten grabbier with him dispite Ranma's reaction to beat everything out of Kuno, but luckily for Ranmahe doesn't have to be a girl when Kuno's in town. Kuno's still training hoping to defeat Ranma someday. Kasumi's actually engaged with Dr. Tofu. His mother came back to town and said that Tofu was taking too long to get it out so she tied Dr. Tofu to a wheel chair and invited Kasumi to the clinic and told her all about how his father was and that he has the same problem. Kasumi merely laughed told Kin that she would only accept a proposal if it came from Dr. Tofu himself. It took another two weeks for him to calm down, stop dancing with Betty, and control himself long enough to actually ask her, and she happily accepted. They're expecting to have the wedding in a year or so, since now they want some time to experience an actualrelationship before getting married. Dad and Mr. Saotome are pretty much the same. Dad cut his hair a bit shorter and has been taking on students again with Mr. Saotome's help. Grandfather Happosai has only gotten older, and as unbelievable as it may seem, even more perverted. Mrs. Saotome still keeps her distance from our house, only because it was part of Genma's request. He finally got the nerve to tell his wife the truth of everything that's been going on and said that it may be best if she waited for Ranma to graduate before trying to take up a role in his life. I think he's crazy, but Auntie Nodoka was as accepting as ever of her husband's request. I look at the lunatics I'm surround by, and I can't help but smile as I call this my family. Family is a very funny word, and this family is down right strange.
Kasumi: Akane.
Akane: Yes Kasumi?
Kasumi: I remember you said you wanted to help me with dinner. I'm about to being making it soon.
Akane: Ok, I'll be down in a sec.
Akane quickly dresses and stares at herself in the mirror.
Akane: I feel great. Now to help make dinner. Just you wait Ranma. Tonight you'll love my cooking.
Ranma: Achoo!
Mousse: Coming down with a cold Saotome?
Ranma: No, I don't think so. But I suddenly got this feeling of impending doom.
Mousse: You mean you don't get that all the time?
Ranma: Oh Ha, Ha.
Kasumi: Akane that's salt I said sugar.
Akane: Opps. Sorry!
Ranma walks into the front area of the Tendo Dojo.
Ranma:Ah! Home at last. And by the smell of things Kasumi's finished cooking. It hasn't been the perfect day, but at least it's going to have a good ending. I'll just eat, do a little training, and finally go to bed.
Nabiki: If only it were that simple Saotome.
Ranma: What? What do you mean Nabiki?
Nabiki: Oh you'll find out soon enough.
On cue, Akane comes speeding around the corner with her… cookies for Ranma.
Akane: Ranma, try one, I made it myself.
OH DEAR GOD…
Ranma: Oh! No thanks Akane, I just ate, I'm not hungry.
Soun: Son. Akane spent a great deal of time in the kitchen preparing those for you, the least you could do is try one.
Ranma turns and looks at Soun, who is colored a sickly shade of green.
He only wants me to try one so that he's not the only person suffering.
Come on Ranma, it's not like you're saying with this cookie I thee wed.
Akane: So are you going to eat it or not?
Let me see, if I don't eat it, she'll beat me to death. If I do eat it, there's a chance I will die quickly with little suffering. Not exactly the best odds I've ever dealt with but it could be worse, I could eat it and beforced to live forever so that she can beat me to death until the end of time... That wasn't a comforting thought at all now as it?
Ranma: Oh… OK. Here goes nothing.
Ranma reluctantly throws the cookie up and prepares to catch it in his mouth. Right before it would have landed on his tongue Akane catches it.
Ranma: Huh? What happened to it?
Ranma turns towards Akane looking shocked.
Have I been saved from Akane's cooking... by Akane?
Akane: Ranma, I've changed my mind. I don't want you to try them.
Akane walks into the kitchen and dumps the cookies down the garbage disposal and then goes to her room.
Ranma: Well, what do you know, the Heaven does hearour silent prayers after all.
Soun begins to use his Demon Head Technique.
Soun: RAAAAANNNMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAA!
Ranma: Ok. Ok! I'm going.
Sheesh. It's not like I asked her to do it.
Akane climbs out her window and onto the roof. She silently looks up at the stars until something blocks her view.
Ranma: What's wrong Akane?
Akane: AAAHHHHHH!
Ranma quickly jumps back and waves his hands from side to side.
Ranma: Akane it's just me. I wasn't trying anything.
Akane: Ranma! Don't scare me like that.
Ranma: I guess that means I got you back for sneaking up on me earlier.
Akane: I guess.
An awkward moment of silence passes between the two of them. Not knowing what else to do Ranma sits down beside Akane who's looking away from him.
Ranma: So… What's wrong Akane?
Akane: Nothing.
Ranma: Come on Akane, don't lie to me.
Akane: It's… It's just that I try so hard, and nothing ever turns out right. No matter how many times I do it, there's always something wrong.
Ranma: Akane, that's not true Akane. It's just been a bit rough.
Akane: Name one time that I didn't mess up cooking.
Ranma looked on silently.
Akane: See! You couldn't even name one!
Ranma: Yes I can, what about when you made that cake to celebrate me and my dad being here.
Akane: I don't know if I messed that up or not. Nobody ate it.
Ranma: Well… Actually I did. It wasn't the best thing I'd ever eaten but it was good, and I didn't get sick.
Akane: What?
Ranma: Yeah! I didn't get the chance to tell you about it because you ran off to the forests of Ryugenzawa, to what's his name?
Akane: Shinnosuke.
Ranma: Yeah! Him.
There's someone I'd like to forget.
Ranma: And then there's the time you cooked for Kirin. I mean I didn't taste that, but from what you said it was actually good. He was just... alergic or whatever to anything that wasn't rice or pickled vegetables.
Akane: You're right...It was.
Got to remember to watch what I say, she seems better now and I don't want to go flying again…
Ranma: But see that means you don't have a perfect record of failure… So that means you can do it.
Akane: But then why do I keep messing up?
Ranma: How should I know? I'm just the person that you normally force to eat that stuff.
Crap!
Akane: Ranma. You're not helping.
Ranma: Oh. Sorry.
Another moment of awkward silence.
Ranma: Hey Akane, why did you stop me from eating that cookie earlier?
Akane: Oh, that. Well, I had Dad try one and the results were less than what I was going for. And then when it came down to you, I saw your expression, and I thought to myself, that I didn't want you to eat it if you felt like you had to be pushed into it. When ever Kasumi puts anything on the table you dive into it. I want the same reaction, but I have to get better first.
Ranma: The list?
Akane: Yeah. It kind of got me thinking about a few things. And I also realized that some of the things you said about me were kind of true too. So I'm making a note to also watch my temper and to try not to hit you unless I listen to you first.
Ranma: Wow… And how's that going so far.
Akane: It's not easy. But I'm working on it. Now if only I could make my Martial Arts better.
Ranma: Oh that's easy. All you really need to do is slow down.
Akane: What?
Ranma: Well, when ever I've watched you go through techniques you always use a very strong Kendo style. Akane, you're a girl! And as strong as you may be girls are still soft and gentle creatures, so you have to try to stay further into your element.
Akane: Are you telling me that I'm unnatural in my fighting.
Ranma: In a way yes. But it's not a bad thing. If you ever have to slug it out with someone you'd most likely win. But because you put everything into every one of your attacks you short change yourself, and after a while you start to telegraph your movement. Just slow it down and try to be more graceful. Who knows maybe that can also help with your cooking? If you tone it down a notch maybe it will come out better.
Ranma then turns and looks at Akane who's looking rather upset at him.
Ranma: Akane Wait!
Akane: Why you Jerk!
Ranma prepared for his flight but was shocked when all he heard was laughter.
Akane: I got you. I can't believe you feel for that!
Ranma: What? Oh, no fair!
Akane: Ha! The great Martial Artist knows fear after all.
Ranma: Not fear. Caution. There's a difference. Fear blinds you, caution causes you to see things and prepare for them.
Akane: Well Caution didn't help with the hole last time did it?
Ranma: That was just a mishap. I didn't mean to kiss…
Akane: I know Ranma… you didn't want to kiss me.
Ranma: Akane that's not what I said, I said I didn't mean to kiss you.
Wait a second?
Akane: So you wanted to kiss me?
Ranma: Yes, I mean NO. I mean!
Akane: Forget it Ranma. I guess in the end, I'm one of those multiple fiancées that you need to find closure with.
Akane begins walking back towards her window and is about to climb back in when she's suddenly jerked back by her arm. Ranma spins her around and looks her in the eyes while holding her by her shoulders.
Ranma: I thought you said you were going to work on your temper.
Akane: I am, I'm walking away from you, now leave me alone!
Ranma: Listen to me Akane, that kiss was an accident. And if I offended you by mistake than I'm sorry.
Akane: You just don't get it. The fact that it was a mistake is what I'm mad about. So just let me go!
Ranma: Well then here.
Ranma then turned his head and kissed Akane. Akane was in complete shock and felt that she was about to melt away until Ranma finally broke the kiss and let her go.
What did I just do?
Ranma just kissed me?
Akane: Ranma? Did you… Did you just kiss me?
Ranma: Yeah… I… I guess I did.
Akane: Ok... You do know what's about to happen right?
Ranma: We… shake hands and go our separate ways?
Akane: Something like that.
Oh Great!
Akane: PERVERT!
At least I controlled my temper long enough to give him a fair warning.
Ranma pulls himself out of the trashcan and walks back towards the Tendo Dojo.
At least she didn't launch me too far away from the house.
Today was very strange, one assignment and now I'm barely able to sleep. I didn't think about it before, but every time I've been kissed by Ranma was an accident, every time except the last one. I never knew his lips were really that soft, and I don't like that I'm thinking about that right now. But in a crazy Nerima way, it was more than just a kiss, it was sweet. I mean I didn't ask him to, but then again, I didn't tell him not to. I know a kiss is something big in the back of Ranma's mind, and I guess it's really something in the back of my mind as well. Oh well, I guess I'll have to just wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Akane: One month until Graduation, Huh? I think this is going to be the most interesting time in Nerima History.
I… I kissed her… I mean I really kissed Akane. She hit me afterwards of course, but for a moment there I actually believe I felt her kissing me. But I kissed her! Akane's probably never going to speak to me again. She'll probably punch me from now until graduation. Well, I guess it only means that clearing up the fiancée confusion is going to be harder than I thought. I mean if this is how things went with Akane, how are things going to go with Shampoo, or Ukyou, or for that matter Kodachi!
Ranma: Oh man! What have I gotten myself into?
The end.
Writer's notes:
OK, take it easy on me. This is the first fanfiction I've ever posted. I've written maybe two in the past, but this is the first time I've ever let anyone other than my closest personal friends see it. Please tell me what you think. By the way, this was all written and posted in the same day so forgive me if I've misspelled anything or if they seem a little Out of Character. I mean what do you expect, I'm NOT Rumiko Takahashi.
Cupid