Dear Fellow FFMLers
Yes, yet another Ranma 1/2 fanfiction. But what
can I say? Ranma 1/2 ranks as one of my favorite anime
and the Ranma 1/2 universe provides a wealth of material
for fanfics (proof of which is manifested in the
hundreds of Ranma 1/2 fanfics out there. But I digress).
Anyway, this is but the first chapter of what promises
to be (at least, for me, anyway) a long continuation
fic. I realize that the summary is less than
attention-getting, but I don't want to give too much
away! ^_^
Of course, C & C will be welcomed with open
arms (heck, it will even be ecstatically greeted)--but
please, keep comments tasteful and constructive (I have
a delicate ego! ^_^). You may send comments privately to
gnbean@u.washington.edu (yes, another college student who
wants to avoid schoolwork) or through the FFML. I must
confess that I've already posted this work on a web page
(the Ranma 1/2 Library, in fact) but I'm afraid I haven't
gotten much feed back. Not to imply that you, fellow
FFMLers, are my last resort, but it's just that I found
out about the FFML _very_ recently and I've just subscribed.
Anyway, I'm babbling (it's finals week for us, so I'm not
quite all there). Thanks a lot! I hope you can somewhat
enjoy it and of course, comments, comments, comments!
TITLE: Fruition
AUTHOR: B.S.N.
CONTACT ADDRESS: gnbean@u.washington.edu
SUMMARY: This fanfiction hopes to explore and expand upon
the personalities and relationships of the various
characters of Ranma 1/2. These characters will encounter
new circumstances and situations which will not only
further develop their personalities but may also force
them to make decisions that will ultimately affect the
course of their lives.
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FRUITION by B.S.N.
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DISCLAIMER: The characters of Ranma 1/2 are the
property of Ms. Rumiko Takahashi, Shonen Sunday, Kitty,
Viz Video and all other associated parties. This
fanfiction does not intend to reap profit or benefit
of any kind; it was created for entertainment purposes
only.
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NOTE: This fanfiction does not follow the Ranma 1/2
manga/anime timeline. Rather, it has created an
alternate time. Moreover, although it uses the
characters of Ranma 1/2, not all of the characters will
be employed as I have not read all of the manga and have
not yet seen all the anime.
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TEXT CONVENTIONS:
* * indicates thought
---- denotes change in scene/break in scene
<" "> shows Chinese dialect
_ _ notes emphasis
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CHAPTER 1: Possibilities
A capricious breeze blew that afternoon. The
limbs of the trees rattled as it rushed through them
and shook down a shower of russet, gold and scarlet
leaves. Flying along the ground, it set the leaves
whirling and dancing. It then hurried past a girl
walking down the quiet road, causing her skirt to
billow around her and her short, dark tresses to wave
about her face.
The girl idly tucked a stray lock behind her
ear as she looked up through the network of branches at
the sky. "What am I to do?" she wondered aloud. No
answer save the rustling of the trees and the whistling
of the wind. She sighed and directed her gaze to the
ground once more. She walked on in silence, a number
of emotions flitting across her fair face; once moment,
she would glow with hope or pleasure, the next, her
expression would darken with sadness, pain. . .and even
anger.
Her steps eventually led her away from the
twisting path and into the surrounding wood. She
walked on for some time before she finally stopped
before a great oak. The girl, using the low sweeping
limbs, clambered up into the tree and seated herself
upon a branch. She leaned back against the tree's
trunk and gazed up at the lofty, golden canopy curving
above her. *What am I to do?* she asked herself again.
*What am I to do?* And as she closed her eyes, the
day's events filled her mind.
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"Akane-san?"
The girl, who had been walking down the hallway,
turned to face Ms. Hinako. "Yes, Sensei?"
"There is something that I would like to discuss
with you in private. It's quite important."
On that afternoon, Ms. Hinako, who was usually
flighty, appeared quite serious. The teacher was
childlike in appearance and demeanour: temperamental,
giddy, naive and reckless. Yet despite these qualities,
Akane respected Ms. Hinako. Underneath the frivolity,
the instructor was really very kind and had a sincere
interest in the welfare of her students. Thus, although
the girl was puzzled, she readily complied. "Of course,
Sensei."
"If you would just wait a moment. . ." the
diminutive instructor closed her classroom door and
approached her student. "Since school is over for the
day and the weather is so pleasant, you wouldn't object
to a walk around the playing fields, would you?"
"No, I wouldn't mind at all, Sensei."
"Now Akane-san, I took you aside to talk to you
about something that may be of interest to you," Ms.
Hinako began as they strolled along the edge of the
soccer field.
"Really, Sensei?" Akane's curiosity, which had
been aroused by Ms. Hinako's initial summons, was
further piqued.
"You know, you have always been my best and most
favourite student." Akane blushed. "I also know that
throughout most of your academic career, you have
focused your attention and interest on Japanese
literature. And of course, you are aware that in the
Japanese educational system, you find your interests
early and most of your efforts and energy are invested
in these interests." Akane nodded but said nothing.
"It seems to me," Ms. Hinako continued, "that
your intense focus on Japanese literature signifies
that you plan on doing something more with this.
Perhaps you plan to further your studies in this area?
That, perhaps, you plan on attending college? Am I
correct, Akane-san?"
Again, Akane did not reply, but the teacher
noted that the girl appeared rather agitated. "Ah, I see
by your nervousness that you have thought about it. Tell
me, Akane-san. . ." The two had ceased walking and were
now near the baseball diamond. "Are you going to apply
for college?"
"I. . .uh. . .I. . .I don't know," Akane
mumbled.
"I see. You are still undecided?" Akane only
nodded. Ms. Hinako's voice, which had been grave, was
now gentle. "Akane-san, I think that you should."
Akane was silent for some moments before she
answered, "It's true. . .I have thought about it. . .But
there are so many things. . .that. . .I need to consider."
"Such as?"
"Well. . .there is the question of money.
Unlike my older sister, Nabiki, I don't think I can get a
company to sponsor me. Not many firms are willing to
finance an education that will not help the business.
To them, it is an investment which will pay off in the
future. And scholarships are rare and extremely
competitive."
"What else?"
"My grades are good, but for some schools, not
good enough. The better private and even some public
schools are out of my reach and I. . .am unwilling to
study at a two-year institution."
"Is there anything more?"
"I haven't taken the college entrance exam yet."
"That can be solved. The test is offered once
every year. But most importantly, have you studied for
the exam?"
Akane looked away but replied, "I know it sounds
silly. ..but yes, I've been studying for some now. Even
without going to a cram school or having a tutor, I've
managed to study for the exam."
"Your answers show that you have seriously thought
about applying to college. Why else would you study for
the exam? Most students begin to study when they are in
junior high--perhaps even younger. Is that when you
started?"
Akane replied, "Yes. I started studying for the
exam when I was in middle school."
Ms. Hinako nodded her approval and said,
"Akane-san, although the goal seems too high to achieve
and there are many obstacles in the way, I again ask that
you think about applying. Your reasoning is valid and
sound, but there are other ways of going, aside from the
options you have mentioned. If you do want to attend, I
encourage you to apply and I will do everything I can to
help."
"But Sensei. . .I don't know. . .I-I do long to go,
but. . .I've given up trying. It doesn't seem possible.
Are there really other means of getting into college?"
"If you do well on the exam and if we look for
other options to finance your education, I do believe that
you can."
Akane's dark brown eyes welled with tears. She
had long ago resigned herself to her fate, but there was
still a part of her that had continued to hope and that
hope enabled her to persevere in her studies--that perhaps
one day, her dedication would open up that possibility to
her. The tears filled her eyes because this small hope
had grown--that elusive, unattainable dream now seemed
possible. Yet doubt and apprehension still lingered.
"Sensei, I would love to go to collge,
but what you're saying sounds too good to be true.
I still don't know. . ."
"Akane-san, do you not believe me?"
"It isn't that, but. . .I don't want to hope for
too much and have it end in disappointment."
"That is wise, but trust me, you and I will find
the means to achieve your goal. It is an honorable and
good ambition to have and I wish to help you attain it."
Despite Ms. Hinako's assurances, the girl
remained mute. "Do you have any other doubts? Are there
any other concerns that you have not told me?"
"Sensei," said Akane earnestly, "what you've said
has given me a lot of hope. But yes. . .there are other
things. . .that I need to think about."
Ms. Hinako instinctively understood what other
factors her student had to consider. "Very well,
Akane-san. It is good to think about this thoroughly
for it is important." There was a pause before the
teacher continued. "But know that you have not been
accepted. You have not even taken the test. You can
but try Akane-san. You have yet to take the first step
in a series of many to attain your goal."
Teacher and student were silent for some time
before Akane timidly asked, "Sensei. . .I know this
may sound rude. . .but why do you want to help me?"
Ms. Hinako turned to Akane and replied,
"Akane-san, as I have said before, you are one of my
best students--and my most favourite one. I see so
much potential in you to become something more than
your present condition would allow. You can have a
very great future if you go to college. It would pain
me to see your life--your potential--wasted here in
Nerima. And your desire is so true, so earnest. How
can I ignore it? Any person with an ambition as strong
and as deserving as yours, Akane-san, should be helped.
So that is why I have decided to help you."
Akane could only smile as the tears filled her
eyes once more. "Thank you, Sensei. . ." the girl
whispered.
Ms. Hinako smiled in answer as they began to
walk towards the school buildings.
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Akane opened her eyes and gazed up in the
golden dome of leaves above her. *Go to college?
Can I really do that? What Hinako Sensei said
really gave me hope. . .but it seems so difficult and
so uncertain. Look at Nabiki oneechan! She's worked
so hard for so long and this past year has been
especially stressful for her. There's so much pressure
to do well and it's so competitive.* Akane sighed.
*But then again, Hinako Sensei said I could. . .that
there were ways of getting there that I haven't thought
of. Just imagine! Me, going to college! To learn
new things, to gain new experiences, to meet new
people. . .why, I would be a dream come true! Tendou
Akane, college student!* Akane smiled. *College
seems to have so many possibilities and opportunities!*
But her countenance darkened. *But I have only
a year and a half left before I graduate. . .what if I
try and can't get in? What will life be like after high
school?*
"Married to Ranma, that's what it will be like,"
said Akane aloud. "Imagine, _me_, married to that
insensitive, perverted jerk!" The idea was unnerving
and even frustrating, but. . . "No! I'm too young to
get married!" Akane shook her head vehemently.
"There's so much I need to experience, so much I need to
know. And besides, he's so rude! All he'd do is insult
my cooking, pick on my inability to sew--why, I'd have a
miserable life! There is no way that I'm getting married
to that dummy right after I get out of high school! He's
still too immature! He's brash, cocky, stubborn, crude
and conceited! It'll never work! But. . ."
And here, a dozen memories assaulted her mind.
Ranma trying to cheer her up when she was getting over
her crush on Dr. Tofu. . .helping her fight the dojo
destroyer. . .eating her cookies. . .handing her his
shirt after her own had been burnt. . .giving her a
Christmas gift. . . And those many times when Ranma
rescued her. . .shielding her against the barrages of
Ryouga's bandannas, Ukyou's spatulas and Shampoo's
bonbori. . .protecting her from splashes of
yaazuniichuan. . .saving her from the monster, Orochi
. . .freeing her from the curse of the vengeful
doll. . . And those rare occasions. . .when he put
his arm around her. . .and held her hand. . . Yes,
she was forced to admit, Ranma could be. . .nice.
"He may be nice, occasionally, but he's a
womanizer! A Casanova!" Akane exclaimed. "What
about Ukyou, Shampoo and Kodachi?! Why, his huge ego
feeds off the devotion of those girls! When Shampoo
was wearing the reversal jewel, just look at the way
he tried to get her to confess her love! And Ukyou!
Asking her if she loved him just so he could make
sure that he didn't lose his touch!" She clenched
her fists in anger. "Why should he affect my
decision?! After all, he has all those other cute
fiancees! What he thinks doesn't matter at all!"
Suddenly, the fury in her eyes faded and she
lowered her head. "Besides, he doesn't even care about
me. He has all those other girls after him and does
nothing. . . No, he doesn't care. . .no, he couldn't
care. . ."
And she sat in this manner for some time before
she came down from tree and made her way homeward.
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The sun had long since descended but twilight
still lingered. The bright apple-green expanse of sky
had deepened into a cobalt blue and the moon still hung
low in the western horizon--at present, it was a large
disk of burnished copper, though its climb through the
heavens would soon polish it to a silver lustre.
Ranma, perched upon the ridgepole of the house,
was intently gazing down the dusky length of street.
*Stupid Akane. Where'd she run off to after school? I
don't know why I'm even waitin' for that macho, uncute
tomboy.* But the worried expression on Ranma's
countenance belied his thoughts. *Why is she so late?
Dinner was over an hour ago. . .I wonder if. . .nah,
nothin' could've happened to her. . .could it? Of
course not! That tomboy is as strong as a mule and
just as violent! She prob'ly hammered her attacker
into the ground! Still. . .*
After some moments more of reflection, Ranma
muttered, "Ah, jeez, I guess I better go and find her."
But before the boy could leap into the street, he
espied someone walking around the corner. *Ah, it
must be Akane.* He vaulted from the roof and landed
in front of the girl. "Yo, Akane!"
"I'm afraid you're mistaken, Ranma," the voice
answered.
"Oh. . .it's only you, Nabiki."
"Yes, it's only me." The brown-haired girl
stepped into the light of a street-lamp. "Disappointed,
Ranma?"
Ranma flushed, looking indignant. "Of course
not, Nabiki!"
"Of course, Ranma," Nabiki drawled. "Listen,
if you're looking for Akane, she's probably at the
park."
"Oh. . .uh, thanks, Nabiki." And with that,
the boy bounded away, leaving the second Tendou daughter
to shrug her shoulders.
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The park was dark, save for the light cast by a
few street-lamps. Ranma had already run twice through
the park, looking for Akane, but to no avail. He was
running through it again, his anxiety growing with
each passing minute. He was on the verge of calling
out her name when he discerned the silhouette of a
slight and girlish form sitting in the grass.
"Akane!"
The girl did not turn to face the boy as he ran
towards her. "Where were you?! You dummy, don't you
know how dangerous it is to be here alone?!"
Akane mildly replied, "Oh really, Ranma? I'm
sorry that I worried you."
Ranma, surprised and embarrassed by her
response, hotly retorted, "_I_ wasn't worried about you
but your family was. Of course, I know that a violent
tomboy like you could pound an attacker into a pulp
easily."
The boy immediately realized his blunder and
automatically closed his eyes, anticipating the usual
beating. Akane, however, merely continued to gaze at
the rising moon. Ranma, perplexed by her unusual
behavior, stood fidgeting for a few moments before
Akane asked, "Would you like to sit down?"
His blue-grey eyes widened in surprise but he
nodded and knelt down beside her. Ten minutes went
by before Akane addressed Ranma again. "Ranma. . .do
you. . .do you have any dreams?"
Ranma was confused. *What a weird question!
I wonder why she's askin'. . .* He scratched his
head and replied, "Sure I do. There was this one
time when I dreamt that. . ."
"No, not those kind of dreams. Ambitions--
goals. Do you have any like those?"
A lengthy interval passed before Ranma answered,
"Yeah, I do."
"What are they?"
"Well. . ." the boy stretched his arms out
behind him and flopped down into the grass. "I. . .
well. . .I. . .why do you ask?"
"I just want to know."
"Oh. . ."
"If you don't want to say, you don't have to.
I'll understand."
Ranma glanced at Akane, once again taken aback
by her answer. *This is so weird. I wonder why she's
actin' like this. . . Is she okay? This is definitely
not the Akane I'm used to. I wonder what's wrong?
Should I tell her? She don't look like she'd be mad if
I don't. . . What should I do?. . .*
The two sat quiet for some moments before he
asked, "And what about you? What are your dreams?"
"I have many dreams," Akane said slowly. "In
fact, so many that I wouldn't know which ones I should
tell you."
"What about your bieggest dream?"
"Oh. . .well. . ." Akane looked up into the
night sky and sighed. "I. . .I want to go to school."
"You mean go to college like to Nabiki?"
Akane flushed, but Ranma could not see it in
the gloom. "I guess."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"I-I've always loved to learn. . .and college
seems to be a way to continue to learn. . .and grow."
"Grow?"
"Yeah, well, grow in knowledge and. . .
experience. And. . .you meet new people and discover
new things. . .and. . ."
Ranma scratched his head in puzzlement. To
Ranma, this seemed quite peculiar. College was something
he had never thought about. He had never liked school
very much and did not do particularly well in any subject.
School was dry, uninteresting and tedious. He preferred
to focus on other things--like martial arts. To him,
martial arts were indeed interesting and worthwhile; in
fact, it was one of the most important things in his life.
He nearly dismissed the girl's ambition for its
difference from his own made her aspiration appear
ludicrous. Yet the earnestness in Akane's voice stopped
him; the sincerity and intensity of her desire could not
be lightly brushed aside. It commanded his respect--and
touched a hidden empathy within him as well.
"Do. . .do you really want to go?"
Akane turned to face him and answered seriously,
"Yes, I do. I think I've wanted to go nearly all my life."
"What about martial arts? I've heard you say that
you really liked it."
"Yes, I do. It's one of the few things that I
truly enjoy and I want to keep on doing it. But there
are also other things that I'd like to do."
"I see." They lapsed into silence once more
before Ranma asked, "Do you think you'll be able to go?"
Akane hesitated. *Should I tell him about my
talk with Hinako Sensei? No. . .I shouldn't. I don't
know how he'll react. . .and I'm not so sure of it
myself. . .*
"I don't know. . .maybe. . .one day."
They sat watching the moon continue its ascent;
each wrapped in his or her own thoughts. They sat in
companionable silence--a rare condtion for them, since
when together, they seemed to mostly squabble. Ranma,
lying flat in the grass, occasionally glanced at Akane
from the corner of his eyes. *Wow, I wonder why she's
actin' so. . .so serious all of a sudden. She seems
. . .kinda. . .nice. . .and cute. . .when she's like
this. Not at all like the violent tomboy I know.
I wonder. . .*
"Akane?"
"Yes, Ranma?" Akane answered, turning to
the boy.
Ranma said slowly, "I have a dream. . .to be
the best martial artist in the world. . . But I
guess it sounds kinda silly, huh?"
Akane shook her head gently and replied, "No,
I don't think that's silly at all. It's your dream and
. . .I think it's wonderful that you're trying to
fulfill it. But if you want to know the truth. . .I
think you've already achieved your dream. You're the
best martial artist I know."
At this, Ranma sat upright and stared at his
fiancee. The moon was now directly in front of them
and its light softly illuminated her face. Her dark
brown eyes were large and luminous and the smile
that played about her mouth was sweet and sincere.
Ranma felt his heart beat queerly and a flush spread
over his face.
"A. . .Akane. . .th-thanks for sayin' that. . .
It was. . .nice to hear."
Akane's eyes grew wide. *Is he actually
thanking me?* She peered through the darkness and saw
his large blue-grey eyes gazing intently at her. There
was something in his expression that made Akane catch
her breath. *He looks so. . .kind and earnest. . .and
handsome. . .* The girl felt her cheeks grow hot.
"There's. . .there's really no need to thank
me, Ranma."
They stared at each other for some moments
before they abruptly turned their faces away.
"I, uh. . .I guess it's gettin' kinda late,
huh, Akane?"
"Yes, I suppose it is."
"I. . .I guess we should be headin' home now,
huh?"
"It is getting late," Akane agreed. She was
about to rise from her seat when she saw Ranma's hand
stretched out before her. She looked at his hand and
then at his face. There was no trace of arrogance or
impatience on his countenance. His eyes were warm and
his mouth was curved in a gentle smile. She blushed
and looked at his hand again before finally clasping it
in her own. Ranma lifted Akane to her feet. The
minutes ticked by but neither moved, their hands still
clasped together. Ranma opened his mouth to speak but
the barking of a dog shattered the stillness. The spell
was broken. They both started and their hands fell
loosely to their sides.
Ranma laughed nervously. "I guess it's time to
go! Right, Akane?"
Akane giggled. "Yeah, I guess you're right,
Ranma."
And the two began to walk homewards.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is my first fanfic; my inexperience
in this medium thus explains the quality of this work.
In spite of this, however, I hope you enjoyed my fic
so far. The next two chapters are on their way (as
soon as I find time to type them over e-mail). C & C
are definitely welcome (as well as pre-readers), but
please, keep comments constructive and tasteful.
Thanks so much!
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