JWCH Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Akane didn’t know what to do. The last time she’d seen Ranma so down was back when he’d lost all his strength due to the moxibustion point Happosai used on him. At least then there was the hope that there was a cure. Akane couldn’t see any way for the old friends to reconcile. She felt a pang of guilt since it was partly her fault…

They had decided to take another day off of school, knowing full well they’d never be able to concentrate on anything after such a bomb was dropped on them. They also needed to figure out what they were going to do about this suit. The last thing they needed with a baby on the way was massive debt from legal fees and awards to be paid.

Akane reached over and grasped her fiancé’s hand, squeezing it to give some modicum of comfort. Ranma looked up at her and gave a small smile, but didn’t say anything. He was glad for her support, but all the support in the world wasn’t going to help him get out of this mess. What were they going to do?

As the dejected pair slowly walked home, they didn’t notice the white duck circling above them turn and fly off. A white duck wearing really thick glasses.

Kasumi was outside hanging laundry to dry when the two teens walked into the compound. She was surprised to see them home already, but noticing the defeated looks on both of their faces she was quickly able to figure out that there was probably another run in with the suitors that ended badly. Since it was Ranma who was looking so dejected, it was probably Ukyo this time.

Quickly she ushered the two into the kitchen and served them tea. When she figured they’d calmed down enough, she gently asked them what had happened. She was saddened that Ranma’s oldest friendship was being destroyed over something that wasn’t entirely his fault, and also that she really didn’t know what kind of advice she could provide that might help. “I’m sorry Ranma, I don’t know what I can do to help you.”

Shaking his head, Ranma waved her off. “It’s OK Kasumi. I’ll think of something.” He stood to leave. “I think I’m going to go out to the dojo, try to clear my head.” He reached out and touched Akane’s face before leaving. Both women were astonished at the open and intimate gesture, Akane feeling somewhat flushed. He wasn’t ready to kiss her in front of others yet, but that simple touch had pretty much the same meaning behind it.

Kasumi shook her head to clear it of the shock she’d just received. Then she remembered something important. She gasped and ran after Ranma, calling his name. Akane soon gave chase, wondering just what the hell was going on. She found out when she reached the dojo. Kasumi looked distraught, and had a hand over her mouth. Their parents were all there sitting formally at a low table. And Ranma…

Ranma was a tower of boiling rage. His face was bright red he was so angry. Akane followed his gaze to see what was pissing him off so much, only to find the short haired Kodachi sitting on the opposite side of the table, a certificate was sitting in the middle of the table, and Akane could just make out the word “marriage” written across the top, along with her hanko stamp on the bottom.

“As you can plainly see,” Kodachi said. “Akane here has already married my brother. It is all perfectly legal and binding. Therefore Ranma no longer has any obligation to her,” She turned to sneer at her rival. “Even if it is his bastard child she carries.” She turned back to the parents. “As such, I offer this check to buy out the Saotome side of the contract to marry the two schools, and instead, Ranma shall be wed to me.”

Genma and Soun’s eyes nearly flew out of their sockets and rolled around on the floor trying to count all the zeroes that followed the one written on the check. Ranma didn’t think his father even knew the name of such a large number. Thankfully though, Nodoka had seen this trick before, and since the previous omiai attempt, she’d been against marrying the Kunos. “I’m sorry Lady Kodachi, but I’m afraid that the contract just isn’t for sale. I’m sure Akane had her reasons for marrying Kuno, but that doesn’t affect the fact that Ranma is to marry a Tendo.” Genma tried to stutter out a rebuttal, but was shot down by a glare and an inch of steel exposed from its scabbard.

However, Kodachi didn’t miss a beat. “Very well Mrs. Saotome,” she said as she plucked the check from the distraught fingers of the two fathers. “I’m sure you and the Tendo family can cover all the legal fees yourselves then. Whom have you chosen to represent yourself in the suit?”

“Suit” asked Soun, twitching slightly.

“Why yes, didn’t you know?” Kodachi feigned surprise. “It seems that dear Miss Kuonji has decided that she wants compensation for the yattai that was stolen by your husband and son all those years ago, in addition to pain and suffering she has experienced since finding your son again, and being led on by him.” She smiled evilly as she closed the trap. “If Ranma were to be married to me, I could provide him with a legal team, and money to pay the legal fees that would be incurred over the months, or even years, that the suit is going.” Smiling even wider as she watched the grown ups sit there like fish gasping for air, she pushed forward another sheet of paper, a contract by the looks of it. “If you’ll just apply your stamps here, we can be rid of this entire mess.”

Even Ranma wasn’t fast enough to prevent what happened next. Both fathers, terrified of the prospect of having to go to court, whipped out their hanko, and simultaneously sealed Ranma’s fate.