Chapter 1

Prequel to Monsoon

Exhausted and weary, the group decided to camp out from the darkening clouds that were hovering on the sky. They decided to let themselves rest on the huge roots of the trees that even from their hardened state gave bliss to the now snoring and sleeping people nestled against them. The stars weren't visible as the sky was roamed by cottony darkened clouds that danced on the evening air. The air felt cold and the sound of the forest was alive- however, for the people who had already experienced a once in a lifetime experience, they were able to adapt to the surroundings of the nature and go into a relaxing sleep.

Still, one man's eyes blossomed in the shadows of the woods directly staring at the girl curled just like a fox on one of the roots of a tree. His façade curled into a painful emotion as he struggled to keep his figure from jumping from his position towards her and wrap his arms around her- just to keep reminding himself that she was indeed alive; breathing and less wounded.

But the night continued to walk on its path and his body has already suffered and has reached its limits. Staring a last glance to her, he slowly lets his head fall on the ground as his eyes closed but still keeping his abilities to detect any kind of danger that was coming to them. It was exhausting even if he was resting, but it was worth it and needed.

He just hoped he won't dream of nightmares that he did not wish to plague his mind.

The sun rose with glory waking everything on its path. The nature danced gracefully as the bright light touched its pieces. Animals rolling their backs to dislodge the sleepiness that was still crawling inside of them, plants swaying with the wind as their pollens fall on the air scattering around, the misty air vanished slowly as it was replaced by the warm scent of the new morning.

Yawns appeared as if it was practiced many times before. One by one, each figure rose from their slumber forms and took the sight that overwhelmed them. Sometimes, for others- they forget the beauty of the forest that engulfed their forms for the many years that they walked through them and for the rest who has only seen it for the first time- it was like a blessing came to unfold on their naked eyes.

"Whe-re, where are we-e?" Her voice stuttered due to the distress that clogged her throat, but fought it back just to say the question that immediately her mind told her was significant.

Nobody answered- their minds were in the same position as the woman.

" Ah, I don't know, Akane-san, I mean, I usually remember where I go to but this is the first time I've come to this forest. I'm sure of it."

The others looked at him oddly. The urge to bop his head and roll his dead body on the ground seemed very likable that instant the words "remember" left his mouth.

" Me-neither. Never been here before." The black-haired chef said slowly, trying to ease the tention that enveloped that people crowded in one place. Her eyes sought the pig-tailed boy as she tried to ask him the obvious question…but his eyes and posture told her the answer and her mind wandered in distance again. If it wasn't so disturbing and wondering, she would've noticed that no one was busy clinging on her fiancé's arm and that might have been a chance for her to use. Unfortunately, she was busy.

His eyes narrowed hastily as he heard the words or rather forced words that came from her mouth. She was obviously still in the verge of recovery and boy, did it felt painful every time he saw her hissed in her breath as she struggled to voice out her concerns. He wanted to come near her, to comfort her, or even to sweep her from her feet and lead the way to their home, but the problem existed that he had no idea where they were. The only thing he could remember is how every one of them felt very tired and ready to fall on the ground after the battle with the Phoenix god, and without words or any confirmation, they walked a path where everybody seemed eager to take onto but failed to account the unfamiliarity of the road they were taking.

Thus, this…

"Shampoo no idea. Shampoo never seen this place"

"Where should we go then? We can't stay here, that's for sure"

For once, all of them felt Mousse was like a sage.

"I mean, I'm hungry and my stomach's growling…don't you feel it, too?"

The forest echoed and birds flew away from the unknown earthquake that occurred without notice.

"Shampoo? Why'd you hit me?"

"Mousse should know we hungry too- and we don't want remember food right now!"

"SHAMPOO! SOORRYY"

"Well, Mousse has a point-" everyone looked at him as if he has just spoken for the many decades that has passed, that was exaggerating, but yeah, it does seem they have a valid excuse to feel like that. "We need to move now and find a better place—" and then go home and rest for months and months.

"Airen right! Shampoo agrees!" Then she jumped to his arm as she energetically squeezed her cheeks on his chest.

"Shampoo!" But Ranma's words were deaf to her ears, and also to the latter.

"Stop touching her! You bimbo!" All of Ukyo's worries vanished in an instant as she witnessed the entire event that took place on her eyes. Rage seeped into her veins and a new strength was given to her. With a loud cry, she jumped to the commotion and created a larger commotion.

"Shampoo! It was my idea!"

"Ranma! You jackass, now's not the time for your perverse acts"

"The fuck you're talking about! I'm not the cause of this shit"

"Airen make love to me!"

"YOU BITCH!"

The smoke grew larger and larger, until wide sets of weapons were being thrown everywhere. The peace of the forest was no more as the fight began to escalate.

But was stopped when a small but clear cough of a mouth crossed their ears.

"Akane?" Ranma asked softly.

But oh how she wanted to shout, to punch to kick and to make these group of people cover their ears because of her voice…yet, none of that was applicable as insisted of the fact that her throat still felt soar and her body felt tired. If anyone would remember, they would certainly say "Oh yeah, she was turned into a doll which drained her altogether"

But no, no one actually realized how badly she felt. Maybe it was because how she handled herself or just because nobody cared enough. But for whatever reasons, they failed to be aware of her real situation. That's why, instead of talking a long preach, she let her eyes do the work.

Rolling in the left, then on the right, and a little spin and a bop bop down, then roll in the left then glare.

"I'm sorry, but what did she say?" Ukyo asked, the anger on her body forgotten.

Ranma was the only one who understood, no, he didn't really understand what her eye rolls meant, but he certainly felt the annoyance and wariness that crept out of her skin, out of her features, of her eyes. He became aware of her weakness, and he bit his lip to control the anger that swum freely on his chest.

It was his entire fault…if only….

He didn't want her to suffer much longer, that's why instead of making her answer to Ukyo's question, he decided to open his mouth and help her.

"Uh, I think we should move on…"

Almost everyone felt the shame fell on their shoulders…almost is the key word. Shampoo merely glared on the violent tomboy from her interruptions on the occurring battle.

"Hmph"

One by one, they moved out of the area until the two were left. Ranma looked at her with an expression she never saw and that made her flinch.

"Are you all right, Akane?" Ranma whispered. It was so soft and gentle that it took a moment or two that made Akane realize that it was indeed, not a demon in disguise, Ranma who asked her if she was okay using her NAME.

She was about to answer, but then the pain appeared again. Hot flame swirling inside her throat making her realize of how dreadfully tired she was. Instead of answering, she recoiled into her usual self and glared at the boy before stepping away from him. After all, it was his fault they had wasted another precious time before realizing that walking should be the right action…well, not entirely his fault. But blaming him is the only solution from keeping her heart breaking.

"Jeez, you're so uncute" it was meant to be a soft whisper, nothing but just a reminder that she was indeed alive and glaring at her with her usual demeanor.

However, Akane heard it, and she found it gladly that she still had a strength left to raise her hand and press it kindly on his chin.

To be continued...

A/N: Just an idea after re-watching the movie "Doll Master"...

but instead of full-blown horror, I would add a little bit of comedy to keep the story sane...er...which I do hope...but please do review:D