Here's my first attempt at a Ranma fanfic. Please read and review, all comments are welcomed.
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma and the characters; they belong to the great Rumiko Takahashi.
Grasping her shoes with trembling fingers, Akane removed them from her locker and dropped them unceremoniously onto the worn tiles. Slipping out of her cloth slippers, Akane proceeded to hurl the pair back into the musty cubby hole before closing it shut with a metallic clang. Slumping forward, she rested her forehead against the cool surface. Relishing how great it felt in contrast with her high temperature.
"Finally, and I thought that the day would never end." Fluttering her dark blue lashes, Akane sighed in relief. She was bone tired, every breath felt taxing on her heaving lungs. Grimacing at the faint throbbing at her temples, Akane fought to put on her penny loafers as she wobbled precariously on one foot. "Urgh…"moaning as a wave of nausea rocked through her very being, Akane flailed her arms wildly. Trying to retain her balance before she falls flat on her face.
At the last minute, her hand managed to snag the locker's handle. Gripping it tightly until her knuckles turned white, Akane heaved herself back onto her feet. Whipping her head sharply from left to right and noticing that there wasn't a soul in sight, Akane permitted herself to utter an embarrassed giggle. Thank goodness that nobody saw that ludicrous spectacle. Akane was fairly certain that she could casually brush it off when it comes to her classmates. But if it was Ranma…
Akane's already flushed face turned a deep crimson as she thought of her pigtailed fiancé. Now THAT would have been mortifying. It was bad enough as it is to be called clumsy, uncute and a tomboy at a daily basis. But if Ranma did caught sight, there would be no end to that particular insult. She could picture his handsome face scrunched up in laughter as his broad shoulders shook in undisguised mirth. If there was one word to describe the pigtailed martial artist it would be "JERK".
"Yeah, he's a jerk alright. Not to mention with an ego the size of Japan." Her pretty face scowling as Akane recalled every ridiculous incident that took place just because of Ranma's pride. "Ooh! Sometimes he makes me just want to beat some sense into that thick skull of his." Smirking slightly as she recalled how often he sent him flying into low orbit. "And yet, there are times which Ranma seem almost sweet." Akane remembered the time which she was hospitalized due to her said fiancé. Though it wasn't really his fault.
At first she was disappointed that he didn't come to visit her when everyone did including Shampoo and Ukyo. Disappointment soon led to anger which resulted in the scrawling of the words "Baka Ranma" on her plaster cast. Just when Akane thought that she would have to be discharged alone, there he was; standing right outside Tofu sensei's clinic with a banner under the slowly rising sun.
The sight of him alone was enough to brighten up her mood. But what made Akane's heart soar with unbridled joy was the banner with the words "I messed up. Sorry Akane." To others who might dismiss it as insincere, but for Ranma it was the exact opposite. The way his blue-grey eyes brimming with liquid emotion met her own chocolate brown orbs. Akane knew that Ranma was afraid of the Saotome technique "open mouth insert foot". Thus expressing himself without resorting to words which was no less effective.
Unfortunately for the both of them, the sweet moment was once again interrupted by aloud audience. Suddenly Akane found herself airborne as Ranma relieved her of her crutches. Hooking his calloused hands under her thighs, Ranma lifted Akane effortlessly against his back before fleeing abruptly. Soaring over the green fence with a single bound from his powerful legs.
"Hold on tight! Akane!" Ranma warned as he sped up, leaping up the brick wall and capering across the roof. Wrapping her arms around Ranma's neck, Akane pressed herself closer as the wind tousled her hair. She could feel his back muscles rippling under the thin silk of Ranma's mandarin shirt. Involuntarily, Akane found herself burying her cheek into the crook of Ranma's shoulder. It was a long fall from their current location but Akane felt safe. Not once did Ranma's smooth gait faltered even though an ordinary person would be hindered by the extra weight on their backs. It was as though she was ridding on a horse, Akane giggled at the unintended pun.
"What's so funny?" Ranma asked as Akane's soft giggle reached his eyes.
"Oh, nothing." Akane cheerfully replied, earning a skeptical look from Ranma. With a shrug, Ranma resumed his lookout for their pursers. That was when he caught sight of her plaster cast.
"Hey! What are those…?" The rest of Ranma's sentence was cut off when two small hands descended over his eyes, impairing his vision.
"Don't look! Don't look!" squealing in embarrassment, Akane cursed herself for her impulsiveness.
Perhaps it wasn't the smartest thing she could have done at that point of time. Akane winced at the memory, the rest was history. *Fine, Ranma could be extremely charming if when he wants to be.* Akane grudging acknowledged, not to mention he did save her form peril numerous times. "Gah! Stop thinking about him already!" Akane slapped herself lightly on her cheeks as she felt them warm with a blush. "Yep! It must be the fever." She thought desperately before sighing in defeat. Who was she trying to kid, Akane knew that she has the hots for Ranma and she has it real bad.
All that bantering in her head had resulted in a throbbing headache. Akane fervently prayed with all her might that she wouldn't have to encounter the rest of Ranma's fiancés on her way back. She could picture Shampoo glomping, Ukyo swinging her giant spatula and Kodachi twirling her ribbon while barking out an insane laugh. Akane was certain that she couldn't take them on, much less all at the same time. All she looked forward to was to collapse on her soft bed in a blissful heap.
Glancing up, Akane caught sight of the clock hanging in the school's archway. Her eyes widening in alarm as she realized how late it was. Quickly, Akane finished donning her penny loafers and made her way out of school. "Damn, damn, damn. I'm going to get it from Ranma." She thought morosely, shivering as a light breeze blew by.
As she approached the school gates, Akane could make out a figure leaning against the turquoise colored walls. Squinting slightly from the glare of the setting sun, Akane realized it was Ranma.
He had his hands tucked into the pockets of his black pants. Long legs casually crossed and head tilted downwards resulting in the partial obscuring of his face with his fringe. Akane felt her heat skip a beat; Ranma looked the epitome of coolness. Like a predator lying in wait for his unsuspecting prey. Languid but at the same time alert with a feral grace. It didn't help the way the rays of the sun illuminated the well toned biceps of the young martial artist. They weren't grossly large but well portioned. Akane tore her gaze from those remarkable forearms, choosing to focus on her feet instead as she trudged towards the pigtailed teen.
"What on earth is taking that tomboy so long?" Ranma wondered deep in thought, images of a dark blue-haired beauty flashed through his mind. His ears perked as they heard soft footsteps approaching. Ranma lifted his head and was greeted with the sight of a petite short-haired girl. Speak of the devil and the devil arrives.
Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Ranma effortlessly scaled up the 1.5 meter high wall. Perching in the thin ledge, he peered down on the slightly frowning Akane. There was a particular reason why he prefers to walk on a higher level. Yes, it makes a good practice to maintain one's balance. But the real reason was because it gave a better and clearer view of his beloved tomboy. From the short navy blue locks that framed her heart-shaped face to her penny loafer clad feet. Every detail in sharp focus to his hungry eyes.
Right now Ranma was itching to insult the unsuspecting girl. It wasn't because he was trying to be outwardly mean. But after two years of constant bickering, Ranma realized how adorable Akane could be when she was mad; mostly at him. That spark of fiery passion that lit her lovely brown eyes, pink lips forming a kissable pout. The attractive way her bosom straining against the thin fabric of her school blouse as she took deep breaths to calm herself. Man, how could he have ever thought Akane as uncute? She was practically oozing with charm. But he would rather die than admit it.
"Yo, Akane! What took you so long? Wait let me guess," Ranma pretended to scratch his chin in puzzlement. "It is because your thick thighs are weighing you down?" Chortling in amusement, Ranma waited expectantly for her reaction. Sure enough, he was rewarded with a blaze in those lovely orbs. It flickered deep within the velvety depths before extinguishing into a subdued frown. With a weary sigh, Akane threw Ranma a dour look before sticking her dainty nose high in the air. She gave an irritated snort and proceeded to trot off down the street without as much as a glance at the pigtailed teen.
Well that was unexpected… Ranma froze in astonishment as he regarded Akane's slowly retreating figure. "Hey Akane! Wait up!" he hollered after her before taking off in hot pursuit.
It was a familiar sight in Nerima, of two teenagers rebuking each other. Soon the argument would lead to the launching of a red clad figure into the sky. It was a normal occurrence and the residents of the district would pay no heed. However it seems that they may be in for a surprise this time around.
Having caught up with Akane, Ranma slowed; matching his pace with the girl below. Crossing his arms behind his head in an attempt to act nonchalant, Ranma eyed Akane with the corner of his eye. They have lapsed into uncharacteristic silence. All that could be heard were their footsteps, echoing down the deserted street. Akane was being awfully quiet; normally she wouldn't back down from any chance to fight. Did he commit something that had resulted in her current behavior? Ranma wreaked his brains for answers but came up with none.
It wasn't just her temper that had been affected. Come to think of it, so did her strength. Ranma recalled Akane knocking her suitors out of her way with distinctively less force than she normally would have done. Furthermore when she was accosted by that samurai wanna-be crackpot Kuno, instead of sending him flying as usual with a vicious kick, it merely caused the pompous idiot to stumble a few steps back. As always, Shampoo, Ukyo and Kodachi were up to their usual antics. Everyday Ranma had to put up with the unwanted affections from the three girls. The sight of them fawning over him never fails to infuriate Akane.
Ranma didn't mind when he was punished by Akane. It secretly pleases him that she actually cared and would fight for him with the other girls. But instead of coming to his rescue, Akane remained unperturbed and left Ranma to the mercy of the catfight. Shuddering at the unpleasant memories, Ranma came to a complete top as a stray thought flashed through his mind.
Swallowing audibly, Ranma paled as he came to a conclusion. Gentler, quieter and unagitated. It can't be! Had his thoughtless antics finally crossed the line and made Akane given up on him? That she couldn't care less? There wasn't any other explanation for it. Shock turned into dismay and anger. There was no way; NO WAY IN HELL is he going to let her do that. Gritting his teeth in displeasure, Ranma tucked his legs and executed a spectacular leap. He had the satisfaction of watching Akane give a small start of surprise as he landed silently in front of her.
Struggling to keep awake with every amount of energy she has, Akane didn't want to pick a fight with Ranma. But apparently he had other plans in mind. After getting over her initial shock, Akane wrestled her emotions into submission; keeping her expression calm. She eyed Ranma warily, there something about his eyes that radiated cold fury.
"You stupid tomboy! Ignoring me wouldn't stop my pestering! In fact I'm going to personally make sure you'll never get a motion of peace when I'm around!" Ranma ranted frantically, a maniacal grin spreading across his face. Akane blinked at his vehemence.
"What on earth is Ranma talking about?" she stared at him in bewilderment. Unable to make heads or tails of the remark.
The look on her angelic face only exasperated Ranma even further. Ruffling his hair in annoyance, Ranma let out a frustrated groan. Does she have any idea how much grief her actions are causing him? He had to come up with something that will revert Akane back to her usual self and fast! *Come on think!* Ranma urged his brain to function faster. *Ah to the hell with it!* Staring straight into Akane's eyes, he took a deep breath before unleashing a torrent of abuse.
"You know what? Your face makes me sick! Your thighs are too thick! You're built like a brick! Your smell makes my nose itch…" Ranma continued to goad Akane relentlessly until stopping abruptly to catch his breath.*Was it enough? Is Akane going to … Shit!*
Lower lip trembling in hurt, slender shoulders quaking… A small sniff confirmed Ranma's suspicions. Crap! His plan wasn't supposed to make her cry! All those years as a martial artist, Ranma had withstood the toughest training. Crossed the most grueling of terrains and sustained the most vicious of wounds. But nothing, nothing would ever come close the horror of the sight of a girl's tears. Especially Akane's.
Akane wasn't one to shed casual tears. But when she does, it was as though someone had shoved a stake through his beating heart. Ranma couldn't bear to see those little dewdrops of moisture trickling down her rosy cheeks, leaving glistening tracks in their wake. "Wait a minute Akane! I… I'm… Erm…" he stammered in an attempt of a sort of apology, his hands gesturing feebly.
It hurt; those insults really hit their mark. Each and every one of them well aimed blows to the chinks of her armor. Shattering it into a million pieces. *Why? Why did he have to be so mean?* All she ever wanted was to get home and have a good rest, but that insufferable clod just refuse to leave her in peace. Akane could feel tears starting to well up but she blinked them furiously away. It was the final straw that broke the camel's back. White hot fury flared through her, charring her heart and searing the marrow from her bones.
Face congested with rage, Akane tilted her head upwards to shoot a death glare at the Baka. She couldn't believe it! There, spread across his arrogant face was a self-centered smirk. Here she was boiling mad and he, he found the situation amusing? That's it! Gripping her satchel in a white knuckled hand, Akane raised it to slug the moron in the face. "DIE! RANMA!"
Just when the satchel was about to make contact, Akane felt her vision blur. Ranma's face swam in and out of focus. She shook her head but only made it ten times worse. But dizziness became the least of Akane's problems; she was starting to lose the feeling in her legs. Week-kneed and overcame with fatigue, she tethered dangerously before tipping over in a slight faint. Akane braced herself for impact but found herself in strong yet gentle hands.
Ranma heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the immense fury blazing in her eyes. "Yes, that's it Akane! Come and hit me with your best shot!" he smiled, eyes twinkling merrily. But instead of bashing him, Ranma watched in alarm as the tomboy swayed on her feet. Eyes clenched tight as though in pain, she raised a trembling hand to her forehead before reeling over. Ranma sprang to catch Akane, wrapping her in a careful embrace.
"Hey, Akane. Akane! What's the matter with you?" Ranma exclaimed, shaking her gently. He received no answer and grew anxious. The sound of small pants broke Ranma's thoughts. Whipping his head around, he took a good hard look at the girl in his arms. Flushed face, labored breathing and dizziness…It can't be… Sweeping aside her bangs, Ranma placed his palm upon Akane's forehead. Only to yelp and jerk it away from her scorching skin. Damn it! All this time Akane was having high fever and his stupid mind could think of was how to irritate her further. No wonder, this explains everything!
"Why didn't you tell me that you are sick, you numbskull!" Ranma practically screamed at Akane, his face scrunched tight with self-loathing. Wincing from the velocity of the shout, Akane's eyelids fluttered half open to lock upon those stormy blue-grey orbs. In the haze of her consciousness, Akane felt her anger softening. *Ranma, that dummy was concerned?* It made her happy. Chapped lips drawn into a reassuring smile, Akane coughed out "Don't…wanna…worry…" Barely stringing the sentence together with a strained whisper.
"Baka! Uncute tomboy!" Ranma cursed as he looped his arms under Akane's legs, carrying her in bridal style. Taking care to rest her head in the crook of his shoulder, he raced towards the Tendo residence. His heart pounding like a resounding drum. Ranma was livid with rage; it left a bitter taste in the back of his throat. He wasn't angry at Akane; in fact he was disgusted with himself.
If he hadn't provoked her so much in the first place it wouldn't have aggravated her condition. Akane probably didn't want to confide in him because she thought he would laugh at her for being weak. Like he would ever do that. But because of the way he always act towards her he couldn't blame Akane for thinking that way.
Damn it! Ranma had failed his promise. He wasn't supposed to let her get her again. The saffron incident was imbedded into Ranma's soul. Seeing Akane on the brink of death once was more than enough. He wasn't fit to live if he messed this up. "I'm sorry Akane, it's my entire fault. Don't worry; I'll never let you suffer ever again." Ranma intoned with silent resolve, clutching her even more protectively before speeding up. Akane snuggled closer into Ranma's embrace, a feeling of contentment and serenity washed over her before she seeped into unconsciousness.
At the journey back, Ranma ravaged his way through as though posscessed by an evil spirit. He didn't hesitate when Kuno came running up to him with his brokken raised while spouting what a vile animal he was and how he dared to lay his filthy hands on the fair Akane Tendo. Kuno then found himself smashed maliciously into a brick wall from a powerful kick to his ribs. Ranma continued on, never even sparing a glance at the pitiful kendo artist.
As always, Shampoo showed up on her pink bicycle ringing that god-be-damned bell that threatened to burst his eardrums. Never a man to hit a woman, this time round Ranma couldn't care anymore and let Shampoo get what she truly deserves. A sound working over. Slinging Akane over his shoulder, Ranma singled handedly picked up the Chinese Amazon on her bike and flung both rider and contraption into over the bridge and straight into the canal. Leaving a blatantly hissing purple cat.
Kodachi was next to show up, before her annoying laugh could leave her throat; Ranma had bound the insane gymnast head to toe with her own scarlet ribbon. Taking deliberate care to gag Kodachi up in the process.
Ukyo was the last to turn up. Even though Ranma saw her as good friend, he refused to put up with her silly antics any longer. Any threat to Akane was going to be eliminated, be it a friend or foe. As the okinomiyaki chef approached, Ranma threw a feral growl and looked her straight in the eye. It was a warning to stay back, a promise of whimsical murder, of gleeful slaughter if she didn't. Ukyo was so terrified that she fell on her knees and scooted away from him, shaking uncontrollably.
After what seemed like years, the familiar sight of the threshold of the Tendo dojo household came into view. Stopping in front of the gates, Ranma was perplexed to find it locked. He didn't have the keys with him as they were always wide open, allowing him to stroll in. Slamming his fist against the door, Ranma yelled out "Hey open up! Akane's in bad shape!" A good twenty seconds passed and still the door remained shut. Slapping his palm to his forehead in irritation, Ranma let out a groan.
He had forgotten that Mr. Tendo and his father had left for a two week training journey. Nabiki having graduated from Furikken high had just left a week ago to pursue her studies in America. Happosai that perverted old geezer must be out scouring for his 'pretties'. In fact Ranma was immensely thankful that he wouldn't have to put up with his grandmaster's twisted pervasions. *Wait a minute? Where was gentle kasumi? Shouldn't she be home at least?* Kasumi should have heard him and unlocked the door. But she wasn't in sight.
Unable to withstand it any longer, Ranma took a few steps back before leaping over the wall; sailing effortlessly into the yard. It was pitch black, the only source of illumination came from the porch lamps. This was not a good sign. Ranma strode towards the living room, his fingers fumbling for the light switch. Blinking rapidly to adjust his eyes to sudden brightness, Ranma scanned his surroundings. "Kasumi?" He called out tentatively, half expecting to see her kind smile. But still the homemaker didn't appear.
Just then, Ranma noticed a note lying on the coffee table. Cradling Akane gently in one arm, he stooped to pick it up. It was addressed to him and Akane. "Ranma, Akane. I'm sorry to leave the both of you in such short notice. But must friend Nanami who lives in Shinagawa is giving birth soon and she needs me to assist her as her husband is currently away on a business trip. I'll be back in approximately two days time. Probably by late afternoon. By the way, do take care of yourselves and try to get along. Love: Kasumi.
P.S: I've left your dinners in the fridge."
The note fluttered out of Ranma's limp hand. Two whole days…alone…with a sick Akane… Ranma did what he had never done before, he panicked. Of all the times he had ever wished, fantasized about being alone with his fiancé; it had to be now. Apparently, god has a sick sense of humor. Ranma forced himself to think of a solution, as he bit his lower lip in agitation.
Then like the sun emerging from behind dark clouds, it struck him. Doctor Tofu! Flinging both his and Akane's satchels hastily, Ranma lifted the unresponsive girl into a piggyback before dashing off to the chiropractor. To Ranma's dismay, there hanging outside of Dr. Tofu's clinic was the closed sign. "Doctor Tofu! Where the Fuck are you!" he bellowed at the top of his lungs, jerking the nearby residents awake.
"Hey kid! Don't you know that some of us are trying to get some sleep?"A red faced oji-san roared at the pigtailed martial artist from his bedroom window.
"Sorry…" Ranma mumbled sheepishly as he quailed slightly under the hard gaze of the sleep deprived old man.
"Hmph! Well if you're looking for doctor Tofu, he isn't here. Went out on an emergency home visit about two hours ago." With that the grumpy elderly man slammed his window shut. Leaving poor Ranma in the lurch. With his last resort pulverized, Ranma was at a lost. Meanwhile, Akane was starting to shiver uncontrollably. Switching to carrying her back in bridal style, Ranma felt Akane's forehead only to find that her fever had risen sharply.
There was no time to lose, he have to bring it down fast as too high a fever would jeopardize a person's life. Ranma also knew that when a person starts to shiver it's a sign that the body is at its limit.
Racing back to the Tendo residence in less than three minutes, once again Ranma cleared over the wall. But in his haste, he miscalculated and landed in the pond rather than in the safe boundary of the yard. With a splash that sent water everywhere, the couple plunged deep. Resurfacing with a splutter and a cough, the now female Ranma dragged herself and Akane out of the frigid water and onto the green grass. Pausing to wipe the rivets that were dripping over her face, Ranma cursed as she found Akane curled into a fetal position.
The shock from being dumped into freezing waters had worsened Akane's fever. Her shivering grew even more intense as the poor girl tried to withstand the agony that was coursing through her body. Akane could feel the heat within the body rising rapidly. The flames were burning her from inside out. "Ranma…Ranma…" though unconscious, Akane had involuntarily pleaded out to the person that meant the most to her. Wishing, hoping that he could alleviate her suffering.
Hearing Akane's pleads made Ranma even more ashamed of herself. Hoisting her frail quaking form onto her back, Ranma bolted up the stairs heading straight for Akane's room. With a kick, she flung the door open and was about to lay Akane gently on the soft duvet when she found her soaking wet. Akane's pristine school blouse was plastered to her torso, hair dripping steadily. Propping her against the side the bed, Ranma opened the closet to snag a pair of cute yellow pajamas and a fluffy towel.
Ranma crouched down towards Akane, carefully toweling each individual strand dry. Patting those pale cheeks lovingly. The red head kept diligently to her task, stopping only when Akane's hair turned from dripping wet to slightly damp. Ranma chuckled at the comical sight. Due to her vigorous admistrations, Akane now looked as though she had wakened up with extremely bad bed hair. But it was a fleeting moment. Ranma sobered as she contemplated on her next task. Undressing Akane.
Taking a couple of deep breaths to compose herself, Ranma reached for the hem of Akane's pinafore with trembling fingers; stripping her of the wet garment. Scooting back frantically, Ranma averted her gaze from the enticing sight. Clad only in her school blouse that clung to her every curve, Akane looked like a siren. But what unnerved Ranma the most was the fact that Akane was practically naked from waist down. *Oh my god…* those blue polka-dot panties… Clinging low on her hips allowing Ranma a seductive glance of Akane's pelvic bone. Not to mention ivory smooth thighs that shimmered faintly under the moonlight.
Even though Ranma was currently in the body of a girl, his mind was still pure, unadulterated male. Like any normal hormone infused teenager, who wouldn't be fazed by such an alluring display of female beauty? *Get a grip on yourself! It's not like you've never seen her naked before!*
*Ah but never so closed up eh? Hee hee, why don't you remove her top? I ensure you that it'll be an even greater view!* A snide voice crept from the depts. Of his spirit.
*Gah! Where had that come from?* Ranma tugged at her scalp as she let out a silent scream.
*Okay let's stop fooling around and get down to business.* Steeling her resolve, Ranma's unsteady fingers fumbled at the buttons of Akane's blouse. Starting with the first, her eyes fixed forcefully on Akane's face. After a couple of failed attempts, Ranma unbuttoned it. Revealing her Akane's elegant neck.
*So far so good, now on to the second…* Moving on, Ranma ventured into dangerous territory. The second button was located smack in the middle of Akane's chest. Taking as much care to minimize the amount of contact, Ranma proceeded with her task.
Once the button was undone, Ranma moved her hands lower towards the third but accidently brushed against the soft under curve of Akane's right breast. Springing back as though she had been burned, Ranma found her heart jack- hammering as if to break free from the confines of her ribs. Face darkened into a crimson red, Ranma clutched her chest as she fought to calm herself down.
Gulping audibly, Ranma stole a glance and almost got a nosebleed in the process. There, displayed carelessly was the tantalizing view of Akane's cleavage. And all the taunts of being sexless, she was practically an innocent temptress! Unable to withstand it any longer, Ranma unleashed her Chestnut Roasting over an Open Fire technique. Stripping Akane's blouse off, toweling her body dry and shimmed her into the pajamas. In all it took less than ten seconds, but Ranma felt as though it was ten years.
Lying Akane on her bed, Ranma rushed towards the furo. Grabbing a couple of handkerchiefs and a basin, she reached for the taps. But in her haste, she mistook the hot tap from the cold, spraying herself with a jet of hot water. Ranma twisted the right tap and filled the basin up. Once full, he yanked it shut and rushed back to Akane's room. The fact that he reverted back to his original form went unnoticed.
Plopping the basin down beside him, Ranma dipped a handkerchief into it. Allowing the fabric to absorb as much as it could before fishing it out and wringing it slightly. Folding the kerchief neatly into a square, he place it on Akane's forehead. Using another, he gently wiped off the sweat that was brimming on her flushed face and neck.
Ranma pried opened Akane's jaw and placed a thermometer under her tongue. He was flabbergasted to when he saw the reading, a whooping forty degrees Celsius! Ranma checked the kerchief on Akane's forehead and found that the coolness had already been siphoned off. He replaced it with a fresh batch but within mere minutes it went back to being warm.
Ranma kept to his demanding task, never wavering for a moment. Unfortunately, Akane's fever showed no sign of abating or even decreasing. Wiping the sweat off his brow, Ranma pulled his cheeks in frustration. He was getting desperate; he had tried everything from wiping her sweat off and trying to cool the fever off with ice cold water. *Wait a minute, Ice…Ice…Soul of Ice technique! Why didn't I think of that sooner? But…but…that means body contact, skin against skin…
Slapping himself hard in the face, Ranma winced from the smarting blow. This wasn't the time for hesitations, Akane is suffering and all he could think about is perverse thoughts. Undoing the frogs on his shirt, Ranma rid himself of the garment including the black undershirt he wore underneath. Heaving a sigh of determination, Ranma eased Akane out of her pajama top before lifting her off the bed and settling the girl sideways in his lap.
Ranma closed his eyes and stilled his breathing. The trick of the soul of Ice technique was to rid of one's thoughts. Entering the void of nothingness, to be cool calm and collected. It was critical that all other emotions particularly strong ones such as anger, frustration and uneasiness should eliminated or else the technique will not work.
Ranma filled his lungs with a deep breath, easing the burning sensation from the precious lack of air. He savored the relief for a moment before exhaling slowly. After a couple more of breathing exercises, Ranma's ki started to swirl around him. Instead of flaring up like a typical battle aura, this time round his ki resembled a fog, oozing around the couple.
The temperature in the room started to decrease rapidly as the ki grew stronger. It was time. With the soul of Ice complete, Ranma wrapped his arms around Akane and gently brought her closer to his chest. With her sitting sideways on his thigh, only her left side was in contact. But Ranma dare not venture further; instead he chose to tuck his head in the crook of Akane's shoulder. Savoring how silky and soft her skin was. He involuntarily inhaled her sweet scent. Even though it was lightly covered with the smell of sweat, but underneath that laid the perfect blend of tangerines and strawberries. The perfume that always caressed his senses whenever the tomboy passes by.
Drifting in a scorching desert, Akane dragged her feet forward. She could barely keep her eyes open from the blearing glare and heat from the blazing sun. Finally Akane's legs gave out and caused her to fall face down onto the sand. Spitting out the dirt particles, she scoured her surroundings. It was hopeless, the desert stretched endlessly into the horizon. There was nothing in sight but the barren landscape. With a heavy heart, Akane slumped in defeat as she caved into the merciless heat.
Just when Akane felt as though she was on the verge of death, there was a refreshing cooling sensation of the left side of her body. At first she was perplexed; it was in the middle of the desert so how can there be air-conditioning?
Well she's not going to waste her strength to figure that puzzle out. Instead, Akane latched herself to the source of the coolness. Moaning as she felt the coolness combat the heat.
"Mmm…" Ranma gave a start as he heard a satisfied moan leave the lips of the girl sitting on his thigh. Quick as a wink, Akane knocked Ranma's hands away and clambered into his lap. Settling herself comfortably, she proceeded to lift her legs and let them fall at his sides. Effectively straddling the boy. She didn't stop there; instead Akane crossed them causing her thighs to clutch at Ranma's torso. Looping her arms around his neck, Akane pulled Ranma closer as she pressed herself urgently against his chest. Uttering a sigh of contentment as she rested herself on Ranma's left pectoral.
While Akane may have found temporary relief, for Ranma it was the beginning of a torturous ordeal. When Akane had knocked his hands away he had been surprised. But as she executed a gloomp worthy of Shampoo's approval, all coherent thoughts fled Ranma's mind. Leaving him petrified and utterly speechless.
Ranma was trapped, with Akane's slim yet athletic thighs in a vice like grip around his torso, he couldn't budge and inch to save his life. Ranma was also extremely aware of the two soft globes squishing nicely against him. A distinct contrast with his own flat and rugged chest. Even though there was a thin barrier between them, it only heightened his senses.
It took a good ten minutes before Ranma started to thaw from his frozen state and it was not due to his Soul of Ice either. Swallowing the huge lump in his throat with difficulty, Ranma shifted uneasily and earned himself an irritated snort from Akane. Apparently displeased that her Ice source was putting up signs of struggle, she clung to it even tighter. Smirking as it ceased its efforts to escape.
"Yes…so cool…more…more…" Akane purred in pleasure as she nuzzled her cheek against Ranma's chest. Those naughty words uttered in such a sultry tone almost broke Ranma's Soul of Ice right there and then. It took all his will power to stay in control; he had never felt so turned on in his entire life.
Ranma's ki flickered as conflicted emotions coursed through his conscience. With a tremendous effort, he wrestled them into submission. He wasn't Ryoga, Kuno or even Happosai who couldn't control their urges. He was supposed to help Akane not ravish her. Even though Ranma fervently hoped that there would be such opportunities in the near future.
So once again, Ranma wrapped his arms around Akane, giving into her request. With such close contact, the effectiveness of the Soul of Ice tripled. The frost rippled through Akane diving straight into her core. The battle between fire and ice commenced as each tried their best to extinguish the other. The fight was fierce, with both elements neck in neck with no apparent successor. But after a tense two hours, fire caved in to the ice's pressure. At long last, Akane's fever was broken.
Never having to sustain the Soul of Ice for such a long period of time, Ranma was exhausted. During the first thirty minutes, Ranma felt fine. But as the minutes stretched into hours, he felt the strain on both his mental and physical being. Ranma pushed on, shoving the unnecessary emotion of fatigue away. He must not and will not give up until Akane is save from danger. Finally Akane's red hot ki which was searing against his ice cold one flickered and died out. Returning to its original state.
*Is it…can it be?* Ranma allowed himself to hope as he felt Akane's forehead. With a huge sigh of relief, Ranma broke his Soul of Ice and slumped onto her shoulder.
Jeez, she's always such a hassle. Stubborn as a bull, headstrong and nosey. Asking Akane to stay away is equivalent to giving her a one way ticket into your affairs. To tell the truth, Ranma had disliked Akane at first. He found her short temper and violent ways annoying. But as he got to know her better, he realized that underneath that tough macho chick exterior laid a sweet and kind soul.
Honestly, she doesn't even think of her own safety. Always rushing headfirst into someone's aid be it helping her classmates or even battling an eight headed dragon head-on. Frowning on at the memories, Ranma clicked his tongue in annoyance. Though they fight at every single moment it was actually their own private way of exchanging affections. Or so for Ranma's case.
Always a guy to be caught up in dangerous and ridiculous situations, Ranma needed a girl who could keep up with him. And who better to fit the bill than Akane his insufferable, fiery tomboy. Smiling faintly at the sleeping beauty, Ranma gently caressed Akane's cheek with his thumb. Bending forward, he pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead. Pouring all of his unsaid words and gratitude into that small gesture of affection. Now if only he could muster enough energy to tuck Akane into bed… However Ranma was deprived of the chance as he succumbed to Sandman's call.
I'll stop here, for now. Stay tune to chap 2! I wonder how Akane will react
when she wakes up in the morning?