Chapter 21

Akane awoke with a start. Trying to catch her breath she decided to lie still, not exactly wanting to wake up the person next to her. As her eyes attempted to adjust to the darkness, she recounted what exactly it was that had her jumping awake.

Her dreams were becoming too realistic.

She had been feeling this way for a while, but this last one… this last one really took the cake. Shaking her head a bit to rid her of the images, she finally noticed something was out of place, or rather, something was missing. The room was silent, void of all noises, especially one that has become something of a comfort to her in situations like this; Ranma's snoring.

Slowly, trying to calm her suddenly wildly beating heart, she reached out beside her to check that he was indeed there however she wound up having to stifle a squeal of panic. Taking a deep breath, she tried again but this time allowed a whimper of worry to escape her.

She couldn't move her hands.

Frantically she whipped her eyes, which had now slightly adjusted to the lack of light, around the room to find that her panic was indeed justified. She wasn't in her room with her fiancée next to her, in her comfy bed, in her comfy pajamas. Instead she was in a room that looked strangely familiar to her for reasons beyond her at the moment.

Plain and simple, she wasn't home.

Her dream instantly came back to her and she realized, with gut wrenching panic, that maybe it wasn't a dream at all. Everything had actually happened. That means…

"Xian Pu!"

Akane's eyes widened in shocked confirmation of her earlier thoughts as the familiar Chinese name was shouted outside of the room she was in. Somehow she managed to calm herself down and turned her head just in time as the door was opened slowly. Evening her breathing out she feigned sleep as the woman who managed to haunt her in her dreams and now real life approached her.

For some reason, Shampoo seemed cautious, especially when she leaned over her to get a better look. Through her eyelashes Akane saw that she was not looking at her, but rather her stomach. Suddenly she felt the bottom of her (or rather Ranma's) sweatshirt and undershirt lift and had to hold back a hiss as the cold air touched her skin. What was Shampoo doing? Dread suddenly filled her as horror stories of women having their babies cut right out of them…

A sob caught her attention and against her will her eyes flew open.

That wasn't from her that was from Shampoo. Quickly she closed her eyes once more as she noticed Shampoo beginning to straighten herself out, wiping her face in the process. Was she really that disturbed? Or was she really that in love with Ranma? Despite whom it was standing there beside her Akane felt her heart squeeze a bit for the obviously hurt woman in front of her.

The moment was gone in a flash however when the elder of the Amazons hopped her way into the room, whispering harshly something to Shampoo in Chinese. The girl only nodded in response, stopping only once to lift what looked like some kind of bound bird up… Mousse! Akane's heart sank as she realized that they had also caught Mousse, the one person whom they had been depending on to give them a fair warning about what was to come.

Well, now it all made sense how Shampoo was able to strike when she had. After the two Amazons left the room Akane let her thoughts wander as she released a breath she wasn't aware she was holding. Her mind drifted to her fiancé. He would more than likely be having a fit right now, even though he was probably well aware of where she was being held captive at. Kohan drifted across her mind and she suddenly felt a bit sick. The poor girl. It's been years since she had practiced the art but she had managed to hold her own for a bit against Shampoo. The sickening crack that she had heard as Shampoo broke Kohana's arm before she threw her through the dojo's wall echoed through her head once more and Akane briefly wondered if she were going to throw up.

Calming herself down, she did a mental check of her body. Nothing was out of the ordinary. She didn't have any broken bones or anything except the couple of scrapes and bruises that were sure to show up eventually.

Why hadn't Shampoo finished the job when she had the chance? She could have killed her right then and there, but, she didn't. Akane couldn't wrap her mind around the concept of being spared, especially since Shampoo had issued the kiss of death to her years ago and still had yet to fulfill it. She had every opportunity to do so earlier so why…?

A thought came to her as she tried to glance over her stomach in an attempt to see if her feet were bound too. Her stomach… her baby! That was it! They wanted Ranma bad enough that they were going to keep her alive as a bribe. That had to be it; there was no way that they were going to get him to come along with her and their baby dead. That would only serve to enrage him and the stories that she had heard about what he did to Saffron…

The sound of the front door to the restaurant opening and closing signaled that she was now alone. They must have thought that she was still out cold. Sitting still a few seconds longer to make sure that they were really gone, Akane attempted to go vertical without so much luck. Seeing as her hands were tied she had no way to leverage herself to sit up, so she decided to just lay there until she could think of a better plan. The moment something brushed her leg, she was struck with inspiration. "Hey Mousse…"

The duck's face came into view and Akane was surprised that she was able to decipher the look of shock on his face. "Yeah hey, I'm up. I think they left." The duck remained still for a second, listening to see if what she was saying was indeed true. Akane on the other hand noticed that he was tied up as he had been before. If she could somehow get herself to sit up, she could put her plan into action. She began to struggle again to sit up when thankfully Mousse seemed to get the message and maneuvered behind her to help out. Eventually it worked out and she was upright once again. Mousse came around to the front and waited for her to make her next move. A small smile graced her lips knowing that he was actually there to help like he said he would, even if this was not how he had intended things to go.

"Alright Mousse, listen up. I need to help you get out of here so you can warn Ranma about what's going down. I know you know their plan don't you?" Almost gravely, the duck gave a nod and something like the raw fear she had been feeling nestled in her chest once again. There was something more to what she had thought that Mousse knew, and from his body language even in duck form, she could tell that this was going to be as dangerous as ever. She tried to shake the feeling off as best as she could and focused. Just sitting around here without taking some kind of action wasn't going to help her any.

"Okay, here's the game plan…"

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Kohana was in a state of mild shock and apprehension.

When she had asked the boy, Ryouga, how it was that he knew her best friend she wasn't prepared for his life's story. Admittedly she wasn't really listening to any of it at first, seeing as she was too busy ogling him and fantasizing about those sexy fangs of his… ahem. Anyways, like she said, she wasn't really listening to anything at first until he started to talk about Ranma and some kind of curse he had.

At first she blew the whole thing off, like, really, whatever. But then she saw what he was talking about up close and personal herself while she absentmindedly watched Ranma take some of his frustrations out by practicing some katas. Unfortunately for him he was splashed with some water from out of nowhere by some little old man and that's when she felt her mouth drop to the floor. Ranma had literally gone from being a male, to a short, voluptuous red-headed version of himself. How exactly did she know that that was actually Ranma who was now a girl? Well that would be because the little old man who had initially splashed him was latched on to his new chest happily chanting out his name. Happily, that is, until he was face down in a crater that should have belonged on the moon.

She couldn't stop staring as Ranma stomped by and proceeded to head to the kitchen. Sneaking in behind him, she watched as he heated up some water and then doused himself, turning back into a man instantly.

Thus, the reason she was in a state of mild shock and apprehension.

Why mild shock though? Maybe it was because on some level she had just accepted whatever whacked out things were coming her way. And while she was at it, as much as she was at the Tendo residence, how was it that she never saw him change before? Maybe it was because he was never really around while she was there, and maybe he was extra careful at school. Ever since her return to Nerima, she found that the town wasn't what it had once been almost two years ago when she had initially left. Well, that and meeting Akane's new, friends, would do that to you.

She looked around at some of the people milling about; Ranma was once again out in the yard practicing, looking as if he were miles and miles away while everyone else was either recovering or trying to keep themselves relaxed. Akane's father had what could only be classified as a mental breakdown not to long ago so he was currently in his bedroom. Nabiki was sitting next to her watching television but really lost in thought while Ukyo was in the kitchen helping Kasumi.

Smiling to herself, Kohana thought about the last couple of months she had spent getting to know everyone. They all had their little quirks about them, what with Nabiki taking photos of her and selling them as she's come to be known as the exotic Japanese girl, and Kasumi being as well… spacey as ever about some things (when was she going to get a clue about Tofu?). Ukyo on the other hand had seemingly started out as an enemy, but she and the chef had managed to build a mutual respect and friendship with each other. Well, that and her twin had the biggest crush on her ever.

Ranma was someone that took her a while to come around to. The letters that her best friend had sent her while she was away described the boy as, and she quoted, 'a perverted cross-dressing freak.' She couldn't fathom what that had actually meant until now, seeing as he well, changes into a girl. However what had initially made her not like him was the way Akane told her he taunts and puts her down. She was glad to see that upon her arrival back home none of that was going on, but then again there was a whole different thing going on when she finally came back. An event, now that she thought about it, gave her the sense that something had been missing in her life before. Maybe it was all the craziness that her friend was going through; not that she had wanted it to that degree of course.

Soft footsteps brought her attention away from the koi pond and she found Ryouga nervously making his way back towards her. Another look around confirmed that she had been abandoned by Nabiki, thus leaving her and the fanged boy all to themselves. Damn, she hoped he wouldn't notice the blush on her cheeks.

She watched as he rubbed the back of his head, awkwardly giving her a slight, apologetic bow. "Sorry about that… I guess I got lost on my way to and from the bathroom." Kohana hid the giggle behind her uninjured hand. Ranma was right; the boy really did have a horrible sense of direction. "It's okay, Hibiki-san, really." His face turned red and she briefly wondered how she had embarrassed him. "Ah, please, don't be so formal. Call me Ryouga." When she nodded, he surprised her by deciding to continue the conversation that they were previously having before he ventured off to the bathroom.

"So, ah, Kohana-chan," She mentally slapped herself when a huge geeky grin spread across her face when he said her name, "If you don't mind me asking, how do you know Akane?" Her smile toned itself down as she thought back to the first time the two met, all the way back in kindergarten.

"Well, I grew up with her here in town. I actually used to live right down the street from here." Boy, if he had a sense of direction she'd tell him how to get to her place now! "Ahem, anyways, we met on the first day of school in kindergarten. Some kids were making fun of me, and one boy that happened to be bigger than me pushed me down. Akane was right there to help me though, even though she didn't know me at all." She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her as the memory played itself over again in her mind's eye. "She beat that poor boy up and sent him home crying. After that, she asked if I wanted to be friends and well… that was that."

She was shocked to see that he was staring at her so intently; a question was evident in his face. "What were they teasing you about, if you don't mind me asking?" She blinked a couple of times and had to squash the smart comment that was forming on her tongue. What did he mean? He would be able to tell by just looking at her! A thought struck with embarrassment suddenly as she recalled his own tales he had just relayed. He awful sense of direction had taken him all over the world nearly, so he saw other people that looked like her, didn't he? Sighing she answered, "they were teasing me because… because of how I look and what I am."

He gave her a full once over and she felt a blush creeping up her neck. He looked almost as if he were appreciative of what he was seeing. "I don't see anything wrong with you." She smiled. His parents taught him well then. "Ah yeah, well there is something wrong with me, according to some people… a majority of the older generation to be exact." When he still wasn't getting it, she decided to elaborate. "I'm not… fully… Japanese. My mother was African-American. Some people… some people don't like that, and kids, well… I was the only one in my class besides my twin that had that type of heritage. When you're different, kids can be rather cruel. Akane though, she didn't see any of that, and that's why I really cherish our friendship."

He smiled at her then shifted his gaze to the boy out in the yard whom was busy having a conversation with the old man from earlier. "I think…" Her eyes snapped up to his but they weren't focused on her at all, "I think that's part of the reason Ranma loves Akane so much. She accepted every part about him, including his curse. It didn't make a difference to her whether he turned into a girl or, hell, he could even turn into hippo for all she cared!" The two shared a laugh then and out of nowhere a sob escaped someone's throat.

Kohana's eyes widened when she realized the sound had come from her and quickly covered her mouth before another one could make it past her lips. What was wrong with her? It was almost as if remembering how she and Akane became friends was like she was mourning her or something. Akane… she was in trouble but it wasn't anything that Ranma and the others could save her from right?

A strong arm wrapped itself around her shoulders and pulled her close, being ever so careful of her injured arm. Looking up through wet lashes, she saw Ryouga's tomato-red face somewhere through her bangs and decided it was okay to lose it. Clinging to his yellow shirt she buried her face in his chest and lost it, stopping only when she felt another presence beside her.

Peeking past the yellow material she saw Ranma's sad face and started tearing up even more. She knew he was completely shattered inside and that it should be her giving him a comforting smile instead of it being the other way around. "Hey 'Hana, it's okay. I'm going to get her back, I promise. You gotta rest though. Knowing 'Kane she's probably worried sick about you right now." Kohana didn't trust her voice at that moment so she settled on nodding instead. "Okay. I gave Hiro a call and he should be on his way to get you in a minute. Let me know when you head out, I'd like to have a couple of words with your brother." She nodded again as he stood and made his way back into the kitchen.

Ranma smiled one last time at the two before making his way back into the kitchen. He really did want to talk to Kohana's twin, if only to tell him how heroic his sister was. He also got along well with her twin, even though his visits were far and few, he still liked the guy. It was nice to see that Akane had real genuine friends like Kohana. Looking back once more over his shoulder, he allowed a smirk to grace his lips at the sight of Ryouga and the short girl still embracing. It was also nice to see Ryouga making an effort to let go of everything that happened, although the thought of those two together still wasn't one he could fully comprehend.

His thoughts roamed for a second to the conversation he had just had with none other than Happosai. There was a lot that he had to fill him in on, and secretly he was actually thankful the old pervert had made an appearance when he did. He was the only one that really knew Cologne and how she operated. Surprisingly, after explaining the situation to him he was on board to help any way that he could although… the thought of his child coming anywhere in contact with that man was something he wasn't sure about.

Ranma wasn't dumb despite what others thought of him. He knew that this was a very dangerous situation that he was walking into, thus the reason he had employed the help of Happosai. They had both come to the conclusion that Cologne was on her last leg, the fact that he and Akane were now expecting a child didn't bode well for the Amazons. Cologne was desperate, and if that letter he received was any indication, she was to the point where she was pulling out all the stops.

Currently he had to calm himself down. They had Akane, but they weren't dumb enough to do anything to her… just yet. He had time, but the question was just how much? Glancing towards the attic, he willed the old man to work faster. Hopefully there would be something up there to help him out and the minute he found it…

"Ranma?"

Blinking himself present, Ranma found that he had finally arrived at the kitchen where it seemed Ukyo was doing the cooking. Looking around he found Kasumi to be nowhere in sight. "If you're looking for Kasumi-san she's upstairs checking on their father." He looked back at Ukyo to find a suspicious look on her face. Never one to beat around the bush, Ukyo took the direct approach and said what was on her mind. "Kasumi told me about the letter from the Amazons. What are you planning to do?"

Ranma closed his eyes for a second as he thought over her question. Honestly, he wasn't sure what he was going to do. Whatever it was, he was sure that he would probably have to take Cologne head-on, and that old hag was nothing to take lightly. He was prepared though, to not make it back so long as his almost-wife and child were safe. But first, before he was sure he was completely fine with this resolution, he had something to clarify. "Ukyo… you know you're a really good friend right? Actually you're more like family than anything else."

He opened his eyes to see the shocked look on her face but continued on. "Yeah, it's true. You're like the sister I never had, and Akane, well, as of the last couple of months she's felt the same way. In fact, there was something she wanted to ask you but, well, she hasn't managed to get around to it." Ukyo's eyebrows disappeared into her bangs as she more than likely got where he was going with this. "Akane and I would be honored if you would be our child's godmother…"

Ukyo had to grip the counter for support as the words were processed in her brain. First shock, then excitement crossed her features before she finally settled on anger. "You… you!" She stomped forward, temporarily forgetting about her own injuries and backed him into a corner, jabbing a finger into his chest. Heatedly she whispered in his face "you're not sure if you're going to come back are you?"

Caught, he turned his face to the side. "I…," defeated, he decided to just go with the truth, "I don't know Ukyo." Shocked at his confession she backed off some, her once ridged finger going slack. "Wha- why?" Silence reigned and then she understood. Cologne. "Ukyo please, just, are you going to do it? Would you take that title?" She stepped back some more and crossed her hands over her chest, giving him a lazy smirk. "Always one to avoid a question aren't you?" Sighing she dropped her hands from their crossed position. "Oh course I would be honored to take that title Ranma. But I'll only do it on one condition." His head snapped back in her direction and she gave him the best pleading look she could muster.

"You have to promise to try your hardest to come back."

Silence filled the space save for the bubbling pot not too far away until he finally nodded in agreement. "I'm not making you promise to come back, I'm just asking you to try. You have a family here now, and they need you. Cologne can be unpredictable, but you have us here to help so please, use all the resources you have." He was about to retort that he was when his main resource came barreling into the kitchen waving what looked like to be a scroll enthusiastically in the air. "Ranma my boy, I think I got it!"

Before Ukyo could even ask, the two were gone.

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Shampoo found herself back in the backroom once more despite what her great-grandmother had told her. She didn't believe what was there lying before her eyes but yet it was true. How could her husband do this to her? How could he just…

Her thoughts flew back to everything that happened on Mount Phoenix and even she had to admit that it was plain as day obvious how her husband felt for the woman in front of her. That still didn't mean he didn't belong to Shampoo. Her mind wandered back to the conversation with her great-grandmother about their plan. You are to get rid of the Tendo girl and that child for good. There's no reason to leave them alive and risk son-in-law running after them once he agrees to come with us.

Could she really do it though? Akane, sure, but… a baby? It was part Ranma, which mean it could come out just as strong be it boy or girl… A thought came to Shampoo so suddenly it was almost ingenious in nature. Why hadn't she thought of it before? This way, she could not only get rid of Akane, but also ensure that her husband stays will her. She had just the herb to do it.

So caught up in her thoughts was she that she didn't notice the silent duck observing her and the label on the bottle that she picked from the shelf nearby. Smirking to herself on her latest and greatest plan to date she failed to notice the small mass that snuck by her and high-tailed it out of the restaurant as she turned and gave the sleeping girl one last look. She was sure this time, her husband would be hers and only hers.

Mousse on the other hand flew as fast as his wings could carry him with only one thought repeating itself in his mind.

Shampoo has finally lost it.

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KTKG Says: Well… here's an update. I want to thank those of you who continue to review and follow this story. I sincerely hope that you enjoyed this chapter and please excuse any grammar or spelling issues. I wanted to get this out as soon as possible seeing as my time lately has been all about work. Remember to review and take care!