Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma and/or InuYasha. Maya-kun is the only creation of my inspiration.

Notes: Chapter 20 was misplaced for more-less half a day. Gomen ne…. I corrected it alreaday. I'm having some trouble with the story, and mostly decide the conections clues before the climax. I apologize any impatience… and the infinite misspelling, remember that English is my second language. I hope you enjoy the story, and I would appreciate couple of positive reviews. I really don't know if it's going the right way or at least, if its credible amongst Ranma's and Inuyasha's fans. 'Akane's monologue' was necessary to stabilize the maturity that most of the characters obtained.

äynömaÿac

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"Ryouga" Ranma called at his assigned door at the hospital before entering.

"What do you want Ranma?" replied Ryouga with a seldom resignation.

"I would like to talk to you…" said Ranma still behind the door.

There was no reply save the halfway opened door. Ranma entered the room. And sat on the chair next to Ryouga that was returning to his hospital bed. He was still in pain.

"What is it? Are you going to tell the details of your betrayal towards Akane. Whom are you two-timing her with? Why did you said you would marry her because for your stupid pride?" said Ryouga enraged yet with a low voice.

"No. Ryouga. I just want to understand that you have no business with my love matter's, whatsoever…. at least not anymore. So, I would like to ask in the humblest manner to stay away from me. We were never real friends, were we? You were my only true rival. Yet, this rivalry was because of Akane." said Ranma, with an evident annoyance.

"But Akane…" claimed Ryouga. Ranma interrupted him before he could say something more… "Akane…. And I…. will not get married. And that is a decision I took a while back before the fight." Stated Ranma. "I won't let anyone to interfere in my future anymore. And she is not included in it, by choice." Finished Ranma.

"Why this sudden change?" asked Ryouga anxiously. "Does it have to do with your friend that was injured during the fight?"

"Yes. " Ranma told Ryouga straight to the eye. According to Ryouga, his rival's eyes, after couple of seconds, had no focus. He could've sworn that they were remembering something. He assured this after he saw his eyes filled up with tears. Is he….? Ryouga's eyes widened. He was remembering something…. Something that happened that same night.

"Ranma, do you love that girl?" Ryouga got a grip of his arm, startling him. Ranma forced his arm free, stood up, and turned to exit the room.

"As I've told you, My problems are none of your concern. Good bye, Ryouga."

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"Mrs. Higurashi, May I please speak to Kagome- chan?" asked I sad voice over the phone. "Are you Akane-chan, her classmate?" asked the lady nicknamed Mama.

"Yes" replied the girl that was about to cry for the 34th time that day.

"Hold on, she just arrived to the house" said Mr. Higurashi.

In the background that the phone did, you could hear 'Kagome' been yelled throughout the Higurashi house. After couple of minutes, Kagome answered the phone.

"Akane-chan." Asked Kagome worried, they never talked on the phone. After listening to her, Akane tele-transported herself to Kagome's shoulder.

"Ranma know that I attacked her…. He told me such terrible things. Kagome, please help me. Would you stay with me tonight?" said Akane sobbing.

"Akane… I can't. I bearly got back home and my boyfriend is visiting me. Tomorrow we're leaving…." Kagome interrupted herself Oh! No She doesn't know about my time travel.

"Leaving??? Where to??" asked Akane overwhelmed.

"He's taking to a… date outside town" improvised Kagome.

"Ask him if he wants to stay as well, he's welcome. I just need company. Ranma might come back to the house tonight, (although I doubt it) I can't bear looking at him without feeling I want to die" said Akane desperately.

Is it that bad?... But how would InuYasha would behave amongst them. Kagome thought. "I don't know, Akane. InuYasha is not quite fond socializing with strangers. Sometimes, he doesn't control himself". InuYasha was behind he listening the conversation, asked Kagome to talk to her. She excused herself from Akane and laid the phone piece on the table.

"Kagome. What's wrong, you seem worried." Asked InuYasha suspiciously. "My good friend she's in trouble. It might be a life or death matter, and she asked me if we can stay with her tonight?" said Kagome evidently worried.

"Your friend, you say? Do you want to stay with her?" asked InuYasha thinking One more night, one more chance to spend time with her.

"But, what about our quest? I thought you didn't wanted me to stay in my time another day" asked Kagome quite confused with InuYasha reaction. "We can leave tomorrow when the sun sets"

"InuYasha….. Thank you for understanding" said Kagome happily. She picked the phone set again and confirmed to Akane that they were staying the night with her.

"Let's go. What are we waiting for?"

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äynömaÿac