DISCLAIMER: I own very little, and this is not among my holdings. This is a labor of love (lust).

The Courtship of Ranma Saotome

By Ferris Wiel

Chapter 3

Akane's head ached a little when she came to. She didn't sense danger, though. The person who had done this apparently meant her no harm. She wasn't even tied up. With the pain sensations subsiding, she decided to open her eyes and view her surroundings. *There's no way,* she blinked as she thought it.

The room she was in was a bedroom in the Jusenkyo guide's home. Somehow she had been kidnapped and taken to Jusenkyo while on her way to school. Who would take her, though? There was no way that the Saffron's people were behind this because they were busy rebuilding, and they wouldn't take her to the guide's house anyway. None of the usual Nerima suspects could have been involved either, if they could get to Jusenkyo then kidnapping her would have been the least of their concerns.

Akane stood up and walked to the door. It was open and she exited to the main room where she found...

"Ranma?"

Ranma looked up nervously and grinned like an idiot, "Uh, hey Akane. Uh, long time no see."

"Who kidnapped me? Why am I here? Where is everybody?" Akane was in no mood for games.

He kept grinning, "Uh, yeah, that's a funny story, y'see, I...kinda kidnapped you."

In a state of shock, the only thing Akane could think to do was what came by instinct. She struck him and struck hard, "You moron!"

The noise drew the Jusenkyo guide from the kitchen, "Oh, hello young miss honored guest! I see you happy to see savior of Jusenkyo."

Akane calmed down, "Okay, now what? Why am I in Jusenkyo, Ranma? You never invite me on these trips. Now you kidnap me for a mission?"

Holding his head, Ranma decided to respond meekly, "I needed to bring you along because, um."

She stood, tapping her foot impatiently, "Why? Tell me? Why not the others? You've got Ryoga, Shampoo, Mousse, your father, and Ukyo, why did you bring me? And another thing-Oh, no! I have a date tonight!"

He chuckled nervously, "Well the date was yesterday, see you lost a day because of the knockout potion."

"RANMA!"

Reflexively, Ranma flinched, but continued, "A-Akane, I needed you for this trip because...well...because you're the only one I could trust. I figured...uh...because I saved your life so many times that you'd be the best bet for watchin' my back. Besides, the others get in the way more than you do. And, I also came to a conclusion."

Akane was a little less angry, but still simmering, "Continue."

He tugged at the collar of his shirt, "Well, I can't let you keep dating that guy, Takeshi. I'm...I mean, he's a creep. That's not all, though. I want to show you that I'm the guy for you and let you know that if this goes like I want it to I'm going to get rid of my other fiancées and keep just you. I respect you and wanted you to come along because I respected you." He beamed, amazed that he had been able to say those words.

Her features softened, then hardened, "You were jealous of a childhood friend? Boy that sounds familiar! Remember Ukyo? I was 'jealous' of her but you didn't see me drug you and take you to some cursed foreign country, right? Besides, what makes you think that I want you? I've seen something in Takeshi that I've never seen in you. He's a gentleman. We like the same things, we laugh together, his life is normal, he's not a pervert, and he listens to me when I say things. Unlike you! You're pigheaded, the martial arts are your life, you make fun of me, you're a sex-changer and a pervert, and you never listen! Why would I choose you over him? I've finally gotten to be treated like a lady and I like it!" Akane stood, unashamed of her words, and ready for Ranma to bite back.

Meanwhile, Ranma was crestfallen. He thought that a getaway to an exotic location, away from the daily grind, away from the nuts and freaks that chased them around all day would be a welcome change for her, instead, he was already too late, "Akane, I'm sorry. I thought that maybe I could show you that I really cared. I guess I was wrong. I'll finish my tour here and then we can get back to Japan. You're gonna have to come along, though. I don't want to take any chances on losing you."

In a huff, Akane realized she hadn't changed in two days, "Saotome, where are my clothes? I need to get out of these and into something suitable for our hike."

He noted the use of his family name and threw his pack to her in which she found a pair of well-worn jeans, sneakers, and a hooded jacket. *You idiot, don't you think this will be just a little warm?* As she dug deeper she found one of Ranma's Chinese shirts and a pair of her hiking shorts. *This'll do nicely, in spite of the fact that the shirt is his.*

Akane went into the bathroom for a quick shower and change. When she returned Ranma couldn't help but stare, "You look, uh, good in that."

"Flattery isn't getting you anywhere, Saotome. You're dead when we get back," Akane was sincerely angry with Ranma and no small amount of posturing on his part would get him back in her good graces.

Ranma furrowed his brow and continued to get everything back into the travel pack. He had a job to do. There was a reason why he had come and Akane was only part of it. He needed to retrieve the waters of Jusenkyo to take back for the others to use.

*****

Soun Tendo found a letter the night that Ranma and Akane had disappeared. It plainly stated that Ranma wished to have some time alone with his fiancée. He wept openly at the prospect of the union between the Tendo and Saotome schools being so near. He and Nodoka were both very pleased.

Nabiki was immediately suspicious. She wished she hadn't pulled the girl off of the school route who would watch Ranma and Akane. They never got into embarrassing situations on that route, though. And with the arrival of Takeshi Nogitoma, she thought it was a good idea to have a girl follow him around and get the juicy details on him. Besides, there was no security issue for Akane on that route because Ranma had a habit of protecting Akane from any harm.

Genma also had his doubts. The boy had been behaving erratically lately and seemed to be hiding something. It was just too coincidental that Ranma would disappear like this after all of his sneaking around.

Problems really started, though, when Takeshi showed up for his date with Akane. Kasumi answered the door and was alarmed to see Akane's suitor waiting outside, "Takeshi, what a surprise to see you. Didn't Akane cancel her outing with you?"

Confused, Takeshi replied, "Wait, she's not here? I haven't heard from her since last night."

"Well," Kasumi pondered a moment, "you did know that she and Ranma took a trip, didn't you?"

Takeshi was alarmed immediately, "You just let him take her without any warning? Where did they go?"

"We're not sure, Ranma just left a note that said he wanted some time alone with her."

"Time alone with her? Did she have any say in this? That Saotome probably kidnapped her. I had front row tickets to 'Rent!' She wouldn't just drop everything and run off with him!"

Kasumi considered this, "They have gone off before, usually for training in the mountains. Of course, Akane didn't pack a bag, but several articles of her clothing are missing. I just assumed they packed a bag together."

He already had his cell phone out and was calling information, "What trail do they usually take? I'm going to see if they've signed the hikers' register."

"They usually go up the Monkey trail to camp for their trips," Nabiki had taken an interest in the turn of events. She had already contacted her people and had them checking into it.

Yes, information? Get me the number for the mountain outpost at the base of the Monkey trail." There was a pause, "Which one? All of them!"

The house phone rang and Nabiki answered, "Tendo residence, Nabiki speaking," a pause, "Oh, thank you very much." She hung up the phone and turned to Takeshi, "We've got a lead on where they were last seen."

Takeshi hung up, "Okay, so where?"

Nabiki smirked, "You're not going to like this. They were seen at the airport, boarding a plane to China."

The boy was speechless. He slumped into a chair.

The middle Tendo daughter had a wry expression on her face. She was duly impressed with Ranma, "He got under my radar completely. How did he get the money for the tickets? I had him so deep in debt that he couldn't catch the bus to next door. And besides, I didn't even suspect that he was headed that way."

"Are you quite finished?" Takeshi considered his options, then dialed a number quickly, "Is this Quistis Travel? Good. I need an airline ticket."

Nabiki grabbed his arm, "Wait, you're going after them? It'll be safer if you just wait for them to return. If Ranma went he had a good reason for it."

"Look," Takeshi was impatient, "I have been on safari in Africa, and have trained in survival skills. I'll have the best of supplies and the best possible guides to get me to where I need to go. Nothing will stop me from bringing her back. I lost her once when I was just a boy, but I'll not lose her again to that...scoundrel."

Scoundrel? Nabiki had heard Ranma called many things, but never a "scoundrel." She relented, "Okay, I'd bet the house that they've gone to Jusenkyo."

Genma poked his head around the door, he hadn't heard much but he knew somebody was going to Jusenkyo, "Son, you're going to need a trained martial artist on this trip. That rotten son of mine must be brought to justice."

"Ranma is your son? Well, at least now I know where he gets his lack of etiquette. I have no use for you." He returned to the phone call, "Okay, I am going to need two tickets to Jusenkyo leaving first thing tomorrow morning," pause, "There's no airport there? What's nearest?" He wrote down the destination, "That'll do. Charge it to the Nogitoma account. Thank you."

Nabiki looked thoughtful, "Two tickets? I thought you weren't taking Ranma's father?"

"I'm not," Takeshi ripped the sheet of paper off of the pad, "I'm taking one of Akane's friends. He's strong and intelligent, and in spite of the fact we just met, I know Akane trusts him implicitly."

Dread shot across Nabiki's face, "You don't mean," she trailed off.

"Ryoga Hibiki."

*****

The phone rang at the Hibiki residence and the visiting Akari answered, "Hello? Yes, he's here." She put her hand over the receiver, "Ryoga, it's for you."

Ryoga was shocked, he never received phone calls. "Hello?" pause, "Ranma did WHAT?!?"

Akari sensed Ryoga's anger and listened as he continued, "Okay, I'll pack and meet you at the airport tomorrow morning," pause, "Seven is fine."

He hung up and turned to Akari, "I have to go. Ranma's done something terrible to Akane."

She didn't like where this was headed, "So you're going where? I heard something about the airport."

"Takeshi Nogitoma and I are headed to China; to Jusenkyo, particularly," for some reason, Ranma's taken Akane there. I'm guessing he's gone off the deep end." He grew somber, "While I'm there I'm going to find a cure for my curse so I can be a complete man. I have to."

She knew this day would come, "Will you come back to me?"

"I don't know," he scratched his head, "I get lost pretty easy."

She laughed at this, "Okay, you better get packing."

He ran off to go find his room and his backpack.

Akari sat alone in the quiet and said a short prayer, "Please come back to me, Ryoga."

*****

It was a short hike to the springs and the guide proudly announced their arrival, "See here, honored guests, we now at cursed springs!"

Akane looked at the springs and stood far enough back to know that she was safe and wouldn't fall in. She had no desire to turn out like freak show the fiancée.

The guide directed Ranma to the spring of the drowned girl. He shuddered as he remembered falling in and realizing that anatomical pieces had moved and shrank and grown and disappeared completely during his first dip into the pool. He pulled a bottle from his pack clearly marked as "For Shampoo" and proceeded to fill the bottle with the cursed water.

Akane was shocked and impressed that Ranma would consider the others when trying to retrieve the curse cure. She was even more impressed that he would get the drowned-girl water first. This was until she realized that getting the water of drowned-girl first was safest because if he fell in there was no harm in it.

He quickly sealed the bottle, then made his way carefully to the spring of drowned man to find the water he could use to change himself and the others back to normal.

Suddenly Ranma sensed a change in the wind; something wasn't right. The guide had disappeared and something was unsettling but he couldn't quite place it. Out of nowhere came a flying kick that he deftly, but only barely dodged. He looked up to see a girl who looked vaguely familiar to him. "Amazons," he whispered.

She spoke to him in her native tongue, of course he didn't understand. He knew he had to be careful with her, though. He couldn't fight her because he knew how the Amazon laws worked now.

Two others stepped out of the underbrush. They were older girls, women really, and both wore outfits very similar to what Shampoo would wear on missions.

The taller of the two elder girls had dark black hair and the shorter had green. The girl that nearly kicked him had pink hair, and all of them wore their hair long and very much like Shampoo's.

The black-haired girl spoke, "My name is Hairspray, outsider male. Tell me, have you been claimed yet? And be aware that I will know if you lie."

*Well, at least she speaks Japanese, that's a relief. Let's see if the diplomacy Cologne tried to teach me has any value.* He bowed low, "Honorable Amazon Hairspray, I have indeed had claim laid to me by three honorable women. Shampoo, great-granddaughter of the most honorable matriarch Cologne, the outsider Ukyo of the clan Kuonji, and the outsider Akane of the clan Tendo all have claim. I am promised to all three upon my honor, by my dishonorable male outsider father."

Hairspray was impressed, "You speak well for an outsider, you must be Ranma Saotome. Matriarch Cologne has spoken highly of you in her letters and your reputation precedes you."

Ranma heaved a sigh of relief.

She then continued, "But, you are also an outsider male trespassing on Amazon land, and the penalty for that must be decided by the council of elders. This woman with you has the opportunity to claim custody and responsibility for you," Hairspray turned to Akane, "do you wish to claim custody of this male?"

Akane was at wits end, and this made Ranma very nervous, but finally she bowed low and said, "Honorable Amazon Hairspray, I, Outsider Akane Tendo, will take responsibility for the male, Ranma Saotome," and added under her breath, "Ranma, you owe me big."

Hairspray nodded, "It is decided then, for the time being, until his fate is determined by the elders, Ranma Saotome is the servant of the Outsider Akane Tendo."

Akane smiled slightly at this, maybe the trip wouldn't be so bad after all.

*****

Ryoga had only been on an airplane one time and that was because he accidentally found himself in the cargo bay of an airborne delivery service. This was completely different.

Most important of all, he had made it on time to the airport. Of course, Akari had a hand in that. As a matter of fact, she and he took a taxi to the airport so that he would arrive on time. She had kissed him on the cheek before they met up with Takeshi and he had blushed and grinned.

He turned to his travelling companion, "So, Takeshi, have you been to China before?"

Takeshi didn't feel terribly conversational but he engaged Ryoga, "A few times. I've been to Beijing and Hong Kong with my father. I haven't been to Jusenkyo yet, though."

"Oh, it's pretty there, as long as you stay away from the water," Ryoga grinned, his fangs showing. "I'd say if you just keep your feet under you you'll be just fine."

"You know this Saotome, correct?" Takeshi stared hard at Ryoga.

"Uh, yeah. We train together sometimes and fight quite a bit. He's tough and has a lot of street smarts. I don't trust him with Akane, though. He always used to make her upset. That's one reason why I decided I would try and protect her from him."

"You're a good friend, Ryoga," Takeshi glanced out the window, "Can I trust you with a small confidence?"

Ryoga looked a little nervous, "Sure. What is it?"

"When we get back to Nerima I'm going to speak with Akane's father about marriage."

The wind left Ryoga's lungs; he regained it and spoke, "You're going to propose to Mr. Tendo?"

*****

Ranma only had a vague recollection of how long it had taken to get to the Amazon village prior to his first encounter with Shampoo. He had been so angry and confused after being cursed that the days ran together. They had been hiking, though, for about five hours, and still nothing looked terribly familiar.

The Jusenkyo guide never did turn up. It was Ranma's guess that he had run at the first sign of danger. Typical. Of course, had he known that he was going before the tribunal for trespassing, he was pretty sure he would have run as well.

It was important that he find a way out of this. He couldn't fight, because fighting was what got him in the mess with Shampoo in the first place. He couldn't disguise himself, because even Hairspray knew of his curse. Running wasn't an option either, because Akane wasn't fast enough to keep pace with him. At this point it hit him; he would have to face the tribunal and accept his punishment in order to protect Akane.

The youngest Tendo daughter was quite displeased. She had no desire to be delayed in returning to Japan, and Ranma's stupidity had cost her at least one additional day away from the world she knew.

Akane considered, though, that being among Amazons had its advantages, too. For instance, she could order Ranma around without him being able to argue back. This was a definite plus. She turned to her charge, "So, Ranma, are you glad you came on this little trip of yours?"

"Akane, you knew it was necessary that I," he was cut off.

"It sounds like you're getting angry, Ranma," Akane smirked, "you know that you're not allowed to talk to your superior like that."

Hairspray rolled her eyes but never looked back, "Outsider Akane Tendo, we Amazons do have rules to protect men, much the way we have laws to protect animals. You will do your best not to abuse Ranma Saotome or you will lose the privileges of custody."

Akane frowned, this was the downside; the Amazons had honor codes. She wondered how much longer it would be before they arrived, "Hairspray, how far are we from the village?"

"We are almost there," Hairspray cleared the hilltop. "Below in the valley you can see it."

"It's larger than I expected," Akane noted that it looked more modern than she had anticipated as well.

Hairspray signaled to the pink-haired girl, Gel, who ran ahead to notify the village of their return. "They will be expecting you, but there is something I must tell you before we enter."

Ranma nodded, deciding that it was best not to say anything, he'd learned often too late that his mouth had a way of getting him in trouble

"You weren't aware of it, but Cologne had been authorized to return you by any means necessary," her gaze leveled at Ranma.

Akane sniffed, "So, attempting to accelerate the inevitable wedding march?"

Hairspray turned quickly, "You will do well to watch your mouth, as you are a guest in our village. But no, this has nothing to do with Shampoo's minor engagement difficulties. War is brewing and Saotome has proven a strong and valuable warrior, a trait rare in men."

Marginally easing her tone, Akane queried, "Okay, he can fight, I don't understand, though. He learned almost all of his special techniques from Cologne, what real good is he?"

It had the desired effect, taking Ranma down yet another peg. He turned away to survey the village.

"Saotome is more than an apt pupil of the martial arts. He can control larger volumes of chi than have been harnessed by entire generations of our people and he defeated Saffron, a feat that would have cost our tribe countless lives and taken years." She examined Ranma, "He has good breeding stock, but aside from that we need him to help negotiate a peace. Interesingly, Akane Tendo, you were also required to come. Saotome unwittingly fulfilled both requests."

"Oh, me? I'm so grateful that I wasn't overlooked, for once," Akane's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Hairspray's displeasure was apparent, "You do not yet understand your importance but the time for discussing that is later. Now we must go before the counsel."

*****

"Come along now, child. We've only a short distance left." Cologne spoke to Shampoo in their native tongue.

"Yes Great-Grandmother. Is it true that husband will be there when we arrive?"

"Of course, though I can't believe the boy stumbled into our plans. When he approached me for the knockout potion I couldn't believe the luck. I knew what he was planning but it still surprised me."

Shampoo mused, "Why is he required to return? I have yet to win his affections."

"His powers are respected and there is a chance he may be the one foretold many years ago. Vague legends spoke of the return of our most powerful warrior and his female-type fits the description. Of course, many have fallen into the spring of drowned girl and assumed a similar form."

"So, the warrior spirit within Ranma may be more than a coincidence. I see." She turned around, "Mousse," she said crossly, "Why are you falling so far behind?"

Mousse carried two large trunks full of Cologne's artifacts, his shoulders sagged under the pressure as he stumbled forward, "Shampoo, I am doing everything in my power to please you. Don't..." He never finished, he stepped in a puddle, assuming duck form.

"Well, as long as it shuts him up, I don't mind carrying the trunks. Shampoo hoisted them and continued on the path.

End Chapter 3
*****

Author's Notes: Since I didn't have any last time I figure you're in for a double-dose this time. I kid of course.

Chapter 3 specifics
This chapter is really supposed to get the ball rolling on the adventure side. I've been brooding and sentimental for two chapters, I figured it was time to at least try and involve some action.

As I said in the notes for chapter 1, amazons are important in this story. Ranma's interaction with them is vital and Akane will have a major role, too...now if I can just figure out what it should be.

Takeshi choosing Ryoga once again demonstrates that, while he may be good boyfriend material, he doesn't have what it takes to stage a rescue operation, therefore he is flawed and I'm happy to see that. I mean, who picks Ryoga as a guide?!?

Too many conveniences in Ranma being able to just waltz off with Akane? Plot devices? Perhaps, but Saotome is a pretty stealthy guy when he wants to be and planning covert ops (like he did in "kidnapping" Akane) was just my way of nodding to his military potential (foreshadowing element?).

Akane's anger here is not a passing thing. She is sincerely disgusted and Ranma is in the ever difficult position of having to "dig up" (as in use your shovel to dig a way out of your hole) as my ex-girlfriend would tell me when I'd done something very stupid.

More notes on Takeshi Nogitoma and why he was created
I figured that while Akane has the usual cast of buffoons and one-shots like Kuno, Mikado Sanzenin, and Shinnosuke, she has never had anybody that could be a viable threat in Ranma's eyes. Remember that, while he is the closest thing Akane has to an alternative, Ryoga appears on her radar only as a friend, and if she were to ever find out about his deceits I think it would be a long time coming before she forgave him and even longer before she trusted him.

Akane is a sensitive girl with real feelings. She wants to be treated with the proper respect and shown courtesy. I figured that this new character could accomplish that task. He could be a well-rounded young gentleman who had genuine feelings for her, not just the unwashed lust like Kuno has, or the feelings of tenderness inspired by her kindness and friendship as in the case of Ryoga. This new boy, Takeshi, would be the knight in shining armor, asking nothing of her and giving willingly of himself (I hate guys like that, they make me look bad). I wanted him to sweep her off her feet and have no other motive outside of friendship at first and a true love for her second.

I also figure that Ranma needs to be given a run for his money to try and actually win the heart of Akane, rather than just have it tossed his way because he was obviously better than the buffet of losers readily available at her fingertips. I believe it was Ayn Rand who said that a man and woman should love each other out of selfishness, each desiring the other equally.

What may be on the horizon
*Going before the tribunal

*An enemy revealed

*Takeshi and Ryoga arrive at Jusenkyo

*An accident

*A light rain

*An explanation about why Ranma never really accepted his fate.

I hope you all enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing. More is on the way, but I should consider writing the second chapter of my Harry Potter piece before I continue this one. C/C is inspirational and good for my ego.

Bottoms up!

Ferris Wiel