Crystal of life
Author: Shai 'Halud
e-mail: ranmanobaka@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the series/characters used in this fic. I am doing this just for the fun of it.
**Chapter Eight: Time for School.**
Looking at her fiancée Ranma felt a great amount of pride, seeing her walk towards the charging mob without any fear. Sure she had fought those guys plenty of times before but now she would fight them in a way she was not used to. Ranma jumped on top of the wall and looked at the scene before her, but she had one special eye out for a particular boy, Kuno. She could sense that he was around but didn't want to go looking for him.
Akane walked forward without any fear what so ever, she was calmer then she had ever been before. Usually she would fight the boys driven by anger but now she fought them with a cool head for they where nothing more then today's martial arts lesson.
A small group of boys where now close enough to attack and so they did. The first one of the group, a soccer player tried a straightforward kick, using his right leg. "Akane Tendo I will comfort you."
Another one of the small group used his brain this time, he knew how Akane fought so he was intend on attacking her while she was busy blocking the other guys kick.
The old Akane would have blocked the kick and thus fall for the trap but this Akane was not going to fall for it. Akane saw the kick and smiled, easy. Akane simply spun to one side thus dodging the block. This also got her clear from the other boy who thought to have found a way to get Akane. Spinning away she saw the other one standing there intend on attacking her, with a single look she knew what his plan had been, now it had been foiled and he just stood there not knowing what to do. On the other hand, Akane did know what to, as the soccer-guy missed with his kick Akane went in low, sweeping his left leg in the opposite direction of the right leg.
The boy's eyes went wide as he felt his legs part, this was going to hurt for he was nowhere near flexible enough to do this.
Akane wasn't done yet for immediately after she had swept the leg she was up again. Placing her hands on the soccer-guys head she kicked her legs towards the other guy, pivoting on the other guys' head, who was not happy at all for Akane's weight spread his legs even further.
The boy saw the attack coming but it was way to fast, he didn't have a chance to react and as Akane connected two words went through his head. "Not again."
And so two of the fifty or so boys where out of commition. The bulk of the group was still making their way towards her. The attack on the two other boys had taken but a second so she had time to prepare for the rest. Visualizing how Ranma would fight a large group as this she saw her way through, it seemed as if the road was brightly lit. Not doubting she attacked, running towards the group she dropped into a roll just before reaching them and bowled over a group of four boys with enough force to knock them out.
44 left.
The large pack thought they had her now for she was in their center and could not get away, WRONG. As soon as Akane was in the middle of the group she rolled to her feet, still crouched low she clenched her fist and jumped up in a vicious uppercut with her full might. As she came up two of the boys had already turned around and where hunched over her and where hit in the head with the fist.
42 left.
On her way up Akane changed her normal upper cut into a more effective version. As she rose she slightly changed her jump so she would spin and as she went up she kicked out with both of her legs and spun around. Kicking three of the boys in the back of their head and another two square in the face.
37 left.
She wasn't done yet for she did have the element of surprise for none of the boys had though Akane would fight this way. Usually her attacks where straightforward yet now she was using a very different style.
Ranma watched her fiancée and felt like jumping and cheering for Akane. She was going to be a great student for now she had deviated from her usual straight forwards punches and kicks and was now improvising at the spot. Where her main fighting style was karate before today, she was now using anything goes, the way it should be. Suddenly she felt someone sneak up to her and she turned to face whoever it was.
As soon as she was clear of the heads of the group she flipped and grabbed one of the boys by the head. Using her momentum she lifted the boy of the ground, over her head and sent him flying towards a small group of tennis players and bowled them over using the boy in her hands.
32 left.
By now most of the boys had seen how Akane fought and decided to try a different approach or so the thought it to be different. Looking at each other they decided to gang up on her and run her over. This would have worked if the attack was an organized one but this was no organized attack. Wildly they charged at Akane intend on bowling her over. In their wild charge they mad a big mistake, they charged without taking the others in consideration and soon many of the boys where tripping over each other and fell flat on their faces. When the charging mob reached Akane about 20 had fallen and where trying to get up but in their fall they had injured a leg, arm, back or other body part and those who where still fit enough to get up had been buried underneath the bulk of the group.
Akane's smile only widened as she saw the boy's plan. Now she did something that disturbed even the charging mob. She straightened her back and cracked her knuckles loudly. Then she stepped forward with one leg and with one of her hands motioned the group and with a voice as cold as ice: "Come on then, make my day." The look in her eyes was a cold one. This was not the Akane they knew.
They stopped, all of the boys stopped dead in their tracks. The glare Akane shot at them was enough to drain the fighting spirit out of every one of them but she seemed to be doing something, something they had only see Ranma do before. First they looked at each other and then at Akane then all of them nodded their heads and left to lick their wounds. They now knew that Akane was beyond their grasp and accepted this. They also knew that there was one boy who would not accept this, Kuno.
As if he was reading their minds he stepped from behind a tree. Boken in his hands and ready for his love Akane.
When Ranma turned around she saw whom it was that had stalked up to her, Cologne. "What are you doing here Cologne?"
"Who me, I was just out for a walk and when I heard the commotion I decided to have a look." Cologne hopped up on the wall and sat down next to Ranma, her eyes never leaving the fight.
"Yeah right! I bet you where here to see how Akane was fairing and make sure Shampoo would be able to beat her." Ranma had expected this and wasn't surprised at all at her appearance.
"I see it is of no use to lie to you."
"Trust me when I tell you that about everyone would have seen though your lie in this situation."
"I know, I also see no problems with Shampoo beating Akane now. Sure she has improved but she is nowhere near good enough to beat my Shampoo, also she might have improved on her techniques she I still the tempered girls she has always..." Cologne stopped and gasped.
Ranma turned to see what it was that had disturbed Cologne and when she saw what it was she nearly dropped from the wall. They where both staring at Akane who stood there facing the boys a smile across her face and glowing with chi.
Akane had no idea she was glowing for she was to focused on the fight. She had pushed away any anger she had in this fight and it had been replaced with shear confidence. There was a difference with this confidence compared to that of Ranma. Where Ranma's confidence came from him being confident he would win a fight Akane's came from deeper within her soul. She was confident she would be a good student and even more important she was confident that she would be a good wife to Ranma for she loved her with all her heart.
Akane was now glowing with chi and when she saw the look on the boys' faces she wondered what it was that had scared them like this. She then noticed the warmth surrounding her and when she took a closer look she saw the chi surrounding her. Oh my god what is happening, am I doing this? She turned when she heard someone call her name, she saw Ranma and Cologne sitting on top of the wall.
"Remember what I told you if you where able to control your emotions?"
Thinking back Akane remembered. "Yes you told me that if I was able to control my emotions I would be able to learn things I would never have dreamt of."
"Yes that's right and you're doing it, you're controlling your emotions using them to strengthen your body. Now for today's second lesson I want you to use that energy flowing through your body and focus it, use it like I use my emotions for the Mokou Takabisha. I know you can do it." Ranma wasn't so sure of Akane would be able to focus her chi in such a way but if Akane didn't try she would never know.
Akane nodded and closed her eyes and started to concentrate. She tried to control her chi and use it like Ranma said. Sweat started to pour from her face as she continued to focus her chi. She felt the control over her chi slipping and started to lose her confidence. The glow around her started to fade as she lost her confidence, she felt like she was failing Ranma as her student.
NO, I will not lose control, I will do this.
She took a deep breath and thought back at how happy she was when Ranma told her that she would train her and she could feel her confidence grow. Ranma training her was something she had always wanted and now it was happening and she would not fail. She then thought back to another moment, it was when Ranma had told her that she loved her. That was the best thing that had ever happened to her for she had loved Ranma for a long time but had never told this for usually Ranma would say something that would piss her of and she ended up in the air via Akane Air. She thought back to the first kiss they shared and how she felt about it, it was then that her hart was sold to Ranma forever, it was then that she knew that she would spent her life with Ranma and that they would get married one day. She didn't care that Ranma was cursed to be a girl for the rest of her life, true love wasn't of the flesh but it was of the heart and their harts belonged to one and other. With these memories and thoughts she regained her confidence and then some, for her aura blazed back into life and roared with determination. She started to guide her chi into her hands, gathering, focusing it. She could feel the energy and was almost ready to release it. As she opened her eyes she looked for something to use her energy on.
The gods seemed to have heard her prayers and out stepped Kuno, boken ready. "Ah my beloved Akane Tendo I see that my hart is the true target of your love."
Sure he was a target but not one for her love but for her attack for Akane had found her target. Bringing her hands together she grabbed an imaginary hammer. She swung her hands back and roared. "STORM HAMMER!!" As soon as she had her hands swung back the chi gathered in her hands took form, the form of a huge hammer. She swung her hands back and released the hammer, it shot through the air towards Kuno. As soon as the hammer impacted it send Kuno flying through the air.
When the hammer had hit Ranma had seen and heard why she had called it STORM HAMMER, the hammer did indeed have the power of a small storm and upon impact it sounded like a thunderstorm. Also something hit Ranma, an idea she had been working on for some time now but never felt like working out, it would be perfect for Akane. Then she saw Kuno flying through the air and she saddened.
Cologne saw Ranma's expression change. "What's the matter Ranma?"
"You see Kuno flying through the air?" Ranma pointed towards the flying form of Kuno.
"Yes I do, it seems that he will be in a great amount of pain when he lands. And?"
"I wanted to do that to Kuno, sure I may have changed but I haven't kicked Kuno in a long time and I wanted to do it but it seems that Akane has beaten me to it. Oh well I'll wait for him to get back." As quick as Ranma's expression changed to a sad one it changed back to the cool headed Ranma that had been watching here fiancée fight. "Now Cologne what where you saying about Akane's temper?"
"I see Shampoo has her work cut out for her. She will have to work hard but if she would go up against this Akane now she would lose within moments. You've done a good job Ranma I'm impressed."
"Trust me when I tell you that this is all Akane's doing, I haven't begun her real training yet. The next time you see her she will be a different girl, one who is in control of her emotions and in control of her own body. Tell Shampoo to prepare for this fight will be unlike any fight she has ever had before. Now if you'd excuse me I believe my fiancée is waiting for me." Not waiting for and answer Ranma jumped down and walked over to Akane who was staring at her hands.
Cologne chuckled and hopped down. "I see now Ranma, Shampoo has no chance to win, win your hart that is. Even if she would win the fight with Akane she would still lose your hart. I'm not even sure if Shampoo will be able to win even if I train her. Akane has the advantage for she fights for her own hart as well as yours while Shampoo only fight for her own because she will never have you as a lover." Turning Cologne went back to the Nekohanten to begin Shampoo's training.
What Cologne didn't know was that Ranma had heard her words for her senses had been sharpened with learning the Hokuto. You're right Cologne, Shampoo will never be more to me then a friend for Akane is the on I love. Let's hope Shampoo will accept this when the fight is over. Even if Akane lost she would still win because of the tattoo on Ranma's shoulder made her and honorary Amazon and that way Shampoo's kiss of marriage would be no more then a kiss. Looking at Akane only strengthened the feelings he had for her. Not only had Akane shown her ability in using anything goes she had shown her ability to learn on the spot when she had used her Storm Hammer. Stopping next to Akane Ranma placed on of her arms around her waist and gave her a slight squeeze.
Akane, feeling a strong yet slender arm around her waist glanced down and saw a smiling Ranma looking at her. "What's the matter Ranma, why are you smiling?"
"It's just that I'm proud of ya. I knew you had it in you to truly use anything goes. Also I had hoped you'd be able to use you chi, heck I've seen your aura plenty of times and now you used it the right way. But there is one thing I'm not happy about."
"Oh and what's that?"
"When we came to school today I told you that I wanted to take care of Kuno and..." Ranma stopped talking when she heard a scream closing in fast.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!" WHAM. Kuno has touched down. Kuno, after having flown for a minute or so had decided to come back down again, okay it wasn't much his choice because even someone as stupid as him couldn't defy gravity. Kuno's boken landed several seconds later and when Ranma caught sight of it she remembered something. Oh yeah, I have to go ask mom about that sword she gave me.
"Hey look it's Kuno, judging by his look I'd have to say that your chi attack is impressive to say the least. What was it called again?"
"I called it storm hammer, because it felt right and now after hearing the impact I know it's the right name. I have to say that I'm pretty surprised I was able to pull this off."
"Oh why's that?" Ranma and Akane started talking and made their way to school.
As Ranma and Akane walked into the classroom everyone turned around to look at Ranma. Ranma and Akane where still talking when they stepped in. "You see Akane, if you can control your emotions you'll be able to things you've never dreamed off." When they reached their seats they sat down and looked at the people gathered in the class, everyone was looking at the two of them. Everyone was surprised that Ranma and Akane where talking to each other without it being an argument.
Yuka came up to Akane. "Hey Akane, nice job. I mean the way you handled the boys out there. Never seen you fight so, so, well never seen you fighting without you being angry about something."
"Akane looked up to her friend and smiled. "Yes I know I've had some advise about how I should control my emotions."
"Really, who was the one giving you that advise?" Yuka stepped closer to Akane and whispered something in her ear. "I bet it wasn't Ranma, we all now what happens when he tries to say something."
When Akane heard her friend her smile only widened. "Actually it was Ranma who told me this, not only did he give me advise, she's also my new sensei. She is going to train me in Anything goes martial arts. Also you don't have to whisper, Ranma can hear you just fine."
Yuka snapped her head back and stared at Ranma, who had a large grin on her face. "You mean she heard what I said?"
"Yes she did."
"Now Yuka-chan tell me what usually happens when I talk to Akane?" Ranma wasn't angry at the remark Yuka had made, she knew all to well that before now every conversation with Akane would end up in a fight. She was glad they had finally accepted each other and could now simply talk to each other without fighting.
Yuka did not know what to say she did not expect Ranma being able to hear what she said to Akane. Her face turned beet red when she tried to come up with an answer. "Well, uh ah, it's just.."
Ranma nearly laughed when she saw Yuka standing there with a red face and stuttering. "Don't worry Yuka, it's okay really. I know all to well that before today every conversation I would have with Akane would end up in a fight and me on the receiving end of a mallet or foot."
Daisuke had been listening in and was curious about what Ranma had said and also why Ranma was in his cursed form. He knew that Ranma didn't like the curse and would not go to school in his cursed form. "Say Ranma what do you mean with: "before today", what's so different about today and why are you sitting here as a girl. I know you don't like it, want me to get some hot water?"
"About today, let's just say that Akane and I have come to an agreement, one beneficial for the both of us. And about me sitting here as a girl, that's something I don't want to talk about right now and no I don't need any hot water, I'm fine the way I'm now."
Hiroshi was the one to react the first, some of the Saotome foot in the mouth had rubbed off on him. "Huh you mean you're a bisexual now or have you become a full girl?"
Everyone in the classroom fell silent when they heard the question and all where now staring at Ranma.
Ranma on her turn was thinking about the question, she knew that her body was that of a girl now but inside she was still a he. What she couldn't figure out was what bisexual meant. After some minutes of silence Ranma took out her dictionary and looked for the word. When she found it she slapped the book shut and got pretty angry to say the least. How could someone think her to be a bisexual?
"First of all I am not a full girl, maybe in body but not in soul and how could you think of me digging guys, you know I hate the idea of that. Or have you forgotten how I usually treat Kuno when he comes on to me or do I have to show you what I do?" Ranma cracked her knuckles to emphasize her words.
Hiroshi took several steps back and was about to turn and run when the teacher entered the classroom. "Good morning class, please take your seats.
And so Ranma's first day of school began. Okay she had been to school more often but not like today. The class went on without any problems. Yet there was one girl who was thinking about something else then class, she was thinking about what Ranma had said. What did Ranma mean with the words of being a full girl in body but not in heart. I would think that with the curse Ranma would never be a full girl just like he thinks he's not a full man with it. Hmmm, I'll have to ask her about that during lunch. After coming to this decision Ukyo turned her attention to the things the teacher was telling.
The first part of the day past without any troubles and as soon as it was lunchtime Ranma and Akane went outside to eat and Ukyo followed suit. Akane and Ranma went to a small field on the school grounds. They sat down and had their lunches.
Akane was eating her food while Ranma was once again inhaling hers. "Say Ranma why did we come here? Usually when we eat we sit down under one of the trees with other people."
"I know but I wanted to eat and then get some practice in before school starts again. You see you'll be fighting Shampoo in 5 days and we still have a lot of training to do. So I thought we'd do some at school."
"I don't mind the training but when I'm done I usually take a shower and we don't have time for that now so what kind of training did you have in mind?"
"When we are at school we'll work on your chi and later ki-control. You see it's perfect to do that here and we'll do the physical training at home in the dojo. That is we'll do it this way only for today."
"Oh and why only today."
"Tomorrow is Sunday right? I thought it would be a good idea for us to go on a training trip for 5 days and when we're done you'll fight Shampoo. I know we'll miss some school but I have a feeling this is for the better. Also I want to spent some time with you alone, without other people bothering us." Ranma finished her bento and was about to get up and do some stretching when she felt someone approaching soon she heard someone approach. "Hello Ukyo, how've you been? It's been awhile huh?"
Akane looked up when she heard Ranma talk to someone and soon after that she saw Ukyo walking up to them. She then felt a nudge in her side. "What's the matter Ranma?"
"Would you mind going somewhere else for a few minutes, I'd like to talk to Ukyo. I want to tell her about us and I'd like to do that in private."
Akane could tell that Ranma wanted to do this her way so she nodded and walked away. As she passed Ukyo she greeted her. "Hello Ukyo, let me guess, you're here for Ranma."
"Yeah you're right Akane but you don't have to leave."
"It's okay, I have some things to do so I'll see you okay?" With that Akane walked away and went to Yuka and Sakura to have a chat.
Ukyo nodded to Akane and went over to where Ranma was sitting. "Hello Ranma, you're right it's been awhile since I last saw you. Where have you been?" Ukyo sat down next to Ranma and looked at her best friend and her fiancé.
"That's what I want to talk to you about you see I've got some news for you. Unfortunately it's bad news." Ranma hated hurt Ukyo but she knew she had no choice. She had to tell her about the decision she had made concerning their engagement.
Ukyo hearing Ranma tell her that she had bad tensed up at the words. "Oh and what's the bad news, no don't tell me you're forced to eat Akane's cooking again today and you want to tell me you'll be sick for awhile?"
Ranma sighed and looked at her best friend. "No Ukyo it's not about that it's about something completely different. You must have noticed that a week or so ago Akane and I weren't at school and after a few days Akane came back to school and I was still absent?"
"Yeah I've noticed and when I asked Akane she told me that you where on a training trip or something like that. So tell me where have you been?"
"To tell the truth I wasn't on a training trip. You see I was sick, very sick. And before you start asking questions I'll tell you what happened because this is a fairly complicated story and I want to finish it before school starts again. You see a week or so ago, when Akane and I where both absent from school something had happened to Akane. Happosai poisoned her, before you get all worked up, he didn't mean for that to happen. But to get back to the story, after we found out she was poisoned we asked what we could do to cure her. We where told that there was no cure for the poison she had been poisoned with. She would die within a few days and that there was nothing we could do about it. But you know me and I wouldn't accept that so I tried to find a cure for what had happened to Akane. I came to Cologne and she told me that there was chance I could cure Akane but in order to get that cure I'd have to go to her home village in China to get it. As soon as I heard that there was a way to help her I went and packed my stuff and I was on my way to China to get the cure. The cure came in the form of an artifact called the Crystal of Life, also known as the Tear of Heaven. To make a long story short I managed to get the artifact and cured Akane with it. But there was one side effect when using that artifact."
Ukyo notice a pained look on Ranma face and started to worry even more. "What was that side effect Ranma?"
"I can no longer change back into a guy, never again. When I got the Crystal I was told that any normal person would die when he or she used it. But I was no normal person, since I was Jusenkyo cursed. Because of that curse I had a chance to survive the process but only if my will to survive was strong enough. Fortunately my will was strong enough so I survived." Ranma closed her eyes and took a deep breath, it still pained her if she thought about her not being able to be a man ever again. But when she thought back to what she had gained every feeling of regret washed away. She had finally gotten what she had wanted for a long time, Akane's love. Even though Akane had loved her for long time they had never known this from each other.
Ukyo was silent for several moments when she considered Ranma's words. "That's terrible Ranma, are you sure there is no way to get cured?"
"No there is no way to be cured, you see the life force of my male self was used to cure Akane so there is no male Ranma any more. Also it's not to horrible, you see I wanted to talk to you for another reason."
"What's that?"
"I'm sorry that I have to tell you this but I can no longer be your fiancé you see I love Akane and I want her to be the only fiancée."
"What do you mean, I'm also your fiancée, don't you love me? You told me that I was the cute fiancée and that Akane was a violent tomboy. So why stick with her when you could get a cute and good cooking fiancée?" Ukyo was on the verge of crying she had never expected to hear these words from Ranma.
"I'm sorry Ukyo, it's just that I love Akane and want to be with her as her fiancée. Also it's not that I don' love you, quite the opposite, I love you very much but..."
"Then why ditch me for that violent chick."
"UKYO, please don't call Akane that. Like I said I love you but not as a lover. I love you like a good no a best friend. In a way I see you like a sister. You see when I was with you when we where young I thought you where a boy but and I saw you like a little brother. There I nothing I wouldn't do for you, to me you are family and have always been like that. So you see there is no way I could be with you like a lover. It would be like being engaged to a cousin."
Ukyo started to cry, silently she wished she had told Ranma about her feelings sooner. That way Ranma might have been hers instead of Akane's. "But why didn't you tell me this sooner, why lead me on like this?"
Ranma had expected this question so she was ready for it. "I didn't tell you any sooner because I didn't want to hurt you feelings, but when I came back from China and helped Akane I found out something. I saw that it would be inevitable to not hurt your feelings because as long as you where thinking that I would be your fiancée you would not find someone else to be happy with." As Ranma spoke Ukyo started to cry harder, she extended her right hand and gently hit one of her tsubos to calm her down a bit. "If it was possible to do this and not hurt you I would have done that but I saw no other way. I'm very sorry Ukyo." Ranma hung her head, she hated to hurt people she loved.
Ukyo felt Ranma's gentle touch and right after that she calmed down a bit. She wiped away her tears and looked at her now former fiancée. She could tell that Ranma was pained with the fact that she had to hurt her best friend. With her hand she raised Ranma's chin and looked Ranma in her eyes. "I understand Ranma, ever since I saw you and Akane together and the way you would act when she was threatened or hurt I knew that you two loved each other. I'm surprised it took you so long to admit it to on and other. I was living in a dream as your fiancée. It's not surprising, you're a handsome boy or now girl I fell in love with you when we where still little because even then I could tell that you would be someone I would like to spend my entire life with. But deep inside I knew that it was impossible because of the way you felt about Akane and when we where still young I could see that you saw me more like a friend or better yet brother. I'm glad you've finally found the one to be with and I hope you two will be happy together." Ukyo let go of Ranma's chin and hugged her friend or in a way sister. She knew that she would never find a fiancée like him ever again but she didn't care. All she wanted was Ranma to be happy and she would do everything in her power to make those two happy.
Ranma in her turn was glad Ukyo understood her feelings and had accepted the breaking of their engagement. "Thank you Ukyo for understanding why I did this. If there is ever anything you need help with let me know okay?"
Ukyo let go of Ranma and looked at her sister. "I'll do that Ranma, now I want to ask you something."
"Sure."
"Do you and Akane have any plans for dinner today?"
"Uhm not really but me and Akane where planning on going on a training tip tonight. You see she is going to fight Shampoo for my hand in six days and I want her to be ready."
"I see, that's okay. I want you and Akane to come to my restaurant tonight and have dinner, it's on me. When you're done you can leave on your trip. Oh and this time it's a real training trip, not some excuse because someone is sick?"
"No it's a real training trip. Akane and I would be honored to come to you restaurant tonight. Thank you Ukyo, you're the best sister I ever had, not that I had any before." As Ranma finished the bell rang, indicating the end of the lunch break.
"What you say we get back to class Ranma?"
"Yeah, let's go." Ranma got up and helped Ukyo to her feet and together they went back to the school. On their way they ran into Akane who was waiting for Ranma. As they entered the building Akane looked at Ranma with a worried look but she relaxed when she saw a smile on Ranma's face and when she looked at Ukyo she gave her a nod saying that everything was okay.
The three young girls entered the class and after a few minutes the teacher entered and class began. The next class was English and the teacher was Ranma's "favorite" Miss Hinako. Yet in one way she was looking forward to this class. She had promised herself to start paying attention at school. Also she was curious to see how Hinako would react if she tried to absorb Ranma's strength.
"So hello everyone guess what it's time for....."
"Hey give that back teach, it's mine." One of the students yelled at the teacher as the three-foot midget teacher swiped the colored pokemon pencil.
"No way, I like it and it's not allowed to use these in my class so there." As Hinako walked back to her desk she saw someone sitting in the class, someone she hadn't seen in some time, Ranma. At the moment Ranma was talking to Ukyo who had asked her a question. Hmm looks like the delinquent is at it again. Seems I'll have to do something about that. Hinako took out a small coin and aimed.
Some of the students saw Hinako take aim and tried to warn Ranma. Ranma hearing something about ducking for cover turned and saw Hinako standing there, coin ready. Let's see how she likes this.
Akane the saw the teacher and started to worry about Ranma. Every time she was in Miss Hinako's class she would have her energy absorbed, many times the reason for punishing Ranma was something caused by her. "Uh-Oh Ranma, looks like the teach is at it again, better duck."
"Oh don't worry Akane, I'll be fine." Ranma just smiled as she sat there.
So Mr. Saotome, looks like you're back and still a delinquent he. Looks like I'll have to discipline you." She made sure her aim was true and the spoke the "magic" words, "HAPPO FIVE YEN SATSU..... Nothing happened.
"Huh what the, Happo Five Yen Satsu. What's going on here?" Hinako just stood there staring at her coin trying to figure out what was wrong.
Ranma had trouble containing her laughter.
"Mr Saotome what's going on here, what did you do?" Hinako was seriously peeved that she wasn't able to deck Ranma.
"Excuse me Miss Hinako, it's Miss Saotome and I didn't do anything, looks like that coins busted, why don't you try another."
Very few people had paid attention to Ranma's words about the fact that she should be called Miss Saotome. Everyone was simply amazed by the fact that Ranma was still sitting there almost laughing.
"Hm seems you're right, let's see." Hinako took out her purse and fished out another coin.
Ranma saw the coin and her smile grew even wider. Let's see how you handle this. Without waiting any further Ranma raised her ki-level to a point from which she knew would be painful to Miss Hinako. She didn't want to hurt Hinako but she had had enough of having her energy drained every time she saw her.
Akane noticed the rise in Ranma's ki and looked at her. What's she doing at this rate Miss Hinako will drain her energy.
"Okay I'm ready now so here we go." Again she aimed and FIRE or better drain, "HAPPO FIVE YEN SATSU!!" This time Hinako felt the energy enter her body and she started to smile but the smile soon faded as she felt an amount of energy beyond anything she had expected, enter her body. She knew this was going wrong. She tried to stop the absorption but found herself unable to, it was as if Ranma was forcing her energy into her body. By now she had grown to her adult self and was now glowing with energy. She looked at Ranma. "Ranma what's going on, stop it, please stop this. I can't handle the energy."
"I'll stop this if you promise never to do this to me again. You see I don't like it when people steal my energy because of some stupid reason. I'm sure many people agree with me that your way of disciplining someone is wrong. So what do you say?" Ranma was serious about not stopping until Hinako either passed out or until she promised to stop her draining of students.
"I I I promise now pleas help me." Hinako had started to cry because the energy she was being fed started to hurt her body.
Ranma locked her energy back in her body, in a place where Hinako couldn't reach it.
The effects where instantaneous as Hinako felt the energy flow stop, she ran to the window aimed her hands and prepared to release the energy. "Happo No Yen Coin Return!!" SSSSHHHOOOOOOMMMMMM, a huge blast of energy shot from Hinako's hands and rocketed through the air. Hinako, now again three feet tall slumped to her knees, after several minutes she was about to face Ranma when a loud crack could be heard and before anyone knew what was going on the wall to their class bulged and soon shattered.
At first Ranma thought Ryoga was back but then she felt a ki-pattern not known to her. Also she could tell that whoever it was wasn't happy. Soon the wall buckled and in stepped a well build young man, wearing a small backpack and army pant and boots. "Ranma Saotome I know you're here so show yourself." The boy looked at everyone in the class trying to find someone fitting the description he had received from some boy who claimed to be lost.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Ranma had gotten of her seat and made her way to the front of the class, where the boy was standing.
"My name is Kumon Ryu and I'm here to find Ranma Saotome and get the Umisen Ken."
To be bla bla.
Well it's done another chapter. That makes eight now. It took some time to finish but I'm also working on another story so bear with me.
Next time let's see how Ranma reacts when she faces the forbidden arts of her father Genma.
Author: Shai 'Halud
e-mail: ranmanobaka@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the series/characters used in this fic. I am doing this just for the fun of it.
**Chapter Eight: Time for School.**
Looking at her fiancée Ranma felt a great amount of pride, seeing her walk towards the charging mob without any fear. Sure she had fought those guys plenty of times before but now she would fight them in a way she was not used to. Ranma jumped on top of the wall and looked at the scene before her, but she had one special eye out for a particular boy, Kuno. She could sense that he was around but didn't want to go looking for him.
Akane walked forward without any fear what so ever, she was calmer then she had ever been before. Usually she would fight the boys driven by anger but now she fought them with a cool head for they where nothing more then today's martial arts lesson.
A small group of boys where now close enough to attack and so they did. The first one of the group, a soccer player tried a straightforward kick, using his right leg. "Akane Tendo I will comfort you."
Another one of the small group used his brain this time, he knew how Akane fought so he was intend on attacking her while she was busy blocking the other guys kick.
The old Akane would have blocked the kick and thus fall for the trap but this Akane was not going to fall for it. Akane saw the kick and smiled, easy. Akane simply spun to one side thus dodging the block. This also got her clear from the other boy who thought to have found a way to get Akane. Spinning away she saw the other one standing there intend on attacking her, with a single look she knew what his plan had been, now it had been foiled and he just stood there not knowing what to do. On the other hand, Akane did know what to, as the soccer-guy missed with his kick Akane went in low, sweeping his left leg in the opposite direction of the right leg.
The boy's eyes went wide as he felt his legs part, this was going to hurt for he was nowhere near flexible enough to do this.
Akane wasn't done yet for immediately after she had swept the leg she was up again. Placing her hands on the soccer-guys head she kicked her legs towards the other guy, pivoting on the other guys' head, who was not happy at all for Akane's weight spread his legs even further.
The boy saw the attack coming but it was way to fast, he didn't have a chance to react and as Akane connected two words went through his head. "Not again."
And so two of the fifty or so boys where out of commition. The bulk of the group was still making their way towards her. The attack on the two other boys had taken but a second so she had time to prepare for the rest. Visualizing how Ranma would fight a large group as this she saw her way through, it seemed as if the road was brightly lit. Not doubting she attacked, running towards the group she dropped into a roll just before reaching them and bowled over a group of four boys with enough force to knock them out.
44 left.
The large pack thought they had her now for she was in their center and could not get away, WRONG. As soon as Akane was in the middle of the group she rolled to her feet, still crouched low she clenched her fist and jumped up in a vicious uppercut with her full might. As she came up two of the boys had already turned around and where hunched over her and where hit in the head with the fist.
42 left.
On her way up Akane changed her normal upper cut into a more effective version. As she rose she slightly changed her jump so she would spin and as she went up she kicked out with both of her legs and spun around. Kicking three of the boys in the back of their head and another two square in the face.
37 left.
She wasn't done yet for she did have the element of surprise for none of the boys had though Akane would fight this way. Usually her attacks where straightforward yet now she was using a very different style.
Ranma watched her fiancée and felt like jumping and cheering for Akane. She was going to be a great student for now she had deviated from her usual straight forwards punches and kicks and was now improvising at the spot. Where her main fighting style was karate before today, she was now using anything goes, the way it should be. Suddenly she felt someone sneak up to her and she turned to face whoever it was.
As soon as she was clear of the heads of the group she flipped and grabbed one of the boys by the head. Using her momentum she lifted the boy of the ground, over her head and sent him flying towards a small group of tennis players and bowled them over using the boy in her hands.
32 left.
By now most of the boys had seen how Akane fought and decided to try a different approach or so the thought it to be different. Looking at each other they decided to gang up on her and run her over. This would have worked if the attack was an organized one but this was no organized attack. Wildly they charged at Akane intend on bowling her over. In their wild charge they mad a big mistake, they charged without taking the others in consideration and soon many of the boys where tripping over each other and fell flat on their faces. When the charging mob reached Akane about 20 had fallen and where trying to get up but in their fall they had injured a leg, arm, back or other body part and those who where still fit enough to get up had been buried underneath the bulk of the group.
Akane's smile only widened as she saw the boy's plan. Now she did something that disturbed even the charging mob. She straightened her back and cracked her knuckles loudly. Then she stepped forward with one leg and with one of her hands motioned the group and with a voice as cold as ice: "Come on then, make my day." The look in her eyes was a cold one. This was not the Akane they knew.
They stopped, all of the boys stopped dead in their tracks. The glare Akane shot at them was enough to drain the fighting spirit out of every one of them but she seemed to be doing something, something they had only see Ranma do before. First they looked at each other and then at Akane then all of them nodded their heads and left to lick their wounds. They now knew that Akane was beyond their grasp and accepted this. They also knew that there was one boy who would not accept this, Kuno.
As if he was reading their minds he stepped from behind a tree. Boken in his hands and ready for his love Akane.
When Ranma turned around she saw whom it was that had stalked up to her, Cologne. "What are you doing here Cologne?"
"Who me, I was just out for a walk and when I heard the commotion I decided to have a look." Cologne hopped up on the wall and sat down next to Ranma, her eyes never leaving the fight.
"Yeah right! I bet you where here to see how Akane was fairing and make sure Shampoo would be able to beat her." Ranma had expected this and wasn't surprised at all at her appearance.
"I see it is of no use to lie to you."
"Trust me when I tell you that about everyone would have seen though your lie in this situation."
"I know, I also see no problems with Shampoo beating Akane now. Sure she has improved but she is nowhere near good enough to beat my Shampoo, also she might have improved on her techniques she I still the tempered girls she has always..." Cologne stopped and gasped.
Ranma turned to see what it was that had disturbed Cologne and when she saw what it was she nearly dropped from the wall. They where both staring at Akane who stood there facing the boys a smile across her face and glowing with chi.
Akane had no idea she was glowing for she was to focused on the fight. She had pushed away any anger she had in this fight and it had been replaced with shear confidence. There was a difference with this confidence compared to that of Ranma. Where Ranma's confidence came from him being confident he would win a fight Akane's came from deeper within her soul. She was confident she would be a good student and even more important she was confident that she would be a good wife to Ranma for she loved her with all her heart.
Akane was now glowing with chi and when she saw the look on the boys' faces she wondered what it was that had scared them like this. She then noticed the warmth surrounding her and when she took a closer look she saw the chi surrounding her. Oh my god what is happening, am I doing this? She turned when she heard someone call her name, she saw Ranma and Cologne sitting on top of the wall.
"Remember what I told you if you where able to control your emotions?"
Thinking back Akane remembered. "Yes you told me that if I was able to control my emotions I would be able to learn things I would never have dreamt of."
"Yes that's right and you're doing it, you're controlling your emotions using them to strengthen your body. Now for today's second lesson I want you to use that energy flowing through your body and focus it, use it like I use my emotions for the Mokou Takabisha. I know you can do it." Ranma wasn't so sure of Akane would be able to focus her chi in such a way but if Akane didn't try she would never know.
Akane nodded and closed her eyes and started to concentrate. She tried to control her chi and use it like Ranma said. Sweat started to pour from her face as she continued to focus her chi. She felt the control over her chi slipping and started to lose her confidence. The glow around her started to fade as she lost her confidence, she felt like she was failing Ranma as her student.
NO, I will not lose control, I will do this.
She took a deep breath and thought back at how happy she was when Ranma told her that she would train her and she could feel her confidence grow. Ranma training her was something she had always wanted and now it was happening and she would not fail. She then thought back to another moment, it was when Ranma had told her that she loved her. That was the best thing that had ever happened to her for she had loved Ranma for a long time but had never told this for usually Ranma would say something that would piss her of and she ended up in the air via Akane Air. She thought back to the first kiss they shared and how she felt about it, it was then that her hart was sold to Ranma forever, it was then that she knew that she would spent her life with Ranma and that they would get married one day. She didn't care that Ranma was cursed to be a girl for the rest of her life, true love wasn't of the flesh but it was of the heart and their harts belonged to one and other. With these memories and thoughts she regained her confidence and then some, for her aura blazed back into life and roared with determination. She started to guide her chi into her hands, gathering, focusing it. She could feel the energy and was almost ready to release it. As she opened her eyes she looked for something to use her energy on.
The gods seemed to have heard her prayers and out stepped Kuno, boken ready. "Ah my beloved Akane Tendo I see that my hart is the true target of your love."
Sure he was a target but not one for her love but for her attack for Akane had found her target. Bringing her hands together she grabbed an imaginary hammer. She swung her hands back and roared. "STORM HAMMER!!" As soon as she had her hands swung back the chi gathered in her hands took form, the form of a huge hammer. She swung her hands back and released the hammer, it shot through the air towards Kuno. As soon as the hammer impacted it send Kuno flying through the air.
When the hammer had hit Ranma had seen and heard why she had called it STORM HAMMER, the hammer did indeed have the power of a small storm and upon impact it sounded like a thunderstorm. Also something hit Ranma, an idea she had been working on for some time now but never felt like working out, it would be perfect for Akane. Then she saw Kuno flying through the air and she saddened.
Cologne saw Ranma's expression change. "What's the matter Ranma?"
"You see Kuno flying through the air?" Ranma pointed towards the flying form of Kuno.
"Yes I do, it seems that he will be in a great amount of pain when he lands. And?"
"I wanted to do that to Kuno, sure I may have changed but I haven't kicked Kuno in a long time and I wanted to do it but it seems that Akane has beaten me to it. Oh well I'll wait for him to get back." As quick as Ranma's expression changed to a sad one it changed back to the cool headed Ranma that had been watching here fiancée fight. "Now Cologne what where you saying about Akane's temper?"
"I see Shampoo has her work cut out for her. She will have to work hard but if she would go up against this Akane now she would lose within moments. You've done a good job Ranma I'm impressed."
"Trust me when I tell you that this is all Akane's doing, I haven't begun her real training yet. The next time you see her she will be a different girl, one who is in control of her emotions and in control of her own body. Tell Shampoo to prepare for this fight will be unlike any fight she has ever had before. Now if you'd excuse me I believe my fiancée is waiting for me." Not waiting for and answer Ranma jumped down and walked over to Akane who was staring at her hands.
Cologne chuckled and hopped down. "I see now Ranma, Shampoo has no chance to win, win your hart that is. Even if she would win the fight with Akane she would still lose your hart. I'm not even sure if Shampoo will be able to win even if I train her. Akane has the advantage for she fights for her own hart as well as yours while Shampoo only fight for her own because she will never have you as a lover." Turning Cologne went back to the Nekohanten to begin Shampoo's training.
What Cologne didn't know was that Ranma had heard her words for her senses had been sharpened with learning the Hokuto. You're right Cologne, Shampoo will never be more to me then a friend for Akane is the on I love. Let's hope Shampoo will accept this when the fight is over. Even if Akane lost she would still win because of the tattoo on Ranma's shoulder made her and honorary Amazon and that way Shampoo's kiss of marriage would be no more then a kiss. Looking at Akane only strengthened the feelings he had for her. Not only had Akane shown her ability in using anything goes she had shown her ability to learn on the spot when she had used her Storm Hammer. Stopping next to Akane Ranma placed on of her arms around her waist and gave her a slight squeeze.
Akane, feeling a strong yet slender arm around her waist glanced down and saw a smiling Ranma looking at her. "What's the matter Ranma, why are you smiling?"
"It's just that I'm proud of ya. I knew you had it in you to truly use anything goes. Also I had hoped you'd be able to use you chi, heck I've seen your aura plenty of times and now you used it the right way. But there is one thing I'm not happy about."
"Oh and what's that?"
"When we came to school today I told you that I wanted to take care of Kuno and..." Ranma stopped talking when she heard a scream closing in fast.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!" WHAM. Kuno has touched down. Kuno, after having flown for a minute or so had decided to come back down again, okay it wasn't much his choice because even someone as stupid as him couldn't defy gravity. Kuno's boken landed several seconds later and when Ranma caught sight of it she remembered something. Oh yeah, I have to go ask mom about that sword she gave me.
"Hey look it's Kuno, judging by his look I'd have to say that your chi attack is impressive to say the least. What was it called again?"
"I called it storm hammer, because it felt right and now after hearing the impact I know it's the right name. I have to say that I'm pretty surprised I was able to pull this off."
"Oh why's that?" Ranma and Akane started talking and made their way to school.
As Ranma and Akane walked into the classroom everyone turned around to look at Ranma. Ranma and Akane where still talking when they stepped in. "You see Akane, if you can control your emotions you'll be able to things you've never dreamed off." When they reached their seats they sat down and looked at the people gathered in the class, everyone was looking at the two of them. Everyone was surprised that Ranma and Akane where talking to each other without it being an argument.
Yuka came up to Akane. "Hey Akane, nice job. I mean the way you handled the boys out there. Never seen you fight so, so, well never seen you fighting without you being angry about something."
"Akane looked up to her friend and smiled. "Yes I know I've had some advise about how I should control my emotions."
"Really, who was the one giving you that advise?" Yuka stepped closer to Akane and whispered something in her ear. "I bet it wasn't Ranma, we all now what happens when he tries to say something."
When Akane heard her friend her smile only widened. "Actually it was Ranma who told me this, not only did he give me advise, she's also my new sensei. She is going to train me in Anything goes martial arts. Also you don't have to whisper, Ranma can hear you just fine."
Yuka snapped her head back and stared at Ranma, who had a large grin on her face. "You mean she heard what I said?"
"Yes she did."
"Now Yuka-chan tell me what usually happens when I talk to Akane?" Ranma wasn't angry at the remark Yuka had made, she knew all to well that before now every conversation with Akane would end up in a fight. She was glad they had finally accepted each other and could now simply talk to each other without fighting.
Yuka did not know what to say she did not expect Ranma being able to hear what she said to Akane. Her face turned beet red when she tried to come up with an answer. "Well, uh ah, it's just.."
Ranma nearly laughed when she saw Yuka standing there with a red face and stuttering. "Don't worry Yuka, it's okay really. I know all to well that before today every conversation I would have with Akane would end up in a fight and me on the receiving end of a mallet or foot."
Daisuke had been listening in and was curious about what Ranma had said and also why Ranma was in his cursed form. He knew that Ranma didn't like the curse and would not go to school in his cursed form. "Say Ranma what do you mean with: "before today", what's so different about today and why are you sitting here as a girl. I know you don't like it, want me to get some hot water?"
"About today, let's just say that Akane and I have come to an agreement, one beneficial for the both of us. And about me sitting here as a girl, that's something I don't want to talk about right now and no I don't need any hot water, I'm fine the way I'm now."
Hiroshi was the one to react the first, some of the Saotome foot in the mouth had rubbed off on him. "Huh you mean you're a bisexual now or have you become a full girl?"
Everyone in the classroom fell silent when they heard the question and all where now staring at Ranma.
Ranma on her turn was thinking about the question, she knew that her body was that of a girl now but inside she was still a he. What she couldn't figure out was what bisexual meant. After some minutes of silence Ranma took out her dictionary and looked for the word. When she found it she slapped the book shut and got pretty angry to say the least. How could someone think her to be a bisexual?
"First of all I am not a full girl, maybe in body but not in soul and how could you think of me digging guys, you know I hate the idea of that. Or have you forgotten how I usually treat Kuno when he comes on to me or do I have to show you what I do?" Ranma cracked her knuckles to emphasize her words.
Hiroshi took several steps back and was about to turn and run when the teacher entered the classroom. "Good morning class, please take your seats.
And so Ranma's first day of school began. Okay she had been to school more often but not like today. The class went on without any problems. Yet there was one girl who was thinking about something else then class, she was thinking about what Ranma had said. What did Ranma mean with the words of being a full girl in body but not in heart. I would think that with the curse Ranma would never be a full girl just like he thinks he's not a full man with it. Hmmm, I'll have to ask her about that during lunch. After coming to this decision Ukyo turned her attention to the things the teacher was telling.
The first part of the day past without any troubles and as soon as it was lunchtime Ranma and Akane went outside to eat and Ukyo followed suit. Akane and Ranma went to a small field on the school grounds. They sat down and had their lunches.
Akane was eating her food while Ranma was once again inhaling hers. "Say Ranma why did we come here? Usually when we eat we sit down under one of the trees with other people."
"I know but I wanted to eat and then get some practice in before school starts again. You see you'll be fighting Shampoo in 5 days and we still have a lot of training to do. So I thought we'd do some at school."
"I don't mind the training but when I'm done I usually take a shower and we don't have time for that now so what kind of training did you have in mind?"
"When we are at school we'll work on your chi and later ki-control. You see it's perfect to do that here and we'll do the physical training at home in the dojo. That is we'll do it this way only for today."
"Oh and why only today."
"Tomorrow is Sunday right? I thought it would be a good idea for us to go on a training trip for 5 days and when we're done you'll fight Shampoo. I know we'll miss some school but I have a feeling this is for the better. Also I want to spent some time with you alone, without other people bothering us." Ranma finished her bento and was about to get up and do some stretching when she felt someone approaching soon she heard someone approach. "Hello Ukyo, how've you been? It's been awhile huh?"
Akane looked up when she heard Ranma talk to someone and soon after that she saw Ukyo walking up to them. She then felt a nudge in her side. "What's the matter Ranma?"
"Would you mind going somewhere else for a few minutes, I'd like to talk to Ukyo. I want to tell her about us and I'd like to do that in private."
Akane could tell that Ranma wanted to do this her way so she nodded and walked away. As she passed Ukyo she greeted her. "Hello Ukyo, let me guess, you're here for Ranma."
"Yeah you're right Akane but you don't have to leave."
"It's okay, I have some things to do so I'll see you okay?" With that Akane walked away and went to Yuka and Sakura to have a chat.
Ukyo nodded to Akane and went over to where Ranma was sitting. "Hello Ranma, you're right it's been awhile since I last saw you. Where have you been?" Ukyo sat down next to Ranma and looked at her best friend and her fiancé.
"That's what I want to talk to you about you see I've got some news for you. Unfortunately it's bad news." Ranma hated hurt Ukyo but she knew she had no choice. She had to tell her about the decision she had made concerning their engagement.
Ukyo hearing Ranma tell her that she had bad tensed up at the words. "Oh and what's the bad news, no don't tell me you're forced to eat Akane's cooking again today and you want to tell me you'll be sick for awhile?"
Ranma sighed and looked at her best friend. "No Ukyo it's not about that it's about something completely different. You must have noticed that a week or so ago Akane and I weren't at school and after a few days Akane came back to school and I was still absent?"
"Yeah I've noticed and when I asked Akane she told me that you where on a training trip or something like that. So tell me where have you been?"
"To tell the truth I wasn't on a training trip. You see I was sick, very sick. And before you start asking questions I'll tell you what happened because this is a fairly complicated story and I want to finish it before school starts again. You see a week or so ago, when Akane and I where both absent from school something had happened to Akane. Happosai poisoned her, before you get all worked up, he didn't mean for that to happen. But to get back to the story, after we found out she was poisoned we asked what we could do to cure her. We where told that there was no cure for the poison she had been poisoned with. She would die within a few days and that there was nothing we could do about it. But you know me and I wouldn't accept that so I tried to find a cure for what had happened to Akane. I came to Cologne and she told me that there was chance I could cure Akane but in order to get that cure I'd have to go to her home village in China to get it. As soon as I heard that there was a way to help her I went and packed my stuff and I was on my way to China to get the cure. The cure came in the form of an artifact called the Crystal of Life, also known as the Tear of Heaven. To make a long story short I managed to get the artifact and cured Akane with it. But there was one side effect when using that artifact."
Ukyo notice a pained look on Ranma face and started to worry even more. "What was that side effect Ranma?"
"I can no longer change back into a guy, never again. When I got the Crystal I was told that any normal person would die when he or she used it. But I was no normal person, since I was Jusenkyo cursed. Because of that curse I had a chance to survive the process but only if my will to survive was strong enough. Fortunately my will was strong enough so I survived." Ranma closed her eyes and took a deep breath, it still pained her if she thought about her not being able to be a man ever again. But when she thought back to what she had gained every feeling of regret washed away. She had finally gotten what she had wanted for a long time, Akane's love. Even though Akane had loved her for long time they had never known this from each other.
Ukyo was silent for several moments when she considered Ranma's words. "That's terrible Ranma, are you sure there is no way to get cured?"
"No there is no way to be cured, you see the life force of my male self was used to cure Akane so there is no male Ranma any more. Also it's not to horrible, you see I wanted to talk to you for another reason."
"What's that?"
"I'm sorry that I have to tell you this but I can no longer be your fiancé you see I love Akane and I want her to be the only fiancée."
"What do you mean, I'm also your fiancée, don't you love me? You told me that I was the cute fiancée and that Akane was a violent tomboy. So why stick with her when you could get a cute and good cooking fiancée?" Ukyo was on the verge of crying she had never expected to hear these words from Ranma.
"I'm sorry Ukyo, it's just that I love Akane and want to be with her as her fiancée. Also it's not that I don' love you, quite the opposite, I love you very much but..."
"Then why ditch me for that violent chick."
"UKYO, please don't call Akane that. Like I said I love you but not as a lover. I love you like a good no a best friend. In a way I see you like a sister. You see when I was with you when we where young I thought you where a boy but and I saw you like a little brother. There I nothing I wouldn't do for you, to me you are family and have always been like that. So you see there is no way I could be with you like a lover. It would be like being engaged to a cousin."
Ukyo started to cry, silently she wished she had told Ranma about her feelings sooner. That way Ranma might have been hers instead of Akane's. "But why didn't you tell me this sooner, why lead me on like this?"
Ranma had expected this question so she was ready for it. "I didn't tell you any sooner because I didn't want to hurt you feelings, but when I came back from China and helped Akane I found out something. I saw that it would be inevitable to not hurt your feelings because as long as you where thinking that I would be your fiancée you would not find someone else to be happy with." As Ranma spoke Ukyo started to cry harder, she extended her right hand and gently hit one of her tsubos to calm her down a bit. "If it was possible to do this and not hurt you I would have done that but I saw no other way. I'm very sorry Ukyo." Ranma hung her head, she hated to hurt people she loved.
Ukyo felt Ranma's gentle touch and right after that she calmed down a bit. She wiped away her tears and looked at her now former fiancée. She could tell that Ranma was pained with the fact that she had to hurt her best friend. With her hand she raised Ranma's chin and looked Ranma in her eyes. "I understand Ranma, ever since I saw you and Akane together and the way you would act when she was threatened or hurt I knew that you two loved each other. I'm surprised it took you so long to admit it to on and other. I was living in a dream as your fiancée. It's not surprising, you're a handsome boy or now girl I fell in love with you when we where still little because even then I could tell that you would be someone I would like to spend my entire life with. But deep inside I knew that it was impossible because of the way you felt about Akane and when we where still young I could see that you saw me more like a friend or better yet brother. I'm glad you've finally found the one to be with and I hope you two will be happy together." Ukyo let go of Ranma's chin and hugged her friend or in a way sister. She knew that she would never find a fiancée like him ever again but she didn't care. All she wanted was Ranma to be happy and she would do everything in her power to make those two happy.
Ranma in her turn was glad Ukyo understood her feelings and had accepted the breaking of their engagement. "Thank you Ukyo for understanding why I did this. If there is ever anything you need help with let me know okay?"
Ukyo let go of Ranma and looked at her sister. "I'll do that Ranma, now I want to ask you something."
"Sure."
"Do you and Akane have any plans for dinner today?"
"Uhm not really but me and Akane where planning on going on a training tip tonight. You see she is going to fight Shampoo for my hand in six days and I want her to be ready."
"I see, that's okay. I want you and Akane to come to my restaurant tonight and have dinner, it's on me. When you're done you can leave on your trip. Oh and this time it's a real training trip, not some excuse because someone is sick?"
"No it's a real training trip. Akane and I would be honored to come to you restaurant tonight. Thank you Ukyo, you're the best sister I ever had, not that I had any before." As Ranma finished the bell rang, indicating the end of the lunch break.
"What you say we get back to class Ranma?"
"Yeah, let's go." Ranma got up and helped Ukyo to her feet and together they went back to the school. On their way they ran into Akane who was waiting for Ranma. As they entered the building Akane looked at Ranma with a worried look but she relaxed when she saw a smile on Ranma's face and when she looked at Ukyo she gave her a nod saying that everything was okay.
The three young girls entered the class and after a few minutes the teacher entered and class began. The next class was English and the teacher was Ranma's "favorite" Miss Hinako. Yet in one way she was looking forward to this class. She had promised herself to start paying attention at school. Also she was curious to see how Hinako would react if she tried to absorb Ranma's strength.
"So hello everyone guess what it's time for....."
"Hey give that back teach, it's mine." One of the students yelled at the teacher as the three-foot midget teacher swiped the colored pokemon pencil.
"No way, I like it and it's not allowed to use these in my class so there." As Hinako walked back to her desk she saw someone sitting in the class, someone she hadn't seen in some time, Ranma. At the moment Ranma was talking to Ukyo who had asked her a question. Hmm looks like the delinquent is at it again. Seems I'll have to do something about that. Hinako took out a small coin and aimed.
Some of the students saw Hinako take aim and tried to warn Ranma. Ranma hearing something about ducking for cover turned and saw Hinako standing there, coin ready. Let's see how she likes this.
Akane the saw the teacher and started to worry about Ranma. Every time she was in Miss Hinako's class she would have her energy absorbed, many times the reason for punishing Ranma was something caused by her. "Uh-Oh Ranma, looks like the teach is at it again, better duck."
"Oh don't worry Akane, I'll be fine." Ranma just smiled as she sat there.
So Mr. Saotome, looks like you're back and still a delinquent he. Looks like I'll have to discipline you." She made sure her aim was true and the spoke the "magic" words, "HAPPO FIVE YEN SATSU..... Nothing happened.
"Huh what the, Happo Five Yen Satsu. What's going on here?" Hinako just stood there staring at her coin trying to figure out what was wrong.
Ranma had trouble containing her laughter.
"Mr Saotome what's going on here, what did you do?" Hinako was seriously peeved that she wasn't able to deck Ranma.
"Excuse me Miss Hinako, it's Miss Saotome and I didn't do anything, looks like that coins busted, why don't you try another."
Very few people had paid attention to Ranma's words about the fact that she should be called Miss Saotome. Everyone was simply amazed by the fact that Ranma was still sitting there almost laughing.
"Hm seems you're right, let's see." Hinako took out her purse and fished out another coin.
Ranma saw the coin and her smile grew even wider. Let's see how you handle this. Without waiting any further Ranma raised her ki-level to a point from which she knew would be painful to Miss Hinako. She didn't want to hurt Hinako but she had had enough of having her energy drained every time she saw her.
Akane noticed the rise in Ranma's ki and looked at her. What's she doing at this rate Miss Hinako will drain her energy.
"Okay I'm ready now so here we go." Again she aimed and FIRE or better drain, "HAPPO FIVE YEN SATSU!!" This time Hinako felt the energy enter her body and she started to smile but the smile soon faded as she felt an amount of energy beyond anything she had expected, enter her body. She knew this was going wrong. She tried to stop the absorption but found herself unable to, it was as if Ranma was forcing her energy into her body. By now she had grown to her adult self and was now glowing with energy. She looked at Ranma. "Ranma what's going on, stop it, please stop this. I can't handle the energy."
"I'll stop this if you promise never to do this to me again. You see I don't like it when people steal my energy because of some stupid reason. I'm sure many people agree with me that your way of disciplining someone is wrong. So what do you say?" Ranma was serious about not stopping until Hinako either passed out or until she promised to stop her draining of students.
"I I I promise now pleas help me." Hinako had started to cry because the energy she was being fed started to hurt her body.
Ranma locked her energy back in her body, in a place where Hinako couldn't reach it.
The effects where instantaneous as Hinako felt the energy flow stop, she ran to the window aimed her hands and prepared to release the energy. "Happo No Yen Coin Return!!" SSSSHHHOOOOOOMMMMMM, a huge blast of energy shot from Hinako's hands and rocketed through the air. Hinako, now again three feet tall slumped to her knees, after several minutes she was about to face Ranma when a loud crack could be heard and before anyone knew what was going on the wall to their class bulged and soon shattered.
At first Ranma thought Ryoga was back but then she felt a ki-pattern not known to her. Also she could tell that whoever it was wasn't happy. Soon the wall buckled and in stepped a well build young man, wearing a small backpack and army pant and boots. "Ranma Saotome I know you're here so show yourself." The boy looked at everyone in the class trying to find someone fitting the description he had received from some boy who claimed to be lost.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Ranma had gotten of her seat and made her way to the front of the class, where the boy was standing.
"My name is Kumon Ryu and I'm here to find Ranma Saotome and get the Umisen Ken."
To be bla bla.
Well it's done another chapter. That makes eight now. It took some time to finish but I'm also working on another story so bear with me.
Next time let's see how Ranma reacts when she faces the forbidden arts of her father Genma.
