Chapter 4 "Training"
*
"There is nothing training cannot do. Nothing is above its reach. It can turn bad morals to good; it can destroy bad principles and recreate good ones; it can lift men to angelship." Mark Twain
*
Ryoga slowly walked behind Akane and Ranma. They had decided that Mount Terror was the best place to train. It was a heavily wooded area primarily, but at the top of the mountain there were also many boulders. A river slashed back and forth on one side of the mountain and several hot springs could also be found between the far side from where they were. The springs are just alittle too far from civilization to be a resort, but maybe someday, Ryoga thought, I hope not though.
Despite the lay of the land, this place had more sentimental value than anything else. It was on this hallowed ground that I learned the Bakusai-ten-ketsu from Cologne. It was here that I fought Ranma for Akane. It's only fitting that I try to repair what I've done wrong in this place.
The three had been nearly silent as they walked, with the silence only being shattered by the occasionally attempt at small talk. The implications of the morning's events were slowly sinking in to the trio.
Ryoga's mind wandered as the silence continued. We are getting close now. I remember this place. He recalled the steps that the fight had taken after Ranma had run away. That was probably the closest I've ever come to beating Ranma in a fair fight.
His mind rebelled from that last idea. The Shishi houkou-dan. I was so close to defeating him after I perfected it. If he hadn't tricked me...I would have won. Slyly, he thought, My weakness was my source of power...Akane. Perhaps I've strengthened the hole in my defenses. It doesn't matter though I have no quarrel with Ranma now. What am I going to do if I do succeed?
"This is the place to make camp." Ranma announced breaking Ryoga's reverie.
The trio began to make camp. Again an eerie silence hung over the soon to be camp. I've got to shake off this dreary overcast.
"So Ranma, have decided how you want to proceed in Akane's training?" Ryoga asked.
"Not completely. I think we should start slow and work on the basics first and then move on." Ranma answered.
"Ranma, I can handle the more advanced training. I am a martial artist too." Akane replied as if on cue.
"I think Ranma's right. Best to start slow and find out where you are skill wise." Ryoga said.
"I can't believe you are actually agreeing with me..."
"I won't oppose you...unless I think you are wrong Ranma. Times change, adapt or be left behind." Ryoga challenged.
"That's one of the best parts of Anything Goes Martial Arts." Ranma said proudly.
"And don't worry, I won't hold back my opinion."
"Ok, what should we start with then?" Akane said reluctantly.
"My first idea was running. I know you jog all the time, but being able to have the endurance to run at full speed helps a lot I think." Ranma instructed.
The remainder of the day was spent running around the top of Mount Terror. Running was split between running races from place to place and a lighthearted game of tag. All three youths were thoroughly exhausted by nightfall. Ryoga carefully prepared a fire using his well-honed skills and a tinderbox while Ranma and Akane "discussed" dinner plans.
"Ranma, I think I should cook dinner." Akane repeated for the thousandth time.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Akane...just umm...well..." Ranma countered, hesitating in deciding what was better between death by her cooking or mallet.
"It is the least I can do for you two for training me." Akane said, a smile beaming on her face. "Besides, I won't get any better if I don't practice."
"But there's not a hospital around here for miles..." Ranma blurted out.
"RANMA!" Akane growled, mallet materializing in her hand.
With a flash of flint against steel, Ryoga finally managed to ignite a fire. Carefully, he kindled the flame and let it grow. The sudden spark wasn't the only unexpected flash.
"Actually," Ryoga interrupted with a flash of insight, "I think it would be an excellent idea, under one condition."
A startled Akane dropped her mallet and grateful Ranma positioned himself behind Ryoga.
"What's the condition," Ranma joked, "We don't have to eat it?" His only response from Akane was an angry glare, her eyes narrowing.
"I just want to watch you cook it." Ryoga answered.
"But you'll distract me." Akane countered.
"I give you my word I won't say anything until you are done or unless I think it is important. I mostly just want to observe." Ryoga squeaked
"Ok, great! Let me get my things ready and I'll get started." Akane replied, happily.
As soon as she had stepped away to start dinner, both martial artists breathed a sigh of relief, but for different reasons.
"Are you crazy?" Ranma demanded
"I've got a plan. Well maybe." Ryoga said.
"Maybe? Maybe?" Ranma said sarcastically.
"Don't worry about it. Trust me. I'll explain it to you later ok?" Ryoga replied his thoughts elsewhere.
"I am going do die." Ranma said, resigning himself to his fate.
"What was that, Ranma?" Akane said coldly, sneaking up behind him.
"Nothing, nothing at all..." Ranma said nervously.
"Akane I am ready when you are." Ryoga pointed out.
"Oh, right." She said and began to cook.
Ryoga watched her focusing all of his attention on how she cooked while Ranma went out in search of dry firewood to feed the fire during the night. Her face was a mask of determination. She moved rigidly and kept referring to a cookbook. The way she combined the ingredients it was almost as if she was attacking them. Ryoga noted that the amounts of ingredients weren't precisely measured out, but rather her measurements were somewhat crude because of her haste. In her frenzy she picked up vinegar instead of one of the other spices.
"Ah Akane..."
"What is it? I am busy. Can't you see that?" she said exasperated.
"That's vinegar."
"Oh, ok. Thanks."
After three more near disasters, the meal was finished. As Akane prepared to serve the meal, Ryoga heard Ranma approach from his trip to gather firewood. Quickly the lost boy moved in and intercepted his rival.
Gruffly taking a hold of Ramna's collar, Ryoga harshly whispered into his ear, "Eat it and like it. Got it?" Before Ranma could respond, Ryoga dragged him directly into the camp.
"Let go of me..." Ranma began.
"Ranma's ready for dinner now. We don't want to keep Akane waiting do we?" Ryoga stated a wolfish grin on his face.
"Really?!" Akane exclaimed. A brilliant smile crossed her face as she pushed a steaming plate into Ranma's hands.
Slowly Ranma picked up his chopsticks. The pigtailed boy watched Ryoga's face for any hint of mercy, but the lost boy only hardened his gaze. Resigned to his fate, Ranma reluctantly began to eat.
"This isn't terrible, it's only bad." Ranma exclaimed, the shock clear in his voice.
Akane did not say a single word, merely watched Ranma intently. Suddenly she started preparing a second plate for Ranma, who was rapidly making his way through his first plate. Ryoga snidely thought, With the way he eats, he should have gotten my curse.
The trio finished the dinner and the two exhausted youths of the School of Anything Goes Martial Arts went to sleep. Two tents had been set up, one for Akane and one for the two young men. Ryoga watched the fire intently as they drifted off, knowing he'd only get a few hours of rest. I don't sleep much anymore. Too much to be done, too little time. How does the poem by the American writer Frost go? "Miles to go before I sleep." So many miles it seems.
Ryoga opened his backpack and pulled out a book. Slowly he turned to his bookmark, and began reading trying to stay awake to avoid the eventual nightmares that came when he was asleep. After several hours he finally put his head down, and let sleep wash away his weariness.
*
*
Nabiki looked up from her book when she heard the crash. As the smoke cleared, the lavender haired girl stood in the opening in the wall. At least Uyko used the door when she came.
"Where is Ranma? You tell Shampoo now." Shampoo demanded.
"I can only tell you the same thing I told Ukyo, and the Kunos. He went on a training trip." Nabiki said, pausing a second, "With Akane." Nabiki carefully studied Shampoo's face, as it changed to a grimace of anger, after her little addition.
"When Ranma be back? Which way did Ranma go?" she said after reclaiming her cool. "Shampoo make deal if you tell Shampoo."
"Well, they left with Ryoga...you know his sense of direction. Maybe they'll be back in a couple of weeks." The Tendo daughter merely shrugged.
The Amazon girl sulked off, and Nabiki couldn't help but be amused. Who says you can't mix business and pleasure?
*
*
The days rolled by in quick succession. Slowly but surely the three martial artists moved on to not merely exercises to work out their bodies, but those to hone their skills. Crude obstacle courses filled with, jumping on narrow ledges, climbing over crude barricades, swimming through hot springs, and a myriad of other activities tested their skills.
Ryoga silently noted that things between Ranma and Akane seemed to be getting ever-so slightly better. With Ryoga's watching Akane when she cooked, the fatal flaws in her recipes were prevented and seemed to be occurring less frequently. The food was a long way from being gourmet or even average, but at least it was edible. Maybe she's evening learning. She deserves it after all the effort she puts into it. Or maybe it is just chance. Regardless such a simple thing has made quite a difference but the two of them. After three days of such activities things changed.
On the morning of the fourth day after he awoke, Ryoga realized that Ranma was gone. Ryoga silently went about his morning routine, at length reading a book after Ranma had not yet returned. He covertly turned an eye on Akane's tent mentally confirming she was still asleep and still there. I don't think they'd just leave me here...not really. Besides they would just leave me and not bother trying to be sneaky about it. I wonder where Ranma is though. I don't want to have to explain this to Akane. Part of me is afraid of her now...I can't stand being in her presence except when my duty forces my back against a wall. Enough thinking, focus on this book.
After several long moments, Ryoga, watched Akane arise from her tent. Still trying to avoid looking at her directly, Ryoga following her morning ritual out of the corner of his eye, his noise firmly planted in a book, hiding behind it. Without saying a word time him, she began cooking breakfast. Eager to maintain the silence Ryoga merely observed her preparations. By the time she had finished the meal, the silence was still present, hanging thickly in the air. Amazing she didn't seem to make any mistakes. He studied her carefully. She's not said a word to me without Ranma around. She doesn't seem angry but part of her must be. Things never will be the same, but I have no one to curse but myself. Revealing my curse was a curse onto itself...how ironic...
Appearing from behind a tree, Ranma walked slowly toward the camp. Suddenly, he broke out into a dead sprint closing in on the camp rapidly, his face a mask of concentration. He's going to attack, Ryoga thought, already realizing he was caught unaware.
Ryoga leapt to his feet, and as quickly as he could assumed a defensive position. However, he was not quick enough. Ranma had already moved into striking distance and achieved control of the momentum of that battle. It was all Ryoga could manage to supply the blocks to counter Ranma's offense.
Ranma spun suddenly and fiercely attacked Ryoga's flank. Again barely maneuvering out of harm's way, Ryoga was forced to fight a losing battle. Ranma pushed Ryoga back, again relying on his initial advantage. I've got to disrupt his attack or I am done for...
"Bakusai-ten-ketsu" Ryoga yelled as his finger brushed the ground. A small explosion ensued and before the debris had even cleared he and Ranma had exchanged at least a dozen blows, each blocked.
The flurry of blows continued to cycle back and forth, move and counter move without either martial artist giving up any ground. Ranma's defenses are too well made, he's too fast. I'll never break through them, unless I am uncharacteristically lucky. If I am to win this scrimmage, I'll have to wear him down. Surely I can outlast him? It's all about not making a mistake. If I don't mess up, he can't beat me.
"Tenshin Amaguri-ken" Ranma screamed, with confidence oozing into his voice.
Ryoga blocked strike after strike as Ranma picked up speed. I can barely see his hands moving and he's still getting faster. He's too fast. I can't counter this. No, not this time. I need to seek with the mind's eye. Let my subconscious focus on total and complete defense.
Without thinking about each individual hit, Ryoga let his subconscious take over. Minutes crept by without any quarter being given. Finally the flurry ended and both young men separated. Ryoga risked a glance and he found Ranma panting after his prolonged attack.
"When did you get so good?" Ranma asked, still breathing hard.
"I've got a clearer focus now, Ranma." Ryoga stated proudly, while catching his breath. I've finally stalemated Ranma in a fair fight. Well, sorta. I wonder if I could beat him now with the "Perfected Shishi houkou-dan? I was close, so very close when we fought, but I let him distract me. No more distractions for me.
At that moment, the teapot whistled from camp, signaling it was overheating. Ryoga reflexively glanced over at the pot and Akane. It was at that moment, Ranma exploited this lapse in his defensives.
"Is that so huh? Nice focus." Ranma questioned as Ryoga picked himself up from the dirt.
"Maybe I still need alittle more training." Ryoga said weakly as he joined his two friends for breakfast.
As Ryoga sat down next to his two friends he suddenly noticed something was horribly wrong. Ranma's eating slowly, not quickly. But why? The minutes crept passed.
"So Akane, did you watch our sparring session?" Ranma asked at length.
"Yes, but you two make it look easy. It's almost looked like a play." Akane concluded.
"What do you mean?" Ranma asked.
"It look scripted and rehearsed rather than like a battle." Akane explained.
"It wasn't though." Ryoga said considering what she had said.
"Maybe it was." Ranma stated unexpected. "When I launched an attack, you really only had one or two choices to stop it. To do anything else would pretty much cost you the match."
"I really couldn't deviate too much. You had the momentum, you had the control. I don't know about scripted though." Ryoga mused. "Maybe a better comparison would be dancing."
"Dancing?" Akane asked incredulous.
"There are set patterns, but they can fluctuate as well." Ryoga said revealing his train of thought.
"Dancing? Fluctuate? Deviate? Ryoga you've been reading too much." Ranma stated.
"Maybe, just trying to explain things more clearly."
"But you bring up a good point. Akane needs to develop the same sixth sense we have."
"How do I do that?" Akane questioned.
"Practice. Lot's of practice." Ranma replied.
"I am up to it." She announced.
"Let's get going then." Ryoga said putting his plate down.
The remainder of the day was spent honing dodging, blocking, and parrying as were the next several. Ryoga noted that Akane while clumsy at first, was beginning to gain speed with repeating the patterns. I probably shouldn't be so surprised. I mean after all she's a much more skilled ice skater than Ranma or I am. It's just a matter of getting the right assistance in your training. I'd never have done so much so quickly without Cologne's help in mine.
The midday and evening meals became discussions of tactics and areas to target for improvement. Ryoga kept his guard high though Ranma and Akane often seemed to lower theirs considerable. I just want this resolved. Being around them isn't right anymore, I don't deserve it.
One night as the other two prepared for bed, things were particularly quiet. Ryoga just continued to read as the hours past. Sleep brings no rest for me. Just formless nightmares.
After several hours, Ranma awoke with a start. Quietly he slipped out of the tent and moved to sit next to Ryoga at the fire. Ryoga acknowledged his presence with a quick nod, without a word.
"Still up eh?" Ranma asked.
"Yes, just reading this book." Ryoga replied quietly.
"What book?"
"It's Hamlet, by a long dead British author."
"Same guy that did Romeo and Juliet right?" Ranma asked, after a moment, almost as if he had just suddenly recalled it.
"Yes, I think so."
"Any good? What's it about?"
"The main character is Hamlet. Hamlet's father dies and he pretends to be crazy in order to avenge him." Ryoga replied without really thinking about. Suddenly an idea struck the lost boy. "But it has a really interesting side plot."
"Oh, what's that about?" Ranma asked, eager to continue the conversation.
"Well, there's this girl Hamlet sorta likes but when he pretends to be insane, she doesn't take it so well. He insults her a lot during it and this pushes her over the edge. She commits suicide and Hamlet mourns her terribly." Ryoga explained.
The lost boy risked a glance at his friend. Ranma's face was ashen. An uneasy silence descended on the camp.
"So why did you want me to eat Akane's cooking? You said you'd explain it to me, but never have." Ranma said, attempting to change the subject.
"We've not had a moment alone yet. Did it kill you?" Ryoga challenged.
"No, but it might have." Ryoga rolled his eyes.
"For once think Ranma, and think carefully. Why does she continue to cook things for you?"
"I don't know..."
"Ukyo cooks for you. Shampoo cooks for you. Kodachi cooks for you." Ryoga explained.
"I don't eat Kodachi's food."
"You would if it weren't riddled with poisons and paralyzing powder."
"Maybe."
"My point is Akane cooks to show her affection for you because she is too embarrassed to show it directly. When you eat Shampoo or Ukyo's cooking, and reject Akane's, you reject her affection." With a dark grin on his face, "Just like you show your affection when you rescue her."
"That's not the same thing." Ranma said instinctively.
"Why do you rescue her then?"
"It's the right thing to do."
"Remember when we had the fight at the zoo, so long ago. During the end of it, I launched all those bandannas. Who did you worry about? Those other students who didn't have any training. Or Akane who did."
"I-I didn't have time to think about that." Ranma stuttered.
"Sure, whatever. Who is lying to himself now?" Ryoga replied sharply. "I don't get you, why is this so hard? You'll take on demons and worse, but you can't admit the truth to the girl you love."
"Ss--she might not..."
"Fear of rejection? Here's another fear for you. How long before your luck runs out and something happens? One of you two die. Shampoo uses a love potion on you. Some new fiancée Genma promised you to comes out of the woodwork. Or a billion other things?"
"Telling her wouldn't change those things." Ryoga grinned inwardly. He's admitted it again.
"No it wouldn't you are right it wouldn't. But you wouldn't be alone anymore."
"Alone?"
"She'd be with you, even more so than she is now. She's living in fear of you picking one of the other girls."
"I would never.." Ranma started.
"I know that and you know that, but she's insecure." Ryoga interrupted. "Face the facts, things can't remain like they are."
"I don't know..." he trailed off.
"Ranma," Ryoga asked suddenly, "Would you do me a favor?"
"What?"
"Too often in my life, I've blamed you without understanding. It's time to change this. I want to understand you. Tell me about Akane. And Kuno. Nabiki and Kasumi. Tell me about everything, every detail everything you can remember."
A moment passed between the two young men. Ryoga felt Ranma studying his gaze. He's measuring me...seeing my intent.
Without another word, Ranma began explaining the story of his life to Ryoga. It can out slowly and awkwardly at first, but then sputtered quickly in large bursts. The next few nights followed this pattern. Meals continued to be strategic sessions, training was long and intense, and the nights were filled with Ranma and Ryoga discussing the past and realizing things about it that had remained unseen. Both were nervous that their time in training was so quickly passing.
Ryoga quietly watched Akane's progression. Slowly but surely she is gaining skill through her dedication. Ryoga also noted that on average he had to say less and less about her cooking. He'd only speak up when she was about to make a fatal flaw. Akane seemed much calmer without undo pressure from outside sources. Much more in control of her temper and the amounts of ingredients as well.
As if his thoughts were a prophecy at breakfast Ranma brought up a similar point.
"Akane, I think it's time we move on to the last important thing you need, control." Ranma began.
"What do you mean exactly?" she asked.
"Do your remember when Cologne told me about a Soul of Ice?"
Akane nodded mutely. Ryoga picked at his breakfast, unsure of what if anything he could contribute.
"A soul of ice is concentration. You let everything go, everything that doesn't matter."
"I think I understand. Why is this so important though?" She inquired.
"You focus completely on the battle you are fighting and don't let emotion cloud your judgement." Ranma explained slowly. "It is the last step before you can focus your Ki into a battle aura."
"Control isn't easily mastered." Ryoga grunted bitterly from experience.
"I can do it." Akane replied smoothly.
"Actually I think you are closer than you think, Akane." Ranma informed the others.
"Why do you say that, Ranma?" Ryoga asked.
"I've seen the difference in the way she cooks now.." Ranma began. Akane's eyes narrowed briefly before Ranma continued. "This has nothing to do with how it tastes, though it has been improving...just the way you control your temper while you cook." Ryoga carefully noted Akane's features softened immensely with even the vaguest of compliments.
"What does a battle aura do exactly? I know I've seen Happousai paralyze you with it, but no one has really ever explained it." Akane asked.
"Battle auras are how Ki is directed into doing things. Most people that can manage to use never even realize what they are doing." Ranma explained. "I never really realized that I put out a battle aura at all until learning the Hiryuu shouten-ha. Even then I didn't learn to consciously manifest energy until Mouko takabisha."
"How does it help you if you don't know it's there?" Akane questioned.
"When you split those stone blocks, you've focused your ki. Or when we first encounter Ryoga, remember how he created a crater with the tip of his umbrella? Or how he sliced that tree in half with his belt? Those are all uses of ki without thinking about it, and a dozen other things." Ranma stated.
"Ok, what are we waiting for? Let's start working on this." Akane exclaimed happily, starting down the path to the place where the training was usually done.
And work they did. Several days passed in quick succession each bringing more progress than the one before it. I wonder how much time we have left now, probably less than a week. It's hard to believe three weeks have based so quickly, reflected Ryoga while sitting quietly reading on evening. Suddenly, Ryoga watched Ranma turn over and wake up.
"I am going to take a walk." Ranma said. Ryoga merely nodded in response.
A few minutes later Akane arose. Sleepless night for everyone tonight.
"Ryoga, could I ask you a question?" Akane began.
"Ask away, I'll answer it to the best of my ability.
"Why did you...not tell me about your curse?" she inquired.
He looked away from her for a moment into the night. I knew from the beginning this day would come...I guess I'll just say it. First thing that comes to my mind, starting at the beginning.
"I don't have explanations. Only excuses. If you really want to hear it, I'll tell you why it took so long." Ryoga stated slowly, trailing off at the end.
"I want to hear it." Akane stated bravely.
"I guess I've always felt to some degree my life didn't have any meaning...I don't know my parents well at all...we all get lost...I didn't have many... well any friends. When Ranma crossed me by stealing that bread...it gave me a purpose no matter how petty. That's why I followed him all the way through China...simply I didn't have anything better to do. I know I am pathetic. I guess you know that."
Ryoga took a deep breath focusing on these words before continuing, not being able to meet her gaze. Just let it come out, Ryoga, from the heart.
"After I was dumped into the spring...I looked for someone to blame but myself. Ranma was the only person I could...the only person I knew. I hated the girl and the Panda for what they had done to me...but I didn't know how to track them down...not with my sense of direction. So, I just blamed Ranma for everything and he gave me purpose to a formless life...to make him miserable for these imagined wrongs. That's why I was so furious when I found out he was that girl."
Ryoga mentally realigned himself, forcing himself to meet her gaze.
"After our second battle...I sorta of understood he cared for you. I mean after all he only protected you from those bandanas, when there were a lot of people there with no training what so ever...and he just well brushed me off after you guys had your argument. Turned his back on me completely, disarmed me, and ignored me."
"How did you know that he..." she trailed off.
"It is blatantly obvious. I am a fool for having missed it for so long—I guess the want to believe something wasn't true lead me on. I was jealous you held his attention, and I was ignored. And I felt bad that... I had at least was partly responsibly for cutting your hair. I am truly sorry."
"I was just shocked. I've gotten over it." Ryoga noticed a wistful look in here eye. I wonder why?
"We fought again and I was so ashamed that Ranma learned I had a curse. Trapped in that form from that rainy night, I ran from him but got lost and ended up in your room. I was hurt, cold, lonely, and so, so ashamed of my curse. And out of this darkness...you came."
Ryoga swallowed deeply clearing his throat before continuing.
"I guess the only metaphor I can offer up is a lighthouse. You were the ray of light that pulled me from the depths of despair. That's why you saying even you hated me...let me master the Shishi houkou-dan. I suppose that's my reality now."
"I don't hate you..." she continued.
"But I'll never have your trust again. I can accept that. I guess that first night I should have resisted the temptation...but I was just so mad at Ranma, so I let it happen to hurt him and I guess I was so lost in you...you had delivered me from the depths of hell itself. After that...I couldn't stand to tell you because I didn't want you to hate me...so I was forced into this viscous cycle...of damning myself even more."
Ryoga calmly kept his voice steady and cold.
"Seeing Ranma get jealous...it was revenge I guess in a way. And the way you talked about him sometimes to me...I guess I thought that you truly hated him. He would insult you or do something stupid to make you upset...or not eat what you worked so hard to cook for him and rarely bought you anything...so I tried to become that person, that would do all of those things that you wanted. I'd only give you kind words, never try to make you upset, eat anything you cooked, and I gave you as many souvenirs as I could..."
Ryoga noticed her eyes seemed on the verge of tears. It's the truth, just let it out, so everyone can heal.
"All in the hopes that someday, I'd win your heart. Not knowing all along, you'd fallen so deeply for him and so completely. Or not wanting to believe it"
"Why now? Why change now?" she said softly.
"Selfish reasons. First I guess I feel I've not been a very honorable person when it comes to you. I want to make up for that if I can. And I-I guess seeing you happy is what matters to me most in the world. Even if I am not a part of it. That's why I am doing all this. " Ryoga took a death breath. "Hopefully whatever plot, Nabiki has hatched will take care of the last few hurtles to your happiness..."
Ryoga cleared his throat again. "Actually Ranma couldn't sleep well. He went on a walk." Ryoga pointed in the direction that Ranma had left in. "He seemed to have a lot on his mind."
"Do you think I..." Akane started.
"I know you should."
Without another word spoken, Ryoga watched Akane step out of the firelight into the darkness.
Ryoga sat quietly for a moment after Akane had disappeared. I need to know what they say when they met...I need to know or Nabiki will skin me alive. No, I need to know if I've undone the damage I've inflicted. Ryoga quickly stood up and followed Akane at a comfortable distance.
The two heirs to the Anything Goes Martial Artists school soon encountered each other. Hiding within a bush, Ryoga carefully studied their faces, illuminated by the moonlight. He could hear them talking in whispers but not make out what they were saying. Deftly, the lost by edged closer as the minutes paced.
"—learned so much so quickly. Ranma, I want to thank you for training me." Akane said, her voice sweet as honey.
"It's nothin' at all. Probably something I should have been doing all along." He replied.
A quiet and awkward moment passed between them.
"Ranma, when you said you lo—" she began.
Ranma's gaze met Akane's and in that moment everything unsaid passed between them.
"I love you, Akane Tendo." Ranma said simply.
"I love you too, Ranma Saotome." She replied with equal elegance.
She leaned forward face fully illuminated by the bright moonlight and the young couple kissed for the first time, a long and fulfilling kiss.
Quietly stalking away from the couple, Ryoga thought I've won. Sternly he corrected himself, No Akane you've obtained what you so rightly deserve. You too Ranma Sealed for eternity.
For the first night since the Christmas party, Ryoga slept a well.
*
*
The remainder of the trip passed very quickly. Ryoga smiled as he saw a new closeness manifest itself between Ranma and Akane. A bond had been foraged between them, that was truly indestructible
The only event that broke their routine was Akane had accidentally bleached some of the shirts white while doing laundry. Ryoga while packing for the return to Nerima closely examined his shirt.
From yellow to white. How very ironic. The symbolism for yellow has always been cowardly. And so I was. And now white the symbol of purity. Maybe I've grown some. But there's still much to do.
"Stand ready, those that stand in the ways of my friend's choice." Ryoga whispered to himself. "Because now you stand against me as well."