Chapter 2
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"AKANE!" Ranma stood motionless for a few seconds and before he realized it he was by Akane's still form.
"OH MY!" Kasumi quickly walked to her youngest sister, she took her pulse and was relieved that it was normal. "What happened Ranma?" she looked at the teenage boy. He gave her no answer as he kneeled by Akane, his face full of worry and pain, he completely shut out the world. Kasumi shook his shoulder and calmly told him to take Akane to Dr. Tofu's office. He nodded, picked up Akane and ran to the doctor's office.
Kasumi stood up and walked into the house to tell her father what happened. She hoped he wouldn't cry for so long. She shut the door and slowly walked to the porch. She sighed worried about her sister and for some reason she felt a twinge of dread. Kasumi couldn't put her finger on it but the feeling was awful. She shook her head, justifying the feeling to worry. Kasumi straightened her apron and placed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. The only way to calm her father was to stay in control and be strong. *Here I go*. She sighed and opened the sliding door.
"Father?"
"Kasumi dear, what do you need?"
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Akane stood in the dark, feeling rather numb. "Where am I? Am I dreaming?" she whispered softly. Taking precautious steps she moved forward, fog lightly flowing through her ankles. She noticed the entrance of a cave and stepped carefully inside, her shoes making light tapping sounds that echoed off the cavern walls. "Hello? Anyone here?" she walked deeper into the cave and noticed a figure standing in a clearing. "Excuse me? I was wondering if you knew what's going on?" her voice sounded way too loud. The figure turned to her, his black eyes shining against his pale face. Akane gasped, not being used to looking at eyes that were so dark.
"I'm sorry I startled you. I've been waiting for you." He reached out and lightly touched her arm. Akane felt the cold seep into her body, she quickly snatched her arm away. "Listen pervert! I don't know where I am and I would like you to tell how to get the hell out of here!"
The figured chuckled, "Aaah, I love the fire and bravery you have Akane. That's why I chose you."
"What are you talking about?" she made sure to stand a few feet away from him, keeping her guard up.
"Tell me Akane, are you happy?" he came closer to her, his dark hood covering his eyes,
"Of course I'm happy" she stepped back slowly, not liking where this conversation was going.
"Come on Akane, don't lie to yourself. Your family is very supportive, aren't they? And that fiancee of yours, a real gentleman, isn't he? Always making you feel better" his deep voice dripped of sarcasm.
"I don't think my life is any of your damn business."
"Oh, but it is my sweet child, you see I chose you to join me."
"Sorry to disappoint you, but no thanks. Find another person to 'join you'. I'm getting out of here!" She turned quickly and walked away briskly.
The figure opened his hand towards the wall of the cave, smoke swirled around until an image shone through.
"Daddy! Can you teach me some katas?" the voice of a little girl echoed through the cavern. Akane stopped in mid-step, she looked over her shoulder to find an image of her younger self in the living room of her house wearing a gi. Her brown eyes, big and hopeful as she looked up at her father sitting by the shogi board.
"Not now Akane"
"Aaww, why not daddy? I need to practice to get better"
"Nothing is ever going to get better" he closed his eyes as tears flowed down his face.
"Daddy, I didn't mean to make you cry" the little girl looked so guilty.
"Just leave Akane"
The scene changed showing a ten year old Akane in the kitchen. Her arms holding a large bowl, the contents over flowing and spilling on the floor.
"Akane! What are you doing?" Kasumi walked in, wearing her school uniform.
"Hi Sis! I was just going to help you by making dessert"
Kasumi sighed and shook her head. "Just give me the bowl, I think you've done enough"
"But I was just-"
"Akane please, go on upstairs. I'll clean up this mess"
Akane put the bowl on top of the counter and with tears filling her eyes she walked quietly upstairs.
Akane stood in the cave, old emotions that were shut out coming back to her. She wiped her eyes and didn't want to see anymore, but she was riveted to the smoke screen as a new scene occured.
"NABIKI! You can't take and sell pictures of me!" A fifteen year old Akane stood in front of her sister fuming.
Nabiki sighed and turned the page on her manga.
"What are you talking about Akane?"
"THIS!" throwing down the pictures, Akane glared at her.
"OH! These things. What's the big deal?"
"It's humiliating!"
"Well, I think you should get over it, because we need the money and I'm not stopping. I think we are done here" Nabiki turned back to her manga.
"Hmmm.....caring family, aren't they?" The figure stood behind Akane. She couldn't move, she was so angry and hurt. Why did her family do that? She was just trying to be good and they shot her down.
"Built like a brick, thighs are too thick!" her head whipped to the scene of Ranma a smirk forming on his face.
"Tomboy!"
Scenes of Ranma insulting her kept playing on the screen.
"STOP! Don't show me anymore" hot tears ran down her face, her fists at her side, trembling from pain and anger.
"Now, are you happy Akane?" the figure leaned closer, his breath right next to her ear.
"I-I....I don't know" she whispered softly.
"I can help you stop the pain. Join me, leave those people. Who cares about them? They didn't care about you, why should you care about them"
"They are my family"
"Oh yes, but look what they did to you" He walked around and faced her, "What do you say? Do you want to join me?"
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I'm bad I know....hee, hee. This chapter took me awhile, but I hope it was worth it. I had some questions in the reviews, yes Akane is selfish, but so is everyone else in the manga, except for Kasumi. As for her helping people out you just have to wait and see. This story is alternate universe, so it will have OOC moments. Last but not least, I would like to thank all of you who read and reviewed. It means a lot and helps me take another perspective on the fic. So keep reviewing and please constructive criticism. Until next time!
-Colabear ^_^