Chapter Six
As the Fates Would Have It
Ranma awoke, hungry. That was a nice sleep. He got up and went down stairs, eager to start off the day with Kasumi's cooking. He reached the table and looked around. Akane wasn't here. No doubt she was off training.
"Oh, Good morning Ranma!" Kasumi said. "Nabiki has already left for school. Akane already ate. She got up rather early today. Won't you go help her train a bit after breakfast? She could use a coach as good as you."
Ranma looked over to Kasumi. "Well, I suppose I should go and see what I can do, even though she yelled at me for not plantin' her face into the ground."
"That's the spirit Ranma! Akane is so lucky to have you. I can't wait until you two get married, you will be so happy."
"Ranma" Genma demanded. "You really should have taken that spar more seriously. Shampoo is a very skilled martial artist. Would it have hurt you to be a little more aggressive?"
"Pops, there's no way I'm hitting a lady for real. I went out of my way as it was; I did hit her a few times. Not hard of course."
"I'm sorry Ranma, I understand your values. I was just worried that Akane may not be able to beat Shampoo."
Ranma was stunned. First he was worried about him now he's apologizing? "Well, I should go check up on her, after breakfast anyway." He said, finishing his breakfast.
He soon entered the training hall. Akane was there; she had just finished her morning jog.
"You know, Akane is kind of cute wearing those shorts, in a tomboyish fashion of course." Ranma thought to himself.
Akane turned around, noticing Ranma was there, watching her.
"Ranma…" she said. "What do you want now?"
"Oh, I was just checkin' on ya. You have been going kinda hard with all this training. You know, you're kinda cute when you wear those shorts"
Akane blushed, smiling slightly. She wasn't used to compliments from Ranma. "Uh…thanks." She said, diverting her eyes from him.
Ranma grabbed Akane's hand, they looked a lot better and the redness had died down. "Hey Akane, mind telling me what you were doing when you did this." He asked, holding Akane's hand in front of her face.
Akane got defensive. "So that's what you were doing. Trying to force information out of me?"
"N…No! I was just worried…"
"Well it's none of your business!"
"Geeze, all I said was you looked cute and then all of a sudden you explode on me. Guess that shows how cute you really are."
Akane threw a punch at Ranma, Ranma tilted backwards, avoiding the blow. Akane tried to hit him with a fast kick, Ranma jumped in the air, placing his hands on Akane's leg and flipping over her, landing a few feet away.
"Come on Akane, you gotta do better than that" Ranma said, standing calmly with his hands in his pockets.
Akane clenched her fist, about to charge Ranma. She stopped short of him, turning around in disgust. "What's the use Ranma, even if I attack you, you won't take me seriously."
"What seems to be your problem Akane?"
"You don't seem to be taking this duel seriously is my problem. It's like…you don't want me to win or something." Akane suddenly got quiet. She turned her back to Ranma.
"What are you takin' about Akane? Haven't' we been through his argument before? Besides, I do want you to win. That's the only way I see of me gettin' rid of Shampoo."
Akane whirled around. "Well then, act like it Ranma!" She said, taking a fighting stance.
"Geeze…I guess I could step it up another notch…" Ranma stood ready, his hands in his pockets.
The training door slid open suddenly, with a creak. Akane and Ranma looked over to see Ukyo, carrying a few small boxes. She seemed a lot happier than yesterday.
"Hey you two. Kasumi said you would be back here. Just to let ya know, I'm on your side!" Ukyo said, smiling.
"Oh, hey Uc-Chan. What are you tallkin' about?" Ranma asked, confused.
Ukyo approached him, setting the boxes down. "Well Ran-Chan, something hit me a few days ago, after I…well…acted like a fool. I had hurt you and Akane pretty bad that day, I just thought you two would have your normal argument and that would be it. It was then I realized, that, if I had really loved you, I wouldn't have done that to you. I guess its fate or something that brought you two together. Besides, Akane won fair and square, right sugar?" Ukyo turned to Akane, smiling.
Akane returned a serious look. "Ukyo…"
"Uc-Chan. That means you're…giving up on me?"
"Well, you could say that. You two make the perfect couple. I should have noticed by the way you two were always fighting."
"Well we wouldn't fight all the time if Akane wasn't such a tomboy." Ranma said calmly.
"You idiot, you're the one acting macho all the time, what with your calm cool and collected ways."
"Oh, speaking of macho, you really should look in the mirror before saying that."
The couple narrowed their eyes at each other. Ukyo, wanting to preserve peace, stepped in between them. "Ok you two, don't we have training to go through? I brought some Okonomiyaki with me to help you out. Don't worry it's on the house."
"Ok Uc-Chan, we'll eat later, I just had breakfast."
Akane thought for a minute. "Hey Ukyo, you said you're on our side right? Does that mean you want me to win against Shampoo?"
"Well yea, I never really liked her any way. She would cheat all the time with her potions and such; besides, I can't stand the thought of seeing Ranma with her."
"Thanks Ukyo. You really are a good friend. Anyway, what I was getting at was; would you help me train a little bit? Ranma seems to think this is all some sort of game."
Ranma looked over to her, "I told ya, I can't fight for real against a girl. It's against my nature."
Akane ignored Ranma, angered at him. Ukyo nodded. "Sure thing sugar, let's see how good you've really gotten." Ukyo went to the opposite side of the hall, taking a fighting stance. Akane charged her. The fight had begun.
Ranma sat on the sidelines, watching the spar. He found himself drawn to Akane somehow. She seemed to get cuter over the last few days and the fact that she was wearing those short shorts helped out a little.
"Wow, I've never seen Akane move like that. She's taking this thing pretty seriously." Ranma thought to himself, almost in a trance. "So cute…if only she didn't act so violent all the time. I guess this wedding thing could work out after all. Maybe with all my fiancées gone she would mellow out a little. I guess I've been acting kinda careless lately. Well I can't beat on my fiancée. Maybe I should apologize to her for acting that way…"
Ranma continued to watch the duel, Akane making graceful movements and leaps to avoid Ukyo's attacks. "She is cute! Maybe I really do love her. Maybe that's why I'm so concerned about her feelings. I already told her once…kinda on accident. Maybe I should tell her for real. That would show her. Maybe she would stop yelling at me after that. Now to pick the right time…"
Ranma took his eyes off the duel, concentrating on just how to go about telling Akane how he felt…for real this time.
"Ah ha!" Ranma shouted, snapping his fingers. "I have the perfect way. All I need is a gift…" Ranma suddenly noticed that Akane and Ukyo had stopped fighting, and were looking at him with confused faces.
"Ah ha! What?" Akane asked.
"Uh, oh…it's nothing Akane, I just…figured out something. That's all."
"Well, what did you figure out?" Ranma winced. He thought for a brief second.
"Well we all have our secrets, don't we Akane?" Ranma finally said, pointing to her hands. It was then that Ukyo noticed Akane's hands were kind of red.
"Yea Akane, what happened?" She asked, taking one of her hands and looking at it. "This looks like it was done by fire, I know burns when I see them. You get burned a lot in my kinda business."
Akane stood there; all eyes were on her. "Oh, I was just helping Kasumi with the cooking the other day. I ruined it as usual." Ranma turned to her. It wasn't like Akane to admit her flaws like that…unless she was very mad.
Akane quickly changed the subject. "Well, Ukyo shall we continue?" Ukyo need not be asked twice. She was having a hard time keeping up with Akane's moves, but she did feel like she owed her a big debt.
Ranma continued to watch the spar, his mind going in and out of marriage.
"Ok you two. I think that about does it for me." Ukyo said after an hour or so. Her hair was all messed up and she had a few bruises. "I closed the store for the morning but now it's almost lunch time. Well, see you all later. I'll drop by again in a while. Akane, don't be fooled by Shampoo, she is a lot smarter than she appears."
With that, Ukyo left, leaving the Okonomiyaki with Ranma and Akane. Akane grabbed the boxes and sat next to Ranma, handing him one. The couple sat and ate quietly. This time Ranma broke the silence.
"Hey, Akane, those were pretty good moves out there. I'm starting to notice a big improvement." Akane smiled to him.
"Well, I can't stop now. I'll just take a small break, then I'll go back at it."
"You know…I was thinkin'…maybe I could help you train. I suppose if I were a girl there would be no problem."
"Oh, that's ok Ranma. I kinda wanted to train alone for a while…"
"Oh," Ranma said, a bit shocked at Akane's refusal. "Well have it your way then. I'm goin' out, I have some stuff do to." With that, Ranma got up and left the hall, heading into town. Akane thought to herself.
"What is that Ranma doing now? Well this'ill give me a chance to practice a bit more. I almost have it…if only I could keep my hands from getting burned. I have got to come up with a better excuse that what I was using. Maybe I'll go somewhere a little less crowded." Akane rose to her feet, going up to her room and getting her paper bag. She would go to that abandoned lot a few blocks down. All that was there were a few trees and one other empty house. That would give her a good chance to practice her moves.
Ranma walked down the main street in Nermia. His hands were in his pockets, as he calmly looked around at all the shops. "I wonder where that place is? Who would have guessed I would have a need of such a place." Ranma continued his search for the right shop. He walked down that street for what seemed like hours. "Ah, there it is…did I pass it the first time?" Ranma asked himself, entering an elaborate shop.
"Hello there kind sir, how can I help you?" The man at the counter asked. Ranma looked around at all the items on display.
"Um…you have any…engagement rings?" Ranma asked softly.
"Why yes sir, what a happy occasion! Follow me and I'll show you where we keep them all."
Ranma walked to a counter on the other side of the store. There were a lot of rings in there, some looked just cheap but others looked very expensive.
"Take your time sir," The man at the counter said.
Ranma looked carefully, visualizing Akane's soft hands and fingers.
"Ah!" He exclaimed. "That one is perfect! It matches the sparkle in her eyes, when she's smiling any way."
The man at the counter opened the case and let Ranma hold the ring. It was the perfect one. It was a gold ring, with a small diamond in the middle and a few smaller ones going around. The diamonds glittered perfectly. Ranma had to get this. Akane would be so surprised…
"Yes, this is the best one, how much for it?"
The man at the counter got out a large book and flipped through the pages. "Well, looks like that one is 35,000 yen, price with tax."
Ranma nearly fainted. Where was he going to get 35,000 yen in three days?
"Oh…could you save it for me? I didn't expect it to cost that much. I would hate for someone to buy it."
"Sure young man. I can keep it for you until the store closes tonight."
"Thank you." Ranma said distantly, exiting the shop. His mind weighed heavily on his heart. "Man…35,000 yen. I have to get that ring though; it's the perfect one. That would sure show Akane; maybe she would stop being so un-cute."
Ranma returned to the Dojo, knowing what he must do.
"Hey Kasumi? Where's Nabiki?"
"Oh, Hello Ranma. Nabiki is in her room. She said something about audits…" Ranma rolled his eyes. This would be messy.
Ranma knocked softly on her door. "Hey Nabiki, you in there?"
"Yes, what do you want Ranma?"
"I want to talk business."
The door opened, revealing an interested Nabiki. "So what have you come to discuss Ranma? You don't seem like the dealing type."
Ranma went and sat by her desk. Nabiki lay on her bed, smiling.
"Well, this is pretty painful, so I'm just gonna cut to the chase. I need to borrow 35,000 yen. It's a personal matter."
Nabiki's smile got a bit wider. "Ok Ranma, what kind of collateral you got?"
"Uh…collateral? I don't have any of that…"
'Hmmm…" Nabiki said, flipping through her paperwork. "Your credit isn't as good as it should be. I don't know if I can approve your loan request."
"Geeze, Nabiki. I came to ask for a hand, person to person. Not from the First National Bank of Nabiki."
"Well Ranma, what is it for? 35,000 yen is a lot of money."
"Well…it's kinda a secret…" Ranma said weakly.
Nabiki thought for a second "Well sure, I'll let you borrow the money. But, I'm running kind of low on pictures, if you know what I mean."
Ranma shook his head. "You have a deal Nabiki."
"Good, I've picked out some lingerie for you to wear."
"What! You didn't say anything about wearing lingerie!"
"Does that mean you don't want the money?"
"Fine, have it your way. Do whatever you want with me. I just need the money right now."
"You have yourself a deal Ranma. I'll get the interest rates finalized for you in the morning." Nabiki said, reaching in a box and pulling out seven 5000-yen notes.
Ranma took the money and ran back down town. Had he stayed any longer it would have cost him an arm and a leg. Maybe he would have had better luck trying to sell Akane's cooking at bake sales. Well he did get the money; that was enough for him. He would deal with Nabiki later.
He entered the jewelry store, the man greeting him again. Ranma presented the notes and walked away a few minutes later with a small gift-wrapped box. It was a very nice paper, shiny blue with a small yellow ribbon. Ranma carried it in an ordinary plastic bag. Now all he had to do was find the right time to give it to Akane.
Akane sat in the vacant lot, fire burning in front of her.
"My hands hurt, I need to take a break. I sure hope Ranma appreciates what I'm doing for him." Akane sighed laying across the grass. It was kind of itchy against her skin. A cool breeze blew from the north. It was about to be dinnertime. Akane sat up, ready for just one last round.
"I guess I should practice that dragon attack one more time. If Ranma and Ryoga could learn an attack like that then so could I!" Akane placed her hands in front of her chest; her palms were facing each other. She brought her palms together, trying to focus. She took a deep breath and let it out. A small glow came from her hands. She separated her palms. A small blue flame danced there innocently.
"Yes!" Akane exclaimed happily. "Finally! I think I have the hang of this. Man…I wonder if Ranma and Ryoga took so long with it…" Akane suddenly noticed that she had got very tired. She lowered her head and the little flame vanished. "Well I guess I need to practice more, seeing as I don't seem to have control over it yet." Akane sat back down and pulled out a few notes she had scribbled. She read them, trying to find a way to master her new techniques.
A glimpse of red got her attention from the corner of her eye. She turned. It was Ranma. He looked like he was in deep thought.
Ranma walked all over the town; his mind was working hard. He passed a small lot. It smelled pretty good over there. Like roasted nuts. He turned to the lot, spotting Akane. She looked very worried. "Hey Akane. What are you doing all the way out here?" Ranma called to her.
Akane hurriedly dumped rocks and dirt on the small fire, putting it out. She smiled at Ranma. "Oh, I was just doing something for Kasumi is all."
Ranma approached her. "What were you doing? Smells like roasted nuts over here."
"Yes, I was roasting nuts for Kasumi to bake with. She loves to cook you know."
"Oh, well…hey wait a second!" Ranma said.
Akane got a worried look on her face. Did he know what she was up to?
"Aren't you supposed to be trainin'? Shampoo won't hold back her moves, you know that."
"Well, yes, but I decided to take a small break. I've been going at it all day." Akane suddenly noticed the small bag Ranma had with him. She saw her chance to change the subject.
"Hey Ranma, what's in the bag?"
This time, Ranma got the worried look. "Oh…it's a present for…Uc-Chan" He managed. "With us being all friends again, I though it was all fitting that we should thank her…"
"Oh, how nice. Can I see it?"
"Uh…no…it's a secret…"
"Well, whatever Ranma. I'm a bit tired, lets just go home. I'm sure Ukyo will like it, whatever it is."
Ranma and Akane turned back to the Dojo. Ranma noticed that Akane seemed a bit winded. "Geeze…I've never seen her so focused before. I sure hope she likes what I got her…"
Ranma and Akane entered the Dojo. Kasumi served dinner. Nabiki had an usually cheerful attitude.
"So, how is your training going Akane?" Soun asked
"Oh, it's going fine dad. Ukyo was nice enough to help me out a little. At this rate, Shampoo will be no problem."
"Well I'm sure everyone is glad to hear that. Even Ranma." Ranma looked indifferent, his mind was on other things.
Dinner was finished in its usual manner, rather on the quiet side. Akane went to take her bath. Ranma started watching TV
Akane sat in the tub, thinking. "Well, three more days…Ranma better not mess things up like he usually does. This will be the hardest match I've ever had." Akane winced a bit. Hot water had gotten on to her wound. She usually tried to keep it above water, but she was finding herself relaxing more with each passing minute. "Well, we will just see what happens in a few days Shampoo. I know you're gonna have a few tricks…so will I" Akane got out the bathtub and headed to her room. She got dressed in her pajamas and broke out her books yet again: another late night of studying.
Ranma, worrying to himself, went to bed early. Maybe he should just wait until the day of the match to give Akane her ring.
The Beginning of the End
The days seemed to pass fast for Akane; Ukyo showed up again, amazed the how fast Akane's hands were able to move. Akane seemed to be acting like she was on top of the world, like she could take on any challenge. Hopefully she could. Ranma, forgetting his troubles, just sat back and watched Akane, his affections for her ever growing. The day of the duel arrived shortly there after…
Akane sent word of where the duel would take place. The ball field at Furinkan High would be a perfect place. She awoke that morning, full of energy. She ran down stairs, finding Ranma watching TV.
"Ranma? What are you doing? Shouldn't you be asleep? Even Kasumi isn't up yet."
"Oh, well…I just couldn't sleep, what with this being the day of the duel."
"Ranma, you're not worried about me are you? You should know by now I can take care of myself." Akane said, trying to help Ranma relax.
Ranma turned to her and smiled. "No, I wasn't worried about what would happen to you but what would happen to Shampoo. You think when she loses she will try to kill herself or somethin'?"
Akane smiled. "I don't know…everything about those amazons seems to be death and revenge. Honestly, I don't know how they survive on all those old fashioned rules. Well Ranma, I'm gonna go and warm up. This is gonna be a long day."
"Ok Akane, good luck!"
Akane smiled and ran out the door, doing a few warm up laps.
By the time she had got back. Kasumi had already served breakfast and everyone was eating. Ukyo dropped by, having closed her store all day today. She brought a small Okonomiyaki grill for everyone during the duel. The time was now. Akane got up from the table, in her yellow Gi. "Ok everyone, wish me luck."
"Oh no you don't Akane." Nabiki demanded. "We are going with you!"
"Yes, I would hate to miss my little daughter's victory." Soun said smiling, halfway wanting to spy on what would happen between Ranma and Akane.
Everyone got up, Kasumi was bringing a small first aid kit, just incase Akane scraped her knees. The whole family went out the door, except for Ranma.
"Ok Ranma…here's your chance…" He said to himself.
"Hey Akane, can you come here a sec?" He called.
"Sure, what is it Ranma?" Akane said, smiling.
"Well…I just wanted to wish you luck against Shampoo…so I…Uh…"
"So you what?"
"You idiot just spit it out!" Ranma yelled at himself. "Well…I…got you a little gift…I hope you like it." He said, nervously, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the small blue box. He handed it to a confused Akane. She removed the yellow bow and tore the paper. It looked like it was going in slow motion. She pulled back the lid of the fuzzy box…
Akane gasped. Her heart jumped. Her hands began to start trembling. She looked up at Ranma. He was leaning against the wall, his hands in his pockets. "Well I just thought that would be fitting, seeing as you are gonna win." He said, calmly.
Akane just looked up to him, tears of joy starting. "Ranma…this is…" She grabbed Ranma, hugging him hard. Ranma returned a hug.
"Hey, its ok Akane." Ranma offered. He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently pushing her away so he could look her in the eye. "Akane, I love you. Promise me you'll beat Shampoo."
Akane smiled, wiping a few tears from her eyes. "Ranma…you big dummy…you had this planned the whole time didn't you?"
Ranma nodded, smiling broadly. He had done something good all by himself.
Akane looked one more time at the ring. She took it out the box and slipped it on her finger. "I guess that's means you accept it?" Ranma asked. Akane did not answer but jumped into his arms again.
"Ok Akane, enough of this. You have a duel to win remember?"
Akane dried her eyes one more time. "Yea, you're right Ranma. Let's go end this once and for all." Ranma and Akane walked out the door. That new ring on Akane's finger sure did look good on her. She wore the ring proudly. She would show everyone after the duel.
To Fight the Unbeatable Foe
The ball field was deserted. It was a Saturday and the last place any one wanted to be would be at school. The Tendou family sat in the near by bleachers, accompanied by Ukyo, Mousse, and Cologne. Nabiki looked a bit angry. Ranma had taken the tickets she had planned on selling. Oh well, those pictures of Ranma would bring in twice as much.
Akane walked into the field. It was a very sunny mid-morning and very warm. Akane panned over the field, pondering. Was this a good place? It was large and empty, save for the gate that surrounded the field and the very tall gate at the near end. She looked back at her family. They were cheering for her victory. Ranma just sat there, smiling. Akane suddenly got sight of Mousse. He seemed to be totally indifferent to all this. Cologne looked confident.
"I wonder what tricks she taught Shampoo." Akane thought to herself. She brought her hand closer to her, examining the ring Ranma had given her. She turned it a bit, reflecting the light in the largest diamond. It seemed to assure her of her victory. She closed her eyes and looked up into the sky. She took a deep breath, gaining her focus. For some reason a few tears made their way out. "Akane, stop this…you'll be fine. There is no way you can lose. Not with the techniques you learned." Akane said to herself. A figure emerged from the far side of the field. It was wearing loose clothes and had long, blue hair. It was Shampoo. Akane readied herself, placing a hand on her wound. It was just about healed thanks to Dr. Tofu.
"Akane!" Shampoo said fiercely. "You ready to lose? Shampoo win Ranma."
Akane smiled a bit. "Over my dead body Shampoo!"
"Well, if that way you want it. Shampoo aim to please."
The two stared at each other.
"The duel of the fates will now begin!" Cologne announced. "The only way to win is by knockout or forfeit. There are no rules. May the best Amazon win!"
Akane wasn't an Amazon.
Cologne turned to Ranma. "No interference son-in-law. To do is an act punishable…"
Ranma rolled his eyes. "Let me guess, punishable by death? Yea whatever" he interrupted. Cologne turned back to the two duelers. "Now's my chance to see what Akane was hiding all this time. I hope it's good." Ranma thought to himself.
"Begin!" Cologne demanded.
Akane took her stance. "Ok…here we go. This will be easy."
Akane charged Shampoo, fists clenched. She shot a right at Shampoo's head. Effortlessly, Shampoo crouched and caught Akane in the stomach. Akane gasped as Shampoo launched her backward with a kick, making her land on her back. Everyone gasped, except Ranma, who was confident.
"Oh Dear!" Kasumi exclaimed. "Shampoo might have hurt Akane." Soun looked over to Nabiki and Genma. They shook their heads.
"Um…Kasumi dear. Maybe you shouldn't watch this. Things are going to get very ugly." Soun said.
"Oh, nonsense father. Akane is my little sister. I'll make sure I'm here for her every step of the way." Soun looked a bit worried
"Damn!" Akane cursed. "Shampoo moves as fast as Ranma now. Well I'll just have to compensate. Now I know what I'm dealing with."
Akane rose to her feet, taking a defensive stance. Shampoo rushed to her, launching a high kick. Akane tilted her lead to the left, just avoiding the blow. She launched a punch at Shampoo. Shampoo leaped over the punch, landing a sold kick to Akane's face. Akane was sent back. She recovered with a backwards flip, landing on her feet. Shampoo charged again, not giving Akane a chance to regain her composure. She launched a punch at Akane's chest. Akane caught the fist, placing her hands on her wrist, leaping into the air. She flipped over Shampoo, her body turning to face Shampoo's back. She let fly a kick, striking Shampoo in the back of the head, and landed, ready for more. Shampoo was sent into the ground hard. A small dust cloud arose from her landing.
Shampoo quickly jumped up. "Akane got better." She said, smiling slyly at Akane.
"Yea? Well you have too." Akane said, returning a smile.
"Is no matter though. Akane no match for Great-Grandmother's training. Shampoo make short work of Akane." Shampoo raised her hand to the air. Dust started swirling around her, seeming to gather inside her palm.
Akane took the defensive. "Oh man! This doesn't look good. What is she up to?"
"Is time to die Akane!" Shampoo said fiercely. Her hair was blowing in some strange wind, the dust seemed to thin out a bit.
"Kyouran no Onigami!" (Fury of the Titians)
Shampoo launched her fist straight to the ground, striking it hard. The ground started trembling. Akane looked at her feet. The ground abruptly split open, sending a jagged spear of rock towards Akane's chest. Akane back flipped, avoiding the spear. She landed, only to find another one bursting forth from the sand. She rolled out the way, planting her hands on the ground and thrusting herself in the sky, avoiding yet another spear. She landed, feeling something from the bottom of her foot. A large, curved spike jutted out, throwing Akane off balance and into the ground. Another appeared, just as Akane's head moved out the way. She felt the ground shaking even more violently. Desperately, she rolled; avoiding what seemed like dozens of spikes. She hurriedly clambered to her feet and leapt away, just as a spear caught her pant leg, cutting easily through it.
Shampoo lifted her fist out of the ground, with a satisfied look on her face. The spears that had jutted out of the ground disintegrated, not even leaving a trace that they were there.
Akane looked over to her. "Is that the best you can do?" she shouted, "Those rock things didn't even touch me." Shampoo pointed the Akane's torn pant leg. She looked down, seeing a trail of blood going down her leg and resting in her sock. Akane suddenly felt a sharp pain in her knee. That spear had cut into her knee. Akane shook off the pain. Shampoo had drawn first blood. "This could be harder than I though." Akane said to herself. She looked over to Ranma. He was a bit shocked at that move Shampoo had launched. He even looked a bit worried.
Ranma, noticing Akane was looking at him, offered a bit of encouragement. "Hey Akane, don't worry about it. We all think you can win!" Akane smiled and nodded. She whirled on Shampoo, regaining her focus.
Shampoo smiled at her. "You know Akane. Ranma and I had good time back at Kat Café. Ranma very happy to see Shampoo…at night."
Ranma leaned forward, angrily. "Oh man…Akane is going to lose her temper. If she does, this duel is over."
Akane got tense, narrowing her eyes at Shampoo. "What are you talking about Shampoo? Ranma told me you tried that stuff with him. Too bad he refused!"
Shampoo continued her onslaught. "No, Ranma did not refuse, after he saw how much more beautiful Shampoo was. Is shame that Akane never will have body like Shampoo. Shampoo put it to good use when you lose today."
Akane charged Shampoo; she had heard enough of her plans. She thrust a kick at her. The speed Akane moved was incredible, even to Shampoo. Shampoo took a step backward, seeming to lead Akane in a dance of death.
Ranma turned pale. "That's my attack…" He thought to himself. He snapped his head to Cologne, who was rather pleased. "Akane…Watch out you stupid—" Cologne silenced Ranma with a blow form her staff to his mouth. Ranma was knocked back in his seat, falling hard on the bleachers.
Shampoo kept leading Akane around in circles. She reached the final step. Akane, seeming to be blind with anger, continued her attacks. Shampoo took the last step. She lowered her fist. Wind started to swirl around her and Akane, catching all the dust that had rested on the ground.
"Ok Akane, calm down…you knew she would try this move." Akane said, relaxing.
"Hiryuu Shoten Ha!"
Shampoo threw her fist at Akane, winds swirling violently. Akane smiled to herself. She took a last gasp of air. She then flipped on Shampoo; her hands were planted in Shampoo's fist. Using the force of the rising wind, and Shampoo's own strength, Akane leapt off in the opposite direction, towards the tall fence. The twister had missed. Shampoo turned to see what happened. Akane rebounded off the fence, sending a diving kick into Shampoo's chest. Shampoo was launched back several feet, hitting the ground hard and rolling violently.
Akane landed, focusing on Shampoo, who lay on the ground, moving a bit.
Cologne took a serious look. "The "Sakasama Hiryuu Shoten Ha (reverse Dragon's heaven blast)." I had no idea Akane would learn that move." Cologne said to no one in particular.
Ranma, hearing Cologne's wisdom, sat there amazed. "Akane must have switched her hot battle aura to cold. It was like two magnets that repelled each other." Ranma looked to Akane. "Nice one Akane!" He shouted. Akane did not respond. Shampoo had got back to her feet. Soun and Genma looked at each other. They had faith that this would end well.
Shampoo dusted her self off. Her shoulder was a bit hurt. She turned to Akane. "Is no more games Akane," she said angrily. "Shampoo finish this now!"
"Well, I'm waiting Shampoo. You know. I've always wanted to plant your sorry face in the ground like that. How dare you try to steal my Ranma! Always kissing him and throwing yourself in his arms, that made me so mad…"
"Oh, so sorry Akane. Maybe if you act like real woman, Ranma would come to you easy."
This fight had started to turn ugly. Akane's temper started to rise again. This time she would not calm down.
Shampoo charged Akane, throwing a volley of punches. Akane threw up her arms, covering her face. Shampoo launched a violent kick, making Akane slide backwards in the sand. She remained standing, Shampoo charging again.
"Ok Shampoo. This is it!" Akane lowered her fists to her waist, taking a step back for the sake of stability.
"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"
Shampoo was stunned. Akane dove towards her, raining fits upon Shampoo's undefended body. The blows numbered in the hundreds. Akane finished with her famous uppercut, sending Shampoo flying backwards and into the ground. Ranma looked on, all eyes ere on him.
"Ranma…did you teach that move to Akane?" Genma asked. Ranma shook his head.
"So that explains the mystery of the burnt hands. Akane is gonna win for sure!" Ranma noted; stunned that another one of his moves was being used. Soun and Genma hugged each other. Akane was going to win! Kasumi sat in the bleachers; her hand covered her mouth in shock. This was for real.
Ranma turned to Cologne. Her good mood had all but died.
Akane walked up to a struggling Shampoo. She looked down at her, menacingly. Shampoo looked into her eyes, dust swirling around Akane. There was a fire that burned in them. Shampoo noticed a small sparkle coming from one of Akane's fingers. An engagement ring…it did not matter, she would win Ranma. Shampoo moved her hand across her face. Her lip was bloody and it seemed like her whole body hurt.
Finally, Shampoo got to her feet. She was wavering a bit. "Akane!" She snapped. "This not over! Ranma mine! I show you power of 3000 year Amazon history!"
Akane watched. Shampoo's body seemed to be recovering. She took a step back, ready for anything.
"Shampoo's school of Anything Goes Martial Arts Ultimate Attack!"
Ranma looked at Shampoo, half seriously. "Boy she sure is confident isn't she?" Ranma asked Cologne. She did not answer.
"Shinzenbi Neko Ken!" (True Cat Fist)
Akane's eyes widened. Shampoo calmly closed her eyes, seeming relax a bit. She lowered her head, slightly.
Ranma looked on worriedly. "Oh man…I hope Akane is prepared for this. I had no idea anyone could enter the Cat Fist state voluntarily! Akane! Watch out!"
Akane did not hear. Shampoo raised her head. Her eyes and turned into those of a cat, yellow pupils rose vertically in her eyes. Shampoo hissed a bit. She got on all fours, ready to pounce. Akane took a step back. She gritted her teeth, trying to remain focused.
Shampoo leaped at Akane, her speed was that of lightning. She extended her hand and swiped Akane against the face, leaving several bloody marks. Akane yelled in pain. Shampoo launched a fist to her chest, connecting squarely on Akane's wound. The force of the impact threw her on the ground. Shampoo pounced again. Akane rolled backwards, catching Shampoo's chin with her foot. She sprung to her feet, only to see that Shampoo still remained on the attack. She swiped at her chest, leaving several bloody gashes. Akane put her hand on her chest. Her top had been torn, revealing her sports bra. She launched her other fist at Shampoo. Shampoo easily dodged the attack, swiping again, this time catching Akane in the belly. Akane was thrown backwards. Shampoo's claws felt like little flaming knives against her skin. She lay on her back, noting the damage done to her and her outfit.
"This was no time to be vain Akane! You have to find an opening." Akane thought to herself. Shampoo had taken this time to clean off her hands, stained with Akane's blood.
Akane slowly got up, holding her stomach. Shampoo noticed that Akane had got back up and took to the offensive again. Akane was ready this time.
"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"
Akane launched her new attack at Shampoo. Shampoo dodged all the blows with the agility of a cat. She struck Akane, sending her back. Shampoo pounced again, this time latching on to Akane. Shampoo's fingernails sank deep in Akane's shoulders. Akane screamed in pain. Shampoo fell backwards, throwing her like a small stuffed toy. Akane landed face first. Shampoo was charging again. Akane launched her legs out, tripping Shampoo. She fell backwards, but twisted her back, contorting it in a way as to land on her feet. Shampoo pounced Akane, still lying on the ground. Akane grabbed her shirt, throwing her over her head and into the ground. Again she landed on her feet. This gave Akane an opportunity to clamber to hers. Shampoo took a more human stance, seeming to remember her human side. She seemed to teleport to Akane's position, planting an elbow in her stomach. Akane caved inward. Shampoo followed with a crushing fist blow to the small of her back. Akane landed on her hands and knees. Shampoo kicked Akane in the face, ruthlessly sending her on her back. She took a few steps back.
Akane lie in a heap on the dirt-covered field. She sat herself up, looking at Shampoo. She still had that look in her eye. She clenched her teeth, summoning up the power to stand.
"Akane!" Ranma called. She turned to the bleachers; everyone was worried.
"Stay out of this Ranma!" Akane snapped. Ranma was taken aback. Akane stared at Shampoo. "I have got to do something!" Akane got up to her feet, preparing herself. Shampoo smiled a cat like smile and took to the offensive again.
She raced to Akane, claws bared. Akane took a step back, hesitating. Shampoo was just too fast in this form for her to deal with. Shampoo swiped at Akane. Akane thought for a minute. She had tried that move on Ranma earlier in the week. Akane grabbed Shampoo by the arm and, using Shampoo's momentum, swung her around. Shampoo's back was now to Akane. Akane shot her fist out at her, aiming for the back of Shampoo's head. Shampoo did a forward flip, shooting out her foot. It caught her in her old wound, making her gasp in pain. Shampoo now balanced on her hands and kicked Akane again, this time catching her in the jaw. Akane's head jerked back, sending blood flying behind her. Shampoo turned to face Akane. She had taken a few steps back but had still remained on her feet. She snapped her head at Shampoo, blood now running down her face.
Ranma couldn't take this sight. He leapt out his seat, aiming for the field. Cologne whirled to him, hitting him with the point of her staff, just behind his ear. Ranma's body went numb. He was unable to move anything except for his head. Ranma tried to get up, but it seemed like his body was too heavy to even move. He narrowed his eyes at Cologne. Cologne ignored this.
"Do not interfere son-in-law." She said, not even turning to him. Genma looked down to him, worriedly.
"Ranma! It is the code of a martial artist not to interfere in duels. Have you lost your mind?"
Ranma turned to him. "Well you try just sittin' still when your Fiancée is bleedin' everywhere."
Soun turned to him. "Ranma…I know it is difficult to watch, as it is difficult for everyone here. You must believe that Akane will win. If you had interfered, she would have never forgiven you." Ranma looked at him. He was right. But it was hard just sitting there, doing nothing. Now he didn't have a choice.
Akane wiped her nose with her sleeve. Shampoo was just standing there, seeming to give Akane a chance to plan her next attack.
"Dammit!" Akane cursed to herself. "What am I gonna do? There is no way I can match her speed." She lowered her eyes in thought. "There is one way…I guess it all comes to this."
Shampoo noticed that Akane had let her guard down. Finally! She leapt into the air, catching Akane in the head with a massive kick. Akane was sent to the ground. She sprung off her hands, only to find Shampoo was already behind her. Another kick sent Akane rolling forward. Shampoo continued her attack. Akane rolled out of her way and regained her footing. Shampoo charged again. Akane stood upright, lifting her hands in front of her chest. She turned her palms so that they were facing each other. Shampoo stopped her attack, curious.
"Shampoo! I'll send you to hell where you belong!" Akane yelled
Shampoo just stood there; here eyes were glowing brightly in the sun.
Akane placed her hands together, almost as if praying. The air around her began to shimmer. Cologne looked on, amazed. The Tendou family leaned forward. "Ok Akane. You have to try and focus. Use your anger and don't let it control you." Akane cleared her mind.
Ukyo took a worried look. "Akane…please…you have to win this. For Ran-Chan's sake. He is so happy around you. I would hate to see that happiness slip away. Trust me, I know how it feels." She thought to herself, in a manner as to try and communicate with Akane.
Dust started to swirl around Akane; the force was even picking up small pebbles. Akane separated her hands, revealing a small blue flame. "Shampoo! You will not haunt Ranma any more" Akane said, calmly
"Tendou School of Anything Goes Martial Arts Ultimate Technique!"
"Tenrai Ryuujin no Hitoare!" (Divine Dragon God's Rage)
The small blue flame exploded into a monstrous torrent of energy. The flames enveloped Shampoo; muffling her cries. Shampoo was sent into the large fence, the flames tearing at everything around.
The torrent ended as abruptly as it had begun. Akane now lay on her hands and knees, breathing heavily. Shampoo lie against the fence, not moving.
"Akane! You did it! That was incredible!" Ranma shouted. Cologne stopped him with her staff. "This duel is not over yet son-in-law. Shampoo still has the will to fight." Ranma looked over to Shampoo. She lay against the fence, slouched over. He noticed that her arms had started to move. She placed her arm weakly on the ground and the other one on the fence. She slowly climbed to a somewhat standing position. Her form was burned and leaning over.
"Akane…You no win yet…" Shampoo said through her pain. She started to Akane, limping and holding her shoulder.
Akane just sat there, unable to move. She was breathing heavily. "Shit! Shampoo is still coming after me." She thought to herself. "I gave that attack my all and it still wasn't enough. I…have got to finish this!" Akane summoned all her rage, granting her to power to stand with her own strength. She stared at Shampoo. That look in her eyes was gone. Akane raised her fists, ready for another round.
Shampoo ran over to Akane, throwing a punch. Akane threw up a forearm, and then launched her own attack. Shampoo leaped back. Akane charged her. Shampoo sidestepped her attack, planting a knee in her stomach. Akane gasped, blood from her nose fell to the ground. Akane fell to the ground, holding her stomach. She rolled over, seeing Shampoo aiming for her. She executed a sweep attack on Shampoo, knocking her to the ground. Akane rose to her feet quickly. Shampoo followed suit.
It was Shampoo that lead off next. Akane noticed that Shampoo fought similarly to Ranma. She closed in. Akane leapt towards her, ducking her punch and launching her uppercut to Shampoo's jaw. Shampoo's feet left the ground. Akane kicked her in the stomach, sending her backwards. Shampoo rolled, springing off the fence and leaping to her.
"I knew it!" Akane thought to herself. "Cologne knew a lot about how Ranma fought and taught that to Shampoo. This time I'm ready!"
Shampoo kicked towards Akane's head. Akane grabbed the Amazon's foot. She whirled around, throwing her to the ground hard.
Akane almost fell to the ground. She was breathing very heavily. She looked over to Shampoo. She was getting back up. Akane gritted her teeth.
"I can't keep this up much longer…I have got to end this…but Shampoo seems have infinite endurance."
Shampoo got to her feet, continuing the duel. She closed in on Akane. Akane managed a meager defense. Most of her energy was gone. Shampoo jumped up and kneed Akane in the face, sending her a few steps back. She followed her knee with the rest of her foot. Akane refused to fall. If she fell now she may not be able to get up again. She mustered the rest of her will power and took the offensive back from Shampoo. Shampoo easily guarded against her blows. Akane tried for a right to her head. Shampoo ducked down, placing an elbow in Akane's chest. Shampoo shot her palm back, striking Akane hard in the mouth. She then whirled around with a roundhouse to the side of Akane's face, sending her spinning to the ground. Shampoo stood there, breathing as heavily as Akane was. "Is time to give up Akane. Ranma mine!"
Akane laid face first in the ground. She struggled to bring herself up to her hands and knees. Her breathing was starting to her more labored. Shampoo approached her; her shadow was drawing ever closer.
"I…can't give up…not yet!" Akane thought. "I was so close to defeating Shampoo. I…promised Ranma that I would win." She felt something warm flow down her nose. Blood. Her nose must have been broken; the previous attacks must have made it bleed again. She felt another drop of blood. She watched it as it hit her ring finger. Another drop fell, this time it was clear.
"I'm…crying…but why?" Akane suddenly realized she was in a fair amount of pain. Her whole body ached. "Ugh…I can't give up this fight…not to Shampoo…" She struggled against herself to try and get up, but she could not. Shampoo walked over to her. She looked down at Akane, angrily, kicking her in the ribs. Akane gasped in pain, her cries were unable to make it out, due to the breath she lost.
"Akane! Just give it up!" Ranma shouted. "There is no need for this. I can find a way out of this wedding, trust me!"
"Ranma, I said stay out of this!" Akane shouted back, painfully. Her eyes were held shut and her teeth were clenched in pain. Shampoo shot another foot in her ribs. There really were no rules. She then launched the final blow, making Akane fall to the side, rolling onto her back.
Akane now lie on her back. She was trying to stop her tears. The world around her started to get fuzzy. "Oh…I can't keep this up…" Her body pleaded with her to surrender, but her will said that she would not. Akane sat up her head, looking at Shampoo. She was in pretty bad shape but at least she was still standing. Akane started to get a bit sleepy. "Man…so tired…" Akane relaxed her sore muscles. Ranma noticed this and shouted something. Akane did not hear it. All she knew at this time was sleep. Yes…she was so tired, but she tried desperately to stay awake for Ranma.
"Akane! Damn it! Why do you have to be so Un-cute!" Ranma demanded,. Akane could hear the tears in his voice. "Just give up this damn duel! Its not worth it!"
Akane stirred a bit. Un-cute…he had called her un-cute…so familiar of him to do something stupid like that. Akane's blood pressure started to rise again. The world started to regain focus. Shampoo was about to strike Akane down.
Something exploded in Akane's chest. "Un-Cute…I'll show you Un-cute!" Akane whispered, almost like a reflex. The world came into clear focus. Shampoo lifted her foot up, thrusting it down to Akane's head.
"Ranma you jerk. This isn't over!" Akane got a sudden burst of energy, catching Shampoo's foot just in front of her nose. She threw Shampoo's foot aside. Shampoo took a few steps back, seeing Akane rising from the ground like a Phoenix rises from the flames.
Akane regained her focus, seeming to stare into Shampoo's soul. Shampoo shot a fist out at her. Akane stuck out her hand, catching the fist and squeezing it tightly. Akane never took her eyes off Shampoo's face. She watched as Shampoo's face contorted in pain. She continued to squeeze, hearing several popping noises. Shampoo finally released herself from Akane's grasp, holding her hand.
Cologne shook her head. "This duel is over…that is the true power of the Fist of the Phoenix. Only a few people are able to obtain its true power. The three points: Strength. Love. Rage. Meet perfectly within a person's being. They each feed off a person's life force, granting almost infinite power. I should have known Akane would not lose so easy. In the same manner that the Neko Ken worked for you, the Fist of the Phoenix works by drawing off intense emotions. Namely anger"
Ranma just listened on, his eyes still on the duel.
Shampoo launched a kick at Akane. Instinctively, Akane shot up a forearm, blocking the blow. "Shampoo. Ranma is mine!" Akane said, holding up her fist. Shampoo noticed that her ring was very dirty.
"Shampoo never give up Ranma!" She said launching her one remaining hand at Akane. Akane flipped over her fist, catching Shampoo's head and pulling it down to the ground. Shampoo hit the ground hard, but was only stunned for a second. She brought her legs around, wrapping her ankles around Akane's head. She flung Akane, slowly getting up. Akane flipped and landed on her feet.
Akane took the offensive, running to Shampoo. She advanced on Shampoo, throwing a heavy right. Shampoo was sent reeling. A left soon followed. It caught her on the side of the nose sending a few drops of blood flying. Akane elbowed Shampoo in the eye, knocking her on her back. Shampoo got up, seeming to draw strength from Akane. Akane sent a kick to her stomach, followed by a kick to the face. Shampoo tried to block the kicks, but they were too powerful. Akane did a roundhouse, knocking Shampoo down another time.
Shampoo slowly climbed to her feet. Victory was her only alternative. "Akane, you no win this!" Shampoo shouted, struggling to get back to her feet.
Akane did not hear Shampoo's words. Viciously she sent a flurry of punches at her. Shampoo was starting to lose her footing. Akane brought her leg up, connecting with Shampoo's jaw. She then brought her foot down, striking Shampoo hard on the forehead. Shampoo fell to the ground with a tremendous thud. She did not try to get back up. Akane turned around to Ranma, who was getting out of his seat. That little trick Cologne pulled had worn off.
Akane stood over Shampoo, victoriously. She turned to Ranma, who was running down to greet her.
"Ranma…I…I did it." Akane said weakly. All the rage in her heart subsided as she fell to the ground. Ranma rushed after her, catching her in his arms. He looked down at his new fiancée, smiling. She had won. Her face was cut badly and blood still came out of her nose. The blood had stained her yellow Gi, which was in even worse condition. Everyone ran down to the couple, not saying a word. Ranma turned to everyone relieved.
"I think we should just go home." Everyone nodded. No one mentioned the word Hospital. Akane needed to be home, close to her friends and Family.
Ranma's mind turned to Shampoo. He turned to where Shampoo lie, seeing Mousse holding her. "I told you Saotome. I had a few tricks up my sleeve." Mousse then leapt away, leaving Cologne, standing near Ranma.
"Son-in-law. We have lost fairly. We will not bother you again. Do be a good husband to Akane as I have hoped you would be to Shampoo." With that, Cologne jumped off, following Mousse.
The Tendou household started back to their Dojo. Soun couldn't help but smile. His legacy shall be continued, in Ranma and Akane.
Ryoga sat in a near by tree, having observed the entire fight. "Akane…I cannot win your heart. It belongs to someone else. I will admit defeat as a man, once and for all. Maybe we will meet again, my beloved Akane. Perhaps I can see your children." Ryoga waited until everyone was gone. A few spots of blood lay drying on the field. Ryoga turned around, heading into the nearest forest he could see. He would also leave the couple alone.
A New Beginning
Akane awoke downstairs, Ranma still holding her. It was pretty late by now. The sweet smells of dinner entered her nose. She noticed that she was very sore and tired.
"Hey, you awake you tomboy?" Ranma asked with a smile.
"Ranma…you idiot…" Akane said slowly. "Did I really do it?"
"Yea you did. Everyone saw you win. Don't worry about Shampoo. Mousse and Cologne took her away. She will be as good as new in a little while."
"Well…that's good." Tears began to escape Akane's eyes.
Ranma smiled, wiping a tear from her cheek. Akane returned a smile. Their eyes met. Akane placed a hand behind Ranma's head, pulling him closer to her face. Ranma lowered his head and closed his eyes. Their lips met. Everyone stopped what they were doing, watching Ranma and Akane.
After a few moments they released each other, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes.
"I love you…Ranma." Akane said softly.
"I love you too, Akane." Ranma returned. Akane's muscles relaxed. She went back to sleep. Her body needed time to heal. Maybe the healing process had already begun.
*****Yea yea…I know. But hey, I thought it was a nice way to wrap up this chapter. Besides, this was almost a year ago when I started to write this. Ah memories…Looking back now that my writing skills have grown…I feel the sudden urge to rewrite this entire story from scratch. I dunno. Maybe my technique has changed a bit more than I thought. I still think it's good but…it could be so much better. However, that fight scene with Akane and Shampoo is prolly one of the best ones I ever wrote. I still look back to that one for inspiration during my other stories and fan fictions. Oh, and don't worry if the move names aren't correct. They prolly aren't in a traditional sense, but they work…
So, I hope I didn't disappoint. Tell me what you think! I spent a little more time on my spelling this time around. I've noticed a few inconsistencies. (Thanks for the reviews guys!)
Speaking of inconsistencies I've hit a small roadblock on my other Fanfic. No, not writer's block. If you ask me, writer's block is just an excuse for laziness. There is no such thing. If you can't come up with something, write about why you can't. Write about something…anything. And then, your ideas will come. However, my story Grateful Days (for those of you who knew me back a year ago, it's the rewritten version of Memories.) is due for a re-focus session. I think I lost track somewhere in between a crucial plot point, which I decided to do after seeing how many Hentai Fanfics were there. I wondered the same thing I did in the next few chapters of Obsessions, upon reading a supposed action between two people (use your imagination) I wondered, "What would really happen in the Ranma-verse if said incident happened?" Don't worry. It's nothing bad. But if I say too much more, it'll spoil it. Well, doubt you people will remember when it's posted anyway. I still have to post 15 more chapters of Obsessions, and the story I wrote after that. Just Give Me One More Chance. Again, I started that a long time ago. Around June I believe. I'll bet the Shiro Inazuma knows…
Oops my bad. That next plot arc (after reading some Hentai Fanfic once because I was bored) doesn't come to fruition until the last paragraph of chapter 8. Sorry…I'll post really fast! So what does happen after this fight…
Oh. That's what happens. Well, hope you will like it! Until next we meet!
And a shot out to everyone that reviewed! Thank you all so much! If this keeps up…I don't suppose I'll ever stop writing fan fictions. Even when I do become a published author (God willing I will!)
So thanks, and see ya!*****