Chapter Eleven
Happy Birthday Ranma!
About a month had passed since the cookie incident. Ranma and Akane's relationship continued to grow, albeit at a very slow pace. Akane's sign was changed back to the way it was, and she soon forgot about what had happened only a month ago. School was over, granting her more time to train. She trained very hard on mastery of her skills. Ranma also began to train, worried that Akane might one day surpass him. Akane still could not beat Ranma, but that didn't stop her from trying. Their fathers decided once and for all to stop trying to rush their children. Doing so may only slow the process.
Akane awoke at her usual time that first day of school break. She sat up, looking around a bit. Her clock said 7:02 am. She turned to her calendar. It was the second of June. She got up and walked over to it. The ninth had a small red circle around it. In red were the letters "Ranma's birthday." Akane smiled to herself. Just one more week was left.
"I wonder what he would like…well first of all, I better find a way to buy something." Akane said to herself. She changed from her pajamas, into her orange dress. The orange would match perfectly with the late spring day that was forming. She opened her door and went outside. Nabiki was lying on her bed with the door open. Akane approached the room, knocking on the open door.
"Hey…is Ranma up yet?" Akane asked.
"No sis he's still asleep. You know how he loves to sleep in."
"Ok. Thanks Nabiki." Akane said, spying the magazine that she was reading. "Hey, what is that?"
Nabiki turned to Akane and smiled. "Just trying to spend a little bit of money sis. This is a catalog for that new department store that opened up last week."
"Oh…" Akane said, approaching the bed. Nabiki made room for her so she could also read the magazine.
The magazine was filled with all kinds of stuff. Mainly clothes. Of course there were selections of candies, jewelry, even a section of the store dedicated to Anime.
Nabiki looked to Akane, she seemed more into her search than she was.
"Hey Akane…what's up?" Nabiki asked, curious.
"Huh?" She asked, rising form the pages of the magazine. "What are you talking about?"
"Well, you seem to really be into this magazine. Usually you would have nothing to do with clothes and jewelry and chocolates and stuff," Nabiki said smiling
"Oh…well, it's a week until Ranma's birthday, and I thought I should think about getting him something."
"Oh, why didn't you say so Akane!'' Nabiki said, smiling broadly. "I have got the perfect gift right in here, saw it right before you came in…" Nabiki started to flip through a few pages. She pointed the gift out to Akane, who promptly rolled her eyes. It was a selection of fine lingerie and seductive clothing.
"Yea…like I would be caught dead wearing that stuff." She said
"Oh, come one Akane, wearing that one night wouldn't hurt your relationship with Ranma. Guys love that kinda stuff anyways."
"Really?" Akane asked, almost seriously. "Well…I guess so. But sister, wouldn't that be kinda forward of me, showing up dressed like that to an unprepared Ranma? I mean…wouldn't he…"
"Go crazy? Yea he would!" Nabiki said, finishing her sentence for her. "Just imagine the look on his face when he saw you in something like this.'' Nabiki pointed to a piece that did not leave a lot to the imagination.
Akane scoffed. "Yea right. If I were to pose in that for Ranma, he would check my temperature, then do something stupid to ruin the moment. Then he would call me un-cute for giving him what he deserved."
"Oh, come on Akane…" Nabiki said, nudging her a bit. "Don't tell me there isn't some side of you that isn't the least bit curious…"
Akane turned to the smiling Nabiki. She started to blush a bit. "Well…I guess that I could…wait a second! I have no intentions of wearing something like that, especially for Ranma. He didn't deserve to see me like that! Besides…that is so not like me to…"
"What didn't I deserve?" Came a voice from the door. Akane turned, spying Ranma, smiling confidently. Akane trailed off her words…a bit embarrassed.
"Oh, Akane was planning on wearing this for you!" Nabiki said, holding up the magazine to Ranma. Akane, shocked, tried to snatch the magazine away from her. Ranma entered Nabiki's room, curious.
Akane finally managed to get the magazine from Nabiki, who was having fun tormenting her little sister. Ranma approached Akane.
"So…what ya got there?" He said, hands behind his back.
"It's nothing Ranma…just some clothes…" Akane said, trying to feign control of the situation.
"Oh? Well…what's that behind you?" Ranma asked. Akane turned around, seeing a wall. Ranma took that moment to snatch the magazine, putting his finger in between the pages before Akane could close them. Ranma opened the magazine, looking at all the different types of lingerie on display.
"Hey…Akane…what'cha' doing looking at somethin' like this for?" He asked.
Akane went for the magazine. Ranma dodged the attempt. "I wasn't looking at that Ranma…Nabiki was…I just happened to be in here was all!"
"Wrong Akane." Nabiki said slyly. "Ranma, she was saying stuff like, "Oh, do you think Ranma will like this?" And "I'll bet Ranma would die if he saw me in that!"" Akane whirled on Nabiki
"Nabiki! You know I did no such thing. All that kinda stuff is beneath me anyway. I'm a martial artist first!"
Ranma went over to Nabiki. "So which one was she looking at?" he asked. Nabiki pointed. Akane looked on, having given up her fight to get the magazine. It was too hard when Ranma was fully on guard. Ranma's eyes widened when he saw what Nabiki was pointing at. He turned to Akane, who was starting to blush a bit. He compared the person in the magazine to Akane a few times, going back and forth between them.
"You're right, I would've died if I saw you in that…" Ranma said, seriously.
"R…really?" Akane asked, seeming to think more about it.
"Yea definitely." Ranma said. "I would die from fright if I saw you in that. The top is way too big if you ask me and…does it have a bottom piece?" Nabiki helped out the struggling Ranma by pointing it out. He shuddered a bit.
"Nope…that one is made for more womanly women, not Macho chicks." Ranma said. He and Nabiki flipped a few pages while Akane seethed.
"What do you think about that one Ranma?" Nabiki asked, trying to help things along.
Ranma examined it for a few seconds. "Nah…Akane doesn't strike me as cute enough to wear something like that." Suddenly, a pillow struck Ranma in the head. The pillow almost hurt. He turned to Akane, who was a bit angry to say the least.
"What did you do that for?"
"Maybe you should get some for yourself and Kuno!" Akane demanded.
"Yea…you're right. I would look better in this than you" Ranma said, smiling. Akane did not find it so funny.
"Hmph!" Akane said, turning around and going downstairs. Breakfast was almost ready.
After a few minutes, Kasumi called everyone to breakfast. Everyone sat down, eating breakfast in a less hurried manner for once. Ranma and Akane did not speak a word to each other, which was a pretty common action. Akane finished her breakfast first and left to go train a bit. Ranma finished his and started to watch TV. Kasumi started her daily chores and Soun and Genma went to yet another game of GO.
What to get…
Akane stood, a stack of bricks before her. There were about a dozen of them, all about one inch thick. That would be a good warm up. She took a few slow breaths and raised her hand up. "Hiya!" She yelled, bringing her hand down on the stack. Her hand went clean through all the bricks, sending a small cloud of dust in the air. Satisfied, she went to go get a few more. She felt something… She turned around, seeing Nabiki watching her from the entrance.
"Oh, hey sis.'' Akane said, approaching her.
"Hey…sorry about what happened earlier." Nabiki said with a smile.
Akane took a towel and wiped her forehead. "Hey, that's ok. So what are you doing here?"
"Well…I just had a great idea. Wanna come with me to that new store that we were looking at. Maybe you would find a present for Ranma that way."
"Sure sister, let me take a quick bath and I'll be right down." Akane said, cleaning up and going to the bathroom with a towel
After a few minutes, she came down, wearing a white top and orange dress bottom. Ranma was standing next to Nabiki, talking.
"Ready to go Nabiki?" She asked.
"Yea, I'm ready.' Ranma said.
"Huh? Who asked you to go?" Akane said, staring at her. She did a double take. Ranma was a female now.
"This place is kinda boring, besides, I kinda wanted to check that place out."
"Well, don't hold us up Ranma." Akane turned to Nabiki "Lets go Nabiki." Akane said, walking along side her. Ranma followed casually.
After a little while, the three came to the store. Akane and Nabiki entered, talking about something. Ranma followed, having seduced her way into another free snack. Akane and Nabiki went off on by themselves. Ranma started wandering around.
The sisters went about, trying on different clothes and such, much like women do. Ranma had found her way there, wondering why they were making such a big deal out of clothes.
She eyed Akane, who was modeling a cute little dress. It was similar to the ones she had; only this one was red, with flowing fabric.
"What do you think Ranma?" Akane asked, cheerfully turning around so Ranma could see the whole dress.
"Hmm…I dunno Akane. Aren't your hips too big for that one?"
"Wh…what are you talking about?" Akane said, examining her backside in the mirror.
"Well…look at this." Ranma said, pointing. "This dress is made for more feminine waists and hips. You know…for a woman. You have strong, man-like hips, and they really don't add anything to this."
Akane whirled on Ranma, crossing her arms. "Hmph, well I suppose you could wear this better than I could, considering your more woman-like than me!"
"You're right, I could wear it better than you could." Ranma retaliated.
"Fine!" Akane said, going back into the dressing room. She emerged a few moments later, gripping the dress hard.
"Here you go Ranma!" She said, throwing it to her. Ranma caught it, skillfully. She looked down at it a second.
"H…hey…wait a second. I'm not gonna put this on. You gotta be crazy!"
"Well, you're the one that said you would fit into it better than me. Lets see whom it really fits better, a real woman or you.''
"I dunno who you are callin' a real woman, but it's certainly not you! Besides, I can't go in there."
"Why not Ranma?" Nabiki asked. She was a bit curious too.
"Well…that's a girls dressing room."
"So…you're a girl now aren't you? That never stopped you before. You seem to have used that side of you to get a quick snack didn't you?" Akane asked.
"Yea…but this is different though. This isn't some poor guy desperate for a date."
"Yea…a guy would have to be pretty desperate to ask you out."
"Yea, whatever, remember Akane, I'm the cutest one here!"
"You are not cute! Not with that attitude of yours."
"Oh, you're one to talk about attitude Akane!"
It was at this point that people began to notice the argument.
"So prove it and we will see which one is cuter!"
"But…I can't…"
Nabiki nudged Ranma. "Go for it girl. You fit the part don't you? Just don't look at anything, look at the floor or something. Besides, it's not like you haven't seen that kinda stuff before. You were starting to get into that lingerie stuff."
"N…no I wasn't. I was just picturing Akane wearin…" Ranma cut himself off, Akane was already angry enough.
"What were you doing?" She asked, with a hint of anger.
Ranma smiled nervously. "Uh… I was…tryin' to figure out what one would best suit your…manly physique!"
Akane seethed. "Well Ranma, why not show me how it's done?" She said with a menacing smile.
"Fine…I'll show you what a tomboy you really are." Ranma said, closing her eyes and going inside, albeit reluctantly.
She came out after a few minutes, displaying all she had.
Akane stood next to Nabiki, angrily looking at Ranma. Ranma smiled. "See, I am the cuter one! This fits my form a lot better than you"
Akane narrowed her eyes at the boasting Ranma. Nabiki nudged her. "It does look better on her sis," she whispered.
"Who cares what that pervert looks like anyway!" Akane shouted, storming off to another part of the store.
"Violent tomboy…" Ranma said. "I'm going home, it was a mistake for me to follow you two." She said, changing back into her normal clothes and returning to the Dojo.
"That Ranma!" Akane said to herself. "Always has to show off how perverted he really is. That dress didn't suit him any ways. Maybe I should get him that dress for his birthday." Akane looked back to where Ranma was. She was leaving. Nabiki went about trying on a few more things. She knew that was going to happen.
Akane cooled off a bit and began her search for a gift for Ranma. It didn't take her long to spy something in the men's wear section. It was a shirt, kind of a dark bluish color that looked very nice. It looked like it a Chinese style of clothing.
"Hey Nabiki, come here a sec!" Akane called to her. Nabiki walked over, her handbag had a few things in it.
"What is it Akane?"
"What do you think…for Ranma?" Akane said, indicating the shirt.
Nabiki stood back, her hand on her chin, and turning her head every which way. "I think that is perfect for Ranma. That's just his size isn't it?"
"Yea." Akane nodded, smiling. "I think it would look very sharp on him, but we need something else…" Akane said, looking at the pants.
Nabiki watched her sister go from rack to rack. "She is gonna make a good wife to Ranma…if she ever decides to calm down a bit." She thought to herself.
"What do you think about this?" Akane asked, holding up a pair of pants. They were a dark blue, almost black color. They also were loose fitting, just like the kinds Ranma would wear.
"Yep…I think that's the perfect combo there Akane." Nabiki said, smiling.
Akane went to the price tags. The shirt was 10,200-yen and the pants were 7850-yen.
Akane looked a bit down. That was almost 20,000-yen. She didn't have enough to get the set. She could always borrow from Nabiki…but she had done that so much…
"What's wrong Akane? Need some money?"
"Oh…well I'm kinda short on yen, this would prolly cost almost 20,000-yen."
"Well…I suppose…" Nabiki began
"No, don't worry about it Nabiki, I still have a whole week to get the money. I'll figure out something."
"Well, suit yourself then. I'm going back to the Dojo."
"Ok, let me put this stuff back, I'll be right there"
Akane and Nabiki walked out the store. Ranma was going to just love that little combo deal in there. All Akane had to do was figure out a way to get the yen for it.
Akane lay in her bed later that night. Her and Ranma were back on their normal terms after their argument. Akane thought to the ninth of June. "I need to do something really special for Ranma on his birthday. That little combo would suit him just perfectly, but I gotta do something else though…My cooking is getting better. Maybe Kasumi could help me bake him a cake." Akane smiled to herself, picturing Ranma going on and on about how good her cake would be. "That will show him once and for all that I could make something the right way." Akane turned to her side, bringing her blanket up to her. The next few days were going to be fun.
Akane awoke and ate breakfast with everyone. Her sprits were high, along with everyone else's. She still needed to figure out how to get the almost 20,000 yen needed to get Ranma's gift. About noon, she set out, walking around town by herself. Ranma took this opportunity to train a bit more.
Akane walked down the main street, pondering. "Maybe I could get a real job. Nah…I might have to work on Ranma's birthday." Akane spied Uc-Chan's Okonomiyaki shop. She was a bit hungry. Akane entered the little shop. Ukyo was there cleaning off her grill. The lunch crowd had just left. "Hey Ukyo!" Akane waved.
"Oh, hey there sugar. How you been?"
Akane sat down in front of the grill. "Well…I'm in a little bit of a bind right now…"
"Oh? Why is that?" Ukyo asked, pausing her cleaning.
"Well…the ninth is Ranma's birthday and I figured out what to get him. It's a shirt and pants combo Nabiki and I found. I think Ranma would love it, it's just his size."
"So, what's the problem then?"
"Well…the combo costs 20,000 yen and I'm just a bit short right now."
"How much are you short?"
"Uh…18,000 yen" Akane said sheepishly.
Ukyo just looked at Akane. "That's not exactly a bit short…"
"Yea I know…"
Ukyo thought for a minute, stirring up an Okonomiyaki for Akane.
"Hey…did you hear what that guy outside was saying?" She asked, flipping the pancake.
"What guy?"
"That guy with the fliers across the street from here. I think its some sorta martial arts contest. With your new techniques…"
"…I would surely win!" Akane finished Ukyo's sentence. "Thanks Ukyo!" Akane said, running outside to the person with the flyers.
"Hey, wait a sec Akane…You forgot your Okonomiyaki." Ukyo tried. "Oh well, once her mind is set on something, it's hard for her to think of anything else. Maybe Ran-Chan would like a special birthday Okonomiyaki."
Akane walked back to the Dojo, reading the flyer:
"Come one come all!
Enter Nermia's premier Martial Arts contest! All schools accepted!
Deadline for registration is the third of June. Registration fee is 2000-yen
Bring your courage, willpower and appropriate clothing!
The winner will receive an award of 100,000 yen!!
Come prepared on the eighth of June at 12:00 pm sharp!!
The contest will put two divisions together. The winner of each division will face off in a final show down. First to hit the ground or lose consciousness will forfeit!!
The winner takes home the cash!
This contest brought to you by the "Seven Swords" Martial arts school.
Want to learn to use a sword? Then stop by!! Amaze your friends!! Conquer your enemies!!
Akane looked again at the note.
"Hmm…looks like there is a new Martial Arts school in town. I hope they are good. I've never heard of the "Seven Swords" style of martial arts." Akane neared the Dojo. Something hit her, making her stop in her tracks.
"Wait a second…today is the third of June!"
Ranma came out, eager for some fresh air.
"Hey Akane! Where ya been all day?" Ranma asked with a bit of a smile.
"Uh…fine Ranma…I just remembered something I have to do. Excuse me." Akane said, running off down the street.
"Hey, wait a minute Akane! Dinner is gonne be ready in just a few… Geeze…whatever then" Ranma said, returning to the Dojo.
Akane reached the Dojo where the contest would be held. The sign read: "The Seven Swords School of Martial Arts" There was a pretty long line for the registration. Akane stood in the slow moving line, looking up into the sky. It was almost dinnertime.
After what seemed like an hour, Akane's turn came up. The man at the desk looked up at her. "I'm sorry miss. Registration is closed for now. Just missed the deadline."
Akane looked to the man, shocked. "Wh…what? What do you mean registration is closed?"
"Registration ends at 6 pm sharp. I'm very sorry…"
Akane started to demand to be allowed in. She thought back to what happened yesterday. "Ranma did win that cuteness contest yesterday…if a guy could win that…then so could I!" Akane said to herself, smiling to herself.
She took a look of extreme sadness. She lowered her head. "Ok mister…I understand…"She said softly. She turned around slowly.
"Hey…wait a second! No need to cry over it."
Akane whirled around, look of extreme disappointment. "Why not? I just wanted the money to buy my friend a birthday present. I guess I can't get anything for her now…"
"Oh…come on pretty lady. I guess I could make just one exception."
Akane sniffed. "R…really?"
"Sure, what's the harm in one more person signing up?"
Akane regained her composure instantly. She took the 2000-yen and slammed it on the table, smiling slyly. "I am Akane Tendou. The heir to the "Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts!""
To Bake a Cake
Akane walked back to the Dojo, carrying her letter of registration. She was smiling broadly. "Eat that Ranma! Who's the cute one now?" Maybe there were advantages to being cute.
Ranma jumped in front of her. "Hey, what's with the big smile?"
"Oh…nothing." Akane said simply.
"I hope you don't think you're cuter like that."
"Nope…not in the slightest. I'm as un-cute as the come." Akane said, still with her smile.
Ranma did a double take. "Well, you're just jealous that you can't match my cuteness. And I'm not even a real woman"
"You're right Ranma…I have no chance of matching your cuteness. You are more woman than I'll ever be." Akane said, walking past him. Ranma was a bit stunned.
"H…hey Akane! You sick or somethin'?"
"Nope…I feel just fine." Akane said, continuing her walk.
"Ok…where is the real Akane?" Ranma asked, putting his hand on her shoulder. Akane turned around
"Gotcha!" She said, turning around and tapping Ranma on the nose with a big smile. Ranma looked at her confused.
"Geeze…well someone here is in a good mood for a change. Maybe you could be cute…when you wanted to."
"Ranma…you have no idea…" Akane said, continuing to the Dojo. Ranma followed her.
"I wonder what she meant by that?" Ranma asked himself.
Everyone sat down for dinner. They had waited for Ranma and Akane to come back. Akane was in a very good mood. Ranma also found himself in a good mood. That made everyone happy.
Ranma awoke late the next morning. It was about 10:14 am. He sniffed the air. Breakfast sure smelled really good. Ranma got up, changing into his day clothes and going down stairs. Everyone else had finished breakfast. Ranma looked around. Akane wasn't there.
"Hey Pops…where's Akane at?" He asked. Genma pointed to the kitchen. Soun took that opportunity to "make his move'' in their game of GO. Ranma turned to the kitchen, just as Akane emerged, wearing an apron. She was untying it.
"Ok Kasumi. I'll be right back!" She said happily. She noticed Ranma was looking at her, he dreaded what was in store for the household. "Good morning Ranma!"
"Oh…uh…good morning Akane." Ranma said softly.
"What's with that long face Ranma?"
"Well…you dressed in an apron and coming out the kitchen is never a good sign."
"Well Ranma…what's in the kitchen has nothing to do with you so you don't have to worry about it."
Ranma looked at Akane, confused "What'cha talkin' about Akane?"
"Exactly what I said," Akane returned, going up stairs.
"Feh…whatever." Ranma said under his breath. He went into the kitchen. It smelled kind of funny. He looked around. Nothing that was identifiable was around, just a bunch of mysterious shapes sitting on plates. Ranma suddenly felt relieved. "Good thing this has nothing to do with me. Everyone else is gonna be in trouble."
Ranma stepped outside, taking in the morning. A few clouds were in the sky, but nothing much else. Ranma decided to take a little walk, seeing as Akane was so busy cooking.
And so was the story for the next few days. Akane would wake up early, practicing her cooking skills and then go off later in the day to train. Sometimes Ranma would help her. Other times, he would just be bored somewhere, watching TV
Akane woke up early on the seventh. She smiled, looking at her calendar, just one more day until she would get the prize money. She changed into her day clothes and went down stairs. Breakfast was the perfect time to practice; seeing as Kasumi's good cooking would cover up hers.
Akane entered the kitchen. Kasumi had laid out all the ingredients for her. All that was left for her to do was put them together in the right order. Akane tightened her apron. This was going to be a fight to the finish.
"Oh, good morning Akane!" Kasumi said happily.
"Good morning Kasumi" Akane said, getting her focus.
Kasumi looked at her, concerned. "Akane…this is not a fight. Cooking should come from your feelings of love and happiness. Not from your feelings of anger."
"Huh?"
"Our mother always used to say that. Cook from your heart and the rest will follow."
Akane nodded slowly. "Ok…from the heart huh?" She asked herself. "Ok…here I go!" Akane grabbed the bag of flour, dumping it into a bowl. The flour dust covered her apron almost completely. She put in the rest of the dry ingredients and started to stir them, vigorously, sending a cloud of dust into the air.
"Akane, wait just a second." Kasumi said, placing her hands on her shoulders. "You're starting to lose your temper again."
Akane snapped her head around. Kasumi was right.
"Well, the stupid flour won't stay in the bowl long enough for me to mix the ingredients."
Kasumi smiled. "Here…let me show you and easier way to do that."
She went and grabbed a sifter. She emptied the flour mixture into another bowl. She gently poured the mixture in the sifter, tapping it softly with her hand. The powder fell into the bowl very neatly. Akane looked on, watching the smiling Kasumi work her magic.
"Here…you try it now.'' Kasumi said, handing the sifter to Akane. She took it and started tapping it gently. It worked! Akane smiled.
Akane went on to add her wet ingredients and started stirring them all together. Satisfied with the consistency, she poured the mixture into a pan and went to the oven. Kasumi stopped her.
"What did we talk about yesterday Akane?" Akane was again confused. "You must taste your cooking before you cook it. That way you know what to expect when it's done." Kasumi said with a big smile. She stuck her finger into the batter and licked it. Kasumi paused for just a second.
"Let's start that one over shall we Akane?" Kasumi said cheerfully.
Akane looked at her batter. It looked ok. She proceeded to taste it. It was awful.
"Kasumi…where did I go wrong?" Akane said, sadly. Kasumi took another taste.
"Well, for starters, you forgot the sugar. No one likes the taste of just flour. Second, you put in a bit too much baking power. That stuff does not taste so good." Kasumi took another taste. "Another thing. Just because a recipe calls for a pinch of salt doesn't mean you have to add enough to taste it. It also seems like there is a bit of soy sauce in here…"
Akane turned to Kasumi; a tear came down her cheek. "I thought that was vanilla extract…"
"Oh, come on now Akane. This isn't like you. Let's try again!" Kasumi's warm smile melted away the tears in Akane's eyes. She smiled.
"Yea lets go again."
Kasumi severed breakfast. Akane had successfully completed a cake, although she forgot to put in the eggs and the cake collapsed upon cutting it. It was still pretty good, at least according to Akane. Satisfied with her latest attempt, she went to go train for a little. The day passed fast. Akane eagerly awaited tomorrow and all that would happen.
Surprise!!
Akane sprung out of bed the next morning. She turned to her clock. 8:31 am. She had plenty of time. Akane dressed in her shorts and went for a quick warm up jog around town.
Akane came back about an hour later. Everyone was up and about. She wiped her forehead and entered the Dojo, breathing heavily. Ranma threw her a towel, smiling at her.
"Oh…hey Ranma." Akane said.
"Hey Akane." Ranma returned.
The two looked at each other for a second. Something was different about Ranma.
"Well…what do you want Ranma?" Akane asked, wiping her face with the towel.
"Uh…well…I was wonderin' today is such a nice day. You wanna go see a movie or somethin' this afternoon? There is a new American movie playing, it's called The Matrix. It looks pretty nice, so I wanted to see if you wanted to come along."
"Uh…well Ranma…I kinda had plans today…" Akane said, sadly.
Ranma looked disappointed. "Oh…well…its ok then. Not like I really wanted you to go or anything, just thought it would be nice to have someone to tag alone."
"I'm sorry Ranma. It's kinda important. I can't miss what I have planned."
Ranma smiled that confident smile, but something was different about it. "Hey, it's ok Akane. Well I'm gonna eat breakfast." He said, going to the dinner table. Akane followed him. It would have been nice to go to the movies with Ranma, but she had the contest…
Akane finished her breakfast and lingered around the training hall, focusing on her task at hand. The time slowly ticked away. It was time to leave. Akane went into her room. "If I left in my Gi, everyone would be suspicious. I better change into it at the other Dojo." With that, Akane slipped on her blue dress and walked outside, carrying a small bag.
Ranma watched her. "I wonder what she is up to. I think she's hiding something from me." Ranma followed Akane at a distance. She was going to another Dojo. He watched as she went to the little table. The guy at the table shook his head. Akane indicated her bag. The guy let her in. Ranma went up a near by tree, providing an excellent view of the platform in the back yard of the dojo.
Akane wandered around for a few minutes, having dressed in her yellow Gi. She smiled to herself. This would be easy. She looked to the number she had drawn. Number nine. The announcer called for the first match. Number nine and number one were up.
"That's me!" Akane said to herself. She approached the platform. It was one of those "out of the ring and you lose" things. Of course a knockout meant you would lose too, but Akane had not intentions of losing. She stood at the far side or the platform. She took a deep breath. She cleared her mind. She was focused.
"Truly…such a boorish lot" a voice began. The crowd went silent. "It is clear that each person here wishes to demonstrate their strength against less than worthy opponents. I scoff at such attempts. Only one person has the courage…no the duty to truly win. That person is I, the rising star of the Furinkan High school Kendo club. Men tremble at my feet. Babies cry at the mere mention of my name, for I Tatewaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, have arrived."
Akane just stared at her first opponent; her jaw hanging slightly open.
Kuno looked over to her. "Oh…Akane Tendou. You have relinquished yourself from the vile Ranma Saotome and have come to this tournament seeking my love. Very well then. If it is my love you seek, you shall have it, unconditionally."
Akane blinked a few times. "K…Kuno…?"
"You needen't confess your love of me here Akane Tendou!" Kuno said, stopping her with his sword. "You need not tell me of your desire to date with me. But these people came for a show and a show they shall have. If you manage to defeat me, I shall allow you to dat…"
Akane leapt into the air, coming down with a swift kick, right in Kuno's mouth. The blow sent him sliding out of the ring. He was out cold.
Akane turned her back, tightening her belt. "Honestly, that Kuno has got to get a clue. That speech of his is getting old." She just went back to the contestant waiting room. No looking at others' moves. She was in the second division waiting area.
Ranma looked on. "Wow…Akane didn't hold back on that last one. Serves Kuno right!"
The competitors dwindled down slowly. Finally, it was time for the final match. Akane smiled to herself. "This is gonna be good." The announcer called contestant nine and contestant twenty-seven out.
Akane entered the ring. She smiled to the crowd, who was going crazy for her. She looked to her opponent. Her opponent waved a curious looking weapon around, receiving applause. It was a giant spatula.
"Ukyo?" Akane asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Akane! Hey sugar. Surprised?" Ukyo said, turning to her with a smile.
"Well yea…I didn't think you were into martial arts that much."
"Well, my passion is still Okonomiyaki, but when I saw you enter the fight, I couldn't resist the opportunity to spar with you again. Besides, if I won, I could put Uc-Chan's on the map."
Akane smiled. "Well, I'm not gonna hold back on you. We all have our reasons for winning. I need that prize money."
"Don't underestimate me Akane. The past month I've spent a little time in the "Seven Swords" Dojo. I think I have gotten a little better."
"I hope so. Let's give this crowd something to cheer about." Akane said, taking her stance.
Ukyo nodded, following suit.
"Begin!"
The two combatants stared at each other for a few seconds. Ukyo was the first to lead off. She charged Akane, un sheathing her giant spatula. She swung violently at Akane. Akane leapt into the air, coming down with a kick. Ukyo used her massive spatula to absorb the blow. The kick did send her back a few steps. Akane ran towards her. She launched a right to Ukyo. Ukyo dodged it rather easily. Akane launched a left. Ukyo brought up her spatula, hitting Akane's fist and making it soar off to the left. She twirled her spatula, bringing the circular end of it within inches of Akane's face. Akane felt the cold of the steel that was too close to her face. Akane back flipped away. Ukyo stood at the other end, smiling triumphantly.
"Wow…Ukyo has got a bit faster in only one month. I better step this up a notch." Akane said, regaining her focus. Ukyo dashed to her position, again swinging her spatula. Akane tilted her head slightly, avoiding the first blow. Ukyo slashed again, seeming to have the spatula materialize in the correct position. Akane jumped back. A few of her hairs floated briefly in front of her. The spatula had cut the front of her hair.
"Come on Akane!" Ukyo said, continuing to slash away. "I know you're holding back, show me what you got!" Akane smiled, dodging slashes. If she wanted a real fight then she would get it. Akane narrowed her eyes at the last swing. An opening. Akane launched her uppercut. Ukyo was prepared. She jumped to the ground, feeling the warmth from Akane's hand. That was too close. Ukyo rolled once, ending up crouched with her back facing Akane. She took the spatula, swinging it behind her, hoping to trip Akane. Akane sensed the steel weapon approaching her. She jumped, remaining in the same place. Ukyo swung her body around, bringing her legs out, going for another trip. Akane again jumped, turning to face Ukyo. Ukyo had her. She brought the Spatula from the opposite direction it had first swung. This time she swung high. Akane bent backwards, placing her hands on the ground. Ukyo used the inertia of the spatula to spin herself to a somewhat standing position. She brought the spatula down hard to Akane's stomach. Akane rolled desperately. Her Gi was torn, right across the stomach with just the wind from the weapon. Ukyo ran after her, swinging down again. Akane rolled on her back. She was too close to the edge. She stuck her foot up; the foot found the handle. Akane kicked the wide end to the spatula, sending it spinning into the air. Ukyo, stunned, watched as Akane leapt to her feet and plucked the spatula out of the air. She let it rest on her shoulder, turning to Ukyo and smiling broadly. Ukyo was not so happy.
"Lets see how this thing works, shall we?" Akane said, lashing out at Ukyo. Ukyo back flipped, taking that moment to grab several of her mini spatulas. Akane charged. Ukyo, on her hands during this, flipped to her feet, throwing the mini spatulas at Akane. Akane stopped her assault. She turned her head dodging one. The rest where brought down with Ukyo's own spatula. Ukyo smiled. She knew the weakness of the weapon was its weight in the front. She would use that to her advantage. Ukyo took the offensive, much to Akane's surprise. She launched a fist at Akane. Akane blocked with the spatula. Ukyo smiled again, sending a kick to Akane's head. Akane leapt back, just short of getting struck.
"I just need Akane to swing down at me with that thing…then it's mine!" Ukyo said to herself. She charged Akane. Akane took her stance. Ukyo hit the ground, sliding between Akane's legs and placing a foot in her back. Akane stumbled forward a bit. She whirled around, bringing the spatula down on Ukyo. Ukyo grabbed the handle and, using the weapon's weight and Akane's own force, she flung Akane over her. Akane relinquished control of the spatula, landing perfectly.
Akane looked at Ukyo wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Where did you learn all those moves Ukyo?" She said smiling
"Well…the "seven swords" school is one of my best customers. I went in there frequently while they were training. They taught me a little bit, in exchange for Okonomiyaki."
"I see…that explains your swordsmanship with your spatula."
"Yea…it does count as a sword, at least when I use it for combat." Ukyo said, winking.
"Well, time to stop playing around." Akane said, noticing that Ukyo was back on the assault. "She may be faster but she can't match the speed of my attacks."
"Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts special attack!" Akane said, more for the crowd than any one else. It did have a certain ring to it however…
"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"
Akane unleashed her attack on Ukyo. Ukyo knew that was coming. She stopped in her tracks. At that last moment, Ukyo ducked the attack, placing a foot in Akane's stomach. Akane was sent back a few steps. Ukyo won that round.
"That all you got Akane?" Ukyo said playfully.
Akane just smiled slyly.
Suddenly, Ukyo felt a sting of pain in her chest. She had taken a few hits. Hard hits too. They would certainly bruise later. She didn't fare as well as she had thought. Ukyo shook off the pain. "So you want special attacks huh? Well try this one sugar!" Ukyo said, taking her spatula and holding it up at the twelve o clock position.
Akane stood there, having regained her breath. "What is she doing? There is no way she could have mastered the Seven Swords arts in just a month!"
"Seven Sword's School of Martial Arts Special Attack!" Ukyo said, bringing the spatula clockwise.
"Wakareji Kyuuten!" (Parting of the Heavens)
Ukyo stopped the spatula at the 8 o clock position. The wind picked up slightly. Akane took a step back. Ukyo ran towards her, trailing the spatula behind her. Akane focused in on the attack. Ukyo's form all of a sudden split into three, ghostly looking forms, each rushing to her.
"Simple illusions" Akane said to herself. She had faced those before. The first image appeared before her, slashing to the right. Akane took a step back, avoiding that one. She felt the wind from that one. An illusion would not do that. Akane started to worry. The second form came to her, slashing to the left. Akane leapt back, dodging that one. The final form charged her, slashing upwards at Akane. Akane leapt into the air, her eyes were on the final "ghost". Suddenly, she felt something. She looked up. Ukyo was there, bringing her spatula down to Akane's head. Akane flipped in mid air, just avoiding that blow. Ukyo hit the ground hard with her spatula, sending Akane flying into the ground with the wind that Ukyo had created. Akane landed hard on the platform. She got back up. Her face was all dirty. Ukyo looked to her, very satisfied.
"H…how in the world…" Akane said to her.
"Here…let me show you again!" Ukyo said, thoroughly enjoying her moment.
Ukyo charged with her "Parting of the Heavens attack" again.
"Mistake number one Ukyo!" Akane said to herself. Akane eyed closely the images. They slashed in the same manner, sending her in the air at the final swipe. Akane looked up. Ukyo was coming from the sky again. She had her. Akane grabbed the wide end of the spatula, falling to the ground. She fell to her back, sending the spatula and Ukyo over the platform and to the ground. Akane flipped up, eager to see what happened.
Ukyo soared over the ground. She spotted something. A tree. Ukyo thrust her spatula into the ground, flipping over it and landing on the tree. Expertly, she rebounded off the tree, grabbing her spatula in the process and landing in the corner of the platform. Akane knew she wouldn't win so easily.
Akane charged her, not giving her time to recover. Ukyo put up her defense. Akane thought back to her training with Cologne. That spatula was a lot like that staff she would carry around. Ukyo wasn't as experienced as Cologne, so her trick might just work. Akane continued her attacks, purposely leaving her guard down over her stomach. Ukyo, noticing this, swiped at her. Akane grabbed the spatula, letting it whirl her around to where she was actually hanging off the platform. Akane planted her feet on the edge, throwing herself backward and taking Ukyo with her. Or so she thought.
Ukyo just let go of the spatula, leaving Akane in a very bad spot. Her feet were touching the platform and her hands were holding the spatula, which was dug into the ground. Her whole body was exposed and vulnerable, sitting there in an arc. Ukyo walked up to Akane, calmly. She kicked her feet off the platform. Akane brought her feet up, gripping the spatula close to her. She was hanging upside down on the handle. Akane hung there a few seconds, contemplating on what to do. Ukyo threw a mini spatula at her, landing right in front of the handle of the spatula. She was toying with her. Akane moved her body a bit. The spatula was sturdy enough. Slowly she worked her hands up the spatula's handle, it was wobbling, making it extremely difficult. Akane took a deep breath, concentrating. Ukyo just looked on. That Akane was amazing sometimes.
Akane reached the business end of the spatula. Her balance was perfect. She brought her feet forward and swung them back hard. She released her grip of the spatula, flipping in the air and landing on the wide end of the spatula. The handle sank deeper into the ground, proving more stability. The crowd cheered. Akane stood a top the spatula, smiling. There was no way to throw Ukyo out the ring…there must be another way.
Ranma was amazed. "Man…that training has helped Akane focus a lot more than before." Ranma kept watching, forgetting that he was actually spying on Akane. This was a nice match.
Akane placed her hands together. She closed her eyes.
Ukyo's eyes widened. "Man…she is serious! I never learned a counter to her Ki attack. Wait…this is perfect." Ukyo said. She would risk the match on this next move. Ukyo leapt to Akane with a flying kick. Akane opened her eyes, catching the foot.
"Gotcha!" She said. She whirled around, sending Ukyo to the tree that Ranma was perched on. The same one that Ukyo had rebounded off the first time. Ukyo rebounded a second time. Akane was ready. She leapt to Ukyo, catching her by the shoulders. She drove Ukyo into the ground hard; balancing herself on Ukyo's shoulder for just a second. Akane too, soon fell to the ground, leaving a small dust cloud. The two got up, looking at each other. They smiled at each other. Soon those smiles turned into laughter. Akane was the winner.
The Master of the Seven Swords School presented Akane with a small bag. Inside was that 100,000 yen she had won, and rightfully so.
Ranma looked on. Akane seemed to be just thrilled to win that money. "She did all that just for that money? So that's why she didn't want to go to the movies." Ranma was a bit hurt. He followed Akane and Ukyo, who were fast becoming best friends.
"Wow Akane, great job back there." Ukyo said. Nice special tackle attack.
Akane smiled. "Thanks Ukyo. The rules said first to hit the ground would win so…"
"Well I guess I was first huh?"
"Well you almost had me with that "Wakareji Kyuuten" attack. How did you learn that so fast?"
"To be honest I didn't learn it.'' Ukyo said, unsheathing her spatula and indicating a small set of marks. "This is similar to Martial Arts Calligraphy. Those marks bring out the essence of the weapon, allowing me to sort of, "let go" of the weapon and let it do it's own thing. It's kinda strange but its quite effective."
"You mean that the spatula takes on a mind of its own?"
"Sorta…more like the Spatula feeds off my energy and uses it for an attack."
"Oh…that's amazing…" Akane said.
"Yea…the Seven Swords School's techniques' include animating their weapons and having them fight along side you. Some involve very complex writings, while others are Ki based. That attack was the very basic kind. I have seen people in there spar with their own weapons."
"Wow…that's pretty remarkable. I think I'll ask Cologne about their history. I'll bet she knows all about them."
"Yea you're prolly right on that one sugar. Come on; let's go have an Okonomiyaki. Free to the winner." Ukyo said with a big smile.
"Oh…I'll have to take you up on that another time Ukyo. I have…something important to do."
Ukyo thought for a moment. "Oh…tomorrow is…"
Akane nodded happily.
"Well, see ya later then. I'll stop by tomorrow."
With that the two friends parted ways. Akane went inside the shop, buying the combo for Ranma, and a few more things for her. She hid Ranma's present in the dresses, shirts, and shorts she had bought.
Ranma watched her exit the store. Her arms were full of things. "So…well I guess that was more important that just goin' to the movies…so why do I fell kinda sad. Maybe I was looking forward to it. We really hadn't been on a real date, ever since the fiancée business was sorted out." Ranma walked the opposite direction as Akane. He would return conspicuously late. No one would suspect a thing.
*****Hey! It didn't take me a week to update! Pretty kool, huh? Well, I gotta make this quick. I gotta be at work in 40 minutes and I still have to eat and take a shower. My personal favorite part is the lingerie part. That was fun to write!. The switch to towards the Second part of my fic, that deals with the other characters. I won't spoil it. Oh, and by the way. The Seven Swords School is © by me, Michael! That's me! Yea. This is the first place I used it. But, it's found it's true home on my original story, which will be sent to publication in the coming months. Not that I'm worried about theft. I couldn't care less. I have the evidence on my comp that says when this file was first created and even my notes in my portfolio. So whatever… But I just learned how to put the little © thingy on my works and I was dying to give it a try. It's really kool! © © ©. Hehehe!
And forgive any errors. I did a really fast job running through this. Hope you like it! Not like it needed a lot of help anyway. I believe this chapter was done about 8 months ago. And it's been edited hundreds of times. Not to submission standards, mind you. That is totally hard! Ugh…good rule of thumb for all those of you like me that are writing. Second draft=first draft minus 10%. Live by it! It really works! But I only cut out a few hundred on this. It's still pretty good I think. Until next we meet!*****