Chapter Nineteen

Hearts of Love, Hearts of Hate

Ranma remained with his eyes clenched tight.  He knew this was going to happen. He knew it… He just listened…everyone was in silence.  He couldn't stand it any longer; he had to see what his fiancée's fate was.

Ranma turned, opening his eyes and forcing them down upon Akane.  All he could do was stare…something had happened…or had it?

"Ran-Chan?"  Ukyo asked, slowly.  She looked over to Ranma. 

Ranma looked over to Ukyo, utterly perplexed.  He returned his gaze to Akane.  She was still human…just a bit wet.  A large weight was lifted off his chest.

Akane started coughing up water violently.  Ranma smiled.  She was alive and breathing.  He went over to her, holding her wet body in his arms.

"Akane…Thank God you're alright."  Ranma sighed.  He looked around.  There had to be an explanation.

"You got me Ran-Chan."  Ukyo said, noticing the look of confusion on Ranma's face.  Ryoga just shrugged.

"Maybe an empty spring?"  Mousse offered.

"No Mousse…Great-grandmother say empty spring on the North side.  This west side." Shampoo returned

Ranma just smiled.  Somehow, he had got extremely lucky. He looked to the sky, thanking whatever had saved his fiancée.  A few clouds were starting to gather. He turned his eyes back to Akane, watching her open her eyes.

"Hey…you awake in there?  It's me, Ranma."  He said softly.

"Ra…Ranma…?"  Akane started.  Everything was blurry.  She focused in on Ranma…that name…that name got to her in a way she could not explain…

Ranma felt Akane's body tense up.

"Ranma…get the hell off of me…" Akane said coldly.  Ranma was stunned.

"A…Akane…what's wrong?"  Ranma tried.

"Ranma…I said…get the hell off of me.  Are you stupid, deaf, or both?"  Akane demanded, sitting up in his lap.

Ranma widened his eyes, releasing Akane and backing away slowly.

"W…wait a sec Akane…it's not my fault what happened.''  Ranma started.  Akane was just staring at him, her eyes almost piercing his soul.  He had done it again…but what had he done to get Akane this angry?  It was like she was burning.

"Yea Akane…give poor Ran-Chan a break huh?"  Ukyo said.

Akane took in a deep breath.  She looked at everyone around her.  Shampoo was standing behind Mousse, looking on worriedly.  Ukyo and Ranma were just stunned.  Ryoga was standing next to Ranma, in no better shape.  Akane closed her eyes, clenching her fists. 

"Oh man…she is pissed…" Ranma said, standing his ground.  He owed it to her to remain to where they could talk things out.

"Ok…I'm sorry Akane…There, I said it.  I'm sorry.  It was my fault, whatever it was.  Please Akane, try to understand…I really don't have any idea what is goin' on right now."
            Akane opened her eyes and smiled a bit.  Ranma relaxed.  So that was what love could do.

"See Akane…Ran-Chan is sorry.  We all are.  Why not go over there and give him a big…" Ukyo started.  She approached Akane, placing a hand on her shoulder.  Ukyo quickly found herself on the receiving end of a sharp fist to her face, knocking her down.  Everyone was at a loss.

"Don't touch me bitch…" Akane said, smiling down to her victim.  She almost enjoyed that.
"Akane…what the…what's the hell is wrong with you!"  Ranma yelled.

Akane just stood there, eyeing Ranma.

Ukyo just looked up, wiping the blood form her nose.  "I…I'm sorry Akane…" Ukyo returned sadly.  A tear rolled down her face.  Her friend had stuck out against her, unjustly.  That was a worse blow than that fist.

Ranma eyed Akane angrily.  "Hey Akane…if you got a problem with Uc-Chan, why not take it up with me?"  He demanded

"I thought you would never ask Ranma."  Akane said, launching a fist to his stomach.  The speed caught Ranma off guard.  Akane quickly threw him to the ground with a kick to the face. 

Ranma just lie there, looking up at Akane.  She was walking around him, smiling. 

"So Ranma…I have so far to go don't I?"  Akane asked, mockingly.  "Looks like you were the one that got planted in the ground."

"Come on Akane…I know you have a temper, but this is just crossin' the line.  You didn't have ta' hit Uc-Chan like that."

"What can I say…she bothered me…" Akane said, smiling at Ukyo.

"Akane…somethin' is really…" A voice cut off Ranma.

"Oh…kind sirs, what happen here?"  Said the Guide, running up and examining the situation.

"Akane fell into that spring but she didn't change at all…" Ryoga started.  On second though she did change…

The little guide gasped.  "Oh, Kind sirs must leave now!"  He exclaimed, running off.

"What…what happened?"  Ranma asked.

"Oh…is horrible fate that befall young girl.  Here in Jusenkyo, is legend of girl who possessed by Oni, drown in spring 300 year ago.  Now whoever fall in become possessed by malevolent Oni spirit.  Is horrible…" The guide said.  Suddenly a rock hit him square in the side of the head, knocking him out.

"Spring of Drown Oni…what the heck kinda spring is that?  Geeze…of all the springs to fall in."

He turned to Akane, whom was very satiated.  "Bah…how stupid…" She said, turning her gaze from the guide back to Ranma.  "Ready to finish?"

"Huh…finish what?"  Ranma asked,

"We have a duel to finish Ranma."  Akane said, cracking her knuckles.

"Please…that fight is over…besides, revenge is so not like you."  Ranma returned

"Ranma…you are such an idiot!"  Akane shot back.  "This is way more than that!  All my life you have always won, no matter what we did.  Well now it's payback time.  I will defeat you, here and now!"

"Wait a sec Akane…I don't wanna fight you.  First we gotta figure out somethin' to help you.  That guide said you were possessed with an Oni."

"No Ranma…first I will defeat you, then…maybe I'll get revenge on a few other people…" 

Ranma looked on, something was definitely off with Akane.  Akane looked at everyone around.  She turned her gaze to Ukyo, sitting on the ground with a bloody nose.  She turned back to Ranma.

"Oh…I know what you are thinking.  I guess I did kinda lose my temper back then.  I guess I should apologize to Ukyo first."

Ranma eyed Akane suspiciously.  That sounded like her, but the stuff before did not.

Akane approached Ukyo.  She knelt down, smiling at her.  Something was off with her smile though.

"Sorry Ukyo…I guess I went a little overboard.  Hitting you wasn't the right thing to do."
Ukyo smiled.  "It's ok I guess Akane.  Now…we have to figure a way to make you change back.  I didn't even see that fist…"

Akane cut Ukyo off, grabbing her by the shirt and lifting her up.  Ukyo struggled against Akane's iron grip.

"Yea…sorry Ukyo…hitting you wasn't the right thing to do.  Throwing you into a cursed spring is though."

"Akane!  What the hell are you doin'!"  Ranma demanded.

"Finish our duel…or I'll throw your friend into that spring over there.  Who knows what she would turn into?"

"Akane…she is your friend too!"  Ranma said, approaching her.

Ukyo placed her hands on Akane's trying to free herself.  Suddenly, Shampoo burst in, shoving Akane out of the way.  Ukyo fell to the ground, landing inches from the spring.

"You leave Ukyo out of this!"  Shampoo said.  "If you want fight I give to you!"

Akane eyed the Amazon fiercely.  Shampoo returned her fiery gaze.

"Rest assured Shampoo, you'll get your chance.  But first, I want to fight Ranma…"

  Ranma just looked on.  "Man…this is serious.  Akane has totally lost it."

He thought to himself for a few moments.  Before she fell in, Akane said not to worry…

"Wait a second!"  Ranma exclaimed to himself.  "The "spring of drown girl" If we could just splash her with that water, that would be the end of all this."

Ranma looked over to Mousse and Ryoga.  They both had the same idea and were running to the "Spring of drown girl."

Ranma smiled.  All he had to do was lure Akane over to where they were.  If it was one thing Ranma could do it was goad Akane into becoming enraged.

"Oh, I know what's goin' on here.  You're still upset that I keep beatin' you huh?  Well, sorry, but it's not my fault you lacked the class to get trained properly."

"Ranma…just shut up!  I'll beat you, once and for all!"

  "I'd like to see an un-cute tomboy try that." He shot back, smiling confidently.

"Fine Ranma!"  Akane shouted, charging at him.  She launched a right at Ranma's head.  Ranma smiled.  He could still read her moves.  He moved his head slightly, avoiding the blow.  Suddenly, a sharp force hit him from behind.  Akane had whirled around, connecting with the back of his head.  He stumbled forward, recovering quickly.  He spun around, seeing Akane on the attack again.  He leapt over her kick, soon finding another kick heading straight towards him.  Akane's speed was incredible in her transformed state.  Ranma placed his hands on the foot, spring off them and landing on a nearby bamboo pole.  Akane jumped up, lashing out.  Ranma jumped backwards to another pole.

"Stand and fight me you pervert!"  Akane demanded angrily.  Ranma jumped back again, leading Akane towards where Ryoga and Mousse were.  They looked into his eyes.  They were ready.

"Catch me if you can, slowpoke!"  Ranma shouted, leaping down and heading towards the spring.  Akane quickly followed him.

"Ok guys now!"  Ranma shouted.  Ryoga and Mousse loaded their buckets and launched them to Akane, whom had landed on the ground seconds before.  She smiled; kicking the buckets away and watching them land harmlessly on the ground.

"Oh….come on now…you didn't really think I would fall for that?"  Akane asked.

"No…but you fell for this!"  Ranma said, above her in the air.  He launched the water down to Akane.  Akane back flipped out of the way, just in time.  She turned around, looking at Ranma.

"Damn…it didn't work!"  Ryoga said to Mousse.

Mousse looked around, spying Ryoga's umbrella.  "I have an idea Ryoga.  Get your umbrella.  If Akane can't move, she can't dodge the water."

Suddenly, Akane felt a twinge behind her.  She whirled, catching Ryoga's bamboo umbrella.  She felt something cold against her legs.  It was a spiked chain Mousse had launched.  The wide umbrella had hid it.  Now she was unable to move.  Mousse jerked the chains, sending Akane to the ground.

Ranma approached her, carrying a bucket of water.  "Ok Akane…you're not yourself now.  Just calm down.  I'll splash you with this and you'll be fine."

"No Ranma…This isn't over yet!"  Akane yelled.  She grabbed the chains with her hand, yanking Mousse up to her.  She planted a solid fist in Mousse's stomach, sending him back a few feet.  She quickly undid the chains that bound her.  Ranma ran up to her, brandishing the water.

"Not so fast pervert!"  Akane yelled, rolling and picking up the spiked chain.  She threw it forcefully, striking the bucket.  The water quickly leaked out.

"Damn!"  Ranma cursed.  "Akane sure is a lot stronger in this form…" he said.

Akane turned back to Ranma.  Mousse got up slowly, standing next to him.

"Saotome…your fiancée is a bit troublesome."  Mousse started in a whisper.

"Yea…no kiddin', any ideas?"

"I will distract her.  You go after the water."  Mousse said, staring at Akane.

Ranma nodded.  He made the mistake of looking at Ryoga, standing ready with another dose of water. 

Mousse leaped into the air, launching a torrent of daggers.  Akane caught a few, sending the rest spinning away.

"Akane Tendou!  I challenge you!"  Mousse said loudly.  He charged her, shooting a series of punches and kicks to Akane.  Akane was backing up, dodging all of them.  She found an opening.  She nailed Mousse in the jaw with a firm kick, making him reel back.  She then attacked with a sweep, sending Mousse tumbling to the ground.  A kick in the ribs ended any further protest from him.

Suddenly, Akane whirled around; launching the daggers she had caught.

"Think I forgot about you Ryoga?" she asked confidently.

Ryoga was stunned.  That attack was too fast.  He dropped the bucket, trying to defend against that attack.  The daggers found their mark in Ryoga's body.  One sank deeply into his right leg.  The other two landed squarely in his left shoulder and arm, the force of the throw making them plunge deeply into his skin.  Ryoga felt a grinding as the metal blades hit his bones, becoming stuck in them.  He was launched backwards, hitting a near by stone.  He slumped over in pain, everyone watching what was happening.

Shampoo looked across Jusenkyo, helping Ukyo up.  She watched as her future husband tried in vain to splash Akane with the cursed water.  She watched as he crashed into the ground violently.  They were both stunned at the sudden turn in their friend.  Two of the guys were defeated.  Suddenly Ryoga screamed out in pain as the daggers dug themselves into his skin.

"Ryoga!"  Ukyo yelled, worried.  She looked at Shampoo, whom was already looking at her.  They nodded to each other.  The two shot off, putting themselves in the middle of the battle.

Ranma was speechless, looking at his wife, standing there with that smile.  She almost enjoyed causing pain to everyone.

" It's that curse" Ranma assured himself. "Hey Ryoga…you gonna be ok?" 

"Don't worry Ranma…I've gotten worse from you.  Watch out though, Akane's guard may be higher than yours."

Ranma nodded, facing Akane.  That makes two down…

Shampoo ran up to Mousse, holding him in her arms.  "Mousse alright?"  She asked, very concerned. 

"Shampoo, my beloved…stay out of this.  I would hate to see you hurt…" Mousse said, standing up.

"Mousse…you such a stupid!"  Shampoo yelled.  "Shampoo help her friend and husband!  Shampoo not afraid to get hurt."

Mousse turned to her; she was focused in on Akane.  There was no talking her out of this.

"Ryoga!  Are you ok?"  Ukyo asked, looking at the bleeding Ryoga.  He pulled out the daggers forcefully, blood spraying out a bit.  Ukyo took off that blue over shirt she always wore and ripped it in two.  She started to bandage Ryoga's wounds.

Ryoga looked on, amazed.  The only other person that had cared for him so was Akane…Maybe Ukyo did at least care for him a little bit.

 Akane looked around, taking in the sights.  In front of her stood Ranma, holding the bucket of water he had got weakly.  To the left were Mousse and Shampoo.  They were determined to save Akane.  As if she really wanted that.  All she wanted was to defeat Ranma, once and for all.  Ukyo was taking care of Ryoga just behind them.  Then there was that stupid spring that had caused her so much trouble.  That spring needed to be eliminated.

She hopped up on the nearest pole, placing her hands together and closing her eyes.

"I will not have anyone, or anything interfering in our fight."  She said calmly.  The air around her began to burn…like air shimmering from a near by fire.

Ranma took a step back.  He turned around.  She wasn't aiming at him, but for that spring.

"Tenrai Ryuujin no Hitorare!"

Ranma flipped out of the way, dodging the massive blue flame that shot forth from Akane's hands.  The flames scorched the "spring of drown girl" as well as several others, rendering them mere holes in the ground.  Akane leapt down from the bamboo pole, satisfied that another nuisance was removed.

Ranma ran to where everyone was waiting.  "Hey…everyone Ok?"  He asked.  Everyone nodded, even Ryoga, who was now standing beside Ranma and Ukyo.

"What now Ranma?"  He asked.  Ranma had an idea.

"Hot water Ryoga…that's all we need.  I need you guys to heat up some water…make enough for a few kettles.  All we gotta do is splash Akane with the hot water and she would return to normal."

"I don't know Saotome.  Akane seems determined to fight you."

Ranma smiled confidently.  "Don't worry about that.  I've been holdin' back my best stuff.  I can handle her.  You guys just make sure we have enough hot water.  And do it in a kinda hidden spot or somethin'.  If Akane found out what we were plannin' she would torch you guys too."

Everyone nodded.  Akane spoke up, losing her patience long ago.

"Hey Ranma…we done yet?" She asked mockingly.  Ranma walked up to her without a second glance at the rest of the people behind them.

"Ok guys" Ukyo started.  "Go find some water.  Me and Shampoo will start the fires.  Meet us over there, behind those rocks.  Those trees should block most of the smoke."

Mousse and Ryoga nodded, running off in either direction.

How to Boil Water

"Hey Akane…" Ranma started.  "We don't gotta do this."

"Oh, yes we do Ranma.  I will defeat you once and for all"

"No…that's not the Akane I remember.  The Akane I know would never threaten her friends like that."

"The Akane you know is dead Ranma!"  Akane shot back coldly.  "This is the new Akane.  All I care about now is defeating you!"

Ranma approached Akane.  She took a fighting stance.  Ranma was within several feet from her; his guard was down.  So why couldn't she strike?  She took a step back.  Ranma caught up to her, grabbing her hands gently.

"Come on Akane…I know this is from the spring, but deep down, you are still Akane.  Just like how I was still Ranma, even though I was a girl.  Bein' cursed doesn't change how you think, just what you look like."

Akane turned her gaze to the ground.  A tear came down her face.

"Ranma…I…" Akane started.

Ranma looked on, hopeful that Akane was still in there somewhere.

"Ranma…"

Akane just looked into his eyes sadly.  A small smile crept upon her face.  "You fell for it!"  She said, grabbing Ranma's hands and launching him over her.  Ranma landed on his feet.

"Thought I would fall for that?"  Akane asked.  She looked down to her hand.

"You know…I can still remember all the things you did to me Ranma.  I remember how many times you called me "un-cute, sexless, macho chick, flat chested and tomboyish.  I remember it all."

"Come on Akane…that was a long time ago…before we said we loved each other.  We were both stupid back then, doing stupid things to each other."

"No Ranma…I tried to tell you how I felt lots of times.  Each time though, you ruined it, just like you always do.  You were the stupid one!"

Ranma was taken aback.

"You always managed to two time me with those no good fiancées of yours.  Catching you in the bath with Shampoo like that; or on the rooftop with Kodachi; or always eating at Ukyo's."

"That wasn't my fault.  You know that Akane!"  Ranma shot back.

"No…it was all your fault…and to think I used to love you."

Ranma took a step back at those words…they had removed what little Ranma had managed to salvage of his heart.

"A-Akane…"

"Shut the hell up Ranma!  The whole time you've been with me, all you have done was make me miserable!  I would cry myself to sleep sometimes because of the stupid stuff you would do to me!"

"Akane, I told you I was sorry!  You said you forgave me…what about that engagement ring I gave you.  I remember how happy you were to see it.  You have a really cute smile…"

Akane looked to her hand.  She took the ring in her fingers and slipped it off, throwing it behind her.

"What engagement ring?"  She asked, smiling, enjoying seeing Ranma hurt like that.

Ranma turned his head to the ground, closing his eyes. He could almost feel Akane reach inside him, drawing the very life out of him.  "I…I tried so hard to get that for her."  He thought to himself.  He shook his head.  "Come on Ranma, this isn't the real Akane.  But…that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."  A tear rolled down his cheek.

"Ranma…you have caused me so much pain.  Now it is my turn!"  Akane shouted.  "I will have revenge for everything you did to me and my family.  I will defeat you!"

"Akane…I…can't fight you like this.  I still love you.  We still gotta have our wedding…"

"Well…consider this my refusal!"  Akane shouted, dashing up to Ranma.  Ranma just stood there, unable to fight back.  He lost his will to fight and his fighting sprit.  They were tossed aside; just like the very ring he gave her.

Akane planted a solid fist to Ranma's jaw.  Ranma was sent reeling.  Akane swung with a left, Ranma backed up, avoiding the blow.  Swiftly, Akane kicked Ranma in the ribs, making him cave inward.  She sprung around with a round house, catching Ranma's head in the assault.  Ranma was knocked to the ground. 
            Quickly, Ranma got back up, avoiding Akane's heel.  Her heel sank deeply in the soft sand.  Akane charged again, throwing her punches.  Ranma knew this attack and swiftly grabbed Akane's small hands in his.

"Akane…come on.  I don't wanna fight you."  Ranma said calmly.

"Well…I do!  Now either fight back or die!"  Akane yelled sharply.  She leapt up, placing her feet in Ranma's stomach.  She sprung out of his hands, almost taking his arms with her. 

Ranma fell backward to the ground, flipping and resuming his standing position.  Akane eyed him fiercely.

"Ranma!  I know you are holding back.  I said fight me…or I will make you fight!"

Ranma just stood there.  "Akane…I refuse to fight you over something that was settled long ago!  I can't bring myself to hit you.  I can't hit my fiancée…I never could hit you for real…even when we first met."

"There you go again with that "My Love Akane" crap.  Listen good Ranma.  You will pay, one way or another, for hurting me so.  I can never forget your words…those words made me so angry…I could have killed you back then.  Now…let's try this again.  Fight me…now! Or suffer the consequences…"

"Akane…I would rather die than fight you.  I love you too much to hurt you like that.  You say I hurt you so bad all the way back then, yet you insist on me fightin' back!  Well that ain't gonna happen.  I would rather die…if that made you feel any better."

"Please Ranma…I was just trying to have a bit of fun…but…if that's how you want it…" Akane said, smiling. 

Ranma glanced back.  No one was around.  Akane hadn't noticed their plan.  If he could buy just a bit more time…but still…this was harder than he thought.  Akane's jeers made Ranma lose most of his fighting sprit.

Ryoga looked around, again he was lost…and worse yet…he was lost when he was needed most.

"Akane…Ukyo…Ranma…I have let you all down…" Ryoga thought to himself.  "No…I will not give up!  I will find my way back to the camp!"  Ryoga said audibly, stumbling though a thick section of bushes.

"Akane…Ukyo…everyone…fear not.  Ryoga Hibiki will not be lost this time!"  He said loudly, emerging from the bushes.

"Well that's good Ryoga."  Ukyo said, smiling up to him.

Ryoga's eyes widened.  He was already here…he didn't get lost after all.

"I…I found my way back…" Ryoga said, stunned.

"Whatever sugar, save it for later.  We gotta help Ran-Chan!"

"Oh…of course.  Here is the water."

"Great…you got a kettle on you?"

Ryoga went though his pack, pulling out two.  Mousse carried two as well.

"Good, that gives us four chances to hit Akane.  We better make it count."

"I don't know Ukyo…we may need more help than just us.  Where is Cologne?"

"Great-Grandmother say she go look for guide.  Must have passed by him on accident." Shampoo said, worriedly.

"Great…there's no telling when she will be back."  Ukyo said, lighting a fire.  Shampoo helped her, putting the cold kettles on the fires.

"Now what?"  Mousse asked.

"Now…we wait here."  Ryoga returned.

"Hopefully watched pots do boil…" Ukyo started.  Shampoo nodded, watching her pot.  They would each get one:  one chance to save Akane and Ranma.

"I hope Saotome can pull it off."

"Yea…me too."  Ukyo said, looking at her fire.  It needed more wood.  More wood would mean a higher temperature.

Best of Four

Ranma leapt into the air, dodging Akane's onslaught.  He flipped over her, avoiding the kick she sent to him.

"Come on Ranma…fight me for real!"  Akane demanded.

Ranma remained resolved.  Just a few more minutes…only a few minutes to endure this torture.  He looked around.  Everyone sure was taking their sweet time.  They should have been ready by now.

After what seemed like hours to Ranma, Ukyo opened the lid to a kettle, sticking her hand in.  She almost got burned.  She looked to everyone with a nod.

"Ok guys, let's go!"  Ukyo said, holding the kettle.  It was pretty hot.

"Wait a second.  We need to have a plan of attack."  Mousse started.

Ukyo nodded.  They group sat there, thinking for a few minutes, hearing the sounds of the fight.

"I got an idea…come here everyone!"  Ukyo said at last.  She whispered her plan to everyone.  They all nodded.

"Got it?"  We only have four chances for this…otherwise I don't know what we could do next."

They all ran out towards where Akane and Ranma were fighting.

Ranma went flying into the stone cliff face, leaving a giant crater in the wall of the mountain.  He sunk to the ground, in pain.  Akane approached him, throwing a fist at his head.  Ranma rolled out the way, hearing Akane's fist crunch through the rocks.  Her hand went clean through.
            She turned, facing Ranma.  They were both breathing heavily, but neither one would just simply give up.

Ranma wiped a bit of blood from his lip.  His defense was all the way up but Akane still managed to find holes in it.  This form she was in, she seemed to focus all her rage into fighting.  Ranma suddenly got an idea.  He had to go on the offensive, even if it was just to buy a bit of time.

"Still won't fight me Ranma?"  Akane asked, taking a fighting stance.

Ranma did not respond.

Akane charged him.  Ranma started backing up, dodging the blows.  His footsteps made a spiraling circle that traced over a small part of Jusenkyo.

"She always fell for this…" Ranma thought to himself.  "With this much anger…this is sure to stall her for a bit longer…"

Ranma reached the final step.  He focused in, planting his foot.  Abruptly, he stopped, seeing Akane taking the same stance as he was.

"Sakishima Hiryu Shoten Ha!"

Ranma clenched his eyes, having been caught in the violent twister of rage that Akane had unleashed.  The twister threw him hard against a tree, breaking it.  The tree fell to the ground, making a large crash.

Ranma forced himself to sit up, watching Akane come closer.

"Ok Akane…that's it…you win…" Ranma forced himself to say.

"No…not yet Ranma.  You are still conscious."  Akane raised her fist, shooting it down to Ranma.

Ranma suddenly felt something.  He threw his hands out, catching the object.  It was a tea kettle…a tea kettle!  Ranma held it between him and Akane, hoping Akane would shatter the thin metal with her fist.

Akane's eyes widened.  She tore her arm away from the attack desperately.  Ranma sat up, opening the top of the kettle and launching the hot water towards Akane.  She jumped back, a few drops of the hot water hitting her leg.  Not enough to invoke a transformation.

Ranma cursed his luck as Akane turned, seeing Shampoo standing a few feet away.

Akane quickly surveyed her surroundings.  Ranma was no longer a threat; she could deal with him later.  Those other people though…they were trying to pour hot water on her.  She wouldn't have that.  Not until she had got her revenge.  She glanced one final time at Ranma, sitting up weakly before she shot off to Shampoo.

"You will not ruin this for me!"  Akane yelled, throwing a punch at Shampoo.  Shampoo flipped over her with amazing speed.  Akane whirled, looking into Shampoo's eyes.  She had that familiar look…that look she took when they were fighting.  She was using her ultimate technique.

Shampoo charged, swiping at Akane.  She threw up her arms, blocking the blow.  Shampoo tried for a kick to her face.  Akane leaned back, thrusting her hand towards Shampoo's foot.  She grabbed her ankle.  Shampoo was now standing on one foot.  She jumped, bringing her last foot around, aiming for Akane's head.  Akane used her forearm to block the foot, grabbing the second one.  She heaved, spinning around once and throwing Shampoo against a tree.  Skillfully, Shampoo clawed the tree, rebounding off of it and diving to Akane with a kick.  Akane narrowed her eyes.  She sidestepped the attack, grabbing Shampoo's arm and twisting it around her back.  Akane ducked behind her, some hot water striking Shampoo squarely on the face.  Akane then shoved Shampoo away from her.  Shampoo turned, that look still in her eye.  She charged Akane again.  Akane smiled.  She caught Shampoo in the jaw with the heel of her foot.  She then spun around, landing a powerful kick to Shampoo's head.  Shampoo fell to the ground.  Akane walked up to her, surveying the damage.

Mousse looked on, standing on a near by pole.  He saw Akane plant Shampoo in the ground.  His heart had enough.  He jumped down, right in front of Akane, having used his kettle of water already.

"Mousse…what you do?"  Shampoo asked, weakly.

"Don't worry my love, I shall protect you from this menace!"

"Mousse no!  You already got hurt bad enough!"

Mousse just stood there.  "We still haven't finished out little fight Akane." He said, chuckling to himself a little bit.  Shampoo just watched.

"Show me what you've got Akane!"  Mousse said, dashing to her position.

"Have it your way…" Akane said.  She focused in; time seemed to slow down.  All it would take was one move…

"Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!"

Akane enveloped Mousse in a flurry of fists, sending him crashing into the ground.  Shampoo ran over to him, checking to see what condition he was in.  He was knocked out.  Shampoo eyed Akane angrily.

Akane ignored the two.  "Now…for the other ones."  Akane said, walking along and looking for them.

Shampoo reached inside Mousse's sleeve, pulling out another kettle of water.

"Was our plan…but Mousse is knocked out right now.  Ryoga have one left."  She said, handing it to Ranma.  Ranma got up painfully, watching Akane walk off.  He nodded.

"Hey…don't worry Shampoo.  I've done worse than that to Mousse before.  He will be fine after a few minutes.  You just stay here.  We'll take care of the rest."

Shampoo smiled as Ranma walked off.  She looked to Mousse's form, lying there.  His love of her was indeed great…maybe she was finally starting to understand what he had felt all this time…

Akane entered a conspicuous clearing.  She jumped back, seeing Ryoga attempt to splash her from above…she knew that was coming.

Ryoga took his stance, seeing that Akane was ready for a fight.  Their last hope was Ranma…and he was nowhere to be found.

"Akane…please forgive me," he thought to himself.  Suddenly a tap came from his shoulder.  It was Ukyo, standing next to him

"Hey sugar…you're in no condition to fight.  I'll stall her while you go find Ranma."

"Ukyo…there's no way you can stop Akane.  She beat you once already didn't she?"

Ukyo winked at Ryoga.  "Trust me…this won't last long at all."

Ryoga looked at her, worriedly.

"Go on, Ranma is waiting for his fiancée."  She said with a smile. Ryoga ran off, he was the last person that needed to be sent to find someone, but his arm was badly hurt and he had trouble walking.  It had to be him.

Ukyo unsheathed her spatula, pointing it at Akane.

"This ends now Akane!"  Ukyo said.

"You're right Ukyo…this does end now."  Akane said, launching herself towards Ukyo.  Ukyo parried Akane's fist with her spatula.  She punched again.  Ukyo jumped back, swinging her massive spatula.  Akane easily dodged that blow.  Ukyo swung again.  Akane caught the spatula between her hands.  She twisted it, snapping the cold steel in two.  Ukyo took a few steps back…what power this cursed Akane had…

Ukyo quickly gained her resolve back.  She ran to Akane, launching a punch.  Akane easily grabbed her hand, twisting it around.  Ukyo screamed out in pain as Akane just watched.  She forced her hand out of her grasp, holding it.  She didn't know if it was broken or not.  She backed up a bit, seeing Akane walk closer to her.  There was no way she could take her in her cursed form.  But…she was determined to help those two, no matter the cost.

"Hey…Akane!"  Called a voice from behind her.  It was Ranma, walking there confidently.  Akane whirled, ignoring Ukyo for the moment.  Ranma seemed to have recovered his fighting spirit.

"Ranma…so you want to fight now?"

Ranma cracked his knuckles.  "Yea…let's see what you can do now that I won't hold back."

Akane smiled.  "Finally…although it took you long enough."

Akane dashed to Ranma's position with a right.  Ranma moved his head slightly, catching a glimpse of Ukyo.  He winked at her, just briefly.  He then went on the attack against Akane.

Ukyo eyed him there, confused.  She looked around.  Ryoga was on the other side, waving the final kettle of water.  He noticed that Ukyo was looking at him.  He turned his eyes up to the sky.

Ukyo eyed Ryoga's gesture carefully.  Suddenly, it hit her.  She nodded at Ryoga, keeping a careful eye on the fight.  She slowly moved her good arm down her chest, grabbing a mini spatula.

Ranma launched a punch to Akane.  She jumped over it, trying to kick Ranma in the face.  Ranma jumped to the ground, rolling under Akane's body.  Akane landed, going on the attack again.  Ranma flipped off the ground rebounding off a tree, and flew to Akane's position.  Akane sidestepped the attack. 

"Dammit!"  Ranma cursed.  "Akane was supposed to jump to avoid that…" he thought to himself.  He turned around, noticing that Akane was not giving up the offensive.  She threw a kick at Ranma.  Ranma placed his hands on her foot, flipping over her expertly.

Ranma thought for a minute…if Akane would just jump high enough…Akane burst in, interrupting Ranma's little thought sequence.  Ranma back flipped, landing a few yards away from Akane.  She was running towards him.  This was it…it may mean taking out a few more springs but he had to save Akane.

"Ok Akane…time to end this!"  Ranma shouted, placing his hands together.

"Moko Takabisha!"

"Is that the best you can do Ranma?"  Akane asked, jumping over the energy that thundered underneath her.

"Ukyo! Ryoga! Now!"  Ranma yelled, smiling up to Akane.  She looked down, seeing a kettle soaring up to her position.  She managed to move her head, dodging the metal object.

"So much for that huh Ranma…Let me show you how it's done." Akane said.  She placed her hands together.   She seemed to almost hover in the air. Suddenly, a small ching came out of nowhere.  She looked up, losing her focus.    The kettle was cut in two.  Shocked, she looked down to Ukyo, smiling slyly.  It was too late to move.

The hot water landed on Akane, dousing the fires of rage that had burned within her. She landed, almost losing her balance.  She blinked her eyes, looking around.  Ryoga was wrapped in a familiar blue cloth.  Ukyo was standing there, holding her arm.

"What…what happened?"  She asked in a whisper.  It hit her.  She had fell into that cursed spring.  All the feelings of anger came back.  She looked sadly into the ground, tears stinging her eyes.

Ranma approached her.

"Hey…Akane…is that you?"  He asked.  Akane looked up to him, tears in her eyes.

"Oh Ranma…it was horrible!"  Akane said, grabbing him.  Ranma placed his arms around Akane.

"Hey…its gonna be alright."  Ranma assured her.

"Ranma…I remember everything…I…I tried to hurt you just now.  I hit Ukyo for no reason.  I…I said I didn't love you anymore…Ranma, I'm so sorry!  It was stupid of me to fight here.  I just wanted to see how good I had become.  I…didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Everyone approached the two.  Ranma looked at them approvingly.  Akane was still crying in his arms.

"Hey guys…thanks for the help" Ranma started at everyone.

"Well…it was the least we could do Saotome" Mousse replied.

"I think we should just get outta here.  Where is Cologne at?" Ranma said with a sigh.

"Don't Know…" Shampoo said.  "Great-grandmother supposed to be back by now."

Ranma nodded, looking around at all the damage.  Trees had been broken and lie on the ground.  A few craters here and there and some springs were completely dry.  Good thing they were on the north side.  Nothing important was there.  Ranma noticed the Guide, still laying face first in the ground.

"I think we should help him…" Ryoga said, also noticing.  He and Mousse went to him, picking him off the ground and leaning him against the rocks at the entrance of Jusenkyo.  Ranma and Akane followed everyone else.  Akane refused to let go of Ranma.

"Ranma…" she tried.

"Akane…I told you it was ok.  That's what a cursed spring could do to you."

"No…it's not that…" Akane said, sadly indicating her finger.  It seemed so different with no ring on it.

"Hey…that's ok too.  I'll just get ya another one…better yet; I'll replace it with a wedding band.  What do you think?"  Ranma offered a smile.

Akane just looked into the ground.  "But Ranma…that ring was so special to me.  I…I can't believe I did that to you…"

Ranma just held Akane as she started to cry again.  It was a rough day for everyone.

Relapse…

"So…what now…" Ukyo asked after a few minutes. 

"I guess we just wait for that Guide to come to."  Ryoga returned.

"Yea…that's a…" Ranma started.  A low rumble interrupted the rest of his sentence.    His eyes widened…that couldn't be…He looked up into the sky.  Lighting and thunder.

Everyone's was taken aback.

"Oh man…you gotta be kiddin' me."  Ranma said, frustrated.  Akane held him tightly.

"Ranma…I…don't want to transform again!  You have to do something!"

"Ryoga!  Where's that umbrella you always carried around?  Quick before it rains!"  Ryoga sprung up, running off into Jusenkyo.  He saw it, broken in two under a fallen tree.  Desperately he turned back to Ranma and Akane.

"Ranma…please…I don't want to hurt you like that again…" Akane sobbed.  Ranma looked to the south.  A wall of rain was quickly approaching them.

Everyone looked around, searching for something.  The forest was already enveloped in rain and all means of shelter were damaged. There was no time…

Akane just cried in Ranma's chest.  "Ranma…I'm so scared right now.  I…don't know if I can hold back the next time…"

"Don't worry Akane…I'll protect you…I promise.  I will find a way to cure you!"  Ranma assured her.  She looked up into his eyes.  They kissed each other, almost as if saying a sad good bye.  The rain hit everyone hard, the wind blowing the cold water around.  Akane backed up slowly, eyeing female Ranma.
            "Ranma, I love you!"  Akane said sadly. 

The rain covered her.

"I love you too Akane!"  Ranma said.  Akane looked him in the eye.  She had changed again.

"Don't give me that I love you crap, Ranma!"  She yelled.  "We sill have a fight to finish, or did you forget?"

"Fine Akane…I'm female now…that means I am even faster than before.  If you want a fight for real I'll give it to ya!"  Ranma asserted.

Akane eyed the red haired girl standing before her.  She was as focused as herself.  This would be fun.

Ranma took a deep breath.  There was one thing left…and she would have to fight to make it happen.  She narrowed her eyes at Akane.

"So Ranma…where were we?"  Akane asked.

"I believe I was about to win the duel."

Akane just smiled, dashing over to her.

Ukyo and the others looked on.  That was all they could do.  Ukyo looked to all the animals that surrounded her, holding her arm.

"Ukyo be ok?"  Shampoo asked. 

"Yea… I'll be fine…"

Everyone watched silently for a few moments.

"I hope Ran-Chan knows what he's doing."  Ukyo thought to herself.  She watched the battle ensue, worried for both of her friends.

*****Hope that was a nice little surprise. That took me a while to think of a nice curse to give Akane. I thought to myself, what would be Ranma's greatest challenge? Why, his fiancée of course. Then all I had to do was make them fight. Hence, the spring of drown Oni. Hope you liked it. We're getting closer to my other fan fictions. I better start working on those, or else I'm gonna end up being left behind. And there were a few questions. I will answer them.

Yes, this is a reposted version of the Original Obsessions, about a year ago. And I am the original author. In fact, I have the notes in my portfolio to prove it. All the ideas I didn't use.

And Shiro Inazuma! I sent you the email man! I was real busy. And yea, it's not much different. Only the first couple of chapters had to be changed. The later ones were fine in my opinion.

What's the next chapter about? Ranma Vs Akane. That's the title of it. That should placate curious minds, or drive those that don't wanna wait, insane. In any case, until next we meet!*****