Chapter Five
After eating breakfast with the monks at the temple Ranma headed to school. When he got there he went to the men's locker room and took a shower. When he finished he headed for his first period class when the inevitable happened.
-Splash-
"What'd ya do that for?" Ranma
Ranma looked around expecting to see Akane or Ukyo but was shocked to see Nabiki.
"Nabiki?" Ranma
"I thought you said that you were going to come back to the dojo when the thing with shampoo was settled." Nabiki
"I did." Ranma
"Well its been settled for three days now." Nabiki
"I said I'd think about it. I made no promises." Ranma
"I know. Its just that since I gave you a reason to come back and you still haven't, I'm going to give you a little incentive to hurry and come back." Nabiki
"How is this going to make me come back?" Ranma
"Because Kuno is coming this way and if you come back I will change you back right now so you don't have to deal with him." Nabiki
"I'll have to deal with him anyway even as a guy so where is the incentive?" Ranma
"Well if you're a guy then I can easily make it so that you don't have to deal with him. But if you're a girl then I cant do anything." Nabiki
"Hmmm." Ranma
"Times running out." Nabiki
"Ok, fine. I'll come back." Ranma
"When?" Nabiki
"Tonight. After I get my things from the temple." Ranma
"Ok." Nabiki said and poured hot water over Ranma's head.
Ranma change back to a he and then Kuno arrived.
"What have you done with the spirited pig-tailed girl Soatome you foul sorcerer for I shall free her from your spell just like I did with the fair Akane Tendo." Kuno
"Kuno-baby why don't I show you some of my new merchandise?" Nabiki
"What? Yes I think that would be beneficial for both of us and I wouldn't have to waste my time with this scoundrel." Kuno
Nabiki then lead Kuno away from Ranma.
Hey that was actually a good deal since I was going to go back tonight anyway. Ranma
Ranma then continued on his way to class. When Ranma got to his class he sat down at his seat and watched as his classmates filed in the closer to the start of class it got. Ranma noted that Ukyo was cutting it close again. Probably because she was trying to get as much business as possible.
I wonder why she hasn't used the money I gave her for her restaurant yet. Ranma thought
Ranma watched Akane come in but not with Ryoga.
"Hey Akane. Where's Ryoga?" Ranma
"He's worse then you ever were!" Akane
"What?" Ranma
"He's not nearly as nice as I thought he was!" Akane
"You must be mistaken. Ryoga's a great guy." Ranma
"Well if you think he's so great then why don't you marry him! You are half girl after all! And besides you are always tricking him using your girl half!" Akane
"Akane don't even joke about that." Ranma
"Then don't defend him!" Akane
"I'm not trying to defend him but I'm sure its not what you think." Ranma
"Ranma, I found him in my room! On my bed!" Akane
"He probably got lost and came across your room and decided that he would just sit there and wait for you so you could take him where it was that he was trying to get to inside the house." Ranma
"He wasn't just sitting on my bed! He was... perched there." Akane
"Well that's normal for him. He does have a curse you know." Ranma
"Of course I know! And I would have known sooner if you had told me!" Akane
"its just that because he is cursed and where he does tend to get hit with cold water so often he does spend a lot of time in his cursed form so its only natural for him to carry over some of the traits that he uses while in his cursed form." Ranma
"That's not the point!" Akane
"What is the point?" Ranma
"When I walked in he jumped at me like he expected me to catch him." Akane
Ranma was silent and a huge grin started to grow on his face.
"What?!" Akane
Ranma couldn't hold in the laughter any more and he just started laughing as hard as he could.
"What?! What is so funny?!" Akane
Ranma stopped laughing and said "I can easily see him doing that since you thought he was your precious p-chan for so long and it just became habit for him." Ranma
"So why is it funny?!" Akane
"because I can imagine you just punting him out the window before he hit you and then him getting lost and wondering back and doing it all over again." Ranma
"Don't you care?" Akane said in a hurt voice
"Of course I care its just that its not like he really did anything and you probably pounded him. Not that it would really phase him but you would get the point across." Ranma
"Didn't really do anything? How would you know?" Akane
"Because this is Ryoga. He wouldn't do anything." Ranma
"Oh really!" Akane
"Umm." Ranma
"Do you remember what he would do when he was a pig and he would jump into my arms?" Akane
"Sure. He would jump into your arms and you would hug him and he would..." Ranma trailed off as he realized what Ryoga normally did.
"And he would do what? Huh Ranma?" Akane
"He couldn't. He wouldn't." Ranma
"He did." Akane
"..." Ranma just sat there silently, his anger rising
"Ranma?" Akane
"He's dead." Ranma said and stood up
"Ranma calm down. Like you said I punted him out the window and now he is probably lost." Akane
Ranma sat back down and started to calm down.
"Now you know why I was angry." Akane
"Yeah. I'm sorry" Ranma
Akane was speechless. did he just apologize to me? No I must be mistaken. This is Ranma. He never apologizes. Akane
Ukyo came in then and walked over to where Ranma and Akane were sitting.
"Ranma?" Ukyo
"Hey. Ukyo. What's up." Ranma
"Umm. I have something I want to ask you." Ukyo
"What is it?" Ranma
"Its just...its just that I wanted to use the money you gave me." Ukyo
"What?" Ranma
"Well you did give me all that money and I thought I might use it." Ranma
"So why are you asking me?" Ranma
"well I thought that if I was able to get you to take me back that you would want the money back so I have just been saving it so that if that happened I could give it back to you." Ukyo
"Ukyo. Its your money. You can do what you want to with it. You don't have to ask me. And besides if you did get me to marry you then you would still get the money so it doesn't really matter either way." Ranma
"Really?" Ukyo
"Really." Ranma
Ukyo hugged Ranma "thank you. Thank you." Ukyo then let go of Ranma and took her seat.
"That was strange." Ranma
"Some things never change." Akane
"WHERE AM I NOW?" Ryoga asked of no one in particular
"This isn't Tokyo" female with glasses
"Sorry. Sorry." A male with glasses and a female said while bowing
-Sigh- female with glasses
"Hey, Naru. Maybe that guy knows how to get to Tokyo." Male with glasses
"Keitaro. I'm sure he has better things to do then tell us how to get to Tokyo. Right Mutsumi? Mutsumi?" Naru
"She's over there." Keitaro said pointing at Mutsumi who was talking to Ryoga
"Excuse me sir. But do you know how to get to Tokyo." Mutsumi
"Tokyo? I've been there. I wish I could get back there. I'm trying to get to Tokyo. Do you know how to get to Tokyo?" Ryoga
"Well no. I asked you. But since you are trying to get to Tokyo also maybe we can all go together." Mutsumi
"Really?" Ryoga
"Sure. Is that all right with you?" Mutsumi asked Keitaro and Naru
"The more the merrier." Keitaro
"Whatever." Naru
When lunch came Ranma started to leave to go get his lunch when Ukyo called to him.
"RANMA." Ukyo
"Yeah?" Ranma
"Would you like some lunch?" Ukyo
"How much?" Ranma
"What do you mean? Free of course. You know that I would never charge you." Ukyo
"Really its ok. I've got to give you something." Ranma
"How about your love." Ukyo
"Ukyo, I thought that I explained that you are my best friend. Just my best friend." Ranma
"You did but you also said that you would rather that we get married for the right reasons so I thought I would still try to get you to choose me even though I don't have a claim on you anymore." Ukyo
"How much?" Ranma
"Oh your no fun. Fine special price for you. 1/3 the regular price." Ukyo
"Ok that works." Ranma said and handed over the money for one of Ukyo's specials
Lunch went uneventful. After lunch everyone went to there classes. At the end of fifth period Ranma stopped by the bathroom on his way to his sixth period class and slashed some cold water on himself. Then he continued on his way to his last class. When he got there several of the girls in the class came over to him.
"What was that about this morning where you were talking to Nabiki?" Girl 1
"What do you mean? It was nothing." Ranma
"It didn't look like nothing." Girl 2
"Yeah what did she want?" Girl 3
"You should just tell her to leave you alone." Girl 4
"She was blackmailing me as usual." Ranma
"How is she blackmailing you? Everyone knows that you turn into a girl." Girl 1
"What was she blackmailing you for?" Ranma
Why is she blackmailing you?" Girl 3
"Why do you always come to class as a girl?" Girl 4
"I've wondered that myself. Why do you come to class as a girl? I like you better as a guy." Girl 1
"Tells us why you come to class as a girl." Girl 2
"Is someone getting you wet in one of your classes?" Girl 3
Everyone becomes silent
"What?" Girl 3
"Anyway why was she blackmailing you and why do you always come to class as a girl?" Girl 1
"Well...she wants me to come back to the dojo and I..." Ranma
"WHAT?" Was the collective question
"What? She just wants me to come back to the dojo." Ranma
"Why does she want you to go back?" Girl 1
"Tell us why she wants you to go back." Girl
"Do you know why she wants you to go back?" Girl 4
"Maybe she wants him." Girl 3
Everyone became silent
"What?" Girl 3
"This is Nabiki we are talking about." Girl 2
"I don't know why she wants me to go back." that's a lie. She wants me back because she misses Me. "I will get to live there for free, though." Ranma
"If you were looking for a place to stay you could have stayed at my place." Girl 1
"Thanks but I'm use to the dojo and I do miss Kasumi's cooking." Ranma
"I've had her cooking before its the best." girl 4
"Yeah it is." Ranma
"Ok back to the second question. Tell us why you always come to class as a girl." Girl 2
"I'm right aren't I. Its because someone gets you wet, right?" Girl 3
Silence falls once more
why me? Ranma
"What?" Girl 3
"Anyway. I come to class as a girl because I was the only guy and the one time I came to class as a girl unintentionally I found that all of y'all acted different around me. Y'all treated me more like one of the guys...er I mean one of the gals. I started doing it to fit in better so that I could learn better." Ranma
"We don't treat you different." Girl 2
"Yeah you're still Ranma." Girl 3
"Maybe we acted different that day because it was the first time you came to class as a girl." Girl 4
No I have done it several times and y'all do act different. Ranma thought
"Actually I think we do act differently." Girl 1
"What?" The other girls chorused
"Yeah. I mean we all probably see Ranma as a guy when he is a guy but we see Ranma as Ranma when he's a she." Girl 1
"Well I don't." Girl 2
"Maybe" girl 3
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Girl 4
"Ok time for class to start." The teacher said when he entered.
"This isn't Tokyo!" Naru
"Sorry. Sorry." Keitaro, Mutsumi, and Ryoga all said bowing to Naru
This is all I need another one just like Keitaro and Mutsumi.
"Ok well where are we?" Naru
"But I thought this was Tokyo. I've been here before and I got to Tokyo." Ryoga
"That's what you said that last place you lead us." Naru
"Because I did get to Tokyo from there." Ryoga
Whispered (I think this guy is even more lost than we are.) Keitaro
(I agree. Maybe we should try to get away from him.) Naru
(That wouldn't be very friendly. Maybe we should try to help him get to Tokyo but this time we will lead.) Mutsumi
(That's a good idea. Uhhh...but where is Tokyo?) Keitaro
"IDIOT" Naru said and sent Keitaro flying with a punch.
"I think you would get along well with someone I know." Ryoga
"Really? Why is that?" Naru
"Oh...no reason." Ryoga
"Oh. Ok." Naru
"Well I think Keitaro went this way." Ryoga
"He went that way." Mutsumi
"Really? Ok." Ryoga said and then started off in the opposite way that Mutsumi pointed
(Mutsumi are you sure we shouldn't just let him get lost?) Naru
(Well we tried to help but I don't think we would be able to help him) Mutsumi
When class was over Ranma left school and went to the temple to get his things.
"You will be returning home now it seems." Monk A
"Yeah. I would have told you earlier but I didn't make up my mind before and today I was...invited back and I felt that I should go." Ranma
"Very well. If things don't work out you are always welcome here." Monk A
"Thank you. Hopefully things will work out." Ranma
"Will you still be teaching martial arts?" Monk a
"I didn't even think about that." Ranma
"Well you will be staying at a dojo will you not?" Monk a
"Yeah." Ranma
"Well we can just tell your students that you will be teaching there from now on." Monk a
"Wouldn't that be an inconvenience because the money would need to go to the dojo then?" Ranma
"Well I didn't really suggest it because we needed the money. I suggested it because it gave you something to do." Monk a
"What?" Ranma
"You were so depressed and I saw that it went away whenever you taught your friend so I thought that if I got you some more students that it would make you feel better more of the time and it would also make your students better able to defend themselves." Monk a
"So it wouldn't be a problem if I started teaching at the dojo instead?" Ranma
"No it wouldn't. In fact I have been expecting this." Monk a
"What? I didn't even know if I was going to go back." Ranma
"Just because I was expecting it didn't mean that it was going to happen I just thought that it was very likely." Monk a
"Ok. I guess I will tell everyone tonight. And I would appreciate it if you would tell the others when they show up. Do you know where the Tendo dojo is?" Ranma
"Yes I do. And I will tell them for you. And please come see us when you have the time." Monk a
"I will. Good bye." Ranma
Ranma left his room and went outside and awaited the arrival of his students.
"WHERE AM I NOW?" Ryoga this is all Ranma's fault I just know it.
When Ranma was walking to the Tendo dojo from the temple he realized how much he actually wanted to get back to the dojo. When he got there he walked in and was splashed with cold water.
"Sweeto. Come to papa." None-other than Happosai
Happosai made a lunge for Ranma's chest and was greeted with a well placed kick from Ranma that sent Happosai flying.
"That should keep him out of my business for a bit." Ranma
"Oh, hello Ranma. Nabiki said you would be back tonight. Dinner will be ready in about two hours." Kasumi
"Thank you Kasumi." Ranma
"Your very welcome Ranma." Kasumi
Ranma headed up to her room and put her bag down where it had always been. Ranma then went downstairs and out to the dojo. She looked around for something to clean but she didn't need to because how could you clean something that Kasumi had already cleaned. She then started into some of her katas and when she finished doing that she started doing her homework. When it got close to time for dinner Ranma headed to the living room for dinner. When she got there she saw her father and Mr. Tendo playing shogi as usual. Her father was a panda at present.
Genma held up a sign that read 'Welcome back son.'
"So Ranma what are you doing back here? Have you decided to marry Akane?" Soun
"I was invited back by Nabiki and you don't refuse Nabiki. And I have not decided yet." Ranma
"So how will you be paying for your stay?" Soun
"By teaching anything goes martial arts." Ranma
"And who will you teach? We have no students." Soun
"I have students and they will start coming here so I don't have to go the temple everyday." Ranma
"Really? You have students? That's great. Ranma will carry on the school after all. I am so happy. My daughter Akane and Ranma will bring our families together after all." Soun said while crying
'Yes Soun.' Genma/panda said holding up a sign.
"I have not decided who I am going to marry yet if at all." Ranma
"What was that son?" Soun
"I asked you to call me Ranma since I haven't decided weather I am going to marry one of you daughters." Ranma
"Ranma, what do you mean one of my daughters? I thought you were going to marry Akane." Soun
"The agreement was to one of your daughters. It was my choice but I never had the chance to choose. Akane was chosen for me by Nabiki and Kasumi. Even though Kasumi is very nice and she would make a great wife I'm not right for her." Ranma
"Why thank you Ranma. That was a very nice thing to say. But I thought that you liked Akane so I just assumed that you and Akane would get married. I had no idea that you liked Nabiki. And until recently I had no idea that Nabiki liked you either. Dinners ready. Ranma would you go get Akane and Nabiki please." Kasumi
"Uhh...sure Kasumi." Ranma
Ranma got up and left to go get Nabiki and Akane
"Kasumi, what do you mean by Ranma and Nabiki like each other?" Soun
"Well father, it seems that the reason why Ranma left was because none of us wanted him as a husband. And he wasted going to come back until one us asked him. From the way it sounds he wouldn't have come back if I had asked and he would have come back right away if Akane had asked. I had just assumed that Akane would eventually ask Ranma to come back but it seems that Nabiki missed Ranma so she asked him back. It appears that Ranma was a little puzzled by this like the rest of us but it seems that it has worked since he is here. Since Nabiki asked Ranma back it must mean that she likes him and since Ranma agreed to come back when Nabiki asked it must mean that he likes her." Kasumi
"That makes since." Soun said and Genma/panda held up a sign.
Ranma came back with Akane and Nabiki and they sat at the table. All in there usual places. Kasumi then started to serve dinner. Everyone expected Ranma to start grabbing for food but he waited till the others had gotten there food.
"Are you ok Ranma?" Kasumi
"Yeah." Ranma
"Its just that you normally have such a healthy appetite and you aren't eating like you normally do that I thought something might be wrong." Kasumi
"I'm fine." Ranma
Ranma said and then started eating like he normally did.
"I guess living at a temple made him learn some manners." Akane
"So when are you going to get the first payment to us so you can stay here." Soun
"Daddy!" Akane
"Akane he has said it himself that he isn't going to get married to one of you. And until he does he will have to pay rent." Soun
"But..." Akane
"Ok. How much will it be Nabiki?" Ranma
"What? You don't have to pay." Nabiki
"Yes he does." Soun
"And why is that? He is still engaged to one of us and besides he paid for months worth of rent for time he wasn't being charged officially and you are allowing Genma to continue to stay here for free when he does nothing. I think that Ranma's credit is good so he doesn't have to pay even if you do force him to pay at some point." Nabiki
"He still has to pay." Soun
"Fine. I'll loan you the money right now so you can pay for the rent and you can pay me back when you can at no interest." Nabiki
"What?" everyone chorused
"You heard me." Nabiki said
"Nabiki I can pay" Ranma
"Ranma don't worry about it." Nabiki
"Umm" Ranma
"Ranma, maybe you should take her up on the offer. Something like this doesn't come along everyday." Akane
"Is this really ok Nabiki." Ranma
"Yes" Nabiki
"Ok." Ranma
Everyone started eating again and after awhile Soun spoke again
"I wonder where the master is." Soun
"He shouldn't be back anytime soon." Ranma
"What did you do?" Soun
"I kicked him to who knows where." Ranma
"Why did you do that. You have brought disaster on us all." Soun
"If he tries anything I'll do to him what I did this time." Ranma
"But no one can take on the master." Soun said and started crying
"Well I just did since he isn't here." Ranma
"Looks like the old Ranma is back." Akane
"You think so huh." Ranma said in a very serious tone that caught Akane off guard
"Of course. Your ego is back to the way it was. Too big." Akane
"Its only to big if I cant back it up." Ranma
"Oh really." Akane said and reached for a bucket of water that she knew Happosai kept under the table but stopped when she realized that Ranma was a girl.
"Ranma? Why are you a girl?" Akane
"Hmm." Ranma looked down and realized that she was a she. "I don't know."
"Let me get you some hot water Ranma." Kasumi
"Thank you." Ranma
Kasumi got up to get some hot water and returned carrying a kettle and handed it to Ranma. Who turned it up but didn't use all of it like he usual did. Ranma who was now a he pored the rest of it on Genma. Everyone looked at Ranma strangely
"Do you have something to say to me boy?" Genma
"No." Ranma
"Then why did you change me back?" Genma
"Would you rather be a panda? I'm sure Akane would be more than happy to change you back since she is fingering the bucket of water that is under the table." Ranma
Everyone looked at Akane who was shocked that Ranma had said that.
"I AM NOT." Akane protested
"Ah huh. Sure." Ranma
"YOU JERK" Akane yelled and pulled out the bucket and flung the water at Ranma or that was her intention at least but Ranma had taken the bucket from her and took it to the kitchen and dumped it into the sink. Ranma then returned to the very confused faces of everyone in the room.
"What?" Ranma
"Its just that you have always just sat there or jumped out of the way before instead of removing it completely. I'm impressed" Nabiki
Ranma just shrugged. Ranma then sat down and finished his dinner.
"I'm going out to the dojo to get things ready for tomorrow." Ranma
"Ready? Ready for what?" Akane
"Class of course." Ranma
"Class?" Akane
"Yeah. I'm going to be teaching anything goes martial arts in the dojo starting tomorrow." Ranma
"And where are you going to get students?" Akane
"There going to start coming here instead of going to the temple which is where I use to teach." Ranma
"You teach? Since when?" Akane
"Since I started living at the temple." Ranma
"I guess they had to give you something to do." Akane
Ranma just got up and went out to the dojo.
"THAT JERK. I WAS TALKING TO HIM." Akane
Akane, Nabiki, and Kasumi are all in Nabiki's room.
"Why is Ranma always ignoring me. Its really annoying." Akane
"Did you like it better when he was insulting you." Nabiki
"This is insulting." Akane
"What I mean is did you like it better when he was calling you names." Nabiki
"Well no. But this isn't better either." Akane
"Well you're not really making things easy for him." Nabiki
"Me make it easy for him. Why should I make it easy for him?" Akane
"Because he is trying to be nice. Or at least he is trying to not be so offensive." Nabiki
"Since when has Ranma been nice to anyone?" Akane
"Since before he left. You know, when he was 'acting strange'. Don't you think its strange that even though he has stopped calling you names that you still insist on calling him names. How do you think it makes him feel. When you call him names or insult him the only way he knows to not insult you is to just walk away." Nabiki
"But that doesn't make since." Akane
"I think Nabiki is right. Ranma has been trying to act nicer but he isn't use to it and you aren't making it any easier for him. He has been trying the hardest around you." Kasumi
"He hasn't been acting nicer to me. He's been ignoring me." Akane
"Sis. I just explained it. He tries to be nice to you. You treat him like you use to. And since he is trying not to call you names or insult you he just walks away." Nabiki
"You don't find that insulting?" Akane
"I give up. Kasumi you try and explain it to her." Nabiki said.
"Ok. Well Akane its very similar to what Nabiki just did. She was trying her best to explain this to you and you made it so hard that she decided to give up and ignore the problem." Kasumi
"Problem? Ranma views me as a problem? I'll show him. I'll give him a real problem." Akane said storming out
"Nice one Kasumi." Nabiki
"Oh my." Kasumi
Ranma was out in the dojo going through some katas when Akane came in pissed as hell.
What's her problem. Ranma thought
"RANMA!" Akane yelled and went to throw a punch at Ranma. Ranma dodged it
since when has Ranma been able to dodge my attacks. I always hit him. Akane
"Akane, what did I do?" Ranma
"Hash" Akane yelled as she tried again but again failed.
"Look. What ever it is I'm sorry." Ranma
Akane stopped at this Ranma never apologizes for anything but then she remembered why she was angry and pushed on. She threw a kick and then another and another. Every time Akane made a move Ranma dodged it.
"Why wont you fight me?" Akane
"Because I don't want to fight." Ranma
"BUT YOU LOVE TO FIGHT." Akane
"But not with you. I'm sick of all our fights and arguments. I want them to end." Ranma said as he dodged another set of attacks
Akane stopped attacking does he really mean it. Nabiki and Kasumi said that he has been trying to be nicer.
-Sigh- "look Akane. If you tell me what I did then I can explain. But I have to know first." Ranma
"Why do you keep ignoring me?" Akane said
"Because you're always mad at me. I don't want to make you madder." Ranma
"What?" Akane "but you would always try to ask me what was wrong when I was mad before." Akane
"well that didn't seem to work so I thought maybe you were more like me and liked to figure things out for yourself." Ranma "so whenever you were mad I decided to give you space." Ranma
"Oh. I'm sorry Ranma." Akane
"What?" Ranma
"I SAID I'M..." Akane
"Why are you sorry you haven't done anything." Ranma
"What?" Akane
"You haven't done anything to be sorry for." Ranma
"But I've been calling you names" Akane
"But you always do that and you've never apologized for it before." Ranma
Tears started to fall from Akane's eyes
Ranma looked panicky. "Akane don't cry. I didn't mean anything. I'm sorry." Ranma
This only made Akane cry more.
"Look Akane what do you say we go get some ice cream my treat. Just please stop crying." Ranma
Again this only made it worse. Akane just started crying harder.
"I'm sorry Akane. It's my fault. I'll leave you alone." Ranma said and started to leave
"DON'T GO" Akane
Ranma stopped dead in his tracks
"Ranma don't go. Please. Please stay here." Akane
Ranma walked back over to Akane who stood up.
"Akane I don't know what I did." Ranma
Akane just hugged Ranma and buried her face into his chest. She continued to cry and the stiffness of Ranma only managed to make it still worse but after Akane had stayed there for a few moments he put his arms around her and pulled her closer. This caused Akane to stiffen a little along with lessening her crying but when she did Ranma immediately removed his arms because he thought that he had done the wrong thing again. Akane just started crying again. Ranma just couldn't help it even though he thought it was bad idea he still had to. He put his arms back around Akane and pulled her close again and this time she didn't tense up. In fact she seemed to relax some and her crying started to die down. She finally stopped crying and started to enjoy her position. she just listened to the steady beating of Ranma's heart and no matter what she might say she knew that she actually liked being like this with Ranma.
(What are they doing I cant see.) Soun
'Well neither can I.' Genma/panda
(They're just standing there.) Nabiki
(Just standing there?) Soun
(Yes) Nabiki
(How long?) Soun
(Since the yelling stopped) Nabiki
(But that was a while ago) Soun
(I know.) Nabiki
(Why isn't he doing anything?) Soun
(Kasumi. Kasumi come back here.) Nabiki
Kasumi walked in but neither Akane or Ranma noticed. "Akane I prepared a bath for you. Why don't you go on. Ranma would you please go to the store and get me some rice?" Kasumi
"Sure Kasumi." Ranma said and let go of Akane who didn't appear to want to let Ranma go. When Akane did let go of Ranma she said "thanks Kasumi."
"You're quiet welcome Akane." Kasumi said and left.
Akane and Ranma both left the dojo. Akane went upstairs to bathe and Ranma left to go get the rice that Kasumi wanted.
that was strange. I wonder why Akane acted that way. I though she was mad at me. And then we I tried to leave she wanted me to stay. It really was nice holding her like that. I wonder if she wanted me back here. If not then that wasn't really fair to Nabiki. well even if Nabiki did ask me to come back if Akane shows me that she likes me I don't think I will care if it is fair to Nabiki. Ranma
why did I act like that. That was so stupid. Ranma must think I'm uncute or something. It really was nice to be held like that. I'm glad that Ranma came back. But I thought that he wasn't going to come back unless he was asked. And Ryoga said that only I would be able to get him to come back. He wouldn't come back if Mr.. Soatome or father asked him back. He might if Kasumi asked but I don't think she would. That only leaves me and Nabiki and I didn't ask him....-gasp- that means it must have been Nabiki that asked Ranma back. But why? Does that mean that she likes him? I always thought that she had a thing for Kuno not Ranma. Does this mean that Ranma came back because of Nabiki or did he come back for me? Did that mean anything to Ranma? THAT JERK! And here I thought he liked Me. Akane
Ranma got back from the store and took the rice to the kitchen then he headed up the stairs and he saw Akane come out of the bathroom.
"Hey Akane about...."Ranma
"YOU JERK. Why didn't you tell me that you came back because of Nabiki?' Ranma
"Because I assumed that she had told y'all that I was going to be coming back and that she was the one that invited me back." Ranma
"Yeah right." Akane said and stormed off to her room and slammed the door closed.
"Did I miss something?" Ranma "why did I even bother coming back. I thought things were going to be different but they are just the same. I guess I might as well leave. No. Things are different. Nabiki asked me back and she hasn't done anything bad to me yet. I guess I'll stick around a little longer." Ranma said to himself standing there in the hall and then he went to his room and went to sleep.
he's leaving? Akane thought and started to run out into the hall to stop him but then she heard him say no and why he was going to stay. he's staying because of Nabiki? I don't believe it. THAT JERK. Akane then got into her bed but didn't sleep well.
"Hey Ryoga! What are you doing in china?" Mousse
"China?!" Ryoga
"Yeah this is where shampoo and I are living." Moose
"Oh yeah. I keep forgetting that you and shampoo are together now." Ryoga
"Ryoga." Cologne
"What do you want." Ryoga
"Give this to Ranma next time you see him." Cologne
"Why should I." Ryoga
"What? I thought the two of you were friends." Cologne
"Well not after what happened. I will kill Ranma" Ryoga
"What happened? Did son...I mean did Ranma do anything to Akane?" Cologne
"He must have for her to do to me what she did." Ryoga "this is all Ranma's fault."
"What happened?" cologne "did Akane finally find out?"
"She did but she wasn't as mad when she found out about that as she was this time." Ryoga
"So what happened?" Cologne
"I cant tell you." Ryoga said looking ashamed of himself
"You didn't..." cologne said in disbelief
"No. I wouldn't hurt Akane." Ryoga
"That's not what I meant" cologne
"Oh...ohm. I didn't sleep with Akane." Ryoga
"Well what could have set her off. What did you do?" Cologne
"Well I...I kind of jumped at her like I would when I was p-chan because I am so use to being p-chan around her." Ryoga
"I see. That explains everything. So how is this Ranma's fault?" Cologne
"Because everything is Ranma's fault." Ryoga stated
"Not this time. This time it was all your doing. Maybe you should think about apologizing to her." Cologne
"I didn't get the chance to." Ryoga
Cologne started laughing
"Its not funny." Ryoga
"Yes it is. It is just the same with you as it was with Ranma except that Ranma wouldn't do something like that." Cologne
Ryoga was silent
"Anyway. If you give this to Ranma and you get him to send a response I will help you get rid of your curse." Cologne
"Really you'll get rid of p-chan for good?" Ryoga
"No. I will help you with your since of direction." Cologne
"And what do I have to do." Ryoga
"Just give this to Ranma and get a response from him and return to me with it and I will help you." Cologne
"You have a deal." Ryoga said
Cologne handed him the box and then Ryoga was on his way. In the wrong direction.
"Why great grandmother not give lost-boy directions?" Shampoo
"Because they wouldn't help." Cologne
interesting. Here I thought that Ranma and Akane might get back together but they might not. And Ranma is staying because of me. I might have a better chance than I thought. Nabiki
After eating breakfast with the monks at the temple Ranma headed to school. When he got there he went to the men's locker room and took a shower. When he finished he headed for his first period class when the inevitable happened.
-Splash-
"What'd ya do that for?" Ranma
Ranma looked around expecting to see Akane or Ukyo but was shocked to see Nabiki.
"Nabiki?" Ranma
"I thought you said that you were going to come back to the dojo when the thing with shampoo was settled." Nabiki
"I did." Ranma
"Well its been settled for three days now." Nabiki
"I said I'd think about it. I made no promises." Ranma
"I know. Its just that since I gave you a reason to come back and you still haven't, I'm going to give you a little incentive to hurry and come back." Nabiki
"How is this going to make me come back?" Ranma
"Because Kuno is coming this way and if you come back I will change you back right now so you don't have to deal with him." Nabiki
"I'll have to deal with him anyway even as a guy so where is the incentive?" Ranma
"Well if you're a guy then I can easily make it so that you don't have to deal with him. But if you're a girl then I cant do anything." Nabiki
"Hmmm." Ranma
"Times running out." Nabiki
"Ok, fine. I'll come back." Ranma
"When?" Nabiki
"Tonight. After I get my things from the temple." Ranma
"Ok." Nabiki said and poured hot water over Ranma's head.
Ranma change back to a he and then Kuno arrived.
"What have you done with the spirited pig-tailed girl Soatome you foul sorcerer for I shall free her from your spell just like I did with the fair Akane Tendo." Kuno
"Kuno-baby why don't I show you some of my new merchandise?" Nabiki
"What? Yes I think that would be beneficial for both of us and I wouldn't have to waste my time with this scoundrel." Kuno
Nabiki then lead Kuno away from Ranma.
Hey that was actually a good deal since I was going to go back tonight anyway. Ranma
Ranma then continued on his way to class. When Ranma got to his class he sat down at his seat and watched as his classmates filed in the closer to the start of class it got. Ranma noted that Ukyo was cutting it close again. Probably because she was trying to get as much business as possible.
I wonder why she hasn't used the money I gave her for her restaurant yet. Ranma thought
Ranma watched Akane come in but not with Ryoga.
"Hey Akane. Where's Ryoga?" Ranma
"He's worse then you ever were!" Akane
"What?" Ranma
"He's not nearly as nice as I thought he was!" Akane
"You must be mistaken. Ryoga's a great guy." Ranma
"Well if you think he's so great then why don't you marry him! You are half girl after all! And besides you are always tricking him using your girl half!" Akane
"Akane don't even joke about that." Ranma
"Then don't defend him!" Akane
"I'm not trying to defend him but I'm sure its not what you think." Ranma
"Ranma, I found him in my room! On my bed!" Akane
"He probably got lost and came across your room and decided that he would just sit there and wait for you so you could take him where it was that he was trying to get to inside the house." Ranma
"He wasn't just sitting on my bed! He was... perched there." Akane
"Well that's normal for him. He does have a curse you know." Ranma
"Of course I know! And I would have known sooner if you had told me!" Akane
"its just that because he is cursed and where he does tend to get hit with cold water so often he does spend a lot of time in his cursed form so its only natural for him to carry over some of the traits that he uses while in his cursed form." Ranma
"That's not the point!" Akane
"What is the point?" Ranma
"When I walked in he jumped at me like he expected me to catch him." Akane
Ranma was silent and a huge grin started to grow on his face.
"What?!" Akane
Ranma couldn't hold in the laughter any more and he just started laughing as hard as he could.
"What?! What is so funny?!" Akane
Ranma stopped laughing and said "I can easily see him doing that since you thought he was your precious p-chan for so long and it just became habit for him." Ranma
"So why is it funny?!" Akane
"because I can imagine you just punting him out the window before he hit you and then him getting lost and wondering back and doing it all over again." Ranma
"Don't you care?" Akane said in a hurt voice
"Of course I care its just that its not like he really did anything and you probably pounded him. Not that it would really phase him but you would get the point across." Ranma
"Didn't really do anything? How would you know?" Akane
"Because this is Ryoga. He wouldn't do anything." Ranma
"Oh really!" Akane
"Umm." Ranma
"Do you remember what he would do when he was a pig and he would jump into my arms?" Akane
"Sure. He would jump into your arms and you would hug him and he would..." Ranma trailed off as he realized what Ryoga normally did.
"And he would do what? Huh Ranma?" Akane
"He couldn't. He wouldn't." Ranma
"He did." Akane
"..." Ranma just sat there silently, his anger rising
"Ranma?" Akane
"He's dead." Ranma said and stood up
"Ranma calm down. Like you said I punted him out the window and now he is probably lost." Akane
Ranma sat back down and started to calm down.
"Now you know why I was angry." Akane
"Yeah. I'm sorry" Ranma
Akane was speechless. did he just apologize to me? No I must be mistaken. This is Ranma. He never apologizes. Akane
Ukyo came in then and walked over to where Ranma and Akane were sitting.
"Ranma?" Ukyo
"Hey. Ukyo. What's up." Ranma
"Umm. I have something I want to ask you." Ukyo
"What is it?" Ranma
"Its just...its just that I wanted to use the money you gave me." Ukyo
"What?" Ranma
"Well you did give me all that money and I thought I might use it." Ranma
"So why are you asking me?" Ranma
"well I thought that if I was able to get you to take me back that you would want the money back so I have just been saving it so that if that happened I could give it back to you." Ukyo
"Ukyo. Its your money. You can do what you want to with it. You don't have to ask me. And besides if you did get me to marry you then you would still get the money so it doesn't really matter either way." Ranma
"Really?" Ukyo
"Really." Ranma
Ukyo hugged Ranma "thank you. Thank you." Ukyo then let go of Ranma and took her seat.
"That was strange." Ranma
"Some things never change." Akane
"WHERE AM I NOW?" Ryoga asked of no one in particular
"This isn't Tokyo" female with glasses
"Sorry. Sorry." A male with glasses and a female said while bowing
-Sigh- female with glasses
"Hey, Naru. Maybe that guy knows how to get to Tokyo." Male with glasses
"Keitaro. I'm sure he has better things to do then tell us how to get to Tokyo. Right Mutsumi? Mutsumi?" Naru
"She's over there." Keitaro said pointing at Mutsumi who was talking to Ryoga
"Excuse me sir. But do you know how to get to Tokyo." Mutsumi
"Tokyo? I've been there. I wish I could get back there. I'm trying to get to Tokyo. Do you know how to get to Tokyo?" Ryoga
"Well no. I asked you. But since you are trying to get to Tokyo also maybe we can all go together." Mutsumi
"Really?" Ryoga
"Sure. Is that all right with you?" Mutsumi asked Keitaro and Naru
"The more the merrier." Keitaro
"Whatever." Naru
When lunch came Ranma started to leave to go get his lunch when Ukyo called to him.
"RANMA." Ukyo
"Yeah?" Ranma
"Would you like some lunch?" Ukyo
"How much?" Ranma
"What do you mean? Free of course. You know that I would never charge you." Ukyo
"Really its ok. I've got to give you something." Ranma
"How about your love." Ukyo
"Ukyo, I thought that I explained that you are my best friend. Just my best friend." Ranma
"You did but you also said that you would rather that we get married for the right reasons so I thought I would still try to get you to choose me even though I don't have a claim on you anymore." Ukyo
"How much?" Ranma
"Oh your no fun. Fine special price for you. 1/3 the regular price." Ukyo
"Ok that works." Ranma said and handed over the money for one of Ukyo's specials
Lunch went uneventful. After lunch everyone went to there classes. At the end of fifth period Ranma stopped by the bathroom on his way to his sixth period class and slashed some cold water on himself. Then he continued on his way to his last class. When he got there several of the girls in the class came over to him.
"What was that about this morning where you were talking to Nabiki?" Girl 1
"What do you mean? It was nothing." Ranma
"It didn't look like nothing." Girl 2
"Yeah what did she want?" Girl 3
"You should just tell her to leave you alone." Girl 4
"She was blackmailing me as usual." Ranma
"How is she blackmailing you? Everyone knows that you turn into a girl." Girl 1
"What was she blackmailing you for?" Ranma
Why is she blackmailing you?" Girl 3
"Why do you always come to class as a girl?" Girl 4
"I've wondered that myself. Why do you come to class as a girl? I like you better as a guy." Girl 1
"Tells us why you come to class as a girl." Girl 2
"Is someone getting you wet in one of your classes?" Girl 3
Everyone becomes silent
"What?" Girl 3
"Anyway why was she blackmailing you and why do you always come to class as a girl?" Girl 1
"Well...she wants me to come back to the dojo and I..." Ranma
"WHAT?" Was the collective question
"What? She just wants me to come back to the dojo." Ranma
"Why does she want you to go back?" Girl 1
"Tell us why she wants you to go back." Girl
"Do you know why she wants you to go back?" Girl 4
"Maybe she wants him." Girl 3
Everyone became silent
"What?" Girl 3
"This is Nabiki we are talking about." Girl 2
"I don't know why she wants me to go back." that's a lie. She wants me back because she misses Me. "I will get to live there for free, though." Ranma
"If you were looking for a place to stay you could have stayed at my place." Girl 1
"Thanks but I'm use to the dojo and I do miss Kasumi's cooking." Ranma
"I've had her cooking before its the best." girl 4
"Yeah it is." Ranma
"Ok back to the second question. Tell us why you always come to class as a girl." Girl 2
"I'm right aren't I. Its because someone gets you wet, right?" Girl 3
Silence falls once more
why me? Ranma
"What?" Girl 3
"Anyway. I come to class as a girl because I was the only guy and the one time I came to class as a girl unintentionally I found that all of y'all acted different around me. Y'all treated me more like one of the guys...er I mean one of the gals. I started doing it to fit in better so that I could learn better." Ranma
"We don't treat you different." Girl 2
"Yeah you're still Ranma." Girl 3
"Maybe we acted different that day because it was the first time you came to class as a girl." Girl 4
No I have done it several times and y'all do act different. Ranma thought
"Actually I think we do act differently." Girl 1
"What?" The other girls chorused
"Yeah. I mean we all probably see Ranma as a guy when he is a guy but we see Ranma as Ranma when he's a she." Girl 1
"Well I don't." Girl 2
"Maybe" girl 3
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Girl 4
"Ok time for class to start." The teacher said when he entered.
"This isn't Tokyo!" Naru
"Sorry. Sorry." Keitaro, Mutsumi, and Ryoga all said bowing to Naru
This is all I need another one just like Keitaro and Mutsumi.
"Ok well where are we?" Naru
"But I thought this was Tokyo. I've been here before and I got to Tokyo." Ryoga
"That's what you said that last place you lead us." Naru
"Because I did get to Tokyo from there." Ryoga
Whispered (I think this guy is even more lost than we are.) Keitaro
(I agree. Maybe we should try to get away from him.) Naru
(That wouldn't be very friendly. Maybe we should try to help him get to Tokyo but this time we will lead.) Mutsumi
(That's a good idea. Uhhh...but where is Tokyo?) Keitaro
"IDIOT" Naru said and sent Keitaro flying with a punch.
"I think you would get along well with someone I know." Ryoga
"Really? Why is that?" Naru
"Oh...no reason." Ryoga
"Oh. Ok." Naru
"Well I think Keitaro went this way." Ryoga
"He went that way." Mutsumi
"Really? Ok." Ryoga said and then started off in the opposite way that Mutsumi pointed
(Mutsumi are you sure we shouldn't just let him get lost?) Naru
(Well we tried to help but I don't think we would be able to help him) Mutsumi
When class was over Ranma left school and went to the temple to get his things.
"You will be returning home now it seems." Monk A
"Yeah. I would have told you earlier but I didn't make up my mind before and today I was...invited back and I felt that I should go." Ranma
"Very well. If things don't work out you are always welcome here." Monk A
"Thank you. Hopefully things will work out." Ranma
"Will you still be teaching martial arts?" Monk a
"I didn't even think about that." Ranma
"Well you will be staying at a dojo will you not?" Monk a
"Yeah." Ranma
"Well we can just tell your students that you will be teaching there from now on." Monk a
"Wouldn't that be an inconvenience because the money would need to go to the dojo then?" Ranma
"Well I didn't really suggest it because we needed the money. I suggested it because it gave you something to do." Monk a
"What?" Ranma
"You were so depressed and I saw that it went away whenever you taught your friend so I thought that if I got you some more students that it would make you feel better more of the time and it would also make your students better able to defend themselves." Monk a
"So it wouldn't be a problem if I started teaching at the dojo instead?" Ranma
"No it wouldn't. In fact I have been expecting this." Monk a
"What? I didn't even know if I was going to go back." Ranma
"Just because I was expecting it didn't mean that it was going to happen I just thought that it was very likely." Monk a
"Ok. I guess I will tell everyone tonight. And I would appreciate it if you would tell the others when they show up. Do you know where the Tendo dojo is?" Ranma
"Yes I do. And I will tell them for you. And please come see us when you have the time." Monk a
"I will. Good bye." Ranma
Ranma left his room and went outside and awaited the arrival of his students.
"WHERE AM I NOW?" Ryoga this is all Ranma's fault I just know it.
When Ranma was walking to the Tendo dojo from the temple he realized how much he actually wanted to get back to the dojo. When he got there he walked in and was splashed with cold water.
"Sweeto. Come to papa." None-other than Happosai
Happosai made a lunge for Ranma's chest and was greeted with a well placed kick from Ranma that sent Happosai flying.
"That should keep him out of my business for a bit." Ranma
"Oh, hello Ranma. Nabiki said you would be back tonight. Dinner will be ready in about two hours." Kasumi
"Thank you Kasumi." Ranma
"Your very welcome Ranma." Kasumi
Ranma headed up to her room and put her bag down where it had always been. Ranma then went downstairs and out to the dojo. She looked around for something to clean but she didn't need to because how could you clean something that Kasumi had already cleaned. She then started into some of her katas and when she finished doing that she started doing her homework. When it got close to time for dinner Ranma headed to the living room for dinner. When she got there she saw her father and Mr. Tendo playing shogi as usual. Her father was a panda at present.
Genma held up a sign that read 'Welcome back son.'
"So Ranma what are you doing back here? Have you decided to marry Akane?" Soun
"I was invited back by Nabiki and you don't refuse Nabiki. And I have not decided yet." Ranma
"So how will you be paying for your stay?" Soun
"By teaching anything goes martial arts." Ranma
"And who will you teach? We have no students." Soun
"I have students and they will start coming here so I don't have to go the temple everyday." Ranma
"Really? You have students? That's great. Ranma will carry on the school after all. I am so happy. My daughter Akane and Ranma will bring our families together after all." Soun said while crying
'Yes Soun.' Genma/panda said holding up a sign.
"I have not decided who I am going to marry yet if at all." Ranma
"What was that son?" Soun
"I asked you to call me Ranma since I haven't decided weather I am going to marry one of you daughters." Ranma
"Ranma, what do you mean one of my daughters? I thought you were going to marry Akane." Soun
"The agreement was to one of your daughters. It was my choice but I never had the chance to choose. Akane was chosen for me by Nabiki and Kasumi. Even though Kasumi is very nice and she would make a great wife I'm not right for her." Ranma
"Why thank you Ranma. That was a very nice thing to say. But I thought that you liked Akane so I just assumed that you and Akane would get married. I had no idea that you liked Nabiki. And until recently I had no idea that Nabiki liked you either. Dinners ready. Ranma would you go get Akane and Nabiki please." Kasumi
"Uhh...sure Kasumi." Ranma
Ranma got up and left to go get Nabiki and Akane
"Kasumi, what do you mean by Ranma and Nabiki like each other?" Soun
"Well father, it seems that the reason why Ranma left was because none of us wanted him as a husband. And he wasted going to come back until one us asked him. From the way it sounds he wouldn't have come back if I had asked and he would have come back right away if Akane had asked. I had just assumed that Akane would eventually ask Ranma to come back but it seems that Nabiki missed Ranma so she asked him back. It appears that Ranma was a little puzzled by this like the rest of us but it seems that it has worked since he is here. Since Nabiki asked Ranma back it must mean that she likes him and since Ranma agreed to come back when Nabiki asked it must mean that he likes her." Kasumi
"That makes since." Soun said and Genma/panda held up a sign.
Ranma came back with Akane and Nabiki and they sat at the table. All in there usual places. Kasumi then started to serve dinner. Everyone expected Ranma to start grabbing for food but he waited till the others had gotten there food.
"Are you ok Ranma?" Kasumi
"Yeah." Ranma
"Its just that you normally have such a healthy appetite and you aren't eating like you normally do that I thought something might be wrong." Kasumi
"I'm fine." Ranma
Ranma said and then started eating like he normally did.
"I guess living at a temple made him learn some manners." Akane
"So when are you going to get the first payment to us so you can stay here." Soun
"Daddy!" Akane
"Akane he has said it himself that he isn't going to get married to one of you. And until he does he will have to pay rent." Soun
"But..." Akane
"Ok. How much will it be Nabiki?" Ranma
"What? You don't have to pay." Nabiki
"Yes he does." Soun
"And why is that? He is still engaged to one of us and besides he paid for months worth of rent for time he wasn't being charged officially and you are allowing Genma to continue to stay here for free when he does nothing. I think that Ranma's credit is good so he doesn't have to pay even if you do force him to pay at some point." Nabiki
"He still has to pay." Soun
"Fine. I'll loan you the money right now so you can pay for the rent and you can pay me back when you can at no interest." Nabiki
"What?" everyone chorused
"You heard me." Nabiki said
"Nabiki I can pay" Ranma
"Ranma don't worry about it." Nabiki
"Umm" Ranma
"Ranma, maybe you should take her up on the offer. Something like this doesn't come along everyday." Akane
"Is this really ok Nabiki." Ranma
"Yes" Nabiki
"Ok." Ranma
Everyone started eating again and after awhile Soun spoke again
"I wonder where the master is." Soun
"He shouldn't be back anytime soon." Ranma
"What did you do?" Soun
"I kicked him to who knows where." Ranma
"Why did you do that. You have brought disaster on us all." Soun
"If he tries anything I'll do to him what I did this time." Ranma
"But no one can take on the master." Soun said and started crying
"Well I just did since he isn't here." Ranma
"Looks like the old Ranma is back." Akane
"You think so huh." Ranma said in a very serious tone that caught Akane off guard
"Of course. Your ego is back to the way it was. Too big." Akane
"Its only to big if I cant back it up." Ranma
"Oh really." Akane said and reached for a bucket of water that she knew Happosai kept under the table but stopped when she realized that Ranma was a girl.
"Ranma? Why are you a girl?" Akane
"Hmm." Ranma looked down and realized that she was a she. "I don't know."
"Let me get you some hot water Ranma." Kasumi
"Thank you." Ranma
Kasumi got up to get some hot water and returned carrying a kettle and handed it to Ranma. Who turned it up but didn't use all of it like he usual did. Ranma who was now a he pored the rest of it on Genma. Everyone looked at Ranma strangely
"Do you have something to say to me boy?" Genma
"No." Ranma
"Then why did you change me back?" Genma
"Would you rather be a panda? I'm sure Akane would be more than happy to change you back since she is fingering the bucket of water that is under the table." Ranma
Everyone looked at Akane who was shocked that Ranma had said that.
"I AM NOT." Akane protested
"Ah huh. Sure." Ranma
"YOU JERK" Akane yelled and pulled out the bucket and flung the water at Ranma or that was her intention at least but Ranma had taken the bucket from her and took it to the kitchen and dumped it into the sink. Ranma then returned to the very confused faces of everyone in the room.
"What?" Ranma
"Its just that you have always just sat there or jumped out of the way before instead of removing it completely. I'm impressed" Nabiki
Ranma just shrugged. Ranma then sat down and finished his dinner.
"I'm going out to the dojo to get things ready for tomorrow." Ranma
"Ready? Ready for what?" Akane
"Class of course." Ranma
"Class?" Akane
"Yeah. I'm going to be teaching anything goes martial arts in the dojo starting tomorrow." Ranma
"And where are you going to get students?" Akane
"There going to start coming here instead of going to the temple which is where I use to teach." Ranma
"You teach? Since when?" Akane
"Since I started living at the temple." Ranma
"I guess they had to give you something to do." Akane
Ranma just got up and went out to the dojo.
"THAT JERK. I WAS TALKING TO HIM." Akane
Akane, Nabiki, and Kasumi are all in Nabiki's room.
"Why is Ranma always ignoring me. Its really annoying." Akane
"Did you like it better when he was insulting you." Nabiki
"This is insulting." Akane
"What I mean is did you like it better when he was calling you names." Nabiki
"Well no. But this isn't better either." Akane
"Well you're not really making things easy for him." Nabiki
"Me make it easy for him. Why should I make it easy for him?" Akane
"Because he is trying to be nice. Or at least he is trying to not be so offensive." Nabiki
"Since when has Ranma been nice to anyone?" Akane
"Since before he left. You know, when he was 'acting strange'. Don't you think its strange that even though he has stopped calling you names that you still insist on calling him names. How do you think it makes him feel. When you call him names or insult him the only way he knows to not insult you is to just walk away." Nabiki
"But that doesn't make since." Akane
"I think Nabiki is right. Ranma has been trying to act nicer but he isn't use to it and you aren't making it any easier for him. He has been trying the hardest around you." Kasumi
"He hasn't been acting nicer to me. He's been ignoring me." Akane
"Sis. I just explained it. He tries to be nice to you. You treat him like you use to. And since he is trying not to call you names or insult you he just walks away." Nabiki
"You don't find that insulting?" Akane
"I give up. Kasumi you try and explain it to her." Nabiki said.
"Ok. Well Akane its very similar to what Nabiki just did. She was trying her best to explain this to you and you made it so hard that she decided to give up and ignore the problem." Kasumi
"Problem? Ranma views me as a problem? I'll show him. I'll give him a real problem." Akane said storming out
"Nice one Kasumi." Nabiki
"Oh my." Kasumi
Ranma was out in the dojo going through some katas when Akane came in pissed as hell.
What's her problem. Ranma thought
"RANMA!" Akane yelled and went to throw a punch at Ranma. Ranma dodged it
since when has Ranma been able to dodge my attacks. I always hit him. Akane
"Akane, what did I do?" Ranma
"Hash" Akane yelled as she tried again but again failed.
"Look. What ever it is I'm sorry." Ranma
Akane stopped at this Ranma never apologizes for anything but then she remembered why she was angry and pushed on. She threw a kick and then another and another. Every time Akane made a move Ranma dodged it.
"Why wont you fight me?" Akane
"Because I don't want to fight." Ranma
"BUT YOU LOVE TO FIGHT." Akane
"But not with you. I'm sick of all our fights and arguments. I want them to end." Ranma said as he dodged another set of attacks
Akane stopped attacking does he really mean it. Nabiki and Kasumi said that he has been trying to be nicer.
-Sigh- "look Akane. If you tell me what I did then I can explain. But I have to know first." Ranma
"Why do you keep ignoring me?" Akane said
"Because you're always mad at me. I don't want to make you madder." Ranma
"What?" Akane "but you would always try to ask me what was wrong when I was mad before." Akane
"well that didn't seem to work so I thought maybe you were more like me and liked to figure things out for yourself." Ranma "so whenever you were mad I decided to give you space." Ranma
"Oh. I'm sorry Ranma." Akane
"What?" Ranma
"I SAID I'M..." Akane
"Why are you sorry you haven't done anything." Ranma
"What?" Akane
"You haven't done anything to be sorry for." Ranma
"But I've been calling you names" Akane
"But you always do that and you've never apologized for it before." Ranma
Tears started to fall from Akane's eyes
Ranma looked panicky. "Akane don't cry. I didn't mean anything. I'm sorry." Ranma
This only made Akane cry more.
"Look Akane what do you say we go get some ice cream my treat. Just please stop crying." Ranma
Again this only made it worse. Akane just started crying harder.
"I'm sorry Akane. It's my fault. I'll leave you alone." Ranma said and started to leave
"DON'T GO" Akane
Ranma stopped dead in his tracks
"Ranma don't go. Please. Please stay here." Akane
Ranma walked back over to Akane who stood up.
"Akane I don't know what I did." Ranma
Akane just hugged Ranma and buried her face into his chest. She continued to cry and the stiffness of Ranma only managed to make it still worse but after Akane had stayed there for a few moments he put his arms around her and pulled her closer. This caused Akane to stiffen a little along with lessening her crying but when she did Ranma immediately removed his arms because he thought that he had done the wrong thing again. Akane just started crying again. Ranma just couldn't help it even though he thought it was bad idea he still had to. He put his arms back around Akane and pulled her close again and this time she didn't tense up. In fact she seemed to relax some and her crying started to die down. She finally stopped crying and started to enjoy her position. she just listened to the steady beating of Ranma's heart and no matter what she might say she knew that she actually liked being like this with Ranma.
(What are they doing I cant see.) Soun
'Well neither can I.' Genma/panda
(They're just standing there.) Nabiki
(Just standing there?) Soun
(Yes) Nabiki
(How long?) Soun
(Since the yelling stopped) Nabiki
(But that was a while ago) Soun
(I know.) Nabiki
(Why isn't he doing anything?) Soun
(Kasumi. Kasumi come back here.) Nabiki
Kasumi walked in but neither Akane or Ranma noticed. "Akane I prepared a bath for you. Why don't you go on. Ranma would you please go to the store and get me some rice?" Kasumi
"Sure Kasumi." Ranma said and let go of Akane who didn't appear to want to let Ranma go. When Akane did let go of Ranma she said "thanks Kasumi."
"You're quiet welcome Akane." Kasumi said and left.
Akane and Ranma both left the dojo. Akane went upstairs to bathe and Ranma left to go get the rice that Kasumi wanted.
that was strange. I wonder why Akane acted that way. I though she was mad at me. And then we I tried to leave she wanted me to stay. It really was nice holding her like that. I wonder if she wanted me back here. If not then that wasn't really fair to Nabiki. well even if Nabiki did ask me to come back if Akane shows me that she likes me I don't think I will care if it is fair to Nabiki. Ranma
why did I act like that. That was so stupid. Ranma must think I'm uncute or something. It really was nice to be held like that. I'm glad that Ranma came back. But I thought that he wasn't going to come back unless he was asked. And Ryoga said that only I would be able to get him to come back. He wouldn't come back if Mr.. Soatome or father asked him back. He might if Kasumi asked but I don't think she would. That only leaves me and Nabiki and I didn't ask him....-gasp- that means it must have been Nabiki that asked Ranma back. But why? Does that mean that she likes him? I always thought that she had a thing for Kuno not Ranma. Does this mean that Ranma came back because of Nabiki or did he come back for me? Did that mean anything to Ranma? THAT JERK! And here I thought he liked Me. Akane
Ranma got back from the store and took the rice to the kitchen then he headed up the stairs and he saw Akane come out of the bathroom.
"Hey Akane about...."Ranma
"YOU JERK. Why didn't you tell me that you came back because of Nabiki?' Ranma
"Because I assumed that she had told y'all that I was going to be coming back and that she was the one that invited me back." Ranma
"Yeah right." Akane said and stormed off to her room and slammed the door closed.
"Did I miss something?" Ranma "why did I even bother coming back. I thought things were going to be different but they are just the same. I guess I might as well leave. No. Things are different. Nabiki asked me back and she hasn't done anything bad to me yet. I guess I'll stick around a little longer." Ranma said to himself standing there in the hall and then he went to his room and went to sleep.
he's leaving? Akane thought and started to run out into the hall to stop him but then she heard him say no and why he was going to stay. he's staying because of Nabiki? I don't believe it. THAT JERK. Akane then got into her bed but didn't sleep well.
"Hey Ryoga! What are you doing in china?" Mousse
"China?!" Ryoga
"Yeah this is where shampoo and I are living." Moose
"Oh yeah. I keep forgetting that you and shampoo are together now." Ryoga
"Ryoga." Cologne
"What do you want." Ryoga
"Give this to Ranma next time you see him." Cologne
"Why should I." Ryoga
"What? I thought the two of you were friends." Cologne
"Well not after what happened. I will kill Ranma" Ryoga
"What happened? Did son...I mean did Ranma do anything to Akane?" Cologne
"He must have for her to do to me what she did." Ryoga "this is all Ranma's fault."
"What happened?" cologne "did Akane finally find out?"
"She did but she wasn't as mad when she found out about that as she was this time." Ryoga
"So what happened?" Cologne
"I cant tell you." Ryoga said looking ashamed of himself
"You didn't..." cologne said in disbelief
"No. I wouldn't hurt Akane." Ryoga
"That's not what I meant" cologne
"Oh...ohm. I didn't sleep with Akane." Ryoga
"Well what could have set her off. What did you do?" Cologne
"Well I...I kind of jumped at her like I would when I was p-chan because I am so use to being p-chan around her." Ryoga
"I see. That explains everything. So how is this Ranma's fault?" Cologne
"Because everything is Ranma's fault." Ryoga stated
"Not this time. This time it was all your doing. Maybe you should think about apologizing to her." Cologne
"I didn't get the chance to." Ryoga
Cologne started laughing
"Its not funny." Ryoga
"Yes it is. It is just the same with you as it was with Ranma except that Ranma wouldn't do something like that." Cologne
Ryoga was silent
"Anyway. If you give this to Ranma and you get him to send a response I will help you get rid of your curse." Cologne
"Really you'll get rid of p-chan for good?" Ryoga
"No. I will help you with your since of direction." Cologne
"And what do I have to do." Ryoga
"Just give this to Ranma and get a response from him and return to me with it and I will help you." Cologne
"You have a deal." Ryoga said
Cologne handed him the box and then Ryoga was on his way. In the wrong direction.
"Why great grandmother not give lost-boy directions?" Shampoo
"Because they wouldn't help." Cologne
interesting. Here I thought that Ranma and Akane might get back together but they might not. And Ranma is staying because of me. I might have a better chance than I thought. Nabiki