Chapter 11.

Akane awoke with a groan. She slowly opened her eyes to stare in to the florescent light on the ceiling above.

"How are you feeling, Akane-chan?"

"Dr. Tofu?" Akane sat up and cringed as her back protested. Dr. Tofu adjusted the examination table behind her, and then placed his hands on her shoulders and gently forced her to recline.

"You might not want to do that right now. You will be in a lot of pain for a while."

Akane nodded. She looked around briefly, and confirmed that she was in Tofu's clinic. "How'd I get here, doctor? I remember falling asleep in the nurse's office at school."

"That boy Ranma from your class carried you here. He thought it might help you relax if you woke up in a familiar environment. According to him, you had quite the fight today."

At that moment Ranma walked in carrying a tray of tea. Nabiki followed, scowling at the pigtailed boy the whole time. "Ah, Ranma, perfect timing." Tofu accepted a tea cup that Ranma offered, and he passed it to Akane. "Drink this; it will help ease the soreness." Nabiki sat on the end of the examination table, while Ranma simply stood slightly behind where Tofu sat.

Akane nodded, and took a sip and made a face. Tofu watched as she drank. "Finish all, okay?" The tea was bitter and medicinal, but she continued to nurse it until she finished. She handed the cup back to Tofu, who gave it to Ranma.

"Ranma, do you mind washing this, please? I am going to examine Akane for a bit." Ranma nodded and left, leaving just Tofu and the girls.

"Akane, do you want to tell me what happened?" Tofu adjusted his glasses and waited. Slowly, the story came out as Akane began to relive the fight. Nabiki chipped in, offering other details from her perspective of an observer. When they finished, Tofu examined Akane's head and eyes to check for a concussion, and then asked her to pull her shirt up so he could checked her back where Kuno had stuck her during the back flip.

"Hmm. You seem to be okay. You might experience blood in your urine for a bit, though. Kuno really got a good shot on your kidneys." Tofu continued the exam, looking for anything out of place. "I want to you watch very carefully for me, okay? I don't think you have any internal bleeding, but if start having any difficulty breathing or see unexplained abdominal bruises, I want you to go to the hospital right away, understand?"

Akane nodded. Tofu instructed the girl to get dressed again.

"You can come in now, Ranma. I'm done with the exam." Ranma entered the room and just stood just behind the doctor. "I don't want you to go back to school today, Okay, Akane? I'll write a note for your teachers. Nabiki will be able to give it to them when she goes back."

"Thank you, Sensei."

Tofu smiled. "Don't worry about it." He stood. "Do you think you can walk?"

Akane gave a hesitant nod, and swung her legs over the side of the table. The twisting motion caused pains to shoot along her spine. She stifled a yelp, but everyone present noticed. Slowly she slid off the table, and lowered her feet to the ground. When both feet had touched down, she stood, but almost immediately fell as her leg cramped up from one of Kuno's strikes.

"Hmm..." Tofu had a frown on his face. "Do you want crutches?"

Akane shook her head.

"I can help, Akane, if you wish." Both sisters turned to look at Ranma. Nabiki did so with a glare, but Akane winced. Her head was still tender from the first hit she had experienced. "It wouldn't be a problem for me to carry you to your house." Ranma paused, trying to gauge the hostility from the pair. "After all, I carried you here."

Tofu spoke up before either girl could protest. "I think that would be wonderful, Ranma. I'll let you borrow a stretcher so that Nabiki can help."

"Thank you, Doctor." Nabiki's tone was less than pleased.

"Okay, then just let me write some excuses and off you go." Tofu went to his office for some paper, and returned in shortly. He passed a note to Ranma and two to Nabiki. "I want you to take a hot bath when you get home to help relax your muscles, okay, Akane?" He then handed Akane a small tub of ointment. "After your bath, have your sister rub this into your muscles. It will help with the soreness considerably."

"Yes, Sensei."

"Oh, and Ranma, will you drop the stretcher off on your way back to school?"

"Of course, Sensei."

When Akane was loaded into the stretcher, Nabiki and Ranma both took an end and lifted. Ranma took the lead, carrying the portion bearing Akane's torso, the heavier of the two ends.

Ranma asked, "So, how far is it to your place from here?"

"Not far. Turn left." Nabiki said little else besides giving directions. Ranma attempted to talk to Akane, but she wasn't feeling talkative, either. The rhythmic swaying of the stretcher soon put the girl to sleep.

They arrived at the Tendo home in a few minutes. Ranma supported his side of the stretcher with one hand and knocked on the door. A young woman answered, dressed in a plain dress and apron.

"Yes, can I help you young man?"

Nabiki spoke up. "Hey sis, it's me. We need to get Akane inside."

Kasumi looked past Ranma's shoulders to see Akane asleep in stretcher behind him.

"Oh my! Come in, come in!"

Nabiki explained what happened as they took off their shoes at the entrance.

Nabiki was helping Akane get into the tub and soak as Tofu had ordered. Ranma knelt at the table in the tea room as Kasumi served tea. Ranma bowed as the hostess placed his tea before him. "I am pleased to meet you in person, Ms. Tendo."

"Oh, we've talked before?"

"I called on the phone a few days prior. I was looking for a friend of my fathers, if you recall."

"Oh yes, Mr. Saotome. I remember now. Have you had any luck?"

"Not yet. I was wondering if you ever get a chance to inquire with your father." Ranma picked up his tea and took a sip. "This is very good tea, Ms. Tendo."

"Thank you, Mr. Saotome." Kasumi sat opposite the boy. "I completely forgot to ask our father. Should I go inquire now? He is currently out in the Dojo."

Ranma bowed again. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd really appreciate it."

Akane relaxed in the tub with a sigh. Nabiki sat on the edge of the tub, still clothed just to keeping her sister company. She was furious, though.

"That boy has got balls the size of Godzilla." Nabiki grumbled for a bit more.

Akane blushed at the image, but quickly spoke up. "Why do you say that, sis?" Akane turned her neck slightly so she could look directly at Nabiki.

"He practically admitted to setting up this morning's debacle and now here he is being all nice and shit. I don't like it at all."

"He wasn't even there, Nabiki. How did he take part?"
Nabiki just looked at her sister. "Are you dense? You don't have to physically take part in something to participate." Nabiki sighed. "Who do you think inspired the mob to try different tactics this morning? They almost worked. Also, somebody had to of gotten Kuno fired up, too."

Akane shrugged. "Do you want to know what he told me in the nurse's office?"

"I probably can't afford your price." Akane smirked.

Nabiki splashed Akane lightly. "Har har har. This one's free." She stood, and began to pace around the bath. "He said, 'she claims to be and wants to be a martial artist. She needs to be willing to face the seriousness of that lifestyle.'" Nabiki continued on, launching into a full length tirade about how she was going to make those idiots regret messing with her family.

Akane stopped listening after a while. She was lost in thought. Nabiki stopped ranting when she saw Akane's eyes glaze over. She waited until Akane got out of the bath, helped the girl rub ointment on her back and left while she was getting dressed.

Ranma simply sat at the table, awaiting Kasumi's return. He wasn't expecting a middle-aged man with a mustache to return with his hostess. Ranma immediately sprung to his feet, bowing to the master of the house.

"I'm Tendo Soun."

"Saotome Ranma. I am very pleased to meet you."

"What did you say your father's name is?"
"Ah, my father? Genma. Genma Saotome."

Ranma wasn't prepared to be wrapped up in a crushing hug from the mustachioed water fountain called Soun.

"So you see Mr. Tendo, I don't really even know why I was supposed to find you." Ranma stopped talking and took a sip of his tea. He had just explained the story behind his father's demise, and why he was looking for the Tendo family.

Soun sat across from Ranma at the table. Soun said nothing. Tears streamed down his face as he listened to Ranma. The Tendo patriarch stood and walked around the table to the hall, facing away and overlooking the garden.

"So Genma never had a chance to teach you his school of martial arts?"

"He taught me some basic tenets of the Anything Goes Martial Arts, but most of what I know I have learned from my travels. As a result, I really don't have any particular style."

Soun sighed. "So you know nothing about our agreement?"

"What agreement would that be, Mr. Tendo?"

Soun merely waved the question away. "Would you like to join me in the Dojo? I would like to say a few prayers for your father."

Ranma nodded and followed Soun's retreating form. Ranma was duly impressed by the size of the dojo. Soun bowed towards the shrine in the corner upon entering. Ranma followed his example, and together the two walked to the shrine and knelt. Soun lit some incense and brought his hands together at chest height, palms touching. He closed his eyes, and sat in quite contemplation for a few minutes. Ranma did not disturb him. He had long ago dealt with the pain of his father's death, but even still, it was hard to be alone.

"So, what are your plans now, Ranma?" The question took the boy by surprise.

"I will probably stay in school here for a while, before I leave for other parts of the country." Ranma, still kneeling, placed his hands on his knees and looked around the dojo. "My friends and I are looking for places and people to train with, and I want to find my mother."

Soun nodded. "I may be able to help you find your mother, at least. And as for training..." Soun just trailed off, and gestured to the dojo around him.

Ranma shifted his position on the floor until he was facing Soun. He placed his hands on the ground, making a triangle between his pointer fingers and thumbs, and bowed low.

"Ranma." The boy looked up at Soun, who was still facing the shrine. "Care to explain the role you and your friends had in the incident at school today?"

Ranma turned his body so that he was parallel with Soun, facing the shrine. "We did it because the Art is our life." Soun's face tightened some, but that was the only response Ranma received. Silence reigned for almost a minute before Ranma spoke again. "The three of us, Konatsu, Herb, and me, have devoted almost our entire lives to perfection of the Art." He paused, and cast a brief glance at the patriarch. "We've all had to lose something we held dear to get to where we are. I lost my dad. Konatsu lost his family. Herb gave up his... his sense of self and is willing to give up a kingdom, but his sense of responsibility and we his friends forbid it." Ranma shrugged. "We wanted to make sure that Akane was doing it for the right reasons."

"What reasons would those be, boy?"

"To me, the Art is not about being able to best someone. It is about ensuring that you can protect others and live in a manner that brings good to those around you. It means making your self better, so that you can help more. Sometimes, it means you have to shatter illusions, like today."

"Why do you feel that you have that right?"

"I have the right as much as Siddhattha did. I perceived a problem, and I perceived a possible solution. Which is worse? Allowing suffering to continue without end, or undergo pain to end the suffering?"

"You are far from the sage he was."

"Even he had to start somewhere. I am just trying to follow the right path."

Soun said nothing for a while. Ranma simply waited.

"What would you have Akane understand?"
"More than I understand or could ever teach. I just know fighting isn't always the answer. In fact, it rarely is." Soun merely nodded. Ranma continued, "That doesn't mean there is no place for it, just that recognizing when is often half the battle."

"What about the Art?"

"That it is a way of life, not a means to the end."

Ranma bowed to the shrine again, turned to Soun. He bowed once again, and made motions to stand. "Forgive me, Mr. Tendo. I might have acted rashly, but my gut reaction tells me that it was right. Seeing the way your daughter regarded the morning fights made me and my friends want to help." Ranma stood, and walked to the entrance to the Dojo. He turned once again, and bowed.

Before he came out of the bow, Soun spoke. "Would you like to learn about your father's school of the Art?"

Ranma looked up, "I would."

"Then stay, I will introduce you to his master."

Soun stood after bowing to the shrine. "I have one other thing to ask, Ranma."

"Yes, Mr. Tendo?"

"Are you licensed to teach?"

"No. But my friend Herb is the Master of Musk School of Martial Arts."

"Could you convince him to teach Akane until you master the Anything Goes School?"

"If you would allow me to participate."

Soun nodded.

Ranma followed Soun upstairs and waited while he knocked on a door.

"Master?"

"What is it, Soun? I'm busy."

"There is someone I think you should meet."

Happosai slid the door back, holding an Iron in one hand. "This had better be good, Soun. My pretties are waiting."

Soun gestured to Ranma. "This is Genma's son."

Happosai listened as Ranma related the story of Genma's demise once again. "Sorry to hear about your father, boy. Genma always was a bit of an idiot, though. Doesn't surprise me." Happosai pulled out his pipe, and took a drag. He blew a cloud of smoke into Ranma's face. "So, you don't know much about our school." Ranma nodded. "And Soun, you want me to teach this fool?"

"I do, Master."

"Why?"

"I will explain my reasons later, if I can, Master."

Happosai looked at Soun before another drag on his pipe.

"Well, if I am going to teach you, we might as well see how good you are, boy. Follow me to the Dojo."

"Perhaps we can take this outside, instead Master Happosai? I don't want to destroy any of Mr. Tendo's property."

Happosai snorted. "As you wish, Ranma. It won't make a difference either way."

Ranma jumped to the garden and took up a relaxed stance. Happosai tapped his pipe out on a stone, and ground the embers out with his heel. "I will warn you, Ranma. I give no quarter."
Ranma smirked. "I would have it no other way."

Akane finished dressing and was shuffling her way down the hall when she heard voices in the garden. She walked down the hall to see her father standing on the veranda watching the commotion in the garden. She stood next to him and peered out to the garden.

What she saw took her by surprise. That Ranma boy from school was facing off against Master Happosai, but neither was moving. Suddenly, the two forms seemed to fade, and a loud smack was heard. Akane didn't even time to register what had happened before the combatants became solid again. Ranma was now wearing a bra over his Chinese shirt, and Happosai was rubbing the top of his head, eyes watering. Ranma looked down. He shook his head, and grinned.

"Hmm... I'm impressed. You actually managed to tag me before I got that on."

"Do you want the bra back?"

Happy smirked. "You like it?"

"Not really." Ranma quickly removed the article, and tossed it to the veranda. "Ah well, I couldn't expect an amateur like you to appreciate such a masterpiece."

Ranma launched himself into the air, and Happosai quickly followed suit. A red blur and a black blur began moving faster than her eyes could track around the garden, bouncing off stones, the wall, the trees, and before taking off into the air and bouncing away from each other.

The shapes resolved themselves into Happosai and Ranma. Akane gasped.

"Not bad, Ranma. Did that worthless lout Genma teach you that?"

"I was mostly self-taught. Traveled a lot and pick up things here and there." The two blurred again, and the roar of exchanging blows once again filled the garden.

Akane was speechless. She tugged on her father's gi, pointing at the two, mouth working up and down with out sound coming out.

"Yes, Akane?"

She just continued to point and stare, still tugging on his gi.

"What is it, dear?"

No sound came out. She just continued to watch the spectacle until the red blur that was Ranma came crashing to the ground, creating a small crater in the garden. Happosai touched down lightly on top of the garden wall.

"That it, boy?"

Ranma climbed out of the crater, brushed off his shirt, and cricked his neck quickly to pop it. "Not a chance, old man. You just caught me by surprise. It won't happen again."

"Cheeky lil' prick, ain't you?"

Ranma smiled. He went into a horse stance, legs spread and knees bent, arms bent and pulled into his side. With a long intake of breath, he let out a loud "HAA" before vanishing.

Happosai found out exactly where he vanished to relatively quickly as the boy's knee ended buried in the back of his head. Happosai crashed into the crater Ranma had just vacated. The old pervert sat up, surreptitiously rubbing the back of his head and grumbling.

Ranma occupied the place on the wall Happosai had just been. "Just returning the favor, Happosai."

"Touché. Alright boy, you've pissed me off. Hope you like pain."

"Like you wouldn't believe."

"Just remember you said that, boy." Ranma became slightly nervous in response to the evil grin on the face of Happosai.

The match continued for nearly an hour. Happosai always had the upper hand, but he just enjoyed punishing Ranma too much to allow the fun end. When Ranma's stamina began to give, Happosai unleashed a wicked barrage of attacks that pummeled the boy into submission.

Ranma tried a desperate last punch that Happosai stopped with his pipe, sending the boy flying into the air with a vicious spin. He slammed into the ground hard, and didn't manage to sit up for a few minutes.

"Well, that's it, then." Happosai, for his part, was winded. Damn if the boy wasn't good.

Ranma groaned when he finally managed to sit up. His head was swimming, but even still, he looked happy. "So, how much were you holding back, Happosai?"

The old man was sitting in a lotus position on a rock in the garden, taking a drag from his pipe. "You noticed?"

"Yeah." Ranma paused as he looked at the old man. "Whoa, cool! Double vision!" With that, Ranma fainted and fell back.

Happosai smirked. "I thought you might like that."

Akane simply watched the fight with a growing sense of unreality. Disbelief was plainly written across her face. Nabiki passed the fight on her way back to school, and was captivated as well. Together, Nabiki, Akane, and Soun sat on the veranda and watched as Ranma put up his best fight.

Nabiki stood after Ranma was slammed into the ground from Happosai's pipe throw. Contemplating what she had seen, Nabiki left to go back to school. She needed to talk to the boy's friends. If they were anywhere near as strong as this Ranma boy, she wanted them on her side.

For Akane, comprehension had stopped long ago. The combatants were moving too fast for her to see the actual fight. Eventually, she became lost in the almost hypnotic motions of the blurs weaving across the garden, and used her imagination to try and piece together the battle from the sounds of the exchanged blows.

Soun was capable of following the battle. Ranma had spoken true. He had practically no knowledge of the school of Anything goes, and that is ultimately why Happosai pounded him. But, Soun watched as Ranma began to incorporate Happosai's style into his own over the course of the fight. The boy was gifted and innovative, quickly compensating for Happosai's unpredictable style by constantly mixing as many fighting styles as he could. When the fight ended, Soun let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. The wheels in his head were spinning. There was hope yet.

Soun carried the boy inside to the guest room upstairs. Kasumi helped spread out some bedding, and Soun gently placed the boy down on the futon.

"Do you need any help, father?"

"No Kasumi. Could you call the Master up here, please?"

Soun had just finished pulling the cover over Ranma when Happosai came into the room.

"What do you want, Soun?" Happosai listened to Soun's for a bit, and started laughing. "This is too rich. You sure know how to keep your old master amused, don't you Soun?"

Ranma gained consciousness sometime after the two had vacated the room. He was helped down to the living room by Soun, were Happosai and Akane were seated around the table. Kasumi was serving tea. The pigtailed boy sat, and accepted a cup of tea and a couple aspirin from the eldest Tendo daughter. Saying thanks, the boy swallowed the pills.

Happosai waited until Ranma was settled before going debriefing Ranma about previous. Soun listened and nodded, occasionally interjecting to pointing out things he had seen. Akane merely sipped her tea, and Kasumi joined them after finishing the service.

Ranma simply nodded occasionally, and held an icepack to his forehead. Each nod produced a wince, but he made no complaints. Ranma's ears perked up at Happosai's last question.

"Until such time as I can learn my father's branch of the school of Anything Goes, I'd be honored to be your student, Master Happosai."

"Good. Training starts tomorrow."

Akane jumped in. "Happosai!"

The old man turned and stared. "What is it, Akane?"

"Can I train too?"

"No."

"Why not?" Akane started to get angry.

"You aren't good enough for me to waste my time with you."

She was really angry now. Soun coughed, drawing her attention. "How much would she have to improve before you considered training her, Master? After all, the Tendo School needs an heir."

"Hmm..." The old man rubbed his chin. He took out his pipe, taking a slow drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke over the table. "She can't even jump yet, Soun. She's pretty hopeless." The old man got up from the table, and started back to his room.

Akane slumped. "Grandpa Happosai, how good would I have to be before you would train me."

The old man just waved over his shoulder. "Saaa..."

Ranma headed back to school carrying the stretcher Tofu had loaned him. At the entrance he bowed once to Soun, once to Akane, and once to the dojo before heading out. Akane sat at the table, ignoring her tea, going over the events of the day. Soun joined her, and the two merely stared at each other for a bit.

"Dad?"

"Yes, dear?"

"I want that."

"What exactly is that, dear?"

"I want to be that good. I want Happosai to take me seriously."

"You have a long way to go before you reach that level, Akane."

Soun took a sip of his tea. Akane pushed hers aside, and stood up. "Can you train me?"

The Tendo patriarch took a sip of his tea to hide his smile. "When do you want to start?"

"What about now? If I have a long way to go, doesn't help to put it off. Plus, it will help with the soreness, too."

Nabiki barely noticed her return to school. She was so lost in thought that she nearly screamed when Konatsu suddenly dropped out of the sky to land beside her. Clutching her breast, Nabiki turned to the some-times kuno-ichi and nearly screamed, "Don't do that!"

Konatsu bowed briefly. "Forgive me. I meant not to startle you." Together, the two began to walk slowly towards the front entrance of the school. "How fares your sister?"

"She has bruised ego and some nasty bumps. That's about it."

Konatsu nodded. "Do not be angry with us, Ms. Tendo. We meant the only the best."

Nabiki snorted. "Are you guys as good as Ranma?"

Konatsu shrugged. "Our strengths lie in different areas, Ms. Tendo."

"Good dodge. You didn't answer my question."
"Herb is stronger than either of us, but in terms of pure skill..."

"Ahh. So basically, you guys are not to be messed with, right."

"We do not wish enemies. We simply wanted to help your sister achieve her full potential. If she truly cares about the Art, we will assist her, just as we would assist any so driven."
"Does that include Kuno? Are you going to help him, too?"

"We already have, Ms. Tendo. I know Ranma wishes to help anyone with interest. I agree, although Herb is a little more... discriminatory in whom he chooses to help."

Nabiki watched Konatsu from the corner of her eye as he spoke. She didn't know the boy at all, but she felt he was telling the truth. "If I didn't know better, I would think you guys were just dumb. I know that isn't the case, so what is your motivation to do this?"

"The motivation is simply to help others. I blame Ranma for that." Konatsu smiled. "Ranma is tries to do too much. That means Herb and I get dragged along for the ride. At least we have a good time." With that, Konatsu crouched and vanished. Nabiki stifled a gasp. She took a long time returning to class.

Ranma dropped the stretcher off, and had a brief discussion with Tofu about Happosai. The doctor told him what Ranma already knew; the old man was devious as sin, lecherous as a demon, and one hell of a martial artist. With a bow of thanks and promises to check in regularly, Ranma left and headed back to school.

Back at school, class was subdued when Ranma entered alone. He was ostentatiously ignored by the rest of the class, but Herb and Konatsu both glanced in his direction. He mouth "later," and went to his seat when they nodded. The rest of the classes passed quickly, and when the final bell rang, the three left the grounds quickly.

"Happosai lives at this Akane's house?" Herb cracked his knuckles as he grinned.

Ranma nodded, adding, "Yeah. Just think- you have a perfectly legitimate reason to go visit. You go, bring Konatsu along, train Akane a little every day, and go pervert pounding afterwards."

"What about you?" Konatsu was grinning as well.

Suddenly, the three of them were splashed by a little old lady ladling water on the side walk. Ranma snapped his fingers. "The old pervert doesn't know about the Jusenkyo curse yet. So, I train with him during the days as a guy," she gestured to her chest, "and pound him at night as a woman." Ranma pointed at the other two. "We just have to make sure he doesn't find out about the curses, or we are all in for a world of hurt."

The three walked silently for a bit, contemplating the issue with that. All three spoke at once when realization struck.

"Oh shit." They all looked back and forth at each other. Again, as one they said, "We need to train."

Happosai watched as Soun began working Akane through some forms. He snorted. "You're wasting your time with that, Soun."

Soun stopped. "What do you mean, Master?" Akane stopped as well, but Soun motioned for her to keep going.

"Figure it out. You know what you need to do, so quit being a baby and do it." With that, Happosai left the dojo. Soun bowed his head. Happosai was right, but Soun just wasn't strong enough to do what was necessary. He just hoped Ranma and his friends were.

Akane limped to school the next day. The workout last night had helped, but she was still too sore and in pain to put up much of a fight. So when she saw the mass of assembled boys waiting as she turned the corner, she stifled the urge to cry. The boys hadn't noticed her yet, so she stepped back around the corner to consider her options. A hand on her shoulder made her jump. She whipped around, only to find herself face to face with Konatsu, flanked by Herb and Ranma.

"You've realize you will not be able to win today, correct?" Konatsu watched as Akane's lower lip trembled, and she bit down nervously.

"Yeah... I can't fight in this condition."

"Have you considered this?" Konatsu opened a hand and showed Akane what he held. "I do believe your school is Anything Goes, correct?" The girl nodded. "Go on, I've got plenty. Let's see what you can do."

Akane smiled, and took the pro-offered items. Carefully concealing them about her person, she took a step back towards the school.

"Ms. Tendo."

"Yes, Konatsu-san?"

"I'd save the last one for Kuno-sempai. I think you've realized how strong he is, correct?"

"Yeah." The girl stopped and turned back. "Umm... Thank you." She bowed, before turning the corner and running towards the school.

"Shall we see what she does today?" Ranma and Herb grinned.

Akane was silent as she ran to the mass of boys. She hugged the walls as close as she could, trying to keep out of sightlines as much as possible. Because she hadn't yelled, they didn't notice her until she was almost on top of the mass. They were organized today as well. She flicked her eyes left and right to take in the two groups of ranged attackers lined up with their backs against the walls, hoping to ambush her today as well.

The boys finally noticed her, and rushed to attack in a loud roar. Akane hefted the objects Konatsu had given her. It was now or never.

The boys watched as Akane flung her arms to the sides, throwing something out of her hands. Instantly, clouds of smoke billowed up from the feet of the ranged attackers, and one more cloud sprung forth from with in the mass. Vision was obscured as muffled cries rang through the yard. When the smoke cleared, only a few boys were down, but the rest were milling about in confusion. Kuno was sitting on the ground behind the group, fingering a tender jaw. Akane was gone.

Akane quickly tucked the nunchukus into her bag before kicking off her shoes and slipping on her indoor sandals. Between the smoke screen and the weapon, Kuno hadn't stood a chance. While it had hurt to run, it would have hurt a whole lot more to fight it out.

"Congratulation, Ms. Tendo. You did very well today." Herb sat down in his seat next to Akane.

"Um, do you think Konatsu-san is going to want his nunchuku back?"

Herb shook his head. "Keep them. He has about 40 pairs."

Akane smiled. "Thank you again."

"Do you have time after school?" The girl nodded. "Good. If you would like, we three can help you train."
Akane positively squealed, until a piece of chalk hit her in the forehead.

"Tendo, Akane. Buckets, Hall, Outside, now!"

"Yes, sensei," the girl said meekly.

Lunch was enjoyable until Nabiki Tendo crashed the little celebration the three Chinese students were having.

"Herb, I thought you said you were going to stop this."

"I did."

"Didn't look stopped to me."

Herb merely looked at Nabiki. "Your father requested I train your sister."

"And?"

"This will continue, as part of her training."

"I'm going to get you for this, asshole."

"Take it up with your father. I on my honor, your sister will not be hurt."

Nabiki turned to leave, but stopped when she caught the look on Herb's face.

"Much." That said Herb bit into a plum, sending juice everywhere. Behind him, Ranma and Konatsu just shook their heads and grinned.

Thanks to all my readers. Reviews, emails, questions/comments always welcome. I hope you like it so far. I won't be updating for a few days, but don't worry, this story will be finished!

I also have some great ideas for my next little number, a one shot that should be fairly entertaining. It will attempt (cough, cough) to be a humor piece, but we will see if I can pull it off.

Oh, and I don't own any of these characters. I'll try and introduce more bit parts and Ranma series cameos, but I will not do that at the expense of the story.

Sonkun Elay