Chapter 9
AN: I'm back and over the writer's block. At least I hope so. Enjoy the next chapter.
Ranma sat up in his bed and looked at the clock. Four in the morning. He'd have to be up for school in just a couple of hours, but he couldn't manage to sleep. He went down to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water. He was looking out the window when he saw a blur of black and white jump up to Akane's window. At first he thought his weary eyes were playing tricks on him, that is until he saw Ryoga in the bushes, watching her window intently. His curiosity got the better of him and he walked outside.
"Ryoga? What in the world are you doing out here?" He asked. Ryoga shushed him and pulled him down beside him.
"Remember that dog that had delivered my love letter a while back? I ran into him the other day, and it gave me an idea. She never did specify who she was in love with. So I sent a reply asking who it was. This is the perfect way to find out if it's you she wants Ranma." Ryoga said. Ranma was shocked. Not only had Ryoga decided to help Ranma, but he had done it with a decent plan as well.
"What exactly did the letter say Ryoga?" Ranma asked. Ryoga pulled out a copy from his backpack and handed it to Ranma.
'My dearest Akane. I realize now that you will never be able to have feelings for me at this time, however may I learn the name of the one you care so deeply for? Perhaps then I could learn to be more like him to try and win your heart should things not work out. I await your reply before the pale moonlight.' Ranma read. It wasn't half bad. But would Akane reply the way they wanted her to? Suddenly a light clicked on in Akane's room.
"She's doing it! She's writing a reply!" Ryoga said, his excitement rising.
"Now I can finally find out who she loves. But what if it's not me?" Ranma said, his fear rising.
"Of course it has to be you. Who else could it be?" Ryoga said.
"For all we know, maybe she's in love with Kuno." Ranma countered. They looked at each other then broke into a small fit of laughter. But they're laughter stopped short as Akane's window opened and her head popped out.
"Who's out there? I heard you so there's no point in hiding." She called. The dog, named 'checkers' by Kasumi, jumped down and started 'marking' (barking with its mouth closed) near the bushes, a letter gripped firmly in his mouth.
"No get away! She can't see us!" Ranma said, trying to shoo the dog. It tilted its head and got even more excited. Akane was now on the lawn approaching them.
"Is that my mystery writer? You're such a good boy checkers. Now who is it?" Akane asked. Both boys were terrified. If they moved, she would see them for sure. But if they remained still, she would discover them eventually. Ranma quickly grabbed a rock and threw it into a nearby tree, hoping to distract her. But it didn't just rustle some branches; it knocked something out of the tree. Akane ran over and saw a dazed Satsuke rubbing his head.
"Satsuke? You're my mystery love letter writer?" She asked. Ranma and Ryoga fell over.
"Miss Akane! No I am not your writer. But I am wondering what they are doing over there." He said pointing directly at Ryoga. Akane looked over at their position once more. Ryoga quickly pushed the letter into Ranma's hands.
"For all my dishonor, let me do this now." Ryoga said, gritting his teeth. Ranma gave him an odd look as Ryoga stood up laughing.
"Oh hi Akane! What are you doing here?" He said, trying to remain innocent.
"Ryoga? Did you send those letters?" She asked. Ryoga chuckled a bit, putting his arm across the back of his head.
"Real smooth Ryoga." Ranma whispered.
"Hey shut up!" Ryoga said, instinctively knocking Ranma over the head.
"Is someone else there with you?" She asked. Ryoga tensed up.
"Good move you moron. Now we're busted for sure." Ranma said.
"Hurry up and read the letter! I'll stall while I can." Ryoga shot back.
"Right!" Ranma said, tearing at the seal. Soon enough, he was searching for the name.
"Thank you for your understanding in this matter. I doubt I could ever love another as much as I love this person. I'm afraid I can't reveal his name to you, as I want our privacy to remain intact. I hope you can understand." Ranma read quietly. *Damn. No specific answer.* He noticed Ryoga trying to keep Akane's attention, but still she drew nearer.
"Really Akane, there's no one else here but me!" Ryoga said, his hands out in front of him. Ranma had had enough. He couldn't wait a minute longer. Without a second's hesitation, he stood up, letter in hand.
"Actually there is someone else here. And he has a question for you." Ranma said calmly.
"Ranma?" She asked.
AN: Oh isn't that nasty! A lil cliffhanger before the final chapter. Sorry to do this to you, but I felt it would add a Rumiko Takahashi effect. After all, we were left hanging with the anime and manga. I curse thee Rumiko for leaving us like this. Why couldn't you finish it? WHY!? *ahem* sorry about that. The next chapter will be up within the next couple of days, possibly the next couple of hours. Keep an eye out for it.