Chapter Fourteen: The Bearing of Souls

As the boy's continued the walk home, their conversation started to change. By the time they arrived as the Tendo residence they were laughing and slapping each other on the back with forced cheer as each tried to raise the spirits of the other. All the stress they had felt, all the pain and fatigue started to melt away within their hearts and they knew, at least for now, everything was going to be ok. If the people in Ranma's neighborhood didn't know any better, they would have thought the two boys had been best friends for years.

The events of earlier almost seemed a dream in hindsight. Except for the scrape marks and bruised bones and other injuries inflicted on them it might just as well have been.

Hearing the two out front, a very worried Akane rushed out to them. "Ranma, wha-" she stopped in mid-sentence and gaped in surprise. Ranma and Ryoga getting along for once!? What's going on here?

Composing herself, she gave him a stern look and put her hands on her hips. "Ranma, its been over two hours! Where have you two been?!"

Ryoga stiffened and a visibly worried expression appeared on his face. How could he possibly tell her the truth and live with his shame? Luckily, Ranma came to his aid. "We didn't go anywhere, just for a walk so we could talk about next week's match... say, something smells good! Let's eat!" He pushed Ryoga in front of himself as they entered the house.

Akane shot him a suspicious look, reminding him that he wasn't fooling anyone. Ranma leaned toward her until his mouth was only an inch or so from her ear. "I'll tell ya' everything later," he whispered.

"Ranma! My boy, are you alright!?" Genma and Soun ran to the front door.

"We heard all about what happened! Are you really okay?" Soun asked.

Ranma certainly didn't feel okay. His entire body ached and the rib-crushing punches he had endured on his torso only hurt more after he cracked them on the roof while saving Ryoga. He could endure the pain, but his present condition made any extensive movement impossible. "Yeah, I'm okay."

"I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving my son, Ryoga." Genma said, totally serious for once.

Ryoga looked at Ranma and nodded. "He's already more than repaid the debt."

"Son, I think this time you have bitten off more than you can chew." Soun lit a cigarette and inhaled to steady his nerves. "Our school's very existence is at stake from what Akane has told me."

"His life as well!" Akane exclaimed. "That's far more important."

"Hey, I didn't do nothin' to provoke this attack! Don't blame me!" Ranma protested. "I don't even know who this guy is!"

Ryoga nodded. "He's telling the truth, Mr. Tendo. Engaging him in battle probably wasn't the smartest move we've made, I'll admit. But to my knowledge, Ranma doesn't even know what this person's true reasons are for launching this attack. His motives and identity are a mystery."

Soun put his hands on their shoulders. "Well, I'm just glad you're both alright. Let's eat, I know you both must be starving after such an intense day. The rest we can sort out later, after everyone's had a chance to calm down."

"Dinner's ready," Kasumi's voice sang from the kitchen. "I hope everyone's hungry.

Ranma hauled ass to the dinner table.

As dinner progressed, Ranma formally announced that he and Ryoga had finally put their pasts behind them. The fights would cease entirely, or so the two hoped. While they had teamed up against foes in the past, this was the first time either had actually gotten along with the other by choice, and it was a strange but welcomed sight indeed. This earned Ryoga and Ranma a hug from a very happy Akane.

Soun did a great impression of a water fountain to express his feelings on the news. "Wahhhhhhhhh! This is wonderful news! No more repair bills on my house! I can start saving for retirement again!"

Ranma, Ryoga, I'm so very proud of you both! I guess you two really do care about each other after all!" Kasumi smiled.

Nabiki observed the scene with a straight poker face and Genma was too busy stuffing his face to care about the situation.

Ranma then announced that he had invited Ryoga to stay at the house in his room. There was no objection, not even from Soun who was still crying, overjoyed that he could once again start to save the meager amount of money he collected instead of having to spend it on repairs. Everyone understood the dire situation that had bestowed their humble home and school. If it gave them a chance to win in the upcoming match, the Tendo household would do all it could to help them along.

After dinner, Ranma helped Ryoga lug his gear into his room then they bedded down early so they could get up at dawn the next morning. It had been an exhausting day with more than enough peril. Both were glad for the chance to relax in a secure environment and they both knew, with a sinking feeling, that such a peaceful night might be their last…

Ranma found he couldn't sleep. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't remove the horrible image of the Warrior from his mind. The man's distorted voice ran through his mind over and over again, taunting him, whispering of a promised death. Sweat appeared on his forehead and his body started to shake involuntarily. He took a couple of deep breaths and ran a hand through his sopping wet hair.

I'm scared, he realized, more than a little surprised. The Martial Arts were a huge part of his life, and had been since his days as a young baby. It was one of the few things he could depend on. The thought of losing the ability to practice his style of martial arts was even worse then the thought of losing his life.

He snarled at himself. Why in the world did I make that stupid pact with that nut in the armor!? I'm risking everything! What if I lose? This guy is stronger than me! Losing again to him is a very likely possibility.

He gritted his teeth to keep from making a sound and waking the other occupants of the room. Me and my dumb pride! Because of me, everyone is involved now, even Akane.

Sighing he stood up, allowing his anger to drain away like water down the drain. Maybe workin' out a bit will help to clear my mind.

He carefully stepped over Ryoga as the boy snored gently. Exertion of the body was a great way to calm mind and soul and at the moment, Ranma was in dire need of inner peace. Throwing on a pair of black training pants, he padded towards the door, opening it as quietly as he could.

Silently, he tiptoed down the stairs, avoiding the creaky seventh step. He walked under the covered walkway that bridged the house to the dojo, breathing in the cool night air. Stepping up into the large training hall, he looked around at the solid wooden walls and moved into the center of the room. Taking a deep breath, he began his memorized routine, started off with a regular workout honed after years of practice. His fists cut through the air with deadly grace as he thought about the events of the day.

It wasn't enough. Even injured his endurance was far above that of normal boys his age. He increased the speed of his movements and soon he was covered in a fine sweat, moving past the pain in his limbs. He didn't slow down; he sped up, pushing his reflexes to the max. His movements grew more complex as his workout stretched out over an hour's time.

He performed a graceful, but clearly slow mid air flip, kicking out with his right and then left foot before he touched down gracefully, falling into a crouch. Around the room he leapt, attacking the air around him with punches and kicks, sounding out with an occasional grunt or battle cry but keeping his tone down so as to not wake the household.

Gasping for air, he finally decided to take a break. He didn't want to take things too far. He still had to try to rest up and mend his battered body. The workout had been a good one and had released the stress from his body. He felt much more relaxed, and stood atop a center of calm. His senses stretched out and he felt a presence tickle at the back of his mind. Wiping sweat from his face he adjusted his slightly damp tank top. "Come on out. I know your there."

Akane stepped away from her hiding spot behind the wall just outside the dojo doorway and grinned mischievously, the sharp yellow color of her P.j.'s contrasting greatly with the barren wooden walls of the dojo around them. "And just how did you know I was there?"

"I, uh, sensed you," he said, turning around to stare into her beautiful gray eyes.

"Sensed me? Ranma, your skills are really improving." She didn't attempt to hide how proud she was.

"Yeah but it isn't enough, at least not yet. This Shadow Warrior is still way out of my league. Its funny, I spent the last two years suffering through various enemies and events and it turns out those events made me stronger… which was the only reason that kept me alive today long enough for you to get us to safety. By all rights I should have died. But I'll tell you one thing, it was a big mistake that arrogant bastard made in letting us go, and he's going to come to regret it. I never fall for the same trick twice. Next time, things will be different."

"Your strong Ranma, and I believe in you," Akane whispered.

"I need to be stronger. How else am I going to protect my fiancée from-" He broke off his sentence and blushed when he realized what he had said. The words had just come out, as if his heart had taken over for his mind and spoken what lay buried beneath insecurity. It was too late to take the words back, and it was how he truly felt, so there was no need to deny it.

Giggling, she leaned forward. "I know you want to protect me, but you have to protect yourself first. I care for you, blockheaded as you can be. I might as well keep you around for a while."

"Gee, thanks."

She stepped up to him and blushed crimson. "I want to give you something. Something I gave you once before. We're alone," she said, scanning the room to make sure, "no need to hide anything right now."

"But we gotta' watch what we say and do around our families or else they'll try to run our lives. And that goes without saying what the jerks at school and around town would do if they saw us doing something weird."

"Do you find sharing affection weird, Ranma?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"N-no," he stammered.

"Then shut up."

She kissed him passionately and Ranma slowly found his body relaxing against her embrace, feeling her warmth under her clothing. He had never had any experience kissing a woman before, especially not like this. He suddenly felt her tongue wrestling with his and he found, to his excitement, that Akane could be quite aggressive when she allowed her emotions to think for her. Moaning deep in her throat, she clung tightly to him, letting her hunger for him take her by storm. She wrapped her arms around his back, melding her body against his own. It felt so right, so wonderful to just let go and not think about anything but the roar of emotion within them. Both of them so desperately needed this, needed each other.

Their kiss lingered, and intensified. For a few minutes they could be as they were meant to be, even if they still didn't completely realize it themselves. There were no interruptions this time, no celebrating parents, no Nabiki with her camera, just the two of them, martial artists releasing two years of pent up affection and love onto each other, leaving their breath ragged and their hearts racing.

But as with all things, an end must be found and Akane realized with great disappointment that if she continued things could very well go too far. Blushing, she broke the kiss at last and took his hand in her own. Moving to go sit against the far wall of the dojo the two sat down side by side.

"I'm sorry I was so forward," she said, smiling sheepishly. "It's just… its been a long day and you nearly died. I guess, I guess a part of my mind doesn't want to hold back anymore."

Ranma could only bob his head dumbly. His brain was still swimming in the sea of pleasure and excitement she had just introduced to his world with but one of her kisses. "No prob."

She looked him square in the eye and her playfulness toned down a notch. Ranma knew what she was going to inquire about even before she asked. He had prepared for this. Sitting down beside her, he waited for her to speak.

"Okay, Ranma, give. What happened today when you left to chase after Ryoga?

Ranma took a deep breath. There was no point in sugar coating the matter. She was as involved in this mess as they were. "The reason Ryoga ran away today was because he saw what happened between us today and it broke his heart. He loved you... and probably still does even though he'll never be able to tell you so. His shyness and my constant interfering always prevented it in the past."

Akane nodded silently. She finally understood why Ryoga had always acted so strange around her in the past. She mentally kicked herself for not figuring it out. "So that was why he was so upset today..."

Ranma continued. "He couldn't handle the fact that I had beaten him out for your affections and he lost his mind for a while. He tried to kill himself by jumpin' off of Furinkan. He was in so much mental anguish he thought killing himself was be the only answer. I think getting trashed so bad this afternoon and losing to me after he had trained so hard the other day when he came back from overseas was a factor too."

Akane's hand flew up to her mouth in horror. Tears fell freely from her eyes and dribbled down her cheeks. "Oh my god! He tried to kill himself!?" She began to sob in grief. This was all her fault! Because of her dense outlook at things, she had nearly lost a friend! Why hadn't she realized this before!? She had treated him so badly that afternoon after discovering his secret, had said so many things in her anger that she had not meant.

Ranma tried to calm her down. "Shhhh, I saved him. He's ok, he's ok. He's going to be just fine from now on."

He repeated the last line over and over until she gradually stopped crying. She buried her face into his chest. "Ranma, I..."

"'Sides, Akane, because of today, me n' Ryoga can finally get along and be friends. That's one good thing right?"

Akane smiled and wiped away the remaining tears from her eyes. "I'm glad you two are friends now, it really means a lot to me. When you used to fight, I always got so worried that one of you would really hurt the other. I still... oh, I'm so dense! Because of me, Ryoga almost took his own life!"

"Don't talk like that. Ryoga wasn't thinking properly at the time. It wasn't your fault."

Akane knew he was right and took several shuddering breaths until she had calmed down. "Thank you for saving him, Ranma. That took a lot of courage. You could have been dragged over the edge too."

"Well, that danger is gone now. We have a much more important threat to think about." A troubled look reappeared on his usually confident face and he looked away, scratching at his jaw line.

"You mean the fight with the Shadow Warrior?"

He nodded. "I'm concerned about that promise I made to him before we started fighting. It puts not only my future in jeopardy, but also the Anything Goes School. I honestly don't think we'll be able to beat this guy as we are now. I don't know what to do, but I know I have to do something, and fast. I feel defeated already! My future is clad in shadows, Akane. Its unseen, mysterious... and as far as I can tell, deadly too. Sometimes I really, really hate my ego. If it hadn't been for that, I would have thought my decision through first, before I answered. I shouldn't have let his words get to me. Now everything is working in his favor and he has us in the palm of his hand."

Akane sighed. "Ranma, don't ever think like that! Don't you remember what you told me this afternoon? You won't lose! Besides, you and Ryoga still have six days until the match. A lot could happen in that time. If you two train-"

Ranma shook his head. "Training ain't gonna' be enough this time. This guy knows our moves and our attacks. We need new moves that he can't match."

"Well, maybe Cologne will help."

Ranma's nod. "Yeah, either her or the Freak 'oughta know a new attack or two. I guess I should go see her tomorrow."

"You'll have to deal with Shampoo," she warned, rubbing her eyes. "What will you do?"

"I'll tell her the truth. I can't care for her the way she does for me and besides, I'm tiring of being chased around all the time like a thing to be owned."

Akane nodded and yawned as a wave of drowsiness consumed her suddenly. Her good, cleansing cry had left her drained. "I'm going to go back to bed, Ranma. Goodnight and sleep well." She smiled at him softly and walked back out of the dojo.

The kiss caused Ranma's lips to turn upwards, forming a goofy smile. Sleep sounded like a good idea. He'd need his strength to train with Ryoga in the morning and his body needed time to repair itself. Tip-toeing, he moved back into the house and up the stairs. All his worries seemed to disappear for the moment. He knew now that no matter what happened, Akane would always be there for him.

That meant more to him than anything else in the world.

Ryoga ran down a dark alley, his destination unclear and the path ahead unseen. Sweat poured down his face, soaking his clothes, stinging his eyes, blinding him. He turned his head to look back the way he had come. The sight behind him only encouraged his legs to run faster. His breath came swiftly from his mouth as he forced himself to go as fast as he could, pushing the limits of his endurance. Fear etched itself into his brain, because what was trailing him was more terrifying than anything else he had ever faced. Cutting down a side road, and then another, he stopped at a nearby traffic light, gasping for breath as the pale light surrounded him.

I've lost him! He leaned against the light pole, letting the metal cool his skin. His shoulders slumped as he sagged with relief. He couldn't remember how long he had been running, but as a sense of safety filled him, he relaxed, taking time to catch his breath.

An iron-clad hand flung out from the darkness and secured itself around his head before the startled boy could react. Evil laughter rang out everywhere around him in concert as he was hoisted up off the ground by something with strength far from human. Ryoga struggled vainly, trying to give a muffled cry for help, but there was no one around, no one to hear him scream. All he saw were red, hideous eyes that belonged to a demon of hell, a man encased in impenetrable armor. He screamed again but the cry was cut short as his head was crushed in under the attacker's great strength, broken like the shell of a melon. His skull collapsed, destroying his brain, spraying blood in all directions. With lifeless eyes looking skyward as his head fell backwards, his broken body fell to the hard ground…

Screaming, Ryoga awoke from the nightmare, clutching his face with shaking hands. It took a while for him to come completely back to his senses, and he realized with no small sense of relief that it had all been a dream. He wiped his brow, removing the beads of sweat that had been clinging to his bangs. He tried to recall the nightmare but for some reason his mind was a blank. That was nothing unusual, he usually couldn't remember his dreams and in this case, he was glad. A cold chill gripped his flesh and he shivered, rubbing at the goose bumps on his arms.

He looked at the clock. Three fifteen. Well, no hope of sleep for me right now. Maybe a bit of fresh air will do me some good. Hopefully it'll calm me down a bit.

He crept over Genma and Ranma and silently padded down the stairs. Opening the back door, he went out and sprawled out onto the soft grass. Stretching out, he felt more relaxed and thought of all the times he had camped out under the stars while he wandered the land.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. This was a safe, good home, and at least for the time being, there was no reason to remain timid over a nightmare he couldn't properly remember. Shaking his head, his mind started to ease.

What a beautiful night. He looked up at the stars again, feeling utterly insignificant compared to their colossal design. He decided to meditate as he often did during sleepless nights. He tried to join with the flow of nature and find tranquility, but his mind was still reeling from the day's events. As his eyes drifted slowly throughout the night sky, he felt an overwhelming sense of certain doom waiting in his future. He couldn't shake the horrible feeling; it latched onto him, sinking its fangs of despair into his very soul.

His face grimaced. Was I insane!? Ryoga, how could you even think of taking your own life!? He savagely looked down at his hands, hands that were so strong and yet so weak at the same time. At the moment he hated himself, hated his stupidity. He hated the weakness that continued to plague his heart and soul. He didn't even have the right to call himself a martial artist.

What was I thinking!? If Ranma hadn't rescued me…

"Ryoga, are you alright?"

He sat up suddenly and turned to see Kasumi standing behind him, smiling thoughtfully. "Kasumi... what are you doing up at this time of night?"

She walked softly over to him, her bare feet squishing the grass beneath, and sat down, straightening her purple nightgown with delicate grace. "I couldn't sleep and I found myself thinking about my mother. She died when I was young, you see. Sometimes, when I start thinking about her, I have trouble sleeping. I suppose, even after all this time, I still miss her terribly."

"I'm sorry." Ryoga mentally kicked himself when he couldn't think of anything comforting to say. The words just wouldn't flow when he was so uptight. He shook his head in frustration. No. He wouldn't let emotional matters deadlock him anymore. It wasn't the way he wanted it to be. He didn't like being shy and now was as good a time as any to try and break it.

"I suppose that's natural… someone so important should be remembered and honored," he said, struggling to find words that held both wisdom and comfort for the older girl. "I suppose… being remember makes her happy."

Kasumi smiled softly. "She's in a much better place now, and that comforts me. Tell me, do you ever see your mother?"

Ryoga's face grew downcast. "Occasionally. My whole family has a horrible sense of direction too. I don't see any of them more than once or twice a year at best."

Kasumi nodded understandingly. "We can all relate to your loneliness. My family lost our mother and until recently, Ranma couldn't even see his."

Ryoga stared at her. "Why was that?"

"His father made an oath that if Ranma wasn't raised to be a man among men, they would both willingly commit seppuku. Mr. Saotome thought Ranma's curse made him unmanly, but he's so wrong. Ranma is a troubled boy but he has a good heart. His mother turned out to be so proud when she finally found out the truth. But we aren't here to talk about Ranma right now. What's wrong? You seem…. tense."

Ryoga sighed and shamefully told Kasumi about his attempted suicide. Kasumi listened politely, occasionally adding in an "oh my" when he came to a really awful part.

"I just... I don't know what I was thinking! I've never even thought of taking my life before. If it hadn't been for Ranma's help, I would be dead right now."

"Ryoga, you must never run away from your problems." She gently placed her arm on his shoulder and he found her skin was cool. "They only get worse that way if not for you then for those who love you. There is no shame in crying or feeling pain but they must be taken out in a positive way, not through damage to yourself or those you love. I know you love Akane, but to be perfectly honest, she's had an interest in Ranma long before you first came to Nerima. They don't fight all the time because they hate eachother; they fight to deal with their own insecurities. I guess you could say they're both very scared when it comes to love. Their getting better about dealing with each other every day, but they still have a long way to go."

There was silence for a moment save for the insects chirping around them. The cool night breeze rustled through their hair.

Ryoga's cast his gaze downward. "So, I never even had a chance. Akane was destined to be his all along and I spend two years of my life living on hopes and dreams."

Kasumi's look was sad but comforting. "Ryoga, for your sake and hers, give up on Akane. She cares for Ranma and nothing is going to change that. Besides, despite your shyness you really wouldn't have any trouble getting a nice girlfriend. You're very handsome, did you know that?"

"H-handsome? Me?!" Ryoga fidgeted with his fingers, blushed severely.

Kasumi held her pointer finger up. "I really think what Akane needs is a good friend. Would you be willing to fill that role?"

Ryoga nodded. "I'll be the best friend a person can be."

Kasumi's smile of gratitude was more than reward enough.

The conversation died down a moment and Ryoga lost himself in thought, listening to the insects chirping around them. Off in the distance a dog barked.

"You mentioned finding a girlfriend a second ago," he hesitated. "I uh... well, there is another girl I kinda' pictured myself with a couple of times… but she's in love with someone else. I mean, I never really though of me and her getting together, but we get along great and fight well together."

Kasumi smiled softly. "Don't give up hope. If you really like her and she isn't taken then its ok to tell her. You may be surprised with her response. Also, I want you to consider yourself a part of our family now. There are people here who care for you, remember that." She reached forward and gently kissed his cheek. "We had better get back to sleep or we won't want to get up in the morning."

Ryoga nodded and gracefully flipped to his feet. He quietly followed her into the house and up the stairs. He stopped in front of her door and faced her. "Kasumi, I..."

He grabbed her in a gentle hug, noticing for the first time that while she was tall, she was so much smaller than him. Her body felt so soft and tiny.

"Thank you for caring about me."

She hugged him back. "You are welcome, Ryoga. If you ever need to talk to someone, don't hesitate to come knocking. My door is always open. Goodnight." She went inside her room and gently shut the door.

Ryoga stood there a moment. Warmth spread through his body and he suddenly realized that he felt better then he had in a long time. He bowed to Kasumi's door, silently thanking her. Smiling, he padded softly back to Ranma's room. At last he felt like he had a place to call home. It was a place where he was needed and loved.

That meant more to him than anything else in the world.