Ranma Tales ½: Chapter 14- Seconds

Part 1: Pain and Suffering

After the disaster of the 'date' Ranma had waited till Akane fell asleep in his arms. By this point it was getting late, though since he didn't wear a watch it was hard to say what time it was. He decided their really wasn't a choice, she needed her family around her and right now she meant everything to him. So he picked her up and cradled her in his arms, leaning her head against his chest.

He hadn't realized how tired he was until he tried to stand. That hadn't gone so well. Anger and Adrenaline were good at times, but they usually had a price to be paid post combat. He needed to get her back however and looking as he did in a wet, bloody, slashed shirt and skirt he wasn't going to get very far very fast out the front of the park. Some with quite some pain he stands up and gathers what's left of his ki to leap out and over a wall.

Roof hopping was usually fairly easy, but not only was he carrying someone right now, he was tired... A trip that had taken roughly ten minutes when he'd come, took thirty when he left. In fact when he landed on the dojo roof he nearly fell off. Realizing what that meant however he managed to catch his balance. He drops down to the ground and just about instantly falls to his knees.

Luckily Kasumi came just in time and taking one look outside she says "Oh My!" and covers her mouth with her hand. The sight before Kasumi was very strange, in many ways. It also worried her deeply in a lot of ways. First their was a male Ranma wearing womens clothing, which vaguely made sense since he could be a girl at times. Then there was the obvious signs of injury to both of them. Third was her unconscious baby sister cradled in Ranma's arms almost lovingly, that was both good and bad to her.

Her other sight also let her see things she'd almost rather not. The most obvious was the signs on Akane of abuse, which type or types was beyond Kasumi's ability. The next was Ranma's near complete lack of ki. After that feel the realization that Akane was at just about normal levels of ki, strange with what these two looked like.

The last thing she saw, she didn't know what to make of at all. The red ribbon connecting Ranma and Akane was acting 'odd'. Well that didn't really describe it... It pulsed and flowed in ways that she'd never seen. She'd swear ki was flowing through it from Ranma to Akane and something else was flowing from Ranma to Akane, but that made no sense to her at all.

Pulling herself together however she ran over to Ranma. Close up things looked worse than they had before, while her mother had showed her how to be serene in the face of nearly anything this was trying even her lofty abilities. She wraps her arm around Ranma and helps him stand, before leading him into the house. He ends up almost stumbling on the outside step, but she catches him.

Inside hearing the commotion Nabiki comes out and stops in shock. Sure Akane had been hurt some against Shampoo, but it hadn't been anything big... At least not that she'd seen. The sight in front of her however...

The first comment out of her mouth is "My god! What the hell happened to you two?" She'd swear she had seen horror movies with zombies that looked more alive then either of them did right now. Then she realized something else...

A deep frown crossed Nabiki's face and she let out "What the hell happened to my baby sisters panties?" The dress Akane had just bought had gotten torn repeatedly till it had a cut all the way up the thigh which gave Nabiki a view she only ever saw if her and her sister shared a bath. It was a bit more than unsettling.

Kasumi looks cross (even her serenity broken at what had to be the stupidest comment possible when more important things were happening) and snaps "Worry about that later, help me get them upstairs now." Nabiki having never heard that tone of voice from her sister, simply does what she's told and wraps her arm around the other side of Ranma as they all stumble inside.

Inside Soun gets a good look at the pair and almost faints... His only comment is "Oh! What has happened to my baby daughter!" As the Soun tear works starts up. Providing absolutely no help to anyone. In fact Kasumi almost slaps him just to lesson the mess she'll need to clean up due to him.

Eventually though they make it up to Akane's bedroom. After a good bit of effort they managed to get Akane onto the bed and they let Ranma collapse on the floor next to her bed. Kasumi then started to check Akane for any injuries. It was at this point Nabiki decided she needed her answers.

Nabiki stared at Akane and says in a very cold voice "Now Ranma, what the hell happened to my sister?"

Ranma stares up at Nabiki and blinks as if to clear his head. Then he speaks "I went to the park and I trailed them for hours. While I've never been on a date, it seemed much like any I've ever seen on TV, so I assume it went as they normally do. At least until I got caught by Akane. I'm not sure how or when she noticed me really, but she wasn't happy about it. In fact she told me she hated me and demanded I go home. I couldn't go home with her still in danger, but I realized following them further would be a disaster... So I hung around the park out of their way..." He pauses and stares at the ground.

Nabiki frowns as things obviously hadn't gone as planned, but she knew there was more... Kasumi was listening as well and was dismayed at Akane's overreaction to Ranma's presence. She wasn't however had a feeling things wouldn't go as planned from the start and had advised he get Akane alone and explain things at the beginning. Nabiki however had interfered and advised against that, claiming what Akane didn't know couldn't hurt her. Well it looks like Nabiki was proved wrong, it however didn't make Kasumi happy at all.

Ranma finally starts to talk again "I was wandering around when I felt a scream of utter terror... It was hard to explain, I didn't hear it at all since it was so far away... It wasn't the only thing I felt, I also felt to pulses of ki as if a fight had started... I suddenly knew I had to be there." He pauses again.

Nabiki grew worried, if her guess was right that scream was her sisters... It wasn't possible. After all Akane wasn't scared of anything. She had taken over the roll of protector to the family since daddy had... Lost focus... Nothing could scare her.

Kasumi grew more worried. She guessed from what she knew what this meant. Both that somehow her sister had used the affinity between them to somehow contact Ranma and that something very very bad had happened to her that made her do that. Whatever that was Ranma had trouble saying, which meant it was worse than she wanted to think.

Ranma closes his eyes as if seeing something he doesn't want to see and says "When I got there Kazuki was holding Akane pinned to a wall... He was... He was... He was trying to... He was going to..." Ranma sighed and simply said "He was forcing himself on her." He left it at that.

Nabiki was both very ht and very cold. She knew very very well what Ranma meant and why he had trouble saying it. She hadn't expected this out of the most popular boy other than Ranma in school. She felt ill and also felt a need for vengeance. People feared her vengeance. She started to put that into words when another voice interrupted hers.

The voice was full of venom though it was a quiet voice and said "Where is this worm? No one treats me sister that way. When I'm done with him he'll wish he wasn't born."

Both Nabiki and Ranma just stared. Neither of them had spoken. Akane was still asleep. No one had entered the room. That left only one person. One person neither could think of as ever saying that.

Kasumi looked at them with a sort of cold fury in her eyes. She asked again "So where is this animal?"

Ranma managed to get a little bit of his brain to work and said "Uh, I'm not sure..." He paused very briefly and then said "When I say that I sort of flipped out and tried to kill him with a ki attack..." This vaguely made Kasumi look happier and Nabiki didn't really care if he had killed the boy for what he'd done. Ranma went on "It didn't go so well though. Whoever Kazuki is, he's almost as skilled as me... He's why I look rather beat actually... I did however hit him in return... I rather expected him to die, most people don't live through lightning strikes after all..." Nabiki blinked and Kasumi nodded.

Ranma blinks and ends the story "Anyways After getting hit he got up and hurried away. I didn't have much energy left and Akane needed me so rather than follow him I went to Akane. I held her as she cried herself to sleep."

Kasumi nods. Nabiki still looks vengeful and says "It's late, but I need to go do a few things... Can you guys handle this?"

They both nod and Ranma says "I should go take a bath and change..." He stands up and walks no farther than one step when Akane cries out in her sleep and then starts to whimper. Three faces look worriedly at her. Ranma walks back over and takes her hand in his. As soon as his hand touches hers she calms down instantly.

Nabiki stares at the two strangely. Kasumi nods to herself and says "Don't worry Ranma stay here with her. I'll get you some clothes and something to clean up with." She glances at Nabiki and asks "Could you call Dr. Tofu Nabiki? I'm sure he wouldn't mind coming by to take a look at these two."

Nabiki looks worried for completely different reasons. Kasumi sighs and says "I'll stay out of sight, don't worry."

Nabiki looks slightly relieved and nods "Sure thing Kasumi." She takes one last glance at Ranma and Akane and then leaves.

Kasumi sighs internally and decides she has work to do.

Part 2: Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt

Morning came quickly since most here had been up late into the night. Dr. Tofu had been asked to stay the night, since it had been so late and had tiredly agreed. He did have good news though. Both seemed to be ok physically. Just minor injuries, bruising and a few cuts for Akane and multiple cuts and near exhaustion for Ranma. Most had gone to sleep when they could. Ranma had stayed in Akane's room, no one had really complained as every time he moved away Akane had started with her whimpering again.

Ranma hadn't fallen asleep though no matter how tired he was. To many things on his mind. To many emotions still fighting within him. He was worried to find how much Akane actually meant to him. Well that wasn't true, he was scared witless at his feelings for her. He also realized he'd never had feelings for a friend like this before, though then again he couldn't recall ever having a female friend before... But he doubted that it could be that way with anyone else and he wasn't quite sure why.

He did recall some stories his sensei had. He also knew his sensei had been married, more than once in fact. He'd only mentioned in passing three women though and it was awfully hard to tell how long ago each was from the others. What Ranma did know was that the wistful expression that would cross his face reminded Ranma a lot of how he felt looking at Akane.

It was however to big a change for one night. At least for him. He also wanted to desperately forget what Akane said to him earlier on in the park. That way only lead to pain. So gathering himself up he decides to go downstairs and get something to drink.

For the first time since last night Akane doesn't start to whimper as he moves away. He wanders down the stairs and after seeing a clock realizes technically today is a school day. He couldn't think about actually attending school however. That seemed to be something for a different person. As he stumbles into the kitchen he sees someone is already up.

Kasumi is setting a tea kettle down when she feels Ranma's presence behind her. She turns and smiles at him, though internally she notices he hasn't had any rest and that worries her a little. She asks him "Would you like some tea Ranma? And maybe a chance to talk to someone?"

Ranma smiles slightly and asks "That obvious huh?"

Kasumi continues to smile and says "Only to those who know you." She pauses and says "While I may act as if I simply let things happen without noticing, most of that is an act... Or I guess you could say a defense..." She looks slightly nervous as if she's said to much and then smiles again. "Never mind that though, how are you?"

Ranma sits down and shrugs "I'd rather not think about it. Things don't want to make sense for me right now..." Deciding to take a chance he asks "I know you can see the same things me... and after I came Akane, can see... I've also seen you do some fairly impressive things..." He pauses and asks "How?" Not being able to put it into words beyond that.

Kasumi sighs and says "You mean how can I see things most people can't? How do I toss around ki to ward off spirit creatures? How I know what I'm talking about right now even?"

Ranma just blinks and nods. Kasumi smiles and continues "It's due to our mother. Mother hadn't wanted any of us to follow in her footsteps after marrying father, but she ended up having little choice with me it seems. Just like I followed after her in the kitchen and the home, I also took after her in the more... Religious or mystical sense... She later called it 'The gift'. I could see things others couldn't since I was very young. When mother found out she decided to explain some things."

Ranma raises and eyebrow and asks "Was your mother a martial artist?"

Kasumi replies "Not really, not like you or Akane... Or father... She could handle a weapon to defend hearth and home, but didn't have any great skill in combat. I never did find out exactly where she learned from. She never wanted to talk about it. While she knew she had to teach me some, she was reluctant." She whispers to herself almost to softly to hear "She's still so reluctant..."

Ranma looks at her funny and then starts to ask another question when something grabs their attention. From outside in the backyard comes a yell of "Nihao Ranma!". Feeling a sense of dread flood him Ranma stands up and rushes to the door. Kasumi isn't far behind him.

Outside standing a few feet in front of the back wall is Shampoo and next to her is a boy who they know as Kazuki. Ranma's whole body twitches just seeing that face. He starts to walk across the lawn when the boy calls out "You don't look happy to see me Ranma... Still haven't figured out who I am? I know it's been a few years, but even you can't be that dense."

Ranma stops and takes a good look at him. Then says "All I see is the person who hurt Akane." He pauses and says in a lower more menacing tone "The person I'd be happy to kill."

The boy smiles and says "Well it's nice to know the sentiment is shared now. You always thought it was strange when I'd get mad at you back then and want to fight. I'll make you pay for all that pain you made me suffer though!"

Ranma just looks at him confused. The boy growls and says "I'm Ryoga." Ranma looks even more confused. The boy yells "Ryoga Hibiki! The boy you tortured!"

Ranma blinks and then looks ill. Then he glares at Ryoga "If you really are Ryoga then I can't believe you remember things that way! You were one of my best friends during my warped childhood! I've thought about you often over the last six years since pop had me leave school." His expression turns bitter "I can't believe the boy I thought of as a friend could do something like what you did to Akane! We may have been friends back then, but don't expect that to spare you now! I will make you pay for hurting her!"

Ryoga just smirks and says "Come and get me if you think you can."

The shouting had roused Soun, Nabiki, and Dr. Tofu. All of who rushed to put clothes on and where now standing on the porch. None looked happy. Soun just wanted to go back to sleep. Nabiki recognized the boy and wanted to make him pay for last night. Dr. Tofu was concerned someone would get hurt, especially with the comments by Ranma and the boy about killing each other. Besides to his senses Ranma hadn't slept, which couldn't be good.

Ranma stalks toward Ryoga and lets his second sight flip on and tell him everything he could get. He also took stalk of his own condition, which wasn't so good. He was only at about half power and without having slept last night he was having trouble focusing. He also was slower without having rested all night. Oh well to late for that to matter.

He doesn't get to far however when Ryoga says "Earth Wave!" and a ball of rock forms from the ground and heads speeding for Ranma leaving earthen debris in it's wake. Ranma leaps as it comes toward him, but right under him it explodes in a wave of earthen material sent in all directions. Ranma is picked up and then tossed back to the ground hard.

Ranma slowly pulls himself back up and Ryoga smirks again and says "Still hurting from yesterday?"

Ranma growls and using ki to enhance his speed charges Ryoga. He never gets there however as a mace slams into his guts first. Dropping him back to the ground. Shampoo smiles down at him, now standing next to him rather than six feet away.

Akane wakes up as something tells her something outside is very wrong. She pulls some clothes on from her closet before even trying to think what's going on and goes to the window. The first thing she sees is Shampoo knocking Ranma to the ground. Then she spots another figure slightly farther back. Anger rises and she calls the flames to her hands...

Ranma starts to stand only to have Shampoo kick him in the chest hitting a pressure point hard and then a wicked blow to the head from her mace to finish him off. Ranma lies still and doesn't move again. Shampoo just smirks.

Above an already enraged Akane sees Ranma fall to ground and not get back up. A wave of pain passes through her and she leaps out of the window with a yell. Shampoo turns slightly at the yell and is surprised to see the girl already next to her. She doesn't have much more time to think however as a foot kicks her in the stomach and tosses her back against the wall.

Shampoo glances at Ryoga as she comes to her feet and says "She's your problem." Akane meanwhile has almost forgotten Ryoga as she stalks toward Shampoo. Ryoga grins and launches himself at the unaware Akane catching her in the side of the head Akane flies a few feet and crashes into the ground.

The rage not leaving her eyes she struggles back to her feet and switches targets to Ryoga. She charges back at him and throws a punch toward his head. Ryoga blocks with his arm and uses the other to throw a blow that hits her in the chest. Akane simply ignores it. Akane throws another attack, this time a kick and a series of punches that Ryoga blocks falling back a step.

Ryoga realizes that while he can block her attacks they still hurt, which since her hands are covered in flames shouldn't really surprise him. He realized that eh was better than her, but this would wear him out and leave him open if any other threats were around. Our even if Shampoo decided she'd had enough of him she'd be a challenge, he didn't trust her after all.

So after a few more attacks from Akane he launches himself backwards till he is at the wall and says to Shampoo "I think it would be better if she had some of your pets to play with."

Shampoo smirks and says "Lost boy such a weakling." Which doesn't sit well with Ryoga, but now isn't the time to argue. Shampoo calls out in Chinese and almost a dozen of her creatures leap over the wall to land in front of Shampoo and Ryoga.

Everyone on the porch can see the creatures as these ones are the more powerful type. Something that Nabiki really wishes she couldn't see. The rest could have seen them anyways. In fact it's what has taken Shampoo so long before she launched another attack.

Akane launches herself at the creatures, pummeling one in the head which just growls at her after the blow and then head bunts her. The hit sends her back several feet, but she stays upright.

The creatures encircle her quickly however and she spends most of her time having to fend them off. Claws and jaws both trying to get a hold on her. Soon a gash is opened on the back of her leg. Then another on her side. Then another slashes her arm open.

Realizing her situation dimly she leaps up over the creatures. However she couldn't see past them, which is why the ki enhanced kick to her chest caught her completely off guard and sent her flying back over the pack of creatures to land next to Ranma on the ground. Everyone expects her to rise again, but she just twitches and then lies still.

Part 3: Unlikely Heroes

The figures on the porch are stunned. The evil people weren't supposed to win. What the heck was going on?

Soun couldn't believe his son-in-law to be could fail, hadn't he already won against both? How could Genma have failed so? Also why hadn't this other teacher that had taken over done better? All that left was him and he hadn't fought in years! How could they all betray him like this?

Nabiki was afraid for what could be the first time in her life. These were not people she could deal with. She had every intention of destroying Kazuki's image at school, but his real name wasn't even Kazuki! She knew nothing about this person. Shampoo was almost worse, all she knew was from later accounts and in fact the other amazons themselves. None of which were around as they were still hunting for her last time she'd tried to call them. No leverage there either.

Dr. Tofu wasn't sure what to do. He wanted to run over and treat Ranma and Akane immediately. He would have in fact if he hadn't thought better of facing these two on his own. He wasn't helpless, but these two felt stronger than he did. More so that Ryoga fellow. Both at once even after Ranma and Akane softened them up a bit was bad. With Shampoo's spirit creatures as well... Well his odds weren't good... How could he save his beloved Kasumi though?

Kasumi was frozen in place. She had never in her life expected the scene on front of her. Akane was defender of the household and had been since mothers death. That was the way of things. But her and Ranma had both fallen. Her gift told her they weren't dead, but they couldn't protect them now. None of those left could...

Ryoga looks over at Shampoo and says "Why don't you let your pets eat the old geezers and I'll go have some fun with the women?" Shampoo looked a bit ill, but shrugged and motioned with her hand for the creatures to attack.

Kasumi was the first to react. Her reaction was to remember what this Ryoga person had done to Akane and now wanted to do with her and Nabiki. The second reaction happened as the creatures approached the spot Ranma and Akane lay on the ground. She jumped over to where they had fallen and shouted "I won't let you harm my family!"

Dr. Tofu was in shock. The love of his life had just jumped in front of a pack of ravenous spirit creatures. How could he save her now?

Soun was worried his daughter had gone insane. Though rather happy he wouldn't be the first to be eaten... Well at least he wouldn't have to see the evil boy use his daughters, that was something of a relief...

Nabiki was stunned. She had never ever seen her sister like this. Her normal solution to problems was that wacky grin and innocent look that anything human couldn't stand to resist. Well that and the whole mother thing... A boy who was a bully at school had once tried to hurt Nabiki yet Kasumi had come over and scolded him like she was the boys mother, the boy had run away practically begging for forgiveness... The older sister in front of her now however... Well she'd just never seen Kasumi this serious... That couldn't be a good thing.

Shampoo motioned again and the creatures moved to attack the girl who dared defy them. Kasumi stood her ground and with a twist inside herself she started to glow. Reaching both hands forward she yelled "Holy Ward!" and then she light up like a small star falling to earth. The entire backyard was bathed in a white glow. Energy whirled around her and then formed a shimmering barrier of white and blue light in front of her that stretched from the wall on the one side and to the house on the other.

Soun couldn't think straight. Dr. Tofu was amazed. Nabiki had trouble thinking coherently. Almost as one they wondered who this Kasumi was and what she'd done with the real Kasumi.

Shampoo however was annoyed since her creatures had stopped rather than continue their attack. One wall no matter how 'pretty' couldn't hold them all back. She ordered them to attack the girl in Chinese.

One of the creatures obeyed instantly and ran straight not the barrier. The part of it's body that hit simply ceased to exist. The rest fell to the ground with a bit of a thud. Shampoo frowned. A second creature took a leap into the wall to similar results. Shampoo looks annoyed. A third creature strike the wall, this time more of it staying intact than those before it. Kasumi grimaces. Shampoo grins.

Dr. Tofu frowns. 'Why am I standing here doing nothing? I am a martial artist as well. I also love the girl risking her life for ours. I've never been able to hold a coherent conversation with her, but I love her. I cannot do my duty to heal until those that only seek to hurt are gone. While their may be redemption for these two now is not the time.' Deciding on a course of action he walks across the lawn to stand next to Kasumi. Then he sets his hand gently on her shoulder before he takes up a combat stance. The first in fact he's ever used outside a dojo.

Kasumi doesn't know what exactly to make of Dr. Tofu's actions, but she knows that his touch felt so much better than it ever had in any of her dreams. Confidence renewed she glares at the two evil people and their pets.

Shampoo glares back and another creature hits the wall. A fifth soon joins it. Then a sixth. Strain shows on Kasumi's face.

Kasumi decides then if she wants to be able to do anything after these creatures are done, then she's going to have to use her last resort. It's something that she had never before used to bring harm. In fact something that she never wanted to have to use to bring harm, but it was the only thing her mother had taught her that could possible bring harm. She could only hope it would work.

Kasumi calls out "Mother!" and the lawn grows quiet. Even the spirit creatures seem reluctant to make noise. Another glow appears slightly in front of the wall Kasumi put up. Slowly, the it's really only a few seconds, a translucent figure forms in the light. The figure is of a beautiful woman with long hair wearing a layered kimono. In her hands she holds a Naginata with some comfort. All eyes stare at this spectral figure. The figure in turn looks at each of them with a smile that reminds everyone of Kasumi.

Kasumi looks at the woman adoringly. Never before when calling on her mother has she been so real. So vivid. And her mother had smiled at her.

Soun simply falls to his knees and almost whispers the word "Darling." It had been nearly a decade since he had seen her last. While her form now was translucent he couldn't help but feel awed at having even one more sight of his beloved.

Nabiki's reaction isn't to different as tears fill her eyes. At the moment she didn't care if she couldn't really believe this could be her mother. She didn't believe in ghosts after all. But in this moment it was real. This was her mother. The smile she receives makes Nabiki want to be held in her arms one last time, though that wish can't be granted.

Dr. Tofu stares at this spirit and when it smiles at him he immediately realizes it is the spirit of the Tendo mother. He firms his resolve to stay by Kasumi's side here and later after looking into this spirits eyes.

The spirits gaze then rests on the spot Ranma and Akane fill. The gaze she gives them is loving, but worried, hopeful, and filled with sorrow. All in equal parts.

It's gaze then turns on the final two people in the yard and each feels as if their soul is being weighed. The spirits gaze turns cold and fierce. Without words the both understand that they have been measured and found lacking. Neither however cares.

Shampoo snaps a sharp command and her creatures lunge toward the spectral woman. The Naginata blurs and a creature is cut in half. Another movement sends another creature crashing into the ground a dozen feet away. Another creature ends up impaled on the blade of the weapon. A quick toss sends it's carcass off the blade and away. The last three creatures attack at once and with a whirling attack the spirit's Naginata slashes all three at once. The creatures squirm on the ground until three deft strikes end their movement.

The spirit gives Ryoga and Shampoo a cold smile. She however doesn't advance on them, seemingly content to stay defensive. Shampoo looks at Ryoga and says "Take out annoying girl who call spirit. Then we finish this." Ryoga smiles and the nods.

The spirit gains a peaceful look. As if accepting a fate that it knows will happen. Ryoga yells out "Earthquake!" as before cracks form across the ground in all directions and then before it's possible to react a spike of earth shots up from directly below Kasumi.

Dr. Tofu is pushed sideways by the force of the blow, though he manages to yell "Kasumi!" Kasumi doesn't have a chance to react at all however and is sent flying up in the air more than a dozen feet before crashing back down into the earth. As soon as she hits the ground both the spirit of their mother and the glowing wall of light fade from sight. Besides her shallow breathing Kasumi's form stays still.

Dr. Tofu struggles back to his feet and takes his stance back up. These people had hurt Kasumi and they would pay...

Author's Notes:

Well this chapter was a bit different, but I decided long ago it would be good to show others had potential to. Besides that something has to goad Ranma and Akane to advance and defeat is the easiest one. Of course Ranma wasn't up to par and Akane really isn't up to the level of the others as she slowly rises above those that ended up having to take on this fight. I also hope you guys don't mind the sort of sappy reunion scene. I long ago decided this Kasumi could do already what Ranma promised to eventually show Akane how to do: See and talk with the spirit of their mother. Or at least what is left of it and watches their family. I decided this would be the best time to use that skill.

Here is another question for all of those out there reading my stories... Would you be interested in a set of side stories about those familiar characters that are changed by events in this series? Like Kasumi (who was the first I thought of). I was thinking about a side story that showed why she has the abilities she does. Next chapter will touch on that some more, but I don't have any plans to focus on a flashback within the series itself. Let me know what you guys think...

Oh and JakeTheSheepy, as for why Ranma doesn't bring up the 'sensei angle'... Well the easy answer is that now that technically Akane is a master in her own right (though not a highly ranked one), she's far more of a equal. While he still has things to teach her she's supposed to be more independent. They still practice all the time, but it's more of a way of spending time together. Or at least it has been. That might change now... Also as to if he recognized Ryoga, well not really... He still looked vaguely familiar, but until Ryoga tells him this chapter he didn't put two and two together...

I had intended this chapter to be longer, but I decided to spin it into two chapters instead as this ended up taking longer than I'd planned. Anyways, expect another chapter in a couple days.