Chapter 22 Training Akane
Ukyo slowly woke from a restless sleep. Finding out yesterday about Akane and Ranma had left her unsettled, especially after seeing them holding hands at the party last night. Instead of the dreams she had once had, last night had been nothing but nightmares. The one where her father disowned her was the only one she remembered, but it had kept her up for hours, it seemed, until she could get her breathing back under control. She trudged exhausted into the bathroom and stared at the person looking back at her from the mirror. The haunted eyes of the stranger looking at her shocked her. Instead of her normal vibrant expression, she was haggard and wan. 'Come on sugar, you're stronger than this, is he really worth beating yourself up over like this,' she thought. In sudden deliberation, she took her pajamas off and stared at herself in the full-length mirror. 'I've been denying who I am for far too long,' she thought defiantly as she stepped into the shower and washed off. After drying herself off, she dressed, ate a quick breakfast and headed to class.
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Kuno stood at the gate to Furinkan High School, waiting for the two people he least wanted to see but was forced by honor to talk to. Finally, he saw Akane Tendo walking hand-in-hand with Ranma Saotome. He tensed as they neared, and then remembering the discussion to be polite, that he had had with their parents, he forced himself to relax. "Akane Tendo, Ranma Saotome, I, Tatewaki Kuno, upperclassman, the Rising Star of Furinkan High, the undefeated champion, also known as the Blue Thunder, must have a talk with you. Much as it pains me to say, I may no longer profess my love for you, the Fair Akane Tendo, or Ranma's sister, the spirited pig-tailed girl. Upon my honor and the honor of my clan, I will submit to your wishes. Forgive me for any dishonor my actions may have brought upon you," he said stiffly, as if each word pained him. "I regret that my intentions, though honorable, were unwelcome. I was unaware that they were causing you discomfort. My sister, unfortunately, is so lost in her delusions that she will not listen to me. Therefore, honor requires that I warn you of her intentions to harm Akane Tendo and to claim Saotome for her own," he continued.
Ranma looked at Kuno with grudging respect. He said, "Thanks, Kuno. I may have misjudged you as well." He bowed to his erstwhile rival as equal to equal. Kuno hesitated, and then bowed in return.
As Kuno straightened up, his eyes grew bright as he beheld a vision walking toward the gate. A young lady of uncommon beauty and grace, with long brown hair, took his breath away.
"I beg your pardon, Ranma, but our business here is complete. However, do you recognize this vision walking towards us? She is indeed the fairest maiden I have ever seen. No matter, I will find out," Kuno said, "Hold fair maiden, I, Tatewaki Kuno, upperclassman, the Rising Star of Furinkan High, the undefeated champion, also known as the Blue Thunder, request the privilege of knowing your name."
The girl stopped in some confusion. "Kuno, you know who I am, you've seen me often enough," she said, "Hi, Ranma honey, Akane."
Akane gasped. "Ukyo, that is you," she said in surprise, "I almost didn't recognize you in that dress and with the way you have your hair."
"Ukyo Kuonji, you are a vision of loveliness. Why have I been blind to your beauty?" gushed Kuno, "A rose for a much fairer rose." He handed her a single red rose. Ukyo stood stunned, and then blushed.
"Uh, guys, we're gonna be late," Ranma stammered. 'What the hell just happened here,' Ranma wondered to himself.
"Farewell, Fair Ukyo, I will meet with thee anon!" Kuno exclaimed as the other three vanished into the school.
As they rushed toward their classroom, Ranma asked, "What's going on, Ucchan? You look real cute like this."
Akane whacked him lightly on the head, and said, "Baka, I'm standing right here." Then she giggled. Ukyo looked surprised and then joined her.
"I just got tired of looking like a boy all of the time. I'm not one, so why should I dress like one," Ukyo said.
"It's just the sudden change, I guess. I rarely ever see ya dressed in anything other than pants; this is a bit of a shock. Looks like ya got a least one admirer, though. I gotta say he's a bit crazy, ya know," Ranma said. Then he said, under his breath, "Just be careful, Ucchan, I just don't want ya ta get hurt, again. What I did was bad enough." Akane looked at her in concern.
Ukyo sat there at her desk listening to the sensei drone on about the English language, staring at the pile of notes on her desk. She was in shock. So many guys asking her if she wanted to date, a few from the girls asking how she was doing. It was kind of flattering that all these guys wanted to date her. Maybe it was time for her to give up on Ranma, but she wasn't sure she was ready. She tried to avoid looking at Ranma and Akane, but she could tell they were worried about her. Finally, it was lunchtime. As she left the classroom, Akane caught her by the arm, and said, "Ukyo, why don't you come eat with us, please. You're our friend and always will be."
Ukyo reluctantly agreed and followed Akane over to their favorite spot to sit, Ranma bringing up the rear. They sat down in a triangle, and began eating their bentos. Akane said, "Ukyo, I really want to thank you again for that pretty blouse. I can't wait to have a reason to wear it."
"You're welcome. Akane. I thought it would look good on you. The colors looked like they would work well," Ukyo said.
"I'm worried about you Ukyo. Now that I can see you this close, it looks like you didn't sleep real well last night," Akane said, concern showing in her voice.
Ukyo smiled wanly, and answered, "You're right. I had a bad dream last night about my father. I don't remember much about it, but I woke up screaming. All I remember is this horrible feeling of loneliness."
Ranma looked worried, and asked, "That doesn't sound good, Ucchan."
"Don't worry sugar. I've had that kind of dream before, where I couldn't find my father," Ukyo said. The bell rang at that moment, signaling the end of the lunch period. They groaned as they gathered up their bentos and headed back into class.
Unknown to the three of them, Tatewaki Kuno was listening. However, since his reality was different from everyone else's, what he heard was that Ukyo was missing her father and wanted to see him. 'Aha,' he thought, 'that is how I can impress the gorgeous Ukyo, by reuniting her with her beloved father. What better way to show my love for her? I shall return home and have Sasuke begin the inquiries immediately. I cannot delay in restoring my beloved to the bosom of her family!' Kuno ran off, heading for the Kuno estate. Once he arrived, he bellowed, "Sasuke, attend me at once!!"
"Master Kuno," the diminutive ninja replied, running in from the dojo where he had been practicing, "What are you doing home from school so soon?"
"Much more important matters are afoot. I rushed home to have you begin an investigation of the love of my life, Ukyo Kuonji," Kuno said.
'Love of your life, whatever happened to Akane Tendo and the pigtailed girl,' Sasuke thought. "What may I do to assist you," he replied.
Kuno answered, "She has been separated from her father. I wish you to track him down, so that I, Tatewaki Kuno, upperclassman, the Rising Star of Furinkan High, the undefeated champion, also known as the Blue Thunder, may reunite my beloved with her long missing father. What else could a true Samurai warrior do when I found out her dreams were so troubled? If I can reunite the two of them, surely she will see how noble I am and will date with me. Who could resist my manliness and nobility, after all?"
'Uh, how about the entire female population of Nerima,' Sasuke thought. "I will contact Miss Nabiki Tendo and put her on retainer right away," he replied.
"NO FOOL, I wish no involvement of the Tendo family. Use our family resources to find out the information. I require it by the end of the week," Kuno said.
"Of course, Master Kuno, whatever you require I of course will do," Sasuke said. 'What a cretin,' he thought.
Finally the long day of school was over, Shampoo, and Ukyo were walking fast toward Ucchan's to begin preparing for the after school rush. "Shampoo, I love you," Ryoga called as he chased after them.
Ukyo looked at Shampoo, and said, "We need him at the restaurant, Shampoo. If you want I'll talk to him for you."
Shampoo sighed, and shook her head. She stopped walking and waited for Ryoga to catch up. "Ryoga, why do you do this when you know it's not working?" she asked in exasperation.
Shocked by the question, Ryoga stood lost in thought. Finally, he answered, "Shampoo, I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. I think I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. When I see you, I just can't help myself, I start acting a little crazy. I just wished you liked me."
"Ryoga, I don't dislike ya. You're actually kinda cute. I just don't like being chased. It reminds me too much of someone else," Shampoo said.
"I'm sorry, Shampoo. I guess Ranma was right. He said I ought to try to be your friend first. I couldn't believe he knew what he was talking about," Ryoga said, sheepishly.
Xian Pu, at last I've found you, a voice cried. As one, they turned and saw a tall man, dressed in white robes, with long black hair, wearing a pair of glasses on his forehead.
"Mousse," cursed Shampoo, under her breath. Then she said, "Mousse, talk Japanese, my friends do not understand Mandarin."
Mousse ran over and hugged Ryoga, saying "Shampoo, marry me!"
Ryoga face-faulted and then shoved him away. He said, "Get away from me, you pervert!"
Shampoo said, "Silly Mousse. That's not Shampoo, that was my friend Ryoga. You're blind as a bat. Why do you refuse to wear your glasses?"
Mousse put his glasses back on, "Very well, Shampoo. Are you ready to return to the village to face me in challenge?"
"Mousse, I will not face you in challenge. Besides, I already beat you, you cannot win against me," Shampoo said.
"But I was only three at the time. I have trained all this time to be able to beat you, and when I came back from my last training trip, they said you were gone," Mousse said.
"While you were gone, I lost a challenge. I already have an Airen. You know the law, Mousse. Now leave and don't bother me again," Shampoo replied.
"You heard her Mousse, now get," Ryoga growled, as he stepped between Mousse and Shampoo.
"I am Mousse, of the Martial Arts school of hidden weaponry, fool. Do not stand between me and my beloved," Mousse replied.
"Well, I'm Ryoga Hibiki of the Martial Arts school of gonna kick your butt," Ryoga smirked, "Go ahead and try something." He pulled his umbrella from his pack and prepared to defend himself.
"Shampoo can fight her own battles, Ryoga," Shampoo said in exasperation, "I am an Amazon warrior, after all."
"This is my fight, no guy hugs Ryoga Hibiki and gets away with it," Ryoga rasped.
Mousse jumped back, and flung several chains at Ryoga. Ryoga swung his umbrella and broke them all. Taking several of his bandannas, he threw them all at Mousse. One of them cut the sleeve of Mousse's robe, causing it open up. Ryoga charged, swinging his umbrella. Mousse jumped out of the way, throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Ryoga. Ryoga blocked all of those items. Then Mousse threw the kitchen sink. Ryoga was unable to dodge that, hitting him in the chest, and putting him on the ground. As Mousse was exalting in triumph, Shampoo hit him twice with her bonborris, knocking him out. Ryoga stood up, and said, "Not a bad little fight." He staggered, and Ukyo ran over and caught him before he fell. They headed to the restaurant, Ukyo supporting Ryoga.
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As they sat upstairs in Akane's bedroom, working on their homework, Ranma asked, "Hey, I just remembered, isn't this weekend a long weekend off with no school?"
Akane replied, "Yes, we're off Friday through Monday, for some sort of flower festival. I'd have to look at the school calendar. I forget which one it is. Why'd you want to know?"
"I got ta thinking, that would be a good time for me and you ta go on that training trip I promised ya. We can ask your dad tonight at dinner, if ya want ta go," he answered.
"That would be great, Ranma! But let me ask him, okay?" Akane exclaimed.
"Sure, he's more likely ta listen ta you anyway," Ranma replied.
Later that evening, as they sat around the dining platform eating, Nodoka asked, "Ranma, I've noticed that your grades are really improving this term. They're much better than last term, but you seem to be studying about the same. What happened?"
"Uh, well, uh," Ranma stammered, and then blushed.
"I kind of gave him an incentive, Auntie," Akane said, blushing as well, "For every right answer he gets on his schoolwork, he gets a kiss, and for every wrong one, I get to whack him on the head. It's been a good motivator."
"Oh my," said Kasumi as she giggled, "Maybe I should try something like that with Tofu." She eyed her fiancé suggestively. His face reddened as he laughed.
"Sis!" Nabiki exclaimed, in shock.
"Dad, you know this weekend is a nice four day weekend. I thought Ranma and I could use that time for a training trip. There's a few things he wants to teach me that need a bit more space than we can get here in Nerima," Akane asked, her brown eyes pleading with her father. He began to melt.
"Father, I'm not sure that's proper," Kasumi began.
"Actually, Kasumi, we thought that you and Doc might want ta come along. That's if ya don't mind roughing it a bit," Ranma said.
"Well, that sounds wonderful, Akane, Ranma," Soun said. 'At this rate, we'll get the schools joined soon,' he thought.
Gemna just grinned wide, and held up a sign saying "Way to go, boy!" until Nodoka hit him with the hilt of her ever present katana.
"Pop, that works better when you're a panda," Ranma said in disgust. Then he asked, "What do ya think, Doc? Would you two like ta come? When I'm not working with Akane, you could sure teach us a few things too, and Kasumi could spar with all of us as well, ya know!" Ranma said, excitedly.
Tofu smiled. "That sounds like a fun, actually. I haven't had a good vacation in a while. All those martial artists needing to get put back together, I suppose. I'm pretty sure I still have a tent and a sleeping bag around somewhere. When do you want to meet?"
"How 'bout right after school next Thursday. We can come by here, pick up our stuff and then head out," Akane said.
"Oh my, this sounds exciting. I haven't been camping in forever," Kasumi enthused, "Father, do we still have our camping gear?"
"I think I saw it when were clearing out the attic. It should all be in the storage above the dojo," Soun said.
"Excellent, then its settled," Gemna said, "We'll go next weekend."
"Uh, Pop, you weren't invited," Ranma growled, "I said I was gonna teach Akane. Besides, we need you and Mr. Tendo to teach the classes in the dojo while we're gone."
Gemna began to sputter, until Nodoka touched the hilt of her katana. "I believe we have things to discuss that weekend anyway. Don't we, husband?" she said coldly. Shampoo grinned like a shark as she patted the shaft of one of her bonborris.
"Oh, of course, Nodoka. How could I have forgotten," Gemna blustered, sweating, "Ranma, my boy, I can't go with ya. You'll just have ta make do. Nodoka reminded me of a pressing engagement."
Ranma just smiled at his mother in thanks.
Shampoo then told about her adventure that afternoon, when Mousse had shown up and fought Ryoga. "Ryoga is okay, he basically just had the wind knocked out of him. When I came home, Mousse was gone. I'm sure we'll see him again, so watch out for him. He may come here," she said.
'I need to get in touch with Cologne,' Nodoka thought, 'She can probably help with Mousse.'
Later that week, Nodoka got word from Cologne that she had witnessed the entire fight, and had taken care of Mousse. Cologne had discussed the situation over with him and he had agreed to stay away from the Tendo home for now. He didn't agree to stay away from Shampoo, but he promised to behave around her. While Nodoka was satisfied with that answer for the moment, she made a mental note to herself to get together again with Cologne and find out exactly what her plan for Shampoo was. While she knew what she was going to do with Gemna, she needed to ensure that it would not cause issues with Cologne. They were striving towards a common goal after all, and she had gained a great deal of respect for the Amazon elder.