Akane waited worried in the cavernous area that she and Ukyo had found while searching for Shampoo and the others. Strangely enough the inside of the tower was starting to resemble the outdoors making it even more confusing to make their way around. Ukyo carried a pile of wood, sat it down, and sighed contently as she pulled a pack of matches out of her pocket.
"Okay" she smiled, "Well as soon as we get this fire going Akane, we should be warm in no time" she looked up to see the other girl wasn't paying attention so she went on, "And maybe the others will see the fire and come to us instead of us going to them huh?" still Akane said nothing, "Akane?"
"Hmm?" Akane jerked her head upwards and then turned to look at her companion, "I'm sorry Ukyo did you say something?"
"Are you all right?" Ukyo asked concerned.
"I'm worried" Akane shook her head, "I'm worried about Ranma."
"Oh don't worry sugar. Ranma will be fine. He's got Ryoga with him. Besides Ranma is like the strongest martial artist I know."
"I know" Akane agreed, "But this guy is so much stronger. I mean he took all of you out."
"Well, I'll give you that much. But still like Ranma says, he hasn't faced him yet."
"I know" Akane repeated, "I'm still worried though."
"Akane" Ukyo said carefully, "Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure" Akane nodded, "I guess. What is it?"
"Are you in love with Ranma?"
At this question Akane froze up slightly. How could she tell Ukyo the truth knowing her feelings for him she thought? What kind of friend would that make her? It was clear to Ukyo too that by Akane's face that she was reluctant to tell her.
"You know Akane I want to tell you something and I have for awhile now."
"Hmm?"
"I sort of. Rather I did, I decided a while back that Iwould give up on Ranma."
"What? Why?" Akane asked as she knelt down.
"Well it was clear to me after that last encounter with that woman how much you two really care for each other."
"Oh?" Akane averted her eyes.
"Oh yes. The way Ranma was behaving when you disappeared. I have never seen him that worried since I have known him. And then something struck a cord in me. Maybe Ranma would pretend how he really felt on a normal day but when it came down to it, if you're in danger he's a completely different person. He becomes your hero and only yours. It made me think. The truth is Ranma honey and I were engaged because of something his father did."
"Well so were we."
"Yes, but Akane you were Ranma's first fiancée. And even though at times he acted like he didn't like it I think he took pride in it. Ranma after all has never been one to say how he truly feels. He usually says the wrong thing" Ukyo grinned.
"No kidding."
"However when I realized how Ranma really felt I noticed all the awful things I had done to you and Ranma just because I wanted him so badly. And all of a sudden I didn't like myself. I mean out of all the girls who have chased Ranma you have never done anything underhanded or deceitful. So basically I just want you to know, you and Ranma that you won't have to worry about me anymore. I've decided to find someone who loves me and only me."
"Ukyo" Akane replied astonished at her sincerity.
"So tell me truthfully. Do you love Ranma?"
"I well" Akane began, "The truth is" she sighed and then nodded, "Yes Ukyo. I love Ranma. So much. And he loves me too. We finally admitted how we felt to each other."
"You did?" Ukyo exclaimed and Akane winced a little, "I am so happy for you Akane!" she then squealed.
"You are?"
"Of course. I have been waiting for this moment. I just know" she embraced Akane tightly, "That you and Ranma honey are going to be very happy together."
"Thanks Ukyo" Akane nodded but then thought, "If I ever see him again that is?"
(Next Scene)
Meanwhile Ranma and Ryoga were still making their way through the tower. Suddenly Ranma came to a stop to take a break for they had been running for hours and it seemed like they weren't getting anywhere. Ranma leaned against the rocks as Ryoga stopped to catch his breath.
"Ranma" Ryoga said, "Where are we going?"
"I have no idea" Ranma admitted, "I forgot how tricky this place is. When Akane and I first got into it we had a hard time finding any way out. It always seemed like we were going in circles" Ranma pulled away from the rocks and scratched the back of his head.
"I think we're doing the same thing. I should know I am an expert" Ryoga replied sarcastically making Ranma chuckle lightly, "I don't think we're ever going to find this guy if he doesn't want to be found."
"I'm certain he is here" Ranma said straightening his back, "He's got to be. Surely by now he's realized that I am not in the field of flowers. We should keep going."
"Okay. But I am getting awful tired Ranma."
"I know. Me too. I haven't slept much since we have been in this tower. Come on man. Let's go!" he led the way once more and reluctantly Ryoga followed.
Soon they found themselves in a strange ocean like environment with waves crashing around the large vertical rock they were standing on.
"Are we back outside?" Ryoga replied a bit confused.
"No. We're still in the tower."
"Yes, but Ranma that" he pointed down at the waves, "is more than likely cold water."
"I wouldn't be surprised if it is. Just watch yourself Ryoga and then you won't have to worry about turning into Mr. P" he began to move slowly across the rock avoiding the water with each step.
"Right" Ryoga gulped and then followed him slowly.
The water began to crash even more as they moved but Ranma and Ryoga kept a steady balance until they reached the middle where Ranma stopped because he could see something heading their way.
"Why did you stop Ranma?"
"Look" Ranma pointed.
Ryoga squinted and frowned as he saw the small mass.
"What is that?"
"I have no idea" Ranma shook his head, "But it's coming toward us" he prepared himself by getting into his fighting stance.
Ryoga did the same and soon the mass was so close they could clearly see that a pack of unknown creatures of all sizes and color was aiming for them.
"Looks like he's trying to stop us" Ranma grinned cockily, "Feel like kicking some butt Ryoga?"
"You know it" Ryoga nodded and then the two of them charged headfirst into the mass.
Together it was apparent that Ranma and Ryoga made an excellent team, especially now that the two of them were getting along better. Ranma took on two of the creatures while Ryoga preferred to fight them one at a time. Soon there were only two creatures left and they were aiming for Ryoga from both directions as the waves in theocean beat against the rock. Just as one of the creatures aimed for Ryoga unknowingly as the water flowed onto the rock Ranma pushed him out of the way just in time.
"Look out man!" he shouted as he pushed him and then was hit with the crashing wave.
"Ranma!" Ryoga yelled and then with a furious frown he finished off the two remaining creatures, "Bakusei Tenketsu!"
The rock formation they were standing on shattered and they fell into the ocean. Then he dashed over to Ranma who was coughing up the water as her red hair dripped soaking wet.
"Ranma are you all right?"
"Oh swell" Ranma coughed, "Never been better. Except that I am back in my girl form. I don't suppose you have any more hot water Ryoga?"
"Sorry" he shook his head, "And this is all my fault this happened too."
"Don't mention it" Ranma shook her head standing up, "I'll just have to fight him like this. He must have been worried if he sent those goons after us first. Come on Ryoga. Let's go get even" she moved forward.
"Okay" Ryoga nodded following her over the rock and off onto the shore.
After awhile they were walking in a very rocky area. As they moved a flowery scent began to circle the area and soon without warning Ranma collapsed.
"Ranma?" Ryoga said concerned as he leaned over her, "Ranma. Are you all right? Ranma!" he shouted, "Wake up!" he replied shaking the girl who wouldn't stir.
In the shadows Kinnosuke watched and a sneer curled his lips as he faded into the darkness chuckling lightly as he went.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Hey guys! I'm going to attempt to finish as much of this book as I can. I only have seven chapters to go so we shall see. Also as for what the creatures really look like I want youallto use your imagination. That's whyI didn't give a description. You decide! Enjoy!See you all later!
Next Chapter:
Chapter Seventeen: P'Chan's Secret Almost Revealed
Ryoga does his best to protect female Ranma from Kinnosuke but ends up transformed himself and almost exposed to the one person he didn't want to know his secret, Akane. Find out what happens next time!
And
Chapter Eighteen: Heart to Heart
Not Telling!
