**Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. That masterpiece is the property of Rumiko Takahashi.**
"So, Ranma. It's been a week since I've seen you last. How have things been going?" Dr. Sato looked across the table to the nervous teenager.
"It's been a little crazy at home. I've been really tired, but my panic attacks seem to not be as intense," Ranma answered.
"Have you felt any other side effects from the medication other than fatigue? Suicidal thoughts?" Dr. Sato asked.
"I don't think so. I'm just tired all the time." Ranma yawned.
"Hmm. You should start feeling less tired soon. Tell me about what's going on in your life right now?" Dr. Sato sat ready to jot down his notes.
"Well.. a lot of things. I've been in trouble and not allowed to go out without an approved escort, which is annoying. My fiancé, Akane, decided to stop our engagement. Well, not stop it but pause it indefinitely. It's my fault. That girl I was hanging out with, Miyuki.. I don't know what it is about her, but I'm drawn to her and can't seem to stay away. Akane told me to go explore that relationship and basically figure things out with Miyuki for now. Miyuki and I have been hanging out a lot and we even started kissing each other basically every time we see each other," Ranma blushed, "which is a really new thing for me. It's been a little difficult to see her with my being in trouble, though. What's strange to me is that I've never kissed Akane after all this time, but I am kissing Miyuki and I barely know her. I know I've hurt Akane. I'm not sure why I keep doing stupid things that hurt her when I love her." Ranma paused, realizing he said it out loud. "Uh, I don't think I've ever said that out loud before. Maybe it's not romantic love? I don't even know anymore. Although, I really like hanging out with Miyuki, there's issues with that, too."
"That's a lot to unpack, Ranma. What is it about this new girl that makes you choose her over Akane?" Dr. Sato asked.
"I'm not choosing her over Akane. I just also want to hang out with her," Ranma clarified.
"If Akane is ending your engagement so you can date.. Miyuki was it?" Dr. Sato asked. Ranma nodded, "Then it sounds like you were putting one girl before the other. I don't know many girls who want to share their fiancé with other women."
Ranma sat quietly for a minute. She's had to do that for a long time with Ukyo and Shampoo. I've never fully stopped them from pursuing me.
"I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, Ranma. I'm trying to help you figure out what is actually going on with you so you can function better." Dr. Sato said. "Tell me about Akane."
"Akane. She's the heir to the Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. She's a talented martial artist and practices almost as much as I do. Does better than me in school. She's 17 now. Our fathers trained under the same master, which is why they want to unite the two Anything Goes schools. She's incredibly kind, selfless, compassionate, funny, and is always there for me whenever I need her. She's a tomboy, which I tend to make fun of her for. Her tomboy side is part of why I feel the way I do about her. She can get jealous and rage at me, which sometimes results in me getting hit. Don't get me wrong, I always deserve it. She loves her family, always willing to help a friend, and loves her stupid pet pig." Ranma smiled.
"She sounds lovely. What about Miyuki? Can you tell me about her?" Dr. Sato asked.
"Well. I met her at the new club, Circus. She's a lot of fun to be around. She's a normal girl- not a martial artist or anything like that. I think she makes me feel more normal when I'm around her. She is really nice to me." Ranma said.
"Is that all?" Dr. Sato asked.
"What do you mean?" Ranma looked puzzled.
"Well, you seem to know a lot about Akane." Dr. Sato pointed out.
"Well, yeah. We've known each other and lived under the same roof for almost two years now. She's.. my best friend aside from Ukyo. I guess Ryoga in some ways, too." Ranma told him.
"You don't seem to know very much about Miyuki," Dr. Sato said.
"We just met over a week ago now. The first three nights were spent drinking alcohol, which I regret now, but was pretty fun while it lasted. Come to think of it.. we have mostly talked about me and not so much about her." Ranma's eyebrows furrowed.
"Why do you think that is?" Dr. Sato asked.
"Because I'm selfish?" Ranma asked.
"Is it possible you've been using her to feel better about yourself and what's going on in your life?" Dr. Sato pondered.
"I don't know. I like her." Ranma said.
"How old is Miyuki?" Dr. Sato asked.
"I.. don't know." Ranma realized.
"Where does she go to school?" Dr. Sato asked.
"I.. don't know that, either," Ranma sighed, "Wow. I'm a real jerk."
"Do you think you should start learning these things before you start making life altering decisions for someone you seem to not know very much about?" Dr. Sato asked.
"Akane decided, not me." Ranma protested.
"Did she? Or was she just the one brave enough to say it out loud?" Dr. Sato asked.
Ranma sat in a painful state of thoughtfulness. "I don't know."
Dr. Sato wrote a few things down in his notes. "You mentioned there were issues with you hanging out with Miyuki. Could you tell me about that?" he asked.
"Well, basically everyone in my life are martial artists of some kind. Akane's sisters aren't, but that's different. I have these girls who think they are my fiancés. One is a Chinese Amazon warrior- which sounds crazy, I know. Her name is Shampoo. Another one is this girl who is just plain psychotic and practices Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics, Kodachi. I'm fearful for Miyuki's safety because of them. Which makes me feel even worse because I pulled away from Akane because I was scared about her safety, and she's a martial artist who has proven herself to be more than capable of defending herself. Now, I'm protecting someone who is way more helpless than Akane. I am really confusing myself. I feel like I should be pulling away from Miyuki the same way, but I can't seem to. I don't want to hurt anyone anymore." Ranma ranted.
Dr. Sato looked at Ranma. "I see. Do you think maybe you like being the hero?"
Ranma's face dropped. "I.. don't know."
Dr. Sato smiled at him. "Sounds like you have some things to think about before I see you next. Our hour is up for this week. You're doing well, Ranma. Just keep working things out."
Ranma walked home slowly, enjoying the opportunity to be out without an escort. I really don't know anything about Miyuki aside from liking her. She's beautiful. She's fun. I don't even know how old she is? How do I not know how old she is? Did I ruin things with Akane to be with someone I know nothing about? I'm a bigger idiot than I thought.
"Nihao Airen!" Shampoo rode up on her bike.
"Hi, Shampoo." Ranma said nervously.
"Ranma, where is girl who great grandmother say is girlfriend?" Shampoo asked.
"Oh, well, she's not actually.." he started to say before he stopped himself. He looked at Shampoo with concern, "Why do you ask?"
"Great Grandmother say girl is obstacle that Shampoo can't kill because she helpless baby," Shampoo frowned, "Why Ranma no date Shampoo but can date helpless girl?"
"I don't know, Shampoo. I don't want to date you, though, I'm sorry." Ranma backed up.
"Why Ranma so stubborn?" Shampoo asked angrily.
"Shampoo, you can't force me to love you. I can't just love you because you want me to." Ranma pleaded.
"Ranma love weak, helpless girl?" Shampoo eyed him suspiciously.
"Would that help you move on? Ranma asked. Shampoo started turning red. "No, I don't love her, Shampoo. I don't even really know her."
"Shampoo make Airen love her. You see. Shampoo make much better wife than kitchen wrecker and helpless girl. Shampoo need make deliveries now." Shampoo got back on her bike, looked back at Ranma with a suspicious smile, then carried on to make her deliveries.
Ranma let out a big breath. Wow. That was unsettling.
"Help me to seek for I lost it there, and if that ye have found it, ye that be here, and seek to convey it secretly, handle it soft, and treat it tenderly or else it will plain and then appear but rather restore it mannerly, since that I do ask it thus honestly. For to lose it, it sitteth me too near; Help me to seek. Alas and is there no remedy ? But have I thus lost it wilfully? I wis it was a thing all too dear to be bestowed, and wist not where it was mine heart, I pray you heartily help me to seek." Tatewaki Kuno approached Akane, who was sitting in the park.
Akane deadpanned. "Kuno, I'm not interested."
"Ah, next, when I cast mine eyes and see that brave vibration each way free. Oh how that glittering taketh me." Kuno now stood directly in front of Akane. "I have learned that you have ended your engagement with Saotome. Please consider this invitation to date me now that you are free of his vile sorcery."
Akane frowned. "We didn't end the engagement."
Kuno stood shocked. "What? But the rumors?"
Akane sighed, "Yes, things are.. changing. That doesn't mean I am up for grabs, especially by you. Please leave me alone. I'm waiting for my date."
Kuno's jaw dropped. "Who, pray tell, has been given the honour of taking my fierce tigress out on a date while I, Tatewaki Kuno, lay cast aside?"
"Akane!" Hiroshi called over.
"HIM?!" Kuno almost fainted. "I will defeat him in battle for the honour of your company, my love!"
Hiroshi stepped back, scared. "I thought Ranma was going to be the threat to my safety for this. I forgot about Kuno." Is this still worth it? This is probably the only time I'll ever get a chance with her.
Akane smiled at Hiroshi, then glared at Kuno. "Go home, Kuno."
Kuno spiraled. He couldn't understand what was going on. "You fiend!" Kuno lunged at Hiroshi.
Akane jumped in between them and spun her kick straight into Kuno's face, knocking him out. "You'd think he'd learn by now." She wiped the droplets of sweat forming, "Are you ready, Hiroshi?" she smiled sweetly at him.
Hiroshi nodded. "Please don't tell Ranma."
Ryoga walked into Ucchan's. He wasn't looking for Ucchan's, but he found himself there anyway. The bell rang as he entered, announcing his arrival. Ukyo walked into the front of house from the back, smiling when she saw who it was.
"Ryoga!" Ukyo greeted him.
"Hey Ukyo. I was trying to get home, but I saw your restaurant and thought I'd stop in to see if you were here." Ryoga smiled.
"Here I am! Come in and sit! Okonomiyaki is on me today!" Ukyo beamed and made her way to the grill.
"Oh, okay. If you're sure. I don't want to impose," Ryoga was nervous, but hungry.
"No imposition at all, sugar. What's your pleasure?" She asked.
Ryoga blinked. "My.. pleasure?"
"What flavour do you want?" Ukyo laughed.
"Oh, right. Any kind you'd like to make is okay with me," Ryoga bowed his head in gratitude.
"No problem. One 'Ucchan's Special' is coming up!" Ukyo started grilling.
"So, how is everything? How's Akane doing?" Ryoga asked.
"She's good, I guess. She's been through a lot recently, but she is a strong woman. How is everything with you? How's Akari?" Ukyo inquired.
"Akari? Oh, well, I don't actually know, actually. I haven't seen her since before we went to China. I should probably try to find her next." Ryoga answered.
"I'm sure she would be very happy to see you. Must be hard when you wander off and can't see each other. Would you like some help finding her?" Ukyo sympathized.
"That would be very kind of you, Ukyo. It's not ideal, that's for sure. This directional curse is frustrating. Hey, was that Akane who just walked past?" Ryoga walked over to the window. His eyes went wide. Akane was walking along with some boy, eating ice cream and smiling at him. Is she on a date?
Ukyo served Ryoga his plate where he was supposed to be seated, then joined him to look out the window. "Good for her!" She exclaimed.
"Does this mean.. she isn't engaged to Ranma anymore? What did I miss?" Ryoga asked Ukyo.
"I don't really understand what she decided, to be honest. I know they are supposed to date other people, but I'm not really sure about the engagement. Doesn't make any sense to me. I'm sure she could do better than that guy, though," she nodded to Hiroshi, "He's in our class and friends with Ranma."
Ryoga turned to Ukyo, "Date other people? I can't even imagine how that conversation went, but that can't be good for this guy."
Ukyo laughed. "Probably not, sugar." She looked over at the counter where his food was waiting and thought better of continuing to spy on Akane. "Better eat your food before it gets cold."
Ryoga nodded.
Ranma returned to the Tendo house, as per his orders from his parents. He went up up his room and put his school bag away. He looked around. I'm already bored. The next week can't go by fast enough. Everyone else is out.
Ranma changed into his gi and walked down the stairs with the intention of going out to the dojo. He paused when he saw the phone and thought about Dr. Sato calling him out for knowing almost nothing about Miyuki. He resisted the urge for a moment, then grabbed the phone and started dialing her number. Miyuki picked up the phone, "Hello?"
Ranma smiled. "Hey Miyuki. I was thinking about you. Do you have a minute to talk?"
"I can talk for a minute, but I have to get going soon. Family stuff." Miyuki explained.
"I understand," Ranma paused. "I was just thinking that I said I wanted to get to know you better, but I haven't learned very much about you. It came to my attention that I don't even know how old you are." Ranma chuckled a fake laugh. I sound like an idiot. How have we been.. I guess dating, and I still don't know how old she is.
"Sorry Ranma, I need to go." Miyuki hung up.
Ranma stared at the phone for a minute. That was really weird. He started walking out to the dojo.
He started moving through one of his more basic katas, which were reserved for times he needed to think. What was that about? That was really strange. She still likes me, right? Ugh, that sounded self centered. I've really screwed everything up. What am I going to do? Do I keep getting to know Miyuki or do I try everything I can to get Akane back? I really don't want to stop hanging out with Miyuki, but I can't stand what's happening between Akane and me. She told me to date Miyuki, but it was probably because I basically already was. Why did I do that to her over some very pretty girl I don't even know? I started with all these good intentions coming back from China, but made stupid, hurtful decision after stupid, hurtful decision. I really am an insensitive jerk. Akane did say she wanted to be friends, and friendship is important in a relationship. Could I be just friends with Miyuki? How would she react if I asked her? I don't even know because I don't even really know her. I don't-
Just then he heard a loud crashing sound outside the dojo. He stopped what he was doing and ran out of the dojo and toward the noise. He looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Ranma walked toward the house, on high alert after a crashing sound like that. Still he saw nothing wrong. Ranma sighed. Maybe I am going crazy.
Ranma started walking back to the dojo, with the intention of continuing his thinking kata. The loud crashing sound came back. It sounded like a several lightning bolts hitting in one section of the sky. The sound cleared into a small clicking sound, which stopped after a few seconds.
Ranma looked around with wide eyes. Seriously. What is that? Where is it coming from?
Just then a gorgeous, tall, blonde girl in a long, dark purple kimono and a glowing light around her body stood before Ranma. Her eyes were closed and her head was bowed.
Ranma backed up. What the hell?
The girl opened her eyes, lifted her head, looked at Ranma with big green eyes. "I'm looking for Miyuki." She told him.
Ranma stood dumbfounded. "Uh.. what?"
The girl frowned. "Miyuki. Do you know where she is?"
"Uh.. I.. I.. dont.. uh.. I haven't.. umm.." Ranma stuttered.
The girl eyed him, obviously getting agitated.
"I haven't seen her today," Ranma finally spit out.
The girl sighed. "Okay. If you see her, could you please tell her that her sister is looking for her." She asked.
Ranma nodded.
"Thank you. Sorry to bother you," the girl turned around and completely vanished.
Ranma stood in shock, staring at what would have been where the girl was standing with his jaw slightly dropped. What the hell was that?!
** Kuno's poetry credit is with William Shakespeare. I did not write that, that is his original work. **