** I do not own Ranma 1/2. That masterpiece is the property of Rumiko Takahashi.**
Ryoga stayed quiet, waiting for a reaction from Akane who stood in complete silence without moving a single muscle. Time slowed. Seconds suddenly felt like hours. Ryoga took a step back to prepare himself for the backlash of the confession he just gave.
Akane finally moved to look away from him, still completely silent and with no indication of what emotions were running through her with this new information.
Ryoga built up his nerve. "Uh.. Akane?"
Akane quickly turned her head to look up at him with rage in her eyes. "What did you just tell me?" she asked quietly with venom in her words.
Ryoga put his hands up defensively. "Look Akane, I know what you must be thinking and I promise I can explain."
Akane crossed her arms and cocked her head to the side. "Is that so? What is it that I am I thinking then?"
Ryoga's eyes widened. "Uh, well, that's not what I meant. I know this sounds bad. It is bad. I should have told you a long time ago-"
"Yes, you should have," Akane cut him off, "as in, right away before I cuddled you into my chest and brought you into my bed. Are you kidding me right now, Ryoga?!"
Ryoga took another step backwards, "I'm sorry, Akane. I really am. I know there's no explanation I could give you right now that would justify everything. I just hope in time you can understand that I didn't mean to hurt you and -"
"I think you should go." Akane looked away, all of the emotions she's managed to keep under control in the last month beginning to rise to the surface.
"Akane, I-" Ryoga started.
"Leave. You can come back for your meeting tomorrow, provided you don't get lost again. Right now, I don't want to see you and I definitely do not want to talk to you right now. I don't want to hear your explanations or your excuses. I don't care what you have to say for yourself. I need some time to process that my sweet pet pig is a perverted teenaged boy posing as a pig." Akane looked at him again, "Get out!"
Ryoga's face dropped. "Okay, Akane. I will. I'm so sorry. I have to get Ranma, we have to -"
"I'll take Ranma to the Nekohanten. You can leave. I also need to talk to Ranma about this, too." Akane ordered. "Leave. Now."
Ryoga looked away, fighting a tear. "Okay. I'm sorry, Akane. I really hope you can forgive me one day." Ryoga left quickly, before anyone could see the tears starting to escape his red eyes. I'm so stupid!
Akane took a deep breath and steadied herself before turning to go back inside. She opened the door and walked in to see Ranma waiting expectantly. He was alone now, as his mother left to start dinner with Kasumi and his father went for another game of shogi with Akane's father. Ranma immediately noticed that Ryoga was not following her in and tensed up. Akane looked at Ranma, her wrath visibly rising. Ranma swallowed nervously.
"Where's Ryoga?" Ranma asked meekly.
"He's gone." Akane eyed Ranma.
"But what about -" Ranma started.
"Why didn't you tell me, Ranma?" Akane dialed back the venom just enough to get the words out.
"I'm sorry, Akane. I was honour-bound. I made a warrior's promise." Ranma said, backing up with fear seeping from each word.
"A promise.. '' Akane looked away. "Honestly, Ranma, I don't even know what to say to you right now. In the last month, you have done nothing but hurt me and now I find out that you and everyone else have been lying to me for almost two years? What else don't I know?"
Ranma stood up. "Akane, I'm sorry. There's nothing else. Keeping this secret was never meant to intentionally hurt you." Ranma could feel the anxiety rise. Not right now. Please don't freak out.
"Of course it wasn't. I just was allowed to stupidly continue carrying on falling in love with my sweet little pet pig while everyone else got to have a good laugh at my expense," Akane fumed.
"No one was laughing-" Ranma started.
"Shut up, Ranma. I knew you had a problem with him. I saw you get jealous and fight him out of my room. Sneaking in to get him out. I noticed, but I didn't really understand what was going on until now. You knew it was wrong, or you wouldn't have done those things- but it wasn't enough to actually tell me so that I could put a stop to it myself. I'm disgusted with both of you. Do you even remotely understand how violated I feel right now?" Akane glared at Ranma.
Ranma gulped. "I'm really sorry, Akane." He tried to steady his breath.
"You're always sorry, Ranma. I don't want to talk about it anymore right now. I'm bringing you to the Nekohanten instead of Ryoga. I don't need any more secrets kept from me, so I'm going instead. You'll be quiet on the walk over there unless I address you. Got it?" Akane snapped.
Ranma nodded fearfully.
"Good. Let's go." Akane started to walk out the door before turning around to Ranma, "Are you coming or not?"
Ranma got up and quickly, yet carefully, followed Akane.
Akane stormed over to the Nekohanten, Ranma trying to keep up while still maintaining a distance from the incredibly angry and hurt girl. As she approached the restaurant, she turned to Ranma and said, "We are not bringing the P-Chan/Ryoga issue up while we are here. I know everyone else knows, but I can only deal with you and Ryoga tonight. Do not let this redezvous take all night."
Ranma nodded. Akane was never this commanding. Ranma was very nervous, his anxiety barely able to contain itself.
Akane and Ranme entered.
"Nihao, Airen!" Shampoo spotted them.
Akane's face didn't change. Ranma nervously looked at Akane, then over to Shampoo. "Hi Shampoo. Are Mousse and Cologne here somewhere?" he asked.
"Great Grandmother upstairs in office and Mousse in back cooking orders for deliveries. What going on?" Shampoo asked.
"Could you please ask them to come out to the front here to talk to us? I will explain everything once they are here." Ranma asked, still looking very timid. Shampoo raised an eyebrow at Ranma's demeanor. "Ok, Ranma. I get them for Airen." Shampoo ran into the back of the restaurant.
Ranma looked at Akane. "Would you like to sit down in a booth?" Ranma asked sheepishly.
Akane glared at him for daring to speak to her, then walked over to a booth without a word and sat down. Ranma let out a long breath, then joined her leaving a careful amount of space between them.
Moments later, Shampoo, Mousse and Cologne were in the front of the restaurant, around Ranma and Akane's booth, ready to listen to what could have possibly been so important that they had to leave their duties at the restaurant.
Ranma looked at the amazons. "I have recently learned that Jusenkyo has returned to its former state and is in working condition." he informed them.
"Is true? Shampoo can no be cat anymore?" Shampoo said excitedly.
"How did you learn about this, son-in-law?" Cologne asked.
"Well," Ranma looked at Akane, gulped, then returned his gaze to the amazons, "Miyuki told me. Turns out, she is a little less helpless than I first thought."
Akane scoffed at Ranma's comment about Miyuki. Akane didn't care what she sounded like right now. She was too mad to care.
Shampoo looked at her great grandmother with even more excitement, "This mean Shampoo kill new obstacle girl now?" she asked.
"No, Shampoo. We have to assess the situation further to know what appropriate action can be taken since we have already declared her safety." Cologne explained. She turned to Ranma, "If you believe this information to be true, then I trust you, son-in-law."
"Thanks," Ranma said, surprised.
"I don't trust him! Who's to say this isn't some kind of a trick?" Mousse asked.
Ranma stood in a fighting stance, "What would I have to gain from getting everyone's hopes up and dragging everyone back to China- especially after last time?"
"He's right, Mousse," Cologne said. "Son-in-law does not benefit from this unless his story is true."
"Why Ranma trust helpless girl?" Shampoo asked.
Ranma glanced nervously at Akane again. "I can't get into too much detail, but there are very strong reasons to believe that what she has told me is true."
"When would you leave?" Cologne asked.
"My mother is making us wait another week, approximately. I will give you an exact day soon." Ranma explained.
Cologne nodded.
Ranma sat back down. "I have one more request. My mother has asked that everyone meet tomorrow after school at the Tendo residence regarding all of this," he extended the invitation.
Cologne looked thoughful, then nodded. "So be it. We will see you tomorrow, son-in-law."
"Ranma, tell me what happened with Miyuki. What are these strong reasons to believe her?" Akane asked on the walk home.
Ranma sighed, then looked over at Akane. "I know you're really mad at me for keeping Ryoga's secret, but this is really not my secret to tell."
Akane's face fell and she stopped walking. She looked over at Ranma, who also stopped and turned toward her. "Well then, let's go talk to Miyuki."
Ranma tensed up. "You want to talk to Miyuki? Why?"
Akane put her hands on her hips. "If you won't tell me because it's not your secret, then I'm going to ask her directly. Let's go." She switched directions and started walking off. Ranma sighed heavily and started following her. Oh boy.
Ranma and Akane approached Miyuki's house. Akane looked at Ranma and raised her arms slightly to indicate he should knock on the door. Ranma looked at the door nervously.
"It's your girlfriend, Ranma." Akane stated.
Ranma sighed. "You know, she's not actually my girlfriend, Akane."
Akane glared at him. "Don't insult my intelligence, Ranma."
Ranma sighed and knocked on the door. Miyuki answered the door within moments, her face lighting up when she saw Ranma. "Ranma! I get to see you twice today?!" She pulled him into a tight hug. "I thought you were going to call! This is a pleasant surprise! Hello Akane."
Akane looked over at Ranma again. "You were saying?" she shook her head at him.
Ranma looked at Miyuki. "Miyuki, I spoke to my mother and the other Jusenkyo cursed people. Everyone is on board to go to Jusenkyo again, but we have to wait about a week. My mother wants me to finish my punishment, see my doctor and.." Ranma trailed off.
"And have his birthday party." Akane finished, annoyed.
"Your birthday party?! Wow! That's so special Ranma! I have no problem waiting until then! I will just let my sister know. I'm sure it won't be an issue. It's urgent, but not that urgent!" Miyuki grabbed his face and kissed his cheek, her meager attempt at being respectful of Akane.
Akane rolled her eyes.
Ranma grabbed her hands off his face and held them in front of him. "Miyuki, there is more. My mother has asked that everyone attend a meeting tomorrow at the Tendo residence with her, including you. Will you be able to come?"
Miyuki beamed. "Absolutely! I would love to!" Ranma smiled, looking into her eyes. He felt Akane's eyes burning into the side of his head. He turned to look at Akane for a moment. "Oh, also, Akane would like to talk to you."
Miyuki smiled at Akane. "Of course! Would you like to come in?" she invited, moving to the side to allow them entry to her home.
Akane nodded and entered the home, Ranma following nervously behind them.
Miyuki led them into her living room and they all sat down.
Akane looked at Miyuki, "Ranma hasn't told us how you know about Jusenkyo or why we should believe you about its restoration. He said it wasn't his secret to tell, so I'm asking you directly. I hope you can be honest with me." Akane explained.
Miyuki smiled at Ranma. "Thank you for being respectful of my situation, Ranma." Akane flinched. Miyuki turned her gaze to Akane. "Akane, I hope you can understand that I didn't mean to cause you any heartache or pain. I am still learning how to be a human." Miyuki explained.
Akane raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?"
Miyuki took a deep breath. "What I am about to tell you may come off a bit shocking."
Akane laughed. "Try me."
Miyuki smiled. "I was born in a very different place than this. I was born in the heavens to strong divine beings. My life was meant to be in service of the emperor of heaven, and also to aid and entertain the inhabitants. I am, technically, a tennyo. This is not a life I chose for myself, however. I have always yearned for a human life. A life filled with passion, love, fun and mistakes." Miyuki paused to give Akane a moment to catch up. Ranma stayed silent.
"You're.. an angel?" Akane asked.
"Something like that." Miyuki smiled.
"Does that mean.. you have seduced Ranma? You didn't make him like you against his will, did you?" Akane dared to ask. Ranma winced.
Miyuki smiled at Akane. "Sadly, it is true that he was likely more drawn to me because I have divine energy. Since I like him so much, it would amplify that desire quite a bit. However, I can not make him like me or love me. I can only draw out those feelings if they already exist."
Akane had a mixed sense of pain and relief at that answer. "So, Ranma really does like you."
Miyuki smiled. "He likes you, too, Akane."
Akane scoffed. "He's all yours, Miyuki. He very clearly cares for you." Ranma flinched nervously.
Miyuki took Akane's hand. "He cares about you, too."
Akane wanted to pull away, but she felt something stopping her. She really is a tennyo. She's irresitable. I can't hate her. "So, what does this have to do with Jusenkyo?"
Miyuki released Akane's hand and looked away with slight sadness. "My family is trying to force me to come home. Problem with this divine energy is that it can only last in this atmosphere for so long before it will start to deteriorate me and it will eventually kill me. My family is very concerned with my wanting to stay amd I am determined to do so, even if it does cause my life to end. When I learned that Ranma was Jusenkyo cursed, it dawned on me that this could be my answer to staying and living my life as a human for the rest of what would be my mortal life, if this works."
Akane nodded, "I see. You want the Spring of the Drowned Girl to become and stay a human girl. What happens when you get splashed with warm or hot water while still on Earth?" she asked.
"It's different if I'm only carrying divine energy every so often. If I'm spending most of my time as a regular human, I should be able to avoid the deterioration I mentioned. This has never been done before, so we don't know if this will even work or if my hot water theory is even true. I need to try, though. I am not meant to live in the heavens." Miyuki said with determination in her voice.
"I actually understand why you couldn't tell me, Ranma. This is a big deal." Akane said, her anger toward him fading slightly.
"Akane, I can see that you're terribly upset with Ranma. I really hope that you two can work everything out. It is true that Ranma and I are.. spending time together. I will be honest, I don't want that to stop. I really do care about Ranma and want him to be nothing but happy. I don't know what the answer is for you two, but I do know that the connection you two share is strong and important. I hope you two can keep that, no matter what happens in our lives." Miyuki smiled at them both.
Akane looked at Ranma without expression. "Yeah, we'll see, Miyuki. He can be a bit of an idiot sometimes." she smirked.
Miyuki laughed. "Yes, he can."
Ranma looked at both girls, "Hey! I'm right here!"
Miyuki smiled at Ranma, "Sorry, handsome. Don't mind the girl talk."
Ranma's face softened while looking at Miyuki. Akane couldn't help but notice. This.. is real? Is Ranma falling for her? Is she telling the truth? Is she seducing Ranma or is she just pulling out feelings that are already there? I am so confused. I don't know if we should be trusting her, but I really don't think she's evil.
Miyuki stood up. "Now, as much as I love having you here and would absolutely love to invite you to stay and enjoy the night with me, I do believe that your parents will start to get worried soon and we have a meeting to attend tomorrow. The last thing I need is both of your parents upset with me more than they already are."
Ranma and Akane stood, as well. Akane looked at Ranma's face while he looked at Miyuki. Akane sighed. "Ranma," she said, "I'll wait outside for a minute to give you two some privacy."
Ranma turned his gaze to Akane with a hint of concern, "Akane, it's okay. You don't have to do that."
"No, it's fine. I told you to figure things out with Miyuki and you can't do that if everyone keeps interfering. I'll just be outside. Don't take too long." Akane walked out the front door and closed it. She leaned up against the door and took a few deep breaths to steady her emotions.
Miyuki smiled at Ranma. "She's a kind soul, Ranma. I can see why you care so much about her."
"You were right when you said I cared about both of you, but I am just starting to actually know you. You're not really all that helpless, are you?" Ranma asked.
Miyuki laughed. "No, not at all. Not while I have the divine energy in me. Unfortunately, if this Jusenkyo curse works then I may become helpless. I will need to learn to defend myself. Do you know anyone who could teach me some martial arts?" Miyuki flirted.
"I am sure we can find you someone. Why did you let me think you couldn't defend yourself?" Ranma asked.
Miyuki laughed again. "I don't know. You didn't ask. I wasn't gonna turn down a hot guy like you carrying me in his arms. That was almost as exciting as our sexy dances at Circus," Miyuki winked at him.
Ranma smiled. "You're definitely sexy, Miyuki." He leaned down and caught Miyuki's willing lips with his own. They embraced, putting their hands through each other's hair just as Akane peeked into the front window.
Akane's heart dropped. Why did I look? I knew it wasn't a good idea. Ugh, I'm an idiot! Akane hit her fist on the wall.
Ranma and Miyuki broke the kiss, smiling at each other. "I will see you tomorrow after school?" Ranma asked.
Miyuki nodded. "I wouldn't miss it, babe," she winked and shooed him out the door to meet Akane.