Chapter 29

Nabiki had just gotten off the phone with one of her contacts. They had just found out where Ukyo was and thanked them for the information. She made her way to the backyard. She saw her father crying like a child. Genma was trying to calm him down as was Akane. The girl in question had attempted to place the blame on Ranma for what happened to Kasumi but a quick glare from Ranma shut her up. Nabiki took a deep breath and made her way outside.

She looked at the back of Ranma and carefully approached him. He was still very angry and she could see that he could explode at any moment. She wondered if she should even tell the pig-tailed martial artist where Ukyo was. Who knew what he would do to her if they met. While she was angry that Kasumi was involved, she didn't want anyone permanently hurt. She sighed and walked up to him.

"Did you find her?" Ranma asked in a grave voice. He didn't even turn to face her.

"Yeah, I found her. She's staying at a building where she is planning to open a restaurant." Nabiki said.

"Let's go." Ranma ordered. The two left the Tendo compound and made their way to save Kasumi.

XXX

Ukyo looked out the window and was actually worried. She had gone out to get some to eat for breakfast and she was nearly beaten to a pulp by a crazy gymnast. She was then chased by several people who wanted to do her harm. She was lucky that she had a flour bomb to escape. Apparently, she had just pissed off all of Nermia for her decision to kidnap this woman. She just kept an eye out and hoped that no one found her.

"Why are you doing this?" Ukyo turned to Kasumi who she had tied up. She gave her a serious expression and Ukyo just narrowed her eyes at her.

"What else would I be doing this for? I know that Ranma values you somewhat. Let's see how he feels when you are taken away from him." Ukyo said.

"All because he made a decision ten years ago? You can't truly hold a grudge for that? You were both six years of age. What do you know about love?" Kasumi asked.

"I knew that I was happy and warm around him! I don't feel that way around anyone else. We were supposed to grow up together and run my father's cart. After we made a lot of money, we could have opened a restaurant. It would be me, Ranma and our kids. It would have been prefect!" Ukyo exclaimed.

"And what about Ranma?" Kasumi asked.

"I just told you what our plans were." Ukyo said with a tone.

"No, you told me about 'your' plans for you and Ranma. What if that wasn't his plans? His father has been training him to be the best martial artist in the world. That was the point of that trip. It was for selfish reasons but Ranma only cares about the art. His focus is on creating his own brand of the Musabetsu Kakutō Ryū (Anything Goes Martial Art) and spreading it all over. Was that within your plans for the both of you?" Kasumi asked.

"He could still train if he wanted to!" Ukyo shouted.

"When would that be if he's helping you cook and serve? Also, with you being busy, he'll be taking care of your future kids. When will he have the time?" Kasumi asked.

"Just shut up! You're talking like you know everything! You have the nerve to call me a bad friend when he left me on the side of the road!" Ukyo exclaimed.

"You are doing it yourself. Ranma has acknowledged he was wrong and does his best to improve himself. You are acting just like his father, believing that he owes you something. The truth is, you are being selfish and you don't care about Ranma's feelings or wants." Kasumi said. Ukyo looked absolutely livid and was about to explode. That's when the door was kicked off the hinges. Ukyo moved to get her spatula but she was quickly caught by the wrist and put in a painful wrist lock. She turned to face her attacker and went white as a ghost. She was staring into the angry eyes of Ranma. She was frozen in place as Ranma bore down on her.

"I know that you have a beef with me. I did you wrong and I know that but you crossed a line when you included one of my friends. She has nothing to do with us. If it was any other person, I would have stomped the life out of them but I remembered our friendship and because of that friendship, I'm letting you off with a warning. However, our friendship is over. We're strangers to each other. If you go after anyone who is my friend again and I will hurt you Ukyo. I don't want to but I will if you cross that line again." Ranma threatened. He released Ukyo and made his way over to Kasumi. He quickly set her free and ushered her outside of the building.

Ukyo fell to her knees, her fists balled up. Tears fell from her eyes as she sat there. She couldn't believe what was just said to her by Ranma. She was sad and angry at the same time, sad by the fact that Ranma ended any chance of them being friends again and angry at the same reason. She was also angry at the words that Kasumi said to her. She was not a selfish person. Ranma could have easily done both things if he wanted to. He liked her cooking; always eating it like it was candy. However, that dream was now dead.

She wiped her eyes and quickly got to her feet. A stone like expression appeared on her face as she made her way up to her room.

XXX

Ranma, Nabiki and Kasumi made their way home. They were very quiet and Nabiki was glad that Ranma had calmed down some. His look of anger was replaced with one of guilt. Kasumi saw it as well. She looked at her sister and made a motion. Nabiki understood and quickly went ahead. Kasumi then stopped and made Ranma stop.

"Ranma, look at me." Kasumi ordered. He was resistant at first but he did as he was told. The two looked at each other in the eyes. "This was not your fault."

"How can you say that Kasumi? Ukyo was my past and she decided to use you to get to me. My past involved someone who didn't need to be involved." Ranma said.

"That was Ukyo's decision, not yours. You did not force Ukyo to kidnap me. She did that on her own because she was listening in when I gave you that advice. You have nothing to be guilty about." Kasumi stated.

"But," Ranma said.

"No buts. When I learned about your life, I had a feeling that you would spice things up here. Granted, I usually keep my distance from all the wackiness but this was actually kind of fun. It made me feel included." Kasumi said with a smile. Ranma looked at her like she was crazy.

"You must live a really dull life." Ranma said.

"That wasn't nice." Kasumi said with a pout.

"Still, I do feel a bit responsible. I could take another half day and help you around the house if you want." Ranma offered. Kasumi was about to speak when Nabiki returned.

"That just won't do Ranma. While Kasumi doesn't blame you, I do. I think the only way that you can truly be forgiven for this is that you take Kasumi out this weekend. Show her a good time and make her happy. Only then with you earn my forgiveness because my sister was in danger." Nabiki said with a tone. Ranma looked guilt while Kasumi looked at Nabiki like she was crazy.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Ranma said to Nabiki. He turned back to Kasumi. "So how about Kasumi, does Saturday at noon sound good?" Kasumi was about to answer but was once again cut off by Nabiki.

"That sounds fine. You better plan a good one Saotome." Nabiki said. Ranma nodded and left the two sisters alone. Once he was out of sight, Nabiki had a smirk on her face while Kasumi just looked at her with an upset face.

"Nabiki, why did you do that?" Kasumi demanded.

"He was feeling bad about what happened. I know that you would have ignored his help with the housework and it would have been on his mind for the rest of the week. He might have done something stupid like steal some flowers or something. Besides, this gives you a day to just relax and just talk. When have you had a day off?" Nabiki asked. Kasumi frowned a little. She knew that Nabiki was up to something but she couldn't tell what it was. She sighed knowing that she would not get an answer from her.

"Fine, it makes no sense to argue because you put that idea in his head." Kasumi said.

"Great! Now, we have to go home get our money and get you something nice to wear for the date." Nabiki said with a smile and walked off.

"It's not a date!" Kasumi shouted and followed her sister.

XXX

Saturday rolled around and Kasumi was a nervous wreck. Nabiki sighed at her sister as she attempted to place some make up on her.

"Would you please calm down?" Nabiki asked.

"I can't believe this. Why am I getting like this for Ranma? We are just going to lunch, a movie and a walk. I blame you for this Nabiki." Kasumi said.

"Look, you're just nervous about you first date," Nabiki said.

"It's not a date!" Kasumi exclaimed.

"Whatever. Don't be so nervous sis. You're just getting to know each other a little better. Just go and enjoy it." Nabiki said. Kasumi just sighed and relaxed. Nabiki finished and Kasumi stood up. She looked over herself and shook nervously. She was dressed in stylish Stripe Pointed Collar Tank Dress that left her arms bare and showed a bit of leg. She was wearing heels that she could manage and had on some jewelry. She sighed as she looked at herself.

"This is stupid." Kasumi whined.

"Enough of your whining and get down stairs. Your date is waiting for you." Nabiki said with amusement.

"It's not… oh, forget it." Kasumi said with a sigh. They made their way downstairs where Ranma was waiting. They saw that he was dressed in some really nice normal clothes, a pair of black khakis and a white shirt that was cover by a school-like jacket. When the pig-tailed boy saw Kasumi, he couldn't help but blush at the sight.

"Um, wow. You look great Kasumi." Ranma said nervously. This made Kasumi smile.

"Thank you Ranma. You look nice as well. Shall we go?" Ranma nodded and held out his arm. She took it and the two walked out of the house and toward the train station. Nabiki watched the two with a smile on her face. She entered the house and was making her way up to her room. As she was about to enter, she was stopped by Akane. She had her angry face on and Nabiki wondered what she was angry about now.

"Yes Ms. Tendo?" Nabiki asked mockingly. Akane growled but did not say anything about her tone.

"I know what you're doing. I don't know why you are including Kasumi in this but it won't work." Akane stated.

"What am I doing Ms. Tendo?" Nabiki asked mockingly.

"Enough Nabiki! I've had enough of your schemes! Don't drag Kasumi into them!" Akane shouted. Nabiki remained calm in front of Akane's anger. She then smirked at her.

"I'm not dragging her into anything. Unlike you and daddy, I like to see Kasumi have a good time. We have asked a lot of Kasumi and she has sacrificed a lot to do for this family. Don't you think that she deserves a break? Are you so heartless that you would deny her that?" Nabiki asked. Akane looked shocked and a little ashamed at what was just said. Nabiki turned away and headed back into her room. Before she closed her door, she looked at her. "Also, you might not trust Ranma but I do and I know that he will not treat her bad." She then closed the door one her. Deflated, Akane turned back to her own room and entered.

XXX

Kasumi couldn't remember the last time that she had so much fun. After leaving the house, Ranma took her to Tokyo. He took her to a nice restaurant where they talked throughout the meal. He then took her to the movies to see an American film called 'The Notebook'. She found it funny that Ranma tried to stay awake while the movie was going on. After the movie, they walked through Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen (The Imperial Palace East Gardens). They just walked and talked about stuff. Kasumi told Ranma about things she would like to do and he would tell her about his training. When the sun began to set, they made their home.

Ranma was a total gentleman throughout the day and Kasumi was very impressed at how mature the boy really was.

"I had a really good time Ranma. This has been a very fun outing." Kasumi said.

"I'm glad you like it. Whenever, you want to just take a break let me know." Ranma said.

"Careful Ranma, I really don't feel like becoming a target for Shampoo and Kodachi." Kasumi joked. Ranma laughed as well as they entered the house. Kasumi made her way to her room but before she did, she gave Ranma a small kiss on the cheek. She walked away, not noticing the goofy smile on Ranma's face. She also didn't see the broken look on Akane's face, who saw the two return and was about to talk to her. When she saw her kiss him like that, she suddenly felt her chest tighten. She didn't know why that happened but it just hurt so much.

She went to bed with a very painful heart.

XXXXX

Authors' Notes: Here you go another chapter. I received a review about how OCC Ukyo was. As you read the conversation that she and Kasumi have, that's how I feel about Ukyo. I do believe that she is a cool character but like everyone she has an idea about how Ranma should live his life. It's in the manga what she expects Ranma to do. I don't hate her but I do hold her to the same extent to everyone that what to control Ranma or kill him. Anyway, enjoy the new chapter.