Characters from the manga, Ranma 1/2 are the product of Rumiko Takahashi. This fanfiction is not for commercial use and is only for the writer's and readers' imaginations and enjoyment. I've also taken some characters from Tsukumomo as additions to the story (not a crossover per se, just using and abusing them).

For some words you might not recognize...I love the synonym/thesaurus feature on my OpenOffice Writer. It lets me expand the story as well as my own vocabulary. (i.e. quondam – former, erstwhile)

I hope you enjoy!

Rewind and Replay

Chapter Five: Cold as Death

1330, Thursday, 7 June

Two days after the tournament, Ranma-onna and Akane were walking to their appointments, having been released from their afternoon classes. Ranma-onna's insides were twisted into knots. He couldn't believe where he was going and for what purpose. Seeing his pitiable look, Akane couldn't help but laugh.

"Come on, Ranma, it's not that bad. All girls have to go through this sort of thing eventually."

This raised his ire considerably. Standing to his full height of a whole whopping one hundred and fifty centimeters, he looked imperiously at her. "I...am...a...GUY!" He shuddered uncontrollably. A few other pedestrians looked at them curiously.

This caused Akane to laugh harder. "Not at the moment, you aren't. Really, it's going to be okay. All you should be doing is talking about things and getting some information. I swear."

"I sure hope that's all it is," he grumbled disconcertedly.

They fell into silence as they finished their trek to the doctor's office. The receptionist got their information and Ranma-onna began filling out the forms. He paused at some questions, screwing up his face in consternation. Instead of checking parts or filling others in, he left them blank. After he was finished, he handed the clipboard and documents back. The receptionist looked it over, then turned the papers back towards him.

"There are a few spots you missed."

Looking at where she was pointing, Ranma-onna said stubbornly, "Nope. Not gonna answer those."

Seeing that the two were about to get into an argument, Akane intervened. She took the documents and looked them over. With a few strokes of the pen, she finished the forms for Ranma-onna, giving the receptionist a smile. "She's just a bit shy," she explained.

Ranma-onna gave her a dirty look, one that said Akane could do any number of things that were, at the very least, unhealthy for her. They sat back down.

When it came time for Ranma-onna to have his vitals checked, he was halfway across the room before he stopped. He turned, looking at Akane. "Well? Are you coming or not?"

Realizing that he was expecting her presence, Akane stood and accompanied him. When they were done with the initial checks and in an examination room, Akane sat in a corner. "Coward," she accused, but it was tempered with a smile.

Ranma-onna cast a baleful glare at her before mellowing. He breathed in deeply, then let it out loudly but slowly. "Man, this sucks," he complained to nobody in particular. He looked around at the various posters and paraphernalia scattered about. Curious, he went to one that showed a variety of intestines. As he picked it up, its innards began falling apart. "Ack," he yelled intelligently as he tried to catch the falling pieces.

Akane giggled.

The doctor knocked on the door before coming in. She saw Ranma-onna standing at a counter, looking guilty. Spying Akane, she nodded. In the same brusque manner that she had shown with Akane on their first meeting, Kato-sensei had Ranma-onna return to the examination chair, leaving the 3-D diagram where it was. She checked him in various places before finally looking at the charts she had on her clipboard.

"So, what is it that I can do for you today, exactly?"

Ranma-onna blinked several times before turning to look at Akane. Rolling her eyes, Akane answered for him. "Ranma needs information about being, well, female."

The gynecologist looked between the two, then pressed her fingers on the bridge of her nose. "I thought they taught that in your health classes at school." Ranma-onna couldn't help himself and chuckled. Giving him a reproving look, she said, "You're sixteen now. They should have taught you about your body around the time you hit puberty."

Sobering, Ranma-onna returned the doctor's look with a calm one. "They did teach me about my body. Except not this one." Kato-sensei's face hardened at this. Holding up a hand in supplication, Ranma-onna hopped off of the examination table and went over to the sink. "Just hold on. It's easier to demonstrate and then explain." He turned the faucet on, running the tap water until it was warm enough. Because the spigot was high enough, he lowered his head underneath rather than use a cup.

Just like anyone else that saw the change for the first time, Kato-sensei was surprised. Never having experienced magic, much less believed in it, she stared dumbfounded at Ranma for a moment. She then looked over at Akane, who was sitting nearby as placidly as could be.

"Yeah, you saw it right," Ranma confirmed. The doctor closed her mouth with a snap. While he was tempted to use a faux Chinese accent and speech pattern, he refrained from doing so. "I'm a guy that changes into a girl. Cold water makes me a girl and warm water gets me back to bein' a guy again." Changing the taps, he let cold water run into the sink, then dunked his head under again. He sat back down. Blandly, "Went to China, saw the sights, fell in a pool of drowned girl, got the curse. That about covers it, really."

With this brief explanation, the doctor stood up and left the room. Ranma-onna and Akane looked at each other. Ranma-onna shrugged and sat back to wait.

After five minutes, Kato-sensei returned looking a bit more collected. She sat down on her examination stool. Pleasantly, "So, Saotome-san, what is it that I can do for you today exactly?"

Sitting up, Ranma-onna said, "Okay, so...Akane convinced me to come here after she found out that I, er, well, that time of the month, so to speak. Only when I get locked as a girl, that is," he amended.

The doctor looked perplexed for a moment, then stood up. "Lie back down, if you would, please?" He did as she asked. Kato-sensei then began another examination of Ranma-onna's body, poking and prodding even more than she had before. This time, she was very thorough. Stepping back, she said, "I'm going to need you to get into an examination gown for this next part."

Alarmed, Ranma-onna said, "Uh, what?" Akane hid her face in her hands as she worked on her composure. Ranma-onna's reactions were too hilarious. He turned to Akane. "You said this appointment was just for information. You...lied." He huffed and turned away from his fiancée.

Shaking her head, Kato-sensei exited and quickly returned with an examination gown. "Remove all of your clothes, including your underwear and then put this on, please." She left to give Ranma-onna some privacy. Shocked, but having half-expecting it, Ranma-onna did just that. A knock on the door, Ranma-onna's return answer and the doctor was back in the room again. "Now, I need you to put your feet into the stirrups here."

After Ranma-onna was in place, he realized what kind of position he was in, in addition to where the doctor was sitting. Turning to Akane, he mouthed, "I hate you." Akane stuck her tongue out in reply.

It was quite an uncomfortable and invasive examination before Kato-sensei allowed Ranma-onna to sit up. "I don't know how to put this delicately. Especially depending on how you view your circumstances. Well, to put it simply, as per the exam I just did on you, you are definitely a woman through-and-through." Ranma-onna grimaced. "Using the ultrasound, I was able to determine that you do have a uterus. The fact that you menstruate when, as you say, are locked in your female form, it appears that you could potentially become impregnated." At this, Ranma-onna sagged bonelessly where he was. "What, by chance, do you mean by being locked?"

With an all-suffering sigh, Ranma-onna sat up and explained, "There were a couple of times where I had to change back to bein' a girl because it hurt too much. The first time was because the water temp that turns me back was too hot for my skin. I got hit by a pressure point that made my skin sensitive. Then the other time I was in an iron corset. Whenever I got changed, I couldn't breathe, so I had to change back immediately."

"In other words, you weren't locked in the sense that you couldn't change back. You just had to change back because of circumstances?" At Ranma-onna's agreeing nod, she speculated, "Well, it's been proven that men have a daily reproductive biorhythm unlike women. That coincides with how they produce sperm on a daily basis and are able to emit the sperm when they have sex. On the other hand, women have a monthly cycle for their reproductive system. Since you were in your female cursed form for an extended period of time, your body was able to get into a woman's biorhythm. Even with the changes you were able to attain, you likely didn't disrupt the change from female to male and back long enough to reset that biorhythm."

"I, er, guess so," Ranma-onna agreed again.

"How long exactly was it before you started to experience your period?"

Sitting back, Ranma-onna was lost in thought for a few minutes. He used his fingers to count days and weeks while trying to reason out the details. "I figure maybe a couple of weeks? I know it wasn't after a week. I got permanently locked when Herb showed up, but that only lasted just a little over a week if I remember right. Hmmm...yeah, I think it was about two weeks. I went a whole week with my first period. But the second one was stopped after I was able to get out of the corset after around two and a half weeks. Or thereabouts anyway."

"I see." Kato-sensei pushed her stool back, rolling away from Ranma-onna. "Well, as long as you aren't stuck as a girl for two weeks or more, you're likely not to get pregnant. However, if you do find yourself in such a predicament, I'd advise you to use protection of some sort. One never knows what may happen."

Thinking back to the incident he had been a part of with Tatewaki Kuno, Ranma-onna shuddered. He had been knocked out and both had lost their memories temporarily. Kuno had attempted to have sex with him. Almost raped him, truth be told. That wasn't the only time he had nearly been molested as a girl, he realized. This made his stomach drop down into his feet and his heart to leap up into his throat. Ranma-onna quickly began changing, taking the gown off. When he sat back down, he immediately rose back up again. He turned the water on and changed himself back into a guy, then sat back down.

Kato-sensei worried about what she had said, realizing that she might have gone too far. The wild look in Ranma's eyes was telling her that he was on the brink of a total meltdown. "I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have said that. But, well, I was curious about this. There's a certain demographic that would enjoy being changed to female, if you understand my meaning." She cut herself off before she could say anymore. It was too late, though, as Ranma realized what she was getting at.

"Are we done?" he asked fervently.

Looking down at the chart she had in her hands, she nodded. Ranma rushed out past her.

Akane clearing her throat brought her out of her slump. "I'm sorry, Kato-sensei. It's probably more my fault than anything. I'm the one who convinced him to come here. It's only natural that you'd, well, want to examine him thoroughly." Much like Ranma, hearing the pronouncement from the doctor had her insides in a jumbled mess. Knowing her fiancé could get pregnant just like her was disconcerting, to say the least.

Shaking her head, Kato-sensei sighed. "No. I can only imagine what it must be like for him." Thoughtfully, "A young man like him, forced to change from one gender to the next with water. I was just thinking of how the differences in hormones with his young body would affect him. The blood samples I took will help me see if he is receiving a woman's dose of hormones when female. Just being a male or just a female can be tough on a teenager. To be in his shoes and not having gone insane...it's remarkable how well he's adapted."

This insight from the doctor made Akane feel small. The times she had called him names when it concerned his curse were heavy blows to her psyche once again. As Kato-sensei had said, it was a wonder that Ranma had remained sane with the ordeals he had managed to weather. Not just the Jusenkyo curse, either. She sighed.

Kato-sensei then looked at Akane with a piercing look. "Is he...what is your relationship with...him?"

As if looking at him through the door, Akane said, "He's my fiancé. The one I'm going to marry someday."

With a sudden insight, the doctor smiled. "I think you're one lucky young lady." Akane nodded, though the doctor wasn't done. "You will probably have one of the best marriages anyone could ever have in this life." This drew Akane's incredulous look. Expanding on what she meant, Kato-sensei said, "Not only will you have a man by your side, but you'll also have someone that will understand you, as a woman. Maybe not entirely, but with his physiology, it's the closest that any man can get."

Akane smiled as understanding dawned on her.

Clearing her throat, Kato-sensei said, "Now I can see what you meant when we spoke last week. I think the word you used was...reserved, wasn't it?"

They laughed. "Something like that, yes."

"Okay, Tendo-san. Why don't you just stay right here? I'll have the nurse get your vitals, and then we'll do a quick lesson for you on your diaphragm." Akane nodded.

1430, Thursday, 7 June

Ranma practically flew out of the doctor's office. He was so upset that he didn't know what to do with himself. Heck, he couldn't even tell what he was feeling, so many emotions were bothering him at the moment. Knowing that Akane had an appointment right after his, and she would be awhile, he set out for a manic run. He pushed himself to his limits as he sought to drive the news of how complete his curse was. When he found a park with a running path, he let his legs go freely.

In the back of his mind, he had always suspected the possibility. Even dreaded it. With this confirmation, it was a blow that he was having difficulty adjusting to. This knowledge was making him seriously reconsider the idea of being a professional model. At the moment, he had no desire to be a girl for any period of time. The fact that he had just finished a tournament as a girl wasn't helping, either. He felt disgust mingling with self-betrayal.

Inevitably, as his mind was wont to do, it did manage to settle on Akane. She had taken him to the gynecologist to help him with the issues he had faced in the past. In particular, the times he had been stuck as a girl. She hadn't passed judgment on him. Instead, she had wanted to help educate, not ridicule. As his mind settled on these facts, he realized that her acceptance of him was worth more than almost anything in the world. Actually, right now it was a toss-up between martial arts and Akane. The goal of his martial arts was to keep Akane safe rather than what it had been before they had met.

After the tenth or so lap, he realized he needed to head back to the doctor's office. He didn't want to leave Akane wondering if he had abandoned her there. Entering the office, he found a seat in a corner to wait.

As his body was just beginning to relax, Akane walked into the lobby carrying a canvas carry bag. Ranma saw what looked like booklets sticking out from it as well as some odd bulges at the bottom. He wasn't curious enough to ask about it. Akane had a conversation with the receptionist for a moment before turning to Ranma. "You ready to go?"

He nodded, leading the way out.

They were making good headway on their way home. Akane knew that Ranma was upset. She called out to him, managing to get him to stop. "Hey, why don't we go and get some ice cream?"

A mixture of looks crossed Ranma's face at the idea. First, it was his initial pleasure at the idea, followed by the thought that he preferred to enjoy it while a girl. This then led him to grimace in displeasure, remembering his earlier conversation at the doctor's office. He shook his head.

Just as he was turning, Akane grabbed his arm. Seeing Ranma like this was upsetting her. "How about some yakitori, ramen or something."

Pausing, Ranma looked down at his feet, his jaw clenching. Finally, he nodded. "Sure, some yakitori sounds good."

"Good. My treat this time." She took the lead, taking him to a stand she remembered seeing on her way home from the week before. They landed nearby, strolling up to the vendor. After they got their orders, she led him to a nearby park.

While they walked, they saw only a few people enjoying the park. Students were just being released and workers had at least two or three hours to go before heading home. With the park to themselves, so to speak, Akane was able to lead him to a relatively secluded area. Even the shrill cries of laughing children were distant.

Sitting at the top of a decline that led down to a small pond, Akane said, "Our lives are probably the most interesting one could think of, don't you think?"

Ranma grunted as he chewed on his third skewer of yakitori.

"Do you think you'd ever want to have a boring life?"

Glancing at Akane, he shrugged noncommittally.

Akane took another approach after nibbling on her yakitori. "It's just like Tofu-sensei said, we lead interesting lives. All the craziness that we've lived through. My life was simple compared to yours, but I still had my issues. I got Shinnosuke hurt at Ryugenzawa when I was little. My sisters and I lost our mom. I was always getting into fights or doing things to get hurt. Kuno issued that challenge that nobody could date me unless they could defeat me." Seeing that Ranma was on his last yakitori, she held the remainder of her own out to him. He looked at it, pursing his lips, then took it wordlessly. She drew her knees up, laying her head on them, facing Ranma. "Then there's you life story, of course. You went on a training trip with your dad after signing an agreement with your mother that you'd come back a 'man among men'. There's Ukyo and the yatai, the Nekoken and a whole slew of training you went through. Following that, you went to China." Ranma stopped chewing, staring at the food in his hand. "You got cursed, beat up Shampoo and then came back to Japan."

She extended her hand out to Ranma, wiggling her fingers insistently when he didn't reciprocate immediately. Realizing that Akane wasn't going to stop, he held out his hand to her as well. Akane took his hand in a fierce grip, pulling him closer to her.

"Then you and your dad showed up on our doorstep. We didn't start out the greatest, but I think it wasn't too long before we actually fell for each other." Ranma's lips twitched with a smile, but he schooled it as he listened to her. Wistfully, "I think I actually started to seriously consider our engagement when you announced it during the skating match. But, of course, we were too immature to admit to each other how we felt. Even after two years and all of the things we went through." Laughing derisively, she said, "You know, it took us dying to actually say the words to each other."

Sitting up straight, Akane turned to face towards Ranma, clasping his hand in both of hers. "I want you to know that the curse doesn't bother me anymore. Not like it used to. I love you, Ranma." She reached one hand out to touch his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "Guy and girl. You're my lover and my best friend."

Ranma let out his breath, not having realized he had been holding it. Looking into Akane's eyes, he saw the truth of her words there. He nodded.

"I don't want you feeling ashamed of your curse anymore. It's all I've known you as. Instead of your parent's agreement, I want you to do something for me. I want you to be the best person you can be. Kato-sensei said something that was so, well, profound, I guess you could call it. You're the most human anyone could ever get. You're both a guy and a girl and you will know how it is to be both. That's more than anyone can ever say, even me." Blushing, "While I'm not into girls in that way, you are my best friend. I don't think there's anyone I can say that about, even Sayuri or Yuka anymore. You and I have shared so much together. And will in the future, too. When the time comes, we'll be married, and we'll truly be lovers. Even more than what we have shared already."

Morosely, "What if I start likin' guys?" He remembered the time Ryoga had brought the koi fishing rod, which had ensnared him.

"I know you better than that. If something like that happens, we'll find a way to fix it." Lightly ramming her shoulder into his, she said jokingly, "Even if I have to pound you to do so." They laughed at that.

The weight of the day's earlier revelations lifted off of Ranma's shoulders. With Akane's talk with him, he felt buoyant. Grateful for her words, he pulled her in for an embrace, which she gladly complied with.

After they sat that way for some time, they decided that it was finally time to get home. As they stopped by a trash bin, Akane remembered, "Oh, darn, I forgot that the girls asked if we wanted to go ice skating today."

Ranma stopped, remembering something about ice skating. When it did pop into his head, he stuck his tongue out in distaste. "Nah, I'd rather not. It might be better to avoid Sanzenine and what's-her-name."

Looking at Ranma, Akane agreed. "We wouldn't be fighting over P-chan this time, at least."

Chuckling, "Yeah, right. Knowin' our luck, it'd be somethin' else, though." Leaning down so his mouth was next to her ear, he said, "Besides, there's better things we can do with our time, don't you think?"

The warmth of Ranma's breath tickled her ear. The connotation of his words caused a stirring in her breast. "Oh, I'm sure we can think of something," she said suggestively. Turning a bit more serious, she continued, "Besides, we have to get ready for our training trip starting tomorrow. You promised to get me started on the Bakusai Tenketsu. Seeing what you did against Kodachi's iron rod made me want to learn it even more."

Lighthearted once again, the two raced home.

1800, Friday, 8 June

Dinner at the Kuno manse was always strained. This night was no different than any other. Except that Kodachi had decided to actually talk to her brother in a somewhat civilized manner for once.

"Brother-dear," she started demurely, "are you familiar with one of the girls at your institution by the name of Ranma Saotome?"

At mention of his nemesis, Tatewaki froze in place. He had been about to take a bite from his fork, but it had stopped in front of him at the name he most despised. Schooling his face from its sudden grimace, he sat back and placed his utensils down. "And why, pray tell, do you wish to know about that...that creature?" His speech was less of an Edo-period samurai at home, where he had nobody to impress. Thus, he was using less archaic words than was his usual wont. It also didn't help that Kocachi liked to mock him when he slipped up.

Kodachi's eyebrows rose in wonder at the animosity she was feeling from her older brother. Taking a sip of wine to savor this, she watched him over the goblet as she had him wait for her response. Placing her elbows on the table and cradling her chin on top of her interlaced fingers, she mildly replied, "Why, you ask? Only but a few days ago did I battle with her. The battlefield, of course, was the Rhythmic Gymnastics ring."

Rather than wine, Tatewaki had sake for his drink. Taking a sip, he pondered what he would reply with. Finally, after a moment of thinking, "What you fought was not a girl but a creature most foul. I have been told that it is cursed to change forms with the application of water. However, such a feat is ludicrous. Instead, I believe it to be a demon seeking to ensnare the heart of my beloved, Akane Tendo." He paused for another sip, watching Kodachi for any reaction. All he saw was a raised eyebrow at this pronouncement. Continuing, "This creature does go by the name of Ranma Saotome, yet it has two forms. One male and the other female. Much like what Westerners call either an incubus or succubus, depending on which form it has chosen to be in for its machinations."

Feeling incredulity at what her brother was saying, Kodachi leaned back into her chair, a smile playing on her face. She knew her brother was delusional, much like their father, but this was beyond the pale. Gender-changing demons? Ludicrous. Still wanting more information, however, "But what of...her martial skills?"

Tatewaki stared at the finger he was rubbing on the polished wood of their dining table. As yet, he had not been able to defeat Ranma. This grated on his nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard. "He appears to be quite formidable," he admitted.

"He, not she?" Kodachi asked, seeking more clarification.

Looking up at her, his eyes seemed to take on a feverish burn to them. "Yes, so he claims. I verified that he changes using water as his medium. At least the part where he is able to change from male to female. I did not get a chance to determine whether warm water reversed his gender."

This mildly shocked the younger Kuno. Her brother had dashed water upon this Ranma Saotome and changed her...no, rather, his...gender? She would have to seek this person out to witness it for herself. "You mentioned he is courting Akane Tendo? And who is she?" Kodachi already knew he had a passion for this girl. He wouldn't shut up about her and had pictures of her all over his room. She had recognized her at the tournament as Ranma's second. But she knew little more than Tatewaki's obvious obsession over this commoner girl.

If her brother's feverish look could be any more than it was, at the request of more information about his love, he seemed to burn even brighter. His face flushed and his focus went elsewhere. "Ah, yes, the fiery Akane Tendo. A tigress. She is the practitioner of her family's style, the Tendo-ryu. She recently went from being a Freshman to Senior in a matter of weeks after the arrival of Ranma Saotome. Her mind and skills are exemplary. Not to mention her lithe form and beauty, rivaling even that of Athena. Why, she might just be the personification of the goddess in mortal form. An avatar upon this world to grace us with her divine presence." He began to blather on about more of her virtues.

Rolling her eyes, Kodachi took another sip of her wine, only half listening to his verbosity. It was a wonder that her brother was able to think straight half of the time. He was in imbecile. Had it not been for their father being the principal, he would like not have been able to attend the very public school, Furinkan. Even while absent, he still had enough clout to pull the strings he wished. Tatewaki's test scores for private institutions had been abysmally low. Even so, he was likely just managing to get by at Furinkan. While his test scores were low, she did have to give it to him props about his kendo skills, which were remarkable.

As he began to wind down, the younger Kuno began to pay more attention. "Perhaps we should join forces," she interjected. She had no concern about this Akane Tendo. She was of no consequence, as she was, apparently, just another one of her brother's many obsessions.

Brought up short by this declaration, Tatewaki closes his mouth, which had hung open from being in the middle of his rant. A gleam in his eye told Kodachi that the idea intrigued him. "What do you propose, little sister?"

"Retrieve what information we can before striking. We can drive him from Nerima. Or Tokyo, even, for that matter."

Stroking his chin as if he had a beard, Tatewaki smiled. "Yes. Yes, I like that idea." He then became lost in his own world as the image of him standing on the outskirts of Nerima took hold. Before him stood the kneeling figure of Ranma, who looked beaten and broken. Behind him was Akane, who was now looking at him with unabashed adoration. As Saotome crawled away to whatever hole he had come from, Akane Tendo would throw herself at him. They would then turn their backs upon their shared nemesis, who would never show his repulsive face to them ever again. And from there...

Kodachi watched for a moment as her brother began laughing maniacally, rolling her eyes at his idiocy. She would have to do the majority of the planning. Her brother's martial abilities, while less than Ranma's, as he had admitted, would be useful for any plan she was able to cook up. Wrangling Tatewaki into whatever role she needed him for would be a trial in an of itself, but she felt up to the task.

Looking down at her plate, she found her appetite had left her. The food was now cold and unpalatable. With a wave of her hand, the maid took the plate away. While the maid offered to replace the plate, she deigned not to remain. Instead, she instructed her to bring to her room later. At this point, she had had enough of her brother, as he had now become us usual unpalatable self.

1830, Friday, 8 June

Ranma secured the rope around Akane, making sure she wouldn't slip out. Ryoga stood nearby, his gloved hands ready to pull on the rope that held the boulder. Stepping away, Ranma circled Akane, checking the fit and snugness of her bonds. With a final nod, he took several steps back. He didn't know if he was emotionally prepared for the training Akane was about to receive, but there was no convincing her to forego what she was about to endure. With a nod from Ranma, Ryoga pulled the rope, causing the rock and Akane to stretch away from each other. When they reached a position Ryoga knew was about right, he released his grip.

Sailing through the air in an arc, Akane met with the boulder with her finger, which then crumpled. She could have sworn it was her face that hit next, but that didn't matter. The entirety of her front hurt and stars were shooting across her vision. Ryoga allowed her to swing in the air for a moment as Akane gathered her wits. During one rotation, she noted through slit eyes that Ranma was covering his own, turned partly away. She could see that he had what appeared a wince before he schooled his expression and turned back towards her. When she appeared to be cognizant of her surroundings, she was pulled back up. Again she was released.

After the fifth time of seeing Akane's body slam into the boulder, Ranma had to call it quits. He turned away and left the area. Instead of the same boulder he had used, she was using one that had been the size Ryoga had supposedly learned from. Still, watching her was painful to him. He didn't want to see her getting smashed in this way. It was little consolation that she had reminded him again that Cologne had gone through the same training, who just so happened to be female as well. That had been an idea that he hadn't wanted to consider. Akane's insistence had finally worn him down to the point where he stopped arguing.

Looking at the position of the sun, he figured that there were still at least half an hour of light left of light. Heading to the place he had selected his boulder, he cast about, searching for smaller rocks, ones that were only about the size of his head. He wanted to perform some experiments using the Bakusai Tenketsu and varying levels of ki.

Since he had only blown apart the one rock the previous weekend, he was confident that he could do it again. With the additional pounding he had received, he figured he should barely feel any of the rock shards that would be flung about. As a precaution, he set his gi top aside, not wanting it to be torn to shreds again.

After attaining a sizable stack of appropriately-sized rocks, he set about focusing his ki into his fingertips. Carefully, he touched a rock, willing the ki into it. With how slow he transferred the ki into the rock, he saw that, instead of a sudden burst of rocks, it merely crumbled into large, sharp pebbles. The fact that he wasn't pelted was something he was surprised at.

Sitting back on his haunches, Ranma considered this development. It was apparent that the amount of ki and how it was administered was a major factor in how the rock responded. Holding his hand up before him, he willed more ki than he had done before into his fingertips. Leaning forward, he touched the next rock and allowed the ki to flow in. Much like before, the rock crumbled rather than exploded. Of note, however, the pebbles were a bit smaller than the previous experiment.

Emboldened by this, Ranma began testing more rocks, adding more ki to the process. In time, he was at the point where the rocks were sized down to his pinky's fingernail. It was at this point that he had to take a break. The concentration and use of his ki had wearied him to the point his body was covered in sweat, and he was feeling lightheaded. Not only that, he had exhausted the supply of small boulders he had gathered.

Looking about, he realized that he had spent over an hour collecting and then destroying rocks. It was now twilight and the stars were shimmering above. Standing, he grabbed his top and walked down a nearby slope. He sat down on a flat rock, taking a swig of water out of his canteen.

The practice he had been performing was spawning new ideas on how to work with his ki. Remembering what Herb had been able to do with his ki was something he wanted to be able to do as well. It was only a matter of time, experimentation and further development of his abilities before he was able to imitate Herb. And eventually surpass him.

Thinking of Herb, he held his hand out in front of him, palm facing towards himself and at an angle away from his body. Concentrating, he built ki into his hand. It gave off a golden glow, an indication of his confidence in himself and his abilities. He tried focusing it more past his fingers. As he did so, wisps of his ki fluttered from his fingertips. Staring at the wisps, he tried willing them to go further beyond, only to find that an invisible wind seemed to be tearing them apart.

Slumping, he passed a weary hand over his face, rubbing his eyes. He had been staring too intently, and they were both dry and strained. His ki was drained, as he had pushed as much energy into trying to get it to form more of a blade-like appearance outside of his body. It was disconcerting that he hadn't been able to do so when he as able to form large balls of ki that he could shoot out from his body. There had to be a way, he reasoned, to extend and then hold his ki out from himself rather than having it escaping into the ether or wherever it was going.

Putting his top back on, Ranma strode back up the hill and made his way to the abandoned temple.

Akane and Ryoga had already returned. Akane's initial state of toughness was nowhere near where either Ranma or Ryoga were. She as lying on the floor in a state similar to how Ranma had been the weekend prior only after having practiced an hour. As she heard Ranma's approaching footsteps, she tried sitting up, only to flop back down with a groan. She wasn't quite ready to sit up just yet apparently.

Taking pity on her, Ranma help to sit her up against the wall. He chuckled at her predicament, but didn't tease her about it. The memory of his own helplessness and her caring for him was a reminder. He went over to where Ryoga was finishing with a pot of what appeared to be a fish stew. Sniffing it, he made some remarks about how it smelled good. Once Ryoga indicated that dinner was ready, Ranma retrieved the bowls and spoons, scooping out enough for himself and Akane. He proceeded to feed Akane and himself much like she had done before as well.

After eating, Akane was feeling much better, able to sit up without having to be propped up by the wall. Noticing this, Ranma began setting up her sleeping bag. Instead of having it ready for her to sleep in, he had it set so that she could lay down on top of it comfortably. He helped her over to it, propping her feet up.

"Hey, Ryoga, c'mere and check out what I'm having Akane do. You should be able to do this, too." Ryoga did so, looking at Akane's positioning questioningly. "I'm gonna teach you two how to breathe right," Ranma instructed. Pulling out a scroll, Ranma read through the instructions out loud to make sure he had the correct techniques that would work for the two. "First, what Akane is going to do, is breathe in through her nose. As she does so, she will fill her lower abdomen with air. What she's actually doing is filling her lungs and allowing her diaphragm to push down, but at the same time, her abdominal muscles will expand out just below her navel." Taking Akane's hands, he set them in a specific position on her stomach. He double-checked his scroll. "She's going to do this a total of ten times, focusing on how it feels." Looking her in the eyes, he said seriously, "For you, don't hold your breath. Just let the natural pause from your breathing in and out be your stop and start. The same goes for you, too, Ryoga," he said, turning to the boy. He motioned for Ryoga to take up a position similar to Akane. After Ryoga was lying down, Ranma helped to adjust his hands to the right spot.

"Now, take in as deep a breath as you can, then let it out naturally. Do this ten times. Remember to focus on yourself. It's not a race to see who can breathe the deepest, fastest, slowest or whatever." Ranma watched them do so. Around Akane's fifth breath, her breathing had a light hitch to it as she felt the stirring of her ki in her lower abdomen. He smiled, "Just keep breathing. You're gonna feel more of that as you keep practicing this. You two need to do this at least two to three times a day if you can get the time to do it." Turning his attention back to Ryoga, he noticed that it wasn't until his seventh breath that he began feeling the ki building as well. He reiterated what he had said to Akane. Once they were done with that portion of the exercise, Ranma began on the next.

Over the course of the next hour, Ranma provided instruction on the development of their ki through their breathing. Thus, their night ended with the two feeling as if they had gained a great deal from Ranma's instruction.

0530 Saturday, 9 June

Throughout the weekend, Ranma worked on his own ki development with regard to breaking down the rocks and boulders. Finding the right combinations of amount and force applied was at once educational and fun. Then, just for the heck of it, he had tried doing a rapid-fire blasting action, hitting a rock face with his fingers. This had produced miniature explosions wherever he had hit, though not much damage had been done. The use of the Bakusai Tenketsu was meant for instant results and was not as efficient as focusing one's ki into the nexuses.

Taking his time, Ranma found that he could inject ki into a nexus and along the lines that lay between each of the other nexuses. Rather than releasing it like he had at the first nexus, he let it spider through as far as he could reach, which appeared to be nearly three meters in. Once he released it, depending on the amount or how the was ki injected, the results were either an explosion or a crumbling. The jaggedness of the tunnel walls he created was also affected by the aforementioned. This was tiring, though. Tunneling with the regular Bakusai Tenketsu was less so and faster. The practice was educational in that, should he find himself in the wilds and needed a place of shelter, he would easily create one.

This testing had its on way of exhausting him. Ki didn't just culminate out of the air. It came from his own personal reserves. It was his life force. Much like using the Mouko Takabisha, there was a limit to how much he could use at one time. He found that eating had helped to replenish his reserves. He had run out of high-energy snacks halfway through the morning.

At lunchtime, Ranma was finishing up making their meal when Ryoga, assisting Akane with walking, made it back to the temple. Her wrist was wrapped up in what appeared to be a brace. When questioned about it, Ryoga cast a glance at Akane, but had remained mum about it. Turning his attention to Akane, Ranma looked at her with accusing eyes.

"Don't look at me that way," she complained. "It should only be a light sprain is all. When I told Ryoga I was ready, apparently I wasn't as ready as I thought I was. My hand hit the boulder wrong and it got caught between me and the boulder."

Ranma sighed, knowing the cost of training, but still having difficulties with seeing Akane's injuries, even after all this time. He held out his hand, indicating he wanted to see hers. She complied. Unwrapping the wrist, he saw that it was bruised and swelling. Shaking his head, he grabbed a bucket and filled it with cold water from the well. "Soak it in here for a bit. Once the swelling goes down, I'll give it a massage, and then we'll wrap it up again."

Going along with his directions, Akane sat down on the porch. Ryoga smiled at Ranma's grumbling as he went back to finishing his task from a moment before. A similar thing had happened to Ranma, but the young man had shrugged off the pain and any proffered assistance. The memory of seeing him hanging there in a dazed state had been hilarious. Now Akane had done something during her own training and Ranma was beside himself with concern. Seeing Ranma's lack of regard for himself and then his overprotectiveness of Akane was amusing.

After they had eaten lunch, Ranma whipped out their school books. The two weren't thrilled at having to take time from training to do their schoolwork, but it was necessary. There were a few worksheets they hadn't managed to complete on the train ride and were due on Monday. They had no illusions that they would finish it on the train ride back. They would be too exhausted by that time. Besides, it gave Akane some more time to recover from her earlier abuses.

When they began doing their homework, Ryoga looked on with no small amount of envy. The traveling alone and lack of socialization was lonesome. Having been able to attend classes, even if irregularly at times, had been a salve to him. Of course, staying with the Tendos and Ranma was proving to be cathartic for his beleaguered soul. Everyone was treating him as if he were family, ensuring he was healing properly. Ranma had been helpful, even if he was a bit rough around the edges, calling him names. Of which, of course, Ryoga was ready and willing to give as much as he received.

2200, Saturday, 9 June

After returning to camp, eating dinner and upon Ryoga falling asleep, Akane prodded Ranma who was lying in his sleeping bag. He had yet to slip away into dreams.

Shifting to look at her in the dark, he asked, "What's up, Akane?"

"I just thought you might like to join me," she said impishly.

He could see the smile she was giving him in the light that seeped in through the shoji paper. The moon was full and just starting its way to waxing, so its light was still at its brightest. "Where were you wanting to go?" His towel flew into his face. Pulling it off, he looked back over at Akane. "Huh?"

"I thought we'd go enjoy the hot spring." When he didn't immediately reply she began to get irritated. "Well?"

Shaken out of his imagining Akane waist-deep in the spring under the moonlight, Ranma replied, "Yeah, sure." The actual thing would be better than fantasizing about it.

The two silently slipped out of the building, their flashlight lighting the path. The moonlight might have provided enough light for them to walk, but they were being extra careful due to the issue of water traps that abounded in the area. Eventually they made it to the pool.

When Akane began to undress, Ranma turned around automatically. She stopped, saying huskily, "It's okay, Ranma. I want you to watch." Her heart was pounding rapidly in her chest. In her own imaginings she had role-played the scenario they were in multiple times. She was glad that her courage hadn't wilted when faced with the actual undressing in front of Ranma.

Turning back, Ranma watched as Akane took her top off. She wasn't wearing a bra. The silver light played on her skin, shadows highlighting her curves. Slower than what was necessary she shimmied her light, knee-length pajama pants off of her hips then down her legs. The cloth pooled at her feet. She did the same for her panties. Stepping out of them, she stretched languorously, turning to show him her profile.

Ranma could clearly see that her nipples had hardened. Her pert breasts shone in the light of the moon, profiled by the dark depths of the pool. He swallowed convulsively.

Noticing that Ranma hadn't moved, Akane turned to face him fully. She placed her hands on her hips, a shy smile on her lips. "Do you like what you see?"

Nodding like a bobblehead toy, "Ahuh."

Placing one foot in front of the other as she had read, Akane walked up to Ranma. The way her hips sashayed made Ranma feel funny inside. Akane reached for the bottom of his tanktop, pulling it up. Complying, he allowed her to begin undressing him. Dropping his shirt, Akane pulled Ranma's head down for a lingering kiss. Her free hand caressed his abdomen, playing with the band of his pants. Placing his hands onto Akane's hips, Ranma bent at the knees, grasping her buttocks and pulling her up against him. Replying in kind, Akane wrapped her legs around his waist.

This position allowed Akane to slowly gyrate her pelvis into his, one hand holding his head and the other hand clasped to the small of his back for leverage. She could feel his stiffened manhood against her vulva. Carefully, she frotted against him as their kiss deepened. Slowly, Ranma lowered himself to his knees, maintaining their embrace.

They parted, breathing heavily.

Things were going much quicker than Akane had anticipated. She held a finger up to Ranma's lips, stopping him from kissing her again. He let out a moan of frustration. "I want to, Ranma...but, at the same time, I don't. Not right now, at least. I know it sounds strange. It's complicated. How about if we did it like that one time?" she asked hopefully.

With a sigh as he pulled his mental faculties back in line, Ranma agreed. There was much more he wanted to do before they rushed into having sex as well. "You're right. You want me to keep my boxers on?" he asked, wondering to which level of intimacy Akane would allow.

Smiling lasciviously, Akane shook her head. "Oh, I think we can do it naked this time." She blushed at her own forwardness.

Gathering her feet under her, Akane stood, her sex in front of Ranma's face. He almost lost it again. With a soft touch, he caressed her hips down to her thighs. Gripping her buttocks, he pulled her to him and planted kisses on her stomach, eliciting a giggle from her. Akane's fingers tangled in his hair as his lips played on her skin.

Releasing her, Ranma stood, and they laid the blanket out that Akane had brought. Ranma complied with her request of removing all of his clothing. Lying down, they started kissing again, their libidos rising to overshadow their more rational thoughts. To Ranma's mild surprise but overwhelming pleasure, he found out that, without anyone about to hear her, Akane was a screamer, biter and scratcher. As they performed their lovemaking, he varied his pace and pressure to elicit a variety of sounds from her.

Without their knowledge, as they had focused solely on each other, their lovemaking had awoken forces around them. The energy they emitted was akin to how the sun gave energy to plants. Unlike it, however, their life energy was used by Others as they gathered it to themselves for their own purposes. As well, other Forces in the immediate area had taken note of their presence.

After they were done and Akane had cleaned the mess Ranma had made of her stomach, they ventured into the hot spring. She snuggled into his arms. They were content, a healthy glow still emanating about them.

With Ranma's arm around her shoulder and her own body molded to his, Akane let her eyes wander across the landscape. While the ambient air was warm, the hot spring's water still formed steam that rose from its surface. As she watched one particular wisp, she thought she detected movement within. Curious, her eyes locked on, but she was unable to see it clearly. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the same movement in a similar vortex.

Sensing something otherworldly, Akane froze, her nails digging into Ranma's thigh. Alerted to her alarm, Ranma started to ask what was wrong as he opened his eyes and raised his head, but Akane shushed him. Quietly, she murmured, "Look at the steam and tell me what you see."

Without turning his head, Ranma began scanning his surroundings. When he looked at each of the wisps directly they appeared to be just normal clouds of water vapor that hung over the spring. On the other hand, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw what appeared to be dancing figures within each of them. As quietly as Akane, he asked, "Do you see...someone dancing?"

Nodding silently, Akane raised one hand out of the water and pointed to the largest column, which was about three meters away from them. It seemed to be a meter in diameter and stood two meters tall. Within she saw approximately eight dancers whirling through a complex, synchronized dance. Four appeared to have a liquid appearance while the other four seemed to be streaks and whirls of compressed air. "Are those elementals?"

Lowing an affirmative, Ranma peered about some more, counting the figures within sight. "We're surrounded by about fifty of them, as far as I can tell."

Lying back to watch the show, Akane murmured softly, "Wow. I've never seen something like this before."

A rustling on the shore caught their attention. Above, on a small embankment that overlooked the pool, two faces with sharp features peered out of the grass. The moonlight made the white fur at their chins and chest glow supernaturally. The four watched each other warily. The foxes, seeing that the martial artists were not a danger, sat down on their haunches and seemed to smile at them. They stared at each other for another five minutes before one stood on its hind legs and waved. The fox appeared to be wearing a red votive bib around its neck. With a backflip, it revealed two tails protruding from its hindquarters. Then it disappeared into the night. The other appeared to smile even more broadly than before and disappeared as well.

"We need to make an offering in the morning," Ranma suggested. Having dealt with oddities for two years, they weren't as alarmed as they probably should have been. An offering of a rice ball with fried tofu would be appropriate for the couple they had just seen. "When we get up for our run, we'll head into town and get a fresh slab of tofu for them. We can have Ryoga cook up a bit more rice to go with it."

Akane agreed, grinning and thankful at not having been pranked. Yet, at least. Foxes, and especially kitsune, were known for their humor. Even at the expense of their victim's health. Settling back, the two watched the surrounding dances.

0300, Sunday, 10 June

Ranma woke to the cool breeze that came from the opposite direction of the hot spring, sending a shiver down his back. Akane was pressed against him, her soft, warm body perfectly shaped to cuddle with. He breathed in her scent. It was a mixture of sweat and mineral water. Even a faint smell of her cherry blossom-scented shampoo remained despite her exertions from training and taking a dip in the hot spring. His hand, which was cupping her breast, loosened its hold, and he ran his hand down her side to her thigh then returned to its previous position. She shifted, murmuring something in her sleep.

Both of them were only wearing their bottoms under the stars. Worried, he sat up, looking for their shirts. Their belongings were scattered about the area where they had left them. He stood and gathered it all up, placing Akane's shirt and towel next to her. She rolled onto her back and threw what seemed like a series of punches in her sleep. The moon, hanging lower in the sky now, still gave her skin an ethereal glow.

The thought of their earlier lovemaking brought a smile to his lips that he couldn't have forced away even if he had wanted to. They had woken twice to assault each other, their hormones driving them to seek each other's coupling. Akane's front was still sore from her training and their rubbing against each other hadn't helped when their euphoria had finally melted away. Akane's passion and forwardness had been astonishing, he still marveled.

Kneeling down after dressing, he tenderly kissed Akane. She responded in kind, wrapping her arms around his neck. When she opened her eyes, she looked about.

"What's going on, Ranma?"

"It's getting cold out and I don't think we want to get sick." He never got sick unless something truly drastic happened, such as Happosai transferring a cold to him. Akane's immune system was a different matter.

Propping herself up on her elbows she looked down at her state of undress. "My shirt?"

"Right beside you," he pointed.

After she was dressed, both of them gathered their towels and the blanket, returning to the temple. Ryoga woke briefly at the sound of their return but immediately went back to sleep. They zipped their sleeping bags together and cuddled, falling asleep once more.

0730, Sunday, 10 June

Two hikers arrived at the formerly abandoned temple. Their backpacks were fully loaded for their travels. From a distance, they saw three other figures sitting outside. They waved merrily.

The trio that were using the temple as their base noted the approach of the two.

"Good morning," Akane called out when they were near enough she didn't need to shout.

The woman of the group grinned pleasantly, giving her own greeting. "Good morning. I'm surprised to see someone using the temple these days."

A look passed between Ranma and Akane. The arrival of two people after their previous night's encounter did not seem to be by chance. Reaching back to a plate, Ranma held out the inarizushi, a fried tofu pouch with rice packed inside, to the couple. "We made some inarizushi. It seems we made a bit extra by chance," he grinned.

The man's eyes lit up in joy. The woman cast a mirthful look at her companion, smiling. "Why, thank you," she said They took the proffered food.

The five ate in companionable silence until everything was polished off. This time, Ryoga started the conversation, "Do you two travel through here often?"

Taking a swig from his canteen, the man smiled. "Oh, we come through here about once every other month or so. We travel a lot, seeing the countryside. When we're not just wandering about, we're delivering messages and supplies between some temples."

Sensing that the young couple may have already caught on, the woman added, "Between the Inari shrines and temples, that is."

Akane jabbed Ranma with her elbow, who nodded as well. "Sorry, we didn't introduce ourselves," he apologized. He indicated the young man next to him, "This is Ryoga Hibiki. And this is my fiancée, Akane Tendo. I'm Ranma Saotome."

The couple's eyes lit up at his name for some reason, their postures tensing somewhat. The man shuddered almost imperceptibly while the woman shook her head. "I'm Kome Ono and this is my husband, Natsuhiku," she introduced for them.

"Ono, you say?" Akane queried. "Are you, by chance, related to Tofu Ono in Nerima?" There was a very slim chance of their being related. The doctor had never shown any indications of being related to kitsune in the time she had known him. This being Japan, though, and the two having the name Ono, raised certain flags in Akane's mind.

A quick exchange of glances between the two gave Ranma and Akane an unnerved feeling. "Perhaps distantly," Natsuhiku supplied.

"Ono..." Ryoga murmured to himself distractedly. Standing, he went to his backpack and pulled out a book. Reading the spine, Ranma saw that it said, Human Animals. He opened it up, referencing the table of contents and flipping to the page he was looking for. He read,

"Ono, an inhabitant of Mino (says an ancient Japanese legend of A.D. 545), spent the seasons longing for his ideal of female beauty. He met her one evening on a vast moor and married her. Simultaneously with the birth of their son, Ono's dog was delivered of a pup which as it grew up became more and more hostile to the lady of the moors. She begged her husband to kill it, but he refused. At last one day the dog attacked her so furiously that she lost courage, resumed vulpine shape, leaped over a fence and fled.

"You may be a fox," Ono called after her, "but you are the mother of my son and I love you. Come back when you please; you will always be welcome."

"So every evening she stole back and slept in his arms."

After finishing the passage, Ryoga smiled and closed the book. "I picked up this book in my travels about a month before I got injured by Ranma," he chuckled. "It's a compilation of animals that can change into humans or vice-versa. Some are "were" animals, like werewolves. The book is called Human Animals by Frank Hamel, first published in 1915." he explained.

His four listeners gaped at what he had just read and explained. A rueful grin lit upon Natsuhiku's face. He slapped his knee as he suddenly burst out laughing. "That's a good one!" he exclaimed. "Oh, to hear the old tales. Though I think I told-" he was jabbed sharply in the side by his wife's finger, "er, I think I heard it was from an Irish author by the name of Captain Francis Brinkley. Though he did prefer to be called Frank, as I recall," he murmured. He shifted uncomfortably at his wife's glare.

The man's slip confirmed the two's suspicions.

Looking up at the sky, the woman spoke up, "Well, we should be on our way. We have a way to go to the next shrine we're expected to visit." Turning to look directly at Ranma and Akane, "And we hope to run into you again as well."

So saying, they exchanged parting pleasantries and good-byes.

After the two had gone, Akane laid her hand on Ranma's thigh. "That was so...cool," she breathed.

Ranma bobbed his head in agreement. "Good thing we made those inarizushi this morning. We'll have to talk to Tofu-sensei about this sometime soon. He'll be pretty surprised, I'm sure." Standing and stretching, he shook himself. "We might as well finish up our training this morning and then get home." The others followed suit and the three went about their morning tasks.

Once the couple were out of sight of the temple, they stopped and transformed. The backpacks became the neck votives. With what passed for fox laughs, they sprinted out of the dell to the nearest Inari temple. They had much to tell.

0800, Sunday, 10 June

Shampoo walked off of the shipping vessel she had used as her transport to Japan. It had not been too hard to convince the captain to admit her as one of the crew. The captain, under the presumption that he might have had a few days of enjoyable nights with her had been quickly disabused of such a notion. It was later, after they had been a full day out to sea, that it had become too late to kick her off or turn around. Nor had it been hard to convince the other crew members that she was not to be trifled with when they had threatened to throw her overboard.

Looking down the pier, she saw that, while the country and its people were different, the hustle and bustle was the same here as in Shanghai, if a bit lower keyed due to its size. Without a backward glance at the freighter, she strode off of the pier and away from the docks. It was easy for her to avoid any of the customs and shore patrolmen that wandered the area.

It had taken her over a month to find the trail of Ranma in China. She and the panda had been slippery, giving her a false trail going to Beijing, but Shampoo had persevered. Her scouting around Shanghai had indicated her quarry had boarded a similar ship headed to the same port. The fact that a girl with a panda had passed through wasn't hard to follow once she had regained their trail.

The descriptions to her to the Han Chinese working at the docks, followed by scenting out their trail, sent her to a nearby postal office right there on the docks themselves. What luck?!

Through use of her limited Japanese along with an ample amount of wiggle and giggle to the male clerk, she was able to find out that the girl had purchased a postcard and affixed a stamp to it. The panda had then, to the amazement of the staff, written on the post card and then turned it in to them. Normally, they would not have taken note of such mail, but the staff, in their astonished state, had taken special notice of where the postcard was addressed to. It had been to somewhere in Nerima, one of the special wards of Tokyo.

Emboldened by her find, Shampoo got directions to the city that was her next destination. Using a local currency exchange, she traded her Chinese yuan for Japanese yen and found her way to a train line that would take her from Fukuoka to Nerima. A travel time of just over six hours to her destination seemed short compared to the time she had spent searching for the two. This purchase dipped into her limited funds, though, causing some concerns for her. She hadn't anticipated traveling internationally, even though her mark was Japanese. It would likely be of no consequence, as she was here to dispose of the girl, Ranma Saotome, and then return home forthwith, her honor finally satisfied.

0800, Monday, 11 June

Soun and Kasumi had been in a frantic state at seeing Akane sporting layer upon layer of bruises. Her father had gone nuclear on Ranma, berating him on the training he was giving to his precious little girl. His demon head had been especially nasty. Only her intervention had quelled his outburst. Kasumi, on the other hand, had fussed over her, making Akane feel smothered. Feeling henpecked, Akane had finally gotten frustrated with her oldest sister, telling her in no uncertain terms that she was fine and was actually pleased to have the bruises.

The morning after their return, Akane was feeling disappointed, silently deriding herself still. In all the time she had been practicing, not once had she come close to making the boulder explode. Ranma had not given her a hard time about her failure to learn the Bakusai Tenketsu thankfully. Ryoga's training had taken four to six days. She couldn't remember exactly. How long would it take her to finally push through and make the technique work? One more training trip? Two? The only consolation was that she was getting tougher.

Though, of course, more training trips meant that the two could have some more fun together at night.

During their morning trip to school, Ranma let her be, as he sensed that she was chewing on some issue. He had noted her muttering to herself about something, though had yet to hear anything clearly. As his teaching skills were being honed he had become more aware of Akane's moods and needs. This was one where she had to work an issue out that was bothering her immensely.

That morning Kuno returned to challenging Ranma, spouting off about how he would rid the school of his 'detestable presence', among other pontifications. Seeing Akane's bruised and battered form, he had become even more spastic. Finding that it might be a good distraction for his fiancée, Ranma said, "Hey, Kuno's back to his usual antics. Why don't you take care of him?"

Unlike some other opponents, Ranma did not consider Kuno a threat to Akane. His antics were annoying, but he had been outclassed by Akane for some time now. His reflexes were good for a kendoist but that was all. Now he was good for a laugh or even a live training dummy.

Tossing her bag to him, she stepped forward, not bothering to go into a stance. She merely walked towards Kuno who had retrained his focus upon Akane as she advanced. "Greetings, fair and beauteous Akane. Oh, I have longed for thee. Though I have come to smite the villainous Saotome, thy challenge to me cannot be ignored. Thusly shall I accept thy latest attestation that we should date. Come, let combat be our dance of love this morn." With deliberateness, he grasped the bokken with both hands, raising it up above his head.

Still somewhat distracted by her inner turmoil, Akane dodged the downward strike from Kuno by taking a step to her left. The bokken seemed to have slowed in her perception as she became keyed up for the fight. Stepping into his guard, she used a knife hand to strike his right wrist, causing his hand to go numb and loosen its hold upon the wooden weapon. As the pain registered, and he became aware of his predicament, the look on his face was that of astonishment.

She splayed his hands out from his body by knocking them aside with her own. With his torso open she tattooed a rapid succession of light hits, relatively speaking, from his abdomen to his chest and back down. His body lifted off of the ground several inches at this, his breath knocked out of him. When he landed, Ranma was impressed by the fact that he was able to maintain his feet, a testament to his resiliency. Or Akane's ability to manage her strength. Probably the latter, he reasoned.

Akane's left hand lashed out, grasping his numbed wrist while her other hand grasped the shirt of his outfit right above the middle of his sternum. With a small shuffle forward she swung the heel of her right foot behind him to tap the back of his right knee, causing him to become unbalanced. Using the leverage she had gained, she slammed his body into the ground where he bounced a couple of times. His head cracked on the ground, dizzying him.

Stunned, Kuno blearily looked up at the blue sky above. He had never seen Akane move so fast. His mind was still reeling from the blow from meeting the hard-packed earth, and he was unable to form a coherent thought much less anything more audible than a groan.

Ranma had watched his student's progress with a critical eye. He smiled smugly at how Akane had adapted to using a deceptive nonchalance to approach Kuno much like he did with his own opponents. What was more telling to him was that she hadn't even said anything during her distracted state. This indicated that her abilities had progressed to the point that she was now working on instinct and innate skill rather than thinking things through, which he had hoped she would begin sometime in the near future. Gladdened at this, he stepped forward, coming up to Akane's left side, handing her the school bag she had given him.

"Good job," he complimented.

Hearing this, Akane looked up at him and smiled with what he thought was her version of his own cocky grin. She looked back at Kuno, who had yet to get up. Pulled out of her reverie, she turned back to Ranma. "Thanks."

Pausing, Ranma looked back down at Kuno. "I'll catch up with you in a sec, Akane." She turned to him, noting where his attention was and nodded and went inside the school. Walking over to Kuno, who was still prone, Ranma knelt down on his haunches. "Still trying to figure out what just happened to you, Kuno?"

Turning his head at the sound of Ranma's voice, Kuno nodded. "She is...a mighty foe indeed," he admitted.

Smirking, "That's right. And she's only gettin' better. You might want to rethink what you're doin'. I don't mind her beatin' the crap outta you every mornin'. It's good practice in a way, but I also don't want her gettin' into any bad habits. Just somethin' you might want to think about...kohai."

Kuno grimaced at the term Ranma used, that of being called underclassman or junior. Yes, now that Ranma and Akane were seniors, he was not their upperclassman anymore. He was about to reply to his nemesis but found that he was alone. Rolling to his side and pulling himself up to his knees, he looked about. The last of the students were streaming in, giving him a wide berth. He saw Ranma already turning the corner to the shoe lockers. Struggling to rise, he went to change and prepare for his own classes, his mind processing his beating from Akane and Ranma's words.

When her fellow students saw her bruised and battered body, they had wondered if Ranma had been abusing her. Rather than shrinking under their stares, she had stood tall, telling them that it was all part of her training. Not only that, it had been her idea. It was their homeroom teacher, Taga-sensei, who had pulled her aside on the first break. "Is everything okay at home," she inquired, concerned.

Knowing what she was referring to, Akane beamed. "Yes, everything is just fine." She then began a description of the training she had been going through.

Disbelievingly, "Are you sure that's a valid training method? Normally doing something like that would seriously injure you, if not outright kill." Taga-sensei shook her head in wonder when Akane nodded enthusiastically.

"Ranma already learned it the weekend before last. I suppose you might not have noticed the bruises he had. Though he heals a lot faster than I do, so most of them had already been halfway healed. He used a boulder twice the size I used just to toughen himself up more. He was already able to withstand a good pounding, so he decided to go with bigger. The results did show how well it worked for him during the Rhythmic Gymnastics tournament with St. Hebereke."

Having been at the tournament, Taga-sensei did recall how Ranma had seemed to shrug off some fairly powerful blows. "Do be careful, please," she warned. "I'd really rather not be visiting you in the hospital." She shook her head again as she motioned for them to head back into class.

Later, during lunch, her friends had expressed surprise and concern for her welfare as well. While Ranma may have seemed contrite while under their scrutiny, he was, in fact, proud of how well Akane was handling the training. She hadn't backed out or shirked the training for something easier, instead going full tilt towards her goal. Mollified by Akane's explanation and enthusiasm, her friends did manage to keep from casting disparaging looks at Ranma.

After returning to school, Ranma was still weathering the fact that he was being bullied. More instances of his locker being tampered with, shoes destroyed or missing, getting splashed with water at inopportune times and a myriad of other harassing pranks. He was stoic throughout, pushing off others' concerns and saying that his plans for the bullies were in the works. Silently, he kept telling himself that this was merely training. For what, he wasn't sure, but he tried to put a positive spin on what was happening.

While school had its ups and downs, going home was a delight for the two. They quickly changed out of their clothes into gi. Ranma had decided to change from his habitual Chinese outfit to the gi, wanting to make a habit of formalizing the training he and Akane were conducting. The idea had come to him the day before as he realized that their weekends were not the only time they were learning specialized techniques. He felt that his customary outfit didn't seem to carry the same presence that needed to be conveyed.

Their afternoon session in the dojo progressed from warming up, kata, individual practice and finally sparring. Ranma was taking it easy on Akane due to the fact she was recovering from the weekend's training. He didn't want to set her back by injuring her more. While they struck at each other he provided commentary about her offense and any openings he found.

As they were toweling off, Ranma couldn't help but stare at Akane. The combination of his memory of soaking in the hot spring with her and the adrenaline pumping through his body was almost too much. Without anyone there and the door to the dojo closed, he stepped over to her, drawing her into his embrace.

Feeling much the same as Ranma, Akane melted into his arms. She grasped his gi top as their kisses deepened, and he began petting her. She moaned into his mouth as her own libido started kicking into overdrive.

A loud sound outside drew them apart instantly. Panting, they looked about guiltily. Nobody was within sight.

"We, um...we need to be more careful," Akane finally managed. Ranma nodded. Still wanting to be with him an idea struck her. Her eyes bright and her tone enthusiastic, "Tonight, after everyone has fallen asleep. Let's meet up at the shed."

Eyes glazing at the idea, Ranma grinned. "Sure. I can wait till Pops starts snorin' and then I'll signal you through your window."

Knowing that it was best for her to exit the house via her window rather than creeping through the house, Akane grinned with him. "Okay." Their plans for a secret tryst that night was a thrill for the both of them. Sneaking about unbeknownst to their family had an effect on them that sent shivers down both of their bodies. What's more, they had determined a way to enjoy each other's bodies and company during the week that would satisfy both of their wants and needs.

Their arrangement set, the two bowed to the shrine and then to each other, leaving the dojo to get washed up and ready for dinner.

2200, Monday, 11 June

Akane opened the door to the shed, wincing as the hinges squeaked noisily. Ranma looked behind them, noting that their late-night machinations were unobserved. The shed was too far from the house to be heard. After having scouted inside, he had found everyone asleep and wasn't too worried.

Entering, both of them found a stack of training mats. They closed the door behind themselves and began enjoying each other's company. While their tryst became hot and heavy, they maintained enough of their composure not to cross certain lines.

1545, Wednesday, 13 June

It wasn't until Wednesday that things became hair-raising for the Tendo household.

Shampoo sat on the roof of a house, watching the comings and goings of those at or near a compound. After finding the compound by following a panda, she had realized that the household she was watching must have some degree of influence in the area. Most of the homes nearby were much smaller in comparison. The ownership of land anywhere in the world signified some measure of wealth, influence or power. What she was indicated that the owner was just such a woman. She shook her head at these thoughts. Being in a foreign land and, unlike her own matriarchal society, much of the rest of the world was more patriarchal.

It wasn't until some hours after the noon sun had started its descent that Shampoo noticed two youths running on a fence. Her curiosity piqued, she watched them as they approached. There was an indication that they had some form of martial training, as not just anyone could balance on a thin piece of steel and move at the speed these two were.

As they approached, her hackles began to rise. It appeared that her tracking of her target had paid off. She was leading the other figure, doing somersaults and other acrobatics while the other figure, likely another girl by the fact she was wearing a dress, sped along behind her. There was the unmistakable signs of braided hair being flung about as she showed off.

Preparing herself, Shampoo leapt away from her perch on a path to intercept her target.

The look on Ranma-onna's face and her own sense of danger caused Akane to stop in her tracks, leaping backwards on the fence she was on. Ranma-onna somehow pivoted and leapt into the air just as another figure passed through the space he had occupied. He landed on the fence a few meters away, looking down at where Shampoo had landed. He knew instantly it was her because of her purple tresses. As long as he had known her, she had dyed her hair in this way.

Standing quickly, Shampoo turned to face back towards Ranma-onna. "Ranma, I kill," she called out, launching herself at her target again.

Ranma-onna called out to Akane, "I've got this!" He leapt away with Shampoo hot on his heels.

Knowing that her fiancé was capable of handling himself, Akane continued home. Upon returning, she went to the family room. Genma, still in panda form was sitting inside drinking tea with her father and Ryoga. "Some crazy girl with purple hair just attacked Ranma," she announced, watching Genma-panda's reaction.

While a panda's face and facial muscles were much different from a human's, Genma-panda was still a sight to see. The look of astonishment that changed to fear caused Akane to let out a laugh. Genma-panda leapt up and was headed to the stairs. Before he could get out of the room, Akane clotheslined him, causing him to become parallel to and bounce on the floor.

"Just where do you think you're going?" she accused. "Ranma already told me about what happened in China." Her father, sitting in his customary place, looked on with a mixture of trepidation and amusement. Ryoga merely looked at her curiously. Akane placed her foot on the panda's neck to hold him in place. For the benefit of her father and Ryoga, she began, "Apparently, soon after they got their curses, the Jusenkyo guide took them to a nearby village. The two idiots immediately began eating a table full of food, which just so happened to be the first prize, without realizing it. When Shampoo, the girl that had just won the tournament they had crashed, came up, she accused them of eating her prize. Ranma challenged her to a match. He figured that, if he could beat her, then it was no problem if he ate it. After he did beat her, she gave him what was called the 'Kiss of Death'. Something to do with outsider girls beating an Amazon or some such. Ever since then, she has been chasing them, trying to kill Ranma."

Soun sighed. He quickly reminisced of his own training days with Genma and their master. The hunger they had felt during those times had made them resort to desperate measures. He knew just how tempting a table full of food could be. "I see that Ranma is not with you, Akane. Is he off fighting her right now, then?"

Akane shrugged, "I think he's just trying to lead her away. She probably doesn't realize that he's cursed and that him being a girl isn't really who he is. When we talked about it before, he said he's going to try to get changed back to being a guy if he meets her as a girl." She took her foot off of her future father-in-law. "I don't know how long it's going to take him. From what he said, she's pretty persistent."

Soun nodded in understanding. If she had managed to find the Saotomes in Japan after having lost them in China, persistence was fairly apropos. "Let's return to our match, Saotome-kun. I'm sure the boy will be able to handle things."

Quickly, Akane ran upstairs to change out of her school uniform. While it was one of the outfits she had custom tailored, she didn't want it getting ripped up. With delight, she put on her other outfit, the one she had worn only once so far. Not knowing whether she would be fighting or not, she wanted to be prepared just in case. Pausing in front of the mirror, she admired the outfit once again. She liked how it fit her, remembering that Ranma had not been able to keep his eyes off of her when she had worn it before.

Going back downstairs, Akane began her wait for Ranma's eventual return. As time ticked by, she became slightly worried. Finding herself unable to contain her energy any longer, she began assisting Kasumi with minor chores rather than going out to the dojo. She served the men, Nabiki and herself tea and, when finished with her tea, helped by folding laundry. When that was finished, she found herself needing further distractions. Instead of helping with dinner, she simply watched, taking note of how Kasumi's care for the recipes her older sister had memorized.

Halfway through dinner preparations, Kasumi finally had Akane come over. "Would you like to help me, Akane?" she asked.

The offer was tempting. Before, she would have jumped at the chance. Now, though, she gave the offer some thought. "Instead of helping, would you mind just talking your way through what you're doing and why?"

This pleased Kasumi greatly. She wouldn't have to worry about Akane messing up dinner and it would be a time to bond. "Sure, why not?" Listening to Kasumi as she described the herbs and spices was a wonderful distraction. The particular uses, flavors and combinations that they brought out almost sounded like a musical score. When questioned about adding particular combinations, Kasumi was mildly amused at Akane's ideas. "Sometimes it's best to keep things simple. Japanese dishes are meant to be subtle for our palate. If you added those together, the flavor would be much like, well, let's just say it would be disgusting." Akane harrumphed in displeasure. "Trust me, I've tried some of the things you're asking about before. I learned the hard way what not to do. Just like with most anything else, you can learn in either of two ways. Experimentation or from other's experiences. Maybe what we can do tomorrow for dinner is have you cook. I'll have you do one or two simple tasks, and we can have you work your way up from there."

Pleased, "That sounds great." Hearing Ranma's return, Akane turned at the sound. "I'm going to go see how things went," she said over her shoulder. Kasumi nodded, returning to her own tasks.

Ranma stood on the engawa, panting. He had just leapt over the wall and had taken Genma's tea for himself, the latter looking indignant at having his drink absconded with. Seeing Akane, he smiled. "I lost her in the shopping district. I ran around to tire her out as best as I could. Then shot over to where there were a lot of people, then changed. I left from there and made my way back in a roundabout way."

Shrugging and nodding at Ranma's ploy, Akane said, "She'll be back soon enough. She knows where you live."

"That's fine. I'm a guy now. I might get a chance at telling her about the curse like we planned."

As if on cue, Shampoo jumped over the wall. She had caught sight of Ranma's male form, mistaking it for the girl he had been a moment before, while they were in the shopping district. The clothing and pigtail he wore had caused her to follow the boy for a time. Before long, she had realized she wasn't tracking a girl but instead a boy. Frustrated, she had returned to the area she had lost Ranma beforehand.

Eventually, she had given up on the thin chance of catching her prey at the shopping district. With a few muttered curses in Chinese, she had made her way back to the Tendo abode. Somehow she had made it back to her previous perch before catching sight of the same boy she had seen earlier. Curiosity had caused her to follow him momentarily after.

Shampoo landed next to the koi pond and strode forward, her chui held out menacingly. Quickly surveying the group in front of her, she zeroed in on Akane, recognizing her from before. "Where Ranma?" she asked in heavily accented and broken Japanese.

Recognizing that the question was directed at her, Akane stepped out to the engawa and offered, "Why don't you come in and have some tea?"

Looking around again, Shampoo relaxed a little and stepped forward. "You no hide Ranma."

Stepping to the side of Akane, Ranma pointed to himself, "I'm Ranma."

Glaring, Shampoo sized him up. He was wearing the same clothing, had the same hairstyle and called himself Ranma. It was obviously a ploy to throw her off the girl's trail. Turning her attention back to Akane, she ignored the male. "Shampoo look for girl. You tell where is she."

"It's okay, Shampoo, just come on in, and we can talk," Akane answered.

Shampoo's eyes narrowed. The girl obviously knew her name. That meant that she also knew the girl she was hunting. But this Japanese girl was trying to put her off of her guard. "No have tea. Shampoo Joketsuzoku, you answer what Shampoo ask." She took a menacing step forward, gripping her chui tighter and raising them up a fraction.

Getting irritated at Shampoo's reticence, Akane growled out, "Just shut up and sit down. We can talk about Ranma and get all of this settled peacefully."

Peace was the last thing Shampoo wanted to hear. Her muscles tensed, readying to leap forward while her eyes opened wider to take in her surroundings more, so she could react to most anything. In an instant, she was ready for battle. "You no help. Is obstacle."

As he saw and heard Shampoo's ultimatum and familiar stance, Ranma felt his emotions wash away. Strangely buoyant, like when he had when he had shouted at Kuno, his body tensed imperceptibly. Akane, next to him, was doing something similar, though she hadn't gone into the same mental state he had. Detachedly, he realized that Akane didn't consider Shampoo's killing intent as serious as he did. She swiveled her one foot back, pulling her hands up in a defensive posture.

Shampoo leapt forward, swinging her chui in a deadly arc. She didn't care whether the girl in front of her was a warrior or not. She was an outsider. Not only that, a foreigner to her. Her life was, in her estimation, forfeit for not having caved to Shampoo's demands. Seeing Akane take the defensive stance, a grim thought flashed through her mind that she was about to have her first kill.

The other members of the household watched, frozen as Shampoo flew through the air at the youngest Tendo. Genma-panda, who had accompanied Ranma, worried about Akane. Granted, she was a martial artist, but he had yet to see how good she was. Shampoo's skills he was a bit more familiar with. The others, all the Tendos and Ryoga, saw a crazed woman attacking their little girl, sister or benefactor, respectively. While Nabiki had seen the boys at school attack Akane, she had never seen anyone with killing intent go for her. All of them sucked in breaths at the ferocity of the attack.

Just before Shampoo was able to strike Akane, there came the sickening snap of bone breaking as a foot intercepted her. Shampoo, having ignored Ranma, was taken by surprise by his attack. His snap kick caught her in the left arm, breaking it while the kick itself continued on to her chest. The kick was so fierce that it immediately halted her forward progress and sent her flying backward. One chui flew to her right while the other was launched up and behind her, each landing on the ground several meters away. She, herself, impacted into the wall surrounding the compound. While she didn't break through, the crater she made was massive, bulging in and pieces falling down on top of her.

Ranma returned his foot to the floor of the engawa. Everyone looked at him in astonishment. Akane and Genma more so than anyone. A cold aura wrapped around him as he stood there. The moisture in the air condensed instantly, creating a flurry of ice crystals. As the warm, moist air fought with the cold air, a veritable storm began to coalesce around his body. Akane shivered at the cold as she stood next to him.

He took a step off of the engawa, walking slowly and deliberately. A two-meter wide swath of frozen grass and water followed him. It was so cold that the summer heat was having difficulty thawing the ice. Everything was reacting as if it had been dipped into liquid nitrogen.

Nobody moved, not understanding his intentions. Before him, Shampoo regained her senses to some degree and attempted to stand up. Still on the ground, cradling her broken arm, she looked up at the figure looming over her. One hand grabbed her by the throat, lifting her effortlessly off of the ground. Her air supply instantly cut off, she struggled in the grip, striking the arm with stone-shattering blows with her right while the other hung limply. This did nothing to loosen Ranma's hold on her. He took a step forward, pinning her back against the crumbling wall.

Raising his right hand, Ranma then punched Shampoo. "Don't you ever threaten Akane again," Ranma growled through clenched teeth. He highlighted what he said with a strike to her body. The body blow resounded sickeningly throughout the courtyard. The first strike drove all the air that had remained in her lungs out as it slammed into her breastplate, crumpling it like tinfoil. The second was just above her navel which, had she been able to, she would have begun retching.

Shampoo's face began to take on an unnatural color as her life began to ebb from her. Each strike sent a tremor through her body as sparks of light flashed across her sight. She was quickly losing consciousness, her vision hazing and then blackening. For the first time in her life she was terrified.

Realizing Ranma's deadly intent, Akane jumped off of the engawa, grabbing onto Ranma's right arm in an attempt to stop him as he attempted to land a third strike. He absently shook her off, causing her to fall down at his feet. Seeing this, both Genma-panda and Ryoga leapt forward as well. As Ranma pulled his arm back again, Akane grabbed onto it with a fiercer grip, her muscles straining with the effort. Ryoga began pounding on Ranma's left arm at the elbow to get him to release his stranglehold on Shampoo.

With a decisive strike, Genma-panda clobbered Ranma behind the ear. The two holding him felt his muscles slacken. This effectively knocked him out, causing him to crumple bonelessly. Still held by Akane and Ryoga, he didn't fall all the way to the ground as they shifted their grips to catch him. Shampoo, released from his deadly grip, collapsed to the ground, finally able to gasp in life-giving air. She alternated between retching and gasping for air.

Seeing that Ranma was okay, Ryoga helped Shampoo up and assisted her to the engawa. Kasumi quickly fetched a pillow as the wounded girl was laid down, propping her feet up. Nabiki ran to the telephone to get Tofu-sensei over to their place as quickly as possible. She was so frightened by the level of violence that she had just witnessed that her voice trembled as she spoke with him on the phone. When she hung up, she nearly collapsed as a wave of dizziness swept her. Stumbling back to the family room, she collapsed onto the couch and began trembling as tears washed down her face.

Kasumi handled the situation remarkably well. After getting the pillow, she began assessing Shampoo's vitals. She checked to see if her throat had been partially or entirely crushed under Ranma's deadly grip. Finding that it hadn't, she did find that there would be a horrible bruise there. Additionally, as she examined her neck, she found that Ranma's cold aura had given the poor girl what appeared to be frostbite. Noticing that Shampoo had labored breathing, she pulled off Shampoo's dented breastplate. Kasumi ripped the fabric away from Shampoo's chest, seeing that bruises were already beginning to show as red welts.

Upon seeing what Kasumi had been doing, Ryoga turned his attention back to Ranma. He went over to where Akane was crouched over him in concern. He looked peaceful while lying in the grass that was slowly thawing. "Do you want to bring him inside?" he asked.

Akane nodded, lifting Ranma's upper body up so that she could duck under his right arm. Ryoga took his left. "Let's take him up to his room." With little effort, the two took him upstairs. Ryoga held Ranma while Akane fetched his futon and laid it out. They set him down gently. Not willing to go downstairs to see a half-naked girl, Ryoga decided to keep Akane company.

In the intervening time from her call to Tofu-sensei and his arrival, Nabiki was able to regain her composure. She berated herself at how she was reacting. Having lived with Akane and her volatile temper, she should have expected some form of violence. As she examined the play-by-play, she realized that she had never been witness to murderous intent. Shampoo's and Ranma's had been so palpable that even she had felt it. With a shudder, she went to the front door in expectation of greeting Tofu-sensei.

When he arrived, Nabiki called out that Tofu-sensei had made it there. Genma-panda, knowing his condition whenever Kasumi was around, hurriedly pulled her out of the room and into the kitchen. He wrote on his board that she should probably get some tea made up for everyone. Deciding that Genma-panda's suggestion was wise in that it would help calm the household's nerves, she began to do as requested. Genma-panda filled a glass with warm water from a still-warm kettle, changed into a man and hurried back into the family room.

Tofu-sensei examined the girl, taking care not to exacerbate her injuries. He pulled out various instruments to check her vitals. Finding that her airways were clear, he began palpitating her lower abdomen, asking if anything hurt. Of course, Shampoo felt that everything hurt, but his probing did not indicate that she had life-threatening injuries. Soun, Genma and Nabiki, upon hearing this, sighed in relief. Finishing with his exam, he looked at the assembly. "I presume we shouldn't take her to the hospital?" he wondered. From his conversations with Akane and Ranma, he knew who the girl was. She was in Japan illegally and taking her to a hospital would create complications for the girl and the two's plans for her.

Genma answered, "Yes, if we can avoid it. She came here from China looking for Ranma." He quickly explained for Tofu-sensei's benefit the relationship Ranma and Shampoo had. This included details of the most recent fight.

After hearing the end of the story, Tofu-sensei turned his attention to the broken arm. He set and splinted it with some of some proffered pieces of wood and used strips of silk he cut from Shampoo's clothing. It was effective for the moment.

"Let me go check on Ranma," Tofu-sensei offered once the explanation was completed. Nabiki led him upstairs to the guest bedroom. Luckily, this was just before Kasumi finished making tea and exited the kitchen.

Once upstairs, the two found Ranma sitting up, rubbing his head. Still feeling discombobulated, Nabiki fled back downstairs, away from Ranma. The three inside of the guest bedroom greeted him.

Kneeling down, Tofu-sensei began examining Ranma's head while asking questions. "So, how are you doing, Ranma?"

"Fine, I guess," was his reply. Tofu-sensei noted that Ranma was not his usual jovial self. Rather, he was just this side of being emotionless. It concerned him that Ranma's emotions had shut off, and he had gone into a killing mode.

Delicately, "Have you ever experienced this type of...shall we say, rage before?"

Akane focused on the word Tofu-sensei had just used. She hadn't thought of it as such, but she could only presume that the doctor's medical training may have helped him identify what had happened.

"Sorta," Ranma confirmed. "When Kuno had his group of priests with the magic circle at school. Only thing is, this time, I didn't really care and..." Ranma looked down before continuing. "Well, anyway, I just didn't care. Just like Shampoo was saying, 'obstacles are for killing', is what I pretty much thought. She attacked Akane, end of story." His voice had a sense of finality to it that sent a chill through the listeners.

Remembering his encounter with Ranma, Ryoga thanked whatever gods that were watching that Ranma hadn't felt the need for taking his life. His own injury had been an accident. He suppressed a shudder at the idea that had Ranma wanted to dispose of him, there would likely have only been a smear of him left at the school.

"I'd like to speak to Ranma in private if I could, please." Nodding, Akane and Ryoga stood. "No, I'd like you to stay here, Akane." Ryoga left while Akane sat back down. They heard Ryoga turn left, hit the T-intersection and turn back around to go down the stairs. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he then sighed heavily. "Ranma, with the experiences you described about your fight before the two of you came back...I think you need to get some professional help." Ranma grimaced, understanding the implications. He was about to deny it, but Tofu-sensei pressed on. "You're exhibiting classic symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. While you might not think it's a problem, it may escalate to something more. Today almost ended in disaster for two people." There was a no-nonsense tone to his words.

Hanging his head, Ranma thought about what had just been said. As he did so, Akane reached out and took his hand. He looked up at her, back at their hands and then up to the ceiling. As his mind processed what he had been about to do, he began to realize that he had almost gone too far. Shampoo wasn't as much of a threat as Saffron had been. Why he had reacted the way he did was disconcerting. He could tell that Akane was scared, whether for him or of him, he wasn't sure. That was something he didn't want. "May-maybe. I guess it wouldn't hurt," he conceded.

"Good. I'll call around for you and make the necessary arrangements. I want to make sure I find the right person for you, considering...your unique circumstances." The two nodded at this. Turning his attention to Akane, "I think it might not be a bad idea to have you see someone as well."

"I'm okay with that," Akane affirmed. While she didn't want to go herself, she realized that her attendance would ensure Ranma would seek the help he needed.

"I'm glad to hear that. On that note, I think you'll be fine for now, Ranma. You don't have a concussion. Do you think you're up to going downstairs?" He didn't feel concerned about a relapse from Ranma. The threat had been neutralized, and he didn't believe Ranma would go into a version of a berserker frenzy again.

Ranma nodded, "Sure." The three went downstairs.

Shampoo was seated at the table, a cup of tea before her and an ice pack sitting atop her head. She had a yukata in place of her ruined outfit. Upon seeing Ranma, she flinched and let out a whimper. Immediately embarrassed by her own cowardice, she straightened, but refused to look directly at him.

Tofu-sensei, upon entering the room, saw Kasumi. As his glasses began to fog up, Ranma gripped his shoulder, digging his fingers into his clavicle and grabbed the wrist of his arm. The pain brought a sharpness to his dulling senses. Instinctively, he tried to get Ranma to release him but found his reaching hand grasped by Akane's iron grip instead. She twisted his wrist at a painful angle then pushed his arm behind him in a classic hold that was nearly impossible to get out of. The two effectively held him in place, standing in the entryway to the family room.

"Oh, good to see you, Tofu-sensei," Kasumi greeted.

As the pain kept him sane, Tofu-sensei was able to reply. "H-hello, Kasumi-san. It's...ow!...nice to see you as well."

"Would you like a cup of tea?" she offered. She smiled sweetly at him.

He almost lost it again. Looking between the two that were holding him tighter, he said, "Why, yes, I believe...ooh...I would. If, that is, you two would let me?"

Ranma smirked, "Only if you think you can handle it."

Nodding, Tofu Ono, for the first time, was able to handle being in the presence of Kasumi Tendo. He sat down with the presence of his two...benefactors?...sitting on either side of him. He absently rubbed at his clavicle and then his wrists. Kasumi served him some tea.

Silence stretched for a long minute before Ranma finally shattered it. "So, Shampoo, you willin' to listen to what we have to say finally?" She nodded, still unable to look at him. In a cold voice reminiscent of his earlier temperament, he continued, "First, never even think of attacking Akane again." The others at the table tensed. Shampoo nodded her head rapidly, biting her lower lip as a tear escaped. Satisfied, "You've got a few things wrong when we were in China. I'm actually the girl you've been chasin'. The only thing is, I've been cursed because I fell into one of the pools at Jusenkyo."

Disbelieving his assertion, Shampoo managed to turn her head to look at him. Akane quickly fetched a glass of cold water and the kettle that had been heated for tea. Ranma quickly demonstrated for her.

"I'm a guy. As you can see, cold water turns me into a girl. Hot water gets me back to bein' a guy again." He sighed, "So, ya see, your 'Kiss of Death' don't really count." Giving her a level look, he also iterated, "And don't think of givin' me the 'Kiss of Marriage' either." This last set off the group that didn't know about the 'Kiss of Marriage'. They looked between him and Shampoo, some voicing their questions vociferously. Ranma waited for them to calm down. "Shampoo, let me see your book."

"Shampoo no have." She looked about. "Was in armor."

Nabiki retrieved the book, handing it to Ranma. As her hand neared Ranma, it began to tremble uncontrollably. She snatched her hand back, holding it with her other, berating herself again at her reactions.

Turning the pages to the Japanese translations, Ranma read the laws transcribed there to the group. "As you heard, 'Kiss of Death' to female outsiders and 'Kiss of Marriage' to male outsiders. Though, of course, Shampoo's not gonna give me another kiss...ever." There was a finality to his words that were unmistakable.

With everything seemingly settled, Tofu-sensei piped up, "I need to get her to my clinic, so I can get a cast on her arm. She has some fractured ribs, but they're not bad enough they need to be bound. The breastplate she wore took the brunt of Ranma's punch. She will stay there overnight for a day or two to recover. If you'll excuse us."

"Pops, you go with, too," Ranma commanded. Surprised by Ranma's tone and at being ordered by his son, Genma looked over at the young martial artist. He didn't say anything, but he did stand up and assisted Shampoo back to the clinic.

"Tofu-sensei was quite professional today, now wasn't he?" Kasumi observed after the three were gone. Those in the know rolled their eyes.

Turning to Akane, Ranma pointed upstairs. The two left the rest of the group to their own devices. When they made it to Akane's room, Ranma asked, "Are we good with the letter?" Akane reached into her bottom desk drawer and pulled out an envelope. Ranma took it from her, quickly reading through what had been written. "Glad we decided to have you write this. My handwriting is terrible." He held up his calloused hand. "Cologne probably would have been able to read it, but maybe she'll take what we want to say seriously with your girly handwriting."

Akane fought back the urge to smack her fiancé. "Whatever, Ranma. It took us nearly three weeks to finally come up with what we wanted to say and how to do it."

In defense of his earlier statement, "Hey, c'mon, I didn't mean it like that. Sheesh." He met her glare with a frown of his own. "What I meant was that they're Amazons or whatever you wanna call them. She doesn't know me this time. They only respect other women. So gettin' her here is gonna be tough now that Shampoo isn't going to be comin' after me to kill me or as a fiancée."

Huffing in exasperation, Akane had to agree with his statement. She kicked herself mentally at having gone back to her knee-jerk reaction because of Ranma's inability to express himself properly. "Sorry. I guess I'm still on edge about what happened earlier," she admitted.

He shrugged, letting bygones be bygones. "Yeah. I didn't really expect to do that, either. It's just...that I lost it when I saw her goin' after you. I couldn't help it." He hung his head, shamefacedly.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Akane offered.

Stiffening, Ranma shook his head. "Nah, not right now."

Akane heard the implied "probably never" that he didn't say. Taking the envelope, she put it onto the desk. She then took his right hand and placed it over her heart, holding it in place. Then she took her own right hand and place it over his heart. "Remember, Ranma, we love each other. We live...and would die for each other. Don't forget that I'm always here for you." Releasing his hand, she stepped up and embraced him. "Besides, with your training, I would have been able to smash Shampoo, I'm sure." She left it unsaid that she was somewhat miffed about his interference by fighting Shampoo. Yet she didn't want to spoil the mood by starting a fight needlessly. It was another point of her growing maturation.

He smiled grimly, nodding. "Yeah, you've definitely gotten better. And you're gonna get even more so, it's just a matter of time. If we can get Cologne here we should be able to get her to train us in some more of those Amazon techniques."

0900, Thursday, 14 June

Genma and Soun sat on the engawa, looking at the crater in the wall of the compound. They shared a concern of the previous day's events.

"Saotome-kun."

"Tendo-kun."

Soun sighed. "Saotome-kun."

Gemna sighed. "Tendo-kun."

Taking a sip of his tea, Soun looked at his long-time friend. "The boy's temper is remarkable." His tone was a mixture of concern, exasperation, disapproval, fear and trepidation.

Taking a sip of his tea, Genma shook his head. "He does have a temper, but I have never seen him in such a...foul mood."

"Hmm."

"Yes, quite."

Their minds reviewed the events. Shampoo's demands and threats. Ranma's retaliation and words.

"My daughter...to see him protect her in so forceful a fashion." The smile plastered on his face while mentioning this made the admiration he had for the boy evident. It was much like he had felt when he had been courting his own wife many years ago. He would have done anything humanly possible to ensure she came to no harm. Of course, what had caused her eventual demise had been out of the abilities of a martial artist to remedy. The reminder caused his smile to slip a little, but it came back in full force with only a twitch of his lips to show this turn of emotion.

"Yes, Tendo-kun, it could mean that he is beginning to accept the engagement and has feelings for her." He nodded sagely, a broad grin plastered on his own face.

"Oh, happy day," Soun murmured. He let the tears of happiness flow. His late wife would be proud of their daughter, to so inspire a young man to protect his fiancée and student. The tall, mustached man did have his concerns. "Since he has come here there have been incidents relating to his control. What was that with the cold, though?"

The very same had worried Genma. "I'm not sure where it's coming from. Before we came he was never like this.. The boy's been a little off since Jusenkyo. Perhaps it has something to do with that." The statement was almost a question, as he didn't have an answer for the fact Ranma had frozen everything around him. Not having been in the mental or emotional state as Ranma, he could neither confirm or deny the ability.

They both sighed at this. Both had heard of Jusenkyo from their master, yet had never received a full accounting of the place. Only the recent visit by the itinerant travelers had provided some light concerning its nature. Since it was a cursed place and they had only been there for a day, Genma wasn't sure what else was associated with the waters. The thought that there could be more to it than just changing genders or bodies at the splash of water made the man quiver in fear.

"Perhaps it has to do with the stress he has been put under," Kasumi said from behind them. She refilled their cups with chilled barley tea.

Genma was about to reply to this, but he shut his mouth. For once, he considered another's words.

His own curiosity piqued by Kasumi's observation, Soun asked, "And what do you think is causing this, Kasumi?" A woman's insight might be helpful in this instance.

Placing her right index finger onto her chin, Kasumi looked thoughtful, pensive even. "Between the curse and suddenly being engaged to someone you don't know, perhaps? Not only the engagement, but also taking them on as a student. I'm sure the stress of that alone is fairly high right now. The boy Kuno at school, becoming a senior all of a sudden, a tournament against a crazy gymnast, injuring a friend, being bullied at school...Hmm. I'm not really sure." Her eyes belied the last statement as she looked at Genma. Nobody knew how Kasumi knew, but she did know about the bullying.

The subject of her stare cleared his throat uncomfortably. The last issue had not been known, but Genma wasn't worried about it. Ranma had faced trials before at school and had overcome them one way or another.

In an attempt to save face for his friend, Soun replied with, "Yes, well...a martial artist's life is fraught with peril."

Genma nodded in agreement. Kasumi sighed at the older men, shaking her head in disappointment.

1530, Thursday, 14 June

Shampoo lay in the clinic behind a privacy screen. The business of the day was going on beyond.

Her pain had dulled from the previous day's beating. The doctor had gotten her care to the broken arm by calling another clinic. Someone had arrived with the proper materials and had quickly set the bone and provided a cast. Her remaining wounds he had administered to himself, putting on ointments and providing acupuncture.

Shampoo's father would be beside himself in anguish at seeing his daughter in the state she was in. He had always lavished his attentions on her. One would say spoiled. It had been her pride she needed to assuage when Ranma had eaten the prize she should have been enjoying. To have some outsider come and beat her, she had felt the need to show that she was not to be trifled with.

The worst of the pain she was feeling now was shame. Not only had she failed in her quest to kill the girl, it had ended with her being soundly beaten. Almost to death by a man, no less. Had he not done it so thoroughly she would have given him the 'Kiss of Marriage'. The young man had such good looks and was so skilled she would have been the envy of all if she could bring him back. It was not to be. He had been adamant about not wanting her whatsoever. Not that she could blame him, she reflected. He had been hunted from her village all the way to his own home. She had obviously threatened someone important to him, as indicated by the vehemence of his actions.

As the day progressed all she was able to do was think and rest, her thoughts helped to come to grips with what had happened. Human nature asserted itself, and she was able to rationalize how events had come to be. It wasn't necessarily her fault that she had lost. Ranma had been overwhelmingly good. She might be punished for having failed. If so, it would likely be because she hadn't been able to bring Ranma back as a husband. The punishment for that was much less than her not killing her target, the female Ranma. The lack of killing would be supplanted by the fact that Ranma was, in fact, a man rather than a girl, and suffered from a gender-changing curse. That alone would spare her from some more humiliating punishments that could be prescribed.

Everyone in the village knew of Jusenkyo. But the tales of it were tales told to children to scare them into being good. Its tales were a form of a bogeyman. Nobody of her generation had taken them seriously. Seeing now what the curse from there could do, she was able to believe just how her elders had wished to keep the full nature of the place a secret. Not so much that youngsters would go seeking it out as a dare, of course. Ranma had said there were worse curses to be had. Animals of numerous types, the girl, boy and a multitude of others he didn't know about but could only speculate. She shuddered at the thought of going there and obtaining a curse for herself. Having one's gender or humanity slip away was too chilling.

Later on, in the afternoon, she found that she had visitors. Akane and Ranma came in to disturb her reverie. Finding that she wasn't adverse to their presence, she gladly sat up stiffly to entertain them.

Ranma brought them each a cup of tea. The doctor and impromptu mentor came over, putting on hold some of his patients for the conversation that the three youngsters would be having. He wanted to be there to head off any potential for ill will between any of them, given their prior history.

"So, uh, how ya feelin', Shampoo," her erstwhile quarry asked. Ranma held his tea cup with both hands.

"Shampoo feel much, much better." It was true. Tofu-sensei had checked on her occasionally to ensure she wasn't stiffening up while lying about. He had even allowed her to do some stretches, but that had been all so far. "Able go back home tomorrow," she affirmed.

Akane smiled. "That's good to hear. If you need time to rest up more, you can stay at our place for a little while if you need." Unlike the previous Shampoo she knew, this one was not after her fiancé. Feeling magnanimous, she was willing to offer the comfort of her home at this time. Had Shampoo attempted to claim Ranma any thoughts of such would not have surfaced.

"Shampoo gone too long. Want go home. Need report what happen." She smiled sadly, looking down at her arm.

Clearing his throat, Ranma said, "We've got a letter we want you to deliver. It's to your elder, I guess you could say."

"There many elder." She looked at him quizzically.

"A relative of yours, I guess." Remembering their story of how they would get the letter to Cologne without revealing outright that they knew her already, he continued, "To try to explain the situation. That way you don't get into too much trouble."

Akane pulled the letter out of her bag, handing it to the Amazon. Shampoo took it, looking about in frustration at where to put it. Laying them in her lap, she returned her attention to her guests.

"I've got a set of clothes for you to wear." Ranma gave her a small backpack they had purchased earlier that contained the clothes he was referring to. Inside were her weapons and breastplate. He smirked, "Since you're taller than my girl side and shorter than me, they'll fit you okay. I wear them because I can adjust the drawstrings whenever I change. Pretty convenient."

"Shampoo thank you. These clothes no so good," she said, gesturing at the yukata she was wearing. It was foreign and uncomfortable. She wished she could be wearing her blouse and pants, her chest covered by her breastplate. It had been battered to the point it would not fit her properly anymore by Ranma's punch.

Given her own fashion sense, Akane could understand Shampoo's trepidation. "If we had been about the same size I would have let you have one of my outfits," she admitted.

Amusement twinkled in Shampoo's eyes as she looked over Akane. She saw that her breasts were considerably smaller than her own. Akane's figure wasn't as curvaceous as hers as well. Not wanting to offend her, however, she merely replied with, "Thank you for thought. Ranma clothes okay till Shampoo get back to China or home."

Seeing that she had been sized up, Akane felt a bit peeved but was glad Shampoo hadn't said anything. She was still sensitive to comments concerning it, especially from Ranma's quondam paramours.

Before things could get out of hand, Ranma butted in. "Akane and I got together and got you some money to help get you back home. There's some yuan from when Pops and I were there. We also got some yen if you need it. Otherwise, you can exchange it into yuan when you get to China."

The details of how she would get back weren't important. Shampoo had done so before on her own. The money was more a gesture of goodwill on their parts. Additionally, with her injuries, Shampoo would likely face a few more challenges than had she been at full health. The money would allow her to obtain safer passage through China.

Even after having spent the day in bed, Shampoo couldn't help but feel a yawn overtake her. Mortified at her lack of manners as she covered her mouth when she did so, she said, "Shampoo so sorry."

"On that note," Tofu-sensei said, "I think Shampoo should rest before I get her dinner. Why don't you to get on home?"

Nodding, Akane and Ranma left Shampoo to get some sleep.

After they stepped out of the room, Ranma turned to Tofu-sensei, "Could we talk for a minute, if you don't mind?"

Motioning for them to follow him, he led the two to his office. He poured tea for each of them. "What can I do for you," he asked.

Smiling, having a hard time holding in his mirth, Ranma related their encounter while on their recent training trip. Afterwards, Tofu-sensei looked thoughtful.

"So, you're saying that I might be related or have kitsune blood in my lineage?"

Akane agreed with the assessment, "Maybe distantly for you. The two we met didn't know you personally, at least. By how many tails we saw, they're only about two hundred years old. Though, just like the Tendo and Saotome families, there are the main branches and then the others. The story, being over fifteen hundred years old might be a fable, though they didn't seem to act like it was. They may be full kitsune or part kitsune, we don't know. If anything, though, we just thought you might get a kick out of it."

Barking a quick laugh, Tofu-sensei nodded. "Yes, it surely is an interesting story. I'll have to talk to my mother. She likesthe old tales. Perhaps she knows something of it, even if she did marry into the family." He shook his head ruefully.

"Well, we should let you get back to your patients," Ranma said. They had taken up much of the doctor's time between meeting with Shampoo and their story.

"Right. So, thank you for the story and I'll be seeing you two." He led them out to the front of the clinic.

0800, Friday, 15 June

By Friday morning, Shampoo was healthy enough to travel. As per Tofu-sensei, she agreed to take it easy on her return trip. Unable to travel through official ports of entry, she was forced to seek out alternative methods in order to return to China. She decided that sneaking onto a flight bound for China would be appropriate. With information garnered from Ranma, she was spared the long trip from Tokyo to the south of the country. Nabiki had done some legwork for him to identify the flights available, times and destinations. Obviously she would be able to find quicker passage by secreting herself in the hold of a cargo carrier rather than finding a shipping vessel again. She made her way on the rail system to the airport and waited for the right time to do what was needed.

1830, Friday, 15 June

Three other youths were on a journey of their own. It was now becoming a familiar one to them as they rode the trains that took them to their destination. When they arrived, Akane and Ryoga had immediately departed to continue her Bakusai Tenketsu training.

Ranma, on the other hand, had other plans. While he had learned a good deal about the use of his ki when it came to the rocks, he still had more training he wanted Akane to go through. Thus, he began a survey of the surrounding environs. With notebook in hand, he drew some rudimentary maps of the area and began formulating ideas of how he wanted to create an obstacle course. With Ryoga in mind as well.

Checking in on Akane, Ranma found that she was managing to withstand the pounding of the boulder with little effort. When she was finally done for the evening, he surprised her by changing out the boulder for a larger one. It was one and a half times larger. Akane had to fight the butterflies that rose in her stomach at the realization that her body was going to go through even more abuse before she would master the technique. After several moments of wrestling with her inner turmoil, she managed to settle it with her determination.

Because she had weathered her training easily enough, Akane wasn't worn out like before. Much like she had done during the week, she observed how cooking was done. Kasumi's lessons had been insightful. Unlike at the Tendo kitchen where there was a gas stove, the kamado was still an enigma to her. Maintaining the right heat with the wood could, at times, become a challenge. Yes, she had managed to make a palatable curry using it, but she was taking the time to learn the ins and outs of providing a steady and even heat. Ranma's analysis of her dinner the first weekend had been generous, she understood. With the combination of the two she hoped to begin making palatable meals other than curry.

2000, Friday, 15 June

After the martial arts duo had left, Nabiki secluded herself in her room after dinner.

Her earlier thoughts of taking advantage of the two were being blunted. Her revenge against Ranma's disabling of her after her finding out about them was grinding to a halt. Now, having seen Ranma's actions against Shampoo had frightened her to the core of her being. There had been little remorse for the beating he had given the woman-warrior. His reticence at her manipulations some time ago were coming back to remind her that he was more than a little displeased with her and her antics.

Was that because Shampoo is a warrior? she wondered. Genma had been surprised at Ranma's cold fury. Neither he nor her father had said anything about the affair as far as she knew. Were they concerned about how Ranma reacted to Shampoo's threat to Akane? Or did they not worry because he had immediately protected her? What was their game plan for the two of them?

Akane had flatly stated about their fathers not caring much about whether the two were from the future. They just wanted to have the schools joined. These and more questions flitted through her mind as she contemplated these concerns. She found herself replaying the incident over and over in her mind. The kick, his aura freezing the surrounding air, his sledgehammer-like blows on Shampoo's body, the martial artists leaping forward to stop him...she shuddered at the memory.

Never before had she felt such murderous intent. It had scared her beyond belief, she realized. The physical reaction she had had after calling Tofu-sensei was a indicator of how shaken she had been. Ranma's training wasn't a hobby. It had made him a killing machine, even if he might have a heart of gold. The discussion with the two and witnessing his actions made her realize just how dangerous he was.

At first, Nabiki had thought that Ranma was just another sap that she could take advantage of. His words to her about that not being the case were ringing true. She didn't expect him to do anything to her like he had to Shampoo. However, he could decide that her mere silence was not needed if she crossed him. Should that happen, when the two married and inherited the dojo together, she could find herself ostracized. Normally that wouldn't have bothered her or would it? Or he could decide she needed to be married off to the weird family if he didn't do anything to stop that engagement.

The potential for realizing her dreams of being independently wealthy would have to be done on the straight and narrow while dealing with Akane and Ranma. Especially the latter. The two had seen and done things that she could only imagine. Especially after having witnessed Ranma's outburst. The petty schemes she had as a high school student were nothing compared to the issues she would face as a working adult. While marrying into money had its appeal, she would also have to deal with said husband and extended family. If she went that route.

There were a number of bridges she had burned by using some gullible young men within Nerima for her own pleasures. A bit short-sighted on her part, she now realized. If Ranma's reaction to her was any indication, having used and abused them as she had "before", one or more of said young men could find themselves having some animosity towards her. When searching for someone in the upper echelons of wealth, the pickings got slimmer. Just like with any other group, money called to money and they likely had a variety of soirees where they mingled together. Should she embarrass or anger enough of them, she could find herself blackballed from that society.

Should Ranma and Akane have died in China, never to return, how would that have affected her? The loss of her mother had been a blow to her. Since then, she had closed off her heart to everyone around besides a few close friends and family. After reading about her sister's demise, something had been unlocked, or so it seemed. Worry for her little sister was something she didn't want to deal with. But it was a fact that she had to face. It was the path the younger woman, now "older" had chosen for herself. She was doing it right now, at this moment, somewhere in the wilderness.

There was a definite fire burning in her sister's heart to right wrongs and help others. These thoughts made Nabiki twist her lips wryly. She, herself, had decided to rely only upon herself years ago. That way nobody could harm her. Unfortunately, she was also human and, as such, she was prone to having attachments. Ranma wasn't one now, if ever. But her sisters and father were. The idea of losing them was too much to handle.

Nabiki realized that she needed to take a good, hard look at her future plans. As a junior, in high school, she had merely thought of what she could obtain at the moment. Would that have changed later without knowledge of the two's sacrifices? Or would she continue her scheming, petty or otherwise? She would have to ask the two about that later. Akane would probably sugarcoat it, but Ranma would likely tell her straight up how she had acted.

With all of these thoughts that had plagued her mind, she finally came to a firm decision. She would not play the two against each other like their notes had said she had done. Or try not to as well as she could, at least. That would mean she would have to temper her manipulative urges when it came to Kuno and anyone else. This would take a lot of effort on her part, but it might actually play out better for her in the long run. She had already stopped taking pictures of the two and selling them at Ranma's demand. She hadn't stopped taking pictures altogether, of course, as it was one of her favorite hobbies. Now the pictures would be saved for posterity's sake.

Finally, her mind eased at the moment, she was able to turn her attention to other matters.

1430, Saturday, 16 June

It wasn't until early afternoon on Saturday that Akane had her breakthrough. The boulder exploded, pelting Ryoga with debris. Shards of sharp rock cut into his skin and tore at his clothing, making him wince. Akane swung in her harness, elated at her success. Untying Akane, the two went in search of Ranma. The two called out his name as they began their search starting from the temple. They eventually found him excavating what seemed like a pit down by the shoreline, soaked from the water he had been splashed with during his exertions. A rough path had been cleared leading from the temple to the pit. Puddles of water showed where he had inadvertently released a pocket of pressurized water. In between everything, they had found some frightening obstacles.

Upon seeing him, Akane sprinted forward, shouting, "I did it! I did it! I finally learned the Bakusai Tenketsu!"

Ranma-onna grinned as she leapt at him. Spinning her around, he laughed at her exuberance. "All right! That's my tomboy." Setting her down, he asked, "So, what did you want to do now?"

Calming at the question, she looked thoughtful as she contemplated her options. "I want to train with the boulder you worked with or one the same size." She looked at him seriously, brooking no argument. "I need to be as tough, strong and fast as you when everything is all said and done."

Turning to Ryoga as he strode up, Ranma-onna asked his opinion, "What do you think? Is she ready for it?" Ranma-onna, having seen how well Akane had managed to endure the training, was not as reluctant to see her continue. But he did want an objective opinion from Ryoga.

Looking between the two, Ryoga nodded. "As you can see, she's doing well this afternoon. The boulder you put up doesn't seem like enough. If she works with the one you used then she'll definitely be tougher. As we talked before, the training is more for that rather than actually blowing up the boulders."

Nodding, Ranma-onna agreed. "All right, let's head back and I'll put it up for you. I don't want you messing up and hurting your ribs before they're fully healed." Ranma-onna directed this last to Ryoga, who nodded. The three returned to where Akane had been working at, cleaning up the site before setting it up for more training. They adjusted the ropes and placed the boulder that Ranma-onna had taken off the weekend before and put it back on for this part of Akane's training. He helped Akane into her harness again and watched as Akane began her imitation of an opposing wrecking ball. As he watched, he was able to see how well Akane had toughened up. His relief at seeing this made him curse himself for not having believed in her abilities or avoiding hurting her for the umpteenth time. With the training, he knew that her survivability was astronomically higher than it had been before the two had died. His as well, come to think of it. Again, he mentally congratulated her on the idea of convincing him to learn the technique.

With a thumbs up to Akane as she hung in the air before swinging forward again, he left her, so he could finish the obstacle course. Later they would enjoy each other's company by the hot spring again.

Author's Notes:

Yeah, I went somewhere that even Takahashi-sensei didn't even want to contemplate during one of her interviews. It was only natural that Ranma-onna would be able to get pregnant. Think of the Musk Dynasty arc where the warriors put their defeated animal into the Spring of Drowned Girl, locking them in their cursed form with the Ladle, only then to take them as a wife. Think all of them were female beforehand? I doubt it.

The book, "Human Animals" by Frank Hamel, is a real book and can be downloaded for free. The appropriate passage Ryoga read is on page 89. This is a quote from another book, "Japan" by Captain F. Brinkley, 1902, Vol. V, which can also be downloaded.

enjo-kōsai: means "compensated dating"for the practice of older men giving money and/or luxury gifts to attractive young women for their companionship or possibly for sexual favors. Nabiki's version of it is, apparently, getting them to like her and then blackmailing them with the letters they wrote to her. (Based off of the first chapter from the King of Poverty arc with Kinnosuke.)

As for Ranma's going off on Shampoo like I had him do. Yes, a cold anger has come over me in the past. Anger's manifestations comes in many forms. The red/white-hot that is most commonly described, 'green' jealous rage, cold like in this chapter, etc. The danger to Akane set him off, and he had killing intent because Shampoo had shifted her mindset to take out Akane. Having sensed that, he replied in kind. Remember that Ranma fought Saffron, doing damage enough to mortally wound him so he could save Akane. That was after he tried getting Saffron to let him through, then trying to fight him to a standstill. Unable to do so, Akane died. He wasn't about to let Shampoo, who had a history of being manipulative and ruthless do anything. She had, on multiple occasions, shown her ruthlessness when it came to "obstacles".

For Nabiki and Shampoo's reactions to Ranma's rage...fear can be a great motivator and can change one's own outlook. Yeah, Nabiki has seen many things that would strike fear into others in the series. However, the aura of killing intent from him was never one of them. We grow through our experiences. This is one that I'm using for the two. Some folks will, I'm sure, rail against my changing the characters in this way. Remember, though, that with the change in circumstances with R&A, they will be reacting to their environment in a much different way than before, causing a domino effect to others in this continuum. I also think that these reactions are, in many ways, appropriate. I know Infantrymen and other Combat Arms Soldiers that have had a significant change in attitude after their first look at Death.

The scene between R&A after the dream in Chapter One is one of many such instances. Yes, it was Akane that took the lead. Why? Who knows people's motivations for doing what they do? When I first wrote the scene, I only had them kissing. I expanded on it considerably when I came back to writing the story because of later plot devices I intend to use it for. Such as in this chapter where Akane got a diaphragm. Will she decide to consummate their relationship fully regardless of being able to be married? Will she hold off for the two years until they can be married by Japanese law? What of her concerns for honor? I'm still exploring these ideas. A lot of factors are going into what I'm thinking of putting the characters through and how I proceed with the story.

Suggestions and commentary is quite welcome. I will take it all into consideration.

Thanks for reading!