Too everyone's surprise, Kodachi was an incredibly skilled doctor. She had been able to use various healing potions to mend Shampoo and Konatsu's broken bones. All the two of them had to do now was rest for a little while.

However, since Ryoga had lost so much blood, the healing process would take longer. He had already passed out when Kodachi started to operate on him. Her potions could only do so much now, only time would tell.

Mousse and Akane took Ryoga to his room and put him in bed. Akane decided to sit by his side until he woke up.

"Help yourself to the kitchen," said Ukyo. Happosai smiled and started to raid the fridge.

"This is us saying thank you for inadvertently saving us. Nevertheless, if you step out of line once, we'll throw you back out to the sharks. Hey, are you listing to me old man"

"Yes, I heard you," said Happosai as he was eating a bowl of soba noodles.

Konatsu walked up to Kodachi as she was steering the ship. Kodachi felt his presence and since she had grown tired of her usual theatrics just said, "Is there anything I can do for you Konatsu".

"I was just wondering when you learned how to make healing potions and heal wounds"

"Oh that. When I was studying on how to make sleeping and paralysis powders, how to heal the sick was also in the same book. So I figured it couldn't hurt to learn."

"Ever think about becoming a real doctor"

"Sometimes, but my brother thinks only men can be doctors so he won't let me go to any medical colleges."

"But he will let you captain your own boat"

"Not exactly. I will confess, this boat is actually his. I stole it because I wanted to help Akane rescue Ranma"

"Wait what"

"That's right; I know Ranma really loves Akane and not me. I realize that a long time ago and I've come to accept it. But it was just so much fun messing with those two. And just to clear up other things, I know about Ranma's curse too."

"But…how"

"Unlike my idiot brother, I actually read books that contain other things besides samurais."

"Does your brother know about any of this?"

"No. Unlike me, brother dear is actually as crazy as he acts. I tried explaining the curse once but he just thought I was up to no good again"

"Wow"

After that, Konatsu left to go find Ukyo and help serve dinner. He walked into the kitchen and saw Ukyo smiling at him. Konatsu couldn't help but smile back.

Mousse in the meantime was helping Shampoo get around. Even though her bones were healed, her chest and stomach still hurt. Though she would never admit it aloud, Shampoo was glad for Mousses help.

Ryoga woke up two days later. Akane was asleep in the chair next to his bed. Ryoga thought about recent events. He remembered right before being stabed, it was not Akane he thought about. It was Akari. It confused him. Ryoga felt strongly for both Akane and Akari.

However, there was a difference. He knew Akari's feelings towards him and his other half. As for Akane, Ryoga had absolutely no clue. He had a plan. It wasn't a good one but he had nothing else.

"Akane" he called.

Akane stirred and slowly woke up. She looked over and instantly threw her arms around Ryoga.

"Thank god you're okay," she said.

Ryoga tried hard not to chicken out of his plan. He gently put one of his hands on her shoulder while the other tilted her chin up. Akane knew what Ryoga was going to do and pushed him away.

"I'm sorry," stammered Ryoga

"It's alright. I'm sorry but my heart belongs to Ranma. Anyway, I thought you were with Akari."

"Why would you think that?"

"Well, you seemed happier after meeting her. You also didn't seem to get lost as much."

Ryoga thought for a minute then said, "I guess that's true"

Akane held out her arms "Friends"

Ryoga hugged her and replied "Friends".

Akane left the room to tell the others that Ryoga was up while Ryoga lay back in bed. Ryoga thought his heart would break at any second but it didn't. Akane was right. He had been happier since meeting Akari. Suddenly a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders.

Ryoga smiled and said to himself "Akari, I have something to tell you when I get back".

Akane had told Shampoo and Mousse about Ryoga and now was off to tell Ukyo. Akane forgot to knock and let herself in the room. She saw Ukyo sitting up in her bed, in her underwear. Ukyo looked a little edgy.

"Akane, what is it" Ukyo asked nervously.

"I wanted to tell you that Ryoga was awake. Why are you in your underwear? Especially with Happosai running around"

"I always sleep in my underwear. Besides if that old goat comes anywhere near me, I'll just hit him over the head with my spatula."

"Well, alright" said Akane with her eyebrow raised as she turned and left the room.

As soon as she left, a half dressed Konatsu popped out from under the blanket stammering, "Do you think she saw me?"

"No but we better get dressed before anyone else comes through that door."

The next day, Kodachi saw something ahead of them that made her eyes grow wide. It was a pyramid made entirely of diamond. She looked at the map and it was in the exact spot where Akane's ring had burned a hole.

And little did she know that the pirates weren't that far behind them.

End of Chapter 8

I honestly thought that this chapter was going to be a lot shorter than it turned out. I would also like to point out that Ukyo and Konatsu did not have sex nor were they about to. In this case, they were literally sleeping together.