Choices and more choices. Two fanfics that are in circulation, Japanese classes and work.

Am I tired? I certainly am but that doesn't mean the fanfics are dropping. I just might update one fanfic faster than another.

Along with that, I saw the episode of that creepy guy with his tights. My goodness, never noticed that Ranma was so handsome with his shirt half open... Yes, I had my fangirl moment hahahaha.

I gave a tiny bit of fanservice for some readers. I am not into the couple at all but hey, sometimes we all need a hug ^^.

Enjoy the chapter!

Soun and Genma were so shocked that they stood there, petrified. Ryoga's piglet's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.

Akane held Ranma by his shirt and touched his lips with hers. She kept her promise, she won't tell Ranma she loved him until she defeated all three of his suitors.

But that didn't mean she kept aloof.

After Ranma made it clear multiple times that he loved her while he was at war with himself, it meant the world to Akane.

She wanted to show Ranma that she loved him, more than he thought possible.

Ranma was shocked by her approach but after a few seconds he closed his eyes and slowly raised his arms which slowly closed around Akane's waist.

He sighed through his nose and relaxed. He returned her kiss by touching her lips with his.

Akane relaxed and slowly let go of his shirt, bringing one hand to his cheek and the other running through his hair, making their embrace even closer.

Ranma felt everything going through him. Pain, sadness but also a warm feeling, affection, safety, comfort and there had to be something else.

It couldn't be love, Ranma knew exactly what love felt like to him. No, it was an empty spot. There had to be something that wasn't there.

His happiness, his joy that was not present. But that didn't stop him from making out with Akane right now.

Soun and Genma looked at each other and just as they wanted to announce that they were present and that a wedding was coming, they were stopped by Ryoga, who had now turned himself back into a human.

''Don't do it.'' Ryoga said with a serious face that also showed compassion. Yet Soun and Genma did not miss the fact that Ryoga had tears in his eyes.

They also understood that Ryoga had difficulty with Ranma and Akane kissing so intimately.

''I know half of what Ranma is going through. This is the first time I've seen him so relaxed.'' Ryoga said while he swallowed his lump in his throat.

''But Ryoga-kun, it's now or never. Soon when Ranma gets his sense of joy back, there will be excuses again.'' Genma said.

''Cologne said to leave Ranma alone. Then leave him alone, don't come up with weddings that are canceled in the end. Yeah, I was one of the idiots who stopped it...
Anyway, let Ranma and Akane get married when Ranma is 100% back to normal!'' Ryoga shouted.

It hurt, it saddened Ryoga to say this. He still loved Akane. But he let Akane go because he saw that she loved Ranma.

And Ranma would do anything for her. That made him accept that his love for her was one-sided and will never be reciprocated.

Ranma looked up when he heard his father's voice and Akane looked over her shoulder. Who was Genma talking to? Until both heard what Ryoga said to Genma.

Ranma walked towards the exit of the dojo with Akane following behind him and they both saw Genma, Soun and Ryoga standing outside.

''Ryoga...''

"Ranma..."

They looked at each other and exchanged words without speaking. Akane looked at the 2 boys and then at her father and Genma who both shrugged.

"Ryoga is staying the night.." Ranma said after a while and walked towards the house until he stopped and turned around.

''And keep your mouths shut about what you saw. I don't need any more attention.'' Ranma said and continued walking.

''But Ranma…'' Genma said.

''Uncle...shut up or you'll only eat bamboo for a week!'' Akane said angrily and Genma gave up. "And you too Dad."

''Promise daughter, I'll keep my mouth shut.'' Soun said. Ryoga sighed in relief. In any case, Soun was cooperative, Genma could learn something from that.

When Ranma announced that Ryoga was staying the night, Kasumi immediately took action and set up an extra futon in Ranma's room.

Soun, Nabiki, Kasumi and Genma went to bed first. When Ranma got up, Ryoga quietly followed Ranma to his bedroom.

It was clear that Ranma needed a friend, a male friend that is.

Nodoka and Akane were washing away the last of the dishes when Nodoka glanced at Akane.

Nodoka noticed that Akane had soft pink cheeks, the look in her eyes was full of happiness and her lips were slightly swollen.

Just like her son's lips. Also her son was glancing sneakily at Akane.

''Akane-chan, did you and Ranma kiss?'' Nodoka asked softly and Akane dropped a spoon.

''H-h-how do you know? Genma told you that?'' Akane asked slightly embarrassed.

'' No. It's your body language... and Ranma's. I'm glad, my son isn't doing well but he knows how he feels about you.'' Nodoka said proudly and Akane smiled.

''Ranma...are you sure I can sleep here in your room?'' Ryoga asked as he looked up at the ceiling.

''Yes, Ryoga. I don't want to be alone for tonight, I don't know why.'' said Ranma who was lying on his side, with his back to Ryoga.

Both boys soon fell asleep. Ryoga dreamed that he was at home, with his dog, sharing a meal together.

In contrast, Ranma's nightmare began again. He was floating in the air, holding Akane as a puppet in his hands.

The warmth that swirled around Ranma. Ranma looked at Akane and saw her eyes slowly closing. Ranma froze.

''Akane! Stay awake!''

Ranma looked down and saw the Dragon Fountain. He had to get that fountain looking up quick!

''HIRYU SHOTEN HAAAAAAAA!''

The water sprayed up and hit Ranma and Akane. Ranma turned into Ranma-chan and Akane turned back into her real form but stopped breathing.

''Akane! Akane!'' Ranma-chan shouted as both of them continued to feel down until Ranma made a perfect landing and pressed Akane close to him.

''Akane! Stay with me!'' Ranma-chan shouted, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Everything went dark around Ranma-chan, the cold air touching his skin, fear creeping over him. Fear slowly suffocating him.

''Akane! Stay with me! Don't leave!'' Ranma-chan shouted, choking on his tears.

Ryoga woke up to a strange noise and sat up, looking at Ranma who was dreaming heavily.

Sweat covered his forehead and body and Ranma kept repeatedly calling Akane her name in his sleep.

Ryoga noticed tears had escaped from Ranma. Ranma's chest heaving heavily.

''Ranma…Ranma…wake up.'' Ryoga said as calmly as he could as he gently shook Ranma.

''Akane! Akane! Akane!'' Ranma-chan cried and lifted Akane up in his arms, causing Akane's arm to fall away from her body lifelessly.

''AKA-...''

''... NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!''

Ranma flew up, panting and clutching his chest with one hand, the other hand flying to his forehead before Ranma burst into tears.

Ryoga didn't know what he was experiencing. His rival and close friend, a martial artist who fought to the bone, was now, every night, fighting against his own fear.

Ranma jerked his body as he continued to cry softly. Ryoga squeezed his eyes shut and a few tears rolled down his own cheeks.

He scooped Ranma into his arms and placed his head against his shoulder in a careful embrace.

''Ranma, I'm sorry. I didn't know the pain went that far. We're going to make sure you get back to normal.'' Ryoga said and Ranma slowly relaxed as he continued to sob.

It took Ranma some time to calm down.

'' Ryoga, don't say anything to the other ones. Akane knows it, my family knows it. That's enough.'' Ranma said when he caught his breath again.

''Promise. On my honor."

Ranma slowly got out his friend's hug and Ryoga stood up to pour a glass of water. A jug of water and glasses were on the cupboard with a box of tissues.

Ryoga handed the glass of water and a tissue to Ranma who used them.

''Now I understand why you look like Happosai and Cologne sometimes.'' Ryoga joked so he could distract Ranma a bit.

''Don't compare me to that old pervert and that old ghoul.'' Ranma growled as he took a sip of his water.

Shampoo walked with her bicycle by her side. She was thinking about how she could be with Ranma. For the past few weeks, she couldn't really talk to Ranma.

He was never alone. Even when he walked to school he was accompanied by Akane and Ukyo.

One date couldn't hurt, right? Suddenly Shampoo heard a groan and looked up.

"Black flower girl?" Shampoo said in surprise. She saw Kodachi stumbling, standing against the wall with all her strength.

" H-hel-p…" Kodachi groaned before falling again. Shampoo rushed over and saw how bad off Kodachi was.

"You go with me. Great-Grandmother help." Shampoo said as she picked Kodachi up.

When Shampoo enters Neko-Hanten, Cologne and Mousse rush over and Kodachi is laid down on a futon.

"Shampoo found her." said Shampoo and Cologne inspects Kodachi.

Kodachi's nervous system was out of whack. Cologne opened Kodachi's blouse. Mousse turned around quickly, still being a gentleman.

" What is this?" Cologne said in surprise and Shampoo looked too.

"Can I watch too?" Mousse asked. He also wanted to know what was going on.

"Yes, she has a top on." Cologne said.

Mousse turned around and saw large-scale bruises in all colors on both shoulders and body.

Cologne looked further and saw the same injuries in several places on her body.

"Shampoo, did she say anything about the attacker?" Cologne asked and Shampoo shook her head no.

"Hmmmmm"

Cologne wondered who could inflict such wounds. She had never seen anything like it.

"Elder, haven't you noticed something?" Mousse asked suddenly.

Cologne looked at Mousse with her eyes half closed.

"What must I have seen, blind duck?"

Mousse ignored Cologne's comment and pointed his finger at Kodachi's body.

"From here it looks like she has tiger stripes." Mousse said and Cologne hopped on her staff and stood next to Mousse.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

Where Cologne used to stand, there was nothing to see except the bruises, but from Mousse's perspective you could see a pattern of tiger stripes all over her body and Cologne got a strange feeling.

This was performed by an expert in martial arts. But the style was unknown to her.

Maybe she should ask Happosai.

" Mousse, take a picture of it. I have no idea what we're dealing with." Cologne said.

"You don't know what is, great-grandmother?"

"No, Shampoo, Mousse, keep your eyes open and be vigilant." said Cologne, who was thinking cautiously.

Monday morning. Ranma and Akane had arrived at school while running, luckily just in time.

Kuno had another flying lesson from Akane and with English lessons Ranma received a warning from Miss Hinako.

All in all, a normal school day. Now Akane and Ranma had 2 free hours. Akane sat with Yuka, Sayuri and Ukyo. Enjoy chatting about anything and everything.

Ranma usually sat and chatted with Daisuke and Hiroshi.

Suddenly, Hiroshi moved forward with his hand over his mouth and whispered softly so that only Daisuke and Ranma could hear him, "I kissed Yuka."

''What are you telling me?!'' Daisuke whispered back in astonishment and Ranma's eyes were wide.

'' Really! We walked together in the park on Saturday evening. One moment we're talking, the next moment we're kissing!'' Hiroshi said excitedly in a soft tone.

"You're lucky!" Daisuke said. Hiroshi looked up at Ranma who said nothing and was surprised to see that Ranma was blushing slightly as he looked outside.

''Oi, oi, oi, oi Ranma! What are you daydreaming about?!'' Hiroshi shouted loudly and Ranma jumped, as did the other classmates.

Akane looked their way and saw Ranma looking uncomfortable after Hiroshi's statement.

''Hehe, I know. Ranma was dreaming about Akane, wasn't he?'' Daisuke said and Ranma's face darkened a shade.

''Aah! Do you see that Akane?!'' Yuka shouted but there was no answer and Sayuri, Ukyo and Yuka look at Akane who is looking at her notebook, blushing.

It was very quiet for a moment until Hiroshi jumped up from his seat.

''ARE YOU SERIOUS?! YOU DID THE DEED?!'' Hiroshi shouted loudly through the class. He was answered by a fist to his head from Ranma, who was now as red as his shirt.

Akane hid behind her book, feeling ashamed.

''WE DID NOTHING, IDIOT!'' Ranma defended.

''Ran-chan, be honest! Because otherwise you and Akane-chan wouldn't react like that!'' Ukyo suddenly said angrily, causing Ranma to look at Ukyo.

''Ucchan...''

"Ran-chan, did you and Akane-chan... share the sheets...?" Ukyo asks, in a voice that wasn't hers.

''We didn't share anything because we didn't do anything, Ucchan!'' Ranma said with his red face.

''Ukyo, we really didn't do anything. I...I'm not...even...ready for that..." Akane mumbled, her cheeks flushing.

''But you certainly dream about it, don't you? Ran-chan is also my fiancée, Akane-chan!'' Ukyo said angrily and looked back at Ranma.

'' Ucchan... please stop...'' Ranma said with a tired tone. Ukyo walked over to Ranma and slammed her hand on the table. She wanted to know what was going on.

"QUIT IT UKYO!" Ranma suddenly shouted angrily and Ukyo backed away. Akane quickly stood up and stood between the two of them.

''Both of you, calm down. Ukyo, please go back to your seat. Ranma, relax and sit down, please?'' Akane asked Ranma. He looked at her, sighed and walked away.

''Shall we walk with him?'' Daisuke asked and Akane nodded yes, so Hiroshi and Daisuke followed the path Ranma took that she knew all too well: the roof.

Akane turned and walked towards Ukyo. ''I understand your rivalry but this is really not the right time! You know what Ranma's well-being is like."

"Then why were you two blushing?" Ukyo asked, still angry because she was sure Akane and Ranma were hiding something.

'' ... We had a fight yesterday, just a fight... we're ashamed of that...'' Akane said slowly.

" Really Akane-chan? You know what? Let's handle this outside!" Ukyo said.

A challenge, Akane didn't think twice about it. The feeling of victory she had when she defeated Kodachi was still there. Maybe this worked too.

Ukyo and Akane walked out of the classroom and outside followed by all their classmates. Yuka and Sayuri looked at each other, was this a good idea?

They walked to the sports fields and Akane and Ukyo stood opposite each other. Ukyo already had her large spatula in her hands.

''If I win, Ran-chan is mine!'' Ukyo said and Akane rolled her eyes. Was she really that stupid? Did Ukyo really not understand that Ranma wasn't into that at all?

''If I win, just leave everything the same and leave Ranma alone!'' Akane said. "Deal!" Ukyo shouted and ran towards Akane and swiped her spatula.

Akane dodged the attack and saw Ukyo turn around and throw small spatulas at Akane. Akane took a leap, landed on her hands, pushed off and came back down to earth.

Then Akane pushed off and took a sprint towards Ukyo and made a forward thrust towards Ukyo's chest but Ukyo blocked it and jumped back.

Ranma was lying on his back looking at the clouds while Hiroshi and Daisuke were playing a game of cards when suddenly the door opens and Yuka runs towards the boys in full panic.

"Yuka, what's going on-..." Hiroshi started but didn't get the chance to finish his sentence because Yuka shouted very loudly: "Akane and Ukyo are fighting!"

Ranma jumped up and ran down with all his might. Had those two gone completely crazy?!

Hiroshi, Daisuke and Yuka had also run down but were not as fast as Ranma.

Soon Ranma heard a commotion in the distance and knew enough. Once he arrived, he saw Ukyo's large spatula.

As he gets closer he sees Akane dodging Ukyo's attack. Ukyo had taken another swipe with her flat weapon and was surprised by Akane who jumped up and landed on spatula.

A big mistake because Ukyo launched the spatula, throwing Akane up towards the pool.

Akane screamed, she couldn't swim!

''RANMA!''

She closed her eyes and prepared herself for the cold water. With a crash, Akane landed in the water. Akane used all her limbs to stay above water but in vain she sank down.

'' Ranma...'' were her thoughts.

Cologne does not know what they will have to deal with. Old ghoul will have to scratch her ears for a while.

I'm also wondering, shall I give Kuno a good scare? Or he'll go completely crazy... and freak out even more.

So many choices. At least know that Ukyo is in trouble.