[Ranma][FanFic] Shattered Soul Chapter I

[syi...@my-dejanews.com]

Quick Note: Things may seem a little strange, but trust me they are accurate.
Refer to my notes at the bottom of the page for most questions, any others you
can E-mail me (address also in authors notes) Site's at:
Http://members.xoom.com/Syithe__

Shattered Soul Part I

Sunrise came, slowly casting light over the houses in Nerima. On the
roof of the Tendo dojo Ranma Saotome grunted and held up a hand to cover his
blood-shot eyes. Sighing he wearily leapt down from the roof and walked
through the doors of what he thought as home. Barely able to keep his eyes
open Ranma took a few steps, and smiled at an already awake Kasumi "I'm back"
he announced and collapsed on the floor.

Ranma sat up in a sterile white bed. Looking around he realized he
was in Dr. Tofu's clinic. Shaking his head to clear away some of the fog from
his mind he felt a warmth and found to his astonishment that Akane's hand
held his... almost protectively. He smiled brightly, 'Akane, finally we can
be together.' his smile turning into a grin at the thought. Unable to stifle
a yawn he woke her. Akane lifted her head from the crook of her arm and
looked up at where Ranma's head had been with dark circles under her eyes.
Confused she briefly wondered where Ranma's head had gone off to, then her
mind started working and she looked up to see Ranma looking lovingly at her.
Her heart beating so hard she couldn't breathe she looked back at him and
smiled. Caught in each other gazes they remained still basking in the
closeness, then the sound of a curtain being pulled open broke off the
trance.

"Ahh, I see your finally awake Ranma. We were beginning to worry" Said
a dark haired man with large glasses.

"How long was I asleep Tofu-sensei?"

"Asleep? I'd it was more of a coma Ranma. Whatever you did it drained
nearly all of your chi and left your arms all but broken broken from some
kind of incredible strain, but to answer your question you've been 'asleep' a
week."

Akane seemed to snap out of it and immediately started in on Ranma.
"Where in the world were you thinking!?" She said in that 'I'm gonna smash
you with a mallet' voice. "You just left us a note and took of.." She dragged
of as she saw the look in Ranma's eyes. Then tears quickly filled her's and
she leapt at Ranma, embracing him in a fierce hug. Wincing in pain but with a
smile on his face Ranma returned the hug.

"I did it for us Akane. I left in search of a cure and I found it!"
His eyes blazed as he slowly lifted Akane's face to his and gave her a gentle
kiss.

"Hentai." Whispered Akane softly. Ranma just grinned and looked like he
was going to go for another kiss when Dr. Tofu cleared his throat.

"Sorry to interrupt but Ranma has some serious explaining to do... if
your feeling up to it that is."

"Yeah, I can do it sensei."

Dr. Tofu smiled "Good. Why don't you finish up saying 'hello' to each
other while I go get your fathers." Chuckling he left the blushing couple and
went off to get Saotome-san and Tendo-san.

"Ranma", Akane called from his embrace, "do you think you could let go
of me, something is poking me in that back."

Ranma blushed furiously and removed his arms, revealing a metal
cylinder in one hand. "Sorry" he said, grinning a little.

"What is that anyway? You've been holding on to that for the whole
week." She said, frustration clear in her voice which only grew when Ranma
started laughing. "Hey! What are you laughing at!" She asked, growing angry.

"That look on your face", he said between laughs, "priceless..."

"Baka" Akane said and hit him lightly on his shoulder.

"Would ya look at that Soun, there already getting along. When should
we set the marriage for?" Asked Genma as he stepped into the curtain walled
room.

"Pop! I never thought I'd be glad to see your face." Ranma said
happily, then a concerned look passed across his face. "Akane you didn't..."

"It wasn't my fault! They grabbed the letter before I got a chance to
read it." Akane said defensively "Besides you should have given it too me
instead of putting it outside my door."

"It's for the better, now we can hold the wedding immediately"
announced Soun holding up celebration fans. Genma nodded in agreement.

"What did I do to deserve this?" Said Ranma as he buried his face in
his right hand.

Several minutes later everybody was sitting around Ranma's bed drinking
tea, thoughtfully provided by Kasumi of course. Everyone that Ranma wanted to
see at the moment had arrived. Kasumi, his father, Soun, Nabiki, and Akane.
Smiling he decided to start.

"As you all know, about a three weeks ago I left in search of a cure
for the Jusenkyo curse. To make a long story short I found a cave, fought a
demon, and got this scroll." Briefly Ranma put his left hand in the air for
everyone to see the metal case. "This has a spell on it which will supposedly
remove the curse by splitting it apart from me, but it's in ancient Chinese
and I'm not so sure I want Cologne to read this."

They all nodded their understanding. Cologne would probably only
agree to read it after he had married Shampoo or she would use it to cure
Shampoo instead of Ranma. Sadly shaking his head Ranma couldn't figure out
what he could do. 'To come all this way and not be able to read the cure'
Ranma thought and felt like crying.

"I can read it."

Ranma sat up quickly, trying to put voice to face 'Pop, no. Soun, nope.
Nabiki... no she hadn't demanded a price and it wasn't Akane but that only
leaves....'

"Kasumi!?!" They all shouted at once, looks of pure shock on their
faces.

"Yes?" Replied an ever-smiling Kasumi as they all face faulted.

"Kasumi are you telling me you can read the scroll?" Asked a white
faced Soun.

"Yes father. I learned Ancient Chinese nearly a year ago." 'After all',
Kasumi thought, 'there's nothing else to do with everybody gone.' Then she
scolded herself and was back to her happy oblivious-to-everything optimism.

Soun immediately started his tears of joy routine, that is to say he
soaked the floor while blubbering about how happy he was. "My oldest daughter
has saved the family once more."

Genma grunted, ignoring the wailing Soun, and turned back to Ranma.
"How did you learn of the scroll my son? And more importantly... WILL IT WORK
ON ME? You love your father right?" And with that leapt up at the scroll and
fell to the floor, a large bump rising on his head where Akane had slammed him
with her mallet.

"Saotome-san your son has been gone three weeks, comes back nearly
dead, and then you try to steal what he left to get?" Asked an angry Akane.

"I don't think he can hear you Akane." Said Ranma as he waved his
hand in front of Genma's eyes. Then he smiled at Akane 'well it seems Ukyo
was right, that letter did the trick. She hasn't tried to kill me for taking
off... yet.'

****************************<Cue flashback scene>*****************************

5 weeks ago an extremely depressed Ranma walked into Ucchan's and sat
down at the counter. He stared half-heartedly at the menu in front of him as
Ukyo, oblivious to everything, stood cooking some okonomiyaki. Humming a
little she finished it off with a flourish of sauce. "There, that outta be
about perfect. Now I'll just have wait and if..", she muttered turning
around, "RANCHAN!" She gave a happy little giggle and set the okonomiyaki
down in front of him. "Eat up, it's a new recipe!"

"Thanks Ukyo." Ranma said and started to eat, not inhale but eat like
a normal human. Ukyo was nearly shocked into a faint, first he calls her Ukyo
not Ucchan and then he eats normally.

"Uhh... Ranma Honey are you alright?" Ukyo asked putting a hand to his
forehead.

"Yeah I'm fin-", he stopped then sighed. "No. I'm not alright. I've
been doing a lot of thinking this week and made some rather important
decisions. The problem is that there are going to be a lot of hurt people
when I'm done." He sighed again and looked up and Ukyo. "Ucchan. You've
always been my best friend and given me fair advice, now your the only one I
can turn to... but I know that it's going to hurt you, but it'll hurt you
more if I wait and- I'm babbling aren't I?"

Ukyo gave a little laugh (although it seemed forced) and went around
the counter and sat down next to him. "Well you know me sugar, I'm here for
you just like always. Don't worry 'bout me I'll be alright just say what you
have to."

Ranma gave a weak smile. "I better tell you about my decision before
I ask advice, if you still want to give me advice after. Ucchan you know that
I love you like a sister and that you've been here for me through all the
craziness of fiancés and lunatics and... well.. everything, but I need you to
know that I don't think of you in 'THAT' way. As a best friend and the sister
I never had but wanted, but not as a wife." He stopped and lifted her bowed
head so that their eyes met, her eyes shimmering with tears and his clear
with a purpose. He gathered her in a gentle hug letting her cry on his
shoulder. 'Thank goodness it's after business hours' he thought knowing that
in front of others this might turn out worse then it already was. After her
sobbing stopped he gently stroked her hair and let go of her. "I-I'm sorry
Ucchan. I never wanted to hurt you, I'll leave now." he started to walk away
but was held back by Ukyo's hand.

"Ranchan..." She started, emotions flying wildly in her. Part of her
was upset at Ranma after all she had always been there 'Well, almost always'
she admitted to herself. Yet another part of her was happy for him, that he
had finally chosen.'All that mattered was that he was happy' she told herself
firmly. "Ranchan I can't say that I'm happy with this, but I am happy for
you." She smiled, just a little. "You've finally decided to grow up and end
this endless competition between, well between just about everybody. No
matter what though, I always be here for you. Your sister, your best-friend
I'll always be your Ucchan."

"And I'll always be your Ranchan." Replied Ranma once again gathering
Ukyo in what he hoped to be a brotherly hug. "Your brother and best friend as
long as ya want me to be. Just don't tell anyone or your libel to become
Shampoo's new 'kiss of death' victim" He added.

"Your good at making me feel better you know... well a little better"
Ukyo grinned at him then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "It's alright for
a sister to kiss her brother right?" she said with a sly look in her eyes.

"Uhh.. y-yeah.. I guess." Stuttered Ranma, at a loss for words.

"Come on let's sit down and have a talk." Ukyo motioned towards the
counter. So the two sat and talked, Ranma told Ukyo that he had finally come
to grips with the fact that he loved Akane and that he did want to marry her,
not immediately but at some point. Then he went on to explain that he had no
idea how to get Shampoo of his back or how to go about starting a _real_
relationship with Akane. Finally, he told her that absolutely had to find a
cure for his curse, weather it be by a spring at Jusenkyo or otherwise. Ukyo
listened attentively, tensing up a little when he talked about Akane, but
finally accepting that she made him happy, and Ukyo wanted him to be happy
more then anything.

"Well Sugar, I can't help you with your curse or Shampoo. However I can
help you with A-Akane." She took a deep breath 'Why does this have to hurt so
damn much.' She asked herself, then seeing Ranma's hope filled eyes she
continued on telling him all the things that she would have wanted him to do
for her. "First of all never call her kawiikune or a tomboy, that'll stop more
trouble then you'd think. Never insult her cooking even if it's horrible, make
suggestions but don't insult it. Bring her flowers every now and again.." she
looked at Ranma who was frantically scribbling down notes to himself. She
smiled a little, but there was no joy in it. Sighing to herself she continued
on.

Nearly half an hour later she was winding down. "And finally if you
ever have to leave suddenly leave a note explaining why and tell her you love
her in it, that way she won't try and kill you with that mallet of her's when
you show up." Ranma smiled when she was done.

"Thank you Ucchan. Now I owe you two and I _will_ repay that
okonomiyaki cart, even if I have to float a loan from Nabiki." Ranma
shuddered at the thought. Then he stood up, ready to leave. "Thanks again
'sis'." he said grinning

"Ranchan!" Ukyo called out, unable to stop herself. "If things don't
work out between you and Akane..." She left it hanging he nodded and smiled a
little as he walked out the door, immediately hopping onto the fence. "Oh
Ranma, one more thing." He turned and looked at her. "Once you get her into
bed your on your own." Ukyo grinned at him.

"Uk-Ukyo!!!" He stuttered then missed a step and fell off the fence.
****************************<End flashback>******************************

"Rannmmaaa. Hello?? Anyone in there?" Akane waved a hand in front of
his eyes.

"Huh, what?"

"Ranma, please avoid flashbacks and or daydreams while explaining
something" Said Nabiki in her level pseudo mercenary voice which making Ranma
sweat a little in embarrassment.

"Leave him alone sis, he's having a hard enough time as it is without
your help" Akane practically shouted at her sister, then let out a little
"eep" sound when she realized what she did. Ranma reached and held her hand
with his until they noticed that the whole room was looking at them. Blushing
Ranma and Akane pulled into the 'hands-behind-the-back I didn't do anything
position' while Soun and Genma smiled happily.

Ranma looked over at Akane quickly then continued on "After
retrieving the scroll from a hidden cave I came back. And now well.. I just
need to finish this and be rid of the curse."

Nabiki was getting a little irritated. 'He completely skipped over the
parts that matter' then putting action to irritation she looked at Ranma "What
about the whole process, how did you find the cave, how did you find out about
the scroll, what was this demon-"

"Nabiki" Ranma said in a strange tone, it almost sounded like fear.
"Please I would rather not talk about it." She nodded and he relaxed visibly.

"Very well Ranma, we shall not speak of your trip until you feel like
it. In the meantime what would you have us do?" Asked Soun, seemingly in
control of himself once again.

Ranma silently thanked Soun for giving him the break. "Well Kasumi I
would like to gather the stuff for the spells-"

"I think they're called components Ranma" Akane said hoping to help.

"Uhh... thanks Akane. Nabiki? I was wondering if you could pay for the
stu.. er... components." He fumbled in his clothing and opened a pocket one-
handed then tossed a small bag to Nabiki. "This outta help a little. There's
three pieces of gold in there, I'll pay for the rest on whatever high interest
payments you make up." He sighed, knowing he'd probably be paying Nabiki for
the rest of his life.

Nabiki opened the pouch and her eyes widened. This was worth more
then Ranma knew. Then muttering she shut the pouch and threw it back to
Ranma. "This one's on me Ranma, after I can't have family in debt to anyone
but me can I little brother?" Everyone in the room stared at Nabiki. "What
even I have a heart" She said a little hurt. That just made them stare more.
Finally Ranma snapped out of it and smiled at Nabiki.

"Thanks Oneechan." Ranma said as his smile turned into grin.

"Was there anything else you wanted me to do?"

"Nope, that's all see ya later" Ranma grinned even more, this was a
Nabiki he could get used to.

"Alright, I'll be at the house see you later everyone." With that
Nabiki walked out of the room. As her short shorts and tank top faded from
view. Ranma looked around at the still stunned people.

5 min. Later
Ranma Gets tired of waiting for everyone to snap out of it and goes to
sleep

2 hours Later
Ranma wakes up then looks at the shocked faces and goes to sleep again

7 hours Later
Ranma wakes up yawning and waits for them to come to their senses

7 hours and 10 minutes Later
Kasumi sums up the incident with two words "Oh My"

Ranma sighed "ABOUT TIME! Man, anyhow Pop, Soun-san could you set up
the structure needed to cast the spell? I only know it's like a giant
triangle, Kasumi can help you with the specifics." Ranma turned to Akane
"Akane could you get Dr.Tofu?" Akane nodded and rushed off and everyone else
soon left the room, planning on getting some sleep.

"Oh here Kasumi." Ranma said giving her the case, strangely he had
trouble opening his hand, 3 weeks of living on instincts had definitely taken
it's toll. Smiling Kasumi took it and left. Akane soon returned with Dr.Tofu
who had been just outside of the curtain. "Thank you for waiting outside, I
was just worried that you would see Kasumi and..."

"I know, I have often had patients tell me the same thing. I just can't
help it." The doctor had a whimsical expression on his face as he thought of
Kasumi.

"Uhh... Tofu-sensei?" Seeing that he had the doctor's attention Ranma
started talking again "You have experience in spells and such correct?"

"Yes, well some anyway. You want me to cast the spell?" Ranma nodded
"Very well, I'm going to have to do some researching first though." and with
that he turned around and walked off.

"Hey Akane, is he upset at me?" Ranma asked, curious of the doctor
abrupt manner.

"Well Ranma how'd you feel if someone made you wait outside so you
couldn't sit with someone you love?" Akane replied laughingly. Smiling she
reached over and took Ranma's hand in her's again. "I missed you." She said
quietly.

"I missed you too Akane...chan" He grinned as he saw her eyes light up
in pleasure. "Finally, I'll be rid of the curse and you will have a normal
hus.. er boyfriend."

"Hmm... a normal boyfriend, now that wouldn't be much fun." She
laughed as his surprise. "But a boyfriend who can shoot energy, punch faster
then normal people blink, and is named Ranma Saotome I suppose I could live
with that." Gently she pulled his face closer to her and met him in a kiss.
Smiling she turned with her back to him and leaned against his chest, knowing
that he wouldn't mind in the least. He put his arms around her and leaned
back, both happy. "You know Ranma I like the fact that you won't change into
a girl anymore, but it really doesn't bother me because I know that even in a
girl's body, Ranma is Ranma. In other words my Ranma-chan, you didn't have to
go off and risk your life doing that for a spell that might not work."

"Oh, it'll work" He said confidently. "Believe me, it'll work. And as
for not having to go and do that. It's something I've wanted to be rid of ever
since I got it so I'm sorry to say that it wasn't purely for my kawii Akane-
chan I went off." He stopped and looked down at Akane. "Asleep, wouldn't ya
know it." Then he realized that he was very comfortable with a warm Akane in
his arms and found himself dozing off.

The next morning found Akane still leaning against Ranma, his arms
wrapped around her. Akane awoke and stiffen, ready to bash the hentai holding
her, then she remembered. 'Well Ranma, you should be happy I've got a little
of my temper under control' she smiled as she remembered that "Talk" with
Ranma about that. Akane struggled a little trying to get out of his arms, but
his finger were linked together across her stomach. 'Baka', she thought,
'Well I suppose I could take this as a compliment'. To her astonishment she
found that no amount of straining would make him let her go, not only that
but he was still sleeping! Finally she gave up and considered waking him then
decided he needed the rest. "As much as I like being in your arms Ranma-chan,
it's very dull after a while." She whispered to the sleeping form. Looking
around the room she saw a coloring book with crayons that was just within her
reach. Struggling to reach them she finally got ahold of the tip of the book
and managed to get the crayons soon after. Smiling contentedly she started
coloring.
*****************************************************************************
*** ***************

Nabiki was in her room at the Tendou household yawning she stretched
, enjoying her goose down pillow and silk sheets. She smiled as she opened
her eyes. Life was good. She had a new brother who owed her a favour, a happy
little sister and a family that was living in relative wealth. No intention
of slipping out from the warm bed, she continued to lie there and think.
'Having a brother in law will be nice. Not to mention that I have a little
more lee-way with scams now then before.' She smiled as the yens filled her
mind. 'And he'll make Akane happy which is a definite plus. Not to mention
having a cute guy around the house is always nice.' She let out a little
"hmm" sound. 'Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to pass him up, still he's
younger then me and a poor jock. Well there's that gold and... what am I
thinking?!' Nabiki's thoughts were cut of by Kasumi's voice announcing
breakfast. 'Mmmmm... breakfast' "Sounds good!" She told the empty room. She
stood up and quickly pulled on a pair of short shorts and a tank top.
Stopping to look in a mirror before she headed down she pushed a couple stray
strands of hair into place. 'After all, a good body makes men clumsy and
women jealous, both a good thing in business. And' she took another look in
the mirror 'I _definitely_ have a good body.' Looking in the she struck a
pose, one that Ranma often did in his female form. She brought both hands,
loosely clenched, to the side of her face and opened her eyes wide, smiling
for all she was worth. She gasped at overly- kawii innocent girl image
reflected by the mirror. 'Oh my now that could be _very_ useful, but only
under extreme circumstances. Not to mention my reputation would be ruined.'
Smiling she opened the door and headed towards the smell of food.

********************************************************************

Ranma awoke to the feel of a warm body on him. 'Oh great, Shampoo
drugged me again.... wait oh yeah Akane.' "Good morning my kawii Akane-chan he
told figure in his arms. Akane lifted up her head, placing her face directly
under his and smiled. Struck by sudden inspirations he placed a kiss on her
upturned lips, then made a face. "Ugh, morning breath" He said playfully.

"Hey, you don't taste that good either you know!" she said and gently
elbowed him. "You have quite the grip Ranma-chan, I woke up and found that I
was stuck here."

"Why should I give up a warm Akane just because she wants to go?" He
asked, smirking.

"Hentai!" She told him and stuck her tongue out at him.

"Hey, you coloring?.. Wow that's pretty good."

"Yeah, it one of the few things that I'm really good at" she smiled,
almost shyly, and started turning the pages.

"Show off, you kno-" Ranma broke off suddenly.

"Ranma! What's wrong?" Akane asked concern etched in her voice.

"C-C-Ca-" Ranma stuttered.

Akane glanced down at the image in the book, it was a small black
kitty sleeping in the grass. "It's just a picture Ra-" She was interrupted by
a loud "Mrrwl" sound from Ranma who had gone into Neko stance, flinging a
startled Akane off the bed. "TOFU-SENSEI!" Yelled a scared Akane. Ranma was
looking very frightened and was in the corner with his back arched, looking
at everything with suspicion. 'Even me' Thought Akane 'He's never been like
this before.'

"What's wrong?" Asked a winded Doctor Tofu then he saw Ranma's stance.
"Akane get behind me." Tofu said taking a defensive stance. "I'm not sure what
I can do against this so as soon as your clear of his view run!"

Ranma had already started towards Tofu one "paw" raised in the air then
a shudder went through him and Ranma seemed to slump down into human for a
moment. "Tofu..Out..Now!" groaned Ranma. then let out a loud yowl as he sprang
back into neko stance.

Taking the hint Dr. Tofu quickly left and shut the curtain behind him
then he turned around and yelled in surprise as he nearly ran into Akane.
"Akane what are you doing? I told you to run!"

"I can calm him down, he always let me near him even, when he's like
this." She said, but the words sounded uncertain even to her.

"There's something different about his chi Akane, it's.. I'm not sure
what it is but even in Neko mode his chi shouldn't be like this." Dr.Tofu
looked very upset.

"Sensei do you have any other patients?" Asked Akane.

"Yes I have a toddler in the next room for an innocula-" he froze
realizing that the crawling toddler would be looked on as a play toy to Neko-
Ranma.

"Get some cold water, I'll go in there and try and calm him down"
Akane said, already entering the room again. With a moments hesitation
Dr.Tofu nodded then ran to get a bucket of water.

Akane entered the room and saw Ranma crouched in a semi-relaxed
position. "Here kitty kitty kitty" called Akane. Ranma looked at her
carefully then slowly starting walking towards her. Akane stretched her hand
out "Come here Ranma" she said, trying to use a calm soothing voice. Ranma
let out a little meow then sniffed at the outstreched hand and crawled into
Akane's lap. "That's a good kitty" she said as she petted Ranma's head.
Ranma-neko let out a loud yawn and started cleaning himself, licking his
hands and using them to wipe at his head. "No silly. Don't do that" Akane
gently stopped one of his hands. Apparently thinking that Akane wanted him to
clean her he reached up and licked her cheek. "Ranma!", she said laughing, "I
can clean myself thank you." Looking in his eyes Akane saw intelligence start
to rise to the surface, then Dr.Tofu burst into the room and threw the water.
A completely soaked and now female Neko-Ranma let out a loud yowl and
frantically scrambled to get away. Akane meanwhile did her best to hold onto
the frantic Ranma but cried out when Ranma fingernails raked three parallel
scratches onto the skin of her arm. Ranma, now freed searched frantically for
an escape away from the man with the water and after finding none tore open
the wall and jumped out.

"RANMA!" Cried Akane as she watched Neko-Ranma bound across the roof
tops. "He didn't snap out of it, but the change always shocks him out of it!
Why didn't he change back?" Akane cried as she slid down to the floor. Then
she felt hands start to lift her back up.

"Come on Akane we need to get those scratches taken care of." Dr.Tofu
gently lifted Akane to her feet. Dumbly nodding Akane let him sit her down on
the bed. "These are deep and will need stitches, but don't worry, there high
enough on your arm that any scars will be covered by your shirt. The pink
elephant always got his scars on his face."

"Wha-" Akane asked, startled

"Just making sure your not in shock" He smiled "Alright I'm going to
get this taken care of then we'll go look for Ranma. This will numb your arm
so you won't feel the stitches alright?" Akane nodded as he applied the her
mixture to her left arm. 'Ranma, where did you go?' she felt like crying.
************************************************************************

Nearby at Ucchan's Ukyo had just started the day. Sighing she went
about her daily routine. 'Start stove, cook first okonomiyaki.' Where was
Ranma? He's got to be out of the clinic by now. 'Turn on fan, hit Ranma in
face while opening door... hit Ranma in face while opening door?!' "Ranchan!
Your back!" Then she stopped noticing Onna-Ranma was on all fours. 'He's in
Neko mode! Oh no, what'll I do now?' Not giving her time to think Neko-Ranma
bounded through the door headed towards the smell of shrimp. Leaping on to
the stove she immediately jumped off with a loud cry of pain.

"Ohh.. Ranchan that's a stove baka of course it's hot! You want
something to eat?" Taking Ranma's gaze as a yes she finished the okonomiyaki
and flipped it down to Ranma. "There you go Ranma Honey, as soon as your done
I'll take you back to the Tendo's, Akane always seems to be able to get you
outta this." Ranma started prying the shrimp off the okonomiyaki.

Back at the clinic Dr.Tofu finished the last stitch and nodded to
Akane. "We'd better call my father and let him know" Akane said. Dr.Tofu
nodded and made the call.

"Tendo-san? This is Doctor Tofu, listen Ranma-"
"..."
"Alright we'll be there right away, and don't try splashing him with
water!"

"What's going on Tofu-sensei?" Asked a worried Akane

"Ukyo caught Ranma and is bringing him to your house. We'd better get
there so you can calm him down." Dr. Tofu handed Akane her coat while he
spoke, then they ran out the door.

"Ranma honey, nothing against you but your a heavy 'kitty' even in
your female form." Ukyo said shuddering at the thought of having to carry
male Ranma the mile from her store to the Tendo dojo. As it was the weight of
Ranma had made her arms go numb. Then she was at the Tendo dojo and sighed in
relief as Ranma leapt from her arms. The whole Tendo family plus Genma stood
outside on the porch.

"Umm.. I would move if I were you" Ukyo called to the small group.

"I-I agree" said a nervous Genma as Ranma-neko hissed at him. Quickly
scattering the group came together again, joined by Ukyo, and followed Ranma
through the house. Turning Ranma started to approach Genma but jerked away
suddenly. Ranma would go on a seemingly random course wandering then
occasionally stopping to sniff the ground. Then seeming to get the trial she
wanted she moved quickly running on all fours, and ran into a door.

"Mmmrow?" Ranma-neko pawed at the door.

"I think we should open the door before she destroys it" Soun suggested.

"Here, I'll get it." Ukyo stepped forward and opened Akane's door.

Running into the house Akane called out. "Father? Kasumi? Anyone?"
Hearing voices she ran to them and was shocked to see everyone outside her
room.

"Akane! Thank goodness. She's in there." Soun pointed inside her room.
Cautiously Akane stepped inside and saw Onna-Ranma curled up on her bed.
Lifting her head Ranma meowed at Akane. Slowly sitting down on the bed next to
Ranma Akane stroked her head, causing Ranma to purr. Akane was a little
startled by the sound but then continued the petting. The little red head got
up and plopped herself back down on Akane's lap, promptly falling asleep.

"Everyone move away", Akane was saying as loudly as she dared, "She
should be back to normal once she wakes up." Nodding the others turned away
and went into the main room. Akane was soon falling asleep herself, the hours
of staying up through the night watching Ranma catching up to her like the
night before. Slowly she moved Ranma from her lap and lay down on her bed,
asleep when her head touched the pillow. Nearly an hour later Ranma uncurled
from neko- stance and lay face to face with Akane.

Akane was dreaming. She and Ranma were out on a date, having a picnic
on the grass outside the dojo. After they had finished eating Akane found
herself lying on a blanket with Ranma, both facing each other. For some reason
or another Ranma's breath smelled like shrimp.

At the same time Ranma was also having a dream. He was lying on
Akane's bed with her facing him, but she was asleep. Then he looked down at
himself and realized that at the moment he was a she. Momentarily
disappointed, thought to himself 'Well it's a dream. This Akane won't boot me
into space if I hug her like this.' So he gently reached out hugged Akane,
bringing their bodies together. 'funny this feels real' Thought Ranma.

*Meanwhile in Ranma's head*
Body: Body to brain, touch feels real
Brain: Negative. Asleep at clinic. It's a dream have fun.
Body: Affirmative. Over and out.

Akane's dream seemed to shift and suddenly Ranma (who was female for
some reason) reached out and hugged her tightly. 'Odd' Akane thought 'Why am I
back in my room?'

*In Akane's Head*
Brian: Brain to body sudden scene shift touch feel real?
Body: Negative can't even feel left arm, still a dream.
Brain: Affirmative over and out.

Ranma watched as dream-Akane's eyes opened. "Hello Dream-Akane." He
said smiling.

"Hello Dream-Ranma." Akane replied smiling. 'Might as well make the
most of this.' she thought and kissed Ranma on her lips.

"Whoa I'm a girl right now" Ranma told Dream-Akane as she broke off the
kiss.

"Your still MALE-Ranma underneath though right" Akane said. After Dream-
Ranma nodded she smiled. "Then it doesn't matter which body you happen to be
in." And kissed her again. 'Odd for a dream to argue' thought Akane.

Ranma was surprised at the passion in the kiss and thought 'What the
Hell, after all it's just a dream' and kissed Akane back, then he felt a
tongue slide into his mouth. 'Whoa!' He thought 'Definitely a dream.'

Akane smiled, as much as she could while French-kissing anyhow, at
Dream-Ranma's surprise. It had always been something she'd wanted to try on
real Ranma. Then she was surprised as she felt Dream-Ranma's tongue meet her's
'Definitely a dream' Akane decided happily.

"Hmm.. It's been over an hour maybe we should go check on them."
Genma wondered aloud. Everyone had gathered at the table after the incident
and ate the lunch Kasumi had prepared earlier. Or rather everybody ate lunch
except Dr.Tofu who seemed to eat only chopsticks and napkins due to Kasumi's
proximity. Ukyo was about to volunteer to go check up on them when Kasumi
stood up and said she'd take care of it. Sighing Ukyo went back to her food.

'Maybe Dr.Tofu will settle down now' thought Kasumi. 'I just don't
understand why he does those silly things around me.' She sighed and looked
into Akane's bedroom and was barely able to stifle a gasp. Inside Ranma and
Akane were kissing passionately. Akane was moaning softly as Ranma ran her
hands along Akane's back. Carefully creeping around the corner, "Oh my." She
said and walked downstairs.

"So how are they doing sis? Ranma seem to be back to normal?" Asked
Nabiki as her sister walked into the rooms.

"I don't think he's quite back to normal. We should probably leave them
alone for a little while longer" Kasumi replied in what she prayed was her
normal voice.

Nabiki looked at her sister. 'Was that a faint blush? From wha-... no
way. They wouldn't... but still.' Nabiki stood up "Excuse me."

"Is there something I can get for you?" Kasumi asked her sister.

"That's alright sis I'll get it." As Nabiki walked towards her sister's
room she made a quick stop and grabbed one of her 'contingency cameras' from
above a door frame and peered into her sister's room.

Inside Ranma was thoroughly enjoying him... er herself. Living out
one of her fantasies. 'Of course I was a guy, but hey this is better then
nothing.' Still French kissing she started to unbutton Dream-Akane's shirt.

'Whoa, this is turning out interesting' Akane thought as Dream-Ranma
undid her shirt. She had finished getting the top half of the buttons undone,
which was more then enough in Akane's view.

Dream-Akane's hands grabbed Dream-Ranma's and thrust them through the
opening in her shirt.

Nabiki nearly dropped dead away as she saw her sister and Ranma going
at it with a passion. 'Goodness sis, I didn't know you had it in you' thought
Nabiki as she watched Akane thrust Ranma's into her shirt. Nabiki just stood
frozen unable to move as Ranma caressed her sister. Then the Mercenary was
back 'These pictures will make me a fortune in blackmail alone'. Decided, she
started taking pictures, ignoring the little voice yelling at her about it
being wrong and that they'd be furious at her if they found out.

Ranma heard Akane moaning above her and tried to smile, almost
immediately realizing that all that would do is waste energy. 'What an odd
dream though, Dream-Akane's wearing a sports bra, kinda defeats the purpose'
then he heard her moan a little louder then before 'Well, not compleatl- huh?
what's that clicking noise... CLICKING NOISE?!?'

Akane was still kissing Dream-Ranma and enjoying the feel of his
('well her at the moment' Akane admitted to herself) hands on her. 'Odd
though, why am I wearing a bra?' she moaned as Ranma's hands found a
sensitive spot. 'Not that it takes too much away. That clicking noise is
getting annoying though.... CLICKING NOISE?!?'

*Inside Ranma's and Akane's Head*
Brain: Clicking noise? Body report
Body: Busy... leave alone...
Brain: Clicking noise means... camera. Wait, camera means Nabiki... Nabiki
means REAL!
Body: eh?
Brain: *Slams the emergency override button*

Nabiki was snapping pictures when she saw their eye's snap open. They
looked at each other seeming to realize what they were doing, then looked at
her. 'This is not good' thought Nabiki nervously. Their shock seemed to fade
away to anger, a very violent anger from the looks of it. "Umm..." Nabiki
looked at the two of them, then Ranma's battle aura flared brightly "I'll be
going now." And sprinted back to the others where there was an off chance she
wouldn't get killed.

Kasumi sat worriedly at the table 'Well Nabiki didn't have a camera
when she left so everything should be alrig- Was somebody running? Oh no.'
Nabiki came running into the room as two twin screams of rage shook the house.

'Must hide, gonna die, must hide, gonna die, must hide. Where? TABLE!'
Thought and action being the same Nabiki somehow managed to squeeze herself
under the table.

Ukyo nearly swallowed her chopsticks as she saw Nabiki dive under the
table, a look of terror on her face. Then Ranma and Akane came running down
the hallway, the top half of Akane's shirt wide open. Ranma's battle aura was
flaring and Ranma took one look at the table and made a swiping motion with
her fist, shredding the wood. Biting her chopsticks in half Ukyo jumped away
from the glowing figure. Nabiki jumped out from the table.

"Uhh.. here take this I really don't need it." Nabiki said as she
threw the camera to Ranma, who made an X motion with her hands and turned the
camera into scrap metal. The two started advancing on Nabiki, Akane slightly
ahead. Then seemingly out of no where Dr.Tofu popped up and jabbed a point in
their necks, both Akane and Ranma fell unconscious to the ground. Everyone
was silent for a moment then Nabiki, regaining her composure said "Thank you
Tof-" She cut off with an "EEK" as Ranma started to rise, growling her name.
Dr. Tofu quickly jabbed several more pressure points on the back of Ranma's
neck and she fell unconscious to the ground once more. Putting a finger to
his lips he motioned them all outside.

^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_

Authors Notes:
First of all to the Ukyo fans: Yes, here it seems that Ukyo gives up a little
too quickly on Ranma, don't worry though that will all be explained in time.
(Most likely in the proluge.. which won't be written until the main chapters
are done)

Now to the Nabiki Fans: Calm... peace... don't kill me please! I'm building up
to something here. I know Nabiki is a very calm unemotional person but really,
who WOULDN'T freak out if they provoked Ranma into a blind rage??

Now to everyone in general: You may have noticed some personality changes,
mainly the fact Akane and Ranma are getting along.... well to say the least
and that Akane accepts his other form. This is not an oversight and is part
of the story, if need be I'll post the first chapter of the proluge to
explain it but believe me the story is much better the first time through
without knowing what's passed before. As for Ranma going into Neko mode so
easily and his little wake up trick, don't worry. All is explained.

C+C are welcomed, e-mail me at ssau...@hotmail.com

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