[Ranma][Fanfic] Shattered Soul II - IV

[ssau...@hotmail.com]

Shattered Soul Part II

Once everybody was outside and a safe distance away from the two
angry martial artists Dr. Tofu stepped aside from his position of authority,
allowing Soun to take the role. "Nabiki." Soun said in a quite voice. Then
his giant- demon-head technique erupted "WHY WERE AKANE AND RANMA TRYING TO
KIL-"

Dr. Tofu looked down at the unconscious Soun. "Can we get a _calm _
person to get things in order here?"

Ukyo stood up and patted Dr. Tofu on the shoulder. "I'll take care of
it Tofu-sensei." Ukyo turned her gaze towards Nabiki. "Why were Ranma honey
and your sister trying to kill you Nabiki?" Nabiki blushed a little and
whispered something in Ukyo's ear. Ukyo turned bright red and whipped out her
battle spatula "WHAT!?! I'LL KILL TH-"

Sighing Tofu said "Is there anyone else who would like to be put to
sleep? No? Good. Alright now Nabiki. What did you that made Ranma mad enough
that it took 5 shiatsu pressure points to put her to sleep?"

Nabiki sighed. "I really didn't mean for it to turn out this way, I was
only curious but then I had my camera and all...." She trailed off.

"What my little sister means to say is that she caught Ranma and Akane
umm... in each other's arms and took pictures of it." Kasumi said, hoping to
spare her sister a little misery.

"Well that's no reason to try and..." Genma turned bright red "oh." he
said in a small voice a promptly collapsed in shock.

"Yes, well that's very interesting... umm Kasumi could you go make
some tea for the three of us that remain conscious?" Dr. Tofu nearly lost it
when Kasumi nodded at him but he forced himself to remain professional, there
was no telling what Ranma might do if she woke up... especially after that
little display with the table.

"I'll go with you sis." Nabiki stood up and started to walk, but Dr.
Tofu caught her hand.

"That's a very bad idea. Your voice was what got Ranma out of the first
shiatsu point, and it took 4 more to put him down after that, if I'm forced to
try more pressure points she'll suffer serious damage."

"Yes sensei. I'm sorry it's just I could have made so much money with
those..." She replayed the image of Ranma slicing the camera into little
pieces with... nothing it seemed not even her hands. "Tofu-sensei, how did
Ranma destroy the camera without touching it? I didn't see her use a chi
blast or anything like that."

"Well I think that we'll have to wait for every one to wake back up
before I try explaining that. But you should keep this experience in mind
because while it may take quite a bit to provoke Ranma or your sister into a
blind rage like today, but if you do again I doubt all the pressure points in
the world could save your life." Dr. Tofu gave her a very serious look. "I've
known you all your life Nabiki Tendo and I must say, taking those pictures was
the dumbest, and worst idea you have ever had."

"I know." She said quietly. Then a roar came from the house.

"Of course." sighed Dr. Tofu then looked at Nabiki "He won't hurt
Kasumi, He might hurt me, He _will_ hurt you so I suggest we hide." Nodding in
agreement Nabiki and Dr. Tofu ran in opposite directions.

Ranma saw nothing but red. 'That little.... taking those pictures I'm
going to' "KILL HER" she yelled the last part of her thought aloud and turned
at a large boulder next to her "Revised Neko Kachu Tenshin Amaguriken!" She
yelled as her fists shot out at a blinding speed, the bolder seeming to melt
as she continued the barrage for a full ten seconds. "I think I over did it"
she muttered as she collapsed exhausted to the ground. A cowering Nabiki
could only agree as she stared at the cloud of dust that had, a moment ago,
been her hiding spot.

One hour later Ranma awoke finding out that 'she' was back to being a
he. For some reason his first thought ran along the lines of 'Kill Nabiki' he
thought for a moment, why would he want to kill Nabiki? Images flashed
through his head. Akane and him (Akane and HER at the time) in bed... Nabiki
taking pictures. TAKING PICTURES!?! "Nabiki!!" He yelled attempting to stand,
oddly enough his body wasn't listening. Looking down he saw needles stuck in
him at certain points. 'Great, Dr. Tofu and his acupuncture. Oh well this is
just like the shiatsu points.' Remembering the new skill he acquired while
searching for the scroll Ranma relaxed his body, closed his eyes and pictured
himself slowly standing, then removing the needles one by one. When he opened
his eyes the needles were lying at his feet and he was standing. 'Heh, bet
they weren't counting on th-.. Hey, I'm in a cage!' Looking out through the
bars he saw the empty Tendo training hall. Sighing Ranma two quick sweeping
motions at the cage bars, one at shoulder-height the other by his feet.
Pushing the bars they clattered to the floor and he stepped out.

Meanwhile inside the house Dr. Tofu, Kasumi, and Nabiki sat around
the remains of the table waiting for the others to regain consciousness. 'I
think I might be in trouble if Akane wakes up first.. then there's Ranma.'
Nabiki thought back to Dr. Tofu and her dragging Ranma's body into that old
iron cage at the back of the training hall. " Tofu-sensei, are you sure that
Ranma won't get out of that cage he's rather strong."

Dr. Tofu frowned. He hadn't considered that, still. "I placed some
needles in him, enough so that he shouldn't be able to move if he wakes."

"He did wake up from your pressure points Tofu-sensei." Said Kasumi,
concerned that Ranma might be able to move. "Not to mention he's back to his
normal body now and much stronger."

"Y-y-yo-y" Dr. Tofu took a deep breath trying to calm the giddiness of
being next to Kasumi. "You see Kasumi, if I left him in his female form he
would have healed much slower then his natural form. Even though he was going
berserk he's still very weak from whatever he did on that trip and needs to
heal if I leave him in male form he should be back to normal by morning."

Kasumi nodded seeming relieved. Then a loud "NABIKI!" rocked the house.
Nabiki jumped behind Kasumi knowing that Ranma wouldn't chance hurting her
older sister.

"Don't worry, he's still in the cage." Dr. Tofu said reassuringly, then
the sound of metal bars striking wood echoed across the house. "Why me?" he
asked. Then Ranma stomped into the room still angry, but his battle aura was
gone. "I'm glad to see you've calmed down Ranma. Please take a seat."

Ranma grunted and sat down across from Kasumi. "Nabiki you can stop
trying to hide. I know your there and I'm not going to hurt you. This time."
He glared at his 'sister' as she slid back from behind Kasumi. "I'm going to
go upstairs and get some sleep, could you wake me up if it looks like Akane's
about to regain consciousness?" After Tofu's nod Ranma went upstairs into his
room.

There was a mutual sigh of relief as Ranma left the room. "You know,
that was a little much. Even for Ranma, he's never got _that_ upset over me
taking pictures, even that time I hooked a camera up in the bathro- Uhh..
forget I said that." Nabiki looked at the table, not meeting anyone's gaze.

"I agree." Dr. Tofu said, pushing the rest of his tea to the side. "I
believe it has something to do with that trip. Today when he went into neko
mode, his chi was... off somehow. Whatever it is though I believe we should be
very careful around him." Dr. Tofu stood up and placed a hand on Akane's
throat. "She should be waking up soon, Kasumi can you help me carry her up to
Ranma?"

"Of course Tofu-sensei" Kasumi smiled brightly, he wasn't acting
silly... he was very handsome like this she decided.

Nodding, while attempting to maintain his composure, Dr. Tofu grabbed
Akane's arms. "Nabiki you should probably stay down here, Ranma seems to have
cooled down but we shouldn't take unnecessary chances." Seeing that Nabiki
wasn't about to argue Kasumi and Dr. Tofu slowly started carrying Akane to
Ranma's room.

Ranma lay on his mat, thinking. He'd been doing alot of that lately
and it was starting to show, his language getting better, he thought before
he spoke, and he'd managed to keep Akane from getting mad at him... until
now. 'When she wakes up I'm dead, she'll never believe I thought I was
dreaming.' Then he stopped himself. 'Wait a minute she's the one who started
the tongue thing, she also called me dream-Ranma.' Reality hit him like a
truck. 'She thought it was a dream too!' he nearly jumped from his bed in
joy. 'I'm not gonna get smashed and everything will be alright.' He smirked
as he thought of her pushing his hands into her shirt. 'Maybe better then
alright.' Then a frown crossed his face. 'Then there's Nabiki... It was
alright that I was upset at her, but I actually wanted to kill her. Oh no the
scroll...' well at least he knew why he flew into an out of control rage. Now
the problem was dealing with it. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound
of the door opening.

"Are you feeling better Ranma?" Asked a cheerful Kasumi.

"Yeah thanks, why'd you guys bring her up here?" Ranma asked a little
surprised that they would carry Akane to him.

"We thought it best if you didn't see Nabiki anytime soon, you were out
of control. Even if she did take those pictures you had no right to try and
kill her." Said Dr. Tofu, a little frown on his face.

"I know." Ranma said quietly. "I'll explain everything once everyone's
awake. Speaking of which how long do I have until Akane wakes up?"

"Akane should be regaining consciousness any minute now and the rest
will be up within the next ten." Dr. Tofu said as he slowly set Akane down on
Genma's mattress and started to walk out with Kasumi.

"Kasumi?" Called out Ranma "Could you tell Nabiki I'm sorry?"

"Of course Ranma." Kasumi gave him a motherly smile and shut the door.

Ranma looked down at Akane. "I doubt she's going to enjoy waking up to
the smell of panda, hmm.. better move her." Ranma thought aloud. Bending down
he gently lifted her in his arms and slowly started lowering her to his
mattress. Then just as he started to take his arms out from under her Akane's
eyes opened. Looking at Ranma, then down at herself (shirt still open) and
pinched her arm.

"Ow, O.K. it's real." Akane smiled at Ranma then remembered that he was
shredding things apart before she was knocked out. "Did you hurt her Ranma?"
She asked, in a cautious voice.

"No, I didn't touch a hair on her" Ranma knew she meant Nabiki. "I did
scare her half to death though."

"Good." Akane said, a satisfied smile on her face. "She deserved that
for taking pictures of us while we were... were..." Akane went a deep red and
she turned her face away from Ranma.

"Akane, it's I right. I thought it was a dream too." He pulled his arms
out from under her and used one hand to carefully force her to face him.

"You too?" She looked confused then remembered him calling her "Dream
Akane" and vice-versa. She giggled a little.

"Yup, after all I don't think that you'd be brave enough to try those
things if you had thought it was really me." He said in a playful tone.

"Oh really?" Akane looked at him 'I'll show him' she thought. Then
she pulled his head down to hers, resuming the kiss Nabiki interrupted. Ranma
looked a little shocked then loosened up and returned the kiss ten-fold,
causing Akane to let out a muffled squeak. Arms wrapped around her Ranma
thought 'She's never been able to pass on a challenge but still I didn't
expect her to take this one up right away.' and then all thoughts exited,
making way for instinct.

'If this isn't stopped soon I'm not going to be able to' Akane thought
as Ranma intensified the kissing. 'Then again I'm not sure if I can now.'
Summoning up what little willpower she had remaining she rolled on to the top
of Ranma, breaking the kiss. Putting her hands on his shoulder she pushed
herself up onto her elbows, their faces a good foot apart. "That'll show you"
She grinned down at him.

"I guess so..." Ranma's eyes nearly bulged out of his head.

"Eh?" said Akane then followed Ranma's gaze down to her open shirt
where her bra had gotten knocked out of place during the little wresting
match, exposing nearly her entire chest. "Oh!" she said, quickly coving
herself with her arms. This unfortunitly meant that she was falling onto
Ranma who, unable to move quick enough, let out a 'Omph' sound as Akane
crushed the air out of him.

Nabiki nervously walked into the hallway. 'He apologized, and Ranma
never does that so I suppose I should return the favor... assuming I don't
get killed first.' Nabiki took a deep breath and opened Ranma's door and
talking at the same time "Listen Ranma I'm really sorry-" She cut off with a
choke as she saw Akane lying on Ranma. "My you two sure are frisky today."
She said, then nearly bit her tongue off trying to shut herself up. 'Uh oh
I'm dead.' Too her surprise Ranma didn't try and kill her, instead he and let
out a yelp and Akane pulled a blanket over them.

"Akane, I think it's too late to hide." whispered Ranma to the still
surprised Akane.

"You have a better idea?" She whispered back, just able to make out his
face.

"No, but if we don't get out of this position I'm going to have to
marry you sooner then I planned." He told her, eyes glancing down at her
exposed cleavage which was pressed against his chest.

Akane blushed then she felt something near-by Ranma's... "Ranma!" she
said, turning even redder.

Ranma turned a shade of red that hadn't previously existed as he
realized what Akane noticed. "We've gotta get out of here." he said looking
into Akane's eyes.

'He didn't sound like he meant that' Akane thought. "Yeah, we
should...." Akane trailed off the half-hearted words looking into Ranma's
eyes.

Nabiki stood at the door and listened to the whole encounter 'Those two
don't whisper very quietly.' Then she blushed as she realized what Akane meant
by 'Ranma!'. 'Well, as long as they know I'm here they won't do anything... I
think.' "Hey you two, your supposed to consummate the marriage _after_ you get
married." She called out. Yet the blanket still wasn't taken off, it seemed
that the lump underneath flattened a little then started moving. 'This isn't
good.' "Alright you guys, I'm going downstairs and if your not down there in
three minutes I'm gonna send Kasumi up here!" Still getting no response she
went downstairs and started watching the clock.

Under the blanket Akane stopped her kiss with Ranma as Nabiki's words
sunk in. "We've gotta stop Ranma, Kasumi will tell our parents and we're not
even married ye-" A pleased 'Mmm' came from her throat as Ranma pulled her
down to him in another deep kiss and ran his hands along her back. "Ranma! We
ca-... do-... thi-" Akane said between breaks in the kisses. Then she didn't
seem to care as Ranma's hand's finished the job they had started, completely
unbuttoning her shirt. His hands started moving all over her body and Akane
let out a happy rumble/sigh sound. Ranma was kissing her neck as she moaned a
little, Akane soon finding herself starting to remove her tangled bra, then
the world disappeared in liquid as Kasumi poured a bucket of water on the
blanket.

Kasumi looked intently at the blanket. 'Well, it stopped moving I
guess that means they've calmed down. It's nice that they love each other,
but they should really wait for after the marriage.' smiling she walked back
downstairs, bucket in hand.

For a moment neither one moved, then they heard Kasumi's footsteps fade
away and seemed to get ahold of them selves. Quickly scrambling off of Ranma
Akane held the wet blanket around her, using it as a makeshift robe. "Were
in..."

"Trouble" Finished Ranma, glad that not enough water had hit him to
trigger the change. "Hurry up and get some dry clothes on, if were quick we
can get downstairs before everyone wakes up."

Noding Akane leaned over and gave Ranma a quick kiss. "Don't worry one
day we'll finish." Then giggling she ran to find some dry clothes.

Downstairs everyone had awoken and were sitting around the remains of
the table, then Nabiki looked at the clock, stood up and whispered something
in Kasumi's ear. Kasumi blushed slightly and nodding. Standing up she went
first into the kitchen, then upstairs. Nobody said anything and anyone who
attempted to was silenced by a look from Dr. Tofu. Then 5 minutes later
Kasumi walked back down and took her seat, setting the empty bucket down next
to her.

"Hey sis." Nabiki started, ignoring Dr. Tofu's silencing look. "It took
you five minutes to do _that_? What happen did you watc-" Nabiki broke off as
Kasumi blushed "them." Nabiki ended in a small voice. 'Well, this is turning
out to be one hell of a day' thought Nabiki 'It's just a good thing Happosai
isn't here. Then we'd _really_ have our hands full.'

************************************************************************
Meanwhile at the public baths Happosai (who was under a bucket on the
women's side) sneezed loudly.

"Did that bucket just sneeze?" Asked one woman.

"I think so." Said another picking up the bucket.

"EKKKK!!!! A HENTAI!"
"KILL HIM!"
"I'm just a lonely old man, come here sweetums!"

A bash/stomp fest ensued.
************************************************************************

Ranma waited impatiently, leaning against Akane's door. "Akane what's
taking so looonngg" Ranma landed with a small 'oomph' as Akane opened the
door, removing his support.

"Baka, you knew I was going to open the door why were you leaning
against it?" Akane asked Ranma.

"I was distrac.... ulp." Ranma broke off with a gulp.

Looking down Akane realized that he was staring straight up her
skirt. "EEP" Akane yelled pulling her skirt tight and stepping away from him.
"Hentai!"

"But.. I didn't.. it wasn't my fault.." Ranma stuttered, hoping to
avoid a malleting.

Akane glared at him a moment then grabbed his hand "I think you've seen
enough of my undergarments for now Ranma, come on." with a sigh she raced
downstairs, dragging Ranma with her.

Genma and Soun were playing shogi, Dr. Tofu was staring at Kasumi
(who was looking at the floor blushing), Nabiki was thinking of ways to earn
yen out of what she'd seen today, and Ukyo was staring blankly ahead and
wondering where Ranma and Akane were. Suddenly the sound of rushing feet made
them look to the hallway as Akane burst around the corner, dragging Ranma by
the arm.

Quickly standing up Ranma looked around, a large sweat drop forming
on the back of his head. "Uhh.. I think were too late." Akane nodded, an
identical drop forming on her head.

"I gave you an extra ten minutes." Said Nabiki "Don't worry though they
already paid" Nabiki pointed at Soun and Genma who were grinning maniacally.

"T-ten minutes... how long were we gone? Akane asked, amazement in her
voice.

"Well let's see, counting the time since Kasumi and Tofu-sensei dropped
you off... about 38 minutes" Nabiki grinned mischievously. "Enjoy yourselves?"
Both Ranma and Akane turned a deep red, Ranma fiddling with his ponytail and
Akane twisting her hands together.

Ukyo watched and sighed as what they had been doing hit her. 'As long
as he's happy' she told herself. She was gradually giving up Ranma, but it
still hurt her to see that their affection went _this_ far.

"That is a family matter and can be spoken of later." Said Dr. Tofu,
snapped out of his staring. "Right now we need to talk about what happened
this morning." Taking a glance at Nabiki he added "and this afternoon."

Ranma sighed and sat down, Akane taking a seat next to him. Waiting
till everybody had gathered around the broken table Ranma began. "In order for
me to get the scroll with the cure for my curse I had to pass through five
barriers. Each a test that challenged your mind, body, soul, heart, or chi.
When I came to the chi barrier I came closest to losing my life and sanity. To
pass through the barrier you had to face your worst fear and conquer it, or
else the magic of the cave would poison your chi with that fear. I faced my
fear and lost to it, the cave then took it's toll and put my fear into my chi.
To the average person with a normal fear this would mean... well.. O.K. say
someone was afraid of water, then with it poisoning his chi, which is the
source of his strength, whenever they felt water they would go insane and
depending on weather or not the person could push his fear down the insanity
would be permanent. In my case my fear was being in the Neko-ken permanently."
Genma blanched a little at mention of his horrible mistake. "I wasn't able to
beat it because I went into neko when the incarnation of my fear appeared."
Ranma shuddered a little and Akane held his hand, offering support. Drawing a
deep breath Ranma continued. "By having my fear in my chi I now go into Neko-
mode at nearly anything that looks or sounds like a c-c..."

"We understand Ranma, continue" Soun told him, trying to help his (as
he saw it) soon-to-be son in law.

Nodding Ranma started again. "In addition to this changing genders
doesn't knock me out of it anymore. I think you found that earlier because I
vaguely remember being wet. One good point to this is now I have a little
control over what I do. I can break myself out of it sometimes but when I do
I'm completely drained for the rest of the day."

"Did you gain control in my office then?" Asked Dr. Tofu remembering
when Ranma had told him to get out while in neko-mode.

"No, I just slowed it down." He looked at Dr. Tofu . "There was
something about you that scared it, it was going to attack you. And you pop.
It almost killed you, I was just barley able to stop it."

"Ranma, your talking about your fear like it something completely
different and not you." Genma said, face slightly pale.

"At first it was just me, but now... now it's something else. It's
like there's something inside of that's fighting to get out, it's like
someone just pushes my mind aside and takes control." Ranma sighed and
squeezed Akane's hand a little.

"That would explain your chi." Dr. Tofu told Ranma. "When you had gone
neko in my clinic I saw what looked like a completely different chi that was
struggling against yours." Dr. Tofu let out a little hmm.. noise.

Akane had a sudden thought. "Tofu-sensei, your other patient... the
toddler he's still at your office!"

"I called his mother while you were getting Ranma back to normal."
Tofu told Akane.

"What toddler?" Ranma asked, confused.

"There was a little toddler at Tofu-sensei's when you went neko, we
were afraid that you'd use him as a chew toy." Akane said, looking at Ranma.
"Can you see what's happening? I mean do you always know what's going on while
you like that?"

"No, only occasional glimpses once in a while... I didn't hurt anyone
did I?" Ranma asked, concerned.

Akane paused a moment 'Well he's going to find out eventully so it
might as well be now' she lifted up pulled up her left sleeve, revealing three
parallel lines of stitches. Everyone at the table (with the exception of Dr.
Tofu who already knew) looked shocked, Ranma had hurt Akane.

"Akane!" Ranma cried holding her to him "I'm so sorry, I didn't know, I
didn't see!" He was getting very angry at himself. 'How could I have hurt
Akane?' he asked silently. "I didn't know......" he trailed off, eyes wet but
not crying.

Akane saw his eyes. 'He's crying' she thought in wonder 'or at least as
close as he'll ever come to letting himself cry as a man.' "Ranma, it's o.k.
I'm not hurt. I've gotten cut before."

"No, It's not! I should have never allowed that to happen and I swear
it'll never happen again even if I have to kill myself to stop it." swore
Ranma.

Akane let go of Ranma (though still held his hand) "Don't talk like
that! I'm alright, really."

Ranma looked at her. "You sure?" she nodded. Sighing Ranma continued
on while silently thinking of a way to make it up to her. " And this
afternoon when I did this", he gestured at the table, "I was using the
Nekko-ken. It's always been in my chi, but it was buried deep. Now it's
always at the surface, I can't use all of it and tear ten foot holes in
pavement but I can tear 6 inch ones. I don't have the heightened senses or
reflexes either."

"How about when you turned that boulder outside into dust?" Asked
Nabiki, remembering the rock seeming to melt.

"That was kinda a spur of the moment thing, I just combined the
Amiguriken with the new 'claws'." Ranma looked a little embarrassed "Sorry
about that."

"That brings us to the next subject. You lost your temper and all self
control today which is inexcusable especially for a martial artist." Dr. Tofu
was almost glaring at Ranma. 'This better be good' He thought 'Or Ranma and I
are going to have a _very_ serious talk.'

"That _was_ inexcusable, and I'm sorry but I do have an explanation.
You see that scroll case does something to you. It's like it doubles
everything in you that isn't physical, your chi, your feelings, your emotions
and things like that. It also destroys some of your self control." He glanced
at Akane. "So when I normally would have been just angry at Nabiki, I got
_really_ angry, killing angry. Kasumi could I see the scroll?"

Kasumi reached into her pocket and pulled the metal cylinder out,
passing it to Dr. Tofu to give to Ranma. As Dr. Tofu's hand got within inches
of it a small arc of lighting went from the cylinder to his hand. "Ow!" Said a
(literally) shocked Tofu.

"Whoops, sorry I forgot about that." Standing up he took the scroll
from Kasumi's hand. When he touched it the cylinder turned a reddish color.
"You see only people I give this to can touch it, anyone else gets zapped. It
recognizes me as it's owner and so it won't have the side effects on Kasumi
that it does on me.." Kasumi let out a little sigh of relief, she didn't want
to be out of control... the family needed her.

"So Ranma, that scroll doubles your chi? Why that's great your more
powerful then any of the Nerima martial artists now, even Cologne!" Genma was
looking _very_ proud. 'My son the most powerful martial in Japan... well at
least Nerima.

"Well.. yeah. The problem is that if the spell isn't cast within" ,
Ranma glanced at the cylinder, "about a month this thing will kill me."

That drew gasps from around the table. "You'll die? Why would the
scroll do that?" Ukyo was worried. 'Knowing this place something's going to
stop Ranchan from getting that spell cast... then he'll die. No he can't die!'

"It seems that it's some kind of safeguard so people don't just use
the scroll for power. The entire reason it increases my chi is because the
spell itself supposedly halves it, which would leave me weak without the
scroll's effects." Ranma said, not entirely concerned about getting killed.
After all he had a month, what could go wrong? "Speaking of which, how are
things going with the spell preparations?"

"I've finished translating the ingredients, Nabiki has the list. I've
just started getting the building's specifications." Kasumi smiled at Ranma.
"I should be finished by tomarow afternoon."

"I've done some research on this specific spell Ranma, it very powerful
but I can cast it as long as the translations are completely accurate. I was
only able to find out about the spell through an associate who deals
specifically with the ancient Chinese civilization." Dr. Tofu told him, a
serious look on his face. "One wrong word though and this spell could go
seriously wrong."

"Alright, I think that's all I need to know. I'm still not quite up to
par so I'm going to go get some sleep." Ranma said, stretching.

"Ranma, one more thing. How did you manage to get out of the shiatsu
points, then the acupuncture needles?" Dr. Tofu was looking at him. 'I've
haven't heard of anybody being able to do in over a hundred years, if Ranma
ever goes nuts again and I can't stop him...' Dr. Tofu was suddenly very
worried.

"Could I tell you later sensei? I really don't feel like trying to
explain that right now." Ranma smiled as Dr. Tofu nodded. "Goodnight." Ranma
said and walked upstairs.

Akane looked at the setting sun. 'Wow, is it that late already?' she
stood up. "I think I'll go to bed too." Akane told the group.

"I'll go with you sis", Nabiki grinned at Akane, "just to make sure you
end up in the right bed" Nabiki's grin got wider as her sister made a choking
sound.

"Now Nabiki that isn't necessary, I'm sure she'll find her way..." Said
a frantic Soun, grabbing her arm so Nabiki couldn't get up.

"Yes, she knows what she's doing" Said Genma as he slid over to Akane.
"Now's your chance, go for it!" He whispered to Akane.

Akane turned a bright red then slowly spoke, venom dripping in her
voice. "I'm going to _my_ room and anybody who suggests I'm planning otherwise
will have a talk", Akane's mallet appeared in her hands, "with me."

Gulping Genma (who somehow managed to get into panda form) started
playing with an old tire while everyone else watched Akane stomp upstairs.

Early next morning Genma-panda walked upstairs (having slept
downstairs just in case Akane decided to use Ranma's bed) and shook the
sleeping form. Getting no response he shook a little harder, grunting. 'What
a lazy son, he should be up to face the light of dawn' he thought then bashed
Ranma with a sign. Letting one of his own grunts out Ranma swiped at his
father, the punch coming within inches of his head. 'Can't even hit me.'
Thought Genma, then he lifted a paw to his head, all the fur on the right
side of his face was gone. 'Oh yeah, neko-ken thing.' Holding up a sign
reading ^sleep well^ Genma quickly left the room.

Downstairs everybody was gathered around the table (which had been
taped back together) as Kasumi started laying the food out. "Where's Ranma?"
Akane asked as Genma-panda came into the room.

^I thought it best to let him sleep^ Genma pointed at his face while
holding up the sign.

Akane laughed at the ridiculous looking panda. "I'll go get him." she
stood up and walked off.

Soun took his hand off of Nabiki's mouth when Akane was upstairs.
"Sorry Nabiki, I just couldn't let you ruin the moment."

Glaring at him Nabiki held out her hand. "One thousand yen."

"You would charge your own father?" asked Soun though he already knew
the answer.

"Either that or I go up there and 'spoil the moment'." Nabiki said
smiling. Any day that started with money was a good day.

Muttering Soun counted out the money and handed it to Nabiki who
smiled at him. They turned back to eat their breakfast and found Genma and
the food missing. Kasumi stepped out of the kitchen "Nabiki it's time for you
to leave for school" she called brightly. Practically growling Nabiki stomped
outside, that Genma was going to pay for her empty stomach... literaly if she
had anything to say about it. She stopped for a moment and yelled to Ranma's
window "Your going to be late!" and continued on her way.

Upstairs Akane opened the door to Ranma's room, a slight flush on her
face as she remembered yesterday's activities. Akane walked over and knelt
down beside Ranma. 'He looks so happy' she thought, then wondered what he was
dreaming about. "Ranma she said, time to wake up." Getting no response she
tried a different tactic. "If you don't hurry your father's going to eat
everything." Still, no response came from Ranma. Then a thought entered her
mind. 'He 'woke me up' in that play with a kiss... why don't I return the
favor?' Leaning down she pressed her lips to his.

*In Ranma's mind*
Body: Feels like Akane this a dream?
Mind: Negative.
Body: Good.

Ranma sat up. "Well that was a pleasant way to be woken up." he told
Akane, smiling at her.

"Glad you like it Ranma-chan. Consider it payback for nearly seducing
me last night." She stuck her tongue out at him, which he grabbed it between
his forefinger and thumb. "Rahmh dhis ishn't fuhhy" she said (or tied to)
while laughing.

Ranma grinned at her. "You know I've been wanting to do this for a long
time."

"Holh mh tohuge?" She asked him.

"No, this." He released her tongue then quickly kissed her before she
had a chance to pull it back in. "That was payback", he said as he broke
stopped the kiss, "for making me want to seduce you." Then Nabiki's voice
drifted into the room "Your going to be late!"

Looks of panic crossed their faces and they ran downstairs and out
the door. Soun sat at the table and saying nothing. Then as Akane and Ranma
left he turned to Kasumi. "Why did you the children that it was time to go?
They have another 20 minutes."

Kasumi looked at her father. "I thought Akane and Ranma needed to be
distracted." She smiled sweetly.

Nabiki had arrived at school (much to her surprise) early. Sighing she
decided to the most of it.

"Nabiki Tendo hast thou found my pigtailed goddess yet?" Said a bokken
carrying student.

"Oh hi Kuno-baby! Yeah she should be here any minute now... that'll
be 5000 yen." Nabiki smiled 'Today is going _very_ well and if that old lady
stays true to form she'll nail Ranma with a scoop of water.'

After shoving the money into Nabiki's hand Kuno launched into one of
his speeches. "I Tatewaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder and champion of Furiken high
shall claim the hand of Akane Tendo and the Pig-tailed-girl this day, and
pity on the fool who doth stand in the way of my heart!"

The crowd around him started muttering.
"He _still_ hasn't figured it out?"
"Nope, Ranma and his pig-tailed girl are different people according to
him."
"Poor idiot."

Nabiki decided to take advantage of the situation. "1000 yen says
Ranma puts Kuno in the nurses office!" she called to the crowd and started
writing in a little pad as cries of 'your on' and 'alright' came from the
group. 'All too easy.'

Halfway to school Ranma and Akane found out that they weren't late and
were walking hand-in-hand. "Don't you miss walking on the fence Ranma?" Akane
asked him.

"Nope, I would miss being next to you though." Akane smiled at his
words. Then Akane found herself talking to Onna-Ranma.

"How does that little old lady keep doing that to you?" Akane said,
giggling.

"I have no idea." Ranma sighed. "Let's just get to school and get some
hot water from there kay?"

Nodding Akane grabbed Ranma's hand again and they walked on to
school. Each still smiling. Then as they entered school grounds a boy came
up to them. "Here Ranma, I figured you would need it." he handed Ranma a
teapot

"Uhh.. Thanks." Ranma said, pouring the water on his head.

"No problem... just try not to hurt Kuno today alright?" He looked at
Ranma. 'Well, he seems to be calm maybe I'll be able to keep my 1000 yen.'
Then smiling he walked away.

"Saotome! What have you done with my pig-tailed goddess? She was here a
moment ago then you appeared, die foul sorcerer!!" Stepping to the side Ranma
dodged Kuno's slash.

"Hey-a Kuno, long time no see." Ranma smiled, casually shredding Kuno's
bokken with the Neko-ken 'claw' attack.

"How dare you foul my weapon with your touch, and worse still I saw
you holding the fair Akane's hand!" Reaching towards Akane he tried to shove
her in back of him, he grabbed her... or rather grabbed her chest and
continued to taunt Ranma, not realizing what he was doing to Akane.

From a window in the school building Nabiki watched as Kuno grabbed
her sister and saw her stiffen in shock and anger. Then she saw Ranma's
battle Aura spring up blindingly and his roar of rage echo across the school.
'Oh damn. I forgot about that scroll's effect on Ranma. He's going to kill
Kuno.' Nabiki turned to the students next to her "Get Ms. Hinako down there,
NOW!" She yelled at them and watched them scramble to do it. "AKANE!" Nabiki
screamed down to her sister. "YOU'VE GOT TO STOP RANMA, HE'S GOING TO KILL
HIM!

Akane stood still, fury pouring through her. 'How dare he grab me like
that, I'll bash him into a puddle!' Then her sister's voice floated down to
her. "... He's going to kill him." it seemed to say. Looking at Ranma she
realized Nabiki was right, his battle aura was flashing a bright red. "Ranma
NO!" Akane cried out, but it was too late.

A single thought flashed in his mind as Kuno grabbed his fiancé's
chest, 'Kill'. "Tengokuno Utsuko-to!" Ranma's fist shot out, and it seemed
Kuno's abdomen fell in on itself. The strike hit him so hard that he skidded
across the yard into a building. Not even slowing Ranma leapt into the air,
shooting towards Kuno with leg extended. Kuno looked up dazedly at the foot
which was heading towards his head and managed to force himself on the
ground, Ranma's foot broke through the wall of the small classroom, soon
followed by the rest of his body which opened a eight foot hole in the
building. Kuno crawled away from the hole. 'Never been hit like that before,
my insides feel like their torn apart.' Kuno gasped in pain as he fell to the
ground. Then there was a sound behind as Ranma leapt through the building.
'Can't fight like this.' Kuno gasped in pain and fell to the ground. Ranma
reached down and picked up Kuno by the skull, his hand slowly crushing it.

"Happo Five-Yen Satsu" called a feminine voice behind Ranma. Still held
in the grip anger Ranma turned to Ms. Hinako (dropping Kuno in the process),
who was draining his chi away little by little.

"You want my chi?" Ranma yelled, still enraged. "You can have it, MOUKO
TAKABISHA!" Blue chi energy flew from his hand crashing into Ms. Hinako for a
full third of a second until his hands were knocked towards the building by
someone, incinerating the small classroom next to him. Turning in rage he was
about to hit the intruder, then realized it was Akane and dropped his hands
which were still burning with energy.

"Ranma stop it, your scaring me!" Akane cried then flung herself into
his arms.

"A-Akane? I'm sorry I just saw Kuno grabbing you and..." He seemed to
notice the bodies of Kuno and Ms. Hinako. "Oh no.." He rushed over to Ms.
Hinako and checked her pulse, it was strong. The entire front half of her
dress had been burned away and the skin underneath looked like it had a
second degree sun burn. Taking his shirt off he laid it against her (adult
thanks to Ranma's chi) body. Then he turned to Kuno. Kuno's pulse was very
faint and by the look of his body there were broken ribs, alot of them. "We
need to get Dr. Tofu, now." he told Akane who nodded and ran to the phone.
Meanwhile the students just stared at the incredible display of power they
had just witnessed, and each silently prayed they never made Ranma Saotome
angry.

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

Author's Notes:
All of Ranma's new techniques will be explained in due time, it's a long
fanfic. Well I really can't think of much else to say about this one so see ya
later.

Any C+C can be sent to me at ssau...@hotmail.com

The Shattered Soul Homepage can be found at Http://members.xoom.com/Syithe__

Shattered Soul Part III

Two hours later Dr. Tofu walked out of the Furiken nurses office.
"He's going to be all right." He told the nervous couple. Ranma and Akane let
out twin sighs of relief. "Ranma exactly what did you do to him? All of his
ribs were broken, some worse then others, his skull was fractured and he had
massive internal bleeding."

Ranma fidgeted a little. "I hit him."

"How many times?" Asked Dr. Tofu.

"Once." Ranma sighed "Then I picked him up by his head and tried to
crush his skull."

"Once... Ranma did you train while you were searching for that scroll?"
He eyed Ranma. "Because the only way you could have caused that much damage
with one hit in that wide of an area you would have to used a Chi Attack of
some sort. As for what you did Ms. Hinako... that a chi blast wasn't it." It
sounded more like a statement then a question.

Ranma nodded. "While I was gone I learned the Tengokuno Utsuko-to."

"Strike of the Heavens?" Akane turned to Ranma. "Who taught you that?"

Ranma face went white. "A friend." he mummered, then quickly tried to
change the subject. "How about Ms. Hinako?"

"She's one giant burn. The front of her body has the most serious
damage, but even that's minor. I'm glad you managed to control yourself before
you hurt her with the full force of that blast." Dr. Tofu said, keeping his
anger at Ranma under control. 'This simply won't do, he is much to powerful to
have these temper tantrums, the next time we might have a fatality.'

"Yeah... well... you see I didn't, Akane just kinda messed up my
aim." Ranma stared at the ground. He had to finish that spell, it's effect
was making him dangerous.

Dr. Tofu let a frown show. "Ranma I think you and I need to have a talk
after school. I'll meet you at the Tendo dojo around five, assuming that's all
right with you Akane."

Akane looked away from Ranma and nodded to Dr. Tofu. "Come on Ranma,
let's go to class."

Dr. Tofu watched as they walked away then froze. five o'clock? Wasn't
there something important happening at five? "Kasumi! How could I have
forgotten?" he slammed the fist of one hand into the palm of the other. I'll
never be able to concentrate with her around... oh well I just have to hope
Ranma keeps himself under control until I can talk to him. Smiling he went
back to work ignoring the thought that said talking to Ranma was more
important then going on a date with Kasumi.

By lunch time everything was back to normal, after all these kinda
things weren't that uncommon at Furiken high. Ranma had sat through his
classes just barely paying attention where as Akane had paid lots of
attention... to Ranma. They walked out together at lunch, Akane finally able
to get a smile out of Ranma by kissing him. Unfortunately they forgot about
the fact that Furiken's pastime was Ranma and Akane watching so after the
kiss they found themselves at mercy of hundreds of wide eyes.

"Hey, what are you looking at!" Akane yelled, aura flashing dimly and
mallet out. The threat had it's intended effect and the crowd went on to other
things such as _covertly_ watching Akane and Ranma.

"Hello there bro." Nabiki walked up to the couple. "You wouldn't
believe how much money I just made off of that kiss." Nabiki was acting...
girlish! Ranma nearly face faulted in shock.

"Uhh... Nabiki are you alright?" Akane had a concerned look on her face.

"Oh, I'm better then alright," She flipped open a notebook and let
Akane see the figure inside, "I'm rich!"

Akane and Ranma looked with wide eyes at the notebook. "T-that much?
You made that much just because Akane kissed me?"

Nabiki nodded happily then grabbed her sister's hand. "Scuse us Ranma,
we have something to talk about." Nabiki dragged Akane away, Ranma thought he
heard Nabiki say 'tell me about...'.

'Tell her about what?' Ranma wondered, then shrugged. Probably some
girl thing. Wait what's that sound... a bike.... from above him? Shampoo!
Quickly he held up both hands, forming a triangle with his thumbs and
forefingers "Revised Tengokuno Utsuko-to Shield!"

Shampoo looked down at Ranma who was rapidly getting closer. What was
he shouting? No matter her trajectory was perfect and she'd land right on his
head, maybe it would knock enough sense into him so he would marry her. "Nihao
Ranma!" Shampoo began, then crashed into thin air about two feet in front of
Ranma's head. Down, but not out Shampoo leapt up from her crashed bike and
headed for Ranma, hands in glomping position. For some reason the air was
stopping her. She looked at Ranma whose hands were still forming a triangle.
"What husband do? Why he no let Shampoo near?"

Ranma was slowly backing away from Shampoo, then sneezed. 'Great. Now
someone's talking about me.' He thought, struggling to keep the shield up.
Unknown to him he was slowly approaching where Nabiki and Akane sat.

Akane was sitting down and talking to her sister quietly both talking
quickly. "Then he reached out and pulled me down to him then I felt him undo
the rest of the buttons on my shirt."

"No way, Ranma?" Nabiki said. Looking like a normal teenage girl,
even smiling. Akane nodded. Then leaned closed and whispered something to
Nabiki who drew in a deep breath.

Meanwhile Ranma started catching wisps of Akane and Nabiki talking.
Listening he felt Akane say 'It felt sooo good.' Looking over his shoulder he
yelled to Akane. "What are you telling her!?!" The girls blushed as they
noticed him. No, they couldn't be... Ranma looked at their blushing faces and
groaned, they were. Groaning he put his hands instinctively to his face. 'Oh
no, the shield!' Desperately he tried to put it back up but it was too late.

"Shampoo knew husband love her." Shampoo glomped herself onto Ranma,
a little more forcefully then usual which knocked them both to the ground
right between Akane and Nabiki. Ranma saw Akane's mallet come out and closed
his eyes and braced himself to be launched into orbit. Instead he felt a
weight lift from him and he cautiously opened one eye to see Shampoo
disappear with a twinkle in the sky.

"That outta teach the hussy!" Akane said, glaring at the spot where
Shampoo vanished.

"Akane, you didn't hit me! You knew I didn't do anything!" Ecstatic
with joy he reached out and gave Akane a long kiss.

Akane nearly fell down at the intensity of Ranma's kiss. "Ranma!"
She looked up at him, slightly dazed. Then the sound of laughter drew both of
their eyes to Nabiki who was jumping in the air happily.

"I'm SO rich, I'm rich I'm rich I'm rich!!" Nabiki had a dreamy smile
on her face. "All that money, I'm RICH!"

"Nabiki are telling me that you just made more money off of that kiss
too?" Akane said to her sister.

"Yes! Yes I did, I'll have triple that figure I showed you as long as
you two don't figh-.... I'll have triple that amount by the end of today."
Nabiki said, attempting to catch her mistake.

Akane looked at Ranma. Ranma looked at Akane.

"Tomboy!" Ranma yelled at Akane.
"Hentai!" Akane yelled, throwing a punch at Ranma.
"Macho chick!" Ranma called easily dodging the punch.
"Genderless freak!" yelled Akane, making a face at Ranma.

"No! What are you doing, your ruining me!!" Nabiki was running little
circles around Ranma and Akane, arms waving.

Ranma and Akane were holding hands and walking out the school gate,
followed by a sad Nabiki. "Why'd you go and do that! I would have been rich!"
Nabiki was almost in tears. 'All that wonderful wonderful money, all gone.'

"Nabiki, you still have a small fortune. You should be happy." Ranma
said, enjoying the fact that Nabiki was on the receiving end of a prank for
once.

"Yeah sis, besides everyone would have been broke trying to pay you
back and then you wouldn't have anyone to swindle for the rest of the year."
Akane was smiling brightly at her sister. "Can't let you make to much money,
you might get even more snobby."

"Swindle? I don't swindle people, I just make good deals." Nabiki said
defensively.

"Swindle." Ranma and Akane said together, not bothering to look back at
her.

"And I'm not snobby!" Nabiki glared at their backs, feeling a need to
get back at them.

Ranma turned to Akane and winked. "Watch this." he whispered to her.
Muttering something quietly he placing his hands in an inverted triangle
shape. There was a small thud behind them.

Turning around Akane saw Nabiki sitting in the road. "What happened
Nabiki?"

"I don't know, I was just walking and then it felt like I hit
something." She looked over to Ranma who was laughing. "Ranma! How dare you!"
She stood up and walked swiftly towards him then stumbled with a gasp of pain.
Ranma caught her before she fell, his look one of concern. "You okay Nabiki?"

"I think I twisted my Ankle." Nabiki rubbed her left ankle. "I'm
alright." She took a step and gasped in pain. Then felt herself being lifted
up into Ranma's arms. "And just what do you think your doing Ranma?"

"I'm keeping you from having to crawl home, and don't worry I'll tell
anyone who asks that you forced me to carry you or I owe you money or
something." Ranma told her, preempting her argument.

Nabiki looked at his face for a moment then nodded, slipping her
hands around the back of his neck. "Now this is much more comfortable." She
said then laughed as he blushed. "Oh come on Ranma according to my sister
you've been much closer to a woman then this." Nabiki grinned as she snuggled
into Ranma's chest a little.

"NABIKI!" yelled a blushing Akane.

"Awww.. your just jealous." Nabiki said, smiling at her younger
sister. 'Besides' Nabiki thought, pressing a little more against Ranma's
muscular chest. 'this isn't half-bad. A cute guy holding me in his arms...
worse things have happened.' Akane just glared at her sister, who was now
practicaly groping at Ranma. With a little 'hmph' she picked up the pace.

Ranma sighed in relief as the house came into view. Nabiki had been
pressing herself into him the whole way home, to his extreme discomfort. 'Not
that I mind carrying her' Ranma thought to himself. 'I've just never seen her
act so..... _extremely_ friendly toward me' he grimaced a little as she her
breasts brushed against his chest. 'Thank the spirits were almost there,
that's the tenth time she done that, it can't be on purpose though.' Looking
down he saw her smiling at him evilly. 'Yeah, it's on purpose... but she's
only doing it to get back at me for knocking her down.' He looked at her
again. 'I hope.' He managed to open the door with one hand, supporting Nabiki
with the other. "Alright, where to Nabiki?" he asked her.

"Well I supose the couch would work... but being carried to my bed by a
cute guy is too much to pass up." Nabiki winked at Ranma, grinning. Could this
get any better? Her sister was almost ready to bash Ranma into orbit out of
habit and he nearly burst a blood vessel from blushing.

"NABIKI!" Ranma and Akane both shouted.

"Yes?" Nabiki copied that oblivious happy look that Kasumi did so well.

"Be right back Akane." Sighing Ranma started upstairs with Nabiki in
his arms. Opening the room to her door Ranma was shaking his head. "Nabiki
what were you doing down there? If I didn't know you better I'd think you
liked in me."

'And if I do, what then?' she thought quietly to herself then froze...
where'd that thought come from? "Think of it revenge for making me lose all
that money." she said aloud. Then when Ranma lowered her to the bed she acted.
Catching his arm she used it to pull her mouth to his in a kiss, surprising
herself when she ran her tongue across his lips.

Ranma yanked himself out of her arms and ran out the door, heart
thudding. 'What the devil is Nabiki doing?' Ranma passed a hand over his face.
'She isn't doing anything. She was just getting revenge, just like always, it
was normal Nabiki... Right?' "Just revenge." He repeated aloud. Then went
downstairs to Akane.

"So Ranma-chan you lay my sister on her bed?" Akane was smirking at him.

The sight of Akane sped his heart up and sent his mind in a much more
comfortable direction. "Very funny Akane-chan." Moving like he rarely did out
of combat Ranma seemed to fade out of existence and reappear behind Akane.

"Ranma?" Called Akane. 'I've never seen him move that fast, in fact I
didn't even see him move.' Then Akane felt warm kisses working their way up
the back of her neck. Akane sighed with a little 'Mmm' sound. "It's nice to
see you remember your fiancee after carrying that sister of mine."

"I couldn't forget my kawii Akane if I wanted to." Ranma told her,
hugging her tightly to him. Enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against
his. A knock came from the door. "Oh, that must be Tofu-sensei. I'll get it."
Ranma opened the door and Dr. Tofu walked in.

"Hello Ranma, Akane. I don't have a whole lot of time so I'll get
straight to the point. Ranma you need to get yourself under control. I know
the scroll case and it's effects, but you almost killed that Kuno boy today.
On top of th.. th.. th.. th.." Tofu looked behind Ranma staring at Kasumi.
"We'll finish this later."

"Oh hello Tofu-san, give me a moment and I'll be ready." Kasumi gave
him a bright smile and went to change.

"Way to go Tofu!" Ranma said, then Akane elbowed him in his ribs
"Sensei" Ranma quickly added.

"Yeah congratulations, oh and one thing." Akane gave him a serious
look. "If you really love her you'll have to keep yourself under control, she
doesn't like you as much when your eating plates and chopsticks."

That made him blink. Then after a moment he spoke. "Thank you for the
advice. I'll try to keep myself under control, I think I'll have more luck
with that after yesterday."

Ranma nodded, Dr. Tofu had managed to stay under control the entire day
yesterday.... well after Ranma started destroying things anyway. Then Kasumi
returned and taking her arm in his Dr. Tofu left the house. Akane had gone
over to watch them leave so Ranma once again hugged her back to him, smiling.

"Ranma, do you think that you'll be able to stop yourself from hurting
anyone? I know you don't mean to but...." Akane pressed her back against his
chest.

"Yes. I think so, as long as it doesn't involve you getting hurt.
However I may not be able to stop holding you." Ranma smiled, he could go on
like this all evening.

Akane turned her body so she was facing him. "Glad to hear it." then
she slowly pushed herself up so she was standing on her toes, nearly face to
face with Ranma. Smiling she pressed her lips against his, the kiss soon
becoming open mouthed. Her tongue just barley brushed the inside of his mouth
and her eyes lit with mischief then she slowly pulled out of the kiss.
"Kasumi's gone out, our fathers are off collecting some kind of wood for that
building, and Nabiki's going to some kind of business meeting. You know what
that means?" She pressed herself against him more.

Ranma could barley breathe. "What?" he managed to croak out.

Akane smiled and kissed him again. "It means..."

Ranma was fighting an urge to fling Akane over one shoulder and carry
her to his room.

"I'm cooking dinner!" Ranma face faulted.

Recovering Ranma turned to Akane "O.K. but I get to take you out for a
movie and ice cream after." 'If I'm still conscious' Ranma thought.

Akane smiled up at him. 'He didn't say anything about me making
dinner! Maybe I can do it this time and he'll be proud of me.' A sudden
thought crossed your mind. "Ranma how are you going to cash that gold in? I
don't know how and I know you don't. I'm pretty sure Nabiki's the only one
that does."

As if summoned Nabiki strolled downstairs. "I'll give you the yen minus
a small commission for myself of course. Besides, gold is much more impressive
then yen."

Akane turned to Nabiki "Thanks Oneechan! It's about Ranma spent some
money on me." Akane smiled at Ranma, then stopped as she noticed he was
looking nervously at Nabiki.

"Uhh... yeah thanks Nabiki." Ranma handed over the pouch containing the
gold. Smiling she looked inside then handed Ranma a wad of bills.

"This much!?" Ranma said, shock apparent in his voice. Then something
hit him. "Hey Nabiki your ankle healed quickly."

"No it didn't, it's been feeling like this the whole day" Nabiki
grinned evilly. "Stay away from the big times Ranma, I'm too good for you."
Still wearing the smile she strolled out the door.

"Then her ankle was never.. I carried her... then she..." Ranma
scowled. "Someday she's going to have to be taught a lesson."

Akane just laughed and dragged Ranma towards the kitchen. "That's
just the way she is, common you can help me cook." Surrendering Ranma let
Akane drag him into the kitchen.

Akane seemed to be at the bottom of her form that night. Whenever
Ranma turned his back for a second something would happen. First she managed
to catch a pot on fire while boiling water, then she somehow threw something
into the soup that made it explode, and finally she popped open a bag of
flour. The white dust floated around the room and for a moment neither said
anything. Then Ranma burst out laughing and Akane, unable to help herself,
joined in. Still laughing they stumbled outside and tried to shake some of
the powder off themselves.

"I need a bath." Akane finally announced.

"Need someone to wash your back?" Ranma said grinning at Akane.

"Ranma!" Akane pretended to be shocked, then shoved him backwards into
the pond which instantly turned a off white color.

Bursting out of the pool a wet Onna-Ranma looked at Akane. "Just for
that I get the bath first!" Then Ranma scrambled for the door.

"Oh no you don't!" cried Akane and tackled Ranma, laughing. The two
wrestled around for a while then Ranma started tickling Akane. "Ranma *laugh*
stop! *laugh* I *laugh* can't breath *laugh**laugh*"

"Good" Ranma grinned at her, "Maybe next time you'll remember that
before you throw me in the pond!" Ranma stuck her tongue out at Akane who, to
his extreme shock, caught it.

"Ahh how the tables have turned." Akane grinned at Ranma then just as
he had done Akane released her tongue and quickly captured it in her own
mouth. Ranma returned the kiss, much to Akane's pleasure. Then Akane suddenly
flung Ranma in the pond again and laughing ran through the house and into the
bathroom. Breathing hard she shut the door and turned around, right into the
arms of (a now male) Ranma. "What, but, how?" Not saying anything he just
kissed her, for nearly a minute the kiss lasted then Akane broke away
breathing heavily.

Grinning Ranma gave her several kisses on the neck then kissed her
lips as he held her too him. Blood racing he dropped his kisses lower,
following her neck then working farther down as she moaned and pressed
herself against him, her curves melding against his body. Suddenly Ranma
broke off. "I... we.. can't do this." He seemed to be trying to convince
himself though, and being this close to Akane wasn't helping.

Akane realized what was happening. 'The scroll, it took away his
control... I've got to help him stop even though.. though I'd rather he
didn't.' Sighing Akane forced herself to open the door and Ranma managed to
shove himself out, breathing heavily he slid to the floor. Akane looked at
him, smiled and shut the bathroom door.

Muttering to himself Ranma pushed off the floor, exhausted. Briefly he
wondered why he was so tired, then thoughts images flashed through his head.
Akane launching him into the pool again, him using the... ahh that was it.
Ranma stood up and placed formed a triangle with his hands horizontal to the
ground. "Tengokuno Utsuko-to Shield", he said quietly then concentrated.
Ranma's feet rose about 2 inches off the ground then Ranma fell down again,
unconscious.

Ranma awoke to a damp towel pressed against his forehead. "Wha?" He
mumbled. Akane took the rag off him smiled, concern in her eyes.

"Ranma, are you alright? I came out of the bathroom and you were lying
there." She put the towel back on his forehead.

"Yeah, I was just being stupid and trying to do something I knew
wouldn't work." Ranma glanced around, he was in the main room.

"One of your new techniques right?" Akane mentally shook her head, he
never learned.

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Akane just gave Ranma a smile in response.

"Well Ranma-chan, only two things leave you breathless and sometimes
unconscious. Martial Arts being one." Akane stopped, waiting for Ranma to ask
the question.

"And the other?" Ranma smiled, already knowing the answer.

"Me." she leaned down and kissed him.

Ranma smiled as he sat up. "You forgot one thing. Your cooking." Akane
responded automatically and whipped out her mallet, ready to bash. Ranma had
prepared for this though and took the mallet from her hands then laughing he
slipped in close and kissed her. Ranma broke off the kiss suddenly. "What the
heck?"

"Ranma, what's wrong?" Akane looked at Ranma face, it had confused
written all over it.

"The mallet, it just disappeared..." Ranma looked at his hand again.
"Let's go to the dojo for a minute." After her bewildered nod they walked to
the dojo. When they arrived Ranma turned to Akane. "Alright, could you take
out that mallet of yours again?"

Akane looked confused. "I can't. I'm not sure where it is."

"Then how do you get it?" Ranma grinned inwardly. Akane was much more
talented then even she knew.

"It's just there when I need it. It's like... Oh I don't." Akane gave
a little 'humph' sound. Why was Ranma bothering her about this, they were
supposed to have a nice evening together not talk about her failings.

"Well, I guess it figures a Kawiikune tomboy wouldn't know." Ranma
quickly jumped out of the way, Akane's mallet coming within millimeters of his
face. "There you got the mallet!" Ranma cried out, hoping Akane would realize
why he had insulted her.

"What? Of course I have the..." Akane trailed off and stared at the
mallet in her hands, which promptly disappeared. "Why does it do that?" she
asked Ranma who was grinning.

"It's chi Akane-chan, you have a chi attack!" 'If she can just focus
it, what an ability' Ranma thought as he spoke.

"It's just a mallet Ranma." Akane couldn't believe him, a chi attack?
Her? No way.

"Then why does it appear out of nowhere and reappear when you get
angry and need it? Where does it stay? Where did you get it from in the first
place?" Ranma bombarded her with questions, if could get her to use that
effectively then he would be less worried by the idea of her getting in a
fight.... or him hurting her accidentally

"It..I.. I suppose it is chi." Akane gave a shy smile. "Ranma, could
you show me how to use it?"

"Yes Akane-chan, I think I can. But not tonight." Ranma smiled as Akane
pouted. "tonight, we are going on a date."

Akane's eyes lit up. "Alright, but first you and I have to change."
Akane pulled at Ranma's clothes. "The pond might have got the flour off you,
put you pressed hard enough against me in the bathroom to pick up some of
mine."

"As I recall it, I wasn't the only one pressing." Ranma gave Akane a
quick kiss. "I'll meet you downstairs in 10 minutes.

15 minutes later Akane and Ranma (her dressed in a white evening
dress and Ranma dressed in what seemed to be a normal white sleeveless shirt
with black pants, until you looked closer at the gold embroidering that
covered them) walked down the street to the local movie theater. After a bit
of discussion they decided on "The White Rose". A movie which, according to
Ranma's classmates, was one you bring a date to so when she gets teary eyed
you can lend 'moral support'. Ranma couldn't imagine Akane getting teary
eyed but decided to try the movie anyway. When they found their seats Ranma
inhaled half of the popcorn he'd bought. After all they _had_ missed dinner.

A seat behind a purple haired woman sat down. 'Maybe stupid movie show
Shampoo how catch husband." She thought then pulled out a notepad and pen as
the movie started. About halfway through the movie Shampoo's view was blocked
as the couple in front of her leaned against each other. "I.." started the
male. "I love you." Something at the back of Shampoo's mind seemed to be
yelling at her, but she couldn't figure out what it was saying. The female let
out a giggle and pulled her lips against the others. "I love you to Ranma-
chan." Shampoo sat straight up in her seat as a dozen thoughts hit her. The
familiar outline of his face, the voice, and that girl had called him...
"Ranma!" yelled Shampoo as she hugged him, effectively putting him in a choke
hold.

Ranma's mind spun, he had just told Akane that he loved her. Then
someone shouted out his voice and put him in a choke hold, someone with
purple hair. "Shampoo" he gasped out. "I can't breathe." and forcefully took
her arms off of neck. Ignoring the people in the movie that shouted for them
to be quiet he grabbed Shampoo with one hand and Akane with the other and
walked outside. When they were a good distance away from anybody (or
buildings) Ranma turned to Shampoo. "We have to talk."

"Shampoo talk with Ranma." She brought out her favorite smile, using it
with full force on Ranma.

"Shampoo, I know that you like me and that you think I have to marry
you. This is partially my fault for not facing up to my feelings earlier, but
now it's time to stop all this. I don't love you Shampoo, I love Akane." He
waited for her response but she said nothing, so he continued on. " I'm sorry
about your laws in the Amazon tribe but it was a complete accident that I
defeated you, there was no honor in it I just accidentally knocked you out.
You've got to see that. So Shampoo please if you care for me at all you'll
forget about me and find someone else."

"You no love stupid violent girl. She hit you all time and you call her
kawiikune. She cast spell on you and I go get great-grandmother to remove it."
Shampoo was in tears as she started to run off.

"Wait Shampoo." Ranma grabbed her by a shoulder, being gentle. "Akane
doesn't have me under a spell. It's true, I love her. I couldn't marry you, I
don't love you. Do you understand?" Ranma looked deeply into her eyes.

Shampoo looked at Ranma, he was telling the truth. He didn't love her
he only loved Akane, the pervert violent girl. What now? She wasn't strong
enough to force him back to China and even if she was she would never be able
to hurt Ranma. "Ranma why you no love Shampoo and why you love Akane?" Her
voice was shaking.

Ranma looked at Akane then back to Shampoo. "I don't know, I just do.
I would have liked you to be a friend but your always so... forceful, it's
like your trying to make me love you. As for Akane I have no idea. We both
have done alot to hurt each other and now I'm beginning to think we did it to
hide from our feelings." Ranma looked over at Akane and their eyes met, Akane
unconsciously reached out and grabbed his free hand.

Something in Shampoo snapped. "Shampoo so happy husband love her! Go
tell great-grandmother right now!" This shocked Ranma into releasing his grip
and Shampoo took off, a strangle almost frantic gleam in her eyes.

"Shampoo wait a minute!" Ranma started after her but was stopped by
Akane.

"Let her go Ranma. She needs to deal with it herself." Ranma seemed
ready to argue but sighed and nodded. "Besides Ranma-chan, you owe me an ice
cream!"

Ranma smiled at his fiancé. "O.K. Akane-chan. You win, but since the
ice cream is on the other side of town..." He turned his back to Akane and
knelt down, placing his hips equal with her legs.

"Ranma what are you-" Akane cut off with as Ranma used his arms to
pull her legs across his body and shoved pressed his back up, knocking her
onto him. Instinctively she latched onto him, arms wrapping around his neck.

"Akane- *gasp* loosen up *gasp* I don't deserve to die for giving you
a piggy back ride!" He breathed a sigh of relief as Akane lightened her hold.
"Alright here we go." Leaping from roof-top to roof top Ranma made his way
into the night.

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

A small shadow seemed to fly across the ground after the couple. "Not
long now master!" he cried out, his voice unheard by mortal ears. The thing
continued it's course.

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

"I'll take the Triple Strawberry Sunday." Akane said happily. Ranma
just stared.

'That exists?' Ranma shrugged, whatever made her happy. "Uhh.. I'll
have a vanilla cone."

"Vanilla how boring!" Akane nudged Ranma with her elbow.

"What's wrong with vanilla?" Ranma paid for the ice cream.

Akane just smiled at him and dragged him out the door with her.
"Ranma, do you want to get married?" She asked suddenly. 'I feel stupid
asking... but I gotta know for sure.'

Ranma froze and Akane stopped with him, waiting for his answer. Ranma's
face was blank for a moment then he spoke quietly. "Yes."

Akane beamed at him. "Good, so do I." Ranma smiled at her happily. "But
not yet, I'm not ready yet."

"Me neither" He told her then lashed out with his ice cream cone at
Akane, getting vanilla on her right cheek. Laughing he dodged her attempt to
hit him back with a scoop of strawberry. "Come on Akane, you can do better
then that" Whipping his arm out again he got her other cheek.

"Ranma you dolt!" Akane said while laughing, then proceeded to chase
him back to the dojo, throwing little bits of ice cream all the way. Reaching
the house she flung the remains of her second scoop at Ranma, who swiftly
dodged behind the door. Laughing Akane ran in after him... and straight into
his scoop of vanilla.

Ranma started laughing, Akane's face was covered with white ice cream
that was slowly flowing down her neck. Still laughing she wiped some of it off
her cheeks. "You need a little help?" asked Ranma, then without waiting for an
answer he kissed her, getting a taste of vanilla. "Still think vanilla is
boring?" He asked as he pulled away.

"Yes, I think strawberry is much more FUN!" She shouted the last word
and caught Ranma full in the face with the last of her strawberry ice cream.
She nearly fell down laughing, Ranma had ice cream everywhere, on his face,
clothes, even in his hair. Ranma blindly reached up and wiped some of it out
of his eyes. "My turn to help." She told him and leaning forward she licked
his lips. Ranma took that as an invitation and turned it into a deep kiss.

Nabiki walked back to the house with Kasumi, silk business jacket slung
over one shoulder and purse bumping aginst her hip. "So sis, how'd your date
go?"

Kasumi blushed a little "Very well. Tofu-chan can be very fun when he
isn't acting silly."

"Tofu-CHAN?" Nabiki gave her sister a smile that said everything "So
you two hit it off. I knew it."

"Now Nabiki, it's nothing like tha- Oh my!" Nabiki followed her
sister's gaze to the doorway of her home, where Ranma and Akane stood covered
with ice-cream. Nabiki watched for a while as Ranma and Akane took turns
kissing or licking ice cream off each other (which from Nabiki's point of
view was just pretense... Ranma seemed to be in several areas where there
definitely wasn't ice cream). Snapping out of it Nabiki (past lessons be
damned) whipped out a camcorder. Ranma finally seemed to get tired of
standing there and he disappeared from view as he carried Akane to the front
room. Nabiki hurried after them and ran into the house, catching them on the
couch then a sign reading 'No peaking' blocked her view.

"You two get up! Every time your left alone, this happens." Nabiki
was shocked, Kasumi used a commanding voice... she was even scolding them!
The sign moved from Nabiki's face.

"Sorry Kasumi..." Ranma said lamely.

"We weren't really going to do anything.. much.." added Akane. They
both sighed.

"I'm going to go take a bath." they both announced. Then turning each
headed towards the furo.

"Hold on Ranma!" Kasumi grabbed his arm. "You can wait a little while
for a bath."

"I didn't mean.. It was an.." Ranma sighed again and sat down on the
couch, watching Akane walk down the hallway to the bath. Reaching the door
Akane winked at Ranma and walked in.

'I should probably be more careful about doing things like that after
all he isn't completely in control of himself.' Stripping Akane washed
herself off and started to get into the bath. "P-chan? How'd you get down
here, I thought you were up in my room." The little black pig had his eyes
shut tight. Reaching down Akane picked him up "Oh, your wet. A nice bath will
help you." At this the little pig started trying to frantically get out of
her arms. Paying no attention Akane stepped into the bath with the pig.

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

Author's notes: Hey all! Glad to see you made it this far. I've set the stage
so expect things to really start picking up in the next chapter. As for the
Shampoo fans out there, don't worry she's not out of the story yet. There's
some important things left for her to do. Right now I'd also like that thank
Kaneda for his proof reading job and letting me pelt him with questions, trust
me the story would be much worse off without his help. Well I suppose that's
it. Later.

Send C+C to ssau...@hotmail.com

The Shattered Soul Homepage can be found at Http://members.xoom.com/Syithe__

Shattered Soul Part IV

Akane's scream echoed through the house and nearly a tenth of a
second later the bathroom door exploded and Ranma was in the room. 'Akane,
Ryoga, naked' Ranma's mind clicked. Flying across the room Ranma was less
then a blur, then he had Ryoga by the throat. Slamming him into the tile
floor head first he watched with satisfaction as Ryoga's face twisted with
pain. "You have 5 seconds before I kill you and I'm only giving you that for
Akane's sake."

Ryoga's world was spinning. He had been trying to get out of Akane's
arms, she had dunked him in the tub, screamed, and now he was lying on the
floor with his head embedded in the tile. Looking up he saw Ranma and knew he
was going to die. Wheezing he tried to speak, but the hand around his throat
was keeping him from breathing in or out.

"Ranma don't kill him!" Akane called frantically, scrambling out of the
tub. Not getting a response she tried again. "Ranma! Snap out of it!" She
stepped close to him and slapped him across the face as hard as she could.
Ranma just kept staring at Ryoga, no hint that Akane had slapped him remained
except the fact Akane was cradling her hand. 'Felt like slapping a rock!' She
thought to herself. Ryoga's face turned blue and he passed out. Seeing that
Ryoga wasn't going to explain himself Ranma drew back his hand into the now-
familiar Neko Claw position. There was a sound like someone spitting and Ranma
found the world turning dark, then collapsed on the floor.

"Akane quick, get Ryoga out of here!" Kasumi called, setting down a
tube-like object. Akane had too much adrenaline running through her to be
shocked at Kasumi's actions. So taking a moment to slip on a robe she dragged
Ryoga's body out of the bathroom. 5 minutes later Ranma awoke and tore the
small dart out of his neck.

Leaping off the floor he headed for the exit from the bathroom,
intending to go find his prey. "Out of the way Kasumi!" Ranma told the figure
blocking the door.

"Not until you've calmed down Ranma." She told him in a level tone.

"I am calm." He said, voice shaking.

"RANMA! Stop it now, Ryoga hasn't done anything and your scaring
Akane!" Even in his state the fact that Kasumi was yelling at him and that he
was scaring Akane managed to make him freeze. "Better. Come on Ranma. Let's
get some tea and talk this over." She said, back to using her sweet voice."
Ranma, still subdued, followed her out of the room. Kasumi sat down at the
table where there was a pot of tea already there. Ranma stood mutely, barley
able to keep himself from looking for Ryoga. Slowly though his thoughts
clarified.

'He did swear never to do that again... probably just got himself lost
and Akane dunked him.' Ranma clenched his hand. 'That better be what happened
or else-'

"Ranma, your hands are on fire.' Kasumi told him, smiling in that
vacant way of hers.

Ranma calmed himself down and the blue energy (that did look like fire)
slowly faded away. He looked at Kasumi... was this the same person who just
knocked him out with a blowdart then screamed at him? "Kasumi, where'd you get
this?" He asked as he held up the dart.

"Tofu-chan gave it too me." She said happily.

"Your a pretty good shot." Ranma rubbed his neck, it still stung a
little.

"Thank you Ranma!" Kasumi was all smiles. "Oh Tofu-chan wanted me to
ask you to visit his office after school tomorrow."

"Alright, do you know where Akane is?" Ranma was shocked at how calm he
was... and the fact that he hadn't barreled straight through Kasumi in the
bathroom.

"I believe that she's outside with Ryoga." Kasumi was almost sure
Ranma wouldn't try and kill Ryoga... almost. 'But I don't think I should risk
trying to stop him' she thought 'The sedative isn't working nearly as well as
Tofu- chan said it would, but then again Ranma has always been hard to put
down.' Mentally she ran through what was needed for the spell then smiled.
They should be able to cast it by the end of the week.

Akane watched as Ranma stepped out the front doors of the house.
"Ranma, you alright now?" When he nodded Akane sighed in relief. "I was just
about to give P-chan a bath and there was Ryoga! I've seen him get lost before
but stumbling naked into a bathroom is new even for him!" Akane's face took a
thoughtful look. 'Something's odd about this..'

Ranma looked at Akane and knew she was about to figure it out.
Glancing at Ryoga he sighed, nobody deserved to be hated by the one they
loved. "Yeah, probably gave P-chan a fright, I think I saw him run
upstairs.." Ranma left the sentence hanging, hoping Akane would go look for
him.

"Oh he must be so frightened!" All other thoughts exiting her mind
Akane ran into the house.

"Thanks Ranma" Said Ryoga weakly, pushing himself into a sitting
position. 'Glad Akane thought to get a blanket.' He pulled the gray wool
around himself.

"Yeah, aren't you glad I found your look alike? Akane almost figured it
out." Ranma turned as Akane came back outside.

"Ranma I found him!" Akane held a small black pig with a yellow bandana
in the air. She noticed Ryoga. "Oh, Ryoga you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, we Hibiki's hard heads. Throat hurts a little but," he shrugged
"I've been worse." 'I just want to get out of here and go find Akari.' he
thought as Akane pulled agianst Ranma.

"Sorry bout that Ryoga... A lotta things have been happening." Ranma
scratched at the back of his neck.

"Yeah I heard the whole thing." Ryoga said, not realizing his mistake.

"You heard the whole thing?" Akane looked at Ryoga, confused.

"From around town." He said quickly. Ranma wondered how long Ryoga had
been wandering the house while Ryoga figured he had been wandering around the
house for couple weeks. 'You never realize just how much hot water there is
until you have to avoid it for two weeks' he thought.

"You want to spend the night Ryoga? It's pretty late." Akane looked at
her friend, he was acting strangely.

"No, that's alright I should get going. Do you have any of my stuff
here?" Ryoga definitely wanted to get away, the fact that Akane had seen him
naked wasn't making him want to stay any either.

"You kidding? we have a whole closet filled with your junk." Ranma told
him grinning. "I'll go get you some stuff." Ranma walked into the house.

"I haven't seen you in a long time Ryoga, how you been?" Akane sat down
on the porch, a good 5 feet between her and the blanket-covered Ryoga.

"Alright, I've been spending allot of time with Akari." Ryoga told her.
'Maybe this will be it, maybe I'll be able to give her up after this.'

"Really? That's great! I always thought you two were perfect." She gave
him a smile.

With her smile it all came back to Ryoga, memories of him training
her, her trying to help him, stopping Ranma from 'picking' on him. With that
crystal clear moment he knew he'd never be able to give her up. 'Akari... I'm
sorry.' He sighed. Just then Ranma came out of the house and tossed Ryoga a
backpack and a set of clothing. "Thanks Ranma. Ryoga wrapped the blanket
around him as he stood, careful not to expose anything. Grabbing the bundle
of items he walked into the house. Passing a head-phone wearing, yen counting
Nabiki.

"I'm sorry Akane... I didn't mean to frighten you." Ranma began, eyes
averted from her face.

"It's alright Ranma, I know you didn't mean to act like that." She
walked over and leaned her head against his shoulder, "besides it just shows
how protective you are of me."

Ranma let a little laugh out then hugged her. Then without warning he
gave out a grunt and fell against her.

"Ranma?" Akane struggled to hold his weight up.

"Tell Kasumi *gasp* to get scroll" Ranma stuttered then fell to the
ground.

"Ranma? Ranma!" Akane was becoming frantic. "Kasumi!! Bring the
scroll!!!" She screamed through the open doorway.

Inside Nabiki took off the headphones. Akane was yelling for Kasumi
to bring the scroll? What for? Then she saw Ranma outside. His face was white
and he was shaking. "Ranma!" She cried and ran outside. Akane was cradling
him in her lap, his blood shot eyes looking into the night sky. Each breath
he drew seemed to shake, she leaned forward and placed her hand on his neck.
His skin was cold and she could barley feel his heartbeat. "Don't go dying on
me now you jerk, I was just getting used to you!" Nabiki felt a wave of
despair overwhelm her. 'Just like mother.' She thought.

Kasumi ran into the yard carrying the scroll case. Ranma unsteadily
reached out and grabbed it, then placing the case in his other hand he let
out a low groan of pain. Shuddering he brought the hand up again and curled
the tips of his fingers. Slicing downward he cut open his arm, just below his
wrist. What he didn't notice was that in doing so he also cut Akane's hand
(which was holding his) in the same place. She bit her lip to keep from
crying out in pain but let out a small noise anyway. Ranma didn't seemed to
notice and he placed the scroll case under the flow of blood. Akane's blood
mingled with Ranma's and as the blood touched the scroll it turned a bright
red and Ranma yelled in pain, back arching as though he'd been hit with a
bolt of lightening. Then suddenly the case turned to a solid iron color...
the faintest hint of red visible.

~It's never done that before~ Akane felt Ranma think... no she
thought it was more then hearing him think. It was deeper, she felt his
meaning before it was formed into words. Then just as suddenly knew Ranma
felt her words, and knew that she knew. Akane felt strength go back into
Ranma, she felt his relief and his wonder at the case turning color. Every
thought Ranma had she felt, everything he remembered she remembered with him.
And it was the same with him. Neither moved for a long while as their
emotions met, images clashed, and thoughts merged.

"You guys okay?" Asked Nabiki finally, they hadn't moved for nearly
five minutes.

"Fine." They both answered together. Then they both smiled.

Nabiki and Kasumi frowned. Something strange was going on. "Alright,
come on you two. It's nearly midnight and we have school tomorrow." Reaching
down she and Kasumi helped Ranma up Both he and Akane gasped like they'd been
hit with cold water as contact broke.

"It's gone." Akane said unhappily. Ranma too didn't look pleased either.

"What's gone?" Asked Nabiki.

"Well we could feel each other... it was like we were linked. I really
can't explain it..." Akane eyes were distant at the memory.

"Are you alright Ranma? What happened to you?" Kasumi said, deciding
that was more important at the moment.

"I'm fine now, every now and again the scroll does that too me. It's
another safe guard, I have to spread some of my blood on the case or scroll
itself before the pain goes away. I should be fine for a long while now
though, it's only done that once before." Ranma shook his head, trying to
clear it. The link with Akane had felt like heaven.

Ranma turned and offered a hand to Akane, accepting she grabbed his
hand and

~It's back~ They thought together. This time though there was no
confusion, no time wasted trying to understand what was happening. Just
acceptance.

Ranma helped Akane the rest of the way up. They gazed into each others
eyes. "Guys? If your planning on staying out here all night could you at least
let us go inside, I'm freezing." Nabiki shivered as she spoke.

"We're going." Ranma and Akane said together. They stepped into the
house together and a small black pig ran up to them.

~That P-chan or Ryoga?~ Akane felt the suspicion in his thought.
~What are you talking about Ranma~ Akane was confused. ~Nothing!~ Akane
felt Ranma desperately trying not to remember something, which meant he was
thinking about it. Images flashed through her head, his memories. Him flying
past, knocking Ryoga into a pond, P-chan getting water from a teakettle
dumped on him and turning into...

"Ryoga!" She said aloud, her hands going up to her face and cutting the
link. All those times she'd told him her secrets, her thoughts, her dreams...
she'd been talking to Ryoga not a pig. Akane ran into the kitchen and grabbed
the kettle that was always kept filled with hot water. Coming back into the
room she dumped it on P-chan. The little pig grunted then shook the water off
himself. "What's going on?" She asked, angry. Ranma started to walk away but
Akane ran over and grabbed his hand.

~Tell me what's going on now!~ the anger in her thoughts surprised Ranma
~I can't tell you Akane, I swore.~ Ranma seemed almost sad.
~Fine.~ Akane concentrated as hard as she could.

Ranma yelled and fell to his knees, his head felt like it was being
ripped apart. Images came up, uncalled for. Images of Ryoga, then P-chan, then
the memory of one night.

~Here it is~ Akane saw the Ranma sitting down talking with Ryoga
outside the dojo, then a little black pig came running out to Ranma. Ranma
spoke to Ryoga for sometime then Ryoga gave him one of his bandannas. Putting
the bandanna on the pig Ranma lifted him up. 'The new P-chan!' He announced.
Then the feelings hit her, Ranma's concern for her missing her favorite pig.
Ranma's pity for Ryoga. Knowledge of the vow came with these, realizing what
she was doing she pulled herself back to the present.

~AKANE! PLEASE STOP!~ Akane nearly fell as the pain he was feeling hit
her.

"I'm sorry Ranma! I don't know what got into me." She said as she let
go of his hand. Bending down she started to help him up but he avoided her
touch.

"I'm alright." Ranma unsteadily rose to his feet, clutching his head.
"I'm gonna go to sleep now." Akane watched as he unsteadily climbed the
stairs, tears formed in her eyes. She slowly slid to the floor and wept
silently, she had taken something good between her and Ranma and had taken
advantage of it. Not only did she break his vow to Ryoga, but she had hurt
him in the process. She heard a muffled cry of frustration come from a
closet. Wiping the tears from her eyes she opened the door.

"Akane what's wrong?" Ryoga looked out from the closet at the face of
his love. It was clear she was crying.

"Ryoga, I made Ranma break his promise... I know." She looked up at him
then burst into tears again. Ryoga stood for a moment the awkwardly put his
arms around Akane, trying to comfort her. Somewhere in the back of his mind he
noted that she had a cut running along her arm.

Nabiki walked past Akane and Ryoga, headed upstairs. Before she
realized it she was outside of Ranma's room. She opened the door, the light
from the hallway cast a narrow beam across the form of Ranma. Ranma grunted
and held up a hand to block the light from his eyes. "Want some aspirin?"
Nabiki asked. Ranma seemed to nod his head so Nabiki shut the door and walked
in the room. Her eyes soon adjusted to the dim light of the moon that lit the
room through Ranma's window... she found herself looking at how it seemed to
make every aspect of Ranma stand out.

"Nabiki? You still there?" He said weakly. He wanted that aspirin, his
head felt like it was being beaten with Akane's mallet.

"Yeah." She fumbled around in her purse. 'I think sleeping pills will
be better for him then aspirin.' she thought and grabbed a different bottle.
"Here." Ranma gratefully reached out and took the two pills, swallowing them
quickly. Nabiki sat down next to him, placing her hand on his. He flinched at
the contact, but didn't move his hand. "What about you Ranma, are you
alright?" She wasn't sure, but it seemed that Akane had hurt Ranma
downstairs.... badly.

"Yeah, I'm okay.. Nabiki, could you stay here until I get to sleep?"
Ranma needed to know there were other people, that he wasn't alone.

"Sure." Nabiki watched he lay back down. Her hand was still resting on
his, strangely thoughts of charging him never entered her mind. She watched as
Ranma closed his eyes, he seemed to wince in pain every now and again. Trying
to help she slid her hand into his and squeezed it gently.

Images flashed through his head, awakened by Akane's push into his
mind. Ranma was in the forest that was too hot and wet, dodging snakes. Then
He appeared. The scene shifted and Ranma was in the remains of an old city,
lying on the floor and screaming in pain as He lashed at Ranma's mind.

Nabiki watched as Ranma breathing evened and he started to sleep. Not
quite ready to leave yet she played her eyes over his body. She unshouldered
her purse and set it on the floor next to her.

Ranma was back, in that place. The place where He had killed him,
Ranma turned frantically. He couldn't be here.. he had escaped.. not again!
He looked around in the blue mist.

Ranma gripped Nabiki's hand tightly. Looking down Nabiki Ranma's face
twisted in... terror. "Ranma!" She shook him. "Ranma it's alright your safe."
His breathing had become uneven, even frantic.

Ranma sat up gasping. He looked over and saw a shape 'Akane!' he
thought. "I'm not there!" He said aloud and embraced her.

Nabiki was too surprised to react and Ranma didn't seem to be entirely
awake 'Must be those sleeping pills I gave him.' She thought. Ranma's eyes
dropped again and he slowly fell onto the mattress, asleep. Caught in his hug
Nabiki fell on him with hands on the floor to keep her head from smashing into
his, she remained there snuggled against him for several minutes then sighed.
She knew she couldn't be caught like this. 'What am I doing in here anyway? I
didn't even charge him for the pills.' She thought, but there was no force
behind it. 'Just a little longer... then I'll get out of here.' she told
herself.

"Akane.." Ranma mumbled. Holding the figure in his arms tightly.
Nabiki felt his hand slide up, ending on the back of her head. She found
herself being gently pressed to him, his lips meeting hers. She held herself
ridged for a moment then loosened up, not wanting to ruin her first real
kiss. Ranma smiled and let one arm fall away from Nabiki's back, dreaming
contentedly. Nabiki just lay on him for a moment, breathless. Then slowly and
carefully she started to crawl out from under his arm. Suddenly though his
arms wrapped around her again, imprisoning her. She sighed, this was enough.
She couldn't risk being caught in his arms.. and he would probably be angry
with her at first for not waking him earlier, but he would understand
eventually. 'He always does.' She thought of all the times and all her
schemes using him. He always forgave her in the end. She remembered his
concerned look when she had pretended to hurt her ankle, others would be glad
too see her in pain but Ranma had helped... he did knock her down in the
first place but she knew that turnabout was fairplay. He was the only one who
understood her, because he was like her. Neither could express affection
through normal means so he did it through insults, as she did with her more
interesting 'schemes'. She moved one hand from the floor and ran it along the
contours of his face, playing her fingers across his lips. 'Maybe, just
tonight I can be his.'

"Akane.." Ranma mummered again. Nabiki felt a flash of jealousy as her
thought died, her sister had the only thing Nabiki truly wanted. Love, or more
specifically Ranma's love. Sighing she prepared to lift herself off him, not
caring if she woke him or not. Then she felt Ranma turn his head and kiss a
fingertip that had been resting on his cheek.

As his lips touched her finger Nabiki felt all her restraints slip.
'He thinks I'm Akane, and he won't think this was anything but a dream
tomorrow.... but if is the only I can have him so be it.' She lifted up her
other hand, taking away all support. Her body pressed against his, through
her cotton blouse and short skirt she could feel his body, hard from the
lifetime of training. Putting her hands behind his head she drew his face up
to meet hers.

Nabiki awoke an hour later in the darkness of Ranma's room. 'What
happened?' she thought as images of her kissing Ranma (and him kissing her)
ran through her mind. She looked to her right, Ranma was asleep with a smile
on his face. Frightened she glanced down at her clothing 'How far did we
go?'. She let out a sigh of relief as she noted that her clothes were still
there, a bit out of place though. Carefully rolling away from Ranma she
stood, and felt a breeze. looking down she saw that while her blouse was
still there, it was wide open and her bra was gone. How had that happened?
Then she remembered. She had done it. Strangely though she wasn't ashamed of
herself, she had done what she'd planned and gone as far as she could.
Smiling a little as she remembered his the feel of his touch she walked
across the room and picked up her bra from the floor where she had tossed it.
Slipping it back on she rebuttoned her blouse and adjusted her skirt. She ran
through a list of excuses for being in Ranma's room as she bent to pick up
her purse. She was confident nobody had seen them.. they would have without a
doubt have been interrupted if they'd been seen. Walking out she looked left
and right. Seeing no one she walked into the hallway. Curious she slid
silently down the stairs to find Kasumi and Ryoga talking to each other,
backs to her. Looking over she saw Akane's arm over the back of the couch.
'That worked well.' Smiling she crept back up to her room and went to sleep.

Akane woke early the next morning due to something jabbing her
painfully in the back. Grumbling she reached under herself and pulled out a
comb. 'Huh?' Akane sat up. 'Oh right, the couch.' Remembering last night's
events she sighed. Standing up she stretched stiffly.

"Good morning Akane." Kasumi announced brightly as she came out of the
kitchen. "Your up early, why don't you go take a bath?"

Akane looked down at herself, her left arm was covered in dried blood
from the cut on her arm. "I think I will." Akane yawned and headed to the
bathroom, stopping briefly to go through the laundry and pull out a uniform.

Nabiki yawned and rose from her bed. 'I hate mornings.' she thought to
herself. Pulling off her blouse from the night before she began to change then
froze. She held the blouse up to the light, it was covered with specks of red.
Nabiki looked closer, it was dried blood. 'Oh Ranma's cut, just great.' She
frowned.

Akane was lying in the furo thinking about the night before when her
sister walked in. Nabiki was muttering to herself and didn't notice Akane.
Nabiki set her uniform down and took off her clothes. "Nabiki! Your covered in
blood!" Akane pointed at Nabiki's body which had red smears of dried blood in
various places.

"Akane?!" Nabiki spun around and saw her sister. 'Oh great, come on
Nabiki think quickly.' "You startled me!." that bought her a little time as
her sister apologized, then asked why she was covered with dried blood again.
"Oh this?" Nabiki gestured at the blood "It's not blood, happened last night
at the meeting." Nabiki waited, and as planned Akane started asking how which
Nabiki smoothly interrupted "It's a long story." Akane looked at her sister.

'Well she doesn't seem to be hurt.' Akane nodded and continued her
bath, missing the look of relief that passed across Nabiki's face.

Several hours later Akane, Ranma, and Nabiki were walking to school.
An uneasy silence hung around the group. Ranma and Akane hadn't spoken a word
to each other the whole morning, and Nabiki couldn't think of anything
worthwhile to say so the silence remained. Finally Ranma reached out and took
Akane's hand. Nabiki stopped and watched the two stand there unmoving. A few
seconds later they each smiled and Ranma kissed Akane. 'I guess they made
up...' Nabiki wasn't sure if she should be happy or sad. The group once again
started walking, the silence still there but this time it was only felt by
Nabiki.

~I think we should break this off, Nabiki's feeling a little left out.~ The
care in Ranma's thought was clearly felt by Akane.
~You really think so? She doesn't seem like she cares.~
~Yes, besides I owe her.~ Ranma recalled the images of Nabiki coming in his
room and giving him the aspirin, then her staying there and holding his hand,
then him hugging.... Nabiki? Ranma's confusion clouded out the last image from
Akane's mind.
~I never would have thought Nabiki would do something like that~ Amazement
echoed from the thought to Ranma, who abruptly pulled his hand from hers. She
could almost swear the he was feeling... irritated at her, but he pulled away
too quickly for her too know for certain.

Nabiki was walking ahead of the silent couple when she felt Ranma's
hand lightly touch her arm, causing her heart to skip as memories of the night
before flashed through her mind. "Yes Ranma?" She asked, voice not betraying
her feelings.

"Nabiki I.. what I mean is... thanks." He finished, attempting to
finish as simply as he could. "After all, it's always nice to get something
free from a miser like you." He grinned. Akane elbowed him, how come he would
say something like that after she'd been so nice?

Nabiki smiled though, she understood. "Ha! You think that was free?
1500 yen." She stuck out her hand. Ranma frowned as though he was upset, it
didn't reach his eyes though. Muttering he counted out some bills and handed
them to Nabiki, knowing he'd given too many. "Always a pleasure to do
business." Smiling Nabiki placed put away the money, not missing that fact
he'd given her more then she'd demanded.

Ranma winked at Nabiki and turned back to Akane. Making a bleh sound
he stuck his tongue out at her. Akane just shook her head, sighing a little at
his behavior, and walked on. "Hey Nabiki? How long were you in my room last
night?" He asked as they neared the school gates.

'Does he know?' She looked at his face 'He doesn't.' Half disappointed
she put on her best annoy Ranma voice. "I left just when you started saying
Akane's name and grasping at the air... why? You want me to stay and take her
place next time?" Ranma seemed to consider it.

"Hey! Stay away from my sister hentai!" Akane bashed him on the head
with her backpack.

Ranma waited until she finished the swing, letting the backpack hit him
in the head, then leaned in and kissed her. With the link established by the
skin to skin contact he sent a series of emotions and images through her, then
grinning broke the kiss. "Gotta go, see ya later!" He announced and ran off.

Nabiki looked at her sister enviously. "What's it like sis? Sharing
thoughts?"

Just remained standing for a moment then spoke. "It's wonderful. It's
not only thoughts, but feelings and images too..." She trailed off with a
wistful sigh, why'd he have to show her that then take off. She thought about
it a little more and decide it was a good thing he'd left after all.

"Well whatever he thought, spoke, or imagined it musta been something.
You still look a little dazed." Nabiki looked at her sister intently.

"He was just showing a dream he had about me last night.." Akane said,
automatically answering her sister, then nearly biting off her tongue as she
tried to stop.

Nabiki felt a little betrayed. That was her night! Not Akane's.

Realizing the damage was done Akane decided to tell all. "But it was
odd, through the whole thing he had me looking a little off. My hair was
browner and well.. I was your size." She said as she finished, gesturing to
Nabiki's chest.

Nabiki had listened as Akane recited what had happened last night word
for word, afraid to listen because she might give something away but afraid to
leave for the same reason. "Maybe we should just get you two married now,
before you skip the ceremony and go straight to the good part." Nabiki said,
not trusting herself to anything else. She forced herself to smile.

"Nabiki!" Akane said, and the bell for class rang.

Left, right, jump, duck, right. Ranma flew through the crowd of
students, he had someone to see. Left, duck, spatula. *SMACK* Ranma shook his
head groggily as Ukyo turned to him. "Baka! Oh Ranchan!" Ukyo laughed. "You
dented it Ranma." She held out her battle spatula, which now had a Ranma
faceprint.

"Ucchan?" 'Of course, who else do I know that carries a spatula that
big?' "Sorry." Taking it from her hand he bashed the metal into place.

"Where were you off to in such a hurry?" Ukyo asked as she silently
took the giant spatula back from Ranma.

"Off to.. oh yeah I gotta talk to Ms. Hinako." Ranma really had to get
going, the bell was going to ring in a couple minutes.

"I'll go with you, remember I have the same class." Ukyo then found
herself running to keep herself from being dragged by Ranma.

Ms. Hinako sat carefully down at her desk, wincing slightly. She healed
quickly and was nearly back to normal, but her skin was still sensitive. She
was in adult form now, thanks to two rowdy students early this morning, and
intended to stay that way. Her other form didn't handle pain very well.
Suddenly the door burst open and Ranma ran in, soon followed by Ukyo.

"I came to apologize... I'm sorry it's just, well I'm not quite myself
these days." Ranma said as quickly as he could.

Ms. Hinako smiled. Any apology from Ranma was enough to make her day.
"Alright, I'll forgive you. If you let me drain half your chi."

"Half?" Ranma didn't like that idea... considering how strong he was
now it could hurt her. "How about a forth?" Ranma was pretty sure a forth was
half of a half.

Ms. Hinako considered it for a moment 'Ranma's strong so it should be
enough... for now.' "Alright, but you have to make a battle aura, it's easier
for me that way."

Ranma nodded "Gimmie me a second." Ranma thought. 'What's safe for me
to get angry at? I can't think of anyone in town because I'll probably lose it
and try to go kill them...'

Ukyo seemed to understand his dilemma. "Happosai." She said aloud.

Ranma's battle aura flared with his anger. He thought of every time
Happosai had tricked him, every time he'd hurt him, and... Ranma's aura blared
a bright blue as he remembered, blinding Ukyo and Ms. Hinako temporarily.
Getting her sight back Ms. Hinako took out a familiar 5 yen piece.

"Happo five yen sats-eek!" Mrs Hinako jumped back, and there where she
had been standing (as dictated by the laws of bad timing) was Happosai.
Twirling Ms. Hinako's panties he turned to Ranma.

"Hello there me boy! Your not angry about that false cure thing are
you?" The old man grinned at Ranma.

"False cure? It was real ya' old freak! I nearly got killed but the
cure is mine!" Ranma took an offensive stance. 'And today you die for your
sins' he added silently.

"Real?" Happosai turned pale. "I thought it was only a legend...
Ranma if it was real then....." He stared at Ranma. Meanwhile Ukyo and Ms.
Hinako got out of the way.

"Yes." Ranma said.

"You are a threat to life. I'm sorry Ranma, I never wanted to have to
kill you." Happosai inwardly sighed. This boy would have made a fine
successor... with proper modifications. He would have never spoke of the
legend if he thought it was real, now.... Sadly Happosai took up a stance
he'd to never be forced to use.

Ranma said nothing. This would be a hard fight, even with his increased
powers. Not that it mattered, he had never planned to kill Happosai, he saved
the pleasure for another. "Ranma no Kami, I call you forth." He cupped one
hand and held it out in front of him. His aura died out, seeming to flow
through his arm and into his cupped hand. The blue light twisted, forming into
a dark blue dagger.

"Ranma! If you have found the temple then you know the consequences. Do
not do this!" Happosai averted his eyes from the dark chi blade, just looking
at it made him sick.

"Don't worry _MASTER_" Ranma's shook with hatred. "I'm not turning to
the demon kind for help." Happosai looked confused. "I'm calling my brother."
his words were a hiss.

Happosai was using all of his chi to slow what Ranma was doing. His
brother? How had he found out? "Ranma how was I too know that your father
would marry, let alone have twins? Yes! I cursed his children, how was I
know the half-life curse would... would..." He trailed off, of all his evil
deeds this was the one he regretted the most.

"Sentence my brother's soul to the in-between? Don't worry Happosai, he
found favor with the good spirits and he has trained for this day since then."
As he spoke the he threw the blade from his hands. It hovered in the air a
moment and started spinning slowly.

'Can't stop it since this technique isn't even made for that. I might
as well just let it happen.' Happosai relaxed the Demon Fighter stance and
took a defensive one. The chi blade, released from it's restraints, now spun
freely and suddenly burst, causing a bright flash to fill the room. When the
flash receded there stood two Ranmas. One solid the other transparent.
Kami-Ranma faced Happosai.

It watched from a corner of the room as The One summoned his dead
brother. "Master, The One's spirit guide is here!" Feeling his masters
acknowledgement the shadow faded through the wall.

"Hello Happosai." Kami-Ranma faced the old man.

Saying nothing Happosai formed as many spirit shields around himself as
he could. Then ready he crouched in the center. Nobody paid attention to the
bell ringing for class.

"Spirit shields?" Kami-Ranma laughed and stepped through the first one
easily. "Your curse bound my soul with my brothers old man, spirit shields
can't hurt me." A crowd was growing outside the room, Akane among them. "You'd
best protect them brother, he might get clumsy with the lives of others while
trying to save his own."

Nodding Ranma stepped in front of the crowd and formed a triangle with
his hands "Tengokuno Utsuko-to!"

Miles away an old man glanced up at the suddenly dark sky. A beam of
black energy was flying through the air.

"You know I'm really enjoying this." Kami-Ranma told Happosai as he
dodged chi attacks thrown by the old man. "I mean I was half afraid I wouldn't
be able to defeat you. Now though" His hand shot out, catching the old man by
the throat. "I'm almost sorry for you." A beam of dark energy crashed through
the side of the building, it completely incinerated Happosai then hit Kami-
Ranma full in the chest.

"Brother!" Ranma cried out, dropping the shield.

"Stay back! This was aimed for me... but can *gasp* still harm you.
It is Him." With that the beam covered Kami-Ranma, then there was nothing. No
hint of Happosai or Kami-Ranma remained. Only broken desks and the shattered
wall gave testament to what had just happened.

Class had been dismissed early, seeing as there wasn't much of a
classroom to teach in, so Ranma, Akane, and Ukyo sat together outside.
Speaking about what happened. "So he was your brother Ranma?"

Ranma nodded. "We were twins, pop never said a word of course so I
didn't know until..." He trailed off.

"Until when?" Ukyo persisted.

"I-I can't remember." A puzzled look ran across his face.

Ukyo raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Akane, a little frustrated by
talking instead of using the link, spoke up. "Why did he want to kill
Happosai?"

"You didn't hear?" Ranma asked her.

"No, when I showed up they were fighting." Akane was more then a little
shocked at the sudden turn of events. Ever since Ranma had gone on that trip
things had turned weird... more then usual anyway.

"Happosai killed him. Perhaps not on purpose but he killed him." Ranma
took a deep breath. "Once while he was training our fathers Pop did something
to get him angry. Really angry. As punishment Happosai cast some kinda curse
that would steal away half the life of his first born. Pop didn't really know
that the curse was real until the day I was born, along with my twin brother.
The spell kinda went haywire or something and ended up killing him and linking
his soul to mine, so instead of just dying he was caught between worlds."

"Why didn't you tell us before Ranma?" Ukyo laid a hand on his
shoulder. Akane felt a quiet surge of jealousy, but reminded herself that Ukyo
was just Ranma's friend.

Ranma shrugged. "I didn't even remember about him until I started
thinking about Happosai."

Akane stared at him. "You forgot about your own brother?"

Ranma nodded. "I think I found out about him on that trip... everything
from that time seems to be a blur. And before you ask, no I don't know where
that chi blast came from or who my brother meant when he said 'He'." Reaching
over he took Akane's hand.

~Is it alright if I spend some time with Ukyo?~ Ranma was being
cautious, he didn't know how Akane react. ~Of course Ranma-chan~ ~Your
jealous!~ He let a little laughter into the thought ~Hmm... maybe. Just
remember though I can feel everything you think.~ Her thought was playful.
~Oh you can can you?~ ~Hai.~ She focused on the daydream Ranma had thought
about while they were linked this morning. ~So you saw that did you?
Well here's another.~ He put as much of a evil/playful feeling on to the
thought as he could, then he recalled another of his vivid daydreams.
~Ranma!~ Akane gasped audibly.

Grinning Ranma withdrew his hand. "Wanna go for a walk Ucchan?" he
offered her his arm.

"Umm.. alright." Ukyo was confused... had she missed something? Ranma
had taken Akane's hand, nothing happened for a few seconds, then she turned
bright red and gasped. 'Oh well, it'll be nice to talk with Ranchan. I haven't
spoken to him in a while.' Smiling she put her arm through his.

Akane glared at Ukyo's back as the two walked away. 'How dare she take
Ranma's arm!' She knew she shouldn't be getting this angry, but that didn't
seem to matter. Almost growling she stood up and started following them.

"So you can link minds?" Ukyo asked Ranma. They'd been walking around
for 10 minutes now, she liked being with Ranma and he seemed to be happy
talking to her.

"Uh huh. It was a little weird at first, but you get used to it." Ranma
told her.

"So you can always feel what each other does?"

"No, not always. We both have to be calm, if we arn't all we can do is
send thoughts. And when were really relaxed it's like we almost become one
person..." Ranma tried off, longing in his voice.

Ukyo forced herself to be happy for him. 'As long as he's happy...' The
bell for class rang. "Well Ranchan, you better go. Try not destroy your
classroom this time ne?"

Ranma grinned at her. "Thanks Ucchan." He looked at her closely. "For
everything. If you ever need anything, anytime let me know alright?" She
nodded. Smiling he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Later sis." They both
laughed at the joke.

Akane watched as Ranma kissed Ukyo, then they both laughed. That was
it! Akane's mallet was out and she ran at them, intending to kill Ukyo.

Ranma started to go then he saw Ukyo's eyes widen and look behind
him. Turning around he saw Akane headed towards them, with a _REALLY_ big
mallet and battle aura flashing. "Akane, what are you doing!" He asked. She
didn't seem to her and swung at Ukyo. Ranma stepped in front of Ukyo and
blocked the giant mallet with a forearm. 'That really hurt!' He thought to
himself. Then he grabbed hold of Akane's arm.

~Akane, calm down~ He tried to soothe her, but she was too worked up to
recieve feelings. He however was not. His mind reeled at the way Akane was
feeling, it was that same killing anger held felt when he saw Ryoga in the
bathroom with Akane.
~Oh boy.~ he took another look at her battle. It was much larger then
normal. Unable to think of anyway to calm her down kissed her.
~Ranma?~ Akane was confused. The giant mallet vanished.
~It's alright Akane. I know what your feeling. But it's okay, Ukyo is
just a friend.~ Ranma recalled images of him and Akane walking together,
kissing, anything he could think of to calm her down.
~I'm so sorry, I don't know what got into me.~ She was confused and a
little scared.
~I think I do. But we'll have to wait until after school to find out.~

"Sorry Ukyo... I don't know what got into me." Akane removed Ranma's
hand from her arm gently.

Ukyo looked at her suspiciously she seemed like she meant it. Akane
hadn't ever really tried something like this before so, "It's alright, if I
had Ranchan in love with me I'd get jealous fast too." 'Although not killing
jealous I'd hope.' She added silently. "Friends?"

Akane smiled brightly and nodded. Then all three noticed something,
nobody was in the yard. "CLASS!" They all scrambled. Ukyo jumped off in one
direction, Ranma flashed out of view only to return and pick up the slower
Akane.

"Akane-chan, we're really going to have to do something about your
speed." She stuck her tongue out at him. Ignoring it Ranma raced to their next
class.

"This is all your fault Ranma. This is the first time I've ever been
late." Nabiki frowned at the red haired girl across the hall from her.

"My fault? You were the one that got in the way!" Onna-Ranma said
defensivly.

"I was walking out of the-"

"WILL YOU TWO SHUT UP!" Akane called from outside her home economics
call down the hall. The two had been arguing ever since they'd all been put
in the hallway for being late, the distance between classes not stopping them
from shouting at each other.

Ranma a face at Akane and Nabiki shifted her remaining bucket a little,
she'd hit Ranma with the other while back when he was arguing with Akane. She
knew that she had only hit him because he let her. 'Oh well, I didn't really
feel up to staying awake in class anyway. At least Ranma is entertaining.' She
laughed as Onna-Ranma pulled an incredible flip off, dodging the thrown bucket
of water and landing on her hands.

"Missed me!" Ranma called to Akane while balancing the buckets of
water on her feet. Ranma and Akane both looked at Nabiki when she laughed.
'She usually doesn't show emotions this openly.' she thought 'I suppose a lot
has happened in the last few weeks though, all of us are a little different.'
She shook her head sadly at Akane's astonished look (looking funny with her
being upsidedown) 'I know her Nabiki better then she does, it's almost sad.
Yeah, you the most dense person in the world understanding Nabiki. Hey! I'm
not dense! Sure you aren't brother. Shut-up! Just because you saved your hide
by body hopping doesn't mean you can insult me. Okay, geeze. You haven't told
them I'm still alive have you? You call yourself alive? Hey! Sorry, low blow.
Anyways I haven't yet, your staying out of my head when I'm with Akane right?
. Right?! I peeked once. When? When you decided to share another day dream
with her, you have quite the imagination brother. You said you wouldn't do
that! I know, but I've never really felt love before I just wanted to know.
Sorry, I should have thought of that. It's just that I don't like the thought
of someone eavesdropping on our 'conversations'. I know I'll stop... their
talking to you Ranma.' Ranma sighed. Talking with his brother had always been
confusing, it was even more so with him inside his mind.

"RANMA!!!!!" Akane and Nabiki shouted.

"Huh?" Ranma wobbled and nearly fell over. Nabiki smirked and Akane
rolled her eyes.

"Thinking again Ranma? This is becoming a bad habit." Ranma just made
another face, this time at Nabiki, in response. Then bored he decided to risk
a detention by going over to Akane. Flipping back up he set the buckets down
and walked over to Akane.

"Ranma! What're you doing?" She hissed.

"Well, I decided to stop wasting time. Besides the way you've been
yelling I doubt anyone's paying attention to us anymore." She leaned close,
lips nearly touching an ear. "You passing up a kiss?" She said, inwardly
grinning. If he could get her to kiss his female form here and risk rumors it
would make his (her at the moment) day.

Akane's will was rapidly being broken apart by Ranma's words and
actions. "But.. Nabiki's here..."

Ranma raised an eyebrow. "She's seen us do much worse." Then giving in
she turned to Nabiki. "You mind Nabiki?" Making a little humph sound Nabiki
turned her back on the couple, muttering about charging them.

"Ranma.. I don't know...." Akane trailed off her want of the link and
Ranma was cutting off logic. Ranma smiled, knowing she'd won. Not really
wanting to kiss Akane as a girl though she took her bucket. "What are you
doing now Ranma?" Just smiling she threw the bucket into the air and quickly
raised her hands into a familiar triangle position. The water splashed down
and Akane found herself looking at a male Ranma.

"Nifty trick eh? I found that out when you lobbed me in the pond a
while ago and I tried to block the water, it doesn't stop it but it makes it
hot." Ranma didn't wait for a response though and leaned forward. His face
inches away from hers. "This make matters easier?"

"Much." Akane said brought her lips into contact with Ranma's lips
and pressed her body against his. The combination of their contact, and the
non- frantic moment brought a new level to them both level of the link.
Caught up in the link the world seemed to drift away and they found
themselves in a universe that consisted of two people.

~Ranma?~ Akane looked at the glowing figure. ~Akane! What's going
on?~ He peered around the world.. which seemed to consist of billions of
glowing clouds. ~I don't know.~ She grabbed Ranma's arm. ~Your cut's gone!~
Ranma started to look and see if her cut was gone too then noticed
something. Looking as well Akane noticed the same thing. There was a
distinctive lack of clothing around each of them. Neither spoke for a long
moment. Then Ranma hesitantly smiled at Akane. She smiled back, a little more
confident then him. Akane stepped forward and kissed him lightly. Returning
the kiss Ranma enfolded her in his arms.

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

Authors Notes: Hey all. Well I know I promised some developments this chapter
and well, there ya go. Shampoo fans fear not, she'll be back next chapter. As
for everybody else, well here's some general notes n' thoughts. First of all
I know Ranma is more under control. This is not a plot flaw. He's been under
the scroll's influence for a while and has managed to learn ways to keep
himself in check... except when it comes to Akane. As for Akane... I'll let
you mull it over in your mind till next chapter. The bit with Happosai's
curse and Ranma's twin are involved in his trip, and thus the prologue which
has yet to be posted.

NABIKI FANS: Some of you will understand what I'm doing here, some won't.
Let's face it, Nabiki can't be emotionally void and cold as she is all the
time. Nobody could go through life like that. So I believe that I'm perfectly
justified portraying her as I do.

As for those of you screaming at me to explain his techniques, next chapter
should cover them (unless I get sidetracked... which hopefully won't happen).
As for Ranma was able to mistake Nabiki for Akane, think about it. He's nearly
killed by the case, his mind is messed around with ala' Akane, Kasumi gave him
a sedative, and to top it off Nabiki gives him some sleeping pills, his mind
has to be a little messed up from all that. Well once again I'm off.

Send C+C To ssau...@hotmail.com

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