Chapter six:"ME, train YOU...? well, I guess you have to learn our family's secrets somehow."

After a long soothing bath, Ranma and Akane got out and prepared for a long day of training. It was Ranma's goal to build Akane's speed and agility. She had to learn to move quickly and make as little noise as possible in doing so. "An attack that comes from sneaking up on an opponent, though unfair, can give you any advantage you might need if he/she is stronger than you are. The Tendo school relies on strength. The Saotome school relies on speed. The union of the two will make the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts the greatest in all Japan, Akane. The Saotomes and the Tendos are the only remaining families to practice the Anything Goes Martial Arts, which means you and I must continue the traditions and style. Not only between the two of us, but our children as well. I feel that to keep the school alive, all of our children must be taught the art." "That is another reason you offered to train me, so that I may help teach our children the arts, I look forward to the challenge and now there's a possibility our first challenge lies about a year from now." Ranma smiled. "Just remember, no matter how hellish it may get, I'm with you till the end. If this training goes as I expect, we will be equals and nothing will stand in our way." {He maybe saying this now but he doesn't know how hellish a moody Akane can get. He might change his mind in the near future.} Walking over to him, she put her hands on his chest than slid them to his shoulders and down his back. She loved being in his arms. His body was so firm, so strong and it's warmth was comforting. "I look forward to us being equals. I can't stand it when a fight breaks out and I am powerless to help. Hopefully by the end of the week, we will be equals, if not completely, at least close to it. I know this training mission is meant for me, but I could probably teach you a technique or two." Ranma looked at Akane, surprised. "Nani?" Akane smiled. "If I am to learn the Saotome family techniques, than you should learn the Tendo family special techniques, it would help to carry on the school in it's entirety, right?" Ranma believed the Saotome family was the only one of the two that had special techniques, this was a shock to him. He had never seen Akane or Soun use anything special before. "Your family actually has it's own techniques?" "Hai. Never knew the Tendo's had their own techniques? I guess you underestimated my family's skill eh, Ranma?!" "Well, seeing as though your father hasn't shown any sign of any real serious training, I thought he didn't know any special moves which means you wouldn't either. Why didn't you mention them earlier?" "I don't know, I guess I never really thought about it. Teaching them to you will test my ability to train others. If I can't train you than how can I possibly train our children?" Taking a step back, she looked at Ranma and smiled. Akane wasn't sure how to train another but she would try. "I think your training should come first Akane, at least for the time being. Since I started you off with the Katchu Tenshin Amaguriken last night, we should start with it today and complete your training one technique at a time. You will try again and again until you master it. After it is mastered you may teach me a technique and from then on when one masters the other's skill, the other becomes the teacher and we will trade off. This way we both learn and we will both get something out of this. When one is learning a skill, the other will be learning to teach the skill. It is great training for the both of us." Ranma had a point, if he were to just concentrate on Akane's training he wouldn't learn anything during the next week. "How long do you plan on training each day?" "Starting tomorrow, I expect you up, stretched and ready for training by 8:00 every morning. We will break one hour for lunch, so we have time to eat and let our food set. Than depending on how much has been accomplished we might train until dinner or we take the rest of the night off. This will be our schedule for as long as we are here. This schedule becomes habit quickly and soon it will come naturally, even if you don't intend on it. I should know, you remember what pop and I were like at first. You and your family thought we were crazy for waking up that early just to train. That's how my whole life has been Akane, constant training, I have to admit there was never a dull moment on the road, my pop took me away from my mother at the age of six. And..." Ranma was cut off by Akane putting a finger on his lips "I understand, you don't need to give me your life story no matter how we both want it, just train me dear." "Um.. yeah, Hey Akane." Ranma said while slipping his arms around her waist. "Did you ever think about us....doing...well, ya' know, what we did last night, before yesterday?" "Well, think about this if I didn't think about it before, I would not have started the whole thing. What about you?" "Hai, well really it was better than what I thought it would be. Oh yeah, one more thing before we start." Akane looking up at him "Nani?" Ranma leaned down and nibbled on the bottom of her ear "I take everything back I said about you being uncute and sexless, boy how I was wrong, your very cute when your in the mood and ya' know, you were very sexy in your wet shirt." Akane giggles at him and pulls away. "Come on, let's get this over with. "Akane starts to walk toward the river holding Ranma's hand.

Kneeling as she did the night before, Akane prepared for another attempt at the first technique of this training mission. Akane hoped she wouldn't do what she had done last night while trying to catch dinner. Akane knew that Ranma disliked being a girl, especially when it was caused by another person. Ranma kneeled close by her side. This was his first student and he needed to learn patience when training another or he would be a failure to the school. "Ready...set...go!.....That's it Akane, now speed up...a little faster...perfect! Now try striking from the side...yes! Keep the speed at that level! Lunch is on you today, I caught our dinner last night so today's meals are your responsibility." Akane tried to stop so she could ask Ranma what he meant by that, but couldn't do so without loosing control. Water was thrown everywhere, along with a fish or two. Akane's hair was soaked. She turned to see Ranma completely drenched. "Gomen nasai, Ranma. I could not control my speed." "It's all right Akane, you will learn to control it with practice. Why don't you do that while I do a little training of my own, neh? I expect something to eat when I return, got it?! Work on your control and maybe you will master the Amaguriken before I return." "But, without you how will I know if I'm doin' it right?" "Don't worry Akane, you have mastered all but one aspect of this attack, you'll get it by today trust me. Well, Ja ne. See ya' when I return." Grabbing a kettle out of nowhere, Ranma splashed himself before kissing Akane good-bye and then disappearing into the woods. Akane sighed, "Well I guess this means I'm on my own. I don't know if I can do this by myself, but I have to try."

The end of chapter 6
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Great, Ryouga's lost again. What else is new? I enjoy C&C so send me some 'k! Angie added about two sentences in this chapter and according to my honor {Do I have one?} I must give her credit for her two yen, ARIGATOO AKANE-CHAN! okay I feel better now. Okay I'll do a little foreshadowing now: With Ranma gone what will happen to Akane, will she be okay by herself...even for a few hours? Will Ranma be able to find Ryouga or will he remain lost forever? {Are we having fun yet?} Gomen nasai I'm in a joking mood now. You should understand that I write how I feel, that is why it takes me a while to write at times. Nabikchan ^-^
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Chapter seven: "Gomen nasai Ranma,...please help me!"

Ranma regretted leaving Akane to train on her own, but he knew Ryouga was still in the area and that if he didn't find him quick, his ki would build to the point in which it could no longer be controlled. If Ryouga's depression reached a dangerous level, his power would be his own destruction as well as a few miles radius. Ranma could see a faint glow coming from the ground. Though the color was faint, Ranma could feel the strength of Ryouga's depression, **Damn his aura is strong, his depression is the greatest I've felt yet! I have to find Ryouga before he blows this place away!** The strength of the aura would lead Ranma straight to him and as he followed the trail, the energy of Ryouga's ki grew stronger. **I'm getting closer, I can feel the intensity his aura. Akane doesn't realize what Ryouga's ki is capable of doing. I wonder if she'd kill him if he showed up again?** After about a half an hour, Ranma spotted Ryouga sitting under a tree. Though he couldn't see his face, Ranma knew he was crying. Walking over to where he was, Ranma sat cross-legged in front of him without a word. "What the hell do you want?" Ryouga didn't even look up to see who was in front of him, he didn't have to. "Look Ryouga, Akane just got carried away..." Ryouga's aura flared. "My ass, Ranma...goddamn it all! Why...why did you hold me? I could have gotten away without her noticing me! How could you do that to me? Akane will never trust me again! I'll never trust you again, Ranma, never!!" Ranma tried to remain calm and hear Ryouga out, but he was getting more frustrated by the second. Ranma knew it would be hard for Ryouga to forgive him, especially if he found out about last night. He had to make Ryouga see that Akane was taken and he would have to find another girl. Finally Ranma's patience ran out. "Oh yes Ryouga, that would really be so perfect, neh? Bullshit Ryouga, you knew as well as I she would find out sooner or later. Thanks to your not telling her of your curse, she screamed at ME for not telling her. I couldn't tell her of your curse, I was bound by honor not to tell...yet...by keeping that from Akane I hurt myself." Ranma's voice went from extremely harsh to soft gentle. At hearing the tenderness of Ranma's voice, Ryouga's ki faded. "I thought you said you were going to find a way to dump her?" Ryouga asked, somewhat confused. "That's because I...I didn't understand what...um...what we meant to each other." Ranma couldn't tell if Ryouga was really mad or if it was his depression that made his aura flair again. "What makes you think you mean anything to her?!" **Great he's mad again.** "Do you REALLY want to know!? Let's just put it this way, she ran into my arms and I held her there willingly. Just as willingly as she ran to me." Ryouga was mad now. "RANMA, what the fuck did you do to her?" Ryouga stood it up, battle aura glowing an extreme greenish red. His anger was mixed with his depression created the greatest aura Ranma had ever seen. **Holy shit, that's even stronger than the old freak's aura!!** "Don't get angry with me..." Ranma knew Ryouga wanted a fight and it was Ranma's best interest to allow Ryouga a chance to vent his anger. Though enemies, Ranma respected Ryouga as a fighter and for some odd reason,...a friend. "Why...why the hell should I listen to y...you molester? You took advantage of her you perverted animal, {Um...Ryouga, who's the perverted animal here??} that's why you didn't hesitate at the chance of shattering my heart to bits. You knew she would go to you in her desperation and you took advantage of the situation. Ranma...you stole my only love, I'll never forgive you...you bastard, I will kill you!" {"Ranma, You stole my bread I'll never forgive you!!" -Ryouga-kun. Gomen, couldn't help it, had to make a joke!} Ryouga ran toward Ranma at full speed. Jumping out of the way of Ryouga's attack, Ranma lands on a branch in one of the nearby trees. "Give it up Ryouga, Akane is mine. Why don't you go find Akari or something. If you think you'll feel better by beating the shit out of me go ahead, just know that if you do so, Akane will never forgive nor will she forget what you have done." At hearing the name "Akane" Ryouga's aura dimmed to a faint green and tears appeared in his eyes again. Ryouga knew that beating Ranma up was not the answer. Even though he didn't really want the answer to this question, he asked it anyway. "W...were you...gentle with her?" Jumping down Ranma answers, "Why would I not have been? Hai I was gentle with her, I was as gentle as the situation allowed me to be." Ryouga had a feeling that "Gentle as the situation allowed " had a special meaning. A meaning he would rather not know. "So you did...sl...sleep with her?" Ryouga asked this question, even though he dreaded the answer. Ranma's face was ablaze, his face was the color of Ranma-chan's hair. "Hai." This answer tore Ryouga's heart straight from his chest. Ryouga knew Ranma was speaking the truth, Ranma's intense blushing told all. "How could you?" "How could I not? She was mine to begin with. You have no right in asking me why I did what I did. I know you tried to protect her, but give it up. Protecting Akane is my responsibility and besides, she can fend for herself." Ryouga's ki was slowly flaring up again. "Ranma how can you be so heartless. You leave her to fight on her own?!" "Hai Ryouga, I do. She has asked me to do so. Akane doesn't want to me protect her, she wants to be treated as an equal." Ryouga wanted to change the subject, hoping it would allow his aura to diminish and disappear. "So you coming after me, was it for her or yourself?" "What do you mean, I came to help you. I know what you felt for Akane, Ryouga and I can't deny that she loves you too, Akane loves you as a friend and so do I. I don't care how many times you tried to hurt me or steal my Akane, I still see you as a good friend. You were only looking out for Akane and I thank you for that." Ryouga was surprised at what Ranma was saying. He felt a good joke was in order. "Okay Ranma, how hard did she hit you in the head this time?" Shaking his head Ranma replied, "Must have been pretty hard, neh?" Ranma started to laugh, soon after Ryouga joined in. This was the first time since their childhood that they laughed about a similar cause, it felt good. Ranma had succeeded in saving Ryouga from himself and actually made someone other than Akane understand where he was coming from. Both had been laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes. "I feel much better, arigatoo Ranma." Ryouga managed to say in the midst of his laughter. "Hey man, we're pals right?" "Always Saotome, always. Truce?" Holding his hand out to Ranma. "Truce." Ranma took Ryouga's hand, smiling they shook hands. "The Saotome's and the Hibiki's will be friends forevermore."

After a while of talking, Ranma and Ryouga thought it best to head back to the camp. It was now about three o'clock and both were starving. "I warn you Ryouga, I left Akane to cook." "Oh shit, we're dead. How could you trust her to cook?" Ranma was laughing from Ryouga's comment. "I have no idea what I was thinking. So you agree with me on her cooking skills? I kind'a figured you would, especially after I saw your face the first time. Man, that time I thought you were going to die! I don't think I've ever seen anyone turn that shade of green before!" Ryouga was laughing so hard he could barely speak. He tried as hard as he could to make another joke. "Did you like it? It's the newest shade of green, I think I'll call it Akane's Toxic Green Stew." The two of them laughed so hard they fell to the ground, rolling. It took them five minutes to stop laughing completely. When one stopped the other would start laughing twice as hard, until they were both completely zapped of energy. "Okay...okay, that's enough. We better hurry up, I fell like I'm going to die of starvation before eating Akane's food. I would rather die of my lover's cooking over starvation." At the word "Lover" Ryouga's face went to a sad, depressed dimness. "Still have to get used to it, eh Ryouga? Gomen, I don't mean to hurt you, it's just..." Ryouga put his arm up to keep Ranma from continuing. "Don't worry about it Ranma, you don't have to apologize for something that's true." Ryouga continued to walk past Ranma and stopped a few feet ahead of him. Looking over his shoulder, "Are you coming?" Ryouga asked. "Hai, let's go." It took Ranma almost a forty-five minutes to find Ryouga the first time, but took them an hour to find their way back. Because of their occasionally stopping to talk.

Coming closer to the camp, Ranma and Ryouga could hear Akane's voice screaming. "NO DON'T BURN, PLEASE DON'T BURN!!! [I read one where she was yelling 'stupid food, stay on the plate!' I thought that was funny.] {Ha ha Angie...very funny. Note sarcasm} Ohhh...now Ranma will never eat it!" They were close enough to hear Akane crying. Looking through the bushes Ranma saw her slump down. "Ryouga please...stay here. Let me go to her alone, maybe I can help her forgive you. I have a feeling she won't do so nearly as quickly as I did, please Ryouga." Ryouga nodded and Ranma ran through the bushes. Walking up to where Akane was, "Ranma!" She said in surprise as she looked up at him. He kneeled and took her into his arms. "What's the matter sweetheart?" Ranma whispered in her ear. "I... I tried to cook, but it didn't come out right. Why can't I cook, Ranma, why?" Akane was sobbing heavily now, this made Ranma grip her tighter. "It's okay baby, I know you're not perfect, I'm not either. At least you tried Akane that's what is important, it's the thought that counts." Akane lightly pushed Ranma away so she could look into his eyes. His eyes were so tender, so caring, she loved this new Ranma's attitude. His hand gently brushed the tears from her face, as he did so she caressed his cheek. "Oh great, I know where this is going!" Ryouga whispered to himself. Caught in Akane's eyes, Ranma lost all sense of reality. Leaning forward, he kissed her softly. Akane didn't want the usual quick, hard kiss. She wanted the same tender kiss as she had been given the day before on the train. Akane broke the kiss slightly as though for a breath. "Hold me Ranma, be as gentle as you were the first time. Please don't be harsh." Returning to the kiss, Ranma pulled her closer. He held her tightly, yet was as tender as he was during their first kiss. **Look at them, why? What does she see in him that she can't find in me?** Ryouga couldn't lie to himself, he was jealous of Ranma. Jealous that the first woman he had ever loved was now in his best friends arms. His heart ached at the sight of their happiness, he wanted to be happy too. Ryouga turned to look away from them. **There must be a way to forget her, but I don't want to forget her. She's too precious to my heart, if I were to let her go my heart would never forgive me. I must find someone to replace her. Someone who loves me and would never leave me. Someone that I can protect and care for. Dammit all!!! Why must he show his affection like that?! He knows I'm right here. Has he forgotten what I feel for her? How can he do this to me?** Leaning his back against a nearby tree, Ryouga closed his eyes and thought. He thought of all the things Ranma, Akane and him had been through and possibilities for the future. Ranma and Akane's wedding would probably come within the year, about a year or so later, a child and where would he be all this time? Lonely, what else was new? These thoughts made Ryouga want to tear out his hair. **He was such a jerk to her, why Akane? why?** {Ryouga maybe friends with Ranma but that doesn't mean he's forgotten Akane, but then again, he just might in the end. Who knows what that boy feels deep inside, maybe there's another he loves more than Akane and just hasn't figured it out yet.} [Or he is just a lonely guy who attaches himself to any girl who shows just a bit of kindness. OR MAYBE HE IS JUST A 'TYPICAL MALE'] {Do you really have so much against Ryouga?} [(sarcastically) No I love him to death!] {Glad you feel the same way.} [You just don't get it do you? I HATE HIM!!!] {Okay whatever.} Just as softly as their kiss began, they broke off. Ranma knew Ryouga would be unhappy if he had to wait too long. He had to talk to Akane before Ryouga starved. "So, how did you do on your control? Have you got it now?" "Hai, you want to see?" Ranma stood up and offered his hand to help her up. "Arigatoo Ranma." He pulled her up with so much force, she fell right into his arms. "Let's go in the tent Akane. I want to talk for a while, you can show me later 'kay?" She nodded. "Um...you go on ahead, I have to...um...go to the bathroom." Akane smiled and shook her head. "All right go on ahead. I know they're a little burnt, but do you want to snack on some of the fish while we talk?" "Hai, I'm starved. Be back." Running through the bushes again Ranma went around and found where Ryouga stood. His eyes were still closed and he seemed to be asleep. "Hey, Ryouga! Listen, I'm going to talk to Akane in the tent. I know that Akane's cooking isn't the greatest, but you can have what's left on the grill. Don't stay in front of these trees. When you get what is left, bring it back here and stay here until I get back. I know your hurt because of what you saw and I understand what you feel for Akane, but you have to learn to let her go. I gotta go now before she wonders why I'm takein' so long to take a leak. Ja ne."

After going to the bathroom {Hey, you thought he was lying or something?} Ranma returned to the tent. Opening the flap, he noticed there was more things in his tent, Akane's things. "A...Akane why are your things in my tent?" He sat down in front of her. "Well, I figured after last night what would it matter? I mean...we are "lovers" now, why couldn't we share? I feel much safer by your side. Are you okay with sharing your tent with me?" Ranma smiled. "If it makes you comfortable, you are welcome in my tent." He picked up one of the charred fish, looked at it for a second than took a large bite out of it. His face was one Akane had never seen before. He stared at the fish in his hand with one eyebrow up and the other in a position as though it was a look of anger. "Is it really that bad? Go ahead tell me the truth, I understand if you don't like it." Ranma looked at the fish puzzled. "It...it's burnt but, but it still doesn't taste half-bad. I don't get it, it is so burnt it should taste like saw dust. Yet it tastes good, Akane did you add something to these before cooking them?" Akane smiled, for once he didn't make fun of her cooking. "I added the herbs that were in the pouch you brought in your stuff." Ranma laughed. "Nani yo Ranma-kun?" "The Saotome cough and cold remedy actually...ha ha ha...cured your cooking problem...ha ha ha...and here I never thought it worked, but to fix your cooking...ha ha ha...whoa that's the best remedy of all...ha ha ha..." He fell over from laughing. "Ranma no baka, why do you always make such a big deal when my cooking goes right?" It took Ranma a minute to stop laughing and sit up. "Gomen Akane, it's great that your cooking hasn't caused me great pain, as it usually does. Now, can we talk serious?" "What's on your mind Ranma?" "I know how mad you were last night, ya' know, Ryouga's curse. Well, anyway, I went to find Ryouga." "Why?" "You know what the Shi Shi Hokodan is right?" "Yeah, your point?" "When Ryouga's depression builds up it creates this attack. If this depression builds to a certain level and he doesn't release it, he will self-destruct and take a few miles of land with him. So when I found him, I explained many things to him and got him to calm down. Now he's asked me to take him back to Nerima with us, but the only way I can do so is if he stays and returns with us." Akane put her hands on her hips "So you invited him to stay with us?" "Since you've already moved into my tent, we'll give him yours." "What if he finds out about last night?" Ranma didn't look at her. "Already did." Akane's face went pale. "You're kidding?" "No, I'm not." Akane blushed. "Did he threaten to kill you if you didn't?" "No. Don't worry Akane, he won't chase after you anymore." She sighed. "That makes me feel a little better, but does this mean no more fun while we are here?" She gives a sad, puppy-dog face. "No way in hell is he going to ruin our fun. If he interferes chikatte (by my honor), he is dead." Akane continued the puppy-dog face until Ranma took it as a signal that she wanted to play. With one fast motion he forced her down on her back and laid on top of her. For a moment they laid there while he kissed her neck. She moaned with pleasure as his hands massaged her breasts from underneath her gi. "Ohhh...motto Ranma...umm." He loved the sound of her moaning his name, but now he wanted the pleasure of her lips. He could manipulate and play with her body as he pleased and she wouldn't refuse any of it. Ranma played with her body for a while until he remembered Ryouga was waiting outside by the tree. Breaking the kiss caused Akane to whine. "Ranma...don't stop...please. I've waited all day to play. Ya' know that all work and no play makes Ranma an unhappy boy." He hated to refuse her, but Ryouga would be mad for having to wait. "I know what you want Akane but you'll have to wait till later 'kay?" He could tell she was angry at him for playing with her emotions. "No, it's not okay, why did you start something you couldn't finish?" "I'll finish it later, I promise." Akane crossed her arms and turned away from him. "Don't be like that Akane, we have four more days here. We don't need to rush things ya' know." Akane looked back at Ranma. "Why can't we take advantage of the time we have to ourselves? You know we can't do this at home, to many people would find out, we can always train at home, we don't need to do it here." The expression on her face was serious. "That's true, but won't our love making just become routine then? When it becomes routine, it losses it's meaning and I know I wouldn't find any pleasure in that." Akane looked down. "Well, I guess you have a point there. Is it your plan than to keep training during the day and sex on the nights when you're in the mood than? Oh yes, for your info I worked my ass off on that technique and still can't control it worth a damn." He had heard enough from her. "Well, I guess maybe you need to pull an all-nighter to finish this one. Oh yeah...no sex till you master it." Standing up, he walked out of the tent. To Ranma's surprise, Akane didn't chase him down with her mallet and pound him to death. **Geez, when she can't have what she wants, she gets bitchy!** "Yo Ryouga, where are ya'? Hey Ryouga, answer me." **He probably got lost again, well...better go find him.** And off goes Ranma on the quest to find the Eternal Lost Boy...AGAIN.

You know the deal by now, The end of Ch.7
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Didn't we just go through this lost boy crap in the last chapter? Well, that's Ryouga-kun for ya'. Is it just me or are these authors notes getting a little annoying? But what the hell, this is fun and I'm bored OKAY please bare with me. I have been writing these for the past two and a half hours now. Back to the story, Ranma's being naughty again and this time Akane's not being too much help, but now we see a little bit of conflict building between these two. Ranma is trying to get Akane to work on her Amaguriken so he gives her motivation to do so, unfortunately it revolves around their love life. Watakushi kansha hihan ya shoosan (I appreciate criticism and commendation) I figured you were tired of my stupid C&C phrases so I looked these words up in my dictionary. Arigatoo...Nabikchan^-^
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Chapter Eight: "Kami, please! Have mercy!!!"

"Ranma, Ranma where are you?!" Ranma had been missing for two hours now. "That stupid jerk why didn't he tell me where he was going?" Akane said to herself as she looked for her lover. **Oh well, he said he wouldn't make love to me until I mastered that dumb technique anyway. Speaking of which, I better get back to work on that.** Meanwhile...** Where is that jerk, he said he would be right back. Instead he got me lost. I guess I shouldn't have gone looking for a place to go to the bathroom.** Ryouga thought to himself, as he wandered through the woods looking for Ranma. Not too far in the distance, Ryouga heard a voice. "Oi, Ryouga! Where are you Ryouga?!" He was walking in the opposite direction. He'd walk right by if Ryouga didn't say anything. "Ranma over here!" Ryouga called out when he heard his friend's voice. "So here you are Ryouga, you had me worried for a while there. Anyway it's getting dark, we better get back." Ranma was worried about Akane. Last night he had heard wolves howling and hasn't felt comfortable since. Now the two of them ran back to the campsite as fast as possible. **I should never have left her behind! What the hell was I thinking?! Shit, she'd better be okay. I'll never forgive myself if anything were to happen.** Ranma had always been there when Akane was in danger, now she was all alone and all because Ryouga had gotten himself lost. **I wonder why Ranma is in such a hurry. I wonder if he's worried about Akane, but then again he said she was capable of taking care of herself.**

Sitting in front of the fire, Akane was cooking more fish. "I wonder where Ranma disappeared to. He'd be happy to know I finally perfected that damn technique." Picking one of the fish of the grill, Akane made a face of disgust as she held the fish in front of her face. **Well, I better eat it even though it looks really gross.** Akane tore a little piece of fish, closed her eyes and shoved the piece in her mouth. **Oh, how wish Ranma was here now. I don't know why I feel so uncomfortable without him, I should be fine without him. I want to be Ranma's equal, yet I depend on him too much. Yuck, this is really gross!** As she ate Akane heard a small rustle from one of the bushes behind her. "Ranma, is that you?" She asked standing up. Akane walked toward the bushes to see if it really was him. To Akane's disappointment, it wasn't him. It wasn't anywhere near him, it was too violent.........A scream was heard in the distance. "OH SHIT!!!... AKANE!!!" Ranma yelled. He ran as fast as he could back to the campsite. "I knew I shouldn't have left her alone. Come on Ryouga, Akane's in trouble!" Ryouga's speed now matched Ranma's as they ran. "RANMA HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!" Her screams were clear, they could tell they were getting closer. "AKANE HANG IN THERE, I'M COMING!!" Ranma shouted at the top of his lungs. He knew she could hear him because he heard her. **Please Akane hang in there, I'm coming as fast as possible! Oh please don't let anything happen to her, not now. I've only just discovered what she truly means to me. Please don't take her from me. She is my world, my life! Oh Kami-sama have mercy!!** Ranma's mind raced as he heard his lover's screams. Seeing the light of the campfire, Ranma knew they were back. Running through the bushes, Ranma saw Akane trying desperately to fight off five wolves at one time. "Ranma, oh thank Kami you're here." Akane's clothing was torn and she was bleeding from multiple claw and tooth marks on her body. "I'm sorry Akane, I never should have left you alone." Sensing another presence, the wolves turned their attention to Ranma and Ryouga. They charged at the two of them, leaving Akane alone. Seeing this opportunity, she climbed into the nearest tree. **Wait a minute...what the hell am I doing!? Why am I running away like a coward? I should be helping them!** She started back down the tree. "No Akane, stay there. You've done what you could, let us finish this." Ryouga called to her, when he noticed she was coming back down. "He's right Akane, stay up there. This will be over in a minute." One wolf that dared to try at Ranma's neck got a fist straight in the gut, sending it flying. Three of them came at Ryouga. "SHI SHI HOKODAN!!" "AWOOO!!" They cried as the force of the blast sent them into a tree. The last one was met by Ranma's foot to the face, smashing the skull in. "All right Akane, all clear. Come on down so we can get you cleaned up." She climbed down slowly. As soon as her feet hit the ground, Akane ran into Ranma's arms. She buried her face in his chest and cried. "Oh thank Kami you're okay. You may be scratched up, but at least you're okay." Ranma ran his fingers through her short hair. "Let's get you cleaned up 'kay?" She moved her head to the side so she could be heard. "Hai. Oh thank Kami you came." Akane sobbed. "Go on in the tent, I'll be there shortly. Ryouga, make yourself at home and don't worry about Akane, I'll take care of her." Ryouga nodded and Ranma went to the tent to grab a pot for water. Ryouga went into the other tent, he was exhausted and needed sleep. **I wonder if Ranma's attitude has changed of his feelings for Akane? I like this new Ranma, he actually cares and is more sensitive to what others feel.** Sleep could not find Ryouga immediately, so he laid there thinking. This day had changed many things in his world. Everything came crashing down at one time and Ryouga couldn't stand it, it was too much in such a short period of time. Not to long into Ryouga's thinking, Ranma peeked into the tent. "Good night Ryouga, sleep well. I'll see you tomorrow."

Akane sat in the tent waiting for Ranma to return. It was now around six o'clock and the sun was lowering to it's nightly resting place. Soon Ranma came in with a small pot in hand. "I'm really sorry Akane, I shouldn't have left you on your own. Now, take of your gi top so I can see where you're injured." Akane did as she was told, while Ranma dug in his backpack for the bandages and painkillers he brought. Turning back to look at her he noticed there were claw marks from below her breasts down to her waist. Dried blood showed where the cuts had originated and where the blood had flowed to after surfacing. "Ouch, those had to hurt. Damn how did this happen?" Ranma sat behind Akane and told her to lean back against him. As he cleaned off the dry blood she told him the story of how she thought that the bushes rustling was Ranma playing a joke. "Are these the only places they got you?" Akane leaned forward to reveal her back. There were three slashes across her back, the lowest slash was the deepest and was still bleeding. "These will scar, ya' know that, don't you Akane? The ones on the front will go away, but these will remain." After cleaning and bandaging her wounds, Ranma took of his shirt wrapping her in it before asking her to lean back on him. His hands rested gently on her stomach, moving slightly in a back and forth motion. Akane's head laid on Ranma's shoulder and her hands stroked his arms, slowly, softly. The pair sat there with no words, their only communication was the soft warmth of each other's touch. As Ranma's hand rubbed her stomach, he began to feel a strange aura. Closing his eyes, Ranma concentrated on the aura. **So dim, so weak yet...I feel an odd strength. It's like Akane has another form of ki within her and it was growing stronger by the minute.........CHOTTO MATTE!!!, Another ki.......inside her.......in her stomach?!........GROWING?!!** Ranma's eyes flew open. "Oh shit...this is no ordinary ki!" He whispered, his eyes widened with horror. "Nani yo, Ranma-kun?" Akane whispered back. He had forgotten her ear was right next to his mouth, she heard his curse. "What is it?.......What's the matter Ranma?" She asked again, after he didn't reply the first time. "I...um...felt something strange when I...ah...closed my eyes, that's all." Ranma didn't want Akane worried about what the 'strange aura' was. He knew what this aura was......he had never felt it before yet........he knew exactly what it meant. He has less than nine months to get rid of the other fiancees and suitors, marry Akane and prepare for fatherhood. "What kind of strange feeling? Why did you mention an unordinary ki? Is something wrong?" Akane moved forward and looked into Ranma's eyes. "Is something wrong Ranma? Please tell me." Lowering his head, Ranma replied. "Depends........... are you ready for a child?" Akane's eyes shot wide open. "Nani?!!" He nodded his head. "You're pregnant. Now you tell me, is something wrong?" Akane was speechless, she tried to reply but no words would come. Finally she managed four words. "How do you know?" Looking her straight in the eye, he replied. "I can feel a ki within your stomach, but it's not a battle style ki. It is a life ki, it is the aura of a new life growing inside you." Akane's tears began to slowly fall as she realized the seriousness of the problem. She buried her face into his chest, gripping him tightly. "Ranma, what're we going to do?" He held her tight, whispering encouraging words to her. "Don't worry. As long as we're together everything will work out." Akane gripped him tighter as she sobbed harder. "How can you be so calm about all this?" All of Ranma's attempts of trying to cheer her up were failing and he was running out of ideas. "Akane, I understand why you are so worried..." "SHUT UP! GODDAMNIT RANMA, JUST SHUT UP...SHUT UP and hold me...please!" {Akane's emotionally destroyed again neh?"And this time it was all Ranma's fault."- Nabiki} Akane was clawing Ranma's back with her nails. Ranma realized that by speaking he was only making things worse. There was no way he could comfort her, not with words. He held her tighter and laid his head on hers. Ranma softly ran his fingers up and down her back in a comforting gesture. Ranma tried to hold back his tears, but as much as he tried to hold them back, they still came. It had been a long time since he had cried in fear, he was taught to be strong but all his training meant nothing now, his fear was overwhelming. Ranma's tears now dampened Akane's hair. When Akane felt the warm tears on her head, she freed the grip of one of her hands and ran it along Ranma's face to wipe them away. She moved her other hand behind his head, wrapping his hair around her finger. Sliding her head from under his, she lightly kissed his neck. She was trying to comfort him now. Akane didn't want him crying, she wanted his comfort. Akane wanted him to be strong, she needed him to be strong. "Stop...(sob)...please stop crying Ranma...(sob)...be strong...be my strength for a while, please..." Akane tried to whisper through her sobs. "How can I remain strong...when I...(sob)...I feel so weak?" Ranma loosened his grip and leaned back slightly. Seeing Akane's face soaked with tears and her eyes red made him wish he never moved from the position they were in. Ranma took Akane's face into his hands and caressed her cheeks, wiping away all the tears. As his fingers passed under her eyes, she closed them as if she was showing contentment to what he was doing. {Sniff,sniff... so sweet, neh? ~_~,} "Everything will be okay Akane, you'll see. Now stop your crying, we'll be fine." Leaning forward, Ranma kissed her on the lips sweetly, comfortingly. As if to show how much she appreciated his consolation she kissed him back deeply, passionately. As they kissed Ranma continued to wipe away her still falling tears.

The end of chapter 8
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This has to be my favorite chapter so far it is the sweetest and very full of foreshadowing and giving away the true reason for my writing this story. Yes, Akane is pregnant and this story will continue till their child's birth which is where this story will end and my second will begin. I will not put up my second until this one has ended, yes I have already started my second. It's two chapters long as of (today) 10/16/98 I haven't worked on it in a while and am hoping to get that chance soon. Ranma and Akane's child will NOT have the curse I will have it skip the first born but I'm contemplating it for their second. How 'bout this; no stupid C&C this time, how about suggestions for passing the curse onto their second child? Just remember that the transformation of Ranma is what makes this series whole and since my second fan fic. is about their children it won't have them in it as much, maybe the insanity should be passed down to the next generation. "THAT'S ENOUGH ALREADY...QUIT TELLING EVERYONE WHAT YOU'RE THINKING!! HONESTLY." Gomen nasai Akane-oneechan, guess I got carried away. Better go before Akane pulls her mallet out and smashes me. Nabikchan^-^
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Chapter Nine: "Is it supposed to hurt like that?"

Ryouga woke up to the sound of Akane's voice. **Hmm, I wonder what their fighting about now? I know it's really none of my business, but I should go find out.** It was unusual for Ryouga to be woken up so easily, but for some reason the tone of voice in which she yelled at Ranma caught his attention. Standing up he walked out of his tent and over to the other, it was odd that he didn't hear anything coming from inside as he stood outside. **That's odd, if they were fighting I would hear them from out here. I wonder what the yelling was about? As much I may regret it, maybe I should open the flap just to check.** Slowly he reached a hand up to the flap, opening it. Peering inside he saw Ranma with his hands on Akane's face, rubbing her under-eyes with his thumbs. Turning, Ranma noticed Ryouga in the door way. "What's up Ryouga?" He asked. "Nothin'. I was woken up by Akane's yelling and wanted to know what was wrong. Was it a bad dream or something'?" Akane turned to Ryouga after Ranma's hands left her face, "It was nothing Ryouga-kun. Nothing that should concern you." Akane had forgotten that the only thing covering her body was Ranma's unbuttoned shirt which hung loosely, exposing her chest. When Ranma noticed this he quickly grabbed the sides, pulled them together and quickly buttoned the shirt. Both Ranma and Akane blushed knowing what Ryouga probably thought was going on before he arrived. "Um...I didn't disturb anything did I?" Ryouga asked when he saw that Akane's shirt was open and how quick Ranma was in buttoning it. "Ryouga-kun don't worry, you didn't interrupt anything, unless you want to count the fact we were both just talking. Did you want to join us?" Akane asked, turning herself around to lean against Ranma again. Her head laying on his shoulder as Ryouga sat across from them. Now that he could see their faces in the light of the small lantern in the middle of the tent, he could tell that both had been crying. As curious as he was to know their reasons, he refrained from asking what was the matter. "So Ryouga, anything new around the world of the lost?" Ranma tried to make conversation. "Nothin' much actually, I almost always end up in Kyoto or Nerima so there's not a lot new. What about you two, why are you out here?" Ryouga had wondered what their reasons for being out here were. "This is a training mission for me, we came out here to get away from the house and the pressures of our parents. They don't know that we are here together but if they did...one of them would have followed us and we would never hear the end of it." Akane answered. Ranma slipped his arms around Akane, now he could feel his child's ki again. It was even stronger than before and he thought maybe Akane could feel it now. Whispering into her ear Ranma said, "Akane, give me your hand." She held her hand in front of her for Ranma, he took her hand and placed it on her stomach. "Now concentrate...Can you feel it?" Ranma whispered. "I think I do." She replied. Akane could feel her tears returning, she had no intention of showing Ryouga that she was crying or explaining why she was doing so. Akane stood up and quickly left the tent. "What's with her?" Ryouga asked, staring at Ranma confused. "Stay here, she's upset right now. I'll be back in a minute." He stood up and walked out of the tent.

Outside, Akane was standing at the side of the river watching the water. Her eyes once again flooded with tears of confusion and despair. Ranma walked over to her without a word. He placed his arms gently around her and pulled her close. He put his head on Akane's shoulder, "Gomen nasai Akane, I didn't notice you were still upset. If I would have known I would never have mentioned the child." Ranma whispered softly into her ear. "You don't have to apologize Ranma, I understand. I must learn to face this problem and do so before we return home or every one will be suspicious." Ranma tilted his head upward to whisper in her ear. "It's okay Akane, you have three more days to pull yourself together, just take your time and remember I'm here for you." Releasing his hold on her, Ranma walked in front of Akane. He stood about four feet in front of her, with the dim light of the moon he could see her tears shinning brightly. "Please stop your crying, ya' know you don't look as cute when you're eyes are red." Ranma had said the wrong thing, as usual, Akane turned quickly away from him. {Oh boy, it's mallet time!!!!} "If I'm not cute than don't look at me...(sob)... Goddamnnit Ranma, why? Why are you like this?...(sob)...Why are you like this when I need you most?...(sob)...(sigh)....You always do this to me...am I really that hard to get along with?" She sunk to her knees, buried her head in her hands and started crying harder. {Hey I wanted the mallet!!!} "Oh Akane sweetheart, I was only joking. Stop this, why do you cry at everything I say? ...(No reply)...Than forget it Akane if all you're going to do all night is cry, than I'm going to bed because I really don't want to hear it." Ranma turned and started to walk toward the tent. "Chotto! Ranma..." Akane called out behind him. "Chotto do`ozo Ranma-kun..." She cried out between sobs. Ranma stops and looks back at Akane. "Nani yo?" He asks impatiently. "Don't leave me...(sob)...please don't leave me." She cried in pain, not physical pain but the pain caused by being lost and lonely. Ranma could tell she was hurt now more than she had ever been in her life. Walking back to where Akane was he knelt down in front of her, taking her in his arms. He understood her feelings, Ranma was just as lost as Akane, yet he didn't understand why she was acting the way she was. "Why do you hurt Akane? What's the matter, is it me? Did I hurt you like this or are you scared and don't want me to leave again in case something happens?" He asks, whispering softly in her ear as she sobs on his shoulder. {Ever notice how interruptions just totally ruin the mood? ^-^Gomen nasai. my bad! ^-^} He had no intentions on hurting her more than he already had. It was an accident that he made her cry in the first place. "I don't know Ranma, I really don't...(sob)...just don't leave me, do`ozo stay with me right now." "Hai..." Ranma whispered as he pulled Akane closer to him.

After about twenty minutes, Ryouga's impatience took over him. He was so sick of waiting for those two to return so he stood up and opened the tent flap. He could see the moon shining and what looked like a rock sitting next to the stream. After his eyes came into focus he realized it wasn't a rock but Ranma and Akane huddled up together next to each other. **What's up with those two now?** As Ryouga walked closer to them he could hear Akane's soft sobs. "What have you done to her this time Ranma?" He looked up from his embrace, Ranma's face was one of annoyance. "Go to bed Ryouga, this doesn't concern you." His voice was cold, almost challenging Ryouga to stay. "Don't talk to me like that, you have no right..." Akane looked up quickly and reached behind her back and into the Mallet Space. She pulled it from behind her back and held it at ready. "Ryouga go away. I've refrained from smashing your ass before, but not this time." {Alright, it's mallet time again smash him Akane, smash him!!} "Leave or I'll use it I swear!" Ryouga's face was one of surprise but he took the hint and walked toward his tent. "Geez Akane, I thought that mallet was especially for me." Ranma laughed as she put the mallet back. "What you want me to get it back out?" Akane asked threateningly. "No, no not at all. It's just that I've never seen you pull that large of a mallet out unless you were going to smash me with it." Ranma released Akane and stood up. Offering his hand he asks, "C'mon you want to go back in the tent now?" Akane shows a small smile as she stands up with Ranma's help. "I'm sorry Akane, I really didn't mean to make you cry again. It's just that I thought you'd be interested in knowing what our child's ki feels like. I never meant to hurt you." Ranma said as he pulled Akane close to him on their way to the tent. "It's all right, I understand why you did it. I guess I shouldn't have acted the way I did, it's just that I don't know how we can possibly get this by our parents without too much of a fuss. Oh Kami, what will every one think? I mean one day we're fighting at every chance and the next we are lovers, constantly kissing." Akane giggled a little at her own comment and soon Ranma joined in as well. Though her tears were now dry, Akane tried to cheer herself up by making jokes at the subject mentioned. "This pregnancy will remain a secret until we are married and this I swear to you, I will marry you before your body shows it's burden. Our marriage will be within the next three to four months, that is if you are ready." Ranma opened the flap to the tent allowing Akane to enter first. Not responding to what he said, she laid down on the floor of the tent. He just smiled and laid down next to her, placing his hands behind his head and stared at the top of the tent. As Akane lays there, she begins to look Ranma over. Akane notices goose bumps start to show up on his arms and she realizes just how cold it really is. She quickly sits up and takes off his shirt. Akane than lays back down next to Ranma laying the now warm shirt over the two of them. "That feels better, thank you." Ranma says to Akane as he feels the warmth return to his body. Ranma then pulls his hand from behind his head and places it on Akane's hip as he slowly pulls her closer to him. Feeling the warmth of Ranma's body, Akane moves closer to him and places her head on his chest. "Are you really that scared?" He asked. "What reason would I have not to be? After all I am only sixteen and still in high school. Ranma, aren't you scared? Just a little?" Akane asked. Stuttering Ranma replies, "Umm...No." Akane looks at him furiously. "You liar!" All this time their fighting had disappeared and now it was resurfacing. "Kawaikune!" Her aura began to flame around her as she stood up. "Hey thanks Akane that heats the tent right up! It's not cold anymore!" Walking over to Ranma, Akane slaps him in the face. She than grabbed his shirt and walked out of the tent. Throwing the shirt on clumsily, she made her way to Ryouga's tent. She opened the flap and walked inside. "Akane? What is it? What's wrong?" Ryouga asked. Akane didn't know that he was still awake and jumped slightly when she heard his voice. He could hear her crying. "Hey don't be like that, come here." Akane sat down on the floor of the tent in front of Ryouga. Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around her and she gently rested her head on his shoulder. "Give me a minute Ryouga-kun, I hurt right now." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled herself closer.{Oh boy, Ranma's not going to like this one bit!!} [Why that stupid jerk! Wrapping arms around her!] {Hey, Akane did it too!} [Well,...Ryouga started it! Any ways, Ryouga KNOWS who is in love with who.] {Shut the hell up Angie, this is MY story!} [And your point?] {Oh shut up!!} "Ranma did this to you didn't he, that is why your shirt was missing wasn't it?" {Gee, didn't Ranma and Ryouga call a truce? What's up with this? Maybe it's just me but...aren't they supposed to be friends? Oh well, it makes the story more interesting.} [Now you see what a jerk he is. I'm pro Ranma and Akane!] {Angie...SHUT UP before I'm forced to hurt you!} [And how do you plan to do that?] {Quit interrupting!} [Humph! Well now *pulls fairly large mallet out of hammer space* Don't tell me what to do! Okay I'll shut up now, only for the sake of the reader] "No Ryouga, Ranma didn't do this to me...I brought it upon myself...without even knowing what I was getting myself into." Akane sat up and brushed Ryouga's arms off her. "What do you mean by that?" He asked. Akane turned her head away. "I...I'm pregnant...with Ranma's child." Akane's voice was shaky. "I...ah...oh Kami...tell me...did he fo...force it...o...on... you?" Ryouga finally managed to stutter. "He tried to warn me but I didn't listen, this is all my fault I should have listened. I'm just stressed out by this and I blew up at Ranma without thinking." {Um...Akane...do you ever think before you act?? Akane and the word think in the same sentence?? They don't just go together!! Gomen...am I bugging you yet?} [Of course your bugging them. You're always bugging them. You're bugging me!] {I'm allowed to God damnnit it's my damn story!}^-^ "So it was you who gave into him, in other words you do actually love him. All this time you two have fought as though you despised each other, yet you only did so to hide your true feelings. Akane, tell me how...how can you love him?" Akane couldn't answer that, she had no idea why she felt the way she did it just...felt right. "Akane..." She quickly turned around to see Ranma standing in the opening of the tent. The side of his face was still red from Akane's slap and his eyes matched. Without a word Ranma fell to his knees and pulled Akane into him. It took her a moment to react to Ranma's embrace. Instead of hitting him, like Ryouga thought she would, she threw her arms around his neck apologizing for her earlier actions. "What I said was very uncalled for, I'm so sorry Akane. Please forgive me, yes Akane I'm scared and confused and..." "Shhh.." Akane whispered comfortingly, as she stroked his hair. "You don't have to apologize, your ridicule was out of confusion. I understand how you feel Ranma, our fear is what is making us fight. We don't want change so we are both trying to go back but it's impossible. Where we go from here is unknown to either of us but we'll manage, we always have been good at adapting to new situations." [Um... do they always get this deep? And here I thought it was hard to admit their feelings for each other.]{Quick question: Are you as confused as I am? Good.} [Just one thing, has Akane been studying those damn psychology books again] Ryouga watched this whole scene in confusion. "Um...did I miss something??" Ranma looked up to Ryouga's face, "Wouldn't doubt it, you've never been able to catch anything besides a cold." Ranma's voice was icy. Akane smacked the back of his head. "Be nice!" She sneered. "I don't want to hear your childish arguing. Come on Ranma, let's go back to the other tent." Getting up, they walked out of Ryouga's tent hand in hand. **Is that what love is really like? Crying all the time? Is it really that full of fear and unsureness? If that was love than what is it that I've felt for Akane all this time?** Ryouga tried to sleep but this night had been to crazy for him and all he could do was think of everything that has been going on.

the end of chapter 9 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you can see I'm in love with the mallet 'o smash, it's a new found love of mine. This chapter really is crazy, neh? Oh well I like it any way. If your wondering what do'ozo means, it means please. We see many changes in attitude in this chapter as well as the last. As I reread all this I see how much the characters contradict themselves. Ranma and Ryouga still don't get along which should be expected of those two. Yes, they called truce yet they still argue because Ryouga still hasn't given up on Akane but hopefully he will forget her soon because of Ranma's promise to marry Akane. I wouldn't want to make him too hurt "OI! will you shut up already!!" Gomen Ryouga-kun. Well, gotta go. PS we have another person joining us in chapter 10 for making authors notes. Oh great we have another person to annoy you with! Her name is Kristina and her notes will be marked with // \\. Nabikchan ^-^
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