Man, I'm on a roll tonight.  Forgot to mention it in the last post, but I'm playing pretty fast and loose with the timeline here.  Call it creative license.  Anyway, enjoy.

C-Ya ='P

Jon Osborne

"Sometimes you just have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down."
                 -Kobi Yamada

A Ranma 1/2 fanfic
What Price Love
Chapter 2
By: Jon Osborne

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Disclaimer: Ranma ain't mine.  I use these characters out of love.
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  Ranma placed her hand on her head and rubbed it lightly as she walked towards the dining table.  "Owwww.  Akane, you didn't have to hit me so hard you know.  I thought we'd gotten past the violence in our friendship."  Ranma carefully sat next to Akane, glancing her way warily.

  Akane just faced away from Ranma.  "Hmmph."

  The family just stared at Ranma.  Her clothes...Her hair...Her MAKEUP?  For several minutes, no one said anything.  For her part, Ranma just sat there eating.  However, she was eating slowly, and daintily; chewing her food thoroughly before swallowing.

  Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Nabiki spoke.  "So, little sis, just what was Ranma refering to?"

  "None of your business!" snapped Akane.

  "Ranma," Kasumi ventured, "would you like some hot water?"

  "No thank you Kasumi.  Some tea would be nice though."  Ranma replied sweetly.

  The whole family face-faulted.

  Kasumi quickly recovered and went to the kitchen to pour some tea.

  Genma was the next to recover.  "Wha...wha...what is the meaning of this, boy!"  Genma managed to sputter out.

  At Genma's comment, Ranma looked up from her breakfast, a scowl burned across her face.  She stabbed her father with a look of pure ice as she opened her mouth to speak.  "Damn it father!  How many times do I have to tell you that I am NOT your son?  Why can't you accept me for the daughter that I am?  Tendo-san here has three daughters, and you don't see him dragging them off to China to try and turn them into boys. And don't give me that lame excuse about girls being helpless."  Ranma reached across the table and grabbed her father by his gi top, heaving him into the koi pond.  "Because I can still beat you any time I like."

  Calm once more, Ranma returned her attentions to her food.

  "What!!!  Ranma!  What's wrong with you boy!  Would you forsake everything I've taught you!  I taught you to be a 'man among men' and you do this!  What about my promise to your mother!"

  As Genma ranted, Ranma's battle aura grew in intensity.  At the mention of her mother, Ranma let out a cry of rage and anguish, and leapt to her feet and across the table at Genma.  Faster than anyone could react, Ranma grabbed Genma by his gi top and threw him through the open door and into the koi pond.  As Genma-panda surfaced, Ranma cried out scornfully, "Damn you oyaji!  What do you know about manhood! You're not even _human_!!!  And how _dare_ you bring mom into this!  That whole promise was _your_ idea.  I _love_ Akane!  And if being a girl is the only way I can get her to love me back, then I'll be a girl!  This is something you have no say in!"  Turning back to the table, Ranma cried out "None of you do!  Just me an' Akane."

  Akane stood and went to Ranma.  Reaching out she brushed away a pair of tears on Ranma's face and softly said, "Oh Ranma...."

  With a strangled cry of rage, grief and anguish, Ranma buried her head in Akane's shoulder as large wracking sobs were ripped out of her. Between Ranma's sobs, Akane could hear her whispering, "Damn him!  Damn him!  Damn him!  Damn him!"

  Genma-panda just sat in the koi pond, not sure what to do.

  Soun just sat there with a blank look on his face, as shock had completely taken over.

  Kasumi looked on with concern, wanting to go to the girl and hold and comfort her.  She knew, however, that in this case, Akane was much better suited for that.

  Nabiki was looking past Ranma and Akane at Genma-panda, utter contempt plain on her face.  She had known for quite a while her little sister's sexual persuasion, even though Akane herself hadn't realized it.  After seeing the two sleeping last night, and listening in on the conversation the two had in the bathroom, Nabiki had finally hoped that Akane had realized who and what she was and found someone to share that with.  She feigned surprise to blend in with the rest of the family and had silently cheered both Ranma and Akane for having the strength of character and mind to do what they did.  She watched with growing anger at the effect Genma's words had on Ranma.  As Ranma broke down in tears on Akane's shoulder, Nabiki made a silent promise to make Genma's life at the dojo a living hell until he accepted his daughter's choice. Family _always_ came first, and as far as Nabiki was concerned, Ranma was now a part of her family.

  As Akane took Ranma up to her room, Kasumi cleared away the untouched breakfast things.  No one felt like eating anymore, not even Genma.

***

  Outside it was just starting to grow dark.  Ranma awoke to find herself in a strange bed.  Looking around, she discovered she was in Akane�s room.  She sat up confused.  <What am I doing in Akane�s bed? The last thing I remember was sitting at breakfast...> As Ranma perused her thoughts, the memory of her confrontation with Genma caused her eyes to mist up.  Just as suddenly, her gaze turned hard and she began to think of ways to hurt Genma...a lot.

  Fresh with the desire to pound her father, Ranma stood and headed for the door.  As she passed the mirror over Akane's desk, she stopped and looked at her reflection.  If she saw the face looking back at her just two days ago, she wouldn't have recognized it as her own.  Gone was the usual underlying tenseness that Ranma displayed as a girl.  Now her face was calm and relaxed, and with her hair hanging down to her ankles in a loose pony tail, Ranma realized that she truly was a beautiful woman.  Or at least, she would be if her eyes weren't all red and puffy from crying herself to sleep. Another thought suddenly struck her.  <Ah shit!  I blew it.  Damn you old man!  So much for getting the family used to me being a girl before we threw the love thing at 'em.>

  At the thought of being in love as a girl, Ranma's mind decided to   rebel.  <Dammit!  I can't do this!  I'm a guy!  Guys don't cry!>

  <But guys don't wear panties and bras, or have hair down to their ankles, either.  They also don't have breasts.  And you have a very nice pair by the way.  You're not a guy anymore Ranma Saotome, you're a girl. You promised Akane.>

  <Akane...>  but Ranma's mind continued to rebel, <...but she tricked me. She knew what she was doing the whole time.>

  <Did she, really?  And even so, then so what?  You walked into the agreement with eyes wide open.  Besides, you always say you'll sacrifice anything for Akane.  Is this any different?  Hell, Ranma, if Akane told you you'd have to be a cat to stay by her side, you know you'd do it. You'd do anything for Akane.  That's what love is.>

  <...>

  <See!  You know I'm right.  If Akane can only love onna-Ranma, then I'll gladly be onna-Ranma for her, just to feel my love returned.>

  Ranma straightened herself and turned to the door.  <Time to find Akane. But first I need to get rid of the evidence that I was crying.>

***

  "...the deal.  First Mr. Saotome is not to be let in the house, no matter what!"

  As Ranma walked down the stairs, he could here Nabiki's voice coming from the dining room.  <What's she talking about?>

  "But Nabiki!  Saotome is my friend and our guest.  We can't leave him outside."

  "Quiet daddy!  I'm not finished yet.  Mr. Saotome said some terrible things to Ranma, and I won't let him get away with hurting my family!"

  <Whoa!  Nabiki calling _me_ family?  Maybe I shouldn't go out just yet.> Ranma held back, waiting for Nabiki to finish.

  "...no hot water.  And third, Mr. Saotome is not allowed any of Kasumi's cooking.  Akane's cooking, on the other hand..."

  "Nabiki!  That's mean!"

  Ranma walked in, "But it sure is acurate!  Your cooking could make toxic waste look appetizing."

  "Ranma No BAKA!"  Akane jumped up from where she was sitting and charged at Ranma, tackling her to the ground.

  "Akane!  Come on!  It was just a joke!  You know, old habits..." Ranma put her hands in front of her face trying to ward off Akane's blow.

  It never came.

  As soon as Ranma moved her hands away, Akane darted forward and planted a kiss on Ranma's lips.

  "Woo hoo!  You go sis!"

  "Oh dear, Akane aren't you being a little too forward?  You're starting to remind me of that nice Shampoo girl."

  Soun just looked like he wanted to be behind his paper.

  As Akane pulled away, Ranma just stared at her in shock.  After a couple minutes she was able to manage a "Wha...What?  You aren't gonna hit me?"

  Akane smiled.  "Actually, no.  I was glad you insulted my cooking."

  Even more confused, Ranma just barely managed a "What?"

  "Insulting my cooking means that you're obviously in a better mood. If you hadn't insulted my cooking after such a perfect opening, then I would have been worried."

  Ranma sat up, Akane shifting so she was sitting on the red-head's lap.  Ranma sighed.  "Sorry, Akane, I guess I blew it."

  "Blew what?"

  "You know, the whole ease them into our Libyan relationship plan."

  Akane smirked.  "You mean Lesbian relationship."

  "That's what I said."

  "Whatever. Still everyone here seems to be taking it fairly well.  See, father isn't even crying."

  "Yeah, well, it would have worked if pop hadn't started going on about mom..."  Tears started to form in her eyes as she thought about her mother.

  Not wanting Ranma to start crying again, Akane planted her lips on Ranma's in a very passionate kiss.  Startled, but responding quickly, Ranma began returning the kiss with equal passion.

  "Hey you two!  If you're gonna keep this up, then get a room!"

  "Nabiki, don't encourage them that much."

  As if prompted by Akane's words and following kiss, Soun started bawling.  "Waaaaahhhhhh!  No heirs means the schools will never be truly united."

  Everyone ignored him.

  As she broke the kiss with Akane, Ranma said, "Mmmm...that was nice, but I know something that will feel even nicer; beating a certain ball of black and white fur into a pancake."

  "No."

  Ranma looked at Nabiki.  "What d'ya mean 'No'?"

  "I mean I have a better plan.  One that will hurt your father far more than a simple beating."

  Ranma gently nudged Akane off her lap and stood to face Nabiki.  "There's nothin' simple about the beating I plan to give oyaji."

  "Be that as it may, your father hurt a member of my family.  No one gets away with hurting Nabiki Tendo's little sister."

  As Ranma took her place at the dining room table he looked to Akane and said, "What?  Pops wasn't satisfied with yelling at me, he had to yell at you too?"

  Nabiki growled slightly in frustration, "I meant you Ranma!"

  For the second time inside of ten minutes Ranma sat, shocked at what she considered uncharacteristic behaviour of another of the Tendo sisters.  After several minutes spent in silence, Ranma leapt to her feet and hugged Nabiki.  "Do you really mean that, Nabiki?"

  With a slightly husky voice Nabiki replied, "Yeah Ranma.  I do."

  Ranma turned to Kasumi, "And you Kasumi?"

  Bright and cheery as always, Kasumi replied, "Why of course Ranma-chan.  I've always considered you family."

  Returning to her seat by Akane, Ranma asked, "And you Mr. Tendo?"

  Soun was still bawling away and didn't seem to hear the question.

  Her good mood deflated a bit at her father-in-law's display, Ranma sighed.  Turning away from Soun, Ranma asked, "So what's this plan Nabiki?"

  "As I was explaining before you showed up, your father is not to be allowed in the house, is not to be allowed any hot water, and is not to be allowed any food."  With a smile, Nabiki added, "Akane's cooking excepted.  The punishment will be revoked when he apologizes to you to your satisfaction."

  "Aside from the food part, I don't get it.  Pop always uses his panda form to escape repsonsibility.  What good will that do us?"

  "Simple.  With Mr. Saotome stuck outside in this hot summer sun, having a permanent fur coat will probably become very uncomfortable very quickly."

  Realizing no one was paying him any attention, Soun quit his impression of Niagra Falls and turned to his middle daughter.  "Nabiki! I cannot allow you to do this to our guest," he protested.

  Nabiki knelt next to Soun and whispered in his ear, "If you don't go along with this, Hinako-sensei will conveniently find out about those rather risque pictures you have of her.  And I don't think she'll be very happy about it."

  Soun whispered back, "What?!  But...but..._you_ sold those to me. I'll tell her that."

  "You actually think she'll pay attention to who you got them from when you're the one who _has_ them?"

  Soun gulped audibly then said, "Very well daughter, I shall go along with this, but under protest."

  Nabiki nodded, satisfied.  "Oh yes!  One more thing.  Until he's ready to apologize, no one pay any attention to Mr. Saotome."

  "But how am I gonna stay in shape if I can't spar with pop?"

  "Don't worry Ranma, I'll spar with you."

  Once again Ranma's mouth shot off before her brain could intercede, "No way Akane!  I don't fight girls."

  Before Akane could bring her mallet into play, Nabiki spoke up, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Ranma, but didn't you agree to be a girl for Akane?"

  "Yeah, so?"

  "So, what's wrong with two girls fighting?"

  "Uhhh..." Ranma answered intelligently.  Turning to Akane she said, "I'm sorry.  I'm still not used to this.  After all it hasn't even been a full day yet.  If it's really important to you, then I guess I can spar with you. Who knows, you might actually get good sparring with me."

  Akane playfully elbowed Ranma in the gut as she said, "Baka."

  Ranma's stomach grumbled.

  Akane giggled.  "Ooh, I didn't think I hit you that hard."

  Ranma just looked embarrassed.  Looking down at his stomach he thought <Traitor.>

***

  Dinner had been wonderful as always. Everyone enjoyed larger portions due to Genma's enforced abscence, especially Ranma, who hadn't eaten anything else that day.  All during dinner they had heard Genma-panda whimpering outside.  The four girls ignored him. Soun stood up as if to let him in, but one look from Nabiki caused him to sit back down and eat dejectedly.

  Ranma and Akane snuggled together as they watched a martial arts comedy movie on TV.  Soun was sitting at his shoji board, staring at it blankly.  Nabiki was in her room, reading one of her manga.  Kasumi could be heard humming to herself as she cleaned up the kitchen.  As the movie ended, Ranma stood and stretched.  Akane looked at her longingly, not wanting to be seperated from the red head she loved so.

  "Where are you going Ranma?" she asked, her tone showing her desire for Ranma to stay.

  Ranma looked down at Akane, love mixed with confusion in her eyes. "I need to go talk to Nabiki.  There's something I still don't understand."  Ranma smiled and kissed Akane on the forehead.  "I won't be long."

  Ranma ascended the stairs and stopped before Nabiki's room.  Before she could knock, Nabiki's voice called out, "Come in."

  As Ranma entered Nabiki's room, she said, "Geez Nabiki, do you have a hidden camera out there or something?"

  In a deadpan voice Nabiki answered, "Of course."  Then her voice became businesslike, "What can I do for you Ranma?"

  "Well, Nabiki, I'm confused."

  With a smile Nabiki interrupted, "No surprise there."

  "Seriously Nabiki.  Did you mean what you said earlier?  About me being family?"

  "You doubt my sincerity?" Nabiki replied, her voice lowering dangerously.

  Ranma quickly clarified, "It's not that...it's just that...I thought all you cared about was money."

  Nabiki sighed.  "I can see how you might think that Saotome, but I always put my family first in any crisis.  Money...money became my shield, after mother died.  Money doesn't leave you when you need it most." Nabiki sniffled and Ranma sat on the bed beside her, placing a comforting arm around her.  "It may seem like I don't care, but I do.  I want my family to be happy Ranma."  Suddenly realizing how much she had let down her guard, Nabiki pushed Ranma away and stared at her hard.  "I swear Ranma if anything I told you goes beyond these four walls..."

  Ranma put on her best innocent look and in a Nabiki-like voice said "Moi?  Betray a confidence?  Nabiki, I'm insulted."

  Nabiki smirked.  "Very funny Ranma."

  Ranma stood to leave.  "So Nabiki, now that I'm family does this mean that you'll stop selling pictures of me?"

  "Don't be ridiculous Ranma.  Your pictures are a very lucrative market.  Besides, Akane has been my sister longer than you have and I still sell pictures of her."

  "Well could you at least stop taking such revealing pictures of me then?"

  "Ranma!  Don't tell me you're starting to develop some feminine modesty?"

  "Nope, that's not it.  You don't sell revealing pictures of Akane, so why should you sell revealing pictures of me, since you said I'm like a sister to you."

  "My, my, a Saotome with a brain.  Will wonders never cease."

  "Yeah well, now that I don't have to focus on being so manly all the time, I can focus on more important things."

  "Like my sister?"

  "Among other things.  Expect to be surprised some more Nabiki."

  "All right Ranma, no more 'candid' shots."

  "Thanks Nabiki-oneechan."

  Ranma left Nabiki's room and went back downstairs to rejoin her lover on the couch.

***

  After the last light had gone out in the house, Genma approached the door, feeling it was safe to return.  He tried the door, but it wouldn't open.  Then he noticed a note tacked to the door.  It read:

              Mr. Saotome,
                 You are hereby banned from this house until
                 you apologise to your daughter Ranma.
                 Furthermore, you are to be allowed no hot
                 water nor any of Kasumi's cooking until you
                 apologise.  Until you are ready to apologise
                 no one in this house will have anything to do
                 with you, not even father.  We can wait for
                 just as long as you, longer in fact.  We have
                 food and shade, you don't.  Enjoy the weather.
                                           Nabiki

Genma-panda frowned as best he could in panda form and tried the door one more time.  It still didn't open.  With a sigh, he turned away from the house and wandered away from the Tendo compound, disappearing into the night.

***

  "RRRAAANNNMMMAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You said you were going to spar with me!"

  "What do you think I'm doing you uncute tomboy!"

  As she swung her fist again, Akane said, "You're barely touching me!  I can hardly feel it."

  Ranma easily dodged the swing and lightly touched a spot on Akane's elbow as it passed.  "That's the point Akane!  I'm pointin' out your weak spots."

  "Dammit!  I want you to go all out.  Don't hold back!"

  With a grin, Ranma called out, "You asked for it."

  She leapt at Akane calling out "Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken!"  But instead of hundreds of punches, Ranma's touches were soft caresses over Akane's entire body.  As Ranma finished her attack, Akane collapsed to the dojo floor, moaning softly in pleasure.  Ranma stood over her, a smug look on her face.  "Ha!  I told you so Akane."

  The next thing Ranma knew, she was on the floor, Akane's legs wrapped around her own in a tight scissorhold.  Akane untangled her legs from Ranma's and grabbed onto them.  She slowly crawled up Ranma's prone body, panting out "You'll pay for that."  When she reached Ranma's head she planted her lips firmly on Ranma's own in the beginnings of a very passionate kiss.

  From the house, Kasumi's voice rang out "Ranma!  Akane!  Breakfast is ready."

  Instantly, Ranma had rolled out from under Akane and was on her feet, racing for the house.  Akane followed quickly after, muttering, "Nice timing oneechan."

***

  Somewhere on the outskirts of Nerima stood a powerfully built young  man.  He was wearing dark green pants, a yellow tunic and a tiger striped bandanna.  He shook his fists at the heavens and cried out "WHERE ON EARTH AM I NOW?"  This was followed by another cry. "RANMA SAOTOME THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"  He then proceeded to run through a nearby wall and towards the heart of Nerima.

***

  "What's up Ranma?  You've been awfully quiet ever since breakfast."  Akane sat in her desk chair and looked at Ranma, who sat crosslegged on Akane's bed.

  Ranma focused on Akane.  "I've been thinking about something pops said.  He asked if I'd forgotten about his promise to mom.  I'm just realizing I had forgotten.  When mom finds out about this, us, whatever, she's probably gonna kill me...but she deserves to know."

  Akane sighed.  "You're right Ranma, she does deserve to know what happened to her son. Just don't forget that you're not in this alone. This isn't just a relationship, it's a partnership. I'll be with you on this all the way."

  Ranma stared at Akane for several long minutes.  She then leapt off the bed and onto Akane's lap, pulling her into a bone-crushing hug. Akane barely heard the girl whisper "Thank you."

  Ranma released the love of her life when she heard Akane making gurgling, choking noises.

  "I should go see her as soon as I can, but I'm still a little afraid. I just...I need more time to sort everything out in my head."

  "Whatever you decide Ranma, I'll be here for you."  Akane placed her arms around her girlfriend in a comforting hug, radiating love as best she could.

***

  "Hhhmm...Ten...do...do...jo," read Ryoga very carefully in the fading moonlight.  <YES!  I made it!  After only two days of searching through Nerima, I found where I was going!  Tonight, Akane, will be the night I profess my love to you!>  He leapt over the wall of the Tendo compound...and landed right in the middle of the koi pond.  With a loud "Bwweeeeeeeee!" of frustration, Ryoga/P-chan clambered out of the pond. He shook himself off and entered the Tendo house, despite all the doors being locked.

  Even though the house remained quite dark, he managed to make his way up the stairs.  He traversed the hallway, stopping in front of Akane's room.  <Everyone seems to be asleep.  I guess I can tell Akane how I feel tomorrow. But for now, I can find shelter in her comforting arms as P-chan.>

  Noticing the door wasn't quite closed all the way, P-chan pushed against it with his nose, worming his way into Akane's bedroom.  He started moving towards Akane's bed, but stopped dead at what he saw. A very naked female Ranma was under an equally naked Akane, who was covering the red-head with kisses.

  The sight before him was too much for his brain to process.  So, with a great spurt of blood from his nose, P-chan let out a panicked "Bwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!" and fell over unconscious.

  Akane jumped as she heard her pet's panicked squeal.  Pulling away from Ranma she looked around her room frantically.  Then she saw him, slumped before the half open door of her room.  Jumping out of bed, she rushed to her pet's side.

  "Oh Ranma!  There's blood everywhere."

  Ranma sat up, supporting herself with her arms.  "What?  Blood? Where's the wound?"

  "That's the weird part.  It seems to have all come from his nose. Oh my poor P-chan.  He probably passed out from lack of blood."

  "That figures," muttered Ranma.

  Not paying any attention to Ranma, Akane picked up her pet and pulled him close.  "Maybe I should run a nice warm bath to clean off all this blood.  I hope my dear P-chan is all right.  Don't worry Ranma I'll be right back."

  "Uh...Akane are you sure you want to give him a warm bath?" Ranma asked nervously.

  Misunderstanding Ranma's concern, Akane replied, "Don't worry Ranma, I'll keep him from drowning.  Be right back."

  Akane stood, still cradling P-chan against her bare chest, and left for the bathroom before Ranma could protest anymore.

***

  P-chan awoke to the comforting sound of Akane's voice.  Comforting that is, until he heard the actual words she was saying.  "Don't worry P-chan, mommy Akane will give you a nice hot bath to clean off that sticky blood all over you.  You'll be all clean in no time, then you can come sleep with me and Ranma-chan."

  As Akane's words became clear in P-chan's mind, he began to panic. He thrashed around, desperate to escape her arms.  This just caused Akane to hug him tighter to her breast, which caused him to pass out again when he realized exactly where he was.

  As the bath filled, Akane turned her attention back to P-chan, who was once again regaining consciousness.  "Poor P-chan, where have you been?  I've been so worried about you, then you show up in my room covered in blood.  Well don't worry about the blood, a nice hot bath will clean you right up."

  At the words 'hot bath' P-chan tried to squirm out of Akane's grasp again.  He almost made it, but Akane managed to grab him by his bandanna.  "What's the matter P-chan, the water can't hurt you, and I won't let you drown.  I'm just going to give you a quick dip.  Ah! The water's ready."

  Holding the squirming P-chan by his bandanna, Akane dipped him in the furo.  What she pulled out was not a cute, black piglet.

  Ryoga just sat there, face downturned and glowing bright red in shame and embarrassment.

  Akane's eyes, at first wide in shock, quickly narrowed and a bright blue aura began to form around her as realization struck home.  "RYOGA NO HENTAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

  "Akane w...wa...wait I-I can explain!" Ryoga stammered desperately, then cried out "RANMA THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"

  The blue aura had steadily grown brighter, travelling to her eyes, as Akane cocked her arm back, ready to swing.  In a voice almost as cold as death itself she muttered, "All this time sleeping in my bed, taking advantage of my good nature, making me think it was Ranma-chan's fault for your fights.  I cannot allow this to go unpunished."  Subtly re-adjusting her aim, Akane swung her fist, crying in that same cold voice, "Ryoga Hibiki prepare yourself for your worst nightmare!" Her fist slammed home, catching Ryoga in the chin and sending him through the wall of the bathroom into the early morning sky.

  <Hhhmmm...Akane gets good distance even without a mallet,> Ryoga thought absently.  Then he noticed where he was about to land.  His rapid descent was carrying him straight towards the pond of a large estate.  As he splashed down, he idly noticed that the estate looked somehow familiar, but he couldn't put a finger on it.  As he struggled to the edge of the pond he heard an impossibly cute voice cry out, "Oh!  Cute!"

  Akane's last words flashed through his mind and he thought with rising dread, <No!  She wouldn't!  Even she isn't that cruel.>

  She did, and she was.

  P-chan felt himself being picked up and found himself face to face with Asuza Shiratori.  "Yay!  Charlotte, you've come back to me!"

***

  As Akane stalked back to her room, aura still bright, her family stuck their heads out of their doors to check on the commotion.

  "Oh my!  Akane, you should put on a robe!  You'll catch your death of cold!"

  "Heh!  Looking good sis."

  After one look at his youngest daughter, Soun fell back into his room unconscious, a small trickle of blood coming out of his nose.

  Akane burst into her room, focused on finding Ranma.  The object of her search was sitting on her bed, a sheet wrapped around her to cover her nakedness.  Ranma started to sweat when she noticed Akane's anger.  Akane whipped out her mallet and started to advance on Ranma. "Ranma, what did Ryoga mean about this being all your fault?"

  "Oh c'mon Akane, you know Ryoga blames everything in his life on me."

  Akane advanced a step.

  "Heh...not buying it huh?  Well, I can explain."

  Akane advanced a couple more steps.

  With her brain actually keeping pace with her mouth, Ranma began." You know Ryoga came after me because of that stupid duel over the bread, but that wasn't the only reason.  You see, after he didn't find me in that vacant lot, he followed me to China, and Jyusenkyo.  He was standing on the cliffs over Jyusenkyo when pop came barreling towards him in panda form.  Pop knocked him off balance.  I came right behind, chasing pop cause I was still angry about being a half-girl.  I was so focused on pop, I didn't see Ryoga and I knocked him the rest of the way off the cliffs.  He fell into the Spring of Drowned Piglet.  I found out about it after he showed up again in Nerima.  I had to promise not to tell anyone about the curse.

  Then he started abusing the curse, and my promise, by going to bed with you as his pet.  I wanted to tell you, but that idiotic promise kept me from it.  I was so damn jealous of that pig!  That's when I started sneaking into your room with hot water, so I could turn P-chan into Ryoga in your arms.  When that didn't work, I started calling him P-chan and pig boy and calling P-chan Ryoga in front of you, trying to get you to realize they were the same.  For kami-sama's sake Akane, they had the same bandanna!  Only a stupid, uncute tomboy like you wouldn't be able to figure it out."

  During Ranma's rushed explanation, Akane had advanced all the way to her side.  As the explanation continued, the mallet slowly fell to her side and the blue aura died down.  However, at Ranma's last couple sentences the aura flared to life and the mallet rose anew.  "RANMA NO BAKA!"

  Realizing her mouth had run away again, Ranma closed her eyes and hunched down, preparing herself for the blow.  She heard the rushing wind as the mallet descended and the loud SQUEAK as it bopped Ranma on the head.

  Ranma's eyes popped open.  <Squeak?> she thought confused.  She felt
her head, but there was no bump.  Looking around, she found Akane collapsed on the floor, wheezing with laughter.  "Akane?"

  Akane stopped laughing and looked up at her lover.  At the confused look on Ranma's face she broke out into fits of laughter again and shakily pointed to the mallet at her side.  Ranma picked it up, and nearly dropped it in surprise.  It was rubber.  A child's squeaky toy. Very realistic, but a toy none the less.  "That was a dirty trick Akane."

  "Hehe.  Consider it therapy Ranma-chan. I've realized you're not gonna quit with the insulting comments anytime soon, so I thought I'd help you a little." Akane said as she stood.

  "By hitting me with a squeaky toy?"

  Sitting down next to Ranma, Akane playfully ran her hand through Ranma's hair and said, "Sometimes.  And sometimes it may be a real mallet.  You'll never know until it hits you."

  Suddenly remembering the reason for their fight, and wanting to change the subject, Ranma asked Akane "What did you do to Ryoga?"

  An evil grin settled on Akane's face as she asked in her sweetest voice, "You remember Asuza Shiratori don't you?"

  Ranma answered offhandedly, "Yeah, so what?"  Then it hit her.  "You didn't!"

  "I did!"

  "Oh poor Ryoga."  At this comment Ranma noticed the anger start to return to her lover.  "Um...maybe not 'poor Ryoga,' but still Akane-chan, wasn't that a little excessive?"

  "I didn't think so at the time."  Akane smiled that evil smile again.

  "Um...Akane, remind me never to get you really mad at me.  The last thing I want is to end up punted into the waiting arms of Kuno."  Ranma shuddered at the thought.

  "Don't worry Ranma-chan, I want to keep you all to myself."  Akane glomped Ranma and said, "Now where were we, before we were so rudely interrupted by that pervert Ryoga."


AUTHOR'S NOTE:  I would appreciate all C&C sent to me.  Flames will be forwarded to Satan then deleted.  Many of you may be surprised at Nabiki's reaction, but based on my knowledge of Nabiki, and a few thoughts of my own, I created what I believe to be an appropriate reaction on her part.


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