"Are you alright Akane?" She asked, with what seemed to Akane to be genuine concern.
"Why wouldn't I be, ohh..." As vertigo hit her Ranma leapt up and caught her before she fell off the cot to the tile floor. "Ranma? What happened?" She for her self couldn't remember.
"You fought Kodachi, and you lost... Badly."
"How did I end up here?"
"Nabiki brought you here while I fought Kodachi"
"Why did you fight Kodachi?"
"Umm... She said that I was keeping 'her' Ranma from her just like you were. If I hadn't fought her she could have hurt you more. You shouldn't have fought her."
"RANMA! *Ouch!* Ranma, I can take care of myself" *I feel like I'm going to pass out any second*
"No you can't Akane. This fight proved it. Kodachi's your weakest rival. You can't win these fights."
"I'm a martial artist too you kn-" Akane tried to finish, but consciousness escaped her..
Akane was having a nightmare.
Shampoo was beating her with bonbouri's. Kodachi was choking her with her ribbon. Ukyou was bludgeoning her spatula. What made the nightmare truly horrifying was the fact that Ranma stood in front of her, not only refusing to help free her, but taunting her as well.
"You'll never win Akane; you're not good enough. All you can do is break cement blocks. You won't ever be good enough. You can't be better because you don't train versus anyone better than you. Why would I ever want to marry you?"
Ukyou and Shampoo grabbed both of Akane's arms to prevent her from attacking, as Kodachi's ribbon jerked back, pulling Akane's head up and forcing her to match Ranma's gaze.
“But I’m a martial artist too! I can get better!”
"No you can't, what have you ever sacrificed for this art? Everyone else has given something to better themselves."
"I gave up being a girl, to train and live among boys so that I could eventually fight Ranma." Ukyou stated as she began kicking Akane in the stomach while she still restrained her arm.
"I train many years with other women fighters, and fight others to get better" stated Shampoo as she too began to lay kicks into Akane's chest. "You only fight pervert boys. Not training if fighting men who not fighters."
Kodachi pulled her ribbon, forcing a gasp of air out of Akane as she knelt down to her victim's ear and whispered, "I just fight dirty. It might not be honorable, but look whose being beaten."
"You can't win. You'll never win. Never. Ever." Ranma stated without any love or pity in her eyes. Just scorn.
The figments of Akane's dream faded into nothingness, as one thought played into her mind repeatedly.
"I can't beat them."
Silently in the real world, with Ranma still looking over her, Akane wept in her sleep.
(At the Tendo Dojo, later that evening)
Ranma-kun was going through his kata. There was none of the grace it usually had. Every punch was accentuated with sharp movements, as an inner battle was waging inside him. The body language was not lost on Akane who was wearing an ice pack and watching. She waited for him to bring his exercise to a close and swore she could still see a red aura surrounding him.
"Ranma? What's wrong?"
Ranma stood there silent, returning Akane's gaze. Akane's was full of concern for Ranma despite her own injuries. However, Ranma's eyes were filled with sorrow. Unable to meet her gaze any longer, Ranma dejectedly tried to return to his kata.
*I'm a failure Akane. I didn't protect you well enough.* He picture Kodachi's face as he punched, then Kuno's, then everyone else he had ever fought out of anger, and yet he still couldn't battle the intensity of emotions within him.
"Is it about the fight?"
*What would of happened if it was Shampoo who attacked you* He kicked the air, trying to ignore Akane's comments. *It...*
"It's not your fault Ranma, it was-"
Akane stopped in mid-sentence. Ranma looked at her, holding her gaze for what seemed like an eternity. It was only then that she noticed his eyes were welling up, and that tears were starting to stream down his face.
"Ranma?"
It was at that point Ranma ran out the dojo into the night.
Akane stood speechless for as was only broken out of her state when Nabiki walked in.
"You know Akane, he blames himself for your injuries."
"What?" she said as she remembered reality and decided to take part in it.
"He does. He's kicking himself for not protecting you. I'm surprised he even has this much control right now. You should have seen him earlier."
"He blames himself? And what did you mean by earlier.."
"Let's just say that Kodachi learned not to ever piss Ranma off"
"What? Nabiki, what did Ranma do to Kodachi?"
"Well, alright. Ranma and I had been walking to get ice cream, after all, he owed me money and..."
(Flashback to Ranma / Kodachi Fight)
Ranma and Nabiki come onto the clearing where the fight between Akane and Kodachi had taken place. Although Kodachi has a couple bruises, Akane is bleeding form numerous wounds and is obviously unconscious. Kodachi is still kicking Akane's limp body however and is cursing Akane's hold on Ranma. She stops when she looks up to see Ranma-chan.
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOH! Well now pig-tailed harlot, with Akane out of the way, all that's left is to drive Ranma from your thoughts as well."
(pause)
"Nabiki, grab Akane and take her to Tofu's. Also, call Kuno to tell him to get his sister. I'll be along shortly"
"Ranma..."
"NO QUESTIONS RIGHT NOW! I'LL EXPLAIN AFTER I BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF THIS BITCH!"
(End Flash back)
"I came back to check on Ranma after Dr. Tofu lead me out of the room. When I had arrived back at the scene of the fight Ranma-chan stood over a whimpering Kodachi. She had broken both her arms and legs and had her face bleeding. He was like a man possessed. I've never seen him so angry. Kuno showed up a little later. He was so shocked by how his sister had creamed Akane, and how Ranma-chan had creamed his sister he swore he wouldn't be able to face either one of his loves again. Ranma-chan then told him if Kuno ever did try anything with Akane that what happened to Kodachi would be nothing compared to what would happen to him. Finally Ranma saw me and she ran and grabbed me and ran both of us back to Dr. Tofu's. He then watched over you for most of the time you were out. He's having a very difficult time with this."
"He did that, because of me? Why?"
"Do you really have to ask that?" Nabiki said as she walked out of the dojo leaving Akane alone.
*He attacked her because of me. He even swore. He must care for me. *But how do I feel?*
She then set about practicing. She set up the cement blocks and began to concentrate.
*What good is this going to do?* The thought echoed in her mind.
*It proves my power* she answered.
*So?*
*So if I'm powerful, people won't be able to beat me*
*Kodachi isn't as powerful and she nearly killed you*
*She was lucky*
*Was she?*
Akane focused on her blocks and no longer felt the desire to break them. She sat down and meditated. She needed to finally face some hard facts.
Ranma sat beneath the bridge and cried. Now Ranma has cried on rare occasion, but now he was in guy form and he didn't even care. Nabiki watched on. She knew Ranma would come here. After all, what good would she be if she couldn't even discover this little piece of information. She quietly waited as Ranma mumbled to himself.
"Danm it, its my fault. I should of been there. Then she wouldn't have been hurt. Then I wouldn't of lost it and hurt Kodachi. Then-" Ranma suddenly tensed up. "Who's there"
"Just me Ranma. And you’re right it is your fault."
"Nabiki, I don't need you to remind me. I know I didn't protect her"
"No you didn't, and you shouldn't have to either. It’s your fault you haven't taught her."
"But she's a girl and I can't-"
(SLAP) *Its amazing how easy it is to hit Ranma sometimes* Nabiki thought as she herself was getting angry.
"And Kodachi isn't? And Shampoo isn't? We all know you'll hit girls when you have to, but not Akane. What is she too good for you? You both do the same school so why don't you teach her. God knows you're the best instructor she could have. BUT NO! You have to dodge all her attempts to train by that stupid excuse (Nabiki mimicking Ranma) 'I don't hit girls'. Then you complain when she can't defend herself. Well Ranma, start taking the blame for the right things and stop hiding behind such a stupid excuse."
"But I can't hit Akane"
"Why?"
"Because... because... " he stumbled to find the word then just gave up. "I can't"
"Why Ranma? She's not better than you. So why?"
"Because.."
"Because you like her?"
"No, how could I ever like a tomboy like" (SLAP)
"Can we be honest just once? Let's try that again. Because you like her?"
"I might hurt her."
"No more than she is already, and you didn't answer my question? One day you two might marry, and the school will be a lot better if both of you are the best you can be. Who knows, maybe if you teach her she might be able to teach you a thing or two. Last time though... Do you like Akane? If you do you'll train her. If you don't, I expect you to be gone by morning. Family honor be damned. You've already hurt Akane enough by teasing her. So do you?"
Ranma just looked at his hands. Nabiki hat hit every nerve. She was good at that. She knew she had hurt him. Only time would tell.
"I guess I'll see tomorrow then. Good night Ranma. I hope you win this fight. Nobody likes to fight himself."
Back in the Dojo, Akane decided to do something new. She began a kata she hadn't done in years, pausing to correct her steps and kicks and then restarting to correct them. She had been doing this for an hour, forgetting how easy it was to lose one's self in the martial arts dance. She didn't even notice when Ranma came in and watched her closely. She brought herself to a close only to hear Ranma over her shoulder.
"I'm glad to see you're mostly alright."
Akane's eyes lit up "Ranma, I heard that-" She would have continued but Ranma just stood there tense. Ranma had a battle going on within him. He was near a breaking point and Akane could discern this fact easily. "What's wrong?"
After a long silence, he answered her with his own question.
"Do you want me to train you?"
"What?" Akane asked, this was something that Ranma had never asked her. He never hit her. Now he was offering to train her.
"I said, 'do you want me to train you?' You know I'm better than you are, and we are supposed to be the only students of our school of martial arts. Do you want to be better? Because you can't get better smashing blocks."
"I know, I realized that earlier" She then took on a very serious tone. "However, you must realize that I expect to be trained. I don't want to just try and hit you. And you can't worry about hurting me. I may not be a great martial artist, but I want to be one, and that means learning how to deal with a little pain. Agreed?"
Ranma, surprisingly matched her in seriousness.
"Agreed. You will also do whatever I say. Without question. You can question me after you do what I say but not before. Agreed?
"Agreed. So when do we start?" She then paused before adding "Sensei."
"Now. Prepare to spar."
Ranma and Akane faced off. She immediately charged and threw a punch which Ranma dodged. Akane continued to lay in Ranma but he continued to dodge. *Why is he dodging. He promised!* Still she tried to hit him. Leg sweep. He jumps back. Punch. He ducks. Kick. He sidesteps.
"Stop!"
Akane threw one final punch at Ranma's gut as anger was getting the better of her. She was surprised to find herself flying threw the air only to land in the pond the Saotomes were notorious for landing in themselves. (Splash) As Soon as she went under the water, a set of hands grabbed her pulled her out. A now female Ranma addressed her.
"Couldn't have my student drowning. Next time I say stop. Remember to do so. Goodnight. Training continues in the morning. Be ready at six. Oh, and be ready to control your anger, I really don't want to have to fish you out constantly" Akane was still coughing up some water but manage to get the gist except for one thing.
"Ranma?"
"Yes Akane?"
"Why didn't you attack me at all? You agreed to attack me."
"Yes I did, however I had to evaluate your ability to attack first. Don't worry, I'll evaluate your defense soon enough. Goodnight"
Akane slept well. She had a dream where she was fighting all of Ranma's enemies, doing all of Ranma's moves. It was nice to be able to kick ass. And Ranma appreciated her in the dream. She woke up as her alarm went off. She looked over to see it.
*6:05, shit, has it been going off for fifteen minutes?*
She rolled over to see Ranma Saotome kneeling with his back to her facing the door.
"You're late Akane." He said in a very neutral tone. She was furious however!
"Ranma you pervert how dare you?!"
Summoning her mallet she launched herself at him. It surprised her when he tossed a bucket of cold water on her, grabbed her mallet and tossed it on the bed, all in what seemed to be one motion. She just stood in her room, soaked, and shocked."
"I warned you about your temper. Next time be on time so I don't have to come in. Meet me in the dojo."
Ranma then left before Akane could protest.
Later, in the Dojo.
"Now Akane, I figured out why your attack is so horrible, but we'll work on that after we fix your sloppy defense. Defend yourself."
"OK, that should be OW!" she finished as she landed on her bum.
“I said defend yourself.”
Akane got up and got in a ready stance. For the next hour she repeatedly got thrown, punched, kicked, pummeled, and every other attack that could occur to her. When Genma came out to train with his son, he was surprised to see a nearly exhausted Akane still attempting to defend herself.
"Not today Pops. I'm training Akane, we'll practice tonight." He then threw Akane into the Dojo wall. "Roll Akane!"
Finally, break was called when Kasumi called everyone for breakfast. Akane was half carried in by Ranma as she was leaning on him so much.
She sat next to Ranma. While Ranma prepared for the fight that was about to begin...
"RANMA! HOW COULD HURT MY DAUGHTER SO-- oof!" Surprisingly, the attack came Nabiki as she elbowed her father.
"He's training her Daddy. Since you no longer seem fit to do so. Don't worry, Ranma won't hurt her anymore than she take. Glad to see you're still with us Ranma."
"It was easy bet, wasn't it?" Nabiki only nodded.
"So Ranma, you're training your fiancee. How sweet." Kasumi added as she spread the meal out for everyone.
The meal was your standard Tendo household meal with Ranma and Genma fighting for food, however everyone else was rather quite, especially Akane, who was only capable of focusing on eating, and thinking one thought over and over again.
*He FINALLY hit me*
Surprisingly, it made her really happy.
As they walked to school, Akane was beaming, despite being soar there was spring in her step. Ranma casually walked along the fence, examining his student. Akane was like a five-year-old dancing along the street. She had so many questions, but at least Ranma was doing stuff with her, and she'd be a better martial artist for it.
"Ranma?"
Ranma broke out of his concentration to address his fiancee.
"Yeah?"
"So what's wrong with my attack? You said you knew?" So what's wrong with it?"
"Oh simple, you're too um... forward thinking?"
"Oh, is that all.... huh?" Akane was lost at this point.
“How about this then? When those boys attacked you everyday, how did you fight them?"
"That's simple, I charged them and when they were all unconscious, I went inside."
"And you do the same thing with Kuno right?"
"Yeah, so?"
"And the cement blocks, just go right through them right?"
"Right, what's the problem with that?"
"You do the same thing when you defend yourself you know. You take the blows head on?"
"So what would you do?"
"Try dodging. You don't. You just defend or attack. You never account for the indirect solution. Sidesteps, Not everyone will stand still for you. Kuno's an idiot after all, and so are most of the boys you fought. If you would account for that with me you could probably hit me, or at least make me have to block. All you did last night was come straight with each attack. Even if I didn't know whether it was a punch or kick, I always could dodge, since I know where your hands or feet are going. Try it at school today"
"Um ok. Wait, what do you mean 'try it at school?'"
"Oh, I told all the boys at school that you have to date with anyone you yielded to today. One time only offer. Anyone can participate. See you at school." And Ranma sprinted to school.
"Ranma! You jerk!" Then she smiled. It had been a while since she had been able to fight the boys.
As she approached the school she prepared to run headlong into the crowd of boys, but stopped at the gates.
*If I stay here, they won't be able to surround me*
There were approximately 60 boys there all dressed in their battle attire of various sports. With a collective roar they charged.
"WE LOVE YOU AKANE TENDO! FOR YOUR FREEDOM!"
Rather than take on the whole class this time like she normally would do, she jumped so that 8 went right under her and into the gate’s wall. As she came down she performed a spin kick knocking away 4 boys, and giving her enough room to continue attacking. Two kendoist the came at her. She sidestepped the first attack the leapt over the second attacker’s stick. She the grabbed both bokkens and pushed the hard, causing the butts on each stick to go through their owner's grasp and into the stomachs, knocking the wind out of them. Two boys came from opposite directions at her.
"Together we will make you fall Akane!"
As they swung hard rights, rather than defend herself, she ducked, causing both to knock each other out.
A soccer player then kicked his ball at her. She leaned to the right and heard it strike another boy as the soccer player came at her with cleats. She sidestepped once more and followed with a roundhouse causing the boy to slam into the ten members of the bowling club.
*Strike!*
Suddenly she realized that she was to be overwhelmed she jumped to the Walls of the gate and waited for someone to attack. She had five minutes to get to class. But she was having fun. She hadn't been hit once, about half of the boys were already down and out.
*This dodging thing might have some merit to it*
The boys prepared for a final assault.
*But can't let them get too prepared*
She charged. The boys braced for the impact. She stopped a foot in front of the first boy who froze like a deer in headlights.
"Duck kid!" She yelled at terrified boy in front of her. *Nobody will expect that!*
He did so, and she kick directly over him into boy behind him. Rather than let her leg drop however she quickly took the boy on his left and right out as well. Finally a sumo wrestler grabbed her leg and smirked.
"Now what Akane?" he smirked. Finally someone could beat her, he thought.
"How about this?" She took her bag off and threw it at his face. He took it head on and let go of her foot as he fell to the ground, crushing two others. *18 left* The first terrified boy still remained crouched in terror. She used his back as a springboard and leap at a group of three boys. Kicking the first one knocked him into the second while he left hand connected with the third.
The last fifteen boys charged as a group.
Akane thought quickly, even when she had fought all those boys before it was usually only up to five at any one time. However this would be too much.
*Unless, I could stop the first couple, making the rest... but how?"
Suddenly she leapt backwards and shouted at the boys.
"Bring it boys!"
The fifteen boys save the one still crouch down terrified, running on adrenaline, testosterone, and little else charged as a mob. Akane grabbed her mallet at waited.
When the were about 10 meter's away she threw the mallet and the first boys feet, causing them to trip, and all but a couple other boys to consequential trip over the tripped boys. The two who didn't get tangled in the mess of bodies were quickly dispatched into a low orbit courtesy of Tendo Airways.
*Three minutes to spare*
She then looked at the boy. Noticing that he was laughing, and that his hair didn't quite look right.
"Good job Akane! But you still have to fight me."
"Ranma?"
"Who else? Defend yourself. Tomboy."
This was no longer a fair contest. Everyone knew Ranma could trounce her, Akane included. Akane's mind raced.
"Didn't you want me to attack in different ways?"
"Yeah so"
"And control my temper?"
"Yeah, you tomboy, freak, uncute, sexless, freak." Ranma said, taunting her. He threw a couple punches at her, which he was glad she decided to dodge rather than block. "You're built like a mule, you're twice as stubborn-"
"Ranma, I yield." She opened her hands and held them outwards.
"What?!?"
"I can't beat you yet."
"But, if you yield..."
"Then you win. Pick me up at eight."
Ranma's jaw dropped. Akane calmly walked up to him, and whispered.
"Gotcha... sensei. I win." And pushed him onto his butt before proceeding onto class.
Ranma finally recovered, and grinned to himself. *Good job Akane.*
Now all they had to do was survive the day and their date..
