Chapter 3~Acts of Love
Cologne looked up as a pair of children burst through the door. "Ah, Ranma!" She smiled. "Who is your friend?"
"Cologne, this is Akane, Akane, this is Cologne." He looked back at the withered old woman. "Honored elder, we need your assistance."
She straightened. It was rare that the arrogant young boy was ever formal and normally called her old ghoul, rather than Honored elder. When he did, the situation wasn't good. "Shan pu! Get in here now!"
A well formed, purple haired girl hurried into the room to see what was wrong. Upon seeing Ranma, she gulped. Her face saddened greatly and she moved towards her grandmother. "What he doing here?"
"Here..." Ranma held out the blanket wrapped book. "We can't touch it...it's enchanted or somethin..."
Shampoo took the book and handed it to her grandmother. Cologne spotted his hands and frowned. "Your hands..."
"I held it for a moment to see who's journal it was..." He looked down then looked back up. "History is repeating itself as far as Akane and I can tell...and we need to know what's in that book!"
The old woman nodded, unrapping the book. Her eyes scanned it. "I can rewrite it for you, but I don't think I can do anything about the enchantment...As old as I am, I haven't seen such a spell since I was a young girl..." She frowned deeply. "Who did this?"
"Some guy we found up in Akane's attic..." He reached into his shirt and pulled out the other journal. "Fortunately we found this one before he did..."
"What did he look like?"
"Long black hair, pretty face, kinda feminine." Akane said softly, her face puzzled. "Why?"
Cologne paled visibly. "Oh dear gods..." She whispered, sitting. Her eyes rose to Ranma's. "What have you done to get his attention...?"
"We're tryin to end a feud that's been goin on for a coupla hundred years. Can ya help us?"
She looked down, silent for a moment. "Yes...I will rewrite the journal, cover to cover. I'll leave nothing out, I promise you this...Shampoo, take them to a room...they can stay in there...I don't think it is wise to go home..." She frowned, examining the book. She flipped through the pages and blinked, startled. "The book itself is an enchantment! It's a never ending book!"
"Huh?" Ranma walked over. "What do you mean?"
Cologne grabbed the one and flipped through it as well. It, too, continued to produce page after page after page. She shivered slightly, stuffing that one back in his hands. "I will put a magickal seal around your room, although I don't know how much good it'll do against Mikohi. He's older than I am, his magic is much more powerful...if Happosai were here...that'd be different..."
"You know him grandmother?"
"Yes...he destroyed our village years ago...left a path of distruction that touched all of our neighbors, as well..." She ground her teeth together. "Shan pu, take them to a room."
Ranma and Akane followed the girl to a small room and noted there was only one bed. When the young amazon was gone, they looked at each other awkwardly. "I'll sleep on the floor..." He offered, his eyes meeting hers.
"No, it's alright..." She blushed, moving over to the bed. "You can sleep on the bed, too...I don't mind..." She looked down, her face impossibly red.
He moved over to her and tenderly touched her face. "Akane, are you sure?" He asked softly, his eyes intense.
She looked up into his eyes, taking his hand and pulling him down onto the bed beside her. "I...I'm sure...I'm sure that I love you...and I trust you..." She lay down, looking up at him. "I'm sure there aren't enough blankets for you to sleep on the floor...you'd freeze...now lay down. It's alright, really..."
He hesitantely lay beside her, looking at her as she rolled to face him. "Akane..." He whispered. His fingers twined with hers and he leaned over her, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. He felt her arms go around him, pulling him onto her and jumped, startled.
She looked up at him, love in her gaze. "I trust you..." She whispered.
He swallowed hard, his heart beating wildly in his chest. "Akane..." He kissed her again, less gentle and more passionate. His arms went around her as he kissed her and he felt her kissing him back. What am I doing? He wondered, shocked by his actions. We're just children! We're not...we shouldn't...He pulled back from her, staring down at her uncertain. "Akane, how far are you willing to take this?"
She looked up trustingly into his eyes. "As far as you want to...It doesn't matter to me, I love you..."
He swallowed hard and kissed her again, his hands lovingly carressing her sides. "I love you, so..." He whispered, his eyes closed tightly as he felt her hands untucking his shirts and running across his back. He shivered. We shouldn't...but I want to...oh, gods, but what about what she wants?! She said it didn't matter to her, but...He pulled back yet again. "Akane, I want to, but what do -you- want?!" He whispered softly.
Her eyes pierced his. "I want what you want. I'm ready, don't worry...it's alright..."
He closed his eyes and finally gave into her, his passion, her love. He couldn't handle fighting it anymore. He loved her. He couldn't hold her at arms length. He wanted to make her his for all the world to see. "I...love you..." He whispered between kisses.
She clung to him. Are we really going to go through with this? Is this what I really want? I don't know...but he wants it, so I'll give it...I love him. I want to be his...I want him as mine... Her eyes were closed tightly and she breathed raggedly against his lips. I WANT THIS!
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Ryuu snuck into Akai's room and saw her at her mirror, brushing her long black hair. He swallowed hard and hugged the wall until he was behind her. "Akai..." He whispered, taking the brush from her.
She spun towards him, her eyes wide. "Ryuu!" She whispered, staring at him. Her eyes shimmered with love and she threw her arms around him. "What are you doing here?!" She smiled her face happy.
"I wanted to see you..." He whispered, caressing her face. "I...I wanted to be with you...if just for a while..." He hugged her gently, his face sad. "I can't hold you at arms length much more...I need to be with you...I don't get to be with you enough..."
Akai felt the muscles beneath his shirt. "If you're found here, you'll be killed..."
"Then I die happy...because I'm here..." He tilted her face up and kissed her. "I love you, Akai...I want to be with you..." He nuzzled her face.
She pulled back slightly. "Ryuu...I...I should not be saying this...but I love you, too...I barely know you, yet I love you with all my heart...I don't want to lose you..."
He tenderly kissed her again. "You'll never lose me...we'll always be together...I'll always find you, no matter where they take you...how far away you are...I'll always find you. I love you."
She cradled his face. Her body was crushed to his and she sighed agaisnt his lips. I don't mind...she thought, her eyes meeting his.
Are you sure?! His earnest thought startled her. If you're not sure, don't give me false hopes...I want to, but I wont if you're not ready...
She reached a hand for the tie of her kimono and slowly undid it, letting the tie fall to the floor along with the obi, while her kimono slowly parted. Does this answer your question?
He closed his eyes and took her into his arms, kissing her lovingly. "I love you..." He whispered.
"And I you..."
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Ranma woke with a warm body pressed against his and closed his eyes, remembing the previous night and the dream. It was almost the same...he realized, his eyes tracing over her slender figure. He gently pulled her closer and kissed her temple. When he pulled back, warm brown eyes were staring at him.
"Ranma..." Akane whispered, looking up into his ocean blue eyes. She opened her mouth, but the flow of words were stopped when he placed a single finger over her lips.
"Shhhh..." He whispered, kissing her finger tips gently. He held her hands in his own and pulled her closer, hugging her gently. "I love you..." He whispered, rocking her gently.
I can barely believe it...my wish came true...She tenderly caressed his back, her face happy. I feel loved. She smiled up at him, her face lit up. She could feel his fingers holding her tighty and sighed in happiness. "Never leave me..."
"I'd never leave you..." He whispered. "But if they take you away from me, I'll always find you...they wont keep me away...I'll find you...zettai..."
The pair laid together for a long time before Ranma slowly pulled away from her. "We should get up..." He said softly, his hands still held hers and he was finding it very hard to look away from her warm brown eyes. "Ne, Akane?"
She sat slowly, not noticing when she was exposed by the sheet. "Ranma..." She put her arms around him tightly, holding him for dear life. "Stay by me just a little longer? Please, just hold me a little longer...please..."
He swallowed hard and held her tenderly in his arms. Akane...
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When the pair finally made it out of the room, they were surprised to find Cologne reaching for the doorknob. "Well, it's about time you two unwrapped yourselves from each other." She said blandly, handing Ranma a stack of papers.
While her comment didn't faze Ranma, it did faze Akane. "Why don't you just shout it out?!" She hissed, her face angry.
Ranma put his arm around her waist and held her close, skimming the papers. "Is this all of it?" He asked, his eyes solemn.
"There's a alot of pages I haven't gotten of her's yet and since you can hold his, I don't need to do that one." She handed the small book to him and frowned. "The girl led a tragic life...read it quickly. The other diary is going in a iron case."
He nodded, then guided Akane back into the room they shared. She was fuming. "HOW DARE SHE SAY THAT?!" She hissed, her face furious.
"Cologne will be Cologne. That's the way she is. Don't let it get to you..." He kissed her temple and pulled her down beside him on the bed. "Let's get to work, ne?" He smiled at her and lifted her hand, gently kissing it. "We've got alot of work to do..."
She nodded reluctantely, taking the stack of papers. She had no idea how she was going to get through the entire journal, but she knew she had to. With a resolute sigh, she started working.
Ranma was already buried deep into the journal, his face serious. "There's gotta be a reason this Mikohi character wants to keep the damned feud going..." He muttered, turning the page. "Maybe there's something in it for him..."
"Yeah..." She finished the stack of papers quickly. "Ranma, I was wondering...could you train me..." She asked softly, laying her hands on the book he read, so he'd stop. "Please?"
He swallowed. "I...I don't wanna hurt ya..."
"I'm not a weakling...nor am I a beginner...I'm just not as advanced as you are...
"I..." He sighed, looking down. "I guess I could...but don't get angry with me if I don't go all out on ya...I don't wanna hurt ya..." He took her hands, kissing both. "We have to try to prevent this feud from getting any worse...and if training you will help us...so be it..." He heard a phone ring and frowned. *It's a little early for take out...*
Cologne entered the room a short time later. "That was Ranma's mother. She sounded rather anxious. Said something about a certain Nabiki Tendo appearing on their doorstep and causing a big rukus about Akane being kidnapped by 'those no good Saotomes'."
Ranma looked over at Cologne in shock. "WHAT?!"
"..." Akane was silent. "It must have been him..." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I will start my training later, Ranma...I should get home...just to reassure them..."
He stood abruptly. "But-"
She glanced back at him and smiled. "We have all the time in the world, Ranma...I'm sure you'll find me again...don't worry..."
"But what if he gets ya!"
She froze, frowning. "Alright, you can walk me, but...I have to go home, at least to write them a note..."
"A note..." Ranma smiled broadly. "Come on, let's write one and mail it...please..." He didn't hear the door quietly close. "Don't leave me alone..." He begged her softly, kissing her gently. He felt her hands gently caress his hair and pulled her close. "Stay with me, Akane..."
She swallowed hard, holding him tightly. "I'll write it...I'll write it..." She reluctantly pulled away and lifted a pen. She wrote the note quickly. So quickly in fact, it was in the mailbox within five minutes.
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Kasumi opened the envelope with Akane's name on it with tears in her eyes. She read the letter quickly and her eyes gradually widened.
~Kasumi-oneechan,
I know this will come as a shock to you, but I was NOT kidnapped by the Saotome's. I happen to be residing in a safe place. I have a protector with me...a bodyguard almost. Don't worry about me. I have to end this stupid feud with the Saotome's...You must understand, oneechan, I am in love...and father wouldn't approve of him. I'm in love with Ranma Saotome, our sworn enemy, but my heart didn't listen to my head. I knew it was wrong, but...he haunts me...he loves me, oneechan...I have given my heart and myself to him. Don't take him away from me now...
Your youngest sister,
Akane Tendo
Tears rolled down the eldest Tendo's face. I must tell father...she thought, walking into the house. He must know about this..."Otou-san?" She called gently.
Soun entered the room and looked curiously at Kasumi. "What is wrong, Kasumi?"
"I got a letter from Akane, denouncing what the last one said...she hasn't been kidnapped, she went willingly, she wants to stop the feud." She clutched the letter to her chest. "She's in love with a Saotome, daddy..."
Fury filled Soun. "She loves...a Saotome?! A relative of SAIRYUUEN?!"
"He loves her, too, daddy...we need to let the feud die...please, father, it's been five hundred years..." Her speach was cut off when he slammed his fists down on the table, sending the contents flying. "I'LL KILL HER!
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Akane slept beside Ranma, her hand tucked into his. His eyes were open and he watched as she slept. His eyes were sad, his lips in a tight frown. Her dad is going to be angry...I am his families sworn enemy, after all...but...I guess it can't be helped...
Her eyes slowly opened and she smiled at him. "Hi..." She said softly, snuggling closer to him. She sighed as his arms went around her, holding her gently. "Is something wrong?" She asked softly, sensing his inner turmoil.
"I'm sorry..." He whispered, his grasp tightening slightly.
"Whatever for?" She asked, baffled. She pulled back to look up at him.
"I'm sorry...you father's going to be angry with you..." He sighed, kissing her lips gently. "I don't want your family to be angry with you..."
She shook her head. "They'd have found out eventually anyways. Besides, I don't care what my family thinks anymore...my family be damned, I love you and I'm happy with you. I couldn't care less about what my father has to say about my choice in men. You're my love, Ranma, everything I needed...everything I wanted..." She sighed, nuzzling his chest. "It's all in you, and as long as it is, I'm yours..."
He smiled at her and caressed her hair. "We should probably try dreaming now..." He whispered, pulling her into a tight hug.
She nodded and sensed when he drifted into sleep. After a few moments, she joined him in their dreamworld.
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Ryuuki held Akai in his arms gently as she slept. He gently kissed her temple and pulled away from her, dressing himself. He was about to put on his amulet, and paused. He looked from it to her and smiled fondly. A sigh escaped him and he walked towards her. Gently taking her hand, he slid the pendant into her palm and closed her fingers around it.
"I'm sorry, love, but I have to go, if I get caught here..." He sighed, brushing her hair from her face and tenderly kissing her. "Sleep well, beloved...I will return as soon as I can, I promise..."
She woke seconds before he climbed from the window, from a terrible nightmare. She cried out to him and felt beside her. He was gone. Suddenly, two warm arms embraced her. "Ryuuki..." She sighed, relieved.
He nuzzled her neck and placed a tender kiss on it. "I must go, Akai...I will try to return to you soon..." He quickly pulled away and went to the window. "Good night..." He smiled at her and vanished from the window sill.
She ran over to it and watched him sprint off. A tear ran down her face and she clutched his amulet to her chest. "Goodnight...my darling..."
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Ryuuki hadn't made it off the property by the time the sun had risen and heard the alarm go off signaling a tresspasser. Cursing softly, he jumped into one of the trees and slinked to the next one. Damn...I should have left sooner...
"Did you see who it was?!" Tendo cried, his face furious. "You mean...SAIRYUUEN'S SON?!"
"Yes, my lord..." A tall feminine man said, his eyes calm.
"FIND HIM! BRING OUT THE DOGS!"
Ryuuki tried to move faster, but the dogs caught up to him, barking up his tree, litteraly. Cursing softly, he lept to the next, but the dogs followed.
"Come out of there, boy, there's no point in running..." The feminine man smiled cruely.
The young lord growled softly and lept from the tree. "Nice dogs..." He said, giving them one sharp look. He felt his hands being tied together and ground his teeth together. I will not show them weakness. I will not show them my pain...I REFUSE! "So, Mikohi, playing both sides of the fence...?"
The man lifted his hand and slapped him. "Silence."
Ryuuki sneered. "I can't wait till father finds out..."
"Don't kill him yet...we have to find out what Sairyuuen has planned..." Tendo said, his eyes cruel. "But you can do whatever else you'd like to..."
Suddenly, the three Tendo daughters appeared. "Father," The oldest asked. "Who it he?!"
"He's...kinda cute..." The middle one said.
Akai was speachless. "Father, what is going on here?!" She demanded, her face hardening. She felt Ryuuki's eyes on her and tried not to go to him. "Who is he?!"
"Sairyuuen's son...the one you were supposed to kill. Then, his line would be ended and the Tendo's will control their lands!" He glared at his daughter. "But this is a much better idea... we'll get the information first, then kill him..."
"Feh..." Ryuuki sneered. "There is one person you've forgotten, my sister, Ranna...she'll take over...not the TENDO'S!"
"And what about your half brother, the bastard? Your mother's illigitamate child...guess who the father is..." He sneered.
Ryuuki swallowed and tried to remain calm. Akai, get outta here!
"Father, let him go, he saved my life." Akai finally blurted.
Silence enveloped the courtyard. "What...?" Tendo finally rasped, his eyes narrow.
She put her hands over her mouth tightly. Her eyes flitted over to his. I'm sorry, Ryuuki, I couldn't hold it in...Forgive me...
He closed his eyes tightly. It's alright, Akai...It's okay...you know I forgive you...I love you...
"Lock my daughter in her room and send him down to the dungeon. He'll never see the light of day again." He gave his daughter a once over, his eyes narrow. "So...you owe a life debt to that idiot...hmph...that's a debt you'll never get to pay back!"
Ryuuki was knocked out and his eyes rolled back as his consiousness fled him.
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Ranma and Akane bolted upright in unison, before looking at each other nervously. "Ranma what are we going to do..." She whispered, her hand over her mouth.
He pulled her into a warm hug. "Don't worry, love...maybe you should go home, though...I'll see you again, I promise you...just..." He paused. "Just be careful..."
She nodded and stood, dressing and gathering her things. "I'll see you, Ranma..."
He kissed her lightly. "I'll see ya, sweetheart..."
She fled quickly, leaving the door open. Oh, Ranma, what are we going to do?! I...
Ranma sat in the room, listening to her thoughts fading. "It'll be okay, Akane...it'll be alright, I promise you..." He closed his eyes and pulled the pillow she'd been sleeping on close. It smelled like her. He bit his lip and swallowed hard. I love you, Akane...
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Akane walked into her house and called out a weak tadaima. Seconds later, her father was there, looming over her. Her eyes widened at the unbidden fury on his face. "Father..." She said softly, backing against the door.
He held the letter tight in his hand. "You're in love with a Saotome..." He growled softly, throwing the note at her. "YOU'RE ENGAGED TO MIKOHI!" He shouted, his face showing utter hatred towards her. "I DON'T CARE IF YOU LOVE THAT SAOTOME TRASH! YOU'LL MARRY MIKOHI OR YOU'LL COMMIT SEPPUKU! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
Akane held her head high. "I don't care if I'm honor bound to marry Mikohi. Honor be damned. I love Ranma Saotome and you're not going to stop me from ending this damnable feud. I love...He loves me..." Her voice gradually became bitter. "For the first time in my whole life...I am loved by someone other than my mother and my sisters...you certainly never made me feel very loved..." She smiled coldly. "I think I'll take that Tanto now..." She said, holding her hand out.
Soun stood in utter shock. "You'd commit seppuku over this idiot?!"
She smiled sadly. "I owe him my life...and if I can't spend my life with him, I'll die alone...I promise that much..." She walked up to her room and closed the door, locking it.
Hours after the house had stopped rustling and she could hear her father's soft snores, she heard a soft noise at her door. She walked towards it and saw Kasumi standing there, her face serious. "Kasumi- oneechan..."
"Akane, I need to know the absolute truth...do you love this boy...are you willing to die for him, kill for him, forsake honor for him?" Kasumi felt tears pierce her eyes. She knew very well her sister didn't feel loved and desperately needed it.
The youngest Tendo looked up and smiled sadly at her sister. "I've been dreaming... Kasumi, have you heard of the legend of Ryuu and Akai? I've been dreaming it...Ryuu was the son of Sairyuuen, Akai, the youngest Tendo daughter...he saved her from being raped, and despite knowing their families were enemies, he protected her. They fell in love...and she gave herself to him, her heart, her body...she forsaked her honor to him...and so would I for Ranma...I'd die for him, I'd kill for him...I'd forsake my honor for him..." She smiled and looked up at the cieling.
Kasumi was silent for a minute. "Then go to him." She said, going to her sister. "You need him more than you need us...he can give you what father can't..."
Akane placed her hands over her stomache and smiled down at it. "Tell daddy I'm sorry I can't be who he want's me to be..." She lifted the ceremonial tanto off her desk and held it to her hair, slicing cleanly through it. "I cannot be what I'm not...I'm not a Tendo at heart...My heart belongs to a Saotome!" She held the ponytail to her chest and turned to her sister. "Could you fix it for me?"
"Yes, imotochan..."
Akane smiled at her elder sister, happily. "Thank you..."
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Soun walked to Akane's room the next morning and tapped on the door. "Akane, dear, I must speak to you." There was no answer. He cautiously opened the door and peeked in. He was shocked to see Kasumi laying there, a ponytail in her grasp. He saw hair clippings on the floor and he froze. "KASUMI!" He cried.
She sat and looked at him seriously. "Akane wanted me to give this to you..." She handed him the hair and ground her teeth together. "I'm leaving, father..." She said simply before walking from the room. "I'm paying a visit to doctor Tofu."
"Where is Akane?"
"She went to where she's needed...and wanted...and loved. She went to the Saotome's." Kasumi ignored her father's objections and walked to her room.
"Kasumi what's going on?" Nabiki asked, hurrying into the room. "Where's Akane?!"
Kasumi beamed over at her younger sister. "Imotochan, is there anyone that you love?" She asked simply.
Nabiki nodded, baffled. "What's that gotta do with...no way...she didn't..."
The oldest daughter nodded, smiling. "Akane fell in love with a very nice boy. His name is Ranma. Ranma Saotome. She needs him, Nabiki, she needs from him what daddy can't give her, she needs his love."
"Saotome's can't love!"
"But he does. He loves her very very much. You can almost see her thoughts for him and his for her. They're soulmates...they were born to be together, to love together, to fight together..." Her eyes saddened. "And eventually die together as well..."
Nabiki's eyes saddened as well. "History's repeating itself...poor Akane..."
"It's going to be alright...at least they both know love before they die..."
"Kiro Himashi..." Nabiki said softly. "Could you wait for me, nee- chan...I have a bag to pack as well..."
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Ranma stood downstairs, helping his mother clean the kitchen. "Mom, don't you think it's about time our family stopped fighting with the Tendo's? After all after five hundred years...our families have changed! we're not feudal lords and ladies anymore...what's the point in keeping it alive?"
"Because, son, we must honor our ancestors..." The doorbell rang and Nodoka left the kitchen to go check who it was. After a few moments of silence, shouting came back. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Nodoka cried in sheer rage.
Ranma ran to the living room and saw Akane there. "AKANE!" He ran over to her, shocked at seeing the blood dripping down the side of her head and even more surprised to see her hair gone. "What are you doing here?" He asked, kneeling beside her and gingerly touching her arm. It was twisted at an abnormal angle. "Oh, gods..." He helped her to her feet and stared at his mother in shock. "Mom, there's a limit to honoring ancestors...she's the one person I'm not going to stand for you hurting..."
Nodoka glared at her son. "Son, if you don't obey me-"
"STUFF IT MOTHER!" He shouted, bringing her into the house and holding her beside him as he moved her to the couch. When she was sitting on it, he ran to the kitchen and returned with a wooden spoon and the first aid kit. "Let me splint that..." He said softly, taking her obviously broken arm.
"She's a Tendo-"
"I don't care..." He whispered harshly. "I love her, mother..." He gently set her arm, wincing at the pain on her face. "Sorry..." He said, kissing her forhead. Splinting it quickly, he caressed her shorter hair. "Are you okay, Akane?" He asked softly, his face worried.
She looked up at him and smiled. "I'm fine now...I'm just glad I'm with you again..."
"Son, you must understand-"
"I don't, mother. You and the Tendo's are still fighting over something that started five hundred years ago and ended onehundred years ago. I'm not living in the feudal period, mother. I live in the year 2000. I refuse to live like my ancestors did..."
"Son-"
"NO MOTHER!" He put his arm around Akane's waist and gave his mother a steady glare. "She forsaked her honor and her family by falling in love with me...I will do the same for her if you don't let this damnable feud die!"
Nodoka trembled in shock. "Ranma-"
"No, mother..." He shook his head and helped Akane stand again. "Now we've got research to do..." He walked to the door with her and glanced back at his mother. "I'll forsake my honor for her if I must..." He closed the door behind them and looked down at her arm. "Come on, let's take you to doc Tofu...ne?"
She nodded, her eyes happy. "You really love me, ne...?" She whispered, her hand latching onto his sleeve.
He looked down at her and smiled. "Do you really need to ask?"
She sighed happily, her good hand taking his. "I guess not..."
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Kasumi looked up when the door to the office opened. "Ah! Akane- chan!" She ran over to her little sister. "What's happened!?"
"It's nothing, oneechan..." She said softly. "I just got hurt when I jumped out of my window...it didn't help that Mrs. Saotome wasn't too happy to see me..."
Ranma tightened his grip around her hand. "..." He caught Kasumi looking at him closely and awkwardly scratched behind his head. "Hi..." He said softly.
"So this is him, huh, sis..." Nabiki came from the back room, her face utter calm. "Daddy was right pissed when he found out Kasumi helped you run off this morning. He looked like a sheet. Quite amusing actually...pity I can't sell pictures of that..."
Akane felt a lump in her throat. "You mean you guys..."
"Said hell with daddy, too? Yep, pretty much..." Nabiki smiled at her younger sister and then at her sister's choice man. Then, her smile faded. "You better not make her regret her choice, Ranma..." She said in a very cold tone.
He straightened, his face serious. "I wont. I promise..." He gently guided Akane into the back office so the doctor could see her.
Cologne looked up as a pair of children burst through the door. "Ah, Ranma!" She smiled. "Who is your friend?"
"Cologne, this is Akane, Akane, this is Cologne." He looked back at the withered old woman. "Honored elder, we need your assistance."
She straightened. It was rare that the arrogant young boy was ever formal and normally called her old ghoul, rather than Honored elder. When he did, the situation wasn't good. "Shan pu! Get in here now!"
A well formed, purple haired girl hurried into the room to see what was wrong. Upon seeing Ranma, she gulped. Her face saddened greatly and she moved towards her grandmother. "What he doing here?"
"Here..." Ranma held out the blanket wrapped book. "We can't touch it...it's enchanted or somethin..."
Shampoo took the book and handed it to her grandmother. Cologne spotted his hands and frowned. "Your hands..."
"I held it for a moment to see who's journal it was..." He looked down then looked back up. "History is repeating itself as far as Akane and I can tell...and we need to know what's in that book!"
The old woman nodded, unrapping the book. Her eyes scanned it. "I can rewrite it for you, but I don't think I can do anything about the enchantment...As old as I am, I haven't seen such a spell since I was a young girl..." She frowned deeply. "Who did this?"
"Some guy we found up in Akane's attic..." He reached into his shirt and pulled out the other journal. "Fortunately we found this one before he did..."
"What did he look like?"
"Long black hair, pretty face, kinda feminine." Akane said softly, her face puzzled. "Why?"
Cologne paled visibly. "Oh dear gods..." She whispered, sitting. Her eyes rose to Ranma's. "What have you done to get his attention...?"
"We're tryin to end a feud that's been goin on for a coupla hundred years. Can ya help us?"
She looked down, silent for a moment. "Yes...I will rewrite the journal, cover to cover. I'll leave nothing out, I promise you this...Shampoo, take them to a room...they can stay in there...I don't think it is wise to go home..." She frowned, examining the book. She flipped through the pages and blinked, startled. "The book itself is an enchantment! It's a never ending book!"
"Huh?" Ranma walked over. "What do you mean?"
Cologne grabbed the one and flipped through it as well. It, too, continued to produce page after page after page. She shivered slightly, stuffing that one back in his hands. "I will put a magickal seal around your room, although I don't know how much good it'll do against Mikohi. He's older than I am, his magic is much more powerful...if Happosai were here...that'd be different..."
"You know him grandmother?"
"Yes...he destroyed our village years ago...left a path of distruction that touched all of our neighbors, as well..." She ground her teeth together. "Shan pu, take them to a room."
Ranma and Akane followed the girl to a small room and noted there was only one bed. When the young amazon was gone, they looked at each other awkwardly. "I'll sleep on the floor..." He offered, his eyes meeting hers.
"No, it's alright..." She blushed, moving over to the bed. "You can sleep on the bed, too...I don't mind..." She looked down, her face impossibly red.
He moved over to her and tenderly touched her face. "Akane, are you sure?" He asked softly, his eyes intense.
She looked up into his eyes, taking his hand and pulling him down onto the bed beside her. "I...I'm sure...I'm sure that I love you...and I trust you..." She lay down, looking up at him. "I'm sure there aren't enough blankets for you to sleep on the floor...you'd freeze...now lay down. It's alright, really..."
He hesitantely lay beside her, looking at her as she rolled to face him. "Akane..." He whispered. His fingers twined with hers and he leaned over her, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. He felt her arms go around him, pulling him onto her and jumped, startled.
She looked up at him, love in her gaze. "I trust you..." She whispered.
He swallowed hard, his heart beating wildly in his chest. "Akane..." He kissed her again, less gentle and more passionate. His arms went around her as he kissed her and he felt her kissing him back. What am I doing? He wondered, shocked by his actions. We're just children! We're not...we shouldn't...He pulled back from her, staring down at her uncertain. "Akane, how far are you willing to take this?"
She looked up trustingly into his eyes. "As far as you want to...It doesn't matter to me, I love you..."
He swallowed hard and kissed her again, his hands lovingly carressing her sides. "I love you, so..." He whispered, his eyes closed tightly as he felt her hands untucking his shirts and running across his back. He shivered. We shouldn't...but I want to...oh, gods, but what about what she wants?! She said it didn't matter to her, but...He pulled back yet again. "Akane, I want to, but what do -you- want?!" He whispered softly.
Her eyes pierced his. "I want what you want. I'm ready, don't worry...it's alright..."
He closed his eyes and finally gave into her, his passion, her love. He couldn't handle fighting it anymore. He loved her. He couldn't hold her at arms length. He wanted to make her his for all the world to see. "I...love you..." He whispered between kisses.
She clung to him. Are we really going to go through with this? Is this what I really want? I don't know...but he wants it, so I'll give it...I love him. I want to be his...I want him as mine... Her eyes were closed tightly and she breathed raggedly against his lips. I WANT THIS!
****************************************
Ryuu snuck into Akai's room and saw her at her mirror, brushing her long black hair. He swallowed hard and hugged the wall until he was behind her. "Akai..." He whispered, taking the brush from her.
She spun towards him, her eyes wide. "Ryuu!" She whispered, staring at him. Her eyes shimmered with love and she threw her arms around him. "What are you doing here?!" She smiled her face happy.
"I wanted to see you..." He whispered, caressing her face. "I...I wanted to be with you...if just for a while..." He hugged her gently, his face sad. "I can't hold you at arms length much more...I need to be with you...I don't get to be with you enough..."
Akai felt the muscles beneath his shirt. "If you're found here, you'll be killed..."
"Then I die happy...because I'm here..." He tilted her face up and kissed her. "I love you, Akai...I want to be with you..." He nuzzled her face.
She pulled back slightly. "Ryuu...I...I should not be saying this...but I love you, too...I barely know you, yet I love you with all my heart...I don't want to lose you..."
He tenderly kissed her again. "You'll never lose me...we'll always be together...I'll always find you, no matter where they take you...how far away you are...I'll always find you. I love you."
She cradled his face. Her body was crushed to his and she sighed agaisnt his lips. I don't mind...she thought, her eyes meeting his.
Are you sure?! His earnest thought startled her. If you're not sure, don't give me false hopes...I want to, but I wont if you're not ready...
She reached a hand for the tie of her kimono and slowly undid it, letting the tie fall to the floor along with the obi, while her kimono slowly parted. Does this answer your question?
He closed his eyes and took her into his arms, kissing her lovingly. "I love you..." He whispered.
"And I you..."
****************************************
Ranma woke with a warm body pressed against his and closed his eyes, remembing the previous night and the dream. It was almost the same...he realized, his eyes tracing over her slender figure. He gently pulled her closer and kissed her temple. When he pulled back, warm brown eyes were staring at him.
"Ranma..." Akane whispered, looking up into his ocean blue eyes. She opened her mouth, but the flow of words were stopped when he placed a single finger over her lips.
"Shhhh..." He whispered, kissing her finger tips gently. He held her hands in his own and pulled her closer, hugging her gently. "I love you..." He whispered, rocking her gently.
I can barely believe it...my wish came true...She tenderly caressed his back, her face happy. I feel loved. She smiled up at him, her face lit up. She could feel his fingers holding her tighty and sighed in happiness. "Never leave me..."
"I'd never leave you..." He whispered. "But if they take you away from me, I'll always find you...they wont keep me away...I'll find you...zettai..."
The pair laid together for a long time before Ranma slowly pulled away from her. "We should get up..." He said softly, his hands still held hers and he was finding it very hard to look away from her warm brown eyes. "Ne, Akane?"
She sat slowly, not noticing when she was exposed by the sheet. "Ranma..." She put her arms around him tightly, holding him for dear life. "Stay by me just a little longer? Please, just hold me a little longer...please..."
He swallowed hard and held her tenderly in his arms. Akane...
****************************************
When the pair finally made it out of the room, they were surprised to find Cologne reaching for the doorknob. "Well, it's about time you two unwrapped yourselves from each other." She said blandly, handing Ranma a stack of papers.
While her comment didn't faze Ranma, it did faze Akane. "Why don't you just shout it out?!" She hissed, her face angry.
Ranma put his arm around her waist and held her close, skimming the papers. "Is this all of it?" He asked, his eyes solemn.
"There's a alot of pages I haven't gotten of her's yet and since you can hold his, I don't need to do that one." She handed the small book to him and frowned. "The girl led a tragic life...read it quickly. The other diary is going in a iron case."
He nodded, then guided Akane back into the room they shared. She was fuming. "HOW DARE SHE SAY THAT?!" She hissed, her face furious.
"Cologne will be Cologne. That's the way she is. Don't let it get to you..." He kissed her temple and pulled her down beside him on the bed. "Let's get to work, ne?" He smiled at her and lifted her hand, gently kissing it. "We've got alot of work to do..."
She nodded reluctantely, taking the stack of papers. She had no idea how she was going to get through the entire journal, but she knew she had to. With a resolute sigh, she started working.
Ranma was already buried deep into the journal, his face serious. "There's gotta be a reason this Mikohi character wants to keep the damned feud going..." He muttered, turning the page. "Maybe there's something in it for him..."
"Yeah..." She finished the stack of papers quickly. "Ranma, I was wondering...could you train me..." She asked softly, laying her hands on the book he read, so he'd stop. "Please?"
He swallowed. "I...I don't wanna hurt ya..."
"I'm not a weakling...nor am I a beginner...I'm just not as advanced as you are...
"I..." He sighed, looking down. "I guess I could...but don't get angry with me if I don't go all out on ya...I don't wanna hurt ya..." He took her hands, kissing both. "We have to try to prevent this feud from getting any worse...and if training you will help us...so be it..." He heard a phone ring and frowned. *It's a little early for take out...*
Cologne entered the room a short time later. "That was Ranma's mother. She sounded rather anxious. Said something about a certain Nabiki Tendo appearing on their doorstep and causing a big rukus about Akane being kidnapped by 'those no good Saotomes'."
Ranma looked over at Cologne in shock. "WHAT?!"
"..." Akane was silent. "It must have been him..." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I will start my training later, Ranma...I should get home...just to reassure them..."
He stood abruptly. "But-"
She glanced back at him and smiled. "We have all the time in the world, Ranma...I'm sure you'll find me again...don't worry..."
"But what if he gets ya!"
She froze, frowning. "Alright, you can walk me, but...I have to go home, at least to write them a note..."
"A note..." Ranma smiled broadly. "Come on, let's write one and mail it...please..." He didn't hear the door quietly close. "Don't leave me alone..." He begged her softly, kissing her gently. He felt her hands gently caress his hair and pulled her close. "Stay with me, Akane..."
She swallowed hard, holding him tightly. "I'll write it...I'll write it..." She reluctantly pulled away and lifted a pen. She wrote the note quickly. So quickly in fact, it was in the mailbox within five minutes.
****************************************
Kasumi opened the envelope with Akane's name on it with tears in her eyes. She read the letter quickly and her eyes gradually widened.
~Kasumi-oneechan,
I know this will come as a shock to you, but I was NOT kidnapped by the Saotome's. I happen to be residing in a safe place. I have a protector with me...a bodyguard almost. Don't worry about me. I have to end this stupid feud with the Saotome's...You must understand, oneechan, I am in love...and father wouldn't approve of him. I'm in love with Ranma Saotome, our sworn enemy, but my heart didn't listen to my head. I knew it was wrong, but...he haunts me...he loves me, oneechan...I have given my heart and myself to him. Don't take him away from me now...
Your youngest sister,
Akane Tendo
Tears rolled down the eldest Tendo's face. I must tell father...she thought, walking into the house. He must know about this..."Otou-san?" She called gently.
Soun entered the room and looked curiously at Kasumi. "What is wrong, Kasumi?"
"I got a letter from Akane, denouncing what the last one said...she hasn't been kidnapped, she went willingly, she wants to stop the feud." She clutched the letter to her chest. "She's in love with a Saotome, daddy..."
Fury filled Soun. "She loves...a Saotome?! A relative of SAIRYUUEN?!"
"He loves her, too, daddy...we need to let the feud die...please, father, it's been five hundred years..." Her speach was cut off when he slammed his fists down on the table, sending the contents flying. "I'LL KILL HER!
****************************************
Akane slept beside Ranma, her hand tucked into his. His eyes were open and he watched as she slept. His eyes were sad, his lips in a tight frown. Her dad is going to be angry...I am his families sworn enemy, after all...but...I guess it can't be helped...
Her eyes slowly opened and she smiled at him. "Hi..." She said softly, snuggling closer to him. She sighed as his arms went around her, holding her gently. "Is something wrong?" She asked softly, sensing his inner turmoil.
"I'm sorry..." He whispered, his grasp tightening slightly.
"Whatever for?" She asked, baffled. She pulled back to look up at him.
"I'm sorry...you father's going to be angry with you..." He sighed, kissing her lips gently. "I don't want your family to be angry with you..."
She shook her head. "They'd have found out eventually anyways. Besides, I don't care what my family thinks anymore...my family be damned, I love you and I'm happy with you. I couldn't care less about what my father has to say about my choice in men. You're my love, Ranma, everything I needed...everything I wanted..." She sighed, nuzzling his chest. "It's all in you, and as long as it is, I'm yours..."
He smiled at her and caressed her hair. "We should probably try dreaming now..." He whispered, pulling her into a tight hug.
She nodded and sensed when he drifted into sleep. After a few moments, she joined him in their dreamworld.
****************************************
Ryuuki held Akai in his arms gently as she slept. He gently kissed her temple and pulled away from her, dressing himself. He was about to put on his amulet, and paused. He looked from it to her and smiled fondly. A sigh escaped him and he walked towards her. Gently taking her hand, he slid the pendant into her palm and closed her fingers around it.
"I'm sorry, love, but I have to go, if I get caught here..." He sighed, brushing her hair from her face and tenderly kissing her. "Sleep well, beloved...I will return as soon as I can, I promise..."
She woke seconds before he climbed from the window, from a terrible nightmare. She cried out to him and felt beside her. He was gone. Suddenly, two warm arms embraced her. "Ryuuki..." She sighed, relieved.
He nuzzled her neck and placed a tender kiss on it. "I must go, Akai...I will try to return to you soon..." He quickly pulled away and went to the window. "Good night..." He smiled at her and vanished from the window sill.
She ran over to it and watched him sprint off. A tear ran down her face and she clutched his amulet to her chest. "Goodnight...my darling..."
****************************************
Ryuuki hadn't made it off the property by the time the sun had risen and heard the alarm go off signaling a tresspasser. Cursing softly, he jumped into one of the trees and slinked to the next one. Damn...I should have left sooner...
"Did you see who it was?!" Tendo cried, his face furious. "You mean...SAIRYUUEN'S SON?!"
"Yes, my lord..." A tall feminine man said, his eyes calm.
"FIND HIM! BRING OUT THE DOGS!"
Ryuuki tried to move faster, but the dogs caught up to him, barking up his tree, litteraly. Cursing softly, he lept to the next, but the dogs followed.
"Come out of there, boy, there's no point in running..." The feminine man smiled cruely.
The young lord growled softly and lept from the tree. "Nice dogs..." He said, giving them one sharp look. He felt his hands being tied together and ground his teeth together. I will not show them weakness. I will not show them my pain...I REFUSE! "So, Mikohi, playing both sides of the fence...?"
The man lifted his hand and slapped him. "Silence."
Ryuuki sneered. "I can't wait till father finds out..."
"Don't kill him yet...we have to find out what Sairyuuen has planned..." Tendo said, his eyes cruel. "But you can do whatever else you'd like to..."
Suddenly, the three Tendo daughters appeared. "Father," The oldest asked. "Who it he?!"
"He's...kinda cute..." The middle one said.
Akai was speachless. "Father, what is going on here?!" She demanded, her face hardening. She felt Ryuuki's eyes on her and tried not to go to him. "Who is he?!"
"Sairyuuen's son...the one you were supposed to kill. Then, his line would be ended and the Tendo's will control their lands!" He glared at his daughter. "But this is a much better idea... we'll get the information first, then kill him..."
"Feh..." Ryuuki sneered. "There is one person you've forgotten, my sister, Ranna...she'll take over...not the TENDO'S!"
"And what about your half brother, the bastard? Your mother's illigitamate child...guess who the father is..." He sneered.
Ryuuki swallowed and tried to remain calm. Akai, get outta here!
"Father, let him go, he saved my life." Akai finally blurted.
Silence enveloped the courtyard. "What...?" Tendo finally rasped, his eyes narrow.
She put her hands over her mouth tightly. Her eyes flitted over to his. I'm sorry, Ryuuki, I couldn't hold it in...Forgive me...
He closed his eyes tightly. It's alright, Akai...It's okay...you know I forgive you...I love you...
"Lock my daughter in her room and send him down to the dungeon. He'll never see the light of day again." He gave his daughter a once over, his eyes narrow. "So...you owe a life debt to that idiot...hmph...that's a debt you'll never get to pay back!"
Ryuuki was knocked out and his eyes rolled back as his consiousness fled him.
****************************************
Ranma and Akane bolted upright in unison, before looking at each other nervously. "Ranma what are we going to do..." She whispered, her hand over her mouth.
He pulled her into a warm hug. "Don't worry, love...maybe you should go home, though...I'll see you again, I promise you...just..." He paused. "Just be careful..."
She nodded and stood, dressing and gathering her things. "I'll see you, Ranma..."
He kissed her lightly. "I'll see ya, sweetheart..."
She fled quickly, leaving the door open. Oh, Ranma, what are we going to do?! I...
Ranma sat in the room, listening to her thoughts fading. "It'll be okay, Akane...it'll be alright, I promise you..." He closed his eyes and pulled the pillow she'd been sleeping on close. It smelled like her. He bit his lip and swallowed hard. I love you, Akane...
****************************************
Akane walked into her house and called out a weak tadaima. Seconds later, her father was there, looming over her. Her eyes widened at the unbidden fury on his face. "Father..." She said softly, backing against the door.
He held the letter tight in his hand. "You're in love with a Saotome..." He growled softly, throwing the note at her. "YOU'RE ENGAGED TO MIKOHI!" He shouted, his face showing utter hatred towards her. "I DON'T CARE IF YOU LOVE THAT SAOTOME TRASH! YOU'LL MARRY MIKOHI OR YOU'LL COMMIT SEPPUKU! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
Akane held her head high. "I don't care if I'm honor bound to marry Mikohi. Honor be damned. I love Ranma Saotome and you're not going to stop me from ending this damnable feud. I love...He loves me..." Her voice gradually became bitter. "For the first time in my whole life...I am loved by someone other than my mother and my sisters...you certainly never made me feel very loved..." She smiled coldly. "I think I'll take that Tanto now..." She said, holding her hand out.
Soun stood in utter shock. "You'd commit seppuku over this idiot?!"
She smiled sadly. "I owe him my life...and if I can't spend my life with him, I'll die alone...I promise that much..." She walked up to her room and closed the door, locking it.
Hours after the house had stopped rustling and she could hear her father's soft snores, she heard a soft noise at her door. She walked towards it and saw Kasumi standing there, her face serious. "Kasumi- oneechan..."
"Akane, I need to know the absolute truth...do you love this boy...are you willing to die for him, kill for him, forsake honor for him?" Kasumi felt tears pierce her eyes. She knew very well her sister didn't feel loved and desperately needed it.
The youngest Tendo looked up and smiled sadly at her sister. "I've been dreaming... Kasumi, have you heard of the legend of Ryuu and Akai? I've been dreaming it...Ryuu was the son of Sairyuuen, Akai, the youngest Tendo daughter...he saved her from being raped, and despite knowing their families were enemies, he protected her. They fell in love...and she gave herself to him, her heart, her body...she forsaked her honor to him...and so would I for Ranma...I'd die for him, I'd kill for him...I'd forsake my honor for him..." She smiled and looked up at the cieling.
Kasumi was silent for a minute. "Then go to him." She said, going to her sister. "You need him more than you need us...he can give you what father can't..."
Akane placed her hands over her stomache and smiled down at it. "Tell daddy I'm sorry I can't be who he want's me to be..." She lifted the ceremonial tanto off her desk and held it to her hair, slicing cleanly through it. "I cannot be what I'm not...I'm not a Tendo at heart...My heart belongs to a Saotome!" She held the ponytail to her chest and turned to her sister. "Could you fix it for me?"
"Yes, imotochan..."
Akane smiled at her elder sister, happily. "Thank you..."
****************************************
Soun walked to Akane's room the next morning and tapped on the door. "Akane, dear, I must speak to you." There was no answer. He cautiously opened the door and peeked in. He was shocked to see Kasumi laying there, a ponytail in her grasp. He saw hair clippings on the floor and he froze. "KASUMI!" He cried.
She sat and looked at him seriously. "Akane wanted me to give this to you..." She handed him the hair and ground her teeth together. "I'm leaving, father..." She said simply before walking from the room. "I'm paying a visit to doctor Tofu."
"Where is Akane?"
"She went to where she's needed...and wanted...and loved. She went to the Saotome's." Kasumi ignored her father's objections and walked to her room.
"Kasumi what's going on?" Nabiki asked, hurrying into the room. "Where's Akane?!"
Kasumi beamed over at her younger sister. "Imotochan, is there anyone that you love?" She asked simply.
Nabiki nodded, baffled. "What's that gotta do with...no way...she didn't..."
The oldest daughter nodded, smiling. "Akane fell in love with a very nice boy. His name is Ranma. Ranma Saotome. She needs him, Nabiki, she needs from him what daddy can't give her, she needs his love."
"Saotome's can't love!"
"But he does. He loves her very very much. You can almost see her thoughts for him and his for her. They're soulmates...they were born to be together, to love together, to fight together..." Her eyes saddened. "And eventually die together as well..."
Nabiki's eyes saddened as well. "History's repeating itself...poor Akane..."
"It's going to be alright...at least they both know love before they die..."
"Kiro Himashi..." Nabiki said softly. "Could you wait for me, nee- chan...I have a bag to pack as well..."
****************************************
Ranma stood downstairs, helping his mother clean the kitchen. "Mom, don't you think it's about time our family stopped fighting with the Tendo's? After all after five hundred years...our families have changed! we're not feudal lords and ladies anymore...what's the point in keeping it alive?"
"Because, son, we must honor our ancestors..." The doorbell rang and Nodoka left the kitchen to go check who it was. After a few moments of silence, shouting came back. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Nodoka cried in sheer rage.
Ranma ran to the living room and saw Akane there. "AKANE!" He ran over to her, shocked at seeing the blood dripping down the side of her head and even more surprised to see her hair gone. "What are you doing here?" He asked, kneeling beside her and gingerly touching her arm. It was twisted at an abnormal angle. "Oh, gods..." He helped her to her feet and stared at his mother in shock. "Mom, there's a limit to honoring ancestors...she's the one person I'm not going to stand for you hurting..."
Nodoka glared at her son. "Son, if you don't obey me-"
"STUFF IT MOTHER!" He shouted, bringing her into the house and holding her beside him as he moved her to the couch. When she was sitting on it, he ran to the kitchen and returned with a wooden spoon and the first aid kit. "Let me splint that..." He said softly, taking her obviously broken arm.
"She's a Tendo-"
"I don't care..." He whispered harshly. "I love her, mother..." He gently set her arm, wincing at the pain on her face. "Sorry..." He said, kissing her forhead. Splinting it quickly, he caressed her shorter hair. "Are you okay, Akane?" He asked softly, his face worried.
She looked up at him and smiled. "I'm fine now...I'm just glad I'm with you again..."
"Son, you must understand-"
"I don't, mother. You and the Tendo's are still fighting over something that started five hundred years ago and ended onehundred years ago. I'm not living in the feudal period, mother. I live in the year 2000. I refuse to live like my ancestors did..."
"Son-"
"NO MOTHER!" He put his arm around Akane's waist and gave his mother a steady glare. "She forsaked her honor and her family by falling in love with me...I will do the same for her if you don't let this damnable feud die!"
Nodoka trembled in shock. "Ranma-"
"No, mother..." He shook his head and helped Akane stand again. "Now we've got research to do..." He walked to the door with her and glanced back at his mother. "I'll forsake my honor for her if I must..." He closed the door behind them and looked down at her arm. "Come on, let's take you to doc Tofu...ne?"
She nodded, her eyes happy. "You really love me, ne...?" She whispered, her hand latching onto his sleeve.
He looked down at her and smiled. "Do you really need to ask?"
She sighed happily, her good hand taking his. "I guess not..."
****************************************
Kasumi looked up when the door to the office opened. "Ah! Akane- chan!" She ran over to her little sister. "What's happened!?"
"It's nothing, oneechan..." She said softly. "I just got hurt when I jumped out of my window...it didn't help that Mrs. Saotome wasn't too happy to see me..."
Ranma tightened his grip around her hand. "..." He caught Kasumi looking at him closely and awkwardly scratched behind his head. "Hi..." He said softly.
"So this is him, huh, sis..." Nabiki came from the back room, her face utter calm. "Daddy was right pissed when he found out Kasumi helped you run off this morning. He looked like a sheet. Quite amusing actually...pity I can't sell pictures of that..."
Akane felt a lump in her throat. "You mean you guys..."
"Said hell with daddy, too? Yep, pretty much..." Nabiki smiled at her younger sister and then at her sister's choice man. Then, her smile faded. "You better not make her regret her choice, Ranma..." She said in a very cold tone.
He straightened, his face serious. "I wont. I promise..." He gently guided Akane into the back office so the doctor could see her.