You Say It's Her Birthday
                                an orignal fanfic by
                                   Andrew Eoff (eoff@itsnet.com)

   Ranma woke as he often did, grudgingly.  Hmm, he thought to himself,
another day.  I wonder how things will be.  As he continued to ponder the
possibilities the day might offer, his eyes glanced over to the calendar
on the wall.  It was at this point that he noticed, not only what day it
was, but the date that was coming up.  Akane's Birthday.  He hadn't
circled it or marked it any way, so as to escape the ridicule he knew
would come, but he had burned the date into his brain so he wouldn't
forget.
   Oh No! he thought to himself.  What the heck am I gonna do?  Things had
been going pretty well between Akane and himself lately, and he felt he
owed it to her to get her something for her birthday.  He, however, had
absolutely no idea what that something should be.  He quietly got up and
got dressed, so he could go to the dojo and ponder this some more as he
went through his morning workout.

   Upon arriving in the dojo, Ranma began his morning routine.  Well,
Pop's out, he thought to himself.  Knowing that Genma would be absolutely
no help in gift ideas.  Genma's idea of the perfect gift still consisted
of something small, gold and round, followed by a wedding date.  While
thoughts of marriage occasionally found their way into Ranma's brain, they
were just as quickly shown the way out.  Just because he walked next to
her, instead of on the top of the fence as he used to, didn't mean he was
interested in a repeat of that last performance.  Thoughts of his
almost-wedding still made him shudder, not to mention annoyed as he
remembered how close he had gotten to getting the nannichuan.  But
still...hmm better to ignore that train of thought.  He then considered
Tendo-san, but only very briefly.  He didn't need some teary exclamation
of how proud he was to know that Ranma was thinking of his daughter to
alert the rest of the family to Ranma's plans.
   That only left a few people. While Ranma believed that Kasumi might be
able to offer a couple really good suggestions, he didn't feel up to
approaching her.  Nabiki would also be able to offer some gift ideas, but
by the time he bought them out of her, he wouldn't have any money left to
purchase them.  Besides, she  always expected to be paid back, and he
really didn't like the notion of owing her any favors.  Yup, he mused,
this is a real difficult situation.  Normally he could count on hints
being droppped by someone, including Akane herself, but this year everyone
seemed pretty tight-lipped.  She's probably waiting to see what I'll get
her on my own so she can call me stupid or whack me over the head when it
isn't what she wants.  Uncute tomboy.  Why do I always feel like I'm
walking on egg-shells around her?  He brought his workout to a close and
headed to the bath as he continued to wonder just what he should do.

   "Good morning P-chan." Akane exclaimed as she woke up.  "I wonder what
today will be like?"  P-chan merely opened one eye and grunted in
response, quite certain that it was going to be a day like any other,
provided he could find his way down stairs and into the bath.  Akane,
however, held no such conerns and paused to look out the window at the
rising sun.  "Beautiful," she murmured, for a moment enjoying the sight
before her.  "Looks like it'll be a wonderful day.  Maybe we should go on
a picnic."  P-chan's ears perked up at this and he proceded to wake up
enough so as to nod his head in agreement.  "We could even see if Ranma
wants to go."  Akane added.  At this P-chan squinted in annoyance and let
out a pig curse.  "What's the matter P-chan?  Don't you like Ranma?  He's
been much nicer than he used to be.  Well, maybe only a little nicer, but
still, don't you think we should offer him a chance to go too?"  At this
P-chan merely looked at her with a face suggesting disdain and a complete
lack of interest in pursuing the topic.
   Akane continued thinking to herself about Ranma and his slight change
in attitude.  After their failed wedding attempt he had been a little
nicer to her. He now walked next to her on the way to class, and he wasn't
quite as quick to say stupid things to her, although he still had an
annoying habit of calling her uncute and tomboy.  A habit she tried to
discourage with the use of her fist, or her mallet, whichever was
handiest.  She continued to get ready for the day, and as she did so she
remembered that her birthday was coming up.   I wonder what Ranma will get
me? she thought with a smile.  She'd been deliberately withholding gift
ideas to see what he could come up with on his own.  She wanted to see if
their new-found friendship was based in reality or merely her
imagination.  She figured if they were truly getting along he'd be able to
pick something out for her that she liked without any coaching.  If
nothing else, it'd be a good chance to show him how _he_ could be stupid
for a change.  She smiled at the thought.

    As Ranma made his way to breakfast he continued to ponder on who he
could turn to for gift suggestions.  He was drawing a total blank.  He sat
next to Akane, noticing that she looked somewhat cute today for a change. 
He was about to comment on this when Kasumi asked if he could return one
of his mother's cookbooks to her, as she was finished looking at it. 
About to reply no, he suddenly changed his mind.  Mom-that's who could
help him pick out a gift, Kasumi had been able to help him out after all. 
"Sure," he responded, "no problem."   As he answered Kasumi, he happened
to notice that Akane had a bit of a sad look on her face.  I wonder what
she's upset about, Ranma mused.  Oh well, at least it's not my fault.
   Akane sighed inwardly as her hope for a picnic with Ranma faded into
the background.  At least P-chan won't be so annoyed she thought.

   As Ranma rushed to his mother's house he thought about how to bring up
the subject of Akane's birthday present.  While lost in thought, he failed
to hear the sound of a certain bicycle behind him.  "Ni-hao Ranma!"
exclaimed Shampoo cheerfully, as she landed on Ranma's back with her
bicycle.  "mmmpphggmmrr" was all Ranma managed to reply.
   "Today beautiful day, Ranma.  Make Shampoo happy and go on date." she
hopefully suggested.
   "Oi Shampoo!  Whatcha do that for?"  Ranma replied with a scowl.  "I
don't have time for that.  I'm busy.  Places to go to.  Besides, don't you
have a restaurant to run?"
   Shampoo replied, "Mousse doing just fine.  Take Shampoo on date.  Please?"
   "No way.  Now get outta here." And with that, Ranma quickly headed
towards his mother's house.  He still hadn't completely forgiven Shampoo
for wrecking the wedding.  Although, if something hadn't happened, that'd
mean he'd be married right now.  And he didn't want that, did he? 
Arriving at his mother's house he was glad to be able to drop that line of
thought, and once again concentrated on Akane's gift.

   Entering the house, he called out, "Mom, it's me, Ranma.  I have a book
to return to you from Kasumi." 
   "Hello, Ranma.  How nice of you to stop by.  Lovely day isn't it?"
Nodoka answered as she greeted her son.
   "Uh, yeah."  Ranma replied.  He was still unused to being around his
mother.  He'd hidden from her for so long, that he wasn't sure how he was
supposed to act.  It also didn't help that he and Pop were still staying
at the Tendo's.  It didn't make a whole lot of sense that Pop didn't want
to be around her.  Although, she did still have that katana.  "Umm, I had
a question to ask you."
   "What's that son?"
   "Well, um, you see" Ranma stuttered, "Akane's birthday is coming up. 
And, uh, well.  I'm not quite sure what to get her.  I thought I'd ask you
if maybe you could help give me some ideas or something." he finally
managed to get out.
   "Why Ranma, I'd love to help." Nodoka replied happily.  She was
grateful to finally have a chance to interact with her son in a way that a
normal parent would.  She too wasn't extremely comfortable around her son,
but she was so glad to finally have found him again.  To think that he'd
been under her nose the entire time.  Well, _she_ had  anyway.  She still
had a hard time adjusting to this curse thing.  "What can I do to help?"
   "Well, I know I need to get her something, but she hasn't been dropping
any hints and neither has her family.  I just thought that you'd be able
to suggest something, being a girl and all."
   "What sort of things does she like?" Nodoka inquired, amused by her
son's comment.
   "Well, um, she likes martial arts- she's always breaking cinder
blocks.  She likes to pretend to cook..."
   "Ranma, dear," Nodoka interrupted, "Don't you know anything she really
likes, that's a bit more...appropriate?"
   Worried for a moment that his Mom was gonna bring up a wedding ring,
Ranma racked his brains for ideas.  "She liked the picture I gave her one
Christmas!"  He replied, hoping this was what she was looking for.
   "That's great son.  A picture is indeed a worthwhile gift.  How about
something a bit more, feminine, something like perfume, or clothes, or
maybe jewelry?"  She paused for a moment, thinking.  "I know.  You should
get her something that will help remind her of you.  Something that when
she sees it or wears it reminds her of how much you care." she replied
brightly.
   "That's great.  Uhh, thanks Mom."  Ranma replied, relieved that the
jewelry comment hadn't turned into a discussion of wedding plans.  "I
think I have some good ideas now."  Ranma reached over to hug his Mom
before he left.  "I really appreciate the help.  It's been nice talking to
you."
   Nodoka, pleased at her son's affectionate gesture replied, "Any time
son.  Come and see me whenever you like.  And bring that Father of yours
too." 

   As Ranma left, he thought about this new information.  Something that
will remind her of me, he thought.  That's actually a pretty good idea. 
But what could I get her that would remind her of me, he wondered.  As he
continued to think about this, he decided to stop over at Ucchan's to see
if maybe she could shed some light on this.  He had forgiven her role in
the wedding fiasco after a long discussion one night that ended in the
understanding that Ukyou and he were only friends.  He wanted to retain
that relationship- she was too important a link from his past- but he also
wanted her to understand that there was no romantic feelings involved.  At
first she had been upset, but gradually things had resumed.  Akane didn't
even mind his visits now, unless, of course, it had something to do with
her cooking.  That reminded him that it was nearly lunchtime.  Yet another
reason to stop by Ucchan's.
   Ukyou looked up as the bell on the door rang.  "Ah Ranchan, how're
things going?"
   "Not too bad Ukyou, but I need a bit of advice, as well as lunch."
Ranma replied with a smile.
   "No problem.  One okonomiyaki coming up, plus some advice."  Ukyou
smiled.  She proceded to cook while Ranma filled her in on his morning
events.  When he got to the bit about the birthday present, she listened
to his mother's advice nodding her head.  "That is a good idea.  Why don't
you get her something from China?  Nothing could remind her of you more
than that." she giggled.
   Ranma looked a bit sheepish, but nodded his head in reply.  Something
from China would indeed remind Akane of him.  Ranma thanked Ukyou for the
food and the advice and then took off in search of a gift.

   ANCIENT CHINESE SECRET was what the store front proclaimed.  Grand
Opening was in smaller letters underneath.  This looks as good a place as
any Ranma decided.  As he entered the store he caught a whiff of some
oriental herb.  It reminded him a bit of something, but he couldn't
remember what.  The shopkeeper looked up.  A bearded man, obviously rather
old glanced his way and then began to shuffle towards him.  "Can I be of
assistance, noble, young sir?" he politely asked.
   "I need to find a birthday present for my gir..., iina.. um, for
Akane." Ranma lamely responded.
   "Ah, I think I have just what you are looking for." the shopkeeper
replied, with a twinkle in his eyes.  "We have many beautiful gift for...
ŒAkanes'."  He then guided Ranma over to a display case.  "How about
something here?"
   Ranma looked over the many items: some jewelry, some small vases, small
jewely boxes, a jar of Pearl Creme.  He was unsure about what he saw. 
Many of the items were indeed quite lovely, but they were also quite out
of his price range.  "How about something a little less expensive?"
   The shopkeeper nodded and guided him to another display case.  This one
had a small sign below it, but it was written in Chinese, so Ranma ignored
it.  As he looked into the case the first thing that caught his eye was a
small box that contained a bunch of rings.  "What's that?" Ranma inquired,
temporarily forgetting the fact that he had a fear of rings at the moment.
   "Ah, very special gift.  That Chinese puzzle ring.  Akane' truly
appreciate this gift."
   Ranma made a quick glance at the rest of the case before once again
resting his gaze on the rings.  They seemed to be just what he was looking
for.   And as luck would have it they were even in his price range.  "I'll
take it." Ranma replied.  The shopkeeper nodded and proceded to remove the
box and wrap it for him.  The shopkeeper seemed only too happy to have
helped Ranma to this purchase.  As Ranma left, the shopkeeper once again
looked at the small sign below the glass case.  It read: 1/2 off Cursed
items.  Must Sell Now.  Management NOT Responsible for removing curses.

Part 2: Rings Around the Rose

   Ranma headed home pleased with himself for finding what he considered
the perfect gift.  The more he thought about it, the better it seemed. 
Not only was this a gift from China, but it was a puzzle- something Akane
would have to work at.  He knew he certainly found Akane puzzling enough,
and he had a sneaking suspicion that she found him the same way.  Still,
it is a ring, well, rings he thought, which proceded to conjure up images
of weddings and interfering parents.  Shaking his head, he sighed, at
least it's not gold.  He wondered what the design would be once Akane had
solved it.  He wondered what would happen if she couldn't... Nah, even
Akane should be able to figure this thing out.  Lost in his thoughts of
the ring, Akane's upcoming birthday, and the joy he hoped to see in her
face Ranma continued to make his way home.
                                 
   Everyone was gathering for dinner and wondering where Ranma had
disappeared to when the door quickly opened and Ranma was seen heading
upstairs to the room he shared with his Father.  "Oh my" declared Kasumi. 
"Ranma certainly is in a hurry isn't he?"  Akane merely looked upstairs
for a moment before returning to the table.  He could do whatever he
wanted she thought.  Leaving me here all alone today.  And to think I
actually thought of inviting him on a picnic.   After a moment Ranma
reappeared looking a bit uncertain and nervous.
   "I'm back." he announced.  "Anything happen while I was gone?  Akane
blow up the kitch..."  Ranma's sentence was suddenly cut short as Akane's
fist found it's way to his face.
   "Ranma, you jerk!" Akane replied, voice filled with anger.  "I'll have
you know that P-chan and I had a very nice picnic in the park today.  He
certainly didn't seem to mind the lunch I made."  At this Ranma looked
down, a little upset.  Looking as if he was about to reply, Akane merely
smiled back, still unsure why Ranma reacted that way whenever she
mentioned P-chan.
   "Here's dinner." Kasumi cheerfully announced.  The room was quickly
filled with the sounds of eating as both families turned their attention
to Kasumi's wonderful meal.
                                       
   After dinner, the evening routine quickly asserted itself.  Genma and
Soun could be found playing Go and cheating whenever the opportunity
arose.  Nabiki was watching the film "Wall Street", taking notes, and
Kasumi was busy clearing up from dinner.  Akane and Ranma had decided to
spar a little in the dojo in order to work off some of the steam that had
built up from dinner.  Both of them enjoyed the chances they got to work
out together.  It was the one place in which their competitive natures
could surface and be beneficial, instead of annoying.
   Ranma still managed to evade each of Akane's blows as she tried her
hardest to find a weak spot.  Occasionally he'd come back with a
counter-attack so she wouldn't think he was just taunting her.  Tonight
however, Akane was having none of it.  The frustration of not being able
to land a blow combined with her annoyance at not knowing where he had
been finally surfaced in the form of a lucky punch, just as she asked "So
where were you today?"
   Ranma caught off guard by the fact that Akane had actually landed a
blow replied with a startled "What?"
   "You heard me- where were you all day?"
   Ranma thought for a moment, desperately seeking a plausible alibi. 
"Well, I went to see Mom and return the book Kasumi borrowed.  Then I went
and had lunch at Ucchan's."  Not sure what to say next he paused.  Not a
good idea.
   "Oh, so you spent the afternoon with Ukyou instead of me.  Is that it?"
Akane replied, resuming her attack on Ranma.
   Ranma hastily continued ducking and evading Akane's blows.  "N-no." he
replied.  "I just stopped by for lunch.  I, uh, spent the rest of the day,
um, walking around town?"  He hoped this excuse would seem plausible.
   "What do you mean you just walked around town. Why couldn't you walk
around town with me?" Akane asked.  She let the Ukyou incident slide.  She
knew that they were indeed only friends, and the only times it actually
bothered her that he went was if he was avoiding her own cooking.
   "Because," he quickly responded.  "I just wanted some time alone.  I,
uh, needed to think about... stuff." he somewhat pathetically finished.
   "Well, that would certainly account for it.  We all know how hard
_that_ is for you." she replied smugly.  At that last comment Ranma
actually decided to even things up a bit and pulled a quick foot sweep
that sent Akane to the ground.  She landed somewhat roughly on her butt. 
Thinking quickly, however, she managed to also pull Ranma's legs out from
under him and he too was sent to the floor with a very startled look on
his face.
   As Ranma merely looked on in disbelief, Akane began to giggle.  In a
somewhat sheepish voice Ranma complimented Akane's quick thinking and then
joined her in laughing.  The two of them enjoyed this brief moment,
enjoyed each other's company- their guards down.  Neither of them noticed
P-chan watching from the doorway.
                                       
   That night, Ryouga silently made his way to Ranma's room.  He wasn't at
all happy with the way things were going and he was going to show Ranma
just how unhappy that was.  Quietly entering the room, Ryouga quickly
splashed Ranma, knowing that any other attempt at waking him would be
futile.  Ranma, now in girl form and somewhat cold, looked up to see
Ryouga and yelled, "Whatcha go and do that for?"  This was answered by
Genma-panda knocking the two of them outside with a sign that read
   "QUIET!!!"
   Outside and no longer having to worry about waking anyone else Ryouga
yelled back, "Die Ranma!"  simultaneously launching an attack with his
umbrella.
   Ranma blocked the attack and retorted, "Just what's gotten under your
bandana this time _P-chan_?"  Ranma emphasized this last word with a touch
of sarcasm, knowing it would further anger Ryouga and possibly cause him
to do something stupid.
   "Who you callin P-chan Ranma?" Ryouga angrily yelled back.  "I'll show
you what's under my bandana!"  He then launched a series of the checkered
projectiles from his endless arsenal.  Ranma ducked under the oncoming
bandanas and launched herself at Ryouga's legs knocking the two of them
off balance, sending them rolling on the ground.  "And to think that
earlier today she was actually going to invite you on our picnic." Ryouga
growled as they grappled.  The comment caused Ranma to temporarily lose
her train of thought.  This provided an opening that Ryouga had hoped
for.  Pushing Ranma off himself he proceded to send her across the yard
with a quick punch followed by a kick.
   Ranma, temporarily stunned, got up to her feet and prepared to block
Ryouga's next attack.  Ryouga then yelled, "I can't believe you could go
from being on her bad side to laughing with her in the dojo tonight!" and
with that he released the Shi-shi-houkoudan he'd been building up.  Ranma
barely managed to evade the ki attack, but filled with confidence at the
source of Ryouga's depression leaped towards him and attacked with his
armaguriken technique.  The force of the unexpected counter-attack sent
Ryouga tumbling into the pond.  Happy that he'd won, Ranma walked over to
the pond, picked up the wet, dazed P-chan and booted him into the night
sky.
   "That'll teach ya.  Stupid pig." Ranma quietly said.  She really was
gonna have to come up with some way to get rid of him once and for all. 
Didn't he know by now that Akane was his?  Startled at the turn his
thoughts were taking, she started to walk inside thinking, at least it'll
take him a while find his way back again.  By then, maybe Akane will even
have had her birthday.  Finding a kettle, she proceded to heat some water
so he could get back to sleep.  Smiling at thoughts of several days
without Ryouga, Akane's upcoming birthday and the chance to see her face
as she opened his gift, Ranma, now male, made his way once again to his
room and proceded to fall asleep.

   The next several days passed pretty much normally, a series of
tableaux.  Ranma proud of having found a gift before the last minute. 
Akane hunting for P-chan and hitting Ranma when he made some snide
comment.  Nabiki being shocked at the news that Ranma didn't want her help
in picking out a gift for Akane.  Ranma trying to evade Akane's cooking
without getting hit.  The two fathers playing endless games of Shogi or
Go.  Akane wondering what Ranma had gotten her for her birthday.  The two
of them continuing to spar in the dojo, actually getting along pretty well
for a change.  Ranma and Genma fighting over bits of food, Ranma
occasionally winning, Genma occasionally winning.

   Finally, the day was about to arrive.  Ranma could hardly stand it.  It
had proven somewhat difficult to continuously conceal the gift he had
gotten.  Nabiki's constant needling had been almost unbearable.  Kasumi
had made it known to all, except Akane, that they were going to have a
surprise party.  She had Nabiki send out announcements.  Shinnosuke was
pleased to have received one, and then promptly forgot about it.  Sentaro
sent a tea set wrapped in paper covered with horses.  Kuno deliberated on
what would make a fitting gift for his beloved Tendo-Akane, only
occasionally allowing his thoughts to drift to the equally lovely and
deserving pig-tailed goddess.  Ukyou contemplated trying to give Akane
okonomiyaki lessons, but decided that that was too huge an undertaking and
settled on a small set of cooking spatulas- at least the thought was
there.  Nabiki had decided to drop all of Akane's debts.  Toma sent a box
of peaches.  Akane grew a little more excited and tried to patiently wait
for tomorrow.

   The morning of her birthday, Akane awoke feeling that all was right
with the world.  Nothing could mar the way things had been going.  Unable
to talk to P-chan as she normally would, she contented herself with
talking to the framed picture Ranma had gotten her for Christmas.  In some
ways it was like talking to him, except a lot less frustrating.  He had at
least been rather nice to her lately, and rumor had it that he'd actually
gotten her a gift all on his own!  Would wonders never cease?  She hoped
it would be something nice.  One could never tell with Ranma.  But
still... Enjoying where that train of thought was leading she got ready
for the day.
                                      
   Ranma woke up and then realized what day it was.  He'd actually been
looking forward to this, and now it was finally here.  He dug out the gift
from where he'd been hiding it and also got ready.
                                      
   The rest of the family proceded to get things ready for the evening's
festivities.  Plans had been made for a couple of Akane's friends to take
her skating while they got the house ready for the party.  All was going
according to plan.  Kasumi was busy getting the cake ready while others
placed decorations and explained to the various guests where  they should
hide.  Tendo-san was running around, tears streaming from his eyes,
explaining to anyone that would listen that his little Akane was growing
up, and having another birthday.
   Finally the moment arrived.  Akane returned from skating and walked in
the door as the guests and family members jumped out yelling,
"Surprise!!!"  She looked appropriately shocked and then the room
dissolved into general birthday chaos.  Everyone began talking at once and
Akane began circulating her way around the room thanking everyone for
being there.  Things proceded quite nicely and then it was time to cut the
cake.  The lights dimmed and Kasumi brought out a lovely birthday cake
decorated with lit candles.
   Akane thought about what she should wish for.  This was something that
had actually been occupying her thoughts a fair amount lately.  While she
deliberated a little more, the room gradually grew silent.  A smile spread
across Akane's face as she silently wished that the gift Ranma had chosen
would continue the trend they'd been going through recently, and cause
them to grow closer.  Perhaps even a kiss? she thought wistfully as she
blew on the candles.  They all went out and the crowd cheered while Nabiki
quietly asked, "And just what _was_ that wish sis?" in a smug little
voice.  Akane pretended to ignore her as Kasumi deftly divided up the cake
and made sure everyone got a piece.  Akane let her eyes wander over to
Ranma, who had actually been behaving himself this evening.  He smiled a
tentative smile at her and seemed to blush a little.  Akane felt herself
smiling a little and quickly looked around the room.  Soon it would be
time to open gifts.
                                      
   "Ah the opportunity to show my affections for the beautiful
Tendo-Akane.  It is almost more than my simple heart can bear.  And yet,
surely none would stand in the way of so worthy a one as I." Kuno began. 
Akane was having a hard time listening to his ever-lengthening speech. 
Just give me the present already, she quietly thought.
   Ranma, on the other hand, was debating the merits of turning into
Kuno's "Pig-tailed goddess" just so maybe things would speed up a little. 
It might even be fun to see if he'd brought a back-up gift on the off
chance she was there.   Grinning mischievously, Ranma decided not to act
on the urge.  After all, this was Akane's birthday, and he didn't want to
upstage her.  Besides, he never quite knew when she had that mallet with her.

   "And so, my love, I bestow upon thee this mere trifle of my
affections.  I hope it does not reflect too poorly upon the giver."
finished Kuno.  Finally, breathed Akane as she turned up to him with a
smile, receiving his gift.  As she proceded to open it her mind wandered
to the possibilities of Ranma's gift.  She wondered if he'd give it to her
in front of all these people, or if he'd wait till things were a bit
calmer. The idea that he might wait reminded her of her wish, and she
blushed slightly as she pulled out a HUGE picture of Kuno in samurai
garb.  Doesn't he ever think of anything else? she briefly wondered as she
smiled, said, "Thank you"  and planned on adding this to the rest of the
pictures he had given her over the years.  If she ever ran out of cinder
blocks a good stack of them always came in handy.  The rest of her family
and the other guests quickly bestowed their gifts while Akane just as
quickly opened them.  The party continued to progress and various guests
left as the evening wore on.  Akane had decided not to approach Ranma
about his gift, deciding instead that it would be better to let him
approach her.  Once she decided upon this course of action, she sent
withering looks to anyone who appeared as if they might be about to ask
Ranma about his gift.
                                      
   When the group had finally dwindled to Kuno, Ukyou, the Saotomes and
the Tendos, Ranma decided he could safely give Akane her gift.  As he
approached her he began to sweat a little.  Concentrate, he thought, this
is gonna be a piece of cake.  Just walk up to her and wish her a happy
birthday and give her the gift.  As the remaining group  noticed Ranma
heading towards Akane things gradually got quieter.  Akane, for her part,
was also getting a little nervous.  He's really gonna give me something,
she thought.  She began to smile a nervous, little smile as he
approached.  Both Fathers waited to see what happened.  Nodoka merely
smiled as she looked at her son and his iinazuke.  Kuno and Ukyou looked
on in various shades of jealousy and curiosity.  Nabiki drew a little
closer so she could get the best vantage point without being conspicuous. 
Kasumi smiled and continued to tidy up a little bit.
   "Umm, A-akane," Ranma began, trying to smile.
   "Yes Ranma?" Akane answered, equally nervous.
   "I, uh, I wanted to, um, wish you a h-happy birthday." he finally
struggled to get out as his hands shakingly presented a small box wrapped
in colorful paper.  Akane took the gift from him and just held it in her
hands a moment.  This was one of those moments she had waited for over the
course of time that she had known Ranma.     I wonder what's inside, she
thought to herself as she began to unwrap the gift.  Only one way to find
out.  The box inside the paper had Chinese symbols on it and seemed to
jingle a bit as she contuned to open it.  Finally she held the box in her
hands.
   It almost looks like a ring box, was the thought that found its way
into many of the heads at that moment.  Akane then opened the box and let
out a little gasp as she realized what was inside.  It's a ring, she
thought, well _several_ rings actually.  There looked to be about six
separate bands in the tiny box.  They were formed from silver it looked
like, and each seemed to be a peculiar shape.  "What is it Ranma?" Akane
tentatively asked, still unable to take her eyes off them.
   "It's a Chinese Puzzle ring."  Ranma replied hopefully.  "I thought it
might remind you a bit of me."
   "Chinese jewelry?" Akane asked with a bit of an edge to her voice.  She
still remembered their last escapade with a certain Chinese brooch.
   "Uh, don't worry Akane.  It's supposed to be a puzzle, not a curse." 
Ranma replied, unaware of how wrong he was.
   "Actually," interjected Nabiki, unable to contain a large grin, "The
Chinese Puzzle ring was given by husbands to their wives to insure
fidelity."  At this Ranma face-faulted, Ukyou tried unsuccessfully to
stifle a laugh, Kuno rose in mock righteous indignation, Kasumi smiled,
and the parents looked on with hopeful glances.  Akane simply continued to
stare at the rings, lost in thought.  This was a gift Ranma had actually
thought about.  The background was rather unimportant to her for a
change.  She was content to know that Ranma did actually care a little.
   "And what is the meaning of this gift Saotome?" Kuno exploded.  Just as
quickly Akane punted him out the door.  She looked about daring anyone
else to make a snide comment.  No one did.  Ranma sighed in relief as he
realized that Akane actually liked the gift.
                                      
   As the evening was about to end, Ranma and Akane were both on the
balcony, looking at the stars.  "So, Akane," Ranma started, "do you really
like it?"  Akane nodded in agreement.  "I wanted to get ya something that
would remind you of me, and I thought something from China might do that. 
I also thought you might like the fact that it's a puzzle."
   "It's beautiful Ranma." Akane answered.  "Thanks" she said.  And meant
it.  They both continued to look at the stars.
                                      
   Over the next couple days, Akane spent as much time as she could trying
to get the six silver bands to go together in some sort of recognizable
pattern, occasionally stopping to yell at Ranma for getting her something
so difficult.  He would merely smirk and laugh, giving her a hard time. 
She would then smile, and punch him.  He, however, would still continue to
look at her with a bit of a smirk on his face.  The two of them actually
enjoyed this more so than their normal banters.
                                      
   One night, Akane sat in her room still struggling with the rings.  She
had managed to place a couple of them together, and she had a notion that
the complete ring would look like a rose.  After looking at it a little
longer, she seemed to go into a trance and locked the final four bands
into place.  "I did it!" she exclaimed.  "I actually did it!"  She was
ecstatic.  Just wait till she showed Ranma.  He wouldn't be able to smirk
any longer.  The rings did indeed join to form a small intricate rose.  As
she stared at the thing that had plagued her over the last few days, she
had the sense that she should put it on.  She wasn't sure what caused her
to decide to put it on her left hand's ring finger.  Possibly the comment
Nabiki had made coupled with the fact that it had had come from Ranma. 
Whatever reason, it found its way there quickly.  As she slipped it on she
noticed that the rose glowed briefly and then...
                                      
   At the sound of Akane's sudden scream, Ranma and everyone in the house
quickly rushed upstairs to see what was the matter.  As Ranma, with
everyone behind him, opened the door they were greeted by the sight of
Akane in a glowing, domed cage.  "Oh My." exclaimed Kasumi.

Part 3: He Loves Her, He Loves Her Not...

   For a moment silence reigned in the room as everyone looked at Akane. 
Shock was the primary emotion felt, although Akane's fear was a close
second.  "Akane!" Ranma cried out.  "What happened?  Why are you in that
cage?"
   "I don't know!  I...put on the ring you gave me...and the next thing I
know here I am!" Akane responded.  Her voice quivered with emotion.  It
was difficult to tell what she was feeling most.  There was certainly
fear, but also a touch of anger and frustration.  "Just what kind of
stupid ring did you give me anyway?" she yelled, anger temporarily winning
out.
   "It was just a Chinese puzzle ring.  Honest.  I  swear!" Ranma
pleaded.   "I got it from this old guy.  It was in a display case with a
sign below it in Chinese.  I figured it said something about the contents
of the case and maybe a sale.  You don't think I did this on purpose ..."
he trailed off as other possibilities for the sign's meaning entered his
mind.
   "Waaa!   My little girl is trapped in some sort of glowing cage! 
Whatever will become of her?" lamented Tendo-san in a loud voice,
accompanied by large quantities of tears.
   "So that's how they insured fidelity in their wives." chimed Nabiki. 
   "Well, I'll say one thing Ranma.  You certainly picked up more from your
father than martial arts skills.  It appears neither of you can read
Chinese."  Ranma merely looked at her with a slightly hurt expression as
he realized what she said might be true.  He then returned his gaze to Akane.
Kasumi was busy comforting her father while Genma looked on in shock.
   The cage itself was fairly intimidating.  It reached almost to the ceiling
of Akane's room and glowed with a faint pink light.  The bars were arranged
in some sort of intricate pattern that almost suggested a rose.  There
appeared to be no way in or out.  Ranma wondered what was going on.
This couldn't be happening, he thought.  Akane, for her part, was busy
looking around a bit now.  Past the initial stage of shock, she began
wondering if there were some way out of this thing.  There didn't appear
to be.  "Well don't just stand there Ranma!  Get me out of this thing!"
she yelled.
   "Don't worry Akane.  I'll think of something." Ranma replied. 
Although, there was a lot more hope in his voice than he felt at the
moment.  He looked at the cage, hoping there would be some sign of an
entrance.  There wasn't.  If only he'd found out more about that ring... 
That was it!  The old guy!  "Hang on Akane!  I've got an idea."  And with
that he promptly ran out of the room.  Everyone else stared at the spot
that had recently been occupied by Ranma.
   
   Ranma thought about various methods of getting information from the old
man as he raced to the store.  He considered a subtle approach, like
breaking down the door, and the not so subtle, like sending the old guy
through the door.  Lost in thought, he hurried to the section of town
where the shop had been located.
                                     
   Ranma arrived at the store only to find a CLOSED sign staring at him
from the window.  Looks like the subtle approach, he thought to himself. 
"TENSHIN ARMAGURIKEN" Ranma yelled, as he let loose a flurry of blows that
sent the door splintering.  "Anybody home?"  he asked loudly.  "Hey, old
man!"  Ranma peered around the interior of the shop, waiting to see if the
owner had heard his knock.  He walked over to the display case where he'd
first seen the rings.  The sign was still below the case.  Ranma picked it
up and stared at it, wondering if it said what he was afraid it did.
   While he sat there lost in thought the store's owner had made his way
downstairs.  "What is meaning of all this noi.." his question died when he
saw Ranma standing there, holding the display case sign, and looking at
him with a distinct air of malice.
   "Hey old man, what exactly does this sign say?" Ranma asked with a bit
of an edge to his voice.
   "Why, it say exactly same thing it say other day.  Can't you read?"
   "It's in CHINESE!" Ranma growled.
   "Oh, that explain why sale so easy.  It say that all cursed items are
1/2 off and that I, as management, am not responsible for anything that
happen after a sale­including curse removal."  The old man said all this
with a hint of pride in his eyes, as well as a bit of condescension in his
voice.
   "Whaddaya mean not responsible for curse removal?" Ranma replied.  "How
can you sell something that's cursed and not tell people, or remove the
curse?"  He took several steps towards the old man while he said this.
   "That's what sign there for.  It's not my fault you can't read." the
old man replied, backing up a few steps.  "As for curse removal...  You
bought puzzle ring correct?  For... 'Akane' ?  Surely you tell her you
love her as you give ring..."  The old man's words began to die as he saw
the blank look on Ranma's face.  "Didn't you read instruction before
giving gift?"
   "What instructions?  There weren't any instructions!" Ranma answered.
   "No instruction, of course there..."  The old man paused as he walked
over to the counter and began to rummage around for a second.  "Oh dear."
he stated as he dusted off some very old, very yellow papers. 
   "Instruction still here.  So sorry." he continued, with a somewhat
sheepish note in his voice.  "Tell you what.  Since instruction still
here, I agree to help a little bit.  What exactly happen?"
   The old man listened to Ranma relate his story, shaking his head at
parts, rolling his eyes at parts and finally sighing in exasperation at
the end.  "Well, here what I can do.  I give you instruction now- next
time follow them.  As for this time, hmm..." he rummaged around a bit more
finally pulling out some papers that looked even older than the first. 
"Follow these, they tell how to remove girl from cage."  And with that the
old man hurriedly disappeared upstairs.
   Ranma stared in silence at the two documents on the counter.  The cure
happened to be on the top.  Only after looking at it for a couple seconds
did he realize that these too were in Chinese.  AAAARRRGGHH he thought to
himself.  He wondered if it would be worth trying to find the old man
again for a translation.  He decided against it as he realized there was
someone else he knew that read and spoke Chinese.

   Shampoo continued to prepare various dishes for the few customers that
happened to be in the Cat Cafe.  As she did so her mind drifted to a topic
it often did- Ranma.  This time, however, it wasn't dreamily, with
thoughts of another way to try and get him to go out with her.  This time
she was actually upset with Ranma.  How dare he not invite her to Akane's
birthday party.  Sure, there had been things in the not too distant past
that had caused trouble at the time, but that was no reason to ignore
her.  She wondered if Ranma were really worth all the effort she'd been
going through.  It was a strange thought, and one that actually found its
way into her brain more often since great-grandmother had gone.  While she
continued to think about the merits of Ranma, Mousse did his best at
serving the things she prepared.
   Suddenly the door crashed open and Ranma hurried in.  Looking up,
Shampoo noticed with a degree of happiness that Ranma was here.  Perhaps
to apologize?  She bounded up to him, but waited to see what he was going
to say.
   Ranma was a bit surprised that Shampoo hadn't grabbed on to him like
normal, but only briefly.  "Oi Shampoo.  I need you to do me a favor."  At
this Shampoo frowned a little bit.  This didn't sound like an apology. 
Ranma, however, didn't notice her change in expression and continued. 
   "You see, I got this puzzle ring for Akane for her birthday, and I didn't
have the instructions..." As Ranma continued his explanation, Shampoo got
more annoyed.  This wasn't an apology at all.  Ranma only wanted Shampoo
to do something for him.  While normally this wouldn't have been a
problem, she was still thinking about her last train of thought concerning
him.  Then some of what he'd said hit her.  Puzzle ring?  Where had she
heard of that before?  She thought back to the things her
great-grandmother had taught her.  A puzzle ring was given to wives...but
that meant... No not Ranma.  Surely he hadn't done that.
   "Ranma.  You give Chinese Puzzle ring to Akane?" she asked frostily.
   Ranma, caught off guard for a moment by her question replied, "Uh,
yeah."  Wondering why she wanted to know that, Ranma failed to notice the
distinct glow appearing around Shampoo.
   "Ranma no baka!"  Startled, Ranma looked up expecting to see Akane. 
Instead all he saw was Shampoo's fist heading for his face.  As Ranma was
sent flying through the door wondering why Shampoo was so mad, Shampoo
turned around and headed back to the kitchen.

   As Ranma got up and dusted himself off a bit, he tried to figure out
what had gotten Shampoo so steamed.  Hearing something behind him, he
turned around carefully prepared for the possibility of a still irate
Shampoo.  Instead, he was a bit surprised to see Mousse headed towards
him, with his glasses on for a change.
   "Saotome Ranma.  Is this true?  Did you indeed give Akane a Chinese
puzzle ring?"  Ranma, still unsure why there were so many questions about
his gift, merely nodded his head.  "Oh happy day!" exclaimed Mousse.  "To
what do I owe this miracle?  When did you and Akane get married?  How did
you keep it a secret from Shampoo?"  Mousse continued to ask questions
while Ranma digested what he was saying.  Suddenly, he realized what was
going on.
   "MARRIED?!!  What makes you think we're married?"  Ranma yelled.
   "You did give her the rings, did you not?"  Mousse replied.
   "Well, yeah.
   "Those are an ancient Chinese gift from husbands to wives- to insure
fidelity.  Surely you were aware of this?"
   Ranma, blushing again at the wedding reference, answered, "No I didn't
know that.  Not until after.  And anyway, I have a bigger problem. 
Akane's stuck in some sort of glowing cage..."
   "Wait a minute."  Mousse interrupted.  "Are you telling me not only
that you and Akane aren't married, but that she's trapped?"  While Ranma
nodded, Mousse continued.  "You didn't tell her you loved her and then
place the rings on her finger, did you?"
   "No."   Ranma replied.  "How did you know about that?"  he asked.
   "The puzzle rings are a truly ancient thing in our culture.  All
Amazons know of them."
   "Great!  Then you can help me out."  Ranma began to fill Mousse in on
the morning's events and showed him the cure scroll.  Mousse listened
intently and then began to think.
   "I will indeed help you Saotome.  But on one condition.  You must
pretend that you are indeed married to Akane so that Shampoo will give up
on you.  She's actually quite angry over this entire thing.  First, being
excluded from Akane's birthday celebration, and now the idea that you and
Akane are wed.  She is about to give up on you.  If you make certain that
she does, then I will give you the answer you seek."
   Ranma thought for a moment.  This could be a blessing, he mused.  No
more Shampoo chasing him.  He remembered how he felt when he thought she
no longer loved him because of the reversal brooch.  This was a bit
different though.  No longer as hung up as he used to be, he began to
realize the benefits of not having Shampoo after him constantly.  Akane
would be happy about that.  Plus, if he did this he'd be able to get her
out of that cage for once and for all.  "It's a deal Mousse.  I'll make
sure Shampoo thinks we're married." 
   "Wonderful!  This is what you must do.  You must tell Akane that you
love her and have her respond the same way.  And you must both be
sincere.  That is how to remove her from the cage."  Mousse answered with
a bit of a grin on his face.
   "What?" Ranma replied as he face-faulted.

Part 4: She Loves Who?

   "You wanna say that again Mousse?"  Ranma said, with a hint of horror
in his voice.
   "You must declare your love for Akane and she must return it.  That is
the only way to remove her from the cage that traps her.  When you gave
her the rings without being married and without the declaration of love,
they responded by enforcing fidelity in the only way they could- through a
physical cage.  Had you followed the instructions, love itself would have
created the fidelity the rings are meant to symbolize."  Mousse looked at
Ranma.   He was enjoying the shock on Saotome's face.  It was nice to see
something penetrate that normal barrier of pride.  "Surely this is nothing
you cannot do?  You have fought for her many times Ranma.  Surely you can
tell her why you've fought for her?"
   Ranma merely sat there, in shock.  Tell her I love her? he thought to
himself.  How can I do that?  I don't even know _if_ I love her, but even
as he thought that, something stirred inside him.  This was gonna take
some serious thought, as well as some major effort.
   "Don't forget," Mousse said, interrupting Ranma's train of thought,
"you must also convince Shampoo to end her infatuation with you.  Look at
it this way, perhaps that also will help you to realize your love for
Akane."  With that Mousse quickly disappeared into the Cat Cafe, leaving
Ranma alone with his thoughts.
                                      
   Walking home very slowly, Ranma continued to think about the
predicament he now found himself in.  Fighting princes and other assorted
horrors came naturally to him.   He could often handle those things with
ease.  Even if they at first proved to be more than he could handle, he
always found some way to defeat his enemies.  Often he had done it to save
Akane, or some other friend.  Occasionally it had been to save his sense
of pride.  He was, after all, Ranma Saotome.  If something was even
remotely related to martial arts, you could bet that Ranma would win.
   This, however, was a little different.  While he still had to save
Akane, the battleground was a lot less comfortable.  He had enough trouble
dealing with his own heart and emotions.  How could he expect to also be
able to overcome Akane's emotional barriers?  AAAaarrrgghh!!! he thought
to himself.  This is just gonna be impossible.  But then that little
something inside him spoke up again, and for the briefest of moments he
felt that everything was gonna be ok.  Then he looked up to find himself
standing in front of the Tendo home.  Oh boy, Ranma moaned to himself. 
Well, I guess I better go in.  Maybe I can think of something to tell them
real quick without having to explain all the details.  With that final
thought, Ranma began to make his way inside.
                                    
   "Oh where can Ranma be?!!" cried Tendo-san.  "Surely he will have found
some way to save Akane by now!"  Genma merely nodded his head in
agreement.  The day had been passing rather slowly.  Kasumi at first had
comforted Father, and had then spent some time with Akane.  Nabiki had
also been with her sister.  She seemed to be taking things rather well
actually.  Of course, things like this seemed to have a habit of happening
to her.  The three of them had spent some time reminiscing over the past. 
They talked about the time that Kirin had come and demanded that Akane be
his bride simply because she had caught that scroll.  They talked about
Saffron, and how she had been kidnapped while Ranma was in China.  Other
memories also surfaced.  It was comforting to think about the many times
Ranma had managed to pull Akane out of the various scrapes she had been
in.
   As the day wore on, however, some of the tension crept back in.  Where
had Ranma disappeared to?  Had he found a cure, or was he simply trying to
avoid the situation?  Akane sighed as she sat, trapped, in her own room. 
She wished P-chan were with her.  At least then she'd have some company
and a confidant.  Well, she thought to herself, I suppose things could be
worse.  At least no one else was trapped in here with her.  As she sat,
silently thinking to herself, she found herself looking at the picture
Ranma had given her for Christmas.  It showed everyone standing there on
the beach.  She wasn't actually standing next to Ranma, but it was still
her favorite picture of the two  of them.  She remembered when they had
exchanged gifts.  Ranma had been on the run from his other "fiancees". 
Ha! as if any of them had a right to him.  Anyway, he had scooped her up
in his arms and jumped away from them, only to come crashing through the
roof when they landed.  He could be so stupid sometimes.  But then they
had shared a quiet moment and had given each other the gifts they had
gotten.  She had knitted him a scarf with his initials on it.  She
remembered how he had looked when he first saw it.  It wasn't too
different from how he eyed some of her cooking.  But then he had seen the
initials and had even put it on!  She'd been quite happy, And then he'd
given her the picture.  She'd been so surprised.  She didn't know why he'd
picked that one.  It was her favorite, but she hadn't told anyone.  Later
they had stood on the balcony watching the sudden meteor shower that had
appeared.  It had been quite beautiful.  The memories made her smile.  She
truly loved the few moments she'd had with Ranma when they were both a
little less defensive, a little more willing to be open with each other. 
Just at that moment she heard some noise from downstairs.  The sound of
several footsteps making there way to the door made her decide Ranma had
returned.  Maybe he'd brought a cure with him!!  Her heart began to beat a
little faster as hope rose within her. 
                                    
   Soun and Genma instantly raced to the door as it slowly opened,
revealing Ranma.  "Finally!  Ranma returns.  Tell me Ranma, have you
discovered a cure for my daughter?" Tendo asked, tension high in his
voice.  Quietly, Nabiki and Kasumi had also made their way into the room. 
Ranma looked up, not saying anything and not sure what to do.  "Well Son,
speak up.  What have you discovered?"  Genma asked.
   Ranma looked back and forth at all of them, uncertain what to say.  He
didn't want to tell them the actual cure, but then, he couldn't exactly
lie to them either.  "Well, it's like this."  he started.  "I went back to
the store where I got the stupid thing and asked the old guy for some sort
of cure.  He told me he wasn't responsible, but that he'd give me some
instructions.  He, uh, hinted that there was some sort of magic phrase
that would open the cage, but the instructions are in Chinese, so I, uh,
don't know exactly what it is."  He looked around the room for a moment,
hoping they'd bought it.  He hadn't wanted to tell them about his visit
with Shampoo or Mousse either.  He figured the simpler this story was the
better.
   For a moment nothing happened, no sounds, no movements.  Finally Tendo
broke the silence.  "A m-magic phrase?  That's all that separates my
daughter from freedom?  Surely you can find out what it is!"  Nabiki had
walked over to Ranma and asked to see the instructions.  She had hoped
there would be an E-Z Japanese translation similar to the one in Shampoo's
Law of the Amazon's book.  Unfortunately, this time no such luck.  Of
course, she didn't realize that Ranma already knew what the phrase was. 
She did, however, notice the large sweat drop that formed on Ranma's head
as she began searching the instructions for some sort of clue.
   Kasumi merely smiled at the news that they were closer to a solution
and then announced that dinner would be ready soon.  They had discovered
earlier in the day that food could be passed to Akane, so they were at
least glad that she wouldn't starve to death.  Tendo asked Ranma to go
upstairs and relay this information to Akane so she'd know what progress
was being made.  Kasumi assured him that she'd bring both dinners up. 
Genma and Tendo then sat and discussed the turn of events as they stared
at the Go board that had helped them pass through this day and its
worries.
   As Ranma slowly walked upstairs, he wondered what he should tell
Akane.  He definitely needed to stick to the same story.  He also felt the
desperate need to talk to someone else.  Someone who could help him decide
what to do, not only with Akane, but with Shampoo as well.  Knocking on
Akane's door briefly, he went in.
                                    
   Meanwhile, Ryouga silently trudged along thinking of various things he
would do to Ranma.   How dare he attack him like that, and then cause him
to miss Akane's birthday.  Sometimes he went too far.  He knew that as
soon as he returned he'd make it up to him.
                                    
   Ranma and Akane ate in silence.  Ranma had dutifully explained things
to Akane.  At first she had been a little upset, but the news that they
were on their way to a solution had helped her to feel better.  At the
moment a somewhat uneasy silence rested on the two of them.  Ranma
couldn't help but think of the fact that the only way he was gonna get
Akane out of that cage was to tell her he loved her, and have her repeat
it back.  He just didn't see how that was gonna happen.  Akane just sat
there trying to forget that bars were separating her from the rest of her
family, as well as Ranma.
   Suddenly footsteps were heard.  Both of them looked up to see Nabiki
coming upstairs.  "Ranma," she started, "your Mother's here.  She just
wanted you to know, and also to see if there were anything she could do to
help."  Ranma thought about this for a second, and then realized that he
could talk to his Mom again.  She had helped him last time, and even though
the actual gift had turned out poorly, the idea had been a good one.

   "Umm, yeah thanks Nabiki.  I think I'm gonna go talk to her for a bit. 
See ya Akane.  Don't worry.  We'll figure something out."  He smiled
briefly, and then left.  Akane watched him go with a yearning look on her
face.   Please hurry Ranma, she thought to herself.  "Well, sis, whatcha
thinking about?" Nabiki asked.  They talked briefly before Nabiki excused
herself claiming an errand to run.  She had decided to catch this
conversation between Ranma and Nodoka.  She had a feeling Ranma was
holding something back, and she wanted to make sure her sister was ok.
                                    
   Ranma looked at his Mother.  He had asked her if they could talk for a
moment privately, and so they had gone to the dojo to get away from the
family.  Neither of them noticed Nabiki as she found a place she could
comfortably eavesdrop from.  "How are you feeling Son?" Nodoka asked. 
   "I'm sorry so much trouble has arisen from my suggestion."
   "No Mom, don't feel bad.  Your suggestion was great, she did like the
gift.  It just turns out that I can't pick good ones."  Ranma smiled
weakly and then decided to get straight to the heart of things.  "That's
actually why I wanted to talk to you.  I figured since you'd given me such
good advice before, you could help me now."  Ranma paused for a moment
unsure of how to begin.  Nodoka merely waited, glad he hadn't blamed her,
and interested to see what this problem would be.
   "It's like this.." Ranma began to explain the day's real events
including his encounter with Shampoo and Mousse, his bargain and the
phrase that would free Akane.  Nodoka listened in silence as did Nabiki,
although no one knew she was there.  When Ranma finally finished his story
he looked quite miserable.  He hadn't gotten any closer to a solution,
although having told someone did indeed feel good.
   Nodoka looked at her son for a moment.  She was a little unsure what to
do.  This was only the second time that her son had come to her for advice
and the first time had been relatively easy.  This problem was something
entirely different.  While she was glad to be able to help her son, she
wasn't sure quite how to go about it.  "Well, Son" she began," you do seem
to have gotten yourself into a predicament.  Although, in some ways it's a
good one.  I think it is indeed time that you discover your true feelings
for Akane and this seems like the perfect time.  Also by turning away
Shampoo, this may indeed help build your relationship further."  She
paused momentarily, looking at Ranma, who appeared to be in a slight state
of shock.  "Son, is something the matter?"  Ranma blinked a couple of
times and then sighed heavily.  "I know these are scary things Ranma,
confronting your true feelings often is.  Yet it is by doing so that you
grow and become the best you can.  I remember when Genma and I first fell
in love.  That also was an uneasy task.  Then there was the day you both
left.  My heart felt as if it would shatter that day, yet now I look at
the benefits that have come from it.  You have grown up well, aside from a
few problems which this experience should help you to overcome."  She
smiled briefly and then continued.  "Use this experience Ranma.  Take some
time and consider your true feelings for Akane.  I have a feeling that if
you search your heart deep enough, you will find the solution you seek.  I
shall leave you alone now, but first let me thank you for making me a part
of this process.  I love you Son and am glad to finally be able to help you."

   "Thanks Mom.  I, uh, love you too."  It was strange, Ranma thought, as
Nodoka departed.  Those words, while still a little strange, came quite
easily when spoken to his Mother.  He wondered if they'd come with the
same ease when directed to Akane.  Somehow he doubted it.  Nothing seemed
to be easy that involved the two of them.  Meanwhile, neither of them had
noticed Nabiki slipping quietly back into the house as their conversation
had neared its end.  Hmm, she thought to herself.  This information could
come in quite handy.
                                    
   "RANMA!  I will crush you.  You have made my life miserable for the
last time.  You will no longer be able to torment Akane." yelled Ryouga
defiantly.  He had absolutely no idea where he was, but he had a feeling
that soon enough he would cross Ranma's path.  And then, he continued to
think, I shall have my revenge.

   Nabiki took a few moments and pondered this latest batch of information.
So, she thought, someone needs to tell Akane they love her and she must say
she loves them also.  This could prove to be interesting, if not immensely
profitable.  In many ways she was glad Ranma and his Father had shown up.
Not only had things gotten a lot more interesting with them around, they were
also a source of unending (it seemed) income.  It certainly helped pay the
bills that came with them also.  How many times would they end up repairing
the dojo or the roof she wondered.  As she continued to think about what she'd
overheard, she decided that it could be used to bring in a little more money.
She knew a few people who would be interested in the phrase that would release
her sister.
   As she smiled at the thought of the people she could sell this
information to she walked to the front door and stepped outside.  She
looked around briefly, and then her smile grew even more.  The Gods are
certainly smiling on me tonight.  Not only is Kuno coming this way, but
Ryouga, the lost boy himself, is walking this way too.  Nabiki decided to
hail Ryouga first.  Best not to give his lack of direction a chance to
foil this.  "Ryouga!  Hey, what are you doing around here?"
   Ryouga looked up.  Was that Nabiki?  Had he actually managed to find
his way back to the Tendo dojo?  He couldn't believe his luck!  "Hi
Nabiki.  Have you seen Ranma anywhere?  I have something, uh, important I
want to tell him." he said while cracking his knuckles.
   "Actually, I have, but wait a second.  Kuno!  Kuno baby!  Come here for
a minute.  I have something to tell you about Akane."  Kuno also looked up
from his walk and wandered over.
   "Tendo Nabiki.  What is this information you have concerning the love
of my life.  The fierce and healthy Tendo Akane?" Kuno replied.
   "Actually both of you might be interested in this, but first how much
do you have on you?" Nabiki questioned.  There was a glint in her eyes as
both men got out there wallets.  An action almost anyone who knew her was
quite familiar with.
   
   After his mother had left Ranma sat for a moment, trying to decide what
to do.  I guess I better try and figure out how I feel about her.  The
prospect of searching his emotions wasn't a particularly appetizing one,
so he decided to work out at the same time.  Perhaps the physical exertion
would help focus his mind.  As he began his routine, he actually let his
mind drift to his encounters with Akane.
   He could remember the first time he met her quite easily.  Few people
had such odd first encounters he mused.  He, of course, had been a girl at
the time, and Akane had asked if he wanted to be friends.  Friends, he
thought with a smile on his face.  That question had gotten somewhat
funnier as time had worn on.  He'd found out that he'd become engaged to a
card carrying man hater.  She hadn't wasted any time displaying her
feelings for men once she'd found his secret out.  He also remembered that
incident, only this was with a bit of a blush.  His curse at times seemed
to have a wicked sense of humor.  He'd just stepped out of the bath as she
walked in, also wearing the same thing he was- nothing.
   Well, things had gotten better.  He remembered the night they were
walking home from Dr. Tofu's.  The doctor had tried to convince him that
Akane was really a very sweet girl.  He'd even gone to the trouble of
hitting a pressure point on Ranma's hips, causing him to lose the ability
to walk.  Akane had carried him home without a thought.  Akane had also
stuck up for him at school when he'd first arrived.  There were indeed
things that seemed to be in her favor.  Once their relationship had
settled down a bit things got a little easier.  He'd found out that
something inside him wanted to protect Akane.  He remembered the first
time she had smiled at him when he was a guy.  His heart had melted a
little.  Of course, he'd only been trying to cheer her up a little, but
what he'd told her had been true.  She was cute when she smiled.  He
remembered the many times they had fought against various enemies: Azusa
and Mikado, the so-called Golden Pair, Shampoo, Mousse, Kirin, Toma, the
list seemed to go on.  As he thought about that, it made him remember that
last fight with Saffron.  He'd truly thought he'd lost Akane then. 
He remembered the pain he felt as he'd held her in his arms.  He'd thought
she'd died.  He had indeed wanted to tell her he loved her.  Of course,
when she asked him about it later, he tried to deny it.  That seemed to be
the standard defense tactic where Akane was concerned.  Deny everything. 
If he denied his feeling long enough, maybe they'd go away.  He suddenly
recalled the first time they'd almost kissed.  It had been right here in
the dojo.  He'd just been humiliated by Mikado and was looking for
sympathy.  Of course, Akane wasn't giving him any.  Yet she had been
there.  They had started talking about kissing and had come so very close
to actually trying it.  They had come close again when they put on that
silly play Romeo and Juliet.  If it hadn't been for the tape.
   He slowly stopped his workout as his mind continued to grapple with his
feelings.  Mousse had said the reason he fought for her was love.  Was
that true?  Was his mind really that blind where his heart was concerned? 
A sneaking suspicion told him that might be exactly what was going on. 
Hmm, this was difficult.  Another memory suddenly surfaced in his mind. 
The time Akane had run off to Ryugenzawa.  He'd gone after her only to
find her with that guy Shinnosuke.  He remembered how he'd felt when he
thought she loved Shinnosuke.  That had really hurt.  He then thought
about when they had walked home and how he had held out his hand and she
had taken it.  His heart had beat amazingly fast.  But it had been a
wonderful experience.  Maybe he really did care for her.  Maybe he would
be able to tell her...
Suddenly the door to the dojo burst open.
   "RANMA!" Ryouga yelled.
   "SAOTOME!" Kuno bellowed.  "PREPARE TO DIE!" they yelled in unison. 
"Enslaver of women!  For what you have done to the beautiful Tendo Akane I
shall smite thee severely." Kuno continued.
   "For the humiliation you have given me and Akane." Ryouga added.  Ranma
tried to quickly defend himself, but his brain was still tied up with his
emotions.  Even though he'd just warmed up, he was no match for the anger
Kuno and Ryouga combined displayed.  Outside the dojo, the sounds of the
fight could be heard quite well.
   
        As Ryouga finished decimating Ranma, Kuno decided it was time to
pay his lovely Tendo Akane a visit.  The information Nabiki had offered
had indeed proven valuable.  Not only had he been able to smite that vile
sorcerer Saotome, but he could now go and declare his love for the
beautiful Akane.  Soon she would be free and able to devote her life to
her rescuer.  Ah, fate was kind.  To be able to defeat Saotome and rescue
Akane on the same day was almost too much to bear.
   As Kuno made his way upstairs to Akane's room he thought about the best
way to declare his love.  Pulling flowers out of a place similar to the
one in which Akane stored her mallet, he entered Akane's room.

   "Ah, the lovely Tendo Akane!  Rest assured your true deliverer is
here.  Soon indeed ye shall be free from this horrible cage." Kuno began.
   "Wha- what?!  Kuno, what the heck are you doing in here?!" Akane
yelled.  She and Nabiki had been quietly talking when Kuno had burst in. 
Once Kuno began his speech Nabiki quietly made her way out of the room.
   "Why, my delightful flower, I have come to set thee free." Kuno
continued.  "I have divined the phrase necessary to set you free.  I
declare my love to thee Tendo Akane.  For truly I love thee with all of my
simple heart." he continued.  He then waited for Akane to respond.  As he
said the words "I love thee" the glow of the cage changed very slightly.
   Akane, unsure of what was going on, simply replied in her usual
manner.  "Kuno, now is not the time.  I thought you said you could get me
out of here."  As she said those words the cage glowed a brighter red. 
One of the petal-like structures in the cage's design disappeared and the
cage shrunk, measurably.  It also glowed a deeper red now.  The petal that
had separated from the cage made its way to Kuno and a bright light could
be seen outside Akane's window, accompanied by a scream from Kuno.
   As Kuno's scream faded Ryouga burst into Akane's room.  "Akane!  Are
you ok?  Are you hurt?" he asked.
   "Ryouga!  I- I'm ok.  I'm not sure what happened.  The cage shrank and
Kuno seems to be hurt."  Ryouga walked over to the now comatose Kuno. 
Checking to make sure he was still alive, he turned back to Akane.
   "He seems to be ok.  He just seems to be unconscious."  Ryouga replied.
   "Oh good.  I was afraid maybe he'd been really hurt."  Akane said. 
"What's going on Ryouga?  Do you know what happened?" Akane seemed to
still be slightly shaken up.
   "I, uh, well, I have some good news Akane.  I think I can get you out
of the cage."  Ryouga replied.  He was a little uncertain now after having
seen Kuno on the floor.  The information Nabiki had given him was that
whoever declared their love for Akane would set her free.  Surely that's
what Kuno had tried.  Why hadn't it worked?  Still, Ryouga thought to
himself, Kuno probably didn't truly love her.  Not the way I love her.  He
thought about the times he had tried to declare his feelings for her.  The
times he had tried to ask her out.  He had vowed that he would always love
her.  After he found out there was to be a wedding for Ranma and Akane he
had left.  He felt he owed it to her, besides he wanted to try to find
Akari.  But that hadn't gone well.  They'd had several fights.  Fights
about pigs, fights about Akane, and how Ryouga still had feelings for
her.  He had made the mistake of leaving after one of them and hadn't
found his way back.  Instead he'd ended up at the Tendo's again.  He knew
Akane would always accept him as P-chan, and he'd been excited to discover
the wedding hadn't occurred.  He was someday going to try and find Akari
again, but right now Akane needed him.
   While Ryouga appeared lost in thought, Akane wondered where Nabiki had
gotten off to and what exactly was going on.  She also wondered where
Ranma was.  He seldom let these two around her without showing up himself
and starting some sort of a fight.  Ryouga then came out of his trance,
but seemed at a loss for words.  What was this phrase she wondered?  Had
Kuno actually spoken it but not succeeded?  She wondered if Ryouga would
be able to rescue her.  She was aware that he had helped Ranma on occasion
as well.  He'd always been very kind and helpful to Ranma.  Even going on
quests to help him try and recover his complete manhood.
   Ryouga was trying to work up the courage to tell Akane that he loved
her.  This was actually a little more difficult than he thought it would
be.  "Umm A-akane," he started.
   "Yes Ryouga?  What is it?  Can you get me out of here?"  Akane answered.
   "Umm, Akane there's something I need to tell you.  I want you to know
that I, uh, I l-lo..." Ryouga stuttered.
   At that moment the door slammed open revealing a very beat up, very
angry, very annoyed, and somewhat wet, yet male, Ranma.  He was also
holding a bucket of what appeared to be very cold water.

Part 5: To Love, or Not to Love

  "Ranma!" Akane cried out.  Ryouga was a little more focused on the
bucket that Ranma appeared to be carrying.
   "Akane, you ok?"  Ranma asked.  He had wasted little time in getting
upstairs once Nabiki had waken him up.  She hadn't even charged him for
the information about Kuno and Ryouga, just the kettle of warm water he
needed to change back- she had waken him with cold.  As it was, it looked
as though he had arrived in time.  For some reason Kuno was laid out, but
Ryouga was still alive and well.  Not for long, Ranma thought.
   "Wh-what a-are you doing here Ranma?"  Ryouga finally managed, eyes
still locked on the bucket.
   "Well, it's like this.  I guess you could say I'm bringing home the
bacon." Ranma replied.  "I just wanted to make sure that if you were gonna
do what I think you're gonna do, Akane got _ALL_ the necessary information."
Ranma was pretty sure Ryouga was gonna try and tell Akane he loved her, and
before that happened Ranma wanted Ryouga to know exactly what would happen if
he did.  Promise or no promise, Akane was his fiancee, and he hadn't gone
through all the trouble of trying to discover his true feelings for nothing.
   "Just what d-do you mean?" Ryouga replied, horror beginning to surface
in his eyes.
   "What's going on!!?"  Akane interrupted.  "Ranma!  What are you doing
to poor Ryouga?  And why do you have that bucket of cold water?"  She was
completely confused by the sudden turn of events.
   "Akane, Ryouga has _several_ things he'd like to tell you.  He may
start with what he considers the most important, but before he's done
you'll find out what _I_ think is most important.  Right Ryouga?"  Ranma
replied with a hard edge to his voice.
   "Ranma, you promised!"  Ryouga yelled.
   "I know I did Ryouga, but I think complete honesty would be the best
policy here.  Don't you?"  Ranma replied icily.
   "Uh, ok Ranma.  Umm, I guess, you, uh might have a point."  Ryouga
replied with a heavy sigh.  He'd known this day would eventually come, but
he hadn't pictured it happening like this.  Still, this was his last
chance to show Akane that he loved her.  Surely she'd understand.  "I
don't suppose you have any hot water too?"
   "I do." Nabiki replied as she walked in.  She had decided to grab some
when she saw Ranma stop for a bucket of cold water on his way upstairs. 
Not knowing why he needed it she decided maybe warm would also come in
handy.
   Cold water, hot water.  What's going on? Akane wondered.  Does Ryouga
have a curse?  The possibility suddenly loomed in front of her.  But what
could it be?  After all this time, I've never even suspected that Ryouga
was cursed too.
   Ranma was relieved that Ryouga would go through this without a fight. 
Maybe he'd known this was gonna happen.  He wondered what Ryouga would
say.  He also wondered how he'd break the news to Akane.  He'd kept his
secret remarkably well.  Of course, there were a few times he'd decide
that Akane just had to be blind.
   "Akane."  Ryouga began.  "I want you to know that no matter what
happens.  I always have and always will feel the same towards you."  He
looked  around a bit, trying to find some way out of this.  However, he
knew it was time.  "Ranma go ahead and show her."  With that Ranma poured
the cold water on Ryouga revealing a wet, sad P-chan.
   Akane fainted.

   When she came to Ryouga was back again, having been doused by Nabiki. 
She was speechless.  Her brain still had difficulty accepting what she'd
just seen.
   "Akane, I uh, well...hmm...I want you to know thatIloveyou."  Ryouga said
very quickly with a hint of fear in his voice.  For a moment Akane said
nothing.  She again failed to notice the shift in the glow of the bars.
Ranma, however, did notice.  He also noticed the anger building in Akane.

   "RYOUGA NO HENTAI!!!"  was all she could manage.  As the bars once
again shifted downward and a petal was released, her hammer almost made it
through.  Ryouga's heart of glass shattered as her words reached him.  He
almost welcomed the petal as it wrapped around him.  He felt the burning
pain and screamed much as Kuno had and then fell, gratefully, into oblivion.

   "RANMA! Explain exactly what is going on and I mean NOW!"  Akane
yelled, hammer still in her hands.  She'd had to sit in order to avoid the
top of the cage, which glowed a fierce blood red now.

   Shampoo sat behind the counter and breathed a heavy sigh.  Things just
had not been going well lately.  Ever since Ranma had come in with his
news about Akane and that stupid ring she had not been able to
concentrate.  Mousse hadn't been much of a help either.  While he was
still polite, and to some degree, nicer than before, he couldn't hide the
big smile that had been on his face since Ranma's last appearance.  Oh
Ranma, Shampoo thought to herself.  Why did you give Akane the puzzle
ring?  Why didn't you give it to me?  She remembered how she had hit him
upon hearing that particular piece of news.  She wondered if that was why
he hadn't been by.  Either that, or he was actually enjoying being married
to that pervert-girl Akane.  That thought caused her to shudder quite
violently.  Her mind then began to drift off to other things...

   As for Mousse, he had been having a wonderful time.  The idea that
Saotome might pull this off constantly pushed him to new heights.  With
Saotome gone, he thought, I can then show Shampoo how I truly love her and
she will have no on else to distract her.  Especially Cologne, he thought
with a bit of a frown.  She had been a constant thorn in his side.  Never
allowing Shampoo to even consider thinking of Mousse as an appropriate
suitor.  All because of that silly episode when they were three.
   Since Cologne had gone Mousse had found it easier to worm his way into
Shampoo's graces.  While she still didn't treat him much differently, she
was a little longer in treating him with no thought whatsoever.  Once
Saotome was gone for good, he envisioned the process of winning her heart
speeding up even more.  He continued to think about his plans with the
same smile that had been haunting Shampoo for the last few days.

   "I'm waiting Ranma!"  Akane said with a _very_ harsh edge to her
voice.  Nabiki merely looked on with bit of amazement and shock.  Even she
hadn't suspected that outcome.  She was a little distraught at the thought
of all the blackmail money that had just vanished in front of her.
   Ranma, however, was a bit unsure what to do.  He definitely needed to
calm Akane down.  There was too much at stake here.  For one thing, he had
absolutely no idea about what had just happened.  Why had the cage shrunk
like that?  Mousse had said absolutely nothing about that.  He had a very
real fear that if his attempt to free Akane didn't succeed that she might
not survive it either.  Plus, there was the whole Ryouga/P-chan thing that
it looked like _he_now had to explain.  Stupid Ryouga, Ranma cursed. 
   "Ummm, well, Akane, there are a couple things I need to tell you." Ranma
replied with a bit of a strain in his voice.
   "You can say that again Ranma!"  Akane yelled.  "Why don't you start by
explaining why Ryouga was P-chan and why you never told me!  You must be
an even bigger pervert than I thought!  When I get out of here, I'm going
to kill you!"  Akane screamed.
   She's definitely not calming down Ranma moaned inwardly.  "Ryouga was
in China too."  Ranma began.  Akane, sensing an explanation, quieted, but
continued to glare.  "You remember when we first encountered him, right?" 
Akane nodded.  "Well, when he said he was going to destroy my happiness,
because I'd destroyed his, he didn't know how right he was."  Ranma's face
began to fall as he continued his explanation.
   He told Akane of the night Ryouga showed up, demanding a fight, and how
it had been raining.  He reminded her of her discovery of P-chan.  Ranma
then explained how when she'd put P-chan in the bath, Ryouga had emerged. 
Akane's face began to soften a bit, but she still had a question.  "Why
didn't you tell me?  You knew how close I was to P-chan, how I took him
everywhere, how he even slept with me!" Akane said, her voice beginning to
shudder as she realized the full implications of the past year.
   "I couldn't tell you because of a promise I made to Ryouga that night."
Ranma continued.  "I found out that it was my fault Ryouga had gotten
cursed." he said, voice heavy, eyes to the floor.  "He'd followed Pop and
me to China- intent on getting revenge.  He ended up getting cursed
instead.  It happened right after Pop and I got cursed.  I was so mad that
I chased him forever.  While we were running around a cliff, Ryouga got
knocked off and fell into the Spring of Drowned Pig.  Since it was my
fault, I promised not to reveal his secret.  Believe me, I wanted to tell
you!  You know how much I hated that pig.  But I couldn't break my word." 
Ranma finished and sat there in silence, still looking at the floor.
   Akane, upon hearing the whole story, had suddenly put so many pieces of
her life together.  She knew that Ranma was indeed very much a man of his
word, and she respected that.  It didn't make the hurt and shock lessen
any, but she knew she couldn't hold this grudge against Ranma.  "Ranma, I,
I'm sorry." she responded quietly.
   At that Ranma looked up.  "You mean that Akane?" he asked, hope in his
eyes.
   "Yes Ranma." she said.  "I know how much your word means to you.  I
don't hold this against you.  It looks as though Ryouga gets the blame for
this one." she said, her voice tightening as she looked over at his now
unconscious body.  "He better be long gone by the time I get out of here,
is all I can say." she commented not hiding the anger and hatred in her
voice.  Suddenly she looked up at Ranma.  "That reminds me, how exactly do
I get out of here?  They both said they knew the phrase that would release
me.  What is it?  Do you know it?" she asked, hope now dawning in her
eyes.
   "Umm, well, actually I do."  Ranma replied while shifting around a bit
uncomfortably.  "That's the other thing we need to talk about.  It's like
this Akane..." Ranma breathed heavily, trying to figure out how best to
break the news to her.  Deciding to just get it in the open, he
continued.  "I have to tell you that I love you and you have to say you
love me, and we both have to be sincere." he said quickly again looking at
the floor.  Not hearing a response, he looked up to see Akane in shock
again.

   Genma and Soun looked at each other over the Go board.  They had been a
bit surprised at the arrival of Kuno and Ryouga, but had chalked it up to
ordinary circumstances.  They were more concerned with Ranma's attempts to
find this phrase that would free Akane.  When they saw Kuno head upstairs,
followed by Ryouga, then Ranma, and finally Nabiki they decided some
covert eavesdropping was in order.  Unsurprised by Ryouga's announcement
(Soun had found that out long ago and shared the information with Genma),
they were surprised by Ranma's revelation of the cure to Akane's
imprisonment.  Unable to hold their elation, they burst into Akane's room.
   "Oh happy day!  Ranma and Akane will finally share their love with each
other!"  Tendo cried, as he danced around.
   "It's about time Son- you sneaky dog you!"  Genma added, also dancing.
   Seeing both fathers in the room caused Ranma to take a route similar to
Akane- he fainted.

   When he came back around he found Akane looking at him through the cage
and no sign of any other family members, or bodies.  Apparently they had
decided to give the couple some privacy.  No doubt so they could plan up
another wedding, Ranma thought.  Although he didn't react with the normal
shudder that coursed through his body at that thought.  "You ok Akane?" he
asked.  She nodded her head.
   "Is that really the way to free me from this cage?"  Akane asked.
   "Yeah."  Ranma replied.  "Umm, I think I'm gonna leave you alone for a
bit.  I think we could both use a little time to sort this out." he said,
looking at Akane.  When she slightly nodded her head, Ranma got up to
leave.
   "You know, it's funny."  Akane said suddenly.  "When I made my wish the
other night, I wished that your gift would bring us closer.  I never
dreamed it would happen like this though."  she said smiling a bit at the
end.  Ranma merely smiled back as he left the room.  She really is cute
when she smiles, he thought to himself.

   Akane sat in silence for a moment, thinking about everything that was
happening.  It was a bit of a shock to learn that in order to be free
she'd have to declare her love for Ranma, as well as he for her.  She had
fantasized about various ways this might occur, but none of them were like
this.  She wondered if Ranma would actually be able to tell her he loved
her.  She too remembered their failed wedding, and that had been the
largest disappointment to her- Ranma's total denial of his love.  She knew
that he had said it at Jusendou.  She just knew it, but upon trying to get
him to admit to it, he had just denied it.  Typical.
   Akane then found herself wondering if she could tell him that she loved
him.  She had never really tried, although there had been times she'd
though about it.  She recalled the time she'd run away to Ryugenzawa. 
She'd found Shinnosuke, the boy that had saved her when she was younger. 
Akane had felt it necessary to try and save him in return.  Ranma had
shown up asking her to return, but she couldn't go.  Ranma had thought it
was because she loved Shinnosuke.  While it was true she didn't understand
her feelings for him at first, when she had nearly been killed by the
Yamata no Orochi, she had realized that it was indeed Ranma that she loved.

   That memory caused others to come forth and soon Akane found herself
again remembering times that Ranma had come to her rescue.  She realized
how much she owed to him, and how much she truly did care.  It had just
been so long that she'd hidden behind the shell of jealousy and anger. 
Akane remembered the reversal jewel that Mousse had put on her.  It had
caused her true feelings for Ranma to assert themselves.  Ranma had been
shocked by her openness.  She smiled at the thought.  I wonder how he'll
react if I do it now?  Other memories began to surface.  Akane thought
about the time Ranma had moved out to live with his mother.  That had hurt
as well.  She hadn't realized how much a part of her day to day life Ranma
was.  Also, they hadn't parted well.  Neither of them was good at
expressing themselves.  That made her think about the time Ranma had
become stuck as a female due to Prince Herb.  As he'd gone on his quest
for the kasuifuu, she had again missed him.  She remembered being angry
when she discovered Ranma, Ryouga and Mousse in the bath upon their
return.  She had yelled at him, but then her emotions won out and she
welcomed him home.
   Akane thought about the trouble they had showing emotions.  She thought
it had a lot to do with the fact that they had both grown up largely
without mothers.  She briefly wondered what Ranma would be like if Nodoka
had taken him training instead of Genma.  That thought, too, made her
smile.  She remembered her own pain at losing her mother, and being
slightly envious of Ranma's joyful reunion with his.  She had so often
wished to see her mother again.  She remembered discovering her mother's
recipe book.  In some ways, it had been like a chance meeting.  A brief
opportunity to discover some of the things that had been a part of her. 
She had struggled so hard to learn the techniques it taught.  It wasn't
her fault that occasionally things didn't work out as they were supposed
to.  Oh well, some day I'll be able to cook.  Or maybe I'll just let Ranma
do it.  She giggled at the picture of Ranma playing housewife.  Yes, she
thought, Ranma is an important part of my life.  In many ways he had
filled the void her mother had left.  She did indeed love him, and she
felt that if he could admit it to her, she could admit it to him.  A smile
filled her face as she waited for him to return.

   Ranma had gone back to the dojo.  Somehow he always made his way here
when things were troubling him.  He thought about the dojo and its
significance. It was a place for him to practice, a place for him to
learn.  Occasionally he would spar against someone, but the greatest
learning always came when he was by himself.  The dojo allowed him to
train against himself.  He had learned many things in here.  Now he was
trying to discover an entirely new side of himself.  His previous thoughts
returned to him, and he again found himself wondering if he loved Akane. 
He remembered the Valentine's Day when she had given him the white
chocolate.  There were many small indications of their true feelings.  He
realized that given the chance, if they were totally honest, they did care
for each other.  Well, he cared for her.  And he hoped that she cared for
him.  Akane filled an important place in his life, in his heart.  He could
admit that he loved her.  He slowly got up and prepared to find her and
tell her.

   As Ranma quietly made his way through the house, he noticed that no one
else was around.  He decided that they had to be hiding somewhere, waiting
for the moment he declared his love to Akane, and she to him.  He thought
about trying to find them so the moment could indeed be private.  He
certainly knew few other romantic moments in his life had been private. 
But this moment didn't feel particularly romantic.  It was more like it
needed to be witnessed.  By having someone hear them share their feelings
they would be more real.  He slowly went up the stairs.

   Akane heard steps on the stairs.  Was it Ranma coming back up?  Was
this the moment she had waited for and dreamed of?  As she waited in
silence, feeling the beating of her heart, the footsteps came closer. 
Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Ranma opened the door and asked if
he could come in.  She nervously smiled and nodded her head.  He too
looked nervous as he approached the cage.
   "Akane, I, well, I have something I need to tell you."  Ranma said
nervously.
   "Y-yes Ranma. What is it?"  Akane answered with a slight tremble in her
voice.
   "Akane..." he began, looking up into her eyes.  He could feel his heart
pounding as he thought about what he was going to say.  "Akane, I want you
to know that I love you."  he said, eyes locked on hers.  Neither of them
noticed the cage beginning to glow.
   "Oh Ranma, I, I love you too."  Akane replied, voice filled with
happiness.  Tears began to form in her eyes.  After she finished speaking,
the cage began to shimmer with a bright, white light.  They both stared as
once again the petals formed and the bars shimmered away from Akane.  As
the light began to fade, Akane noticed the ring was once again on her
finger, but this time it was fused together, still in the pattern of a
rose.  Once the light returned to normal, she rushed over to Ranma who
took her in his arms.  They quietly embraced for a moment before the door
opened and the rest of the family rushed in, smiles on their faces.
   "Yea!  Akane and Ranma love each other!  They finally admitted it!" 
Genma and Soun cheered.  Nabiki looked on with a bit of a smug look on her
face.  "So, did you get your wish yet Akane?"  she asked with that twinkle
in her eyes.  Akane blushed slightly at the comment, thinking about the
other thing she had added to her wish.  Kasumi appeared even happier than
normal and merely said, "Oh Ranma, Akane, how wonderful."  Everyone
remained joyful for a moment before Ranma turned to Akane and mentioned
that there was one last thing he needed to inform her of.
   "Well, Akane, in order to get the phrase to free you, I had to make a
deal with Mousse.  You see, uh, the instructions were in Chinese  and I
tried to ask Shampoo, but all she did was hit me.  Mousse offered to help
in exchange for a favor." Ranma explained.  He then started to look around
a bit.  Not quite anxious to explain what the deal was.
   "Well, what is it?"  Akane inquired.
   "Well, umm, you and I sort of have to, uh, well, we have to pretend
we're..." he began and then whispered, "mrrd."
   "Pretend we're what?  What was that last bit?"  Akane asked.
   "Married.  We have to convince Shampoo that we're together and she's no
longer an option."
   "Ranma no Baka."  Akane replied without the usual malice that
accompanied that phrase.  She still hit him with her mallet, but since she
was in such a good mood she decided to pull her swing.  A little. 
Everyone else merely smiled while Ranma slumped to the floor rubbing his
head.

   It had now been a full day since Akane had been freed.  She had enjoyed
being able to leave her room and she and Ranma had even gone on a walk
together.  They were still a little uncomfortable with with their newly
expressed feelings, but a lot of the strain had been taken off their
relationship.  They realized once they knew where the other was
emotionally, they no longer had to fall into their old habits of
insecurity and jealousy.  In some ways they wished they'd tried this long
ago, but they decided that the time had been necessary.  As they sat next
to each other at dinner, holding hands under the table, Genma looked at
them and asked if they had decided what to do about Shampoo.
   "Yeah," Nabiki chimed in, "your attempt to convince Ukyou that you were
married was oh so successful.  It lasted what, a day, maybe two?"
   "Well, that was before,"  Akane began.
   "Before what?  Before you declared your _love_?"  Nabiki said in a
melodramatic voice.
   Ranma blushed as Akane merely rolled her eyes and added, "Oh cut that
out Nabiki.  You're just jealous you didn't hold onto him when you had the
chance."  Ranma reddened further as Nabiki began laughing.
   Soun interrupted saying, "Well, do you think you can pull it off this
time?"
   Ranma looked thoughtful, if not a bit sheepish, as he said, "I think we
can at least convince her that we love each other and that she should
leave us alone.  I just hope we can do it without a fight, or another kiss
of death."  At that comment, the room once again grew silent.

   As Ranma and Akane slowly made their way to the Cat Cafe, they
discussed their plans.  They had decided to try and reason with Shampoo. 
If they could convince her that they were indeed in love, maybe they
wouldn't have to fight her.  Ranma really wanted to avoid a fight because
of Mousse.  He wasn't sure what his reaction would be if Shampoo was
suddenly placed in jeopardy.  Holding hands they continued on their way.

    Shampoo had no idea of the approach of Ranma and Akane.  She was again
lost in her thoughts.  She had decided that if things really didn't go
well between she and Ranma the next time they saw each other, it would be
in her best interests to go home.  She hadn't yet told Mousse of this
because she was a bit surprised by the decision herself.  Cologne would
certainly never have let her contemplate a thing like leaving, but Cologne
was gone.  Shampoo was on her own and now that chasing Ranma wasn't paying
off and she didn't have the constant pressure of her great-grandmother,
she was becoming homesick.  It had been a while since she had been home. 
She had been close when they had gone to the Jusendou, but that had only
heightened her now realized homesickness.
   As she continued to drift in her thoughts Mousse came up to her. 
   "Shampoo, what are you thinking about?"  He asked in Chinese, as no one
else was around at the moment.
   Hearing Mousse speak in Chinese further heightened her sense of
homesickness, and tears started to appear in her eyes.  "Oh, Mousse.  I
miss home.  Since Ranma doesn't seem to be interested in me I was thinking
of going back..." she replied, her voice trembling a bit.
   Mousse looked on in a bit of shock.  She had actually answered his
question.  She hadn't snapped at him.  Not only that, but she was thinking
of going home.  This was even better than he'd hoped.  If Ranma didn't
show up at all, he could probably have them gone in a few days.  He could
comfort Shampoo on the way home and surely she'd fall in love with him! 
   "Home Shampoo?  Really?  It would be nice to see the valley again wouldn't
it?  It's been so long."  he began.  Shampoo nodded her head.  Mousse
hoped this moment would last, but then, of course, nothing was that easy.
   Suddenly the sound of the door opening startled both of them.  Just as
Shampoo was about to say they were closed, she realized it was Ranma.  Her
eyes began to light up, while Mousse cursed his ill luck.  However,
Shampoo's smile quickly faded as Ranma held the door open for Akane, who
appeared to be holding his other hand.  "Hi Shampoo.  Akane and I thought
we'd stop by for a little bit.  We, um, had some things we wanted to tell
you."
   Shampoo glared at Ranma and then turned an icy gaze on Akane.  The room
noticeably cooled as her gaze then rested on the ring still on Akane's
left hand.  "What Ranma and pervert-girl want?  Shampoo no have time for
silly talking!"
   Akane visibly bristled at her comment, but calmed a little when Ranma
gently squeezed her hand.  She remembered why they were here and that also
helped her to  control her temper.  Ranma replied, "_Akane_ and I came by
to say we were sorry for anything we've done, but we're in love and we
hope you can live with that."  He looked at Akane and then said, "Isn't
that right Akane?"
   "Yes Ranma.  Shampoo, I'm sorry, but I love Ranma and he loves _me_! 
There's nothing you, or anyone else can do about that!" she added with a
hint of a challenge in her voice.  She locked her gaze on Shampoo, who
returned it.  Shampoo began to get angry.
   Mousse looked on in fear.  Things had been going so well!  How could
this be happening?  However, Shampoo suddenly dropped her gaze to the
floor and said, "Ok.  If what Ranma want.  Shampoo no stand in way. 
Shampoo ask one question though?"
   For a moment the room was completely silent.  No one had anticipated
Shampoo's reaction.  Ranma quickly answered, "Of course Shampoo.  What is
it?"
   Shampoo looked up, a bit sheepishly.  "Is ok if Shampoo kiss Ranma
goodbye?  Shampoo and Mousse leaving for home very soon.  No worry, no
give any Kiss of Death or Marriage, just Goodbye."
   Ranma, unsure how to respond, looked to Akane.  After overcoming the
initial shock of her request, and the news that they were leaving, she
nodded her head.  "It's ok Shampoo."  With that, Ranma nervously
approached Shampoo, who looked at him briefly and then tenderly kissed
him.  As the kiss ended, she once again whispered "Bie Liao" in Ranma's
ear.  Mousse and Akane briefly looked away, each lost in their own
thoughts.
   

   Ranma and Akane stood on the balcony, once again looking at the
stars.  Akane, curious about something, asked what Shampoo had whispered
in his ear.  "We'll never meet again."  Ranma replied quietly.  He too was
a little lost in his thoughts.  He had been surprised at the news that
Shampoo and Mousse were leaving.  But he had also been a little relieved. 
That was one fiancee he'd probably never have to worry about again.  Right
now there was only one on his mind.  "Hey Akane," he quietly asked, 
   "Whatcha thinking about?"
   Akane blushed briefly and answered, "My birthday wish."
   "Oh.  How we'd become closer and stuff?"  Ranma replied.
   "Not exactly." she replied.  She'd actually been thinking about kissing
Ranma and wondering what it would be like.  She had been a bit jealous at
the Cat Cafe, but had decided she'd find out soon enough what that
experience was like.
   "What do you mean not exactly?" Ranma asked, confusion in his voice.
   "I was actually thinking about this." she replied.  And with that she
reached up for Ranma's head, brought it closer to her own, closed her
eyes, and kissed him.  In the sky a shooting star went by.
   
                                 The End

Author's note:  All characters creations of Rumiko Takahashi.  I, in no
way, shape, or form claim any ownership of them etc.  This story has
merely been for fun.  I hope you have enjoyed it.

Now a few brief words about the story itself.  I really enjoyed writing it
and I hope you enjoyed reading it.  As you can tell, I too enjoy the
romantic side of the Ranma 1/2 story.  Figuring they'd never get together
on their own (as Takahashi seemed to leave it) I figured some outside
force was gonna have to make them realize their true feelings.  At least
to each other.  There have been many influences that have helped create
this story.  My wife being among them.  She too enjoys Ranma 1/2 and she
helped me to believe I could actually accomplish this.  Several fanfic
writers/stories have also helped.  Joseph Palmer's "Seasons" series as
well as his new "Colors" series are favorites of mine, as well as Richard
Lawson's "Thy Inward Love".  If you haven't read them, I highly recommend
them.  The Daigakusei no Ranma series is also great.  It was the first
fanfic I ever read.  I hope this story has increased your enjoyment of the
Ranma 1/2 series.  I certainly believe that Takahashi has created a truly
marvelous series.  Thanks again for any comments you may have.  Ja mata.

drew

Feel free to e-mail me at: eoff@itsnet.com

Gambatte ne  ^_~