Chapter2: Don’t go!

“Humph! I’ll see about that! My name is Ranma Soatome of the school Anything Goes School of Martial Arts,” said Ranma running towards him.

“Wait a minute!” said Perfume. She walked up to Iruka and looked at him.

“You look very strong. Maybe he can beat Ranma.”

“No way, Perfume. He’s a small fry!” replied Ranma.

“Small fry! Are you a moron or something? I’ll show you who’s a small fry,” said Iruka.

“Ranma, let’s make deal. If Iruka wins, you forgive Shampoo and talk to her everyday,” said Perfume.

“And if I win, you’ll drop this Shampoo thing and I’ll decide to forgive her whenever I want,” replied Ranma.

“…Okay,” said Perfume.

“Come on, show me what you got!” said Iruka running towards him.

He was fast. He jumped from the ground, off the mailbox and then kicked Ranma.

“Wow! He’s good,” thought Ranma.

“Yay! We have chance. Ranma forgive Shampoo for sure.”

Suddenly, Iruka started to punch rapidly as Ranma dodged them with some difficulty. “Hmm, He’s a very good challenge,” thought Iruka.

Suddenly, Iruka saw an opening on Ranma. Iruka punched him in his stomach and sent Ranma to the ground.

“Ranma!” said Akane.

Iruka looked toward Akane. He was speechless. “She’s gorgeous…” thought Iruka mesmerized by Akane..

“Why, you!” said Ranma.

Suddenly, Ranma kicked Iruka in the back and punched him on the side. Iruka fell to the ground as Ranma gave a smirk.

“Oh, poo!” said Perfume crossing her arms. “Okay, Ranma. Perfume promise to not interfere no more.”

“Thanks,” said Ranma.

“Iruka,” said Akane coming over to him. She looked at his body as he turned him over. “Poor guy.”

“Hey! Wake up!” said Ranma slapping him.

“Ranma! Stop it!” Akane kicked him into the air.

Suddenly, Iruka started to wake up. He looked at his surroundings and saw Akane smiling at him. He froze and blushed.

“Hmm…” said Perfume.

“Oh, I’m glad to see you’re alright,” replied Akane.

“Oh, thanks,” replied Iruka as he got up.

“Let me introduce my self,” said Akane. “I’m Akane Tendo and this is Perfume.”

“Nihao,” said Perfume waving her hand.

“Hey,” said Iruka.

“Heard you’re a traveling martial artist. You must be tired so, would you like to come to my house for a while?” Asked Akane.

Iruka looked at her with happiness in his eyes. “Sure, I wouldn’t miss the road for a while,” replied Iruka.

“Oh, so Iruka and Akane…. This is perfect for Shampoo,” thought Perfume as she giggled.

“Hey, Perfume, are you coming?” Asked Akane.

“Who? Me? No, Perfume got to help Shampoo at restaurant. See you later,” said Perfume waving to them.

They watched the Chinese amazon leave as they shrugged. Akane smiled at Iruka and took his hand to show him the places as they went home. ‘She’s sure is nice and pretty. I might as well stay awhile’ thought Iruka.

Ranma landed as he looked up into the sky. “That Akane can kick,” said Ranma. He looked at his surroundings and smiled. He knew he was just a couple of blocks from Ucchans. He could stop by, see the happy couple, and then go home. ‘About the time I get home, Akane will have cooled off’.

“Ranma?” said a voice behind him.

He knew whom the voice belonged to and winced at it. He turned around to see Shampoo. He felt so many things at once. He felt anger, sadness, betrayal, and even a bit of happiness to see her. Ranma looked at Shampoo as she placed her arms in front of her and looked at the ground. All he knew was that he didn’t want to apologize even when she was begging. He knew he wasn’t ready for her to come back into his life.

“ What do you want, Shampoo?” Asked Ranma looking away

.

“Shampoo wanted Ranma to know Shampoo going back to China in a week.” Said Shampoo.

Ranma looked at her for this. He couldn’t believe she was leaving. Has she truly given up?

“Shampoo visit Mousse and we talk about things. Things that important to us, and how we should let things go,” Shampoo was still looking at the ground.

“Well, then, good luck in China,” said Ranma leaving her.

He was about to leave until Shampoo went behind him and hugged his back as tears started to flow. He turned to her with anger until he saw her face filled with sadness. He remembered her old face long ago filled with happiness and joy to see her fiancé, but now it was a different. He couldn’t bear to see her in pain, so he turned and walked away.

“It not fair, Ranma! Shampoo do those things cause she loved you! Shampoo didn’t really mean no harm,” said Shampoo. “If I knew this would happen, Shampoo would never trash wedding.”

“Well, you did, so you have to live with your consequences. You could have hurt someone,” replied Ranma walking away.

Shampoo stood there hugging herself. Even though she had everyone on her side for comfort, she felt so alone without the man she loved. Ranma was the first and the only man she would ever love thought Shampoo as she walked home.

“Hello, welcome to Ucchan,” said Konastu. “Oh, hey, Ranma.”

“Oh, Ranchan! Here, have a sit,” Ukyo invited with a smile.

Ranma was so glad to see Ukyo and Konastu. They were happily married and waiting patiently for their baby to come. They greeted everyone with smile and offered to listen to their problems, give them advice, and show friendship as long as they buy an okonomiyaki.

Ranma sat and watched Ukyo make him his usual okonomiyaki. He loved how she would flip it up and then add the sauce and the other ingredient. Konastu was taking orders and cleaning the tables. They made a great duo.

“So, what’s up today, Ranma?” Asked Ukyo giving him his okonomiyaki.

“Well, I got attacked by this new guy named Iruka Fuji. Boy was strong, but I got him. He should have known he was messing with Ranma Soatome,” said Ranma laughing.

“Oh, you’re so cocky!” said Ukyo smiling.

“How’s the baby?” Asked Ranma.

“He/She’s fine,” said Ukyo rubbing her belly. “I feel fat though.”

“Oh, darling, you look fine. As beautiful as the first time I met you,”said Konastu.

“Oh, honey,” said Ukyo giving Konastu a kiss.

“I hope Akane and I will be like those two,” thought Ranma.

“Oh! I saw Shampoo today, she was trying to find you. Did she?” Asked Ukyo cooking an okonomiyaki.

“Yeah, she told she was leaving back to China and I told her good luck. She asked for forgiveness, but I told her no,” said Ranma eating his okonomiyaki.

“Umm, Ranchan, can’t you forget what happened a year ago. It was bad, but she really feels bad and no one deserves this,” said Ukyo.

“No, I don’t” replied Ranma. “She tried to kill you and Akane, drugged me and did things to make my head hurt,” said Ranma.

“Yeah, but she didn’t really mean to,” said Konastu.

“Beside, she might do the wrong things, but she loved you a lot.”Said Ukyo. “Love can make you do or say the craziest things.”

Ranma started to think about it. Shampoo can be very caring and she did do the right things when it came to morals. There were times when he thought about Shampoo and how he felt some imitate feelings for her, but she would always mess it up. He did feel terrible about ignoring her a bit. Maybe it was time to forgive her. “Well, I’ll think about it. I got to go,” Ranma hopped up from his seat.

“Hey! You better pay up, jack ass!” said Ukyo.

“Oh yeah. I need to get use to it,” replied Ranma leaving some yen on the table.

As Ranma got home, it was getting dark. He had to think about Shampoo and, well, he took a long walk around the neighborhood. He finally made a decision, so he made his way home.

“Yo, I’m home,” said Ranma.

“Oh, hello, Ranma,” said Kasumi smiling. “Akane is in the dojo with a visitor.”

“Huh? Really?” Asked Ranma.

“Yeah, and he sure is cute, too,” replied Nabiki going upstairs.

“I’ll go see them,” said Ranma making his way to the dojo.

As he opened the door, he heard laughter. It was Akane and Iruka. Ranma didn’t know what to make of it. As he watched, Iruka was sparring with Akane as they had a conversation.

“What happen after that?” Asked Akane punching.

“Well, she was so embarrassed she wore a bag over her head the rest of the week until the mark on her face came off. It was so funny,” replied Iruka.

They laughed together. Ranma felt a little jealous, so he gave a little yet noticeable cough. They stopped and looked at Ranma. Iruka gave a little glare, but Akane gave him a reassuring look, which made him feel relieved. Ranma walked in looking at the two as if they broke a law.

“What are YOU doing here?” Asked Ranma to Iruka.

“He’s spending some nights here,” said Akane.

“Was I asking you!” said Ranma coldly to Akane.

“Don’t you dare talk to her that way,” said Iruka angrily.

Akane placed a hand on his shoulder as gently pushed him aside. She looked at her fiance. He was acting like a jerk again, so this time she was ready. She walked in front of him with an angry face.

“Don’t talk to me like that!” said Akane.

“Who told him he could stay here,” said Ranma.

“I did, so live with it!” replied Akane.

“He doesn’t deserve to stay her. He tried to kick my butt.”

“I wish he did!”

“Why you no good uncute macho chick.”

“You’re such a jerk!”

“I’m so glad I didn’t marry you. I couldn’t take waking up to such a girl who has no sex appeal and can’t cook. I rather marry Kodachi than you!”

Suddenly, Akane froze. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. It was so humiliating. She felt so angry that she slapped Ranma. He looked at her as she cried.

“Well, then you got your wish. How about we forget our engagement, too!” said Akane as she turned away. “I’m glad too. You’re not a real man, just a little crossdressing boy!”

She buried her face into her hands and ran out the house. Iruka looked at Ranma and ran after Akane. Ranma was furious at what Akane called him. She started it he thought. He decided to go take a little nap.

“That Akane! She’s got to blow everything out of proportion,” said Ranma.

As he slept, he started to have a dream. He was in the dark curled up. He felt something coming towards him. He looked over and it was Shampoo. She was glowing as he looked at her. She kissed her fingers and pressed it on Ranma’s lips. “Shampoo…” said Ranma.

Suddenly, Akane appeared behind him. They both smiled at Ranma, who seemed to be confused.

“What’s going on?” Asked Ranma.

A minute later, Akane disappeared and Shampoo was in a pool of her own blood on the floor. Ranma wore a terrified look on his face.

“Where’s Akane? Shampoo! Wake up! Get up! Please be okay!” said Ranma feeling her pulse.

There was no pulse as Ranma screamed as loud as he could. Ranma awoke so sudden. ‘Whoa! What a dream!’ thought Ranma as he scratched his head. He got from his sleeping mat.

“I should go see if Akane’s back,” said Ranma.

He walked out to see his mother and father with Soun at the table. “Hey, did Akane come back home,” said Ranma.

“No, not that I noticed,” replied Nodoka.

“She’s been gone for a good thirty minutes,” said Soun.

“Ranma, you should go…” said Soun.

“Already on it.” Replied Ranma running out the house.

“That boy will make a good husband for my little Akane,” said Soun.

“Why, yes. He already shows his interest and concern for Akane,” replied Genma.

Ranma ran on top of the roofs. He looked around the area Akane would normally be at. It seemed hopeless to find her.

“Where is she?” Asked Ranma. “Now, I’m getting worried.”

Suddenly, Ranma heard a screamed. It sounded so familiar. He ran to where he could her the scream. He saw Akane being held by a ninja and Iruka lying unconscious on the ground. He wasn’t the only ninja there. There were six others.

“Let go of her,” said Ranma running towards them.

Ranma kicked one down and was about to punch another until the ringleader kicked him to the ground.

“Fool!” said ninja #5.

“Don’t mess with the Godai clan.” Said ninja #2.

“We are the best fighting ninjas in the world.” Said ninja #3.

“I don’t care what the hell you guys are. You better give back Akane, or I’ll beat you till a pulp,” replied Ranma.

“You see the boss needs this female specimen plus that guy on the ground. He needs them for his mission. There’s also one more person, but she’ll be coming soon enough. I can feel it,” said the ringleader.

“What does your boss need them for?” Asked Ranma.

“We do not ask questions. Whatever he needs, we give it to him,” said ninja #6.

“What going on here?” Asked a voice.

It was Shampoo. She had her bonbari in her hands ready to attack.

“Shampoo?” said Ranma.

“Ranma! Akane!” said Shampoo.

“Shampoo, run away,” replied Akane.

The ninja hit Akane, which made Ranma very angry. He looked at all of them with rage as he ran at them again. He decides to just take on the ringleader. He punched him in the mouth, but he was fast. As the ringleader, dodged his punched, he was about to deliver a kick in the face, but Ranma decided to beat him to it an kicked him in his face! The ringleader was very angry.

“How dare you,” said the ringleader. He took out a long sword and ran toward him in rage. Suddenly, Shampoo leaped in Ranma’s way and started to fight the ringleader. It seemed like an even match until Shampoo started winning triumphantly. She was about to win until she turned to see if Ranma was okay. “Ranma, you al…”

Akane let out a scream at what she saw. The ringleader stabbed Shampoo in the back as Ranma looked in shock.

“Oops. The boss ain’t gonna like this,” said ninja #7.

“We’ll say the boy killed him,” said the ringleader picking up Iruka. “Let’s go.”

Akane left with ninja as they disappeared. Ranma walked to Shampoo’s body. He looked at her body in the middle of the pool of blood. It was very uneasy to see. Suddenly, Shampoo began to speak.

“Ranma…Shampoo… s-sorry, for… everything,” said Shampoo with tears. “Hope you….f-forgive…her.”

“Shampoo, hold on! Just don’t die on me!” said Ranma. He couldn’t believe it. His thirty-minute dream was coming true. He scooped up Shampoo’s body and carried it. He ran for once in terror because he was scared. Ranma Soatome was scared and didn’t know what to do.

To be continued…