He was dizzy. Ranma’s stomach was bandaged tightly, the soft white cloth numbed his pain. He couldn’t move much more then his head and arms, and even that was limited. At first, his vision was blurred, much worse than trying to look at an unfocused film. He shook his head and blinked several times.
“What... happened?” he whispered, brushing his fingertips across the bandages. He felt a soft hand touch his own. “Who...?”
“Ranma... thank goodness...” Akane whispered. She could tell he couldn’t see her. His eyes were fogged gray, as though he was in a trance. “H-how do you feel?” she questioned, biting her lower lip nervously.
“W.... where is he?” Ranma whispered, reaching out as if to feel for another person. “T..the fight isn’t over.. yet...” he squeaked, and dropped his arms, exhausted from the movement.
“He.. he left..” Akane stuttered, her stomach churning with anxiety. She could feel the tears well up in her eyes. He was gone. She had no idea where he went, and every desire to chase him...
Ranma could sense her pain, the same as he could sense a battle aura. He felt a warm droplet splatter on his hand, and a quiet sobbing. She was.... crying... Ranma hated to see girls cry, especially Akane.
“Hey.. you okay?” he asked, worried. There was a pause. It seemed longer then it really was, but Ranma knew what it meant. He used his remaining strength, almost regretfully, and hoisted himself up into a sitting position.
“I...” She began, tears streaming down her face, “I just... I don’t know what to do anymore...” she trailed off. Ranma touched her shoulder. she turned and looked to him. He smiled slightly, but worry was all over his face.
“Please, don’t cry Akane.” He whispered, placing his other hand on her shoulder. Akane dove into his arms, sobbing noticibly on his shirt. Ranma froze, petrified at the embrace. He could feel her warmth all around him, and her tears ran down his chest. A bit of blood ran out of his nose, and ne quickly wiped it away before it could be seen.
Akane held onto Ranma, not wanting to think about anyone else. She felt something warm to her back, and realized that for the first time ever, Ranma... had hugged her back...
P-Chan watched silently from the door, and sniffled. He left a trail of tears... all the way to the bathroom... well, actually the closet but Ryoga couldn’t tell the difference.
Garet was covered in dirt, as a result from sleeping on the dry ground. His flesh was stained with sweat and grit, as well as his clothing. He stood firm in a battle stance, and ignited his ki. It charged in his skin, and he could feel the power tremble within his forearms, until he could no longer hold it in.
“CHIIIIIIIII--YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” He hoarsly managed, and released the ki from his hands. He fell to his knees. Why... why did he decide to use such a power on a person like Ranma? The only thought that ran through his head for the last few days was Akane, Akane Akane AKANE! He worried for her, and Ranma as well. He’d thought about going back, but the idea was shaken off by pride. He wasn’t going to go back until he’d taught himself a lesson.
“There’s no way I’m going back...at least...for...no?” he whispered, confused. His body untensed, and he looked to the open sky for an answer. Nothing came.
“Do you *always* talk to trees?” a female voice behind him questioned. He turned swiftly, only to see shadows. Garet looked around under rocks, and in trees for the voice.
“Eh? Where are you? Hello? HELLO?!” he questioned, thinking Hey! For once the trees talked back!
“Over...here..” a voice called out, and has he turned he felt a swift blow to his stomach. An Attack! He dodged the second blow, and fought the air, striking nothing. Perspiration drenched his bare chest, and he tried once more. Nothing, and the attacker hit him four more times, sending him back first into a tree, and falling to his knees. He looked up, and the attacker stepped out of the shadows.
“I’ve watched you... but you seem to be a better opponent when you’re fighting the air.” She smiled. A girl. She couldn’t be more than 16 years old. Garet could not make out her face. He pushed himself to his feet. She now stood a few feet in front of him, still shadowed, and continued speaking. “Are you okay, I went easy on you!” she complained, “Hey, what’s that over there?” she questioned, and as he looked away, she poked him once swiftly under his breast. He turned back and finally caught a glimpse of her, laughing. She smiled, and said “Goodnight.”
She wasn’t familiar, but beauti... he felt blackness overcome him. He fainted in her arms, the pressure point she touched had worked. “You child...” she thought to herself, and slung him over her back. She paced her walk, and left the forest, whistling to the sounds of nature.
Something hot engulfed his body. He couldn’t tell what it was, and tried to breathe it, but it stung, and threw him into consciousness.
“GYAARRR!!!!!!!!!” Garet hollered, bringing his head out of the bathtub. He was fully clothed, in the bath. A strange girl sat on a bucket, and looked down at him.
“Ah, you’re awake. I’m glad. I’m assuming you can wash yourself ri--”
“WHO ARE YOU!!?!?!? What’s the big idea huh? I’m supposed to be training!!!” Garet screamed.
“Geez, you ungrateful lout!” she said, turning her head. “I’m Rei Kanasaki, I live here. I saw you in the forest, and couldn’t resist introducing myself, maybe even be your training partner. But if you’re too busy to train with me... I guess...”
“No No!” Garet interuppeted, “I’d be honored! I guess.. but... you’re a girl...I’ve never actually trained with girls...” He stammered, cocking his head. Her eyes grew with increased anger.
“JUST because *I’M* a girl DOESN’t MEAN I’m NO match FOR some ARROGANT AMERICAN!” She retorted, grabbing him by the shoulders, hoisting him out of the water, and slamming him against the wall. She pressed her forearms against his chest and looked him directly in the eyes. Garet was stunned. She had such fire in her words!
“I...I’m sorry.” he quietly said, “It’s not what I meant...just that.. well... I just gave up on girls...” he trailed off. She released her hold on him, confused, and turned her back.
“I’m...um... sorry to hear that. I guess that means that we can train together without the sexual attraction problem, right?” she smiled, and flashed a peace sign.
“Ha ha, I guess you’re right!” he smiled, and laughed with her. “By the Way, my name’s Garet.. Garet Washington. It’s really nice to meet you.”
“Yes... nice to meet you as well.” she smiled, and shook his hand. “that’s how Americans do it right?” She grabbed his hand and raised hers, then swiftly slapped the palm. “High FIVE!!!” she smiled. This was going to be an intersting day.
After Rei left the bathroom, Garet stripped and took a shower. It felt good to have the water on his skin after all he’d been through. He didn’t want to think about Akane, or Ranma, or what happened. He just wanted to relax... there was a knock on the door. Garet jumped from his thoughts, and looked to see, shivering.
“HEY! Gimmie yer clothes! I’ll wash them for you!” Rei called from the opposite side. Garet grabbed a towel and fumbled around for his clothes. She waited patiently, listening to him shuffle around, and leaned her back to the door. “Geez, you take a long time doing things bo--” Rei fell backwards hard when the door opened. Taking an advanced approach, Garet dove to his knees and caught her, just before her head could smack the hard tile.
“Are you okay?!” He questioned worried. Her head rested on his thigh. She opened her eyes, and felt quite dizzy, not knowing where she was or what happened. As things came into focus, she only saw the American boy she helped... naked...
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??” She cried out, smacking him hard in the face, and throwing him into the bath. “HOW DARE YOU!” Garet was utterly mortified! He didnt’ recall doing anything... wrong...
“HEY!!! I DIDN’T DO A GOD DAMNED THING!!!” Garet retorted, springing to his feet. She paused a minute, scratching her head, then laughed at her own stupidity.
“oopsie, my mistake. Where’s the clothes?” She blushed, changing the subject. Garet realized *exactly* what his position was. Naked; shower; girl.
“Oooooooh! Shit!” he thought, and belly flopped back into the bath tub, then stuck his arm out to hand her the very wet clothes. “Very.. Sorry...” He whispered, almost completly red.
“Not a problem. I’ll have these cleaned up for you in no time.” she blushed, and left the bathroom. Garet dryed off, and wrapped a towel around his waist. How many times was this going to HAPPEN to HIM!?
Rei walked out to the patio of her house, and to the washer. She tossed in his clothes, and sat down on the wooden decking, laying down and closing her eyes. It felt good to sit in the sun for a few minutes... she felt fatigued, and somehow, let sleep take her... Dreams... She felt like she was floating through the air, almost weightless, but she could feel two pilars holding her up. Then something soft... on her skin. It covered her shoulders, and warmed with her body heat. It wasn’t for another hour until she awoke. Something cold was on her head.
“Are you awake now?” A voice questioned her, and she opened her eyes. Garet sat next to her, holding a spray bottle. “You had heat stroke nearly, so I brought you to your bed.” He told her, blinking and looking away. He didn’t want to look at her. She was beautiful, dark brown eyes, and long black hair that seemed light as a feather on her sheets. He looked to the floor, and tried not to think about her. A picture of Akane drifted into his thoughts. It’d been ...two..two days... He wouldn’t go back... not for at least another... maybe a few weeks... or two....
“I’m fine... Thank you.” She said suddenly, breaking his thoughts once more. He looked to her and smiled. She noticed his smile, so soft in the light, and pleasant. She almost reached up her hand to touch his face... it felt as though she’d known him her whole life... She sat up awkwardly in bed, and draped her legs over the side, setting her feet onto the floor. “I suppose we should train.” She said, looking to him. He smiled.
“I suppose so. Here,” He politely asked, “Can I help you stand?” He put her arm around his shoulders, sitting down next to her, and wrapped his arm around her waist. “One, two, three!” he said, hoisting her to her feet. She stood easily, and knew she could do it alone, but decided... just this once... she’d enjoy the feeling of a companion.