Disclaimer:

All original characters of Ranma 1/2 are a copyright of Rumiko Takahashi, Shougakukan Inc, and Viz Communications, Kitty TV and Fuji TV. They are used in this story for entertainment purposes only.

Morning arrived at the Sapphire Kingdom. Akane woke up feeling fresh. She felt today was going to be a good day. As she walked up to the balcony, she took a deep breath as the warmth of the sun spread across her face.

The door to her chambers opened and Lady Akari entered. "Good morning, Princess Akane."

Akane turned to her with a huge smile on her face. "Good morning, Lady Akari. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I did. Thank you." She saw the outside through the balcony. "It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it?"

"Yes." Akane agreed, nodding happily.

She turned around to face the outside world again. Then she heard a noise from the bottom at the balcony. Looking down, she discovered Ryouga standing below her, waving.

Akane smiled and waved back.

"Princess?" Akari called from behind.

"Huh?" Akane’s attention went back to Akari.

Akari threw her closet doors open and walked inside as she spoke in a loud voice, "The empress has informed me that you have a busy day ahead of you."

"She did?" Akane’s voice sounded absentminded as she watched Ryouga pointing to her and then at the ground.

"…you have to get ready for this…" Akari was saying.

"Uh-huh. Okay." Akane called back at her from the balcony. She turned to Ryouga again and mouthed, "I’ll be right there."

Akane slipped back to her room again as Akari said, "Of course, this would be for your own good." She emerged out of the closet with two dresses and showed them to Akane. "I think these would be perfect for the occasion."

Akane stared at the dresses. She didn’t care about the dresses right now. She wanted to go outside and train with Ryouga. She put her hands on Akari’s shoulders and said, "Akari, you know what? I think I can handle this from now."

Akari asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah!" She walked the other girl to the door. "Why don’t you run along? I’ll be just fine."

As Akari stepped outside of the room, she said, "Okay."

Akane shut the door close and smiled. "Alright! Time for some action."

***

A tall, young man on horseback approached the castle. His gaze wandered in awe in its beauty and towering height. He gave the horse a small kick in the ribs and proceeded. As soon as he arrived at the entrance of the castle, he saw two soldiers on guard.

"Halt!" One of them shouted. "Who goes there?"

"I am Ranma Saotome." The stranger introduced himself. "I am here to see Emperor Ono Tofu. He’s been expecting me."

The guard looked at him for a long moment and finally said, "Yes, the Emperor has been waiting for you." He looked at his companion. "He’ll show you the way inside."

"Thank you." Ranma nodded, and he followed his guide into the castle.

***

The emperor had been informed about Ranma’s arrival. He sent for Akane immediately. Afterwards, he and Kasumi went to meet the young man in the throne room.

Ranma was escorted by one of the soldiers. As soon as he was presented to the emperor and empress, he knelt down, bowed his head and stood up.

"Ranma Saotome at your service."

Tofu nodded. "Ranma Saotome, on behalf of the Sapphire Kingdom, we welcome you."

"Thank you, your Majesty."

"How was your journey?"

"It was good."

Kasumi smiled. "We hope that you were able to find your way here without any problems."

Ranma shook his head. "Oh, no. Not at all, Empress."

At that moment, Lady Akari burst into the room. "Emperor! Empress!"

Alarmed, Tofu stood up. "Akari! What is it?"

"Please forgive me for my sudden entrance, but it’s about the princess."

Kasumi put a hand over her heart. "Has something happened to her? Is she missing?"

"She’s missing, Empress. One minute she was in her room, and the next minute she was gone. I can’t find her anywhere."

Tofu said, "Well, she has to be around here somewhere."

As if on cue, a voice from the hall yelled out, "Let go of me! Let go of me, I said!"

Moments later, Tarou entered the room. He was followed by two guards who held each of Akane’s arms while they dragged her. Ryouga came in last, looking embarrassed.

Tofu demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"

Ryouga spoke up, "I’m afraid this whole thing is my fault."

As the guards released Akane’s arms, Tarou said, "We found Princess Akane sneaking out of the palace to meet the Duke of Monaco."

Ranma had to stare at the young girl they held captive. This girl wearing an armor…couldn’t be the princess…could she? "You mean…you’re the…you’re the…princess?!?!"

Akane turned to him. "Yes, I’m the princess! And who are you?"

Tofu said, "Well, I’m glad that you asked, Princess. Ranma, this is Princess Akane. Princess Akane, this is Ranma Saotome…your bodyguard."

"Bodyguard…" Akane’s voice faded. And then she screeched, "Bodyguard!?!?"

"That’s right."

Akane’s jaw dropped open. "You’ve got to be kidding me!"

"No, I am not."

"Why, this is ridiculous! I never needed a bodyguard before, and I certainly don’t need one now."

"Akane, this is for your own good," said the Emperor. "The Empress and I thought it would be best if you have a bodyguard since you are about to become the ruler of this kingdom."

"I can become a ruler of this kingdom without a bodyguard."

""Akane, whether you like it or not, Ranma is your bodyguard."

"No! I will not tolerate this! I don’t need a babysitter. I am quite capable of taking care of myself. Thank you very much." Akane stopped talking only to see Ranma inspecting her as he walked around her." And just what are you looking at?" She demanded with a scowl.

Ranma ignored her and turned back to Tofu. "Your Majesty, may I say something?"

The emperor nodded. "Yes, what is it?"

"This girl is obviously not like any other princesses I’ve met. With the way she’s dressed, I even doubt that she’s a princess."

Akane raised an eyebrow. "Oh, is that so? You dare question my identity."

Ranma rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Not a princess…nope." He shook his head and then nodded. "A cross-dresser, maybe."

Everyone in the room gasped. The soldiers and Tarou looked at one another with laughter in their eyes.

"A cross-dresser?" Akane turned livid. "How dare you come into my palace and insult me. To think the man who’s suppose to protect me has bad manners!"

"Well, someone has to protect you from yourself."

"Why…you…"

Emperor Tofu cut in. "Alright, you two, that’s enough. Akane, Ranma is here to stay. Since you two will be together most of the time, I suggest you start learning how to get along."

"How can I get along with him when he’s the guy who’s about to ruin my life!" Akane, who decided that she had enough of this, turned around to leave the room.

"Akane, where are you going?" Tofu called out after her.

She looked at him. "Any place where I can’t find this…this person." Akane glared at Ranma who rolled his eyes at her. "Hmph!"

After Akane stormed out of the room, Kasumi remarked in a very distressed voice, "Oh my."

Ryouga spoke up. "Your Majesty, may I be allowed to speak?"

"Yes, what is it?" The emperor nodded at him to go on.

"Do you honestly think that this man can protect the princess? We don’t know anything about him." Ryouga glanced at Ranma and looked back at Tofu.

"I can do the job if that’s what you want to know," replied Ranma.

"The man has spoken," said Tofu. "I assure, Ryouga, that you have nothing to worry about. Furthermore, I don’t appreciate you encouraging the princess going to these escapades nor teaching her these skills. These skills are not for her to learn."

Ryouga nodded. "Yes, your Majesty. I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused, and I don’t mean to offend you, Emperor."

"Apology accepted, and no offense taken. I am merely doing this for the princess. We will still be expecting you at the coronation, I hope."

Ryouga looked up at him and smiled. "You can count on it."

Ryouga bowed once more and left the room. Tofu also dismissed Tarou and the guards and finally brought his attention to Ranma.

"Ranma, since you are new around here, a tour of the castle will be given to you. Lady Akari will be your guide. She will also show you to your chambers."

"Thank you, your Majesty. I appreciate the kindness and hospitality you have shown me."

Ranma and Akari excused themselves in front of the Emperor and the Empress and walked out of the room.

When they were out of the earshot, Kasumi turned to her husband. "Ono-sama, are you sure about Ranma? Is he the right man for this job?"

"I know that he is rather outspoken, but Akane needs this before her behavior gets any worse. She needs to know where her place is. Besides, I think they can learn a lot from each other."

"I hope you are right."

***

"A CROSS – DRESSER?!?!"

Akane yanked off the armor suit she wore and threw it on the floor.

"That stupid jerk! Who does he think he is insulting and humiliating me like that? Bodyguard or no! I don’t care who he is! He doesn’t have the right to come here!"

She let out a loud sigh and collapsed on her bed. But the emperor wants me to get along with him. It’s not fair. I never asked for this.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Akane? It’s me, Kasumi."

Akane called out, "Come in."

Kasumi entered and closed the door behind her. She saw the princess on the bed while looking up at the ceiling. "Hello, Akane."

"Hi," she greeted back without looking at her sister.

The empress gestured towards the space on the bed next to her. "May I?"

"Sure."

Kasumi took her place and looked at her. "Akane, I wanted to talk to you about earlier."

Turning around to lay on her stomach, Akane placed her chin on both hands. "If it’s about the bodyguard, I don’t want to talk about it. I mean you’ve already made your decision for me, haven’t you?"

"Akane." She gave her a meaningful look.

"And what on earth possessed you and the emperor to get me a bodyguard?"

"We were only concerned for you." Placing her hand on the girl’s shoulder, she said, "Look, I know that this is hard for you…now that you are about to become the empress. There are going to be a lot of challenges and changes that you really don’t want to happen, but they will. Soon, when you are crowned empress, you’ll have this kingdom to rule to yourself. You will be going on trips and tours to see your people. You’ll become a public figure…and no doubt a public target."

"Kasumi, you have nothing to worry about. I can take care of myself. That’s why I’ve asked Ryouga to train me to fight. That way I can be prepared when danger comes."

"And what if there comes a time when you can’t?" When her sister didn’t answer, Kasumi looked away from her and then asked, "Akane, has it ever occurred to you that maybe I am concerned for your safety? That I fear for your life?"

Akane sat up and stared at her. "Kasumi…"

"I don’t want to happen to you what happened to Father."

"I…"

"I don’t want to lose you, too, Akane." Kasumi took her hands. "You mean so much to me."

"Oh, Kasumi, you mean a lot to me, too."

"Then you will agree to have a bodyguard? You’ll try and get along with Ranma and let him do his duty?"

"Umm…"

"If you don’t want to do this for yourself, Akane, then would you do it for me?"

Akane hesitated. The last thing she really needed was that arrogant jerk Ranma Saotome around. Yet if this was what Kasumi wanted…

"Okay, Kasumi. I’ll do it for you."

Kasumi gave her a relieved smile. "Thank you, Akane."

The two of them hugged. Kasumi stood up to leave, and Akane followed her to the door. Before leaving, however, Kasumi turned to her once more. "I’m sure that when time passes you and Ranma will get along."

Akane opened the door for her. "Gee, I hope you’re right."

Kasumi smiled again and gave her a pat on her cheek before walking away. Akane watched her go. She turned around to go back to her room, but then she heard voices down the hall. One of them was Kasumi’s greeting hello.

Akane decided to take a look to see who was coming down the hall. She immediately regretted doing this because she saw Akari walking along side Ranma who was carrying some bags with him.

Akane was about to duck back into her room, hoping that she wasn’t seen, but it was too late. Ranma had already seen her.

"Princess Akane, hello."

"Ranma." Akane nodded at him coolly and then smiled sweetly at his companion. "Hi, Akari."

Akari smiled back. "Hello, Akane."

They continued to walk until they stopped in front of the room that was right in front of Akane’s. Akari opened the door and turned to Ranma as she said, "This is it."

"Oh, thanks, Akari."

Akane frowned. "Well, wait a minute! What’s the meaning of this?"

"I’m just showing Ranma to his room."

"His room?" Akane shook her head. "Oh, no, wait a minute. He is not staying in a room that’s across from mine. Uh-uh. No way."

"I’m afraid so, Akane. Emperor’s orders."

"What?" Akane looked absolutely shocked.

Ranma smiled at her. "I guess you’re stuck with me, Princess." He watched her horrified reaction. "Oh, don’t worry, Princess, I’ll be a good neighbor."

Akari smiled at him. "I hope that you will find your stay here enjoyable, Ranma."

"Oh, I’m sure I will, and even if I won’t, I’ll make the best of it. Don’t worry. Thanks, Akari." Ranma went inside with his things and closed the door behind him.

"I don’t believe this," moaned Akane as Akari looked at her.

The other girl smiled. "Oh, Akane, he isn’t that bad once you get to know him."

"Not that bad! That man called me a cross-dresser in front of everybody." She sighed as she leaned her back against the door. "Oh, I hate my life."

Inside his room, Ranma set down his things and walked up to the window. He pushed the curtains open, and the sunlight streamed down from the window, brightening the room. Below him was a view of the palace grounds, and further away from the palace was a scenery of what he only knew was part of the Sapphire Kingdom.

***

***

Ranma bolted up awake on his bed, gasping for breath as sweat poured out of his body in buckets. He put his head between his hands and took a moment to recollect and remind himself where he was.

His breathing went back to normal after a long moment. Ranma stood up from his bed and walked up to the window where he could see the crescent-shaped moon that lit up the dark sky.

He brought his arm up against the window and rested his forehead against it.

I musn’t let them down. I must do my duty. He looked up at the moon and vowed. I’ll save you, Mother and Father. I promise my life on it.

***

Ranma had trouble getting back to sleep after his dream and stayed up the rest of the night. By morning, he was tired. He decided that a simple walk in the palace ground would do to keep him from getting sleepy.

His dream bothered him a lot. Ranma had been having the same dream over and over for some time now, but lately they had been very frequent.

Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this job. I shouldn’t be here. There must be other ways to save them…but what? He looked up at the castle as thoughts continued to run through his mind. I should just leave and go home and forget this crazy mission. I’ll tell the Emperor…He should just find another guy to protect her.

Ranma headed back to palace. He wondered if the princess was awake. She certainly was the most unusual princess he had ever met. Whoever heard of a princess wearing a battle suit made of armor? Most princesses would rather be caught dead than wearing an attire like that.

It just so happened that Ranma’s eyes went up towards right where Akane’s room was. He could see the balcony clearly…and something was hanging down. He could see that it was a rope. His eyes went further down and saw a figure climbing down the rope.

"What the hell…" Ranma trailed off as he sweatdropped.

Meanwhile, Akane was busily descending from the balcony with the help of a rope she created out of bed sheets. She was halfway down when she heard a voice calling down from below.

"Well, well, well."

Akane turned her head and discovered Ranma standing below with arms akimbo. She closed her eyes and let out a groan.

"Oh, no."

"Princess Akane, what in the world are you doing up there?"

"Bird watching," replied Akane in a sarcastic voice. "What do you think I’m doing?"

"Do you mind getting down here? You might fall and break your neck."

Akane got to the end of the improvised rope which hung five feet above the ground. Ranma went up to her and offered his hand to help her down. However, Akane ignored him and jumped down.

"I don’t need your help. Thank you."

"Gee. You really are uncute, you know that?"

Akane glowered at him and said, "Oh, yeah? Well, you’re a jerk."

As Akane was leaving, Ranma followed her. "Hey, I was only kidding. Why do you have to be so uptight?"

"Maybe I like being uptight. And would you mind not following me?"

"I’m your bodyguard. I’m suppose to be following you. Besides, where are you going anyway? Don’t tell me that you’re off sneaking to meet your boyfriend. You know from what I heard, Emperor Tofu told the Duke of Monaco that he doesn’t appreciate you going off with him to train."

Akane stopped walking and turned to him as she held out her hands. "Okay. Let’s get these things straight. First of all, I am not sneaking out to meet Ryouga. Second, he’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a friend who’s helping me out."

"Then where are you going?"

"I’m just going off to practice the skill I learned last week. That’s all. Now would you please just go away?"

Akane started to run but Ranma easily caught up with her. "Princess, why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"Why do you have to learn how to fight? I mean, normally, princesses are worried about what to wear to parties, their appearance, and etiquette. But you…you…you’re different."

"Well, so I’m not dainty like you want me to be. So what?"

"I never said I wanted you to be dainty. I just wanted to know why you do this."

She paused and looked up at him. "You really want to know."

"I asked, didn’t I?"

"Okay. Well, five years ago when I was thirteen, my father was murdered by a band of thieves while he was touring the countryside. The bodyguards and the soldiers were killed. He fought for his life but failed. I don’t want the same thing to happen to me."

"But…you don’t have to do this…"

Akane’s eyebrows met. "Why? Because you can do the job? Well, what if there comes a time when I can’t rely on you? What if you weren’t there to save me, Ranma? Then what?"

"But…but…I’ll be there."

She leaned up closer to him and asked, "Will you? Can I really trust you with my life?"

Ranma wasn’t given a chance to reply because they heard a voice calling out from above them.

"Princess Akane!"

They looked up and saw Akari standing at one of the balconies. She waved at them and smiled.

Akane waved back. "Good morning, Lady Akari!"

"Princess Akane, I have some important news for you! Queen Nabiki and King Kuno are arriving this morning."

"What? Today?!"

"That’s right!"

"Oh, man. " Akane muttered under her breath.

Ranma glanced at her. "Who are Queen Nabiki and King Kuno?"

"My sister and that weird husband of hers."

Akari shouted down at them. "Akane, are you coming up?"

"Yeah! I’ll be right up!" Akane yelled back. She looked back at Ranma. "I have to go and get ready. I’ll see you later, Ranma."

Ranma watched her run off, leaving him feeling puzzled.

***

Whenever Queen Nabiki and King Tatewaki Kuno were coming to visit Sapphire Kingdom, they made sure that their presence was known.

A long line of horses and carriages were parked in front of the castle. The soldiers on horseback and the coachmen were elaborately dressed. The leading, biggest carriage, which the King and Queen always rode during their travels, pulled up right before the entrance of the castle. A red carpet was rolled down for the couple before they could step down.

The king and queen were welcomed by Tarou on behalf of the emperor and the empress. As he escorted them inside the castle, the soldiers stood at attention and saluted the visitors as they passed by.

Tarou led them into the throne room where Tofu and Kasumi were seated. Standing to their side were Akane, Lady Akari and Ranma.

"Emperor Tofu, Empress Kasumi," said Tarou, "I am pleased to announced the arrival of King Kuno and Queen Nabiki of the Majestica Kingdom."

Politely, the king and queen bowed before the Tofu and Kasumi.

"Welcome to the Sapphire Kingdom once again," said Tofu.

"We are very honored to be back here, Emperor Tofu," replied Kuno. "I am fully aware that our visit was unannounced which I apologize greatly for."

Kasumi nodded. "We had been informed that you weren’t going to come until next week when Princess Akane will be crowned Empress."

Nabiki shrugged. "Well, it just so happens we wanted to come and visit early. We wish to stay here for awhile."

"You are both more than welcome to stay in the castle. After all, Nabiki, this was your home once too."

"I expected as much." Nabiki looked towards Akane. "Hello, Akane."

"Hi, Nabiki," she replied. "It’s good to see you."

"Likewise."

"Alas!" Kuno exclaimed. "What a magnificent beauty you have turned into since I last set my eyes on you, Princess Akane."

"Thanks, Kuno. You don’t look too bad yourself."

"And Lady Akari, you look well," said Nabiki to Akari who smiled. Then she saw Ranma.

"And…ah! I see an unfamiliar face."

Ranma bowed down. "I am Ranma Saotome. I’m Princess Akane’s bodyguard."

"Bodyguard!" Nabiki exclaimed. "Well, well, well, how interesting. I’m surprised Akane is even letting you guard her. You know my sister is quite a soldier here…or so she thinks."

Akane turned red with embarrassment. Tofu cleared his throat and spoke up, "Well, you two must be both starving from all the traveling you made. We managed to prepare a feast for you."

"Splendid!" Kuno exclaimed. "And we can speak of our journey from Majestica."

Everyone agreed at this and started to head for the dining room. During their walk to lunch, Nabiki somehow managed to pair off with her sister Kasumi.

"I need to talk to you alone," said Nabiki in a low voice.

Kasumi nodded. "We’ll talk after we eat."

***

Princess Akane had overheard her sisters that they were going to have one of their talks. Sometimes, they included her…and sometimes they didn’t. Akane waited for Nabiki to extend her invitation to her, but she never did during the meal. And that only meant one thing.

They were going to talk about something they didn’t want her to hear. Or in other words…they were going to talk about her.

Akane knew what she had to do. She excused herself early after eating and went to area where Kasumi’s chambers were located. She hid behind one of the larger walls in the hallway and waited for them.

After they finished eating, Kasumi and Nabiki went to the Empress’s room and closed the door behind them, unaware that Akane was watching. Once they were inside, Akane crept to the room, placed a glass on the door, and started to listen.

Meanwhile, Ranma was heading back to his room to rest. He had been sleepy all day. He figured that Akane was going to behave herself now that her other sister was here. He only hoped that he was right.

He went past a hallway of what he knew was suppose to be where the Emperor and Empress’s chambers were. He thought he saw Akane and went back to check to see if it was her. Sure enough it was the princess herself who was pressing her ear against the door. He raised an eyebrow.

He watched her for a long moment and suddenly smiled as if an idea came to him. He sneaked up behind her and slowly…very slowly and leaned behind her and whispered,

"BOO!"

Startled, Akane jumped and turned around quickly. She opened her mouth to scream but a hand clamped down her mouth. She realized that it was not her own and found herself staring wide eyed at Ranma.

"Sshhh." Ranma put his finger over his lips.

When he removed his hand, Akane whispered in a furious voice, "Ranma, you idiot."

Ranma laughed and pointed at finger at her. "Scared you, didn’t I?"

"Yes, you did." Akane was embarrassed though she didn’t know why. Standing close to Ranma made her feel strange. "And you shouldn’t have done that!"

"Well, then you shouldn’t be eavesdropping on people’s conversation. Say…who’s in there anyway?"

"None of business. Now please go away." Akane turned back to the door and started to listen.

Ranma watched her and then he took his place next to her and pressed his ear to the door.

"What are you doing?" Akane demanded.

"Eavesdropping. For all I know, they might be talking about me."

"And just why would they talk about you?"

"Because I’m the new guy around here. Now pipe it down. I can’t hear anything with you talking."

"You’re the one who’s talking."

"SHHHH!"

Inside the room, Nabiki was asking, "So you think getting this bodyguard for Akane is a good idea?"

Kasumi replied, "Well, he will certainly keep an eye on her, that’s for sure. And maybe she’ll change her ways."

Nabiki rolled her eyes. "Kasumi, if you think Akane will change for the better after getting a bodyguard, I disagree with you. She isn’t going to change her wild ways…as headstrong and stubborn as she is…heaven forbid."

"You have a better idea, I suppose."

"The answer is simple. Marry her off."

"Marry?"

At the other side of the door, Akane gasped, "Marry?!"

Ranma’s eyes went wide. "Woaaah, this is serious stuff."

Kasumi seemed to be thinking. "You think that’s a good idea?"

Nabiki exclaimed, "It’s a brilliant idea! Besides, this will lessen her burden in ruling this kingdom alone. I’d advise that once she marries, she should make her husband a prince consort to rule by her side."

"But where would we get a prince?"

"Kasumi, please. There are a lot of eligible, young princes out there."

"Well, I just don’t want any prince for her. I want someone who is gentle, kind and wise."

"Kasumi, leave it to your dear sister Nabiki to find a prince for her."

Akane had heard enough. She removed the glass from its place, stood there quietly in shock.

Ranma, who saw the reaction on her face, looked at her with concern. "Hey…Princess…"

Instead of replying, Akane turned around and started to leave. Ranma stared after her, puzzled. Then he decided to go after her.

"Hey, hey, Princess, wait up."

Akane stopped walking and looked up at him. "What?"

"What’s wrong with you?"

"Ranma, you are just absolutely clueless about this, aren’t you? Didn’t you hear what my sisters were talking about in there? They wanted me to get married!"

"Well, what’s wrong with marriage? Don’t you want to get married?"

"Oh, what do you know? You don’t understand. How would you like it if you’re about to marry someone you don’t even know?"

Ranma blinked his eyes, not quite sure what to tell her. "Well…"

"I rest my case. Excuse me while I go to my room."

With that, she left without giving him another chance to say a word.

***

Akane threw herself on the bed and hugged a pillow as her thoughts reeled back to Kasumi and Nabiki’s conversation.

A knock on the door came, and Akane called out, "Come in!"

Lady Akari entered the room. "Hi, Akane."

"Hi." Akane’s voice was flat.

Akari sat down next to her. "What’s wrong?"

"Akari, why does everything have to change?"

Puzzled, Lady Akari looked at her. "What?"

Akane told her about the conversation she heard.

The other girl nodded. "Oh…I see."

"I mean I understand that I have marry someday…but geez! Not now! I’m not ready!"

"Oh, Akane, change is a part of life. You are about to become empress so of course, you are obligated to do this."

"Yeah, but do I have to marry now?"

"Why don’t you talk to your sisters about it? Listen. I know you must think that they’re trying to ruin your life, but they’re not. They’re doing this for you."

"Yeah, they’re doing everything for me…right down to picking my husband."

Akari had to laugh. "Akane, cheer up. This depression isn’t your style."

The princess sighed. "Well, isn’t there anything around here that’s not going to change?"

"Well, you still have me as your friend."

Akane smiled. "Thanks, Akari. I needed that."

The two put one arm around each other and pulled each other close.

***

After his exchange with Akane, Ranma went back to his room to take a nap. However, as he lay there on the bed, sleep didn’t come easy for him. For some reason his conversation with Akane haunted him.

What kind of a question is that, Saotome? He pondered. Don’t you think you should have asked that question to yourself?

He got up and went to his dresser. He pulled out a drawer and took out a small box. He opened the box and inside sat a diamond ring. Then a vision of a young girl with long brown hair came to his mind, and he closed his eyes.

Author’s Notes:
Oh, no! Bing just had to end this chapter. Phooey!

That’s a much longer chapter than the first one. I hope that you enjoyed this. This story will not be as long as DYR, so things are going to happen quite fast in this fanfic. (i.e. Notice how Ranma and Akane got along pretty quickly.) I think it will be quite easier to write a much shorter fic.

Okay. I know what you’re going to ask. When is the next chapter going to come out? Not for awhile. I will be unable to write anything until December…so please, please, please be patient with me.

Thanks again! ^_^

September 29, 2000