##################
YOUR BODY, MY MIND
Chapter Two
##################


Akane had time to notice that Yuka, Sayuri, Hiroshi and Daisuke were staring up at the wedding banner in astonishment. "Looks like they were holding out on us," Daisuke muttered.
She ran up to Soun. "Father! What do you think you're doing?!"
Soun's eyes darted from her to Ranma. "Er - your father's over there."
"Riiiiight." She cringed inwardly. Mechanically, she exchanged places with Ranma.
Genma was smiling and nodding jovially. "We're making sure everyone knows of this wonderful event." He sighed happily. "The marriage of our children." Tears began to well in his large eyes.
Ranma pushed his face in front of him."What wedding?!?! We are not getting married!!!"
Their parents' face began to twitch alarmingly. Instinctively, he and Akane took a step backward. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE NOT GETTING MARRIED????" they bellowed. "You did it and you're not getting married?!"
Their four friends in the background started to whisper furiously.
Torrents of sweat began to pour down their foreheads. "You got it all wrong-" "We already told you-" they started protesting.
Soun's entire head ballooned to a size ten times its norm. "What you told us is that you did!!!"
"We didn't-"
"When was that?"
"When you were leaving of course!!!" It was Genma's turn to thunder.
"We said no such thing!"
"We can assure you that-that-thatidn't happen."
"Oh, yes it did!"
"No, it didn't!"
"Wanna bet?!"
"Whaddaya mean wanna bet?! Don't you think we'd know better than you?!"
Hiroshi, Daisuke, Yuka and Sayuri brought out some popcorn and sat down to watch the rest of the match. An hour later, Ranma and Akane had finally exhausted Soun and Genma into submission. They mopped their brows in weariness as well and turned to face their next task.
"We met H & D on the way here," Sayuri blurted out before they could say a word. "We're glad they did," Hiroshi murmured with a glint in his eye. Without another word, he and his friend dragged Akane into the backyard. "So Saotome, level with us. We heard your parents saying something about you two #@%."
She yanked herself out of his grasp. "No! They were sorely mistaken."
"Aw, c'mon, what do you take us for?" Daisuke poked her in the ribs and belatedly realized she was in girl form. Akane gritted her teeth and glared at him threateningly. He backed off. "S-S-Sorry."
Hiroshi leered down at her. "So was it good?"
Akane saw red. "You bozo! I told you we didn't do it!" Unconsciously, she deepened her voice and made it more gruff in an effort to mimic Ranma.
Hiroshi blinked her outburst off. "You have a cold or something?"
Akane abandoned her macho accent. "N-No."
Daisuke looked disappointed. "Well, didn't you at least &#@~?"
Akane scrunched up her face on disdain."That's disgusting! Is that all you two can think about?"
They stared at her in surprise. "What's your problem? It's not like this is the first time we've asked you." They broke into condescending grins. "It's what we always talk about."
With a final outraged cry, she stomped away from them as fast as she could. RRRRaaaaannnmaaaaa....

...was facing the two girls awkwardly. "Uh, look...now's not a good time... Come back some other time..."
They were all over him in a trice. "Ooh, is it true, Akane?!" Yuka breathed.
"It's about time," Sayuri gruffly remarked. "You're lucky to have a hunky fiance and you don't take advantage of it."
Ranma stopped and glanced at her with newfound interest. "Really?" A sappy grin slowly spread across his face.
"Well, duh! Ayame Tanaka has a crush on him, you know."
Ranma vaguely remembered Ayame to be short and freckled. He waited for them to continue. They just stood there gazing back at him.
"Weren't you saying something about us leaving?" Sayuri prodded.
He squirmed uncomfortably. "Uh...it can wait."
Pause.
"Well aren't you going to invite us to your room?"
"Right." He led them upstairs, almost making a wrong turn before recovering himself. He opened the door gingerly. They slipped in between him and sat on the bed.
He perched on the desk impatiently. "Ayame?" he began casually. "I didn't know that."
Yuka tsked tsked. "Where have you been? Still," she added, "can you blame her? He's plenty cute." She ran a finger through her hair, checking for split ends. "Oh...except for his pigtail braid. What a turn-off."
"Yeah, it's so out of fashion," Sayuri chimed in.
"Really?" Ranma reached up to finger the strand before remembering it wasn't there anymore. He brought his arm down hurriedly.

"Bye," he waved as the two disappeared down the corner of the street. He smiled contentedly. The girls had managed to inform him of plenty more. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to find Akane glaring at him. She was giving off a decidedly furious aura. "H-Hi, what's up?" He backed off as Akane started advancing threateningly.
"I'll tell you what's up! You and your friends are filthy! Discussing me behind my back?!"
Ranma was caught off guard and he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Well, well, what about you?! I never knew Ayame Tanaka had a crush on me!" He realized his mistake and cringed, preparing for the inevitable explosion.
It came.
"THAT'S JUST INNOCENT CHITCHAT!!!" she yelled, red in the face. "Besides, it would just have made your swollen head swell even more!!!" she roared. "How can you even think of comparing the two?!"
"I always deny everything they say!" he defended.
"And I'm supposed to believe that? They seemed pretty sure a while ago what your answer would be!"
"I'm telling the truth!"
Akane shook her head. "Sorry, your word doesn't cut it." Spitefully, she added, "I bet your ego just couldn't stand the thought of not adding me to your list of conquests!"
"Are you kidding? It would be a blow more than anything to my ego if I told them I slept with you!"
===SLAP!!!===
Ranma touched his already swelling cheek dazedly. Akane looked back at him with tears shimmering in her eyes.
Time seemed to stop as they just stood there gazing at each other. Events had reached a climactic showdown.

Ryoga wearily put one foot in front of the other. He'd journeyed a long way, and all he wanted to do was find the Tendo dojo and lie cradled in Akane's arms for a month. He looked up to brush a lock of hair from his forehead and his hand stilled. He couldn't believe what he was seeing! He recognized the house in front of him! This was the Tendo's block! He started running as fast as he could, pretty sure all he had to do was keep moving in the same direction.
(that was this way wasn't it? no...this way...but maybe it was here...)
There it was! "Dear Akane!" he cried elatedly....just in time to witness Ranma slap her. He stopped dead in his tracks. In his mind, lightning flashed and thunder rolled.
He-he slapped Akane! That's like defacing a work of art! TO AKANE!!! The old, familiar Ranma's- the-source-of-all-my-woes rage washed over him. His vision darkened as he was overcome with fury. He had never felt so angry in his life!!! (of course, this record changes every so often)
"RRRRRRaaaaannnnnnmmmmmaaaaa!!!!!!!!!" He charged and lowered his head to butt Ranma in the stomach. She was sent flying into the wall. "How could you do that to Akane?!?! You - you swine!"
Akane stared at him in surprise. Unexpectedly, she began to laugh uncontrollably. "Look who's talking," she giggled.
Ryoga gaped at her, bug-eyed. Could it be that she knew...?
Akane helped an aching Ranma to her feet. The way she did so was almost...tender(!). "You don't have to protect me all the time, you know. I can handle myself just fine."
He was flabbergasted. He started to gesture with his arms wildly. "He - She sh-shouldn't be hitting you!!!"
"Why not?" There was a defiant glint in her eyes. "He is my fiance."
Ryoga felt his heart stop. With excruciating slowness, he felt it break in a shatter of glass. Bawling, he turned away and ran, anguish writhing inside him.

Akane (the real one) watched Ryoga flee worriedly. Ryoga...that's so sweet of you to be concerned about me.
Ranma was grinning from ear to ear. "Boy was that fun."
She shot him a withering look and shoved him as hard as she could. "Why do you have to be so mean to him? I'm going after him." Without another glance, she rushed out into the street. She spotted the wet tear trail Ryoga had left behind and started to follow it. After only a few minutes of careful tracking, she felt faint with dizziness. Only Ryoga could move so aimlessly. Left turn here...then a right...this way.... STOP. A feline Shampoo was standing in her way.
What am I going to do? was her panicky thought. Ranma's scared to death of cats... Should I act like him? But that's silly, why should I pretend to be terrified when I'm really not? But then Shampoo would know something's wrong. She won't rest till she knows what is.
With that in mind---
"AAAHHH!!!" she squealed, and bolted away, trying to work her face into distorted expressions of fear. Shampoo gave chase and they ran around Nerima, Akane feeling extremely foolish all the time as heads turned to gape at them. With a start, she realized that it was the Neko Hanten up ahead. Why the sneaky... This was her plan all along! Suddenly, an arm shot out and punched her in the larynx. She collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.
"Shampoo? Where are you?" Mousse appeared as the owner of the arm as he groped in the air for his beloved. Carrying a kettle in the other arm, he proceeded to pour its contents onto the sidewalk, which a writhing Akane just managed to move away from.
Shampoo let out an exasperated meow and stepped into the restaurant. A minute later, she returned in human form. "Stupid Mousse! Shampoo can't change back in street!" (She's naked at first, remember?) She grabbed the kettle from him and tipped it over Akane, ignoring her frantic gestures.
Akane shuddered as the transformation took place, making her taller and bulkier. Shampoo peered at her curiously. "What wrong, Ranma?"
She was saved from answering as Mousse began flailing about, disturbed. "Ranma? He's not here."
Shampoo rolled her eyes and hit him on the head. "Mousse can't see past end of nose. Husband right here!"
Mousse shook his head gravely. "No, I'm sure. I feel anger rising in me when he's nearby." He took off his glasses and wiped them on his white robe studiously. "Having a sight impediment, however slight, has taught me to use my other senses." He brought up his glasses and put them on. He did a double-take when he saw Akane and turned red. Shampoo tapped her foot on the ground impatiently. His mouth dropped open. He leaned forward to inspect her closely. "Well...it does look like him. But-but-" Then he shrugged. "What's the difference? Resembling him is enough reason to die!" He lashed his chain weapons out.
Akane cried out and just barely managed to jump away.
Mousse grinned wickedly and prepared to lash again -
"Mousse! Shampoo! I need you!" came Cologne's voice. "Now is not the time to play."
Mousse slumped and let out a groan. He dragged himself
inside. "I'll get you next time," he threatened menacingly.
Akane let out the breath she had been holding. Be my guest. It'll be Ranma's turn by then.
Shampoo pouted and gave her a quick, tight, body-pressing hug before going. She blew her a kiss.
Akane gagged and looked away.
Cologne stood in the doorway, watching her. You owe me one, she seemed to say. Then she disappeared back into the restaurant.
She rolled her eyes but was relieved all the same. Thank good-
"Halt, Saotome!"
Kuno. Terrific. What is it with Ranma? He attracts trouble like nails to a magnet. She groaned and turned to face her next adversary. Oh well, at least he wasn't glomping on to her like he usually did.
His bokken was drawn and in her face. "Although the fair Akane is not with you," he was saying, "I am certain you are hounding somebody all the same. For that I will fight with you."
Akane tried to come up with some witty comeback, but right now all she could come up with was "Oh yeah!" She tensed herself in readiness. A wave of anticipation swept through her. She was itching to try her mettle, and unlike with Mousse and Ryoga, she had no compunction at all about fighting Kuno. The guy was a nuisance if there ever was one, and the perfect punching bag.
The beating of her heart seemed to vibrate through her entire being. Ta ta ta ta ta ta ta... "Hyaaaaaa!" He charged and surprised Akane with his swiftness. She managed to veer away from his sword not a moment too soon. That was close, she thought dazedly. Then she remembered: Kuno was at his best fighting men. She gritted her teeth in determination. Ranma's added weight and bulk was something she hadn't adjusted to. It didn't slow her down but it would take a long time to get used to. Time she didn't have right now.
Kuno lunged again and she concentrated on ducking. She brought out a fist and connected with his jaw. He reeled backward, but righted himself at once. She spun around for a kick and he blocked it with his sword, teeth bared cockily. He wasn't expecting the follow-up one however, which she succeeded in doing by twisting herself in mid-air. He caught it full on the stomach and fell backward.
Akane stared at her fists for a moment, overwhelmed at the power and strength she felt in her limbs. She didn't have time to dwell on it though, as Kuno cried out and parried with lightning speed. Dodging left and right, she thought fast. Boy, did I seriously underestimate him.
He drove his bokken in with all his strength, and she managed to evade it at the last minute. His thrust left his side exposed, and her eyes didn't miss the opening.
With a triumphant yell, she punched his exposed side with both fists. His head arched back in pain and he slumped to the ground, senseless.
Akane exhaled slowly, revelling in her conquest. Not knowing why she did it, she turned Kuno over, and contemplated the rise and fall of his chest. It was strange, but beating Kuno made her want more. It reminded her of why she had made the wish in the first place. It had been to prove to Ranma, and especially herself, that she was no klutzy tomboy. That she was worth something. She couldn't settle for her victory over him. It was time to take on _____ (no bonus points for guessing who!!!). She squared her shoulders in resolution and marched back home.

Kodachi sighed in irritation on spotting her brother sprawled so undignified-like on the street. With a smart snap of her fingers, Sasuke was at her side in an instant. "Bring him," she ordered imperiously.
Sasuke groaned and heaved his master unto his shoulders. He followed Kodachi as she weaved through the crowd and headed home. Kuno's eyes popped open. Things slowly wavered into focus. He crossed his arms over his chest (looking ridiculous) and began thinking rapidly about his predicament. One observation stuck into his mind: He had been attracted to Saotome for a moment. Just for an instant - he had seemed attractive and wholly feminine. Swiftly, he turned his head around and glared at his sister's back. Perhaps this interest in Saotome was catching. He broke into tears at the thought.

Akane was making the slow trek home when Ranma suddenly appeared out of nowhere. For a moment she was nearly scared out of her wits, convinced she was seeing her ghost like in some corny horror hilm. But reality washed over her in a second and she fell into step beside him.
"Where have you been?" Relief was clearly written on his face. "I thought you'd gotten yourself killed and thrown into a ditch somewhere. Then what was I supposed to do?"
She made a face at his concern. "Sorry."
They walked on in silence. "What happened to you?" he mumbled. "You're a boy."
Akane almost laughed at the bluntness of his question. "A little run-in with Shampoo," she vaguely explained.
It was a good thing Ranma wasn't the inquisitive type. He let the subject drop.
Slowly, in silence, they neared the house. The sounds of partying and merry-making reached their ears. Ranma groaned. "I forgot to tell you. Pop and Mr. Tendo aren't letting the wedding feast they ordered go to waste. So they invited some of the neighbors, some of our classmates... I think it's for us to feel guilty."
Akane groaned, too. "I can't believe they'd stoop to anything that low." She paused. "Scratch that. I should know better than that by now."
Ranma nodded in agreement. "That's why I wanted to find you so quickly. I wasn't about to suffer alone."
Akane snorted. "I really appreciate that."
Ranma shrugged, smiling a little.
There was a lapse in conversation and Akane decided to take her chance. "Come on," she said, tugging him on the arm. She dragged him into the dojo. The training hall was lit by sharp moonlight.
"What are we doing here?" Ranma asked, puzzled.
Akane's anser was to sweep his legs out from under him. She dropped into a fighting stance.
Ranma stared up at her, realization slowly creeping into his eyes. "Akane, I told you. I don't fight with girls."
She rolled her eyes. "Are you blind as well as dense? I'm in your body now. Are you saying your body doesn't have what it takes?"
He got up, wiping the dust from the seat of his pants. "Of course not. But inside, you're still a girl. A tomboy yes, but still a girl."
She snapped. With the speed of a tiny whirlwind, she began to kick at him furiously. "Of all the people I know, I'd think you'd be the last to be sexist!!! You're the one who transforms into a girl, so you should understand that it makes no difference whatsoever what gender you are! What matters is strategy and skill, not if you have a p****! (^_^) She punctuated each word with a violent kick in his direction.
Ranma tripped and fell down as he tried to retreat. Brown eyes stared up at her in shock. "I never thought of it that way," he murmured dazedly.
Akane nodded, chest heaving with exertion. "You usually don't."
As if in a trance, he picked himself up, continuing to gaze at her steadily.
Akane stared right back at him, eye-to-eye.
Ranma shook his head resignedly. "All right. If it means so much to you..."
She didn't say anything, just dropped into position.
Ranma did the same. "Your move," he grunted.
The words were barely out his lips when she charged, fist balled and aimed right at him. Surprised at her speed, Ranma barely managed to dodge by veering to the left, relying on his honed impulses and reflexes. By a fraction of a second, he was slower in Akane's body, and it showed. When her right fist connected with thin air, Akane swung out her other arm. Ranma ducked in the nick of time, and a strand of his hair was cut cleanly off. He spread his legs out for balance, then jumped back up again, arms crossed to shield his face. Frustrated, Akane raised her leg in a kick. Ranma hopped back, then performed a backflip to gain more ground. His outbound legs collided with her inbound arm and she let out a small cry of pain. Ranma quicky looked up in concern. Akane immediately noted his temporary off-guardedness. With a strangled battle cry, she lunged herself at him. He gasped and closed his eyes.
But the blow never landed. He cautiously opened an eye. Akane was lying on the floor, a dazed expression on her face. Only then did he see that his right leg was raised in counterattack. By the devil... He'd managed to block the attack unconciously! A hot wave of pride and triumph coursed through him.
"Woohoo!!! Did you see that?!" he cried, addressing no one in particular. "I beat her! I beat her! I am simply the better martial artist! Woohoo!!! I say-"
==WWWHHHHUUUMMMMMPPPPP!!!==
Akane stood over him as he lay sprawled on the floor, the weights she'd used to hurl at him a few inches away. Her blue eyes were mocking. "Yeah Ranma. You are the best." Then she huffed out, sliding the panel door open with a bang. Loud mutterings resounded in the clear night air. "Stupid jerk..."

Advance to Chapter Three

Return to DREAMSPINNER'S FANFIC DOMAIN

Return to main page