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Ukyo had spent the entire dinner rush with applause from the patrons and the overwhelming heat of the grill. She was now getting ready to close for the day. She had decided to stay in Nerima to finish school and wait for Ranma to come back. The year had been calm so far, the only problem was that Akane had been seriously trained by Happosai, and now she was a better fighter even than Shampoo. The sound of the curtain on the front door took her from her pensive state. "Good evening. Welcome to Uchan's." She greeted gleefully before seeing her customers.
"Hey Uchan!" Greeted back a voice she had expected to hear with all her heart. Ukyo rounded the bar and stood in front of Ranma, who had a smile on his face. Before Ranma could say anything else she was embracing him. "I missed you too." Ranma said, returning the embrace. Ranma turned to the side and was happy. If Akane had seen this he would probably be on his way to China via Akane airways, but Kima seemed to understand him.
Ukyo finally let go of Ranma, and she quickly started asking questions about where had he been? She finally noticed a girl about their age standing next to Ranma. She was very beautiful, with silver hair falling to her back. She was wearing weird clothing she could remember faintly from the past. She also noticed Ranma was wearing those clothes now. But all her attention suddenly came to the girl standing next to Ranma. "Who is your friend Ranchan?"
Ranma smiled and answered. "I met her in China some time ago, and she decided to come with me. She is attending Furinkan with us also." Ranma said this in what he thought was an even tone, but to the ears of a jealous fianc?he obviously had interest in the other girl.
Ukyo turned to the girl and asked. "So, where are you staying?"
Kima did not seem at all bothered by the bitterness in Ukyo's voice and answered. "I'm staying at the Saotome residence." This only confirmed Ukyo's suspicions, particularly because Ranma blushed almost imperceptibly.
Ranma then took the word. "Uchan. Since you are my best friend and all. Well......I....." Ranma seemed to be killing himself looking for the right words. He finally sighed and stated bluntly. "I was wondering if you would like to go to my wedding." Ukyo's world shattered. He was marrying Akane.
"Ranchan. You don't want to marry Akane do you?" Ukyo asked with her last ashes of hope.
Ranma shook his head. "No. Akane and I talked about it and we both agreed it would not make any of us happy." He then took his arm around Kima's shoulders. "We are getting married as soon as the preparations are complete." Ranma said with a smile. Ukyo had expected this, but it took her by surprise anyway. The next thing she knew she was attacking Ranma with her battle spatula. "Uchan, what's wrong?" Ranma asked as he evaded another thrust.
"Don't Uchan me you son of a bitch! And stop moving so I can kill you!" Ukyo yelled, her eyes wet and her rage emerging for all the trouble in her life. Suddenly Ranma stopped dodging, and she threw a slash that would surely severe his head in half. She could not hope to stop the attack, so she closed her eyes. A loud clank of metal against metal was heard, and Ukyo slowly opened her eyes to find Ranma untouched. Her spatula was blocked by a sword. "What the hell?" She mused turning to face the wielder of the weapon. It was the girl that came with Ranma. Ukyo had forgot all about her. Suddenly her gaze took the expression on the other girl's face. Her posture and her clothing. Something in her memory snapped, and Ukyo was suddenly taken aback by the realization of the identity of the other girl. "Kima!"
Kima simply smiled, without moving her arm a bit. "Kuonji. I won't allow you to hurt him." The open threat took Ukyo by surprise. She could remember Ranma never fighting back since he knew she was a girl, but now she was being threatened by a fighter strong enough that Ranma had to fight full out.
"OK, what's the catch?" Ukyo asked thinking this was all a joke.
Kima looked at her and said. "As you heard. We are getting married." Ukyo was about to protest when Kima resheated her sword. "Ranma wanted to tell you because he thought you would understand. He has always considered you a friend." Kima then turned to Ranma, who seemed miserable, she had to make a big effort not to beat the crap out of Ukyo right there. "I hope he was right." Kima said taking Ranma's hand and they both left Uchan's.
Ukyo fell to her knees as she looked the departing couple. 'Couple.' A word that would repeat in her mind over and over again.
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"Nice friend you got." Kima said seriously.
Ranma sighed. "I don't know why things had to go so wrong. I hope she understands with time." Kima said nothing, she simply placed her hand on Ranma's shoulder. It was a simple gesture, but one that said more than all the words they could share. Ranma gave her a smile that thanked her support and continued. "So, you wanna have a bite?"
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The next morning Genma was in a particularly bad mood. Nodoka had announced yesterday her desire to support Ranma in marrying a person he met in China during his year trip. Genma now was standing outside Ranma's room, ready to beat the crap out of his son in their morning spar to vent some frustration. He opened the door and was about to yell at his son when the sight in front of him took all words away. On the large futon he could see Ranma and Kima sound asleep, embracing each other. Their bare shoulders showed from the sheets that covered them. Genma very silently closed the door and was startled when Nodoka scolded him from the side. "Haven't you learned to knock before entering someone's room?"
Genma turned to her and said. "Did you know about this?" He asked signaling the door. Nodoka nodded. "Why do you permit it to happen?" Genma asked.
Nodoka sighed and said. "I haven't heard the complete story, but I know that they married under the customs of her people." Nodoka could see the rage in her husband's face and continued before he did something harsh. "Ranma returned to Japan to ask for our consent on his fianc? I already gave it to him. Besides, Kima seems like a perfectly acceptable young lady for him."
Genma suddenly remembered where he had seen a person with that description. "She is from Phoenix Mountain Nodoka. She nearly killed Akane."
Nodoka nodded. "I know. But remember she was under the orders from his lord. And Ranma seems to like her no matter what, so I'm giving him the support he needs."
Genma thought about the whole affair. *My boy was never very fund of marrying anyone, and now he returns already married and wanting my support for something. For once I will not turn him down.* He then spoke to Nodoka. "Very well wife, I trust in your sense of honor." He then knocked loudly on the door and yelled. "Come son, it is time for our morning spar." He saw the frown Nodoka had and shrugged. "Hell, he is still my son and has to keep on training." Genma saw the frown Nodoka had turn into a smile.
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Ranma had heard the words from his father and mumbled something before trying to return to his sleep. "Ranma." Kima called from his side. No reaction. "Ranma, wake up or you know what will happen." Kima threatened. Ranma suddenly opened his eyes and smiled.
"You wouldn't dare." He said.
"I would very much dare." Kima said seriously. They got out of bed and started to dress on their gis. "I don't think I would like to train all the time without using my wings, I feel weird without them." She said.
Ranma shrugged. "We can train in the afternoons in the Tendo dojo. That way you will train both ways and get used to it." Kima nodded and they both left the room.
Ranma found his father waiting for him outside, a neutral expression on his face. "Morning pops." Ranma greeted assuming his fighting stance.
Genma acknowledged his son's presence and assumed his own fighting stance. They started fighting it out as they used to in the past.
Kima sat next to Nodoka and looked at the fighters out on the garden. "They are very skilled." Kima said.
Nodoka nodded and said. "I heard you were quite a warrior. My son prized your skills as extraordinary the first time he fought you." Kima blushed at the comment.
"Well, he is training me in unarmed combat now, and I must say he is an excellent teacher. Also he is an excellent student, I'm instructing him in the ways of the army and the use of weapons."
"But he has always placed weapons as something that limits his own skill." Nodoka observed.
Kima smiled. "And it does limit his skill. But I taught him that if he knew how to use a weapon he would also know how to fight it more precisely, and he accepted." By now the fight was totally on Ranma's favor, he was overpowering his father with powerful blows that seemed to come from everywhere at the same time.
Genma was frantically dodging and blocking the blows and his arms ached from the power of his son's attack. He finally could take it no more and fell to the ground on his butt, breathing heavily. "Very well boy, you have defeated your father." He said evenly. Ranma offered his father a hand, which he took. Genma stood straight and murmured some words for only Ranma to hear. "You have my approval son. I hope you lead a happy life with Kima." Ranma found no words to tell how he felt about the affair, so he simply hugged his father, and they returned to the house.
Kima stood up. "Ready?" She asked Ranma, who simply nodded and they faced each other on the backyard as well. This fight was not as even because Kima was still learning to fight without weapons. Ranma took it easy on her and the fight ended when Ranma immobilized her arms and kissed her.
Kima returned the kiss and when they broke it she smiled and said. "Not fair, you are using forbidden parts of your body." She tried to free herself, but Ranma's grip was like iron. "Are you keeping me like this forever?" Kima asked lifting an eyebrow.
Ranma smiled and teased. "Maybe, I like it like this you know?" He kissed her again, but this time released her arms. She hugged him for the duration of the kiss. After they broke apart Kima took something she had brought with her from upstairs and handed one of them to Ranma.
"Now it's my turn." Kima said with a smile taking in her hand her practice sword. Ranma grimaced but took his and assumed a fighting stance. "Remember, you must use the techniques I've taught you." Ranma started the attack now, and Kima had little trouble blocking and evading Ranma's thrusts. She, on the other hand, was giving Ranma hard blows on the hips and shoulders to taunt him and make him organize his defenses best.
After half an hour of action Ranma finally lost his grip on his sword and backflipped out of the way of another strike from Kima. "Not bad, you are improving." Kima remarked.
Ranma felt good, and was amazed by it. He could never admit not being the best there is, but found no trouble learning from Kima and accepting that if he was a superb martial artist, she was definitely a great weapon master. Nodoka and Genma had seen the whole exchange, and applauded from the table. "Very good. You are very strong in your own styles." Genma complimented. "If you continue like this you will become extremely good. But time's up, you have to go to school." Ranma sighed and entered the house, quickly followed by Kima.
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Akane was ready for school and left her house in a rush. She was running on the street when she suddenly heard someone calling out for her. "Hey Akane." She turned to see Ranma and Kima running on the fence.
"Good morning Tendo." Kima greeted, she was running after Ranma. They were both wearing black leather pants and boots with a white sleeveless shirt. Their backpacks over one shoulder.
"Why are you dressed like that?" Akane asked.
Kima answered without looking at her. "This is the uniform of the Noble Royal Guard when we are outside the palace."
Ranma then explained. "Besides, it is quite comfortable for both fighting and running." They arrived to Furinkan in a few more minutes, and were overwhelmed by a big number of students who recognized Ranma and started asking questions. Ranma answered that he had left on a training trip and was now back to finish school. Everybody asked about the new girl with the silver hair. The girls wanted to meet her and the boys were breath taken by her. Akane had not paid Kima close attention, but now she had to because of all the attention she was getting. Kima was a very beautiful young woman. She had changed little with the loss of several years. Her eyes were green. She had a body that was both extremely feminine and powerful because of the hard training she had been submitted to during her lifetime. She could give Hinako-sensei some serious competition in the looks department. Several boys tried to talk to her and ask her on a date, until they saw with teary eyes as she ignored them all and took Ranma's hand, smiling at him.
The boys in Furinkan yelled in rage that Saotome always kept for himself the finest babes and would have tried and kill him, if Ranma had not explained that he was marrying this person. They all asked if Akane was free then, and gleefully heard Akane was freed from the engagement to him. They started partying, until Ranma made an announcement. "Listen, and listen well. If any of you tries to beat Akane again to date her, I'm gonna have a serious discussion with that person that will end in a quick visit to the doctor. You cannot force someone into a relationship."
"That's easy for you to say Saotome. You have a babe for a girlfriend and I'm sure she is too scared to tell you to leave her alone so she can date some real guys." Said a boy dressed in a kendo outfit. Ranma burned in rage and would have beaten the crap out of the guy, but Kima punched him right on the nose. The boy's eyes crossed as he fell, first on his knees, then on his face, completely unconscious.
Kima eyed all the other boys with a teasing expression and asked. "Anyone else thinks I'm weak?" They all shook their heads rapidly. "Good. And if any of you bothers us again I will take care of it. Ranma always holds back on you, I won't." With this the boys quickly disappeared from sight, as well as most of the girls, deciding to let Ranma and the new girl alone now that they seemed to be angry.
Ranma looked at the form of the boy on the floor and asked Akane. "Who is this clown?"
Akane shrugged and answered. "Meet the new captain of the kendo team. Kuno's heir to being ridiculous." They both laughed at the comment, until Akane sobered and said. "I can take care of myself with those boys. You didn't have to threaten them."
Ranma shrugged. "You don't have to do it. Besides, because I brought that trouble I thought it would be just fine I took care of it." Ranma then turned to Kima. "So I hold back and you don't huh?" Ranma said.
Kima lifted her shoulders. "Being a commanding officer for years teaches you how to intimidate people." They both looked at each other, and burst out laughing.
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Hinako-sensei in her girl form was happily passing list in the classroom. She was happy because it seemed like Ranma Saotome was back to her class after a year of absence. When she finished, she spoke to the class. "Good morning everyone. Today we have a new student with us. She came from China." She motioned for Kima to enter.
Kima was still surprised to find that her teacher would be a little girl, but decided not to comment about it. Ranma's friends were weird so why not his teachers too. "Good morning. I'm Kima." She greeted the class with a sarcastic smile. Hinako lost the meaning of that smile, but it was quite clear for the rest of the class.
Hinako-sensei then said, looking Kima up and down. "Why aren't you wearing a uniform?"
Kima was about to reply, but Ranma interrupted the conversation. "She is wearing a uniform Hinako-sensei. It's the uniform used by the organization she is part of in China."
Hinako eyed Ranma dangerously. She had not called him, so it was not his place to talk. She eyed him carefully and smiled. "And why are you wearing that uniform as well mister Saotome?"
Ranma was startled by her question, but this time Kima was the one who answered. "Ranma was accepted by our leader."
Hinako smiled. *So, they are playing games together. Well, they arrived late, and there is nothing they can say to change that.* Curiosity got the best of her before she sent them to the hall. "What kind of organization is it that you are talking about Kima-san?"
Kima recognized the question was directed to her on purpose, but she didn't even flinch when she answered. "Military."
The class seemed impressed to hear Ranma had joined the army, but said nothing. Hinako eyed them both and frowned. "Well, since you got to class late I'll send you to the hall. Miss Tendo, you were late as well." Ranma and Akane groaned and stepped out of the classroom, followed by Kima.
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"This is all your fault Ranma." Akane accused. They were all outside on the hall, with buckets full of water. As Akane turned to Ranma waiting for an answer, she saw him standing on his hands doing pushups with the buckets on his feet. "Showoff."
Ranma laughed. "Well, might at least make the most out of it." He said as he continued exercising.
Akane noticed Kima was very serious, and finally asked what was wrong. Kima shrugged and said. "Nothing. I just can't see the point of punishing people with holding buckets."
"Well, for you it might not be much, but for other people it is a torture to stand outside like this." Akane commented. "By the way, you better not make Hinako-sensei angry." Kima turned to face Akane, a curious expression on her face. "She can absorb your chi if you do." Akane finished.
Ranma then said. "But it's no big deal. You recover after half an hour of rest."
They all stood for another ten minutes outside until Hinako-sensei finally opened the door and told them to get in the classroom. Classes went smoothly for the rest of the time until lunch time.
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Akane was walking on the yard looking for Ranma to share breakfast with him as usual. She found the familiar figure of Ranma under a tree. He was laid on his back with his hands behind his head. Akane closed in and was about to call out for him when she noticed another figure resting it's back to the tree. The noise of a conversation could be heard quite clearly. Kima was talking to Ranma in chinese. "'And when your troups are already surrounding the enemy army you attack from different positions at the same time. The way to coordinate attacks is by shooting fired arrows to the sky at several intervals or using drums. When the drumming stops the squads are supposed to attack in certain orther. The strategy you use for attacking depends on the formation of the enemy."' Ranma nodded his agreement without opening his eyes.
Akane was surprised to see Ranma understand or seem to understand the conversation. *When did he learn Chinese?* Akane kept walking and sat down next to Ranma. The conversation had come to an end with the arrival of Akane. "So, what were you talking about?" She asked bluntly.
Ranma shrugged. "Military formations."
Akane turned to Kima, who was looking at the horizon, and asked her. "What do you think of school till now Kima?"
The bird girl simply looked deeper into the horizon and answered. "It's fine." Akane was wondering why Kima was so out of it. She had answered the questions of the teachers with incredible ease, and she didn't expect her to be so hostile when asked a simple question.
Ranma suddenly jumped up to his feet and strechted. "Hmmmmmmmmmm. Guess school is as boring as always." He looked arround, at the many boys staring at him and the girls. He smiled. "Something's missing to make the day more fun."
Akane looked at Ranma and asked. "What?"
"So, the vile cur Saotome has returned from hell to bewitch my precious Akane Tendo. And who is that beautiful flower that sits so close to thee villain? Haven't thou had enough with robing the pigtailed goddess from me?" They all turned to face a kendoist who was well recognized.
"Yup. Now I know what was missing." Ranma said gleefully as he looked at a very upset Kuno who, bokken in hand, started walking towards Ranma. "Yo, Kuno. Long time no see."
Kuno ignored the greeting and placed his eyes on Kima. "Why does such a beauty stay so close to someone as vile as this villain?"
Kima got up to her feet and frowned. "You happen to be talking about my husband you moron." Akane and Kuno were taken aback by the answer.
Akane turned to Ranma. "Husband?" She asked. Ranma simply blushed and nodded. She then turned to Kuno, who was trying to process this information in his little brain.
Kuno was surprised to see so much spice on the silver haired girl, but her words hit a nail Kuno had evaded for as long as he could. "Are you married to Ranma Saotome?" He asked very slowly, for once his words in normal Japanese.
Kima nodded and walked to Ranma. They took each other's hand and looked at Kuno. Ranma took the word. "Kuno, I know you are mule headed. But you are also honorable." Kuno could not believe his ears, the villain was praising him. "It would be a dishonor to you and your family if you tried to make any sort of advance with my wife."
"I will not dishonor her." Kuno said slowly. "But I will free her from thee by vanquishing you." Kuno took a step forward, but before he could do anything, both a fist and a sword were inches appart from his nose and throat.
Kima took the word. "Listen to me. We married as a matter of honor and love. I owe my life to Ranma because he saved me in a fight from certain death. I saved his life from bleeding to dead on the battlefield were he fell to that monster after defeating it." Kima took some time so that Kuno would digest her words. "If you or anyone tries to separate us, we will face you together. Because we are one." Ranma nodded his agreement and stood by her side.
Kuno smiled and rested his bokken on one shoulder. "Very well Lady. You may be bad choosing your company, but I must respect your decision." He then turned to Ranma. "Saotome. Since I hear you risked your life for another, and this other loves you so. I shall forget all your sins and respect your life."
Ranma fought and urge to blow Kuno off, but decided it was good enough that Kuno would not be bothering him any more. He nodded and offered Kuno a hand. Kuno looked at it with disdain, but shaked it, if only briefly. "Farewell." Kuno said as he started walking away.
Kima, Akane and Ranma looked at the figure walking away. They were taken out of their contemplative mood as many comments started getting to them. "Ohhhhhhh, how sweet!" "To love someone so much." "Saotome sure is lucky." "They are one in all ways?" "Ranma is married?" "Kuno got out of here on his feet!" And the sort. Akane turned and almost laughed aloud seeing the red faces of Ranma and Kima. They suddenly realized the whole scene was watched by the people of Furinkan.
Akane decided to have mercy on the couple and don't comment further. But Nabiki appeared out of nowhere and said. "So guys, you two are married huh?" She had a certain expression on her face Akane recognized, her sister had made money. "So heartbreaking to hear you two talking almost like Kuno for each other." Ranma and Kima were now trying to find a way out of the place. They were surrounded by people looking intently at them. Nabiki smirked and continued. "There's no way out until you answer some questions lovebirds."
Ranma and Kima looked at Nabiki carefully, and found resolution in her. They looked at each other and nodded. Ranma waved a hand. "Sorry Nabiki, but we have to return to class." And with that, he lifted Kima on his arms and jumped out of the circle of students. Another quick hop and they were on the second floor of the building. Ranma placed Kima on the ground and they both looked down at the disapproving scowl Nabiki had. They smiled as Ranma yelled. "Later."
The rest of school went smoothly, but something bothered Ranma. He had not seen Ukyo anywhere on the schoolgrounds, but still he could feel her presence close by. *That's weird, we always sat together to have lunch.* The most dense person on the face of the Earth was thinking, his name, Ranma Saotome.
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Ukyo had seen every move Ranma made in school. She had dressed as a girl now only to be able and watch Ranma without beeing detected. Her friends had been surprised, but they kept that from showing in front of Ranma. Ukyo's heart had stopped when she heard Ranma and Kima were already married. The exchange with Kuno was very painful. Ranma never negated a thing Kima or Kuno said about he loving the girl, as he often did with Akane. *How ironic. I always thought Akane was the biggest threat in getting Ranma, and he married a woman I was sure he hated.* She shoock her head trying to walk straight for her restaurant. *I must face it. Ranma will never be mine.*
Ukyo suddenly stopped and remembered something her pessimistic thoughts had hid from her. "Wasn't Kima supposed to be older than Ranma? How is it that she is going to school with us? And what happened to her wings?"
Ukyo decided to pay a visit to the Tendo dojo in the evening. She wanted to ask Akane a few questions.
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Ranma had asked Akane if they could go to the Tendo dojo to have some training after school. Akane had said they were always welcome at the dojo.
So now they had arrived home and were already in the dojo. Soun had acted very seriously, and wished Ranma and Kima a happy life together. Ranma knew he was hurt because the wedding between a Tendo and a Saotome was off, but he respected the desires of his daughter and of Ranma, who he now cared for as a son after all that had happened.
Ranma and Kima were dressed in their usual clothing. They were talking something in Chinese when Akane entered the dojo in her gi. "Hey guys." They both nodded to her. Akane finally decided to ask a question to them. "Why do you speak in Chinese so much?"
Kima answered without a second thought. "Well, Ranma took some time to learn the language, and is now quite fluent at it. We like to speak in Chinese because me teaching him was very fullfilling. It wasn't the only thing that we did, but we spent many nights together because of it."
Akane smiled. "Many nights together?" Ranma and Kima blushed.
"It wasn't like that!" Ranma and Kima quickly snapped. Akane didn't mind, she knew how Ranma usually was and now suspected Kima was as shy as the pigtailed boy. *Not boy, dammit. He is a man now.* Then to Ranma. "Ranma, you two are using some kind of magic to appear our age right?"
Ranma shoock his head. "We are your age. Saffron did a very powerfull spell."
Akane nodded. "Can you disable it somehow?"
Kima answered. "We can, channelling some chi. The problem is that returning to the state of beeing young is very draining."
"How draining?"
"Remember Hinako-sensei's draining capacity?" Ranma asked, to what Akane nodded. "More. It took me two hours to be able to move freely after doing it."
"So you can do it and then return to your image before going to bed. You would sleep even better." Akane sugested. Kima and Ranma looked at each other and nodded. Akane could see they had some kind of understanding that was beyond words. She suddenly was blinded by a light emanating from them. When she could open her eyes again and see clearly she could see the grown images of the couple.
Kima was more beautiful than in her youth form, if that was possible. She had stronger arms and legs, and her bust size and hips had widened a bit. Her clothing made her looks very provocative, even if the sword tied to her leg could make any man mind his own business.
Ranma had grown to well over 1.85 m. He was very muscular and his shirt and pants also were tight. His muscles seemed to grow to double their size, and his shoulders widened a lot. His neck was now thick as well, and his face was the one of a warrior, with a cool and calculating expression. His hair was tied back in a pigtail the same way, although it was longer.
Akane had abstracted too long until she remembered they were supposed to train. Ranma and Kima were already finishing their warmups when she came out of her shock. "You guys make a great couple." Akane commented. They both looked at her and smiled. Akane could also see that Kima's wings were out now. She was flexing them to regain their perfect use.
Kima and Ranma seemed to finish their flexing exercises and walked to each other in the center of the dojo. "How do you want to fight first?" Ranma asked. Kima handed him a practice sword. "Fine." They saluted with the weapons, and started the fatal dance of swordplay.
Akane was awestruck to see the match. She had never before seen Ranma practice with weapons, but he was now using a sword and fighting Kima. She seemed to have the control of the fight, and Ranma didn't get frustrated by it, he simply learned as fast as usual and tried not to lose fast. The fight ended with Kima's sword hitting Ranma's wrist, to which Ranma lost grip of his weapon and jumped out of range. "Good. Ranma, you are improving." Kima praised.
Ranma smiled and said. "Wait till we have a fighting spar, I'll get even." Kima smiled back, they always held back on the other when using their chosen field of martial arts. That way the other practiced and improved and they remembered the basics.
Kima took the two swords on her hands and took them to a corner of the dojo. "Whenever you are ready." She said, assuming a fighting stance Akane recognized as Ranma's. The only difference was that Kima seemed lighter on her feet, and her wings were in an open position. She could break into flying easily with her wings like that. Ranma had told Akane to use any kind of advange in a fight. Kima's was probably her ability to fly, while Ranma's was his incredible agility and speed. She saw the start of the fight and could easily guess Kima was not as proficient unarmed, but was definitely very strong. Ranma was holding back, but Akane recognized Kima knew this.
*It seems they reached an agreement.* Akane thought. She walked to the corner of the dojo and decided to train a little with their weapons. Just to make sure about the way the fight was going, she turned and saw it again. Kima was flying around Ranma, trying to find an opening. With a quick flap of her wings she shot forward and threw a series of punches Ranma dodged or blocked carefully. They started exchanging blows, and Ranma finally hit Kima on the midsection. Kima shrugged the punch off and kicked Ranma on the side. They both stood back and exchanged a smile, before going at it again. Akane shoock her head and took one of the swords. *What the hell?* Her eyes opened wide. She could barely lift the damn thing. It was several times as heavy as Ryoga's umbrella. *But they were using this swords with such speed it seemed like they were made of air.* She turned to Ranma and Kima again. They were exchanging blows once more. Akane could not believe it. She was sure they were extremely strong. Kima was significantly less skilled than her in unarmed combat, but if she landed a blow, Akane had no doubt it would hurt.
Ranma suddenly stopped moving, and Kima managed to land several blows to the unmoving martial artist. Akane flinched at the sound of the blows, but Ranma didn't even move a milimeter. After several more blows Ranma caught one of Kima's fists and threw her against a wall. Kima managed to use her wings for flying in the last minute, and avoid hitting the wall. She turned quickly to find Ranma's foot a few inches from her face. Akane grimaced at the hit Kima received to the jaw. Now she did crash into the wall, and didn't get up. "Ranma!" Akane yelled enraged that Ranma was so brutal training with his wife. Ranma turned to her with a scowl.
"She can take it Akane. We have fought worse than this before." Akane stepped back, Ranma had never been so cold in his treatement of her. Kima started to stir and stood up after a few moments. Ranma noticed her up and praised. "You did great Kima! You broke three of my ribs and managed to avoid my first throw."
Kima smiled and said. "I won't go easy on you next time we fence darling." That last word was pronounced with such force Akane knew it was an open threat. They smiled at each other before laughing madly.
Akane was overwhelmed by what had happened. "Three ribs?" She asked as a whisper.
Ranma nodded still chuckling. "Sorry about snapping at you Akane, but Kima wants to improve her skills fast, and fighting like this is what gives you the edge needed."
Akane stared a long time at them, and then took one of the practice swords. "So this is why you managed to increase your strenght. I'm surprised you didn't loose your speed or agility."
Kima laughed and said. "He increased them tenfold." Akane seemed unbelieving, but they both left it at that. Kima concentrated a bit and her wings disappeared.
Akane saw the happening and asked. "How do you will your wings to disappear?" Kima and Ranma suddenly blushed furiously and started stammering answers. Akane could make nothing of their words, so she waved her hands in front of her and said. "Forget it." They seemed to breathe in relief.
"You wanna spar Akane?" Ranma asked after a long silence.
Akane shoock her head. "For what I've seen there's no point to it. You can take every blow I give you. Besides, you have three broken ribs, you should go to Dr. Tofu."
Ranma shrugged and said. "They'll be healed in a couple of hours, it will just be a bother for some time." Ranma then looked outside, at the clouds that were menacing with a storm. "Looks like we have to hurry, it's gonna rain." Kima nodded her consent and they took the practice swords. "Thanks for letting us train here Akane, there is no other place were Kima can use her wings without someone discovering us."
Akane smiled and said. "Whenever you want to come you are welcome. Remember you are a part of the family." Ranma and Kima waved and jumped over the wall. Akane was left deep in thought. *They are so right for each other. I wonder what ever happened to get them together.* She decided that a hot bath would ease the tension in her body, if not from excercising from looking those two beat the crap out of each other.
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Ranma and Kima were running away from the Tendo dojo when suddenly Ranma stopped. Kima turned to him and saw his expression, she understood right away, she had felt a presence too. They both turned to the roof of a nearby building and Ranma said calmly. "We know you are there Uchan, come down so we can talk."
Ukyo stood up from her crouching position and eyed the couple down on the street. She had witnessed everything from when they started fighting, and was mad at Kima. Ranma never showed any interest in learning her martial art, but now he was trying hard to learn Kima's and teach her the Anything Goes. Ukyo jumped down to the street and eyed Kima with anger. The soldier didn't seem bothered at all at the open threat in the chef's expression, she even was amused at her. Ukyo then saw Ranma carefully, she had been surprised to know Ranma was now older than her, but she didn't completely believe it until now. She could see all the changes Ranma had gone through. "What happened to you Ranchan?" Ukyo asked.
Ranma shrugged. "I grew up."
"Don't fuck with me you bastard! We all grow up, but not like that." Ukyo then turned to Kima. "What the hell did you do to him?"
Ranma got a serious expression on his face. "What do you want Ukyo?" Ukyo flinched at the way Ranma addressed her. He was never so cold with her, never called her Ukyo.
Ukyo was holding back tears, anger was her escape to becoming overwhelmed by them. "What do I want? You know it perfectly. I want you!" She then signaled to Kima. "And I want that bitch out of my way."
Kima's face flushed with anger, and she said coldly. "Look Kuonjy. Has any of you asked Ranma what he wants?" Ukyo was taken aback by the question, and remained silent. Seeing her silence, Kima continued. "I didn't think so. When I met Ranma I wanted his heart on the tip of my sword, but he nearly lost his life saving people that had tried to kill him, including me. I know it has been the same here. But instead of thanking him you people try to get him for yourselves without thinking of his feelings." Kima paused to make sure Ukyo was taking in every word that left her mouth. "I don't know when it happened, but I fell in love with him. I do know I didn't force him into anything the way you have repeatedly tried to."
Ukyo heard every word and knew they were true. "But I did that so that he could love me." She protested.
Kima snorted. "With love potions and trickery? You call that love?"
Ranma interrupted. "This is leading us nowhere." He then faced Ukyo squarely. "I will always love you Ukyo, as my best friend. I just can't think of you in any other way."
Lighting iluminated the sky, and rain crashed heavily on the three fighters. Ukyo's eyes widened when she saw Ranma and Kima did not change into their cursed forms. "When did you...?"
Ranma shrugged. "We managed to defeat the curses. That's part of the reason we aged so much."
Ukyo got out of her shock and asked. "So you really mean it when you say you are married?"
Ranma and Kima nodded. Ukyo looked up into the sky, letting the drops of water fall on her face. She needed to relax or she could lose Ranma for good. She turned again to Ranma and Kima, they were looking at her with attention. Ukyo could see Ranma had an expression of trust on his face. *He trusts me, even after I attacked him and disapproved all he did he trusts me.* This was too much to bear for Ukyo, Ranma trusted her to forgive him, and she could not disappoing him. "I'm not sure if I can accept what happened, but I will try." Ukyo finally said.
Ranma seemed to breathe easier, and Kima nodded her agreement. Ranma finally said. "We'll walk you to Uchan's." Ukyo nodded and they all walked under the rain, enjoying it's fall as if it was a blessing from heaven.
END PART 3
Author's notes: Well, another part ready. So what do you think? I really enjoyed writing this, although I'm not sure about making Akane into such a mature person, I guess losing to Shampoo must have done that to her. Well, see you in part 4. |
