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Nodoka and Genma were worriedly waiting for Ranma and Kima to come back. It was already dark and they had not returned from school. Genma had tried to calm his wife because he knew Ranma could take care of anything. Now he was by his wife's side expecting for Ranma to return.
They finally saw two figures walking towards the house wearing the clothes Ranma and Kima had in the morning, and breathed in relief. The two figures could not be seen perfectly because of the heavy rain, but their hair and clothing gave them away. Nodoka waved from the porch of the house, and Ranma waved back. In a matter of seconds Ranma and Kima were in front of the house, looking at a stupified Nodoka and an awestruck Genma. *Damn, I forgot they don't know about me aging this much.* "Hey mom. Hey pop." He greeted casually. Kima ellbowed him on the ribs and he changed a knowing stare with her, they had some explaining to do.
Nodoka came out of her shock and eyed her son carefully. "We will talk as soon as you two are dried up." She said evenly returning inside the house with Genma following.
Ranma and Kima took a few minutes to dry themselves and change into shorts and t-shirts. They walked to the dining room, were his parents were waiting patiently. Kima sat down next to him and Ranma asked his mother. "Have you told pops about what we talked yesterday?"
Nodoka nodded. "I had to tell him the whole story for him to understand." Ranma nodded, accepting his mother's reasons.
Ranma continued. "Then we will continue the story where we left it." Ranma said.
*****************************
Two weeks passed in which Ranma recovered completely from his injuries, even the doctor was surprised by his quick healing. Things had gotten calm once again. Kima's duties diminished as Lord Saffron was mature again, and he could take care of himself inside the castle. Kima spent some time training the guard, but most of her time was spent with the human that had entered the lives of the people in Phoenix Mountain. Ranma had proved to be much more than she expected, helping others with no interest and even if it cost him something. She was walking towards the training hall. A soldier informed her that Ranma Saotome had asked him where he could train. Kima had looked for Ranma for half an hour before encountering that soldier, she had some news about his quest.
Much to her pleasure, Ranma had been given a room next to her quarters. Although it was only one room he seemed not to bother at all. They shared meals everyday, talking about the events on their lives. Ranma spoke of his trips with his father, and the time he spent in Nerima. Kima talked about her father and her experiences as leader of the Royal Guard of Phoenix Mountain.
She entered the training hall to find an interesting sight. Ranma was sparring with some of the youngest soldiers. He was now sparring with Sildag, the boy they had saved from turning into a monster that nearly killed all of the troop acompanying him. Ranma was moving with ease and precision, and Kima noticed at once that he was holding back. She had fought against Ranma and with Ranma as a comrade, and she could tell his skill was something over the imagination of most warriors. Silgad attacked with every maneuver he knew, but failed to make Ranma even block one of his attacks. Silgad however, showed no sign of frustration, he was even smiling. Kima detected something else, Ranma was taping Silgad's weak spots on defense, and Silgad quickly covered them. The pigtailed martial artist was training Silgad, teaching him how to attack without leaving wholes in his defense. The fight came to an end when Ranma kicked Silgad in the stomach, making him loss his breath, and held back his follow up punch merely inches from Silgad's throat. Silgad's sword was too far away from Ranma to be effective.
Ranma stepped back and smiled. "You were great man. You improved a lot in your defense."
Silgad saluted with his sword and returned the smile. "Thank you for helping me Ranma, you are a great fighter."
Kima started clapping with her hands and walked next to the fighters. "Just great. Now the hero is even a teacher." Kima said sarcastically, although there was no malitiousness in her comment.
The whole attendance started laughing at the remark. After they sobbered Ranma spoke. "We were just having fun. I'm surprised you people are so good at your age." Ranma said eyeing Silgad.
"This is thanks to Lady Kima. She is the one that trains the younger generation into the basics of armed combat." Silgad said bowing to Kima. She returned the bow with a nod.
Ranma turned and eyed Kima with respect. "You do a very good job. Their skills with weapons are great."
"But you still don't see the point of using weapons." Kima stated. This had been a point of discussion between them for the whole time. Kima defended that weapons could become an extension of the body, to aid in defeating opponents. Ranma argued that using a weapon was restricting your skill to its use.
Ranma shoock his head. "I'm sorry. It has to do with the way I was trained since I could walk."
Kima turned to the rest of the people and said. "Very well, recess is over. Continue with your training." The whole room started making exercises with various types of weaponry. Kima looked at them with pride and turned to Ranma. "I have news for you."
"You found anything yet?" Ranma asked with an even tone, but Kima noticed he was not expecting a positive answer. Ranma was thinking. *If the cure is somewhere else I will have to leave. The past few weeks have been great, and although I miss everyone in Japan I don't know why I'm affraid to leave. *
Kima, before giving an answer, thought. *He will leave this place, and I may never see him again. I still owe him after he saved my life.* Kima knew she had saved his life as well, but she felt there was something unfinished between them. She focused her attention on the subject at hand. "Lord Saffron was informed that your particular curse cannot be cured by the water of the Nannichuan. He researched some more and found there is a way to cure you in the Himalayas. He is currently working on the exact place."
Ranma nodded and smiled weakly. *I guess she is happy I'm finally leaving.*
Kima saw the smile and understood. *He is looking forward to leaving.* Kima had offered Ranma help on his quest to find a cure, they used the library of the castle to find information that would lead him on the right track. It had been her idea to offer this, a way to repay Ranma. But months after she finally accepted the real motive behind her offer.
They both turned to see the rest of the people in the hall regarding them. They blushed somewhat and decided to train a little themselves.
____________________
Ranma is currently training on a terrace outside the palace. It was past midnight, but he could not manage to sleep, so he decided to get some fresh air. His katas had so much power and speed that even he was amazed at it. It had taken place after he almost died in the mouth of that reptile. His injuries had healed incredibly fast, and he found his own abilities improve instead of decaying after the recovery. It was a mystery, but not one Ranma despised. He always trained to become stronger, and this made him feel great. He would keep on training to improve further. So lost was he in his thoughts that he didn't notice the subtle change in his kata. His movements became more fluent and precise. His muscles were relaxed, yet ready for anything. His breathing was normal, but most impressive of all. His fists opened, his fingers in the stance of claws.
It had all gone so well since he arrived. Ranma now had friends that respected him and didn't expect something from him. Kima had opened up to him, and they shared many memories that for some reason were painfull, but the other would listen and understand, giving silent support. Ranma had not known this in all his life, and he was scared of losing it. For the first time in his life, Ranma Saotome was completely at peace with his surrounding, and most importantly, with himself.
Ranma didn't notice a pair of eyes looking at him from the shadows of a window. He was too absorbed in his thoughts. Kima eyed every movement he made with amazement. He had become stronger in a matter of weeks. She didn't hear the footsteps coming from behind, and was startled when a voice sounded. "You don't want him to go, do you?" Kima turned to face Captain Krain standing behind her. His powerfull frame in a relaxed position.
Kima and Krain were friends, and Krain always was there to give advice when needed. She shoock her head and turned to Ranma. "I don't know what's going on with me." She said.
Krain smiled and said. "I do." Kima turned to him. "But I'm not sure you want to know." Kima thought for a moment. Krain always was right when he gave her advice. She finally nodded for him to continue. "You have grown into a woman with certain ideals, and never really thought much about the future." She nodded. "But now there is a man who lives by your ideals, and you find yourself attracted to him."
"You mean?" Kima already knew the answer, but she needed to hear it to believe it.
Krain smiled and said. "I mean you are in love with Saotome." Kima nearly tried to deny the statement, but found nothing to base herself upon. Krain placed a hand on her shoulder and continued. "And I'm sure he feels the same way."
Kima turned to face him. "But how can you tell?" She asked not daring to believe Ranma returned the feeling. This was already too complicated for her. She could handle an entire army attacking Phoenix Mountain, but handling her love life was new to her.
Krain simply looked at Ranma, who was still in the middle of a kata. "Everyone can tell by the way you two are together. Everybody in the castle knows about it."
Kima blushed fiercely at the thought of everybody but herself and Ranma noticing this. "But..."
Krain interrupted her. "You two are just too proud and naive to accept your feelings. Better go to him and talk. You can regret not doing it when time passes." And with this Krain gave her a reasuring smile and headed to his chambers, leaving a confused Kima behind.
________________
Ranma finished his last kata, sweat all over his body, which ached due to the exertion. He turned to face Kima, who was eyeing him seriously. Ranma waved and smiled. "Sorry for beeing up this late, but I couldn't sleep." Kima walked to him and they stood in front of each other separated by mere inches.
Kima was at a loss of words. She didn't know what to say at all. *Shit! The first time I can't speak clearly is just now.* They stood like that for a long time, and neither of them remembered how long that was. They had lost into each other's eyes. Kima finally decided that words would not come out of her mouth, so she did what Ranma least expected. She kissed him fully on the lips. The kiss was broken, and Kima hugged Ranma tightly. *I screwed up.* Was her only thought. Ranma had not reacted to her kiss. Tears began to form in her eyes. She cursed herself, a soldier is not supposed to cry. "I'm sorry Ranma."
Ranma had not expected her to kiss him, and didn't react. But something was wrong. He had not felt uncomfortable at all, like when Ukyo or Shampoo tried to kiss him. If fact, he could feel happiness take him. *So, this is why I didn't want to leave.* He realized surprised. Now Kima was sobbing on his shoulder, and Ranma knew why that was, he instantly felt guilty.
Kima decided to face her mistake with courage. She parted enough to see Ranma's face. "I'm sorry Ranma, I didn't mean to ........" Her words were silenced by Ranma's lips on hers. They shared an embrace that lasted for a long time. Both of them happy to have found the courage to destroy all barriers and let themselves be their true selves.
_______________
Saffron is in the throne room. He is having a recess from his daily activities. Kima and Ranma enter the room, which is now empty. Saffron can sense there was a change between the pair, and smiled inwardly. Kima bows and Ranma stands by her side. "Lord Saffron, my apologies for interrupting your rest."
Saffron waves his hand. "Enough of the formalities Kima, what can I do for you?" He already knew the answer to that one, but etiquette demanded that his subjects asked for favors.
Kima blushed and said. "Lord Saffron. I don't know what the rules for marrying are in Phoenix Mountain, I never needed to know, but..."
"You want to know if you can marry an outsider." Saffron concluded for her. Kima and Ranma blushed, everyone except for them knew. Saffron laughed, which only made them blush harder. "There is a condition that must be fullfilled for you to be able to do so."
Ranma quickly says. "Anything." Kima nods her agreement with Saotome. Saffron was impressed by their determination.
The Phoenix king smiles and says. "You have to fight together and save each other's lives." Ranma and Kima are dumbfouded by the answer. "You two were destined to be together from the adventure of Jusenkyo. I'm glad I can grant this to you two." Saffron stood up. "You two are married from this moment on under the tradition of Phoenix Mountain."
Ranma asked. "What? No ceremony or witnesses?"
Saffron laughed. "There's no need for them, since you two agree to be together, your feelings are the ones that count in this decision. I'm surprised you would ask this of me so soon."
Kima got out of her shock. "You mean we are already married?" Saffron nodded. "But we wanted to ask Ranma's parents first."
Saffron nodded. "I see you have talked this over." He thought for a moment. "Since you are married under our custom, you still have to marry with the Japanese ritual. I think this would solve your problem." Ranma and Kima nodded. "Well, I would like to talk to Saotome now Kima. Do you mind leaving us for a moment?"
"Not at all Lord Saffron. I have matters to attend to. It'll take little time." She turned to Ranma and they shared a big smile. Saffron could tell they shared more with that single smile than with all the words in the world. Kima left the throne room.
"So, what's up Saffron?" Ranma asked casually, although there was a hint of respect in his tone of voice.
"I have found what you came looking for Saotome. The cure to Jusenkyo curses." Saffron anounced. Ranma didn't seem as happy as he expected, but he had expected this. "Don't worry, I'm sure Kima will follow you. After all, she has a curse that she wants cured as well." Ranma was taken aback by the directness of Saffron, but agreed with him. Saffron suddenly became serious. "The problem is noone has ever goten the cure. All the people that went looking for it died in a fierce battle."
Ranma was never one to back down because of odds. "So, when do we leave?" He asked cockily.
Saffron smiled at the behavior of the Japanese fighter and continued. "In about two months there will be a chance for you to enter the domain of the dark caverns. I suggest you train for as long as you can in a special ground."
"What's so special about that place?" Ranma asked.
"Time runs faster there. If you train there for a complete month, you will live four years." Saffron said. "How would you like to be the same age as Kima?" Saffron asked, knowing Ranma would probably be bothered by beeing younger than his wife.
Ranma shrugged and smiled. "I know what you're planning. How will we convince her to go with this?"
Saffron looked past him and answered. "Why don't you ask her?"
Ranma turned to face Kima, a neutral expression on her face. Kima could sense Ranma wanted this to happen, and so did she. "Do it." She said calmly.
___________________
Night came fast, and now Ranma and Kima were caught in a very embarrassing situation for both. They now shared the same quarters, but no longer as friends, but as husband and wife. "Uhhhhhh...." Ranma tried to speak.
Kima laughed nervously. "Yeah..." They were both trying to talk or do anything, but their minds were frozen. It had all been so wonderfull the whole day that now neither of them could believe the tension building. Finally, Ranma and Kima moved in unisone, and they shared a long and passionate kiss. Now more loose, Ranma lifted Kima in his arms and walked to their room.
___________________
The next morning Ranma woke up to find himself with a very beautiful and very naked winged woman. He freaked out untill he remembered what had happened. Ranma relaxed and took a look at his wife. She was truly beautiful sleeping that peacefully.
Kima opened her eyes slowly to find Ranma holding her close and looking at her lovingly. She was about to reach for her sword when she too remembered what had happened. She blushed slightly at the memory of what they had done last night. "Hi." Ranma said whispering and kissed her.
Kima returned the kiss and when they broke she said. "Get ready. We are leaving in a few hours."
Ranma smiled wickedly. "A few hours. What can we do in a few hours?" Kima was suddenly laughing under the sheets, where Ranma was.
*******************
Kima finished. "And that's more or less it." She said taking Ranma's hand.
Nodoka nodded and said. "And then you trained for years?"
Ranma nodded. "Yeah. Kima visited me on a regular basis, but most of the time I was concentrated only on training. The last months have been very happy for me, because Kima and I were together." He said pressing a little bit his wife's hand. "My love for her only grew with the experience."
Genma nodded and understood his son's sacrifice. "How much did you improve in your years of training?"
Ranma smiled and answered. "Enough. I mastered the Neko-ken and my strenght increased so much I barely control it."
Genma lifted an eyebrow. "But you seem to be as strong as Ryoga." He said this not to underestimate Ryoga, but to him Ranma was exagerating.
Ranma nodded and turned to Kima, who answered. "I learned how to do several siatsu points that limit fighting abilities. You already know of the weakness siatsu." Genma and Nodoka nodded, they knew the story. "Ranma trained with those siatsu points activated to increase his physical abilities to the limit. He overcame that limit, and now it is dangerous to be around him if he is not controlled by the siatsu points."
Genma's eyes bulged out. "You mean you are currently under the effect of the siatsu points?"
Ranma nodded. "I prepared myself for the fight of my life, and found this way to increase my abilites. It showed to be too much, now my abilites with the siatsu are enought to challenge the old ghoul. And if I deactivate the points I'm just too powerfull."
Nodoka pondered this and said. "So you overcame the challenge and got your curses cured." Ranma and Kima nodded. "Kima, do you train like my son?"
Kima blushed a little and nodded. "Yeah, although I'm not as strong as he is I train with the same limiters on."
Genma hugged his son tightly. "My son, you make your father proud." Ranma returned the hug. "Now you can take care of the Master and..." SPLASH "Gruff, gruff." Genma-panda says as he gets out of the pond.
Ranma sits down again. "Great, now my father tries to use me as a weapon."
Kima laughes a little at this. Nodoka smiles and goes to the kitchen to get a kettle.
______________________
Akane and Nabiki are walking to school right now. Nabiki turns to Akane and says. "So, what do you know about the lovebirds?"
Akane could tell Nabiki wanted some information to sell. "You know as much as I do sis." Was all Akane said before turning to the fence, where Ranma and Kima were walking silently. She noticed Ranma had a big bruise with the shape of the flat of a blade on his cheek. "I asume Kima trained you today Ranma?" Ranma grumbled something under his breath and Akane burst out laughing.
Nabiki turned to see the two youngsters walking like if the world was a wonderfull place. She had expected to make profit out of Ranma as usual, but he had somehow managed to avoid all her attempts at that. She said. "Well Saotome, when's the wedding?"
Ranma nearly lost his footing, but Kima managed to keep him on the fence. Ranma resumed walking, glancing thankfully at Kima. "I guess this spring break." He said nonchallantly.
Nabiki was about to continue with her questioning when a purple haired Chinese teenager appeared out of nowhere. "Ranma, I kill!" She said quickly as she launched a coordinated attack with her bonbori. Ranma jumped out of the way, and Kima jumped to the canal and flapped her wings to surround the Chinese amazon and stand beside Ranma.
"Shampoo." Ranma said dangerously. He had expected to get rid of the amazon problem, but it seemed Shampoo was back. "What the hell are you doing here Shampoo? I defeated Zin Dar and am now free from marrying you."
"Indeed Saotome." Ranma and the others turned to see Cologne, by her sides stood Mouse and Zin Dar. "You are free from marrying Shampoo, but she still has to kill you." Cologne said dangerously.
Ranma saw Shampoo getting into a ready stance. He turned to Cologne again, not paying any attention to Shampoo. "You convinced her to kill me because I didn't want to marry her right?" Cologne didn't answer. "You are as honorless as I had expected you to be old ghoul. Your good wishes were just part of your plan to make us distracted."
Cologne lifted an eyebrow and said. "Very good Saotome, you figured it out." Cologne said icily.
Ranma payed close attention to the faces of his contenders. Cologne, Zin Dar and Shampoo were all determined on killing him. But he could read something different in Mouse. He was taken out of his thinking by what Kima said. "Do you realize that a direct attack on one of the nobles of Phoenix Mountain is like an attack on Lord Saffron himself? If you continue with this you might start a war."
Cologne seemed surprised for the first time, but quickly regained her composure. "So, you two are already married? Interesting. Then we must kill you as well bird girl." The old amazon signaled for Zin Dar and Mouse to attack with Shampoo. Zin Dar obligued, but Mouse hesitated. "What are you waiting for you fool?" Cologne reprimanded him.
Mouse was in the spotlight now. He had seen how hatred had changed his beloved Shampoo into a beeing that he was affraid of. He still loved her, but for the first time in his life, decided to stop her from doing something dishonorable. Mouse turned to Cologne, and with seriousness simply said. "No." Cologne and Zin Dar turned with anger towards the traitor, but Shampoo was surprised for once Mouse was not willing to follow her. Mouse jumped and stood next to Ranma and Kima. Akane and Nabiki were inside a semicircle, their backs to the fence. "This is wrong. Saotome may be many things, but he's always shown to me that he is honorable, and has shown me something noone else ever did, his friendship." Mouse turned and saw Ranma placing a hand on his shoulder. "I have many times tried to harm him, but he has always forgiven me. Now I am honor bound to help him, even if it is against you." Mouse had said these last words looking directly at Shampoo, his glasses on his face.
Shampoo felt anger rising inside her very beeing, as she saw a man who always dragged himself to her feet betray her. "Stupid Mouse, get out of way." She said, her face red with annoyance. Mouse simply shoock his head and assumed a fighting stance.
Kima got her sword out from seemingly nowhere and stood ready. Akane assumed a fighting stance herself. Only Ranma remained in his standing position, completely relaxed. He turned to Cologne and said. "Well, it seems the sides are chosen." Ranma's face betrayed no emotion at all, almost as if he was dead. "Get out of here before I break every bone in your body." He threatened with a calm voice, he could be talking about the weather. But he was death serious.
Cologne knew Ranma enough to be concerned. He was always boasting of things he would do, but now he was serious and gave them a chance to leave. *If my instincts are correct, he is much more powerfull than what he showed against Zin Dar.* Cologne eyed Ranma Saotome carefully, she had been her teacher for a while, and she knew how much Ranma could improve with training. "Ranma Saotome, I see my teachings did nothing for you to fear the wrath of the amazons. Therefore I'm forced into killing you." She signaled for Zin Dar to advance.
The other amazon drew her weapons and started walking towards Ranma. The last time Zin Dar had been possesed by a demon, but now Ranma knew she would attack more carefully. Ranma saw his companions tensing up and said. "Leave her to me."
"But Ranma..." Akane protested.
Kima interrupted the youngest Tendo. "I'll watch your back for tricks." Ranma nodded and popped his joints, then casually walked to face Zin Dar.
Zin Dar snarled at him. "I remember what you did to me, now it's payback time."
Ranma again calmly said. "This is your last chance. Leave or feel a lot of pain."
Mouse knew Ranma was about to fight, and yelled. "Watch for her blades Saotome. She coats them with venom." Ranma nodded, while Cologne and Shampoo cursed the master of hidden weapons.
Zin Dar attacked with a thrust for Ranma's heart. Ranma was already behind her pushing a siatsu point. Zin Dar's blades fell to the ground, and she could not lift them up. Ranma then taunted. "Oops, I'm sorry. Feeling weak?" Zin Dar eyed Ranma dangerously and started attacking with no weapons. Ranma casually dodged the punches and kicks.
Cologne saw what Ranma had done. *Damn. He pressed the strength siatsu, even if Zin Dar manages to strike him, which is improbable, the attack will have no effect.* Cologne turned to the others. Nabiki and Akane were looking at the fight with awed expressions, but Kima and Mouse were looking at what Cologne and Shampoo did. *And those two are guarding his back. Mouse is no trouble at all, but I have no idea just how strong Kima is.*
Shampoo could see Zin Dar was becoming frustrated. Ranma dodged her attacks as if he was just practicing some dancing steps. Ranma had always been good, but Shampoo had to admit, Ranma had become a lot faster than before.
Ranma was enjoying himself with the fight so far. His opponent was under his skill, and she was becoming desperate, making mistakes. Ranma took those chances to lightly tap on certain points of her body. She didn't even notice the touch.
Cologne could see Ranma begun touching certain points on Zin Dar's body. His movements were too fast for the other amazon. *Those points he is touching are not at random.* Cologne recognized them as pressure points to induct pain, and her eyes widened in shock when she understood what the pigtailed martial artist was planning.
Zin Dar finally rested a little from her attack, trying to catch her breath. She had not even touched the pigtailed martial artist. She looked up, and there stood Ranma casually, waiting for her. "I'll kill you."
Ranma raised his open palm in a motion Kima and Akane recognized. "This is your last chance."
Zin Dar smiled wickedly. "I know what your weakness is. You won't fight me because I'm a girl." Ranma's companions except for Kima gasped, knowing that was indeed Ranma's weakness. "I'll kill you." She rushed at Ranma. Ranma shoock his head and closed his palm into a fist. The cry of pain Zin Dar let out covered a good portion of the Nerima district. She fell to the floor rolling and clutching at her body with a mask of pain so intense even Cologne was sorry for her. She lost consciousness after screaming some more.
Ranma looked at Cologne. "She'll be OK. But I doubt she'll ever want to see me again." Ranma said with a half smile.
Cologne eyed him with pure contained rage. "'Shampoo, pick her up and leave."'
Shampoo protested. "'Great grandmother, we still have to kill Ranma and Kima."'
Ranma said. "'Better get the hell out of here Shampoo, it seems the dried old mummy wants to talk."'
Shampoo gasped at Ranma speaking in Chinese, but Cologne simply glared at her. Shampoo obeyed and now only Cologne faced against the group. "I see you improved even more Ranma Saotome."
Ranma shrugged. "Just tell that bimbo that next time she will feel twice as much pain."
Kima joined the conversation. "Elder, it seems to me that you want war."
Cologne eyed Kima with cold eyes. "We are now honor bound to kill Ranma and you. If anyone steps in our way they are our enemies." She paused and turned to Mouse. "As for you. You are considered a traitor. The next time we meet it will be your last day boy." With this Cologne hopped off.
The silence was finally broken by a smart remark from Nabiki. "Guess we can forget about school for today."
_________________
Nabiki was out right now doing business. Kasumi was at the kitchen, making supper. Soun was reading his paper on the living room. Ranma, Kima, Akane and Mouse were all in the dojo.
"Guess this time they are serious." Ranma said calmly.
Kima and Mouse nodded gravely. Akane made a storm in a glass of water, as usual. "You are taking this too lightly Ranma! They want to kill you!"
Ranma smiled. "People have been trying to kill me all my life."
Kima added. "Besides, I'm certain that's the last we will see of Zin Dar. Ranma did quite a number with her."
"I thought you didn't hit girls Ranma" Akane accused.
Ranma shrugged and Kima said. "He didn't until I kicked his ass for not fighting back in our sparring matches. He learned that women, although weaker physically, can be as dangerous in battle as men." Ranma and Kima laughed at the memory.
Mouse was very serious the whole time, he simply put in. "Our problem at hand may be a little worse than hitting girls." Ranma and Kima sobbered and nodded. Mouse continued. "I think Cologne took defeat personally this time. She will try to kill us with all her might."
Ranma didn't seem bothered by it. "Let her try, I want to settle the score with her." Kima seemed to be thinking along similar lines.
Mouse shoock his head and smiled. "I see you have improved Saotome, but amazon techniques go further than just fighting. We have to be carefull."
Ranma nodded and said. "What do you suggest we do?"
Mouse thought for a moment. "We could continue with our lives normally, but we will have to be carefull at all times. From today we are at war with the amazons."
Ranma placed his hand on Mouse's shoulder and said. "I know it is difficult for you to face against Shampoo. If you want to, you can leave us to try and solve your problems."
Mouse shoock his head. "No. I said I would aid you, and I will."
Ranma nodded and smiled. "Just as I thought. Welcome aboard Mouse."
Mouse returned the smile. "Thanks." They shaked hands.
Kima smiled at the exchange, and simply put in. "I think we might need help dealing with the amazons right now."
Ranma shoock his head. "I don't want to involve the people in Phoenix Mountain. There's no need for a war."
Akane had been distracted from the conversation, and was startled with the noise. "What are you doing Ranma?"
Ranma cracked his knuckles and said. "Well, they are after us, so we need to be ready." He then offered Kima a hand and she stood up with his help. "We need to go train to the forest."
"You mean...?" Kima asked. Ranma severely nodded. Kima smiled, a smile that sent shivers through Akane's spine. Ranma would take this seriously. "Fine, let's go."
Mouse stood up as well. "I shall go with you. They are after the three of us. If we stick together it will be harder for them to attack." Ranma nodded.
Akane quickly put in. "I'm going too." Ranma was about to protest, but Akane continued. "You said it yourself, we are like brother and sister. I will never let something happen to a member of my family." She smirked maliciously. "Besides, I've been dying to kick Shampoo's ass for a long time."
A voice from behind was loudly heard. "I'm going too." They all turned to see Ryoga, backpack and umbrella on the floor.
Kima eyes Ryoga and Akane warily. "You two are not mixed in this yet. It will be dangerous."
Ryoga laughed. "Ranma has risked his life more times than I can remember to help others, myself included." Ryoga walked directly towards Ranma and stopped mere inches from him. "After all, what are friends for."
Kima was utterly speechless. Ranma had told her everything about his life in Nerima. How his rivals always tried to severly injure or kill him. But now all of them were ready to stand for him when he needed help. *Guess he will always be like that.* She thought with a smile. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Kima said walking to the door.
Ranma followed her. He turned to say. "Meet us at the place were Ryoga trained the Bakusai Tenketsa. We have to pick up some things from my place." And with that he jumped over the wall of the Tendo's household.
Akane smiled at seeing Ryoga and Mouse so dedicated in helping a friend. "Let's go." She said.
END PART 4
Author?otes: How do you like it so far? Well, this is a new page, so I?aiting for any incoming mails to continue on updating. I will continue writing, but posting it is not gonna be so frequent.
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