I posted this fic to the FFML when it went back up for the second time .
I'm not sure how many people saw it.  I've been meaning to do a revision,
but except for the ending, I haven't gotten around to it yet.  I case anyone
is interested, I've included both endings. Any and all comments are
welcome.  Oh yeah, in case you haven't guessed, bad things happen to Ranma.


Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi created these characters, I'm just borrowing
them.  Rights in North America owned by Viz communications.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

     It wasn't fair, but that was nothing new to Ryouga.  The so-called
"sacred spring" really had cured his curse, but he wasn't going to get a
chance to enjoy it.  The scroll had mentioned a demonic guardian and he was
starting to wish he'd paid more attention to that section.

    "Bakusai Tenketsu!" As his attack went home, the sight of his enemy's
right arm exploding into rubble rewarded Ryouga.  An instant later he
desperately threw himself backwards, barely in time to prevent a back handed
blow from the other arm from crushing his skull.  By the
time he regained his balance, enough fragments of the monster's destroyed
arm had coalesced to restore it up to the elbow.  Ryouga didn't waste the
breath necessary to curse; the scene was far too familiar.

     "YOU ARE PERSISTANT INSECT, BUT I WILL FINISH PLAYING SOON!"  The
creature's voice was the sound of tombstones being crushed and the chuckle
that followed it was even more ghastly.  A ponderous footfall shook the
floor of the cavern, although Ryouga knew from bitter experience that his
foe could move quickly when it desired.

     The brief pause gave Ryouga a chance to collect his wits. Sekishou, the
guardian of the spring was certainly an imposing presence.  A faceless gray
figure with a seemingly unfinished body and only the glowing red suggestion
of eyes, it stood twice his height and was easily three times as broad.  The
was only of minimal concern, with the Bakusai Tenketsu it would only take
him five seconds to destroy it; with pure strength, he could accomplish it
in thirty.  However, as long as it healed as quickly as he damaged it, that
was meaningless.

     Suddenly bursting into motion, Ryouga charged towards Sekishou, at the
last moment ducking beneath a clubbing blow and continuing to on to race
towards the distant exit.  He already had his cure; there was no reason for
him to stay and die.

     There were no footsteps behind him.  As Ryouga neared the exit, he
silently gloated, at least until he caught sight of the stone of the floor
flowing upward and taking shape in front of him.  He wasn't going to let him
self be stopped though, his momentum gave him an advantage.

     "Bakusai Tenketsu!"  This time, Ryouga connected not with one of his
adversary's limbs, but with the center of its chest.  Through the blinding
spray a shrapnel, Ryouga saw a shining red orb, twice the size of his
clenched fists.  A wolfish grin twisting his face, Ryouga's hand
blurred towards the first vulnerable spot he'd found, only to pass through
empty space as his target merged with the stone beneath his feet.

     Starting towards the exit again, Ryouga abruptly fell face first to the
floor, as a grip powerful enough to pulverize stone closed on one leg.  Even
as he twisted around, the young martial artist felt his bones begin to bend
alarmingly.  Slamming his hands down on the appendage
holding him, Ryouga shattered the fingers and jerked his leg free.

     Scrambling to his feet, no sooner had Ryouga decided that his leg would
hold him, than Sekishou flowed out of the floor, once more between him and
escape.  Ryouga braced himself for an attack as best he could, but it didn't
come.  Instead, a chasm gaped open in the center of
Sekishou's blank face, a grim parody of a mouth.  Before he had a chance to
react, a silent scream burst from the creature's non-existent throat and
slammed into Ryouga like a tidal wave, the sheer force knocking him over a
dozen yards backwards.

     Ryouga landed hard; a spider's web cracks marked the spot where he'd
slammed into the stone floor.  He lay there stunned for a moment and then
the pain and fear seemed to fall away from him like an old cloak.  He was
dimly aware of bruises and aches long minutes of combat and a dozen glancing
blows had left on his body, but they didn't matter.  Neither did escape.  He
wanted to hurt the monster that was trying to kill him and he knew how.

     Climbing easily to his feet, Ryouga faced Sekishou's unmoving form.
"Are you ready to die?"

     "ISN'T THAT MY QUESTION?"

     "No."  Still buoyed by a strange sense of exhilaration, Ryouga met
Sekishou's charge head on, his hands lashing out to strike each section of
his enemy's body in turn.  Head. Arms. Chest.  Legs.  Ryouga ended his
attack by kicking off of Sekishou's chest to propel himself out of reach.

     "AM I DIEING YET?" Sekishou asked; a mocking lilt buried deep in its
landslide of a voice.

     "Yes."  Ryouga smirked as the huge body facing him dissolved in
mid-stride, flying apart in a cloud of gravel that surrounded a glowing red
core.  Instead of falling to the ground, the cloud seemed to hesitate in the
air and then begin to contract.

     "Too slow."  Ryouga wasn't depressed anymore, but he had more than
enough anger.  More than enough hate.  "Shi Shi Hokoudan!"  The sphere of
acidic green light flew from Ryouga's hands and slammed into the crimson
glow with a roar that shook the earth and a flash that drove the sight from
his eyes.

     When Ryouga could see again, the only sign of his foe was a few
scattered shards of opaque red stone.  He raised an eyebrow as one fragment
rolled down a slight irregularity in the cavern floor, coming to rest
against another piece.  It was probably just a coincidence,
but... "No sense staying here."

     Wincing in pain every few steps, but smiling broadly nonetheless,
Ryouga began the long climb back to the surface.

=================

     Ranma had seen many strange things, but even so he had trouble
believing his eyes.  A somewhat battered Ryouga was walking down the street
towards the Tendos' home.  A livid bruise covered one cheek, partly healed
scrapes covered his hands and the way he was limping hinted at other
injuries.  That wasn't the strange part, although Ranma had never seen
anyone besides himself inflict that kind of punishment on the lost boy.  No,
the strange part was the Ryouga was whistling cheerily.

     "What's up, P-chan?"

     Ryouga stopped abruptly and turned to face the fence that Ranma perched
atop, but his smile didn't waver.  "Nothing, Ranma.  Except..." Ryouga's
grin grew so broad it threatened to split his face in half. "...I'm cured."

     "What?  You're not joking, are you?"

     "Nope.  And there's even more good news."

=================

     "You don't get lost any more either?  That must be some spring."  Ranma
shook his head in wonder as he settled back to lie beside Ryouga on the
Tendos' roof.

     "It is.  There was a demon guarding, so things weren't easy.  Nothing I
couldn't handle though," Ryouga boasted.

     "You killed it?"

     "Dunno.  But, if it's still alive, it won't forget me."  Ryouga closed
his eyes contentedly.  It was about time Ranma gave him a little respect.

     "It couldn't have been very tough then."

     "What?"  Ryouga's eyes shot open in outrage.

     "Well, I mean if you could beat it I wouldn't have any trouble."

     Ryouga glared at Ranma's smirking face angrily.  Even with the Bakusai
Tenketsu, it had been a miracle he survived and Ranma wouldn't have stood a
chance.  Abruptly, the same energy that had filled him in the cavern came
flooding back and he unclenched his fists.  Ranma wouldn't stand a chance.
"A weakling like you couldn't hope to win."

     "Wanna bet.  I seem to remember kicking your ass a couple of times."

     "You can see for yourself.  I've got some things to do, but I'll be
back in a week. We can go then.  In the meantime, you can look at the map."
Standing, he bent over to rummage through his pack. After a moment, Ryouga
pulled out a battered square of much-folded paper and tossed it to Ranma.
"We'll see who the real martial artist is then."

=================

     "What do you mean Ranchan isn't here."

     "I told you, he left five days ago."

     Absently responding to Kasumi's greeting, Ryouga walked deeper into the
house, towards the sound of squabbling fiancees.  "Did you say Ranma's
gone?  We were supposed to go find his cure today."

     "Cure?"  That word ended Akane and Ukyou's dispute abruptly.  If there
was one thing the two of them had in common, it was that they cared for
Ranma.

     "Yeah.  I found a spring that can cure any curse, like my direction
sense."

     "Or Ranma's problem with cold water," Ukyou finished.

     "That's right."  Ryouga fought down the irritation that rose when the
two girls ignored his cure.  It probably didn't matter any more.  "I hope he
didn't go alone.  It's guarded by a huge stone demon that I barely beat with
the Bakusai Tenketsu."  Ryouga let his features slip
into a frown.  "Plus, it doesn't give off any hot ki, so Ranma couldn't use
the Hiryuu Shoten Ha."

     "Ryouga, do you remember where the spring is?" Akane asked quietly.  At
Ryouga's nod she spoke again.  "Then I think we'd better go there right
away."

=================

     Ryouga walked confidently down the gently sloping passage that led to
the spring, his footsteps the only sound.  He'd insisted that Akane and
Ukyou remain at the entrance so they wouldn't be in any danger.  He smiled
softly.  Sekishou couldn't leave the cavern containing the spring and he had
no intention of entering there.

     The brightening of luminescent blue lichen that lit the tunnel
indicated he was drawing near to the end.  Ryouga briefly wondered about the
source of the lichen's  light and then shrugged.  It wasn't that strange.
He rounded the final turn that led to the cavern and then halted abruptly.

     Sprawled on the floor in front of him was Ranma, for some reason in his
cursed form, lying beside a small pool of water that had collected in a
depression.  Unsure if his rival was still alive, Ryouga squatted and
prodded one shoulder.

     With a nearly inaudible groan, Ranma lifted her head and opened azure
eyes.  "Ryouga, you came."

     "That's right, Ranma, I'm here."  As Ranma fell back unconscious, the
edges of Ryouga's mouth tugged upwards in a cruel smile.  He'd expected
Ranma to be dead, but this was even better.

=================

     "I'm going after him."  Before Akane could take more than two steps
towards the mouth of the cave, Ukyou grabbed her shoulders, physically
restraining the shorter girl.

     "Calm down, honey.  I'm sure Ryouga and Ranma will be back any second.
In fact, we probably missed Ranma and he's back in Nerima right now."
Apparently, Ukyou was more successful in calming Akane's fears than her own,
because she felt some of the tension flow out of the other girl.

     After Ukyou released Akane, the two stood silently for a moment, until
Akane spoke.  "Do you hear that?  Someone's coming."

     "Yes, I..."  Ukyou's voice trailed off as Ryouga stepped out into the
sunlight.  Her heart seemed to pause for a moment as she caught sight of the
small figure cradled in his arms.  Then Akane spoke, echoing her thoughts.

     "Ukyou, his leg..."

=================

     Lying in a hospital bed with a broken leg in traction might not have
been most peoples' idea of a fun time, but Ranma didn't mind.  It had been
three days since Ryouga had carried her out of the cave and she'd spent four
days trapped there before that.  There wasn't any doubt in her mind which
she preferred.  The only complaint she had was that no one had thought to
splash her with hot water before the doctors put a cast on her leg.  It was
understandable she supposed.  She had been in pretty bad shape and had only
woken for a few moments at a time.

     "Ranma, the nurse said you're finally awake."

     Ranma looked up from her musings to see Akane cautiously peering around
the door.  "I sure am.  Come on in."

     "Right away, Ranchan."  With a friendly wave, the okonomiyaki chef
pushed her way past Akane and into the hospital room.

     "You're here too, Ukyou?"

     "Everyone is.  They're only letting you have two visitors at a time
though, so we got to go first."

     "I'm afraid we can't stay long, but we brought cards and flowers."
Akane thrust her offering towards Ranma almost defiantly.

     Meanwhile, Ukyou moved around the bed to stand beside Ranma.  "That
pillow looks a bit flat, Ranchan.  Let me fluff it up for you."

     Ranma smiled broadly.  "You guys didn't have to go through all this
trouble for me.  Ukyou, I'm serious.  The pillow's fine."  Ranma's protests
were ignored as Akane joined in Ukyou's assault on the hapless pillow.

     After Ukyou and Akane left, the parade of visitors continued.  It
wasn't just the people she would expect, like Shampoo, Mousse and the other
Tendos, but many more as well.  Her parents were among them, of course,
along with Miss Hinako and some of her class mates.  Several people that
seemed only vaguely familiar, she assumed were neighbors of the Tendos.  All
of them saying the same things, wishing her a speedy recovery.  Except for
Kunou, who had vowed to punish the "treacherous villain Saotome".  There was
one person whom she'd expected and who had been notably absent.

     "I'm not disturbing you, am I?"  The familiar voice caused Ranma to
sigh in exasperation.  Ryouga's timing hadn't improved much.

     "Nah.  I was just thinking about you."  There was something different
about Ryouga and it took Ranma a moment to realized what it was.  The yellow
tunic, black pants and bandanna were the same, but far cleaner than she'd
seen them.

     "I'm sorry."  After that short sentence, Ryouga stood silently
apparently expecting her to know what he meant.

      "What are you talking about?  I ought to be thanking you."  Ranma
gestured angrily, when Ryouga seemed ready to disagree.  "Listen, if you're
blaming yourself, I got hurt because I didn't listen and did something
stupid."

     "If you say so."  Ryouga seemed relieved to not have to discuss the
situation any further.

=================

       Ryouga sat on the couch in families living room.  His parents weren't
home, but Checkers, sprawled across his legs was surprisingly good company.
Musing over the events of recent days, he absently stroked her fur.

     Life, he decided, was going well.  Ryouga doubted anyone had told Ranma
just how badly injured his leg was and he'd resisted the temptation to do
so.  So far, instead of being angry with him, everyone was grateful.

     Abruptly, Ryouga reached a decision.  He'd go visit the Tendos.  Ranma
had returned from the hospital today, and it would be fun to see him again.
Besides, it would be the perfect excuse to spend a little time with Akane.
If there was one thing he'd learned, it was that you
had to make your own opportunities.

=================

     Ranma set the book she was trying to read aside and rubbed her head
wearily.  Kasumi's taste in literature was varied and not at all what she'd
expected, but that didn't make it any more interesting for Ranma.  Even if
it had, she still would have been happy to see her latest visitor.

     "You don't seem to be enjoying yourself," Ryouga observed in a dry
voice.

     "It's not so bad, but everyone is being so nice to me."  Ranma's words
were entirely inadequate to express her irritation.  "The girls are bad
enough, but Mom's trying to make up for lost time.  Nabiki only charged me a
hundred yen for a glass of water and Pop won't even try to steal my food.
At least Kasumi hasn't changed."

     "Weird.  You break your leg and complain when people worry about you."
Ryouga chuckled softly.  "If it would make you feel better, I could beat you
up a little."

     "I'll pass.  It's nice talking to someone who understands.  I was
almost glad when Shampoo tried to give me a sponge bath.  It gave me an
excuse to kick her out for a while."  As she spoke, Ranma felt her tension
ease.  It was hard to talk to someone about what's bothering you
when they're the problem.  "So, how are things going for you."

     "A bit dull, but I enjoy the change.  I've started attending school
regularly."  Ryouga shifted uncomfortably before making up his mind to speak
bluntly.  "What happened to you in the cavern?  I mean you didn't get cured
and I don't see how you could escape with your leg like that."

     "I suppose I should tell you.  You've got as much right to know as
anyone and I've already told the story half a dozen times.  At first I
thought everything was going well..."

=================

     Ranma restrained himself from rushing forward, but his body almost
vibrated with eagerness.  He'd thought he'd had cures before, but he already
knew this one worked and if Ryouga could get it, so could he.  It would take
more than a monster that might or might not still exist to stop him.

     When he arrived at his destination, it almost surprised him. The walk
downward had seemed interminable and then after a sharp turn the tunnel
widened out into a vast cavern.  If not for the strange blue illumination he
could almost believe he was outside. The sound of splashing water from the
far end told him exactly where the spring was.

     The faint stirring of air across the back of his neck was all the
warning Ranma received as he dove to one side just as a thunderous blow
crashed into the spot he'd been standing.  Easily converting his jump into a
forward roll, Ranma came to his feet and turned to face his attacker.

     The blocky stone giant bore a striking resemblance to a shattered
statue glued inexpertly back together.  However, a fact of greater
importance occupied Ranma's attention.  Ryouga should have easily been able
to defeat something like this using the Bakusai Tenketsu.  That
he'd had difficulty was a disquieting sign.

     Resolving to be on his guard, Ranma went on the attack.  His demonic
opponent could strike with incredible force, but that was useless if it
couldn't land a blow.  Unfortunately,   Ranma faced a similar difficulty.
None of the punches or kicks he lashed out with succeeded in making any
impression on his enemies huge bulk.

     "Sure you wouldn't like to talk this over?  I didn't catch your name
the first time."

     "I AM SEKISHOU.  I AM DEATH"

     "Not much for conversation are you?" Ranma asked, grinning.  The fight
was about to get serious.  "Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken!"  Where one blow had
no effect, a hundred delivered in the space of heartbeats was a different
matter.  The right side of the stone head splintered and flew apart in a
spray of rock and dust.

     Any triumph Ranma experienced was short lived, as the shattered visage
swiftly reformed.  To his disgusted eyes, it almost seemed to be wearing a
complacent smirk as it watched Ranma back away.

     Once there were a dozen yards between them, Ranma halted his retreat
and waited, absently fingering the end of his pigtail.  When Sekishou
charged, Ranma dropped his confident pose and stepped forward to meet it.
As the wind from Sekishou's punch ruffled his hair, Ranma seized the gray
monolith by its waist and leg.  With an immense effort he hoisted the stone
giant over his head and then used its momentum to send it crashing into the
floor behind him.

     The sound of the impact was the crash of shattering stone, but the
pieces of Sekishou flowed back together like water and it rose unmarked from
the wreckage.  This was, Ranma decided, an ideal chance to use the Saotome
Secret Technique.

     Before he had the chance, a fang-toothed crevice of a mouth swung open
and a wave of unseen energy struck Ranma with brutal force.  For a brief
moment, he was conscious of flying through the air, and the he came to an
abrupt halt, his vision swimming with black spots.  Head
pounding with the strain, Ranma struggled to his feet, just in time to feel
Sekishou's cold grip close on his shoulder.

     "STILL ALIVE?  GOOD."  With a casually flip of Sekishou's wrist, Ranma
flew through the air again, this time crashing into one of the cavern's wall
with bone numbing force.

     The impact brought a fresh spike of pain to the shoulder Sekishou had
gripped, but Ranma didn't pause to assess the damage.  As soon as his feet
touched the ground once more, he was sprinting towards the cave's exit.  At
first Sekishou's pursuit sounded like a boulder rolling downhill, but the
noise swiftly diminished and then stopped.  Ranma didn't slacken his pace,
but mere feet from the exit he a crushing grip closed upon his leg and
jerked him to a halt.

     Desperately, Ranma tried to free himself, but with an injured shoulder
and no leverage the stone hand that sprouted from the floor proved
impervious to his best efforts.  When the bones of his leg snapped, Ranma
couldn't hear it over the roar of blood in his ears, but he felt the surge
of agony it brought.  Then, to Ranma's disbelief, the hand began to sink
back into the floor, pulling his leg with it, as if the stone were no more
substantial than mist.  At first Ranma feared he would be pulled completely
underground, but the process soon halted, leaving his leg encased in solid
stone up to the knee.

     Trapped, Ranma could do nothing but watch Sekishou rise out of the
floor behind him with agonizing slowness.  His mind raced feverishly,
seeking a means of escape, until he remembered the canteen he'd brought with
him.  He'd intended to use it to hold some water from the spring, but
drinking water still filled it.  For once the sensation of his body
shrinking as he upended the canteen over his head was welcome, she only
prayed it was enough.  Her first frantic heave pulled her leg only a few
inched upwards, but her second had more success.  Her imprisoned limb slid
free of the rock and she fell forward.

=================

     "After that I sort of passed out, but I'd landed outside the cave. When
I woke up I was thirsty so I crawled until I came to some water."  Ranma
paused and looked at Ryouga nervously.  "I knew I wouldn't be able to crawl
all the way out, so I had to wait for help.  I was worried, but I kept
telling myself that you'd find me."

     Ryouga considered Ranma's story, thinking how Ranma must have felt
lying there, knowing that only one person had any clue where she might be.
Feelings of guilt brushed lightly over his mind, but he pushed them aside.
His argument with  Ranma had only been a momentary lapse and it wasn't
really his fault.

     "So, how did you beat it?"

     "What?" The abrupt change of topic caught Ryouga off guard.

     Ranma smiled brightly at Ryouga.  "I've got to get ready for the
rematch, don't I?  Once my leg heals, I mean."

     "There was a red crystal buried in its chest, but it would always
repair itself before I could smash the crystal."  Ryouga began warming to
the topic, gesturing animatedly as he relieved his victory.  "I had a plan
though.  Whenever I use the Bakusai Tenketsu there's a tiny pause
before the rock blows up."

     "I think I understand."

     "Right."  Ryouga nodded excitedly.  "I hit the breaking points
onSekishou just a little softer, so they weren't triggered for several
seconds.  Then, before it could repair the damage, I used a Shi Shi Hokoudan
to destroy the gemstone."

     "I suppose the toughness from Cologne's training helped as well."

     "Yes.  I got hit by a lot of the same stuff you did.  It doesn't have
much imagination I guess."

     "Probably not.  It was loud too.  Sort of reminded me of Kunou.  Why
don't you go get some snacks from Kasumi and we can talk some more?"

     "Sure, sounds good."

=================

     "Is Ranma feeling better?"  Akane had met Ryouga at the foot of the
stairs and quickly ushered him out of the house to talk.

     Ryouga paused before replying, using the moment to gaze at Akane's
beautiful face.  "I think so.  He doesn't seem to understand about his leg
though."

     "Ranma's so confident that no one wants to disappoint him.  The doctors
did talk about it a lot, but they never came right out and told him."

     "Are you sure that's a good idea?"  Ryouga had only a vague idea about
the extent of Ranma's injury, but he didn't think a full recovery was
likely.

     "They want to encourage him to participate in physiotherapy.  I'm
worried about how Ranma will react when he finds out though."

     Ryouga waved a hand dismissively.  "I don't see what's such a big
deal.  He may have a few problems but a limp won't slow Ranma down that
much."

     "But, it will make it hard for him to run the dojo."

     Ryouga's heart seemed to freeze in his chest at Akane's oblique mention
of her eventual marriage to Ranma.  Mustering his resolve, Ryouga forced
words past his constricted throat.  "He won't be doing it alone.  You'll
help."

     "Yes, but..."

     Ryouga mentally completed Akane's protest and silently damned Ranma for
the insults he'd heaped on Akane.  "If you concentrate on your training,
there's no reason you couldn't be almost as good as Ranma or me.  I'd help
and I'm sure Mr. Saotome would as well."  Ryouga was sure his hastily formed
plan would work.  With a perfect sense of direction and Ranma injured, he'd
be able to spend hours with Akane each day."

     "You would?  That means a lot to me, Ryouga."

=================

     "I think it's great that you spend so much time visiting Ranma, sugar.
Especially since the two of you used to fight all the time."

     Ryouga smiled broadly at the young chef as she handed him a plate of
okonomiyaki.  "It has to be hard for him, Ukyou.  If his leg doesn't heal
properly, he might not be able to carry on the Saotome school of martial
arts."

     "What do you mean, Ryouga?"

     "He'll still be able to practice martial arts of course, but the
Saotome school uses a lot of kick and aerial maneuvers.  If he can't perform
all of them..."  Privately, Ryouga considered this very
unlikely.  He just hoped setting Ukyou off would start a fight between Ranma
and Akane.

     "I'll have to think about this.  Does Akane know?"

     "I don't think so."

     "Good.  The okonomiyaki's on the house, sugar."

     Inwardly Ryouga congratulated himself.  Even if nothing came of it, the
trip would have been worth it for the food alone.

=================

     "Don't worry Ranchan.  Your leg won't stop you from helping with the
restaurant after we're married."

     Standing on the stairs leading to Ranma's room, Ryouga strained to
hear.  When he'd arrived at the Tendos', Kasumi had told him that Ukyou had
stopped by to deliver some more flowers to Ranma.  He hadn't intended to
eavesdrop, but he couldn't resist.

     "Why would it?  And I ain't marrying anybody."  Ranma's voice was
relatively calm, but tinged with puzzlement and irritation.

     "Well, everyone says-"  Biting off her words, Ukyou took a breath and
started again.  "I mean that when you..."  This time Ukyou's voice trailed
off into silence.

     "When I what?"

     "I'd better go Ranchan.  I have to open Ucchan's soon."

     The rest of the conversation was lost because Ryouga took this as his
cue to back down the stairway and duck out of sight.  When Ukyou descended
soon afterwards, Ryouga decided to go see if Akane was in the dojo.  He'd
see Ranma a bit later.

=================

     "Hey, Ryouga, Kasumi said you were here."

     Turning away from his inspection of the dojo, the sight of Ranma moving
easily on a set of crutches greeted Ryouga.  "What are you doing here?"
Even as he spoke, Ryouga realized that the question sounded exceptionally
silly.

     "I wanted to ask Akane something, but she's out.  So, I guess I'll talk
to you."

     "About what?" Ryouga asked nervously.  Some of the things he'd said to
Ukyou could cause problems if Ranma learned he'd said them."

     "Ukyou said some stuff about my leg.  About how it isn't going to get
better.  I want to know what she meant."

     "Ranma I'm not sure-"

     "Ryouga, I'm going to find out eventually.  Trying to protect me won't
do any good."

     "All right."  Ryouga had always wanted to be the one to tell Ranma
anyway.  "When Sekishou crushed your leg, he didn't just break the bone,
there was damage to the muscles and to the tendons in the ankle.  Plus,
there were complications because your leg got infected in the cave."

     "I've already heard all of this.  What does it mean?"

     "No one knows.  You'll need a lot of therapy and your leg won't fully
recover, but everything else is a guess."

     "Oh."  Suddenly, Ranma seemed to shrink in on herself.

=================

     The day hadn't gone well for Ranma.  Returning to school injured and
stuck as a girl had been a bit embarrassing, but Ranma hadn't let it get to
her.  However, her attitude had changed since she found out it might be more
than a temporary setback.  Which was why she found herself leaning on the
gate to Furinkan.

     "Waiting for Akane, Ranma?  She had volleyball practice you know."

     Ranma slowly blinked.  She still didn't know how Nabiki could sneak up
on her, but she'd gotten used to it.  "Nah.  I'm just not in the mood to go
anywhere."

     "Too bad.  I'm taking you shopping."

     "I don't have any money."

     "Not a problem.  I-I'm...paying."

     Ranma lifted his eyes to stare at the middle Tendo sister's face with
incredulity.  "Are you sick?"

     "Never better," Nabiki announced with a forced smile.  "Let's go.  It
will cheer you up."

=================

     Ryouga climbed the stairs wearily.  His plan to get closer to Akane was
working, but there were a few drawbacks.  Visiting with Ranma was one of
them.  Last time he'd lost four consecutive games of shogi to Ranma, who he
was sure was cheating, even though he couldn't prove it.  After all, Ranma
had learned by watching her father play.

     "Prepare to taste defeat, Ran-.  Is that a dress?"  The article of
clothing in question certainly seemed to be a rather modest blue and white
dress, but Ryouga wasn't sure he was seeing it correctly.

     "Yes.  Nabiki took me shopping and bought it to cheer me up.  I think
it's a girl thing," Ranma added as an explanation.

     Ryouga's already shocked brain threatened to shut down entirely.
"Nabiki...bought?  Is she well?"

     "I think so.  But since she almost ruptured something paying for this,
I figured I should at least wear it a couple of times."

     "I brought you something myself," Ryouga said, pulling a stack of
dog-eared books from the plastic bag he was holding.

     Curious, Ranma picked a book off the top of the stack.  "Vampire Hunter
D?"

     "The complete series.  Last time I was here you said you never anything
to read.  Since I enjoyed reading these while I was on the road, I thought
you might as well."

     "Thanks.  Now help me set up the board.  You did say something about
the taste of defeat."

=================

     "I'm surprised you're the first one here, Ryouga."  Cologne chuckled
dryly; at a joke only she could hear.

     "When Mousse came by and said you wanted to see me, I was curious."
Ryouga would never admit it, but he'd always been a little nervous around
the Amazon Elder and meeting her at the Nekohanten made it worse.

     "You'll find out what this is about when the others get here and I
think I hear them now."

     Before Ryouga could ask who the others were, the door opened and Ranma,
Akane and Ukyou entered the back room Cologne had designated as the meeting
spot.

     "Now, I'm sure you all want to-.  Is that a dress?"

     "Nabiki bought it for me," Ranma replied grumpily.

     "I hope she's feeling better.  In any case, I've asked you here to
discuss the spring of rebirth."

     "Is that what cured Ryouga's sense of direction?" Akane asked.

     "I believe so.  However, that is not its true purpose.  Instead it
allows one who bathes in its waters to be spiritually reborn, laying doubt
and uncertainty aside."

     "It sounds like you know a lot more about this than I do.  The scroll I
found just described a monk journeying there and fighting a demon to have
curse lifted."  To himself, Ryouga admitted this probably did explain why he
was more decisive.

     "There is one thing you know that I do not.  I attempted to take
Shampoo and Mousse there, so that they could remove their curses, but we
could not locate the entrance.  Despite having a map."  Cologne raised one
pointed finger.  "I find this ominous."

     "I had the same problem," Ranma stated.  "I'm sure I went past the
entrance a few times before I saw it."

     "I didn't have any problems," Ryouga protested.

     "That's right," Ukyou agreed.  "He led us right there."

     Akane frowned thoughtfully.  "I don't think I could find my way back
there.  Do you Ukyou?"

     "I...no, I don't."

     "I suspected something of the sort.  Places of magic are often
associated with powerful spirits and it wise to be wary.  Ryouga was
selected to go there and the others that did so received guidance from him.
You, Ranma, from the map he gave to you."

     Ranma closed her eyes and groaned.  "I hate magic."

     The discussion continued after that statement, but nothing of substance
was added.  Finally, Ryouga and Cologne were the last remaining.

     "Cologne, can I ask you something?  It doesn't have anything to do with
the spring."

=================

     "You're improving even faster than I expected Akane."  Ryouga used a
spare bandanna to wipe the thin sheen of sweat from his face.

     "I'm glad," Akane gasped, from her position on the dojo floor.  "You
and Mr. Saotome are both good teachers," she said, pausing several times to
regain her breath.

     "It's still impressive.  Let me help you up."  Extending his hand,
Ryouga easily pulled the prone girl to her feet.  Unnoticed, he used the
opportunity to press a pressure point on the inside of her wrist.

     "I bet Ranma will be impressed."

     "I'm sure he will," Ryouga agreed, with a smile.  "You've learned a lot
in the past three months."

     "I think I'll show him after he has his cast removed tomorrow."

=================

     The sound of a ringing brought Ryouga racing out of his room.  The only
people who would call this house were his parents and he hadn't heard from
either of them in longer than he cared to think about.  As soon as it was in
reach, he snatched the phone off the hook and jammed the receiver against
his ear."

     "Hello."

     "Is that you, Ryouga?  It's me Nabiki."

     "I'm Ryouga.  What do you want?"  His reply was more than a little
blunt, but he honestly couldn't imagine what would make Nabiki call him.

     "I think you'd better come over here.  Ranma and Akane just had a
really bad fight."

     "I'll be there as soon as I can."  Fighting the urge to grin wildly,
even though no one could see him, Ryouga hung up.  The delayed anger
pressure point he'd used on Akane had worked better than he'd expected.  The
martial arts scrolls he'd borrowed from Cologne were certainly proving their
value.

=================

     "Do you want to tell me what happened, Ranma?"  His ability to suppress
his feelings of jubilation and  speak in a sympathetic voice surprised
Ryouga.  He supposed  he'd been getting a lot of practice lately.

     "I sure can't talk to anyone else.  It was all my fault.  I was
depressed because the doctors said my leg wasn't healing as fast as they'd
hoped, so I'd have to wait to have my cast taken off.  When I got back,
Akane wanted to show me something out behind the dojo."

     "What was it?"

     "The Mouko Takabisha."

     Ryouga's eyebrows rose in genuine surprise.  "Your father must have
taught her that."

     "Pop always did try to rush things.  Anyway, I said something crazy
about her double crossing me and trying to steal the school."

     "She's already heir to the Tendo school," Ryouga observed.

     "I know that!   I was just thinking about that stupid stuff Ukyou
said.  Anyway, Akane said I was just trying to hold her back because I was
jealous.  Then I called her an uncute gorilla tomboy."

     "What did Akane do?"

     "She broke off the engagement.  And this time I think she meant it."
Unshed tears glistened in Ranma's eyes, but her voice remained steady.

     "Ranma, it isn't really your fault.  You had a bad day and then you
said something stupid.  I think that the real problem is that both you and
Akane were under a lot of pressure and everything came out at once."

     "Then you think she'll forgive me?" Ranma asked eagerly.

     "Well, I'd give her a few days to calm down first and then apologize.
I do think you can get through this."

     "Thanks, Ryouga.  I think you're the only one that really understands
me.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised, we always did have a lot in common."

=================

     "...I know I shouldn't have broken off the engagement, but he made me
so mad.  Now I'm not sure how to fix things.  I can't just say the
engagement is back on."  Akane had to resist the urge to get up and pace,
since her room really was too small.

     "I don't think you'll have to.  Ranma had just had a big disappointment
when he said those things.  I'm sure that if he cares about you he'll
apologize soon."

     "We are talking about Ranma.  Are you sure?"

     "I didn't say he'd do a good job.  I really don't think you have
anything to worry about."  Ryouga smiled comfortingly, but his mind was far
away.  When Ranma didn't apologize, he was sure Akane would see who really
loved her.

=================

     Little changed over the next to weeks,  Akane accepted Ranma's belated
apology and the quarrel between them did not resurface, but a degree of
reserve remained.  The one person who seemed to  be unsatisfied was Ryouga.
Despite numerous hints and romantic gestures, Akane steadfastly refused to
consider him anything more than a friend.  This finally led him to seek
advice from a person who at least shared some of his goals.

     "I just don't know what to do.  Akane and I are spending a lot of time
together, she and Ranma aren't really getting along, but I still can't get
anywhere."  Ryouga really wasn't sure what talking to Ukyou would
accomplish, since she hadn't had any better luck than him, but he
didn't have anything to lose.

     Ukyou sighed and lay her spatula down on the grill.  "Your problem is
that you're too nice, Ryouga."

     "I am?"  Amazement dripped from Ryouga's voice.  He certainly thought
so, but somehow he doubted that others would agree.

     "That's right.  Sometimes, a girl just wants a guy who takes charge and
goes for what he wants.  You're waiting for Akane to notice you, but that's
not going to happen unless you do something."

     "Maybe you are right."  Ryouga considered Ukyou's idea.  If nothing
else, Akane wasn't good at catching subtle clues, and direct action had a
certain appeal.  He'd only have one chance though, so he'd need to make sure
he got it right.  Timing would be the key to his plan.

==================

     "Ranma, can I talk to you for a minute?"  Ryouga's voice was quiet and
serious.  He seemed to be more than a little nervous.

     "Sure."  With a shrug, Ranma followed Ryouga to a corner of the school
ground, moving easily on her crutches.  She knew there was definitely
something wrong.  Ryouga didn't attend Furinkan and wouldn't show up there
without good cause.

     "It's about Akane, Ranma.  I know the two of you are having troubles."

     "Akane and I are fine.  A couple of arguments aren't-"

     "I'm serious Ranma," Ryouga interrupted, his voice heated.  "You and
Akane hardly talk anymore.  If you're not careful, you'll lose her to
someone willing to admit he cares."

     "Like you?"  Ranma regretted the words as soon as he spoke, but
something in Ryouga's eyes resurrected old suspicions.

     "It might be better.  But no, I'm just giving you fair warning."
Without a backward glance, Ryouga jumped over the fence surrounding Furinkan
and disappeared from sight.

==================

     "Are you sure we should be here, Ryouga?"  Akane glanced around the
small tea shop nervously.  They had a party planned for when Ranma returned
from having his cast removed and she didn't want to miss it.

     "I have something very important to tell you before Ranma gets back."
Ryouga chuckled nervously and ran a hand through his hair.  "For a long time
I was in love with you.  I guess I still am."

      "Ryou-"

     Ryouga held up a hand to silence Akane.  "Let me finish.  That was one
reason why Ranma and I fought so much.  He felt the same way.  I know the
two of you are having trouble and that Ranma lets his pride stops him from
telling you how he feels.  All the same, I hope the two of you can make
things work out."

     "You're a good friend, Ryouga."  Akane smiled sadly.  "If things had
been different..."

==================

    Ranma was very unhappy.  This was surprising because he was a guy again
for the first time in months, walking (albeit unsteadily) on two legs and at
a party in his honor.  The problem was the Ryouga and Akane weren't there.
Worse, Nabiki said that they'd left together.

     Ranma tried to assure himself that he was overreacting.  It was
probably the lousy weather's fault, he decided.  The chill and dark clouds
were making him nervous.  Just as Ranma was about to go back into the
Tendos' house and try to enjoy the party, he saw to figures approach
the gate and pause there.  Then as he watched, Ryouga reached out and
gathered Akane into a gentle embrace, one she didn't struggle against.

     The next thing Ranma was aware of he was charging towards the pair,
hampered only slightly by his injured leg.  He thought he was screaming
something, but he couldn't hear it over the roar of blood in his ears.

     Ryouga easily sidestepped Ranma's first wild rush, letting the
pigtailed boy stumble past him.  However, that was enough to let Ranma
regain his focus.

     "Ranma don't be stupid.  I-"  Ryouga stood relaxed, his voice only
faintly tinged with irritation, while Akane stood frozen in shock at his
side.

     Ranma took the opportunity to hammer a hard right into Ryouga's temple,
following it up with a brutal rain of near Amaguriken speed punches.  Ranma
knew that his only chance to win was to keep Ryouga on the defensive.  With
his injured leg he wouldn't stand a chance of avoiding the overwhelming
power of Ryouga's offense.

     Except that Ryouga wasn't trying to attack.  Instead he was ignoring
the gaping holes in Ranma's defense to try to block a whirlwind attack his
eyes could barely follow.  Bleeding from a cut under one eye, he slipped and
fell into a half-crouch on the grass of the Tendos' lawn.

       Ranma was moving to take advantage when a shove from the side sent
him staggering and directed his punch through empty air.  When Ranma
regained his balance, he found Akane, fists clenched, standing defensively
between him and Ryouga.

     "A-Akane?"

     "I won't let you hurt Ryouga anymore."

     "You don't understand what he's trying to do, you stupid-"  Ranma bit
back his words at the expression on Akane's face.

     Akane's voice rang with anger.  "He was trying to talk me into giving
you another chance.  But, I don't think I will."

     The sudden realization that he'd just lost Akane hit Ranma and his
shoulders sagged.

     When the doors of the house opened moments later, Nabiki and Ukyou saw
Akane using Ryouga's bandanna to dab at his face while a small red-haired
girl stood unmoving, her tears mingling with the quiet rain.

     None of them noticed Ryouga's smile.

End.

Kent Hyam.

The original ending.

     Little changed over the next to weeks,  Akane accepted Ranma's belated
apology and the quarrel between them did not resurface, but a degree of
reserve remained.  The one person who seemed to  be unsatisfied was Ryouga.
Despite numerous hints and romantic gestures,
Akane steadfastly refused to consider him anything more than a friend. This
finally led him to seek advice from a person who at least shared some of his
goals.

     "I just don't know what to do.  Akane and I are spending a lot of time
together, she and Ranma aren't really getting along, but I still can't get
anywhere."  Ryouga really wasn't sure what talking to Ukyou would
accomplish, since she hadn't had any better luck than him, but he
didn't have anything to lose.

     Ukyou sighed and lay her spatula down on the grill.  "Your problem is
that you're to nice, Ryouga."

     "I am?"  Amazement dripped from Ryouga's voice.  He certainly thought
so, but somehow he doubted that others would agree.

     "That's right.  Sometimes, a girl just wants a guy who takes charge and
goes for what he wants."

     "Maybe you are right."  Ryouga considered Ukyou idea.  If nothing else,
Akane wasn't good at catching subtle clues, and direct action had a certain
appeal.  He'd only have one chance though, so he'd need to make sure he got
it right.  There were just a couple of things he needed
to take care of before he could get to work.

=================

     Seeing Ranma back in male form after all this time was odd, but he wore
the same cheery smile that had greeted Ryouga in past weeks.

     "I see you finally got your cast off, Ranma."

     "Yeah.  They've got a physiotherapy program set up for me, but its only
a couple of hours a day so I'm going to do some extra work with Pop."

     "I bet you'll be back in form in no time.  Too bad I won't around to
see it."

     "You're leaving?"  Ranma's face fell at the suggestion.

     "I've been planning on going on a training trip for a while, but I put
it off."  Ryouga paused.  "Is Akane here?  I should tell her as well."

     "No...she had to go out."

     Ryouga's eyes narrowed at the undertone to Ranma's voice, but he let it
pass.  "Okay.  I guess you'll have to pass it on for me."

     "Sure.  Listen, you aren't leaving right away are you? "

     "No, I'm leaving tomorrow.  Does it matter?"

     "I just don't want you to miss all the celebrations.  Come on; I want
to show you something."

     Following Ranma to his room, Ryouga couldn't help noticing Ranma's
pronounced limp.  The pigtailed martial artist didn't have nay problems with
the stairs though.

=================

       Ryouga smiled happily as he watched the crushed pill dissolve in the
glass of water he held.  At first the half a formula for something called a
"lifetime love pill" that he'd found with the rest of Cologne's scrolls had
seemed a useless curiosity.  Searching Happosai's room for the other half
had proved rewarding however.  After that it was just a matter of assembling
the ingredients.  It had taken longer than he'd thought, but in only a few
minutes more, Akane would be his.

     "Ryouga!"

     Ryouga barely had time to turn around before a sudden rush almost
barreled him over.  As he steadied himself, he was surprised to find a
weeping girl clinging to his chest.  The bright red pigtail her hair was
drawn into made identification easy.

     "R-Ranma, what's wrong?"

     "Akane left me," the muffled voice came.  "She's dating this new
student at school, Kenichi something-or-other."

     Ryouga stiffened in shock, but after a moment of surprise, found that
he didn't truly care.  There was no reason to change his plan, but for some
reason it had lost much of its appeal.  Akane was good looking and he liked
her, but there were plenty of other girls.  Besides, at least she hadn't
wound up with Ranma.  The only question this realization left was what to do
with the glass of drugged water he was holding.  Shampoo was out of the
question, Ukyou wasn't his type and Kodachi was a loon.  He supposed the
other Tendo sisters were possibilities, but he'd really prefer a martial
artist.

     Suddenly, a fiendish smile split Ryouga's face.  "Here, Ranma, drink
this."  As Ranma's tears slowed and her grip became less desperate, Ryoga
stroked Ranma's hair.  "I promise everything is going to be fine."

     Nice guys didn't have to finish last after all.

End.

Kent Hyam