Send C&C to: oddball22@hotmail.com Find my stories at: www.geocities.com/kaiphantom2000 DISCLAIMER: They ain't mine. Ranma 1/2: New Challenges All That We Have Known Chapter 4 Ranma was scared. You may ask, `what's a very powerful and very skilled martial artist like Ranma Saotome afraid of?' The answer would be: not a whole lot. And if it's something he's scared of, woe to the rest of us. In reality (Ranmaverse reality, mind you), there are very few things Ranma is scared of: cats, a glomping fiancee, and an angry fiancee. Right now, it's none of those. No, right now he's getting ready to go on a date with Akane. Considering how things have turned out between them before, he could very well end up confronting all three fears before the night was over. You see, he agreed to go on an actual date with her if she could show enough improvement at the end of her two-week training session. Well, she did. And now he stands dress in a sleeveless white chinese shirt with nice black slacks, waiting for his date to finish getting ready. His cast was off after visiting the doctor earlier that day. Amazingly, his arm was practically healed and the doctor couldn't figure out why. Ranma had an idea, but he wasn't about to say anything about that night Akane and him had linked via the Tora Dokiken. Meanwhile, his father was patting him on the back, telling him what a man amongst men he was. Soun was doing his Niagra Falls impersonation, and wailing about how his little girl was growing up and the fact that the houses would soon be united. (AN: If someone wants to supply the numbers to Soun's cries, I could use them! I saw a list once...) Nodoka was giving helpful suggestions and advice. Kasumi smiled at him, but was otherwise her normal seemingly- oblivious self. Nabiki was sitting back and enjoying the show (and counting money, but that goes without saying). Then, all his doubts and fears vanished when he saw the object of his affections appear above the stairs and descend towards him. He stared slack-jawed at the young woman dresses in a very pretty white sundress and hat that matched his shirt (think beginning of OAV's, Love Panic Video). Ranma thought. Akane took pride in the way her iinzauke was gazing at her, her own thoughts running almost parallel to his. She reached the bottom of the steps and twirled in front of him for effect. She then gazed into his eyes and fluttered her eyelids at him. "How do I look?" she asked demurely. Ranma gulped, then slowly nodded his head. He figured he should say something, but he knew if he said the wrong thing, Akane would pound him and he did not want to ruin this. He took a breath, then, "You look real beautiful, Akane..." Akane blushed a bit and Nabiki rolled her eyes. "At this rate you'll never get him out of here." She stood up, walked over to them and gently pushed her younger sister forward. "Take her, lover boy, and go already." The rest of the world had disappeared to Ranma as soon as Akane came down the stairs, so he didn't hear Nabiki's comments. Still, he offered his arm, Akane took it, and the couple escaped from the clutches of their families. No more than ten words had passed either of their lips as they strolled along the street to the restaurant their reservations were at. Both lost in their own thoughts, and in each other. Unbeknownst to them, their thoughts continued to run parallel courses. Both thought how great the other looked, how nice this was, and hoped that nothing would come along and spoil it. Ranma didn't want to say anything, since that ran the risk of him saying something stupid and spoiling the moment. Akane didn't want to speak because she was afraid Ranma would retort something stupid and spoil the date. So, they walked to LaMour, an italian restaurant in silence. And it might've turned out to be a perfect date if the kami of mishaps, unusual encounters, and bad timing were still on vacation. As it was, he was back at his desk and delving into his paperwork with a vengence. Lucky for the couple, their folder was buried underneath a bunch of others, so it would be awhile before he got to the them. The couple was now seated in a corner booth where they could be next to each other while the waitress gave them menus. She said she'd return in a bit to take their orders. Ranma studied the plastic-coated paper in his hands. Their prices weren't that bad, but he he had little idea on what some of this stuff was. He had enough money since he started working for Nabiki; doing favors, helping with debt collection, and posing for risque pictures in his female form. Oh how he hated that last one. But being here with Akane now, somehow made it all worthwhile. Akane's voice interupted his thoughts. "I think I'm gonna get the chef's special. How about you?" Lately she had found herself having a slightly bigger appetite. He looked it up on the menu and nearly goggled at the price. "Jeez, think that's enou..." he cut off what he was saying by slapping a hand over his mouth. Did he he catch that in time? A glance over at his date told him, not quite. "Ranma..." she growled. "Gomen nasai, Akane," he returned, nervously. Just then, his mom popped into a thought bubble above his head. "Try some flattery," he remembered her saying. "Young girls love to complimented and told how lovely they are." "I didn't mean it," he continued. "After all, nothing could ruin a figure as perfect as yours!" Akane's visage turned from anger to utter shock, and it was several moments before she could form a coherent thought. She blinked. She smiled. "Thank you, Ranma!" She gave his hand a quick squeeze, mindful that they were in public, to calm him down. Ranma gave a sigh of relief and smiled back. The waitress returned and took their orders: 2 chef's specials and a couple of cokes. Ranma figured he might as well get the same thing. Again, he didn't know what it was, but if Akane could eat it, so could he! While waiting for the food, light conversation was made consisting of non-dangerous topics like school and the weather. Dinner arrived and passed in silence, mostly since one needed an empty mouth to speak, and Ranma wasn't about to allow that to happen. After he shoveled in the first few bites however, he remembered his mom's command to eat slower and he did so. Akane was amazed. Ranma was actually being nice and they were talking normally. No more teasing or insults were made and he was even eating at a normal pace! she thought happily. Nabiki, upon hearing the knock, opened up the front door and nearly burst into laughter at the sight portrayed on the other side. Tatewaki Kuno stood there, dressed in a white tuxedo and carrying a large bouquet of flowers. Nabiki thought it was a good match for her own outfit, a nice white dress she had put on in antipation of this turn of events. "I am here for my date!" he announced with much fanfare. Nabiki smirked. "Why Kuno-baby, I didn't know we had a date tonight. Though I simply adore these flowers. Thank you!" She reached out to take them, but he pulled them back. "Hold thy tongue, woman," he admonished. "I am here for the beauteous Tendo Akane. Word has reached me that she has a date tonight. Since I am the only man she could possibly want to date, then it must stand to reason she waits for me!" Nabiki sighed with exasperation. "Kuno-baby, how do I put this? Akane doesn't love you. She doesn't even like you. She didn't ask YOU for a date, she was asked by someone else. Someone of who my father approves of. He doesn't approve of you. Would you go against my father's wishes?" Kuno was once again challenged by real world. His small brain cried out in terror as the evil stormtroopers of reality stormed his mind. After several moments of intense combat with the Kuno dreamworld defense system (Nabiki observed the smoke pouring out of his ears), the minions of reality were once again banished and peace, sweet deluded ignorant peace reigned supreme once more. He spent another moment to phrase his next question. "Pray tell then, what evil spawn has taken my beautiful goddess of the hunt?" Nabiki grinned. "Ranma, of course." "Saotome!" Kuno was aghast. "Oh what cruel twist of fate, that my love should be kidnapped by that foul sorcerer." He dug out a wad of bills. "I must know where they have gone!" He shoved the wad at her. Nabiki looked at her watch. "Tell you what, Kuno-baby. I can take you to the restaurant where they were headed." "Then you must take me there at once!" "Hold on!" "Have you considered why Akane doesn't want to date with you?" "She is obviously under Saotome's evil spell!" Nabiki shook her head. "But she wouldn't go out with you even before Saotome came. Have you considered she might only want to go out with you if she knows you are experienced in the dating scene?" "But I am..." She waved him off. "And how many dates have you been on?" Kuno opened his mouth, then closed it. "Exactly." "Also, my sister loves playing hard-to-get. If she knew there was a chance of losing you..." She left it unfinished. "So, if my love knew I would be an experienced date and she realized I had moved on..." Nabiki could see the gears turn in Kuno's head. All two of them. His gaze turned upon her, new fire burning in his eyes. "Tendo Nabiki, I have a request of you. Would you date with me so that I may show the beautiful Tendo Akane that I am a worthy man?" Nabiki smiled. "Why Kuno-baby, I'd be delighted!" He offered his arm and she took it. "Now, as the gentleman of the evening, you of course will be paying for everything." Kuno's face dropped a bit. "Why am I not surprised..." He walked her to the gate and helped her into the back of the horse drawn carriage sitting out front. Sasuke was in the front with the reins to the pair of horses. Kuno climbed in next and commanded his servant to ride off. Nabiki bent forward and whispered in the ninja's ear the name of the restaurant where Ranma and Akane were going. The carriage rolled off into the night. Ranma and Akane had just left the restaurant when the carriage pulled up and disgorged it's passengers. If Kuno and Nabiki had been a couple of minutes earlier, they would've seen the other couple walked down the street and turn a corner. As it was, Kuno was convinced to enter the restaurant and make Akane envious enough to return to him. Nabiki was just grateful for the free meal and, maybe a little companionship. Not that she admitted she found Tatewaki's presence... somewhat nice. If only he could come out of his fantasy world. She blinked. They entered and were seated, oddly enough, in the same booth Ranma and Akane sat in. "I do not see my goddess of the hunt," Kuno accused. "You said she would be here." Nabiki shook her head. "No, Kuno-baby. I only said they were headed here. Either they have already left, or they have yet to arrive." "Then I shall go search for them!" He stood up. Nabiki pulled him back down. "And what kind of man abandons a woman on a date? That wouldn't be very honorable." Kuno sighed. "Very well. I have agreed to this one date with you and I shall honor my word." She smiled. "Whatever you say Kuno- baby." "Sasuke!" "Yes, master?" The sound came from under the table. "Go and search for Tendo Akane," he commanded. "If she is with the vile Saotome, drive him off." "As you wish master!" Then he was gone. Nabiki smirked(tm). The second couple in question were unaware of the person who sought to track them. They were content to take a walk in the park. Akane had her arm around Ranma's waist, and was gently resting her head on his shoulder. She was happy. Ranma was hers. After all the fiancees, battles, near-deaths, and other assorted craziness, he had finally chosen her. Ranma was in a similar state. For some reason, the closeness Akane was presenting to him didn't scare him, like he thought it would. Instead, he felt strangely, complete. As if some part of him that he didn't know was missing had returned. He wrapped his arm around her, resting his hand on her left shoulder. He felt, rather than heard, her sigh of contentment. A kami did hear his request. Unfortunately, it was the wrong kami. That's right, he's back. Bob grinned. Sasuke jumped from building to tree limb in pursuit of his quarry. His search pattern had circled the restaurant in ever enlarging cycles. Finally, he spotted a couple walking close together in the city park. He almost missed seeing them as they walked out from under a street lamp and into darkness. His mind decided, he shadowed them, he confirmed his targets. He sighed. He detected some movement ahead in an alleyway. He leapt undetected, ahead of where the couple was walking. If either of the two lovebirds were fully alert, they would have sensed his movement. As it was, their attentions were focused on each other. He reached the small alley and leapt to the other side. Scanning the darkness, he saw the movements of the animals gathered around a couple of overturned garbage cans. Perfect. Now to get them in motion. Doing his best impersonation, he began to bark and growl. He even threw some small flash and smoke bombs to further scare them. The results were predictable. The dozen or so animals fled the alley in the direction they were being herded. The couple were now sitting on the edge of a fountain, kissing softly, and trying to say what they liked about each other. Then he heard *it* and froze. "Ranma?" Akane asked when her partner stopped resonding. "What's wrong?" Then she heard it, too. Then they saw it. A dozen or so alley cats, meowing, hissing, and running in their directions. "C-c-c-c-c-c-c-CAT!" Ranma shrieked and fell backwards, but not before accidently pulling Akane with him. *Splash!* The two fell into the fountain. "RANMA!" Akane fumed. "MY dress is RUINED!" Ranma-onna, however, had other things on her mind, namely running, and lots of it. Her panicked mind wasn't really registering where she was going, wanting to just put as much distance bewteen the terrible creatures, and that's why she slammed into a tree and landed on her back. So dazed, she didn't notice the silent figure rush by and drop the fish sausages on her chest. When Ranma came to a short time later, several furry animals were crawling over her and nibbling at the fish sausages. They also licked her where the scent of fish had left it's mark. For two seconds, Ranma froze. Then her mind snapped. They wouldn't hurt one of their own, would they? Deep within the recesses of his mind, the Neko persona broke free of it's bonds and rose to the forefront. Ranma's persona submerged, letting Neko take control. Akane stepped out of the fountain and tried her best to get the water out of her dress. She sighed. It wasn't really Ranma's fault. No, it was his father's fault for giving him that stupid phobia of cats. Then, through all the other meowing, came another, bigger meow. One that she recognized. Over by a nearby tree, Ranma-onna-neko was on all fours and swatting the rest of the felines away. The ones that didn't go flying, ran for dear life. When they were all gone, she began to eat the rest of the sausages. She stopped, sensing someone nearby, someone watching her from the darkness, someone who had done something she really didn't like. She paused, then pounced into the bushes. Akane watched in horror as Sasuke was thrown out of the bush with claw marks on his chest, holding his arm in pain, and limping. The nekofied Ranma jumped out after him. "So you're responsible for this!" Akane exclaimed. Then she noticed the marks. "N-not me!" Sasuke cried. "M-master K-Kuno ordered me! Aaaahhh! Get her away from me!" Akane sighed, kneeled, and called. "Here, kitty, kitty." Onna- neko-Ranma trotted over to rub against the one she loved. Akane scratched and petted her. "Nice kitty." Despite the evening being ruined, she still felt a little consoled by the fact that only she could control him like this. He really showed how he felt. And right now, against all physical laws, her iinazuke was purring with happiness. Sasuke used the oppurtunity to truly vanish. Then she did something different. She pounced on Akane and knocked her onto her back and began to rub her entire body against her. Akane's eyes went wide. She was afraid of this. A while ago, Dr. Tofu had warned her that if Ranma's feelings for her deepened, it might be reflected in the Nekoken, and that on some subconscious level Ranma saw her as his mate. Suddenly, she understood, and blushed. Neko-Ranma was confused. She felt the desire, knowing the time to mate was here, yet something was wrong. She stopped and got off, pacing back and forth. With a swipe, she shredded the strange cloth that was covering her mate. Her mate was female, she was female... She still felt the love for her mate, but something was missing. Akane took that opportunity to get up and to take charge. The front of her dress was shredded down to her waist. She groused and pulled it closed, trying to cover herself. Her bad mood was tempered by the fact that it could've been much worse. Ranma was female at the moment, or else it might've gone much farther. She was very thankful of that. While she loved him, she wanted to wait until she was married. Plus, she wanted Ranma to be aware of himself. She sighed and began to walk away. "Here kitty! Come here kitty!" Ranma obeyed as Akane led him home. The two finally got home and Akane led her neko-like finace (or was that fiancee at the moment?) inside. No one was up, so she quickly headed to the kitchen and started some heating some water in a tea kettle. Ranma continued to pace, still confused. The tea kettle whistled and Akane quickly doused her iinazuke. "Ouch!" Ranma yelled. "Hot, hot, hot, HOT!" He then looked around at where he was. "What happened? How did I get here?" Akane sighed. "We were mobbed by a herd of cats, Baka." Ranma froze. "C-cats!?" He noticed her claw-torn dress and the blood on his hands, and jumped to the only conclusion he could think of. "Oh no, tell me I didn't?" Akane sighed and nodded. "You also attacked Sasuke. You scratched him up quite a bit, before I got you off of him, but he'll live. He's the one who brought the cats on us by order of Kuno." Ranma paled. "I-I'm sorry Akane. I didn't hurt you too bad, did I? If only I had more control!" He punched a wall, his anger flaring momentarily. "If only pop hadn't been so stupid!" He sat down again his temper draining, and something else replacing it. "Akane, I-I know I messed up again. Not only did I ruin things, but," he looked at his hands, his shoulders trembling with fear. "I-I could've killed someone, and... maybe you deserve someone better, someone's who not afraid of c- cats; someone who can be a whole man for you." She put a hand on his shoulder, knowing she couldn't let him sink into this depression. "Ranma, I don't want anyone else, I want you. We'll figure out something; we need to now. Let's get changed out of our wet clothes first, then we'll talk." She left for her room and Ranma for his, all the while thinking what Akane meant. Getting control of the Nekoken, or at least his fear, is something he knew he'd have to work on for awhile now. What kind of husband or father could he be if he was scared of cats? One of these days, he might seriously hurt or kill someone, someone he cared about. He found Akane out in the dojo, kneeling in front of her family's shrine. Quietly, he moved up and knelt beside her. "Akane? Are you really okay?" Dense as he usually was, for some reason he could tell something else was bothering her. She sighed. "I guess I'm fine. I'll try to explain what Dr. Tofu told me. Your cat persona acts on what you feel as a human and on instinct. Since you love me, you trust me as a cat and I can control you." She stopped, trying to think how to say this next part. "Since lately your feelings for me have come more to the forefront, your cat persona has changed slightly." Ranma was confused. "What do ya mean?" Akane took a deep breath, and tried to approach the delicate subject from another angle. "Well, your senses are sharper when're in the Nekoken, and you can detect things your human side can't." Her eyes closed and she began to tremble almost imperceptibly. "Since your cat side sees m-me as a m-mate, you can detect when I'm... um, fertile." By this time, her face was as red as her name, but she summoned her courage to look at her fiance's reaction. Ranma was several feet away from her, shock, fear, disbelief, and loathing written all over his face. He was shaking worse than she was, hands up in a warding gesture. "I-I-I..." It was obvious he couldn't form any coherent words, then he suddenly stood up and bolted for the door. "I'm sorry!" Akane mirrored his shock for a split second. "RANMA!" she yelled, her voice stopping him in the dojo doorway. "Where do you thin kyou're going!?" Ranma gulped. "I promise Akane, I'll leave and get this under control. I'll go away on a training trip and work on it." In his mind, being a half-man was nowhere near as bad as being a psycho that would try to rape Akane. Akane steadily rose to her feet, fearing that he was about to leave her and never come back. She knew all about his instinct to protect her, and it always annoyed the hell out of her. "No, WE'LL get this under control!" she told him in no uncertain terms. "Don't you DARE think about running out on me! Your a part of my life Ranma and I'm a part of yours." Ranma gripped the doorframe tighter, nearly crushing it in his grip, while his insides warred in indecision. He wanted to say no, to run away and work on it alone and to prove himself a man for her. But another part of him didn't want to go, especially since Akane had told she wanted him to stay. Ever so slowly, he turned to face her. "Are you absolutely sure about this, Akane? I-I don't want... to hurt you," he finished in a small voice. The concern that she could finally see in his face, move Akane to cross the distance between them and lay her right palm against his cheek, bringing his eyes to meet her own. "We can talk to Dr. Tofu in the morning. He may have some ideas. We'll get through this together, Ranma. I promise." -------------------------------------------------------------- Author's notes: The date chapter didn't exist before, but during the rewrite (the second rewrite anyway) I decided to put it in. After all, we have to know how Ranma and Akane's first date (as an official couple) goes. I hope I put the right amount of romance, humor, mishaps, and story progression in. As for the Nekoken, I figure Ranma has to be thinking about it the same as his curse; he doesn't like it and wants to either get rid of it or control it so he can be a whole man for Akane. I just put a little incident in to remind him of that. Also, I kinda wonder what would happen if Ranma's feelings for Akane grew, how would that reflect in the Nekoken? He thinks he's a cat, soooo... Part of my inspiration comes from Lord Archive's "The Nekoken is out of the Bag." It's not a bad read, if you want to check it out, though it has quite a bit of lemon content.