The Spring Of Drowned Thief 21. Couldnt Stop Dreaming About Her
Author:
Couldnt Stop Dreaming About Her
Ranma had to explain the situation to every one and yet it was still hard to grasp. An old grudge gone horribly sour. Five new twisted versions of Ranma were out in the jungle being drawn to the springs for unknown reasons. Two weeks of memory that Ranma refused to return. The thief within Ranma that held all the secrets, that only Ranma himself knew. Life and death becoming and unstable kids plaything, and finally the new training that every one agreed too unwillingly. Essentially, every one was trapped in a paradox composed of confusion, broken trust and the only way out was through Ranma, whom none wished to rise against. The ultimate jailor can only be some one you love deeply, because the thought of them dying so you can go on is utterly horrifying. Ranma was the jailor and the others were special guests. The day went by as normal as it could get with every one resting for the most part. Scratches, bruises and all the other wonders that came with this new character in the lives of the teens from Nerima; It was defiantly an adult experience for a bunch of meager kids. Even the night was hard on them all.
That hurts kid
You dont have to get pissy with me, I just want you go away for like an hour or two.
Oh, geez thats great. Told off by my own grandson, havent you ever heard of respect?
Havent you ever heard of privacy?
Fine, fine ya back stabbin prick, but Ill be back after youre done catching up with your girl friend.
How does this make me a back stabber? And how is it any of your business?
Kyva crossed his arms in anger started pacing. Awe screw it Im just angry as usual. Maybe a bit jealous.
Jealous?
Yeah. Youve got a girl and I dont. Its team work man, you know what Im saying?
Yup. Youd go behind Grandma Cheryls back ya two-timing bastard!
Shes dead! I cant see howd she care right now!
Youre dead too ya old coot! Just as Ranma split himself apart to attack the copy of himself the door to the room fully closed and Genma had a confused look on his face.
Tendo How long has he been doing that?
Mr. Tendo crossed his arms and gave it a thought. His friend that Ryouga lad said that hes been doing it for almost a week now. I believe there is another person sharing his body.
Nonsense Tendo! Its all an act.
Then Im sorry to say Saotome, but it is a rather convincing one if it is.
No Tendo, you dont know my boy like I do Hes pure evil at his best moments, dont you know what he did to me!?
Tendo put an arm around his recently revived friend and hushed him up. Quiet Saotome! You dont want to wake every one up again. Now tell me what he did?
Genma had a tear in his eye as he turned to his best friend. He turned Nodoka against me! She wont even look at me and I dont know why! Every time I try talking to her she ends up kicking my backside across the room and thats not even the worst of it! Technically this is spousal abuse!
I think youre over reacting Saotome Surly she must be at least a little bit happy to- Genma lifted his shirt to reveal a series of marks, scrapes, and large bruises. Holy crap!
Genma dropped his shirt and bowed his head. Im fortunate in the sense that she cant kick me in the face, but still!
Hmm I see what you mean Saotome I know that our good doctor served as a counselor in his early day so maybe he can-
How about you do that after you guys help me. The two turned quickly to see Ranma standing behind his father. You guys are really noisy you know that?
Genma took a step back in fear. Ahh! How long have you been there!?
Ranma shook his head. It doesnt matter. Right now I need your help, so get your shit in gear and lets go.
Genma gave Ranma a stern look and poked him in the chest. Hey! Im your father, dont speak to me in that tone!
Ranma grabbed Genmas shirt and started morphing in front of him. A tall piss off looking man was now holding him tightly and staring straight into his eyes. Wrong. Im your damn grandfather and youll listen to me. You guys are gonna show me where you buried that man.
Genma looked into Kyvas eyes with fear and asked. Wh-what man?
Kyva smiled and loosened his grip. That dusty old bastard that taught me every thing I know. Happosia.
The candles in the corridor flickered with the sound of the name and both Soun and Genma put a finger to their lips. Shhhhh! Dont say that name!
Happosia? The candles flickered and blew again. Interesting
Soun looked up at Kyva and gave him a plea. Please! Not him! Any one but him!
Happosai. The candles flickered again and this time the floor moved a little. Wow What did you guys do to him?
Genma gave Kyva a shake. Dont say that name! Its cursed!
Happosai. Bricks and dust started to move from the ceiling as the small surges of power started to fill the air with every beat of the name. This is getting weird If I say the name again will he just come here on his own accord?
Both Soun and Genma looked at each other and then back at Kyva and both answered in unison. No.
Kyva smiled. You guys suck at lying. Happosia. This time nothing moved and nothing broke. Hey what gives?
Genma fell to his knees in utter defeat. Noooo! Hes free Were all as good as dead
Soun joined him soon enough and they both started crying. Doomed! Doomed I say! My girls are in danger!
Kyva walked away from then and spoke his piece. Yeah, well once youre done being doomed try sending him my way, Ive got a few things I need to discuss with him. Was he always this dramatic?
Ranma gave Kyva a mental shrug. If hes this afraid of the master then I cant wait to beat him. Now go away, Ive got some things to do.
Dont be a cock. Its hard enough for me to travel physically with out a meat sack, so savor that time you have.
Way ahead of you.
Ranma walked down the hall to a special room. Herb had agreed to give the women their own rooms for privacy reasons he didnt yet comprehend. Ranma stepped like his feet only touched air with out a sound. Nabiki was seen every so often but she seemed to be avoiding Ranma as much as possible for some reason. The day had gone on mostly in uncomfortable silence only to be broken with petty questions and quick answers.
It was time to say hi to the woman he loved. An urge to sneak up on her jumped into Ranmas thoughts and he smiled as he cracked the door open to take a peek inside. She was laying on her bed with a book on her chest and a blank stare towards the ceiling. Something interesting like a decoration or a chandelier gave Ranma the distraction he needed to slip in unnoticed. He gave the door a gentle push with a small smile on his face and moved in unnoticed closing the door gently behind him. He crouched down and practically slid across the floor only making the most feint sound of friction in his path. Akane heard something and turned her head off to the left to see what it was, but nothing was in the room.
Ranma clung to the ceiling like a spider and slowly moved across it grabbing onto anything that provided grip like a support beam or an unlit lantern hanging high up. He made his way to the wall behind Akanes headboard and fell towards the ground head first with a single arm extended out. He landed on his figure tips and slowed his fall until he stopped with his nose just barely touching the ground. He twisted his body bringing his feet to the floor arching his back and bringing his head up with calm and control. Again he made no sound and kept his head just underneath the headboard and out of sight. His eyes became shallow and lifeless as he smiled over the thrill it gave him. He heard her breathing softly knowing she expected nothing and he slowly pulled out his knife and bringing it into preparation. He synced his breathing with hers so she wouldnt know of him and never know of the killing blow coming. He kept smiling, as he counted down to strike. One sweet breathe Two . And three would be her last. He started moving up to finish it quick when he felt a mental slap in his head. His eyes focused and for a moment he fell back into stand knocking it over making Akane aware. She shot up and looked behind her to see Ranma rubbing his head and she smiled at him. Thought you could sneak up on me huh?
Ranma tried to figure out what he just did, but played along with what Akane said. Y-yeah I kinda messed up though
Well thats a first. Which one are you?
Ranma looked at her a bit hurt for a moment. Me! Ranma!
She walked over to him and offered her hand to help him up. Just making sure. He accepted her hand and in no time they were holding each other.
Ranma smiled at her and gave her a kiss. So, howve ya been holding out?
She played with his pigtail and went back for another kiss. Fine, I guess That guy is kind of hard to be around.
His intentions are good, dont worry.
Akane looked a little fearful for a moment. H-he isnt here is he?
Ranma shook his head. No, he said he was going to talk to a guy named Happosia. The room moved for a moment and a small rumble was heard. The two looked around for a moment and Ranma said, Interesting
Was that an earthquake?
I think so. Awe who cares? We cant stay apart forever so I want to show you something before he comes back.
Kyva?
Yeah. Its nothing important, just something I figured out how to do a few days ago.
What is it?
Ranma lead her to the window and opened it wide. It was nighttime and stars filled the sky. It was oddly warmer then the night before and it was a full moon showing off the beauty of the jungle around them. A few light clouds made silver by the moon let off a quick but gentle spray of rain causing Ranma to morph when he stepped up to the ledge of the window. Hold onto me ok.
Akane smiled at Ranma trying to figure out what he had planned. She wrapped her arms around Ranmas waist and Ranma wrapped her arms around Akane. Before Akane knew it she started to slowly fall out the window with Ranma and she panicked by digging her feet against the windowsill as best she could but they both fell despite her efforts. She held onto Ranma tight and didnt want to look at the ground below, but after a while she opened her eyes to see that they fell like feathers in the wind. The descent was slow and soon they touched the ground with out any feeling. Ranma let go of her and held onto her hand. Neat huh?
Akane took breath of relief and smiled at him. Warn me next time you big dummy!
Ok, ok. Were going again.
Wha- Ahh! Ranma pushed up with her toes and flew up slowly above the tree lines and back down into the forest holding Akanes hand with a loose grip.
They made leaps and bounds into the night sky and Ranma asked Akane a question. Have you ever had a dream like this? Where someone takes you on an adventure and you see all those beautiful things youve never seen before. Floating into the sky and coming back down with out fear Its a wonderful feeling
They landed on a branch of a huge tree and Ranma held her close again doing a slow-motion back flip high into the sky again and down to another. Akane closed her eyes as she took in the feeling of becoming as light as the wind. A feeling crawled through her chest letting her know she was high up and now descending. Her feet dangled loosely and felt weightless as they tingled. Ranma stopped on another branch in the forest turned blue under the pale moonlight. Sorry for dragging you out here, but I just wanted to be alone with you.
The two kissed and sat on the enormous branch that felt more like a nest one could walk in. Akane leaned her back against the trunk of the tree and Ranma rested between her legs. Akane draped her arms around Ranmas chest and hung her hands loosely between her breasts. The gentle rain could be seen just outside of the leaves making up the canopy they were under and soaked the forest enough to make it shine in the light of the night. I dont mind Akane whispered into Ranmas ear and held her close. Can you tell me something though?
Ranma relaxed into Akanes comfort and let her eyes close halfway. Anything Ill try my best to keep it true
Why are you so secretive with me? Is it just in your nature, or is it something else?
Ranma leaned her head back enough to look into Akanes eyes. Something else I love you, its no secret, but there are some things that I just cant bring myself to tell you Im a horrible person and Im afraid that if you found out the truth about me Youd leave me forever
Akane rested her chin on Ranmas head sideways and looked out into the night sky. I have faith that one day you can tell me every thing Ill never look down on you for anything youve done and never judge you for youre crimes
I know you wouldnt Im just afraid Id scare you with what Ive done Murder doesnt even come close to the true guilt I have on my conscience. Its what I did that will forever make me a monster.
Akane leaned Ranmas head back and brushed her bangs away from her eyes. Youre not a monster Youre my lover Akane let her lips meet Ranmas and Ranma lifted her arm to hold the back of Akanes head. Fireflies whizzed through the air giving a moment of magic for all present. Akane pulled away with a soft look in her eyes. And dont think for a second that Id leave you for anything Youve made me laugh Akane kissed her again. Youve made me cry Another soft kiss. Youve shown me love She kiss her one more time. And youve shown me your true self
Ranma stopped her kiss with a finger to Akanes lips. Nothing about me is true. I just keep covering myself up with lie after lie I cant even remember who I was before this
Ranma closed her eyes as Akane gave her another kiss. It doesnt matter if youve forgotten Its who you are now that counts As long as you remember us youll always remember what we were together.
Together Ranma stroked Akanes face as Akane unbuttoned Ranmas shirt. I cant forget us Ranma let Akane take over her body as she pushed Ranma down gently and pressed her body on top. The two ran their hands through each others hair once again remembering what made them one. Their hands met and fought for dominance while their instincts took over and build up towards mad love. I cant forget this
Akane pushed Ranmas shirt off her shoulders and closed her eyes to feel Ranmas figure. Ranma let her touch her all over yearning for that feeling that made her feel whole. She exchanged the favors by running her hands up Akanes shirt and massaging her all over and around. Show me that feeling That feeling the first time we-.
Akane moaned as she felt Ranma enter her mouth and push her back till they both sat straight up holding each other close and bringing each other further into their love.
It was three hours later when Ranma woke up with her fully clothed legs hanging off the side of the branch, sitting there with a smoke in her mouth. Awake kid?
Yeah. Ranma moved his head back to see Akane. She was sleeping on the other side of the branch with a blanket draped over her. Good shes asleep
Kyva kept his mumbles low so not to wake her. Yeah. Weve got something to talk about.
Ranma gave him a mental nod and asked. Yeah, what the hell happened back there? I was getting ready to kill her. Why?
I felt it just in time myself. It was Jack.
Jack?
Yeah. Its what he would have done if he had my skills. I didnt realize it at first but now that I think about it, it makes sense.
The curse?
Yeah, I thought they would have been individual, but that was foolish to think. Im sorry to say kid, but youve got a little bit of them when you got a whole lot of me in ya.
Figures
Yeah. If you can nudge them to do things then they can do so to you, but I dont think theyve figured it out yet.
Then how do you explain what I did back in that room?
Jack was dreaming. My guess is that he fell in love with Akane when he saw her and now hes dreaming of her.
Damn I was really hoping shed be safe around me
Dont worry kid, if it happens again Ill just snap you out of it. I can feel them doing it, but it only effects you.
Thanks by the way You saved her I dont know how else to thank you.
Kyva put the smoke out on the branch and flicked it off into the rain. Dont mention it. Its a small thing if you compare it to what youre doing for me.
I guess.
Any ways lets get her back. Shell freeze if she stays out here.
Ok, but do you mind if I-.
Yeah, yeah, you can spend the night with her. Who am I to get between lovers, but be warned kiddo, if I start feeling those guys dreams enter your head Im taking us out of there pronto, you hear what Im saying?
Believe me. I wouldnt want it any other way. Could you do something else for me?
Im not gonna stop smoking.
Come on. Have some common courtesy for some one elses body.
My nerves are shot kid. This is one of those little things that give me some momentary relief.
If you say so.
Kyva stood the body up and took control for Ranma. Go back to sleep kid, ya need it. Ill get us back.
Thanks Oh and if you drop her, Ill have your ass Gramps.
Go to sleep. Youve had insomnia lately. Its making you weak.
I cant sleep unless Im with her
Ive noticed.
Morning came with annoyance. Ranma opened his eyes quick to find the blankets being pulled off of him quickly. He was a guy now, apparently Kyva changed them in his sleep, but that was okay. What wasnt okay was that Genma was in the room telling his boy to get up. Ranma shook his head and asked Kyva. Why didnt you tell me he was here?
Just thought youd like to deal with him personally and I wanted you to get as much sleep as possible.
Gee, thanks. Ranma looked over at Akane still sleeping beside him and back at his dad. What the hell do you want?
Genma brought up his hand and started counting on his fingers. One! Youre not doing early morning training. Two! I want to know exactly who that person was. And Three! *WACK!*
Ranma continued for him as he removed his fist from his fathers face. Three, you get to lower youre voice. Four, get the hell out of here because I dont want to see your damn face. And Five. If you wake me up again, Ill throw you through that window and into the rose bushes below.
Genmas face went red as he pulled his boy up from the mattress. Now listen here you!
*TOSS!*
Genma screamed as he flew out the window and landed in the thorny bushes below. Unfortunately this woke up Akane. What was that ?
Ranma climbed back into bed and curled up with Akane. Just threw my dad out the window, nothing serious.
Akane opened her eyes wide and looked Ranma square in the eye. Is he okay?
I hope not
Akane sat up and gave his arm a light hit. Thats not a nice thing to say!
At least its true.
Akane put a finger to her lip. Well I guess so, but still
Im not apologizing to him. He gave me abandonment issues.
Are you sure you cant just grow up and make peace?
Yup, Im pretty sure.
Akane looked at him for a second and asked. Wait, which one are you?
Ranma tensed up and looked angry. Its me! Ranma!
Just checking You sounded like him for a second.
Ranmas voice became a little raspy as he spoke again. Him and I do not sound the same!
Akane pulled the covers up to cover herself as fast as she could. Ahh! Hes here!?
Ranmas voice went back to normal after the outburst and he got the headache with it. Ow! Jeez! Is this what Ive been doing to you!?
Yeah you mean bastard.
Gawd, Im sorry.
Akane shrieked and booted Ranma off the bed. Get the peeping tom out of here!
Did she just call me a peeping tom!?
Technically you are right now. Sorry Akane, Ill get him out of here. As Ranma left the room Akane gave him a smile and blew a kiss. Ranma caught it and stepped out. He kept his voice low so none would here. Well, thanks a lot gramps. You ruined a perfectly good morning.
And just how did I ruin it?
Why didnt you just knife my old man or something productive like that?
Im not knifing my own grandson.
Why? Youve done it before.
I was not aware at the time. You killed him yourself you sneaky little bugger.
Do ya blame me?
Well no actually It kind of shamed me to know that I had a direct relative that would do something like that to his own son
Thanks for wiping that memory out of his head in time. I thought for sure he was going to tell Mr. Tendo.
No prob. I also wiped that shit he did to you out as well, just so he wouldnt get jumpy around you.
What did you replace it with?
That B.S story you told every one.
Hey it was a good story. I wasnt going to tell those poor guys that I slit my dads damn throat. They would have put me away instantly.
So? Youve been avoiding the police for how long now?
Thats not the point gramps. I like these people a lot and it was nice to be in a home again with people that didnt try and shoot up every twenty minutes.
Ok, I get it kid. But I am worried about you. How long has it been since you last had some? Dont make me go through your head.
Ranma sighed. Its been a week and a half now
Youve gotta get off that shit Ranma. Im not going to force it away from you. You have to put it down of your own free will.
Hey I told some one like you told me to.
Yeah and you made it sound like you were off of it.
Its hard to get through it you know?
Ya gotta put that stubbornness to use kid. Make it work for you.
Ranmas face turned angry as he walked through the Musk halls. Oh, what do you know!?
Kyva stopped the body and held Ranma in place. I know its giving you insomnia Ranma. So if you want to get through this then if not for me then do it for that beautiful girl you had laying in that bed back there.
Ranma bowed his head and asked. Can you please get it away from me?
I told you kiddo. You drop it of your own free will and itll make you stronger and youll never touch it again.
Ranma took a deep breath in. Okay I was just getting the urge for it again.
I know. You get it every time you get stressed out. Talk to that doctor about it, hell help.
Ranma nodded and started heading for Doctor Tofus room. Ok I can do this And then were getting rid of those other guys
I dont care how it gets done as long as it gets done.
Ranma walked on in silence and down the hall he went. So do you think Nabiki could hear me?
You did kind of raise your voice at the end there kiddo. Sorry, but I noticed her at the last second.
Damn I hope she didnt hear what I said about pops
I can wipe her memory too if you want.
Nah She wont tell any one yet. Theyre all going to find out anyways.
True.
Ranma gave Tofus door a knock and he came to answer in no time. Hey doc Ive got a bit of a problem thats been on my chest for a while Can I talk to you?
Certainly Ranma?
Yeah
Ranma sat down across from the doctor. Remember my blood test ?
Tofu gave Ranma a look and asked. Are you still worried about that?
Please dont treat me like you dont know Doc I know you found something in my blood stream And to be honest Im glad you took my privacy into account.
Tofu adjusted his glasses and look down for a moment. Im glad youre coming clean to me about it Ranma. I was worried when I found heroin in your system.
You wont tell any one will you?
Tofu reached an arm across and put a hand on Ranmas shoulder. Im glad you trust me Ranma and Im relieved that you came to me about it My lips are sealed to the others, it is your decision if you wish to tell them or not.
Doc You wouldnt believe the things Ive done
Youd be surprised to know how many people go through what you are right now.
Doc Ive killed some one during a two month drug binge and have only started to remember it recently
Oh, my
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Authors Note: I feel bad about having such long breaks between chapters but since I knocked off so much in one go I got ahead of myself and forgot where this was going. Im going to try and get at least 2-3 chapters a month for this if I can. Just so if any fans of this fic are wondering, this fic is going to be huge. The way Ive set it up its going to be between 60-90 chapters and its going to be picking up speed real quick to pull your socks up and get ready. Have fun and party hard.
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