Jeffrey "OneShot" Wong

Ranma 1/2 :Living in shame



     "Somebody," Ukyo screamed as her rapist ripped her blouse off  
"Please help me!!!"
  Tears streamed from Ukyo's eyes as she knew that her cries were 
futile. No one would hear her. She and her rapist were miles away from 
the nearest form of 
civilization. She was living in a secluded part of Japan. All her life, 
she wanted to live alone, but now she regretted it. Being alone meant no 
one would be nearby to hear her scream. She had been living in a 
secluded house located just outside a forest near the foot of some 
mountains.
  "You can scream all ya want ya fuckin' bitch!" her rapist said with 
sneer "No one's going to hear you!"
  Her rapist slapped Ukyo across the face as he used one of his hands to 
pin both of Ukyo's arms babove her head on the bed. The weight of her 
rapist was too much for her to push off. She was too weak to do anything 
but cry as the rapist slapped her again.
   "Somebody, please help!"

  Ukyo cried herself to sleep that night. She cried herself to sleep 
every night for two weeks straight. The scene of her rape played over 
and over again in her mind as she would twist and turn in her bed every 
night. They plagued her mind throughout the day. She would wake up 
sweating, screaming as her rape was 
re-enacted in her nightmares. She would immediately goto the bathroom 
and vomit, taking a shower immediately, hoping to wash away all the 
filth.  She had lost weight over the past two weeks since she had lost 
her appetite. Her days were spent where she would linger around the 
house in her pajamas, 
doing nothing but stare mindlessly out the window. She wouldn't pick up 
any incoming phonecalls, didn't goto town to pick up her mail. Her whole 
life had been destroyed.
  
  Ranma wiped the sweat from his brow as gazed down the mountain toward 
the tiny cabin. He smiled as he adjisted his backpack to his other 
shoulder, realizing that his long and arduous hike to her best friend's 
house was finally nearing an end. He wished he had some form of 
transportation. It would have made 
everything much easier on him. It had taken him close to five hours to 
hike up the mountain on the other side and a couple more hours to hike 
back down the other side, where Ukyo's cabin was located. He wished a 
mountain didn't separate Ukyo's house from his hometown, Nerima. It 
would have made it whole lot easier 
for him hike. He hadn't visted his longtime friend in over a year, his 
job as a sensei a very hectic one, never having the time to visit. But 
now that he was on two week vacation, he finally had the time to drop in 
on a friend.
  He sighed though. There was still about a mile left before Ukyo's 
house. But his 
countenance brightened as he thought of tasting one of Ukyo's delicious 
home-cooked meals. He had been looking forward to eating her cooking for 
a year now. He had called her a few times several days ago, but she 
never picked up the phone. Perhaps she was tending her garden outside 
when he called. He would 
have called late at night, but he didn't want to risk waking her from 
her slumber. He figured the best thing to do was drop in for a surprise 
visit.
  Ranma smiled to himself as he continued on with his hike back down the 
hill toward Ukyo's house. He missed his best friend and was really 
looking forward to seeing her again. 
  
  Ukyo's heart lept when she heard a knock on her door. She felt a wave 
of fear engulf her as she stood in the middle of the livingroom of her 
once cozy cabin. She quickly reteated to the back of the livingroom, 
fearing that the rapist was back. She wished she had a back door so she 
could make a run for it.   "Please go away" Ukyo said pleaded silently, 
tears starting to form, her throat dry.  She was absolutely terrified. 
It was the worst feeling the the world and she wanted it to go away. And 
the only way it would go away was if the stranger would leave her alone. 
  She looked at the phone, wondering if she should call the police. But 
the phone was near the front door, and she didn't want to go near it. 
She wanted to be as far away from the door as possible.
  "Hey, Ucchan, ya home?" she heard a familiar voice from the other side 
of the door.
  Although it sounded familiar, she still wasn't going near that door. 
She was too terrified to go see who it was. 
  "Yo, Ucchan, it's me Ranma" she heard "Ya home?"
  "Ranma?" she said softly. She felt this wave of relief surge through 
her as she rememebered the name of her bestfriend since childhood. When 
she recalled hearing him call her 'Ucchan', she realized that it must be 
Ranma since he had given her that name from when they were both young.
  "Damn," Ranma swore as he placed his backpack down on the steps. He 
wished she was home. That meant he couldn't surprise her. He would have 
to wait here till she got back since he was way too tired from the hike 
before. 
  The door opened up notch as Ukyo peeked out the tiny crack. Ranma 
heard it 
creak opened and turned his attention toward Ukyo.
  "Ucchan," he said with a warm smile "Thank goodness you're home. I was 
hoping my hike here wasn't all for nothing" 
  Ukyo opened the door and cautiously stepped outside into the cool 
afternoon air. She was still dressed in her pajamas which consisted of 
light sweat pants and a plain white shirt. Before she could even react, 
she felt herself being picked up off the floor in Ranma's warm embrace, 
her head tilting into the crook of his neck 
and one of his shoulders.
  "It's been ages, Ucchan" Ranma said as she swung her around once in 
his arms. He welcomed how hice it felt to be holding Ukyo in his arms 
again. Even though it was just a friendly hug, and it had been a year 
since, he hugged her as if he hadn't seen her in decades "How've ya 
been?" 
  He gently placed he back down on her feet. He smiled slightly as he 
noticed that Ukyo's hair was slightly unkempt, as if she had just woken 
up. It made her look incredibly sexy. He also noticed her attire, 
especially the way her plain white shirt hugged her upper body tightly, 
accenuating her curves. If he didn't know Ukyo 
like the friend she considered him, he would have mostly commented on 
how beautiful she looked "I like your shirt, it makes ya accually look 
like ya have breasts" he joked with a mischieveous grin. 
  He placed his arm over her shoulder like the way they used to when 
they were young "It's been a long time since we last saw each other. 
Let's catchup on the good ole times" He jerked a thumb toward the beat 
up jeep in her dirt driveway "Let's take that heap 'o junk to town and 
have some fun like we use to"
  Ukyo didn't say anything. She just looked up at Ranma. She didn't want 
to admit it, but she was actually glad to see him. He smile was warm and 
as caring as if nothing had changed since they last saw each other. She 
wished she could be the same, but that would never happen. Her life had 
changed completely ever since that one horrible night.
  "Hey, Ucchan," Ranma said taking a serious tone "you all right?"
  Ukyo started to cry as she pressed herself into Ranma's chest. 
  "Hey. I'm sorry I said those things" he said regretfully "I was just 
jokin' around like the way we used to. I didn't think you were going to 
take it like this. If I did, I wouldn't have said anything"
  She continued to cry. She couldn't make herself stop. When she caught 
sight of Ranma, al her emotions started to surface, her resentment 
toward him because he was a male, the shame she bottled up, the pain she 
had gone through with every passing day, and the fear that he would lose 
respect in her if he found out what had happened. She wanted to tell him 
what had happened that night, but she was 
ashamed to. 
  Ranma's immediately embraced Ukyo, not really knowing what to say. He 
had no idea she would react to his comments like this. He felt a wave of 
remorse wash over him. He wished he didn't say what he had said.
  "I'm sorry" he said in a soft caring voice "I didn't mean it. Really, 
I didn't"
  Ukyo broke away from his embrace "D-don't worry about it" she said as 
she wiped some tears from her eyes. She knew it was best that she didn't 
tell him. He would lose his respect for her if he found out. He was the 
only man on this world who she trusted.
  "Are you sure?" he said, reaching forward and placing a hand on her 
cheek. He noticed that she instinctively pressed her cheek against his 
cupped hand. But it only lasted a fraction of a second before she pulled 
away and turned around.
  "I'm fine" she lied, her back to Ranma. She didn't want Ranma to know 
"I-I guess I was just happy to see you. That's all. It's been so long 
since we last saw each other. I-I've been a bit moody these passed few 
days"
  Ranma returned his normal teasing self  "That time of month, huh?" He 
picked up his backpack "All right if I come in"
  "Y-yeah" she said. She took a deep breath as she put on her best face. 
She had to act like nothing was wrong "Even though I don't want ya, I 
guess you're gonna come in anyway"
  "There ya go" Ranma said as he entered, chucking his backpack across 
the livingroom onto the one of the couches "That's the Ucchan I know" He 
looked around the room and noticed that although the furniture was the 
same, the entire room had been rearraged "I see ya rearranged the livin' 
room" He took off his 
shoes and followed Ukyo into the livingroom, plopping down on the 
nearest couch.
  "Yeah, I rearranged it a few days ago" she said. She had to do 
something to keep her mind occupied and away from those reoccuring 
daydreams of her rape, so rearranging the livingroom was a good move 
because it had kept her occupied for a few hours.
  She stood in the middle of the livingroom and regarded Ranma for a 
moment. He hadn't changed in the past year. He was still as handsome as 
ever. No, more handsome than before. He still retained his casual and 
teasin personality as when they last saw each other. For a moment, Ukyo 
was glad that something in her life 
had never changed.
  "Hey, aren't ya gonna offer me some coffee or somethin'?" Ranma said 
as he put 
his feet on the coffee table and stretched a bit "That hike over that 
mountain can sure take a lot outta a guy, even someone as fit as me"
  There he goes again, Ukyo thought with a slight smile. For a moment, 
she almost broke down crying again. This was the first time she had 
remotely cracked a smile since that night. Ranma had been here for a few 
minutes and he had  already brightened her day. But that was expected. 
He always made her smile and 
seemed to be and expert at brightening her day.
  "I'll go get it" she said as she went into the kitchen to prepare 
Ranma's coffee.
  Damn, Ranma thought to himself. I can't believe how Ucchan's gotten 
even more beautiful than I last saw her. Maybe this wasn't that good of 
an idea. How will I be able to keep my hands off her? I don't wanna 
jeopardize out friendship. Damn, if she only saw me as more than a 
friend.  It was too bad Ranma's lifestyle was different from Ukyo's. 
Otherwise, they would have been perfect for each other. Ranma and Ukyo's 
personalities were complete opposites. Ranma preferred to live fast life 
and make new friends where 
ever he went while Ukyo preferred living alone and keeping a few good 
friends.
  Ukyo entered the livingroom with Ranma's cup of coffee. She handed to 
him and sat down on the couch adjacent to his.
  "Thanks" he said. He took a sip before smiling to Ukyo "Man, the hike 
was worth it. Your coffee is still the best I ever had" He placed the 
cup on the coffee table as he perred over at Ukyo intently.
  Ukyo could feel Ranma's gaze on her, and it bothered her. It felt as 
if he could see her soul, see what she was trying to hide from him. She 
figitted with her cup for a moment before she spoke. She didn't want 
Ranma to know something was up because of her strange behavior. She had 
to act like nothing had happened.
  "S-so what brings you here?" she said softly. She said the first thing 
that came to her mouth. She knew why he was here. He was here to check 
up on her. It just goes to show her that he still cared about her, 
dispite their differences.
  "I have a two week vaction from work" he said casually "I just wanted 
to stop by and see what's up" He gave her a smirk "It's not like I'm 
here to check up on ya or nothin'. I was jus' in the area" Yeah right I 
was was, he thought. Then why did it take me over five hours to get to 
her cabin if I was nearby.
  Even though Ranma was just teasing her, his words made their way to 
her heart. She knew he was checking up on her, and she was gratful deep 
down inside. Although he was just teasing, he never really meant those 
words. He was just talking casually, a form of friendly banter.
  "Is it all right if I stay here for a little while?" he said, 
stretching back on the couch "I could sure use the peace and quiet for a 
change. Sometimes it gets pretty stressin' out in the big city" He 
stretched the length of the couch and placed his hand behind his head, 
using them for support as he looked over at 
Ukyo "So how 'bout it?"
  Ukyo gave him a weak smile "It's not like I can stop ya"
  Ranma's tone changed all of a sudden "Hey, Ucchan, you all right?"
  "W-what do you mean?" she said, her heart starting to race. How could 
he read her so easily. Did all her pain show that easily on her face.
  "Ya shouldn't think that way" Ranma said in a brotherly tone "It's not 
like you to let someone take advantage of you"  His words struck a soft 
spot. That was eactly what had happened to her just 
two short weeks ago. She had been taken advantage of, and she couldn't 
do anything about it. She felt herself starting to lose control again as 
tears slowly started to form around her eyes. Ranma noticed this and 
quickly rushed to her side. He sat next to her on the couch and placed a 
warm arm around her.
  "Hey, are you all right?" he said softly "W-what's the matter? You 
haven't been acting yourself late. Was it somethin' I said?"  Ukyo wiped 
her eyes "I-I'm fine. Like I've said. I've been moody"
  Ranma didn't buy it. Something was up, but what? Ukyo was never like 
this. She was acting strange, as if she were a stranger. She was always 
in control and knew what she wanted. She always had a perky attitude 
toward life, and would usually make wisecracks about his childlike 
teasing, but she had done that once since he arrived. She seemed to have 
taken defensive demeanor around him, hiding something, and that was what 
bothered him. She always told him everything. This Ukyo, she seemed 
meek.
  "C'mon, Ucchan" he said in a soft voice, his eyes intently on hers 
"you can tell me. It's me Ranma. You can tell me anything"  She turned 
her gaze away. Although she wanted to, this was something she 
couldn't risk letting him know about. It was too horrible. It would make 
him no longer respected her. She wiped the tears, but they wouldn't 
stop. She had to steady herself. She had to bring her emotions back 
under control. 
  After a few moments, she turned back to face Ranma.  "Ha," Ukyo said 
with a slight smile "I got ya there, didn't I. Ya really thought I was 
crying, huh?"
  Ranma looked confused for a second before it finally hit him. She was 
just teasing him, playing with his mind. Now that was the Ukyo he knew, 
the Ukyo he grew up with, and had fallen in love with a long time ago. 
It was too bad she didn't want him to be more than a friend at the time.
  Ranma bursted out in laughter "Damn, woman, ya got me good. Ya really 
had me going for a second there"
  He stood up, Ukyo's hand in his "C'mon, let's goto town and have some 
fun. We haven't done that in the longest time"
  Town, she thought. That was where there would be people. That was 
where there would be guys, other guys. And that might be where she might 
come in contact with her rapist. She could never deal to face that man 
again. She wanted to forget about what had happened to her, forget that 
had ever happened. She wanted to be alone, away from civilization 
forever.
  "Um, no thank you" she said quickly "I had a rough day today, and I 
was plannin' on hitting the sack early today"
  Ranma's face was crestfallen.
  "Oh"
    
  Ranma was awoken when he heard Ukyo's scream echo through the cabin. 
He had been sleeping on the livingroom couch when he was jolted awake. 
He had never been so frightened in his life. Ukyo was in trouble.
  He threw the blankets off as he raced for her bedroom "Ucchan!!!" He 
ran up the flight of stairs in a matter of seconds, hopping up three 
steps at a time. Once outside her room, he turned the doorknob but it 
was locked. He banged on the door "Ucchan, lettme in!" His heart was 
racing as he banged on the door. What 
was going on.
  "Get away from me!!!" Ranma heard Ukyo scream.
  Fearing that Ukyo was in grave danger, Ranma slammed an open palm 
against the door, smashing the entire door off its hidges. The door 
struck agains the wall on the other side, falling to the floor in a loud 
thump. He ignored the damaged he had just caused to Ukyo's door as ran 
into the room. He saw Ukyo on the back end of her bed, her knees pressed 
again her chest, her blanket pulled up to her neck.
  He quickly glanced around the room and saw no one. He looked at the 
window, but it was closed. He took a step toward Ukyo "Ucchan, are you 
okay?"
  Ukyo saw the figure of a man take a step toward her. Her nightmare was 
being relived. The man had come back to rape her again "Get away from 
me!!!" She scrunged back as far in her bed as possible, scared to death.
  Ranma turned on the light switch. Light flooded into the room to drown 
out the darkness. 
  "Ucchan, it's me, Ranma" he said, standing still. He was waiting for 
Ukyo to realize that he wasn't a stranger, that he was someone she 
knows. It took a few moments as Ukyo's eyes adjust to the light. Once 
they did, Ukyo's countenance turned from frightened to relieved as she 
finally recognized who the shadowy 
figure was.
  "R-Ranma" she said. There was no one that she wanted to see more than 
the man standing before her. All her fears disappeared completely as she 
caught sight of Ranma's concerned eyes. Although her fears had 
disappeared, her troubles began surfacing. She realized that Ranma would 
now be susicious of 
her, and she didn't want that. She didn't want him to know.
  "Are you all right?" he said, concern in his voice. He covered the 
distance between him and Ukyo in two easy steps, sitting down on the bed 
next to her. He placed an arm on her hands as they rested on her lap. 
Her legs were no longer up against her chest. She was now sitting 
upright on the bed, right next to him, 
looking down at the floor.
  "I-I'm fine" said said in a soft tone. Lists of excuses for her 
behavior was running through her mind. She had to make something up to 
convice Ranma that nothing was wrong, even though that was untrue "I had 
a bad dream, that's all"
  Ranma flopped down onto his back on the bed, seemingly exhausted "Man, 
you really scared me there for a second. I thought someone was in here" 
He breathed a silent sigh of relief. He was glad she was able to scare 
him with something like that. He would much rather be scared to death of 
her safety over something 
trivial like a bad dream rather than someone actually being in her room 
"What kinda dream was it?"
  "I had a dream where Principle Kuno was going to cut off my hair" she 
said with a weak smile. It was the best excuse she could come up with in 
a short period of time. She didn't  bother to look at Ranma. She didn't 
want to see him looking at her with suspicious eyes.
  Ranma bursted out in laughter "You had that dream also?!" He continued 
to laugh for several moments, holding his stomach from the pain of 
laughing too hard "Oh man, that's so funny it hurts"
  As Ranma conitnued to laugh, Ukyo looked at him for a moment. He 
actually believed her. As he continued to laugh, for some reason, it 
became contagious as Ukyo found herself giggling a bit. Pretty soon, she 
was laughing along side him.
  Ranma sat back up as he placed an arm over Ukyo's shoulder, wiping the 
tears from his eyes "Man, I haven't laughed like that in a while. 
Thanks" He got up off the bed and proceeded toward the door "I guess I 
better go back downstairs. Sorry about the door, I'll fix it tomorrow"
  He smiled one last time before turning off the light and leaving her 
room. The sounds of his footsteps could be heard walking down the wooden 
stairs a few seconds later.
  Ukyo stared at the spot where Ranma had been just a minute ago, where 
he was sitting right next to her, worried about her. She then looked 
down at the door where it had landed a few feet away from the opening. 
He hadn't hesitated to break the door down because he thought she was in 
trouble. He would have 
done anything to protect her.
  Ukyo cried herself to sleep, wishing he was there to protect her two 
weeks ago.

  Ranma woke up to fragrant aroma of coffee that morning. He looked at 
the clock that was on the fireplace mantle and noticed that it was only 
six in the morning. He had only slept for a few hours so far, for he 
hadn't slept much after he had heard Ukyo's scream. He kept believing 
she was in real trouble. He had been twisting and turning in his couch, 
wondering what might have happened if it wasn't a dream, if it was real.
  "Wake up, Ranchan" Ukyo's sweet voice permeated into the room, waking 
him up more than the smell of the coffee she made. But regardless of 
that, Ranma was still very tired and sleepy.
  "Jeez, Ucchan, it's only six" Ranma said "Let me sleep for a few more 
hours. I'm not used to wakin' up this early"
  "Fine, then that means ya wouldn't mind if I walk around naked, I 
guess" she teased in a sultry voice as she whispered into his ear. This 
was the best thing she could come up with to acting her usual self. If 
Ranma  wasn't there, she would be moping around like she had been for 
the past two weeks.
  Ranma placed the pillow over his face as he retorted "Well, if you're 
gonna walk around naked, then I'm definitely gonna stay alseep" He 
chuckled from under the pillow. He had to tease her back for what she 
did to him. The thought of seeing Ukyo walking around naked was racing 
though his mind, sending his desires skyrocketing. And here she was, 
with no idea of what kind of effect some simple words would have on him.
  Ukyo punched Ranma in his stomach, noticing how firm it was. She also 
noticed the warmth of his body even though she touched him for a split 
second. She blushed a bit, grateful that Ranma had the pillow over his 
face, and that he wasn't looking. She quickly headed for the diningroom.
  "That hurt, y'know" he said from below the pillow. He picked the 
pillow up and got up off the couch, walking over to the diningroom where 
Ukyo had gone to sit. To his relief and disappointment, Ukyo wasn't 
naked. She was clad in some simple jogging pants and sweat shirt.
  He sat down in the chair across the table from Ukyo. He took a sip of 
his coffee "I've missed you, Ucchan" he said solemnly "It's been too 
long sing we last saw each other"
  Ukyo felt like she was going to cry. She felt her emotions welting up. 
Did he really mean that? What would he say if he found out about what 
had happened to her? She forced herself to smile as she got up off her 
chair and proceeded toward the sink. She wanted to pretend she was 
finished with her coffee. Instead, she wanted to keep her back to Ranma, 
so he wouldn't notice those tears forming "D-do you really mean it?"
  Ranma leaned back in his chair, putting his feet on the table "Of 
course. I haven't had coffee this good in such a long time" He managed 
to catch himself before he fell backwards off the chair.
  Even though Ranma was joking, she wished he didn't say something like 
that. She wished he really meant those words. It was just like Ranma to 
joke around like that. There were times she wished he wasn't just joking 
around with her. Because he always joked around, she couldn't really 
bring herself to believe everything he said.
  Ranma finished the last of his coffee and proceed toward the sink to 
wash his cup. When he sat in the chair, he couldn't help but notice how 
beautiful Ukyo looked while her back was to him. Even though she was 
wearing loose-fitting jogging pants, he could them pressed against her 
slender hips.
  God, what the hell am I thinking about, Ranma thought to himself. It's 
not like she has the same feelings for me like she used to, before Akane 
and I got married. Ucchan had gotten on with her life, yet here I am, 
still caring about her like I used to. It's too bad she only considers 
me a friend. God, why am I doing this to myself? He actually meant those 
words when he said he missed her. But since she only considered him a 
friend, she was expecting him to make a joke about it. Oh, how he wished 
he could tell her the truth.
  Ranma stood next to Ukyo when he reached forward to place the cup in 
the sink. Because he was so close to her, he could smell the faint scent 
of the shampoo she used. That seemed to wake him up much more than 
coffee ever could. Actually, it was another part of him that woke.
  He turned around and proceed out of the kitchen, embarressed about how 
his body was reacting to being so close Ukyo "I'm gonna go take a 
shower" 
  "A cold shower" he muttered to himself silently so Ukyo couldn't hear. 
  Ukyo watched Ranma from the kitchen as went to the livingroom and 
reached into his backpack, pulling out a pair of clean clothes and went 
to the bathroom. Moments later, the sound of the shower could be heard 
as it emanated through the house. She stood there, in the kitchen, 
holding her breath.
  Ranma had visited her last year, but he had only stayed there long 
enough to say hello and chat for a little while on the times they once 
had. But she realized Ranma would be staying much longer, for at least 
the week, and she wondered if that was a good idea.
  She felt a wave of heat rushing to her cheeks as she realized that 
Ranma was now naked, and in her bathroom, the water running down his 
masculine body. She realized that she shouldn't have hentai thoughts 
like that. They were only friends, not lovers.
  There was a knock at her door, causing Ukyo's heart to plummet. She 
felt all the blood drain from her face, leaving her feeling chilled to 
the bone. Who could that be, she thought. No one really knew that she 
lived out here except for Ranma and..... 
  She didn't dare to think that it might be that rapist from two weeks 
ago. She stood there, in the kitchen, not moving, scared to make a 
sound. She didn't want her rapist to hear that she was home. But then 
she realized that Ranma was taking a shower, and the sounds of his 
shower running could easily be heard. 
  Ukyo tried to think of something to do. If the man heard the shower 
running, he would assume she was in the shower, and most likely break 
in. And that could mean Ranma getting hurt, and she didn't want that to 
happen, not to someone she cared about.
  The doorbell rang.
  Ukyo's heart skipped a beat when she heart the shower turn off. She 
realized that Ranma must had heard the doorbell.
  "Hey, Ucchan, I think I jus' heard the doorbell" Ranma said as his 
head peeked out "Aren't you gonna get it? You want me to get it"
  Ukyo kept silent, her heart in her throat. She didn't know what to 
say. She was scared for her life, scared for Ranma's life. She wanted 
that person to go away. She willed him to go away, begged inwardly that 
he left. But he never did because the doorbell rang again.
  "Jeez, if you're not gonna get it," Ranma said, stepping out of the 
bathroom, a tower wrapped around his waist, as he proceeded toward the 
front door. He wondered why Ucchan didn't bother to answer it. 
  Ukyo stepped out of the kitchen to tell Ranma not to open the door, 
but she couldn't speak. Her throat was dry. Her words died before they 
left her lips. But for a brief moment, she realized that she was 
actually gratful Ranma was there. But she banished those thoughts from 
her mind. He could get hurt, and she didn't want that to happen to him.
  Ranma opened the door a bit, concealing his naked upper half behind 
the door. 
  "Hello" Ukyo heard someone say, a woman's voice "I'm sorry to trouble 
the two of you, but can you direct me and my husband toward the city? We 
were out hiking and got lost a couple of hours ago. We we saw this 
cabin, we were hoping you could help us out"
  "Oh, sure," Ranma said pointing toward the mountain that was looming 
in front of the cabin "Just head on over that mountain. It's several 
miles away"
  "Thank you" the woman said "We appreciate your help"
  Ranma closed the door. He faced Ukyo "Hey, Ucchan, what's up? How come 
you didn't answer the door?"
  "I don't know" was the best excuse she could come up with. 
  To her surprise, Ranma shrugged his shoulders and let it drop "Hmm, I 
guess I wouldn't blame ya. Living out here alone can make ya a bit 
paranoid"

  Ukyo watched Ranma as he chopped some wood for the fireplace. It had 
been cold sleeping in the livingroom that night, and he wanted to make 
sure the room would be extra toasty tonight. He went about wood cutting 
in a rather unothodox method, splitting them in half with his knife 
hand.
  Ranma caught sight of Ukyo watching him "Hey, are ya gonna just watch, 
or help me out here?"
  Ukyo shook her head "Nah, I'll just watch" Actually she didn't want to 
go out. She'd rather stay in her cabin, away from the outside world.
  "Okay, fine" Ranma made an exaggerated pout, which couldn't help but 
bring a small smile to Ukyo's face "See if I care. Besides, this if more 
fun than falling off a log"
  "Fine, I'll help" she said with a sigh. She was a bit hesitant at 
first, but she realized there was really nothing to worry about. Ranma 
would be there beside her. And judging by how he went about wood 
cutting, he needed her help.
  Pretty soon, Ukyo, using an ax, and Ranma, just using his hands, were 
both doing some woodcutting together. But it wasn't until about a half 
hour passed before one of them spoke.
  "Man, this is takin' forever" he said, wiping the sweat from his brow 
"I know of a better idea"
  Ukyo watched curiously as Ranma walked up to one of the trees 
surrounding her cabin "Ya need this tree?" When she shook her head, he 
smiled.
  "What are you doing?" Ukyo said as she notice Ranma hug the tree, 
wrapping his arms around the trunk tightly. She stared in disbelief as 
she saw the muscles in Ranma's back and arms grow taut as he strained to 
lift deroot the tree.
  "If Ryoga can do this with a telephone pole, then I can do it with a 
tree" he said, clenching his teeth. His first attempt was unsuccessful. 
He took a moment to catch his breath before attempting it again. The 
second time worked like a charm. 
  Ranma held the treet upright in his hands as he carefully walked 
toward Ukyo, taking each step steadily. Once he was next to her, she 
turned to face her and smiled "Watch this"
  Ranma, still holding the derooted tree, bent at his knees and heaved 
the tree stright up toward the heavens. It took several moments for the 
tree to reach its highest ascent before gravity finally won. As it came 
back down, Ranma smiled and shouted "Kashuu Tenshin Amaguriken!!!" 
  Ukyo watched as his fists moved at lightning speed, striking the tree 
continuously, the impact so intense that each punch managed to hold the 
tree suspended in mid-air before the next punch landed. After a few 
moments, all that remained of the tree were several neat piles of 
perfectly chopped wood, perfect for the fireplace tonight.
  "Showoff" she said, knowing she had to play the part of best friend. 
She had been quite impressed with how much Ranma had progressed in his 
skills and techniques. Knowing that he knew something like that made her 
feel all the more safer.
  Ranma chuckled "Well, if it gets the job done"