The Road Less Traveled	
by Michael �Ranma13� Cerda

Revised 7/13/01

I do not take credit for the Ranma 1/2 characters. 
They are owned and created 
by the goddess Rumiko Takahashi.  The rights go to her
and Viz 
communication.  This is my own story and in no way
express how Rumiko 
wanted her story to go.  With this at mind, enjoy.

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

Chapter 6: Friendships

�Who dares receive it other, As we shall make our
grief�s and and clamour roar upon his death?�

�I am settled, and bend up each coporal agent to this
terrible feat.  Away and�..and�..Damn.�

�What the hell is wrong? We went over this too many
times.�  The director went to the stage as he stood in
front of his lead actor.

�Sorry, just a little slip�

�Arrgghh, okay we�re done for today.  Remember that
opening night is in a few days.  We were good in
London and Paris, but I want to be perfect.  Alright
everyone gather around.�  He watched as his crew
surrounded him, �This tour has been great so far.
You�ve all been chosen because you�re the best in the
world for your age.�  As he looked over the young
faces, he saw the future of acting.  Somehow he felt
good about the future.  �Alright take the rest of the
day off.  We start tomorrow early.�  Watching everyone
disperse, �Akane.�

Akane weaved through the crowd, �Yes, sir.�

�Please Akane, just call me Rob,�

�Yes�..Rob�

Breathing a sign of relief, �Tonight I want you to
work with Muriel.  She�s still over acting some of the
scene�s.�  Studying Akane, �You�re a very talented
actress.  I know that being an understudy wasn�t what
you had in mind, but Muriel has three years of
experience with us.  You know you both could learn a
lot from each other.�

�Sir,� as Akane bowed.  Walking away from the
director, she headed for the dressing rooms.  It�s
been four months since she left Japan.  In a short
amount of time, she�s grown.  Not just in her acting,
but as a person.  The people she worked with were
wonderful and very talented.  They were students from
around the world who petitioned to get into the
production.  At first Akane regretted her decision of
joining.  She felt like an outcast, but traveling
through Paris and London, she knew that her decision
was the right one.

Reaching the dressing room, Akane opened the door as
she walked through.  Most of the girls had already
left; some were about ready to leave.  �Hi Akane.�

�Hi Gwen,� Akane smiled, Gwen was such a likable
person.  She was sweet and somewhat shy.  Originally
from Sweden, Gwen was blond hair and had green eyes. 
She had one of those looks that portrayed happiness.  

�You going with us?�  As Stephanie jumped from behind
Gwen.

�Where are you guys going?�

Walking over to Akane, she put her arm around her,
�Just some local bar.�

Akane saw the mischievous grin on her face.  Stephanie
and Gwen were the best of friends, even though they
were complete opposites.  While Gwen was shy and
reserved, Stephanie was loud and uninhibited.  Not
that she thought Steph was a bad person.  It was quite
the opposite, in a way she reminded her of Ranma.  In
a way�

�So are you going?�

�Maybe, but I�ll meet you guys there.�

�That�s fine, Muriel knows where it is, Later.� 

�Bye, Akane� as Gwen waved, walking out behind
Stephanie.

Entering into the adjoining dressing room, Akane saw
Muriel changing into her street clothes.  In a way,
Muriel reminded her of Scarlet O� Hara in Gone With
the Wind.  The long wavy brown hair and perfect skin. 
Akane knew one day that Muriel would be a star, �Hi�

Giving a quick glance, �Hey�

�What�s wrong?�  Akane had a concerned look on her
face.

�I�m just tired.  Since coming to New York.  Rob�s
been biting my ass about everything.�  As she started
putting on her shoes.

�Yeah, he want�s us to work on your lines tonight.�

�Great!  Can�t he give me a rest for one day.�  As she
roughly tied her shoelaces.  �What�s wrong this time?�

�Overacting�

�Jeez, That�s it let�s go to the bar.  I need a
drink.�  As they both walked out of the dressing room.

Walking out of the theatre and off campus, they headed
to the bar.  The sun was starting it�s descent in the
west.  Akane and Muriel started talking about little
things.  Akane could remember when it wasn�t like that
at first.  When they first met, it didn�t take long
for them to dislike each other.  Akane wanted the lead
in the plays, while Muriel thought of Akane as
competition.   After awhile and a few chats, they
realized how stupid the way they acted was.  Now they
are the best of friends.  Akane never felt as close to
Muriel as she did with anybody else.

Walking down the street Muriel stopped in front of
some bar.  �I think this is the place.� As they walked
in the bar was crowded.  The whole place had this
electricity to it.   

�Hey Girls over here.�

Akane spotted Stephanie waving at them.  Poking
Muriel�s shoulder, she pointed to the table.  Walking
to the table they saw Stephanie and Gwen.  

�Come on and pull up a seat.  As you can see we
started early.�  As she laughed.

Akane and Muriel sat in the other two empty chairs at
the table.  Muriel kept from laughing at how Stephanie
was acting; she already saw a couple of empty shot
glasses on the table.  �You weren�t kidding when you
said you were partying tonight.�

�You got that right,� as Stephanie saluted them and
took a drink of her beer.

�Guess what?  Rob wants me to practice some more
tonight.�  Having to almost yell over the noise in the
place.

�You�re shitting me?  Why doesn�t he take that sticks
that up his ass out.�  As Stephanie started laughing,
the rest of the table joined in.

�What�s up girls?�  As a guy popped his head between
Stephanie and Gwen.

�Luke Baby� putting her arms around him, Stephanie
gave him a big hug.

�Huh�..Hi��..Hi�.Lucas,� as Gwen started to get
nervous.

Akane smiled as she watched Gwen getting flushed.  It
was obvious to her and everyone else that Gwen really
like Lucas.  When Akane first met Lucas, she was
surprised that he came from England.  She thought that
mostly white people lived in England.   She still
couldn�t believe her narrow mindness.  Lucas was
probably the best-set director.  It was amazing how
realistic the sets looked.

�Hey Gwen� turned to Muriel and Akane.  �I�m honored
that the productions biggest stars would hang out with
the common.�

Stephanie hit Lucas, �Be Nice�

Laughing, �Ahhh, they know I�m playin� as he winked at
Akane.  �O.k this round I�m buyin�What would you girls
be havin.�

�Yeah, Get me a beer.�  Finishing the last of her
beer.

�Gwen?�

�uh�Amaretto Sour.�

�What about you Muriel?�

�Long Island�

Turning to Akane, �Well�

�I�ll just have water.�

Shaking his head, �Oh you just didn�t say that. 
That�s not going to work tonight.�  Pointing down,
�Tonight you�re going to get initiated.�

�No, really I just want water.�

�No, really not tonight, What do you think girls?�  As
he looked at the other three.

�Lightning 101 or Firewater�

�Are you trying to kill her.�  Looking at Akane for a
moment, �We�ll get you Hot Damn.�

�Also get her a Sex on the Beach.  That should help
the shot go down.�

�Good idea Muriel, alright I�m off.�

Stephanie stopped him before he left, �Hey, you did
you come with?�

�OH� looking over at another table.  �Todd and kicks,
I�ll tell them to come over.�

�I don�t know about this,� Akane was a little scared. 
She never really drank before.  Of� course living in
Japan she had a cup of Sake once or twice, but she
never drank to get drunk.   Hearing horror stories of
what happened to women when they were drunk, was what
kept her from drinking.  Losing control was the one
thing she didn�t want to happen.

�Loosen up Akane, I know you had a strict household,
but for tonight let yourself go.�  Muriel really liked
Akane, but at times she worried about her.

�Yeah, Akane.  Git shitfaced like the rest of us
drunks.  Isn�t that right Gen.� As Stephanie nudged
Gwen.

�Huh,� As she was shaken from her daze.

�Oh forget it,� Pointing to Gwen, �She still
mesmerized by Lucas.�  

�No I�m not!�  Trying to deny the accusations.  

�Yeah whatever,� Dismissing the comment.

�Hi�

All the girls turned as Todd and kicks stood before
them.  �Kicks�  as Stephanie motioned for him to come
to her.  Walking over to her side of the table, she
gave him a big hug.

�Hi, Todd.�

�Hi, Akane.�

Smiling at Todd, �Go get a seat.�  Most of the girls
liked Todd, he was very tanned from living in Florida.
 He looked like he was cocky, but it was quite the
opposite.  He was very polite and really nice to
everyone.  He also had the best blue eyes, which most
of the girls talked about.

Todd grabbed a seat from another table as he sat down
between Muriel and Akane.  Kicks took a seat between
Stephanie and Muriel.

�Here you go� Lucas came back with the drinks, placing
them in front of the girls.  The girls grabbed their
drinks as Akane hesitantly took hers.  �Don�t be
afraid, just take the shot glass and pour the drink
down your throat.�  Still watching her, Lucas sat down
between Akane and Gwen.  �I�ll take a shot with you.�

Akane watched as Lucas picked up his shot glass.  She
did the same, as the table counted to three.  Lucas
and Akane poured the shot down their throats. 
Instantly Akane mouths went on fire as she was
coughing.  Then her gag reflex started to kick in.  

�Akane, Drink some of your Sex on the Beach.  That
will help with the shot.�  Muriel wanted to laugh, but
decided not to.  

Drinking some of the other liquid, the taste started
to wear off.  To her surprise, the other drink wasn�t
bad, actually it was really good.  

�Alright Akane,� As Stephanie started to cheer.  The
rest of the table joined in.

Starting to get dizzy,  �Why am I getting light
headed.�

�Wow she already has a buzz, You go girl.�  Stephanie
was laughing the whole time.

The rest of the night, everyone at the table was
drinking, laughing and having a good time.  Akane was
also enjoying herself, even though she could hardly
think.  A couple shots and a few drinks later.

�It�s getting late,� Looking at his watch. �Oh damn
it�s one.  When�s rehearsal?�

�Nine� As Gwen looked at Lucas fondly.

Everyone stood or try to stand at least.  Kicks helped
Stephanie to her feet.  �Ttthranks kicks.  Y�y�your
tha grtest.�

Akane stood as the room started to spin.   She almost
fell over, but Muriel quickly got a hold of her.  As
Akane started to laugh, she laughed so hard that she
snorted which made everyone else at the table laugh. 
The group stumbled out of the bar as they made their
way back to their rooms.  

Akane looked at Muriel, �You think we�re going to get
into trouble.�

�Yeah, probably, but who cares.�

The bar wasn�t that far from campus, as they walked
along the street.  It was rare for them to go out like
they did.  Most of their time was spent rehearsing and
setting up the sets.  Each month they traveled to a
new location.  One week was spent traveling, as the
next two were usually the time they set up and
rehearsal time.  This allowed one week for the
performance.  Because of the stress of the job only
the best students were chosen from around the world. 
Each stop a new play was performed, as the pressure
mounted on these young actors.  Most, who were able to
get away and unwind, did.

Reaching their building everyone split going to their
rooms.  Gwen and Stephanie followed Akane and Muriel. 
�Good night� As Akane and Muriel entered their room,
closing the door behind them.  

Flopping onto their beds, �I don�t feel so good,�

�I guess, you drank a little too much for your first
time.�  Thinking, �you know Akane, I don�t really know
anything about you.  I know you lost your mother at a
young age.  Your older sister raised you while your
father was in terrible mourning and you have another
sister who took care of the finances, but what was it
like growing up?�

Akane thought about the question.  Even though it hurt
her to think, �You know, I�ve probably seen and done
things you couldn�t even imagine.� Laughing, and then
holding her head, �Oww, I probably wouldn�t believe it
either if it didn�t happen to me.  If I told you some
of my experiences, you wouldn�t believe me and
probably would think I was crazy.�  Pausing, �The rest
of the world is definitely normal compared to Nerima.�
 As she fell asleep saying the final word.

�Akane�.Akane�..Great, I�ll find out sooner or later.�
 Turning the light off, Muriel closed her eyes and
went to sleep.

Opening her eyes she stared in the dark, Akane sighed.
 �I hope I never have to tell you.�  As she closed her
eyes and fell asleep.

********

Akane woke up in shock, looking over at the clock,
�Damn,� Quickly getting out of bed, she shook Muriel,
�Hey wake up.�  Then it hit her, holding her head. 
�Owww.�  Her head was throbbing.

Muriel snapped her eyes open as she looked at the
clock, �Oh shit, 10:10, Fuck me.�  She quickly jumped
out of bed and ran to the bathroom.

Akane quickly got undressed and took a cold shower,
hoping that would help with her hangover.  Once she
was out, Muriel was in.  Both changed as fast as they
could.  In fifteen minutes from when they awoke, they
were out the door.  They heard commotion coming from
the door across the hall as Gwen and Stephanie ran out
of the door almost colliding with Akane and Muriel.

�We are in so much fuckin trouble.�

�Well lets go�

The four girls were running at top speed to the
theatre.  �What happened to you guys.�  Muriel ran
alongside Stephanie.

�Brainiac over there,� pointing to Gwen.  �Forgot to
set the Alarm last night.  Since I was in a drunken
stupor, I wouldn�t have done it.�

�Hey I forgot.�

�Yeah, yeah, yeah, Let�s just get there and hopefully
he wont ream us too big of a new asshole.�

As they entered the theatre, the entire crew was on
stage waiting for them.  Walking down the aisle to the
stage, everyone started clapping.  �Lets here it for
them.�  As Rob lead the cheer.

The four girls turned red with embarrassment as they
walked on stage.  Watching the girls� expressions, Rob
decided to go easier on them than he originally
planned.  �I�m not your father or your teacher.  This
isn�t High School or College.  You�re in a legitimate
production.  Each of you,� pointing to everyone, �were
chosen because your were the best in your field.  I
expect you to get here on time and ready to work.� 
Pausing letting his message get through, �Akane, take
Muriel and help her in costume.  You have ten
minutes.� He watched as Akane and Muriel quickly left
to the dressing room.  �Alright I expect everyone in
their places when they get back.�  The group quickly
dispersed as they went back to their various jobs. 
Rob grinned, sometimes he had to light a fire under
their asses.

Muriel entered the dressing room with Akane right
behind her.  Taking her shirt and pants off.  Muriel
went to the rack and took off one of the gowns. 
Slipping into it, Akane helped her button the dress
up.  �It could have been worse you know?�

Akane sighed, �I know, but I shouldn�t have drank last
night.�  Finishing the last button, �There�

Muriel turned around, �Look Akane, you have to have
fun.  Life can�t always be work.  Did you have fun
last night?�

�Well�..yeah.�

�You did nothing wrong except to be late.  There�s
nothing to be ashamed of.�  Looking into her eyes,
�Alright.�

Akane nodded.

�Good, now let�s go,� Making their way to the stage,
Muriel had a determined look on her face as she stood
center stage.

�Alright, opening night is tomorrow.  Act I Scene I. 
Let�s Go!�

********

�Are you two going?  We�re meeting at the same place?�

�Not tonight,� as Muriel started to put on her shirt.

�Are you sure?�

�Yeah,� Akane decided to answer for the both of them.

�Allright, but if you change your mind you know where
to find us,�  As Steph left.

�You almost ready,� Akane was a little ancy to leave. 
They�ve been rehearsing for ten hours.  She was tired
and hungry.

�Yeah let�s go,�  As they walked out of the dressing
room and onto the stage.  Muriel stopped as she looked
out at the seats.  All the seats would be filled by
tomorrow night.

Akane stood by her friend, �Excited.�

Looking over at Akane, �yeah kinda.�

Gazing at Muriel fondly, �Let�s go�

Leaving the theatre, they decided to go to a coffee
shop to grab a quick bite.  The next day was going to
be rough and they would need all of the strength they
could muster.  Leaving the building it was already
dark outside.  Walking down a path that led out of the
university.  From out of one of the shadows a hand
grabbed Akane, dragging her in a space between two
buildings.

�What the��!!!�

�Shut up!!� As the mugger held up the knife to Akane,
�One word from your friend and I�ll slice your
throat.� 

Muriel couldn�t believe what was happening. 
Everything was happening so quickly.  She started to
shake violently as she watched the mugger wave the
knife in front of Akane.

Akane smiled, �look if you leave right now.  I promise
not to hurt you.�

�Akane!�  Muriel couldn�t believe what she was
hearing.  Nothing was worth losing Akane.  If the man
wanted money she would give it to him.

The mugger snickered, without warning a punch was
thrown at such a speed only his instinct to turn his
head avoided him from getting hit.  Turning his head
the girl�s arm was only a few inches from his head. 
What he was wondering was why he only saw the middle
of her forearm.  He started to shake when he realized
that the punch went right through solid concrete. 
Dropping the knife he ran as fast as he could past the
other girl, far away.

Akane withdrew her fist from the wall as she looked
over at Muriel who was shaking violently.  Running
over to her Akane took her in her arms.  �It�s okay,
he left.�

Muriel crying on Akane�s shoulder looked at the fist
size hole she made in the building.  Taking a step
back, �That�s impossible.�

Akane turned around and sighed, �I guess you should
know.  Are you alright?�  Looking into her eyes. 
Muriel nodded, �Good let�s get something to eat.� 
Akane grabbed Muriel�s hand as they went to the coffee
shop.

********

�Your right I don�t believe you.  There are no such
things as monsters and ghosts.�  Muriel couldn�t
believe what her friend was telling her.  Being
kidnapped by princes, martial artists who seemed to
defy gravity.  People with unbelievable strength.  The
whole story was so farfetched.

Sitting at the table in the Coffee shop.  Muriel
listened as Akane explained her life story.  �I told
you.  I don�t even know what to think of it.�

�So you�re engaged then.� Muriel had a sad expression
on her face, which went unnoticed by Akane.  

�No, not really.  There were a couple of times we
almost got married, but things just didn�t seem right.
 Now that I look back on it, I�m ashamed of how I
treated Ranma.  In the end it would never have work
out.�  Pausing to take a sip of tea, �I think because
we were forced into it, we sort of resented each other
for it.  After he left Nerima, I admit my heart was
crushed.  Not for the fact that I loved him,�
thinking, �Actually I do love him, but not
romantically.  Even though I thought it was, No I was
hurt because of everything we went through he didn�t
even say goodbye.�

Muriel sat and listened to her friend�s confession,
�Do you know where he is?�

Akane shook her head, �No and I think it�s best that
way.  I understand now what he was going through.  The
world is normal compared to Nerima, and living there
could make anyone go crazy.�

�If you grew up in martial arts family�Why acting?�

�Good question, I think it�s because I wanted my
father�s approval.  I took up Martial Arts wanting to
be the best, once Ranma showed up I wasn�t the best
anymore.  Acting gave me the power to sway people�s
emotions, with just words.  If you can become the
character, then they fell what you feel.  That�s the
greatest feeling in the world.�

Smiling, �You know, you�re a great actress.�

Blushing, �No you don�t have to say that.�

�Really you are.  I have no doubt if we started at the
same time.  Rob would have chosen you over me�.Well, I
still don�t know about the kidnapping business or the
monsters, but you say they are true then that�s good
enough for me.�

Akane smiled, �Let�s go.�

Getting up from the table, they left enough money for
the bill and tip.  Walking back to their room not much
was said.  They walked enjoying the warm nigh air as
the stars were out that night.  Walking upstairs and
down the hallway, they reached their room.  Looking at
one another, smiling as Akane unlocked the door. 
Opening it Akane and Muriel walked inside as the door
was shut behind them.

********

The seats in the theatre were starting to get filled
as people were filing in.  Most were regulars who came
each year.  Saying it was one of the best productions.
 Others were disgruntled students who were forced to
come due to some homework assignment.  The lights
flickered warning everyone the play was about to
start.  Those in the lobby trying to get a last smoke
or chatting with a colleague came into the auditorium
and took their seats.   The ushers closed the doors as
the lights dimmed till the theatre was pitch black.  A
spotlight fired on a spot on the curtain as it was
drawn.

As the performance was taking place, Akane was
watching backstage behind a curtain.  Muriel was
giving a performance of a lifetime.  Akane watched
with admiration as her friend flowed on the stage.  As
the play went on so did the magnitude of her
performance.  Akane felt tears streaming down her
eyes, as the final lines were said.   The curtain was
drawn as the audience stood shouting and cheering to a
deafening level.  The cast took a curtain call, as
they bowed to the audience.  Heading backstage, Akane
was waiting for Muriel as she hugged her.

�That was one of the greatest performances I�ve ever
seen.�

Muriel blushed, �Thanks:�

�Oh beauteous Akane Tendo, it is you!  It must be fate
for us to meet in such a place.  You may date with
thee!�

�KUNO!!!�

To be Continued����

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

Authors Note:  I wanted to explain why Akane chose
acting instead of Martial Arts.  I hope that I
explained my reasoning.  Please C & C are more than
welcomed.  Please no flames.  I want constructed
criticism.  All previous chapters can be found at :
http://www.geocities.com/fanficshrine/index.htm

email me at:
ranma13@yahoo.com

Thank-You, I�m hoping to get chapter 7 out soon��..




























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