If you want to change your direction
If your time of life is at hand
Well, don't be the rule, be the exception
A good way to start is to stand

Put one foot in front of the other
and soon you'll be walkin' across the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
and soon you'll be walkin' out the door

Saotome's Choice
by JP Buckner
ajaff@poky.srv.net
http://onewest.net/~ajaff/manff.htm

Chapter Six  - A Week in the Life

Ranma 1/2 situation and characters are not owned by me. Last time I
checked, my name was NOT Rumiko Takahashi. Last time I checked.
"Put One Foot in Front of the Other", lyrics by Maury Laws and Jules Bass



"Arrgghhhhh."

Ranko woke up to the beginning of a brand new day. She stretched,
trying to shake off the ever lingering vestiges of sleep. Slowly,
she stumbled out of her bed, silently cursing whatever inner demons
brought her THAT dream once again.

"I've got to be a pervert, to keep dreamin' about bein' with me like
that. It just ain't natural," Ranko whispered to herself.

Continuing to stretch, Ranko walked over by her mirror, and began to
remove her sleepwear. After removing her top, Ranko noticed her
reflection and began to chuckle.

Mom had a field day with me when I told her I slept in my bra the
other night, Ranko thought to herself. Well, live and learn. I just
wonder what other 'girl stuff' I'm going to end up learning during
this. Nothin' can be as disgustin' as the stuff she told be about
periods and junk. Ranko began to shudder at the very thought of her
body doing something like that. It's just so weird that somethin'
like that could be considered natural.

Ranko thought about going out and making breakfast for her mother
again. She closed her eyes, and she could nearly feel her mother's
presence in the house. She's already up, I won't be able to surprise
her again. Too bad, that was kinda fun yesterday. I'll just get my
gi, and go in the back and practice some before breakfast. It won't
be as rough as my mornin' spars with Pop, but it will have to do.

Ranko went and picked up one of the sports bras she and her mother
picked up the day before. In time, she was dressed and ready for her
workout. She exited her room, and headed towards the kitchen to greet
her mother. Her instincts proved right, for Saotome Nodoka was
present in the kitchen, preparing the morning meal.

"Mornin', Auntie."

Nodoka turned towards Ranko and smiled. "Good morning, dear. I hope
you slept well."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. I see you wish to practice some before breakfast?"

Ranko grinned and responded, "Uh huh. Uncle, Ranma and I usually spar
before breakfast. I don't wanna slack off too much."

"Your martial arts is very important to you, isn't it, dear?"

"Yes, Auntie, it is. It's kind of hard to imagine my life without
it."

A gleam came into Nodoka's eye. "I see, dear. Well, then, go out and
get your workout in. I'll call you when breakfast is ready. And after
breakfast, we'll talk about your martial arts... and some other
things, okay?"

"Umm, sure, I guess."

Ranko paused for a moment, not quite ready to leave her mother's
company. Nodoka began to chuckle, and she picked up nearby serving
spoon and shook It in her 'niece's' direction.

"Go, already! Shoo! Scat! Don't distract me while I'm making your
breakfast.

Ranko threw up her hands in defeat. "Okay, okay, I'm goin', I'm
goin'." Ranko retreated towards the back yard, laughing on her way.

Nodoka continued to chuckle. "Spirited young girl. Her mother must
have been quite a hellion in her day." Turning her attention back to
her meal, Nodoka began to hum the song, a song she hadn't hummed to
herself in many years. Not since her husband and son left her.

****************************************************

Nabiki groused and grumbled as she headed towards the Tendo kitchen.
Why, she wondered, why does morning have to be so early? Today, she
had to begin the chore of creating a past for Ranko. A paper past.
Which meant dealing with people she had no great desire to deal with.
Not to mention Tofu. If she was to get his cooperation with the
medical records, she would have to come clean with him. Yesterday was
stressful enough, what with Cologne, Ranko AND Mrs. Saotome. Today
would be no better, but she made a promise to help, and she wasn't
going to let Ranko down. This is payback, I guess. I heard somewhere
that payback was a bitch. Well, it seems I'm proving that adage
right.

Nabiki slowly sat down at the table, holding her head in her hands.
Her head was pounding, she felt like her blood-pressure was shot to
hell, and if anyone said a word to her, she was ready to do her
full-blown best impression of her younger sister.

"Good morning, Nabiki." Nabiki brought her head up and saw Kasumi
look down at her with her typical Stepford face. Some days...

"Kasumi, how can you be so cheery so early in the morning, every
morning?"

Nabiki winced as she saw a forlorn look in her sisters eye.

"Because I have to be, Nabiki."

Nabiki shook her head. "No, you don't. Isn't it time you did
something, something to get you out of this... this non-water based
curse you're in?"

"I... I... I wouldn't know where to start."

Nabiki got up, and quickly gave her older sister a hug. "Kasumi, you
can start the same way I started. Remember the doctor I told you
about? He is as good of a place to start as any. I can give you his
card if you like. All you have to do is say the word."

Kasumi broke out of the hug, and looked Nabiki straight in the eye.
Nabiki saw a single tear make its way down her sisters face.
 
"I don't know. I'm afraid, I'm so afraid."

Nabiki reached over, and exiled the lone tear from Kasumi's face. "So
was I when I first went. And Ranma? Don't you think he was afraid to
leave us and go to his mother? Even if he felt he needed to spend
time with her, wasn't he afraid?"

Kasumi hung her head down, her eyes intently studying the makeup of
the floor. "But that's you and Ranma. You two were always strong.
Much stronger than I have ever been."

Nabiki brought her sisters face up, to once again make eye contact.
"Pardon my language, but bullshit. You are strong. You are probably
the strongest member of the Tendo clan. You are the one who held this
family together when it was ready to fall apart. You are the one, who
when you were 9 years old, decided you were the adult of this family.
In all of the time you have been our mother-figure, so to speak, you
have never let us down. Never. You have always put your family's
needs above your own. Isn't it time to be a little selfish? Isn't it
time to put your own needs first for once?"

Kasumi shook her head. "That is just it, Nabiki. I do not even know
what my needs are! I have been at this so long, I do not even know
who I am anymore!"

"You'll never find out staying here, and going on as if this was all
that was in your life. Never. Kasumi, you have to take the first step
yourself. You just can't expect all of your problems to solve
themselves. You have to take some control in your life!"

Kasumi slowly nodded. "I know you are right, but I am just not ready.
I am just not ready. Maybe one day, but not right now. I need time."

Nabiki nodded, and headed back to her seat at the table. Before
reaching it, she stopped and turned back towards her sister. "Say,
would you like some help with breakfast?"

Kasumi's eyebrow shot up. "Why, are you offering?'

A huge grin shot across Nabiki's face. "Me? No, heaven forbid. I
could wake Akane up if you'd like. I'm sure she'd be real happy to
help you with breakfast." Nabiki then began to chortle.

A disapproving frown found its way to Kasumi's mouth. "Sis, that is
not even close to being funny!" After a second, Kasumi began to join
her younger sister in laughter.

After a couple of moments, Kasumi regained her composure, and found
some words. "To change subjects, Nabiki, I'm still in disbelief about
the Amazons. I mean it is so strange that they are just leaving, just
like that."

"I know, I feel the same way. I won't miss the constant repair bills
from Shampoo's frequent visits here. You'd think by now the girl
would learn how to use a door. But the entertainment factor from
their presence here has been quite enjoyable."

Kasumi shot her sister a wicked glance. "And you didn't complain
about all of the financial benefits their presence gave you."

A smirk came to the side of Nabiki's mouth. "Hey, when opportunities
like that come knocking, I am surely going to answer the door."

Kasumi paused for a second. In time, she found her voice. "Nabiki,
are you considering her offer? It is hard for me to imagine you or
Akane going to China and becoming Amazons."

"I can't see it either, Kasumi, but I'm not going to blow it off
without thinking it all the way through. I mean, Akane and me
Amazons? Just imagine it. Can you see Akane or me in one of those
outfits Shampoo wears?"

Kasumi began to blush just a little. "Akane, no. But you, sometimes
you have no shame, you know that don't you?"

"Hey, when I want to impress people, I don't go second class. It's
all about control, Kasumi, it's all about power. People, men
especially, are much easier to control if you knock their socks off
first. Shampoo has the right idea about that, she just takes things
to extremes at times."

The two Tendo sisters shared yet another laugh, and Kasumi returned
to her morning routine. Neither noticed that they were not the only
ones up at this hour.

Tendo Soun stood in his hiding place in the next room for a few
moments more. I knew those two were not telling me everything
yesterday. I knew something was up. So, Akane and Nabiki have been
offered Amazon membership. Like there's any chance I'll let my little
girls go there! Still, the part about the Amazons leaving. That's the
best news I've heard in a long time. Akane, she needs to know this.
I'll go tell her, she'll be so glad to hear that Shampoo girl is
going to be leaving.

Soun slowly crept towards the staircase, making sure his oldest two
daughters did not catch him spying on them. He knew they wouldn't
understand. The future of the Tendo clan was at stake. Making it
without a sound to Akane's bedroom, he slowly opened the door and
went in, closing the door behind him.

Looking at his daughter, he saw she was still asleep in her bed,
holding on tightly to THAT stuffed animal. Well, Soun thought, some
old habits die hard.

Brining his head down to his daughter's side, Soun whispered, "Akane.
Akane, wake up."

It was no good, Akane did not stir. Soun gently took his hand and
started to slowly shake Akane. "Akane, please wake up. I have some
good news for you."

"Huh, wha... " Akane began to waken.

"Akane, sweetheart."

Her eyes opened, and she looked out, unfocused from the haze of
sleep. Her unfocused eyes, plus her ears sent a quick message to her
brain.

"Pervert! Get out of my bedroom, now!" And in an almost instinctive
movement, she grabbed the figure in front of her, and threw him to
the wall.

"Ooof!"

A few seconds later, her eyes focused, and she saw her father, head
down, splattered on the wall next to her door.

"Daddy, I'm sorry! I didn't know it was you. I thought... "

Soun righted himself, and began to chuckle. "Think nothing of it,
Akane. You handled yourself well. I see you are still strong in your
training."

"But daddy, that had to hurt."

"Just a little, Akane. Ranma was right you know, you do hit hard
enough."

"Sorry."

Soun raised a hand, indicating that there was no more that was needed
to be said. He walked over to Akane, and sat down next to her on her
bed. "Sweetheart, I have some good news for you."

Akane leaned in closer, her eyes wide in curiosity. "Oh, please
daddy, tell me."

Soun smiled and said, "I overheard Nabiki and Kasumi say that the
Amazons will be leaving soon. They will be returning to China."

A great smile crossed Akane's face. "Shampoo's leaving? She's really
leaving?"

Soun nodded.

Akane brought her stuffed pig up to her face. "Did you hear that,
P-Chan? Bimbo go bye-bye! I'm finally going to have that Shampoo out
of my hair!"

Tendo Soun brought his hand down to his daughter's shoulder, and gave
her a giant hug. "You see, Akane, I told you. I told you everything
would work out just fine!"

"Yes, you did, and you were right. Now that I know about Ryoga, he's
no longer a real problem between Ranma and me. And with Shampoo gone,
that just leaves Ukyo and the Kunos."

Soun nodded. "And I'm sure Saotome will soon bring the cure back with
him, and Ranma won't have to hide from his mother anymore. The other
problems will work out too, you just see. Everything will be fine,
you two were meant to be together."

Akane began to return her father's hug, at a level Soun could just
barely tolerate. After a moment, she broke it off, and looked at her
father with a questioning expression on her.

"You said you overheard Nabiki and Kasumi say this? They didn't tell
you straight out?"

Soun shook his head.

"Why... why would they keep this a secret?"

"I don't know, sweetheart. But since they want to play games with us,
let's play games with them. If they won't tell us the truth, we won't
let on that we know the truth. Deal?"

Akane grinned. "Oh, yeah. Fine by me."

Soun held onto his daughter for awhile longer. I don't need to tell
her that she's been offered a place in the Amazon tribe. I know she'd
never want anything to do with the likes of them.

****************************************************

Ranko finished her breakfast with, well not quite the gusto she was
used to. She tried, she really tried, to keep her eating habits under
control. After all, if her mother would be saddened to see Ranma eat
that way, it was time to break herself from that habit.

"So, dear, did you enjoy your breakfast?"

Ranko's head nodded up and down in great enthusiasm. "You bet,
Auntie! You're a great cook, I'd never grow tired of eatin' your
food."

"I'm real glad to hear that, Ranko. Now, there is a very important
question I need to ask you."

Ranko sat in silence, preparing herself for whatever this might be.

"Dear, what would you think, well how would you feel if... Ranko, do
you miss your mother?"

"Yeah. I miss her a whole bunch."

Nodoka tried to gather her courage to continue this. "I know I could
never really replace your mother, dear, but how would you feel if I
became your mother?"

"Wha... whatcha mean?"

Nodoka gave her young charge a smile, and tried to focus her eyes
with as much warmth and understanding as she could. "Dear, how would
you feel if I adopted you as my own child? How would you like to
become a Saotome? Would you like to be able to call me mother, and
not auntie?"

Looking in the child's eyes, Nodoka could swear it seemed like the
girl was trying desperately to hold back tears. As if crying right
now would be a sign of weakness or something. She watched, and
listened intently on Ranko's reply.

"I... I... I would like nothing more than to be able to call you
mother."

These words brought tears into Nodoka's eyes. Unlike Ranko, the wife
of Saotome Genma had no qualms about dealing with her emotions
openly. "Really, dear?"

"Really. Auntie. Ever since you first visited my cousins' home, I
wanted so much to be able to call you mother."

Nodoka couldn't believe her ears. "As far back as that?"

Ranko slowly nodded.

Nodoka tried to catch her breath. "Your cousin Nabiki will be
bringing me your birth records, and other documents in a few days.
When she does that, I can go and legally adopt you. You can become
Saotome Ranko, my daughter, for real. If that is something you want."

Ranko's mouth opened wide. The words she wanted to say came out
without hesitation, for once the words she truly wanted to say
matched the words she did say.

"I want to be your child. I want you as my mother. I've dreamed of
having you as a mother."

Nodoka came over to the young girl, and gave her a warm embrace.
"Then you are my child. From this moment on, you are my child. Even
though it will take a few days for you to legally become my daughter,
from this moment on, I am your mother, and I want you to call me
that. Go on now, give it a try."

"Mom... mother. It feels wonderful, Mom. Thank you, thank you!" Ranko
closed her eyes, and returned her mother's embrace with as much
emotion as she could muster. She could feel the tears building up
inside of her, but she would not let them out. It just wouldn't be...
manly, she convinced herself.

"Mom," Ranko said, her voice cracking, "Mom, I love you."

"I love you too, daughter."

A part of Ranko winced at that. Daughter. She sees me as a daughter,
not a son. Well, it's a start. Maybe in time. Maybe one day.

****************************************************

Man, this is harder work than I thought.

When Saotome Genma signed up on a fishing boat, he was thinking a
nice leisurely cruise and a relaxing time at sea. He was not
expecting this.

Genma looked around him. A number of the crew were with him,
desperately trying to hold on to the large fishing net under some of
the worst conditions he'd seen so far in his life. It has hard enough
for him to hold on tightly to the net, but dodging the spray of the
sea water made his job even worse. Well, at least it isn't raining,
Genma reassured himself.

Turning his head slightly, Genma could feel the captain's gaze peer
into him. The fisherman had been rough on Genma since the group had
started out this morning. The head of the Saotome School was annoyed
by the captain's treatment, until he saw that his fellow crewman were
treated just as harshly.

"Eyes front! You should be watching what you're doing, not me!"

Genma shrugged, and returned his attention to the task at hand. As he
did so, he immediately saw his life pass in front of his eyes. A
giant swell of water was about to splash the part of the deck where
he was situated. And there was nothing he could do to avoid it.

Moving ever so slightly, Genma tried to turn as much as he could, in
an attempt to avoid as much of the water as possible. Watching in
horror, he saw the wave crash against the boat, and begin its journey
up the deck, towards him. Closing his eyes, he steeled himself
against the inevitable, and he felt the coldness of the sea hit
against him. He did not have to open his eyes, and look down at
himself, to know the consequences.

Instead of looking down, Genma did open his eyes and turned towards
his crewmates. As expected, he noticed that all eyes were turned
towards him. Most of the crewmen's faces were stuck in shock, mouths
hanging agape. Every face in front of him was frozen in that
tableaux. Every face save one.

Captain Tajima just started at him impassively, not showing the
slightest bit of shock. If anything, his face showed more annoyance
than anything.

"Okay, men, break times over, back to work. We have fish to catch, if
you want to feed your families. That includes you, Saotome. If you
think this is going to get you out of work, guess again. Let's just
see how strong of a worker a panda can be, shall we?"

Slowly, the crew returned to the task at hand. In time, none of the
men thought twice about working side by side with a panda. In time.

****************************************************

Ranko did not want to leave her mother's embrace. It felt so good to
be here with her right now, even under these circumstances.

"Mom?"

Nodoka looked down at the young girl in her arms. "Yes, sweetheart?"

"You said you wanted to talk to me about my martial arts n' stuff?"

Nodoka nodded, and released her daughter. "Dear, there are a few
things we need to discuss, now that I'm your mother and not an aunt.
First, I would like to talk to you about your martial arts."

Ranko geared back, in order to prepare her for the worse. Please,
don't want me to give up The Art. Please.

"Where do you want to go with The Art, sweetheart? How far do you
wish to take it?"

Ranko looked at her mother with questioning eyes. She was not sure
of what to make of this. "I don't understand, Mom. What do you mean?"

"I'm asking about your future, dear. What do you want when you grow
up? What do you want to be? What do you want to do? Where do you want
to take The Art?"

Ranko paused for a moment before answering. "Well, Pop, he wanted me
to be a sensei one day."

Ranko watched as her mother's head shook in resignation. "No, dear,
that is not what I asked. This is not about your father. And
sweetheart, calling your father 'pop' is very disrespectful.
Especially now that he is no longer with us. I want you to be more
respectful towards him in the future."

Ranko's eyes turned down. "I'll try. But he acted like such a moron
most of the time."

"I understand, dear, but he was still your father, and he deserves to
be treated with respect from his daughter. Raising you all by himself
could not have been easy, I'm sure he did the best he could under the
circumstances.

"But as I said before, this is not about your father. This is not
about what he wanted for you. It's about what you want. Do you want
to be a sensei? Answer truthfully now, Ranko. Is this something you
want?"

Ranko looked at her mother in shock. "Nobody's every asked that of me
before. Everyone always assumed that's what I wanted. No one ever
bothered to ask."

Nodoka gave her daughter the most reassuring smile she could. "Well,
I'm asking now, Ranko. Is this something you want?"

Ranko closed her eyes, searching into herself for the words. "I... I
don't know. I've always assumed this was what was going to happen.
I'd be a sensei, get married, raise a family, run a dojo. It was
always there, in the future. I tried not to think about it, just
dealing with the here and now. I never really thought about it, I
guess."

Nodoka reached over, and gave Ranko's hand a gentle squeeze. Ranko
felt a sudden warmth from the gesture, feeling her own fears
disappear for a brief moment.

"Mom, I don't know if I want to be a sensei or not. I like The Art.
No, I love The Art. I feel so alive when I do the simplest kata, and
when I spar or fight, I feel alive in a way I don't feel in any other
way. But to teach? I don't know, I don't know if I'd enjoy that as
much as doing."

"I see, dear. Well, then, maybe between the two of us, we can
discover if that is something you want to do. Once we determine that,
we can move on from there."

Ranko slowly nodded and tried to give her mother a warm smile. It
seemed to work, as Nodoka returned Ranko's smile and Ranko sensed
the warmth coming from her mother.

"Now, sweetheart, you mentioned that you were expecting to marry and
raise a family as well. Is this something you want?"

Ranko sat in silence, realizing she was walking in dangerous
territory here.

"Nabiki told me you liked one boy an awful lot. Did you think about
being with him, and having children together."

Ranko's eyes got very wide, and she tried her very best to keep from
over-reacting to this. Nabiki said what? That I liked... a boy? Like
that? What was Nabiki thinking?

Ranko closed her eyes and tried to think. When Nabiki, Kasumi and I
talked last night, this was one topic we did not discuss. Quick,
Ranko, think, what was Nabiki thinking? Liking a boy like that,
indeed, I mean the only person I ever thought about like that was...

Ranko began to smile. I get it. I bet Nabiki got cornered into this
question, just like I am right now. She knows how I feel about Akane,
she probably talked about my feelings for Akane, changing the proper
gender references when necessary. Well, I can go along with that.

"Well, yeah, Mom, there was this one... boy. I liked him lots, but he
didn't think much of me."

Nodoka nodded at this. "So Nabiki told me."

Ranko smiled to herself, yep, I got it right. You go girl.

"Po... father arranged an engagement between the two of us. However,
my fiance did not take too kindly to being stuck with me. And he let
me know it, over and over again. Eventually, the engagement ended,
and I'm sure he danced until dawn when I left his life for good."

"I'm sure even now, dear, he's realized what a great mistake it was
to let you out of his life. You are special, Ranko, and you deserve
better than someone who cannot appreciate you for what you are. I'm
sure in time, the young boys in this neighborhood will be beating
down the front door to be close to you."

That's what I'm afraid of, Ranko groused to herself.

Nodoka sat still for a moment, lost in thought. In time, a smile
graced her face, and she addressed Ranko. "Dear, if I were to leave
for a couple of hours later this morning, do you think you would be
fine here by yourself?"

Ranko grinned and responded. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Maybe I can explore
this neighborhood. It could be kinda fun."

Nodoka beamed back. "This is a very nice neighborhood, dear. I'm sure
you will enjoy it. And it's very safe, you shouldn't have any troubles
in that regard. Especially with your martial arts expertise. I'm sure
you will enjoy yourself."

****************************************************

Ranko began to walk down the sidewalk in her new neighborhood. After
her workout, Ranko had put on a light green blouse, and a pair of
jeans. Ranko couldn't believe just how expensive those jeans were,
she wondered just how her mother could afford them, as well as the
other new clothes. Still, she liked the jeans. They did feel fairly
comfortable, if just a little snug. The snugness reminded her too
much of her current gender, or at least it reminded her of the
absence of her former gender.

It was a beautiful summer morning, just over an hour before the
afternoon hit. Ranko felt the day couldn't be much better, but she
didn't want to say so aloud. No reason to tempt fate and all.

"Good morning, young lady."

Ranko turned her head towards the new voice, and noticed a older
woman, maybe in her fifties. The woman was standing outside a nearby
house.

"Good morning, ma'am."

The woman smiled in return. Ranko thought that this woman and
serenity could be on a first name basis, the peace in that smile was
so true. Ranko wondered if perhaps she knew Kasumi.

"I haven't seen you before, dear, and I thought I knew everyone in
the neighborhood. Are you visiting someone?"

Ranko nodded. "Yes, ma'am, in a way. I'm currently living at the
Saotome home."

The woman's eyes shot up. "With Nodoka? She so rarely gets visitors,
it's so nice to see someone with her. Say, would your name be Ranko,
by any chance?"

Ranko grinned and vigorously nodded in reply.

"Thought so. Nodoka has told me all about you and your cousins. So,
how long are you staying with her?"

Ranko shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, yet. I hope for a while."

"That's nice, I know how lonely she gets all alone in that house. I
hope her husband and son return soon. I can't wait to see how Ranma
has grown up since he left."

Ranko was a bit surprised by this. "You knew Ranma before he left?"

The woman began to laugh. "Oh, yes. I even helped baby-sit the boy.
Most of the people in the neighborhood remember Genma and Ranma. This
is a very stable neighborhood, little one. Most of the people living
here have done so for many years. I remember when Nodoka and Genma
moved in right after their wedding. They were so sad then, I never
learned why, but in time the two became the life of the neighborhood.
Especially after Ranma was born. I remember after first seeing Ranma,
Nodoka had me give a reading for the child. I'm a bit of a fortune
teller, you see."

Ranko gulped hard at this. "Ma'am, if you don't mind me asking, what
future did you see for Ranma?"

A smile came to the old woman's face. "Strange reading that was. I
never told Nodoka everything I saw. I couldn't quite understand it
myself."

"I promise not to tell Mom anything you don't want me to tell her.
But I want to know."

The woman's eyebrows raised at this. "Mom?"

Ranko nodded enthusiastically. "She plans to adopt me, to raise me
as her child. It's not done yet, but she wants me to call her Mom."

"I see. Odd that she's adopting you, I mean now that I notice it, the
resemblance is quite striking. I would swear you were related.

"Well, I see no reason not to tell you. Like I said, it really
doesn't make much sense anyways. I'm not that good of a fortune
teller. Now my older sister, who lives in Shinjuku, she's very good.
If you ever want your fortune told by a real pro, I'll give you her
card. But she's not cheap, not cheap at all."

"Umm, Ranma's fortune?"

"Oh, yes. Of course. I guess it's okay, since you're going to be his
sister and all."

Ranko tried hard not to grimace at that statement.

"What I told your... mother was that Ranma would grow up and become
one of the finest martial artists of his generation. That he would
grow up strong, and that his ties to his mother would never waver. I
told her that he would fall in love, and would one day give her fine
grandchildren. That he would bring honor to the name of Saotome.

"That is what I did tell her. All of which I saw. What I didn't tell
her..."

The woman began to stroke her chin, lost in thought for a moment. "I
did not tell her that while I saw Ranma falling in love, and knowing
happiness, that he would also know the true pain of what love can
bring. That Ranma would experience a great emptiness in his life.
That he would lose someone and something of great importance to him.
That he would one day recover one, but not the other.
 
"I did not tell her that Ranma would experience things no man would
experience. That Ranma would only find true happiness by making a
hard decision. I did not tell her that I saw Ranma as seeing himself
all alone when he was never alone."

The woman took a deep breath. "I know, I know, it doesn't make much
sense now, does it? I can only see some things, not understand what
they mean. Does anything that I have said make any sense to you,
young lady?"

Ranko shook her head.

"Silly me, I've been rambling on and on for no reason, and here I
haven't even introduced myself. My name is Tanaka Reiko, dear, and
it is a pleasure to meet you."

Ranko grinned to Reiko. "It was nice to meet you, too."

A Cheshire grin came to Reiko. "Just one second, dear. Since you are
new to the neighborhood, let me get you a welcoming gift. I'll be
right back." Ranko watched as the older woman scampered into her
house, and she waited for her to return.

After a few moments, the woman returned, carrying a basket. "Here you
go, dear. These are some goodies I was making for myself. They are
probably better served for you and your mother. Tell Nodoka I said
hi, and that she can return the basket to me at any time."

Ranko waved her hand back and forth. "No, I can't take this."

"Don't be silly, here I insist. You wouldn't refuse the kindness of
an old woman now, would you? I think you'll find me to be a better
cook than a fortune teller."

Ranko took the offered basket, and smiled. "Thank you, ma'am. This is
very kind of you."

"Think nothing of it. I'm pleased to meet you, and I hope to see you
from time to time. Kami knows this neighborhood could use a fine
young girl like yourself. I'm sure the young boys in the neighborhood
will agree as well." Reiko gave Ranko a playful wink at that last
comment. Ranko inwardly winced.

"Umm, yeah. Thanks again, ma'am. It was nice meeting you." Ranko
watched in fascination as the old woman re-entered her home.
Interesting old lady, Ranko thought. I really couldn't tell her that
some of that babble made sense. I mean, experiencing things no other
man does. Yeah, that's the story of my life, right there in a
nutshell.

Ranko began walking down the sidewalk, towards... home. It is my
home, my real home, even if Mom doesn't understand that. Looking down
at the basket she was carrying in her right hand, Ranko smiled. What
do ya know, even when I wasn't tryin' to get free food, I get some.
Some days there are advantages to this damn curse. Boy, I sure hope
the old lady is a good cook. I'm getting hungry just thinking about
it. Maybe I can dig in right now. Nahh, I'll wait until I get home,
and share with Mom.

Continuing to head down the sidewalk, Ranko began to whistle a happy
tune. Keeping an eye on her surroundings, to get a better grasp of
her new neighborhood, Ranko did not notice the figure approaching her
from behind.

All of a sudden, Ranko felt a breeze race past her. Her looked down
to where she felt the disturbance, and noticed her hand was empty,
the basket full of goodies was gone. Stunned, she brought her head
up, and noticed the form sitting in front of her.

The dog just sat there, looking at Ranko with innocent eyes. It was
black, with short hair, and the thing that Ranko noticed most, was
the basket sitting there in the dogs mouth.

Ranko slowly began to approach the dog. "Nice doggie. Be a good
doggie and bring my food back, okay? You want to be my friend, don't
you, dog?"

The dog's head tilted to one side, as if taunting Ranko. Then it
quickly turned, and started to run down the sidewalk. Ranko quickly
picked up the pursuit.

"Hey! Come back here with my food, you mangy mutt!"

Ranko began to chase the dog with fervor. She found the task daunting
as she did not know the neighborhood. So she tried to keep the dog in
sight, while at the same time keeping track of her surroundings. The
last thing she wanted was to get lost. I will not become Ryoga, she
muttered to herself.

As the chase continued, Ranko was given a thorough tour of her new
neighborhood. In time, she found herself in the middle of a park.
Looking around, Ranko saw a handful of people, but the thing she was
looking for was there, all right. In the middle of a grassy area sat
the dog, the basket sitting down by his paws, watching Ranko as if he
were expecting something.

A crooked grin came to Ranko's mouth. "Well, ya gave me a merry
chase, I'll give ya that, mutt. Now if ya don't mind, I'll take
what's mine."

The dog's head turned to the side, and as it did so, he stood up on
all fours, and his tail began to wag furiously. A second later, Ranko
noticed a young man headed her way. Barely acknowledging Ranko, the
young man approached the dog.

"There you are, boy. Where have you been, I've been looking all over
for you."

Ranko cleared her throat to get the young man's attention.

"Excuse me, I take it that mutt is yours?"

Turning to Ranko, the man replied, "Why yes, he is. He's not
bothering you, is he?"

"Bothering me? That little mongrel stole my food, and had me runnin'
nearly half the district chasin' him. He practically kidnapped me!"

The man began to laugh, and in time turned towards his dog. "Bad boy,
picking on this young lady." Turning back towards Ranko, he said,
"Sorry about that, miss. He just has a bad habit of playing games
like that with young girls."

"Oh really? I wonder where he might've learned THAT."

Raising his hands in defeat, he replied, "Okay, you got me. I did
teach him to do stuff like that. I figured it was a great way to meet
pretty girls. It's been some time since I did that, and I thought he
was broken of that habit. Sorry."

A loud grunt escaped Ranko's lips.

Turning his attention back towards the dog, the man said scoldingly,
"Bad dog, bad dog. Let's give the young lady her basket full of food
back, and apologize to her, okay, Prince?"

Ranko shook her head in disbelief. "His name is Prince?"

The young man nodded. At which point Ranko let out a raucous laugh.

"What's so funny?"

Ranko tried to collect herself in order to respond. "I can't believe
it. *I* was kidnapped by a Prince!" The laughter couldn't stay
contained any longer, and Ranko's glee became uncontrollable.

The man stared at Ranko in shock. "I guess I'm missing something.
Sorry to have bothered you, miss. Come on, Prince, let's leave the
nice young lady alone, shall we?"

The man then turned, and walked away, with Prince following close
behind. Ranko stood there, alone save for the basket sitting all by
its lonesome.

Having finally collected her senses, Ranko walked over and retrieved
the basket. Smiling to herself, she then took a closer look at her
surroundings. The park was lush and green, and Ranko felt soothed by
its atmosphere. In the distance, she noticed a couple of swings and a
merry-go-round for the children to use. Off to her left, she eyed a
small pond. Walking over to the pond, she nearly felt a sense of
deja-vu.

This pond, she reflected, is so like the one at the Tendos. It is
very peaceful and calm, quite nice without all of the usual insanity
that tends to take place near that other pond.

Ranko sat down near the pond's edge, and gazed into the water. This
is nice, she told herself. Without the canal, or the Tendos' roof, I
could use a place like this when I need a quiet moment to myself.

Finding a small pebble sitting on the pond's bank, she tossed the
pebble into the pond. 

Ranko sat quietly, and watched as the ripples caused by the pebble's
entrance spread across the pond. A smile came to her, and she stayed
at the bank, oblivious to time and her surroundings. After many
minutes, her stomach growled in hunger, and she slowly got up and
left for home.

****************************************************

"Well, my dear doctor, there you have the tale, more or less."

Nabiki sat back and watched as Tofu took this all in. For the second
time now, Nabiki had related this story, and she knew it was only the
beginning.

Tofu shook his head in disbelief, and pondered what he had just
learned.

"You want me to falsify medical records?"

Shaking her head, Nabiki calmly responded. "It's not really
falsifying records. All the important information would be accurate.
Just a couple of minor details would need to be changed, that's all."

"A couple of minor details? I would hardly call name and gender minor
details. What you are asking is very shaky ground, ethically
speaking."

Nabiki smiled as best as she could. "The gender isn't a lie, at least
not right now. Tomorrow, who can say? As far as ethics go, aren't you
ethically required to do what's best for your patient? To first do no
harm?"

Eyeing Nabiki with skepticism, Tofu replied, "This is a fine line we
are walking here. A very fine line, you realize that."

"Yes, I am most aware of that. I've already made an appointment with
some people to deal with the other aspects of the identity of one
Tendo Ranko. The question is, will you help?"

"Other people? Just who are you going to deal with, Nabiki? I hope
you are not getting in too far over your head."

Me too, doc, me too, Nabiki told herself. "Trust me, doc, you don't
want to know the answer to that. Call it peace of mind, or plausible
deniability, you are better off not knowing. I'd rather I didn't
myself."

Tofu brought a hand up to his chin, and lost himself deep in thought.
After a few moments, he finally spoke up. "For Ranma's sake, I guess
I can go along with this. However, you must answer me something
truthfully, Nabiki."

Nabiki narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge what was to come. "Shoot."

"This has something to do with the book you borrowed yesterday. There
is more than you are telling me. What is it really going on here,
Nabiki."

Nabiki looked down at the floor, and tried to gather her wits. Well,
he is a doctor, she told herself, and the book is his. He could help
with this. Slowly, Nabiki began to relate what Cologne had told her
about Jusenkyo, and about how Nabiki believed that may have affected
Ranma.

"I see." Ono Tofu considered this, wondering if what Cologne and
Nabiki suspected could be true. "Have you had a chance to read that
book yet?"

Nabiki shook her head. "Things have been quite... hectic so far. I
haven't had the chance yet."

Tofu nodded in understanding. "Do you have the book with you?"

Nabiki smiled and pulled out the book from the bag she had brought
with her.

Tofu gave Nabiki a wary smile. "You expected that question?"

Nabiki returned a smile of her own. "I considered the possibility."

Tofu reached out and took the book. Scanning the pages quickly, he
came to one section and showed it to Nabiki. "Here, this is the part
you would be looking for. No reason to read through the rest of the
book. This is the part dealing with the subject of anima."

Nabiki found a small piece of paper in her bag, and used it as a
bookmark for the section of the book Tofu had shown her. "Thank you.
I hope to be able to read this, once things calm down for a moment."

"Come back here in a couple of days, Nabiki, and I should have the
paperwork ready. If you should read that before then, maybe we can
discuss this just a little more. I think you may be right, but
neither one of us should jump to conclusions. Not just yet."

Nabiki got up, and prepared to leave. "Thank you. I better leave now.
I have an appointment, and these people don't like it when you are
late."

Tofu frowned at that, and watched as Nabiki left his clinic. Sighing
to himself, he wondered if Ranma's life could get any more
complicated that it already had.

****************************************************

Ranko dried herself off from another cold bath. Her mother wasn't
home yet, and the run through the neighborhood had given her quite a
workout. She pondered on whether of not to peek into the basket. On
one hand, she would have a clue of what lay in store for later. On
the other, she might be tempted to give into her appetite here and
now, and she really wanted to wait for her mother. Her stomach ended
up winning this argument, so she headed over to the table where she
had left the basket. Just as she reached it, the front door opened,
and her mother walked into the house.

Ranko raised an eyebrow as she saw her mother carrying a couple of
bags. She smiled and approached the older woman. "Mom, would you like
some help? Huh, Mom?"

Nodoka smiled, and began a quiet chuckle. "No, dear, I'm fine. You've
taken to calling me mom quite easily, haven't you, Ranko?"

A playful grin found its way across Ranko's face. "Mom, I can't help
it. I feel like I have a lot of lost time to make up for, ya know,
Mom?"

Nodoka shook her head in exasperation. "You, dear. The word is you.
Work on that, will you, Ranko?"

"Ya... I mean, you bet, mom. Now, whatcha got in the sacks?"

Nodoka rolled her eyes, and muttered to herself. "Lots of work. I
have lots of work ahead of me."

Turning her attention back to Ranko, Nodoka responded. "I did some
special shopping just for you. As far as what it is, you'll find out,
right after lunch. Let me head into the kitchen, and get started on
it, okay, dear?"

"Okay, but before you start making lunch, I'd better tell ya... you
about what happened to me today."


****************************************************

Ranko sat back in utter bliss. That old lady was right, she is a
pretty good cook. I can't believe she went and made that much food.
Almost like she was expectin' to give it to somebody, or somethin'.

Nodoka wondered on she was going to pay Reiko back for this.
Everything was there for a nice quiet meal for two, even some nice
cold lemonade. Maybe I can fix something special for her, maybe one
of Naoko's recipes. Reiko has always liked those dishes in the past.

"That was really good, Mom. You sure got some pretty okay friends."

"Yes, dear. My friends have been the one thing that has kept me going
all of these years. It's not easy, living alone."

Ranko cringed at this, feeling enormous guilt. Even though she knew
it was her old man's idea to leave all of those years ago, she still
felt bad about not only leaving, but from the hiding and the lying.
Still she was glad to know that her mother wasn't totally alone. At
least she has friends, Ranko sighed to herself, which is more than I
can say.

Nodoka slowly got up from the table, and smiled towards Ranko. "Now
just sit right there, dear, and I'll get a little surprise for you."
With that, Nodoka left for a moment, only to return with the bags she
had brought back from her morning excursion.

"Wha... what's in the bags, Mom?"

"Why don't you look, and find out, Ranko."

Ranko gulped for a moment, wondering it could be. Could be stuff like
make-up or jewelry or stuff like that. Well, might as well get it
over with. Slowly grabbing the first bag, Ranko peered into it and
gasped. It was not what she was expecting.

Ranko looked in shock as she took one item after another from the
bag. Each item was similar to the one before, eventually she reached
the bottom of the first bag, and turned her attention to the second.
She found that bag was a repeat of the first, and in time both bags
were emptied, and their contents were displayed on the table in front
of her.

Giving her mother a questioning look, Ranko asked, "Books, mother?
You got me school books?"

"Yes, dear. I understand school doesn't start again for about a
month, so I thought it would be good for you to study until then."

Ranko was way past simple curiosity now. "How do you know that school
is out now, and that it doesn't start again for about a month?"

"I asked around, sweetheart."

Ranko shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe of all the things
ya... you coulda got me, you'd get me school books."

Nodoka slowly nodded. "I'm sure it has been tough on you, not staying
in any one place long enough, especially for school. Changing schools
all of the time can't be easy. Just how do you fare at school,
Ranko?"

"Well, um, I ain't much of a student."

Nodoka sighed to herself. "I see. Well, until school starts up again,
I would like you to work on your studies. I'll help you out, dear. I
tutor a lot of the youngsters in the neighborhood. It keeps me busy,
and I earn a little extra cash that way as well. I'm sure by the time
school starts up again, you'll be just fine."

Ranko eyed the books suspiciously. "I guess. I just don't want it get
in the way of The Art."

Nodoka sat down next to Ranko. "That's an odd thing to say, dear.
Just what do you by that?"

Ranko closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "It's just that Pop...
I mean father, he always told me that schoolwork was a distraction to
The Art."

Nodoka brought her head down in her hands, and began to shake her
head back and forth in disbelief.

"Mother?"

Bringing up her head, Nodoka eyed Ranko and replied, "I'm sorry,
dear. It's just that, well I hate to badmouth the dead and all, but
it sounds to me like your father was a first class idiot."

Ranko chuckled at that. "I've been sayin' that for a long time. Why
do think so, Mom?"

"Well, dear, I'm just reminded of something I used to hear my husband
tell Ranma constantly when they were here. He would tell Ranma that a
true martial artist can turn anything they are doing into training."

Ranko eyed her mother in shock. "I've heard Uncle tell Ranma that a
lot, too. You're right, I never thought about it before, but those
two ideas don't really go together, do they?"

Nodoka gave her daughter a slight nod. "No, dear, they don't. And
Ranko, now that I am your mother, that means that my husband is now
your father, and Ranma is your brother. You should start referring to
them as such in the future."

"I guess, I guess I can do that. I just don't know don't know what
schoolwork would have to do with martial arts."

"There's only one way to find out, dear. I'm sure if you put your
mind to it, and concentrate on your studies, you'll be surprised."

Ranko shook her head. "I don't know, Mom. I ain't never been good at
that kinda stuff."

Nodoka got up and grabbed one of the books on the table. Placing it
in front of Ranko, she then placed her hand on Ranko's shoulder. "I
think you can do it, dear. You just might surprise yourself. Think of
it as a challenge."

Ranko's head turned up towards Nodoka, and the elder woman swore she
saw a gleam in the girl's eyes. I must have pushed the right button.

"A challenge? I ain't never backed down from a challenge."

"Good. Then let's get started, shall we?"

****************************************************

Kasumi was midway through her daily routine of house cleaning. Done
with all of the upstairs work, she headed downstairs to the front
room. When she reached the living area, she found her father sitting
there, with a contented look on his face.

"Father, you seem to be in good spirits."

Soun gleamed over towards his eldest daughter. "Yes, Kasumi, I
haven't felt this good in some time."

"I'm glad to hear that, Father. Not to spoil the mood or anything,
have you given any thought to what you are going to do about what
we talked about?"

Soun's face shrunched up, and he asked, "What do you mean by that,
Kasumi?"

"I mean about Grandfather Happosai. Surely you remember our
discussion the other day."

Soun smiled as broadly as he could. "No fear, Kasumi my dear. Saotome
will be back from China soon, and once we get Ranma back, we'll come
up with a way to deal with The Master."

Harsh words came to Kasumi's mind. Trying hard to keep those words
from being spoken aloud, she gritted her teeth and found an
alternative way of saying what she was feeling.

"No, Father, forgive me for saying this, but what if Mr. Saotome
doesn't come back? What if there is no cure? What if Grandfather
shows up before he comes back? Father, please do not ask me to spend
another night under the same roof with him."

Soun shook his head. "Kasumi, please be reasonable. With Saotome and
Ranma gone, I can't deal with him all by myself."

Kasumi felt like mimicking her father's demon head technique. "Be
reasonable? With everything the three of us have had to put up with
since Grandfather has shown up, I think we have been very
understanding, and are being very reasonable. No offense, Father,
but if Ranma and the others can deal with him, so can you."

"No, Kasumi, you don't understand. The Master lets everyone think
they can deal with him. It's all just a big game for him. He's far
more powerful than you know. If he ever got serious, there's no way
I could deal with him. Kicking him out of what he considers his home
would make him get serious. Saotome and I managed to trick him once,
twenty years ago, but he'd never fall for that again. I can't deal
with him alone."

Kasumi walked over to her father, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Father, no one says you have to do this alone."

"What?"

Kasumi tried to give her father the most serene smile she could
muster. "Father, there is no reason why you can't get help, if you
need it. If something comes up that is more than you can handle by
yourself, it is not a sign or weakness to ask for help. As long as
you ask for help, and do not try to push your problems onto someone
else, like you pushed Happosai on Ranma before."

"Really?"

Kasumi nodded. "Really. Sometimes life gives us problems that we just
can not deal with by ourselves. It is not weakness to get help, it is
just common sense. Even Ranma understands that. When that Taro boy
took Akane, Ranma did not try to rescue her by himself; he took
Ryoga, Shampoo and Mousse with him. A strong person knows when they
are in over their heads."

Kasumi stopped for a moment, her eyes beginning to glaze over.
Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to her father.

Soun scratched his chin, and sat in contemplation. "Perhaps," he
finally spoke up, "perhaps you are right, Kasumi. You have definitely
given me something to think about. Perhaps I have tried to tackle
this problem from the wrong angle."

"Father, it gladdens me to hear you say that. Now if you will excuse
me, I have other business to attend to."

Soun gave his daughter a slight nod, and a small grin. "Of course,
Kasumi. Thank you for your help. I'm sure your mother would be proud
of the way you handle yourself."

"Father, you flatter me." Kasumi turned her head slightly before
smiling, giving her father a little more peace of mind. She then
slowly turned, and exited the room, heading back upstairs. After a
moment, she found the door she was looking for. Pausing for a moment,
she closed her eyes, trying to find the strength in the step she was
about to take. After a moment, she knocked on the door.

From the other side of the door, Nabiki replied, "Yes?"

Kasumi stood, pondering her words. "Nabiki, your doctor, could you
please give me his card?"

The door opened a few seconds later, and Kasumi found Nabiki standing
there, card in hand.

Kasumi began to laugh. "Am I so predictable, that you had that card
ready at a moment's notice?"

Nabiki began to chuckle as well. "What can I say? I know you pretty
well, almost like a sister. I figured you'd come around sooner or
later. I'm just glad it was sooner."

Kasumi tentatively reached out, and took the card from Nabiki's hand.
She looked at it, getting the feeling that there would be no turning
back now.

****************************************************

Nodoka sat there watching Ranko try to study. A part of her wanted to
start banging her head against the table. Slowly, she brought her
head down, resting on top of her arms as they spread on the table.

"Mom? Is there somethin' wrong?"

Nodoka brought her head up, and unsuccessfully tried to hide a frown.
"Dear, I don't know how to tell you this other than to say, well,
your study habits are just plain atrocious. It's no wonder you don't
do well in school."

Ranko just sat there in silence, unsure of how to respond to that.

"Sweetheart, you jump all over the place in your studying, never
focusing on what you need to follow. Maybe you need to use your
martial arts training to help you in your studying."

Ranko's eyebrows shot up at that. "Huh? How can The Art help me in
studying?"

"Dear, when you practice a kata, or spar, what's the first thing you
have to do? What is the basic start of performing The Art?"

Ranko thought for a moment before replying. "Focus. I need to focus
and find a center."

Nodoka nodded. "Exactly, dear. You need to keep your mind calm, and
concentrate on the task at hand. The same applies to other areas of
life as well, not just The Art. Remember, for a true martial artist,
The Art is life."

Ranko grinned from ear to ear. "You are starting to sound a lot like
Po... I mean father."

"Well, I am the wife of a martial artist, dear, as well as being the
mother of two.

"Ranko, try to use your martial arts training for this. Clear your
mind, find your center, concentrate on the task at hand."

Ranko sat in silence for a moment, then began to laugh.

"Dear, what's so funny?"

A slight smirk came to Ranko's lips. "Martial Arts Book Learnin'.
Might as well give it a try. Can't be any sillier than some of the
other things I've gone through."

"Wha... oh, never mind, dear. Before we start again, let me do one
thing."

Getting up from the table, Nodoka headed over to a stereo system
sitting in the room. Looking through her music collection, she found
what she was looking for. Nodoka smiled to herself as the music began
to flow through the room.

"Umm, Mom, what's that?"

Closing her eyes to soak in the music, Nodoka replied, "This is
classical music, dear. Mozart. I find classical music has a most
calming effect on the mind. I think you will find it easier to study
with this music in the background. Now concentrate on your English
book, and I'll go grab us some tea."

Ranko shrugged. Well, it's worth a shot. She closed her eyes, and
tried to get in touch with the music. Focus, Ranko, focus. Try to
relax. You can do this. This music ain't too bad, if it doesn't put
me to sleep first.

A couple of moments later, Ranko opened her eyes, and turned her
attention to the book in front of her. Frowning to herself, she
wondered what was the point. I can't see what learnin' this will have
to do with anything. She began to read, and found it just as
confusing as before. Patience, I must show patience. I can do this, I
ain't gonna give up. Ranko continued to try to work her way through
the book, when she watched her mother return.

Nodoka began to approach the table, carrying a tray with a teapot and
two cups. While approaching the table, she kept her eyes on Ranko.
However, this caused her to not notice the skewed rug in front of
her.

A split second later, her right foot caught itself in the rug,
causing Nodoka to trip. The tray she was carrying left her grasp,
and the teapot flew towards the table. Towards Ranko.

Ranko's eyes grew wide as she noticed the danger rapidly heading her
way. She moved instinctively, with little time to spare.

Nodoka slowly brought her head up after her trip. She looked in the
direction of where the teapot was headed, towards Ranko's chair. Sure
enough, Nodoka saw the remains of the accident, as the empty chair
was covered in tea. The empty chair? Where's Ranko? Slowly, Nodoka
turned her head, glancing for where the child went. It didn't take
long.

There was Ranko, crouching on the table, somehow dry from the
splashing that seemed destined to find her. Two things came to
Nodoka's mind, first how did the girl move so quickly? Second, why
does she have the look of utter fear on her face?

"Ranko, why... how..."

Ranko sheepishly looked towards her mother, and began to stammer.

"Well, uhh, ya see, ummm, I just got these new clothes, and they're
really nice and all, and I didn't want them to get, ya know, ruined
the first day I was wearin' them, yeah, that's it."

Nodoka stared in disbelief. "That's very thoughtful, dear, but I
think I could get tea stains out, without too much trouble. Let me
get a towel and clean up the mess, while you get back to your
studies. This is not an excuse to slack off, dear, get back to work."

Exhaling a great sigh of relief, Ranko grabbed another chair, and
tried to get back to her studies. Finding her calm did not come easily
though, as the thought of what nearly happened sat heavily on her
mind.

****************************************************

Akane sat quietly in her room, holding onto her stuffed pig. Her day
had gone quietly. With her rehersals, Akane tried to keep her mind off
of her concerns, to no avail. Afterwards, the rest of the day was
uneventful, it had seemed like her sisters were keeping any possible
conversations minor. The chats had become totally meaningless drivel,
as if no one wanted to talk to her about the things that were really
on her mind. The things that consumed most of her thoughts.

Walking slowly to the bedroom window, Akane tried to lose herself in
the pristine beauty of the nighttime sky. It was a clear night, the
stars were especially bright, far brighter than Akane was used to
seeing in the city.

Ranma, Ranma is out there, somewhere in the city. A small tear found
its way into her eye. He's out there, maybe even looking up at this
sky right now. It's weird, ever since he came, I've been screaming to
the high heaven how I wanted him out of my life. Now he is, and I
feel so alone. So alone.

A small smile began to form on her face. She turned down and began to
address her inanimate companion.

"P-Chan, everything will work out, I know it will. I just have to
believe that, I just have to have faith. Father is right, things are
working out. Shampoo is leaving, good riddance, and when Mr. Saotome
returns with the cure, everything will be fine. I know it's going to
be fine, but yet I still feel so alone. I really do miss that
arrogant jerk. I guess what they say is true, you don't really know
what you've got 'till it's gone."

Moving slowly to her bed, Akane placed in the pig down, and looked it
over very carefully.

"The question remains, P-Chan, is what am I going to do with you? Not
you, of course, but that little pervert. When I realized what he had
done, I wanted so much to make a quick pork entree, but that's not
enough. I want him to suffer, and suffer hard. I want him broken, and
shamed, and in one piece so he can deal with it for the rest of his
life. But what do I do?"

Akane sat down on the bed next to the faux P-Chan, and watched him
carefully, almost as if he were alive.

"What's that you say? That... that would be horrible. It's sick, it's
wrong, it's... it's perfect! Give the little pervert a taste of what
he's been after, eh? I like it, but how do we make it work?"

Again, Akane sat in silence, nodding her head in response to the
one-sided conversation she was having.

"Maybe you're right, maybe they can help. Not Shampoo of course, but
Cologne, or maybe even Mousse. Yes, if there's a way to make this
work, they would know. Thank you, P-Chan, thank you. I think I can
sleep easier tonight, thanks to you."

Akane turned back her covers, and got into bed. Cradling the toy in
her arms, Akane tried to think pleasant thoughts to get her to sleep.
Thoughts of her and Ranma together. Thoughts of Ryoga, and the
revenge she hoped would one day be hers. Sleep finally came to her, a
peaceful sleep, filled with tranquil dreams.

****************************************************

"Order up!"

Mu Tsu placed a delivery order up on the counter. Grimacing to
himself, he was annoyed at the fact that not only did he have to
spend time packing, he had to cover Khu Lon's work while she was out
looking for a buyer for the restaurant. At first he was excited about
being able to spend some time with Xian Pu without the Elder around,
but the apple of his eye continued to ignore him as much as before.

Xian Pu approached the counter, eyeing the order suspiciously. In
Chinese, she mused, "Pretty big order, especially at this time of the
day. Still, I have to do what I have to do. I'll be back soon, Mu
Tsu. Don't slack off while I'm gone, or I'll let Great-Grandmother
deal with you when she gets back from wherever she went." Taking the
order in hand, the young Amazon then exited the Nekohanten, and
proceeded to pedal her way to the delivery destination.

Mu Tsu relaxed for a moment, as the restaurant was currently empty.
Odd, he thought, Xian Pu is right. That is an awful big order for
this time of day. A moment later, he heard the door open, and turned
to greet whatever customer may be walking through the door. He
stopped short when he saw who it was.

"Akane? What brings you in today? Shampoo's not here right now,
neither is the old crone. Is there something I can help you with?"

Mu Tsu watched as a slight smile came to Akane's lips. "I know
Shampoo's gone. I watched her leave. I didn't want her around, so I
had some friends call in a order that should keep her away for
awhile. I wanted to be able to talk to you or Cologne without any
complications. Things tend to get a little... out of control when we
see each other."

Mu Tsu nodded in understanding. "So, what can I do for you, Akane?"

Akane beamed a grin. "I could use your help. I'm glad you are here,
Mousse. We've always gotten alone fine, even after you kidnapped me
that one time."

"Again, sorry about that, Akane, but I never meant you any real
harm."

"I know. You know, maybe we've gotten along better than most of the
lunatics around here do because, in a way, we both want the same
thing."

Mu Tsu eyed Akane curiously. "And what would that be?"

"Well, I want Shampoo out of Ranma's life. And you, you want Ranma
out of Shampoo's. Different viewpoints, but in the end we are both
wanting the same thing."

"I guess you have a point there, Akane."

Akane paused for a moment, bringing her head down, eyeing the floor.
"Is it true, Mousse? Are the three of you leaving?"

Mu Tsu nodded. "Yes, we are. We should be heading for home in a few
days."

"I'm both happy, and sad to hear that. I won't miss Shampoo at all,
no offense to the girl you love, but I will be happy to see her out
of my life. But I'll miss you, and Cologne too, in a way. I kind of
like the old woman, even after everything that has happened. So, how
is Shampoo dealing with the thought of heading for home?"

Mu Tsu returned Akane's question with a sad look. "She doesn't know
that it's for good. The Elder told her it was only for a short time.
She doesn't know we are not coming back."

Akane considered that for a moment. A mischievous look came to her
eye. "Ahh, she is going to be surprised. Well, I certainly won't tell
her the truth. I take it you won't either?"

"True enough."

"I suspect Cologne will have her hands full with her once Shampoo
learns the truth."

Mu Tsu slowly nodded. "So, Akane, you know. Now, what is it you want
of me?"

Akane paused for moment, looking for the words to say. "Well... you
see, I could use some help with Ryoga."

"Ryoga? What about him?"

Akane's eyes narrowed, as hatred flowed through her veins. "The other
day I learned that he had a curse."

"I see, so you finally found out about that."

Akane sent optical daggers in the direction of the master of hidden
Weapons. "You knew? And you never told me?"

Mu Tsu shook his head. "Wasn't up to me to tell. Anyway, both Shampoo
and the Elder made it quite clear to me that they did not want you to
know. Ignorance in that made it easier for them to try to separate
you and Saotome. That was their theory, for better or worse."

"I can't believe no one told me!"

Mu Tsu let out a sigh. "Look, I'm sorry about that, but I'm sure if
things had gotten out of control, someone would have spoken up. I
know Ryoga isn't the top carrot in the patch, but he never tried
anything out of hand."

Akane's fuming came to a new level. "Never got out of hand? The
pervert slept with me! I thought you were my friend, and here you are
defending him?"

Mu Tsu eyed Akane carefully. "Yes, but it was just sleeping, right?"

"Yeah, but..."

"What does Ryoga, or even Ranma have to say about this."

Gritting her teeth, Akane shot back. "Ryoga wasn't around when I
learned of this, or he would be pork flambe right now. And I didn't
hear of this until Ranma left."

"Then perhaps you should wait to hear what they have to say. Ryoga
has always acted in an honorable way when I've been around him,
Akane. Maybe you should give him the benefit of the doubt."

"Whatever. I take it you won't help me then?"

Mu Tsu slowly took off his glasses, and closed his eyes in thought.
"You have been kind to me, Akane. I should at least hear you out."

Akane breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. I was hoping that maybe
you would have something that would..." Akane then proceeded to tell
Mu Tsu the basics of what she was looking for.

Keeping his eyes closed, Mu Tsu listened, then stood in stony
silence. After a few moments, the wait became unbearable for Akane.

"Well, can you help me or not?"

Returning his spectacles to his face, Mu Tsu reopened his eyes, and 
watched Akane with a sad look. "Yes, there is something that would do
what you ask. But I don't think it would be a good idea to give it to
you."

Narrowing her eyes, Akane asked, "Why not?"

Mu Tsu shook his head in sadness. "Think, Akane. Why do you think
neither Shampoo or the old bat haven't used this on Ranma by now?
Because it's too dangerous.

"The stuff works exactly like you say. However, sometimes there are
also side effects."

"What kind of side effects?" Akane was most curious now.

Mu Tsu leaned against the counter, and after a moment found his
voice. "It depends. It works differently for different people. There
aren't always side effects, but more often than not there are.
Sometimes the effects can be good, such as clearing the mind and
giving the recipient enlightenment. It can make them more virile or
more fertile. Sometimes the oft chance of one of these drives members
of our tribe to use the stuff, but it rarely works the way people
want it."

Turning his head down, Mu Tsu continued. "Most times, however, the
effects are bad. The user becomes sterile, even impotent. They become
consumed with depression, at times even suicidal. A few have become
insane."

Akane stood for a moment, then pulled up a nearby chair and collapsed
in it. Finding her voice, she replied, "I don't care. Whatever
happens to Ryoga, well as far as I am concerned, it's his own damn
fault. He should never of used my trust the way he did. Will you help
me, or should I wait for Cologne or even Shampoo to return? And why
would you even have this stuff here in the first place, if it is as
bad as you say?"

Mu Tsu frowned. "I think Cologne brought it as leverage, as a last
resort to assure Shampoo that Ranma would be hers. I doubt the old
woman would have ever used it, she wants Saotome too badly to risk
it.

"As far as helping you goes, well you are my friend, but so is Ryoga.
If I do give you the stuff, you have to promise not to use it in
haste, to be absolutely sure about what your doing."

Oh, I'm sure, Akane told herself. To Mu Tsu, she replied. "Of course,
I won't do anything rashly. You have my word."

Mu Tsu seemed relieved by that, and headed into the back of the
restaurant. After a couple of moments, he returned, holding two small
vials.

"Here you go, Akane. These are two normal doses. Be very careful with
them. You wouldn't want to touch or inhale the stuff yourself."

Akane took the vials, and smiled. The white powder in the vials
seemed to call to her, promising her peace of mind.

****************************************************

One, two, one, two, one, two.

Ranko slowly, but steadily, moved down the streets of her
neighborhood.

One, two.

For the past few days, Ranko had gotten into a simple routine.

One, two.

Each morning, she would awaken, and would head towards the kitchen.
It had become a bit of a game with her mother. Whomever awoke first,
ended up making breakfast that morning. If her mother 'won', Ranko
would use the time to practice in the back. If not, she would
practice after breakfast. This morning, the two reached the kitchen
nearly simultaneously, and after a good laugh, had prepared breakfast
together.

One, two.

After breakfast, and her workout, Ranko would begin to study. Her
mother would work with her at first. As the morning progressed, the
older woman would excuse herself for parts unknown, only to return
later for lunch.

One, two.

After studying for awhile, Ranko knew she needed a form of exercise
besides her katas. Taking a page from Akane's book, she took up
jogging.

One, two.

Finding the park the other day, thanks to that stupid dog, had been a
blessing for Ranko. She ended up incorporating the park into her jog.
She would jog through the neighborhood, ending up at the park, where
she would take a break. After revigorating herself by the pond, she
would take a different route back home. Afterwards, it was a date
with a cold bath, by which time her mother would return and lunch
would be next on the schedule.

One, two.

After lunch, her days became fairly quiet. More studying, more
practicing in the back, then dinner. After dinner, her mother would
go over the days lessons and praise Ranko when a particular part of
the lesson stuck, and scold her when it didn't. There was more
scolding than praise, especially at first. Slowly, Ranko began to
feel more comfortable with the school work. She wasn't totally there
yet, but she did feel like there was a chance to make this work.

One, two.

Ranko smiled to herself as the melody of the music ran through her
mind. At first, she thought her mother's idea of using classical
music as an aid to her studying was stupid, but not anymore. The more
time she listened to it, the more it seemed to help her concentrate
on her task. So much so, that she asked for, and got, a portable tape
player to wear while she was jogging or practicing her katas. She
quickly found that the music got her in closer contact with The Art.
Ranko always thought that she was in perfect harmony with The Art
before. Well, live and learn.

One, two.

Over the music, Ranko heard the sound of someone yelling at her. She
turned her head, and saw a older woman waving to her. Smiling, she
waved back. One extra bonus of her daily jogs was that it allowed her
to meet even more of her new neighbors. She had quickly become
aquainted with many of the women in the neighborhood, and adjusted
her route to pass by them each day. Ranko had gained, in no time, a
small but constant group of watchers and well-wishers on her jogs.
This group generally fell into two parts.

The first group was made up of women like the one she just passed.
Ranko had almost become adopted by many of these women, or so it
seemed to her. Many had stopped by during the evenings, to visit
Nodoka and see just how her 'daughter' was doing. While some of the
'girl talk' of these women annoyed Ranko, she found their attention
most satisfying. She liked having a group of people treat her kindly,
without asking for anything in return. This group did not bother
Ranko at all.

One, two, keep the pace steady.

No, it was the other group of watchers that bothered Ranko. It didn't
take long for THEM to notice her presence in the neighborhood. It
didn't take long for THEM to start watching, gawking, eyeing her as
she made her way along her route each day. It didn't take long for
the boys of her new neighborhood to come out in force and make their
presence known to her.

Perverts. Well, at least they are keeping their distance, and are
just watching. For now. None of them are as forward as Kuno, or some
of the other jerks I had to deal with.

Ranko's eyes rolled as she saw a batch of the boys waiting ahead of
her, standing there waiting for her. Keep your distance, you jerks,
unless you want a quick beating. Some of these boys were younger than
her, just at that right age when boys really started to notice girls.
Ranko remembered full well when her attitude changed. Of course, she
never stayed in one place long enough to get to know any of the girls
she had met, not that she would have been able to talk to any of them
or anything like that even if she had stayed. She remembered quite
well how awkward she felt just thinking about girls. Good thing most
of these boys are just like I was, she mused to herself. They're just
not ready to deal with a real girl, let alone someone like me, just
yet.

Of course, some of these boys are older, even older than I am. What,
don't they have anything better to do? The looks in some of these
jerks eyes, you'd think they'd never even seen a girl before. Just
the glares they are givin' me, I so much want to go over and pummel
them.

Ranko sighed. By the time I met a girl I wanted to know, and had
wanted to be able to talk to, I found myself with so many problems.
Not to mention, these problems conspired to make sure that Akane
would see me as nothing but a complete pervert, and a total jerk.
It's not fair, it's just not fair.

As her jog continued, Ranko was thankful for one thing. She was
definitely thankful that her mother had insisted that she wear the
proper female undergarments. The panties still felt so weird to wear,
but the bra. Man, as bad as these boys are now, just imagine how bad
they would be if I were jogging without a sportsbra right now. They
would be drooling a river. Especially now that my outerwear is not as
baggy as it was before.

Ranko winced at the thought. Anyways, mom was right. I was a fool to
hold out on this as long as I did. It just makes sense for me to wear
this, especially considering how active I am. I mean, even should I
go back to my old life, I need to keep this in mind. Pops may not
like it, but as long as I have this curse to deal with, I just can't
ignore it, no matter how much I want to. It is a part of my life, at
least for now. It's just common sense. And anyways, he's a fine one
to talk, all of the times he goes panda to avoid responsibility.
Yeah, some role model I got myself there.

One, two.

While most of my new routine had caused no troubles, there was one
major problem. Hot water. That first day, when Mom nearly spilled the
tea on me, I thought that was bad enough. It was only the beginning.
Each day, it seems I have to deal with more hot water incidents than
the day before. Yesterday, I had to dodge water four times. Four
times! A spilled teapot, a bowl of soup, that's one thing. But a hot
water heater breaking, right in front of me? Not to mention the hot
water balloons. I mean, really, what kid in their right mind uses hot
water in their water balloons? I don't even want to know where that
flying hot water bottle came from. The old ghoul was right. It's
almost like there's come kinda hot water conspiracy against me or
somethin'. If it keeps up like this, I don't know much long I can
successfully deal with it. Sooner or later...

One, two.

Ranko was in the home stretch now, her home in sight ahead of her.
A smile came to her. A quick bath, and soon Mom will be home. I
wonder where she has been going every day? Slowly stopping at the
front door, Ranko exhaled a breath. Man, that was a good run. I can
see why Akane enjoyed doin' that. Collecting her thoughts, Ranko
opened the door, and entered her home. As she entered the house, she
found her mother there, waiting for her.

"Dear, did you have a nice run?"

Ranko winked and gave her mom a big thumbs up. "You bet. I've come to
really enjoy my daily runs. Well, parts of it, anyway."

Nodoka motioned Ranko to take a seat. "Dear, why don't you rest for a
few moments, then I have a surprise for you."

Taking a seat, Ranko blinked in surprise. "What kinda surprise, Mom?"

A mischievous grin came to Nodoka's mouth. "Well, if I told you that,
it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it. Now rest, dear, you will
want your full energy for this surprise."

Ranko sat back, collecting her energy. I wonder what Mom's up to now?
I'll find out soon enough, I guess. At first, her surprises kinda
worried me, but they've all turned out fine so far. I'm sure this one
will, too.

A short time later, Ranko was walking with her mother in a nearby
business district. Changing into her jeans, and a dark red blouse
that reminded her of her Chinese outfit before leaving, she was busy
taking in all of the sights around her. There were so many people
here, including a lot of people her age. She watched in fascination
as groups of teenage girls were busy roaming the streets, laughing
and talking with each other. Ranko listened in as best as she could.
The conversations seemed trivial to her, but the girls seemed to be
enjoying themselves greatly. Man, that would be great, to just be
able to have friends to hang out with, not a care in the world, and
just have fun.

Glancing over to her mother, Ranko watched as she slowly made her way
through the streets, holding a bag with her. Prior to leaving the
house, Ranko watched with curiosity as her mother entered Ranko's
room and came out carrying something in a bag. Her mom had refused to
answer when Ranko asked what it was she was carrying, so Ranko
figured it was all part of the surprise.

A short distance later, Nodoka stopped, and turned towards her
daughter. "Dear, do you trust me?"

"Of course, Mother."

Nodoka smiled, and warmly told Ranko. "Then, dear, I want you to
close your eyes, and let me guide you the rest of the way."

Close my eyes? Just what is going on here. "Okay, Mom, if you say
so." Ranko closed her eyes, and held out her hand. She felt her
mother's hand grab on, and she tentatively moved as her mother guided
her on her way. She stopped at one point, as her mother led her
through what Ranko believed to be a series of doorways. In time, they
stopped.

"Okay, dear, you may open your eyes now."

Ranko slowly opened her eyes. She began to look around, and as she
did so her face dropped further and further.

"A dojo? You brought me to a dojo?"

Glancing around, Ranko couldn't help but notice the many people here,
each in a gi practicing one form of the art or another. She watched
as one man, around her father's age, began to approach her mother and
herself. There was no doubt as Ranko watched him move, he was one
with The Art. Not only was he fit, but his movements screamed of
someone who had been studying for years.

As he reached her, he bowed. "You must be Ranko. Your mother has told
me so much about you."

Eyeing her mother carefully, Ranko replied. "Has she, now?"

Nodoka simply nodded. "These past few days, I have looking around for
the right dojo, not to mention the right sensei, for you, dear. Of
all of the dojo's I visited, Furukawa-sensei's is the one I felt most
comfortable with."

"Furukawa Jiro at your service, Ranko."

"Nice to meet ya."

Mr. Furukawa eyed Ranko impassionately, and asked, "So, Ranko, would
you like to spar?"

A grin the size of Tokyo Tower seemed to spread itself across Ranko's
face. "You bet!"

Nodoka passed the package over to Ranko. "Here, sweetheart, is your
gi."

Her new sensei pointed off to one area. "The women's changing area is
over there. When you are ready, I will be here."

Ranko grabbed her gi and rushed, as fast as she could, over to the
changing area.

****************************************************

Xian Pu frowned, and looked over the now empty dining area of the
Nekohanten. Business, not to mention her great-grandmother, had
been keeping her hopping these last few days, and she had found
little time to think.

Now, she had a little bit of quiet time, though not much. Tables
needed to be cleaned, floors needed to be swept, and countless
assorted sundry chores were waiting to be done. Mu Tsu was busy in
the back, taking care of the kitchen area. The dining room was her
responsibility, and though she thought the task to be below a warrior
of her stature, she still found herself dealing the mundane tasks on
a daily basis. Her great-grandmother told her that even members of
the Council were required to do mundane tasks for the tribe, that no
task for the betterment of the tribe was ever beneath even the
Matriarch. Whatever, she fumed to herself, like I ever see her do
anything but stand and boss Mu Tsu and me around.

Looking at the dining area carefully, Xian Pu decided to start by
watering the potted plants that decorated the room. After going to
the kitchen to fill up a pitcher with cold water (being especially
careful not to spill any of the water on herself), she glanced around
at the plants, wondering where to start.

A second later, a frown covered her face. Something is not right
here, she thought to herself. I can't put my finger on it, but
something is out of place. Xian Pu closed her eyes, and began to
visualize the way the dining area should look. Once she was
comfortable with the proper image, she opened her eyes and began to
compare her visual image with the one spread before her.

Her eyes slowly moved around the room, comparing each and every nook
and cranny. Coming to one section of the room, where one of the
plants stood, she froze. Closing her eyes again, to regain the
picture in her mind, she once more compared the two images. No doubt
about it, she told herself. A playful smile came to her. Well if
that's the way it is, it's time to have myself a little fun. I sure
haven't had much of that these last few days.

Xian Pu began to whistle an old Amazon battle song. If he only
understood the meaning of this song, he'd be getting real nervous
right now, she thought. She started at one edge of the dining area,
beginning the routine of watering the plants as if nothing was out
of place.

Slowly, she made her way to the part of the room in question. Her
right hand, holding the pitcher, began to rise as if she were about
to water this plant like all of the others. Right before the pitcher
got into position, her left arm moved, quickly, her left hand
clinched into a fist burying itself with force into the midst of the
plant.

"Ouch! Hey, that hurt!" A second later, Xian Pu watched with
amusement as a face made its way out of the plant. The nose on the
face seemed a little red. Good, Xian Pu thought, direct hit. Am I
good, or am I good?

"That general idea. Now disguise girl tell Shampoo what you want."

Tsubasa's eyes narrowed, and he started to fume.

"Disguise boy! I'm disguise boy, not disguise girl!"

Xian Pu waved her hand in disdain. "Whatever. You tell Shampoo why
you here, no?"

"I'm looking for my darling Ukyo."

Xian Pu's eyes blinked a half dozen times in wonder. "Spatula girl?
You got wrong restaurant. You lost, like lost boy."

Tsubasa shook his head. "I'm not lost. The Ucchan is closed, I
haven't seen her around, and I've looked everywhere. I was hoping you
would know where to find her."

Xian Pu's eyebrow raised in wonder. "Maybe Shampoo know, but why come
to me?"

His head dropping down in sadness, Tsubasa replied, "Well, first I
went looking for Saotome. Not that he would have told me easily, but
I figured he'd be the one person who'd know where Ukyo was. But he's
disappeared too. So's his old man, and all of the people over at the
Tendo dojo are acting real strange."

"Hmph, them acting strange is not strange, it normal."

Tsubasa began to laugh. "No, I mean strange for them. Akane's moping
around a lot, and her sisters aren't much better. You don't think
Ranma and Ukyo have run off together, do you?"

Xian Pu eyes began to bulge, and Tsubasa swore the eyes themselves
were beginning to glow. "Ranma better not run off with Spatula Girl!
Not if he know what good for him. Wait a minute, Ukyo at stupid
convention, that what she tell Shampoo."

"Convention?"

Tsubasa received a nod in confirmation. "Yes, a convention dealing
with oko... what do you call it again?"

"Okonomiyaki." answered Tsubasa.

"Yes, that is it. She is at convention dealing with okonomiyaki."

****************************************************

"I personally prefer using rice flour to wheat, but I do know some of
you like wheat.""

Boring!

"Of course, the secret to okonomiyaki lies in the stock, your own
special sauce."

Kid's stuff!

Ukyo sat back in pure boredom. I can't believe father talked me into
this. Ukyo, he said, this convention is very important, the Kuonji
clan must be present. I will meet you there, and we will spent the
time catching up on things. Yeah, that's what he told me on the
phone. Then I get here, and guess what? He leaves a message saying he
won't be able to make it, but at least the clan will be represented
by my presence. Like I want to spend time away from Ranchan right
now. How am I supposed to convince him that I'm the perfect fiancee
for him when I'm not there?

Father, sometimes you are such a jackass!

And these lectures! Any decent okonomiyaki chef just out of diapers
knows this stuff! I could cook circles around these clods in my
sleep, and right now I'm halfway there! This is so dull!

Ukyo continued in sit with the rest of the conventioneers, in total
silence, when all of a sudden...

"Aaachooo!!!!!"

Ukyo's face began to turn beet red as the eyes of everyone in the
room turned towards her.

"Sorry," she replied meekly.

Now where did THAT come from? It's not cold in here, and I don't see
anything I'm allergic to. Very strange, if you ask me.

In no time at all, the speaker returned to his lecture. Ukyo sat
back, and mused over the indignity of it all. I am in hell, that is
all there is to it.

****************************************************

"Waaaahhhh!," Tsubasa cried, "It's all a lie! I bet there's no
convention. It's just a stupid lie. I bet Ukyo's with Ranma now. Oh,
I can't bear the thought of it!"

Xian Pu picked Tsubasa up by the collar of his... dress. Figures, she
mused, that cross-dressing girl would be chased by a freak like this.
"Shut up! There no way Ranma run off with her."

"You really think so?"

"Shampoo sure." Xian Pu was a little unsure, but did not want to show
that to this boy. She placed Tsubasa down, and watched as the
cross-dresser started dancing up and down in joy.

"Yes, there's still a chance for me to win the heart of my darling
Ukyo!"

Xian Pu's eyes narrowed, and she slowly came up from behind Tsubasa,
lining up for the proper angle. "Okay, you got what you came for. Now
leave. Here, Shampoo help you go." Xian Pu reared back her right leg,
and let loose a mighty punt. She watched as her uninvited guest flew
out of the restaurant through the roof, screaming all of the way.

Good riddance, she mused, and she returned to her chores. Well, that
broke up the monotony for a moment. I guess I should be thankful of
that, at least.

Overhead, Tsubasa flew screaming across the Nerima skies.

"Wheeeeeeee!"

Slowly, he brought his finger up to his mouth, and after wetting the
finger, held it out to gauge the wind around him.

Hmm, he thought to himself, good hang time, decent velocity. Overall
not bad, not as good as Ukyo, of course, but not bad at all. Not an
e-ticket, but it will do.

With that, Tsubasa watched the scenery unfold around him, and enjoyed
the rest of his free trip.

****************************************************

Ranko stood in the dojo, dressed in her gi. She slowly studied her
opponent, standing across the way from her.

He slowly bowed to her, and stated. "Okay, Ranko, let's see what
you've got. Anytime you're ready."

Bowing in return to show her readiness, she positioned herself into a
ready stance. She watched as the sensei took up a stance himself, and
slowly she began to move around him, waiting for the proper moment to
make the first move.

He made the first move, however. He charged her, firing a quick jab
with his right hand. He's fast, Ranko thought, just not fast enough.
Without hesitation, she dodged his attack. Jumping off to the side,
Ranko riposted back with an attack of her own, sending her right foot
out in a leaping thrust at his chest.

He surprised her by grabbing her foot with his right hand and threw her
backwards. Smiling broadly, she set up her left foot in order to land,
and used the force of the landing to spring back with a counter-leap.
Flying towards her target, she used the force of her momentum to
execute a power kick with her left leg.

"Oooofff!"

Target hit! Ranko grinned as the sensei slowly got up from the force
of her strike. She looked around at the other students in the dojo,
as they watched with awe. Many of these students had their mouths
open wide, in utter shock. Probably not used to seeing their sensei
get hit. Good, give 'em a wake up call.

Furukawa once again bowed towards Ranko. "Nicely done. You have great
skill. I obviously underestimated you. Shall we try again?"

Ranko nodded, and once again set herself into her ready stance. She
moved around him, waiting for an opening. A grin flashed across her
face as she spotted an opening. Quickly, she moved towards the
sensei's left side, ready to jab at his exposed rib area.

Except that the opening closed itself in a fraction of a second, and
Ranko found her accelerating punch caught by her opponent. The sensei
grabbed her arm, and threw her across the room, where she landed,
head first.

Rubbing her head, more in disgust than in pain, Ranko said, "Man, I
can't believe I fell for that. I guess I underestimated you, too."

Slowly he nodded, not allowing any expression to cross his face.
"Then shall we continue?"

Ranko got back to her feet, her eyes narrowed in concentration. I
have to focus now, I have to be serious here. A slight nod, and Ranko
faced her challenger once more.

Slowly, the two combatants paced around the other. I will not rush
into another mistake, Ranko kept telling herself. Ya ain't gonna fool
me twice. Every so often, one or the other would feint an attack,
gauging their opponent. Sometimes, the attack would not be a feint,
but the attacker soon found their prey had easily dodged or parried
the blow. This went on, minute after minute.

He's good, Ranko told herself. Not as good as Pop or Ryoga, but he's
pretty good. I think it's time to end this. Shame though, this has
been a great workout.

Ranko quickly feinted a power kick towards the sensei's left ribcage.
As she had expected, he swung around to his right, dodging where the
blow would come. Except, of course, that now the real attack came to
the area he had moved into, with a series of rapid punches.

Jiro managed to avoid or parry many of the punches. A few hit their
mark, and he backed up, grimacing from the power of Ranko's attack.
She pressed on her advantage, moving her body briskly, without going
to full chestnut fist mode. It would be dishonorable to use the
special techniques in a friendly little spar. Still, the speed of her
blows kept him on the defensive, until he finally staggered and fell
from the onslaught.

Ranko moved to stand over him, waiting for his next move. He looked
at her impassionately, and slowly raised his right hand, simply
saying just one word.

"Yield."

Ranko held out her hand, and helped Jiro regain his feet. Slowly, he
turned towards his students, the shock of their faces still evident.
He wordlessly motioned them to get back to their practicing. Slowly,
the students began to break up and return to what they were doing,
muttering among themselves as they did so.

Turning his attention back towards Ranko, he said, "You and your
mother please come into my office. There we can speak without any
distractions."

Finding her mother by her side, Ranko followed the sensei into his
office, where he took a seat, eyeing Ranko carefully.

"Your are quite skilled, young lady. I am very impressed."

Ranko's face beamed at the complement.

"Your mother tells me you could use a place to practice and spar. Is
this true? Would you like to use my dojo?"

Ranko nodded furiously. "Yeah, I could definitely use a place other
than the back yard. This seems to be a pretty cool dojo."

Hiro's face cracked a smile, showing life for the first time since
Ranko met him. "I tend to think so. Your mother also tells me that
you might be interested in being a sensei one day."

"I'm not quite sure, but I'd like to find out."

A twinkle came to his eyes. "Good answer. Perhaps we can make some
kind of arrangement, eh, Ranko?"

"What, what do you have in mind?"

Furukawa Hiro got up, and slowly paced around the room, deep in
thought. After some time, he turned back to his guests. "I will allow
you the use of this dojo any time you wish, for practicing, sparring,
whatever. Now, have you had any training in becoming a sensei?"

"Well, Pop... father has been training me in The Art for as long as I
can remember."

Shaking his head, he replied, "That's not what I asked. Has he
trained you in how to teach, as well as how to fight?"

Ranko's eyes raised in wonder. "There's a difference?"

"A big difference. Just because you can do something, and do it well,
does not mean you are going to be capable to pass that information to
others just like that. Teaching is a skill, Ranko, just like any
other skill. It needs to be trained, it needs to be learned, it needs
to be cultivated.

"A lot of people think that someone who is exceptional at doing
something is automatically a great teacher. This is not so. As a
matter of fact, a lot of highly skilled individuals are poor
teachers. They lack the patience needed to work with those who don't
have the same abilities or drive that they have themselves."

Jiro went over to his office door, and opened it, allowing Ranko to
see the students out in the dojo. "Look at my students, Ranko. Only a
handful of those I teach have the skills or desire to even strive for
the levels in The Art that we have. But that handful is just the tip
of the iceberg in the total number of students that I have. A dojo,
if it wants to be a profitable business, must open itself up not only
to those rare few who strive for what we have, but those who come
here for other reasons.

"Some of my students practice The Art as a hobby. Some use it as a
way of staying in shape. I have classes of women who want to learn
basic self-defense to give them the abilities to defend themselves
against any mugger, rapist or maybe even a violent boyfriend or
husband. The bulk of my students, Ranko, are children. Most of these
children won't take to the same kind of rigorous training that we
have."

Closing the door, the sensei returned to his chair. Eyeing Ranko
carefully, he continued. "Part of being a teacher, Ranko, is being
able to understand your students, and figuring out what methods will
work with each student. It requires great patience, and can be a lot
of hard work. It can also be quite satisfying when you succeed. How
are you in school, Ranko?"

Ranko shook her head. "My marks aren't that great."

"Try to work on that, Ranko. If you run a dojo, you must be able to
know the basics of running a business. Math, not to mention business
courses in college are a must. In fact, nowadays, Ranko, a college
degree is very important. As I said earlier, most of my students are
children, and it's the parents who decide whether or not they want
you as their child's sensei. Parents will feel more comfortable with
a sensei who has a college education."

Ranko lost herself in thought. "I guess, that kinda makes sense."

"As I said before, I will grant you use of this dojo. In addition, I
will work with you on how to be a sensei, I will train you on the
things you will need to know before you decide if this is something
you want to do with your life or not."

Ranko eyed him very carefully. "In exchange for?"

Jiro smiled yet again. "In exchange, well first, I would like to spar
with you on a regular basis. I would like to have someone good enough
to keep me honest, even teach me a thing or two. Second, well I could
use an assistant. After I feel you have learned enough about the
basics of teaching, I would like to have you help me with some of my
classes. This will naturally give you more insight on whether or not
you really want to be a sensei. Of course, we will work around your
school schedule, but that is the deal I am offering you. Do you
accept?"

Ranko wasted no time in her answer. "Yeah, I'd like that. Sparrin'
with you on a regular basis would be fun. Maybe in time, I could
even show you some special moves I've picked up."

Jiro's eyebrow shot up at that. "Now you've got me curious. Okay
then, it's a deal. Now, let's see if we can work out some kind of
basic schedule."

Some time later, Ranko left the dojo with her mother. The young
martial artist was sporting a giant smile, and she turned towards
her mother.

"Mom, thanks a bunch! That sensei's pretty cool. I can't believe you
went to all that trouble to find me a dojo."

Nodoka smiled down at Ranko. "Believe it, sweetheart. That's what
mothers do for their children."

"Yeah," Ranko exclaimed, "It's so great to have a mother again! So,
you looked at a bunch of different dojos?"

"Yes, dear. A lot of them were very nice, but I never felt completely
comfortable with the senseis. I really like Furukawa-sensei, though.
I feel real good about him."

"So do I, Mom. He's really cool, and a pretty good fighter to boot."

Nodoka smiled at that. "Yes, dear, and there's one more perk about
his dojo."

"And what's that, Mom?"

"There are a lot of manly looking young students there your age,
Ranko." Nodoka looked down at her daughter, and gave her a playful
wink.

"Mother!" Ranko's face began to flush deep red.

Nodoka began to laugh. "And that is another thing mothers have a
tendency to do. Just be patient with me, dear. Being the mother of a
teenage girl is new to me. I guess we'll both have to learn as we
go, okay?"

Ranko began to head down the sidewalk, whistling a happy tune. For
some reason, she felt the need to look up. In doing so, she saw a
glint coming from a window of the building in front of her. In
horror, she watched as something left the window, and was heading
down towards the street. She knew, she just knew what it was.

Without hesitation, she moved. Grabbing her mother, she jumped back
as hard as she could, trying to put as much distance between her and
the impact area.

"Ranko, what... oh my!" Nodoka watched as a large tub of water came
crashing down in front of her, landing right where she and Ranko were
just a split-second ago. She watched as the water splashed in a large
area near the landing site. Somehow, she and Ranko had escaped getting
soaked by the water. Nodoka's eyes got wide as she noticed steam
rising from the tub. Walking over to the tub, she gingerly put her
finger down into the water, testing it.

"Ow... this water is boiling! I would like to find whomever is
responsible for this. Somebody could have been seriously injured!"

Or killed, Ranko mused to herself.

Nodoka walked back over to Ranko, and exhaled a deep breath. "My,
what a day. Ranko, while we are in the area, I believe there is a
major sale going on nearby. Why don't we go take a look at it before
going home. I could use a break after that."

Ranko agreed, hoping this would help get her mind off of what nearly
happened. Man, that was close. Too close. I don't know how much more
of this I can take.

Off to the side, a slight figure stood in the shadows. Watching the
near miss, a crooked smile came to the aged face.

This time, I didn't even need to arrange an incident. Yes, it is now
working on its own accord, like a train wreck. Child, you need to
face facts, you cannot keep this up. Soon, you will forced to deal
with this, one way or another. I have done all that I can. It is safe
to leave now. First, I must go see why Mr. Tendo called the
restaurant, asking for me.

Grabbing her staff, Cologne began to leave the area, making sure that
she was not spotted by Ranko.

****************************************************

Kasumi sat quietly in the therapist's office. She looked down at her
hands, watching as she twiddled her thumbs.

"So, Miss Tendo, why did you come here?"

"Well, ummm, ahhh."

The doctor looked over towards Kasumi, and smiled. "It's all right,
Kasumi. It's only natural to be nervous. Most of my patients have a
hard time getting used to talking to me at first. Get comfortable,
okay?"

Kasumi nodded. She looked over to the side, and noticed a couch
sitting there. "Would it be easier if I was laying on that? That is
the norm, right?"

The therapist chuckled. "The therapist's couch, I'm afraid, is an old
convention that hasn't gone away that easily. Where you sit yourself,
Kasumi, depends on where you think you would feel more comfortable.
Some patients prefer the couch, maybe the old cliche soothes them.
Some like the chair. If you'd feel more comfortable talking to me
standing on your head in the corner, that's fine too, though I don't
recommend it. It all depends on you, Kasumi."

"I think, I think I will just sit here, doctor."

"All right, now why did you come to me?"

"Well, ummmmm, it is hard for me to say, really."

Placing his notepad back on his desk, the doctor leaned over towards
Kasumi and addressed her. "Before we start, maybe it would be best if
I explained what it is I do, and what you can expect from me, okay?"

Kasumi gave the doctor a slight smile. "Okay."

"I am here, Kasumi, because sometimes people need help, help in a way
that needs someone other than a close family member or a good friend
to deal with. My job, Kasumi, is to help people find the answers to
these problems. It's not to judge you, it's not to criticize or place
blame, it's just to help. Are you with me so far?"

"Yes, doctor."

"My job, Kasumi, is not to tell you how to live your life. Many
people think that's what I do. My job is to help you find the answers
and most importantly, help you find what you want to do, what you
need to do.

"How I do this, Kasumi, is both simple and complex. I have you talk
to me. I ask you questions, and you answer them. It is important that
you answer honestly. Sometimes the questions will be difficult for
you to answer. You must be honest, though, or any time you spend here
is wasted. It is important that you are completely honest, not only
with me, but with yourself. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I think so."

The doctor gave Kasumi a smile. "Now, before we start, I need to be
completely honest with you, Kasumi. First off, it is going to take
some time before we get any answers. The idea of someone having a
major revelation or breakthrough in their first session is a myth. It
doesn't happen that way in real life. If it were that easy, you
wouldn't need me to help you. Any problems you may have to work
through is going to take time to deal with. There are a number of
reasons for this, the major one is trust."

"Trust?"

"Yes, trust. You see, Kasumi, like I told you before, in order for me
to be able to help you, you have to be completely honest with me, and
tell me things that you haven't told anyone else, things you might be
unaware of yourself. You are going to have to trust me completely
before you feel comfortable in sharing these secrets. The first step
we must take is one of building that trust. You will start to talk to
me about your life, nothing too personal, just a little background.
This helps me in getting to understand who you are, and helps you in
becoming comfortable talking to me. Do you understand?"

Kasumi let out a giant breath. She sat back in the chair, releasing
the iron grip she had on the armrests. "I think so, doctor."

"Good, now shall we begin? What is your name?"

"Tendo Kasumi."

"What is your quest?"

Kasumi's eyes raised in curiosity. "What you do mean by that?"

The doctor grinned. "What do you want of life? What dreams do you
have? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?"

Kasumi glanced down at the floor. "I'm not sure. That's part of why
I'm here."

"Okay, that's a start. What is your favorite color?"

Kasumi sat back, dumbfounded. "What kind of a question is that?"

"It's an icebreaker, really. Some of my patients get a chuckle from
it. It helps if you are familiar with the movie."

Kasumi shook her head in wonder. "What movie?"

"Never mind, just out of curiosity however, what is your favorite
color? It's just a little thing to help me know you a little better."

Kasumi sighed in resignation. "Pink. I like pink."

The doctor proceeded to write in his notebook. "Okay, good. Now, let's
talk about your family. Tell me about the members of your family."

"But why? Surely you know all about my family from Nabiki."

The doctor placed his notebook down once again. "What your sister may
or may not have told me is irrelevant to our sessions, Kasumi. First,
what she has told me is from her viewpoint, not yours. It is
important to get your viewpoint, your feelings on your family members,
and your relationships with them.

"Second, anything she has told me in her sessions are for her
sessions only. I can't talk to you about anything she has told me,
just as I can't talk to her, or your father, or anyone else about
anything you tell me. Anything that happens in our sessions is
between us, and us alone. It's called doctor-patient privilege, and
it is a very important part of what we do here. Without it, it would
be difficult to help anybody. Can you figure out why?"

Kasumi sat back for a moment, thinking over his question. Eventually
she answered. "Trust. It has to do with trust. I have to be able to
trust you with my private most thoughts. If I feel you will share
those with anyone, I can't be completely honest with you."

The doctor nodded. "Yes, that is it precisely. It's all a matter of
trust. Now, shall we try again? Tell me about your family. Let's
start with Nabiki, first, shall we? Tell me about her."

Kasumi closed her eyes, and began to talk. It was difficult at first,
but soon she found it easier to talk to this stranger. It did not
take Kasumi long to consider that coming here was a good decision.
Just talking about the little things is relaxing me, she thought as
the session continued. I think this was a good idea. I will have to
thank Nabiki later.

****************************************************

Yawn! Here I am, shopping again. I just don't understand the appeal.
I mean, go in, find what you want, get out. That's the way to shop. I
don't see why girls have to make a whole day out it.

Ranko mused as she looked around at the various clothes laid out. Her
mom was right, there was a sale, a sidewalk sale, close to the dojo,
and her mom was having the time of her life. Ranko looked over to a
nearby group of tables where her mom was perusing the goods. I won't
complain, mom was great to me earlier, findin' me that dojo and all.
I'll just grin and bear it. I just hope this doesn't take TOO long. I
am so bored.

Ranko looked down at the item she was now holding, a maroon tank top
with the outline of a dragon on the front. Not bad, she thought, I
just might have to pick this one up.

From behind her, Ranko then heard a voice, a voice that sent shivers
down her spine.

"Umm, ahh, excuse me, ummm miss. Umm, could you help me?"

Ranko closed her eyes, and silently cursed. No, not him, not now.
Just my rotten luck. Please, don't recognize me, don't recognize me.
Slowly, she turned around, and prepared for the worst. Her stomach
did a full back-flip when she saw him standing there, with a stupid
look on his face. So far, so good, he doesn't recognize me yet. Well,
let's play along.

Ranko batted her eyes just a little, and raised her hand to her mouth
in mock shyness. "Um, are you talking to me?"

Ranko watched as the young man in front of her cast his eyes down,
and once again began to stammer. "Umm, yeah. Could you tell me where
I might find the Tendo Dojo?"

"The Tendo Dojo?" Ranko tried her best to fein ignorance as to the
place in question.

"Ummm, yes. This is Nerima, is it not?"

Ranko rolled her eyes. Ryoga, you are such a moron, she thought to
herself. "Nerima? No, but it's not that far from here. Here, let me
help you." Ranko then walked up to him, and gently turned him, so he
faced 90 degrees to the right of where he stood before. Letting out a
slight giggle, Ranko then pointed in that direction and said, "Nerima
is that way. If you head straight in that direction, you won't miss
it." Well, any normal person wouldn't, but you on the other hand,
you'll be lost before you get 50 meters.

Ryoga chuckled a little. "Thanks, miss. You have been very kind."

"Don't mention it." With that, Ranko gave Ryoga a slight push to get
him moving. Watching him leave, Ranko sighed to herself, that was
easy. Too easy, if you ask me. This is still going to come and bite
me in the butt, I just know it. Yep, just give it a little bit of
time.

Ryoga walked down the street, happy for the assistance he had just
received. Nice girl, he thought to himself. She was pretty cute too,
with those blue eyes and that...

All of a sudden, Ryoga stopped cold. Slowly, the gears in his mind
began to turn.

Ranko, meanwhile, began to get very nervous. You know, she thought,
it has never been THAT easy to get rid of him before. Yep, any time
now.

Ranko began to count to herself. Five.

That was no ordinary girl, Ryoga concluded. That was Ranma! Damn you,
Saotome, how dare you try to make a fool out of me!

Four.

What sick game are you up to this time, Ranma? Well, whatever it is,
I won't allow it!

Three.

Ryoga began to turn, and started to scan the area for the object of
his thoughts.

Two.

Ah! There he is! Pretending to be a girl again, I don't know why
Akane puts up with him. Well, it's time somebody put him in his
place.

One.

Ryoga felt the cold harsh feelings rise in him. Now is the time, I
will defeat him once and for all. This time I will succeed!

One?

Ranko nearly breathed a sigh of relief when she finally heard the
words she had heard so many times before.

"Ranma! Prepare to die!"

A grin came to Ranko's face, as she put herself into a quick battle
stance. "Gee, P-Chan, it sure took ya long enough."

"Don't call me P-Chan, Ranma!" Ryoga stood there, eyeing his rival
for a sign to make his move.

Ranko grinned. "Okay by me, Porky. As long as you don't call me Ranma
right now."

A look of disgust crossed Ryoga's face. "Oh, and why not, Ranma? What
sick game are you playing now?"

Ranko's eyes narrowed, and she spat her words back at Ryoga. "I ain't
playin' no game, Ham-iki. Are you going to stand there all day, or
are we gonna fight?"

Ryoga began to scream, and rushed Ranko. His fists rapidly moved
towards their target, only to meet air. "Damn you, stand still so I
can clobber you!"

Ranko shook her head in disappointment. "You wanna hit me, you're
gonna have to earn it. Come on, I ain't got all day."

Ryoga positioned himself for another attack. He was about to leap
into action, when he felt a hand grab him by the shoulder. Turning
around, he came face to face with an older woman.

"Young man, why are you attacking my daughter?"

"Ma'am, please, this is a man-to... did you say daughter?"

Nodoka stood there, glaring harshly at the young man in front of her.
"That's right. Now explain yourself, young man."

Ryoga's face dropped, and he began to stammer uncontrollably.

Ranko felt like screaming to the high heavens. Man, if it ain't one
thing...

"Mother, this is Hibiki Ryoga. Ryoga, this is Saotome Nodoka, Ranma's
mother."

"Yes," Nodoka added, "and now Ranko's as well."

"Ranma's mother? Ranko? Wha... wha..." Ryoga stood in shock, trying
to recall just what he had heard about Ranma's mother. Closing his
eyes, he remembered some discussion he had overheard as P-Chan. How
he had overheard Akane talking about a blood oath of some kind. Now
what was it?

Ryoga's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of the elder Saotome.
"Now, young man, will you explain to me just why it is that you
attacked Ranko?"

Ranko? Ranko! That's it, now I remember. Oh man, when I heard about
that I didn't know whether to laugh at the jerk or pity him.
Certainly not pity. The jerk deserves it after everything he's done.

"You called Ranko your daughter? I don't understand."

Eyeing Ryoga carefully, Nodoka responded. "I plan on adopting her,
and raising her as my daughter. It hasn't been done officially yet,
but as far as I am concerned she is my daughter. And you still have
some explaining to do."

Ryoga began to sweat, and sweat hard. "Well, umm, I, well..."

Ranko shook her head in disgust, and spoke up. "You see, Mom, Ryoga
he has a bit of a crush on Akane."

"I do not!" Ryoga spat out.

"Whatever. Anyways, he gets mad at me when I try to keep him from
getting too close to her."

Nodoka nodded. "That is quite proper of you, Ranko. After all, Akane
already has a fiance. Or at least had one. It would have been wrong
for Ryoga to chase after her under the circumstances."

"It's not chasing!" Ryoga's blood began to boil. "Akane never choose
to be engaged to Ranma, and she certainly deserves better than the
likes of him!"

"By better, you mean someone who would attack a young girl in the
middle of the street like a common hooligan? And young man, I will
not have you bad-mouth my son. I have not seen him in over ten years,
and I will not have his name tarnished by the likes of you."

Ranko began to get very nervous. The last thing she needed was for
Ryoga to do or say something stupid right about now. Watching him,
she could see his eyes begin to glaze over. He's losing it, Ranko
thought. I have to stop this in the bud, and right now.

"Mother, it's okay, really. Let me deal with Ryoga. Alone. He tends
to get flustered around strangers."

"Are you sure, Ranko? He did try to attack you."

Ranko tried her best to give her mother a reassuring smile. "Yes,
mother. He won't try anything now, will you, Ryoga?"

A smirk came to Ryoga's lips. "Yeah. I won't try anything." At least
not now.

Ranko stared at Ryoga, ready to pound the boy. "And anyway, I am a
martial artist. I can defend myself from him."

Nodoka shook her head. "Sparring in a dojo is one thing, but brawling
in the streets is not acceptable behavior. However, if this is what
you want, I'll leave you two alone for a moment. Remember I will be
keeping a close eye on you. A very close eye." Turning to Ryoga, she
coldly stated, "You had better keep your word, young man, and not do
anything. You will behave like a proper gentleman, do you
understand?"

Ryoga meekly nodded under the force of Nodoka's rebuke. He kept a
close watch as the woman slowly moved away, far enough to allow the
two of them to talk in private, but near enough to keep a close eye
on them.

Catching his breath, Ryoga turned to Ranko and asked, "Okay, what in
the hell is going on here, Ranma."

"Ranko. Please, call me Ranko."

A wicked grin flashed across Ryoga's face. "Sure, Ranko, I could call
you that. No problem. I'll be glad to call you Ranko, you little
freak."

"Ryoga, I'm warning you..."

"What, Ranko? You heard your mother. She doesn't want her precious
baby girl to fight in the streets. You wouldn't want to disappoint
her now, would you, Ranko? After all, I'm sure the two of you will
have so much fun together. So, Ranko, what sick game are you playing
right now?"

Ranko closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down. "Look, here's the
short version, okay?"

"Okay, like I'm going to believe you."

Keep calm, don't let him rile you up. "Look, I am just sick and tired
of the way you and everyone else treats me, okay? Mom, I like the way
she treats me, even if it is as a girl. She's the one person I feel
really cares about me, not about what they can get out of me. Or
pound into me."

"Ah, wah, poor baby, sick of everyone mistreating you. Oh, my heart
bleeds for you, Ranko. Not. As far as I am concerned, people treat
you too well. Let me get out a tissue, the little girl needs a good
cry. Boo hoo."

Ranko began to grit her teeth. "Ryoga!"

Ryoga began to laugh. "Oh come on, after all of the tricks and
teasing you've given me, what's the matter, you can't take your own
medicine? This whole thing is such a laugh, it's probably some sick
ploy to get Akane. Say, wait a minute. What did your mom mean when
she said Akane HAD a fiance."

A sad look came into Ranko's eyes. "It means I broke the engagement
with Akane when I left her home."

"Hah, you see, this is some kind of... say what?"

"You heard me, Ryoga. I am no longer engaged to Akane. It's over."

Ryoga stood there in shock, not quite sure of how to take this news.
"How... how did Akane react?"

Ranko grinned. "I'm sure after I left, she was happy, happier than
she has been in a long time. I'm sure she's thrilled that she's no
longer engaged to someone that she hates."

Ryoga's face fell, what seemed to him like half a kilometer. Hates
you? You can't be serious, Ranma. You really think Akane hates you?
Oh, if that were only true, it would have made things so much easier
for me. I've heard her talk about you in her sleep. Hell, Ranma, it's
obvious to all of us how she really feels about you. Why she cares
for you, I just don't understand. All you ever do is hurt her.

These were the thoughts going through Ryoga's mind. He couldn't bring
himself to say the words, however. He just stood there in total
shock.

Ranko blinked, and moved her hand in front of Ryoga's eyes, hoping
for a reaction. "Ryoga, are you okay?"

Ryoga just stood there, his mind now in debate over two concepts.

On one side was the argument, Ranma, how dare you do this to Akane?
She loves you, and you treat her like this? You deserve to be
punished for nothing more than breaking her heart.

Then the other argument came into play. Akane, she's no longer
engaged. That means, that means...

Ranko breathed a sigh of relief when she heard some words faintly
escape Ryoga's lips. "Akane's free."

Ranko nodded enthusiastically. "Took you long enough to figure that
one out, P-Chan."

"Don't call me that." Ryoga was so stunned by this revelation, that
he could only answer back in a low whisper. "Wait, this is still some
trick. You'll do something to try to keep me from Akane, like you
always do."

"Nope, I won't."

"I don't believe you."

Ranko raised her eyes to the heavens, and felt like banging her head
against a wall. "Look, Ryoga, Akane is no longer my fiancee, so I have
no business in who she sees or doesn't see. I promise you, Ryoga, on
my word as a martial artist, that I will not interfere with Akane's
love life. If she wants to be with you, that's great, man, but I do
promise one more thing."

"And what's that?"

Ranko gave Ryoga as serious of a look as she could muster. "I promise
if you ever hurt her, Ryoga, I will hurt you in return. She deserves
to be happy. If she's happy with you, well as long as she is happy,
that is what is important."

"You mean this? You really mean this?"

Ranko nodded.

Ryoga grinned widely, eclipsing any doubts he may have had before.
"Yes! The dojo, which way was it to the dojo again?"

Ranko walked over and once more positioned Ryoga so he would be
facing Nerima. "Okay, Nerima's that way. I could try to give you
more detailed directions, but let's face it, that would be a waste of
time. Head that way, and you'll be in Nerima before long. If you
don't get lost on the way."

Ryoga began to sputter. "Hey, I'm not that bad!"

"Whatever. Now get going." And once more, Ranko gave Ryoga a slight
push on his way, and watched as he began to head in the proper, for
once, direction.

Ryoga yelled back at Ranko. "Hey, buddy, thanks for the help!"

Ranko let out a big sigh of relief. "Anytime, Ryoga, anytime." She
continued to watch him leave, as he continued on his merry way. About
a block away, Ranko flinched as a passerby bumped into Ryoga,
altering his course. Ryoga took a right turn, when he should have
continued straight.

Can't even get one block. What a moron. Ah well, he'll find his way.
In time. He always had a habit of making his way to Akane. Or me. One
day, Ryoga, one day, maybe you'll get what you're looking for.

Nodoka watched on as the young man left her daughter. Good, he
behaved himself. There is something between those two, something
Ranko isn't telling me. I wonder, could this be the boy both Ranko
and Nabiki were telling me about? The one Ranko likes? Nodoka shook
her head in disgust. No, my daughter can do better than that.

****************************************************

Soun stared impassionately at the shogi board. He sat at the board,
shoulders slumped down, his eyes looking at the pieces in near
expectation.

"Hurry back, old friend. Already, I miss your company."

"So, it is true. One fool has left, and the other is just sitting
around doing nothing."

Soun nearly jumped out of his skin. Turning slowly towards the door,
he saw Cologne there, perched on her staff, eyeing him like a bird
watches its prey. He began to feel his nerves begin to break.

"What's the matter, you did invite me over here, didn't you? I could
turn around and leave if you want."

Biting his lip, Soun gathered what composure he had left. "No. I did
invite you. We might as well get this over with."

Cologne began to chuckle. "Such a fine way to treat a guest in your
home. After everything we've been through, we could be a little more
civil with each other."

"After everything we've been through, it's amazing I haven't killed
you, you old biddy," Soun muttered under his breath.

Cologne jumped down, and quickly gave Soun a quick tap with her
staff. "I may be an old biddy, but there is nothing wrong with my
hearing, sonny boy. Now, you asked that I come here, I'm sure it
wasn't for us to insult each other, true?"

Soun grunted in response.

"Well? I haven't got all day. I have things to do."

Crossing his arms in front of him, Soun tried his best to show a
serious demeanor. "I understand you are leaving us?"

"Ah, you heard about that? Yes, it is true. Do you wish to give me a
going-away party?"

"I also understand that you are offering tribal membership to my
daughters."

A gleam came into Cologne's eyes. "You are well informed. This is
true. Are you going to threaten me now, sonny boy? Are you going to
tell me you don't want your daughters anywhere near my people? Is
that what this is about?"

Soun shook his head. "I am not going to threaten you. That would be a
waste of my time, and yours. However, I did want to know whether it
was true that Nabiki and Akane were offered membership into your
tribe."

"Yes, as I said before, this is true. Kasumi would be welcome as
well, although I can't see her leaving her home. There is more to
this than a simple question like that. Why did you call me here?"

Soun closed his eyes once more, again trying to gather his strength.
"Give me a moment, Elder, this is not easy for me."

"Take your time. Just not too much, after all I am an old biddy, and
who knows how much time this old biddy has left in her now, eh?"

Soun slowly opened his eyes, and focused them on his guest. Finding
the words within him, he finally spoke. "I... I... I need your help."

Cologne grinned, and slowly brought a finger up to her forehead, and
used it to draw an imaginary line down the middle. "I'm not an expert
in such matters, but I do recommend the lobotomy. Quick, painless,
relatively speaking, and soon all of your troubles will be behind
you."

"That is not funny."

A cackle answered Soun's retort. "You, sonny boy, have no sense of
humor. Now how, pray tell, may I help you?"

Soun stood up, and walked over to the doorway, eyeing the pond in his
yard. "You understand, asking anyone for help, especially dealing
with him, is very difficult for me. But I don't know where else to
turn."

"You are not making any sense."

Turning back towards Cologne, Soun glanced towards the floor, almost
ashamed to look the woman in the eye. "My daughters, they have told
me I need to deal with The Master. That they do not wish Happosai in
their lives any longer."

Cologne's eyebrow shot up at this. "You can hardly blame them now,
can you?"

"No. But you, of all people, truly understand just how dangerous he
is. I wish I could deal with him myself, but I can't. So I am asking
you for help."

Cologne narrowed her vision, and gazed at Soun intently. "Dealing
with him is dangerous, especially for someone like myself. Yes, I do
understand just how dangerous he is. You must understand my position
as well. Why come to me?"

"One, you of all people understand what we are up against. To most of
the people we know, Happosai is just an annoying little old pervert.
Powerful, yes, but not that big of a problem. You know better.

"Two, you and your people have dealt with him before."

"Not with much success," Cologne interrupted. "Considering what he is
capable of, and his damnable little talent, we are not equipped to
really deal with him. I wish that were not so, but it is."

Soun nodded, and continued. "And three, well as you just confirmed,
you have offered tribal membership to my daughters. They now have the
responsibilities of the tribe. And the tribe has responsibilities in
return."

Cologne began to chuckle. "I see. Clever. You say by my offering them
membership, their well-being becomes our concern as well. So, what
exactly do you want of me?"

Soun smiled in response. "A promise. Call it a restraining order, of
sorts. I'm sure not even The Master would want the wrath of your
people to deal with. As long as he leaves my daughters alone, you
will leave him alone. But if he harasses my daughters, well it is up
to the tribe to come to the aid of its members, am I not right?"

Cologne looked at Soun with shock. You are a much bigger fool that I
gave you credit for. Do you really think THAT would stop him? Do you
really think he would be afraid of the wrath of the Joketsuzoku
people? Why, if I were to agree to such a plan, the first thing Happi
would do is to...

Cologne froze for a moment. She lost herself in her thoughts, and
thought her idea through. Yes, that is exactly what he would do.
This, this could prove to be a blessing in disguise. The old fool has
been a pain in our side for decades now, it is about time we dealt
with him once and for all. This could be the way to finally rid
ourselves of this scourge to humanity.

"I do not think Happi would take your word for it. It might be best
if he saw it in black and white. We should put our agreement in
writing."

Soun stood there, mouth agape. He had expected the old woman to need
some convincing. To