[FFML] [Ranma/ MKR] Magic Knight Chaos, Prologue Two

Disclaimer: I don't own either Ranma or Magic Knight Rayearth. They,
along with their respective characters, are owned by their
creators/ companies.

*...* denotes thoughts
[...] denotes a panda sign

Magic Knight Chaos
Prologue Two: Adjustments

Saotome Nodoka stared at her guest for a couple of moments,
unable to process what was happening. Was what she saw actually true?
Was it really possible for somebody to change their gender within a
couple seconds? Furthermore, was this young man actually her son? He
certainly sounded like him, but she hadn't seen him in so long...

Nodoka got up from her seat and walked over to Ranma, taking
very slow and short steps. She bent down and took the proffered
sword from her son, then put it on the table as she knelt down next to
him so she could look him eye-to-eye.

"I will have some answers before any decisions are made," she
told him, lifting his chin up.

"Yes, ma'am," Ranma replied, trying not to shiver from the
dread he still felt.

"Are you actually my son?"

"Yes, I am."

"And why did you come here in the guise of a girl?"

Ranma remained silent for a moment as he thought about how to
word it. "I got a curse while training in China. Now, whenever I'm
hit with water I change into a girl, but I change back with hot water."

"I see," Nodoka drawled out. "Who did this to you and what
happened to your father?"

"Actually, Pops and I were trainin' at someplace called
Jusenkyo. It has all kinds of little pools with bamboo poles sticking
up. We decided to do some balance practice and ended up falling into
a couple of different ones. That's what caused the curses. As for
Pops, he's out in the front. We didn't think you'd be thrilled ta
have a panda come inside."

"So, I am to take it that Genma is cursed to turn into a
panda, the same as you turning into a girl?"

Ranma nodded his assent and the room once again grew silent as
Nodoka pondered what happened to her son. After a couple of minutes
she turned her gaze towards his eyes, staring at the solemnity they
conveyed. They showed a maturity that should not be their for someone
so young.

"Would you please bring in my husband?" she asked Ranma. "Be
sure to take some hot water with you. I'd prefer to keep the damage
to my house at a minimum."

Ranma bowed once more, then gathered up the kettle and went
outside to get his father. He found Genma sitting under a tree,
trying in vein to stay out of the rain.

"Hey, Pops. Okaasan wants to speak to you," Ranma called out,
waving the kettle.

Genma got up and trundled to the door, where hot water was
poured onto him before he entered a place he hadn't seen for just
under a decade. A place that he now held with dread. His home.

He followed Ranma to the living room table. As soon as he saw
Nodoka, his breath caught. She seemed as beautiful as the day he met
her. So poised, but with a vibrancy around her that fit in well with
the Saotome clan.

Genma knelt down next to his son and prostrated himself before
his wife.

"Saotome Genma, I would have the story of what happened from
you before I pass judgment," Nodoka said.

"While training Ranma it became necessary to go to China, in
order to further his training by training under some of the masters
there. Then, a couple years after our initial entry, we came upon the
ancient training grounds of Jusenkyo, a place where legendary warriors
supposedly trained. It was a ground that held various bodies of
water and had several bamboo poles sticking out of each one. Thus, we
both leapt up to separate poles, and started attacking each other.
Everything was going well, until Ranma got a solid hit that sent me
into one of the pools. I felt a little strange after I hit the water,
but didn't think too much of it until I'd already thrown a punch at
Ranma. It was then that I realized my arm not only felt, but looked
quite a bit different. However, it was too late. Ranma and I both
picked up curses and will never be whole men," he finished, raising
his head to look at his wife. He'd practiced this speech several
times before. Honor would be met!

"I see," she slowly said, then turned back to Ranma. "What
about you, Ranma? What do you think of your curse?"

There was no hesitation to Ranma's reply. "I hate it and I'll
do anything I need to get rid of it," he practically spat.

Nodoka's eyes narrowed as she regarded her son. "And why
would that be?"

"Because I turn into a weak girl. I turn into something that
should...well...something that should be..." Ranma stumbled for a way
to word his feelings "defended, instead of defend."

"I see." Nodoka came to a decision. Actions would have to be
taken to correct her husbands errors. He was sometimes a little too
traditional, even for her taste. "Genma, do you hereby acknowledge
your failure and give me permission to do what is needed to make
amends?"

"Hai," he replied.

"In that case, you are dismissed. You may go outside or to
our room. Just go. I need some time alone with Ranma."

Genma shook with fear for his son, but obeyed his wife. In
the end, it had to be her decision.

"Ranma," she said, once she was sure Genma was out of range.
"I would like to hear more about your training before I make any
decisions. Tell me everything you can remember. Everywhere you went,
everyone you learned under, and all of the stuff you learned. I want
to know everything Ranma. I know that you've probably already told me
most of it and I also know that you won't be able to remember it all,
but try."

Ranma sighed as he delved into his mind, coming up with the
first thing he could remember. And it sent a shiver down his spine.

"The first thing I can think of was learnin' the
ne...n..nek..o-ken," Ranma stuttered as he started to shake. "It
wasn't too long after we left, I think. Pops found some manual
explainin' a move that would make someone invincible and decided to
teach me it."

Ranma lowered his head and tried to repress the memories as
much as possible, while still continuing to tell his mother what
happened. "Pops dug this huge pit and gathered all kinds of
c...c..cats. Once the pit was full of 'em, he kept them in there for
a little while, not feeing 'em. Then, he smeared some fish past over
me and...and..."

Tears rolled down Ranma's eyes as he tried to continue, but he
couldn't get it out. All he could think of was the darkness that
enclosed him and the pain that flared up all around him, while he
heard those devils yowling. Staring at him with glowing eyes and
claws extended.

He was so lost in his memories that he didn't even notice his
mother's approach. Then, all of a sudden, he was gathered in Nodoka's
arms. It was too much for Ranma to take. All of his training flooded
back to him. The neko-ken. The curse. The loneliness.

Ranma buried his face in his mother's shoulders and sobbed
uncontrollably. He tried to fight it, knowing that it wasn't manly,
but it wouldn't stop. Huge sobs wracked his whole body, getting worse
and worse as time went on. Nodoka stroked his hair, trying to comfort
her son, and kept telling him that everything was going to be alright
from now on.

He tried to cling to that thought, but it wouldn't stay.
Everything wouldn't be alright. It was never alright. He'd make a
friend, then, within a couple of months, he was alone again. He'd
learn new moves, only to find out that it was never enough. He was
finally able to come back home, only to find out that he was most
likely headed to his death. All these thoughts swirled through
Ranma's head as clung to Nodoka with everything he had.

Nodoka continued to try and comfort him as her own mind raced.
Genma would definitely pay for what he'd done. The whole reason she'd
made him sign that stupid contract was to keep him from doing stuff
that was this idiotic. However, she should've expected this. He was
honorable and even fairly intelligent, but was rather lacking in the
wisdom department. It looked like not much had changed within the
last decade.

Ranma fell asleep in his mother's arms after he'd been crying
for over half an hour. Nodoka carefully picked him up and cradle him
to her, trying not to disturb his sleep as she took him upstairs to
his room. There would be time enough for stories and explanations
tomorrow.

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

Ranma knew something was out of place as he started to wake up.
Why was the ground so soft and warm? Also, why was he still sleeping
when the sun was out? Pops always had them start hiking well before
the sun ever came up.

He blinked open his eyes and examined his surroundings. He
was sleeping in what seemed to be a western style bed, in a room that
seemed to tug at the back of his mind. With agonizing care, he
examined the rooms details, trying to remember. Then, he saw a
picture of a family smiling while they stood in front of a lake. He
immediately recognized Genma, but took a little longer to recognize
his mother and a much younger version of himself.

Ranma stiffened as he remembered what happened yesterday. His
heart plunged even further when he remembered breaking down into tears
within his mother's embrace. If death wasn't assured before, it was
now.

He headed downstairs and heard the sound of sizzling bacon.
It looked as if his mother still kept to her family's western style
traditions. That was fine with him. After all, he might as well go
out with a full stomach.

"Good morning, Ranma," Nodoka called from the kitchen. "Did
you sleep well?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"There's no need to be so formal, Ranma. Just call me mom.
Nothing has changed that much since the last time you called, has it?"

Ranma remained silent. She certainly wasn't acting like he
thought she would. Could it be that he was actually going to live?

Nodoka brought in a large plate of eggs and bacon as her
husband meandered into the room. She gave him a brief glare, but
looked away after a couple seconds. She'd said everything she needed
to say last night.

Ranma made a grab for the plate, but met with empty air. "I
see that Genma forgot to train you in proper manners." Genma groaned
as he thought about what further punishments he'd have to endure.

Ranma blushed in response to his mother's jibe. "Sorry, Ma.
It's just that I haven't had much tasty food lately and that smells
really good."

Nodoka smiled at the compliment, but catalogued another facet
she'd need to change. Ranma's speech. There was so much damage!!
However, Ranma seemed to be a pretty good kid. Maybe things weren't
as hopeless as they'd originally seemed.

She served herself some food, then passed the plate onto
Genma. Despite his shortcomings, he was still head of the clan. The
plate finally reached Ranma and he surprised her by taking the rest.
Did he really expect to be able to eat that much?

"Itadakimasu!" Ranma and Genma yelled out in unison before
they plowed into their food. Nodoka was once again shocked, noticing
how fast her son was eating. He could almost rival Genma. However,
despite the pace, he seemed to be using fairly good manners, so she
decided not to yell at him. For now.

Within moments, the two were done and sat quietly until she
finished her meal, which she hadn't even started yet. *I think I'll
wait for now,* she thought, giving her food a longing look. *There
are more important matters to take care of.*

"I'm not all that hungry," she declared, even though her
stomach protested otherwise. "Could the two of you please help me
clear the table?"

They jumped up and went into a whirlwind of activity, clearing
all the dirty dishes and even putting her plate in the fridge before
sitting back down.

"Thank you," she calmly stated, getting used to the pace they
work at. "Now, Genma, could you please leave us alone to discuss some
matters? Besides, I think you have other business to attend to,
right?"

"Yes, dear," Genma sighed, heading for the door. It looked
like he'd have to get a steady job again. He hated anything that
didn't deal with martial arts, his family, or his friends. There's
an idea. Maybe he could work at the Tendo Dojo. He grinned to
himself as he headed out the door.

Once the door was closed, Nodoka turned to her son. "Ranma, I
have just one more question before I decide what to do with you. I
know I've asked you this before, but could you tell me again how you
view your curse? I want to know all of your views."

Ranma sighed. True, it wasn't his LEAST favorite subject, but
it certainly ranked right up there. "I hate it," he declared.

"Could you tell me about the first time you changed?" she
asked after no further comments were forthcoming.

"When I fell into the spring I felt kind of tingly, I guess,"
Ranma said with chill running down his spine. "I'd trained with all
kinds of martial arts masters, so I knew my body really well. Thanks
to that training, I knew what happened almost instantly."

"And..." she prodded when he didn't continue.

"And I fainted," he whispered. "But you've gotta understand.
How would you react if all of a sudden you turned into a girl!" he
quickly added.

"Ranma, I AM a girl. However, I can understand your reaction.
I think it's probably a pretty normal reaction, considering the
circumstances."

Ranma took a deep breath to calm his nerves. This seemed
like it was actually going pretty well.

"Now, Ranma, tell me why you hate your curse so much." Ranma
didn't hesitate a moment before answering.

"I trained all my life to be the best. I used to be the
strongest and fastest, but when I'm a girl I'm not nearly as fast or
as strong. There's nothing good about the stupid thing! I'm a man,
not a girl!! A man!!!" he declared, getting rather riled up.

It was just as Nodoka thought it'd be. After a sleepless
night, she'd come up with what she'd hoped would be a proper solution.
However, only time would tell.

"Ranma, I can see that your education in some matters is a
little...lacking. In order for honor to be met, and you to become a
true man among men, would you allow me to train you?"

Ranma looked at his mother skeptically. Train him? In what?
He could tell from the way she moved that he was already a much better
martial artist than her. What could she possibly have to offer?

Ranma reached behind his head and tugged on his pigtail, a
sure sign that he was nervous, for the few people that knew him.
"Well...you see..." He fumbled around for how to say it, but any way
he looked at it, it'd hurt her. "I don't think you'd be able to train
me, Ma. I'm pretty good."

Nodoka's eyebrow raised at this comment. True, she could tell
her son was rather good, but she knew that she was far better.
*Maybe Genma neglected showing Ranma how to properly use weapons,* she
hypothesized. *Well, that's beside the point. There are other things
to take care of first.*

"And who said that I would be training you in martial arts?"
she asked.

Ranma's eyes grew slightly wider at this comment. Now that he
looked at her, he realized that she exuded an aura that was very
similar to some of the Chinese Masters he studied under. Was it
possible that she was a master of some form of meditation?

He bowed to his mother. "Hai, sensei. I would be honored."

Nodoka broke into a grin. Her son might have a long road
ahead of him, but she could tell that he already excelled in certain
areas. Now to start.

"So, Ranma. You think that everyone of the female gender is
weak?"

Ranma blushed and looked down at the floor, absently tugging
his pigtail. It wasn't honorable to put others down, but he couldn't
lie either. "Umm...some are better than others," he said, hoping
that'd satisfy both sides.

Nodoka sighed at the thought of what she'd have to do. He
needed to have his walls broken down if he wanted to progress. She'd
need to start from scratch, and to do so she'd need to take some
fairly drastic measures.

"I'm going to finish doing the dishes. When I get done, we
will have a match in the backyard. I expect you to use this time
wisely."

Ranma bowed to his mother and left for the backyard, in order
to get warmed up. He felt a little out of it, having forgone any
practice within the last couple of days. He'd need to start out slow
and build up.

He took a stance which would seem rather abnormal to most.
His feet were just slightly less than should width apart and his arms
hung limp at his side. However, even though his whole body was
relaxed, he was ready for an attack from any side.

He closed his eyes and tried to find his center. It used to
be so easy before the stupid curse. All he'd have to do was look
within his heart to find a deep contentment that welled from knowing
he was the best. From not only knowing that he couldn't be beaten,
but that nobody would want to. He'd lived an honorable existence.
He was a man among men!! However, he knew that wasn't the case any
longer. If only he hadn't gone to Jusenkyo...

Nodoka stood at the backdoor, regarding her son's troubled
face. It would hurt, but this training couldn't wait. He needed it
if he ever wanted to live a normal life. She let out a bitter laugh
at that thought. Maybe normal wasn't the right word to use when it
came to her son.

Opening his eyes, Ranma looked at his mother. Did she already
finish the dishes? Surely he hadn't spent that much time lost in
thought.

"Are you ready, Ranma?" she asked him. Ranma bowed in
response and she reached out to the side, where she kept a couple of
bokken. She preferred the katana, but they weren't very good for
sparring. Unless you either severely outmatched your opponent, or
were severely outmatched by them, there was a chance that your
opponent could be permanently harmed.

She took up her family's stance, brining her sword hand up to
a perpendicular angle, parallel with the ground. Her other arm was
held slightly behind and her feet were a little beyond shoulder width.
However, looking in her eyes, she didn't seem ready to Ranma. They
appeared as they always had. In fact, now that he thought about it,
they almost seemed sad.

Nodoka's eyes narrowed slightly. "Begin."

Ranma leapt into motion, coming at her with a light punch.
However, before his punch connected Nodoka seemed to almost float to
the right, lightly tapping his arm with her bokken. "Is that really
the best you can do Ranma?"

Ranma continued his attack, breaking out into a speed and
power that he'd only ever used with Genma. Even with his newest
techniques, every punch met with a slap on his wrist and every kick
he made only served to throw him off balance. Frustration built up,
but despite all of his efforts, it seemed like Nodoka was dancing, not
fighting. He wasn't even good enough to properly spar with her.

After five minutes, Nodoka decided that she'd proven her
point. She waited for a kick and brought her bokken under it, so she
could bring it back up, making Ranma fall backwards. Then, with a
quick motion, she brought her bokken down to his neck.

Ranma couldn't believe what just happened. Not only had he
lost to someone other than his father, but he'd been defeated by a
girl. A girl!!!

He continued to sit there, eyes downcast. Life couldn't get
worse. Not only was he only half a man, but he seemed to be growing
weaker with every turn of his head.

He looked up as he felt a hand on his shoulder. "It's
alright, Ranma. There is no disgrace in losing. The only true
disgrace can be found in giving up."

Ranma couldn't bring himself to believe her. "Why even
bother? The more I try, the worse I get," he mumbled, a tear running
down his cheek.

Nodoka leaned down and wiped and wiped the tear away. Tilting
his head up, so he could look her in the eye, she said, "That's not
what I just saw. I saw a fourteen-year-old boy with exceptional
skills in anything goes, one of the hardest martial arts there is to
learn. All you need is more experience and to get your life in order."

"Oh, yeah. That's all," he snapped.

"You will not take that tone of voice with me, young man,"
Nodoka scolded. "You are my student, by your own choice and I am your
mother! You will treat me with the respect I deserve."

"Hai, sensei," Ranma automatically responded.

"Good. Now go take a bath. Afterwards, we'll continue your
training."

Ranma got up and headed for the bathroom, his mind still on
his recent defeat. *Next thing I know, I'll have a girl have my age
beating me up.*

Ranma sighed as he opened the bathroom door and shrugged off
his clothes. Maybe things would look brighter after kicking back for
a while in the furo. He never got many chances to have a nice bath
while on the road, but the few he did were treasured memories.

Sitting down on a stool he filled a bucket with water, so he
could wash himself off before entering the furo. Ranma shivered after
he dumped the water over himself. It wasn't that it was very cold.
No, the stupid curse had been activated again. Could he even go a
single day without changing into this stupid form?

Ranma finished washing herself as quickly as possible, arms
gliding quickly over places she'd rather not think about. Within only
a matter of seconds, she jumped into the furo and relaxed after
feeling the telltale tingle that surged throughout her body.

*Maybe it's because of how little training we did after we got
cursed,* he tried to convince himself. However, he knew better.
After seeing his mom in action, he knew that wasn't the case. He was
severely outclassed and even if he was in top form, he would've still
lost. Lost to someone he had an obligation to protect.

Ranma's thoughts continued to run around in circles as he
tried to relax. After five minutes, he gave up. He knew there wasn't
any way he'd be able to get any enjoyment in his present state. He
decided to hold true to one of the philosophies he'd been taught in
China.. "Never disregard what you know to be true, even if it isn't
one which you like. Face the truth with the same bravery you would
any other battle."

This thought in mind, he dried himself off and got dressed,
squaring his shoulders. He would complete his mother's training. Not
only would he regain the ground he'd lost, but he would surpass
anything he'd ever done before. He would be the best!!

When he came into the living room, he saw Nodoka sitting down
at the table, a look of concern on her face. *I wonder what's wrong.
She's always seemed so calm before.*

"Ranma, please have a seat. I have some things to discuss
with you," she said, motioning for him to take a seat next to her,
instead of across. He followed her directions, kneeling next to her.
"What I'm about to tell you is something you probably won't want to
hear. However, please understand that what I'm about to say is for
your benefit. You must trust me, Ranma," she ended in an almost
pleading tone, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Ranma gulped, but nodded his understanding, but his thoughts
were on other matters. The last time something like this was said to
him was when he'd been submitted to the nnn...n.ne...ne...damned
cat-fist.

"Right now you aren't progressing in the art, since your mind
is in turmoil. Your mind would normally be a little confused right
now, since your body is going through some pretty rough changes.
However, I can only imagine what it must be like for you to go through
that in two different genders, especially with the things your father
filled your head with."

"Hey, you leave Pops outta this!!" Ranma said, his voice
turning hard. Nobody talked about his father like that.

"I mean no disrespect towards Genma, Ranma. Your father is a
fine man and I love him dearly. However, everybody has their
shortcomings, including your father. I'm sure you've noticed some of
them while you were training with him."

Ranma slowly nodded. He knew Pops could be a little impulsive
at times, but that didn't make him a bad father. Just so long as she
knew that...

Seeing that she'd hit the right mark, Nodoka continued. "Some
of the things Genma said were slightly...incorrect. In particular, it
seems that he was a little misguiding when it came to how to treat and
view women. It is honorable to protect them and, in general, treat
them with chivalry. However, women are far from weak or worthless.
It's true that women tend to be slightly weaker physically than men,
but we're able to make up for that in training. Plus, there are other
weapons besides the one's you've trained in."

Ranma nodded. He understood that. Of course he didn't know
all of the martial arts yet. However, it was only a matter of time.

"In order for you to fully understand what this all means,
drastic measures must be taken. Ranma, what I propose is..." Nodoka
closed her eyes and licked her lips. "I propose that you spend the
next year in your cursed form."

Ranma's eyes widened. He slammed his palms against the
tabletop, rising up. "No!! I'm not gonna do it! I'm a man! I
won't!!" he yelled, his eyes blazing fiercely as he gazed down on his
mother. How could she even propose such a thing?

Nodoka's eyes met him and she wouldn't give an inch. She
guessed that he'd probably react like this and knew that if she backed
down now she might never have her son back. "No, Ranma. I'm afraid
that I insist. You have no idea what you're speaking about. You're
just a fourteen-year-old boy that's scared of things he can't
understand."

"Yeah, Ma. A fourteen-year-old BOY, Ma. A boy!! As in 'not
a girl'!!!"

"Like it or not, Ranma, being a girl is also part of who you
are now. I did some research last night. I know that the curses are
permanent. You might've been born a boy, but that's only part of who
you are now."

"So what. You think I don't know that? Me an' Pop searched
for a cure before we left China. I know that I won't get cured, but
that's no reason to give in. Just because I'm cursed doesn't mean I
have ta like it. All I've gotta do is avoid cold water."

"Really, Ranma? And how do you propose to avoid cold water
for the rest of you life? If I remember correctly, yesterday when you
came home you were most distinctly female. Do you expect to go so
far in your training that you're even able to dodge rain?" she asked,
raising an eyebrow.

Ranma's face turned and twisted, before he fled upstairs,
running to his room. Thus, he never saw the face of his mother,
which looked very much like his own.

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

A couple hours later, Ranma heard a knock on his door. He was
still out of sorts, but knew that he'd have to face his mother sooner
or later. "Come in."

The door cracked open, showing Nodoka's worried face. "Are
you ready to talk?"

"Hai, Okaasan," he mumbled.

Nodoka walked over to his bed and sat down next to him,
wrapping an arm around him. He instinctively flinched, not used to
contact, but didn't withdraw from her. It actually felt pretty good.
"Ranma, I don't know how many times I have to say it, but I just want
what's best for you. You are my son and I love you, but this is as
much a part of you as being a man. No, Ranma, just hold on a second,"
she said, her voice growing a little harsher when he tried to
interrupted her, "You will always be my son, but you'll probably spend
almost as much time as a girl as a man from now on. I know that your
father changes even after he washes his hands, unless it's done with
hot water."

Ranma lowered his head. "Stupid curse."

Nodoka wrapped her arms completely around him, drawing him
backwards, into a reverse hug. "I think part of the problem is that
you think of it as a curse. I don't think this is as much of a curse
as an opportunity. You have a rare gift to not only understand both
sides, but to take advantage of what both genders have to offer."

Ranma leaned into his mother's embrace and sighed. He knew
that he'd have to give in sooner or later. If nothing else, he gave
his word that he'd obey her training requirements, and a Saotome never
goes back on their word.

"Hai, Okaasan. I still don't like it," he said, closing his
eyes, "but I'll give it a shot. I do have a request, though. Can we
start tomorrow? I kinda want to stay male for at least one more day."

"That's fine with me, Ranma. I'd like to have some time with
my son."

Both of them smiled at each other, then got up and went
downstairs. "Can you teach me some of those moves you did during our
sparring session?" he asked.

Nodoka grinned at her son. "I'd be glad to."

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

**The Next Day**

Ranma once again woke up with the sun shining on his face.

"Ranma, breakfasts ready," Nodoka called from downstairs.

Ranma popped out of bed and bolted for the dining room, eager
for his fair share. He wasn't disappointed. His mom remembered how
much he said he liked okonomyaki. There were three large portions
waiting for the various family members.

He knelt down in his usual seat and waited for everyone else
to seat themselves, learning from yesterday's experience. He even
waited until both Nodoka and Genma had their chopsticks in hand before
shouting, "Itadakimasu," and plowing into his food with the vigor of a
whirlwind.

The two Saotome men finished their food within a few seconds
and Nodoka found herself sighing as she looked down at her
only-slightly-eaten okonomyaki. She'd have to remember to eat before
serving the meal from now on. Oh well, time enough for eating later.
Today promised to be an even longer day then yesterday, if that were
possible.

"So, honey, shouldn't you be getting to work?" Nodoka asked
her husband.

"Hai," he said, rather eagerly. He was in such a rush, that
he didn't even grab the bento she'd prepared for him. After all,
working with Tendo again. It was almost too good to be true.
Especially with the master gone! *Life is good,* he thought, slamming
the door behind him.

"Okay, Ranma. It's time," Nodoka said, giving him a glass of
cold water.

Ranma took the water and studied it for a moment, thinking
about how amazing it was that something which appeared so innocent
could screw up his life so much. He slowly lifted it over his head,
knowing that it was necessary, but still not wanting to do it.

The change was different from any of the times he'd felt it
before. It was almost as if somebody had hit the slow motion button.
He could feel himself shrinking and would later swear that he could
even feel his hair change color. However, the part that hit home
hardest was his muscle mass. He agonized as he felt his muscles begin
to shrink, until he couldn't even tell that they were there. True,
he'd never been exceptionally well-developed before, but now he had
nothing to show for all of his hard work.

Nodoka stared at Ranma for a moment. Besides when he first
came back, this was the first time she'd seen the curse at work. It
left her breathless. In front of her was a perfect likeness of
herself, when she was a child.

Instinctively, Nodoka grabbed Ranma into a hug. She'd already
told him some of her plans for today. Ranma would need a lot of
training to act as a proper girl and they only had two weeks before
she'd start going to the all girl's school that was nearby.

Ranma clung to his mother. She knew she'd have a long trip
ahead of her and that it all started with her new name: Hikaru Shidou.

The End

Well, that's it for now. This should take care of all the prologues,
so next chapter we'll finally start seeing some Magic Knight Rayearth
aspects.

I originally planned on writing out Ranma's day with his mother,
shopping for clothes and being trained in the feminine arts. However,
I thought that people might be bored with such, so I decided to end it.
However, if you want to see it, email me and I'll think about making it
into a side story. *Yay side stories!!*

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.

Please send C&C to asgeras@prodigy.net , unless it applies to the whole group. Keep the group spam to a minimum. ^_^

Asgeras
http://www.geocities.com/asgeras@prodigy.net/index.html