Hi, Everybody! (Hi, Dr. Nick!)

I've tossed off another load of utter crap! Actually, it's one of those 
things that seemed like a nice idea at the time, but didn't quite execute... 
I'd appreciate some suggestions...
                                                   - P-word.

==============================================================================
Clogged Sink Press Presents:

Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction:


                                Total Recall


By Plunger

      All characters copyright of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan Inc. and
              Viz Communications, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah...
                 Special Attacks shamelessly stolen from SFA.
______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: This had NOTHING to do with the Arnie Schwarznegger (sp?) film.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Story begins...]

Ranma awoke and looked up. He was staring at the thatched roof of his and
Shampoo's hut. Sitting up, he looked around and saw his wife preparing their 
breakfast. He smiled, even though he couldn't remember much from before their
arrival in China, he knew he had never been happier in his entire life. 

He was living a fantasy. Spending his days practicing his martial arts and 
spending his nights with Shampoo was a dream come true. 

Shampoo turned and saw him smiling at her. "Why are you smiling, husband?" 
she asked in Chinese.

"I was just thinking how lucky I am..." he replied, also in Chinese.

She smiled and put some food on the table, "Breakfast is ready."

Ranma got up and got dressed. He then walked over to the table and sat down.
As they ate breakfast, Shampoo looked at him out of the coner of her eye. 

Ranma noticed this and looked up at her, "What's up?"

Shampoo looked nervous for a moment and said, "Have you heard the rumors?"

Ranma rolled his eyes, wondering what new idle speculation had been stirred 
up by the village gossip mongers. "What is it, now?" he asked.

"People are talking... They're wondering why I am not pregnant..." She 
blushed a little as she spoke. 

Ranma frowned, "Well, it's none of their damned business anyway! If they've
got a problem, they can challenge me!"

Shampoo smiled, "That's silly. No-one challenges you. There's no point. Every-
one knows Shampoo's husband is the strongest fighter in the village." She said
the last with some pride in her voice.

Ranma nodded absently. Since coming to the village, he had systematicly 
thrashed, trashed, smashed and crushed anyone silly enough to fight him. He
had quickly managed to establish a reputation as being too tough to beat, and 
people now kept a respectful distance away from him.

"Listen," he said reassuringly, "It's no big deal... If they talk, let 'em 
talk... Big deal!"

Shampoo looked a little less upset and went back to her breakfast. 

Shortly after, Ranma got up and went to the well for some fresh water. When
he arrived there, he was met by Mousse.

"Hi, Mousse... Ready for your morning beating?" he asked conversationally.

Mousse's face twisted into an ugly scowl, "I will win this time, Ranma! You 
have had Shampoo in your clutches for too long!"

Ranma snorted, "Have you forgotten that the high council decided this? You 
don't even have a claim on Shampoo! The only reason we fight is cause I allow
it. I could quite easily refuse and not lose honor."

"That would be so like you, Ranma... Being the coward you are!" Mousse 
snarled.

All of the other nearby villages gasped. To call someone a coward was the 
lowest insult there was.

Ranma flushed a deep red and dropped his bucket, "Fine... Let's go..." He 
stepped back into his guard, fists raised.

Mousse put on his glasses and raised his guard, "I am ready..." With that, 
he leapt forwards attempting to flying kick Ranma. Ranma took a step back 
and then counter attacked. 

"SHOURYUREPPA!"

Dropping low, he lunged forwards, thrusting his fist upwards and catching 
Mousse in the stomach, then the solar plexus then the jaw. He then spun around 
and repeated the motion, sending Mousse flying back and sprawling him on the 
ground, out cold.

Several of the other villagers around him muttered amongst themselves as Ranma
grabbed his bucket and filled it from the well. Ranma turned and gave them a 
dark look, that silenced them, the turned and walked back to his and Shampoo's
house. 


As Mousse regained consciousness, he could hear the villagers laughing. "Ha!
Did you see that?" one said, "Ranma took him out more easily than usual." 

Another agreed, "Sure did. Mousse was stupid to make him mad..." "The poor 
boy should give up! He'd be able to beat most other girls..and yet he chases 
after Shampoo even though she's married!" added another.

Mousse sighed and tried to shut it all out. His life had become a sort of 
continuous nightmare in which he was forced to watch Ranma living out his 
dream. If only he had been able to stop Cologne from tricking Ranma into 
coming to China and then manipulating his memories. 

He got up and stumbled away to collect his thoughts. Even if he had been 
able to do anything, he was now forbidden from discussing it. Cologne had 
commanded, and if you were a man, you obeyed the matriach... 

Unless you were Ranma of course...

For reasons Mousse couldn't quite understand, Ranma was Cologne's pet. She 
had taught him martial arts tecgniques of incredible power and as a result 
he was now almost unstoppable. Mousse knew, to his chagrin, that the only 
reason he was still alive was because Ranma had pulled his punch. The 
Shouryureppa was a killing blow if applied correctly. As usual, Ranma had 
been grandstanding by using the move and not killing him. It made Mousse 
look stupid because it showed that Ranma did not think enough of him to 
kill him honorably, and it showed that Ranma was skillful enough to perform 
the technique with perfect control.

Mousse sighed again and wandered off the the river to be alone for a while.


Back at the hut, Ranma was just finishing his morning wash up, when Shampoo
walked in. "Did you beat Mousse again?" she asked curiously, a little mischief
in her eyes.

Ranma nodded, "Yeah... He called me a coward today."

Shampoo gasped, "Did you..."

Ranma snorted, "No. Of course not... Mousse is just upset... He'll get over 
it..."

"When?" muttered Shampoo uncertainly.

"One of these days..." her husband replied. He got up and put his shirt on.
"Where did you go before?" he asked.

"I went to see Hiibachan..." she replied.

Ranma grunted and pulled his shoes on, then walked to the door.

Shampoo called out as he reached the door, "Are you going to train?" 

He turned and said, "Yeah... I'm just goin' to do some airial work at
Jyusenkyou..."

"Okay, " she replied, "Be careful..."

Ranma nodded, "I will..." 

Ranma turned to go again when Shampoo said, "Don't tire yourself too much... 
I'm in the mood..." He looked back to see her smiling sensuously at him.

Ranma grinned and walked out of the hut. He strolled casually down the 
villages main street, waving to a few of his neighbors as he did. He moved
swiftly out of the village and then broke into a run. 


About an hour later, Ranma arrived at the Jyusenkyou Guide's House near
the cursed springs. Outside, Plum was sitting on the ground, playing.
"Hello, Ranma-san!" she piped cheerfully.

Ranma smiled as he walked past, "Hello, Plum... How's your father?"

"He's fine." said Plum, "Though it took him a while to figure out which
spring was which after you wrecked the signs!"

Ranma laughed, "Yeah... Er... Tell him I'm sorry about that."

Plum nodded cutely, "Okay."


Ranma turned and headed for the training ground. As he strolled over to it,
he looked around. He was alone, as usual. He was the only person who used 
Jyusenkyou regularly. With a wry grin, he leapt up into the air and somer-
saulted before landing on one of the bamboo poles.

<Okay...> he thought, <Time to try out some of my new moves...> 

He closed his eyes and focused. Even after training day in and day out at 
Jyusenkyou, he still had the odd accident. He'd fallen into all sorts of 
weird springs since coming to China with Shampoo and Cologne, but he now
knew where Nannichuan was so it didn't matter. If he fell into a spring, 
he just went and jumped in the Nannichuan again.

Ranma clenched his right fist and sent his chi flowing into it. He then 
leapt straight up into the air, thrusting his fist upwards and spinning his 
body as the scroll had said. 

"SHINRYUUKEN!" 

He spun around rapidly, feeling the chi radiating from his entire body. He 
then dropped back down to land on the pole again. He smiled in satisfaction. 
It was the first time he had performed the God Dragon Punch without falling 
into a spring. 

<Okay...> he thought calmly, <Let's try a few more tricks...> 

Ranma then leapt into the air and threw a series of complex and acrobatic 
kicks. He landed on a another pole and pivoted. On the pole where he had been 
sat Cologne. 

The ghoul looked pleased, "Well done, Muko-dono... Your skills are increasing 
every day. Soon you will be the most powerful fighter Joketsuzoku has ever 
produced..."

Ranma snorted, "You forget that I'm not a product of this village!"

Cologne raised an eyebrow, "No? Then why do you use our fighting techniques?
Hiryuushoutenha, Shishihoukoudan and Kacchu Tenshin Amiguriken are all ours...
and they are your techniques of choice... I would say that you are as much a 
product of our village as you are of Japan."

Ranma shrugged, "Maybe... But that's not why you're here, is it?"

Cologne smiled calculatingly, "No. It's not. I wanted to talk to you persona-
lly. It's aboutShampoo."

Ranma looked impassively at the crone, "What about her?"

"Why isn't she pregnant? You should be producing an heir by now!" Cologne's 
statement was firm and commanding.

Ranma shrugged dismissively, "Not that's it's any of your business or any-
thing, but it'll happen... I'm too busy working on my moves at the moment,
anyway..."

Cologne scowled, she wanted to clobber Ranma for his insolence, but was no
longer sure of her ability to do so. Ranma's fighting skills had increased to
a point where he regularly travelled to Hou Ou Son and challenged and thrashed 
Saffron. She contented herself by saying, "I suppose it's not... But remember, 
failure to produce and child is gounds for divorce. Would you give Mousse 
another chance?"

Ranma laughed, "Mousse?! He couldn't beat Shampoo on his best day, let alone 
me!"

Cologne glared at him, "You seem very sure of yourself, Muko-dono..." 

Ranma gave a thumbs up, "No sweat. Like you said, I'm the best!"

Cologne did not say a word and simply launched a chi blast at him. Ranma 
vaulted back to land on another pole. As the blast came in, he simply swatted
it aside like an insect. Cologne jumped forward, heading for another nearby 
pole. 

Ranma jumped in and smashed the post before she could land, sending her 
falling to the ground below. He then swung around another pole with his hands
and flipped up onto it. He looked down to see Cologne glaring up at him. 
"What's the matter, Baachan? Getting too old? Is that chi blast the best you
can do?"

Cologne jumped up facing him, "You are still too cocky... I think it's time
to fix that flaw..."

Ranma raised his guard, "Do your worst..."

Cologne whirled her staff around, creating a vortex of wind. Ranma found 
himself struggling to maitain his balance as the pole shook and wavered. 
Finally, he simply jumped off and let the wind pull him in. He was sucked in
by the wind, giving his kick a powerful boost of acceleration as it slammed
into Cologne and sent her flying. Ranma landed on the pole and grinned as
Cologne sailed over Jyusenkyou. 

"Guess that's that, then..." he muttered. He turned and hopped away from 
where Cologne had gone. As he jumped, he was hit in the back of the head with 
Cologne's staff. Stunned by the impact, he was unable to control his downward 
flight. He smashed into a pole face first and slid to the ground unconscious.

Colgone pogoed over and picked up her staff. "Foolish, Muko-dono. When are 
you going to learn? The only thing that can beat you is over confidence!" 
With that, she grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out of Jyusenkyou.

As the old woman went past, Plum looked up. It was always interesting to see
which one had gotten the better of the other in the days match. From the look 
of things, todays fight had gone to Cologne.  Plum shrugged and went back to 
playing. They'd be back tommorow... Or so she thought...


When Ranma regained consciousness, he was lying in his bed looking up at
the roof. His head ached and he felt weak all over. He closed his eyes and 
the pain receeded somewhat.

Shortly after, he heard someone enter and then put a cold cloth on his head.
He heard Shampoo mutter, "Silly husband..." to herself. He couldn't help but 
smile. 

She must have seen his smile because she then said, "You forget about tonight? 
How are we supposed to have fun if you're knocked out?"

Ranma chuckled a little and then stopped as his head began to throb. He slowly
drifted into sleep.


He found himself in a dream. Or perhaps it was a memory. He wasn't quite sure.

He was at Hou Ou Son fighting Saffron. It was their first meeting, where 
Saffron had had the psychological advantage of having shrunken his fiancee 
into a doll. 

He looked down to see that Shampoo was safely inside his shirt. The doll was
not Shampoo, but a girl with short dark brown hair. He stared. That was not
how it had been... Where was Shampoo?! Who was this girl? He was supposed to
be protecting his fiancee... How could he have gotten so confused?

Suddenly he was fighting Saffron. He watched as the doll shot out of his shirt
and peirced through Saffron's chi blast to allow him to attach with his Hiry-
uuhyoutotsupa. 

Before he could blink, he was flying down on the dragon tap carrying the doll
of the short haired girl. He saw the dragon tap and fired a Hiryuukyoutenha,
destroying it and sending water everywhere. 

Suddenly he found himself holding the shorted haired girl as he had Shampoo.
He landed on the ground and held her to him as she failed to respond. He 
heard himself talking to her, telling her that he was sorry for being so cruel
and thoughtless to her. It was odd that he should repeat all the same things
he had said to Shampoo when it had really happened to her.

He heard himself speak the girls name, "Akane..."

Ranma frowned, that name sounded sort of familiar... Why did he know it? 


Shampoo looked over from where she was sitting on the other side of the room. 
Ranma appeared to be having some sort of dream, which was not uncommon with 
head in injures. 

Her world stopped when she heard him mutter the word, "Akane..." She went 
pale and got up and ran out of the house, heading for her grandmothers home.

As soon as she was gone, Mousse looked in the window with a wide smile on his
face, "He's remembering!" he gloated. He might just get the last laugh yet...


Shampoo burst into Cologne's house much to the matiarch's surprise. "Is there
something wrong, great granddaughter?" the old woman asked.

Shampoo nodded vigorously, "Ranma said Akane's name! He's dreaming about her!"

Cologne raised an eyebrow, "Hmm... I don't think it's anything to worry about.
I'm sure it's just an effect of the concussion... When he wakes up, just tell
him that he was hallucinating."

Shampoo looked dubious, "Are you sure, Hiibachan?"

Cologne frowned, "Of course, I'm sure!" she said sternly.

Shampoo's face fell and she walked meekly out of the house. 

Cologne snorted. Young people. They had no respect. Ranma was having a bad 
effect on Shampoo... Still, there was no help for it... They needed Ranma to
ensure that the next generation of Amazons would be the strongest yet.


Mousse slipped out of the hut just as Shampoo re-entered. As he snuck away, 
he secreted a small bottle in his robes. <With some luck, that herbal medicine
will counteract that memory program of Cologne's... And then Shampoo will be
mine!> He started to laugh for no apparent reason, drawing stares from those 
passing by. He didn't care. He was well on the way to winning Shampoo back!

Shampoo walked into the hut to find Ranma still sleeping on the bed. Oddly,
he appeared to have some sort of stain around his mouth. She shrugged and
wiped it off.


A little later, Ranma groaned and regained consciousness. He sat up and 
looked blearily at his surroundings. "Ow... Where am I?" he murmered.

Shampoo turned from where she was cooking, "You're at home, of course!"

"Oh... What happened? I feel so weird..." he muttered.

"You were dreaming after your accident. Do you feel better?" she explained.

Ranma nodded and stood up somewhat unsteadily. He wandered over to the table
and sat down while Shampoo prepared their dinner.


That night, as Ranma dozed off to sleep, he began to dream again. 

This time he dreamed about house somewhere in Japan. An old house... One which
he lived in... And there were others... The short haired girl from his other
dream...an older man with glasses who looked familiar...two other girls who
looked like the short haired girl... What was her name? Akemi? Akari? No...
Akane... That was it... Why did it sound so familiar?

The same recuring thought bounced around and around inside his head. Why did
he know the girls name? Who was she? What was she doing in his memory? 


Suddenly in the middle of the night, a searing white light of memory speared
through the fog of lies that clouded his memory. In an instant everything 
became clear and he remembered. As he did, he cried out in recognition.

"AKANEEEEEEEEE!"

Mousse rolled over in bed and smiled to himself, <The drug must have worked.>
he thought.

Ranma leapt out of bed and looked around. He remembered everything. Eating at
the Nekohanten and falling asleep. Hearing Cologne's voice as she replaced his 
memories with falsehoods and lies. Leaving Nerima in a drug stupor and coming 
to China, where Cologne had finished programing him. 

His entire life as he knew it was a sham! In a rage he go dressed and stormed 
out despite Shampoo's protests. He stomped through the village in a rage until 
he reached Cologne's house, where he stopped.

"OLD GHOUL!" he shouted, "I REMEMBER! I KNOW WHAT YOU DID TO ME!"

A moment later, the light came on and Cologne appeared. She looked curiously
at him. "So..." she said conversationally, "You remember my memory program-
ming?"

Ranma nodded once, "Yes. I remember what you took from me."

Cologne snorted, "Did I really take that much? I took you away from that silly
girl who you always fought with! I brought you here where you are respected as
no man has been for centuries! I taught you all of the greatest martial arts!
Don't you think you gained more from this than you lost?!"

Ranma scowled, "Maybe I did gain from coming here... But you took that choice
away from me! After fighting Saffron I finally realised that I cared for 
Akane! I was going to tell her... AND YOU TOOK ME AWAY BEFORE I GOT THE 
CHANCE!"

"Bah!" Cologne scoffed, "You never had the courage to make any sort of decis-
ion! If I hadn't stepped in, you would have never done anything and we'd all
still be making fools of ourselves!"

Ranma clenched his fists in fury, "No matter! You took my freedon from me! 
And who knows what you did to Akane!"

"I didn't do anything to Akane. There was no need. After you conveniently 
disapeared I sent a letter from you explaining that you had chosen to marry 
Shampoo and returned to China with us!" Cologne said evenly.

Ranma could see she was enjoying the whole thing. He looked around and saw 
that the whole village was watching with some interest. He smiled, there was
only one course of action. "Cologne," he shouted, so all could hear, "You 
have dishonored me! I challenge you to a battle of honor!"

The whole village gasped at the breach of protocol. Ranma didn't care, 
beating Cologne was the only way out and he knew it.

Cologne chuckled and said, "Very well... If I win, you will stay and be 
Shampoo's husband of your own will."

Ranma cracked his knuckles, "Done. But If I win, you let me go and my 
marriage to Shampoo is disolved."

Cologne nodded and gripped her staff tightly. 

Ranma stepped into his guard and the pulled back his hands. With a shout, he 
thrust them forward, unleashing a chi blast, "GOU MOUKO TAKABISHA!" The blast
shot out of his hands and flew towards Cologne. The old woman moved easily to
the side, the blast missing her easily and crashing into her house, demolis-
hing it. Cologne looked behind her as the building collapsed. "Well done, 
muko-dono..." 

She turned back just in time to recieve a flying kick in the face. As she 
slid across the rough ground on her back, Ranma leapt in and attempted to 
pounce on her. She rolled to the side and tripped him with her staff. He 
cartwheeled and stepped back. 

Cologne smiled as Ranma wiped sweat from his brow, "What's the matter? Don't
you think you can beat an old woman?"

Ranma gritted his teeth and said nothing. 

Cologne waited for him to attack, but he did not move. She cursed herself and
moved in. Failing to attack would be an unacceptable sign of fear from a matr-
iarch. 

She leapt at him, hoping to deafeat him with a pressure point strike before he
could conter. As she headed towards him, he channeled his chi into his fist.
It glowed as he jumped up to meet her, corkscrewing as he went.

"SHINRYUUKEN!"

Ranma's spinning uppercut hit Cologne squarely in the face and then pounded 
her backward as he continued to spin, the motion hitting her again and again
with incredible speed.

They dropped to the ground a moment later, Ranma on his feet and Cologne on
her back, stunned. She stared as Ranma stood defiantly before her. "Imposs-
ible..." she murmered, "I never taught you that technique! No-one alive is
capale of performing the God Dragon Punch!"

Ranma smiled and winked at her, "Apart from me..."

She stared, "How..."

"I read the ancient scrolls. They discrible the technique in minute detail. 
All I had to was follow the instructions to the letter. I've been practicing 
it for weeks. I only got it right today... Guess it was just your bad luck!"

Cologne couldn't help but smile, "Well done, muko-dono... You are indeed my
finest student... You've won.... You're free to go..."

Ranma dropped his hands and turned to go. In front of him stood Shampoo, a 
distraught look on her face. "Ranma! You can't leave me! We're married!" she
pleaded.

"Not any more!" Ranma snarled, "Our entire marriage was a sham! You lied to 
me and tricked me into coming here!"

Shampoo looked down guiltily, "I didn't mean to do it... I love you... I just
wanted you to be my husband...and live here... Weren't you happy?" Her voice
was small, and her face showed her guilt and regret.

Ranma stared coldly at her, "Yeah... I did like it here... And I did like 
being married... But you lied to me! Continually! I can never forgive that! 
What you did is a betrayal of everything that marriage stands for! Goodbye, 
Shampoo..."

Ranma stepped around her without meeting her gaze, and started to walk from 
the village.

"Wait!"

Ranma stopped and half turned. He saw Shampoo standing on the road, tears run-
ning down her face. She looked miserably at him for a moment and then said, 
"Where are you going?!"  

He stared blankly at her for a time and then said, "Home... To Akane..." With- 
out another word, he walked out of the valley of the Joketsuzoku and did not
look back.

*******
ADD BIT
*******



Akane Tendou walked in the gates of Furinkan High. As she approached the main
building, Tatewaki Kunou appeared armed with his bokuto. 

"Such is the beauty of the morn' that I feel inclined to duel with thee, 
Tendou Akane. Dost thou accept?" he spouted.

Akane sighed, Kunou was never going to get into the twentieth century...

"Listen, Kunou." she began. "I don't want to do this right now..."

She tried to walk past, but he blocked her way, "Tis not for you to refuse
the great Kunou Tatewaki... Methinks we ought spar..."

Akane stepped back and frowned, Kunou was persistant and VERY stupid. "Okay,
Kunou. If that's what you want..."

Just as she was about to attack, an ummbrella flew past and slammed into 
Kunou, flattening him. Akane turned to see Ryouga standing at the gate. He 
looked angry. "Ryouga-kun!" she exclaimed.

Ryouga walked up to Akane and took her hand, "I'm sorry I'm late, Akane-
chan... I got lost on the way to school yesterday..." He kissed her hand and
then turned to Kunou, who was staggering to his feet, "You! How dare you 
harrass my girlfriend like that!"

Kunou raised his bokuto to Ryouga's throat. Much to his disapointment, Ryouga
did not flinch. The samurai ran his blade along Ryouga's jaw line, "You dare
to tell me, The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High, what to do?! Your insolence
will not be tolerated! Prepare yourself!"

Kunou swung his bokuto back and swiped at Ryouga. Ryouga rolled under the 
strike and grabbed his umbrella. He turned and swung the umbrella in a wide 
arc, forcing Kunou back. 

Kunou slashed downwards, but the blow was blocked by Ryouga's umbrella. The 
two weapons locked as their masters vied for supremecy. With a mighty shove,
Ryouga threw Kunou back, "Hah! You're not strong enough to beat me, Kunou!"

Kunou rose to his feet and picked up his blade, "We shall see... More often 
than not, it is skill that overcomes power..."

Ryouga scowled and rushed at Kunou. The samurai parried with his bokuto and  
swiped at Ryouga's legs. Ryouga jumped over the attack and kicked Kunou in 
the face. Kunou reeled back and Ryouga grabbed him and slammed him into the
ground with as much force as he could muster. 

Kunou's head contacted the ground with a hollow thud, sending cracks out 
across the pavement. Ryouga dropped the now comatose samurai and stood up.

Akane came over and dusted him off, "Thank you, Ryouga-kun... He's so annoy-
ing when he does that."

Ryouga grinned at her praise and picked up his pack, "Of course, Akane-chan.
He deserves it for bothering you."

Akane smiled and looped her arm through his.


Ranma stood on the beach looking out at the ocean. "Well..." he muttered, 
"I've done it before... I'm stronger now than I was then... That should make 
it easier..."

Ranma stepped forward and plunged into the water.


Ryouga sat in class looking dreamily at Akane. He wasn't paying any attention 
to the teacher, prefering instead, to think about his now perfect life. After
all his striving and suffering, he had finally won Akane as his girlfriend. He
hoped she would soon be his fiancee, but that was up to her father. 

Ryouga had done his best to prove that he was worthy, and had shown consider-
able skill in the Anything Goes style... If Souun could be convinced that 
Ranma was not coming back from China, Ryouga knew that he would be able to 
marry Akane and fulfill his fantasy. 

"Ryouga!" 

Ryouga started at the shout, "Er... Yes?" 

The sensei gave him a withering look, "Ryouga, you are far enough behind as 
it is! You should not be daydreaming!"

Ryouga looked down in embarrassment, he knew the entire class knew exactly 
what he has thinking about. He looked over at Akane and saw her blushing too.
"Sorry, sensei." he said belatedly, "I'll try to pay more attention."

The sensei nodded and went back to his droning lecture.

Ryouga slumped down at his desk and zoned out again.


That evening, Ryouga and Akane walked home from school hand in hand. Akane 
was smiling and looking at Ryouga out of the corner of her eye. He noticed 
and said, "Why are you looking at me?"

She swung her arms nervously, "Oh... I was just wondering what you were think-
ing about when sensei caught you napping..."

Ryouag blushed, "Um... I..I was...thinking about..y-you actually..." he stamm-
ered.

Akane smiled widely, "That's so cute, Ryouga-kun! Thank you!"

Ryouga smiled obliviously. 

They arrived at the doujou shortly after and went in. Ryouga went to Ranma's 
old room, where he was staying, via several others, and then came down to 
dinner. 

Souun looked up as Ryouga entered, "Oh... Ryouga... Found your way back, did 
you?" 

Ryouga bowed, "Yes, Tendou-san. I managed to get to school today."

Souun nodded and turned a page of his paper. 

Ryouga sighed, no matter how hard he tried, Akane's father remained determin-
dly distant.


Ranma crawled up onto the beach and flopped down, exhausted and gasping for 
breath. Even with his incredible stamina and strength, the trip had been diff-
icult..and he was waterlogged. 

He lay on the beach for a long time, catching his breath and regainsing his
strength. After about half an hour, he got slowly to his feet and looked 
around. "Hmm... Looks like the west coast of Honshu... I'm in the right 
place!" He stopped and smacked himself in the head, "Gotta stop speaking 
Chinese..."

He took one more look at his surroundings and began to walk inland.


Akane and Ryouga left the house the next morning and headed for school. As 
they headed off around the corner, Ranma walked around another corner and 
headed for the Tendou-ke. He strolled up to the door and knocked.

A moment later Kasumi opened the door. She stared blankly at him for almost a
minute before anything came from her mouth. When it did, "Oh my..." was all
she could manage.

Ranma looked sheepishly at her, guilt plain on his face, "Er... Hi Kasumi...
I'm...er..back..."

Kasumi continued to stare for a moment, the shocked look plastered on her 
face. Gradually, almost so slowly as for it to be unnoticeable, Kasumi's
expression changed to a frown. Ranma swallowed audibly.

"Ranma-kun..." she murmered.

"Er... Yes?" he replied, unsure what else to say.

Kasumi abruptly turned and walked away, leaving the door open. Ranma stood 
there, unsure if he was supposed to wait or go in. Evidently the latter was
the case as an angry Souun rushed through the doorway and tried to strangle
him. "Ranma-kun! You have made me very unhappy!" he shouted.

Ranma dodged the attack with ease and stepped back. "I'm sorry, Ojisan... 
It's not my fault... Cologne drugged me and rewrote my memories with Shampoo 
in Akane's place. I only remembered you all the day before yesterday after I 
got hit in the head!"

Souun snorted, "What about the letter?! Where did that come from?!"

"Cologne! She orchestrated it all!" Ranma protested, "I never wrote it!"

Souun paused to take this in. He then said, "So why have you come back? 
You're married to Shampoo, aren't you?!"

Ranma shook his head, "Not anymore. When I found out what she and the ghoul 
had done, I got a divorce."

"I thought women were the leaders in the that tribe... I wouldn't have 
thought they'd allow it..." Kasumi put in, the frown still plain on her 
face. 

Ranma turned to her and said, "It's not. I defeated Cologne in combat. My 
victory forced her to let me go."

Kasumi was not convinced, "What about that rule about marrying the man who 
defeats them?" 

Ranma shook his head, "It doesn't count in a battle of honor. We bet on the
result and I won."

Souun stared, "You beat the old woman?"

Ranma grinned, "Easily. She's no match for me these days... No-one is..."

"So..." said Souun, as if testing the words, "You have been studying more 
martial arts since you left?"

Ranma nodded, "Yep. I learnt more in that one year in China than I have in my 
entire life."

Souun paled at this, "So you've come back to take over the doujou?"

Ranma nodded, "Yes. I dishonored you all by accident. I want to make up for
it."

"And what about Akane?" added Kasumi coldly.

Ranma stared, "What about her? We'll just go back to being engaged."

Kasumi's frown deepened, "I think her boyfriend will have something to say 
about that!"

Ranma gaped in a state of shock, his mouth hanging open, "B-boyfriend..." he
stammered.

Kasumi nodded, "Yes. Ryouga was very supportive and caring after you walked 
out!"

Ranma face faulted and nearly fell over. "Ryouga?!" he repeated in amazement,
You're kidding!"

Souun shook his head, "No. It's true. They've been going out for some months.
Ryouga is shaping up quite nicely as a potential doujou master."

Ranma stared at Souun for a moment and then began to laugh. It was a cold,
arrogant, mocking laugh. "You really think that Ryouga is even in my league?!
What a joke! He couldn't beat me before! With the Joketsuzoku Ryuu, he's 
hasn't got a chance! And I'll prove it..."

"We shall see, I suppose..." said Souun nervously. He was beggining to have 
second thoughts. Ranma seemed to have absorbed a lot of the Amazon mentality.

Ranma nodded in agreement, "We will see. Where is Ryouga? I'll go trash him
now."

Kasumi looked evenly at him and said, "Do you really think that Akane will 
want you back after what you did?"

"It wasn't my fault! I told you that!" Ranma shouted. It occured to him a 
moment later that shouting at Kasumi was unneccessary. "It's not my fault..."
he muttered again, "I want to try and fix everything..."

Kasumi's look became somewhat more benevolent, "She is at school. If you go 
and beg her to forgive you, she might at least listen..."

Ranma nodded and ran out, "Thanks, Kasumi!"

Souun turned to Kasumi as Ranma sped off, "Why did you do that?"

"Ranma needs to feel some regret and guilt for what he has done. If he doesn't
learn responsibility now, he never will..."

Sounn nodded, "You're right... Do you think he will?"

Kasumi thinned her lips thoughtfully, "Yes... I think he will..."


Ranma ran through the gates of Furinkan High and stopped dead. All of the 
students outside had stopped as one, to stare at him. He puffed out his 
chest and began to walk forwards. He was about to enter the building, when 
Kunou appeared, barring his entry.

"Kunou..." Ranma said flatly.

Kunou bowed low, "Indeed... You have returned, evil one! For the sins of hur-
ting Tendou Akane and stealing my osage no onna, you must pay!"

Ranma snorted and threw a series of blazing punches, "GOU KACCHU TENSHIN 
AMIGURIKEN!" Ranma's fists hammered into Kunou with massive force and sent 
him tumbling back across the ground. Ranma stepped over Kunou and walked 
into the building. 

Looking at the clock, he could see it was lunchtime. Akane would be in the 
cafeteria.


He strode through the hallways, a look of amazon pride and arrogance on his 
face. He walked into the cafeteria, slamming the door open as he went. He had 
been taught that a warrior made his entrance felt. It had the desired effect. 
Everyone turned and gaped in shock at him. 

Casting his gaze around the room, he spied Akane and Ryouga on the far side 
of the room. Without bothering to look at anyone, he began to walk towards 
them, his pace even and measured. The entire room was watching him, but he
didn't care.

He stopped about ten feet away from them. Akane was wearing an expression of
shock mixed with anger and confusion. Ryouga's expression however, was much 
clearer. It was one of pure hatred. 

Ranma returned their looks evenly. He wanted to see their response first.

Akane shifted a little and said, "R-ranma... I-is that really you?"

Ranma nodded once, "Yes. It's me. I'm back from China."

Before Akane could reply, Ryouga jumped to his feet and lurched towards 
Ranma. Ranma grabbed Ryouga and hurled him into a vending machine, sending 
foodstuffs everwhere. He then turned back to Akane.

She was looking at him with a mixture of awe, shock, anger and relief. Or at
least that was what it looked like to him anyway. He said nothing, instead 
waiting for her to speak. After a moment, she did. "Ranma... Why are you here? 
I thought you married Shampoo and went back to live in China!" As she went on, 
her voice became more accusing, "And that letter! Why did you say those 
things?! And why did you run away?! Couldn't you tell me to my face that you 
didn't like me?!"

Ranma waited until she was finished and then simply said, "I do like you. I 
always did."

Akane gaped, "Then why did you..."

"What? Run off? Marry Shampoo? Go to China? Write the letter? I didn't. One of
Cologne's drugged food ploys finally got to me... She had me doped up and on
my way to the village before I knew it. As soon as we were there, I was marr-
ied to Shampoo."

Akane scowled, "You could have said no!" she accused.

Ranma shook his head sadly, "Not in that village. If the matriach says that 
you're married, you're married. It's as simple as that..."

Akane paled, "So... You're...married to Shampoo?"

"No." he replied, "I left her when I found out what she and the crone did. 
I'm back for good."

"So... You...want to come..home?" she murmered.

"Yeah..." said Ranma, "I want to be your fiancee again, too..."

"But-" Akane began, before she was cut off by Ryouga's shout.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I won't let you ruin my dream! DIE, RANMA!" he shouted
in a wild rage, "SHISHIHOUKOUDAN!"

Ryouga's massive depression blast roared across the room, hurling chairs, 
tables, and students aside. 

Ranma raised his hand, his palm facing the incoming blast. Akane saw it a glow
a little just before the blast hit. There was an explosion and the chi ball
flew straight back at Ryouga. It was now twice as big and traveling twice as 
fast. It slammed into Ryouga and blasted him through the wall and into a 
nearby classroom. 

Akane stared in amazement at Ranma, "How did you..."

"Reflection Palm." he replied, "I've mastered many new techniques since I 
left."

Akane looked confused momentarily and then said, "You left me! You didn't 
tell me anything! I don't believe you!"

"I told you! It was Cologne!" he countered.

Akane crossed her arms, "How convenient for you..."

"But..." Ranma stammered. It was not supposed to go like this... He sighed and
began to walk out, "We can talk about this later, Akane. I'll see you after 
school." He trudged slowly out of the room and then left the school.


Meanwhile, Shampoo and Mousse trudged along the streets of Nerima. 

"Shampoo, this is a very bad idea. Killing Akane while Ranma's not around 
won't help! He knows the truth. He's never going to trust you again!" Mousse
pleaded.

Shampoo rounded on Mousse in a rage, "Shut up, Mousse! This is no business
of yours! Ranma is my husband! I did what I did for him! Tendou Akane was all
wrong for him! You saw how they fought!"

Mousse looked her in the eye and simply said, "That was how they dealt with 
each other. Fighting was their way of showing they loved each other."

Shampoo snorted, "That's silly! Why would anyone want to live like that?!"

"Why indeed?" said Mousse, "Why would you want to chase after someone who
doesn't love you? Why would you manipulate them into marrying you with lies?"
He paused and then added, "I don't know how you did it, Shampoo... I couldn't
stand living knowing that the person I loved didn't really love me, but thou-
ght they did..." 

Shampoo swung her mace and flattened Mousse, "SHUT UP, MOUSSE! YOU DON'T KNOW
WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!"

Mousse sat looking giddily up at Shampoo, "We reap what we sow, Shampoo... 
You sowed the seeds of this... And you're your getting what you deserve. 
Lying never leads to happiness... It only brings misery..."

Shampoo swung her mace down and knocked him cold and then stormed off.


Ranma arrived back at the Tendou-ke to find Souun waiting. He looked sternly
at Ranma and told him to follow him. Ranma did and was led to the Shogi board.

"Where's Oyaji?" asked Ranma curiously.

"He went back to your mother in shame after you disapeared..." Souun replied.

They stared at each other for a long time. Souun noted that Ranma's demeanor
had changed a great deal. He was still agressive and headstrong, but there
was more thought behind it. 

Finally Souun moved a piece on the board and said, "I want to know the truth,
Ranma. Did you really go off to marry Shampoo?"

Ranma moved a piece and replied, "No. Cologne really did drug me and then 
mess with my mind. She replaced all my memories of Akane."

Souun looked at the board and then moved again, "So... You're marriage to 
Shampoo is no more?"

Ranma moved another piece, "I ended it when I found out what they had done."

"I see..." murmered Souun thoughtfully, "And you really want to move back 
here? Are you ready to really be Akane's fiancee?"

Ranma looked Souun in the eye and nodded earnestly, "I am. I really care 
about Akane... I never meant to hurt her... But I had no control over it..."

"I suppose not..." said Souun, shifting another piece. 

"What's the story with Ryouga?" asked Ranma, changing the subject somewhat.

"He stayed around after you disapeared. He helped Akane get over losing you.
It hit her much harder than anyone expected. It seems she cared a lot more
for you than we realised."

Ranma bowed his head in shame, "I know..."

"Still," Souun went on, "I never did think that Ryouga was up to it... He
just hasn't got enough..." Souun smiled and moved the winning piece, "Go." 
he finished.

Ranma looked up from the board, "You know I have to confront them, don't you?"

Sounn nodded almost inperceptably, "Yes... I know... If Akane will have you
back, you have my blessing."

Ranma thinned his lips and looked back at the board, he had lost. Souun got
up and walked away, "I will be watching when you face them."

Ranma stared after him. Maybe he wasn't such a fool after all.


Ryouga and Akane walked in the gate of the Tendou-ke to find Ranma waiting 
for them. Ryouga took one look at Ranma and rushed him. Ranma simply stepped
back and thrust his palm forwards. It slammed into Ryouga's sternum and sent 
him catapaulting back into the wall like a wrecking ball, collapsing a 
section of it.

Akane gasped, "Ryouga-kun!" She rounded on Ranma, "Are you just going to beat
on Ryouga until I agree to come back to you?!"

Ranma was taken aback, "No... I... I want to explain... I don't want a fight."

It was Akane's turn to be taken aback. Ranma never wanted to talk things out.
He always found the solutions to his problems on the end of a punch. She 
stared at him, unsure of what to say.

They looked at each other in silence for a time, before Ranma said, "Will you
listen to me?"

Akane frowned, "I'm not sure..." She thought for a moment and figured it 
couldn't hurt. If nothing else, it might give Ryouga time to recover. She 
looked up, sneaking a glance at Ryouga, who was out cold in a pile of rubble. 
"Okay." said said flatly, "I'll listen."

Ranma nodded and gestured for her to sit down. Akane reluctantly moved to sit 
across from him on the porch.

After a moment of silence, he spoke. "I'm sorry, Akane. None of this was 
supposed to happen... Hell! I wasn't supposed to ever go to China!"

"Then why did you go?!" Akane cut in angrilly, "Do you know how worried I was
about you!? Do you have any idea how much I missed you?! And then you have 
the nerve to just come waltzing back here!"

Ranma sighed, "I went because-"

He as cut off as Shampoo kicked the gate down, "He go because he Shampoo's 
husband!" she shouted.

Ranma started in surprise and stood up, "Shampoo? What are you doing here?!"

Shampoo stomped angrilly across the yard, "I come to take husband back!"

Ranma shook his head, "I'm not your husband anymore! Remember?! I defeated 
the matriach who married us! She had no choice to grant my wish! We're not 
married anymore!"

Shampoo growled and swung her bonbori at him. Ranma caught the weapon and 
crushed it in his hand, "I'm sorry, Shampoo. But before you and that old hag 
brainwashed me, I loved Akane... And now that I remember again... I think I 
still do."

Akane blushed at his admission. He was passing up Shampoo's incredible body 
for her...

Shampoo raised her other bonbori and scowled, "Ranma dishonor Shampoo! You 
no can go back to ugly tomboy girl! You Shampoo's husband!"

"Not anymore..." he replied. "I didn't dishonor you. Cologne accepted my 
challenge...and as senior female, she had that right. It was her fault for 
losing!"

"No!" Shampoo shouted, "That not true! Hiibachan not have that right!"

Before Ranma could answer, Mousse appeared on the garden wall, "You know it's
true, Shampoo. You and that old ghoul took Ranma away from his family when 
you found out that Ranma loved Akane! You had not right to do that to them!"

Shampoo rounded on Mousse in a rage, "Who are you to tell Shampoo what she 
has right to do?! You only man!"

"What does that make me?" quiried Ranma.

Shampoo blanched and looked worried, "I..it's..not..." she stammered.

Akane, from her position on the porch was listening to the whole arguement 
in amazment. Ranma had been telling the truth... He didn't run off with 
Shampoo... He didn't leave her... He did care...

Akane slowly turned and put her hands to her head. everything was happening so 
fast. When she looked up, Ranma's hand was hovering nearby. She took it and 
he pulled her up. "Are you okay?" he asked.

She nodded, seeing the concern etched on his face, "Yes... I'm fine, Ranma.
About Shampoo..."

Ranma tried silenced her with a shake of his head, but she continued, "I 
believe you..." she whispered.

He stared for a moment and then smiled, "Okay... Let's make a bet... Anyone 
who wants things to stay as they are can take me on... If I win, we go back 
to the way things were before I went to China."

Akane stared, "You..really want to be my fiancee again?" she exclaimed.

Ranma nodded, "If you want me, yes... Do you? Or would you rather have Ryouga
over there?" he said, gesturing to fanged boy, who was sitting on the ground
dizzily. 

Akane looked over at Ryouga and then back at Ranma. She bit her lip in indec-
ision, "I... I..I'm not..." she stammered. She looked up to see Ranma's grey
eyes staring curiously back at her.  She felt a wave of joy pass through her
as he smiled at her. She took a deep breath and then looked over at Ryouga, 
"I'm sorry, Ryouga-kun... But..."

Ryouga stared in horror for a moment as Ranma systematicly tore down his 
dreams. He lurched to his feet and rushed at Ranma, "NOOOOOO! I WON'T ALLOW
IT!" he roared angrilly.

Ranma stepped away from Akane, drawing Ryouga away from her. He moved quickly 
back, enticing Ryouga by beckoning with his hands, "C'mon, Ryouga! Let's see
if you've gotten any better!"

Ryouga charged at Ranma, throwing a roundhouse punch. He gaped as it connected
solidly with the side of Ranma's face. The blow catapaulted Ranma back across
the garden. Ranma flipped over and laned on his feet about ten metres away. 
He smiled widely, "Is that it, Ryouga?! Who are you kidding?! You're not 
nearly good enough for Akane!"

Ryouga's face twisted into an angry snarl, "I'm better to her than you ever 
were!"

"Maybe I was unkind to her... But at least I could protect her! You could 
never have beaten Saffron! I've done it ten times!" Ranma countered, grinning 
with pride.

Off to the side, Akane was staring worridly at the fighters. She knew she 
cared a great deal about both of them, but she wasn't sure which one she 
wanted to win. Ryouga was much nicer to her, but Ranma seemed to have 
changed since he had left. She could feel a certain sadness for Ryouga and 
knew in her heart that it was Ranma she wanted. No matter how much she 
denied it, he was burned into her soul in the same way she was seared into 
his. As someone had once said.. Yin and yang...

Ryouga saw Akane's expression soften as she looked at Ranma and the look cut 
easily through the string that held his heart together. With the thin bindings 
gone, it shattered into a million sharp pieces that stabbed his chest with 
pain. The misery he felt charged him with power for his Shishihoukoudan. He 
grinned grimly and shouted his rage, "SHISHIHOUKOUDAN!"

Ryouga's power blast roared out from him in a radiating wave. It tore across 
the garden, ripping up trees and shattering stones. Ranma turned and jumped
back, grabbed Akane just before the wall of chi energy was about to hit her. 

When the dust settled Ryouga looked around. He couldn't see Ranma...or Akane
for that matter, anywhere around him. He glanced about in confusion. 

He was just beggining to search when he heard Ranma's voice. It was cold 
and very angry, "Ryouga, you fool! You almost hit Akane with that thing! 
For someone who claims to love her, you don't seem to take very good care 
of her!"

Ryouga curled his lip in anger, "Where are you, Ranma?! Come out if you're 
brave enough!"

Ranma stepped to the egde of the Doujou roof, "I'm right here, Ryouga... With
Akane... She's safe with me."

"DAMN YOU, RANMA! WHY DO YOU TORMENT ME?! WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS?!" 
Ryouga screamed.

Ranma looked impassively down at him, "Nothing, Ryouga. You did nothing wrong.
You were just..unlucky..."

Ryouga clenched his fists, "No... That's not true... It can't be... I had 
everything... I WON'T LET YOU DO THIS TO ME!"

Shampoo dropped to the ground next to Ryouga, "Shampoo agree with Ryouga. 
Everyone happier before you come back here, Ranma! Why you want to go back to 
bad times?" 

"Because this is the way things are meant to be. If it wasn't for you, 
Shampoo, I'd have been Akane's husband and NOT yours!" Ranma said angrilly.

Shampoo frowned, "If Shampoo no can have Ranma, no-one can! Shampoo kill!"

Ryouga grinned, "So, Ranma! Do you think you can beat us both?!"

Ranma shrugged, "Of course... I accept your challenge."

Akane grabbed Ranma's shirt as he was about to leap off the roof. "Can you 
win?" she asked in a small voice.

"Do you want me to?" he replied.

She nodded, and with a small smile, "Yes, Ranma... I do..."

"Then I will..." With that, he jumped off the roof and landed in front of 
Shampoo and Ryouga. He stood up and looked from one to the other, "Well?"

Shampoo rushed at him, swinging her bonbori. Ranma stepped back and tenshin
amiguriken'ed Shampoo's ribs as she followed through. Ryouga attacked also,
throwing a massive punch. Ranma grabbed Ryouga's arm with his free hand and 
tossed him aside. He then headbutted Shampoo and hit her in the ribs with 
a palm strike, sending her rolling across the ground.

Akane watched in amazement as Ranma appeared to easily overpower Shampoo and
Ryouga. She looked up as Mousse appeared next to her. "Hmmm..." he murmered, 
"Ranma is holding back..."

Akane stared, "Holding back? He's toying with them!"

"Yes.. He is...isn't he?" Mousse muttered.

Akane was confused. "How did..." she began, unsure what it was she was asking.

Mousse looked down grimly at the fight below, "Ranma is now more powerful 
than you, or indeed even he can begin to imagine. Cologne has taught him 
techniques of incredible power. I just hope he does not forget where he 
is... If he unleashes some of his capabilities..." 

Akane swallowed and looked down at the fight. Ranma was fending Shampoo off
with one hand, while attacking Ryouga with his free hand and other foot. He
spun and heel kicked Shampoo, ducking a punch from Ryouga at the same time. 
He then grabbed Ryouga's fist as he punched him. They locked for a moment as
a large smile spread across Ryouga's face.

"Ha! You've never been as strong as me, Ranma!" Ryouga gloated as he pushed 
Ranma back.

Ranma lifted Ryouga off the ground by his hand and slammed him on his back, 
"Things change!"

Ryouga rolled back as Shampoo launched herself at Ranma again. Ranma turned 
to meet her and uppercutted her back as she attempted to hit him. Ryouga saw
his chance and rushed in, striking Ranma squarely in the back with his 
umbrella. Ranma dropped to the ground in pain as the umbrella broke across 
his spine.

>From up on the roof, Akane saw him fall. She was about to go and help him 
when Mousse stopped her, "No. Ranma knows what he's doing..."

Akane rounded on him angrilly, "What do you mean?! He's hurt!"

Mousse shook his head, "No. That wouldn't have done more than slightly stun
him. He's faking..."

Akane was unconvinced, "How do you know?" 

"I have seen Ranma fight battles the like of which you cannot imagine. Ryouga
and Shampoo are as nothing to him now... Look..."

Akane looked down to see Ryouga and Shampoo standing on opposite sides of 
Ranma, who was crouching on the ground. They both leapt at him simultaneously.
Akane stared, thinking that Ranma was doomed to be crushed by the enraged 
pair.

A glimmer of light flared around Ranma's right fist and he leapt up to meet 
them. Spiraling upwards, he slammed into them with massive force, battering 
then with dozens of body blows as he spun.
 
"GOUSHINRYUUKEN!"

Ryouga and Shampoo convulsed as Ranma flew between them, hitting then with 
incredible rapidity. There was a final explosion and a flare of blindingly 
bright light as Ryouga and Shampoo were catapaulted across the yard and into 
the garden wall.

When Akane looked back, Ranma was standing alone on the ground. Ryouga and
Shampoo were lying on opposite sides of the garden, both unconscious from the
force of the blast. "What was that?" she murmered.

"That," said Mousse, "Is the Great God Dragon Punch. There is no attack in 
our art more powerful... If Ryouga and Shampoo are still alive... It will be 
a testement to his skill..."

Akane looked at Mousse in surprise, "You admire him?"

"Of course... He is the best..." Mousse replied simply. "I had better go and
check on Shampoo..." He leapt of the roof and ran over to where Shampoo was 
lying. He picked her up and she groaned, much to his relief. "Ranma..." she 
whispered. Mousse smiled wryly to himself, ammused by the irony.

Akane climbed down from the roof and went over to Ranma. She stopped a few 
feet away from him. He just looked at her, no emotion on his face.

"Well..." she said, "You won..."

Ranma nodded, "Yes. I did. That is what you wanted, isn't it?"

Akane sighed and looked over at Ryouga's crumpled form, "Yes... You were 
right. You and I are stuck with each other..."

Ranma smiled and stepped up to her, "Not stuck together... Destined..."

She looked up into his eyes in surprise, seeing a kindness and sincerity 
that had never been there before. "You really mean it?" she asked.

"Yes, I do. I wouldn't have come back if I didn't." he replied. 

Akane smiled, "I'm glad." she said. "Ryouga was nice to me, but he wasn't 
you..."

Ranma turned to look at Ryouga, "Poor guy... I never meant for any of this 
to happen to him. He just can't seem to see that being around me brings him 
bad luck..."

Akane sighed and put her arm through Ranma's, "It's not your fault... I 
know that it wasn't your fault... I thought it was odd that you would send 
a letter. It never seemed like your style. You always confronted people."

He smiled down at her and said, "Yeah... A lot of things happened that 
shouldn't have... I just want to make up for it all, now..."

"Good." said Akane firmly, "I guess we'd better go and tell our fathers 
that we're engaged again..."

"I suppose so..." Ranma murmered thoughtfully. He looked over to see Mousse
carrying Shampoo out of the gate. 

Akane followed his gaze, "What will happen to Shampoo?"

"She'll be disgraced for a while..." he replied.

"How long?"

"Until she remarries..." Ranma said sadly.

Akane's eyes grew wide, "You still care for her?"

Ranma nodded absently, "Yeah... Shampoo has a lot of redeeming features... 
It's a pity she follows the old ghoul... If she was her own person, things 
might have been different..."

"But you're over her, aren't you?" Akane whispered nevously.

Ranma turned to her, "Of course. She lied to me in a thousand different ways.
That's not something you can forgive... Besides, our entire marriage was based 
on lies. That's not how marriage should be... It should be based on trust...
That's how I want our marriage to be..."

Akane blushed slightly and began to pull him towards the house, "You've 
changed, Ranma... For the better, I think... Maybe I do have something 
to thank Shampoo for..."

Ranma laughed, "Maybe you do... I've leared a lot about life from all of 
this... I guess you can change for the better..."
______________________________________________________________________________
                                  - Fin -