"Life is Real, Life is Earnest,
If you're Cold, Turn up the Furnace."

- Herman Munster

PROLOGUE

MAY 1
SOMEWHERE IN CHINA
10:00 P.M.

     	The crescent moon shone clearly in the evening sky as a 
lone figure stoked his campfire and stared into the black center of the 
dancing orange flames.  It was a young man, well built and healthy, 
his eyes dark and intense but with a haunted look to them.  He sat, 
shoulders slightly hunched, as if deeply absorbed in thought, all his 
attention concentrated on the fire as if attempting to figure out some 
hidden meaning to a complex puzzle.  Finally he relaxed enough to 
release a long sigh and look resigned as if he had solved the unseen 
jigsaw puzzle but didn't like the picture that it had formed.

     	"There's no getting around it.  I have to face the truth." 

     	The young man continued to study the fire for a long 
moment.  Finally he stood up, moving slowly over to a large 
backpack.  He briefly ruffled through it until he found a sleeping bag 
which he rolled out near the fire.  A thin, cold breeze whispered 
past him as he did so, causing him to involuntarily shiver as he 
climbed into the sleeping bag and stared up into the sea of stars.

	"I was so close."  "Maybe....No I've been gone too long as it 
is."  "I have to go home and be with her."

	The young man smiled for a moment as thoughts of his 
beloved drifted through his clouded mind.  He pictured her smiling 
face as she awoke by his side in the morning, greeting him with a 
warm hug, holding him close to her as she told him how much she 
loved him and how cute he was.  He closed his eyes and gently drifted 
off to sleep and continued to dream of being with the one he loves....

	Several hours later, the moon had reached the highest point 
of the sky and was beginning its slow descent downwards.  The 
young man slept with a peaceful look on his face, his chest rising and 
falling with each even breath he took, even as a shadow gradually 
fell over him.  The shadow was attached to a short young female, 
although only modestly built.  The girl smiled down at the form 
of the young man, her eyes brimming with both amusement and 
affection.  She knelt down next to the boy's head and softly stroked 
his hair with one of her soft hands.  The boy stirred lightly at the 
sensation and the smile reappeared on his face.  and then, in a soft 
voice, the boy murmured...

"Akane...."

	The girl paused for a moment, as if mulling something over, 
and then she leaned down and whispered in the boy's ear.

	"Yes, Ryouga....It's me.  she whispered as she leaned closer.  
"Wake up."

	Ryouga Hibiki slowly opened his eyes and stared up at the 
face of Akane Tendo.  He blinked several times, trying to decide if he 
was dreaming or not.

	I must be dreaming.  Ryouga thought to himself.   What 
would Akane be doing here in China.  "Uh....Hello Akane."  Ryouga 
quietly said. 

	"Hello yourself."  Akane replied with a grin as she continued 
to lightly stroke Ryouga's hair.  Ryouga started to sit up but then 
remembered something and lay back down.

	"What's wrong?"  Akane asked

	Ryouga sighed.  "This is a dream isn't it?  Everytime I have 
a dream like this, you disappear before I can say or do anything."

	"This isn't a dream, Ryouga-Kun."  Akane replied softly

	"Oh yeah?"  Ryouga retorted  "Then what are you doing in 
China?"

	"I felt your pain earlier and came to comfort you.  I missed 
you and P-Chan for weeks now."  Akane replied with concern in her 
voice.

	Ryouga's eyes grew wide with shock.  The dark secret he had 
tried so hard not to reveal to her was finally out in the open!

	"Y..Y...YOU KNOW....?"  Ryouga stammered.

	Akane laughed softly while placing her other hand on his 
cheek, caressing it lightly as she spoke.

	"About you turning into P-Chan?"  "Of course silly!  I have 
known for a long time."

	Ryouga could not help but wonder why Akane was being so 
nice to him after he had slept in her bed so many times as a pig.  
Then Ryouga figured it must be the calm before the storm and 
decided he should at least apologize before she killed him.  
Ryouga quickly sat up, startling Akane as he closed his eyes 
and bowed before her in apology, his head touching the ground.

	"I'm so sorry I wanted to tell you but I thought you 
would hate me and never want to talk to me again so I kept my 
mouth shut but then I was afraid you would be mad at me for not 
telling you before and then Ranma...."

	"R....Ryouga, it's okay!  Calm down!  I'm not mad at you!  
Honest!"  Akane tried to reassure a near-hysterical Ryouga.    

	Ryouga stopped babbling and looked up at Akane, wanting 
to believe.  Seeing him calm down, Akane pressed forward. 

        	"I understand why you did it and why you couldn't tell me.  
I'm not mad at you."  Akane said reassuringly

	"Are....Are you sure?"  Ryouga asked cautiously

	"Positive."  Akane firmly replied.

	"But how....I mean....If this REALLY isn't a dream....How 
did you get here?"  Ryouga said, confused.

	"Well, how did you get here?  Akane asked

	"Me?  I just....well....I was walking in a certain direction, 
I zoned out for a while I guess, next thing I know I'm in China."  
Ryouga recalled as he rose to a kneeling position in front of Akane 
and sighed.      

	"I've spent the last two weeks looking for Jusenkyou so I 
could finally find a cure to my curse and be normal."

	Tears began to form in Ryouga's eyes as he finally 
revealed the cause for his current depression.  A familiar green 
aura began to form around him and he suddenly stood while Akane 
slowly backed away a safe distance.

	"But....even though I'm in China....even though I've spent 
the last 3 weeks walking across China....I STILL CAN'T FIND THE 
STUPID NANNICHUAN!!!!!"  Ryouga screamed with utter 
frustration.   

	And with that, Ryouga sent a Ki-Blast into the sky, briefly
illuminating the surrounding mountains and sending several wild 
animals running in fear.  After several moments, the heaviness of the 
ki caused the blast to fall back down, enveloping Ryouga and the 
ground around him in a pillar of greenish ki-energy.  When the blast 
faded, there was a ten meter long crater with Ryouga in the center of 
it.  Then Ryouga began to collapse from the energy discharge and 
Akane rushed forward to catch him before he fell.   

	"RYOUGA!"  Akane looked at him with intense concern  
"You...You don't have to get rid of P-Chan!"

	Ryouga was still in tears as he sobbed  "Yes I do!"  "I'll 
never be a whole man again until I do!"  "I can never tell you how 
much I....how much I want to hold you....to protect you....to tell you 
I..I....I...lo....!"

             Tears formed in Akane's eyes as she realized what Ryouga 
was trying to say to her.  Ryouga closed his own eyes in shame and 
embarrassment.

             I can't even tell her how I feel in my dreams.  Ryouga 
thought bitterly to himself.  

            "Ryouga, I love you both as...."  Akane began

            Ryouga's eyes snapped open.  "W..What?"  he managed to 
choke out

	Ryouga stared into Akane's eyes.  He saw concern there as 
well as something he didn't recognize, but something that made his 
heart of glass melt away.  Then she finished her sentence....

	"I....I love you, Ryouga Hibiki."  "Both as a pig and as a 
man."   
          
	Ryouga could only stare at Akane in shock.  It happened.  
The moment he has waited for so long has finally happened. What 
does one say when confronted with such a happy revelation?

	"N....No way!"  "This HAS to be a dream!"  "A good, no, a 
GREAT one, but a dream....This....This can't be happening!"  
Ryouga's voice was on the verge of panic again.

	"Maybe this will convince you."  Akane replied.

	Akane gently cupped Ryouga's face with her hands and then 
leaned over to deliver a kiss on his lips.  Ryouga's eyes glazed over 
completely and his brain went into instant shutdown as he felt the 
warmth of her soft lips against his.  They kissed for quite a while, 
Ryouga being too shocked to move a muscle and Akane not 
wanting to release her embrace.

	"Maybe....just maybe it's not a dream...."

	"IT'S NOT A DREAM!?!?"  

	Finally it hit him.

	If this wasn't a dream then he was kissing Akane for REAL!  
WHICH MEANT....

	Ryouga instantly passed out.  Surprisingly even though he 
was out cold he could still see Akane embracing him, only this time 
from a distance.   She finally released the kiss and stared at his 
unconscious self in confusion for a moment and then realizing he 
was out cold, she sighed to herself.

	"Oh, P-Chan....Why'd you have to pass out now?"  Akane 
sighed, her voice laced with disappointment.

	Knowing Ryouga was out for the night, Akane gently 
lowered Ryouga onto his sleeping bag.  Then, without another word, 
she snuggled up next to him and drifted off to sleep.  Ryouga wanted 
to hold her, to tell her he was right here and they could still continue, 
but for some reason, Ryouga couldn't move his legs....


(Fade to Opening Credits)


"WISHING UPON THE SAME STAR"

(A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic)

>From the Desk of Megane 6.7

This is a work of Fiction.  All Characters and Landmarks, with the 
exception of Taimak, are the property of Rumiko Takahashi, 
Shogakukan Video, Kitty Films, Viz Video, Shonen Sunday, and 
anyone else who legally owns the rights.  


PART 1:  AN ACT OF KINDNESS IS RYOUGA'S REWARD

MAY 2
RYOUGA'S CAMPSITE
5:15 A.M.

	A thin ray of sunlight shone down from the brightening sky 
to illuminate the prone form of Ryouga.  He was still sleeping with a 
peaceful look on his face; then he began to stir as he heard the 
sound of the birds and a single sunbeam fell over his eyes.  He slowly 
opened his eyes and blinked several times, adjusting them to the 
morning light.  He then wiped the crud out of his eyes and rolled out 
of the futon.  He stretched out and yawned, getting out any kinks 
from his muscular frame, and then glanced beside him to see....an 
empty space.  

	Ryouga sighed to himself.  "I guess it was a dream after all. 
"I should have known better.  Still it seemed so real...."

	He could still picture Akane leaning over him, running her 
slender finger through his hair and the kiss....the first kiss he had 
ever received from Akane as a man and not as a pig.

	"Too bad it was only a dream...."

	He sighed again and then stood up, preparing to clean up 
his campsite and move on.

	"I guess I'm just going to have to live with this damn curse 
a little while longer."  Ryouga muttered to himself.   "I've left Akane 
alone for far too long.  There's no telling what Ranma's gotten her 
into since I left.  At least I have a new technique to try out on him.  
I hope it's enough this time.  Maybe I'd better practice it again...."

	Ryouga walked a safe distance away from his campsite and 
searched for a clearing to practice his technique, not wishing to harm 
any innocent animals.  He wouldn't have cared less if he were in the 
city, but spending so much time lost in the mountains and forests, he 
had developed an appreciation and respect for nature and knew 
enough not to disturb it too much.  Then he found the place he was 
looking for, a wide spacious clearing near a cave.

	"Okay.  Now, how did it go again?" Ryouga struggled until 
he remembered.

	He forced himself to relax, to release his doubts and 
concentrate on the task at hand.  Then he opened his senses to 
everything around him, the smells, the sounds, the sights, the 
sensations; he became one with the forest.  Then he glanced down 
at himself and was delighted to see he had turned invisible!  The 
technique worked perfectly!  Ranma wouldn't be able to see what hit 
him....literally! Except....

	Ryouga became visible again as the drawback of this 
technique weighed down on him, breaking his concentration.   
Although the technique would make him invisible to almost any form 
of direct and/or inner sight, it required a great deal of concentration 
and Ryouga had found he had to remain perfectly still in order to do 
it properly, which made attacking with it impossible.  

	Besides that, it was dishonorable to attack someone from the 
blind side anyway and Ryouga would not smear his honor, just as he 
hadn't when Genma, Ranma's cowardly father, tried to tell Ryouga 
about Ranma's weak spot in order to get revenge on him for 
something or another.  Ryouga had learned this invisibility technique 
by telling himself that Ranma used his weakness of turning into a pig 
all the time and thus attacking invisible was justified, but now that he 
had learned it, he wouldn't allow himself to be dragged down to 
Ranma's level.  Not that he could use the technique as a weapon 
anyway but still, he would beat Ranma honorably.

	Ryouga was still lost in his train of thought when a loud 
crash caused him to look behind him.  In the tree behind him, a small 
animal had stepped into a handmade snare and was now hanging 
upside down by one leg and looking quite terrified.  It looked like a 
cross between a owl and a baby fox and its soft fur was a snow white 
color, Ryouga had never seen an animal like it, not in China or Japan.  
However the animal was so small and bony, Ryouga doubted it was 
being trapped for food, which meant they most likely wanted the fur.  
Ryouga wondered if he should free him when he received the shock 
of his life.

	"Help me!"  The animal cried out in perfect Japanese.

	Ryouga was startled to say the least.

	"He must have fallen into a Jusenkyou spring!"  Ryouga 
pondered.  "Wait a minute!"  "I can't talk when I'm P-Chan!"  "This 
must be something else...."

	The strange animal pleaded to him again.

	"Please kind sir!"  "Whoever set this trap will come for me 
soon."   "I do not wish to die today."  

	Ryouga hesitated briefly, then walked over to the animal 
and gently loosened the vine tying his legs together.  Once free, the 
animal quickly took flight into the sky and was soon out of sight.

	"You're welcome."  Ryouga sarcastically replied to the 
empty sky.   

	Ryouga shrugged and decided to head back to his campsite, 
pack up his stuff and begin what would surely be a long dangerous 
journey to find his way back to the Tendo Doujou in Japan and his 
beloved Akane.  When he arrived he was surprised to see the animal 
he saved perched on top of his backpack.

	"Oh, so you came back?"  noted Ryouga.

	"Yes.  Please pardon my rudeness for not immediately 
thanking you for saving my life."  "I was too caught up in my 
freedom to notice."  "Freedom is a wonderful thing you know that?"

	"Uh....I guess so."  Ryouga shrugged   "Umm....could you 
get off my backpack?" "I have to be going."

	The animal rose an eyebrow at that and seems truly stunned 
that Ryouga would suggest such a thing.

	"Leaving?"  "I thought you would want to stay here forever!"  
The animal said in a shocked tone of voice.

	"What?"  Ryouga shook his head  "No, I mean, I have 
somewhere I have to get to....Someone I want to be with."

	"Ah....Would this someone be a girl?"  the animal asked in 
a knowing tone of voice.

	"Um....yeah." Ryouga blushed involuntarily.

	"I see."   "Only for true love would someone leave this 
paradise and go elsewhere."  the animal said in a wistful tone of 
voice.  "Does this girl love you?"  he inquired. 

	Ryouga's shoulders slumped and his eyes grew misty, as he 
had asked himself this question many times and still had no clue to 
how Akane really felt about him.

	Ryouga bowed his head as he replied.  "I....I don't know.  I 
wish I did."

	"Really?"  The animal said curiously  "Tell me....What is 
your name?"

	"Hibiki Ryouga."

	"Hmm."  "Well, Ryouga, my name is Taimak....I'm afraid 
my last name is a bit difficult for humans to understand."   "So let's 
stick with Taimak, shall we?"  Taimak said in a friendly tone of 
voice.  "I never was one for formalities."   

	"Okay, Taimak."  Ryouga agreed.

	"Good."   "Now that we've cleared that up, allow me to 
properly thank you for saving me."  Taimak paused to take a breath.    
"I have it within my power to grant you one wish and one wish only."  
Taimak's tone grew harsh for a moment.  "Once it is used, it can be 
neither changed or recalled."  "However...."  Taimak's tone grew soft 
again.  "Since my intentions are to reward you, I will not grant the 
wish until you have specifically and precisely told me what it is you 
want, so there will be no misunderstandings or accidents."

	"A wish?"  Ryouga said with a blank face.

	"A bit slow are we?"  "That's quite all right."  "Having the 
power to wish for anything you want is a bit overwhelming after all.
" Taimak said in a amused tone. 

	"I can wish for anything I want?"  Ryouga said, excitement 
growing in his voice.

	Taimak beamed  "Anything you want."  "For example, you 
could be the ruler of the world....

	Taimak paused in mid-sentence and looked closely at 
Ryouga, sizing him up. 

	"However I think the world might be better off on it's 
own....no offense intended."  Taimak cautiously pointed out.

	"None taken....I guess."  Ryouga frowned.

	"Or if you want you could wish for a harem of women to 
satisfy your every...."  Taimak stopped in mid-sentence and seemed 
to blush.  "Oh!  I forgot, you already have a true love don't you?"  
Taimak backtracked.  "Never mind then."  "You could also wish for 
riches beyond your wildest...."

	"I....I think I know what I want to wish for."  Ryouga 
interrupted.

	Taimak cocked an eyebrow, or at least made the same 
motion with his forehead.  "Already?"  "My!"  "That was quick!" 
"Are you certain young man?"  Taimak asked with a note of worry 
in his voice.  "Remember, once you've made the wish you can't take 
it back!"

	"I know."  Ryouga said confidently  "I know what I want."

	"Very well."  Taimak gazed into Ryouga's eyes.   "What is 
your wish?"  "Be specific and precise now!" he admonished.  

	"And you're sure I can wish for ANYTHING I want?"  
Ryouga asked, excitement creeping into his voice again.

	"Ask me again and I'll tell you the same."  Taimak replied 
matter-of-factly. 

	"Okay then."   

	Ryouga mulled over the wish in his mind.  While he was 
tempted to make at least two other wishes that would guarantee his 
happiness, he remembered what Taimak said about 
misunderstandings and having only one chance at this.  And if this 
creature could truly grant him this....

Ryouga took a deep breath and made his wish....


(Fade to Black)


PART 2: STORM BEFORE THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM 

FURINKAN HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
12:05 P.M.

        Ranma sat in the school cafeteria and stared down at 
the lunch that Akane had prepared for him.  To call this...."THING" 
food was an insult to every cook that ever greased a grill.  He had 
seen roadkill with maggots crawling all over it that was more 
appetizing than the...."LUNCH"....that sat in front of him.  Ranma 
would have already tossed his socks by now if Ukyou....Wonderful, 
caring Ucchan....hadn't also made a lunch for him.  Ranma glanced to 
his right and stared at the lunch Ukyou had made for him.  It was 
superior to Akane's lunch in every way.  It smelled fantastic, it was 
okonomiyaki, her specialty, and as Ukyou stood over it, blinking her 
eyes and looking ultra cute, Ranma made his decision, knowing that it 
might be his last.  He picked up his chopsticks, hovered over the two 
dishes for a moment and then quickly started to chow down on 
Ukyou's okonomiyaki.  Ukyou squealed with delight over Ranma 
choosing her lunch while Akane's face had turned a very interesting 
shade of purple as she screamed....

        "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!!!"

        Ranma nearly choked on his food but caught himself and turned 
to face her.  "Isn't it obvious?" he replied, sarcasm dripping from his 
voice.  "I'm eating something that can't be used as DIESEL FUEL!  
I'd call your lunch TOXIC, but now I know that's an insult to the 
rest of the toxic waste.  Even combined they couldn't collapse a Eco 
System like THIS stuff could.  Face it Akane, YOUR COOKING 
JUST PLAIN SUCKS!!!"  Ranma finished with emphasis.

        There was a dead silence, briefly disturbed by Ukyou, 
who was stuffing her hands into her mouth to keep from laughing at 
Ranma's blunt description of Akane's food.  Her laughter quickly 
died down though as she saw the look on Akane's face.  

        "....is that so....?"  Akane said in the faintest of 
whispers.

        Akane turned a different shade of color, this time 
resembling dark scarlet.  Then her eyes glowed bright blue and an 
aura of incredible power formed around her.  Ranma began to 
wonder if he went just a bit too far when his hearing was suddenly 
knocked out by an almost inhuman cry of pure rage. 

        "DIE, RANMA!!!"  

        Ranma found himself sailing through the air, in more pain 
that he had felt in a long time.  His last thought before he crashed 
into the ground at about 225 miles per hour was....

        "Jeez, can't she take some constructive criticism?"

        BOOM!!!

        The question went unanswered as Ranma dug a long 
flaming trench in the ground from the force of his landing until he 
came to rest against a tree.  A very healthy and strong one since 
Ranma's head only caused it to partially collapse when it impacted.  
Then everything was silent once more, save the hissing sound of 
steam rising from the prone body of Ranma....


*       *       *


        Akane stormed out of the classroom after knocking Ranma 
into next week.   "That stupid jerk!"  Akane fumed.  "I go to the 
trouble of making a nice lunch for him and what does he do?"  He 
doesn't even try it and eats her okonomiyaki instead!"  "Why do I 
bother to cook for him anyway?"  Why do I bother to cook period?  
"No one ever likes my cooking...."

        "No....that isn't true....Ryouga likes my cooking or at least 
is polite enough not to say anything bad about it."  She looked down 
at the Bento she had prepared.   "Too bad I have no idea where he is 
right now."  Akane sighed to herself as she prepared to dump the 
Bento into the waste receptacle....

        "HOLD!"

        Akane jumped, startled by the loud yell and turned around 
to see Tatewaki Kunou, known to himself as "Blue Thunder" walk in 
her general direction.  She sighed again, this time in annoyance.  
Although he had made his affection for her all too clear, she had no 
interest in him whatsoever and had told him so on many occasions.  
Kunou, as usual, failed to catch the hint and soon launched into his 
overly dramatic monologue.

        "Although the morning sun shines brightly over our heads, 
the brightness of your natural beauty outshines it by far.  But then 
your beauty would illuminate moon, sun and stars combined!"  "Ah, 
my darling Akane Tendo, I would be honored to eat a meal prepared 
so lovingly by...."

        "Here.  Just take it."

        Akane shoved the Bento into Kunou's hands and walked 
away.  Kunou looked overjoyed as he quickly began to wolf down 
Akane's food, only to stop two seconds later and collapse to the 
ground,  holding his stomach in pain and moaning.

        "Uhhhh....Curse my sister and her poisons!  Surely she 
must have placed one in my breakfast to make Akane's lunch turn 
into something most foul...."
  
        Akane ignored him as she continued on her way to her next 
class.  "Just once I wish I could make something that didn't make 
everyone sick."   Akane wondered to herself if she should ask Kasumi 
to go over their mother's recipe book step by step again.  It didn't
help last time but maybe if she....

        "Akane?"

        Akane looked up to see Hikaru Gosunkugi standing in front 
of her.  In his outstretched hands, he held a straw doll that bore a 
slight resemblance to her.

        "I made this during lunch period for you.  Do you like it?"

        Akane forced a smile as she gingerly took the straw doll 
from Gosunkugi's shaking hands.  Gosunkugi was also interested 
in her affections but while he wasn't as bad as Kunou, he was just 
plain weird and she was creeped out by his voodoo practices.  Plus he 
had gotten Ranma into trouble in the past and took a lot of photos of 
her without her permission, something she didn't take very kindly to.

        "Uh....thanks Gosunkugi....I have to get to class now...."

        "Do you really like it?"  Gosunkugi looked at her 
hopefully. 

        "It's....cute.  Akane lied as best she could.

        "Really?"  Gosunkugi's face brightened  "I've got some 
more if you...."

        "Maybe later....I have to get to class now."  Akane quickly 
replied.

        "Oh....okay then."

        Gosunkugi walked past her, whistling a tune she didn't 
recognize.  When he was out of sight, she breathed a sigh of relief.  
"That wasn't so bad, I guess...."   Akane continued down the 
hallway towards her classroom and entered it.  She noticed she was a 
little early as she took her seat.  Nearby Hiroshi and Daisuke, two of 
her school friends, walked up to her desk.

        "Hey Akane, we heard what you did to Ranma."  Daisuke 
began.  

        "Yeah!  He got what he deserved for treating you like 
that!"   Hiroshi leaned in closer to Akane  "If I were your 
fiancee...."

        "Kunou would have killed you a long time ago...." Daisuke 
finished for him. 

        Hiroshi glared at his friend who merely smiled in return.  
"You believe in me don't you Akane?"

        "Mmmm?"  Akane looked up at them, not having heard a 
single word they said.  "I'm sorry, what did you guys say?"

        "I said....Mpph!!!"  Hiroshi was quickly silenced by Daisuke 
who dragged him away from a confused Akane.  "Quit while you're 
still alive, Hiroshi!"  Daisuke snapped as he sat him down at his desk. 

        Akane stared at them for a moment then shrugged and 
returned her attention to her desk.  Someone had carved the letters 
S AND G 4-EVER in one of the corners and the sentiment only 
served to darken Akane's mood even further.  "Why doesn't Ranma 
give me the benefit of the doubt just once?"  she wondered to herself.  
Just then, Kunou walked into the class, he held his stomach with one 
hand and placed the other on his forehead, searching for someone.  
Akane wished she could have turned invisible but no such luck as 
Kunou walked towards her desk, intent on asking something of her.

        "Forgive this intrusion, Akane Tendo, but I require some 
assistance in acquiring some antacid tablets."  "Your sister, Nabiki 
told me you had some in your schoolbag?"

        Akane blinked for a moment and then caught a glimpse of 
Nabiki outside the classroom door.  Clearly this was intended as a 
practical joke on Kunou, since Akane would normally pound Kunou 
for inadvertently insulting her cooking like he just did.  But Akane 
refused to give Nabiki the satisfaction and calmly reached inside her 
bag and tossed a roll of Tums to Kunou.

        "Oh thank you Akane Tendo, your kindness knows no 
boundaries!  Your boundaries have no chains to...."

        "You're welcome already."  "Now go away."  Akane replied 
with growing unrest.

        "Nay, such a act of kindness must be rewarded!  I will 
allow you to date with me!"  Kunou said sincerely.    
    
        "Gee, could I?"  Akane responded sarcastically  "Get lost 
Kunou!"  she added with more force in her tone.

        "Perhaps you're right.  I will return when class is finished 
and the rest of the day belongs to us."   "Farewell, Akane!"  Kunou 
made a grand sweeping gesture before he turned to leave.

        "Don't hold your breath...." Akane muttered as Kunou 
departed from the classroom.  Akane then looked at the door again 
but Nabiki had already vanished. "I'll get you for that Nabiki....I 
swear I'll get you...."  Akane forced her thoughts of revenge aside 
as Ms. Hinako scurried into the room.  She was still in child form 
and wasted no time in sucking up a random student's energy for 
slouching in his seat.  Then the adult Ms. Hinako turned her back 
and starting to write on the blackboard.  Akane noted that she held 
the attention of every male student in the classroom, especially 
Hiroshi who was practically drooling as Ms. Hinako's body moved 
with her writing motions.  "Maybe Ranma really isn't any more 
perverted than the other boys." Akane thought to herself as she 
began copying down Ms. Hinako's notes for the day....


*       *       *   

OUTSIDE FURINKAN HIGH
1:00 P.M.

        "AI REN!!!"     

        The sky began to grow cloudy as Shampoo made her way to 
the fallen Ranma.  She had intended to come to his school and give 
him a bowl of ramen but an accident in the kitchen had forced her to 
stay at the Nekohanten until the lunch rush was over, allowing Akane 
to hurt her husband to be yet again.  Akane would pay for this, dearly, 
but for now Shampoo had to see to his injuries and make sure he was 
all right.

        "Oh Ai Ren,"  Shampoo spoke softly into Ranma's ear as she 
examined his body for injuries.  Then she gently unbuttoned his shirt 
to check for bruises but found herself staring at Ranma's muscular 
chest.  She gently ran her fingers along it, admiring how Ranma kept 
himself in such good shape.  Then she felt an impulse to kiss him.  
She knew he would resist if he were awake and that an opportunity 
like this didn't come along every day.  She gently leaned her head 
forward and was about to make contact when....

        "Get away from him you wicked girl!!!"

        Shampoo looked up in surprise to see Kodachi "The Black 
Rose" Kunou standing nearby, her face was a mask of cold malice 
and intense hatred, all aimed towards her.  Shampoo quickly rose 
to her feet, her own intense gaze meeting Kodachi's.

        "What you want Psycho Girl?"  Shampoo spat.

        Kodachi points an accusing finger at Shampoo.  "Need 
you ask, hussy?"  "How DARE you try to defile my darling 
Ranma-Sama, you....you....BIMBO!"     

        Shampoo's eyes narrow.  "Last girl who call Shampoo 
bimbo now breeding ground for worms."  she replied coldly.
 
        "Really?"  "I was unaware you were capable of murdering 
your own mother."  Kodachi replied without missing a beat.

              Shampoo said nothing.  Kodachi smiled at her victory 
only to have the smile fade when Shampoo lashed out with a kick, 
catching Kodachi flush in the face and sending her flying backwards 
to land shoulders first against the hard ground.  Kodachi gasped 
with the sudden pain but soon it turned into a laugh, a horrible 
laugh, echoing, cruel, high pitched, and evil.  Some would mistake 
it for the laugh of the insane, but Kodachi wasn't insane.....

....Kodachi was true evil....

....and true evil could never be destroyed completely.

        Kodachi leapfrogged to her feet and stalked towards 
Shampoo with a smile on her face.

        "So very spiteful....Very well then, I accept your challenge!"  
"DEFEND YOURSELF!"  Kodachi screamed as she leapt towards 
Shampoo.   Shampoo responded without the slightest intimidation 
in her voice.  She would not fail Ranma again.  She would protect 
him to her dying breath.  She would prove her worth in battle.

"Shampoo defeat you now!"  


*       *       *


BUSINESS SECTION OF NERIMA
12:50 P.M.

        The sun had been out in force all morning, it casted it's 
unforgiving rays downwards upon the streets of Nerima District and 
illuminated a lone figure.  The figure walked at a slow pace, his 
clothes and face indicated that he had traveled for a very long 
time with neither food nor rest.  In his right hand he wielded an 
bamboo umbrella which he held over his head to shade him from the 
deadly ultraviolet rays.  He continued to walk, exhaustion 
threatening to overwhelm him completely with every step, keeping 
his legs moving now by sheer force of will.  

        Finally he could take no more and he collapsed onto his 
knees, dropped his umbrella and exposed his face to the harsh 
sunlight.  He fought the impulse to black out on the street, raised his 
head and noticed a sign in the distance.  The name of a restaurant!  
The boy rose to his feet, previous exhaustion forgotten for the 
moment, and starts to run towards the sign at top speed.  He 
ignored the tortured screams of his muscles, ignored the 
throbbing ache in his head, ignored all as he finally reached the 
sign.  He took a moment to catch his breath and then looked up to 
read the sign.  

        For a brief moment he said nothing and then his eyes 
widened with recognition.  He blinked a few times as if not 
believing his own eyes and then, deep from his throat, came a hoarse 
cry that was almost unrecognizable to anyone who knew him....a cry 
of pure joy.

        "I FOUND IT!!!!  I FOUND IT ON THE FIRST TRY!!!  
IT ACTUALLY WORKED!!!  THANK YOU TAIMAK, 
WHEREVER YOU ARE!!!"  

        The boy then started to dance around in a circle, looking like 
a complete fool and not giving a damn.  Then the boy's muscles 
finally gave out from their overuse and he collapsed to the ground 
in a heap.  As he began to lose consciousness the boy giggled and 
repeated to himself over and over.

        "I found it....I really found it...."

        Then the boy mercifully passed out.  As the sun continued to 
beat down on his back, the camera view moves us in front of the sign 
and we finally get to see what made the boy so happy.

        UTCHAN'S

        There was a smaller sign on the door which read.

        Weekday Business Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

        Several people came out of their businesses upon hearing the 
hoarse screams and saw the boy passed out on the road.  One man 
wearing glasses came out of a supermarket, immediately rushed 
over, knelt down next to him and checked his pulse.  The people 
stared at him until he looked up and proclaimed.

        "It's okay, I'm a doctor.  Can someone please help me carry 
him out of the sun.  I have a clinic nearby here that can help him."

        Then a young woman, who recognized the young man as 
Dr. Tofu, rushed inside and brought out a tall man with black hair 
and a mustache to assist the doctor.  Together, they took him out of 
the sun and towards the clinic while the girl lagged on behind.  Dr. 
Tofu continued to check on the boy's condition along the way. 

        "Don't worry Ryouga."  Dr. Tofu reassured the unconscious 
boy.  "You're going to be just fine."


(Fade to Black)


PART 3: THE MERCENARY, HER SISTER; THE PANTY THIEF, 
HIS PAWN; THE AMAZON, HER AI REN; THE LOST BOY, 
HOME AGAIN. 

	
FURINKAN HIGH SCHOOLYARD
1:15 P.M.	

	The clouds had begun to grow dark over the city of Nerima.  
To the average person this would have seemed odd since most of 
today had been bright and sunny.  However sudden and random 
outbreaks of rain were not uncommon in this town.  Indeed, it 
seemed to rain there at least once a day, every day, 365 days a year.  
The storms could last from a few minutes to a few weeks.  It was 
odd but to them it was a simple fact of life.

	On this cold gray early afternoon, two combatants squared 
off against one another.  Both of them warriors, both of them trying 
to see through the other's eyes.  Then one of the warriors, dressed in
a green leotard and welding a gymnast's ribbon stepped forward....	
  
	"DEFEND YOURSELF!"

	The voice was high pitched and full of cold malice.  Then
another voice responded in kind, full of pride and determination, 
belonging to a purple haired girl with the blood of the amazons 
and 300 years of tradition flowing through her veins.

	"Shampoo defeat you now!"
	
	A loud rumble made itself heard, it was only the sky, 
thunder,	threatening rain....

	The battle had already begun....

	Kodachi unleashed a flurry of clubs at Shampoo who expertly 
dodged them and rushed at Kodachi with both of her Maces.  Kodachi 
backflipped away to avoid Shampoo's attack while using her ribbon to 
wrap around and wretch one of Shampoo's maces out of her hand.  
Kodachi, then attacked, using Shampoo's own mace against her but 
Shampoo ducked underneath and screamed....

	"DRAGON SKY KICK!!!"

	Shampoo leapt forward onto her hands and then used her 
body to leap upwards, lashing out with her right foot, smashing it 
into Kodachi's jaw.  Kodachi fell backwards and hit the ground hard 
while Shampoo landed on her feet like a cat and smirked down at 
Kodachi.

	"Was that too much for Psycho girl?"  Shampoo said, 
contempt evident in her voice.     

	Kodachi spat out a gob of blood and smiled.   Then, without 
warning, she tossed a bouquet of black roses directly into Shampoo's 
face.  A moment later, the roses emitted paralysis gas.  Shampoo 
quickly threw the roses away but was unable to prevent a small 
amount of the gas from seeping into her lungs.  Then Kodachi leapt 
to her feet and thrust a spike covered club at Shampoo.  Normally 
Shampoo could have blocked it with time to spare but the gas had 
begun to slow her down, dulling her reflexes and decreasing her 
response time.  As a result, the spikes tore into Shampoo's left side, 
causing her to gasp in pain.  She retreated, holding her left side, which 
now had several puncture marks dribbling slightly with blood.

	"The hunt is not finished until the quarry's heart has been
ripped from its chest and eaten."  Kodachi sneered at the injured 
amazon.

	Kodachi threw a razor hoop at Shampoo who caught it with 
her free hand and tossed it back at her in one smooth movement.
Kodachi also caught the hoop effortlessly with one hand while 
tossing a medicine ball at Shampoo with her other.  Shampoo caught 
the ball only to have it explode in her hand.  Shampoo involuntarily 
cried out and held her burnt hand under her armpit to stop the pain.
Kodachi laughs as she admired the injuries she had inflicted.  Then 
she walks over to her, idly twirling her ribbon, satisfied that she had
made her point."
  
	"You fight well....for a bimbo....but the ultimate victory is
mine."  The smile faded.  "Now you will leave here and never 
return.  Ranma-Sama is MINE."

	Kodachi laughed again, unaware of the blue aura beginning
to surround Shampoo.  She had made a fatal mistake.  She had 
underestimated her opponent a great deal.  Although Shampoo may
not have been the brightest person in the world, she was one of the
best fighters in the world, even Ranma knew that, and soon Kodachi
would know as well.   

	"NOW....YOU....MAKE....SHAMPOO....MAD!!!

	Kodachi blinked in surprise as Shampoo assumed her 
combat stance, ignoring the burning pain in her hand, ignoring the 
sharp pain in her side, ignoring all as she leapt at Kodachi.  Kodachi 
recovered quickly, tossing a storm of clubs in front of her to act as a 
shield only to have them bounce off Shampoo's arms as Shampoo 
spin-kicked Kodachi right across the face.  Kodachi stumbled back,
off balance now as Shampoo followed up by smashing her remaining
mace deep into Kodachi's stomach.  Kodachi doubled over, the wind
painfully taken from her lungs only to be yanked back up by her 
ponytail.  Kodachi looked into Shampoo's eyes and saw the true 
vengeance of heaven as Shampoo finished her with a brutal uppercut
that sent Kodachi spinning head over heels to crash chinfirst onto the
ground.  

	Kodachi didn't move after that, except to breathe.  Shampoo
was only breathing heavily while clenching her injured hand and 
pressing her arm against her side.  Shampoo's face was flushed with
the thrill of combat and before she knew it an amazon cry of victory 
escaped from her lips.  Then she looked down at Ranma, her prize, 
the man she had protected, her Ai Ren....

	"Ranma all Shampoo's now."
	  
 	Shaking with excitement and adrenaline, Shampoo knelt 
before Ranma, who had remained unconscious throughout the fight,
and ripped his shirt open, running her fingers over his chest, and 
draping her hot, sweaty body over his as she leaned forward to enjoy 
her prize to the fullest....

	Then Shampoo felt it. A single drop.  Shampoo's eyes 
widened with horror as she looked up and felt another drop splash
on her face....and then another....

	"NO!  NOT NOW!!!"  Shampoo screamed upward to the 
heavens.

	The sky answered her cry by releasing it's tears upon the 
town.  Shampoo quickly morphed into her cat form while Ranma
changed into a female, leaving Shampoo-Neko sitting on 
Ranma-Chan's chest.  Then Ranma began to wake up with the rain
and glanced down to see Shampoo-Neko sitting on her chest and
staring at him with wide eyes.

	"Meow?"  Shampoo says curiously

	"ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!  GETITOFF! GETITOFF! 
GETITOFF!!!"

	Ranma-Chan took off like a rocket towards the school, 
determined to put as much distance as she could between her and 
Shampoo-Neko.  Shampoo-Neko meowed with alarm as she 
followed the fleeing Ranma-Chan, unwilling to lose her chance 
yet again....

	Meanwhile the rain continued to fall, soaking the prone 
body of Kodachi as a small figure approached her.  He tapped her 
body a few times, making sure she was out cold and then laughed 
as he effortlessly picked her up and carried her away from the 
school, his intentions unknown to all but him....


*	*	*	   
 

NABIKI TENDO'S CLASSROOM
1:30 P.M.	

	The rain continued to pour outside as Nabiki tried in vain to 
hold in yet another yawn.  It wasn't that she was lazy, she was an
early riser, but today she was bored, bored enough to play a practical
joke on Akane to keep herself going, a practical joke that failed since
Akane failed to rise to the challenge.  Sometimes she wished she was
a junior again so she could be in Akane's classes.  Things were rarely
boring when she and Ranma were around.  The only person in this
class that was even remotely profitable was Kunou but even he was
concentrating intently on the lecture, either that or thinking up some
new poetry to recite to Akane, probably the latter.  Yep, it looked like
it was going to be a long....

	"Hold on a second, Is that Ranma I see?"  Nabiki thought to
herself as she spotted a redheaded girl, running towards the school at
top speed.  "Hmmm...."  Nabiki quickly but quietly started to write on
a piece of paper.  Then when she was finished , she waited until the
teacher's attention was elsewhere and then she threw the note at 
Kunou.  It bounced off his head, causing him to look up in surprise 
and see Nabiki frantically gesturing at his desk.  Kunou looked 
down to see a message to him.  Kunou quickly began to read it, 
knowing Nabiki only sent him news of the utmost importance.  Then 
Kunou promptly raised his hand.

	"Yes, Mr. Kunou?"

	"Sensei, I request a leave of absence to deal with a personal
matter that needs attending to immediately."

	The teacher sighed, normally he wouldn't have allowed it 
but since this was the principal's kid....

	"Very well Mr. Kunou.  But don't forget to hand in your 
homework this time, Monday!"

	Kunou's tone became indignant.  "Are you suggesting that I, 
Tatewaki Kunou, the rising young star of the Kendo fencing world, 
would not perform all of the duties required of a high school student 
of the highest moral fiber?!" 
 
	The teacher sighed again  

	"No, Mr. Kunou.  You may go."

	Kunou quickly departed the classroom as the teacher was 
about to return to the lesson when another hand went up.

	"What is it, Ms. Tendo?"

	"My stomach hurts.  May I go to the nurse's office?"

	The teacher raised an eyebrow in surprise.  Usually Nabiki 
was one of the only students he could keep in his class for any long
period of time.  For her to request leave, she must have truly been 
ill.

	"You may."

	Nabiki held her stomach as she left the classroom, closing 
the door behind her.  She then smiled to herself as she released her
stomach and pulled her mini camera.  She quickly checked it to
make sure nothing was amiss and then she quickly walked down the
hall, her sharp mind judging where and when Kunou was likely to 
meet up with Ranma-Chan and wondering what kind of juicy shots 
she could get....

	"This could be interesting...."  she smiled to herself.

		
*	*	*


GIRL'S GYM
1:35 P.M.	

	Ranma walked towards the changing room.  She hated
to use it, but she knew the guys would try to take advantage of her if 
she changed in the guy's side.  Besides that there was no one in the 
girl's gym at the moment so this would be her best chance to change
back into a guy without anyone seeing him.

	Ranma glanced inside the change room to confirm it was 
indeed empty and then she quickly made her way inside. Once 
there, she proceeded to strip off her soaked shirt and wring it out.  
Then she grabbed a nearby towel and started to towel off her 
chest when she noticed the shower nearby.

	"Hmmm....a hot shower would be nice about now....I could 
change back to a guy and get warmed up at the same time.  No 
one's around to see me....why not?"

	Decision made, Ranma slid her pants down her legs and then 
her boxers. Then she strolled into the shower completely naked and 
smiled as she reached for the hot water spray....


*	*	*


	Nabiki couldn't believe her luck!  Not only had she 
managed to get some great topless and nude shots of a wet and 
shivering Ranma-Chan to sell to Kunou, she could now sell 
Kodachi and Shampoo some totally nude shots of Ranma-male.  All 
in all, a VERY profitable day.  From her place of concealment, 
nearby the entrance of the shower, she could see everything and he 
could see nothing.  Nabiki marveled a moment at what she saw, 
Akane was luckier than she had originally thought, though not by 
much....
	
	Then Nabiki heard a soft meow and turned around to see a 
wet cat wander into the locker room.  Her eye's widened when she 
recognized it as the cursed form of Shampoo.  And it was heading 
right for the shower with the unsuspecting Ranma....

	Nabiki felt herself go light headed with the financial 
possibilities as she aimed the camera and waited....


*	*	*


	Ranma felt his tense muscles relaxing under the hot spray.
He sighed in contentment as he felt his body grow warm and giddy
with the sudden release of pressure.  Then Ranma remembered that
he was alone in the shower and could aim the other shower heads to
spray him as well.  Grinning, Ranma reached over to his right, 
adjusted the head to spray towards him and turned it on.

	"Ahhhhhh....That feels great."

	Ranma then reached over to his left and adjusted that 
shower head as well.  "This is going to feel fantastic!" Ranma 
thought as he felt for the hot water faucet....


*	*	*	
	
	
	Nabiki had to keep herself from jumping as she rapidly 
began snapping photos.... 


*	*	*

	
	Ranma frowned as he groped something that didn't feel 
anything like a faucet.  It almost felt like a....Ranma suddenly felt
a chill run through him even though he was being sprayed by two
hot showers.  Then Ranma slowly turned to see he had grasped
Shampoo's right breast with his left hand.  A completely naked and
very excited Shampoo who gave him a look that reminded him of a 
contented cat about to eat a very large fish....

	"Ai Rennnnn...."  Shampoo purred.

	"Sh..Sh...Sh....."  Ranma tried to say something.  Needless 
to say, he was NOT trying to pronounce Shampoo's name.

	"Shampoo knew Ranma loved best."

	That snapped Ranma out of his fear.  "It's....It's not like 
that....You walked in on me....!

	"What about hand?"  Shampoo gestured at his hand, still
squeezing her breast.  Ranma eye's bulge out and he tries to remove
it only to have Shampoo gently but firmly hold it in place.

	"No be shy Ranma.  Shampoo wife after all."

	"It's not like that!  Let go of my hand!  Let go of...."  

	Ranma's voice trails off when he sees the burns on the hand 
she uses to hold his own on her breast.

	"Your hand....It's burned!"  Ranma said with surprise.

	"Shampoo fight psycho girl for you."  

	"Psycho......you mean Kodachi?"  Ranma asked

	Shampoo nodded  "Shampoo protect husband while 
unconscious.  Kodachi would have stolen Ranma otherwise."

	"Pro...Protect?"  Shampoo releases Ranma's hand and 
gestures at her side.  Ranma looks closer and see the puncture 
wounds.

	"Kodachi did that to you?!"  Ranma was stunned.

	Shampoo nodded.  "Psycho girl fight good but Shampoo 
better!"  she said firmly.     	
	
	"You didn't....I mean....You should have woken me up...."  
Ranma quietly muttered, embarrassed that a girl had fought his 
battle for him.

	"Shampoo try but you no respond."  Shampoo replied with
wide frightened eyes.  "Shampoo protect you.  Wife protect husband,
Husband protect wife."  Shampoo smiled again and moved closer to
Ranma.  "Wife and Husband also do other things...."

	"Forget it!"  Ranma backs away out of the shower spray and
away from the naked temptress, trying to keep his voice calm.  
"Look, I appreciate you helping me out and all but I'm not 
interested!"

	Shampoo frowned and walked towards Ranma, making 
sure to keep herself in front of the entrance so Ranma couldn't 
escape on her.  "Ranma owe Shampoo.  Is take pleasure from 
Shampoo so bad?!"  

	Shampoo continued to advance on Ranma who kept 
retreating until he was against the wall.  Shampoo quickly closed 
the gap and rubbed her body up against his, trying to entice him.  

	"Shampoo!  C....Cut it out!  I said no!" Ranma yelped as 
his eyes looked for another way out, any other way out.

	Shampoo suddenly turned away from Ranma.  Ranma 
breathed a sigh of relief until he saw Shampoo was shaking with 
her head bowed.  It was obvious she was crying.  Ranma felt a 
pang of guilt and frustration as he tried to think of something to 
say.

	"Great.  This is all I need."  Ranma sighed in frustration 
as he placed his hands on Shampoo's shoulders to stop them from 
shaking.  "Come on!  Stop crying already will ya!"  Ranma 
pleaded.   

	"Ranma....Ranma hate Shampoo."  Shampoo sobbed.

	"What?"  Ranma was momentarily disarmed.  "No, I...."	
	"Ranma never want see Shampoo again."

	"Look, I...."

	Shampoo shrugged off Ranma's hands and walked over to 
the exit.  She paused by the door and turned to look at Ranma with
tears in her eyes.

	"Ranma want Shampoo gone forever?  Is that what Ranma 
want?"  Her voice was flat, an accusation.

	"No!  Of course not!"  Ranma replied, upset that
Shampoo would think such a thing about him.

	Shampoo's eyes softened and she took a step towards 
Ranma, new hope in her eyes.

	"Then....Ranma really care for Shampoo?"	

	"Well....yes....but not the way....I mean....I...."

	Shampoo rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly 
around him, cutting off his air supply.  "Oh Ranma, Shampoo 
SO Happy!"

	"No!  Wait!  Get off me!  It's not like that!"  Ranma
said, his rush of words betraying his fear as he desperately tried 
to think of a way out of this situation.  The words "Saotome 
Secret Technique......Saotome Secret Technique...." repeated over 
and over in his mind but Shampoo had a death grip on him and
was still blocking the entrance.   Ranma began to pray that 
Ryouga would come through the wall and try to kill him again so 
Ranma would have an alternate route of escape.  No such luck. 

	"Shampoo!  Let go of me!  I need air!"

	"Shampoo no let go!  Ranma is Shampoo's wife!  Make 
love to Shampoo now!"

	Shampoo eyes flashed with an idea.  She maneuvered 
Ranma over towards the nearest shower spray and then she 
lifted one of her legs and got a firm grip on the cold water faucet.

	"Ranma make love Shampoo or Shampoo change form!"

	Ranma freezes solid.  He stared at Shampoo's foot on
the faucet and then at the shower head aimed right over her head.
He silently judged if he could knock Shampoo off balance and run
before she turned the faucet but although Ranma was brave, his 
intense unnatural fear of cats prevented him from taking even the
slightest risk of being in the presence of a cat, sort of a life and 
death situation.  Ranma tried to look stern as he issued a warning
to Shampoo....

	"You wouldn't dare....!"

	Shampoo began to turn the faucet.


	"OKAY, OKAY, YOU WOULD DARE!"  Ranma tried to 
keep his tone reasonable.  "I'm sorry but I can't make love to you 
Shampoo.  Can't we just be good friends or something?"

	Shampoo was silent for a long moment, causing Ranma to
sweat it out until another idea came to her mind.

	"Okay.  Shampoo let Ranma go...."

	Ranma breathed a sigh of relief.  "Thank you."

	"If Ranma takes Shampoo to date.  REAL date." Shampoo 
added, remembering certain tricks played by Ranma to end their 
past dates before it even began.  "Swear on honor that you take 
Shampoo on real date and Shampoo let go."

	"That's not fair!  That's blackmail!  You're as bad as 
Nabiki!  Ranma whined to her.

	In the locker room, someone sneezed.  If either of them 
heard it they gave no sign.

	"It fair!  Shampoo save Ranma remember?"

	Ranma opens his mouth to retort but soon shut it again
as he is forced to admit she has a point.

	"Okay.  You win.   I swear on my honor I'll take you on a 
real date.  BUT...."  Ranma said in a no-nonsense tone of voice.  
No tricks from you either Shampoo!  No magic potions, No hexes or 
chants or any kind of witchcraft to get me to love you.  And no 
trying to kiss me, hug me, rub me or any other weird stuff! 
Understand?

	"Shampoo understand.  But Shampoo have right to kiss at
end of date."

	"No way!"

	Shampoo began to turn the faucet again.

	"OKAY, OKAY!!!  But ONE kiss at the end and that's it!
Got it?!

	Shampoo nodded.

	"Swear on your honor!"  Ranma insisted.

	"Shampoo swear no tricks on date with Ranma."
  
              "Okay then, Now let me go."

	Shampoo released Ranma as he quickly left the shower 
room and began to dry himself off.  Shampoo coyly covered herself 
up and walked out after him.  She grabbed a nearby towel and held 
it out to Ranma.

	"Ai Ren want Shampoo to dry?"

	"No, thank you."

	Shampoo shrugged and dried herself as Ranma did the 
same.  Then Ranma groaned as he realizes he had no dry clothes.

	"Damn!"

	"Ai Ren?"

	"My clothes are still soaked from the rain...."

	"Shampoo have no clothes either...."  Shampoo gave 
Ranma a come-hither look that went unnoticed.  Ranma started 
looking through the lockers for some clothes when he heard a 
familiar voice just outside the locker room door.

	"I'll be right there, I just need to get my swimsuit!"

	Ranma swallowed hard as he recognized the voice 
belonging to Ukyou.  Ranma quickly opened one of the lockers and
gestured Shampoo to hide inside it.

	"Quick!  Get inside here!"

	Shampoo frowned.  "Shampoo no want to."

	"This is no time for games!  Ucchan will be here any 
second!  If she sees you naked with me...."

	"Shampoo only hide if let Shampoo kiss Ranma more than 
once on date."

	"What?!?  No way in....!"

	The door began to open.

	"Okayyouwingetinthere!!!"  Ranma frantically babbled as
Shampoo leapt into the locker and Ranma shut the door just in time
for Ukyou to walk in.  Ranma leans against the locker door with his
arms folded and a nervous smile on his face.

	"Oh h..hi Ucchan!  Long time no see!  Heh...."

	"Ranchan....!"

	Ukyou's face turns bright pink and she turns away quickly.
Ranma wonders what is wrong before he remembers he is naked as
well....
	
	"Oh man!  I'm sorry!  I forgot I was a guy now....!"  Ranma 
frantically wrapped his towel around his torso.  "I'm descent."
a blushing Ranma assured Ukyou as she turned around slowly to 
face him.

	"Ranchan, what are you doing in the girl's change room?"  

	"Oh....well....After I regained consciousness from Akane's
uppercut, I ran in here to dry off.  But I don't have any spare 
clothes...."

	"I noticed."  Ukyou replied as Ranma turned bright red 
with embarrassment.  "Wait here while I go get you some gym 
shorts...."

	"Okay.  Thanks a lot Ucchan.  You're a real lifesaver!"

	"No, Ranchan....Thank you."

	Ranma frowns at her comment as Ukyou giggles to herself 
and leaves.  Then Shampoo emerged from the locker and embraced 
Ranma from behind.

	"Meow."  Shampoo playfully whispered in his ear.

	 "YAHHH!!!  Ranma nearly jumped out of his skin.  "Stop 
doing that!  You want me to have a heart attack or something?

	"Why Ranma scared of not-nice girl?  Ranma beat her 
easily!

	"The same reason I didn't knock you out when you grabbed 
me in the shower....I don't hit girls."

	"Shampoo not so easy to discourage."  Shampoo replied 
with a smile.

	"I know....I know...."  Ranma wearily replied.  "Just please
get back in the locker before Ucchan catches you and kills me!"

	"Okay."  Shampoo returns to the locker while Ranma 
impatiently waited for Ucchan to return, not aware that his every
movement was being documented and captured on film by a certain
mercenary girl....


*	*	*

A ROOM SOMEWHERE IN JAPAN
2:30 P.M.

	The first thing Kodachi was aware of was her jaw.   It was 
sore as hell.  It had a tightness to it that was most uncomfortable.
She tried to move her head when she felt a jolt of pain travel 
through her neck and shoulders.  She decided to keep still for a few
moments until it subsided.

	As she waited, she could hear the gentle soothing sound 
of rainfall nearby.  She didn't feel any drops splash on her yet she
was cold and shivering, feeling like a new born babe just brought 
into the world.  She could hear something else, a low humming
sound that was unfamiliar to her ears yet somehow comforting, 
relaxing her shivering form.

	She could taste something on her tongue, it was blood.
She tried to open her mouth only to have her jaw throb painfully 
in response.  Then a warming feeling passed over her body and she
felt more secure.  She decided it was time to find out where she was
and she opened her eyes.  Things were blurry at first but she could
make out a figure kneeling by her side.

	"Ra...Ranma-Sama?"  Kodachi voice croaked out.	

	The figure was blurry at first, then he came into focus
	
	Then she saw the man clearly and her eyes grew wide.  
It was not her Ranma-Sama.

	It was a small old man, he knelt three feet away from 
Kodachi's face and was no more than two feet tall.  He had a 
lecherous look in his eyes and smiled upon seeing her awaken. 

	"Are you feeling better my dear?"  Happosai said in a 
sing-song voice.

	"AAAAAAH!!!!" was Kodachi's only response as she 
smacked Happosai off the bed to land on the floor.

	"HEY!  Is that any way to treat someone who just saved 
your life?"  Happosai angrily retorted as he rose to his feet.

	"My....My life?"  Kodachi gave him a confused look as she 
looked around and saw it was still raining outside and she was in a 
bedroom, lying on a bed with a large blanket covering her.  There 
was a heater nearby a window which was the source of the earlier
humming.  A green leotard, soaking wet, lay on top of the heater to
dry out.  Kodachi then realized with horror that the clothes were her
own and she lifted the covers slightly and looked underneath....     

	"AAAAAAAH!!!!  I'M NAKED!!!!"  Kodachi shrieked 

	Happosai merely smiled.  "Of course you are.  I had to 
examine your body to check for other injuries didn't I?"

	Kodachi tried to sit up in order to throttle Happosai but then 
the room began to spin and she quickly lay back down, trying to 
regain her balance.

	"When I gain the strength to rise, I will rip you to 
shreds!!!"  Kodachi promised in the coldest voice she could produce. 

	Happosai looked hurt.   "This is the thanks I get?  
And just when I was gonna tell you about your precious Ranma....
Oh well."  Happosai walks towards the door but pauses when he
hears her cry out.

	"WAIT!  WHAT ABOUT MY RANMA-SAMA!  DON'T 
GO!!!!"

	Happosai slowly turned around to face her.  "I want an 
apology first."

	"Agreed!"  Kodachi quickly replied.  "Now tell me......"

	"I didn't hear you say it......."  Happosai sang in a sing-song
voice.

	Kodachi clenched her teeth and whispered.  "I'M SORRY.  
Then she screamed at the top of her lungs.  "NOW TELL ME 
WHERE RANMA-SAMA IS YOU IMPUDENT 

DEGENERATE!!!!

	"He left with Shampoo after Shampoo left you unconsious in
the rain."

	Kodachi turned chalk white.  "WHAT!?!?  NOOOO!!!!"
Kodachi began to cry and tried to rise again to no avail.
	
	"Why are you surprised?  Wouldn't you have done the same
thing?"  Happosai remarked with curiosity.

	"NEVER!!!  I WON'T ALLOW IT!  IT'S 
UNFORGIVABLE!!!  I will certainly rip that chinese hussy in 
twain before I will allow her to lay claim to my Ranma-Sama!"  
Kodachi roared with fury.

	"Well now, I may be able to help you with that."  Happosai
said in a knowing tone.

	"Oh?  And why praytell could a little freak such as yourself 
aid the Black Rose in her noble quest?"  Kodachi suspiciously replied

	"Why....Out of the goodness of my heart of course!"  
Happosai beamed.     "Besides...."  he added.  "Ranma cannot be 
allowed to marry Shampoo and move to China....Why....I'd never
see my cute little Ranma-Chan's body ever again!"  Happosai 
finished in a sad tone of voice.

	Kodachi eyes grew huge with shock.  "You......You 
admire my Ranma-Sama's....BODY?!?!

	"Indeed I do!"  Happosai happily replied.

	Kodachi was horrified, a rare feat considering the terror she
spread on a daily basis.  "You lust after men's bodies as well as 
women?!?!"

	Happosai spun around.  "W..W...WHAT!"  he sputtered in 
disbelief.  "Where you'd get THAT idea?  he demanded.     

	"You just said you admired my Ranma-Sama's chest!"  
Kodachi reminded him with disgust in her tone.

	"The red haired one, you moron!  Not the boy Ranma!"  
Happosai admonished her.

	Kodachi frowned at the mention of her rival.  "Oh, 
HER."  Kodachi spat.  "Yes, she's another wicked girl who tried to 
steal my darling's affections.  The fact she took his name only 
showed how truly pathetic she was, clinging to him any way she 
could."  She clears her throat and continues in a serious tone.    
"But we're removing ourselves from the issue at hand, mainly why 
I should trust a disgusting hentai such as yourself to help me in my
endeavors?  

	"You're very vocal, aren't you"  Happosai noted.

	"Do not change the issue!"  Kodachi snapped back.  

	"Hey!  I brought you inside from the rain and healed up your 
wounds when I could have taken advantage of you while you were 
passed out and left you out there to freeze!  I may be a lech but I have 
my priorities!

	Kodachi felt her jaw and noticed a bandage around it to 
hold it in place and stop the bleeding.  She also notices a wet 
cloth, that fell from her forehead when she tried to choke Happosai 
earlier, lying on the blanket, abandoned.

	"That jaw will heal up in no time.  You're lucky it didn't 
shatter completely on you!  Shampoo's got a mean snap kick."  
Happosai admonished.

	"All right."  Kodachi said grudgingly.    So you helped 
me....I'm still naked!"  She growled.

	"Your clothes were completely soaked!"  Happosai said
defensively.  "Besides it's a small price to pay for your life."  
Happosai said.

	"My life was NOT in danger!"  Kodachi hotly retorted.
	
	"If you had been left outside in the rain you may very 
well had froze to death!"  Or at the very least you might have 
developed lockjaw, or even bled to death!"  Happosai pressed 
on.  "Can't you just admit that you needed my help?"

	"ALL RIGHT, ALREADY!!!  Kodachi fumed.  "Thank 
you for your help.  Now if you'll just give my clothes back to me 
I'll be on my way!"

	"Sure you will."  Happosai sarcastically replied.  "You 
can't even sit up.  How will you be on your way?"

	Kodachi sighed with annoyance.  "Fine.  Can you 
ASSIST me to my residence?"

	"I'm afraid moving you now would be unwise.  You are
suffering from mild shock and exhaustion on top of the injuries you
sustained.  You need complete bed rest until morning."  Happosai
said matter-of-factly.
	
	"WHAT!!! HOW DARE YOU......"  Kodachi tried to rise
only to be restrained by Happosai.  "RELEASE ME AT ONCE!"

	Happosai smiled wryly.  "Why Kodachi, I thought you 
would want to stay here, this being the current residence of your
darling."

	"I DEMAND.....What?"  Kodachi blinked as she looked 
around the room again and then back to Happosai.  "You mean 
I'm...."

	"In the Tendo Doujou.  Yes.  You will be staying in my 
room tonight until you recover."

	"With you?"  Kodachi tried to laugh only to clutch her head
in pain and stop immediately.   Evidently Kodachi had trouble 
tolerating her own laugher as well as everyone else.  "I would sooner
turn my ribbon into gift wrapping!  I will stay in Ranma-Sama's 
room and no one will stop me!"  Kodachi proclaimed as she gathered 
all of her strength and forced herself to sit up and then rise.  She 
wrapped the bedsheet around her naked body and took a step 
towards her clothes on the heater but failed to take another as she 
passed out from the effort.  Happosai caught her before she hits the 
floor and gently carried her back to the bed.  Happosai smiled as he 
thought to himself.        

	"She will do JUST fine.  With Kodachi's help I can stop 
Shampoo's plans and collect panties galore!  Her rage for Shampoo 
and love for Ranma can easily be channeled to suit MY needs." 

	"BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"  A lecherous laugh worthy of
Ataru Moroboshi came from Happosai as he delighted in his plan.
   
	"As for now......Time for bed!""

	Happosai placed the blanket back over Kodachi's nude 
form, stopping short at her breasts,  and then climbs on top of her, 
fully clothed, and used Kodachi's exposed breasts for pillows as he
got comfortable, VERY comfortable.

	"Ahhhhh!  Breasts....The most comfortable pillows in the 
world...."  Happosai happily muttered as he slowly drifted off to 
sleep.
	

*	*	*


DR. TOFU'S CLINIC
3:30 P.M.

	Dr. Tofu sat in his chair watching the rain as it continued 
to fall.  It had a pleasing soothing effect as he removed his glasses 
and leaned back against the wall of his office, listening to the soft 
rainfall and allowing his tired eyes a rest.  Rainy days never 
failed to make him fatigued and with no one, save Ryouga, 
coming into the clinic, Dr. Tofu was completely bored out of his
mind.  

	The doctor opened his eyes again and glanced over at
his sole patient for the day.  Ryouga was still unconscious, not 
surprising at all considering how far he must have walked to 
accumulate as much dirt and sweat as his clothes implied.  They 
had been removed, leaving him clad in boxer shorts as Dr. Tofu
needed to bring down Ryouga's temperature from 104 to a 
manageable 100 degrees.  He was going to be okay, heat stroke 
and plain exhaustion being the main problem.

	It was a good thing he spotted Ryouga when he did.  With
Kasumi's and Mr. Tendo's help, they carried him here to me to 
treat.  Then Kasumi had to leave.  Dr. Tofu sighed to himself.  One
day he'd tell her how he felt.   One day....

	Dr. Tofu was startled when he heard a low moan.  He 
looked up to see Ryouga beginning to stir.  Quickly Dr. Tofu rose to
his feet, eager to be doing something at last and walked over to him.

	"Hello there Ryouga.  How are you feeling?"  The doctor 
asked in his best bedside manner tone of voice.

	"Uhhhh....Where am I?"

	" You're at my clinic.  You were found passed out in front 
of the Utchan and Kasumi, Mr. Tendo and I brought you here to
recover."  Dr. Tofu said.

	"T.....Tendo?"  Ryouga weakly replied.

	"You're really lucky Ryouga.   A normal person would be 
dead after enduring what you have on the road.  I found all sorts of
bruises and heat rashes, along with a severe case of heat stroke.  
Where were you walking from anyway?"  Tofu inquired.     

	"C..China...."

	Dr. Tofu cocked an eyebrow.  "You mean to tell me you 
walked all the way from China to here without stopping to rest or
sleep?"

	"Didn't...."  Ryouga took a deep breath  "Didn't have time
to rest.  Time was of the essence."

	"But how?  You would have had to cross the ocean to do 
that and you don't strike me at the type with a lot of money.  Are 
you saying you swam across?"  Dr. Tofu asked.

	"No....I walked."  Ryouga replied simply.

	"That's impossible.  There's no route from China to Japan
that takes you around or past the ocean!"  Dr. Tofu exclaimed.

	"There is....I found it....Just hard to get to...."  Ryouga 
said matter-of-factly.

	"Well....However you came here....You should really take
better care of yourself.  Kasumi said Akane would be worried about 
you...."

	With the mention of Akane's name, Ryouga sat up and 
glanced around the room, searching for something.

	"Where's my backpack?"  Ryouga demanded.
 
	"Easy Ryouga, it's right here."  Dr. Tofu reassured him
and pointed to its resting place in the corner.  Ryouga quickly 
stood up, ignoring the doctor's protests for him to take it easy and
ruffled through it until he saw what he was looking for.  He then 
sighed in relief and sat back down on the bed, resting his bag next 
to the bed.   

	"Sorry"  Ryouga said sheepishly  "I just needed to check on
something."  Ryouga then looked down at himself and noticed his
state of undress.

	"Hey!  Where are my clothes?!"  Ryouga yelped in 
surprise, covering himself with a thin sheet from the bed.

	"Kasumi took them with her to wash for you since you're
a friend of Akane's.  Wasn't that nice of her?"  Dr. Tofu's eyes
went slightly unfocused as Ryouga tried to get his attention.

	"That's great....Um....Doc?"

	"Yes?"  Dr. Tofu replied, not looking at him directly.

	"What am I supposed to wear in the meantime?"

	"Oh, well I have a spare gi in my closet.  Here let me get
it for you...."  Dr. Tofu started to stumble around the office as
Kasumi prevented him from focusing on his task.  Ryouga stood
up and walked over to the closet, picking up a gray training gi that
was a little too big for him.  Ryouga tried it on anyway.  The 
sleeves were a little too long and Ryouga caught a glance of 
himself in the mirror and groaned.  He was dressed just like 
Mousse, long sleeves and all.  He then turned to see Dr. Tofu
blindly searching the closet for the gi he just took.

	"Doc?  I already got it."  Ryouga called out to him.

	"Oh, okay then."  Dr. Tofu closed the closet and made
his way back to the bed, frowning as he noticed Ryouga was on
his feet again.  "You should really get some rest Ryouga.  A three 
hour nap is not enough time to...."

	"I'll be okay.  I'm used to it."  Ryouga replied as he picked
up his bag.  "Thanks for helping me out there.  I don't have much 
money I'm afraid but anytime you need a favor...."

	Dr. Tofu cut him off.  "Don't sweat it Ryouga.  We'll work
something out later."  he frowned again.  "I still think you could use 
some rest though, at least wait until the storm is over."

	"Storm?"  Ryouga looked out the window and seemed to 
notice the rain for the first time.

	"'Yes, it's been raining shortly after you were brought here.
Going out there now in your condition...."  Dr. Tofu's voice trailed
off as he noticed Ryouga wasn't paying attention.

	Ryouga stared long and hard at the rain as it fell outside the
window.  Then he gently dropped his bag to the floor and turned 
around, moving towards the door.

	"Ryouga?"  Dr. Tofu voice was laced with concern.  "Is
everything all right?"

	Ryouga didn't answer as he slowly slipped off his gi, 
leaving him in boxer shorts again, made his way through the 
waiting room and then opened the front door.  He stood there for
a long moment, looking at the rain, hearing it splash against the
ground and then he stepped outside, closing the door behind 
him...."

	Meanwhile Dr. Tofu was wondering what was on Ryouga's
mind when suddenly he heard a loud cry.  It was almost exactly like
the cry he had heard shortly before he found Ryouga, except it was
louder and if possible, even more full of joy than before.  Dr. Tofu
rushed towards the front door as he heard the cry a second time and
opened the door.  He stood there, a look of concern and confusion 
on his face as he watched Ryouga Hibiki, a boy he had treated for
heat stroke and exhaustion, kneeling in the center of the street with
his arms outstretched and laughing as the cold rain drenched him,
drenching his still human body.  
 

(Fade to Black)	  


PART 4:  THE DESIRES OF THE MANY, OBSCURE THE 
NEEDS OF THE FEW OR THE ONES THAT DARE TO DREAM

OUTSIDE THE NEKOHANTEN
3:30 P.M.

	The sky had cleared and the rain had finally ceased as 
Ranma neared the restaurant, Shampoo clinging to his arm.  Ranma
had his head bowed and his shoulders were slumped with depression.  
A dark cloud of doom and gloom seemed to hang over him as he 
silently cursed the fates for getting him into these messes.

	"Why do these things always happen to me?"  Ranma 
thought bitterly.  "All I wanted to do was take a nice hot shower in 
peace and get back to class but NOOOO.....now I'm being forced to 
take Shampoo on a date!  What else can go wrong?"

	As Ranma continued to fume in silence he failed to notice 
the sudden appearance of a figure ahead of him.  The figure thrusts
his sleeves at Ranma and unleashed a series of curved blades 
attached to ropes, all aimed at Ranma's unprotected head.  Ranma 
glanced up at the sound and was unable to react in time when....

	"AI REN!  MOVE!!!"

	Shampoo suddenly separated Ranma from his kidneys, or 
at least that's what it felt like to Ranma as Shampoo tackled him out
of the path of the blades in the nick of time.  Ranma quickly 
recovered and found himself on the ground with Shampoo draped 
over him.  Ranma was about to protest when he noticed the ropes 
sailing through where his head had been a moment ago and quickly 
stood up to face his attacker....the master of hammerspace known as 
Mousse.

	"Hey!  What's the big idea?!"  Ranma shouted.

	Mousse glared at Ranma through the thick lens of his 
glasses.  "Need you even ask, Saotome!"  Mousse growled in a voice
full of righteous anger.  "My darling Shampoo leaves me alone at the 
Nekohanten to serve the customers while you take her out to who 
knows where and try to steal her away from me!

	"You're crazy!  We never....!"  Ranma tried to retort.

	"Stupid Mousse!  Ranma no take Shampoo to date until 
tonight!"  Shampoo replied with contempt in her voice.

	"IS THAT RIGHT?!?"  Mousse took a threatening step 
forward, his sleeves prepared to release another volley.

	"No!  Well.....sort of.....but there's a reason....."  Ranma 
fumbled.

	"DIE SAOTOME!!!"  Mousse leapt high into the air and 
shot another series of blades on ropes at Ranma.  Only this time 
Ranma was ready for it and managed to move out of the way in 
time, catching each of the ropes in his hand as the blades flew by 
his body until he had them all.

	"Try this on for size!"  Ranma said as he suddenly yanked 
down hard on the ropes, sending Mousse plummeting towards the 
ground only to have him flip upright in mid air and aim his rapidly 
descending form towards Ranma, metal claws extending from his 
shoes as he aimed for the center of Ranma's chest.

	"TAKA ZUME KEN!!!"  Mousse screamed as he tried to
impale Ranma only to have Ranma sidestep from the point of 
impact.  Mousse's claws retracted just before he reached the ground 
but was wide open for a roundkick to the face by Ranma.  Mousse 
went flying and crashed hard against the stone wall surrounding the 
sidewalk, gasping in pain from the impact as he slowly slid back 
down to the ground.  

      	"Guess you forgot to....duck."  Taunted a still-fresh 
Ranma.

	"Come on Ai Ren, stupid Mousse not worth fighting."  
Shampoo said with even more contempt as they turned to leave.

	"Hold it!"  With a mighty effort, Mousse struggled to his
feet, his hard gaze masked by his eyewear.  "We're not finished yet, 
Saotome."

	"Jeez, Mousse, how many times do I have to beat you up 
before you realize you can't win."  Ranma asked in a tired voice.

	"Shampoo is not yours.  I'll fight for her to my last breath."
Mousse said with quiet determination.

	"Hey, anytime you want her she's...."  Ranma quickly cut 
off his sentence as Shampoo glared daggers at him and he decided to 
change the subject.  "Look, I don't want to beat you up again Mousse, 
so give up!"  Ranma said trying to be reasonable, not realizing how 
self centered he sounded.

	"Give up Mousse!"  Shampoo added to his voice.  "Shampoo 
never love you like she love Ranma.  Husband is strong, defeat 
Shampoo in battle, defeat all others in battle, Mousse can't even beat 
Shampoo!  Mousse weak man."
	
	"Then let me prove my love for you by trashing this fool!"  
Mousse offered with his fists clenched.

	"Who are you calling a fool, duck boy?"  Ranma responded 
hotly.

	"Mousse never beat Ranma!  Ranma invincible!  Nyahh!"
Shampoo said as she stuck her tongue out at him.

	"That's right!"  Ranma wholeheartedly agreed.

	Mousse turned to Ranma with a look of anger and betrayal.

	"Why are you encouraging her?  I thought you wanted me 
to have her?  Mousse's eyes narrowed.  Why are you taking her out 
on a date anyway?

	Ranma's face flushed and he started twiddling his fingers.
"Well....um....Shampoo....that is....Kodachi....and then....you see...."

	Shampoo decided to fill in the huge gaps in Ranma's story.
"Ranma knocked out temporality by violent girl.  Then psycho girl 
try to steal Ranma and Shampoo protect him until he wake up.  See?"
Shampoo showed her burnt hand to Mousse.  Mousse leaned closer 
and took a good look at it and his gaze darkened even further.

	"Y..Yeah...something like that....then....um....."  Ranma 
tried to add.

	Shampoo interrupted him again by saying in an excited 
voice.  "Then Ranma and Shampoo take hot shower together and
Ranma promise to take Shampoo to date!"

	"WHAT?!?"  Mousse exclaimed with unparalleled fury.  
"NOT ONLY DO YOU RISK MY SHAMPOO'S SAFETY 
AGAINST KUNOU'S DEMENTED SISTER BUT YOU DARE 
GAZE AND WASH MY BRIDE'S NAKED BODY!?!?

	"What?!  No!  That's not how it happened!"  Ranma tried 
to backtrack.  "Shampoo!  Tell him what really happened!"

	"But Ai Ren, that did happen."  Shampoo looked at Ranma 
with confusion.

	"NO!  Tell him how you tried to seduce me and...."  Ranma 
never had a chance to finish his thought before Mousse sent a huge 
black colored mace with a heavy chain attached to it to land on top of
Ranma's head, driving his feet a few inches into the pavement with 
the force of the impact.

	"J....Just give me a chance to explain...."  Ranma said as 
he gritted his teeth against the pain.

	"ENOUGH EXCUSES!  THIS TIME YOU DIE FOR 
SURE!  KEIRAN KEN!!!"  Mousse screamed with finality as he 
pressed his attack by throwing a series of egg bombs at the routed 
Ranma.  They all landed in a circle around him, all ticking 
ominously as Ranma desperately tried to free himself of the 
pavement.  Then with a loud series of KABOOMS, the eggs 
detonated, causing a huge cloud of smoke to surround Ranma as
the explosions released their destructive power upon him.  

	"Shampoo, I've won the battle!  Now you will be mine!" 
 Mousse exclaimed in victory as he rushed forward to embrace his
beloved, only to crash hard into a telephone phone he mistook for
Shampoo.  

	Then when the smoke cleared to reveal....an empty space 
full of small craters and two small impressions in the pavement 
where Ranma's feet were once stuck.

	"What....That's impossible?!"  Mousse couldn't believe it.

	"Looking for someone?"  A voice taunted from above.

	Mousse looked up just in time to catch a heel kick to the
back of his head, driving his face into the concrete and Ranma's
foot along with it.  Ranma twisted his heel, grinding Mousse's face
further.

	"Had enough?"  Ranma asked in a serious tone.

	"N...Never...."

	Ranma yelped in pain and surprise as Mousse suddenly 
raised his sleeves and unsheathed his arm blades, slashing both of 
Ranma's shins.  Ranma was then thrown off Mousse as he shed his 
cloak, leaving Mousse barechested.  Mousse then turned to face 
Ranma, his arm blades dripping slightly.

	Mousse gave a cold smile to Ranma.  "Just as you never 
see the legs of a swan in water, you will never see what's up my 
sleeves."  His grin grew wider.    "Until it hits you, that is."
            
	Ranma threw Mousse's cloak off him and rose to his feet,
gently rubbing his shins and trying to stop the bleeding.

	"Mousse...."  Ranma said in a low voice.  "I've gone easy 
on you up till now because I felt sorry for you.  But....you went one 
step too far pal!"  Ranma cracked his knuckles and assumed an 
offensive stance, his face dead serious.  "Now I'm gonna ....!"

	Ranma stopped in mid-sentence as Shampoo suddenly 
produced a bucket of cold water and dumped it over Mousse, 
transforming him into his duck form.  Shampoo then grabbed 
him by the neck and held him tightly for a few seconds until he 
passed out while a confused and angry Ranma looked with
disbelief at Shampoo.

	"What'd you do that for?  I was about to teach him a 
lesson!"  Ranma angrily demanded to know.

	"Ranma no fight Mousse any more.  Ranma need strength 
for date with Shampoo later.  Besides, Ranma no stand up for much
longer."  Shampoo replied in a calm voice.

	"What'd mean!?!  I can stand up to Mousse for...."

	Ranma's legs suddenly collapsed from under him and he 
landed on his tailbone.  Ranma immediately tried to stand back up to 
no avail, his legs were completely numb.

	"Wha....What happened to me?  Why can't I stand up?!"  
Ranma asked, frustration evident in his tone at being helpless.

	"Mousse coat blades with poison.  Shampoo see blades 
drip with it and knew Ranma need help."    

  	 "I....I don't need anyone's help!!"  Ranma screamed 
angrily as he tried to rise again, infuriated at having his battle
fought for him yet again.  "I'm a guy, dammit!"

	"No talk stupid Ranma!  Shampoo get antidote for poison.
Wait right here!"  Shampoo scurried off towards the Nekohanten, 
still clutching Mousse-Duck tightly in her fist, leaving a humiliated 
and humbled Ranma behind.

	"Oh man....This just isn't my day."  Ranma shoulders 
slumped, once again lost in a cloud of dispair.  "Oh well, at least it
can't get any worse...."

	"Oh Ranma...."

	Ranma spun around, fully expecting to see Akane with her 
mallet, ready to pound him to a bloody pulp, but instead sees Nabiki.

	"Oh, it's only you."  Ranma breathed a sigh of relief.  Then 
he noticed the smile on Nabiki's face and immediately became tense
again.  "W...What?  Why're looking at me like that for?"  he 
stammered.

	"I was on my way home from school and just thought I paid
the Nekohanten a little visit."  Nabiki said with a sly smile.  "I trust
you've recovered from Akane's reaction to your food criticism?"

	"Uh, y....yeah....good as new....heh...."  Ranma tried his 
best to sound relaxed, stretching out his arms behind his head for 
good measure.

	"I'm so glad to hear it.  I wasn't feeling too well myself so
I decided to leave class early."  Nabiki paused for a moment to take
a deep breath and then continued.  "But....I forgot about a certain 
homework assignment I'd left in my locker in the girl's gym....

	Ranma freezes.  Solid.  He closes his eyes.

	"Ohnoohnopleaseno....."  Ranma whimpered to himself.

	....and saw the most interesting photo opportunity in the
girl's shower of all places!  Imagine that!"  Nabiki smirked.

	Ranma glared at Nabiki.  "Don't you have any shame?!?  
Ain't I got a right to any privacy anymore!  Everytime something 
bad happens to me, you end up making it worse!  Why do you 
always pick on me?"  he growled.

	"Why, whatever do you mean?"  Nabiki said in a innocent 
voice.  "I exploit everyone equally.  Kunou....family members...."  
Nabiki smirks again.  "Fiancees....and strangers alike!  I don't play 
favorites.  

	"Yeah, you're an equal opportunity exploiter." Ranma 
sarcastically replied.  "We don't screw you, you screw us right?"

	The smile vanished.  "Just for that, I'm raising the price of
my silence."  Nabiki said matter-of-factly.

	"Silence?"  Ranma stared blankly at her.

	"The photos of you and Shampoo in the shower of course.
Be a real shame if I had to tell my little sister about your two 
timing...."  Nabiki voice trailed off.

   	Ranma was glad he couldn't stand up right now, he was 
sorely tempted to teach Nabiki a lesson about now, girl or no girl.

	"Oh no you don't!  I've already been blackmailed once 
today!  Gimme those photos Nabiki, NOW!"  Ranma said in his best 
icy tone of voice.

	Nabiki smiled and patted Ranma on the head, infuriating 
him further.  "First of all Ranma, I know you, you won't hit me or 
any other girl no matter how angry you get.  Second, I don't have 
the photos with me.  The *film* is being developed as we speak by a 
friend of mine.  And third, even you were willing to take the film 
from me by force, you can't even stand up."

	Ranma glowered with silent fury as he realized Nabiki was
right and she once again had him over a barrel.

	"Aright."  Defeat was evident in Ranma's voice.  "Just tell 
me how much it'll cost me to keep this quiet and get it over with.

	"Don't be ridiculous!  Do you really think I would have 
gone to all this trouble so I could get a measly 1500 yen from your 
wallet?"  Nabiki admonished Ranma.

	"Then what do you want?"  Ranma asked, afraid of the 
answer.

	Nabiki knelt down next to Ranma and looked him right in
the eyes, their faces centimeters apart.

	"I want you, Ranma sweetie."  Nabiki whispered in a 
breathy voice.

	"WHAT?!?!"  Ranma looked at Nabiki in disbelief.

	"I want you....to be my personal slave."  Nabiki finished in
a normal tone.

	"S....Slave....?"  Ranma gasped.

	"Yes.  I need you to perform several tasks for me, shake 
down the welchers, acquire things for me no one else can, charm
those who would refuse my generous offers, little things like that."

	"No way!  I belong to nobody!"  Ranma shouted, his male
pride taking over the rational part of his mind.

	"Ooookay, suit yourself."  Nabiki turned to walk away.  "I
guess Akane will just have to be told of your cheating....as well as
Kunou....and let's not forget Ukyou....and Kodachi....Daddy....your 
father...."

	Ranma shuddered as he thought of all of those people
seeing those photos.  Pop beating him up, Mr. Tendo wailing and
turning into that demon head, Ukyou flattening his skull with her
spatula and Akane....Akane....

	"How long?"  whispered Ranma.

	Nabiki stopped and turned around.  "What was that 
Ranma?"

	Ranma swallowed hard and repeated. "How long?  How
long do I have to help you out?"

	Nabiki gaze became thoughtful.  "Well....I was going to say
a week, but after that vulgar comment you made to me earlier...."  
Nabiki thought it over for a few moments.   "About a month should 
cover it."

	Ranma groaned and then weakly nodded his head.

	"Excellent.  In that case you have my word no one will ever 
see those photos."  Nabiki said in her most sincere voice, which was 
frighteningly realistic.  "I know you have a date with Shampoo 
tonight so I'll be generous and give you the day off but starting 
tomorrow....you're mine.  Understand, slave?

	"Don't push your luck Nabiki.  I'm still Ranma."

	Nabiki considers responding to that but sees the look in 
Ranma's eyes and knows she has already pushed her luck to 
dangerous levels.  "I'd better smooth things over a bit."  she noted to 
herself as she spoke again.  "Okay, Ranma.  I'll see you 
tomorrow....I'll even provide an alibi for your whereabouts tonight so 
you don't have to worry about anyone finding out about your date 
with Shampoo.  See ya!

	Nabiki finally leaves Ranma alone, who is now looking 
suicidal.  A few moments later, Shampoo came back out of the 
Nekohanten with a vial full of green liquid.  She knelt down next
to Ranma and offered it to him.

	"Sorry Shampoo take so long.  Here, drink."  Shampoo 
said.  

	Ranma took the vial and swallowed the liquid in one gulp.  
Then Ranma felt his legs tingle and a moment later he found he 
could move them again.  Ranma stood up, tested them out with a few
practice kicks and then looked at Shampoo.

	"Thanks.  Where's Mousse?"  Ranma wondered.

	"In cage.  Where he belong."  Shampoo replied.  Then a 
look of concern crossed her face and she placed a hand on 
Ranma's shoulder.   "What wrong Ai Ren?  You look sad."

	"I...."  Ranma considered telling Shampoo about Nabiki but
decided against it since Shampoo would most likely try to hurt 
Nabiki and cause even more trouble than he needed.  "Never mind,
I need to go and think for a while."

	"But Ai Ren....!"  Shampoo began to protest.

	"I promise I'll be back here tonight for our date.  I just 
want some time alone until then, okay?"  Ranma said in a tired 
voice.

	"Okay."  Shampoo turned back to the restaurant.  "See you
tonight for date!"  Shampoo happily bounced back into the restaurant,
leaving Ranma alone on the street.  He released a long sigh and looked
up at the sky, judging by the way the day has gone so far, he fully 
expected it to grow cloudy and rain again, turning him into his female 
form where Kunou would miraculously show up at that exact moment 
and try to glomp onto him....

	Ranma suddenly turned away from the Nekohanten and ran
away at top speed, heading to the one place he could seek shelter for 
a little while....


*	*	*


THE TENDO DOUJOU
3:50 P.M.

	"There!  Try to get out of that one Tendo!"

	Soun Tendo stared at the Shogi board with a growing 
frustration as he ran his hands through his tangled hair.  Genma sat 
on the opposite side with a smug look on his face.  "I've got you right 
where I want you!"  Genma couldn't resist adding after seeing Soun's 
reaction.

	"Just be quiet!  I'm thinking...."  Soun snapped at his 
lifetime friend.

	"Thinking of ways to admit you're beaten, is that it?" 
Genma replied in a mock serious tone.

	Soun ignored Genma and tried to concentrate on the board,
trying to see the one move Genma didn't anticipate, the one move 
that could turn the tables....

	"You know Tendo...."  Genma started but paused.

	"What?"  A weary Soun replied.

	"If I didn't know better, I'd say your mind was elsewhere.
Is something bothering you, old friend?  Genma noted with concern.

	"Well....to be honest....I'm worried about the master."  Soun
said, uncertainty creeping into his voice.

	Genma's frown deepened and a thin line creased his brow 
with the mention of Happosai.  "How so?"

	"Kasumi said he came home during the storm with a girl 
over his shoulder.  He said he had found her lying on the ground in
front of the school and was bringing her here to warm her up."  Soun
continued in a worried tone of voice.  "Kasumi offered to take the 
girl into the bath and dry her clothes but the Master refused and said 
he would take care of her himself.  Then he took her into his room 
and slammed the door."  

	Soun paused to take a long sip of his tea and then looked 
back up at Genma.  

	"He's been in there with her for over an hour and hasn't 
made a sound."

	"Well....that's good isn't it?"  Genma offered.

	"I'm worried the master is up to no good."  Soun sighed.  
"He's already made our life a living hell when we were training 
under him for all those years.  And then he started stealing 
underwear and food from this town and the mayor wants me to 
bring him to justice, even though he's living in the same house as 
us!"  Soun voice was approaching panic as he continued.  
"What....What if he's sunk low enough to start kidnapping girls,
bringing them to MY doujou and having his evil way with them?
I would be disgraced!  Accused of running a brothel!"

	"Is that what you're worried about, Tendo?"  Genma tried
to reassure him.  "The master may be pure evil, but I've never seen
him go farther with women than peeking at them in showers, making 
them wear bras and panties and coping a cheap feel now and then.

	"That's bad enough!"  Soun's voice was definitely full of
panic now.  "What will I do, Saotome?  I don't want him to bring 
disgrace to our families!"

	"Have you actually checked on the Master's room?"  
Genma inquired.

	"Are you crazy?!  And risk incurring his wrath again?!  
The last time I woke him up early he forced me to wash his entire
panty collection.  All 500,000 of them!  My hands were so sore and 
red, I couldn't make a fist for a week."  Soun slumped down in 
depression.  "Face it Saotome, we'll never be rid of him, no matter 
how hard we try.

	"Don't lose hope, Tendo!"  Genma said, trying to cheer 
his friend up.  "One day your daughter and my son will be in 
charge of this doujou and since Ranma is now Happ....the master's 
heir to the Anything Goes School of Marital Arts, he'll have to 
leave us alone eventually.

	"Or die in his sleep...."  Soun tried to hide a smile but 
failed.

	Genma laughed out loud.  "Amen to that!  Now come on 
Tendo, let's continue our game, drink our tea and forget the world's 
noises for a little while, okay?"

	"Okay, Saotome....You've convinced me."  Soun's spirits 
lifted a bit.  He looked down on the board and remembered he was 
still in trouble, but now that his mind was clear....

	"Oh Kasumi, could you please bring us some more tea?"
Soun asked.

	Kasumi popped her head from the kitchen.  "I'll be right 
there father.  Mr. Saotome, would you like some as well?"

	Genma turned towards Kasumi.  "Sure, that'd be great, 
Kasumi.  Thank you!"

	Genma smiled as he turned back to face Soun.  "You sure 
are lucky to have a daughter that attentive to your needs.  Genma 
sighed to himself.  "My ungrateful son wouldn't know civility if it
reached up and....

	Genma eyes grew to huge proportions as he noticed the
Shogi board was no longer going in his favor, quite the opposite 
actually.

	"Uh....Tendo....Did you move yet?"  Genma asked 
cautiously 
      
	"I'm still waiting for you to move remember?" Soun 
admonished with a slight smile on his face.

	"Yes, but....I could have sworn.....I mean...."  Genma 
sputtered.

	"Don't you remember me moving earlier?  Don't tell me
you're getting senile in your old age?"  Soun said with a serious 
expression.

	"Of....Of course not!  I....I knew it was still my move....I 
was just....seeing if you were paying attention, that's all!

	Genma rubbed his temples wearily as he attempted to find
a way out of the trap he had fallen into.  Soun glanced towards the
kitchen and smiled.

	"Attentive indeed."  he thought to himself.

 	
*	*	*


FURINKAN HIGH SCHOOL
4:35 P.M.   	
  
	The dismissal bell had already rung as Kunou approached 
the door to Akane's classroom.  He had been searching the halls for 
the last three hours in vain for his pig-tailed goddess, thanks to a tip
from Nabiki Tendo which proved to be false.  This surprised him as 
Nabiki's information, while expensive, had never been wrong until
now.  Then again, Nabiki had not yet charged him for the 
information....  
	 
	Kunou decided to ask Nabiki about it later as he entered 
Akane's classroom, ready to take her up on the date he had 
promised.  He was surprised to see his beloved talking to a pathetic
excuse for a student.  Then Kunou remembered the boy as someone
who had assisted him in the past.  Godsukuri or something like that.

	The boy was talking to Akane and holding out a series of 
what appeared to be equally pathetic excuses for dolls for her to take.  
They were made of straw, without paint or clothes, a small green 
bow tied around the neck of each one.

	Kunou frowned and began to walk over towards them.  Even
if this Godsukuri wretch had helped him in the past, that gave him no
excuse to speak so freely to his darling Akane!  He would have to show
him his place....


*	*	*


	Akane sighed inwardly as she examined Gosunkugi's dolls.  
She had intended to leave school right after the bell in order to find 
out why Ranma had never come back to school, only to be held up 
by Gosunkugi.  She tried to brush him off gently but he had been so 
eager to please she didn't want to hurt his feelings and decided to 
give them a brief look before she left.

	"Do....Do you really like them?"  Gosunkugi nervously 
asked.

	Akane looked them over.  They all looked the same but she
had to admit they had a certain....charm to them.

	"There're very sweet, Hikaru.  Thank you."  Akane replied.

	"She called me by my first name!" Gosunkugi thought to 
himself with glee, his heart soared.  "I'm so glad you...."

	Gosunkugi sentence was rudely interrupted when someone 
suddenly grabbed him from behind and spun him around.  
Gosunkugi found himself face to face with an enraged Tatewaki 
Kunou, bokken drawn and pointed at his throat.  A look of rage 
adjourned the samurai's face.

	"S...Sempai....?"  Gosunkugi tried not to show fear, and
failed miserably.

	"How DARE you presume to speak to my darling Akane!  
You, who is not worthy to lick the pond scum off the bottom of her 
shoes!  Remove yourself from our presence, less I have to soil my 
hands with your lesser blood."

	"I....I was just trying...."  Gosunkugi stammered.

	"Do your ears fail to grasp the simplest of truths?  
BEGONE!!!"  Kunou pressed the tip of his bokken against 
Gosunkugi's throat, causing him to flee for his life and out of the
classroom.

	"Hikaru!  Wait!"  Akane called out after him, to no avail.  
Then she turned back to Kunou, a blue aura beginning to form 
around her as Kunou gazed at the door where Gosunkugi had 
retreated, a look of utter contempt on his face.

	"Hmph.  The lesser that tries to imitate his betters only 
proves himself the lesser of them all."  Kunou arrogantly 
proclaimed as he dismissed Gosunkugi with a wave of his hands 
and turned his head to face Akane....

	Who at this moment was now emitting a great deal of 
ki-power, all directed at him.  Sure, Gosunkugi could be annoying 
sometimes, even a little scary, but Kunou had NO RIGHT 
whatsoever to do what he just did and Akane wasn't going to let him 
get away with it, not this time.

	"How dare you!  Get this straight Kunou, I am NOT, repeat, 
NOT your Akane!  I belong to no one!  Second, Hikaru Gosunkugi 
is my friend and if I choose to speak to him, that's MY choice, not 
yours!"  Akane retorted hotly as her fists trembled from her rage.

	"But my love, surely you do not wish to lower yourself to a 
level that you rise above every day with the very essence of your ever
blossoming beauty?"  He gestured towards her desk at the straw dolls
Gosunkugi had left behind.  "Such a low-born creature as he, who 
would create abominations such as these....things....is unworthy of 
your attentions."  Kunou finished in a tone usually reserved for an 
uncooperative child, enraging Akane further.  

	"I'd choose to talk to him over a pompous ass like you any 
day!"  Akane was shouting now.  "You're nothing but a egotistical, 
self-centered, perverted fool with about as much sense as a head of 
cabbage!  You say you love me, yet you made all the boys attack me 
before school every single morning, just to satisfy your ego!  And 
your poetry is terrible!  TERRIBLE!!!  I *HATE* YOU!  I HATE 
EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU!!!  YOU....MAKE....ME....SICK!!!

    	Akane shook with rage, years of anger at his treatment of 
her finally rising to the surface.  Kunou looked truly shocked and 
hurt by her words and to the amazement of the class, tears begins
to roll down his cheeks.  Then Kunou suddenly fell to his knees and 
held out his sword down in front of him with both of his hands.  
The class stared at him with curiosity as he spoke in a soft voice to 
Akane, who was perplexed to say the least. 

 	"When I first saw you, I swore upon my sword to give up  
on all other women and with all my love commend me to you 
forever.  Then the pig-tailed came and I did the same for her." 
Kunou lowered his head in shame.   "I now know I have 
wronged both of you and for that I can never apologize enough.  
I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry...."  

	Tears streamed from Kunou's eyes.  The class is stunned.  
Akane felt a pang of regret at her outburst and wondered if Kunou 
truly wasn't a complete idiot after all.  

	"Had....had I known that Saotome had driven you both to 
such a wretched state...."  Kunou's voice was filled with grief.

	"WHAT?" The entire class yelled as one, including Akane.

  	"Oh my love, I know you do not mean what you just said.  
I know the evil Saotome has twisted your love and the love of the
pig-tailed girl against me for his own dark purposes and I forgive 
you.  I have been and always shall be yours.  The needs of the one 
outweighs the needs of the few...."

	Daisuke turned to Hiroshi.  "Isn't that line from Star...." 
he began.

	Hiroshi rolled his eyes.  "Kunou must be running out of
regular poetry to butcher...."

	"....or the many."  Kunou was nearing the end of his 
speech or so the rest of the class hoped.  "Do not be afraid Akane,
come jump into my arms!  Be one with me!  From this time forward
I shall protect you and the pig tailed girl from Saotome once and for 
all!  THIS I HEREBY SWEAR!"  

	The rumble of thunder was briefly heard outside the 
classroom as Kunou's final words echo throughout the classroom.  
Kunou rose to his feet and replaced his bokken by his side as he 
released Akane's hand, opening his arms wide to her.   "Come 
Akane, give me your sweet lips...."  Kunou whispered softly to her.       	

	Akane gave him a look that could melt steel as she raised her
fist to bash him into the stratosphere.  Then she paused and glanced
down at Kunou's sword and a strange smile came over her face.

	"Okay Sempai....Close your eyes."

	The entire class facefaulted in disbelief as Kunou 
immediately closed his eyes, waiting for Akane to jump into his 
arms and smother him with kisses as he knew she wanted to for 
countless days and nights.  Then Kunou shuddered as he felt his 
bokken being slowly withdrawn from his belt.)  

	"Could....Could she be undressing me?  Here?"  Kunou 
thought with alarm and excitement.   "So bold my love!  But while
spontaneity is the fruit of life, perhaps we should first retire to my 
bedchambers?  Kunou reached out blindly, his eyes still 
closed....These cretins are not worthy to behold your lovely form....

	"BEHOLD THIS, KUNOU!!!"  Akane's voice was filled 
with malice and sadistic glee.

	Kunou's eyes popped open just in time to see his beloved 
Akane thrust his bokken as hard as she could into his crotch.  All the
boys in the class grimaced and averted their eyes as Kunou screamed 
in pain and immediately dropped to his knees holding his most 
vulnerable area and continued to scream very loudly.

	"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGHHHHHH!!!!!"

	Akane threw the splintered bokken on the ground in 
disgust and left the classroom, leaving a very injured Kunou 
thrashing and rolling on the floor in more pain than he had ever 
felt in his entire life.  Akane smiled to herself at finally extracting
some small measure of revenge for Kunou's treatment of her and
Gosunkugi.

	"That helped....a little."  Akane thought to herself.  "But 
what a moron!  He's as bad as Ranma!  Insensitive, egotistical.... "  
Akane suddenly slowed her pace as she remembered her original
concern before Kunou bothered her.  "Where is Ranma anyway?  I 
haven't seen him since I knocked him out the window at lunch.  I 
hope I didn't hurt him when I....What am I saying?!"  Akane 
scolded herself.  "That idiot deserved it!  Insulting my lunch like 
that!  He didn't have to be so mean!  Toxic waste indeed!"

	With the memory of Ranma insulting her cooking, and the
recent encounter with Kunou still fresh in her mind,  Akane decided
to go home and smash a few bricks while she envisioned their heads in 
place of them....

	
*	*	*


OUTSIDE THE UTCHAN
4:20 P.M. 	 
		            
	It had been a long and tiring day for Ukyou Kuonji as she 
made her way home.  Yet she would have no time to rest as she 
needed to open her restaurant for business.  Sometimes Ukyou 
wondered if it was all worth it....the stress of high school work, the 
pressure of running a business single handed, wondering if Ranma 
would ever get around to saying he loved her....

	Ukyou stopped and shook her head to clear it.  She 
couldn't allow herself to think such things.  Ranma would choose 
her for his wife all in due time, she just had to been patient.  "The 
best things come to those who wait."  she repeated over and over 
in her mind.

	"Ranchan...." she thought to herself.  "I've waited so long 
for you to admit your love for me....He HAS to pick me eventually.  
Shampoo and Kodachi are too crazy for Ranma to choose over me 
and Akane is too violent.  I'm Ranma's only SANE fiancee."  she 
smiles to herself.  "Not to mention the cutest."         

	Strengthened by this thought, Ukyou held her head up 
high as she approached the Utchan.

	"That's right!  One day I'll be cooking in my restaurant, 
Ranma will walk inside, kneel in front of me and say...."

	"Ucchan!"

	Ukyou snapped out of her fantasy when she noticed Ranma 
leaning against the door of her restaurant, his arms folded over his 
chest.  	

	"Ranchan...."  Ukyou tried to say something.

	"Ucchan, I have something to ask of you...."  Ranma said in 
a serious tone of voice.

	Ukyou's heart began to pound, her eyes grew wide and she
felt like the world had suddenly come to a halt.

	"Y..Yes?"  Ukyou replied weakly, hoping against hope.

	"Could I hang out here for a while?  I'm kinda in trouble 
with Akane right now and going back could be bad for my health if
you know what I mean."  Ranma pleaded.

	Ukyou blinked.  Then forced a smile on her face to hide her
immense disappointment.

	"Sure Ranchan!  You're always welcome here!  Is Akane 
cooking again?

	"Um....not exactly." Ranma sighs.  "It's a long story."

	"Well come in and tell me all about it!"  Ukyou quickly
unlocked the door of the Utchan and ushered Ranma inside.  She 
turned on the lights and walked over to the grill as Ranma took his
usual stool in front of the counter.  As Ukyou started to heat the grill
and pull out the till, she noticed Ranma seemed to be in a state of 
enormous depression.

	"You okay Ranchan?  You look like Ryouga over there 
sulking and sighing like that."  Ukyou noted.

	"Yeah."  Ranma muttered.  "Whatever." 

	"Come on Ranchan, you can tell me what's wrong.  I'm
your fian....your best friend after all."  Ukyou grimaces at having to
omit the fiancee tag but she knows it would only make Ranma even
more uncomfortable right now.

	Ranma looked up at Ukyou, and saw genuine sincerity in 
her eyes.  After a long moment, Ranma decides to level with her.

  	"Okay, but you have to promise not to overreact or take this
the wrong way, okay?"  Ranma said cautiously.

	"Ranchan, Akane may not believe a word you say but I do.  I
know you get into a lot of weird situations and I know they're not your
fault...."  Ukyou tried to reassure him.

	Ranma smiled briefly at that.  "Thanks, I really appreciate 
that Ucchan....a lot."  

	"Always, Ranchan."  Ukyou smiled back at him.   "Now 
what's  so bad, you're afraid to talk to me about it?"  she inquired
lightly.

	"Well....I've got a date with Shampoo tonight."

 	Ukyou blinked again.  Ranma suddenly realized how blunt 
he sounded and winced, expecting her kick-ass spatula to whack 
him one in the skull.  He is surprised when nothing happens and 
sees Ukyou smiling at him without a trace of anger.
	
	"Go on...."  Ukyou said in a sweet voice, her hands, unseen
by Ranma, were twitching, aching to grip her spatula.  She forced 
them to remain by her sides by sheer force of will, determined not to
appear jealous and violent like Akane in front of Ranma.

	Ranma suddenly felt safer and his shoulders relaxed slightly 
as he continued.  "Well, after Akane punched me out the window I
got knocked out for a little while.  Then, Shampoo came by and 
said she saved me from being kidnapped by Kodachi and got 
injured in the process."

	Ukyou frowned inwardly at the thought of Shampoo 
performing such a selfless act without a motive involved.  Her 
suspicions are confirmed as Ranma continued further.

	"Then it rained, turning me into a girl and her into a cat.  
I woke up, freaked out and ran inside to change back into a guy 
and then....uh...."  Ranma pauses as he considers omitting the part 
about the shower then decides that since he's gone this far....  "I 
changed back into a guy in the shower but Shampoo followed me in 
and tried to....um....make love to me."  

	Ukyou gaze darkened.  Ranma winced again, sure he had 
said too much and was about to pay the price....

	"How dare that chinese bimbo do that to you!"  Ukyou 
shouted with barely controlled rage, rage that she could now release 
verbally in the form of her hatred for Shampoo.  "Can't she take a 
hint?  What kind of girl climbs into the shower and tries to seduce 
you against your will?!  I'd never look at a guy when...."  A sudden 
vision of a naked Ranma in the locker room appeared in her mind's 
eye, causing her to blush deeply.  Fortunately for her, Ranma didn't 
notice.

	"Yeah well, she managed to get me under the shower head 
and threatened to turn into a cat if I didn't do what she wanted...."  
Ukyou was definitely steamed now.  "I managed to escape but I had
to promise her a date.  I didn't want to but I had no choice."  Ranma
sighed again and wondered what he had done in a past life to get 
saddled with this one.

	"Is that why you seemed so nervous when I saw you...."  she
blushed hard again as the memory of the nude Ranma came back.  
This time Ranma did notice the blush and figured out what it was 
from, his own ears turning red with embarrassment.  "....I mean, 
walked in on you while you were getting changed."

	"Yeah, Shampoo was naked in one of the lockers and I was
afraid you would have pounded me and jumped to the wrong 
conclusion like Akane always does...."

	"You didn't have to worry about me Ranchan, I trust you 
completely."  Ukyou replied with a tight grin.  "Though it was 
probably a good thing I didn't know she was in there otherwise I 
would have kicked her butt all the way back to China for pulling 
such a nasty stunt on a sweet guy like you." 

	Ranma blush deepened at the compliment as Ukyou giggled
to herself and then looked sympathetic.  "So this is what's got you so 
depressed?  Dating Shampoo?"  Ukyou inwardly breathed a sigh of 
relief.  At least she now knew for certain that Ranma had no interest
whatsoever in Shampoo....

	"It gets worse....Much worse."  Ranma replied glumly.

	"Oh....?"  Ukyou braced herself for the worst.  "How so?"

	"Nabiki took pictures of me and Shampoo in the shower and
she said if I don't do what she says for a month, she'll show the 
pictures all over Nerima and have people screaming for my blood 
within the hour.  THAT'S why I'm so depressed.  A slave to the most
heartless, merciless, greedy girl in the world for 30 days!  This day  
keeps on getting worse and worse...."  Ranma's voice trailed off.

	"Why didn't you just take the film from her?"  Ukyou asked
Ranma.  "Surely, you could have gotten it without hurting her?"   

	"She didn't have it.  She sent it off to be developed."

	"You mean she hadn't developed the film yet?"  Ukyou 
exclaimed, excitement creeping into her voice."

	"Nabiki was in the shower room with us.   She couldn't 
leave until we did without being spotted by Shampoo and me, so she 
must have given it to her friend shortly before she came to the 
Nekohanten to let me know she had it."

	Ukyou was silent for a long moment and then she stood up 
and walked around the counter and placed her hands on Ranma's 
shoulders.

	"Ranchan, Do you think you can watch the restaurant for me
for a half hour?"

	"What?  Um....I guess....why?  Where are you going?"  
Ranma asked Ukyou as she walked towards the front door.

	"I have some business to take care of.  I'll be back in a little
while okay?"

	Ukyou quickly left the restaurant and Ranma behind as she
headed down the street at a quick pace.  "Trying to use my Ranchan,
are you Nabiki?"  Ukyou thought to herself with anger.  "Ranchan
may not be able to do anything but I can!"  Ukyou then looked up
at the sky and prayed that Nabiki's consort had waited until school
was finished before developing the pictures, otherwise it would 
be much harder to get them back from the source.

	Ukyou continued to run down the street until she spots the
local photomat.  She walked inside and glanced around until she 
found the person she was looking for, one of Nabiki's flunkies who is 
waiting in line to develop the pictures.  Ukyou had seen her hang 
around Nabiki enough times at school to know she was one of 
Nabiki's right hand women.   Ukyou briefly considered the best way 
to handle this and decides on getting it over with quickly as she 
slowly sneaked up behind the girl....

	The girl waited impatiently as the line in front of her seemed
to move backwards.  She had been given the weekly roll of blackmail 
film to be developed by Nabiki.  The moment school ended she headed
over here to have them developed as soon as possible only to be 
delayed by this stupid line....  

	Suddenly she felt a tight pressure on her shoulder and she 
yelped in surprise.  She glanced behind her to see Ukyou gripping her
shoulder with a look of anger on her face as she leaned in close and
whispered in a cold voice.

	"So, still doing Nabiki's dirty work for her, are you?"  Ukyou
hissed in her ear.  She tried to make a break for it but Ukyou had an 
iron grip on her shoulder and she knew she was trapped.

	"Don't even think about it girl!"  Ukyou warned.

	"Let go of me or I'll scream."  The girl warned Ukyou.

	"Go right ahead.  All I want is the film.  You can either give 
it to me now or I'll just take it.  Your choice."

	The girl's eyes darted to the right and left, looking for an 
escape but finding none she slumped her shoulders in defeat, reached 
into her schoolbag and pulled out several rolls of film.  Ukyou
snatched them from her hand and then whispered in her ear again.

	"Tell your boss that if she ever tries something like this 
again, she'll answer to ME, got it?"  The girl nodded in fear and 
Ukyou released her shoulder and walked out.  The girl swallowed 
hard and rubbed her shoulder while thinking to herself.

	"Nabiki's not going to like this...."

	
*	*	*
	
	Ukyou walked out of the photomat, an expression of 
triumph on her face.
	
	"I did it!  Now Ranchan won't have to be a slave to 
Nabiki!"  Her eyes sparkled as she dreamed of how Ranma would 
repay her for getting him out of trouble....

	Ukyou dreamt of handing the photos to a grateful Ranma.... 
	
	
	* -- Dream Sequence

	
	*"Thanks a lot Ucchan!  You're a real lifesaver!"  Ranma 
said with joy as he embraced Ucchan with a big hug....*

	
	"Hmmm....That's not bad...."  Ukyou blushed.

	Ukyou dreams of another scenario, same situation....

	
	*"YES!!!  I'm off the hook!  Thank you! Thank you!  Thank 
you!" Ranma leans forward and gives Ukyou a big smooch on the lips 
before bouncing around the Utchan, delirious with happiness....*

	
	"Even better...."  Ukyou rested her cheeks on the palms of her 
hands, her face blushing furiously as she pursued her fantasy....


	*"U....Ucchan...." Ranma looked at her with tears in his eyes.
"You're so kind to me!  Marry me Ucchan!  I love you and only you!"
Ranma quickly embraced Ukyou and covered her face with kisses, 
then he cleared off one of the tables and threw Ukyou onto it, resting 
his own body on top of hers as he continued to pleasure her in ways 
she couldn't even....*

	Ukyou shook her head violently.  "Yeah right!  Dream on 
Kuonji!"  Ukyou chided herself but couldn't resist smiling.  
"Still.......He WILL be grateful...."

	Ukyou suddenly felt an urge to quicken her pace as she 
headed back to her restaurant and fiancee....
	

*	*	*


THE TENDO DOUJOU	
4:45 P.M.

	"I'm home!"	

	Kasumi looked up from her ironing and smiled.  "Welcome
home Akane, did you have a nice day at school?"  

	Akane ran the events of the day over in her mind for a 
moment before answering.  "Okay, I guess.  Did Ranma come home
by any chance?"

	"No, I thought he came home with you."  Kasumi said, 
confused.  "Why do you ask?"

	"I punched him during lunch period and he never came back
to school."  Akane replied, a touch of worry creeping into her voice.	  
 
	Kasumi frowned.  "You really shouldn't have done that...."

	"But Oneechan, he insulted my cooking!  He compared it to
toxic waste."  Akane protested.

	"Your lunch still tasted bad?  Even after all the bridal 
training I gave you to properly prepare a meal?"  Kasumi's voice was
soothing rather than harsh.

	Akane winced at Kasumi considering her desire to learn to 
cook as bridal training for Ranma.  She wasn't doing it for him!  
Akane fumed to herself.   She truly wanted to make nice things for 
her family.  She only let Ranma taste it first because she wanted to 
show him that she *could* cook something good.  It had absolutely 
nothing to do with trying to be a better fiancee for Ranma....not at 
all....

	"Did you hear me, Akane?"

	Akane looked up to see Kasumi staring at her, disrupting 
her train of thought.  "I'm sorry Kasumi, what did you say?" 

	"I said maybe we should start at the beginning again.  Why
don't we try that curry recipe you were looking at earlier." Kasumi
offered.

	"Okay!  That's sounds great."  Akane replied excitedly.  
"Yeah!  I'll show you who's dinner is toxic, Ranma!"  she thought
to herself.  Then she quickly added.  "And my family of course....I'll
show them all!"  	

	"So where do you suppose Ranma's gone off to?"  Kasumi 
hummed.

	"Last time I saw Ranma, he was chasing Happosai out of 
the city for splashing water on him.  I don't think we'll be seeing
him for dinner tonight."  Nabiki muttered as she came down the 
stairs upon hearing Akane's voice.

	Akane groaned while Soun and Genma glance at each 
other.

	"Did she say the Master and Ranma were seen leaving 
town....?"  Soun said, puzzled.  "I thought he was still in his room?"

	"Perhaps he healed the girl he brought and left through the 
window?  Maybe we should investigate...."  Genma suggested.

	They both look towards the stairs, the need to discover the
truth weighing against the possible consequences of disturbing 
Happosai's slumber....

	"Then again...."  Soun started.

	"Perhaps we should mind our own business this once, eh 
Tendo?"  Genma whispered back so Soun's daughters wouldn't hear
him.

	"Yes, perhaps that is best for now.  At least he's quiet."  
Soun pointed out. 

	Both men looked resolved as they returned their full 
attention to their game of Go.  Meanwhile Kasumi is folding laundry 
and Akane notices a familiar looking shirt in the pile.

	"Hey, isn't that Ryouga's shirt?"  Akane asked Kasumi.

	"Yes,  Dr. Tofu found Ryouga unconscious on the street 
today and he and Father helped carry him to the clinic."  Kasumi
replied.

	"Is he okay?"  Akane said with a worried expression.

	"I'm not sure.  Dr. Tofu stripped him down to his shorts 
in order to get his body temperature down and I offered to wash his
clothes for him, since he's a friend of yours.  Dr. Tofu said Ryouga
was suffering from heat stroke and exhaustion."  Kasumi finished.   

	"Poor guy....He must have been walking for a long time to
get that tired.  I think I'll give him a call and say hello."  Akane 
decided.

	Akane walked over to the phone and dialed up Dr. Tofu's
clinic....


*	*	*		

	
THE UTCHAN
5:15 P.M.

	The dinner rush was already underway and Ranma was having 
trouble keeping up with all of the orders for okonomiyaki.  

	"At least that's the only thing she serves here so it easy not 
to mix up any orders!"  Ranma though to himself as he went back 
behind the counter to cook up another four orders.

	Even though it was hard work, Ranma found it was easier 
for him to not think about his problems so much.  But as time passed,
Ranma knew eventually he would have to go to the Nekohanten....and
then tomorrow....he shuddered at what Nabiki could put him through 
in a month's time....

	"Ranchan!"  A sing-song voice rang out.  Ranma looked over
at the door to see Ukyou walk up to the counter, a big smile on her 
face.  She held one of her hands behind her back as Ranma turned to
greet her.

	"Hey Ucchan.  Where'd you go?"  Ranma wondered.

	"Ranchan...."  Ukyou said in a sweet voice dripping with 
sugar.  "If I were to tell you I've solved your troubles for you, what
would it be worth?"

	"W....What do you mean?"  Ranma asked, curious.

	She held out her hand in front of her with her fist clenched.
"Close your eyes and hold out your hands."

	"But why...."  Ranma asked.

	"Just trust me on this Ranchan."  Ukyou replied.

	Ranma sighed, closed his eyes and held out his hands.  Then
he felt something small and plastic fall onto them, followed by several
more.  Ranma couldn't stand it and opened his eyes to see several 
rolls of film.  Ranma looked up at Ukyou.

	"Ucchan...."  Ranma whispered.

	Ukyou held her breath, waiting to see how Ranma would 
thank her.

	"....what are these?"  Ranma finished.

	Ukyou face-faulted.  Then leapt back up and gestured 
frantically at his hands.  "There're rolls of film Ranchan!  The same 
rolls Nabiki took of you.  Don't you see you're home free!  Nabiki
hasn't got any proof you showered with Shampoo at all so you don't
have to be her slave anymore!

	Ranma glanced down at his hands in shock, the full impact
of Ukyou's statement hitting him like a brick.  Then he looked at 
Ukyou again.

	"Ucchan...."  Ranma whispered.

	Ukyou braced herself again, certain Ranma would thank 
her this time.

	"You didn't hurt Nabiki to get these did you?"  Ranma 
finished.

	Ukyou face faulted again.  Then she grabbed Ranma by the
collar and lifted him off his feet, causing him to drop the rolls of
film behind her counter. A red haze filled her vision as rage and 
frustration warred with her feelings for Ranma, vying for control of 
the cute okonomiyaki chef, and she shook Ranma back and forth like 
a rag doll.

	NO, I DIDN'T HURT ANYONE YOU JACKASS!!!  
DON'T YOU GET IT?!?  I SAVED YOU FROM NABIKI AND
NOW I WANT YOU TO THANK ME LIKE A FIANCEE 
SHOULD!!!!  Ukyou screamed at the top of her lungs.  Then she
grabbed Ranma and kissed him passionately.  The entire restaurant
oohed and ahhed.  Ranma blushed deep crimson as he tried to break
free of the kiss only to have Ukyou grip him tighter.  Then after a 
few moments, Ukyou released Ranma and he collapsed to the floor 
in a heap while Ukyou struggled to calm herself down.  She blushed
bright pink as she realized what she just did in front of so many 
people.   Ranma quickly whirled on the gaping crowd, growling, 
"What're you all lookin' at?!?"   The crowd quickly broke their 
attention from the not-quite couple and paid their respects to their 
okonomiyaki.

	"R...Ranchan....I'm so sorry....I didn't mean to...."  Ukyou
stammered.  

	Ranma quickly rose to his feet.  "Um....sorry about 
that Ucchan.  I guess I didn't realize what you did for me.  I do 
now though.  Ranma remarked as he brushed his lips with his 
fingers for a moment.  "Wow...."  he remarked.

	"I just....I needed that....god, I needed that....I shouldn't 
have been so selfish though.  Please don't think of me like 
Shampoo or Kodachi!  I'm not like them!  Please don't be mad at
me!"  Tears began to form in Ukyou's eyes.

	"Mad....?"  Ranma said as he saw Ukyou's face.  "Why 
would I be mad?"  Ranma wondered.

	"I kissed you in front of all these people!  I shouldn't 
have!"  Ukyou was babbling and bowing her head in apology.

	Ranma felt the eyes of the restaurant upon them both and
he blushed again.  "It's....It's okay Ucchan.  It was my fault.  I 
should have realized you wouldn't hurt Nabiki."  Ranma reassured
her as he tried to concentrate on something else.  He glanced at the 
grill to see that the four Okonomiyaki he had placed on the grill 
had been over-cooked, by Ukyou's standards anyway and were now
useless.  He turned back to face Ukyou.  "Thank you for helping me
out with Nabiki, I owe you one."  Ranma said as he placed a quick 
peck on her cheek.  Ukyou blushed and then quickly got behind the
counter while Ranma sat back down on his stool, grateful for the 
break.

	"I don't know how you do it Ucchan.  Running this place
without any help.  Haven't you ever considered hiring some help?"
Ranma wondered.

	Ukyou dumped Ranma's Okonomiyaki and poured a new 
batch of okonomiyaki batter on the hot grill.  "It's not usually this 
busy till around six."  she replied.  "Maybe the Nekohanten is having 
trouble and their regulars are coming over here instead."  She 
remarked as she placed her ingredients on the top of the cooking 
batter.

	"The Nekohanten....Aw, shoot."  Ranma groaned as he was
reminded of his promise to Shampoo.  "I've gotta get down there 
soon for my date.  I sure ain't looking forward to this...."

	But Ukyou had been thinking of a way to solve this problem 
as well.  "Maybe you can't get out of it but you might be able to 
discourage her from glomping on to you all night."  Ukyou offered 
as she flipped the pancakes with practiced ease..

	"R....Really!"  Ranma sounded excited.  "How?  Tell me!"

   	"Well you promised Shampoo you'd take her on a date and
I know you're too honorable to break your word....but I'll bet you 
never said you'd take her out as "Ranma."  Ukyou slyly remarked.

	"What do you mean?"  Ranma was confused.

	"I mean....take Shampoo out on a date....as a girl." Ukyou
suggested with a sly grin.  "Shampoo prefers you as a man, right?  
Well she may tolerate you being a girl once in a while but even I can't
see Shampoo wanting to hug and kiss you a lot when you're a girl, 
right?"

	"I dunno.  Shampoo might be willing to do it anyway.  
Besides that she'll toss hot water on me at the first opportunity."  
Ranma sighed in exasperation.

	"Not if you temporarily stay as a girl...." Ukyou trailed off
as Ranma's eyes grew wide.

	"Y...You don't mean...."  Ranma stuttered with fear.  "The
Chisuiton?"  

	"Why not?"  Ukyou inquired.  

	Ranma thought about it for a moment then shook his head.  
"It's all the way back in China with Herb.  Even there was enough 
time, I don't think I have a chance in hell of ever getting it back."  
Ranma sadly replied.

	"Well then....What about Dr. Tofu?  Maybe he can 
recommend something.  A pressure point maybe?  Ukyou offered.	

	"Maybe...."  Ranma said, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

	"That's all I can suggest, Ranchan."  Ukyou said in a 
sympathetic tone of voice.  "If Doctor Tofu doesn't have it you'll just
have to try and avoid hot water....or bring some cold water of your
own...."  She suggested helpfully.  

	"Okay."  Ranma stood up and smiled.  "Thanks for all your
help Ucchan.  I'm really lucky to have a friend like you."

	"Tell you what.  There's a new Jackie Chan film coming
out this week...."  Ukyou spoke up.

	"I know!"  Ranma said with a grin.  "I've been looking 
forward to it for months now!"

	"Me too.  It brings back a lot of childhood memories."  
Ukyou said.  "I was....that is....I wondered if you wanted to go with
me when it comes out....that is if you want to...."  Ukyou said while
twiddling her fingers.

	"Sure!"  Ranma's enthusiastic response surprised her.  "It's 
the least I can do for your help!"  Ranma walked towards the door 
and then waved good-bye.

	"See ya later Ucchan!"  Ranma said cheerfully, his mood 
tremendously improved...as he walked out the door and towards 
Dr. Tofu's clinic.  Ukyou smiled as she saw him leave and
then turned her attention back to the grill when she noticed the 
rolls of film on the floor behind her counter.  Ukyou decided to play
it safe and using her heel, she smashed every roll of film flat before 
throwing the now useless pieces of plastic away in the garbage.


*	*	*	  
       

DR. TOFU'S CLINIC
4:49 P.M.

	*RING*  *RIN....click*  

	"Hello, Dr. Tofu's Clinic.  Dr. Tofu speaking.

	"Hello, Dr, Tofu."  Akane replied. 	 

	"Oh, hello Akane!  What's up?"  said the doctor in a 
cheerful voice.

	"I heard you brought Ryouga in for heat stroke, I just 
wondered how he's doing?"  Akane asked.

	"He's sleeping right now.  He was asleep for three hours and
then he woke up, asked me a few questions, walked out into the rain,
fell to his knees and started to laugh uncontrollably for some reason 
before he finally passed out again from exhaustion."  Dr. Tofu said.

	"Wow....Is he going to be okay?"  Akane sounded worried.

	"He'll be fine with a little rest.  I'll send him over to get his
clothes from Kasumi when he's strong enough.  He said he walked 
from China all the way here without stopping to rest."

	"Poor guy.  I wonder why he didn't take the time to rest?"
she wondered to herself.

	"I think it has something to do with you."  Dr. Tofu 
suddenly said.

	"Me?" Akane voice was full of surprise.

	"Since he passed out again, he's been murmuring in his 
sleep.  Most of it is gibberish but at one point he yelled out "Akane,
don't fall sleep now!"  Tofu paused.  "He said it like it was a matter 
of life and death."

	Akane paused as she considered Tofu's words.  If Ryouga 
had come to see her, what could possibly be worth risking his life
over?  Whatever it was, it had to be important.

	"Can I speak to him?"  Akane asked cautiously.

	"He's sleeping right now and he really needs it.  Maybe
tomorrow would be a better idea."  Dr. Tofu recommended.

	"Okay I will.  Thanks a lot for helping him Doctor Tofu. 
 Good-bye."  Akane said as she hung up the phone.  

	*click*

	Dr. Tofu replaced the phone on the cradle as he glanced over 
at his stubborn patient.  "You sure are lucky to have a friend like her,
Ryouga."
	
	Ryouga shifted slightly and then began to talk in his sleep 
again.  Most of it was unintelligible until Dr. Tofu heard something
that made him sit up and take notice.  

	"What was that?  What did you say?"  Dr. Tofu whispered
softly, trying to coax it out of Ryouga without waking him up.

	"Akane...."  Ryouga moaned softly and then.... "I love 
you so much...."

	Dr. Tofu stared at Ryouga, surprise lighting up his 
features.  "Love Akane?  You love Akane?  But she's 
engaged....ah....so that's why you two hate each other so much." 
Dr. Tofu couldn't help but grin.  "Ah, youth....I remember when I
had a crush on somebody's fiancee once.  I never told her the truth 
and it broke my heart when she got married to someone else.  That's
when I moved here, to get away and start over.  That's when I met...."

	Dr. Tofu's eyes fog over once again as visions of Kasumi 
drifted before his eyes.  He had met her when she was thirteen in 
high school, she had frequently visited the clinic in order to have 
him heal her ten year old sister Akane for fighting in school.  It had
been love at first sight for the twenty year old Dr. Tofu.  

	But of course she was far too young to even consider asking 
her for a date.  As the years passed and she matured to the age of 
eighteen, she grew to be even more beautiful and Dr. Tofu found that 
his senses failed him and he couldn't even focus long enough to say 
what he had wanted to say for the past five years.  

	Now she was a year older and he still hadn't made any real 
progress in trying to tell her how he felt.  If only he knew for sure that 
she felt the same way about him!  In his dreams he imagined them both 
admitting their love for each other and getting married soon 
afterwards....

	But in the real world, he couldn't even talk to her without
acting like a blind fool.  She considered him a wacky friend that she
could count on, but nothing more....      

	Dr. Tofu sighed and tried to get his mind off Kasumi by
concentrating on his patient.  He turned around to face Ryouga....

	....Only Ryouga wasn't there anymore.

	"Ryouga?"  Dr. Tofu said blankly before he realized he 
was gone.  He glanced at the door and found it shut, likewise the
window.  Had he been so lost in thought, he completely missed
Ryouga leaving the clinic?

	Dr. Tofu sighed and took a seat on the bed where Ryouga
once lay, only to be startled when he felt something underneath 
him.  "What the...."  Dr. Tofu yelped, startled as he glanced under
him to see Ryouga had returned.  "How did you...."  Dr. Tofu never
finished his thought as Ryouga suddenly disappeared before his 
eyes, then reappeared again a few moments later.  Ryouga's arms 
were outstretched and his face was a mask of concentration as he
vanished again.  Dr. Tofu had had enough of this and when Ryouga
reappeared again, he shook him gently.

	"Ryouga....Ryouga!  Wake up!"


*	*	*


	Ryouga had to remain still.  If he didn't remain still he 
would never be able to master this technique.  He tried to clear his 
mind, tried to open his six senses but a strange chant continued to 
echo in his mind's eye.  A chant that almost sounded like...."

	"RYOUGA!!!"

	Ryouga's eyes snapped open as he looked into the worried
face of Dr. Tofu.  "Doc....?"  Ryouga muttered weakly.

	"I'm sorry I had to wake you but you were vanishing and 
reappearing over and over again on me.  How did you do that?"  The
doctor asked, his face a mixture of curiosity and worry.

	Ryouga sighed inwardly.  He had hoped to keep this 
technique a secret for a while, especially from Ranma, but now he 
had gone and unveiled it to Dr. Tofu while he was sleeping. 

	"It's a long story, Doc."  Ryouga replied.  "Can I trust you
to keep this between us?"  he added.

	"Of course."  Dr. Tofu's voice reassured him.

	"Well, it all began when I found myself in China by accident.
I started looking for the cursed springs when I...."  Ryouga began.

	  "Cursed springs?  You mean Jusenkyou?"  Dr. Tofu remarked.

	"The same."  Ryouga said.

	"Why would you want to look there?  You don't have a 
curse...."  Dr. Tofu paused as he remembered Ryouga kneeling in the 
cold rain, laughing his head off.  He had dismissed the unusual act as
exhaustion and stress overwhelming him temporarily but now.... 
"You mean...."

	"I had a curse of Jusenkyou once."  Ryouga replied.

	"Once?"  the doctor inquired.

	"Let me tell my story....It all started when I wandered into 
this strange forest in the mountains of China....


(FLASHBACK)


APRIL 18
SOMEWHERE IN CHINA
5:10 P.M.	

	Ryouga gingerly made his way from stone to stone across 
the stream.  The last thing he needed was to turn into P-Chan and
end up being washed away to who knows where.  Ryouga had almost 
made it across the stream when he noticed a rabbit nearby.  Not having
eaten for the past six days had given Ryouga one hell of an appetite.  
Ryouga's mouth watered as he finished crossing the stream and 
prepared to catch him some dinner when he accidentally stepped on 
a twig, alerting the rabbit to his presence and it took off like 
lightning.  Ryouga stomach growled loudly, encouraging him to try 
and pursue the rabbit before it got out of his sight.  He chased the 
rabbit for a good ten minutes before he lost sight of it by tripping 
over a tree root, landing face first into the dirt.

	Ryouga spit dirt from his mouth and inwardly cursed.  He
had blown his chance for a much-needed meal and his stomach 
growled with disapproval.  Ryouga rose to a kneeling position and 
sighed as he reached behind him and pulled out a box of buckwheat 
noodles and stared at it guiltily.

	"Forgive me Akane, but if I don't eat something soon 
I'll be too weak to find my way back to you."  Ryouga sighed as
he tore open the box meant for Akane and began to stuff his face. 
He looked up at the setting sun and knew he should stop and rest 
now before it became too dark to see anything.  He finished the 
entire box and stuffed it back in his backpack as he began to look
for a suitable spot to make camp.  Then he spotted a clearing nearby
a full sized tree.  Ryouga walked over to the clearing and then took off 
his backpack, stretching out his tired muscles as he dropped the 
backpack to the ground.  He massaged his neck as he looked up to see 
a clear sky.  "Good thing it doesn't rain around here nearly as much as it 
does around Nerima."  Ryouga thought to himself as he walked 
towards the tree, intending to climb it and get an idea of where he was.  
He had almost reached it when he was startled to hear the tree speak to 
him.

	"Are you one with the forest?"  the tree said, sounding very 
much like a young woman.

	"W...What?"  Ryouga stammered, caught off guard by a 
tree capable of human speech.

	The tree seemed to change form slightly and a young woman,
made completely out of the center of the tree stepped forward, her 
back still attached to the tree as she spoke again. 

	"Forgive my sudden appearance.  My name is Julunar.  And 
you are...?

	"H....Hibiki Ryouga."  Ryouga replied.

	"Hibiki Ryouga, I ask again, are you one with the forest?" the 
tree woman asked.

	"I....I don't know what you mean."  Ryouga stammered.

	"Are you a friend to animals and appreciative of nature."  she
clarified.

	"Uh....I guess so...." Ryouga replied with a shrug.

	The tree woman smiled.  "I am happy.  It has been a long 
time since one of your kind had ventured into these woods."  She 
opened her hands to reveal a small yellow seed.  "I have here this 
single seed from an extinct flower.  A flower that must not be 
allowed to die out for the sake of our forest.  I need someone who 
can leave the forest and plant this where it may grow without fear 
of becoming extinct again."  The tree woman leaned close, her face
a mask of fear and concern.  "Do you plan to leave these woods ever
again?"  the tree woman asked.

	"Huh....yeah, of course....I'm only looking for the...."

	"If you truly mean that, then I beg you to take this seed and
plant it somewhere where it can grow and flourish.  This is the last of
it's kind and if it dies, everything it was, everything it was meant to
become, will be lost forever.  Promise me you'll plant the seed in a 
safe place."  The tree woman's eyes pleaded to him.

	"You....You have my word.  I'll plant your seed for you."
Ryouga said in a shaky voice.

	She held out the seed for Ryouga to take.  He does so and 
then carefully placed it in the empty box of buckwheat noodles, 
closing it up and placing it carefully in his backpack.

	"You have a kind soul Ryouga Hibiki."  She frowned.  "But
it has seen great pain and suffering as well.  I offer to teach you a 
way to achieve harmony with nature."

	"What do you mean?"  Ryouga asked.

	"There is a technique that can be used by members of your 
species that can enhance your six senses to everything around you, thus 
making you one with nature.  I offer this as a gift to you for fulfilling 
your part of the bargain.  I trust you will not fail me and so I will teach 
you the technique now.  But beware...."  her gaze became intense.   
"If you do not plant the seed and allow it to decay, you will become 
what you failed to save, you will become a flower to replace the one 
you lost....forever.  Do you understand?"

	"I understand.  You can count on me."  Ryouga said firmly.

	"Very well....I will now teach you the basics of this 
technique.  Listen closely...."


(END OF FLASHBACK....)


	"So I spent a week in those woods learning this technique by 
clearing my mind and opening every one of my senses: smell, taste, 
sound, sight, touch and my mind to everything around me.  It was
supposed to help me become one with nature but I also discovered it
made me invisible to everyone else!

	"Wow, that's quite a story Ryouga!  You should write this 
stuff down and make a book out of it."  Dr. Tofu marveled.

	"My story isn't over yet.  Anyway, after I learned the basics
of the technique, I left to resume my search for Jusenkyou.  I was 
about to give up and go home when I met this little creature named
Taimak."

	"Another talking creature that wasn't human?"  Dr. Tofu
asked, fascinated.

	"Yeah, I saved him from an animal trap and he repaid me 
by giving me a single wish.  Anything I wanted."

	"You're kidding?!"  Dr. Tofu exclaimed with excitement.

	"Nope.  So while he started suggesting things for me to 
wish for, I starting wondering what I wanted most in life."

	Dr. Tofu's excitement abruptly drops as he remembers what 
Ryouga had murmured in his sleep.  "Ryouga, you didn't wish for 
Akane's love did you?"  Dr. Tofu asked with a worried expression.

	Ryouga turned pale.  "How did you....I mean....Who told 
you I....!"

	"You said *I love you so much Akane.* in your sleep."  the
doctor noted.

	Ryouga groaned.  Yet another little secret his sleeping self 
had revealed.  He had to trust Dr. Tofu now, he had little other 
choice.  "Okay, just keep to yourself okay?"  he pleaded to Dr. Tofu.
"No, I didn't wish for Akane's love, tempted as I was to do so....nor
did I wish for my curse to be removed or for Ranma to be killed.  
I'd been thinking about this for a long time now, way before I met 
Taimak, and I decided to wish for the one thing that always eluded 
me in the past....


(ANOTHER FLASHBACK)

MAY 2
SOMEWHERE IN CHINA
5:35 A.M.	

	
	"I....I think I know what I want to wish for."  Ryouga 
interrupted as Taimak was suggesting numerous wishes for him 
to use, wishes that he truly didn't care about.

	Taimak cocked an eyebrow, or at least made the same 
motion with his forehead.  "Already?"  "My!"  "That was quick!" 
"Are you certain young man?"  Taimak asked with a note of worry 
in his voice.  "Remember, once you've made the wish you can't take 
it back!"

	"I know."  Ryouga said confidently  "I know what I want."

	"Very well."  Taimak gazed into Ryouga's eyes.   "What is 
your wish?"  "Be specific and precise now!" he admonished.  

	"And you're sure I can wish for ANYTHING I want?"  
Ryouga asked, excitement creeping into his voice again.

	"Ask me again and I'll tell you the same."  Taimak replied 
matter-of-factly. 

	"Okay then."   

	Ryouga mulled over the wish in his mind.  While he was 
tempted to make at least two other wishes that would guarantee his 
happiness, he remembered what Taimak said about 
misunderstandings and having only one chance at this.  And if this 
creature could truly grant him this....

Ryouga took a deep breath and made his wish....

	"I wish I had a perfect sense of direction so I can go where
I want, without ever getting lost again."  Ryouga proclaimed.

	Taimak stared blankly at him.  "A sense of direction?  You
must be joking?  Why would you need a sense of direction?"

	Ryouga blushed, embarrassed to admit his weakness to 
anybody.  "Because I can't walk 500 yards without getting 
hopelessly lost.  If I could get to where I wanted to go all the time, I
could find Jusenkyou and be cured, I could be with Akane without
having to worry about wandering off again, which also means I can
finally tell her how I feel about her.  So please grant my wish so I 
can end my misery once and for all!  Please!"  Ryouga begged.

	"In all my years in this forest, I have never been asked to
grate a wish such as this to anybody....However if it is truly what 
you want....?"  Taimak peered intently at Ryouga.

	"It is."  Ryouga replied firmly.

	"As you wish, so shall it be done!"

	Taimak seemed to shimmer slightly as a strange feeling 
washed over Ryouga's entire body and then dissipated just as 
quickly.  "It is done."  said Taimak.

	"That's it?"  Ryouga was surprised.

	"That's it."  Taimak replied.  "I certainly hope you know 
what you're doing young man.  First you want to leave this 
wonderful place behind and then you wish for something you 
should already have...."  Taimak trailed off as he realized how
much he sounded like his own mother.  "Never mind, it's your 
wish to do with as you see fit and if you're happy, then I'm happy for 
you.

	"Thanks.  Now If I can only get directions to Jusenkyou...."
Ryouga wondered aloud to himself.

	"I wish I could help but I will never leave the comfort of 
this woodland paradise!  I wish you luck, Ryouga."

	"Thanks again....for everything, Taimak.  Maybe I'll see 
you again someday."

	"Doubtful"  replied Taimak sadly.  "No one who has ever
left these woods has ever returned."

	"I hope you're wrong.  Farewell!"  Ryouga bowed to 
Taimak deeply as he began packing his stuff.  Taimak stared at 
Ryouga for a long moment, his thoughts unknown to all as he took
off from Ryouga's backpack and flew away into the morning sky....


(END OF FLASHBACK)


	"And then I came to Jusenkyou, found the chinese guide, had
him point out the correct spring and I cured myself.  Then I walked
straight here from China and you found me on the streets."   Ryouga
finished with a smile.  "That's my story."

	"Very nice!"  Dr. Tofu actually clapped, bringing an 
embarrassed flush to Ryouga's cheeks.  "But I still have one
question....What were you cursed as before you got cured?"

	Ryouga swallowed.  While he had told Dr. Tofu most of the
truth, he had omitted a few details that could make things difficult if
they were brought to light.

	"Uh....I was a girl.  Just like Ranma."  Ryouga replied 
quickly, trying not to show his reluctance to open up.
	
	"Oh, that's strange, I never saw you as a girl...."  Dr. Tofu
curiously replied.

	"I avoided water at all costs.  I was....embarrassed.  Ranma 
was responsible for me being cursed in the first place and that's 
why I hate him so much."  Ryouga said, feeling comfortable that 
most of what he said is the truth.

	"And here I thought it was because of Akane...."  Dr. Tofu
remarked.  Ryouga blushed again as Dr. Tofu chuckled out loud.  
"I understand what you're going through, Ryouga.  I went through 
the same thing when I was your age."

	"You did?"  Ryouga tried to picture Dr. Tofu going through
a tenth of the hell he had already suffered.

	"Yep, and trust me, one day you'll get over Akane and find
someone else, just like I did."  Dr. Tofu said reassuringly.

	Ryouga frowned and was VERY tempted at that moment to 
tell Dr. Tofu in no uncertain terms that he would never give up on 
Akane and leave her to a jerk like Ranma.  He struggled to keep his 
battle aura under control, not waiting to destroy the doctor's clinic 
after he had been healed.  Ryouga was beginning to flare up 
involuntarily when the doctor suddenly mentioned....

	"You know, Akane called here while you were asleep...."

	"She did?!?"  Ryouga's face instantly became blissful.  "She 
cares about my welfare!  She cares about me!"  he thought excitedly 
to himself, his previous anger forgotten as his battle aura faded 
away.

	"Yes, I told her you would be down to pick up your clothes
when you felt a little better.  Would you like to give her a call?"  Dr. 
Tofu offered.

	"Um....not right now thanks....I've....got a few things to do
before I talk to her and time is of the essence."

	"Well if you...."  Dr. Tofu's voice is interrupted by a loud
knocking at the door.  "Wait here, I'll be right back." said the doctor
as he walked over to the door and opened it up to admit Ranma.

	"Could I talk to ya for a sec?  I need some help."  Ranma 
asked in a polite voice.

	"Sure thing, come on in!  Ryouga and I were just having a 
great conversation...."

	"Ryouga?"  Ranma came to a halt as he came face to face
with his arch rival.  Ryouga gave him a cold smile as he spoke.  
"Hello Ranma, long time no see!"  Ryouga voice was full of sarcasm
as Ranma noticed what he was wearing and laughed out loud.

	"Nice robe *Mousse*  who's your tailor?"  Ranma laughed
until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

	"I took the liberty."  Dr. Tofu gave him a strange smile as
Ranma quickly stopped laughing and decided to explain why he 
was here.  "Listen Dr. Tofu, I was wondering if you know a pressure 
point or something that will keep me as a girl even when I'm 
splashed with hot water?"  he asked. 

	"Something that will keep you as a girl?"  Tofu repeated 
curiously.	

	"Just for a little while, nothing permanent!"  Ranma quickly 
added.

	"I'm afraid I don't Ranma.  Sorry."  Dr. Tofu apologized.

	"Damn!  I need some way to prevent from changing back into 
a guy!"  Ranma sighed.  "Guess I'll have to stock up on cold water 
and pray I can outlast her...."  he thought to himself.
	
	"I always thought you wanted the opposite."  said a 
surprised Ryouga.  "Growing fond of being a girl, Ranma-Chan?"
Ryouga taunted him.
	
	Ranma glared at him.  "Not me, pig-boy.  I just need to be a 
girl for tonight when I go on my date with Shampoo.  That way, she 
might not want to grab at me so much!"  Ranma replied.  

	"WHAT!"  Ryouga immediately grabbed Ranma's collar and
lifted him up.  "You have a date with Shampoo when you're engaged 
to the most wonderful, sweet, kind-hearted....!?!"  

	"Hey!  It's not what you think....?!"  Ranma tried to defend 
himself.

	"SHUT UP!  This had gone on way too long Ranma!   The
time for your punishment is at hand!"  Ryouga roared as he suddenly
dropped Ranma on the floor and assumed a offensive stance.  "Ranma 
Saotome, I challenge you!"

	Ranma groaned to himself.  That's just what he needed.  
Another person trying to kill him for a flirtation that never existed in 
the first place.  "Look, Ryouga.  You want to try and kill me?  Fine.  
But I made a promise that I would go on a date with Shampoo tonight 
so if you want to fight, you're going to have to wait until the date is 
over."  Ranma said

	"Revenge waits no night or day"  Ryoga growled.

	"Come on Ryouga!"  Ranma wearily replied.  "I've had a real 
bad day, you know better than anyone what those feel like.  I swear on 
my honor to fight you after the date is over.  Meet me at the stone 
bridge at midnight.  Okay?"

	Ryouga was silent for a long moment, his instinct to defend
Akane's honor with swift brutal justice nearly overwhelming all of 
his senses.  Then Ryouga relaxed from his attack stance.
	
	"Okay Ranma.   Midnight."  Ryouga said in a quiet voice.

	"Really?"  Ranma was surprised.  He was certain Ryouga 
was about to attack him, causing massive damage to Dr. Tofu's 
Clinic and almost certainly delaying Ranma for his date with 
Shampoo.  "Gee thanks Ryouga!  You're not such a pig after all!  
I'll see you later at the bridge then!"  Ranma seemed almost cheerful 
as he ran out of the Doctor's office.

	"Oh you'll see me Ranma."  Ryouga replied, a grin forming
on his face.  "You'll see me a lot sooner tonight, and a lot more 
from now on.  Not to mention a lot BIGGER very shortly...."

	"What do you mean?"  Dr. Tofu asked cautiously.

	"Oh....nothing."  Ryouga replied, the smile never leaving his 
face.  "You know, I think I WILL give Akane a call after all...."  

	Ryouga picked up the cradle and dialed up the Tendo 
Doujou as he gazed at his backpack on the floor....


(Fade to Black)


PART 5: REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED SLOW FOR IN 
NERIMA NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU WEEP.     

THE TENDO DOUJOU
5:30 P.M.

"HIIIYAAAAAHH!"

	Akane's hand sliced through five bricks and split them all 
cleanly in two.  Unfortunately her hand only came to rest against 
the sixth brick, which remained unbroken.  

	"Damn...."

	Akane fell to her knees on the gym floor and sighs in 
frustration at her failure.  The second of many today.  First she tried 
to make a lunch Ranma would finally like only to have that jerk 
insult her.  Then she and Kasumi had gone over a recipe for curry 
that seemed simple but ended up tasting like styrofoam.  Akane 
decided she had done enough damage to Kasumi's kitchen, much to 
the joy of her dad and Mr. Saotome. She changed into her gi and 
headed down to the doujou to release her frustrations through 
training.  Now she couldn't even do that right.  The last brick
she had failed to demolish seemed to mock her as it smugly 
remained intact.  At least until Akane lifted her hand and smashed it 
to pieces in a fit of frustration. 

	"Akane!  Dinner will be ready in a few minutes!"  
Kasumi's voice called.

	"I'm coming!" Akane picked her bricks up, dumped them in 
the garbage and walked out of the gym, turning off the lights as she 
passed the switch.  She walked past her Dad and Mr. Saotome as she 
headed upstairs to change from her training gi into some regular 
clothes.

	"Ranma should have been home by now...."  Akane 
worried as she walked towards her room.  "I hope Happosai hasn't
done anything to hurt him...."

	She paused in front of her sister Nabiki's door and decided 
to ask her.  She knocked on the door.

	"It's open!"  Nabiki's voice called out.

	Akane walked into her sister's room.  Nabiki was lying on 
her front in her bed, wearing a pair of tight white shorts and a sky 
blue tank top shirt.  She seemed to be in a very good mood as she 
lazily curled one of her legs back and forth and her right hand rested 
on her cheek to support her chin as she read her manga.

	"What's up sis?"  Nabiki said without looking up.

	"I just wondered if....that is....I heard you saw Ranma and 
Happosai earlier today?"

 	"Yep.  Saw the whole thing though my homeroom window.
Ranma was unconscious and when it started to rain and he changed 
into a she.  Happosai showed up out of nowhere and tried to carry 
her off.  She woke up, they fought for a while and then Happosai
ran away with Ranma-Chan chasing after him.  That's the last I saw
of them."  Nabiki finished without looking up once from her reading.

	"But that was a long time ago....Shouldn't he be back by 
now?  Akane voice was filled with worry.

	Nabiki finally looked up.  Her lips curled into a sly grin as
she replied  "Why Akane....Don't tell me you're actually WORRIED
about Ranma's welfare?  Why....one would think you were starting to
think of Ranma as a fiancee....

	Akane's face quickly grow bright red with embarrassment and 
anger as Nabiki continued to smiled mischievously at Akane, 
knowing this question will throw her off balance and possibly have 
her admit something she doesn't want Ranma to know, leading to a 
tidy profit in exchange for her silence.

	"Of....Of course not!"  Akane stammered.  "Why would I 
worry about Ranma?   He's an stupid, insensitive, perverted jerk!

	"That's funny...."  Nabiki hummed.

	"What is?!"  Akane snapped back.

	"Did you ever notice how you keep calling him the SAME 
things every time you insult him?  One would think perverted jerk 
was your pet nickname for him....  Nabiki remarked.

	"WHAT?!?!"  Akane shrieked in disbelief.

	"....and him calling you an uncute tomboy is his way of 
saying he loves you.  Nabiki added, enjoying Akane's reactions to her
statements.

	"What about him stringing Ukyou and Shampoo along?!  
I suppose he does that to let me know he prefers me!  Akane 
replied sarcastically.  

	Nabiki shrugged.  "Hey, you never know....

	"Get real Nabiki!  I sooner marry Kunou than a idiot like 
Ranma any day!"  Akane stubbornly retorted.  Then she covered her
mouth as she realized what she had just said and who she said it to.

	"I mean....!"  Akane tried to backtrack.

	"I'll be sure to tell Kunou-Chan you said that."  Nabiki said 
matter of factly.

	"Y....You'd better not!"  Akane warned.

	Nabiki looked at her sister for a long moment and then 
smiled wryly.
	
	"Okay, I won't.  I'm feeling generous today."

	Akane blinked in surprise.  "Really?"  she said, amazed.

	"Yeah.  Consider it an apology for pulling that prank on 
you with Kunou during class.  Nabiki replied.

	Akane frowned.  She had almost forgotten about that.  "I 
still owe you for that."  She muttered.

	"Not any more.  We're even now, remember?"  Nabiki 
pointed out, her attention returning to her manga. 
	
	"Fine then.  Dinner will be ready in a few minutes."  
Akane mentioned as she walked out the door.

	"Thanks.  I'll be down a little later."  Nabiki replied, 
without looking up.

	The door shut behind Akane and Nabiki put the manga 
down and rolled over on her back, placing her hands behind her head.  
She could barely contain her excitement at having Ranma completely 
under her control.  Not only could she use him to gain enormous 
amounts of profit for an entire month.  She loved the idea of having 
a male completely under her power.

	Not that she would use him in a sexual manner.  Ranma's
attitude, his engagement to Akane and the fact he changed into a 
girl effectively prevented Nabiki from thinking of him that way.  
While he was handsome and strong as a male, something she could
use to her advantage with her female clients, she wouldn't dare 
push it that far with herself.  Even Ranma could only be pushed so 
far....

	Still, Nabiki couldn't help but feel a thrill at having Ranma 
to herself and she could hardly wait till tomorrow for the fun to 
begin....  

	*RING*

	Nabiki rolled over on the bed and stretched out her arm to
pick up the cradle of her phone.

	"Hello?"

	"It's me, boss."  Nabiki recognized the voice belonging to 
her trusted friend, Ami.

	"Hey Ami.  Where's this week's batch of photos?  I've 
been waiting for you to come for a hour now."  Nabiki voice was
slightly on edge.

	"I've....got bad news boss."  Ami nervously began.

	Instantly Nabiki's demeanor changed from lazy to 
professional as her business sense took over her daydreams of her
soon-to-be-slave Ranma.

	"Give it to me straight, Ami."

	"It was Ukyou.  She ambushed me in the photomat and took
all of the film.  There was nothing I could do."	

	Nabiki paled.  "A....All the film?"  she whispered in 
disbelief.

	"All six rolls."  Ami replied sadly.

	Nabiki felt her heart plummet.  An entire week's work of 
profit down the drain.  Plus her opportunity to have Ranma for a 
month....  

	All shot to hell....  

	A flush of rage filled Nabiki's cheeks.  "Who the hell does 
Ukyou think she is to interfere in my business!"  Nabiki hissed into 
the phone as she gripped the cradle tighter, seething with silent rage.

	"Boss?"  There's more...."  Ami continued.  "Ukyou told me 
to tell you if you try anything else on Ranma, you'll answer to her."

	Nabiki's anger abruptly subsided for a moment.  "How did 
Ukyou find out about the photos? Unless....Ranma told her." 

	"Boss?"  Ami inquired?

	"Just a second."  Nabiki said, her mind was racing furiously.  
If Ranma had gone to Ukyou's and complained about being 
blackmailed, Ukyou most certainly would have done something like 
this.  In a way she was lucky Ukyou had found out about the photos.  
Kodachi and Shampoo would have wanted blood, her blood.  But 
that still didn't excuse Ukyou from stealing Ranma from her.  She 
would pay....BIG TIME.

	As would Ranma.  "You're stupider than I thought, Ranma, 
if you thought I was going to let you get away with this."  Nabiki 
thought to herself.  "I guess I'm going to have to show Ranma what 
happens to those who cross me...."  She spoke into the phone again. 
"Ami, I want you to get three of your friends and meet me in
front of the Utchan.  DON'T go in.  Bring some paint and two large 
signs.  I'll tell you more when I get there.

	"Whatever you say Boss."  Ami replied.

	Nabiki hung up the phone and went to her closet.  She picked
out a purple sweater and a pair of jeans and placed them on the bed as
she pulled her tank top over her head....


*	*	*	
		

	Akane sat down at the table, her training gi exchanged for a
modest dress, as she waited for Kasumi's dinner.  It would be 
wonderful of course, with a fantastic taste and everything else that her 
own meals would never become.  Just once she wished she could cook
something edible if not very tasty.  She made a personal vow to herself
to keep practicing that curry recipe....

	Just then Akane heard footsteps come down the stairs and 
looked up to see Nabiki dressed differently.  She walked right over to 
Akane and bluntly said.

	"Ranma's on a date tonight with Shampoo.  He plans to let 
her kiss him as much as she wants and he isn't going to fight back.  
Just thought you'd like to know."
	    
	Akane was speechless as Nabiki walked away and out the 
door.  Then a familiar blue aura began to form around her, her hands 
trembled from the amount of anger in her body.  

	"Dinner's rea...."  Kasumi gasped as she saw her little sister
glowing.  "Oh my!"  

	Akane still hadn't said a word nor moved a single muscle 
but now as her initial reason of shock Akane's fingers begin to 
twitch and her initial reason of shock was rapidly changing into pure 
unconditional rage.  Her aura grew to an incredible intensity as she
slowly rose to her feet and walked upstairs.
	
	"Akane?  Are you all right?"  Kasumi said in a worried tone 
of voice.

	Akane didn't answer as she went to her room and closed the 
door.  There was a long stretch of silence as Kasumi stared at Akane's
bedroom door.  Then Akane reemerged, once again wearing her gi as she
slowly walked back down the stairs, still glowing bright ocean blue
color as she passed a worried Kasumi and walked towards the gym.  
Kasumi wondered if she should say something when she heard her 
father's voice calling from outside.

	"Did you call dinner Kasumi?"

	"Um....Yes, but...."

	In an instant, Soun and Genma were at the dinner table.  
Their mouths watering with anticipation.  Kasumi shrugged and 
decided to bring it up later as she went back into the kitchen to bring 
her dinner to the table....

	Meanwhile, Akane turned the light on in the gym and calmly 
walked over to her bricks.  She set up no less than ten bricks, and then 
positioned herself in front of the bricks.  She lifted her hand above 
them, held it there for the briefest of moments and then dropped it 
downwards as an inhuman scream of rage emerged from her throat 
that shook the rafters of the gym.

	"RANMA....YOU....PERVERT!!!"

	The hand sliced into the bricks.  This time, there wasn't a 
single one unbroken.  Akane's aura didn't diminish one iota as she
set up ten more bricks and raised her hand to grind them into 
powder....


*	*	*


	The sun has almost set completely as Happosai snores loudly 
while nestling between Kodachi's breasts.  Then his sleep was rudely 
interrupted by a loud, almost inhuman scream that echoed throughout 
his room.  Happosai growled in annoyance as he lifted his head and 
yawned.  Then he glanced back down to see Kodachi with her eyes 
closed, her chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as she slept.  
Happosai, not giving a damn about her breathing rate, watched with 
quiet awe as her full breasts swelled with every breath she took.  
Happosai watched for a while thinking to himself.

	"Such magnificent breasts....How can someone who has no 
sense of humor, have such a great laugh....not to mention beauties 
like these....Hmmmmmm.....

	Happosai quickly shot a look at the door to make sure no 
one was watching him and then he slowly leaned forward, his tongue
mere millimeters away from licking Kodachi's left nipple when 
suddenly her right hand jerked up and grabbed his throat with a death
grip.  Kodachi's eyelids slowly opened and became slits and she sits 
up to look Happosai straight in the eye with a look that could melt 
titanium.  
	

	"WHAT....ARE....YOU....DOING...."  Kodachi whispered 
coldly, a touch of steel in every syllable.

	"....(rack)....T....Trying to keep you warm?  Happosai offered
weakly.

	"WITH YOUR TONGUE ON MY BREAST?"  Kodachi 
hissed, her grip tightening even further.

	"It was cold and perky.......Happy just wanted to....

	Kodachi had heard enough.  "DIE!!!!!"

	Kodachi, who has sufficiently recovered from Shampoo's 
beating the night before, squeezed his throat for all she was worth.
Happosai began to turn blue with the lack of oxygen and decided to 
get some air.  Without warning, he leaned forward and kissed her.

	"AAAAAAAUGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"  Kodachi screamed
in horror and disbelief as Happosai used the distraction to free himself
and leapt out the window to the ground below.  Once there, he took 
a few moments to get his wind back and quickly looked behind him 
to see an incensed Kodachi, once again dressed in her leotard, jump 
out the window after him.

	"Well I'm glad to see you're feeling better!"  Happosai said 
in a cheerful voice as Kodachi desperately tried to slice and dice him
with her ribbon.  "Are you ready to begin training for Shampoo?"
he asked.

	Kodachi didn't answer, every fiber of her being determined 
to see this withered old man die and die painfully.  She gave up on 
the ribbon and attacked Happosai with her Thousand Club Strike.  
She manages to strike Happosai several times but to her utter 
frustration, no blood is spilt.   Unknown to them, Genma and Soun 
watch the battle from the living room.

	"So it was Kunou's sister that the master found and healed."
Genma noted.

	"It seems the master has made a new friend."  Soun said as 
he concentrated on the fight.  The master was toying with her, he was
waiting until her rage and adrenaline rush ran empty, then she 
would be exhausted and at the master's mercy.  He knew the process 
all too well.... 

	"What are you two morons looking at?!  This is private, get 
lost before I make you wash my panties again!"  Happosai berated 
them even as Kodachi continued to lash out with her clubs.

	"Y..Y..Yes master!  So sorry master!"  They both stuttered 
with fear and instantly looked away.   

	Meanwhile, Kodachi began to tire from repeated attempts 
to kill Happosai.  She had to stop and take a moment to catch her 
breath.  As she did, Happosai snapped into action and touched 
several pressure points on her back, rendering her immobile.  Her 
face was a mask of rage as she struggled to move her body only to 
have Happosai sit on her chest and smile down at her.  

	"How does it feel to be paralyzed?"  Happosai taunted, giving
Kodachi a taste of her own medicine.  "You're probably wondering 
why I'm not bleeding all over the place right?  Well there's a good 
reason for that....

	He held out his hand and showed it to her.  In it were all 
of the hidden spikes contained in her clubs.  Kodachi's eyes were 
wide with shock.  No wonder she hadn't been able to cut him!  He 
had removed the spikes as she thrust her clubs at him.  Such a 
display of speed and skill was nothing sort of incredible and for the
first time she felt a growing respect for the old lech's abilities.

	"Well look at this!  Happosai proclaimed with glee.  "I just 
plucked the thorns from a black rose!  BWAHAHAHAHA!!!"  He
laughed as he looked down at her face.  "I'll bet you've like to be
that fast, wouldn't you?" 

	Kodachi nodded weakly, unable to do much else.

	"Well now, I'll be happy to train you....but you must do 
something for me in return.  Happosai grinned lecherously.

	"If you mean what I THINK you mean....!"  Kodachi tried
to sound as menacing as she could while paralyzed.  

	"I need you to do battle for me."  Happosai said matter of 
factly.

	"Battle?"  a confused Kodachi replied.

	"It was something I taught your brother as well.  It greatly 
improved his speed and can also improve yours."  Happosai said.

	Kodachi considered his words.  "Brother dear DID mention 
something about being trained by this old degenerate and he has 
always been faster than me with that damnable bokken of his ever 
since....But how can I trust someone who undressed me and did who 
knows what to me while I was injured and then have the audacity to 
use my breasts for a pillow?!?"  

	"Well?  What do you say?  Is it a deal?"  Happosai prodded.

	Kodachi's eyes narrowed.  "What you have said interests 
me...but I have yet to see the proof of your claim....and the catch."  
she replied in an icy tone.

	"Ahhhhh......well now.......The question is.......How badly 
do you want to avenge yourself against Shampoo?"  Happosai slyly
implied.  

	Kodachi glowered in silent fury but realized he has her over 
a barrel.  She sighed in defeat.

	"As you wish.  Who do you require me to vanquish in return 
for your help?"  Kodachi asked in a sullen tone of voice.

	"Actually, it will be several people.  Dozens even."  Happosai
calmly replied.

	"DOZENS!?!?"  Kodachi was incredulous.

	"No one a martial artist of your caliber can't handle...."  
Happosai said reassuringly.

	"Then why don't you fight them yourself?  Kodachi said 
suspiciously.  "Too old?  Arthritis slowing you down?" 

	Happosai frowned, pulled out a lit Happodakrin and held it 
in front of Kodachi's face.

	"Be careful what you say to me.  I'm a kempo MASTER."
Happosai threatened.

	Kodachi didn't flinch as she blew out the fuse with one 
breath.  Happosai blinked at the suddenly defused bomb.

	"How did you do that?"  Happosai was perplexed.

	"I have strong lungs.  Now answer my question."  Kodachi
snapped, impatient for answers.  

	"Very well."  Happosai assumed a serious look and  took a 
deep breath.  "Allow me to be blunt.  I need you to provide cover for 
me while I undertake my dangerous yet oh-so-rewarding mission of 
life!"  

	"Cease your mindless chatter and get to the point!"  Kodachi
snapped.

	"Hold your horses!  I'm getting to it!"  Happosai growled 
with irritation.  "I need you to protect me from the horde of high 
school girls while I steal their panties!

	Kodachi blinks.  Then her face becomes distorted with 
rage as the full impact of his request hits her.

	"You....You expect me....The Black Rose of St. Hebereke
High School....The rising young star of Rhythmic Gymnastics....
to become....to become....A PANTY THIEF!?!?!

	"Of course not you idiot!  I will be stealing the panties.  
YOU will be watching my back to make sure no one can stop me."
Happosai corrected her.

	"I see.  Allow me to rephrase my previous sentence."  
Kodachi took a deep breath and screamed.  "YOU EXPECT ME TO 
AID AND ASSIST THE ACTIONS OF A PANTY THIEF!?!?!"

	"Not if you want Ranma and Shampoo to elope and move 
to China, waking up every morning, in each other's arms, in 
exhausted marital bliss..... "  Happosai taunted her.

	"Stop it!"  Kodachi shouted.

	"....Shampoo screaming in ecstasy as Ranma lovingly 
fondles her...."  Happosai continued mercilessly.

	"STOP IT!!! DAMN YOU!!!!!"  Kodachi began to sob and
tears ran down her cheeks.  "ALL RIGHT!!!  (sobs) All right.  I'll 
agree to your terms, so long as you help me get my Ranma-Sama 
back.

	"Great!  We're going to make a great team, you and I...."
Happosai happily said as he nuzzled her breasts, causing her to 
cringe in disgust.	

	"Can you please release me now?  I wish to return home and
prepare for the coming battle."

	"Sure, sure.  Just be back here at dawn!"  Happosai touched
some more pressure points on her back and Kodachi found she could
move again.  Just then, Genma called out to Happosai.

	"Master, your food is getting cold!  Can I eat it if you're not 
going to?"  Genma asked hopefully.

	Happosai turned to face his former student.  "Don't even 
think about it!  That food is mi....ARRRGH!!!"

	Kodachi used the momentary distraction to lasso Happosai 
with her ribbon and then repeatedly smash him against the side of the
house.  After 500 more such strikes, she finally stopped, causing 
Happosai to slowly slide down the wall.  She glared down at 
Happosai's prone form, a smile forming on her lips.)

	"I hope THAT teaches you to treat me like a lady!"  Kodachi 
spat.

	Happosai, whom was in great pain, weakly nods in 
agreement as he passed out.  Then Kodachi turned to Genma and 
bowed to him.

	"Thank you for your help, father.  I shall make a fine bride 
for your son and bring honor to both our families.  Kodachi said 
solemnly as she bounced away through the gate, her laughter echoing 
as she did so.  Soun turned to Genma and frowned.

	"Did she say SHE was marrying your son, Saotome?  Soun
glared at his friend.

	"Well...."  Genma began.

	"And correct me if I'm wrong but did she just call you 
f...father?"

	Sensing Soun's demon head was about to be released, 
Genma quickly replied.  "I just felt sorry for her being tormented by
the master!  Her being my daughter and marrying my son is her 
fantasy not mine!"

	Soun seemed to calm down.  "Are you sure?"  he asked 
cautiously.

	"Tendo, do you really think I'm willing to marry Ranma
off to any girl I meet?"  Genma asked good-naturedly.

	"Well there was Ukyou...."  Soun began.

	"Ummm....well...."  Genma stumbled.

	"And there was that martial arts take out girl...."  Soun said
thoughtfully.

	"...T..That was....."  Genma started sweating profusely.

	"As well as that bearded gentleman who you promised to 
engage Ranma to his daughter in exchange for...."  Soun continued.

	"I....I think I hear the phone ringing...."  Genma rushed back 
into the house and breathed a sigh of relief.  Then he was startled to 
hear that the phone WAS actually ringing.  He went over to it and 
answered.

	"Hello?"

	"Uh....Hi, Mr. Saotome.  Is Akane there?"  a slightly nervous 
voice answered.

	"She's in the gym.  I think she's mad about something but I
don't know what.   

	"Really?"  the voice sounded surprised.  "Umm...do you 
think I could speak to her?

	"Sure.  Who is this?"  Genma inquired.

	"I...It's Ryouga Hibiki."  Ryouga replied in a timid voice.

	"I'll go tell her."

	Genma walked towards the gymnasium and peered inside.  
The doujou floor was covered with broken pieces of cement as Akane
was setting up ten more bricks up and preparing to smash them.  She
had a blue aura surrounding her.

	"A....Akane?"  Genma gasped in surprise.

	Akane paused in her descent and turned around to face 
Genma.  Her eyes flickered with fire as she said.  "WHAT."

	Genma quickly backed away.  "N....Nothing!"  he said as he
retreated from Akane's fearsome presence.  He walked back over to 
the phone and said.

	"She's....um....busy at the moment.  Do you want to leave a
message?"  he offered.

	"Um....just tell her I called and I want to speak to 
her at her earliest convenience.  Thanks."  Ryouga replied.

	"Wait!  Where can she call...."

	*click*

	"....you?"  Genma looked at the phone, then shrugged and 
hung up.

	"I tried to tell him...." Genma muttered to himself as he 
walked back outside....
	
	
*	*	*


THE NEKOHANTEN
8:00 P.M.

	The sky was now a ruddy orange color as the sun set in the 
east.   Mousse stood in the back alley of the Nekohanten as he faced 
off against his most hated enemy.

	"This time you die for sure."  he promised, his glasses 
reflecting the orange sky as he thrust his sleeve out.  A single blade 
attached to a rope shot out in an instant.  it snaked around the 
figure's throat and tightened immediately, crushing it.  Then the rope
suddenly burst into flames, the flames swiftly flickered across the 
rope until they reached Ranma's head and it was aflame.  Mousse 
grinned sadistically as he watched Ranma's hair and face melt before
his eyes and then with a savage jerk he ripped the head from it's body
and it sailed high into the air.  As it began it's descent, Mousse raised
his other sleeve and a chain flew out to violently whip the severed 
head, keeping it in the air.  He did this twice more, balancing it with
his chain until with a flourish, Mousse drove the chain directly into the
center of the head, causing it to explode into a billion pieces.  Then 
Mousse set his gaze on the body, still burning to death and with a 
sudden series of thrusts, Mousse used his chain to strike several key 
points on the body.  A moment later, it too exploded, pieces falling 
to the ground and continuing to burn to ashes.

	Mousse raised his glasses to his forehead as gazed at the 
burning hulk as he whispered.

	"Yippee Ki Yay Mother...."

	"MOUSSE!"

	Mousse quickly glanced behind him to see Cologne with an 
angry look on her face.  "Mousse you idiot!  I send you out here to 
sprinkle water on the sidewalk and here you are making a big mess 
with fire and straw!"  She pointed at the straw remains of what had 
once been a dummy of Ranma Saotome.  

	"Sorry."  Mousse said sheepishly.

	"Clean up this mess and get in here!  With Shampoo going 
on a date with Ranma I need your help more than ever.  You should 
be grateful I allowed you to turn back into a human after that stunt 
you pulled earlier today!  Now move it!

	Mousse quickly went down on his knees and started picking
up the burnt remains of straw, placing them in the trash as he did 
so.  He did this for a few moments before he felt Cologne's staff rap 
him in the head again.

	"What!  I'm doing it as fast as I can!"  Mousse growled at
Cologne as he placed another bit in the trash can.

	"Put your glasses on you fool!"  Cologne yelled in his ear.

	Mousse slipped his glasses on and began to sweat profusely.  
He had been placing the straw on the doorstep, missing the trashcan
by a wide margin.  "Oops."  he offered weakly, shrugging as he did 
so.

	Cologne sighed to herself.  "Just leave it and come inside.  I
don't know why I continue to tolerate you around here...."  she 
muttered as she bounced back inside on her staff.

	"Because I work for free and you're too cheap to hire anyone
else, you dried up monkey."  Mousse muttered under his breath.  A 
moment later he found his face plastered against the doorframe by 
Cologne's staff as she replied.  "I heard that!"  As Mousse slumped to
the floor, Cologne made her way to her room and opened the door.  
Inside Shampoo was getting ready for her date.  She had decided not to
be subtle and she currently was wearing an extremely tight chinese 
dress with long slits down both sides, showing plenty of her thighs as
she applied some pink lipstick to his pouting lips.  Cologne cleared 
her throat and Shampoo turned around and stood up to face her.

	"Great Grandmother!  You like?"  She turned around in a 
circle.

	"It will suffice.  Granddaughter, are you certain this is a 
good idea?  Going on a date with son-in-law without a purpose 
seems futile.  He will only avoid you.

	"Ranma promise to let Shampoo kiss him all she wants!"
Shampoo replied excitedly as she applied some perfume to her neck,
guaranteed to make a boy take notice. 

	 "But will he enjoy it as much as you, Shampoo?"  Cologne
asked.

	"Ranma just shy.  Shampoo make Ranma love, just you 
wait!"  Shampoo replied firmly as she reached for her purse.  "Is 
good?"  she asked as she spun around again.

	Cologne reluctantly nodded.  "I wish you luck in your 
mission."

	"Thank you!"  Shampoo cheerfully exclaimed as she walked
out into the dining area to wait for Ranma.  Immediately every male
in the room began to whistle at her and drool over her impressive 
figure.  Shampoo smiled as she dreamed of Ranma having the same 
reaction while all of the girls in the room smacked their boyfriends for
looking at another woman.  Shampoo took a seat away from the rest 
of the crowd and crossed one leg over her other, earning another 
round of wolf whistles and loud smacks as her thigh was exposed.  
She squirmed in her seat as she impatiently awaited Ranma's 
presence, her mind full of images of her kissing Ranma over and over
again.

	"Oh Ai Ren....Come take Shampoo to date!"

	
*	*	*
	 
A HOUSE SOMEWHERE IN NERIMA
8:15 P.M.
	
	The dark, foreboding, gothic-looking mansion stood silent in 
the moonlight, the type of house that the Munsters or The Adams 
Family would feel right at home in.  We then hears a steady stream of 
curses, using almost every swear word in the japanese language, 
coming from the direction of the basement.  

	Inside, Hikaru Gosunkugi slammed a very thick textbook 
shut in disgust.  The title of the book, "The Sorcerery of Old" was 
faded and worn, suggesting the book was a great deal older than the 
reader currently using it.  Gosunkugi sighed to himself in frustration 
as he plopped down on his workbench, the only seat in his basement.  
A single red lightbulb illuminated hundreds of photos of Akane 
doing ordinary things, decorating the gray cement walls around him 
and reminding him of his purpose for living.  Gosunkugi slumped 
his shoulders in defeat as he recalls the events of what happened in 
Akane's classroom over and over again in his mind....)  
	 
	"Damn it!  Why did I have to run away from him like that?  
If only my magic worked!  Just once!  I would show them all that 
martial arts is meaningless compared to the power of the occult!"

	Gosunkugi sighed again as he idly twirled a five inch nail 
along the fingers of his right hand.  He glanced at the photolab table 
where the Kunou Voodoo Doll he had been trying to create for the past 
hour rested.  "I can't understand it!  I followed the spell from that 
book to the letter!  Where could I have messed up?!

	Gosunkugi went back to the textbook and reopened it.  He
started flipping pages to find the doll spell again when he suddenly 
paused and stared at a different page.  A page he had always tried to
ignore before.

	The lightning spell.

	Gosunkugi involuntarily shivered as he remembered the last 
time he had tried to use that spell.  It had actually worked, much to his 
surprise, but instead of the lightning hitting Ranma as it was supposed 
to, it had stuck him instead.

	He had spent a month in the hospital after that.  The 
doctor's said it was nothing short of a miracle that he had survived at
all.  Akane and Ranma had come to visit him and Akane even left him
some of her bento.  Unfortunately, that was the day he discovered how
bad her cooking really was and he came down with severe food 
poisoning....

	He had vowed never to use that spell again as long as he lived
but now as his options ran thin, he looked upon it once more and 
wondered if he should give it another try.  Then an better idea came 
to his mind....

	"What if....what if I convinced Kunou to learn this spell 
instead?   I could tell Kunou to use it to punish Ranma and then 
when Kunou tries to use the spell himself...."  Gosunkugi 
grinned evily to himself as a possible scenario played out in his 
mind....

* -- Dream Sequence

* "Now Saotome!  Feel my wrath!"  Kunou screamed as he cast 
Gosunkugi's spell to the darkening sky.  A bolt of lightning came 
down from the heavens but instead of hitting Ranma, it fried 
Kunou, enormous surprise lighting up his charred features as 
he quickly turned into a pile of dust.  Then Akane came running up 
to Gosunkugi and leapt into his arms, kissing him madly while a 
dejected Ranma walked away, knowing he would never worthy for 
Akane's affections now.

	"Oh Hikaru!  You saved me from Kunou forever! You're 
wonderful!  I want to marry you and bear your children!  I love you!"  
Akane exclaimed with starry eyes as Hikaru held her close, the 
entire school was cheering in the background and shouting his 
name "HIKARU!  HIKARU!  HIKARU!...."*

	"HIKARU!!!"

	Gosunkugi's daydream ended abruptly as he heard the 
voice of his mother shouting from upstairs.

	"Yes mother?"  Gosunkugi replied.

	"You still haven't taken out the garbage!"  his mother 
snapped at him.

	"I'll do it in a little while mother!"  Gosunkugi yelled back
as his mother closed the basement door shut again.  Gosunkugi 
turned his attention back on his spellbook and grinned as he began 
writing down a copy of the spell on paper....


*	*	*

THE UTCHAN
8:30 P.M.


	Ukyou was perplexed to say the least.  The Utchan, which 
should have been full of customers by now, was completely empty, 
save for Daisuke eating at the end of the counter.  She had noticed that 
no one else had been coming in for the past hour and had continued to 
serve the people that were already inside until they had finished their 
meals, paid, and left.  Now Ukyou sat at the counter playing Solitaire 
and occasionally glancing at the door to see if anyone else was going 
to come in.

	"Talk about a slow night.  It hasn't been this bad since that 
crepe chief came and tried to corner the market."  Ukyou sighed to 
herself  as she scanned the cards for a black 10 to go with her red 9.

	Ukyou looked up at the sound of money being placed on her 
counter and noticed Daisuke was leaving.  "See you later Ukyou."  he
said as he walked out the door.  Ukyou wished he could have stayed
just for the company.  She needed something to get her mind off her
fiancee being on a date with Shampoo and Solitaire wasn't doing it.  
Then she heard the door open and Ukyou immediately stood up.  
"Welcome to the Ut...."  her voice died in her throat and her gaze 
hardened as she saw Nabiki Tendo closing the door behind her as she
casually walked into her restaurant.

	"Hello there."  Nabiki said, a grim smile on her face.

	"Get out.  I'm not serving you.  Not after what you did to 
Ranchan." Ukyou replied coldly.  

	"Are you sure that's wise?  You don't seem to be swamped in
customers right now...."  Nabiki pointed out.

	"It's a slow night.  I'll have a full crowd come tomorrow 
afternoon."  Ukyou retorted.

	"Don't bet on it."  Nabiki said bluntly.

	"What is THAT supposed to mean?"  Ukyou replied hotly.

	"Exactly how it sounds.  You see, you interfered in my 
business affairs and I can't let you get away with that without some 
form of punishment.  Otherwise you may encourage others to defy 
me and that just won't do."  Nabiki said in a matter-of-fact voice.

	"Oh, REALLY?"  Ukyou's face turned crimson.  "Just who
the hell do you think you are to use people like that!"

	"I'm someone who can and will make your life a living hell
if you're not careful.  You're a business woman, just like me, surely 
you can understand what I'm getting at...."  Nabiki said.

	"No, enlighten me, please."  Ukyou replied sarcastically.

	"When somebody interferes with your business, you increase 
your work output, advertise, get help, do anything possible to eliminate 
the competition before they eliminate you.  This is what you have tried
to do to me and now I plan to respond accordingly.  Only I plan to use 
every dirty trick in the book.  In fact, I'm doing it right now, even as 
we speak...."  

	Nabiki gestured for Ukyou to follow her.  Ukyou does so and 
they both walk out of the restaurant and Nabiki gestures at two large 
signs posted at either end of the restaurant which read "Closed by the 
Japanese Board of Health for Possible Food Poisoning."  Ukyou 
gasped in shock while Nabiki places a hand on her shoulder.

	"This is only the beginning of course.  Within a few week's 
time, your restaurant will be flat broke and you'll have to sell it to...."

	Nabiki's sentence trailed off as an outraged Ukyou suddenly 
grabbed her collar, lifting her off her feet.

	"YOU BITCH!"  Ukyou spat at Nabiki as she dangled in the 
air.  Nabiki seemed perfectly calm dispite being held aloft.

	"That's right.  Hit me Ukyou.  That will really show Ranma
how much you care about him."  Nabiki said in a calm voice.

	Ukyou froze.  She realized she was acting like Shampoo or 
Kodachi would.  Ranma had no love for Nabiki but would he forgive
her if she taught Nabiki a lesson....?

* -- Dream Sequence

	
	* "How could you!"  Ranma screamed at a tearful Ukyou.  
"Nabiki's not a martial artist like you!  Now she's in the hospital and
Akane's crying and...."*

	*B....But Ranchan...."*  

	*"Don't call me that!  I thought you were different but now I 
see you're just as crazy as Shampoo and Kodachi!  Good-bye Ukyou!  
I never want to see a violent girl like you ever again!"  Ranma began 
to storm out of the Utchan.*

	*"R....Ranchan wait!  P....please.....DON'T LEAVE ME 
ALONE!!!"  Ukyou cried out as she fell to her knees.*

	
	Ukyou swallowed hard and stared at Nabiki who merely
gave her a cool gaze in response.  Then Ukyou slowly lowered
Nabiki to the ground but kept her grip on Nabiki's collar as she 
spoke.  

 	"Fine.  I won't hit you.  But I'm not going to take this lying
down either.  If you want a war, that's fine with me."

	Nabiki laughed scornfully.  "Oh please!  Do you have any 
idea how tightly I have this district wrapped around my finger?  Are 
you THAT ignorant of what goes on around here?

	"If you're so sure of your victory then you have nothing to 
fear, do you?"  Ukyou challenged.  

	Nabiki smiled.  "Typical."  She remarked.  "Everything is a 
battle to you martial artists isn't it?  Very well.  I accept your challenge 
on one condition.  If I win, meaning you beg me to stop ruining your
business, you have to give me and anyone else I choose free 
Okonomiyaki for the rest of their lives.  Plus a daily percentage of 
your restaurant income.

 	"Fine.  And if I win, meaning you apologize to me as my 
business continues to flourish, you have to swear that you will
NEVER EVER exploit my Ranchan again for anything, got it?"

	"Agreed."  Nabiki said as she began to walk away down the 
sidewalk.  Then she paused and turned back to Ukyou.

	"You should know....From this point on, your life as you 
know it....is over."

	Nabiki let the threat hang in the air for a moment before 
she turned and left.  Ukyou stared after her as she departed.  Then she 
tore up Nabiki's board of health signs to shreds and walked back into 
her restaurant, a little less confident than before.... 


*	*	*


THE NEKOHANTEN
9:00 P.M.

	Shampoo tapped her foot impatiently as she glanced at the 
clock on the wall.  While she hadn't actually set a time for Ranma
to pick her up for their date tonight, it was getting late and she 
wanted to have fun out on the town before everything closed down,
including the restaurants.

	"Shampoo?"

	Shampoo looked over at the kitchen to see her grandmother
giving her a reproachful look.  "Son-in-law doesn't appear to be 
coming...."  Cologne remarked.

	"Ranma come for Shampoo soon!  Ranma give word of 
honor!"  Shampoo replied, almost desperately.

	"He'd better get here soon.   Otherwise I'm putting you 
back to work as a waitress."  Cologne warned as she handed four 
bowls of ramen to Mousse.  Mousse gingerly took them and placed 
them down on the table where the customers were waiting.  Then he 
looked over at Shampoo as he thought to himself....

	"Hmmm.....perhaps I've misjudged you Saotome....You 
decided not to show up for the date after all.  Maybe he really doesn't
want to steal Shampoo away from me after all...."

	Shampoo continued to stare at the clock every ten seconds as
she impatiently awaited her love's arrival.  Then...."

	"Yo Shampoo!"

	Shampoo immediately jumped to her feet and prepared to
glomp onto the owner of the voice as she rushed towards the figure at
the door.  

	"AI REN!  You come to date...."

	Shampoo stopped in mid-stride.  She had a look of shock and
dismay on her face as she looked at her fiancee.  Mousse turned to face 
the door, a look of anger on his face.  Then his face suddenly changed
from angry to puzzled.  Cologne looked up upon hearing the shout.  
Her eyes narrowed and she sighed to herself upon seeing what was at
the door.  The restaurant fell silent as the guys began to drool while the
girls fumed at them.

	"R....Ranma....?!"  Shampoo stammered.

	Ranma-Chan stood in the doorframe of the Nekohanten.  She 
was wearing a sexy blue dress, low cut to show off plenty of 
cleavage and slits down each side similar to Shampoo's own 
dress, showing her creamy white thighs, along with high heels and 
a matching purse.  She was wearing makeup and her long flowing red 
hair was shoulder length, the bindings for her pigtail gone.  
Ranma-Chan twirled around in a circle, giggling as she saw the look
of disbelief on Shampoo's face.  "Well, what do you think Shampoo?  
Do I look cute enough for you?"

	This was too much for the male patrons as they began to 
whistle and yell out compliments to Ranma-Chan.  Ranma-Chan 
smiled and gave them a wink, causing them to go nuts, some of them
even standing up and whistling with both hands.  That is until the 
women, who had more than enough of being ignored, left the 
restaurant in disgust.  The guys noticed their girlfriends leaving and 
followed them, trying to apologize, only a few single guys remained, 
their eyes fixed on the two girls as they waited to see what would 
happen.

	"Wow!  I never knew the waitress here was a lesbian!"  one 
guy whispered to another.  "Her date is really hot!"

	"That's why I come here to eat.  Great food and the scenery 
is fantastic!" the other guy replied with a knowing grin.      

	As the men continued to drool, Shampoo's jaw dropped as 
she pointed an accusing finger at Ranma-Chan.  "Shampoo want date 
boy-type Ranma!  Not girl-type Ranma!"  An outraged Shampoo 
shouted.

	"Sorry to disappoint you Shampoo, but I agreed to take you on
a date.  I never said I would do it as a guy."  Ranma couldn't help but
smirk at foiling Shampoo's plans.

	Shampoo glared daggers at Ranma-Chan.  "Shampoo fix 
Ranma so you boy-type again!"  Shampoo stalked off towards the
kitchen while Cologne gave Ranma a wry smile.

	"Very clever son-in-law.  But my granddaughter will be 
back with hot water any moment.

	"I've planned ahead."  Ranma-Chan said as she pulled a 
plastic bottle with a spray nozzle out of her purse.  "Anytime 
she splashes me with hot water, I use this to change back into a girl 
again.

	Cologne was impressed.  But she also knew Ranma.    "Tell 
me Son-in-law, who gave you this plan?"

	Ranma-Chan gave her a look of irritation.  "What makes you
think I didn't think of this one myself?!"

	"Because you are a fool, if you'll pardon my saying so.  Was 
it that mercenary girl then?"  Cologne asked.

	Ranma-Chan's face reddened with fury.  "No, it wasn't 
Nabiki!  It was...."  Ranma-Chan stops herself and shakes her head.
"It's none of your business who told me!  The point is Shampoo isn't
going to kiss and hug me as a girl!"  Ranma-Chan then turned to face
Mousse.  "I hope this convinces YOU once and for all that I don't 
want Shampoo!"

	"You're still dating her, Saotome, regardless of your gender.  
I won't forgive you for that.  Besides....it's personal now."  Mousse 
replied coldly as he assumed a crane battle stance.  Just then Shampoo
returned with a kettle of hot water.

	"Mousse!  What you doing with Ranma?" Shampoo shouted 
angrily.

	Mousse didn't take his eyes off of Ranma-Chan nor relax his 
stance for an instant as he replied,  "Showing Saotome once and for all
who your true husband to be is."

	Ranma-Chan shook his head in disbelief at Mousse.  "You 
just don't get it, do you pal?  I....DON'T....WANT....SHAMPOO!!!"

	"No talk stupid Ranma!"  Shampoo said as she approached
her menacingly with the tea kettle, shoving Mousse out of the way as
she did so.  "Ranma change back into boy and date Shampoo!"

	Ranma-Chan yelped as Shampoo emptied the entire kettle 
over her head, changing her back into a guy.  Then Shampoo glomped
onto him, trying to place her lips on his own while Ranma hid the 
spray bottle behind his back and gently squeezed the trigger a few 
times.  Shampoo was more than a little surprised when she felt Ranma
grow breasts in a matter of seconds and she stepped back to see 
Ranma had changed back into a girl.  "Ranma....you....girl again?"  She 
said in a shocked tone of voice.  

	"Yep.  Guess you can't kiss me now eh?  Me being a girl and 
all."  Ranma-Chan gloated.

	""THAT NOT FAIR!!!"  Shampoo screamed in fury.  Then 
she placed her arms around Ranma-Chan and held her tight, causing
Ranma-Chan to drop the spray bottle in surprise. "It no matter!  
Shampoo kiss Ranma even if he girl!"

	Ranma-Chan immediately paled.  "W...Wait a second....You 
can't kiss me now!  We're both girls!"  Ranma-Chan nervously said 
as Shampoo grabbed the back of her head and leaned in close for a 
kiss.  Ranma-Chan swallowed hard as she knew she couldn't 
interfere without breaking her word.  "Has Ucchan's plan failed after 
all?"  he wondered to himself as the guys in the restaurant leaned 
forward to get a close-up look of what was sure to be one of the 
hottest kisses they had ever witnessed....

	"SAOTOME!"  Mousse roared as he attempted to break the
couple up only to have Shampoo lash back with her fist, catching him
flush in the jaw and sending him flying backwards to hit the wall.
Ranma-Chan's heart began to beat faster with fear as Shampoo 
leaned closer for a kiss....the men in the restaurant held their breath.

	Unfortunately for them, Shampoo couldn't do it.  As much 
as she wanted Ranma, she did not like him in girl form and couldn't 
bring herself to kiss another girl.  She tried several times, her lips 
mere millimeters from Ranma-Chan's, driving them crazy, but 
she couldn't force herself to close the gap and Ranma wasn't doing 
anything to help her along other than offer little resistance.  Finally 
Shampoo pulled away from Ranma and began to cry.

	"Aww man!" The men let out groans of disappointment.

	"I....It not fair.....Shampoo love Ranma....Why you hurt 
Shampoo like this...."

	Ranma-Chan felt a pang of guilt and almost felt sorry for 
her but then the image of Shampoo blackmailing her in the shower
reminded him that Shampoo needed to be taught a lesson.  Mousse
groggily got to his feet and saw that Shampoo was crying and 
immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion as per usual.

	"YOU DARE MAKE MY BRIDE CRY!?!?  DIE!!!"

	"Not again."  Ranma-Chan groaned as Mousse unsheathed
his arm blades and starting slashing at her wildly.  Ranma-Chan 
desperately dodged the deadly weapons, fully aware of what would 
happen if she got cut by one of them.  Mercifully for her, Cologne 
decided to intervene and grabbed the spray bottle she has dropped and
used it on Mousse, turning him back into a duck.  Cologne then tried to
grab the duck to place it in its cage only to be surprised when the duck
dropped a smoke pellet from it's beak, emitting a thick black cloud, 
concealing him for a brief moment and when the smoke cleared, 
Mousse-Duck was out the door, flapping his wings as fast as he could.

	"So....Mousse is learning from his past experiences after 
all."  Cologne remarked as she watched him fly away into the night. 
Meanwhile Shampoo continued to cry loudly, acting hurt and sobbing
about only wanting Ranma's love but she soon stopped when she 
noticed Ranma-Chan wasn't paying attention to her, instead watching
the door where Mousse-Duck departed.

	"RANMA!  SHAMPOO HURT!  NO LOOK AWAY!"
Shampoo screamed at Ranma-Chan, her eyes streaked with tears.

	"Gee.  I guess you weren't as hurt as you let on, Shampoo."
Ranma-Chan noted sarcastically.  "Look, I appreciate you helping 
me with Kodachi and all but I'm not going to let you seduce me, no 
matter what you do."
	
	"But you still agreed to take her on a date."  Cologne pointed 
out.

	Ranma-Chan sighed to herself.  "I know.  Just let me get 
my...."  Ranma-Chan's voice trailed off as she noticed she no longer
had the spray bottle.  "Hey!  Give me back my cold water!"

	"I'm afraid not."  Cologne smiled wryly as Ranma-Chan's 
heart sank.  "Have a nice date Son-in-law!"  Cologne chuckled to 
herself as she bounced back into the kitchen.

	"HEY!!!"  Ranma-Chan started to follow her when Shampoo
grabbed her from behind.  "Ranma take Shampoo on date now!"  
Shampoo said as she pulled her towards the door.  Ranma-Chan 
swallowed hard as she realized this date wasn't going to be as easy as
she thought....


*	*	*


THE TENDO DOUJOU
10:30 P.M.
	
	Akane looked at the gym.  It's floor was completely covered 
with the remains of bricks and her hands were red and sore from 
slicing so many of them over and over again.  Akane sighed as she 
went to the closet to get a broom....

	"Akane....?"  	

	Akane was startled as she whirled around to see Ryouga 
Hibiki standing in the doorway....

	"Ryouga-kun?"

	"Yeah....it's me."  Ryouga replied in a quiet voice.

	"It's nice to see you again." 

	A joyous expression crossed Ryouga's face.  "Really?"  he 
exclaimed with delight.	

	"Yes....It's always nice to see a good friend."  Akane 
replied with a smile.

	Ryouga's smile faded a bit.  "T....Thanks.  May I come in?"

	"Please do."  Akane responded.  Ryouga walked over and sat 
down next to her on the floor.

	"So Ranma's dating Shampoo, huh?"  

	Akane frowned.  "Yeah.  Not that I care!"  she snapped.  
"Ranma can marry Shampoo and move to China for all I care!  Stupid 
pervert!"

	Ryouga gently placed a hand on Akane's shoulder, trying to
offer her comfort.  She doesn't seem to notice as she exclaimed  "I
can't believe I was actually worried about him!  Here I make him a nice 
lunch and he eats Ukyou's lunch instead.  Then he goes out on a date 
with Shampoo and lets her do whatever she wants!  The liar said he has 
no interest in Shampoo and yet he keep them hanging!  He's such 
a....a...."

	"Conceited arrogant perverted jerk?"  Ryouga finished  with a 
straight face.

	"Yeah!"  Akane nodded her assent.

	"And those are his better qualities."  Ryouga added.

	"You said it!"  Akane wholeheartedly agreed

	Both of them stared at each other for a moment and then 
broke up laughing.

	Akane smiled brightly at him.  "Thank you, Ryouga."

	Ryouga smiled confusingly at her.  "For what?"

	"For making me laugh.  Ranma may be an insensitive jerk 
but you've always been there to cheer me up when I felt bad."   

	"No problem.  Ryouga assumed a serious expression as he 
said  "I'll always be there for you Akane."

	Akane thinks Ryouga is still kidding around as she replies.  
"Oh cut that out you big silly!  I'm cheered up now. I'm cheered up 
real good.  She started to laugh again as Ryouga forced a smile at 
her "friend" tag.

	"Uh....kidding.....heh heh.....yeah sure."  Ryouga faked a 
laugh while holding his hand behind his head.

	"Well, I guess I'll be going to bed now.  It was nice talking to 
you Ryouga.  I hope you stick around a little longer this time."  Akane 
smiled as she rose to her feet.

	"W....Wait!"  Akane paused to look down at him.  
"I....I wanted to speak to you about something.

	Akane suddenly remembered what Dr. Tofu had said.  "I 
heard you walked from China to here without stopping.  What's so 
important you couldn't send me a postcard about?"

	 Ryouga took a deep breath, every fiber of his being 
preparing to say what he has wanted to say since the first day he saw 
Akane....

	"Akane...."  He began....  "There's something I have to tell 
you.  Something I want to get off my chest....

	"Yes?"  Akane smiled at him.

	"Uhhh....well....you see....I was just wondering...."

	Ryouga still had no idea how to speak his feelings in front 
of Akane as his courage started to fail.

	"Go on."  Akane looked confused now but still eager to hear 
what he wanted to say.

	"I....I....I..."  Ryouga grimaces and with enormous effort he 
tries again.  "I was wondering if you...you..."

	"What are you trying to say?"  Akane was definitely confused 
now.

	"....if you would........umm........that is if you could ever....."   
Ryouga begins to falter again.

	"Just spill it!"  Akane said exasperated.

	Ryouga looked deep into Akane's eyes and then after taking 
a deep breath, he grasped her hands in his and blurted out.   "If you 
would like to go out on a date!"  Ryouga released the breath he had 
been holding and tried to speak normally. "....with me that is....if you 
want to...."  Ryouga then started to ramble.  "..if that's okay with you I 
mean I'd understand if you didn't want to and I'll understand completely 
if you feel uncomfortable with...."

	"A date?"  Akane's voice was filled with surprise.  "You want 
to go out with me?"

	"Umm......yes....."  Ryouga looked down at the floor while 
twiddling his thumbs.  "W.....What do you say?"

	Akane looked at Ryouga and thought it over in her mind.
While Ryouga had occasionally acted unusual around her, this was the 
first time he had asked her out for a date.  And while she had nothing 
against Ryouga, she didn't know if it would be right to...."

	Akane shook her head as thoughts of Ranma entered her 
mind.  "Why should I care what that pervert thinks!  He never thinks 
about me when he dates Shampoo!  Maybe I should date Ryouga, just 
to teach Ranma a lesson!

	But she couldn't do that to Ryouga.  He was her best friend 
and he deserved to have his feelings considered.  She thought of all the 
times Ryouga had defended her against Ranma and that he was one of 
the few people who liked her cooking even when no one else did.  She 
felt she owed him something for being so sweet to her and if he wanted 
to take her on a date, why not?  It beat sitting home alone at night doing 
nothing.  Besides, she had gone out with Ryouga before and she knew 
he was the kind of guy she could depend on not to take advantage of 
her as Kunou or Mikado most certainly would.  So with these things in 
mind, Akane made her choice.  

	"Okay."  Akane replied.

	Ryouga's eyes grew huge and he grasped Akane's shoulders 
as he exclaimed "R....REALLY?!?"  Y....YOU'LL GO ON A DATE 
WITH ME?!?"  his voice trembling with excitement.

	"Umm...sure..."  Akane nervously replied as she looked 
around her frantically.  She didn't want her dad hearing about this or 
he would raise hell over it.  "Just don't spread it around or we'll have 
everyone trying to mess it up like the last time.  Okay?"

	"Okay!  How about dinner tomorrow at eight?"

	"That would be great!"  Akane replied.

	"I'll see you then and thank you!"  Ryouga was almost 
delirious with joy as he left the gym, whooping it up as he walked 
away.  Akane smiled at his reaction.  "Too bad Ranma never reacted 
like that when we go on a date."  Akane sighed as she began to sweep 
the gym floor again.  When she finished, she returned the broom back 
to it's resting place, dumped the bricks in the garbage with the other 
broken pieces and walked out the door, shutting off the light behind 
her.  Akane then walked towards the stairs that lead to her room when 
she noticed a light on in the kitchen.

	"Oneechan?"  Akane called to the figure inside.  Kasumi 
turned around, dressed in her nightgown as she cheerfully replied.  "I 
noticed you were still up so I thought I'd make you some warm milk to 
help you sleep.

	"Oh, you didn't have to."  Akane felt guilty at worrying her 
sister so.

	"Don't worry about me Akane.  I'm glad to help out."  Kasumi 
replied as she carefully poured the milk from the pan into a glass and 
handed it to Akane.  She gratefully accepted it.

	"Thank you."  Akane said as she drained the glass, the warmth 
of the milk, traveling down her throat and into her stomach, filling her 
with a warm soothing feeling inside.  "I guess I'll be going to bed 
now...."

	"Goodnight Akane.  Pleasant dreams."  Kasumi said as Akane 
walked upstairs to her room and shut the door.  She then peeled off her 
training gi and put on her yellow pajamas.  She wished she could have 
taken a shower before she went to bed but with the hot water bills 
being what they were, taking more than one bath or shower a day was 
a forbidden luxury....

	As Akane crawled into her bed she wished P-Chan was there 
to comfort her.  As she lay back on her bed with her hands behind her 
head, she began to think about her upcoming date with Ryouga and 
wondered if she should have said yes....

	"Why am I so worried about this?  Akane thought to herself. 
Ryouga is a perfect gentleman and much more mature than Ranma.  
He doesn't flirt with three different girls, he doesn't dress like a 
woman to tease somebody and he doesn't call me a uncute sexless 
tomboy.  He's not like Ranma at all...."

	Akane felt her eyes growing heavy as she began to drift off, 
her thoughts fading as she fell into a deep sleep....	

		   
*	*	*

	
	Had Akane looked out the window before she fell asleep,  
she may have spotted a boy wearing a bandanna doing cartwheels and 
flips on the lawn and looking happier than he had ever been in his 
entire life.  Then he looked up at the moon in the sky and noticed it 
was growing close to midnight.  Ryouga put his thoughts of Akane 
aside for the moment as he made his way towards the stone bridge....

	As he left the Tendo home, he failed to notice someone 
watching him from the window across from Akane's room.

	"I wonder what's he's so happy about?"  Nabiki wondered to 
herself as she turned off the light in her room and drifted off to sleep, 
her last thoughts of Ukyou and how Nabiki would bring her to her 
knees, financially....


*	*	*


A RESTAURANT IN NERIMA
11:00 P.M.

	*SPLASH*

	"Oh no you don't!"

	*SPLASH*

	"Shampoo fix Ranma!"

	*SPLASH*

	Ranma groaned as he once again became a man, still dressed
as a girl and receiving many unpleasant stares as he tried to eat his 
meal in peace.

	He had taken here to this normal looking restaurant, hoping 
to have a nice meal and then conclude his date with Shampoo soon 
after.  However Shampoo was determined to keep him as a guy no 
matter what.

	At the start of the meal, Shampoo ordered a pot of hot tea 
while Ranma had ordered a bottle of sweet sake.  For the past ten 
minutes Shampoo kept pouring the hot tea over his head while he 
countered by pouring cold sake to change back.  Most of the meal he 
had hoped to enjoy was now all over his dress.

	"Cut that out!"  Ranma growled as he poured yet another glass
of sake over his head, turning him back into a girl.  Then she grabbed 
the teapot before Shampoo could use it again and placed it out of her 
reach.  "Let's just enjoy our dinner before someone throws us out!"

	Shampoo folded her arms and sulked in her chair.  She had 
looking forward to be with her Ai Ren so much and now she couldn't
keep him as a guy.  She wished she could overcome her reluctance to
kiss Ranma as a girl, but she just wasn't that way.  Her entire night 
was ruined.

	Ranma-Chan sighed in relief.  It looked like Shampoo had 
finally agreed to let her have something to eat.  She quickly drove into 
her food, ignoring the stares of the restaurant patrons as they watched 
this extremely strange phenomena take place.  It wasn't every day 
they saw someone who could change genders at the drop of a hat.

	Ranma-Chan poured herself a glass of sake. intending to drink
this one as opposed to pouring it over herself when she heard a familiar 
voice carry over the entire restaurant.

	"MY LOVE!!!"

	Everyone in the restaurant turned their heads as one except for 
Ranma-Chan, who fearfully looked over her shoulder and saw 
Tatewaki Kunou dressed in a full tuxedo and carrying a huge bouquet 
of flowers.  Ranma-Chan looked at him, then at the bottle and without 
hesitation she took a long hard belt at the bottle and muttered a curse
under her breath.  

	She had hoped Kunou wouldn't recognize her without
her pigtail if she were unlucky enough to meet up with him but that 
theory was now shot to hell as Kunou waited little time in making 
his way over to her.  He seemed to be limping slightly for some 
reason.  And Ranma-Chan could have sworn Kunou's voice sounded 
an octave higher.  She put it out of her mind as she reluctantly turned 
to face him.

	"Ah, my goddess formally in pigtails....How I long to 
hold thee in mine arms and whisper the wisdom of my sweet 
nothings into your lovely earlobes,  How I long to gaze into your 
eyes...."  Kunou began.

	"Then why are you staring at my chest?"  Ranma-Chan
replied sarcastically.
	
	"Uhhh....M....Merely admiring the construction of your sweet 
and supple curves and how they strain against their prison, yearning to
be free!  Come let us date!"  Kunou replied.

	 Ranma-Chan groaned to herself and cracked her knuckles, 
preparing to give Kunou a one way trip to LEO when Shampoo 
suddenly stood up and shouted.  "No!  Ranma on date with Shampoo!" 

	"WHAT!!!"

	Shampoo rose to her feet and glared at the shocked Kunou.  
"Ranma is Shampoo husband.  Stupid stickboy go away or Shampoo 
get mad!"

	Kunou recovered slightly.  "Shampoo....Did you not engage 
my sister in battle earlier today?"

	"Shampoo defeat psycho girl!"  Shampoo replied with pride.

	Ranma-Chan tensed up and rose to her feet.  If Kunou felt 
he had to avenge his sister's loss, it could get ugly....

	But Kunou seemed to be thinking along a different train of
thought.  "I commend you....You are strong but I fear my sister will
now stop at nothing to see you dead.  You task her and she must have
you, less her own honor be stained."

	"Task her?"  Ranma-Chan replied.

	"Shampoo beat up psycho girl again if she want!"  Shampoo
replied firmly.  "If she try something with Ranma, Shampoo kill!"

	Kunou seemed to pale slightly.  "Y....You truly love my 
pig-tailed goddess?  Even though she is a woman?

	Shampoo's face flushed.  "No!  Shampoo love boy...."

	Ranma-Chan decided this was the best time to intervene.  
"Yes!  That's right!  Shampoo loves me and I love her!"

	Kunou stared at Ranma-Chan in disbelief while 
Shampoo's eyes went all sparkly.

	"Ranma....You really love Shampoo?"

	"Yeah.  Big time."  Ranma-Chan replied.  Then she forced
her eyes to go as girly as she could stand and looked up at Kunou.

	"Oh Sempai...."  Ranma-Chan began in a sad voice.  "I'm
sorry you had to find out this way.  The truth is....I've been in love
with a girl all along."

	Kunou felt his sense of reality beginning to slip as he 
swallowed hard and repeated.  "T....This cannot be!"  Then his face
darkened and he surged to his feet.  "That wretch Saotome has done 
this to you, didn't he!

	"W....What?"  A confused Ranma-Chan replied.

	"That gutless swine!  That cowardly jackal!  It's not enough
he enslaves your mind and body, now he's living out his sick fantasies
by forcing you to date this woman!"

	"Shampoo no forced!  Shampoo love Ranma with all her 
heart!" Shampoo replied angrily.

	"So do I!  You want proof Kunou?  Here's some proof!!!"

	Before Shampoo could react, Ranma-Chan grabbed her,
roughly pulled Shampoo toward her and then kissed Shampoo 
deeply on the lips.  Shampoo's eyes grew to gigantic size as she 
waves her arms violently in displeasure.  The spectators all gasped in 
shock while all of the male patrons are now either in tears or 
drooling at the lesbian kiss.  After a few moments, Ranma-Chan 
released the kiss and turned around to give Kunou a smirk of 
satisfaction when she noticed Kunou wasn't there anymore.  Then 
she looked down on the floor and noticed he had passed out from 
the shock.

	"Guess it was too much for him to handle all at once...."  
Ranma-Chan thought to herself as she knelt down beside him to make
sure he was still breathing.  She saw his chest rise and fall steadily and
satisfied, she rose to her feet and turned around to face Shampoo.

	"Uh.....Sorry about that Shampoo.  I was kinda hoping Kunou
would leave me alone once and for all if he thought I was a lesbian."
Ranma-Chan grinned sheepishly but that quickly vanished when he 
noticed Shampoo's expression.  "Shampoo?"  she cautiously asked.

	Shampoo stood there, a look of shock on her face.  She gently 
brought her fingers to her lips and touched them briefly.  Then she 
began to walk towards Ranma-Chan, a red aura gathering around her.

	"Uhh....I'm sorry Shampoo.....I didn't....I mean...."  
Ranma-Chan nervous stuttered as Shampoo continued to advance on 
her, Shampoo's expression unreadable....

	"Ai Ren...."

	Ranma-Chan was paralyzed with fear as Shampoo came nose 
to nose with her, Shampoo's aura burning bright and hot....

	
*	*	*

MEANWHILE....

*CRASH*

	"Damn raccoons!"

 	Gosunkugi cursed under his breath as he continued to pick 
up all the trash that had spilt when the raccoons tore open the bags.  At 
this rate, he would be up all night!

	"GOSUNKUGI!  GO TO BED!!!"

	I'm still picking up garbage, Mother!"  Gosunkugi shouted 
back as the wind began to pick up a bit, scattering the trash all over the 
place.

	"DAMN IT!!!" Gosunkugi swore again, knowing he wasn't 
going to be getting any sleep soon....


*	*	*

BACK TO THE RESTAURANT.....

	"Girl-Type Ranma...."  Shampoo whispered.

	Ranma-Chan prayed for a quick death.   

	"YOU I LOVE!!!"

	"W....What....Mpph?!"

	Ranma-Chan's sentence was cut off as Shampoo eagerly
attacked her lips.  Ranma-Chan tried to pull back but Shampoo 
wrapped her arms tightly around Ranma-Chan's waist, pinning her
arms to her sides as Shampoo continued to give her a very long and 
passionate kiss, much longer than the one she gave him when he first 
defeated her by accident.  Ranma-Chan frantically tried to get 
Shampoo's attention, but Shampoo failed to take the hint.  Then 
Shampoo, sensing Ranma's panicked state, finally released him.

	"AIR!!!"  Ranma-Chan gasped as she took in huge amounts
of life-giving oxygen and fell to her knees, trying to regain her 
breath.  Shampoo knelt down in front of him and purred causing 
Ranma-Chan to back away in fear, stammering.

	"S....Shampoo!  Y....You're not supposed to like me as a 
g....girl!  You're s....s....supposed to like me as a g....guy!"

	"Shampoo love both now!"  Shampoo happily proclaimed 
as she crushed Ranma-Chan in a hug.

	"She's....She's as bad as Kunou!"  Ranma-Chan nervously 
thought to herself as she struggled to get out of Shampoo loving 
embrace.  As Ranma-Chan tried to get up. bracing herself on a nearby
table, she accidentally pulls off the tablecloth, taking four glasses of 
cold water with it. They splash all over her and Shampoo.  
Ranma-Chan yelped in surprise and then a look of horror suddenly 
appeared on her face.

	"Wait a minute....Shampoo + Cold Water equals...."  
Ranma-Chan didn't have to finish his thought before she completely
panicked.

	AAAAAAGHH!!!!!!  Ranma-Chan screamed in horror as
Shampoo-Neko now rested on her chest.  She instantly began running
away, plowing through several tables and spreading food all over the
place as she desperately tried to gain distance between her and the cat.

	Unfortunately, Shampoo-Neko began to follow her, causing
Ranma-Chan to resume her speed, and overturn a few more tables, 
some hot coffee spilling on her and turning her back into a guy.

	"OUTTAWAYOUTTAWAYITSACATOUTTAWAY!!!"  
Ranma screamed hysterically as he smashed right through the
restaurant wall and kept going, Shampoo-Neko close behind him....

	The restaurant was silent as a tomb, shocked by the events that
had just transpired.  Then there was a single groan and the restaurant 
turned to see Kunou regain consciousness.  As he got to his feet, a tall 
man with glasses, wearing a business suit walked towards him and 
presented him with a piece of paper.

	"W....What is this...."  Kunou was still groggy.

	"Your bill sir.  You'll understand if I insist on cash only, the 
damage to my restaurant being quite extensive...."

	"D....Damage?"  Kunou wearily looked around him and was
shocked to see the carnage around him.  "W...Which of you has done 
this?"  A bewildered Kunou asked the manager.

	"Your friend the red-haired girl, did this."
 
 	"B....But she....But they...."

	"You identified yourself as a associate of some sort to the 
entire restaurant and since the other two girls are now gone, the 
gentleman, being you, must pay for their meals as well as the damage
to my eating establishment!!!"  The manager's face began to grow red
with barely contained anger.

	Kunou glanced down at the bill.  "WHAT?!?!  THIS IS AN 
OUTRAGE!!! I REFUSE TO PAY THIS!!!"

 	"Fine!  Then I'll call the police and have you hauled away for
destruction of property and disturbing the peace!"  He made a gesture
to a man standing by the phone and the man picked up the cradle and
began dialing.

	"HOLD!"  Kunou quickly shouted out to the man.  The man 
glanced at the Manager and the Manager nodded as the man hung up
the phone.

	"Although it makes me weep to pay such a high price for 
endeavors I was not responsible for, I will meet your unfair price, to
keep my love out of jail."

	"Is that the purpled haired girl or her girlfriend?"

	"N....Never mind!"  Kunou snapped as he threw a wad of 
bills at him and stormed out of the restaurant, planning horrible 
terrible ways to punish Saotome for this....this....atrocity!

	The manager picks up the bills, counts them carefully and 
then speaks in a loud clear voice.

	"Ladies and Gentlemen.  I apologize for this unfortunate
incident and will be closing the restaurant down while we repair the
damage."

	"What about our clothes!?"  screamed one patron.

	"My brand new dress is covered in miso soup!  Who's going
to pay for the cleaning bill!"

	"As retribution for your soiled garments, your meal tonight is
on us."

	"But I only ordered some soup!  This dress costs....!!"

	"Thank you and goodnight!"  The Manager cut her off as he
quickly walked back into the manager's office.  The patrons grumbled
as they all got up to left, some of them covered in food, while a single 
teenage girl carefully places a handheld video camera back in it's 
case underneath the table.  She then takes the case with her as she 
leaves with the rest of the restaurant crowd....


*	*	*


THE STREETS OF NERIMA
11:30 P.M.
	
	The moon was high and bright in the sky as a tired and 
stressed out Ranma walked down the moonlit streets.  He shivered as 
the flimsy material of his torn dress was drenched with sake and water, 
making the air seem all the more colder as the wind began to pick up.
  
	Ranma had finally managed to lose Shampoo-Neko by hiding
in a garbage bin.  Then when he got out, he was less than thrilled that 
the dress he had spent 35,600 yen on, was now covered in garbage and 
ripped in a few embarrassing places, even more so now that he was a 
guy.  If that wasn't bad enough, a few girls from Furinkan High were
walking down the street and he ran into them.  Ranma tried to explain 
why he was walking around downtown in a torn dress and makeup, 
only to have them beat him up, thinking he was a pervert.   

	After that, Ranma desperately searched for some cold water 
so he would look less freaky but the stores had already closed for the 
night, leaving him high and dry and looking like a transvestite.    

	Finally he decided to swallow his pride and walked over to the
Utchan.  It was closed of course but Ranma banged loudly on the door
until a light came on.  A few moments later, Ukyou's face came into
view, looking annoyed and angry at having her sleep interrupted.  Her
face quickly changed to a look of disbelief as she saw who it was.

	"R....Ranchan?!?"

	"Yes!  Can you please let me in before anyone else I know 
sees me!"  Ranma replied as Ukyou quickly unlocked her door and lead 
him inside.

	"What the hell happened to you!"  Ukyou wondered aloud as 
she started at her fiancee wearing a girl's outfit and make-up.

	"I used your idea.  I became a girl so Shampoo would want to
grab at me and stuff.  She kept trying to change me back into a guy 
though.  Then Kunou showed up...."

	"Uh oh...."  Ukyou knew where this was going.

	"....he was trying to grab at me too.  So I thought maybe if he
thought his beloved goddess only liked girls he would leave me alone 
for good.  So I kissed Shampoo as a girl and....

	"WHAT!!!"  Ukyou's face was a mask of rage, "YOU MEAN 
YOU VOLUNTARILY KISSED THAT BIMBO!!!  HOW COULD 
YOU RANCHAN!!!"  

	"N....No!  Well....sort of....But it was only to get rid of Kunou!
I swear I didn't enjoy it or nothing!!"  Ranma tried to reassure the 
furious okonomiyaki chef.

	"Are you sure?"  she asked hesitantly.

	"Positive!"  Ranma replied firmly.  "Anyway, Kunou fainted 
from the shock and Shampoo was shocked too.  I thought she was 
going to kill me right then and there...."

	"She must have been furious."  Ukyou said while giggling a 
bit to herself.

	Ranma nervously replied.   "Uh....well that's what I thought but
then she kissed me again...."
	
	Ukyou immediately stopped giggling.  "WHAT!!!"  she 
screamed, starting to pull out her spatula this time....

 	"But I didn't want it!  I never thought kissing Shampoo as a 
girl would turn her on like that!  I thought it would gross her out!   
Now she doesn't care what form I'm in anymore.

	"Oh that's just great!  It's not enough you let her glomp all
over you as a guy, now you're kissing her back as a girl!"  Ukyou 
muttered angrily.

	"No!  It's not like that!  I only did it...."

	"To get rid of Kunou.  I know that."  Ukyou sighed.    "But 
couldn't you have chosen a better way to express your fake love for 
Shampoo.  Maybe just hugged her or something.  Did you have to
kiss her?"

	"Uh....well...I....that is...."  Ranma swallowed as he realized 
he had no answer for that one.

	"Never mind.  At least you got through it and lived to tell the
tale."  Ukyou replied  "I'm sorry I yelled at you like that.  I just can't 
stand the thought of Shampoo getting her lips on you.

	"Well, don't worry.  Kissing Shampoo didn't mean nothing to
me."  Ranma said.	

	"Really?  You didn't find it a little exciting?"

	"Not really.  She's cute and all but she scares me.  Not just
because she changes into a cat.  She's just too....unpredictable."

	"Like a certain tomboy?"  Ukyou replied.

	Ranma laughed.  "Yeah I guess.  Akane can be the biggest
pain in the butt to me sometimes but when she smiles....

	Ranma cut his speech short as he noticed Ukyou looking 
away from him.  "Oh man!  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to....

	"It's....It's aright Ranchan.  Akane does look cuter when she
smiles....but how often is that?

	Ranma sighed.  "Not very often I admit.  In fact, if she knew I
was talking to you alone in here she would....

	"Bash you through the wall?"

	"Yeah........."

	"Knock you into LEO?"

	Ranma groaned "Yeah!"

	"Pound you with her hammer until....."

	"I get the point Ucchan!"  Ranma snapped at her,

	"Sorry."

	"It's okay.  You're right.  Akane just doesn't understand me....

	"Like I do?"  Ukyou gave Ranma a warm smile.

	"Yeah...."  Ranma smiled back.  "It's nice to have one person 
who believes what I say.

 	They were both silent for a moment.
	
	"Ranchan....?" Ukyou spoke softly

	"Yeah, Ucchan....?"  Ranma replied.

	She smiled.  "Would you like some Okonomiyaki?"

	Ranma brightened.  "Sure!  That'd be great!"

	Ukyou began to pour the batter on the grill as Ranma's
mouth watered in expectation....


*	*	*

THE BRIDGE
12:05 A.M.

	"He's late!"  Ryouga fumed silently as he leaned against the
bridge, waiting impatiently for Ranma's arrival.  Then it dawned on 
him.  "He probably thinks I'm lost somewhere and figures I won't
show up for a few days.  Figures.  Well I'm going to wait right here 
until he shows up!  Nothing is going to move me from this spot."

	"Wait a minute!  If I never leave this spot, I'll be late for
my date with Akane tomorrow night!"  Ryouga shook his fist in the
air as he shouted.   "Damn you, Ranma!  You better show up soon 
or I'm coming to get you!!!"

	  Ryouga fell silent again as he waited impatiently for 
Ranma's arrival, occasionally glancing down at his backpack now and 
again.

	"Maybe I should plan some strategy before he gets here.  It 
couldn't hurt I suppose...."  He sat down and went over his past fights
with Ranma, trying to remember weak points and things he could use
against him.  He already had one surprise he could use, a second one 
that might work as a distraction at best and of course his secret 
weapon.... 
	
	But he didn't dare use that until Ranma was unconscious, the 
risk of it being turned against him was far too great as long as Ranma
was able to defend himself.  Besides, it wasn't honorable and would
provide him a cheap and easy victory. He wanted to beat Saotome in a 
fair match.


	Ryouga leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.  All 
of this thinking was making him tired.  Normally he preferred to simply 
fight his way out of situations but after all the things that had happened
to him lately, he had found thinking things through helped a bit.  He
had carefully planned what he wanted to do with Ranma and what he
planned to tell Akane on their date.  Everything was starting to fall into
place but he still had a long way to go before his dreams would finally
be realized completely and he would no longer be able to use the 
Shishihoukoudan ever again, because his depression would be gone 
forever....
	
	Ryouga made his way underneath the bridge and sat down, 
leaning against the smooth cool stone surface as he stared at the 
gently flowing river, filling him with a sense of calm as he waited for
his rival to appear....

	"Just you wait Ranma...."


*	*	*

THE UTCHAN
1:00 A.M.

	Ranma was finishing his sixth okonomiyaki, having 
exchanged his torn dress for one of Ukyou's school uniforms which fit 
him fairly well since it was meant for a boy in the first place.  His hair 
was once again bound into his trademark pigtail.  Ukyou smiled at his 
appetite as she pour some more batter on the grill.   They had 
been talking on and off for the past hour about various things, 
school, Kunou, etc.  Then Ukyou mentioned her confrontation 
with Nabiki and Ranma immediately said he would take care of it.


	"I'm not going to let Nabiki do anything to your business, 
Ucchan!"  Ranma growled angrily.  Bits of okonomiyaki flew from his 
mouth when he spoke, and he flushed in embarrassment.

	"I'm a girl too Ranchan, or hadn't you noticed?"  Ukyou 
replied with a giggle.  Then she turned serious as she replied.  "I'm
glad you're worried about me but I'm not going to let that mercenary
girl push me around.  It's time someone taught her how a REAL
businesswoman handles pressure from the competition.  All she does
is exploit idiots like Kunou and...uh....like Kunou who gives her 
money so she doesn't blab about things she sees.  Her and her goon 
squad....

	"I almost became a part of that goon squad...."  Ranma 
reminded her.

	"Are you kidding?  She would have made YOU the goon 
squad and given the rest of her friends the boot!"  Ukyou exclaimed.
"She has no loyalty to anyone but herself and that's going to be her
undoing!"	

	"Yeah....as Kunou might say *Her lust for thy coin defies all 
form of logic.* or some crap like that.  She even sells out her own 
family....well except Kasumi of course...."  Ranma said 
matter-of-factly.

	"Hmmm?"  Ukyou inquired.

	"The only person I've ever seen Nabiki leave completely 
alone is Kasumi."  Ranma said.

	"Why?  Is she any different from Akane?  Besides being 
less violent that is...."  Ukyou wondered.

	"I guess it's because she's just so....motherly....I don't 
think anyone could ever hurt or use Kasumi in any way.  Even 
thinking about it makes me feel like a heel and I think Nabiki 
does too that's why she leaves her alone."  Ranma finished.

	"So Nabiki has a heart after all?  Who would have thought?"
Ukyou remarked.

	"Well, I wouldn't go that far...."  Ranma and Ukyou both 
laughed.

	"Here's another one Ranchan!"  Ukyou said as she placed
Ranma's seventh okonomiyaki on his plate, a giant heart written 
in sauce in the center of it.   Ranma noticed it and smiled slightly
as he quickly devoured it.  Then he leans back with a look of utter 
contentment on his face.

	"Ahhhh!  That was delicious.  Much better that Akane's 
Heartburn Helper."  Ranma noted as Ukyou smiled at the compliment.

	"If Akane's cooking is so bad, why not let Kasumi cook all the 
time for you guys?

	Ranma forced a laugh.  "Believe me I'd love that, but 
Akane insists on helping out at least three times a week with our meals.  
Besides, we can't count on Kasumi for everything."  Ranma replied.

	"Then why don't you cook?  You're not half bad...."

	"Everytime I offer to, Akane gets mad and says I'm trying to
show her up.  It's hopeless."  Ranma replied.

	"All right....How about this?  You tell me ahead of time when 
Akane's supposed to cook and I'll sneak some okonomiyaki up to your 
room so you don't starve.  Then Akane won't think you're running to see 
me."  Ukyou suggested, excitement creeping into her voice.

	Ranma became nervous.   "Uhhh...well that sounds great and 
all....but......."

	"What?"  Ukyou asked.

	"If....If Akane found out....she'd kill me....dead."  Ranma 
replied feebly.

	"Ranchan, sooner or later she'll hit you for some reason 
whether you accept my food or not.  It's only a question of when."
Ukyou said sincerely.

	Ranma frowned.  He had never looked at it that way.  Even
when he managed to avoid upsetting Akane over one issue, she'd 
bash him over the skull for something else, even if it was imagined.
"You're right...."  Ranma murmured thoughtfully.

	"So, is that a yes?"  Ukyou asked him.

	"Huh?"  Ranma was still thinking about Akane.  "What did 
you say?"

	"Do you want me to bring okonomiyaki to your room when
Akane decides to cook?"

	Uh....S....Sure!  Why not!  Why should I be poisoned when I
can have food like this!  You got a deal!"  Ranma enthusiastically 
replied.  "Just don't let on about it...."  Ranma quickly added as
a vision of Akane pounding him entered his mind for accepting such a 
deal.

	 "You can trust me, Ranchan."  Ukyou said.

	Ranma smiled.  "I know...."

	They looked at each other for a moment. 

	"You know...."  Ranma began.

	"Yes?"  Ukyou quickly responded.

	Ranma paused and then continued.  "Can I ask you a question"

	"Of course."  Ukyou replied, wondering what was on his mind.

	"Do you think I'm a perverted jerk?"

	"What?  Of course not!  You're not like that at all!" Ukyou 
replied, surprised Ranma would ask her such a thing.  "Why would 
you think that?"

	Ranma sighed.  " I dunno....I guess because Akane calls me 
that all the time and I wonder if maybe she's telling the truth..."

	"Akane's wrong!  She doesn't know you like I do!  You've 
nothing like she says you are!  You're a warm kind hearted person
who keeps being thrown into situations beyond your control."  Ukyou
tried to assure him.

	"Am I Ucchan?  I mean, look at me.... It just seems like 
everyone is out to get me.  Akane keeps beating me up for no good 
reason, Mousse and Ryouga keep challenging me to fights all the 
time.  The Principal and Ms. Hinako try to discipline me all the 
time. I getting chased after by Perverts like Kunou and Happosai 
when I'm a girl and psychos like Kodachi and Shampoo chase me 
when I'm a guy.  How can I say I'm not responsible when I have so
many enemies!"  

	"Ranchan...."

	"Every single one of those people have a reason to hate me 
because I did something to them.  I keep calling Akane names and
insult her cooking, I make Mousse angry by dating Shampoo and
beating him up when he tries to attack me.  Ryouga.....god knows 
what I've put him through....I won't wear a school uniform at 
Furinkan, I constantly challenge Ms. Hinako's authority in 
homeroom, I encourage Kunou and Happosai to chase me as a girl
so I can use them as a means to a end and I won't tell Kodachi and
Shampoo to take a hike for good because I don't want to hurt their 
feelings!  It never ends Ucchan!  I even gave you a reason to hate 
me....

	"That was your father's fault not yours!  I forgave you for 
running away from me for a long time now....!"  Ukyou reassured him.

	"I know, but I should have realized you were a girl at the time.
If I had only known what Pop was really asking me when he told me to
choose between you and Okonomiyaki...."

	"You would have chosen me as your fiancee...."  Ukyou 
finished in a quiet voice. 

	"Yes."  

	The sincerity of his response surprised him and Ukyou as 
well.  She turned to face Ranma.

	"R....Really?  You would have chosen me?"  Ukyou 
stammered.

	Ranma hesitated briefly, unsure of himself, and then he 
raised his head and looked straight into her eyes as he replied.  
"Yeah....I would have chosen you.  I know that now."

	Ranma looked into Ukyou's eyes and then opened his mouth 
as if he wanted to say more, then closed it again.  Ukyou waited as 
Ranma continued to stare at her, unsure of what to say next.  Then 
Ukyou decided to take the initiative.
	
	"Ranchan....?"  Ukyou whispered.

	"Y....yeah?"  Ranma nervously replied, finding his voice once 
more.

	"Tell me the truth.  Do you think I'm beautiful?"

	Ranma swallowed and laughed nervously as he replied.  
"O....Of course.  W...Why wouldn't I?"

	"No Ranchan! Look at me!  REALLY look at me.  Tell me 
what you see."

	Ranma swallowed hard and looked at her. He had to admit 
that she DID have a cute face, and beautiful eyes that sparkled with 
life, all this framed by flowing hair that hung in lush curves upon her 
pert body.  Ukyou Kuonji was a truly beautiful female.  Ranma found 
himself blushing again and he looked down at his feet.  

	"Well?"  Ukyou inquired.

	With his head still down, Ranma replied  "You....You're 
really....really...."

	"Yes?"  Ukyou waited.

	"Not uncute.  Definitely NOT uncute."  It was the best thing 
he could come up with under pressure. 

	"So you think I'm cute?"

	Ranma began to sweat and his throat went dry as he tried to 
avoid Ukyou's gaze.  "I didn't say....well sort of....that is.......what I 
mean is....uh...."

	Ukyou finally had had enough of this and she grasps Ranma's 
face with her hands, forcing him to look directly at her.  Ranma 
trembled with fear as Ukyou spoke.

	"Tell me the truth!  What do you see?"  Ukyou voice was most 
urgent now.

	"I.....I see.......I see....."

	"WHAT?!   WHAT DO YOU SEE RANCHAN!"  she almost 
screamed at him.  Then she lowers her voice and whispers, her eyes 
pleading "P....Please....I have to know....once and for all?"

	"I....I see my best friend.......someone who I respect....someone 
who means a lot to me....."  Ranma offered.

	Ukyou remained silent, expecting more.  When Ranma offered 
none, Ukyou released his face and turned away.

	"Is that all you see?"  The tone of Ukyou's voice was 
bittersweet.

	Ranma rose from his stool and gently places a hand on the 
back of Ukyou's shoulder, gently turning her around to face him.  
"Ucchan....what do you want me to see?"

	Ukyou said nothing for a long time and then her eyes 
moistened and a single tear falling down her cheek.

	"I want...."  her voice breaks.  "I want you to see a 
c....cute wife....."

	Ukyou burst into tears as she turned away from Ranma and 
placed her face in her hands, her body was wracked with sobs as she 
cried, not wanting Ranma to see her like this.  Ranma felt his heart 
melt and he found himself walking around the counter to hug her.  
Ukyou resisted for a moment before placing her face on his chest, 
allowing his shirt to soak up her tears as he held her close, trying to 
offer comfort.

	"Ucchan....please don't cry....not for me....I don't deserve it...."  
Ranma said softly, his own voice starting to break.  Ukyou looked up 
from her crying at Ranma and was shocked to see a few tears of his own 
gently fall down his cheeks.  She had never seen Ranma cry before
as a guy.  Ukyou gently wiped the tears from Ranma's eyes as her own 
continued to streak down her face. Then he gently placed his hand on 
her cheek and wiped the tears from her eyes, and he tilted her head up, 
looking down on her with a gaze full of meaning, not saying anything 
for words were not needed to convey his thoughts to her.

	"R....Ranchan...?"  Ukyou said

	Ranma didn't respond.  Hesitantly, Ukyou brought her face up 
to Ranma's, looking deep into his eyes, and she kissed him on the lips.  
Ranma responded in kind, clumsily kissing back, yet strangely gentle. 
Ukyou closed her eyes as she slowly leaned into the kiss, the sensations 
she received making her feel wonderful.... 

	Then Ranma released the kiss and took in a shuddering breath, 
both of them looking scared and unsure.  Then Ukyou leaned in close 
and kissed Ranma again, it was a shorter kiss this time, but full of love 
and passion.

	Before long they found themselves kissing each other over and 
over again, losing themselves in their passion as they forgot everything 
but each other.  Then a vision came to Ranma, a vision of a girl who 
would be deeply hurt if he didn't stop what he was doing, a girl he 
would lose forever if he allowed himself to continue....

	Ranma stopped kissing Ukyou and looked down at her.  She 
was breathing as heavily as he was and there was intense desire for him 
in her eyes....  

	"Ranchan....?"  Ukyou gasped.  "Why are you stopping....!"

	For a long moment Ranma wondered the same thing.  
"Because you love Akane!" his mind shouted at him.  "No I don't, 
Ucchan's the one I love!" Another voice in his head replied.  "You do 
not!  It's Akane!" the first voice replied.  "Ucchan!"  the second voice 
screamed even louder.

	"Ranchan!"

	Ranma shook his head and looked down at Ukyou.  She was 
giving him both a look of concern and irritation.

	"Huh?"  Ranma replied blankly.

	"Why did you stop?  Let's keep going!"  Ukyou begged him.

	Ranma looked down at her, her hair all mussed up, and a 
realization slowly dawned upon him.  It was something that he didn't 
want to admit to himself, but it came for him anyway, relentlessly, 
rising out of his muddled brain to confront him.

	Ranma had stopped because of Akane....

	....and he had started because of Akane....

	....but now he wanted to continue because of....

	"UCCHAN!!!" Ranma yelled as he leapt off her and slammed 
against the wall, shaking in fear.

	"Ranchan!  What's wrong?"  Ukyou asked uncertainly as she 
got to her feet, her clothes disheveled from Ranma's.....attentions.

	"We....We can't do this!"  Ranma replied, desperation in his 
voice.

	"Why the hell not!?"  Ukyou replied with growing frustration.  
"You want me, I want you, what's wrong with showing our love for 
each other once and for all?!"

	"B....But I can't.....I already....I mean....how 
can I....I promised....I mean....but...."  Ranma was blabbering away 
like a newborn trying to speak its first word.

	"What promise?" Ukyou demanded, wanting to know.

	"RYOUGA!"  Ranma suddenly realized that there was a way 
to escape!  "I....I promised to fight Ryouga at the stone bridge tonight 
at midnight!  I'm late as it is!"

	"Who cares about that jackass!  I want to be with you 
Ranchan!"  Her voice softened as she continued.  "I want you 
to...to stay with me.  For the rest of the night."

	Ranma's mind was in turmoil.  The two voices in his head 
continued to shout Akane and Ukyou's names louder and louder as he 
stayed plastered to the wall.

	"Ranchan....please....I need you...."

	"I......I.......I NEED TO THINK!!!!!  Forgive me!"  Ranma 
screamed as he ran away from Ukyou, opened the front door and ran 
away from the Utchan at top speed, leaving a confused and 
disappointed Ukyou behind....

	"Oh Ranchan...."  


*	*	*


THE KUNOU MANSION
1:30 A.M.

	The moon was slightly distorted overhead as Tatewaki Kunou 
lay back on his bed.  Posters and pictures, both large and small, of 
Akane Tendo and Ranma-Chan Saotome decorated his bedroom walls.  
As he stared at their beautiful features, his brow furrowed with worry, 
Kunou began to ramble to himself aloud.

	"I've been such a fool.  It is the very ecstasy of love whose 
violent property fordoes itself and leads the will to desperate 
undertakings.  To think I could love two girls at once was foolhardy and 
makes me no better than Ranma."

	Kunou's gaze hardened as he continued to speak aloud, the 
volume of his voice increasing with every sentence.  "Ranma!  I shall 
certainly smite thee well for forcing my loves to turn to such a twist 
of fate!  You will not enchant their pure hearts with your evil 
intentions.  Evil, thy name is Ranma!  Remorseless, treacherous, 
lecherous, villain!  O, VENGEANCE!!!  

	Without warning,  a wooden club flew into the room, aimed 
directly at Kunou's head.  Kunou instantly drew his bokken and 
deflected the club while leaping to his feet, only to have 30 more clubs 
follow.  

	"TEMBATSU DA DA DADADADADA!!!!"

	Kunou skillfully managed to deflect all 30 clubs but failed to 
block a ribbon with a refrigerator attached to the end of it, crushing him
and forcing the air from his lungs.  Then Kodachi emerges from the 
doorway, wearing a black kimono and an expression of mild irritation.
	
	"Do be quiet bother dear.  I'm trying to catch up on my beauty 
sleep."  Kodachi said sweetly as she closed his door and walked back to
her room.  She entered and closed the door to her room while allowing 
her kimono to slowly drop to the floor, revealing silky black lingerie as
she slipped between the satin sheets of her bed and lay back on her
pillow.  Normally she would be trying to fall sleep quickly, dreaming of
her Ranma-Sama in bed with her, but tonight she finds her thoughts on
a more urgent matter and she too begins to speak aloud to herself, 
secure in the knowledge that no one would DARE object to her 
speaking her mind as loudly as she wished....

	"Curse you Happosai!  A pox on the head of all panty thieves!  
How will I, the Black Rose, live down stealing the panties of high 
school girls?  They'll think I'm mentally unstable!  I can't have 
Ranma-Sama thinking I'm anything but sane!  If I didn't want to defeat 
that chinese hussy so badly, I would kill the lecher where he stood!"

	"Mistress Kodachi?" 

	Kodachi glanced over at the window to see Sasuke, clad in 
full ninja garb, kneeling on her windowsill.  Kodachi briefly considered 
reprimanding him for coming into her bedroom unannounced, then 
decided to let it pass this once and turned her full attention to him.

	"Rise and report."  Kodachi said.

	Sasuke rose to his feet and replied.  "I've kept constant watch 
on Shampoo as you asked when you came back here earlier...."

	"And...."  Kodachi inquired. 

	Sasuke swallowed and pulled nervously at his collar.  This was
not going to be easy to explain....


(FLASHBACK)


A RESTAURANT IN NERIMA
9:30 P.M.

	Sasuke silently made his way among the rooftops towards the 
restaurant.  With the coming of the night, Sasuke was nearly invisible 
in his ninja's outfit as he reached it, jumped down from its roof and 
positioned himself inside a bush just outside the window, giving him a 
somewhat clear view of what was happening inside.  Satisfied he was 
properly concealed, Sasuke checked his camera to make sure it was in 
working order as he watched the events unfold....

	
*	*	*

	
	It had all started when Master Kunou had received a hot tip 
from Nabiki Tendo, informing him his beloved pig tailed girl was 
waiting for him at the Nekohanten dressed for a date.  Kunou wasted no 
time in donning his tuxedo and retrieving a bouquet of red roses, from a 
huge stack by the door, as he ran out of the mansion, delirious with joy.  
Then Mistress Kunou had taken me aside and ordered me to follow her 
brother and keep an eye on the lovely waitress from the Nekohanten,  
Shampoo.  I didn't know why she would ask such a thing of me, but it 
was not my place to question her orders.  So I packed my camera and 
came to the Nekohanten.

	After 15 minutes, I wondered if I should leave since there 
didn't seem to be any sign of Shampoo or the pig-tailed girl at all.  
Then Master Kunou suddenly appeared in front of the restaurant, 
panting and out of breath.  I briefly wondered why my master took so 
long to get here before I  remembered the mysterious *limp* he had 
developed when he returned home from school today.  I made the 
mistake of inquiring about it, and received an icy stare for my trouble, 
which scared me, since my master usually responds with poetry, even to 
the stupidest of questions.  Needless to say, I decided not to pursue the
matter further....

	I admire my master, dispite the way he treats me sometimes, but 
I do wish he were a bit more tactful when it comes to affairs of the heart.  
I watched him enter the restaurant and when he realized his love wasn't 
present, he demanded to know her location, only to be thrown out by the
old crone who ran the restaurant.  This angered my master and he 
charged back in, intending to do her bodily harm. His battlecry, a 
long-winded and poetic one, was suddenly cut short and my master flew 
out through the doors headfirst and unconscious.  Stifling a disloyal 
laugh, I checked his condition to make sure he was all right and then I 
entered the restaurant myself.  I politely asked the old woman where the 
pig-tailed girl was and she said she had gone out to a restaurant.  I 
thanked her and left the Nekohanten.

	Quickly rousing my unconscious master, I informed him about
the pig-tail girl's departure and we both left to search for her.  
Unfortunately, the old woman did not give the specific name or location
of the restaurant, and so my master had left, intending to search every 
restaurant in Tokyo until he found her.  A slim chance at best....

	Fortunately, I had a better plan.  I decided to return to the 
source....Nabiki Tendo, only to get her answering machine.  Then I 
went to the Utchan to search for the pig-tailed girl and to my surprise I 
found Nabiki outside the restaurant, painting a health warning of some 
type on two white posters with the help of a friend.  I went up to her 
and asked if she knew the pig-tailed girl's location, telling her Mistress 
Kodachi needed the information.  Nabiki seemed pleased about this 
somehow and went to the public phone to call a friend of hers who 
would know.  Then she informed me of the restaurant where the 
pig-tailed girl was currently in.

	I wondered how Nabiki's friend knew where the pig-tailed girl 
was but I decided not to question my good fortune and raced towards 
the restaurant, hoping my master would soon follow.

	Now, as I watched from the relative safety of the bush, I 
watched with fascination as I saw my master's true love, for once her 
hair not bound in a pigtail, sitting with the chinese girl I had been 
ordered to keep an eye on along with Ranma Saotome himself, 
seemingly sitting right next to my master's love.  Or perhaps she was 
sitting on his lap.  The position of the bush I was concealed in and the 
angle of their table made it impossible to see the entire table.  I 
frowned as I saw the chinese girl seemingly pour cup after cup of hot 
water over the red-haired girl and the red-haired girl did the same to 
Ranma with sake.  Perhaps she was trying to resist his advances or 
perhaps she was pouring it down his throat at his command.  I 
wished I could get a closer look, but I didn't want to risk detection.

	Then my master suddenly appeared inside the restaurant, 
having found it at last and immediately began courting his love.  
Because of the thick glass of the restaurant, I couldn't hear what was 
being said but then something happened that required no words....

	My master's love grabbed the chinese girl and kissed her.

	I was stunned to say the least.  My master was heartbroken 
and literally fainted from the shock.  I was ready to run in there and 
help him when I noticed Shampoo seemed to be angry at the red-haired 
girl and I decided to continue taking pictures.  Then the chinese girl 
kissed my master's love for a very long time, as I snapped away with my 
camera.  Then, to my surprise, the chinese girl turned into a cat before 
my very eyes and the red-haired girl fled in terror at witnessing such 
black magic.  As they ran out of the restaurant, I turned to follow, 
hoping my master would be aright but not wanting to risk the wrath of 
my mistress as I followed the cat to a garbage bin.  The red-haired girl 
had vanished into thin air and I followed the cat all the way back to the 
Nekohanten where she went inside.  After an hour, I was convinced she
was not coming out again so I returned home.


(END OF FLASHBACK....)


	Kodachi looked at Sasuke with disbelief as he finished his
summery.  "So you're saying that chinese simpleton is not only 
bisexual but a practitioner of dark magic?"
    
	"From what I have seen, I would have to say yes."

	Kodachi was silent for a long moment as she absorbed this 
new information.  Then she gestured for him to leave.

	"I will call you when needed."

	Sasuke bowed to her and quickly departed.  Kodachi closed
her eyes as she wondered how to use this to her advantage....

	"Perhaps it is time I had a talk with Ranma-Sama...."	  


*	*	*         
    

THE BRIDGE
1:15 P.M.

	Ranma felt his heart pounding as he reached the bridge where 
he was to face Ryouga.  He wondered to himself why he bothered since
Ryouga would most likely get lost on the way and not show up for days.
But he had needed the excuse to get away from Ucchan.  To stop 
himself from....

	Ranma forced his encounter with Ukyou out of his mind.  If 
Ryouga were here, he couldn't afford to let his mind wander.  He had to
fight him focused and calm so he could end it as quick as possible.

	With Ryouga on his mind and Ukyou in his heart, Ranma 
stood on top of the bridge and looked around for Ryouga.  "Hey 
P-Chan!!  Here I am!"  Ranma shouted.

	"Who are you calling P-Chan!!"  a voice replied from under the 
bridge.

	Ranma blinked in surprise and jumped down to the ground 
below the bridge and came face to face with Ryouga.

	"So you actually made it here without getting lost."  Ranma
marveled.

	"Not to mention on TIME!"  Ryouga snapped.

	Ranma winced.  "Sorry, I was....delayed."

	"You call that an excuse?!  Well, do you!?!"  Ryouga angrily
replied.

	"I'm here now!  So let's fight already!"  Ranma said as he 
assumed a combat stance.

	"Fine with me!"  Ryouga smiled as he matched Ranma's 
stance.  They both looked at each other for a few moments before 
Ryouga grabbed a handful of bandannas and threw them at Ranma.

	Ranma leapt up high, avoiding the deadly cloth blades as he
straightened out his leg for a kick.  Ryouga blocked it with his arms
and tried to grab it only to have Ranma flip in mid-air, keeping it out
of Ryouga's reach.  Ryouga then attempted to throw Ranma over his 
shoulder only to have it reversed on him.  Ryouga flew over Ranma's 
shoulder to crash hard against the side of the bridge, making a large
dent.  Ryouga slid down the wall to land on his back on the ground.

	"Heh."  Ranma smirked.  "That was eas...."

	Ranma moved his head as a bandanna nearly sliced his right 
ear clean off.  Ryouga rose to his feet, a look of hatred on his face as
he stalked towards Ranma.  Ranma calmly waited for Ryouga to attack
him.

	"Try a taste of this Ranma!"  Ryouga bellowed as he sent 
another barrage of bandanna blades at him, followed by a tomahawk
kick.  Ranma again leapt above the whirling blades and tried to heel 
kick Ryouga, only to have his ankles grabbed in mid-air.  

	Ryouga threw him hard towards the bridge, but Ranma used 
his legs to bounce off the bridge, leaving small dents from his feet as he 
flipped backwards to land on his feet.  Ranma then turned around to 
face Ryouga only to have the tip of his closed umbrella violently smash 
him in the nose.  Ranma yelped in pain and clenched his fists in anger 
as Ryouga smirked at drawing first blood on Ranma.

	"That's it!  Now you're gonna pay!"  Ranma promised as he 
charged Ryouga.  Ryouga waited until Ranma was almost upon him 
and then he thrust his hands towards him while screaming.

	"SHISHIHOKODAN!"  

	Ryouga's energy blast caught Ranma flat in the chest but to 
Ryouga's surprise, it didn't seem to hurt Ranma as much as it should 
have as Ranma was thrown back several feet but that was all.

	"What's the matter Ryouga?"  Ranma asked as he rose to his 
feet, dusting himself off.  "That blast didn't hurt nearly as bad as it 
used to.  Either I'm getting stronger or you're getting weak...."

	"DIE RANMA!!!"  Ryouga's eyes had fire in them as he 
charged Ranma, throwing caution to the wind, only to be thrown back 
hard against the walls underneath of the bridge, cracking the cement and 
almost falling in the water.  Ranma quickly followed him and prepared 
to attack again when Ryouga leapt back up with fists flying.  Ranma 
dodged and jumped repeatedly as Ryouga made impressions of his fist 
all over the walls.  Then Ryouga withdrew his belt blade and swiped it 
repeatedly at the moving Ranma, both of them trying to avoid falling 
into the stream that ran through the middle underneath the bridge.

	Finally Ranma had had enough and lashed out with a kick, 
knocking Ryouga's belt blade from his hand and impaling it in the wall.  
Then Ranma unleashed a barrage of punches, trying to drive Ryouga 
into the stream.

	"TENSHIN AMAGURIKEN!!"  Ranma screamed as he rapidly 
punched Ryouga over and over again, being careful to hit the one spot 
on him, otherwise it would be ineffective.  In desperation, Ryouga 
lashed out with a two fist combination, followed by a legsweep.  Ranma 
blocked both punches easily and jumped over Ryouga's leg, countering 
with a hard punch to the kidneys.  Ryouga forced himself not to double 
over, his stomach in tremendous pain as Ryouga caught Ranma 
off-guard with a headbutt then Ryouga grabbed Ranma's head in a front 
face-lock and thrust himself downwards, causing Ranma's head to crack 
against the pavement.  

	Ranma was motionless for a long moment and Ryouga 
wondered if he had won when Ranma lifted his lower body off the 
ground, locking his legs around Ryouga's neck.  Before Ryouga could 
break free, Ranma used his leg muscles to flip Ryouga over and around 
to land chin first against the ground.  Ryouga tasted blood in his mouth 
as he rose to face Ranma only to be blasted backwards by Ranma's own 
chi-blast.

	"MOKO TAKABISHA!!!"  Ranma yelled as the ki-power of 
his pride slammed into Ryouga with the force of a truck.  Ryouga was 
blown clear of the bridge as he flew backwards to rest on the other side 
of the stream.  Ryouga unsteadily made his way to his feet while 
Ranma emerged from the bridge.

	"Give up now Ryouga.  Before I have to hurt you."  Ranma
said as he approached the lost boy.

	"BAKUSAITENKETSU!!!"  was Ryouga's only response as he
struck the ground in front of him with his finger, a heavy cloud of dust
surrounding him as Ranma leapt across the stream to confront him....

	Only to have the dust cloud clear and Ryouga was no longer in
sight.  Ranma frowned as he searched the bank for any sign of him.

	"Ah man!  Why'd you have to get lost now!?!"  Ranma was 
mad.  He had been enjoying the fight, it had been helping him keep his 
mind off of what happened between Ukyou and himself earlier but now 
it seemed the fight was over as he searched in vain....

	
*	*	*
	

	Ryouga felt tremendous guilt at using his invisibility 
technique like this.  He had used his exploding point technique to 
conceal it as he opened his mind to everything around him.  He had 
never used the technique this quickly before and was relieved when 
Ranma didn't appear to be able to see him.  He knew it was only a 
matter of time before Ranma would leave or he would lose his 
concentration so Ryouga decided to use it when Ranma's back was 
turned and he was at his most vulnerable....

	"Forgive me Ranma for this dishonorable action, but I can't let
you defeat me....not now."  Ryouga thought somberly to himself as he 
slammed his finger into the ground directly behind Ranma, becoming 
visible as he did so.

	"BAKUSAITENKETSU!!!"

	Ranma screamed as rock fragments tore into his back, 
ripping his flesh as he fell.  Ryouga walked towards Ranma, guilt and
shame evident on his face as he decided to check to make sure Ranma
was okay.

	"R....Ranma?"

	"Where the hell did you come from?!"  Ranma growled, his 
eyes full of anger as he got to his feet, wincing at the rock shards in
his back.  "Now I'm REALLY mad!!!"

	Ranma didn't fool around this time as he launched a barrage
of punches and kicks at Ryouga, driving him back towards the stream.
Ryouga tried to block, to counter, but it only served to make Ranma
madder as he unleashed everything he had at Ryouga, continuing to 
push him back until he was teetering on the edge of the stream.

	"Go soak your head!"  Ranma yelled as he shoved Ryouga
into the cold stream.  With a loud splash, Ryouga hit the water and
sunk below the surface.  Ranma glared at the stream, his anger 
beginning to fade as he realized P-Chan might drown if he wasn't
pulled out of the water.

	Ranma started to enter the water up to his knees, changing him 
into a girl as he proceeded further to her waist.  Then she felt her leg 
hit something and she reached down to pull it out when suddenly 
Ryouga emerged from the stream, fully human and with an evil grin on 
his face.

	"R....Ryouga?!?"  Ranma-Chan gasped.

	"Surprise!"  Ryouga replied as he put everything he had into a 
single punch.  Ranma-Chan was too shocked at Ryouga not 
transforming into a pig to notice the punch until it was too late.  
Ranma-Chan cried out as she flew towards the bridge, smashing hard 
against the supports and crashing to the ground in a heap.  Then the 
bridge began to creak ominously and before Ryouga could react, it 
finally collapsed from the repeated hits....

	Right on top of Ranma-Chan....

	"NO!!!"  Ryouga screamed in horror as he rushed towards the 
wreckage, visions of Ranma's broken body flooding his mind.  He 
didn't want it to end this way!  He never wanted to kill Ranma, not 
anymore!  If Ranma was dead, everything was ruined, his plans, his 
dreams....

	....Akane....

	Ryouga frantically searched through the wreckage, calling 
Ranma's name as he did so.  Tears began to form in his eyes as he
continued to find no signs of life.  

	Then he heard a sound, the sound of someone coughing!  
Ryouga lifted a large section of bridge from the source of the coughing
and looked down to see Ranma-Chan lying on a slab of stone, still alive 
and looking relatively intact.  The portion of bridge Ryouga had lifted 
had sheltered her from injury.  Ryouga breathed a sigh of relief and then
gently lifted Ranma-Chan in his arms.  She looked up at him, a mixture
of anger and gratitude evident in her eyes as she weakly said.

	"Jeez Ryouga....First you want to kill me then you save my 
life.  Make up your mind, why don't ya?"

	Ryouga smiled.  "I already have."

	"Huh?"  Ranma-Chan confusingly said.

	Ryouga slugged Ranma-Chan across the jaw and she passed 
out obligingly..  Then Ryouga slowly lowered her to the ground and 
walked over to his backpack.

	"Good thing I decided to move this before we started to 
fight."  Ryouga remarked as he opened it and ruffled through it.  Then 
he carefully pulled a plastic jar filled with water out of his backpack.  
Checking the hand printed label, he confirmed it was the right one and 
then slowly walked over to the prone form of Ranma, his face 
expressionless as he began to unscrew the top.

	"Consider this my gift to you, Ranma."

	Ryouga finished unscrewing the top, looked around him to 
make sure he was not being watched and then he poured the entire jar 
over Ranma-Chan's body, then stepped back and waited for the change 
to occur.... 


(Fade to Black)
	

TO BE CONTINUED....	 


How's that for a cliffhanger? ;)  E-mail with your C&C and feedback!

        	I'd like to thank everyone who sent me feedback on this series 
and I'd like to personally thank Webdragon, Bengman and Raphael 
See for their tireless efforts in taking the time to throughly C&C my 
fics, point out my grammer mistakes and make my sentences clearer.  
So a big thank you from me!  You deserve it!

	Part 6 is in the works!  ;)

Sincerely,

Megane 6.7


SHIMIYENU IS COMING.................