It didn't matter what religion or belief one had in life, when
things started to go bad, you just looked for something, or someone to
blame, and if you couldn't find one, you made one up. 
	In the west, people said that such things were the work of the
devil, who was doing this to them because of the evil they had done in
their lives.  According to the technologists, who had a much different
view of life, it was due to two reasons.  That whatever will go wrong
will, at the worst possible time, and that it was the perversity of human
nature that caused these things to happen. 
	For easterners, they summed that and more up in the word Karma. 
	For one young woman coming back home from school, she thought of
none of these things, preferring to believe at that moment that her
destiny was for her to choose, and that anyone who interfered was in the
wrong. 
	Even with such a brisk but beautiful evening, her turmoil at the
events of the past two days was beginning to wear on her as various
thoughts about how a guest to her house had disrupted her life.  From
showing up and fooling her, not once, but twice to the events which
occurred on the rooftop earlier in the day.  As far as she was concerned,
most of the trouble was due to his...her showing up. 
	Nabiki sighed to herself, thinking back to when Tatewaki had told
her he was going to go after Ranma.  If it hadn't been obvious enough that
both Ranma, and her sister Akane were lesbians, especially since they so
_publically_ announced their engagement and displayed affection, then
nothing was going to get through to him.  She had only just admitted to
herself when she thought that he was going to ask her out that she liked
him a little bit.  She had been so angry at the thought of him being
interested in a lesbian sex-changer that she wanted to hit him off the
roof. 
	That had lasted a few seconds until Nabiki managed to calm herself
down.  She wasn't a fighter, nor had she ever been violent.  It was her
contention that brains were what really mattered anyways; brawn could
always be hired. 
	Still, she couldn't help thinking about it. 
	Nabiki grumbled, clearly angered by the turn of events.  *He
should have wanted to come to me!  Especially since Akane is now engaged. 
Unfortunately, Ranma had to interfere.*
	She was not very pleased with Ranma.  forty-eight hours hadn't
even passed yet and she was already causing Nabiki's carefully made world
to fall apart.  *Think of this as a business opportunity Nabiki, don't let
your emotions get involved.*
	"The damned idiot wants to get to know Ranma!" she muttered, too
tired to realize how affected she was.  Nabiki stopped just before
entering the yard to her home.  "Well, if he wants Ranma, who am I to stop
him.  In fact, I'm help him every way I can, and I'll charge him dearly
for it.  No one tries to humiliate me.  Not Tatewaki!  Not my sister!  and
ESPECIALLY not Ranma!" 
	So vowing, she entered the yard and went into the house. 

An Alternate History of Ranma 1/2: 

Chapter Six: 

Why is it that I can never go anywhere without... 

A fan fiction based on Takahashi Rumiko's Manga series, Ranma 1/2

Saotome Ranma, Saotome Genma, Saotome Nodoka, Tendo Akane, Tendo Soun,
Tendo Kasumi, Tendo Nabiki, Kuonji Ukyou, Hibiki Ryouga, P-chan, Shampoo,
Mousse, Kuno Tatewaki, Kuno Kodachi, Tofu-Sensei, and Hinako Sensei are
copyright 1987, 1996 by Takahashi Rumiko. 

Morisato Keiko, Natsume Sayoko, Masumato Yukio, Yoshida Kyoko, Suzuki Ryu,
Tanaka Hiroshi, and Tomiyoshi Hikaru are copyright 1996 by Ichinohei
Hitomi

Publishing rights:

Japan:		Shogakukan Inc. Tokyo
Hong Kong:	Jademan (Holdings) Ltd.
North America:	Viz Inc.

By Ichinohei Hitomi

	As Nabiki walked into the house, she tried to calm herself and put
on a normal face.  No matter what, she would not let anything show for
others to be able to peel back the layers to her soul.  She had to remain
the strong, aloof one who everyone else could depend upon.  It was only by
her making deals, arranging bets, and obtaining necessary information in
several areas that she could maintain the Dojo. 
	It was never an easy job, considering that the combined regular
students who were trained at the Dojo paid for only an eighth of all
expenses.  The sponsored students only accounted for a total of another
third of the costs, and from early observations, costs would be
increasing, possibly by as much as 40% over current budget, which would
mean having to make more money to cover the immediate shortfall and hope
for some possible way of making a lot of money... 
	Perhaps taking pictures of Ranma?  That was a possibility, but she
couldn't take anything to risque, there was no telling how Ranma could
react to those.  The best thing to do would be to take some tasteful, but
slightly revealing pictures that would leave more up to the imagination
than to what is actually seen. 
	Snorting to herself, she looked over to where her father was with
'uncle' Saotome playing Shogi.  They were certainly enjoying themselves,
drinking a little, but at least they were sober.  Nabiki started to turn
away when what she saw broke through, *It can't be...*
	She looked again, an idea of what may be happening forming in her
head, probably explaining some of Ranma's actions earlier in the day. 
Uncle Saotome was playing Shogi, but as a panda.  Even with the hot water
available in the house, he had not chosen to stay as a human.  Was it
possible that their minds had been affected when they went into the pools
of Jusenkyo? 
	Nabiki smiled.  She would at least be able to make some money off
of Saotome Genma, if she arranged for him to attend parties as a 'trained'
panda.  Force him to get a paying job as well instead of staying in the
house all day, have him teach a few classes... 
	"Yes, that will do nicely," she murmured to herself, financial
concerns foremost in her mind, "And Ranma's female form would be good as
well, especially if I can arrange a few photographs and have her do some
modeling..." 
	Satisfied with what she was planning to do to keep both Saotome's
out of her hair, Nabiki smiled.  Besides, with what happened today she
also had another option to get Ranma to go alone with her plans.  Nabiki
could always just take the pictures without Ranma's knowledge and then say
she had to help pay for things. 

***

	Akane was looking at Ranma as the pig tailed girl rotated her
shoulders.  "Are you all right?" 
	Ranma looked over at Akane and yawned slightly, "I'm still tired
from last night, and I'm also a bit stiff from siting so long.  It's been
a while since I was last in school." 
	Akane nodded, "True, and at least Kuno won't be bothering me
anymore." 
	Ranma grinned, "True, and I enjoyed putting him in his place. 
It's been a while since I had someone besides father to take out my
frustrations on." 
	Akane shook her head, "You can't go around fighting everyone you
know.  At least not unless they give you a certain cause." 
	"True." 
	Akane got a slightly far away look in her eyes, "Do you think you
can teach me what you're doing?" 
	That caused Ranma to pause and look carefully over at Akane,
"Don't you know how to do this stuff?  I mean when you fought me in the
Dojo yesterday it seemed like you knew what you were doing." 
	Akane snorted, "I'm not that fast Ranma, and I also don't know
some of those moves that you used today." 
	Ranma frowned slightly, "OK, tell ya what.  You teach me what you
know and I'll teach ya what I know.  We'll take it from there and see what
we could do later on." 
	"On one condition." 
	"What is it?" 
	"When we spar and practice, we actually fight each other.  Not
this avoiding me all the time, like yesterday.  It was slightly
embarrassing as well as denying me a chance to grow as a warrior."  Akane
smiled, "Besides, how else can one truly train in the arts?" 
	Ranma brow beaded with sweat as she said, "I...ahh...I'm not
exactly ready to do that..." 
	Akane frowned, "Why not?" 
	Ranma sighed, realizing she would have to tell her the truth,
"I've only fought a girl once in my life, and that turned out to be a
disaster.  I don't want to discuss it, but lets just say that I tend to
get a little apprehensive about fighting any girl now." 
	Akane sighed, "OK, until you're up to it, how about we just show
each other the movements we use." 
	"Fine by me!  Besides, the day wasn't a total loss.  At least
nothing else strange happened to me at school."  Ranma smiled in relief. 
>From her point of view, the events that had transpired had been unusual
and somewhat disorienting.  It wasn't everyday that a boy received an
vaginal exam, or got apprenticed to a Ninja. 
	Of course, the circumstances surrounding Ranma and Akane were
somewhat unusual as well. 
	Akane, who's brown eyes twinkled in a bit of amusement, replied,
"No.  It wasn't all that bad, was it?  Tell you what.  I'll relax my
stipulations on our bet; you don't have to act extremely feminine, but
just as any other girl would." 
	Ranma turned and smirked to Akane, "OH!  Finally realized I'm a
boy have you?" 
	Akane grimaced, not liking the reminder of the night before when
she had caught sight of Ranma.  Not that he was bad looking, but she had
never actually seen a naked male before.  It was rather shocking to see
something like that.  "Right.  You're a boy all right."  She started
running, "One who could go into the girls change room and be envied for
the size of his breasts." 
	Ranma stopped, mouth hanging open in surprise,
"Why...You!....YOU!...COME BACK HERE!...AKANE NO BAKA!!" 
	Ranma started to chase Akane who was joyously laughing at having
gotten Ranma flustered yet again. 

***

	Kasumi looked carefully at the room she had just set up for Ranma,
trying to make sure that nothing was out of place.  She had completed her
shopping and bought some fairly neutral looking furniture; ones that she
would be able to convert with ease.  With a sigh, the young woman nodded
to herself, assured that everything was in place.  It would be somewhat
difficult to arrange some of the things that Kasumi had planned unless
Ranma was kept in a relatively calm state of mind. 
	Kasumi was already planning how to maneuver Ranma into having to
wear clothing appropriate to her new sex.  A few days of not doing the
wash, especially since Ranma didn't have all that much, and the young girl
would be forced to 'borrow' some clothes from Akane.  After having her do
this a few times, Kasumi would then buy and slip some of the appropriate
clothing into Ranma's storage and drawers, saying that since she usually
saw Ranma, and not Akane wearing them, she had forgotten and put them in
with her things. 
	Of course, Kasumi had to work on getting some of that bottled
grief that Ranma held inside released.  She had recognized the night
before that the events of the past few weeks were traumatic to the young
girl.  Unfortunately, she had also had a chance to observe uncle Saotome. 
Given the raucous way he acted, his manners, or rather his lack of
manners, and the extremely over-masculine tone that he took towards
everything, that Ranma probably had more wrong with her than she would
know or admit.  She had a feeling it was all there, lying just below the
surface and waiting to explode.  It would take a bit of time and
observation, but getting Ranma to release her feelings would be very
important to her emotional well being. 
	Looking at the desk, she repositioned the ink blotter which had a
slightly, but not overt, feminine touch since it was a quilted design. 
She quickly laid out a set of books, a pen and pencil set, and a small day
calendar.  That should do it, at least for now. 
	"Finished," Kasumi said to herself, "And if Tofu-Sensei can order
some of those special books for me, I'll be on my way to ensuring that
things are handled properly." 
	Still, that was only one small problem down and a lot more to go,
specifically what was to be done with uncle Saotome.  The way he had
raised Ranma was outside the norm of even Asian society in this day and
age.  To have subjected a child to a ten year journey, virtually ignoring
his education, was a price much too dare to pay.  She was sure that Ranma
had a brilliant mind underneath it all, and if given the chance to study
and go to school, would probably be more than a martial artist. 
	She would have to persuade them that Martial arts was fine as a
life, but that the child's future meant a proper education, which would
also mean that she would have to start looking for a Juku.  The one she
had belonged to would not be appropriate as that had concentrated on
medical studies.  Still, there were others available, ranging from
business to research.  All that would be required is getting the proper
information and searching out the recommendations, especially what posts
former students now held.  Besides, it was time that Akane took some extra
studies as well, especially if she was to eventually go to a good
university. 
	Leaving the room, she went downstairs to examine the phone book

***

	Ranma had managed to catch up with Akane, and after a small tickle
fight between the two of them, they started to walk the rest of the way
back home.  She had to admit, the tension that she hadn't even realized
was there had left her after Akane had poked some good natured fun at her. 
*Strange,* Ranma thought to herself, *I used to be a man all the time, but
now.  Well, from what that Sensei said, I'm not exactly a man anymore.  I
guess I better get used to this form, since it might be the one I'll be
wearing most often.*
	Ranma suddenly smirked to herself.  In less than a day she had
gone from wanting to kill her father for what he had done, to having fun
with this girl next to him.  He looked over at her, seeing how the smile
lit up her face and the mischievous attitude that showed itself to her
friends.  She had wondered the day before at her attitude towards boys,
but after seeing how that idiot reacted, she couldn't blame her.  *Funny. 
Around her I don't really mind being a girl that much.  I wonder if it's
because she's the first one who accepted me as myself instead of what I
look like?*
	Akane turned to looked at her friend, noticing the contemplative
look on her face.  "What's wrong Ranma?" 
	"Uh?"  Ranma said startled out of her reverie, "What are you
talking about?" 
	Akane shrugged, her long black hair shifting smoothly, "Well, it's
just that you have a strange look on your face, almost as if something was
bothering you." 
	Laughing a bit nervously, not really wanting to acknowledge the
thoughts that were trying to make themselves known at the edge of her
consciousness, the red head replied, "It's just that I was wondering about
the future as well as my past.  This curse isn't really easy to live with,
but I guess I should at least try to get used to it.  I'm just wondering
how many different things I'm gonna have to get used to.  Besides talking
in a different form, eventually dressing in front of the girls, and
dealing with some...problems...that I never imagined myself ever having to
deal with, I really am scared of how this may change me." 
	Akane frowned a bit, not having realized all of the possible
implications this could have for Ranma.  "You've never been on a date,
have you?" 
	The shorter girl blushed a deep red, "Um...Uh...Well..." 
	Akane sighed, "I'll take that as a no then.  How scared are you
about what is going on?" 
	Ranma stopped walking, "Let's go to a park or a coffee house or
something.  It isn't really something I can talk about at home, and I'm
not used to talking about my feelings.  It may take some time for me to
explain things." 
	Akane reached over and took a hold of Ranma's hand, leading her
forward, "That's OK.  Talk to me and I'll listen and try to help you out
any way I can.  We're already good friends, and you were right, friends
help out friends, any way they can."  She shook her head suddenly,
"Actually, I find you pretty brave, I don't know how I would have reacted
if I had fallen into a spring of the drowned boy." 
	Ranma stilled, slowed down, and then stopped in her tracks, head
down and her hand now placed against her forehead as she started to grow
pale.  "I really, _really_ wish you had been with us when we went on that
damn expedition to China." 
	Akane looked puzzled for a second, and then figured it out, "You
mean the two of you never thought..." 
	Ranma finished, "That there might be a 'Spring of the Drowned
Boy'.  Do you know how absolutely _stupid_ that makes me feel?" 
	Akane started to giggle, although she was trying to control it. 
	Ranma raised his head, "It's not that funny ya know!" 
	Akane stifled her giggles, but still had a trace of amusement on
her face.  "Do you know how silly that sounds?" 
	Ranma blushed again, "Yeah, but I was mad at Pop at the time, and
wasn't really thinking too straight." 
	Akane started to pull Ranma along again.  "Ranma, watch your
forms.  Using that language will get you branded as a tomboy.  Besides,
you do realize that you're going to have to stay female for at least the
rest of the school year?" 
	There was a self depreciating laugh at the comment, "It doesn't
really matter does it Akane.  When's the next time you think I'm going to
be going to China?  Certainly not in the near future, even if I manage to
get enough money saved up.  You see, father and I never really had a lot,
and it took the last of our funds to get new clothes and get passage
here." 
	Akane sighed, "Well, we can at least try to make things easier on
you.  Now, we were talking about dating, and the fact that you've never
had one." 
	Ranma got flustered all of a sudden, "Umm...Well...Have you ever
had a date?" 
	Akane grimaced, "With that idiot Kuno around?  Do you think a nice
boy would even come _near_ me now?  He's made my life miserable from the
start of high school with his stupid declaration, and now the only boys
who try to date me are those who think they have a chance at killing me." 
	Now it was the red head's turn to sigh.  "Well, it certainly isn't
because you're ugly or uncute.  Those boys are stupid if they haven't
realized how cute and beautiful you are." 
	Akane's eyebrows raised at that.  She had thought of herself as
passably pretty, and though not spectacularly so, at least feminine enough
to at least pass as a normal female.  Her shape was not very feminine, or
at least not as feminine as some of her classmates or her elder sisters. 
To hear a statement like that from a girl who was actually a lot cuter
than her was a bit startling.  "You really think so Ranma?" 
	Ranma looked over at Akane.  "Er....Ah...heh, heh, eh, eh...." 
	Akane smiled as she led the red head to the coffee house.  It was
obvious that it was a comment that Ranma hadn't even realize she made.  *I
guess you're a lot more innocent than I thought Ranma.  Still, coming from
you, that compliment is a lot more meaningful than it would have been
coming from anyone else.  And it means more since I now know that you
really meant what you said.*

***

	Keiko frowned to herself as she went over a list of alternate
identities that she had made up for Akane and Ranma.  While the first one
was easy, it being a virtual duplicate of Ranma's real one, the others had
posed a few problems given the way it had to be done.  Not only would she
have to duplicate a set of records, and monitor what the children actually
knew, she would also have to arrange for them to study these identities as
well.  It was not going to be as difficult as she had originally thought
on that part, but getting them into the mindset of keeping both identities
and lives separate. 
	Then again, it would be very necessary for Ranma, especially given
his particular condition. 
	"I really thought those legends were just tales told to lull us to
sleep."  Keiko muttered to herself, "If those springs really exist, then
it's possible that some of the other, more magical creatures and beings
exist as well." 
	She sighed, leaning back into her chair, trying to be comfortable
with what had shocked her earlier, and still affected her.  As a Ninja, a
shadow warrior whose skills were useful in many areas, the concept of
magic should be something that was an accepted part of her nature. 
Unfortunately, Keiko had always been logical, going towards the more
modern view of Japan and relying on her martial arts training as a way of
working her way towards a goal. 
	While it was true she honoured many of the old ways and debts,
especially those of major importance, she tended to turn her back on the
mystical aspects of the Arts, thinking that such descriptions and things
were tricks meant to impress superstitious people back in the Feudal past
of Japan.  To find out that actual magic existed was disturbing, for one
of the tenets of her clan was that magic sought out magic.  For one of her
skill, who could actually make Ki into energy and solid forms rather than
guide it invisibly to help heal, it was like a moth to a flame.  There was
no way that she could avoid magic now, and if she tried to run, it would
catch up to her. 
	The only choice Keiko had was to accept it, and get the scrolls
out of the family archives. 
	It annoyed her, however, that in doing so she might be throwing
all that she worked for, all that she invested in the functions and quiet
of logic, to the wind in order to accept Ranma and Akane as her students. 
She wanted, and needed them as her students, a feeling of deep emotion
being there, but having the cost being her possible sanity would be a cost
she would do her best to avoid.  It took a big adjustment to even
acknowledge the reality without going slightly psychotic. 
	*Perhaps I can apply logical solutions to magic.* Keiko thought as
she sat back up and made herself a cup of tea.  *Even if Magic exist,
there have to be rules for it, and somehow I doubt very many people have
attempted to find out what those rules are.  Ancient legends say that
Magic changes everything, but has anyone actually quantified it?*
	It was a very good question, and one that would have to be
addressed that weekend when they came for the 'tutoring sessions' for some
'missed schooling.' She shook her head again, wondering where this was all
going to go, as well as how she would get proper materials for Ranma in
case of accidents.  Even with temperature reacting fabrics, there were
none that she knew that could grow and shrink as needed. 
	Having a student who was able to change sex with the application
of cold and hot water would definitely be something of a headache. 

***

	Soun was glad that his old friend was back, and had studiously
ignored his friends new form as he laid down the piece.  It had been a
long time since he had a good match, one in which they had to watch for
each other to cheat as well as being careful of strategies.  In a way, the
game was one of training the mind to keep fit and alert, as one of the
things a warrior had to have was a flexible mind with an excellent memory
for details. 
	To that end, he knew Genma was using the form of a panda, one
which was drinking beer, eating snacks, and acting human, as a type of
distraction for him, in order to break his concentration. 
	Instead of that, however, it relieved his mind, as the antics of
Genma relaxed him much more than he would have been if it had been Genma's
human form before him.  It had been too long a time for the two martial
artists, more than a decade since they last met and relaxed with one
another.  While it was important for them to continue to provide safety
and services to the community as well as to protect all that sought their
protection on the basis of what was right and honourable, the distance
that such years put upon one would have made them worse than strangers. 
At least in this way, it made him comfortable to get to know his old
sparing partner and brother once more. 
	On Genma's side, he was embarrassed at how he felt he failed them
both, even though the children had decided to keep the engagement.  He had
been unsure what was going to happen, given the anger than Ranma had
shown, and the way he had been raised.  If the boy had reacted the same
way as he had in China, then it could have been the end of the quest to
unite the School of Indiscriminate Grappling.  For honours sake alone,
Soun and Genma would have been forced to try to push the marriage, to
create a situation where the two children would have no choice but to
marry no matter the consequences.  It would be bad initially, but honour
would force them to continue the family lines. 
	And Ranma, at least, had honour. 
	Grunting a bit, he grabbed for the bottle of beer.  It was rather
awkward trying to drink with a mouth that wasn't designed to hold liquid
properly, but at least it was cooling in the rather warm day.  Of course,
seeing Soun's face twitch as he used his paws in human-like ways was
amusing to both of them, and placed an ease to the tension that they had
been feeling since the day before.  Besides, he had to do something since
he didn't have any real way to communicate with anyone in this form. 
	He'd have to see about trying to do something about that. 
	As they were relaxing, they heard the gate open, and heard Akane's
voice calling that she was home.  A girl also called out that she was home
as well, and they realized it was Ranma.  The boy had probably been
splashed at some time on the way home.  Not too bad a situation, and it
was to be expected that things like this might happen occasionally.  They
turned to face the couple, prepared to tease them a bit on how early they
snuck out that morning. 
	What they saw caused both of them to stop moving, and Soun's mouth
to stay open when he was about to greet his daughter and her fiancee. 
	In front of them, stood Ranma, quite female.  Her face had some
blush on, as well as lipstick and her eyelashes were longer.  The top she
wore was pulled quite close into her body, and it was obvious she was
wearing a bra underneath it.  Yet the two of them were acting like nothing
was wrong, as if this mode of dress for someone who was really a boy was
normal.  They carried a few small boxes, and Akane called out,
"Kasumi-Onnechan, did some packages arrive for Ranma from the store
today?" 
	Kasumi came out of the kitchen, and almost lost it.  Here in front
of her was Ranma, already dressed a bit femininely, and with some makeup
on.  Perhaps it wouldn't be too hard for Ranma to accept herself after
all.  She wasn't trying to deny that she was female, and that would also
mean that she accepted that she would end up as a girl most of the time. 
"Yes.  I placed it in her bedroom." 
	Kasumi started to go up the stairs towards the room, "So, did the
two of you enjoy school today?" 
	Ranma answered, "It was OK for the most part, although I had a
little problem with the physical.  I'm also going to have to get a few new
bra's since Akane's pinches a bit." 
	Kasumi smiled.  Ranma _had_ accepted a lot already, which meant
that she would be able to speed up her plans just a bit.  Not too fast,
but enough so that Ranma would remain comfortable and eventually come to
accept herself fully.  She suspected that this had more to do with Ranma
forcing herself to accept, and possibly something to do with the shout
that had come from the Dojo from the night before, but if things were kept
as normal as possible then she would eventually be as much of a female as
any of the other girls in the house.  "Well then.  How about I take the
two of you shopping this evening so that we can get you everything you
need." 
	The two fathers just sat there, still stunned, still unmoving, and
still quiet. 

***

	Nabiki heard the girls as they came upstairs towards Ranma's room. 
While she hadn't been pleased at what happened with Kuno initially, Nabiki
had managed to calm down enough to be rational.  Besides, now was as good
a time as any to discuss possible financing, especially if they still
wanted to live in the house.  Going over the books, and the cost estimates
she had put together which included having to buy an entire wardrobe for
Ranma, the Dojo might actually have to take out a loan.  If Ranma was
agreeable, and from the looks of things she might be, then having her do
some modeling on the side, or some martial arts pictures and posters would
at least help them to break even. 
	"Hey guys!"  She said as they met Nabiki in the hall, "How'd
things go today, other than the mess that Kuno caused?" 
	Ranma rolled her eyes and Akane narrowed hers a bit, "You had to
tell him about our engagement didn't you?" 
	Nabiki replied as they went into the room, "Well, people wanted to
know why you were late, and I thought that the two of you were going to
have breakfast.  Besides, everyone knows now, so it should be a problem
anymore." 
	Akane looked at her sister, and then smiled a bit, "You know, I
hadn't thought of it that way before.  Those crazy boys that are always
trying to become Kuno's kouhai are going to be laying off, and that means
no more morning fights." 
	Kasumi, who knew about these fights said, "You've been fighting
every morning Akane?  That isn't very lady like, and you should start
acting more like who you are, not a tomboy." 
	Akane snickered and pointed at Ranma, "She's the violent tomboy,
Oneechan.  I'm the one who has to show her how to be a girl, and protect
her from encroaching men since I am her fiancee." 
	Ranma snorted good naturedly, "Well, I may be a tomboy, but you're
the Baka who asked me to accept the engagement." 
	Nabiki's eyes shot up.  "You mean it was Akane who asked you to
stay engaged?" 
	Both girls traded glances of amusement, and Akane answered, "Yep! 
Besides, I don't think she likes boys." 
	All four of them broke out laughing at that, and they went on
putting all the clothes than Ranma and Akane bought that morning as well
as discussing the Dojo's finances. 

***

	Both fathers were sitting down around the dinner table as their
daughters were talking about Ranma's first day at school.  They were quite
unnerved at seeing what had happened, with Ranma actually being and acting
like a young teenaged girl.  How was the engagement, and the combination
of the two schools, much less their being a legitimate successor would
ever happen was a mystery to them. 
	Soun was the first to broach the subject.  "Why is your son
dressing as and acting like a girl." 
	Genma responded having gotten some hot water from the kitchen.  "I
don't know, but somehow we've got to get Ranma to be a boy again, or at
least act like one.  You don't think he actually went to school like that
do you?  It might all be a joke after all, for engaging them to each other
and not even telling them that such an agreement was in place." 
	Soun nodded.  "It's possible, but I want to be sure about this. 
Do you know of any cure for Jusenkyu springs?" 
	Genma shook his head.  "I'm afraid not.  I took some time to try
to find a cure of some type after we left the training grounds, but we
didn't come up with anything.  Somehow I doubt that there is a cure for
this curse, or at least a known one.  If this isn't some whim or trick, I
think we had better start looking for one very seriously." 
	Soun grunted, "Agreed.  In any case, I think it's time that we had
a serious talk with those two, and find out what they are doing." 
	At that moment, all of the girls came downstairs, with Ranma
wearing one of her new school uniforms.  Both fathers sputtered at this,
and Ranma twirled around in front of them, "Isn't it nice?  Akane and I
bought three sets of these, and some other clothes as well." 
	Genma's face started to become red, and then he exploded, "WHAT
ARE YOU DOING BOY!!!" 
	Ranma's face looked a bit startled as she went back a bit,
seemingly in a bit of a pout.  The look of startled disappointment was
good, although a bit forced from Nabiki's prospective.  Ranma might be
acting like a cute girl, or at least her approximation of one, but it was
going to require work before she actually became feminine.  Akane was
right in that regard;  Ranma was definitely a tomboy. 
	Akane stepped in front of her, and in a calm voice stated, "Don't
talk to her that way.  If you want to say anything, then ask her calmly
and nicely because I'm not going to allow anyone to talk to my fiancee in
that manner." 
	Genma looked at Akane and started to sputter as Soun gave a small
glare at his youngest.  "Daughter.  This is a serious matter which Genma
has a right to ask about.  His son is now acting like a young girl, and he
was raised to be a man.  Why are you so willing to go along with this when
he is acting as such." 
	Akane glared at her father, "IF I remember, the agreement was for
the two of us to carry out this engagement as we saw fit." 
	Soun's eyes narrowed, "Yes, but I engaged my daughter to a man,
not a girl." 
	Nabiki started to sip at her drink, "But didn't you know daddy?" 
	Soun looked at his middle daughter.  "Know what?" 
	Nabiki shook her head, "Akane is a lesbian.  Why else do you think
Kasumi and I agreed that Ranma should be engaged to her." 
	Soun's jaw dropped and his mouth remained open as Genma continued
to sputter unable to get anything out as they observed both girls holding
the others hand.

***

Hitomi

Ichinohei Hitomi
Hitomi@terminal.autobahn.mb.ca
http://204.112.189.3/~hitomi
"The beginings of wisdom is the ability to always ask questions."