>From :- Shard@hotmail.com

Three Husbands and a Bride

A fanfic from the world of Ranma 1/2
Copyright Rumiko Takahashi
and VIZ Communications

This my first Fanfic so be gentle.  My thanks 
to the writers at www.tass.org who have led
me to attempt this endeavor.  I hope its not 
too strange.  Oh well here we go.

					
Part 1 : Still Unmarried.                      
					
					*

Tendo School of Indiscriminate Grappling  

"RANMA NO BAKA!!!"  Akane screamed as she punted Ranma into 
orbit.  

As Ranma flew off  he thought 'she took that rather well', considering
that she had a right to be angry. It had been six months after the
fateful trip to Jusenkyo. Where Ranma had realised the depth of his love
for his first fiancee Akane Tendo. It had taken her near death by
terminal dehydration for him to realise that he really had serious
feelings for her.

Six months after their wedding  almost took place.  

			*

But on the wedding day both Ranma and Akane noticed several missing
faces. "Where's Ukyo, Pop?"  Ranma asked.

Genma replied, "She ..uhh..  couldn't make it.  You know she had to look
after Ucchan's.  Her father's in town...." trailing off as he noticed
Ranma's face collapse.

"She's my best friend."  Ranma sadly said, "She hasn't taken the news
very well.."

Ranma was interrupted by a female voice saying, " Ranma !!"

Ranma looked around and saw a woman that resembled himself as a girl.
Except that she was usually seen with a cloth wrapped Katana and a very
serious attitude.

"Mom?" Ranma was astonished.  Genma tried to slink away.  

"My son is such a manly man!" Nodoka Saotome exclaimed.  Hugging her
son. "If only we could have met before this.  Why did your father send
you on all those training missions?"

"Well  ..."  

"Wait let me ask him myself."  Nodoka turned around an said in a quiet
voice "Genma." Genma who almost got out of the room froze, slunk back in
and said, "Yes dear?"

"You heard me.  Why did you send my son on so many missions? Are you
ashamed of me?" This was said with such a tone of menace that Genma
cringed and in faltering tones  replied, "I promised a manly man.  If he
cannot work by himself how can he be manly?" 'YES that's the ticket.
Keep her off balance.  Please let her take that the right way.'    Genma
prayed silently.

Her features became even grimmer and Genma began to wonder that maybe he
should have come as a Panda.  Then Nodoka smiled and said "You finally
did something right.  Though I heard rumors that my son wears women's
clothing. This cannot be true.  Look at him so manly." "So manly.." ,
She has a large handkerchief and crying tears of joy. "I release you
from your promise.  The pact is fulfilled."

Genma sprouted a wide grin and said, "You don't know what a relief this
is.  I can finally tell you about a few other matters."

Ranma while his parents were talking wandered over to Akane. Seeing her
reminded him of what he was thinking about. "Akane." "What is it Ranma?"

"Have you noticed that several people are missing from the reception?"

"Yes.  The Kunos, Shampoo and Cologne, Ukyo, Happosai and Father."

"I know that your family arranged that there was to be no interruptions,
but your father has been acting strangely since returning from China.
Why has he locked himself in his room until today and goes about crying
that everything will be perfect. I mean we haven't exactly lived a
normal life for the past few years."

"Ranma, I am sure that daddy has his reasons. I mean he still cries
every time he looks at both at us."

Smiling Ranma quipped "That's not too hard to guess. Its relief from a
macho, crazed Tomboy."

"Ranma no Baka."  Akane replied affectionately. Ranma grabbed her hand
and looking into her eyes began "Akane I.."

A screech interrupted them as Nodoka learned of Ranma's curse 
and the other matters.  

"GENMA!!!!!"

"How dare you hide these things from me.  Three fiancees and several
girlfriends?? A mystic curse on both you and Ranma? A depraved pervert
in close contact with my son, teaching him Martial Arts?  While I
understand that you did not want to commit Seppuku.  It seems that I
must again sort out the troubles that eternally plague your person.
Remember our wedding and what we went through? You mean put my son
through even worse problems?"

Genma colored replying "Training always came first. You know that once I
get started nothing else matters."

As he uttered this Genma knew that was the wrong tack. Nodoka became
very grim  asked and received one of Akane's infinite supply of mallets.
Flourishing it she thundered,

"I KNOW.  YOU FORGET EVERYTHING, EXCEPT YOUR STOMACH.  AN ENGAGEMENT 
OVER FOOD?" as she finished this speech she began to pound 
Genma with the mallet.  

"YOU....."
WHAM
"NEVER......"
WHAM
"CHANGE....."
WHAM

"Luckily I can resolve this." Nodoka muttered looking at the Genma
pancake.
  
Turning to Ranma and Akane she asked, "Have these matters have been
truly resolved?"
 
Ranma and Akane looked at each other.  Akane reluctantly replied,
"Matters between Ranma and me have finally been settled.  He is my
husband.  But the reactions of the others primarily Kodachi, Shampoo and
Ukyo have been mixed."

Ranma broke in, "I don't really care for what Kodachi thinks but she
will take this badly.  Being that she is paranoid, determined and
ruthless.  I am afraid what she might do to Akane.

"Shampoo is required by the laws of her people to marry me. While I
think I may be able to talk my way out of this. Her great-grandmother
Cologne insists that she obeys the laws and being an obedient descendant
Shampoo will do what Cologne wants. Cologne is a very skilled in both
Martial Arts and mystic herbs. Matters are not settled yet.

Ukyo is the only one who has accepted the marriage.  But she is my best
friend, I did not want to hurt her with this news. She has been the only
one who has not tried to seriously hurt Akane.  She should be here.  Not
at Ucchan's, in pain."

Akane noticing Ranma's pained expression, holds his hand.  Ranma smiles
and clasps their hands together, Nodoka seeing this nods and thinks '
They really care for each other.  How does Genma sleep at night? I had
better keep close to him to insure that neither Ranma nor I get anymore
surprises. Ranma cannot go through married life with such problems.  I
must encourage him to properly resolve matters.'

Clearing her throat Nodoka announced, "Ranma, I know that both you and
Akane love each other. It is due to this I have decided that you cannot
be married and endure these problems.  If you are my son, you will not
marry until matters are settled.  Akane and I will ensure that you will
succeed."

While Ranma was digesting this news while gaping at his mother. She
addressed Akane, "Do not worry, I will not allow anybody get in the way
of your relationship with Ranma. You are my approved choice of fiancee.
Ranma will not let you go. He gets that from me. Why do you think I am
still married to Genma?"

Akane tensed, no one was going to prevent this wedding.  
She was not letting a chance that Ranma was going to slip into 
anybody's hands but hers.  Pulling out her own mallet she snarled, 
"You will have to defeat me before this wedding is going to stop."

Nodoka frowned then nodded, "I would not have expected anything less
from my daughter-in-law.  Defeat by surrender and/or knockout?" , seeing
Akane nod Nodoka shouted "STRIKE!" and began to swing her mallet at
Akane.

Akane blocked the mallet and said,"My turn, MULTIPLE MALLET STRIKE!!" ,
as she tossed several mallets at Nodoka.  Who spun her mallet to shield
herself, deflecting the missiles around the dojo.

Ranma shouted, " Akane! Mom! Stop fighting."  As he advanced towards the
combatants Ranma was grabbed from behind. "Son. You do not want to get
between them. It will only make things worse.", Genma intoned. He had
gripped both of Ranma's arms and was slowly being dragged towards the
fight. "I am already in trouble with your mother. Do not make it worse."

Image [Nodoka and Akane both beating on Genma with mallets]

Trying to reach his mother and fiancee Ranma replied, "I can't Pop.
They should not be..Urkkk." As a deflected mallet K.O's Ranma.  Genma
removes the mallet from Ranma's head and rests his son by the wall
farthest from the fighters who now are glowing with battle auras.

"It ends.  Nodoka.  It ends now.  MULTIPLE MALLET STRIKE!!" Akane shouts
as she launches another group of mallets this time glowing with power.
She also surges forward to deliver the final blow.

Nodoka replies calmly, "Yes.  The battle does end here." She tosses her
mallet in the air grabs two of the glowing mallets and defends herself.
As Akane tries to find an opening Nodoka's mallet loops down and hits
her on the head, knocking her out.

"This.. isn't... over." Akane announces just before she keels over.  
Nodoka shakes her head and addresses her unconscious Daughter-in-law, 
"I know, it ends only when matters are resolved."  

Soun Tendo heard a commotion where the Saotome family was located.
Fearing the worst, he rushed into the room and saw Nodoka standing over
the unconscious couple.  Clearing his throat he addressed Genma, "Old
friend, why is your wife standing over our children?  She cannot be
trying to hurry matters along.  The ceremony is not for another few
hours."

Genma who was trying to hide, turned around with a sickly grin and began
babbling, "My wife.. she just learnt.. about Ranma and his problems..
heh..heh..  She has just decided to try to solve them."

"What my husband means."  Nodoka stated, "I have just learnt of the
ridiculous situation that you both have allowed to happen. While I
realise that Genma has had no proper supervision. You should have
resolved these matters while they were still brewing.

I have decided for their best interest Ranma and Akane will not get
married.  Until at least the situation of multiple fiancees is settled.
In addition, I will stay at the Dojo so that no other surprises crop up,
I have a lot of catching up to do with my family."

Soun trembled with fear.  'Oh no, this cannot be happening not now. Not
on the wedding day. The pact.. maybe I can convince her..' looking at
Nodoka's stern expression he shivered, 'Maybe not, but I can get
assurances.'

"Nodoka, I am sure you mean well, but this has taken so long. I do not
want to lose this chance for Akane and my family's honor. What if they
take Ranma away from Akane?" At the end of this recital Soun broke down
in tears.

Nodoka replied, "Do not worry, Akane is my preferred choice of
Daughter-in-law.  There is no chance that I will allow Ranma to marry
anyone else.  The wedding will take place, but not today. I am sure that
their love can survive a few weeks, until they are married."

					*

'If that were all.' Ranma mused, 'I could have accepted the wait, but
things did not turn out exactly as mom had planned.' Looking around
Ranma noticed that he was going over areas of Tokyo he had not
previously seen. 'WOW.  She was really mad.  I haven't been to this area
of Tokyo before.' {Ryoga had but that's another story.}

As he continued flying he continued to remember. 'I wonder how everyone
knew that the marriage was delayed so quickly?'

					*

Kasumi and Nabiki also heard the commotion from the room. Unlike Soun,
the Tendo sisters had eavesdropped upon the conversation. Kasumi heard
the news and said, "Oh dear." and went to her father to comfort him and
ask Nodoka how she expected to resolve matters.

Nabiki however, decided to think on how she could benefit from this
news. While she loved her sister, she did not think that Akane's
relationship with Ranma would be strained, if several other parties
received this news.  Profit was in the air.

'Hmm... How to contact the clients without being seen.' she pondered.
'Going to meet them? Nah too expensive.  A group gathering? They might
not want to pay the appropriate fees. Maybe a mix. That's it.  My
accounts are about to become fatter.' She then began to plan {Operation
Honeymoon}.

					*

Ukyo and her father were at Ucchan's.  Her father was commenting how
well the place was being run and that she was a natural at selling
Okonomiyaki.  Much better than he was selling out of a Yatai. The
mention of the Yatai brought memories of Ranma to Ukyo. 'Ranma, I've
lost you.  I should not have given up so easily. If only I had a second
chance.  I would never let you go.'

Ukyo began to silently cry.  However, she could not hide her pain from
her father.  Looking at his daughter he remembered that today was the
day that Ranma was getting married.  'How strong my daughter is.' he
mused as he began to cry himself. 'Her true love marrying another.  This
is the work of that demon, Genma Saotome.  Ukyo explained that this is
his fault.  Ranma does not know what he is leaving behind.'

As they both cried at what was not to be, the phone rang. "I'll get it."
Konatsu called out.  The former ninja turned assistant manager of
Ucchan's picked up the phone and answered, "Ucchan's.  We are not open
today.  Closed for renovations.... Oh I see,  Ukyo it is for you." Ukyo
dried her tears and picked up the phone. "Hello? Who is this? Oh....."
As she listens to the voice on the phone her features brighten.  The
rest of the conversation is a set of whispered comments. Concluding with
"Thank you.  Thank you very much." Ukyo hangs up the phone.  She turns
around with a bright smile.

"The wedding has been delayed.  Ranma's mother has decided that he
cannot get married until everything is settled. My prayers have
answered.  Excuse me, I have got to make a special delivery."

As Ukyo finished she sprinted to the cash and pulling out several Yen
notes happily exclaims, "The best news I have ever bought.  Even if I do
not know who it is.  I would have paid several times as much just to
hear this news."

					*
As Nabiki removed the cloths from the receiver of a payphone a few
blocks from the Tendo Dojo. She wondered, 'Maybe I should not have told
her. She sounded very happy, too happy.  I hope that I haven't done the
wrong thing.'  Shrugging, she picked up the receiver, inserted the
phonecard, replaced the cloths and said in a gruff voice. "Client number
two." and began dialing.

					*

The Cat Cafe like Ucchan's was closed and for  similar reasons.  
Passerby's would often hear screeching from the premises and 
knowing the people who lived there.  Wisely crossed the street and
with the fastest speed dignity allowed, fled from the area.  

Inside the Cafe the interior was a mess with much of the furniture
broken and a purple haired girl paced the floor with a mace gripped in
each of her hands.  She was observed by an ancient, wizened woman and a
duck with very thick glasses.  They heard her complaints as she vented
her grief and rage at the wedding.

"Shampoo no understand.  What happen to Darling Ranma? He come to
Shampoo and tell her that he has no feelings for Shampoo.  That Ranma
likes pervert girl.  Pervert girl cannot be better than Shampoo. Shampoo
much better fighter,  Shampoo much better cook, much better WIFE!!"

As Shampoo ended this tirade she glared at the pair watching her and
continued in Chinese.

"Great-grandmother, why have we not acted to stop this wedding? I
understand that Mousse is not interested in stopping my beloved.  But
why you stopped trying to aid me in getting Ranma as my husband? Our
laws and my heart demand it. I should be there making sure that Akane is
in no condition to marry.  Maybe ready to be sent to her funeral. Why
have we waited?"  This last was pitched at such a high tone of voice
that some glasses in the cafe shattered.

Cologne replied(in Chinese), "You needed to get the rage and grief out
of you system.  You have always been too emotional to be truly
effective.  If you just rushed in, you would have been stopped by all
those that are allied to Akane. Maybe even Ranma.  I have trained him
well and you would not have succeeded.  Now you will think clearly and
follow my plan to disrupt this wedding."

Just as Cologne started to give the details of her plan the phone rang.
Shampoo stomped over to the phone and answered, "Cat Cafe not open now.
Closed, call later." She then slammed the receiver down.  The phone rang
again.  Scowling Shampoo answered again, "Cat .. You again.  Shampoo
will..." trailing off Shampoo listens to the phone.  She begins to nod
and ends the conversation with "Yes, is deal." placing the receiver
down.  She turns on her smile and begins skipping around the room.

"What is it child? Why are you going around the room like that?" Cologne
inquired. "Ranma has come to his senses.  The wedding has been delayed.
He will not be married until he has settled matters. I will ensure that
it will be settled with my marriage to my Beloved." Shampoo merrily
replied (in Chinese of course). At this announcement the duck gives an
angry quack and flies off to the kitchen. A splashing sound is heard and
a very disgusted Mousse enters the room.

"Shampoo." he begins, "Why do you still cling to that worm Ranma? He has
already refused you once.  Marry me, let me make you happy."   He would
have said more but Cologne hits him on the head and says,

"This from the man who refuses to admit that Shampoo does not love him.
I do not think that you are qualified to give advice to anyone, least of
all to my descendant. Anyway she has rejected you."

Mousse replies angrily, "That was when we were only three.  I do not
think.." Cologne interrupts "No you do not." "I do not think that it
matters.  Shampoo will be mine." Mousse concludes.

Shampoo looks away from the register where she has removed her payment.
She has gotten angry over this conversation.  She frowns at Mousse.
"Stupid Mousse," she retorted in Japanese.  "Shampoo is going to get
husband.  After Shampoo goes to complete deal. Ranma will get no
marriage dinner."

"Shampoo.  I will not let this happen.  Give up Ranma and be happy."
Seeing Shampoo begin to leave Mousse shouts.  "I will stop this
insanity."

Shampoo turns from the door.  "Shampoo don't think so."  

The scene pulls back from the Cat Cafe and the familiar sounds of
someone being mangled issue from the premises.  We return to Shampoo
leaving the Cat Cafe. A glance inside reveals a bruised Mousse groaning
underneath a table.  Cologne knocks him out.  A wistful smile crosses
her face.  'My great-granddaughter has regained herself.  I have seen
Ranma and his love. She will have a great battle.  I only hope that she
wins.'  Glancing at Mousse Cologne mutters, "May as well get him to the
doctor.  Shampoo may want to beat him up later." Suiting action to word
she picks up Mousse and walks down the street.

					*

Nabiki was not too surprised at Shampoo's reaction to her news. But her
last clients were going to be trouble. Unlike Ukyo and Shampoo.  Kodachi
Kuno was definitely psychotic, while Tatewaki was merely pompous and
incredibly dense. Informing the two would be very dangerous.  Being that
Kodachi wanted Ranma and that Tatewaki wanted Akane and Ranma (in his
girl form).  Anything could happen after this announcement.

On the other hand the Kuno family was very rich and she could scalp
double the amount.  Nabiki frowned in the indecision and said, "I will
flip for it.  Heads, I tell them.  Tails, I don't." Taking out a coin
she flips it and then stares at the result. "I hope that this isn't
going too far.  Good luck Ranma and Akane. Here comes client number
three." she sighs as she reaches for the phone.

					*

The stately mansion of the Kuno family was unusually crowded today. All
the family members were in, Kodachi and Tatewaki were home because they
were in mourning.  They had both lost what they each thought were their
respective soulmates.  Kodachi, Ranma and Tatewaki, Akane and his pig
tailed goddess Ranma.  Their father was home because he had again tried
to institute standard haircuts at Furinkan high.  He was recovering in a
body cast with the rest of the family staying at arms length, because he
still armed with his shears.  (reason enough not to get to close.)

However, all three being home made life difficult on their entire
domestic staff.  As they were not unused to such prolonged Kuno exposure
(since the mistress of the house passed away). They were till trying to
come to terms with the family's behaviour.

This was worsened by the fact that the family was in a veery bad mood.
Explaining why the shadows in the house became alive and approached the
phone in an utterly swift, efficient and above all quiet fashion.

The mobile shadow in question was Sasuke the family ninja retainer.  He
was calling upon untapped reserves of strength and fortitude to survive
reaching to the phone. Any disturbance in the house right now could
become deadly.  His skills were being tested to the limit. Proving
necessity is the mother of invention.

Scanning the area Sasuke quickly picked up the phone and answered a
quiet and cautious, "Hello.  This is the residence of the mighty house
Kuno.  What is your business with us?... Oh hello Nabiki."

The voice at the other end hissed, "Don't speak my name aloud, Sasuke.
Just take this message and deliver it to Tatewaki and Kodachi and
remember you do not know who called."

"That's unusual of you, but if it will get the staff off the hook, I
will do as you ask." Sasuke replied and began to write.

Tatewaki Kuno usually talked in terms of very bad poetry, but the events
of the past few days left him spent and so when Sasuke entered the room
he simply glared and snarled, "Go away Sasuke, let me mourn in peace."
"In moments, however, a message has arrived and you should see it."
Sasuke announces as he hands Kuno the message.  He stays to see the
reaction of his young master.

Kuno glows and an image of the rising Sun followed by Akane Tendo and
Ranma(in girl form) displayed behind him.

"Ah good Sasuke"  he crows, "Fortune has smiled upon me. Fate has seen
it fit to give me another chance at gaining the fair and delicate Akane
Tendo and my pig-tailed goddess Ranma Saotome.  Whose male counterpart
will soon fall under the power of my skill. I go now to meet my
benefactor.  After I return prepare the training hall and bring out the
family scrolls."

Sasuke cringes, "Are you sure of this master?" he stutters out. Kuno
replies, "I lost my loves because I was half the fighter I could have
been.  I did not use all the skills available to me. That accursed
Saotome bested me because of this.  Now go, Sasuke. The Blue Thunder has
spoken!" He ends the speech with a flourish and customary thunder roll.

Sasuke bolts from the room and heads towards Kodachi's greenhouse. "I
hope the staff appreciates what I am doing for them." he sighs. A nearby
shadow replies, "We do.  You are the bravest of us all. Not many would
meet Mistress Kodachi in her lair.  If you survive, I would take you to
dinner."

Hearing the concern in her voice Sasuke smiles and says, "It's a date,
Ibuki.  I am carrying good news." Ibuki starts and muses "I wonder which
poor soul has earned her wrath?"

Sasuke warily treads around the greenhouse. Various flowers are in
bloom.  Having swallowed several antitoxins he decided to take the
fastest route to his mistress.

Skating by the man sized Venus flytrap.  He sees his mistress tending
her roses.  The pride of her garden and the only non-lethal plants that
she cultivates.

"Mistress Kodachi..GAH!" Sasuke's speech was interrupted by a ribbon
snaking around his body and gagging his mouth. This being the normal
state of affairs Sasuke waited and hoped that Kodachi was not going to
experiment on him today.

Reeling Sasuke in, Kodachi frowned at the retainer and inquired, "What
brings you to my haven of peace and tranquillity? Why are you not
answering? Oh.." removing the ribbon, Kodachi waited for Sasuke to
reply. Breathing a sigh of relief Sasuke quickly hands her the message,
quickly stating, "This message was delivered for you, Mistress." "No
doubt an admirer from Poisoner's Digest wanting my recipe for arsenic
quiche or sleep cookies.  Even though I am in pain, I cannot let my
public down."

She tears open the letter that Sasuke has placed the message in.
Scanning the message a wide smile crosses her face. Being a natural
smile and not the twisted parody she usually uses Sasuke gapes for an
instant and then hides it as he remembers who is smiling.

"Ah Ranma-sama!" Kodachi exclaims, "I am granted the chance to give you
the opportunity of realising your passion for me.  As I declared my love
for you, you will reveal your passion for me."

Image [Ranma in a black tuxedo and Kodachi in a black evening dress.
Ranma is addressing Kodachi, "Ah my fragrant rose.  Whose presence I am
not worthy of being in the same room with.  I am enraptured by your
mercy.  Let me show you my love.  I will cast away all others."  He
gestures to the bound forms of Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo.  He then tosses
them in a deep pit and seals it with a huge boulder.  "Now no one can
deny our love."  He leans towards Kodachi and takes her into his
embrace.]

At that moment in the Tendo Dojo Ranma shivers, Nodoka sees this and
asks, "What is the matter?" Ranma replies, "I don't know, but by the
feeling in my thumbs. Something twisted this way comes." Nodoka looks
concerned as does the rest of the family, especially Nabiki who pales
for a moment.

Back at the greenhouse.  Kodachi asks Sasuke who dropped off the letter.
He denies recognising the person delivering the letter.  Kodachi looks
at Sasuke suspiciously, (causing him to break out in cold sweat) but
then shakes her head and states, "No matter.  The Black Rose will meet
her ally.  I will now get dressed for going out."

"SASUKE!"

"Yes Mistress?"

"Prepare my leotard.  I will need it and my ribbon when I return.
Ranma-sama will be mine.  OHOHOHOHO!!!" Shivering at Kodachi's cackle of
glee, Sasuke bows and replies, "Yes mistress."  and in a low voice
mutters, "Poor Ranma.  Kodachi has upped the ante.  Flee Japan. It is
your only hope."

"What did you say, Sasuke?" Kodachi asked. "I was only praying for your
success, Mistress."  Sasuke quickly answers. 'I hope that Ibuki has
chosen somewhere nice. I could do with normal company for a change.' he
muses.

					*

Hours before, an alley in Nerima.  A figure dressed in a large
concealing cloak is pacing and talking to himself. "The things I do for
money.  Still, this beats garbage collection. I have already collected
some of the bags. I felt that I was being watched while I was doing the
job. Dressing like this and laughing evily when collecting the packages?
This employer is nuts. Now I have to wait for two people at separate
times in different places."

He looked at the maps in his hand.  "Why did she give these maps with
the label 'escape routes'? She must be insane.  Pays well though, she
might have a good reason for this.  I had better memorise them." the
figure considered.  This course of action proved very wise.

Present time, 'My employer knew this would happen.  That's why I got
these maps and a set of smoke bombs. As if that pompous twit wasn't
enough.  Now I have to dodge this Kodachi person.  I am earning my
20,000(, the hard way.' This chain of thought was broken by the sight
of a razor hoop cutting through several garbage cans, a light post and
lodging in a very thick concrete wall.

He began to catch his breath but rapidly sprinted away when he saw a
ribbon curl around the hoop and pull it to its owner.

"Junzo-san.  I only want to find out how you got this information. Do
not force me to hurt you.  I do so detest damaging potential allies."
Kodachi called out. Junzo had no intention of answering any questions of
this crazed female.  After disclosing the information to her, Junzo
received a shock as she demanded to learn his source.

While Junzo had much reason to turn on his employer, he was bound by
honor, duty and the promise of blackmail not to cross Nabiki Tendo.
Consulting his map he realised that one of the sewer escapes was nearby.

Steeling himself he tossed his last smoke bomb and ran for it.  As the
ribbon narrowly missed, he pulled off the sewer cover and lowered
himself in.  Replacing the cover, Junzo heard Kodachi smash several
probable hiding places before she gave up.  Standing on the cover
Kodachi wondered, "Junzo is very clever escaping me.  I did not learn
whether he was a pawn or the master."

Junzo ran using the sewer map to the rendezvous point. Panting he
stated, "I definitely need a raise."

"So soon?" Nabiki emerged from the shadows, "I did not think that one
day's work required an increase above 20,000(."  she answered.

"That was before I realised that this job was so dangerous." Junzo
replied.  "You did not tell me I was dealing with crazed martial
artists."

"Why do you think I was paying you 20,000( for? High risk, high
reward.  That's the credo." Nabiki told her employee. "The packages?"

"At the delivery point.  Why me?" Junzo inquired.  

"You had the right type of laugh."  Nabiki replied. 'This is the last
time I trust such a matter to another.  Buying pictures from Gosunkugi
is one thing.  This requires a personal touch.  Wait...' she thought.

"Did you get the money from Kodachi? She might have been trouble."

"Here right in this bag.  Did you know she chased me.." Junzo began.

"Open it." Nabiki ordered, "I want to be sure." "Okay." Junzo began to
open the bag when a click and hiss came from the bag.  "Wha.."  was all
he managed before passing out.

Nabiki slipping on a gas mask opened the bag, counted the money and left
20,000( behind. Kodachi was paranoid all right.  But Nabiki was used
to that. It was business.

					*

'After the wedding it all went downhill.' Ranma remembered.  Image
sequence.

[Shampoo arriving at the Tendo dojo the day after the 'wedding'.
Bringing a large dinner for everyone.

"Nihao.  Shampoo bring husband no marrige dinner."  while announcing
this she quickly lays the table for the entire family. Glomping onto
Ranma.  "Shampoo so happy wedding called off." Nodoka and Akane both
give Ranma a cold glance. Receiving it Ranma attempted to remove
Shampoo.

Ranma failing.  Ranma getting hit by a mallet. Shampoo pulling a mace.
Nodoka drawing her blade. Shampoo bowing to Nodoka.  Cologne enters.
Cologne and Nodoka facing off.  Shampoo and Akane also facing off.
Fight ensues.  Ranma gaping. Genma shaking his head.  Soun crying.  ]

[Ukyo meeting Ranma at school. "Hey Ran-chan.  I heard what happened at
the Dojo last night." she opened.

"Yeah Ucchan.  It was so strange.  Well, stranger than usual. Shampoo
comes in (misses Ukyo's grimace) and wham instant fight.  Even mom got
into it, fighting Cologne. Though I think Cologne was holding back.  It
was so strange.  All this fighting and I'm not even involved." he
replied.

Ukyo seems to building confidence, finds it and states, "Well, it seems
that you may be better off without either of them."

"Huh?"

"Ranma.  You once told me that you considered us to be only friends.  I
thought I could live with that. Then during the wedding day, I realised
that I made the wrong choice.  My heart shattered into so many pieces
that I felt that life had no meaning.  Ran-chan, I cannot and will not
feel that way again.  I have come to tell you that I love you.  I love
you so much that I cannot stand aside anymore.  I am going to fight for
you and am not giving up until I find another or until we are married.
You are mine Ranma Saotome."

At the end of the speech she grabs him in her embrace and kisses him
much to the shock of the onlookers.  Ranma develops a serious nosebleed.
Ukyo comes up for air and lets Ranma recover.  Smiling she says, "That's
only a sample."  she starts and pulls out a package, "This for you,
Ran-chan. Enjoy." tossing it to Ranma, she walks off leaving a very
confused Ranma and an expectant crowd.  Opening the package he finds
Okonomiyaki with love poems on them and the last one stating 'Ukyo, wife
of Ranma.'  Ranma still in shock, felt something was missing. Then,
"RANMA NO BAKA!!!"  Akane screamed as she learned what happened.  As the
mallet descended he felt relieved.  The crowd applauded.]

[The gates of Furinkan High school.  Kuno is confronting Ranma. He seems
unusually confident. "Vile sorcerer Saotome.  Release my loves, Akane
Tendo and my pig tailed goddess and marry my sister and I will forgive
all. Do not shame yourself in the coming battle.  Surrender, I have been
forged in the fires of pain and suffering.  I am now twice the foe I
was.  Now yield before I become greater."  Kuno announced.

"Aw man.  I told you I cannot do that.  I am committed to Akane and I
certainly cannot give Ranma to you. Stop this.  I want to have a quiet
day." Ranma stated in resignation. Kuno pulls out some gloves, wears
them and intones, "Spirit of the house of Kuno.  Aid your descendant!" A
bright light envelops Kuno and an expression of total calm descends upon
him.
 
 "Prepare yourself wizard, Strike!" he calmy states.  

Ranma was impressed. Not only had Kuno improved in his techniques. He
now possessed a calm that was unnerving. Techniques that normally ended
their daily fights were either being blocked or taken with great
endurance and stamina.  He had even gotten in a few strikes. He shouted,
"Look there goes Akane."  Kuno does not bat an eyelash.  Ranma dodges
some slashes.  'Time to finish. I cannot be too late.'  "Teshin
Amaguiken!" he thundered.

While Kuno puts up an admirable defense the attack gets through and Kuno
is knocked out.  However, this does not last long and he rises and
salutes Ranma. "Until tomorrow fiend."  and walks away.]

[Akane was returning to the dojo alone (Ranma had to visit Doctor Tofu)
thinking about the events of the past few days.  While she had expected
trouble she had not thought it would be so intense. 'Ukyo has been
acting like a brazen hussy, throwing herself at Ranma everyday. Kuno has
not only improved his fighting abilities, he has improved his attitude.
Accepting his defeats with dignity. It is like a different person.
Shampoo has begun to think of Ranma as her personal property. So sure
that he would see her as his 'Beloved'.

Compared to the past few days, my life with Ranma for these past few
years seems like a rosy vacation. I should have defeated Ranma's mother.
I am sure that this mess would not have happened.  We should have been
on our Honeymoon by now.'  She abandoned these thoughts as the Dojo came
into sight.

Nabiki saw her sister return.  She had begun to dread seeing Akane. The
strain of the past few days had begun to show on her. While
opportunities had abounded over the new developments. Nabiki would have
gladly have given back all the money she had earned, in order to ease
her sister's pain. 'I cannot change the past.  I can only fix the mess I
created.' Nabiki decided.  She had already placed all her earnings from
Operation Honeymoon in to a special account for Ranma and Akane. Now she
had to support her sister and find ways to make Akane's life easier.

Akane entered and went to her room to rest. Waving to Kasumi, the
Saotomes and her father on the way to her room. She noticed a black rose
petal float to the floor. "OHHOHOHO!!"  Kodachi chortled, "I have come
to free my Ranma-sama from your evil clutches.  I will destroy all the
other obstacles from our love after I have destoyed you.  The one who
almost stole him from me."

Kodachi flips down from the ceiling and tosses a bouquet of flowers at
Akane.  The flowers release paralysis gas at Akane who freezes and falls
to the floor.

Pulling out her ribbon Kodachi crows, "I will have Ranma forever." she
raises her hand and lowers it as Nodoka emerges and snarls, "What are
you doing to Akane? Who are you? Some strange friend of Shampoo.?"

"The feline?" Kodachi replies, "Hardly, I am removing this obstacle from
my relationship with my Ranma."

"Harm Akane or any of the other fiancees in any physical way and I will
ensure that Ranma never marries you." Nodoka calmly states while
unsheathing her katana. "Who are you to state such a thing?"  Kodachi
sneers, pulling a vial  of sleep gas.

"Nodoka Saotome, Ramna's mother and the custodian of the family's honor.
I mean what I say." Nodoka replies.

"Mother?" Kodachi blusters, "I will obey your wishes, to show that
Kodachi Kuno will be a most obedient daughter to you." she whispers "I
have a mother again.  I will not let her down."

Kodachi then give Akane the antidote.  As Akane springs up, Kodachi
announces, "My mother has decreed that I cannot physically damage you or
my other rivals. We will meet again.  OHOHOHO."  She spins her ribbon
and a cloud of rose petals cover the hallway.

Akane screamed, "I am waiting for our next meeting." turning toward the
mess.  She utters, "Everytime that she-beast arrives I get stuck
cleaning after her. Aunt Nodoka.  Could you get me a broom?"

Nodoka shakes her head and groans, "I see that I have my work cut out
for me. Genma, why I have to marry you ?" This last was uttered to Genma
as she entered their room.]

					*

As Ranma finished remembering the events that had brought him to this
point.  He noticed that he was heading toward the garden of a temple.
Crashing through some trees he landed, woozy, but unhurt.  Seeing the
sign 'THREE WINDS TEMPLE' Ranma decided that Akane (for once)had sent
him somewhere useful. "A few prayers cannot hurt."  Ranma hoped and
entered the temple.

End of part 1.  

Hoped you liked it.  Part two will be coming out soon. This is an
extended introduction and sets the story.  Ibuki and Junzo are mine, the
rest belong to the great Takahashi.

Written by Shard(Nom de plume)
 
All comments should be sent to
Shard@hotmail.com.  Please send some.  
I want feedback.  

The next part is when the fun really starts.