>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.

Part2  :- A day at the temple

The temple was atypical to the area, with a traditional 
setting and a large spacious garden.  Crafted with 
painstaking labour and love.  Each plant, each stone 
had been placed with great thought and patience.  
This garden the work of generations of priests, was a 
work of art.  

A work of Art with a Ranma shaped depression.  
Looking around he saw a nearby priest shake his head at 
the hole and motion Ranma to enter the temple.  

The inside of the temple was something out of history.  
A 30 foot tall statue of Amida Buddha overlooked
the entire interior.  The wooden floor was polished to 
a bright finish.  'This temple must be murder in upkeep.' 
Ranma observed.  The walls were covered in tasteful pictures 
of religious icons and the deeds of famous monks.  

As life was now so quickly paced in Japan.  The temple 
had few worshippers.  The only people here were a few 
elderly folk and married women praying for their husband's 
and their family's success.  

Ranma was the only young man in the building.  Paying for some 
incense.  Ranma knelt before the statue lit the incense and 
in a pious earnest voice prayed, 

"Amida Buddha.  Who would not enter paradise 
unless a person could enter by uttering you name 
everyday.  I ask you for your intervention.  

I am besieged by various fiancees.  

They refuse to accept that I have given my heart to my love, 
Akane Tendo.  They have turned what was an annoyance, into 
a constant source of pain for her.  I do not ask this for me 
but for her.  Relieve us of this terrible plague.  Their actions 
prevent us from marrying and committing ourselves to each other.  
Amida.  I ask for your favour, to aid my beloved."  

Ranma spends the next few minutes praying to Amida Buddha.  
As he finishes, he rises and begins to leave, his features 
a picture of peace and relief.  As he reaches the entrance 
and begins to place his shoes back on his feet.  He is 
interrupted by a figure emerging from the temple.  

"Wait.  I would like to speak with you." The priest begins.  

Ranma nervously thinks about the garden.  "Ah..what about?"  he replies.

"It is rare that a young man will enter a temple and engage 
in prayer during the week.  I would like to know why you have 
come here.  Let us walk in the garden and discuss the matter." 

As the priest leads Ranma into the garden he continues, 
"I am Iko Myogi."

"Ranma Saotome.  Heir to the Anything Goes School of Martial 
Arts.  Myogi-san." Ranma replies.

"Ah! A practitioner of Kenpo.  Did you come to pray for 
clarity of mind and body to improve your skills? Or perhaps 
for guidance at some tournament."  As Iko talks, he heads 
for the depression in the garden.  Ranma quickly tries 
to prevent the priest from noticing it.  

"Myogi-san.  Maybe we should walk over here.  I will tell 
you about my problems.  Though I have no trouble with my 
Kenpo skills."  As he finishes he tries to lead Myogi-san 
away from the hole.  

The priest replied, "This way is much better.  It leads 
to the pool.  We can discuss your problem
while contemplating the tranquillity of the water."  
The priest notices the hole and the resemblance 
it bears to Ranma.  "What the.."

Ranma hearing the mention of water decided it was time to leave.  
"It has been an honor Myogi-san.  But, I have just remembered 
an important matter to complete.  Perhaps I will see you again."  

'Definitely after the damage to the garden has been repaired 
and they stop being angry at me.'  Ranma decided.  

Beating a path to the temple gates Ranma exits.  The priest 
ruefully grins and thinks, 'I was thinking that lad
was going to need my help.  The Three Winds Temple has 
always been the place those who desire aid with
the most pressing problems come.  I doubt that he will be back.  
He is obviously scared of what we will do to him for crashing 
in our garden.  It happens more often than he thinks.  Still 
he seemed to be the best prospect...'

Myogi's thoughts were interrupted by a contrite voice asking, 

"Could you please tell me the way to the Nerima 
district? I seem to be lost in this part of Tokyo." 

Surpressing a smile Iko Myogi turned towards an embarrassed 
Ranma and says, 

"I will do better than that.  I will escort you to the Nerima 
district.  Just let me get an umbrella, it looks that it 
might rain.  We will discuss your problem on the way to Nerima."  

With that the elderly priest went back into the temple, emerging 
with an umbrella.  Nodding to the other priests he leads Ranma 
out of the temple compound.  

Two of the priests observe the two men leave.  One turns to the 
other and comments, 

"What old Myogi leaving the compound? In all my time here I 
have never seen him leave.  Not even to buy groceries."

The other priest nodded and replied, "Yes it is quite unusual."  
and pondered, 

'Quite unusual indeed, this has been Oni-san's first incursion 
into the outside world for over fifty years.  Only 
his tenth for two centuries.  What could have drawn his 
interest so?' The head priest of the temple began to wonder 
what great event was about to occur and how Oni-san was involved.  


					*

Ranma was slightly annoyed with himself.  This was another day 
in which everything had gone wrong.  

					*

Kodachi after her first visit at the Tendo Dojo, soon became 
a regular visitor to the residence.  

Unlike her previous visits, Kodachi no longer seemed to be 
the deranged, psychotic person that the entire household knew.  
All her time was spent with Nodoka as she tried to convince 
Ranma's mother that she would be the best choice as Ranma's wife.  

Her earnest pleas and pleasant demeanor were not what 
Nodoka expected.  This quiet and shy girl could
not be the terror the entire household described.  

Nodoka felt pity for Kodachi as she realised that 
Kodachi had placed Nodoka in the role of her departed 
mother and was trying to behave like a dutiful
daughter (though Nodoka did not live with her) and 
was keeping her promises to the letter.  

What Nodoka did not realise was that Kodachi, while a woman 
of her word was using a more subtle approach in trying to 
win Ranma to her.  It had started with small things a few 
flowers(non poisoned), cookies(which they tested on Genma) 
even bringing a meal for the family.  

Each event was an offensive on Akane Tendo's pride.  
As Kodachi in very couched terms insinuated that Akane could
never give these things to her husband or her family.  
While Kodachi would be the perfect Japanese bride.  
Strong, supportive and delicate.  Everything (she claimed) 
Akane was not.  

Today, after a particularly hard time fending Shampoo 
and Ukyo away from Ranma.  Akane was in a bad
mood.  She walked in on Kodachi in a traditional Kimono 
performing a tea ceremony for Nodoka and Ranma.  After 
completing the ceremony Kodachi had invited Akane to match her work.  

After seeing Nodoka enjoying the tea.  Akane in a huff 
began to perform the ceremony.  However, as she
had never performed the ceremony before.  It was 
accomplished with less than satisfactory results.  

Nodoka while sipping the tea masked her reaction by 
clenching her fist.  Ranma on the other hand turned
green(the same color as the tea) and fainted.  

Kodachi dashed over to Ranma and administered an antitoxin.  
Ranma recovered to see Kodachi holding his head in her arms 
and Akane with an upset expression.  Nodoka taking Ranma 
from Kodachi quietly chided,

"Son, you should have controlled yourself.  Part of being a 
good husband is making compromises.  Though
I admit that Akane has much to learn in the culinary arts.  
You should have made an effort to not sick up at her tea."

Kodachi, while Nodoka was addressing Ranma, frowned at 
Akane and taunted, 

"What kind of wife will you be to my Ranma-sama? You cannot 
even get tea right.  At least I will not poison my husband 
with my cooking."

Akane began to angrily reply, but then smirked and said, 
"Oh really, then I guess that Tatewaki doesn't imbibe several 
antidotes every night you cook.  I think that Ranma will be 
safer with me.  At least I don't deliberately poison my food.  
I still remember the cookies you baked for Ranma that 
would put him to sleep."

"If I poison him he will enjoy the experience.  
Not writhe in pain instants after consuming the food, 
not unless I feel like it." 

Nodoka was surprised by the turn this conversation had taken.  
So Kodachi could poison people and quite effectively from 
what she had just learnt.  She overheard one of Kodachi's 
comments.

"Even Happosai and Genma stay away from your food and I know 
they will eat anything."

Nodoka winced, it was true.  Akane had a long way to go if 
her husband and his former master were going
to great lengths to avoid her cooking.  Another sign 
that Ranma loved Akane.  He drank the tea knowing
how badly Akane would make it and its effect on him.  

If only Akane could see that and understand that
Ranma's sampling her food was an act of love, not ridicule.  

Nodoka then decided that she would teach Akane
to cook some proper dishes.  Under strenuous supervision 
of course.  She could not believe how that girl
had ruined the tea.  

The insult was too much for Akane though, pulling out 
a mallet she screamed, 

"My cooking is no concern of yours.  I know what you are 
trying.  Making me look bad in front of Aunt Nodoka.  Well, 
I am not going to let it happen anymore.  STRIKE." 
and jumped at Kodachi.  

Kodachi glanced at Nodoka and seeing her nod defended herself.  
Pulling out a ribbon and using it to pull various objects around 
the room to defend herself and attack Akane.  She crowed,

"Mother has allowed me to defend myself.  I am gaining ground.  
Your days as Ranma's fiancee are numbered, Akane Tendo.  HAHAHAHA!!!" 
with that she flourishes her ribbon and blinds Akane with 
a storm of rose petals.  When the cloud clears Kodachi is gone.  

Sprinting to the window Akane shouted,  

"I'm not letting you get away with this!!"  

She was surprised when Nodoka remarked, "Yes you are."

"What?"

"I have just realised that is exactly what Kodachi wants, 
to make you look foolish.  She has had an easy 
time because you have a hair trigger temper.  You are 
easily manipulated.  She merely flaunts skills that
you have ignored due to your Martial Arts training.  

I am sure Kasumi could have easily bested Kodachi's
tea.  That is because she is practiced in such matters.  
You will equal her if you put the same effort in 
cooking as you do in Kenpo."

"Ranma, please leave the room and ask Nabiki to move away 
from the door and stop eavesdropping.  I have to have 
a serious talk with Akane." Nodoka addressed Ranma.  

As Ranma left he heard Akane giggle and thank his mother.  
Passing the message to Nabiki he decided to do some 
extra school work.  After all, he might go to college after 
he was married.  

This was what he was doing when Kasumi called Ranma to 
sample some food, two hours later.  

Ranma instantly appeared by the dining table where 
the household was eating.  Many with surprised 
expressions, Akane was beaming with pride.  Ranma 
missed this as he went to sample what everyone 
was eating.  

It was brownies,  Ranma took one and bit into it.  
It was good, scarfing down the brownie Ranma stated, 

"Hey Kasumi thanks for making the brownies they are 
delicious." as he grabbed three more.

"Ranma I did not make them." Kasumi replied, smiling 
with pride at Akane.  

"This could not be Akane's I mean they are goood.  
Who did you get them from?" 

Ranma missed the winces of the rest of the household as 
Akane developed a large battle aura.  Nodoka put her face in
her hands in frustration.  

"Ranma, I made them.  I made them for you.  I finally 
get something right and you insult me." As Ranma 
tried to apologise Akane continued, 

"I had to prove I could be as good or better than the rest.  So that
you could get this over with.  I am tired of waiting for our wedding.  
But I cannot take this anymore.  I made an effort and you put me down."  

As she finished Ranma could see tears in her eyes.  

Then he was on his way.  Courtesy Akane airlines.  

					*

'Now I am in lost in Tokyo.  I am not Ryoga.' Ranma thought as finished 
his reverie.  He looked at the priest.  

He had been very sympathetic to Ranma's problems.  Ranma had opened 
to Myogi-san like he was Ukyo (before she got serious).  Telling him 
about the events of the past year.  Leaving out any mention 
of the curse.  

'He would not understand.  Probably think I was a demon and try 
to exorcise me.' 

At was of course at this moment that Ranma was hit by cold water.  

					*

Iko Myogi felt the rain begin to fall and quickly opened his 
umbrella.  Unfortunately it was one of the types of umbrella 
that were designed to shelter one person.  The priest was 
facing away from Ranma and was making sure that this was the 
longest route to Nerima that he did not hear Ranma's groan or its
sudden change in pitch.  

Turning around the priest suddenly noticed a young red-haired 
girl.  She was dressed in the same outfit as Ranma.  Seeing his 
puzzled reaction she sighed, 
"Hello I am Ranko Tendo.  Sorry about this.  Ranma had to take shelter.  
Goodbye."

Ranma was surprised at the priest, it seemed he was ogling 
his female form.  He didn't think that Myogi-san was like that.  
The last thing he needed was another Happosai on his case.  Geez this
priest was examining her form closely.  What kind of pervert was he? 

Clearing her throat Ranko began, 

"Alright pervert,  you can stop that ogling or I'll....."

Ranma was interrupted by the priest gasping, 

"Ranma, why are you suddenly female? You did not mention this 
as a problem.  What could cause this? Do you trust me so little?"

"We only met today Myogi-san.  I did not think that you would 
take the news so well.  Most people usually stare and treat 
me like a freak.  That's why I did not want to show you this.  
I have so few people who I can be open with. I would not like 
to lose anymore of my friends due to this curse."

"In my line of work I have come across far stranger.  
This does not count as shocking, strange perhaps but not shocking.  
Nonetheless, I think I should get the entire story." Myogi-san 
said while preventing Ranma from leaving.  

"Well, it began over two years ago...." Ranma began.  With the 
matter of his curse out of the way Ranma told the priest of 
all his problems.  

Laughing over some parts and wincing over others.  They were so
engrossed in the conversation that he was surprised when Myogi-san 
announced, 

"Here we are.  Furinkan High School.  It has been very interesting 
talking to you Ranma.  My advice is not to worry.  I am sure 
Amida Buddha has heard your prayers and will be sending you 
a solution soon."

'I will aid in the process.  You deserve a chance at happiness.  
Imagine that two families can develop so many problems.  This 
will require my full attention.  Ranma while supplying the names, 
cannot provide what I will need to aid him.  Solving this will 
also require funds.  Ah well, it looks like another round of financing.  
I wish that it did not have to be so humiliating.' 

As the priest pondered at the complexity of the problem he did 
not notice he was in a rough part of Tokyo.  

					*

Yasunari was the leader of the Seattle Grunge.  One of Tokyo's 
most dangerous gangs of the docks.  

The Grunge had an outstanding feud with the Fine Young 
Transvestites (another gang whose members could not stop 
dressing in strange clothing.) Over the best meeting grounds.  

The Grunge had claimed that the spot was theirs due to 
their superior style.  The FYT had contested that the 
grounds were theirs and the Grunge were living under a 
delusion thinking that their style was any good.  
That the FYT's lifestyle was far better and they had 
better fashion sense.  

This from a bunch of men who thought frocks and 
spiked heels were the height of fashion? 

Thus the feud was born.  

Yasunari had met with the leader of the FYT, a muscled 
man who inisted in being called Claudia.  MTV was definitely 
bringing a few disturbing trends to Japan.  While it had 
brought their unique style to them, any program that encouraged 
men to dress like this is a danger to society.  

Anyway 'Claudia' had agreed that the issue would be decided 
by combat.  No holds barred.  Yasunari had instructed his 
followers to arm themselves to the teeth for this battle.  
A surprising effect of wearing grunge clothing was an increase 
in what a person could hide in their clothing.  

Yasunari pondered this as he hid a shotgun, two sub-machine 
guns and several knives on his person for the approaching fight.  

Oni-san was unaware that he was heading straight in the 
middle of a gang war.  As he approached the battlezone, 

Yasunari and Claudia confronted each other with their respective 
gangs backing them up.  The grunge were dressed in..well grunge.  
The FYT were dressed in leotards and pom-pom sneakers.  

Yasunari overheard one of the grunge snicker that while some of 
the FYT looked cute, they were going to wish they never born 
or possessed such bad fashion sense.  

Yasunari stood to his full height and challenged, 

"Well deviant, I am giving you one last chance to surrender
and withdraw with honor.  Before we wipe the floor with you." 
Drawing a large knife from his clothing.  

Claudia in attempting a Soprano voice replied, 

"Our fashion sense and battle skills will show which
gang is superior.  Prepare to get whacked."  
This reply was punctuated with tht FYT's leader pulling an 
even bigger knife(seemingly from nowhere).  

'Where did he get that from?' Yasunari wondered, 
'How can you hide something like that in a leotard? I 
cannot let this pervert get away with that.' 
He pulled out an even bigger knife and said,

"This is better knife."

"No, this is a better knife." 
Claudia replied bringing out a machete.

"Nuh uh, top this!" bringing out a Dai-Katana.

"Easily." pulling out a handgun. 
Claudia snickered, "Guns beat knives."

"Well, shotguns beat pistols." 
Yasunari pulled out his shotgun.

"HAH, well..."

This could have continued until both leaders lost their 
tempers and ordered their troops into battle.  

However, the tension was broken by Oni-san coming out 
of an alley, walking between the two gang leaders swatting 
the weapons out their hands chiding them on this ridiculous 
scene and walking away.  

The two leaders hearing their respective gangs ooh, 
ahh and murmur about this insult, decided that
even though this was an old priest.  No one could make them 
lose face like that and live.  

"Get that priest." Yasunari screamed.  

"No one can interfere in our righteous struggle." 
The FYT leader shouted.

"The feud can wait.  CHAARGE!!!" 
the two leaders ordered their cohorts.  

A charge by a group of transvesties and grunge dressers 
should be a sight that should be banned from the 
imagination.  Needless to say the two groups began 
chasing the priest into a one way alley.  A dark one
way alley.  

"HAH." Yasunari crowed, "We have him trapped, this is 
a one way alley.  Grunge we go in beat him up
and then go back to the zone to finish our feud."  

This was greeted by a chrous of agreement.  

"When we go in we beat the priest up.  Put him in last 
years spring fashions and then settle our business with
the Grunge." Claudia told his/her followers.  

With these words both gangs entered the alley.  The alley 
was strangely quiet.  Then the sounds began.  

The crashes and bangs of heavy objects were heard by the 
few observers in the area.  Several bodies of gang members 
were last seen flying away from the alley.  Some to crash 
peacefully, others ending in very painful positions.  

More members of the Seattle grunge and FYT fled the alley 
with determined expressions to be somewhere else.  Male screams, 
female screams and falsetto female screams were heard issuing 
from the alley.  Screams of pain, but also screams of abject terror.  
After a while the sounds stopped.  

Then observers saw the elderly priest quietly walk out of 
the alley.  Looking quite annoyed and muttering about his time 
being wasted and that he had a job to do.  

Inside, the leaders of the opposing gangs groaned in feet of 
each other.  The alley itself was a scene of carnage, 
with gang members draped across the scenery.   Some of them 
twisted in shapes that the human body was not
biologically designed for.  Something had tried very hard 
to correct this oversight of nature.  

"That priest was definitely hiding something.  Running in 
this alley then beating the stuffing out of both our
gangs." Yasunari painfully spoke.  

"That was no priest." his counterpart groaned.  

"What do you mean? That priest must have practised blind fighting 
and beat us up.  I could not see a thing in this alley.  Though 
I think moonlight is now filtering in." 

"I saw what was hitting us." Claudia muttered as he tapped his IR goggles.  

"Well?"

"Have you ever seen monsters in Legend of the Overfiend? This 
creature made them look like smurfs."

Shuddering and wincing in pain Yasunari moaned, 

"I am not going through that again.  The priest can have
the spot.  He won."

"You're right.  Why don't we get a drink.  I'll change into 
normal clothes.  Look dressing like this is a hobby, 
not a 24 hour lifestyle.  I can use a drinking partner 
right about now.  My name's Kinji."

"I am too depressed to care." Yasunari replied.  
As he crawled to the exit.  He heard the rustling of clothes
changing.  He wondered how Kinji/Claudia had a change of clothes.  
Leotards did not have that kind of room.  

As the Oni returned to his temple.  He was met by the head priest.  
As the temple had guarded his presence for over seven hundred years, 
he bowed in respect and awaited the questions that would
surely follow.  

"Ah Myogi."  The abbot boomed, "I see that you have left the 
temple grounds for a change.  I suppose that you went to see the outside 
world.  Curious about how matters are now, eh? I am interested in how 
you view modern Japan.  Please accompany me to my quarters where we 
may speak in comfort."

'and in privacy.' the abbot silently completed.  

Making their way through the temple the two priests reach the 
living quarters of the abbot.  They are simply furnished.  With 
colorful screens the only luxury the abbot possesses.  As they 
enter the abbot motions the elderly 'man' to sit down.  

Sitting down on the floor.  The abbot began, 

"Honored spirit.  It is because of your nature and its effects
on the outside world.  This order has protected you, tried to 
understand and adapt to the changes that you bring to our land.  

Sometimes the changes have been trivial, a change in the fashion 
of clothing.  Others of grave importance.  We have not forgotten 
that you aided in the creation and destruction of the Tokugawa
Shogunate.  

Knowing about the coming changes has allowed this temple to prosper.  
I ask what reason have you to walk the outside world again?"

"Hashimoto-san.  You need not worry.  I met a young man today with a 
strange aura.  Being curious about the scent of magic around him I 
observed him enter the temple and pray to Amida.  Hearing his heartfelt
pleas I decided to aid this man. The young man suffers from a 
Jusyenko curse.  

Amazingly, this is not the worst problem.  In addition, 
to the woman he loves, several fiancees belong to him. 
(I had no idea that arranged marriges still took place.) This is an 
intricate problem, worthy of my attention.  I have decided to help  
Ranma Saotome with his love troubles.  

Travelling this path will not be easy.  It will require much of 
my resources, both mystical and monetary.  I will be travelling out 
of the temple in different forms over the space of several 
weeks to ensure the success of my plan.  

To carry out the first phase of my plan, I will need all the magic 
I possess.  Please ensure that no one has any need to visit 'Myogi-san'.  
This deed must be performed in my natural form."

Having seen paintings of Oni-san in specialised texts.  
The abbot shuddered, 'It would be best if no one sees him for the 
few weeks that he needs the form.' The abbot then cleared his throat, 

"I will state that Myogi-san is very ill and needs peace and quiet.  
I will also state that he has an infectous disease and that no 
one should speak to him for their health.  Food will be delivered 
to your quarters."

The Oni nodded, adressing the abbot he said, 

"That will be most appropiate.  I thank you for your aid.  May 
I go to my chambers?"

"Of course, may Buddha grant you success.  By the way, please repair 
the garden.  There seems to be a man shaped depression on the 
way to the pool." came the reply.  

Saying his farewells the Oni made his way to his quarters.  
They were located in an area of the temple away from the other 
living quarters.  

[Many of the residents had complained about this, but the head of 
the temple had always denied requests remove him.]  

Once entering he secured his door.  Unlike many rooms in the
temple his room had solid wooden doors, walls and covers for 
the windows.  These allowed total privacy in the temple.  

Once entering the room the priest sealed the entrances and doors 
with wards to ensure privacy.  Then he began to glow as he ended 
the illusion concealing his form.  

The floorboards creaked as there was an increase in weight as the 
priest first assumed the form of the monster in the alley.  
Then began to shrink become smaller and displacing the scaly hide 
used for protection, with soft fur more suited to cute, cuddly
livestock.  

The fearsome features giving way to a more benevolent mien.  
When the change was complete a child sized figure stood in the room.  
It was kawaii, very kawaii.  

{In fact, the creature was so kawaii, that in the Shiratori residence.}  

Azusa Shiratori while cuddling a defenseless puppy, suddenly 
felt the presence of something very kawaii enter her area.  
Her instinct to find and name this influx of kawaii became active.  

Many people felt Azusa merely hunted down anything she thought was
cute because she was a deranged psychopath.  This was not the entire truth.  

Azusa was a practioner of Martial Arts Ice Skating.  
Many Martial Artists use Ki as the basis of attacks.  Ki may
be amplified and projected by tapping into an emotional 
power source.  Depression in the case of Ryoga's Shishi Houkoudan and 
Confidence in Ranma's Mouko Takabishya.  

Azusa tapped into the power of cute things.  She channelled her 
strength in Ki techniques best suited in the skating rink.  
She needed to constantly find new sources of energy as 
the Golden Pair constantly fought in skating matches.  

She needed to give her power sources names so that she could 
tap into them whenever necessary to augment her power.  

However, grabbing and kidnapping your power sources was 
not a required element of this technique.  Azusa had developed this 
as her preferred way of enjoying her power.  Each plundered item 
was a testament to her ability.  

This is why she acts so insanely when she is denied.  

It also explains why Azusa suddenly developed a battle aura.  
Putting the weakened puppy down.  Azusa gushed,

"Little Azusa senses a new child for her wonderful home.  
Once I find you Janelle I will make you the centerpiece of 
the household.  Don't worry Janelle whereever you are Mommy's coming!"

This was said in a tone that chilled the entire household 
and led her father to comment,

"I have to seriously talk to that girl.  She cannot act 
like that.  Hmm, I wonder if therapy will be any help?"

Considering the prospect of Azusa in a clinic and what she 
would do to the place.  The elder Shiratori shuddered at the 
prospect of numerous lawsuits and decided that he could put 
up with his daughter's behaviour.  

'After all its not like anyone can be actually hurt by her, right?' he mused.  

Upstairs, the puppy tried to jump from Azusa's second story room.  
It had chewed through its restraints after Azusa left 
babbling about Janelle.  Making its way to the open window it 
looked at the garden and freedom.  It saw the booby traps, the 
piranha filled moat and the razor wired gate.  It then thought of 
Azusa.  The puppy jumped.  

[P.S. No animals were harmed in the production of this fanfic.  Really!!]

The figure of the Oni had assembled several bolts of cloth and wool.  
It was standing in front an iron pot and several ceramic bowls.  
Several sewing instruments along with a small knife, 
were also assembled in front of the Oni.  Picking up the knife, 
Oni-san began to take several objects from a pouch next to 
him and placed them into the bowls.  While he was doing this he 
was chanting a mantra to focus his energies.  It went like 
this, 

"La la lalala la ......"  you can guess the rest.   

As it placed the last ingredient into the bowls, the Oni 
then bared its arm and pricked it with the kinfe.  As 
his blood began to drip into each of the bowls the Oni muttered,

"This is the only way.  These instruments can only finish the 
job by tomorrow morning, if they are strengthened by my blood.  
Ranma will never know what I have done for him.  But I guarantee 
that he will appreciate it."

As the Oni finished he staunched the blood and began a new chant.  
Unlike the previous one this chant was interwoven with words 
of mystic power.  

As the chant ended he glowed along with the sewing implements.  
After that the only sounds that were heard were the sounds of sewing.  

"Phase one begins tomorrow.  Ranma Saotome prepare for a trouble 
free future."  The Oni announced as it picked up one of the objects 
from the rapidly growing pile in its room.

This only goes to show that even mystic creatures cannot always 
foretell the future.  

					*

Morning at the Tendo Dojo.  

Nabiki got up and immediately wished she hadn't.  
Upperclassman Kuno, the man who never gave up chasing
her sister or Ranma-chan had somehow managed to enter her room 
and was looking at her with an very strange expression on his face.  

'This would not do.' Nabiki thought.  'I can take this type of thing happening
to Akane ,but I refuse having people sneaking into my room.'

Clearing her throat the second Tendo daughter addressed the intruder,

"I assume that you have a good reason for this?"

Kuno stiffens, then deflates.  He carefully scrutinises Nabiki before he answers, 

"Do I come across as that great a pervert?"

 Blushing at some memories he continues, 

"Don't answer that.  I guess that my past actions have led many people to 
come to that conclusion.  Even you.  

A student, I do not recall his name.  Once told me that [every man has his weak spot].  
I recently found out that I have several.  Arrogance, ignorance and an obsessive streak.  
This is why I Tatewaki Kuno the Blue Thunder of Furinkan high, have 
continued to lose battles and the respect of others.  

But have I really acted in the manner of a pervert? From what I have heard 
Ranma is far worse.  Breaking into the girls washroom, assaulting Miss Hinako 
in such an improper manner, being in the presence of that lecher, 
the infamous Happosai has made his reputation even worse.  I have heard 
rumors that once he took a bath with one of his fiancees.  That Shampoo girl I believe.  

I buy pictures.  Pictures of your sister in everyday poses.  I truly admire her 
beauty and deliacy.  But do I view her as an object of lust? I say nay, Nabiki Tendo.  
Then there is my pig-tailed Goddess, Ranma.  Her nature is as carefree
as her name implies.  Though I admit that the pictures that I have purchased 
of her are of a less innocent nature.  I do so because you have made them available.  
You must tell me why you take such pictures someday." Ignoring 
Nabiki's blush and sucessive glare Kuno continued in his speech.  

I am not a pervert.  I am a romantic.  Have I not tried to win their affections by flowers, 
candy, asking them out?  Have I not sent them presents? If there is a flaw it is that  
I love them too much.  It is because I pursue them with such ardor, that they 
have turned against me.  Though my beloved Ranma has visited my house and spent the 
night in my presence.  Her embrace was electrifying, showing her true feelings."  

[Ranma tried to escape a Kodachi blackmail scheme, by visiting 
the mansion to destroy some incriminating evidence.  Kuno who had 
been tricked into wearing an electrified belt by Kodachi and had  seen 
Ranma (after being splashed by cold water).  Ranma then tried to 
remove the belt as it had the evidence.  The resulting electrical discharge 
gave Kuno the impression that Ranma-chan loved him.  Passionately!]

Nabiki was puzzled, this was not typical behaviour by the upperclassman.  
Kuno never sneaked into a room.  His usual entrances were very much 
filled with fanfare.  Next, admitting his problems? After his mother died 
and his father ran away to Hawaii.  Kuno had almost never admitted that 
he was wrong about anything.  He usually acted that he was flawless and 
any problems were caused by other people.  And lastly, when she woke 
she noticed him admiring her with a tender expression [blush]and what 
was it with those gloves? He had not taken them off (except for emergencies) 
for the past few months.  It was as if he was a different person.  

"Why have you come to my room? Are you trying to get more pictures 
at this time of the morning? If you are I must tell you that I do not deal 
until I get up and eat breakfast."  Nabiki interrupted.  Trying to get Kuno 
to tell her the reason for his coming here.  

"Nabiki Tendo." Kuno replied, "I have come here today to tell you that I 
will no longer act so dishonorably to your sister's wishes and will refrain 
from embarassing her in public.  I would also appreciate it if you would 
tell my pig-tailed goddess the same.  However, you should also inform 
that worm Ranma Saotome that one day soon I will 
defeat him in battle and win the right to court my loves openly."

This was infinitely more familar territory and Nabiki grabbed on to it,  
"Hmm.. A message to three people."  Putting a hand to her head Nabiki 
acted like she was in serious thought.  

"That will come to 3000Yen.  I will see you in school for our usual dealings 
and collect the money there.  By the way why come to me?  You could 
have gone straight to Akane's room and saved some Yen."

Kuno grinned stating,  "A man of honor does not sneak into the room 
of a lady he fancies.  Anyway I have seen what she has done to Ranma 
when she is surprised.  I want to attend school this morning to complete our 
business."  

Turning to leave through Nabiki's window, he paused.  
Clearing his throat he announced,

"I cannot use this method of seeing you again."

"What do you mean by that?" Nabiki inquired.  

"I never noticed it before today.  But when you let your guard down you 
are really cute.  I have just realised that you are more than a mere friend 
and business partner.  For you."  

Kuno pulls out a single yellow rose.  He continues his speech, 

"I would have brought more, but never have I seen you like this.  
Farewell my enchantress."

He then shouted out,

"SASUKE."

"Yes, young master?" came the muffled reply.

"Send the rope down.  So that I may depart with style."  

Kuno continued bracing himself against the window and seeing 
the rope snaking down to him grabbed and swung away from 
it, straight towards a nearby tree.  

"Master, look out!!" Sasuke shouted out, "The tree!!!"

Twisting in midair, the Kendoist pulled his bokken out and sliced 
through the threatening branches.  Letting the rope
go Kuno flipped into the Tendo garden.  

He was then hit by a thrown sign that said,

{Quiet, you will wake up my wife!!}  

Removing the sign from his face, Kuno saluted Nabiki and vaulted 
over the wall.  With Sasuke's form streaking after him, throwing a 
shiruken at the offending panda on the way out.  

Nabiki stared at the space Kuno was.  She had never been addressed like 
that before.  She picks up the rose Kuno gave her.  She smiles at the rose.  
Then stops, pads over to the door and pulls it open.  There is Ranma 
eavesdropping.  Blusihing with embarassment the young man stuttered,  

"Wait.. I..I  C..can explain, Naa"  He never got to finish.  

SLAP, SLAP, SLAPSLAPSLAP, SL..... SPLAT!!!!!!!!!!

As Nabiki goes downstairs for breakfast.  We See Ranma embedded in the 
wall opposite her room.  He groans,

"Its Genetic....."  Then passes out.

Author's Note:-
HAHAHAHA!!!  Part 2 is now complete.  I hope that you will
forgive the excessive smurf comments.  Anyway, all recognisable Ranma 
characters are the property of the mighty Rumiko Takahashi.  
All non recognisable characters are mine.  

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

Next:- Phase One.