Ranma 1/2
	Altered Destinies:  A scary thought

	What's happened so far:  Kasumi Tendo and Ranma 
Saotome were switched at an early age and raised by the other's 
parents.  Now Kasumi is cursed to change to a man and has just 
recently returned to Nerima with Genma after a training trip in 
China.  She is now engaged to Ranma, who isn't pleased, has 
attracted Kuno's attention, and isn't pleased, and has to deal with 
a very upset Ukyo who turns into a wolf (which is often mistaken 
for a dog) and guess who's fault that is.  Then there's the matters 
of Ranma taking Ukyo-wolf (otherwise known as Ryouko) as a 
pet and Akane taking C-chan, a pink furred cat who has just 
recently regained her memory, as a pet.  Of course there are other 
problems as well, like a certain group of costumed young super 
powered heroines taking an interest in the events at Nerima, 
Kodachi taking an interest in Kasumi-kun, Ms. Hinako arriving 
as Kasumi's assistant and Kasumi is stuck as a man due to the 
cat tongue point.  Ukyo, who has recently met Azusa, and is now 
suffering from a serious case of pink hair, has vowed to keep 
Kasumi trapped as a man.  I should mention that Kasumi is 
married to Shampoo.  Most recently Kasumi managed to squeak 
out of yet another embarrassing position, much to the chagrin of 
Ukyo.

%Chapter 14

	Makoto Kino paced nervously in the hallway, waiting for 
her new teacher and suspected Youma.  Ami's sensors had not 
been able to identify the method of energy drain.  However, it had 
clearly shown the amount of energy involved to be less than what 
had been drawn by the Youmas they had encountered early in 
their careers as Sailor Senshi.  So, at her current level of power 
Mako should be easily able to deal with it.  That is what she had 
told the others, and what she had believed at the time.  Now, 
waiting was giving her a chance to worry.  She was so far away 
from any help.  What if the Youma had been holding back?  
Forget that they never had before.  What if this one had used only 
a fraction of it's power?  She had made such an issue of her 
ability to handle this on her own...
	"Miss Kino?" 
	Mako started as a masculine voice interrupted her circular 
train of thought.  Looking up, and then further up, she stared into 
a pair of beautiful brown eyes. 
	"Miss Kino??" 
	Mako blinked, and realized she had been staring for 
several seconds.  "Yes, that's me.  I'm sorry, I'm afraid my mind 
was on something else."  All the while she was talking she was 
drowning in those eyes.  They seemed to focus on her, and her 
alone.  They seemed to say, you are the most important person 
here to me.  Of course she was the only person here, but that was 
the impression they gave.
	"Miss Kino?"
	Mako blushed, as she realized that she had drifted off 
again.  "I'm so sorry, I'm waiting for my new teacher.  The vice-
principle said she would be along to take me to my new class." 
	The brown eyed man grimaced.  "I'm afraid he forgot 
again.  My cousin is off for a little while.  I'm taking over for her 
until she's back.  I'm Mr. Tendo." 
	"Not here?  But, she has to be."  Mako blurted out.  Then 
blushed as she realized how she sounded.  "I'm sorry, I'm sure 
your a very good teacher.  It's just that my counselor had so much 
good to say about your... cousin?  She's your cousin?!" Mako 
stared at him in surprise.  He was related to the Youma.  That 
was terrible.  Before her brain got in gear she blurted out.  "Are 
you sure she's your cousin?"  Her brain caught up with her 
mouth, and she blushed even deeper than she already was.  "I'm 
sorry," she repeated for what seemed the millionth time.  "Of 
course you're sure she's your cousin."
	She was so caught up in her own gaff that she did not 
notice his discomfort at her direct question, or his relief when she 
answered it herself, as if he were glad to not have to tell a lie.
	"It's understandable for you to be nervous Miss Kino." 
He said in a warm gentle voice.  "I know how hard it is to be 
uprooted and have to leave familiar friends and family.  I'm sure 
you'll soon make new friends here.  I hear you are staying with 
Mr. Hiro until you find a place of your own.  I hope you can find 
a nice family to board with.  It must be very hard to be on your 
own."
	"I'm used to it," Mako answered.  "I've been on my own 
since my parents died two years ago."
	His eyes softened even more.  "I'm so very sorry."  He 
said, and Mako sensed that he actually was, and was not simply 
mouthing the expected words.  
	This man could not possible be related to a Youma.  It 
must have replaced his cousin, like the Youma that had taken 
Naru's mother's place.  Or, maybe it hypnotized him and the 
other people involved like Chibi-Usa had Usagi's parents when 
she had first come to the past.
	"Thank you," Mako said.  "I'm over it now."  She lied.  
He looked at her with those gentle eyes, and she knew he felt her 
concealed pain, but he merely said:
	"Why don't we go to class now."  He started walking 
down the hall, and she hurried to catch up.  She could not help 
sneaking glances out of the corner of her eye at his profile.  I 
wonder if he has a girl friend, she thought.  He's not that much 
older than me, and he was even tall enough for her to gaze up 
into his eyes when they embraced.  
	Teachers were forbidden to date students, but as soon as 
she dusted this Youma she would no longer be his student.  Mind 
filled with happy thoughts she walked down the halls toward 
their destination.
	The walk proved to be all too short.  Mako had just been 
about to accept his proposal when her daydream was interrupted.
	"Miss Kino?"
	Mako came back to the ordinary school hallway.  It 
seemed dim and dingy after the bright images in her imagination.  
"Sorry?"  She said, then blushed at the image she was projecting.  
He must think her a perfect fool.
	"We're here.  Ready to meet your new classmates?"  He 
asked with a bright smile.
	Mako waited for him to open the door, and then realized 
that the question had not been rhetorical.  He was offering to let 
her set her own pace.  Once again she told herself this man could 
not possible be a Youma or a Youma sympathizer.  "Yes, I'm 
ready." She answered his question.
	He smiled at her and opened the door with a flourish.  
Noise crashed out from the inside, and Mako realized that the 
door was very thick, and apparently soundproofed. 
	"I Kuno Tatewaki demand an answer!!  Where is the foul 
sorcerer hiding?"
	"Delinquent, I told you to return to your seat." Mako 
stood on her tiptoes and peered over her new teacher's shoulder.  
A tall handsome youth was standing in the middle of the 
classroom.  He could have been any male student, except for the 
bokken he was waving around.  He was apparently directing his 
words at a... twelve year old.  Mako blinked and looked again.  
The girl was either flat chested to the extreme, as well as being 
excessively short, or she was indeed pre-teen.  That was only the 
start of the bizarre events.
	A dog's bark drew her attention to the back of the room.  
There, a black and white dog was voicing it's disapproval of the 
Bokken waver's actions.  A dog, Mako thought in confusion, in 
the classroom?  Maybe it's a seeing eye dog, she thought, 
thinking back to night before when she had seen a special on 
them, and the way they were used in America.  No, that was not 
it.  The boy who was sitting beside the dog, and was obviously 
her master, did not look handicapped at all.  Indeed he looked 
most handy indeed.  If Mako had not already been committed to a 
relationship she would have most definitely been interested.
	Suddenly a bright light brought her attention back to the 
front of the room.  She stared in shock as the handsome Bokken 
waver suddenly shriveled, and the apparent 12 year old suddenly 
grew in size and dimensions. 
	"Youma," Mako hissed under her breath.  Then, she 
whirled and raced down the hall and around the corner.  Less 
than a minute later the pretty sailor soldier, Sailor Jupiter, came 
back around the corner, and nearly ran down Mr. Tendo.  She 
stopped just in time, and moved to the side in order to go around 
him.  She had a Youma to dust.  Then all thought of the Youma 
fled her mind.
	"Miss Kino?!"  This time there was no polite inquiry in 
his voice.  This time it was an order to explain herself.  Jupiter 
was in no condition to offer any explanation.  She stared at him in 
shock.  All she could think of was, he can see me.  He can see 
who I really am.  She stared at him is stupefaction.  He waited a 
minute for her to reply, all the while looking up and down the 
hallway.  Finally he seemed to lose patience.  He grabbed her by 
the arm and pulled her around the corner she had just come 
around.
	He continued to pull her down the hallway a short way 
before stopping in front of a girls' washroom.  "For heavens sake 
Miss Kino, your file said you had a hero complex, but I never 
imagined anything like this.  I know the Sailor Senshi are very 
great heros, but this is no way to honor them.  I'm sure they 
would be shocked if they knew you were disguising yourself as... 
Sailor Jupiter is it?"
	Jupiter could only nod, still too shocked at his effortlessly 
piercing a disguise that had held under scrutiny from some of the 
strongest of their many foes. 
	He drew a breath and calmed down.  Then, he spoke in a 
rush.  "I'm sorry, it's partially my fault.  I should have explained 
the situation to you before I brought you here. The young girl you 
saw in the class room is my assistant, Miss Hinako.  She is a 
master of a Ki technique that allows her to drain the battle aura of 
unruly students.  A side effect of the training she underwent is 
that she appears to be a child when uncharged.  When she drains 
energy she stores the extra by altering her form to the older 
appearance you saw.  It caused no harm to the student affected, 
they are merely lethargic for a short time afterwards.  I try to keep 
peace with out resorting to her talent, but the nature of the class 
means that she has to use it on occasion."  He finished his 
hurried explanation, and took a deep breath, then continued more 
slowly.  "So you see, there is no need to rescue Mr. Kuno.  He 
will be his old declaiming self in no time."  He directed a 
pleading look at her.  "Please give us a chance.  Don't let my 
error spoil your first day."  He looked at her with those gentle 
eyes and she could not doubt his sincerity.
	 He opened the door to the washroom and started to lead 
her inside, then he seemed to catch himself, he stepped back and 
motioned her to go in.  "Please, I don't want to be harsh, but I 
must ask you to change back to your school uniform.  We are 
fairly liberal on some matters, but I really think it would be best 
if you did not attend your first day at school as Sailor Jupiter."
	Mako was mortified.  His tone was one of an adult gently 
guiding a child who was making a fool of itself.  He thinks I'm 
crazy, she thought to herself.  She was confused as well.  He had 
seen through the masking effect so completely that he did not 
even seem to be aware it was there.  Was he an innocent with a 
talent, or was he an evil general who was playing a deeper game.  
Jupiter could _not_ believe he was evil.  She decided to trust her 
feelings.  "I'll be right out," she said, and went into the 
bathroom.  Inside she transformed back into her student uniform 
and after waiting for what seem a sufficient length of time, went 
back out.  What a way to start things off, Mako thought with a 
sigh.
	
	"Hello class, I would like you all to welcome Miss 
Makoto Kino who will be a new member of our class."
	As Mr Tendo introduced her, Mako looked over her new 
class mates from where she stood beside him.  She was relieved 
to see that the bokken wielding student seemed to be fine.  He 
was a little thin looking, but other than that healthy.  As well, the 
attitude of the other students seemed to bear out Mr Tendo's 
assertion that this was normal.  They were ignoring the drained 
student and were instead looking at her with curiosity.  Some of 
the boys with appreciation, and some of the girls with calculating 
looks.  Mako was used to that.  She was well aware of her 
attractiveness.  She returned some of the appreciative looks, and 
smiled a friendly smile at the girls.  She was no threat to them, 
not unless they tried to stake a claim on Mr. Tendo.
	"Miss Kino?"
	"Huh, oh, sorry, please excuse me." Mako had let her 
mind wander yet again. 
	Mr. Tendo merely smiled at her, but she noticed his smile 
was showing a bit of  strain that had not been there earlier.  She 
decided that she had better start paying closer attention.
	"As I was saying Miss Kino, you may take the seat 
between Miss Kuonji and Miss Tendo."  He gestured towards the 
back of the room at an empty desk between two other girls.  One 
of them had her brown hair cut short and square across the back, 
and had an expression of complete indifference on her face.  She 
did not seem to be paying any attention to what was going on in 
the class.  Instead she was looking across the room, apparently 
out the window.  She did not even glance Mr. Tendo's way when 
he mentioned her name.  The other girl was an attractive girl a 
little shorter then Mako.  Mako could not see how she had styled 
her hair, as she was wearing a baggy hat of some type.  Mako 
could see what Mr. Tendo had meant about being liberal about 
some things.  She saw just how liberal when she spied another 
student, this one male, with the arms of his shirt ripped off, his 
hair unkept, and with a generally annoyed expression on his face.  
After a quick shake of her head she started to make her way 
down the aisle to her new desk.  Suddenly she stopped as a 
thought occurred to her.  If Miss Hinako was draining energy, 
that meant she was what Ami had sensed.  If that was the case...  
Her eyes widened.  If that was the case she would not be leaving 
in a few days as she had planed.  Oh my god, she thought.  I'm 
stuck here for the rest of the semester.
	"Miss Kino?"
	"Ah, sorry," Mako repeat yet again, and quickly rushed 
the remaining distance to her seat.  She smiled as best she could 
to those still watching her, then tried to concentrate on class.

	"Oh Mako, we're so sorry." Usagi said over the 
communicator.  Mako nodded, and sighed as she glanced down 
at her untouched lunch.  "Are you absolutely sure?"
	"Fairly sure."  Mako answered.  "No one seems in the 
least surprised by her ability, and that student did recover 
completely.  If she is a Youma, she's a real weird one."
	Usagi was about to reply when Ami's voice cut her off 
from the side.  "Unfortunately these latest readings, and Mako's 
description bare out the explanation the teacher gave her.  The 
odds are exceedingly low that she is a Youma."
	Usagi somberly nodded to the unseen Ami and turned 
back to look at Mako.  "Well, don't worry Mako, we'll think of 
something."
	"Actually, I was thinking, we still don't know what's up 
with that cat or that house, and there's something else too.  My 
teacher, he saw right through my disguise and didn't even seem 
to notice.  He... ah, actually thought I was just suffering from an 
extreme form of hero worship and was dressed up as my favorite 
Senshi."
	Usagi looked momentarily surprised, then a wide smile 
broke out on her face and she fell over laughing.  "Usagi!"  
Minako said from the side, but the laughing girl could not bring 
herself to stop, not that she gave any indication of trying overly 
hard to do so.  Mako blushed once again at the reminder of how 
foolish she had looked, then perked up when Minako took over 
the transmission.  "She'll calm down in a second, but, did I hear 
you right?  He knows who you really are?"
	"Nono, he thinks I just dress up as Sailor Jupiter."  Mako 
corrected, blushing even deeper
	Minako blinked then broke into a short burst of giggles 
herself, but quickly gained back her control.  "Sorry, sorry, yeah, 
that is weird, awfully embarrassing too I bet."  Minako broke 
into another short fit of giggles.  "Sorry, sorry.  That is really 
strange.  No one has ever been able to do that, not even one of 
us."
	Mako nodded.  "That's why I was thinking that maybe 
this won't be too bad after all.  I really should check this out, and 
that other place too.  This may not be a Youma threat, but we 
should find out what is really going on."
	"I agree."  Ami said, stepping into view.  "Under the 
circumstances it would seem the wisest course of action.  Are you 
going to be okay though?  I don't believe you planned for an 
extended stay."
	"I'll manage, don't worry.  Tell you what, let's meet after 
school at Rei's and we can discuss everything in person."

	"Right, we'll be there."  Minako replied, then looked off 
to the side.  "Assuming Usagi the hyena here gets a hold of 
herself.  See you then."
	Mako signed off then sighed once more.  At least this trip 
wouldn't be a total loss, but being stuck here wasn't exactly a 
promising prospect.  She looked off across the field to where a 
number of other students were gathered.  She was looking at a 
long stay.  Being anti-social would make it that much more 
difficult, so she decided to get up and see if she could get to know 
a few of her new classmates.
	She was about half way across the field when one student 
she recognized from class came rushing her way.  It was a girl, 
rather ordinary looking save for the cameras and tape recorder 
she carried around with her.  Actually, Mako had been 
wondering what someone so innocuous was doing in the class.  
Perhaps now she could find out.  The girl came to a halt in front 
of her and immediately started introductions.
	"Hey, you're Makoto, right?  My name's Kitsune 
Maruda, nice to meet you."  The girl said, offering her hand.
	"Oh, sure, you too."  Mako replied, and gingerly took the 
girl's hand after a moment of surprise at the gesture.
	After a vigorous handshake, the girl smiled broadly at 
her.  "I'm just trying to get to know everyone.  So, I believe 
you're here for unnecessary roughness, am I right?"
	"Sort of."
	"Ah, don't worry about, so is half the class.  Hey, since 
you missed the first day, why don't I give you the run down."
	"Sure," Mako replied with some enthusiasm.  This was 
just what she needed.
	Maruda lead her off to the side and started to point out 
various groups and single students.  She dismissed the bulk of 
the students right off the bat.  "Those are mostly nobodies, just 
regular everyday students," she said.  "Most of the interesting 
people are in our class.  That one over there," Maruda pointed out 
the boy who had been drained earlier.  "He's Tatewaki Kuno, 
head of the school's kendo club.  He's a real blowhard, just can't 
seem to keep his mouth shut. I've only been here since yesterday, 
and I've already seen Miss Hinako drain him four times."  
	"Man that's weird," she said in an aside.  "I think she 
must be some sort of government project.  I'm checking my 
sources."   
	She went back to her introductions.  "The kid next to him 
Ranma Saotome.  He's supposedly the best martial artist around 
these parts.  I'm still looking into that.  Those two are good 
friends apparently.  That girl over there, she's Sakura.  I haven't 
seen much from her, but from what I have managed to find out, it 
looks to me like she'll give Ranma a good run for his money in 
the martial arts.  Actually, that's one of the odd things about this 
class.  Did you know that almost half the class are martial artists, 
and we're not just talking Karate here.  Matter of fact, I think 
Kuno's style is about the only normal one around.  All the others 
are some really strange ones, like that kid's.  He's the master of 
Indiscriminate Martial Arts Graffiti."
	Mako looked at the boy Kitsune was pointing at, and sure 
enough he was presently engaged in making a mural on the side 
of the building at a lightning pace.
	"Say, are you a martial artist?"  Kitsune suddenly asked.
	"Well, I know a few moves.  Nothing unusual though."  
Mako answered, still watching the artist at work.
	Kitsune eyed Mako suspiciously for a moment, then 
continued on with the tour.  "Anyway, where was I, oh yeah.  
That one over there is Nabiki Tendo.  She's obviously our 
teacher's cousin.  Stay well clear though if you want to keep your 
money.  She's the best con-artist in town, maybe the whole 
country.  She may have some organized crime connections so 
don't go getting her mad at you.  You'd probably regret it."
	Mako looked down at Kitsune skeptically.  "Organized 
crime?!  Come on."
	"Okay, I'm not sure, but I've heard some rumors...  Oh 
yeah, I haven't worked it out yet, but she's got some problem 
with the teach."
	"Really?  Yeah, I did notice she kept trying not to look at 
him."
	"Exactly.  I got a couple theories... but they're still in the 
preliminaries.  That girl there is her sister Akane.  She's another 
martial artist, same school as Ranma I hear.  Matter of fact, up 
till recently the two were engaged, but it was suddenly called off 
when her other sister Kasumi came back.  You heard about her 
right?  She was supposed to be our teacher, but she's off sick or 
something.  You know, isn't that odd.  I mean, they're a martial 
arts family, but they just happen to have two teachers in the 
family, both the same age.  Kind of weird if you ask me."
	"Yeah," Mako agreed.  Maybe this wasn't so simple after 
all... Nah, that was silly.
	"Anyway..."  Kitsune said and continued on.

	A short distance away Kaneda was standing with Ms. 
Hinako observing the various students.  "Do you get the 
impression that some of those reports were a little down played?"  
Hinako asked as she watch a boy, a large sledge hammer in 
hand, yelling out that he would strike all his foes down with his 
thunder.
	"A few, yes."  Kaneda answered with a nod, then scanned 
the rest the crowd.  Other than the one boy, it was peaceful for the 
moment.  It looked about right to get some lunch.  Unfortunately, 
both Akane and Ranma had already had theirs and were now 
busy with their friends.  Kaneda had been too busy to join them.  
"It's seems quiet for now.  Why don't we take one last look 
around then meet in the cafeteria for lunch."
	"Sure."  His assistant reply and merrily skipped off.
	Kaneda headed off in the opposite direction.  He didn't 
get too far before he noticed Mako talking with Kitsune.  Oh 
dear, that's the last thing that girl needs, he thought then headed 
over.
	Kitsune caught sight of him and spoke quickly to Mako.  
"I got to get going.  I'll chat with you later.  Oh yeah..."  Kitsune 
leaned in close to Mako and said in a very quiet voice, "be 
careful huh.  Keep your eyes and ears open... and don't trust 
anybody."
	Mako blinked in surprise at the odd warning, but before 
she could ask for some clarification Kitsune rushed off.  She 
watched her go, then turned to look right into Kaneda's eyes with 
a strangely familiar look.
	"Miss Kino?"
	"Hmm, yes?"  She said, still with that odd look on her 
face.
	"Are you getting along well?"
	Mako shook herself, and blushed.  "I'm sorry, yes I'm 
getting along fine."
	"I see you were talking with Kitsune.  I hope she hasn't 
been filling your mind with her little theories."
	"Theories?"
	"Well, she's a bit suspicious of everything.  Don't worry 
though.  Just keep that in mind while talking with her.  Her 
theories can get a little... wild."
	"I noticed," Mako said.  He nodded and began to walk off 
to continue his inspection of the area.  Without much thought 
Makoto rushed back to his side.  "Have you had lunch yet?"
	"No, actually, I haven't.  I was just about to."
	"Mind if I join you then?"  Mako asked eagerly.
	Kaneda looked down at Makoto, detecting that something 
was amiss here.  That look on her face was awfully familiar.  Had 
Kaneda thought about it a little longer he would have remember 
it was the very same look Kodachi had given him when he 
stopped her from falling the other day.  However, he dismissed it 
as just a girl looking for some friendly company.  "I usually have 
lunch with my sister anyway so that shouldn't be a problem."
	"Great!  Let's... sister?  Does your-"
	"Oh, sorry, I meant Kasumi's sister of course."  Kaneda 
quickly corrected, and scolded himself for the slip.  Makoto 
looked at Kaneda for a moment then seemed to accept the fix.  
The two finished the look over the area then headed for the 
cafeteria where they met with Ms. Hinako.  After getting their 
meals, they took an open table near the windows.  All started into 
their lunches, Kaneda keeping a watchful eye on those students 
gathered from his class, Makoto keeping a loving eye on Kaneda, 
and Ms. Hinako just gobbling down her food.
	Mako let out a barely audible sigh as she watched the 
latest love of her life.  Too bad he was the teacher.  Hey, he's not 
the teacher, not normally anyway, Mako thought.  "How long is 
your cousin going to be out for?"
	Kaneda's calm disappeared at the question, and he cast a 
nervous glance Ms. Hinako's way.  "Ummm, well, she's... really 
having... some troubles right now.  We're not too sure when 
she'll be back."
	"Oh," Mako almost moaned in disappointment.  That 
would put a real crimp in things.  "That's too bad.  I guess that 
means you'll be running the class for a while, huh?"
	"Yes."
	"It's really fortunate that you're a teacher too."
	"Oh, it's really nothing.  It's not as hard as many make it 
out to be.  Besides, I'm just a home-room teacher and physical 
education instructor... Well, that is to say my cousin was the 
home-room teacher and physical education instructor.  Neither 
her or I would normally be qualified to be a home-room teacher, 
but as you know, this class is an experiment.  Miss Hinako," here 
Kaneda nodded at her assistant, who ignored her in favor of the 
bowl of ice cream in front of her, "is actually much more fully 
qualified then I am in that regards.  She has her teaching 
certificates.  I don't have any at all.  I just happened to be in the 
right place at the right time.  Fortunately, the only real teaching I 
have to do is the physical education, and I am qualified for that." 
Kaneda rather diplomatically did not mention that his real job 
was to keep a tight rein on Mako and the other students so the 
real teachers could do their jobs. 
	"Yeah, but I heard she's real good at keeping the peace.  
Actually, my councilor said she was the best they've ever seen."
	"Oh, I guess she's fairly good at what she does.  I 
couldn't really say."  Kaneda replied, caught between his 
inherent modesty and the need to be positive towards his 
`cousin'.
	"What's she like?"
	Kaneda grimaced at that question.  "Kasumi... she's... 
ah... well... about my age, and she's a martial artist, like me, and 
ah..."
	Mako's interested peaked at the mention of martial arts.  
Kitsune had mentioned that most the class were martial artists.  
Of course, it was probably just coincidence, but you never knew.  
Besides, that meant they had a common interest.  "Martial artist!  
Hey, I know a bit of martial arts.  What style do you use?  Where 
do you train?"
	"My cousin and I use the Saotome school of Anything 
Goes Martial Arts.  We mostly trained on the road.  I did train in 
a few other styles though."  Kaneda answered then regretted it 
slightly.  If Makoto pried much further he might be caught.  Time 
to turn this around.  "And you?"
	"Oh, we're... I'm mostly self taught.  I've taken a few 
classes here and there in various styles, but I was never that 
serious.  Actually, Rei, she's a friend of mine, is more into formal 
martial arts than me."
	"Perhaps you should consider further training, if only to 
learn some discipline."
	Mako blushed for yet another time.  "I guess I do get 
carried away sometimes, but I haven't hurt anybody who didn't 
deserve it."
	Ms. Hinako, who had finished her lunch and had been 
watching the exchange with an odd fascination finally spoke up.  
"It's your instructors's duty to deal with delinquents Miss Kino.  
You'll have to learn that.  Your records are fairly clean, but there 
have been more than a few incidents."
	"Yeah, well... those were mostly misunderstandings.  I 
mean, they didn't see what started those fights.  I don't go around 
bullying people, if that's what you mean."
	"No Miss Kino, of course not."  Kaneda jumped in to say.  
"If anything, perhaps you are a bit too eager to be the hero."  
Kaneda paused for a moment, remembering the earlier incident.  
"Sometimes discretion is better than force."
	"I guess maybe you're right.  I'll try to be more... 
reserved."  Ms. Hinako nodded in acceptance then headed off to 
continue her lunch hour rounds.  Mako took a long sip of her 
drink to calm her nerves.  This was too embarrassing.  She was 
being admonished by a pre-teen and Mr. Tendo.  "Mr. Tendo, I 
really will-"
	"Please, call me Kaneda.  I'm not used to this Mr. Tendo 
stuff.  No too long ago I was the one in your position."  Mako 
repeated the name softly, admiring the sound it made until he 
spoke again.  "Don't worry about Ms. Hinako.  She's can be a 
little harsh sometimes.  I'm sure you'll do your best.  So, what's 
your goal in life?"
	"Goal?!  Oh, well ah..."  Mako drifted into deep thought.  
To help lead the Earth into a new utopia...  True enough, that was 
her future, but she'd humiliated herself too much already today.  
Something a little more conservative...  "I planned on opening a 
restaurant of my own someday.  I'm a real good cook you know.  
Maybe I could... make you something sometime?"
	"Perhaps.  A restaurant hmm...  I've worked in few 
restaurants.  It can be rather diverting."
	"Oh I just love cooking.  That's why I'm so good.  
Actually, if I had the money I'd open a restaurant right now, but I 
don't.  Besides, I'm a good cook, but I've never run a business 
before.  I'd probably bungle it."
	"Running a business can be difficult, but it doesn't take a 
genius.  I'm sure you'd learn."
	Mako smiled.  "Thanks.  I guess you already have your 
life planned out."
	"Not... really.  I could go on teaching, but I don't know.  
I've spent most my life in training.  I don't even really know why 
anymore.  I suppose it's useful sometimes, but I don't know if I'll 
be able to make a living around it."  Kaneda looked down at the 
table top, deep in thought.  "So much in my life is crazy right 
now.  I don't know if I'll even be able to choose what I do."  
Kaneda looked up and suddenly realized he'd been talking to 
Makoto as if she were a confidant instead of a student.  She had a 
very sad and sympathetic look on her face, but he hadn't wished 
to unload his problems on her.
	"Maybe if you're life is real crazy right now you should 
try and get away from it for a while."  Mako offered.
	"I wish I could, but I have too many responsibilities.  It's 
really nothing you should worry about."
	Mako pushed on though.  This was a great opportunity to 
get close to him.  She couldn't just let it go away.  "Maybe you 
just need a change in scenery, like a vacation, or better yet a new 
home."  After saying it Mako wanted to slap herself.  She'd just 
told him to move away.  Even worse, the suggestion seemed to 
have interested Kaneda.
	He thought for a moment.  Getting out of the dojo would 
at least lessen some of his problems.  No dealing with that 
dratted... fur ball.  She wouldn't have to worry about Ukyo.  
Being discovered by Nodoka in yet another compromising 
position was far less likely.  It did seem like a nice option.  It 
would have to be a some place close by.
	Kaneda began to dismiss the thought.  That was just too 
drastic.  He couldn't run away from his problems.  Just as he 
thought this, his tactical sense said, who's running?  You just 
need a breather.  A couple weeks, maybe a month, then you'd 
come back and be rested up.  Trying to face off against everything 
all at once is suicide.  Cut your load and deal with it a bit at a 
time.
	Sensible enough.  Maybe that is all he needed, some 
space to breathe.  He could come back after a short time.  It 
wouldn't be permanent.  Now, where was the question.  
Something immediately popped to mind.   "Mr. Hiro has that 
restaurant..."  He said softly to himself.
	"Mr. Hiro has a restaurant?"  Mako asked excitedly.  "I 
didn't know that."
	Kaneda looked at Makoto in momentary shock.  He had 
forgot once again that she was there.  "Yes, actually he does.  It 
belonged to his uncle.  He's actually trying to sell it at the 
moment."
	"Really... Is it nearby?"  Mako asked, somewhat nervous.
	"Oh, yes, it's by the market place, only a few blocks from 
here."
	Mako breathed a sigh of relief.  You nearly messed that 
one up, she thought.  "You thinking of buying it?"
	"Oh, nono, I don't have enough money.  He was however 
needing someone to look over the place until he can find a 
buyer."
	"Well, that's perfect!"  It was indeed.  If she played her 
cards right, she just might have found herself a place to stay too.
	"Yes, maybe it is.  Thank you Miss Kino.  I think I shall 
take your advice after all."
	Mako beamed, until the loud cry of, "RAPE," rang out 
from across the room.  Both spun, Mako in shock, Mr. Tendo in 
readiness.  The sight that greeted their eyes caused them to relax, 
and to watch in  fascination, as a girl, only slightly taller than 
Ms. Hinako, and no more imposing, started using everything 
within reach to attack that poor unfortunate boy with the dog.  
Kaneda sighed and rushed over to break up the assault.  Mako 
shook her head in bewilderment as the boy protested his 
innocence, while the girl continued to accuse the boy of 
molesting her.  The boy tried to demonstrate that he had only 
nudged her, but the demonstrated caused the girl to launch into a 
new attack, using a nearby table.
	"This is an awfully bizarre place."  Mako commented 
then returned to her lunch.

	Ryoga groaned in pain as he finally came to.  Stupid girl, 
he thought.  He hadn't done anything to her.  He rubbed a large 
bump on the back of his head, and winced in pain.  He'd be sure 
to avoid her in the future.  He opened his eyes and looked around 
to find himself in the nurse's office with an ice-pack on his head.  
Just as he began to get up his teacher walked in.
	"I'm dearly sorry Ryoga.  I hope you're not too badly 
hurt."  Kaneda said, then gently pushed Ryoga back down onto 
the bed.  "You really should rest."
	"I'm fine, re-"
	"No, I insist.  You really shouldn't be moving right now."  
Kaneda said, and Ryoga reluctantly complied.  He'd suffered far 
worse blows than this in his time, and really didn't feel like 
laying about, but if the teacher insisted...
	Sensing Ryoga's compliance, unwilling though it might 
be,  Kaneda released him, and walked over to a bowl of water to 
wet a cloth down.  "I am really sorry about that Ryoga.  I realize 
you didn't do anything.  Kotori is just a little touchy, and tends to 
over-react."
	"No kidding."  Ryoga mumbled.  Kaneda walked back 
over to him and  began applying the cold, wet cloth to his 
forehead.  It did tend to relieve the throbbing in his skull.  "Sir, 
may I ask what happened to Kasumi?"  He asked after a moment, 
causing Kaneda to stop and look anxious.
	"Kasumi... she... she... had some pressing concerns to 
attend to."  It was at least true, if misleading.
	"She's all right, isn't she?"  Ryoga asked in concern, and 
started to get up once again only to be pushed back down.
	"Please, you should lay down.  She is just fine.  I can 
assure you of that."  Kaneda relied quickly, allowing Ryoga to 
relax.  This is miserable, Kaneda thought as he continued 
applying the cloth to Ryoga's head.  I wish I could just tell him 
the whole truth.  Unfortunately I can't prove it, and the last thing 
I need is to make him think I'm crazy.  "She was looking forward 
to seeing you again."
	"She was?"  Ryoga asked, again trying, and failing, to sit 
up.  "I was really sorry I missed her before she left.  You see, I 
got kind of delayed and-"
	"She knows."
	"She's not angry or-"
	"Oh heavens no."  Kaneda quickly answered.
	A moment of silence pasted before Ryoga again spoke.  
"When is she going to be back, if I may ask?"
	"Uh... well, soon she hopes, but she can't be sure."
	"Oh, umm, if she needs any help, I'd gladly-"
	"I'm sure you would, but unfortunately she has to do this 
on her own."  Kaneda replied, letting some of his own feeling 
slip into the statement, and gaining a slightly confused look from 
Ryoga because of it.  In fact, Kaneda did wish he could ask for 
help.  Right now he could really use it.  But, how ever would he 
explain.  No, unfortunately this is how things had to remain.
	Ryoga continued to examine his teacher.  He had just got 
the oddest impression off of him, but he couldn't tell what 
exactly.  As he lay back trying to solve this little quandary, he 
started to noticed how nicely Mr. Tendo was treating him.  
Actually, it was uneasily too nice coming from another man.  
Ryoga got even more uneasy at this strangely caring attention he 
was receiving, and decided it was time to get out here.  With a 
quick motion Ryoga rolled off the bed and to his feet.
	"Mr. Tendo, I'm really feeling much better now, and I 
really have to be going."  He said, and dodged past his teacher 
and out through the door before Kaneda could manage any 
protest.
	"He was in an awful rush."  Kaneda said to himself, then 
shrugged off the thought.

	The rest of the school day passed.  Five fights broke out, 
two more drainings occurred and eight more raving speeches.  It 
was a relatively peaceful day, for Kaneda's class.  Nabiki, 
however, was still far from enjoying her experience.  Stuck for 
the rest of her foreseeable high school stay in a class headed by 
Kasumi as a man...  It was just too much.  The only bright side to 
this was that with the influx of new weirdos into the school her 
business prospects were looking up.
	As she thought this on her way out, one of her new 
classmates rushed up to her side.  Nabiki recognized her 
immediately as Yotogi Shinja.  There was basically two types  of 
people in this new class, those who were physical trouble 
makers, and those who had more interesting methods.  From her 
scrawny build and pasty complexion, Yotogi had to be one of the 
latter.  What exactly she did Nabiki didn't know yet.  Now was a 
great time to find out.
	"You're Nabiki right?"  Yotogi asked, skipping 
introductions.  Nabiki nodded silently.  "Great.  I hear if I need 
something and have the money you're the person to come to, 
right?"  Again Nabiki nodded.  "Good, you see, I got some film I 
want developed, and, well, my own facilities aren't set up yet.  
I'm just boarding near here you see.  Anyway, I need this done, 
nice, discretely and with all hopes quickly.  So, I was thinking 
you-"
	Nabiki nodded and cut in.  "No problem.  I have my own 
little private set up.  How many pictures you need?"
	"Actually, several rolls.  That okay?"
	"Fine by me, but it's going to cost you."
	"How much?"
	Nabiki stopped in the hallway and pulled out her abacus.  
She could use a calculator, but physically sliding the beads on an 
abacus gave you a real feel for the numbers.  "Development and 
secrecy cost you 200 yen each shot usually.  Since you're going 
bulk I'll give you a wee discount at say... 3,000 yen a roll."
	"3,000 yen..."  The girl scowled and lowered her head to 
consider, but not for long.  "Sure thing.  You have a deal."  
Yotogi pulled out two handfuls of film and handed them to the 
moderately surprised Nabiki.  "Payment on delivery?"
	"Right.  10 rolls, that's 30,000 yen.  You can cover that?"  
Nabiki asked skeptically.
	"Don't worry, I got the money."  She counted off several 
bills, and handed them to Nabiki, "what say, half now, the other 
half on delivery?" Nabiki nodded and took the money.  "When 
can you have them done by?"
	"After school tomorrow, soon enough for you?"
	"Great, thanks."  Yotogi waved a quick goodbye and ran 
off on her way.
	Nabiki watched her go, then smiled.  A good little haul, 
and beyond that, these pictures would likely reveal just what the 
little lady was up to that got her stuck here.  Those two 
distracting thoughts on her mind, Nabiki headed on home in a 
much improved mood.

	Some hours later Mako was on a little excursion.  By her 
side Artemis was doing little to hide his growing excitement 
about where they were going.  She had already met with the 
others at the temple.  It was a long trip there, one that she 
certainly couldn't repeat very often, so she had better get used to 
being on her own here.  It had been decided that since Mako 
prospects of getting out of the class were slim anyway, she might 
as well do as she suggested and check out the other mysteries 
around this area.  Artemis offered to join her for the duration of 
her stay, supposedly to help with the investigation, but more 
likely to get closer to his lady friend.  Matter of fact, they were 
headed to the house with said cat in it at that very moment.
	"This is the place Makoto."  Artemis said at last and 
jumped up onto the wall.  "Maybe I should do some..."  Artemis 
trailed off as he eyed something.  "On second thought, maybe I 
should stick with you."
	Mako jumped and grabbed the top of the wall.  Pulling 
herself up high enough to scan the yard, she looked to see what 
had spooked the white cat.  The huge pinkish dog she spotted 
gave her a good clue as to Artemis' sudden change in heart.  
"Yeah, you better.  Say, this place is awfully big for a normal 
residence.  These people must have some serious money.  Maybe 
too much, if they go around getting their pet's hair done like that, 
poor thing."
	"Maybe, let's go around and see if we can get in more 
directly."
	Mako dropped back to the ground with Artemis.  "And 
just how am I supposed to explain why I need to get in?"
	"We'll think of something, come on."  The two rounded 
the outer wall until they came up to the main gate.
	Mako looked at the sign and then went wide eyed at what 
it read.  "Tendo school of Anything Goes Martial Arts!  Hey, my 
teacher is Kaneda Tendo, and he told me he knows this style.  
This must be where he's living."
	"Hmm, I somehow doubt that's a coincidence.  There has 
to be something really weird going on here."
	"No joke.  Hey, since I'm here anyway, he said I should 
take some more martial art classes.  This sounds like a dojo.  
Maybe I can sign up here."
	"Great idea!  That'll be the perfect cover." Artemis said 
quickly, then stopped to think a second.  "I guess we better be on 
our guard though.  I really doubt this is a threat, but you never 
know."
	Mako nodded her reluctant agreement, and opened the 
gate.  The building inside looked innocent enough, and she didn't 
get any weird vibes off the place.  After a quick look over the 
yard, and no obvious signs for further caution both entered and 
began approaching the house.  Mako reached the door and was 
about to ring the bell when she caught two voices.
	"But Kasumi, this really isn't necessary."  A woman said.
	"Auntie, it's not like it's permanent.  I just need a little 
space for a while,"  Kaneda responded.
	Mako blinked in confusion.  Why was this woman calling 
Kaneda, Kasumi?  No, wait a minute, maybe she just heard it 
wrong.  Yeah, that must be it.
	Kaneda stopped near the other side of the door and 
continued.  "Mr. Hiro just needs someone to look over the place, 
and maybe get it going so he can interest some buyers."
	"You're going to run that restaurant by yourself?"  The 
woman asked.
	"Not all by myself.  I figured I could get some help.  
Perhaps I can get Shampoo to help out."
	"And that's another thing, why must she go with you?"
	Kaneda began moving off.  "Auntie, I can't just ignore 
her."
	"Of course I know that, but is it really wise to be living 
alone with her?"
	"I can take care of myself.  I have been doing so for years.  
I think we really need to get to know each other and maybe..."  
The conversation faded as they walked away.  Mako pulled back 
from the door and stood thinking.  Who was this Shampoo, and 
did she hear that name right?  Maybe he did have a girlfriend.
	Artemis looked up at Mako and noticed the sudden 
nervous look on her face.  "What was that all about?  Why are 
you nervous?"
	"Huh?  Oh, nothing, just...  That was my teacher."
	"I thought you said his name was Kaneda?"
	"I did.  You heard Kasumi too?"
	"Sure did.  Probably just a slip of the tongue."  Artemis 
offered in explanation.
	"Yeah, sure, that's probably it... or maybe... no, couldn't 
be.  I'm sure there's some logical explanation for it."
	"Right," Artemis said with a nod, but his feeling that this 
was nothing serious was diminishing quickly.  "Now then, 
perhaps you should ring the bell now."
	Mako smiled in slight embarrassment, having realized 
that she had just spent several minutes eavesdropping on her 
teacher, and quickly rang the bell as suggested.  A few seconds 
later a girl Mako recognized as Akane from her class opened the 
door.
	"Oh, hello.  Can I help you?"  Akane asked.
	"Umm, yeah, I was just coming by, you know, to see Mr. 
Tendo, and I saw that you run, well not you but-"
	"I know.  I'll go get him.  Wait here."  Akane said then 
headed off down the hall.
	"You keep them busy.  I'll look the place over."  Artemis 
said then started off for the stairs.
	"Be careful."  Mako warned, then stood waiting.  Kaneda 
soon came down the hall, smiling in his usual manner at Mako.  
She nearly let a sigh escape her at the sight of the man headed her 
way.  "Hello Mr. Tendo."
	"Makoto, it's nice to see you.  You wanted to see me?"
	"Oh yes, I... I was going to ah... I wanted to take some 
classes here, that's it."
	"That's sounds like a good idea.  My father runs the dojo, 
I'll go fetch him."  Without thinking, already slipping into a by 
now familiar daydream, Mako fell into step behind Kaneda as he 
walked down the hall.  He turned and looked at her briefly, then 
continued on.  "You should be fine here.  Akane and Ranma both 
train here."
	"That's great.  What about you?"
	"Me... Actually I train with my uncle.  He teaches a 
similar style, but it is different.  I do occasionally spar with 
Ranma and Akane, but I don't attend many of the classes.  That 
doesn't bother you, does it?  I could attend more often."
	Mako looked at Kaneda in mild surprise.  He's so nice, 
she thought.  No other teacher she knew would join a martial arts 
class just to make a student more comfortable.  He was so 
perfect.  She couldn't ask for anyone better.  Now, if only she 
could ask him out...  Unfortunately he was the teacher.
	Mako brightened with an idea.  "Hey, is your cousin 
Kasumi here?  I'd really like to meet her."
	Kaneda nearly jumped at the question.  "Kasumi... well, 
ah... she's... she's not here, no.  I'm really sorry."
	"Oh, that's okay.  When will she be back?"  Mako asked, 
not noticing Kaneda's reaction.
	"Ahh, umm... It may be a while.  She's... out of town."  
Mako nodded in acceptance of the answer, but Kaneda could 
only force a smile.  He really hated lying so blatantly to someone, 
but to tell her the truth would be too confusing and hard to 
accept.  It was better this way.
	They walked into the common room where Soun and 
Genma were engaged in a game of shogi, and Nodoka was sitting 
at the table with a smile on her face, but one that betrayed a little 
sadness.  Kaneda introduced Mako to Soun and then helped her 
fill out a registration form.

	Up stairs Artemis crept over to Akane's room.  He had 
checked all the other rooms on this floor, and so far nothing 
seemed amiss.  One room had much of its contents packed, but 
Mako had mentioned that her teacher planned to move out for a 
while.  The other rooms seemed typical for ordinary humans.  
Nothing indicated anything out of the ordinary.  Perhaps it was 
just coincidence.
	Anyway, it was time to pay his old friend a visit.  Using 
some of his slightly enhanced lunar cat ability, Artemis leapt up 
to the doorknob and opened the door a crack.  He then landed and 
pushed his way inside, to be quickly met with a pink flash.  The 
two cats tumbled back into the hallway until C-chan ended up on 
top of Artemis, pinning him to the ground.
	"Hey beautiful, it's me, Artemis.  You remember me 
right?"  Artemis squeaked out in shock and fear.  C-chan 
examined him closely for a moment then let him loose.  "Glad to 
see you still have your spunk."  He noted as he stood back up.  C-
chan scanned the hallway for a second then, motioning for 
Artemis to follow, headed into Akane's room.
	"Nice place you have here.  This girl taking good care of 
you?"  Artemis asked, but as expected gained nothing more than 
a look from C-chan in response.  He sat back and watched as she 
leapt up to a shelf and pushed a large wooden board off it and 
onto the bed.  She then signalled him to join her.
	Artemis momentarily remained paralyzed by nervousness.  
Does she want me to...  Nono, she probably just wants to show 
me something, he thought with a mix of relief and 
disappointment.  He jumped up on the bed and looked at the 
board, quickly realizing that it was a one of those spirit boards 
children sometimes play with.  C-chan then pointed out the 
letters to say, `yes it is nice, and I'm just fine'.
	"Hey, this is perfect.  Now we can talk.  Did you get your 
memory back?"
	`Yes,' C-chan responded, then paused a second to think.  
`It is a long story.  Have you been to Jusenkyo?'
	"Hmh?  What is that?"
	`Never mind, too hard to explain.'  She replied then 
thought again for a moment.  `How do you talk?'
	Artemis started to reply then stopped and thought on the 
question.  "I don't really know, I just do.  All lunar cats can."
	`Could you teach me?'
	Artemis paused to think.  This would be awesome.  He 
would have the perfect excuse to see her everyday this way, and if 
he succeeded, well, that would be even better.  "I can certainly 
try.  You never know."
	`Good.'
	"Tell you what, I'll come by tomorrow, say about this 
time, and we can start.  I have to meet someone right now.  That 
okay?"  C-chan nodded to Artemis' delight and he made off for 
the door.  "Great!  I'll see you tomorrow then."  Artemis said and 
began to leave but C-chan meowed out to gain back his attention.
	`Just stay clear of Kaneda.  He is afraid of cats.'
	"Oh, right, sure.  I'll remember that.  Bye."
	C-chan watched the lunar cat leave then frowned.  If he 
wasn't from Jusenkyo then just how in the hell could he talk?  
And, just what was a lunar cat anyway?  She'd never heard of 
one.  With some time maybe she'd get some answers, but for 
now she had other pressing matters.
	
	Down stairs Mako was finishing off her papers and 
getting ready to go.  She thanked Kaneda's father then got ready 
to leave.  However, there was one other matter she wished to 
address.  "Um, Mr. Tendo."  She said to gain Kaneda's attention.
	"Yes."
	"Just before I rang the bell earlier, I heard you saying that 
you were thinking of moving out to Mr. Hiro's restaurant for a 
while.  I was just thinking that if you wanted to get the place 
running or anything I'd be glad to help out."
	"That's very kind of you Makoto, but you do have school 
work to-"
	"Oh, that's no trouble.  I really do love cooking, and I 
really should get some experience in a real restaurant if I plan to 
open one of my own.  I asked and he said it was fairly big, so I 
could move in.... of course if that's okay with you.  I wouldn't be 
any trouble.  Like I said I've lived on my own for quite a while 
now.  I'm really tidy and everything."  Mako finally finished with 
a blush.  She had meant to go about it a bit more subtly, but 
fortunately Kaneda didn't seem to mind her forwardness.  Instead 
he actually smiled.
	"I'm sure you are.  All right then, but I will be watching 
your school work to ensure it doesn't suffer any."
	"Oh it won't, it won't."  Mako blurt out happily.
	"Good, I'll hold you to that.  I'm going to be moving in 
tomorrow.  I've already made some arrangements.  I'm sure my 
friends would be willing to help you with your stuff as well if you 
need it.  Oh yes, there will be another girl there.  Her name is 
Shampoo.  She's out at the moment, so I'll have to introduce you 
two tomorrow.  Is that all right?"
	"That's fine."  Mako replied, and even happier about 
Kaneda's reference to this Shampoo.  A girl, not girlfriend, or 
anything, just a girl.  Probably another cousin or something.  
Strange name though.
	Mako shrugged off the thought and headed off for home... 
well, her now very temporary home.  Artemis joined her at the 
gate, and his exhilarated mood reflected her own.  "Nothing 
unusual Artemis?"
	"Nope, not a thing.  A typical everyday home.  Luna has 
it all wrong.  There's no threat here, especially not from C-chan."
	"I agree.  It must be just some weird mistake."  Mako 
said, a dreamy, far off look on her face.  After a few second she 
came out of it.  "Oh yeah, I'm going to be moving in with 
Kaneda at a restaurant nearby."
	"Hey, great thinking.  You can get some good info on the 
place that way, not to mention some free eats for me."
	"Artemis," Mako scolded lightly.

	Shampoo came up the adjoining street just in time to see 
Mako and Artemis pass, and she eyed them in confusion.  Hadn't 
she heard two people talking?  She shook her head and continued 
on her way, ignoring the whole thing.  She couldn't be wasting 
her time on stupid, pointless mysteries about people she didn't 
even know or care about.
	She walked on for the Tendo residence, mulling over all 
that had happened lately.  She didn't even notice her great 
grandmother beside her till she spoke.  <"Troubled child?">
	After a second of shock, Shampoo responded, forcing a 
smile on her face.  <"No great grandmother.  Everything is 
fine.">
	<"You expect me to fall for that pitifully inadequate act.  I 
assume something about your husband is bothering you.">
	Shampoo let the false smile droop into a frown.  
<"Husband... some husband.">
	<"Give it time.">
	<"Time?!  She just started some new job at the school.  
That doesn't exactly sound like she's giving in to the whole 
thing.">
	<"But don't you see, it doesn't matter.  The longer he 
remains as he is, the more he will become accustomed to it.  It 
does not matter if he does so here or in China.  Eventually he will 
come around.">
	<"I don't care about that.">  Shampoo blurt out, then 
wanted to retract the statement.
	<"What do you mean?">
	<"It's just that I was hoping for at least something.  I was 
hoping it was just the law that scared her off, but that's not it at 
all.  Hmh, she already has a fiancee and I think she even has 
female lover too.">  Shampoo faced changed into an angry scowl.
	<"What?!">  Cologne asked, shocked herself.
	<"There was a girl over a few nights ago, a friend of 
Akane's, but she wasn't over visiting Akane.">
	<"Are you certain of this?">
	<"No.">
	<"Then let's not jump to any rash conclusions.  Besides, 
if it is true he may be closer to accepting his situation that I 
thought.  In the meantime I wish to see a little more resilience out 
of you.  I know it's there.  If you walk around being so gloomy all 
the time you'll do nothing for your situation.  You should stop 
avoiding him as well.">
	<"I haven't-">  Shampoo started to protest.
	<"Don't lie to me.  I have been watching, and you have 
been.  I know this is a difficult situation, but you'll need to take 
some action to fix it.  As for his denials, don't let them get to you.  
People are full of self deception.  This one is no exception.  I 
must be off.">  With that Cologne bounced off over the roof tops, 
leaving Shampoo standing in front of the door to the house.
	Shampoo took a moment to compose herself, and forced a 
smile on her face again.  On into the lions' den, she thought 
ruefully as she opened the door and walked in.  Immediately she 
picked out a discussion between the adults and her husband in 
the common room.
	"I have to point out father that in my present condition I 
certainly cannot marry Ranma.  Besides, this does not mean the 
engagement is canceled.  I just need a little space for a while."
	Now what, Shampoo thought in frustration and made her 
way to the common room.
	"I suppose your mind is thoroughly made up then?"  
Nodoka asked as Shampoo turned into the room.
	"Yes, I... Oh, Shampoo, hello."  Kaneda greeted.  "I need 
to talk to you."
	Shampoo was almost driven to run away at the statement, 
but Kaneda's expression stifled her worry.  It had a semi-hopeful 
look to it, but none of the fear or sadness of his admission from 
over a month ago.
	"I going to be moving out for a little while to help a friend 
look over his restaurant that he is trying to sell.  I was hoping to 
get it up and running, and that you would help.  Is that okay?"
	Shampoo stood for a moment, too stunned to move.  This 
was a sharp reversal of the trend that she had been encountering 
around here.  Maybe great grandmother was right after all.  With 
a small, but honest smile Shampoo nodded.
	
%End Chapter 14

	Phew, done at last.  Sorry about the delay, had to do some 
modifications.  Anyway, hopefully the next chapter will be a little 
quicker..  C&C is, as always, very welcome, even flames.  Come 
on people!  I mean it!   Anything is good!  I'm open to 
suggestions and ideas you know.  The plot is fairly dynamic.
	Special thanks to T. H. Tiger for his creative assistance 
which has been and continues to be extraordinarily helpful.  
Mental torment is our game.  Everyone better watch out.
	Cross-over spoilers:  Artemis, Mako, Usagi, Rei, Minako, 
Ami, and Luna are of course from Sailor Moon.  Sakura is from 
street fighter, and Kitsune... well, she's not really from anywhere, 
but she does have a basis in an xtremely odd show.  Ahem, 
anyway, all other students to date are just weirdos either from 
Ranma 1/2 or from our twisted imaginations
	If you wish to check out my other works look at:
	http://www.mala.bc.ca/~tritscwa/ranma/fanfic.htm
	I'm off very temporarily for Christmas break, giving me 
plenty of free time so my webpage will be up to date.  If you 
missed a chapter just check there, all chapters to date are stored 
there for your convenience.
	Bye for....  Whoa, wait a minute, one last thing.  I know 
people have a nasty knack of not reading this stuff, but I'll try 
and gain a response anyhow.  Obviously I'm having a restaurant 
opening here.  Problem is, I'm really low on names for it.  Any 
suggestions would be appreciated.  They may be basically 
anything (it's not going to be purely a Chinese restaurant like the 
Nekohanten was).
	Okay, now it's the real end.