"A Change of Scene"
1998, June "KaraOhki" Geraci

karaohki@snet.net

chapters 1-26 can be found at
http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/rothko/228

The characters from Ranma 1/2 in this fiction are the
creations of Rumiko Takahashi, and borrowed without
her permission.
This story was written for non-commercial purposes only.



Chapter 21

 The members of the drama club finally sat down and put their choices of
plays to a vote.  The result was almost unanimous - Sailor Moon - and
those who had voted against it were gracious enough to agree to
cooperate with the majority.  Now that the issue was settled, the
members sat together with copies of the script that Yoshimi had written,
and a few volumes of the manga. Some revisions of the script were
submitted, and Akane was taking notes, when Yoshimi walked around the
table and took a chair next to hers, looking at her intently.  After a
while, Akane became uncomfortable, and put down her pen.

 "What is it, Yoshimi?"

 "Akane, I know you said you don't want to act, but your resemblance to
Ami - Sailor Mercury - is unmistakable. Won't you reconsider?"

 "I'd rather not, really.  I'd be much more comfortable behind the
scenes. "

 Mishi had been watching the exchange, and spoke up.

 "Yoshimi's right, Akane.  I'm sure you'd have fun if you tried it."

 Akane folded her arms and glared at her friend.

 "I said I don't want to act, Mishi.   Besides, if you want me for a
resemblance to a Sailor Scout, why don't you try out for Rei?  You'd be
perfect as Sailor Mars."

 Mishi was silent, and the others at the table began thumbing through
the manga, looking from the pictures to Mishi.

 Mishi could see where it was leading, and issued a challenge.

 "All right, Akane.  I'll do it if you do it."

 "You're on!"

      *****

 Akane laughed silently at herself as she walked across campus after the
meeting.  How had she allowed herself to be talked into acting?

 Akane got to her room and put her key in her lock, but the door opened
by itself.  When she turned on the light, the room was a wreck.  Her
things had been scattered everywhere.

 Akane spent the next half hour cleaning up, and checking to see if
anything was missing.  Nothing appeared to have been taken, and she
wondered who had broken in.  She pulled out her reading for the night,
and buried her head in her books, trying not to worry about it.  When
she finished, she undressed, and got into bed.

 When Akane slipped her hand under her pillow, she encountered something
sharp, and jumped.  She turned on the light, and lifted up the pillow.
There was a black rose beneath it.  Now she knew who had invaded her
privacy.

                                    *****

 Akane was to meet Ranma at the gym to practice the next morning, but
she sat down on the floor with him to talk instead.

 "Ranma, there are a couple of things I need to tell you."

 "What is it?"

 "I got bulldozed into acting in the play."

 "Not Juliet?"

 Akane laughed.

 "No, we're doing Sailor Moon, after all.   Yoshimi insisted that I look
just like Sailor Mercury, and begged me to take the part."

 Ranma nodded.

 "Well, you do, Akane.  Haven't you ever noticed it?"

 "Not really.  Then when Mishi agreed with him, I told her she looked
like Mars, and we sort of dared each other to try out.  Now I guess I'm
stuck."

 "So do it, Akane.  You'll have fun."

 "That's easy for you to say, Ranma."

 "I'm really glad it's not Juliet, Akane, otherwise I'd have to try out
for the play."

 "Excuse me?"

 Ranma looked uncomfortable, then began again.

 "If you were going to be Juliet, there's no way I'd let anyone else be
Romeo.  Do you think I'd let some other guy kiss you?"

 Akane looked shocked for a moment, and then began to laugh.

 "Are you sure you're the same man who refused to kiss me when we were
Romeo and Juliet in high school?"

 "What if I had, Akane?  Would you have kissed me back, or would you
have decked me?"

 "I don't know."

 Akane stopped talking, and looked at the floor.  Ranma realized there
was more on her mind, and picked up her hand.

 "Something's bothering you, Akane.  Tell me."

 "When I got back to my room last night, it was trashed.  I found a
black rose under my pillow.  I don't understand why Kodachi would do
that."

 "I do, Akane.   I got fed up with her yesterday, and told her to leave
me alone.  She laughed at me, and said I'd be sorry.  I didn't know what
she had in mind, but I didn't dream she'd take it out on you."

 Ranma pulled Akane into his arms, and held her close.

 "Maybe we should start looking for our apartment sooner, sweetheart.  I
don't like having Kodachi near you."

 "I can take care of myself, Ranma."

 "I know that, Akane.  I just want you with me."

 "I want to be with you, too.  Maybe it's time we filled out that form."

 Ranma stood up, and Akane joined him.

 "Forget about practice today, Akane.  I'll go get the form.  Meet me in
the cafeteria in ten minutes.  We'll have breakfast together, and fill
it out."

 Ranma was walking toward the cafeteria, when he heard a cry of joy
behind him.  It was a voice Ranma didn't want to hear, and he quickly
turned, to see Shampoo running up.

 "Ranma!  I found you!"

 Shampoo reached for Ranma, but he held out both palms.

 "No,  Shampoo.    Don't."

 "But Shampoo misses you, Ranma.  Came all the way to see you."

 Ranma felt eyes upon him, and turned to see Akane looking at him
through the cafeteria window.  Then she was gone, and he knew she was on
her way outside.  Ranma turned back to Shampoo, who was standing there
with both hands tightly clasped together.  The look on her face told him
that she already knew she'd lost, but herd made this journey out of
desperation.  Ranma tried to make his next words sound gentle, though he
knew they would hurt her.

 "Shampoo, you have to understand.  You can't have me.  I am going to
marry Akane.  I love her.  Are you listening to me?"

 Shampoo turned pale.  She had known Ranma loved Akane for a long time,
but had buried the knowledge deep down, refusing to acknowledge it.  Now
she had to.  Ranma saw her reaction and stepped to her side, supporting
her. Akane ran up, took her other am, and they quickly walked her to the
cafeteria.  Akane sat with Shampoo, watching her, while Ranma brought
her some tea. Shampoo sat looking at the cup without making an effort to
pick it up, and Ranma took Akane aside to talk to her.

 "What happened, Ranma?"

 "I told Shampoo we were getting married, Akane."

 "You WHAT!"

 "I had to, Akane.  It's funny, though.  I think she was expecting it.
But I don't know what to do next."

 "I think you'd better think of something, Ranma.  Look."

 Ranma turned, and realized a complicated situation was getting worse.
Shiro was coming across the cafeteria with a full breakfast tray, and a
familiar look on his face.  He'd spotted another pretty girl.

 "Good morning, Ranma.  Who's your friend?"

 "This is Shampoo, Shiro.  She's not feeling too well at the moment."

 Shiro looked concerned, and sat down.  He took his orange juice off the
tray, and offered it to Shampoo.

 "Miss, have some juice.  It will make you feel better."

 Shampoo lifted her head, and her eyes met Shiro's.  Out of politeness,
she smiled, and accepted the juice, noting the concern in his eyes.
Shiro was struck with Shampoo's beauty, and the unusual color of her
eyes.  He quietly ate his breakfast, watching her sip the juice.

 Ranma watched his friend, and realized that he was very taken with
Shampoo.  Shiro had an eye for the ladies.  He got up, and took his arm.

 "Akane, excuse us for a moment.  Shiro, come with me."

 He led Shiro a few steps away, and talked to him softly.

 "Shampoo came from Furinkan to see me.  She's been following me around
for years."

 "But you're engaged to Akane, Ranma."

 "Shampoo knows that.  She doesn't care.  I think, though, that I finall
y got through to her.  That 's why she's so upset."

 Shiro looked back at Shampoo.

 "What's she going to do now?"

 "I'm not sure."

 They walked back to the table, where Shampoo had finished her juice,
and had a little more color than before.  She wouldn't look at Akane,
who gave Ranma a questioning look.  Then Shampoo rose, shaking a little.

 "Shampoo go home now."

 Ranma took her arm.

 "Are you sure, Shampoo?  Will you be all right?"

 Shampoo's eyes flashed, and she slapped Ranma, who quickly released
her.

 "No touch me, Ranma!"

 She turned, and bumped into Shiro, who had just left his chair.

 "Shampoo, if you like, I'll drive you to the station.  I don't think
you are in any shape to walk."

 Shampoo's pride almost made her refuse, but Shiro seemed sincere in his
offer.

 "Thank you."

 Shiro let Shampoo lean on him, and he walked her out of the cafeteria.
Akane watched  them leave, and turned to Ranma.

 "Ranma, do you think this means Shampoo will leave us alone?"

 "I'm not sure, Akane.  I'm not even sure why Shampoo came here today.
It's as if she was expecting me to reject her again."

 "I can tell you one thing for certain, Ranma.  Shiro is in trouble.
Did you see his face?"

 "How could I miss it?  But he never stays interested in one girl for
more than a day or two.  I wouldn't worry too much about him."




Chapter 22


 Shiro led Shampoo out of the cafeteria, and started toward the student
parking area.  They'd barely reached the sidewalk when disaster struck.
It had rained the previous night, and a passing car drove through a
puddle and splashed them thoroughly.  Shiro was dripping, and he felt
Shampoo's arm slip out of his.  He was totally unprepared, however, for
what happened next, for Shampoo turned into a small cat.

 Shiro had joined the Sci-Fi club for a reason:  he believed that there
were things that happened that could not be explained.  He never,
however, thought that he'd see one for himself.  He squatted down to
look at the cat more carefully, and it mewed at him pitifully.

 Shampoo was not frightened, but embarrassed.  She thought that the
young man with her would run away in horror, but to her surprise, he got
down to her level, and just looked at her.  She mewed at him, and patted
his knee with her paw.

 Shiro picked up Shampoo's clothing and shoes, and then held out his
hand for her.  She jumped into the crook of his arm, and he walked
around the side of the cafeteria.

                                  *****

 Ranma went to the counter and picked up some tea and a couple of
muffins, and he and Akane started to eat.  Akane was waiting for Ranma
to reopen the subject he'd started in the gymnasium, and he soon did.

 "Akane, if you think I'm rushing you, just say so."

 Akane looked down at her teacup, and then back at Ranma.  It had been
easy for her to say "let's wait" when they lived in the same house, and
she could spend as much time as she wanted to with him, but now that
they were living apart, it wasn't the same.

 "You're not rushing me, Ranma.  We've waited long enough."

 Ranma pulled the form from his knapsack, and they began to fill it in,
when there was a tap on the window behind them, and they turned.  Shiro
was standing there, holding Shampoo-cat in one hand, and her clothing in
the other.

 Ranma saw the cat, stood, and backed away from the window.  Even though
he recognized Shampoo, his intense fear of cats was too much for him.
Akane quickly turned him around, whispering into his ear.

 "Go to class, Ranma.   I'll take care of this."

 Ranma fought to calm himself.

 "Akane, I hate to dump this on you.  Can you handle explaining
everything to Shiro?

 "I can,  Ranma."

 Akane turned around and gestured to Shiro to wait.  He nodded back.

 "Ranma, should I tell Shiro about your curse?"

 "Not yet, Akane."

 Ranma hesitated again, and Akane gave him a shove toward the door.

 "Get out of here before you start meowing!"

      *****

 Shiro waited patiently until Akane came outside, and was very glad to
see her running out of the cafeteria.

 "Akane, I don't know what to do.  Why did Shampoo become a cat?"

 "It's a complicated story, Shiro, but I'll explain.  First, though,
Shampoo needs to get back to normal.  Give her to me."

 Akane felt awkward when Shiro handed Shampoo to her.  She wasn't very
fond of her, and found herself wondering why she was helping her.
Shampoo, for her part, wasn't sure if she should accept help from the
woman who had stolen Ranma from her, but realized that she had no choice
in the matter.

 Akane walked toward the ladies' room, Shiro following.  She peeked
inside, to find the room empty.

 "Shiro, please try to keep anyone from coming in here for a little
while."

 "How am I supposed to do that, Akane?"

 Akane lost her temper.

 "I don't know.   Think of something!"

 Akane ducked inside, and ran to a sink.  She put Shampoo on the floor
beneath it, turned on the hot water, and let the sink overflow.  When
Shampoo became human, she silently took her clothing from Akane and
entered a stall to dress.   Akane wiped up the spilled water from the
floor and joined Shiro where he stood outside, looking anxious.  Akane
smiled when she noticed that he'd put up a handwritten "0ut of Order"
sign.

 "Can I take this down now, Akane?  I've been getting some peculiar
looks from people."

 "Go ahead, Shiro.  Shampoo is getting dressed."

 "Now would you please tell me what's going on?"

 Akane took a deep breath, and began.

 "Near Shampoo's village in China is a place called Jusenkyo.  It has
many springs, and every one of them is cursed.  If a person were to fall
into one of them, he or she would take on the form of whoever or
whatever drowned in that spring.  In Shampoo's case, she fell into the
Spring of Drowned Cat."

 "Are you serious, Akane?  I can't believe there is such a place."

 "Believe it, Shiro.  I've been there."

 "But if Shampoo fell in a cursed spring, why isn't she a cat all of the
time?"

 "The curse is activated by cold liquid--getting caught in the rain, for
example.  Even getting a cold drink spilled on you can do it.  To get
back to normal, you need a hot liquid."

 Akane saw Shiro's expression change, and he nodded his understanding.

 "Does that mean you can change back by taking a hot shower, or pouring
hot water over your head, or something like that?"

 "That's it, Shiro.  I used hot water from the sink."

 Shiro was thoughtful for a minute, and then he smiled at Akane.

 "Shampoo's awfully cute when she's a cat.  I always liked cats."

 Akane stared open-mouthed at her friend.

 "I can't believe how you're accepting this, Shiro.  I thought. . "

 "What did you think?"

 "I guess I didn't know how you would react.  You surprised me."

 "Actually, Akane, what surprised me was seeing Ranma's face when he saw
Shampoo.  Why did he run off like that?  He must know about the curse,
too."

 "Yes, Shiro, but Ranma has an intense fear of cats--a phobia, in fact."

 "C'mon, Akane.   I didn't Ranma would be afraid of anything,  least of
all a little cat."

 The bathroom door opened, and Shampoo emerged.  She was surprised to
find that Shiro was still there, and looked down at her feet.  Shiro
realized that she was embarrassed.

 "Shampoo, my offer still stands, if you want that lift to the train."

 Shampoo couldn't believe that Shiro hadn't run for his life, and smiled
at him.

 "Thank you, Shiro.  You very kind person."

 Akane watched them walk off together, feeling very encouraged.  If
Shiro was able to handle Shampoo's curse, maybe Ranma's wouldn't upset
him, either.




Chapter 23

 Shiro parked the car at the train station, and walked Shampoo inside.
The next train to Furinkan was not for another hour, and Shampoo sat
down to wait.  She expected Shiro to leave, but he sat beside her.

 "Shiro, will you miss your class?"

 "That's all right, Shampoo.  I thought you might need some company."

 Shampoo inched away from Shiro, frowning.

 "Am all right, Shiro.  Go now."

 Shiro looked disappointed, and was going to protest, but something in
Shampoo's eyes made him get up.

 "Okay, I get the hint.  Take care of yourself, Shampoo."

 Shampoo watched Shiro leave the platform and then leaned back and
closed her eyes.  She had accomplished what she had traveled so far to
do.  It was time to say good bye to Ranma.

                      *****

 During the course of the morning, Ranma found himself wondering how
Shiro had responded to Akane's explanation of Jusenkyo curses.  Sooner
or later Shiro would find out that Ranma too was cursed, and he wondered
if it would affect their friendship.  Ranma was angry at himself for his
fear of cats, and wished there was some way he could overcome it.  Then
he wouldn't have had to leave Akane with the responsibility of handling
the situation herself.

 When lunch time came, Ranma joined the group at the tables they always
staked out in the corner, and found Akane waiting for him.  He detached
her from the rest of the group and took her to a smaller table, where
they finished filling out the form while eating lunch.  When it was
complete, Ranma put it back in his knapsack and stood up.

 "Meet me by the library after classes, Akane.  We can go straight to
the student housing office and turn this in.  Do you have to work
tonight?"

 "No, I'm off."

 "Me too.  I'll take you to dinner."

 Ranma leaned over to kiss Akane before he left, and he heard a laugh
behind him.

 "There they go again."

 Ranma turned to see Shiro.

 "Professor Ogawara's lecture starts soon, Ranma.  Let's go."

 "Shiro's right, Akane.  I'd better go."

 Ranma followed Shiro out of the cafeteria, and then stopped him.

 "What was that about?  We have plenty of time."

 "I wanted to talk to you about Shampoo, Ranma.  Can you answer a few
questions?"

 "I guess so."

                                           *****

 Ranma dropped his books in his room, and jogged to the library.   Akane
was waiting by the entrance.  They were walking down the steps when
Yoshimi came up, holding a stack of notices.  He stopped to stay hello,
and Akane introduced him to Ranma, and then looked at the notices
curiously.

 "What do you have there, Yoshimi?"

 He handed one to her.

 "It's for the play, Akane."

 Akane stopped to read the notice, which was for open auditions for the
play.  She made a face, and Ranma laughed at her.

 "You took the dare, honey.  Now you have to try out."

 "I hope they find someone they like better."

 Yoshimi eyes met Ranma's above Akane's head, and he shook his head
negatively.  He wanted Akane for the role, and that was that.  Ranma
laughed, and Akane looked up.

 "What's so funny?"

 "Nothing, Akane.  Let's go."

 Yoshimi watched them walk off, looking a little disappointed.  He
didn't know Akane had a boyfriend.

                                     *****

 The woman at the student housing office took the application from
Ranma, and thanked him.

 "We'll do the best we can, but you'll have to be patient.   There's a
waiting list for apartments right now."

 "Are there a lot of people ahead of us?"

 "Not too many, but there's a shortage of affordable rooms right now.
When were you planning to get married"'

 "As soon as we find an apartment.   We were hoping to get something
before the end of the year. "

 "We'll try."

      *****

 Ranma and Akane left the student housing office, and walked downtown to
a restaurant, where Ranma told Akane about his conversation with Shiro
after lunch.

 "You wouldn't believe the number of questions he asked me about
Shampoo.  He's absolutely fascinated with her."

 Akane looked worried.

 "Ranma, Shampoo has been obsessed with you for a long time.  Today she
had to face the truth--that she can't have you.  I hope she isn't going
to latch onto Shiro just because she's unhappy.  It wouldn't be good for
either of them."

 "Akane, I think you missed the point.  Shampoo told Shiro to go away.
He's the one who's interested in her.  But Akane, why are you so
concerned about Shampoo all of a sudden?  I thought you didn't like
her."

 Ranma knew he'd said the wrong thing when he saw how angry Akane got.

 "Ranma, I'm not completely heartless, you know!  You saw how upset
Shampoo got this morning.  I don't like to see anyone that unhappy."

 "Sorry, Akane.  After all the terrible things Shampoo has done to us I
guess I assumed you wouldn't have any forgiveness left.  I wouldn't
worry too much about her harming Shiro, though.  He doesn't seem to
stick to one girl for very long, and Furinkan isn't exactly next door.
If Shiro can't see Shampoo, he'll forget about her."



Chapter 24

 Shampoo got home in time to get ready for work.  Cologne was busy
getting the restaurant ready to open, and didn't take the time to ask
her great-granddaughter where she'd been.  That night after closing,
however, she did.

 "Shampoo, where were you all day?"

 Shampoo looked very unhappy, and Cologne guessed.

 "You went to see Ranma, didn't you?"

 "Yes."

 "I told you to stay away from him, Shampoo.  You can't marry him."

 "Shampoo no want Ranma, Grandmother.  He happy with Akane."

 Cologne couldn't believe her ears.

 "What did you say?"

 "I said Ranma happy with Akane.  They getting married."

 "In that case, dear, won't you consider marrying Mousse?  He's always
been there, you know."

 "I no love him.  Shampoo will find own husband."

 "That's not our way, Shampoo.  I have to approve of your husband."

 Shampoo's eyes flashed.  She didn't often argue with her
great-grandmother, but this was too important to her.

 "We not in China now.  Will find own husband."

 Mousse stood on the other side of the kitchen door, listening with a
smile on his face.  Ranma no longer stood between him and Shampoo.
Despite Shampoo's statement to the contrary, Mousse intended Shampoo to
be his wife, or no one's.

     *****

 Ranma found Akane eating her breakfast with the newspaper in front of
her.  She was marking ads, and he looked over her shoulder.

 "What do you have there, Akane?"

 "I thought we might be able to find a place on our own, Ranma, but most
of them are too expensive."

 Akane handed the paper to Ranma, and pointed out the ads she'd circled.

 "These were all I could find.  What do you think?"

 "We won't know unless we check them out, Akane.  Want to go at lunch?"

 When Ranma and Akane checked out the apartments at lunch time, they
found them disappointing.  It was apparent that people were taking
advantage of the shortage in rooms to charge outrageous prices for what
could only be termed as dumps.  Ranma was so disgusted with one of them
that he walked away talking to himself.

 "No way would I bring my wife to live in a place like that."

 They hurried back to campus for their culinary arts class, but were
unable to get there on time.  As they ran into the building Ranma
stopped to take off his coat, and turned to Akane.

 "I hope we're making something good, Akane.   I'm starved."

 "Maybe we should have had lunch, Ranma.  It would have been less of a
waste of time than looking at those apartments."

 Professor Mori frowned at them when they arrived.

 "You're late.  We're cooking in teams of two today, and the teams have
already been assigned.  You two will have to work together."

 Akane looked at her fianc�, and paled.  The last time they'd worked
together in a kitchen, it had turned into a competition.  Ranma caught
her look, and smiled.

 "Don't worry, Akane.  I'll work with you, not against you."

 For the first time, Akane was able to show Ranma what she'd only
explained--how to work with the checklist.  They took the recipe given
to them, and started to measure everything out.

 "Akane, this makes sense.  Everything will be organized before you need
it."

     Across the room, one team had started cooking before preparing.
Ranma couldn't help laughing when he heard them starting to argue.

 "It's time to put the onions in.  Where are they?"

 "I thought you were cutting them up."

 "I told you to."

 Ranma watched as the oil they had heating started to overheat, and
burned the onions once they hit the pan.

 "Akane, those two are hopeless."

 "Like we used to be?"

 "No, Akane, like you used to be.  I was always a good cook."

 Akane elbowed Ranma in the ribs, and continued working.  When they were
done, they had a lunch that was not only eatable, but that pleased
Professor Mori.  He complimented them both when he tasted it, and then
addressed an extra comment to Akane.

 "Miss Tendo, if your fiance were to taste this, I'm sure he would like
it."

 Akane beamed at him, and Ranma laughed.

 "I do like it, sir.  I've tasted a few of the dishes Akane's made in
class, and I think her cooking is improving."

 "You are Miss Tendo's fianc�, Saotome?  I'm glad I teamed you, then.  A
couple should be able to work together in a kitchen.  I cook with my
wife all the time."

 Ranma and Akane devoured what they'd cooked, and ran to their next
classes.  After they were done for the day, Ranma walked Akane to the
day care center, kissed her good bye, and left for the hospital.
Kodachi stood some distance away, seething.  No matter how hard she
tried, she couldn't detach Ranma from Akane.

 Akane left work, and went to the cafeteria for dinner.  Ranma was
meeting Shiro at the Sci-Fi club after work, and she didn't expect to
see him again until the next day.  She went to the dormitory, and picked
up her mail. There was a small box from Kasumi, which she hurried to her
room to open.

  Dear Akane,
        One of your classmates, Hikaru, dropped this picture off for
you this morning.  He said that he took it at your graduation    dinner,
and thought you would want it.  I don't understand why,   but he was
crying.

  I hope that you and Ranma are still getting along well.  Father is
  still talking about planning another wedding in the spring, and I
  wondered how you would feel about it.  Will you be ready?  Did   your
club ever choose a play to produce?  Perhaps Father and I can   come up
to see it.

  Love, Kasumi

 Akane smiled at the letter, and unwrapped the picture.  It was a framed
photograph of her and Ranma dancing together.  Akane sat gazing at the
picture for a long time.  She'd have to ask Ranma to take her dancing.

 Finally, Akane put the picture on her desk, and took out her books.
She was in the middle of writing a report, and staring at pictures
wouldn't help her write it.  She soon was so busy working on it that she
barely noticed that it had begun to rain.

             *****

 The Sci-Fi club was about to show an episode of Star Trek:  The Next
Generation when Ranma and Shiro arrived.  Ranma sat down, and turned to
his friend Ichiro.

 "Which one is it?"

 "Q-Pid. "

 "Oh, I haven't seen it.  Dubbed or subtitled?"

 "Subtitled."

 Ranma smiled, and turned around to the television,  He preferred the
subtitled versions, since it was helping him with his English
pronunciation. The club was going to show a second tape, but Ranma get
up to leave.

 "I've seen this one, and it's getting late.  Good night."

 Shiro joined him, and they started downstairs.

 "Shiro, did you notice how many tapes they had on the table?  When do
they sleep?"

 Shiro laughed.

 "I heard that some of them don't.  I like sci-fi, but that's
ridiculous."

 As Shiro finished talking, they got to the door, and Ranma stopped,
causing Shiro to bump into him.

 "Why'd you stop, Ranma?"

 "It's raining."

 "So what?  We'll get a little wet."

 Ranma looked his friend in the eye, and stood straighter.

 "Yes, we'll get wet, and then I'll change."

 Suddenly, Shiro understood.

 "You have a Jusenkyo curse, Ranma?  What will happen to you?"

 "Wait here."

 Ranma stepped out into the rain, and stood there.  Shiro thought at
first that nothing was happening, but then he realized that Ranma had
become shorter.  Then Ranma turned around and stepped back into the
lobby, and Shiro realized that he was looking at a woman.  She had the
same blue eyes as Ranma, but instead of black hair, hers was red.  Shiro
couldn't help staring at her figure.

 "Ranma, that's really you?"

 "Yes it is.  I fell into the Spring of Drowned Girl. "

 He even sounded female.

 "Akane said you become whatever drowned in the spring.  Does this mean
that the girl who drowned there looked like this?"

 "I don't think so, Shiro.  As far as I can figure, if I'd had a sister,
she would have looked like this.  I resemble my mom a lot when I'm this
way. "

 Shiro opened his mouth, closed it again, and looked uncomfortable.

 "What were you going to say?"

 "Akane said that she'd been there, too.  Does she .. I mean."

 "No,  Shiro.   Akane isn't cursed.    I'll tell you the whole story
once we get back to our room."

 "If you can sneak in, that is. "

 The two friends ran across campus, and attempted to enter the
dormitory. They thought they were home free, when Shiro heard his name
called.

 "Hayasuka, what are you doing?"

 "Going upstairs, sir."

 "Not with her.  You know the rules.  No women at this time of night."

 Shiro opened his mouth to protest, but Ranma shook his head.

 "Don't worry about it, Shiro.  I'll be okay. "

 Before Shiro could reply, Ranma had run off into the rain.





Chapter 25

 Ranma walked up the steps to the dormitory, and opened the door.  A
couple of girls in the lobby looked at him curiously, but didn't say
anything. Ranma looked at the directory, found his way to Akane's room,
and knocked on her door.

 Akane put her books away, and turned on her radio.  She'd opened her
dresser drawer and was taking out a nightgown when there was a knock on
her door.  She dropped the nightgown on the bed and opened the door to
find girl-type Ranma standing there, dripping.

 "Hi."

 Akane grabbed Ranma, dragged him in, and locked the door.

 "What are you doing here?  What happened?"

 "Shiro and I got caught in the rain.  He tried to help me get in the
dorm, but we got caught.  Now they think he was sneaking a girlfriend
in."

 Akane saw the humor in the predicament Ranma and Shiro had found
themselves in, but held back her laughter.  Ranma didn't look amused.

 "I'll get you some dry things, Ranma."

 Akane was looking in her closet when Ranma picked up the photograph.

 "Where did you get this?"

 "Kasumi sent it.  Gosunkuji took it, and brought it to the house. "

 Ranma smiled at the picture, and at Akane.

 "We have to dance together again."

 "How about now?"

 Ranma looked down at his female body, and back at Akane.

 "Huh?"

 Akane took a pitcher off her shelf, left the room, and returned with
some water.  She poured part of it into a teakettle, and plugged it in.
When the water was hot enough, Ranma poured it over himself, turning
male.

 "We're taking a big chance, Akane.  If I get caught in here like this,
you could get in a lot of trouble."

 "That's what the rest of the cold water is for, Ranma.  After all, if
you're going to sleep here tonight, it will have to be as a girl."

 "Right."

 Akane stepped into the hallway while Ranma changed into the sweat shirt
and sweat pants that Akane had found for him.  When she saw how he
looked, she giggled.

 "I guess they don't fit very well, but at least they're dry."

 Akane turned to her radio, and started searching for some music to
dance to.  When she found it, Ranma held out his arms, and she walked
into them.

 Dancing with Akane was fun, but Ranma found that holding her was too
much of a temptation for him when he stopped dancing so that he could
kiss her.  He let her go and backed away, looking apologetic.

 "I'm sorry, Akane.  This isn't a good idea."

 Before Akane could reply, Ranma retrieved the pitcher of cold water and
turned himself female again.

 "Maybe we should just go to sleep, Ranma.  It is late."

 Akane picked up her nightgown, and Ranma looked at it, and then into
Akane's eyes.

 "No, Ranma.  I won't wear this in front of you.  I'll put it away."

 Akane got out two pairs of pajamas, and Ranma took his out to the
bathroom to change while Akane changed in her room.  She was already in
bed when he returned and locked the door.  Ranma got into the other bed,
and settled down.

 "Akane,  I ran into a couple of girls in the hallway.   They wanted to
know who I was, so I told them I was visiting you.  I called myself
Ranko again, like I did when I was hiding from Mom."

 Ranma reached for the light, but Akane held something out to him.

 "This is the letter I got from Kasumi today.  I thought you'd want to
read it."

 Ranma read the letter, his expression amused when he found the
paragraph about the planned wedding.

 "I'm not surprised our parents are set on another wedding, Akane.
Should we tell him we're planning one of our own?"

 "I don't know.  Our fathers would want to plan something elaborate
again, and I know they must have spent a fortune last time.  Couldn't we
make our own arrangements, and then just find a way to get them here?"

 Akane hesitated momentarily, and then spoke again.

 "Or maybe we should just elope."

 "Akane, tell me the truth."

 "What?"

 "You can't fool me, Akane.   You're worried that what happened last
time will happen again, aren't you?"

 "I should have known better.  You're right."

 "We won't let anything stop us this time,  Akane,  but I don't think it
would be a good idea to keep our families in the dark.  We'll wait until
we have our apartment, and a wedding date, and then tell them.  This way
they'll have to keep it simple, because they won't have much time to
plan."

      *****

 Ranma got up very early the next morning, and dressed, watching Akane
sleep.  He walked to her side, and gently touched her hair.  He was
tempted to kiss her, but didn't want to do so in girl form.

 Ranma quietly gathered his things and left the dormitory.  He went to
the gym, which was deserted this early in the morning, took a hot
shower, and then went to his room.  Shiro was still in bed, but he sat
up when Ranma opened the door.

 "Ranma, are you okay?  Where did you go last night?"

 "Akane's room.  She gave me the spare bed."

 "You mean you just walked into the dorm?"

 "Sure, no one said a word."

 Shiro found the situation rather bizarre, and couldn't help saying
something.

 "Doesn't this bother Akane, Ranma?  I can't imagine a girl wanting to
marry a guy who changes sex."

 "That's exactly what she said when we first met, Shiro."

 Shiro had hit a very sensitive topic, and Ranma hoped he'd drop it.
Unfortunately, he didn't.

 "What about now, Ranma?"

 Ranma's tone was less than friendly when he replied.

 "She's marrying me, isn't she?  Let's talk about something else."

 "Sorry, Ranma.  You said you would tell me the whole story about your
curse.  Will you?"

 Ranma was glad to stop talking about how Akane felt about his curse,
and instead spent some time explaining his training trip to China.  He
threw in the tale of his contest with Shampoo, and her subsequent trip
to Japan to kill "girl-type Ranma", which held Shiro's complete
attention.  Ranma watched his friend's face as he talked, and realized
that Shiro was more interested in hearing about Shampoo than hearing
about him.



Chapter 26

    It was early enough for Ranma to consider running, but the heavy
rains the night before made running in the street inadvisable, and he
joined the group on the track.

 Akane was disappointed to find Ranma gone when she woke.  When she saw
what a beautiful morning it was, she decided to go running before
breakfast.

 Ukyo walked down to campus, enjoying the sunshine.  She kept in shape
by running at the track several mornings a week, and was pleased to see
Ranma there.  Ukyo began running behind him, and soon caught up. She ran
abreast of him, giving him a bright smile.

 "Good morning!"

 Ranma was surprised Ukyo was being so pleasant.  She'd barely said good
bye to him when he'd left her restaurant with Akane, which was the last
time he'd encountered her.

 "Hi, Ukyo."

 Ranma kept running, Ukyo at his side.  After a couple of laps, she
looked at him again.

 "Can I treat you to a cup of tea?"

 Ranma realized that Ukyo hadn't given up on him yet.  It wouldn't be
kind to encourage her.

 "No thanks, Ucchan."

 Ukyo looked hurt, and slowed down, allowing Ranma to outdistance her.
She thought for a while, and decided that if the direct approach wasn't
working, maybe something else would.  Perhaps she could make Ranma
jealous. There were several young men running and when the next one
passed, Ukyo smiled at him.  He looked surprised and smiled back, and on
his next lap, ran beside her, and introduced himself.

 Ranma wasn't paying attention.  He was too busy thinking about his and
Akane's relationship,  It had always been a volatile one, and even now
they still were having their share of disagreements.  Complications from
Ukyo or Kodachi were the last thing they needed.  Ranma was so deep in
thought that he didn't notice the footsteps behind him until Akane
caught up to him and touched his hand.

 Ranma stopped running and walked Akane off the track so that he could
kiss her.

 "How did you know where to find me?"

 "I didn't, but I'm glad I found you.  Have you been here long?"

 "A while.   I was about to quit and have breakfast."

 "If you wait 'til I put in a couple of laps, I'll go with you."

 They started running again, and Akane soon noticed Ukyo's presence.

 "Who's that running with Ukyo, Ranma?"

 Ranma looked across the track.

 "That's Takashi.  He's in the Sci-Fi club.  Funny, she was running
alone before."

 Akane watched the pair curiously for a while, and then turned her
attention back to Ranma.

 "I like the looks of that.  If Ukyo has a boyfriend, she won't want to
bother you."

 Ranma decided not to tell Akane what had occurred earlier.  It would
only annoy her.

      *****

 Ukyo watched Ranma leave the track holding hands with his fiancee, and
felt frustrated.  It appeared that Ranma was uninterested in whether or
not she had another man running with her.  Takashi said something, and
Ukyo missed it.

 "Excuse me?"

 "I said I had to go, Ukyo.  My classes start soon, and I haven't had
breakfast yet.  What about you?"

 "I'm not a student, Takashi .  I own Ucchan's. "

 "The okonomiyaki restaurant?  I've heard of it.  You don't look old
enough to be running your own business."

 Ukyo laughed.

 "I started early, Takashi.  Why not come by for lunch? My treat."

 Takashi agreed, and left the track.

 Ukyo slowly walked back into town, wondering why she'd issued the
invitation.  The words had come out of her mouth before she'd thought
about the possible consequences.  It wasn't nice to lead someone on.

                                       *****

 Ranma was leaving his chemistry class when Kodachi blocked the doorway.
This was the only class they had in common, and thus far she had kept
her distance, but he could tell from the look on her face that today was
different.

 "Ranma, dear, will you join me for lunch tomorrow?"

 "No thank you, Kodachi."

 Kodachi's expression hardened, and her next words chilled Ranma.

 "I think you should change your mind, Ranma.  Remember that I am a
Kuno, and we are not to be trifled with."

 Ranma's eyes narrowed.

 "Are you threatening me, Kodachi?"

 Kodachi raised her eyebrows, and laughed.

 "I wouldn't harm a hair on your head, darling, but that doesn't apply
to Akane."

 " WHAT? "

 "You see, Ranma, your dear little fiancee needs her beauty sleep, and
if you don't accept my invitation, she won't get it.  She'll have to
stay awake, and watch out for me.  Think about it.  I'll ask you again
tomorrow. "

 Kodachi walked away without looking back, leaving Ranma to ponder her
words for the rest of the morning.  He wasn't about to let Kodachi
intimidate him, but he was still concerned about Akane's safety.  Ranma
decided that he had to get Akane out of harm's way before he dealt with
Kodachi.

 Ranma waited outside the cafeteria for Mishi at lunch time, and took
her aside.

 "Mishi, I need a favor.  Can you let Akane stay with you for a few
days?"

 "Why, Ranma?"

 "I haven't told Akane yet, but Kodachi is threatening to harm her.
I'd like to keep Akane out of Kodachi's reach until I figure out how to
deal with the situation."

 Mishi nodded, looking worried.

 "It's all right with me, Ranma, but I don't think Akane will be very
happy with your idea."

 "Neither do I, Mishi."

 Ranma wasn't at all surprised when Akane objected violently to his
idea.

 "I don't like the thought of running, Ranma.   Why should I leave the
dorm because of Kodachi? I can handle anything she tries."

 "I'm sure you can, love, but humor me, won't you?  I'd feel better if I
could stay with you and protect you, but I can't, so I want you as far
away from Kodachi as possible."

 Akane sighed, and gave in.

 "You win, Ranma.  I'll move in with Mishi tonight."




Chapter 27

 Ukyo had her back to the door when she heard it open, and turned around
to greet her customer.  She looked at Takashi, and did a double take
when she realized he was holding out a bouquet of flowers.

 "Please accept these, Ukyo.  It's just a small gift, to say thank you."

 Ukyo blushed, and waved Takashi to a seat at the counter.  She still
felt guilty about giving him false hopes, but then, he was very cute,
and his friendliness was hard to say no to.

                           *****

 From her seat across the cafeteria, Kodachi watched Akane's face as she
spoke with Ranma.  It looked as though they were having some sort of
disagreement.  Kodachi smiled.  Maybe that meant that Ranma was going to
have lunch with her the next day, and Akane was jealous about it.

 Ranma could see Kodachi watching them across the cafeteria, and
wondered at the satisfied smile on her face.  How could anyone get so
much pleasure out of causing trouble?  He was glad to see the smile turn
to a frown when Kodachi saw him holding his fiancee's hand as they
walked to their culinary arts class.

      *****

 Akane put her checklist on the counter, and began to measure out the
ingredients for the day's lesson.  She was still thinking about Ranma's
reaction to Kodachi's threats, and the more she thought, the more upset
she got. This translated over to her cooking, and soon Akane was gazing
at a blackened mess, which she quickly disposed of.  This was one dish
Professor Mori was not going to taste.

 Ranma had been watching Akane on and off, and knew she was in trouble
when the smoke started to rise from the pan.  He hurried to her side in
time to see her expression of chagrin.

 "What happened, Akane?"

 "Go away, Ranma.  I messed up, that's all."

 "But Akane, "

 Akane glared at Ranma, and waved him away.

 "You'd better go back, Ranma.  I think yours is burning, too."

 Ranma turned around to see a cloud of black smoke rising from his pan
and ran back, but it was too late.  He was still cleaning up the mess
when he saw Akane pick up her things and stalk out of the classroom.

                            *****

 Akane considered the rest of the afternoon a waste, as she spent more
time brooding over the situation she was in than paying attention to her
classes.  She continued to think at work, and finally came to a decision
at dinner.

 Ranma and Shiro were in their room studying when there was a knock on
the door.

 "Saotome, you have a phone call."

 Ranma went to the phone, and found Mishi on the line.

 "Ranma, what happened to Akane?"

 "What do you mean, Mishi?"

 "I expected her a long time ago, but she hasn't shown up, and she
hasn't called.  Ranma?  Hello, Ranma?"

 The receiver hung from its cord, but Ranma was long gone.

 Ranma could see light through Akane's curtains when he ran up to her
dormitory.  He flew up the steps, and into the lobby, where he was
slopped.

 "It's past time for male visitors, young man.  Who were you here to
see?"

 "Akane Tendo.  Could you call her down, please?"

 When Akane got the word that a visitor was waiting downstairs, she
wasn't surprised.  She put down her book and walked downstairs, where
Ranma grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a corner.

 "What the hell are you doing here, Akane?"

 "I'm where I belong, Ranma.  I'm not running."

 Ranma looked furious as he took Akane by the shoulders and gave her a
little shake.

 "But you agreed to this, Akane!"

 Akane's eyes flashed, and she removed Ranma's hands from her shoulders
and clenched her fists.

 "I am a Tendo, Ranma Saotome, and we don't run from bullies!  Why are
you so worried about me? I used to take on the entire male population of
Furinkan High before school every day.  I can handle one woman!"

 "Akane, I know you can, but"

 "Stop it, Ranma  I won't let Kodachi think I'm a coward, and"

 Akane suddenly stopped talking, her eyes widened, and she grabbed
Ranma's hands.

 "I know what she's up to, Ranma, and I won't let her get away with it!"

 "What, Akane?"

 "Look at us, love.  She's got us fighting with each other.  Kodachi is
trying to drive a wedge between us, and we can't let her."

 Understanding dawned in Ranma's eyes, and he hugged Akane, and then
continued to hold her.

 "Kodachi's a clever girl, sweetheart,  She knows that if she can get us
fighting, she won't have to do anything physical.  But that brings us
back to the original problem.  I don't want her to hurt you, and I
promised your father I'd protect you."

 "You did?"

 "That was one of the last things we talked about before we left.  He
didn't have to ask, though.  I'll always protect you."

 Akane laughed, and kissed Ranma's cheek.

 "Thank you, love.  Now go to bed. "

 "Okay, but please call Mishi before you do.  She's still waiting for
you. "

     *****

 Ranma was practicing in the gym the next morning when Kodachi showed
up. She'd never been to the morning workouts before and Ranma knew she
was there not to practice, but to see him.

 "Ranma, dear, do you have a minute?"

 Ranma saw the looks of surprise from his friends when they heard
Kodachi call him "dear", winced, and dragged her to the far end of the
gym to speak with her.

 "You've got your minute.  Start talking."

 "Have you given any thought to our conversation yesterday?"

 "Yes, I have.  The answer is still no, Kodachi."

 Kodachi's eyes flashed, and her hands became fists.

 "Don't say you weren't warned, Ranma.  Akane will be the one to pay for
your stubbornness."

 Kodachi stalked out of the gym, leaving Ranma standing there.  He
smiled
grimly, and muttered to himself.

 "Not if I can help it."

      *****

 Kodachi followed Akane during the day.  She was always in too much of a
crowd to get near, and Kodachi decided to wait until that night.  Her
room was pitifully easy to get into.  Akane was aware that she was being
followed, and knew that her lack of reaction was annoying Kodachi.
Akane found that she was enjoying herself immensely, and wondered how
long Kodachi would be content with just following her.

 That evening, the drama club met in the theater for tryouts.  Besides
club members, there were quite a few people who'd seen the notices for
auditions, and were interested.  Akane and Mishi were very amused to see
an American student who'd come prepared for the Sailor Moon part.  She
had long blond hair, and had gone to the trouble of imitating Usagi's
hair style.

 "Akane, how did she manage the dumpling head look?"

 "I don't know, Mishi, but Anne couldn't have done it better."

 To their and Yoshimi's delight, Anne not only looked the part, but
could act.  They immediately signed her up for the part.  Next, it was
Akane's turn.  She took the script, and acting opposite Yoshimi, read
the lines he pointed out to her.  She didn't want to admit it, but it
was starting to feel like fun.

 "You'll do fine, Akane.  You have the part.  Mishi!  You're up next."

 Mishi made a face, picked up her script, and walked onto the stage.
Akane went into the auditorium to watch, took a seat, and Ranma came
down the aisle to sit next to her.

 "Have you been here all along, Ranma?"

 "Yes, didn't you see me come in?"

 "No, I was too nervous."

 "You didn't look it, sweetheart.  I think you did fine."

 They turned their attention to the stage, where Mishi was reading her
lines.  Akane was surprised to see that Mishi, despite her reservations,
was quite good.  She and Ranma watched as everyone else tried out, and
the parts were awarded.  Then Yoshimi stood center stage to make an
announcement.

 "Rehearsals will start next Wednesday at 7:30.  Please read your parts,
and come prepared.  Mishi, when do costume fittings start?"

 "I'll take some measurements tonight, Yoshimi.  Then I'll let you
know."

 Mishi rounded up all of the cast members, and took the measurements.
She showed them her sketches of the costumes, which were
enthusiastically approved by all.

 Yoshimi sat down with the set builders to go over the plans, and
everyone else started to drift out of the theater.

 Ranma walked Akane to her dormitory, holding her hand.  He hadn't
spoken for some time, and Akane wondered what was on his mind.

 "Is something bothering you, honey ? "

 "Well, yeah, a little bit. "

 "What? "

 "The school girl costumes are cute, but the Sailor Mercury costume
you'll be wearing is kind of short."

 "Well, yes.  All of the Sailor Scouts wear short skirts. "

 Ranma frowned.

 "I'm not sure I like the idea of all the guys in the audience looking
at your legs. "

 Ranma, are you jealous?"

 "A little.    So long as they look,  but don't touch,  I guess it will
be all right."

     *****

 Akane sat on the floor of her friend Kaori 's roam, reading the script
with Kaori and her roommate, who were also in the play.  They 'd been
practicing for a while, and didn't realize how tired they were until
they began to get the giggles when they tried to read their lines.
Akane looked at the clock, and got up.

 "It's awfully late, Kaori.  I should go to bed."

 "Why don't you stay,  Akane?   You must get lonely with no roommate. "

 Kaori pulled a sleeping bag out of the closet, and handed it to Akane,
who accepted it with a smile.

	"Thanks, Kaori.  I could use some company tonight. "

	Kodachi waited until everyone had gone to bed, and slipped out into the
hallway.  She let herself into Akane's room, and was infuriated to find
it empty.  Not wanting to make it a wasted trip, Kodachi found a piece
of paper, and Left a note on the bed.




to be continued

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