Switching Heirs:
An Altered Destiny
Part Two

By: Dreiser


        -Two-

        "This sucks Pops!" Announced Ukyo as she faced off
against Genma on the koi pond. From the verandah sat the tired
forms of Ranma and Akane who weren't used to waking at such
an early hour.
        "I'm done traveling with you so why should I follow your
rules Ojisama?" Questioned Ukyo sharply.
        "Foolish girl!" Growled Genma irritably. "Because the
master put you in my care! He left the great task of training you
as his heir up to me! I will not fail him and risk the repercussions
of his horrible wrath!"
        "Horrible wrath?" Ukyo drawled, rolling sandalwood
eyes. "The master? Whatever."
        "Don't be an insolent!" Cried Genma in expressive tones.
"The master being kindly to you proves nothing! He is evil
incarnate! He's a demon I tell you! A demon!"
        "A demon?" Ukyo smirked. "Oh c'mon. He isn't that
bad. I sort of like the little guy."
        "Like him?! You LIKE the master?! You like the man
who made my life living hell?!?" Cried Genma incredulously.
        "Sure.  Isn't that reason enough?" Ukyo remarked with a
wide grin.
        Suddenly Genma's features darkened. "That's it!!"
        Genma  leapt into battle attacking Ukyo with a fierce
flurry of fists. Ranma could barely keep track of the fists and legs
flying. Several small spatulas flew out of the dust cloud as
sounds of savage battle yells sounded.
        "They're good," commented Akane beside him.
        "Sure. Whatever," Ranma replied using Ukyo's word.
Not wanting to give away his sense of awe.
        Sighing softly Akane focused warm brown eyes on her
companion. They often fought like cats and dogs but she had
grown up like Ranma and he was like a brother to her. Which is
why the pair found so much pain in the engagement to one
another. They would most likely be best of friends if their
meddling parents could just stop trying to force them together
romantically.
        "What's wrong?" She questioned quietly.
        Pausing a moment Ranma replied in sad tones. "They
aren't what I expected. This isn't what I expected. It's like we're
two separate families. It's those two and the rest of us," Ranma
gestured towards Ukyo and Genma who were still sparring.
"Look at them.. they don't need us. My father  doesn't need me.
He has her."
        "Oh Ranma," exclaimed Akane gently. "That isn't true.
Ojisama loves you.. I'm sure he does. Just give it time. I'm sure
we seem the same way to them."
        "Yeah," Ranma replied quietly. "I guess so."
        The two sat in compatible silence until Genma shouted
out loudly. "Enough! We're
finished now."
        "Enough, enough. Yeah, yeah. We gotcha Pops," said
Ukyo while rolling her eyes. Focusing on Ranma she called,
"Did you hear that Ranchan? Your father has had enough!"
        Smiling widely at the use of her childhood nickname for
him Ranma replied casually, "Oh yeah?"
        "Yup," drawled Ukyo wearing a wide grin. "Why else
would he want me to stop sparring with him? He doesn't want to
get his ass kicked this early in the morning."
        Genma growled at this. "Impertinent girl!" Moving
forward he made an attempt to punch Ukyo which was dodged.
Swiftly she pulled out two miniatures spatulas sending them
flying. They soon trapped the sleeves of Genma's gi against the
large tree near the koi pond.
        "Woops. Sorry Pops," said Ukyo with a lopsided grin.
Genma merely snorted at this and tossed the spatulas to his
student who caught them with ease.
        "Well done," Genma said as all two bowed before each
other. "Now," he pronounced slowly. "You go sit by Akane.
Ranma!" He shouted his son's name who was startled by the
sudden yell. "Come spar with me! Let your father judge the
caliber of your skill." With wide eyes Ranma stood and walked
to his father who waited for him.
        Ukyo happily bounded past Ranma to sit next to Akane
who couldn't help but smile at the ponytail haired girl's energy.
Something about her carefree personality was infectious and
made her happy.
        Turning to Akane with a grin Ukyo questioned. "How're
you today Akane? Sleep well I hope?"
        "Pretty well. You?" Akane replied.
        "Ditto. This is the first time in years I've been able to
sleep indoors. Quite the treat. Are you sure its no big deal about
me living in the attic?" Ukyo asked, not wanting to make any
fuss in the household.
        "It's no problem," Akane said dismissively. "The attic
has been empty for who knows how long."
        Ukyo smiled widely. "Good! I'm just glad I don't have to
share a room with Pops
anymore. He snores something awful." Chuckling she murmured,
"I gotta feel sorry for Obasan."
        Tilting her head Akane gave into the impulse and asked.
"Why do you call him Pops?"
        "Why?" Ukyo blinked. "I dunno.. out of habit I guess.
Everyone just assumed I was his daughter on the road and I just
started calling him that to annoy him."
        "Oh." Akane turned her eyes back to the fight were
Ranma was barely holding his own against Genma. It was
nothing like the battle before. Before it was a hard nosed battle to
the death now it was more like a civilized match with Genma
shouting out suggestions and criticisms on his son's martial arts
techniques.
        "You don't pull punches do you?" Akane questioned,
looking at Ukyo closely. "I mean.. you were really fighting all out
back there weren't you?"
        "Of course," Ukyo replied evenly. "What good does
holding back do? If we pull punches then no one learns anything
and our improvement is hindered."
        "Very good Ranma," Genma said, pausing in their fight
to study his son. "You could be an equal to Ukyo in unarmed
combat if we train together regularly. I am proud to see you have
turned into the fine figure of manhood before me. I would be
honored to teach you what I have taught her these past years I've
been gone."
        Overcome by these compliments Ranma replied. "Thank
you Otosan." Laughing at this Genma clasped his son on the
back while walking towards the verandah. Turning to his father
he questioned curiously, "Why only as good as Ukyo in unarmed
combat?"
        Raising an eyebrow at this Genma said, "No offense boy
but Ukyo practices a different style than you. She works both in
unarmed and in armed combat. Weapons being her specialty.
Specifically unconventional ones."
        Gazing at Ukyo who sat comfortably chatting with Akane
he stared at the large spatula strapped across her back. "Yeah.
What's with that big spatula anyway? I know your family were
okonomiyaki chefs but why carry it around? Do you often feel the
need to suddenly to cook or something?"
        "If you only knew how many times people have asked
something similar to that," said Ukyo with an easy smile. "No
Ranchan. I don't carry it for cooking purposes. Rather, I use it
like this.." Ukyo paused a moment and swiftly pulled the large
spatula from its harness. Slicing through the air in an instant to
rest a centimeter from the side of Ranma's head. "It's my primary
weapon in battle," she explained.
        Ukyo sheathed the battle spatula in a smooth movement.
Causing Ranma to release the breath he had unconsciously been
holding in.
         "My birth father was an okonomiyaki chef don't you
remember?" Continued Ukyo. "The master was a friend of his.
They had an odd bond that no one could really explain and father
would give the master free okonomiyaki each time he'd visit.
When father died of a heart attack the master brought me to your
two families asking that they care for me and train me as his
chosen heir. He requested that Ojisama teach me in both my
father's traditional form of okonomiyaki armed martial arts as
well as the Anything Goes style."
        "But the point is," Ukyo flashed a wide smile. "People
don't find cooking instruments dangerous. But believe me...
anything can be a weapon in the right hands."
        "Or the wrong ones," said Genma solemnly. "All of you
must take responsibility for your skills as martial artists. Never
use them for evil purposes and only use them when absolutely
needed. Knowing how to fight and knowing when to fight are the
keys to being a great martial artist."
        "Yes father," Ranma replied immediately. At this Genma
smiled again before patting his son on the shoulder and walking
inside. Meeting Ukyo's gaze Ranma teased, "Are spoons lethal
in your hands too?"
        At this Ukyo chuckled while rolling her eyes. "Very
funny Ranchan. Very funny..."

        "I'm going to school?!?" Whined Ukyo loudly.
        "You're going to school," Genma repeated seriously
while handing her a school bag.
        Ukyo stared at Genma as if he was an alien. "I can't
believe you want me to go to school. This is going to be a
disaster. Just like the time I went to middle school."
        "You did that on your own girl!" Genma snorted. "I had
nothing to do with your entanglements there."
        "You made me go to school, didn't you?" Ukyo prodded
wearing a superior smirk.
        "Just get going would you?" Sighed Genma. "Ranma and
Akane are waiting for you. Nabiki has left long ago. You don't
want to be late on your first day."
        As the three made their way to school Ranma looked
curiously at Ukyo. "You never went to school?"
        "Of course I went! Ojisama made me. And it wasn't the
best experience," Ukyo grumbled. Swiftly switching moods she
smiled widely and focused on Ranma. "So! Tell me about this
engagement of yours. Haven't you tried to get out of it if you're
both so unhappy?"
        "We've tried!" Exclaimed Akane. "But nothing works.
They won't listen to us. It's always `The Anything Goes school of
martial arts must continue.' They just don't care how we feel
about the situation."
        "Yeah," Ranma chimed in, feeling downtrodden.
        "Don't be so glum." Ukyo bumped shoulders with him
playfully. "It will all work out I'm sure. Besides you're a
handsome guy Ranma. I'm sure there are plenty of girls after
you." Ranma blushed at this, shyly averting his eyes from the
warm gaze of Ukyo. Suddenly she paused in her approach to
shade her eyes. "What's with them?"
        Her three companions turned to face forward as they
approached Furinkan High school. A large crowd of hundreds of
boys wearing various sports uniforms was heading towards them.
Ranma's eyes grew wide. Grabbing Ukyo's hands he leapt up on
the concrete wall surrounding the school.
        "We're safer up here while she does her business," said
Ranma calmly. "This only takes a minute or so anyway."
        "What takes a minute? What's going on?" Asked Ukyo
as Akane moved into battle stance.
        "What's going on?" Asked Akane in an angry tones.
"What's going on?! I'll tell you what's going on!! I... HATE...
BOYS!!!"
        Before Ukyo could ask why Akane ripped into crowd of
athletes. Easily disarming and beating them into states of
unconsciousness in seconds. "She does this every morning,"
Ranma said conversationally.
        "Every morning?" Asked Ukyo in fascination. "How
come?" By this time Akane had cleared the grounds of all the
sports fighters and stood alone panting in anger.
        Ranma was about to answer when a rose went sailing
through the air at Akane. She caught the flower then sighed
heavily. "Kuno," she groaned. "Doesn't this ever get tiring?"
        From the distance a tall rather good looking boy dressed
in a traditional Kendo outfit and carrying a bokken at his side
approached.
        "Tendo Akane," he breathed her name reverently. "I
would less tire of this conventional game of cat and mouse than I
would tire to look at the loveliness that is the your beauteous
visage. Truly you are a treasure meant to be possessed by one
such as I who can appreciate it."
        Ukyo made a face at this. "What's his deal?"
        "That's Kuno. He has a thing for Akane and is kind of the
cause behind all this junk but he's of a pal of mine. He's an okay
guy once you get past the poetry and ego," Ranma informed his
companion.
        Ukyo frowned. She didn't like this situation at all.
Especially that Kuno was forcing his attentions onto Akane who
obviously didn't enjoy his company in the slightest. It reminded
her of a similar situation she had faced while traveling through
China.
        "C'mon Kuno. Would you just let me go to class?"
Questioned Akane in frustrated tones.
        "Alas! I wish I could but we must contend to this folly for
you continue to say you do not fall before mine charms. And
though you heatedly repeat this offering mine eyes know the truth
to be otherwise.." Kuno said while drawing his bokken forward.
        Ukyo narrowed her eyes at this. Instantly she leapt from
the wall to land at Akane's side.
        "He bothering you sugar?" Asked Ukyo in a friendly tone
while Akane glared at Kuno.
        "No. Just leave it to me Ukyo," Akane replied as she met
their eyes. "I can handle this."
        "What is this?!" Questioned Kuno directing his magnetic
gaze from Ukyo to Akane. "Have you a bosom companion I
know not of Tendo Akane? Who is this divine creature of
loveliness?"
        Sighing Akane said, "This is Kuonji Ukyo the heir to the
Anything Goes school of martial arts. She has been on a long
training journey with Ranma's father for several years and has
just recently returned. Now if you don't mind I'd like to walk her
to class."
        "Indeed?" Kuno stated while blocking Akane's exit.
Turning to Ukyo he said, "Such a task might fit mine own duties
better. Wouldn't a ravishing being such as yourself feel glorious
to be in the company of the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High
himself while lead through these hallowed halls?" Eyeing Ukyo
carefully he wore a wide smile. "Truly you are beautiful. I would
date with you!"
        "Really?" Stated Ukyo dryly.
        Kuno nodded repeatedly. Circling Ukyo he studied her
carefully. "Of course before I allow you date with me you must
first ask the allowance of one Tendo Akane who has already
placed claim on me," said Kuno while bending to kiss Ukyo's
outstretched hand.
        Ukyo stared at him for a moment before swiftly retrieving
her battle spatula in a quick movement, bringing it down on
Kuno's head in a thunderous action. Soon as it made contact
Ukyo grabbed the injured Kendoist's hand flipping him high over
her shoulder. Causing Kuno to go flying across the campus.
        "Show me to class?" Ukyo smirked at the look of awe on
Akane's face. "I wouldn't want to get in trouble for being late my
very first day."
        "S-sure.." Stammered Akane in slight shock as she led
Ukyo into the school.
        By the looks she was receiving Ukyo figured she had
accomplished some kind of achievement according to the other
students with the defeat of Kuno. This place just might get
interesting Ukyo thought with a smile. Just then Nabiki ran
towards them wearing an face of pure irritation.
        "Kuonji if you're going to mess with my odds I'd like you
to give me some warning first!" Nabiki said with a glare.
        "Odds?" Queried Ukyo.
        "Nabiki!" Groaned Akane. "You haven't been putting
time bets on the fights again have you?" Turning to Ukyo she
explained in exasperated tones. "Nabiki runs the betting pool on
the fights in Furinkan. She's quite the entrepreneur."
        Ukyo smiled widely at this. "Oh yeah.. I remember when
we were little you used to steal cookies from the jar and then sell
them to me for jacked up prices." Raising an eyebrow she
questioned. "You don't fight yourself but you bet on the results of
others fights?"
        "I have to make money some way," Nabiki said calmly.
"What with all the damage the dojo gets. And as for fighting I
know enough to upset more than a few peoples health insurance
policies. I simply choose not to flaunt it. Unlike some people I
know."
        "Fine, fine, do your time bets." Akane relented. "But if I
find out you've been taking those pictures again..."
        "Akane," Nabiki began in hurt tones. Crossing her heart
she said. "I give you my word. No pictures of you."
        "Good," smiling Akane looked over her shoulder. "Looks
like your customers are restless."
         Nabiki groaned, poking Ukyo in the chest she advised.
"You have a lot of potential to earn money in this place but next
time give me some warning." With that the calm brunette
whirled around to return to the crowd.
        "Your sister is interesting." Ukyo remarked wryly.
        "Yeah, well," Akane sighed watching her older sister
wheel and deal several students. "After mom died Nabiki took
over finances. She's the only one in our family with any sort of
sense about money. She comes off a bit cold but she really does
care. Her gambling money pays for almost all of the bills,"
Akane said defensively.
        "Hey," Ukyo said softly. "I didn't mean anything by it. I
like Nabiki. Besides... with me here I bet her odds will go off the
charts with all the new fights. Trouble has a habit of following
me." The ponytail haired girl smiled as she pushed open the front
door to Furinkan, holding it for Akane.
        "Ukyo?" Akane began tentatively as they walked inside
the school. "Not that I don't appreciate your help in the fight with
Kuno but I could have handled it. I go through this every
morning with him you know."
        "Why is that?" Ukyo queried curiously.
        "He has a thing for me and constantly bothers me for
dates and I have no interest in that. I turn him down every time
he asks but Kuno doesn't know how to take no for an answer. So
he put a challenge around campus that no one can date me if they
can't first defeat me in battle," Akane sighed. "Now I'm some
sort of sick prize in a contest of male machismo so they can prove
who is the best fighter. I don't even like any of them! I hate
boys.." Akane muttered darkly. Ukyo raised an eyebrow at this.
        "Well," began Ukyo. "I can't blame you with them
treating you like that. But surely they all aren't bad?"
        Akane snorted. "Here they are! Ranma is okay sometimes
but what with the engagement.." She sighed again.
        "You don't like anyone then?" Questioned Ukyo in
prodding tones. Akane blushed at this.
        Getting nervously she averted her eyes and replied in soft
almost shy tones. "I.. I like someone... but they like someone
else... I just wish... they can't see me as anything but a little
girl..." Akane wore a morose expression then shifted her mood to
say solemnly. "Anyway. You better watch out for Kuno. It
sounds like he might just be adding you to his
list of conquests."
        "Oh goody." Said Ukyo dryly.

        Walking over towards the fallen body of his defeated
friend Ranma knelt to say. "Bravo Kuno. That was a truly great
performance."
        "Who was that heavenly apparition?" Questioned Kuno
as he rolled over on his side to sit up.
        Getting nervous at the way Kuno referred to Ukyo he
reluctantly said. "Kuonji Ukyo. She's the heir to the Anything
Goes school. She and my father have been on a training journey.
They just got back. She's living with us."
        "Living with you?! Gods man... how lucky are you to live
with such beauties..." Kuno ranted as he stood seeming
rejuvenated and in good spirits.
        "Uhm... yeah. I guess so." Ranma said slowly.
        "Kuonji Ukyo! Ah truly there is a name of true
loveliness... it bodes well for me indeed... a creature of fire and
might..." Kuno trailed off a dreamy look on his features while
walking towards school.
        Normally Ranma would be amused by his friend
becoming obsessed on a new girl but his stomach wrenched at
the idea of Ukyo with Kuno. Coughing a bit he started in
warning tones. "I dunno Kuno. I think she might not be all that
interested."
        "Not interested!" Kuno snorted. "Impossible! There is not
a woman alive that resist the charms of the Blue Thunder of
Furinkan High! I will make my approach to the fair Ukyo at the
earliest opportunity!"
        "Well," Ranma began wondering at the anger spreading
through his system. Suddenly he felt the urge to belt Kuno for
wanting to date Ukyo. "I still say it isn't a good idea. I mean...
my father has been training her for over ten years. She was hand-
picked by
our school's master to be his heir. She's a really accomplished
fighter."
        "Nonsense!" Sniffed Kuno arrogantly. "She is a virtuous
flower who would surely love my attentions! I shall date with the
fair Ukyo! This I swear!"
        "So you're giving up on Akane?" Ranma asked
hesitantly. He couldn't imagine which reaction would come first
from her: extreme relief or extreme anger.
        "Akane..." Breathed Kuno in wondrous tones. "I have
battled so hard for the pleasure of her company! But alas I must
date them both or my suffering shall never end!"
        "What?!" Cried Ranma incredulously. "There is no way
Akane is going to let you get away with even suggesting sharing
you with Ukyo!"
        Not fully understanding what his companion was saying
but sensing the lack of loyalty in his tone. Kuno asked, "Why do
you say this Saotome? Surely you have not come to your senses
and mean to claim Akane as your own!"
        "What?!" Ranma exclaimed. Mimicking his response
from before. "I don't want Akane! I want..." Ranma trailed off as
the smiling face of Ukyo came into view. Shaking his head at this
he muttered. "You're nuts."
        "Love drives me to insanity," said Kuno as he scanned
the grounds for his fair beauties. Seeing them nowhere he
finished. "Come. Let us depart before we are accordingly
punished for tardiness."
        "Finally you're making sense," Ranma said.

        Ranma and Akane watched on with wonderment at the
speed of which Ukyo devoured her lunch. After years of traveling
on the road with Genma she had become quite paranoid about
people stealing her food. It had become a habit of hers to always
eat with incredible speed.
        "Mmm..." Ukyo murmured stretching her arms having
just gobbled up the last of her lunch. "Not bad for cafeteria food
but next time I'm cooking my own lunch. Okonomiyaki is the
only way to go."
        Ranma smiled at this. "You made the best okonomiyaki
for us when we were little
Ucchan."
        "I still do Ranchan," Ukyo returned the smile. "Tell you
what. I'll make your lunch
tomorrow." Ranma smiled eagerly at this and Ukyo focused on
Akane. "How about you Akane? I can make you lunch too if you
like."
        Snapping her attention to her companions Akane
murmured distractedly. "Sure Ukyo. Whatever you want."
        Ukyo looked at Akane curiously and was about to ask
what had her mind drifting when out of nowhere Kuno appeared
holding a large bouquet of flowers. "Fair one! Your beauty
causes the gods themselves to weep at the sight! Such spirit has
entrapped me to your will and I would date with you! Surely you
embrace this and my arms!" Kuno cried as he lunged in an
attempt to glomp onto Ukyo.
        Ukyo was about to jump out of the way when suddenly
she found Ranma standing in front of her with a very angry
expression on his face. "Back off Kuno," said Ranma in warning
tones as a surprised Ukyo looked on.
        "Ranchan..." She whispered quietly.
        Kuno puzzled over Ranma's actions. "Saotome? What
treachery is this? I merely wish to spend time with the beauteous
creature and you would block such a request? By what right do
you do such a thing?!" Narrowing his eyes Kuno hissed. "Surely
you are not claiming Ukyo as your own? Never! I will not allow
it!"
        "W-what?" Ranma stammered turning beet red. Waving
his hands around he exclaimed. "No! You got it all wrong! I
don't like a pervert like that! She changes into a guy!" Suddenly
realizing what he said he grew more panicked. "No! I meant...
that.. uh.." He trailed off knowing that he was in serious trouble.
        "A man? You must jest Saotome! Ukyo is the expression
of femininity itself! A rare flower in full bloom is she!" Pushing
Ranma aside to talk to Ukyo himself Kuno blinked when he saw
she had disappeared.
        Ranma blinked in surprise himself and locked gazes with
Akane who said bitingly, "Nice one dummy. Just had to prove
you were all man and hurt her feelings in the process didn't
you?" Ranma started to defend himself but stopped realizing
there was no excuse for what he said. Akane sighed at this,
seeing his obvious remorse. "She went that way."
        Following Akane's gesture Ranma turned swiftly and
made his way towards the opened window on the far side of the
cafeteria. Just as he was about to jump from the window to
pursue Ukyo and apologize Kuno leapt on his head with no
warning. Using Ranma as a springboard Kuno jumped out of the
window calling. "Haha! I defeat your base forms of betrayal
Saotome! I shall date with Ukyo! Me!"
        "That jerk," muttered Ranma darkly before following.

        Hands shoved into the pockets of her loose fitting black
pants Ukyo muttered similar sentiments. "That jerk."
        Sighing Ukyo ran the scene in her mind again. She had
been so surprised when Ranma defended her. No one had ever
stood up for her before and it was a nice feeling. It warmed her
heart just thinking about it. Then he had to go and say she was a
pervert all because of a curse she couldn't even control.
        "Can't blame him I suppose," Ukyo sighed as she
stopped to sit at the base of a large oak tree near the baseball
diamond. "What guy would ever be interested in me? A splash of
cold water and they're suddenly seen as being yaoi. I mean, just
cause I'm liberal doesn't mean everyone else is the same..." Ukyo
glumly trailed off while resting her head on her arms as she
tucked her knees under her chin.
        She liked Ranma. Genuinely liked him. He was smart,
funny, and cute... and for awhile it seemed he liked her too. After
all he and Akane both admitted their engagement was a farce so
there had to be room for someone in his heart but obviously it
wasn't going to be a pervert like her. Sighing again Ukyo
muttered to herself, "Give it up girl. You have absolutely no luck
in love."
        "Luck?!" Cried Kuno as he suddenly appeared before her.
"You need not luck my love for I am here to give whatever boon
you request. My love runs as deep as yon ocean and flies as true
as any eagle!"
        "Kuno," Ukyo stated as she warily rose to her feet.
Dusting herself off she questioned. "What do you want?"
        "I want but a moment of your time! To smell the
sweetness of your hair... ahhh... your scent drives me to madness.
Surely you are a creation of divinity Kuonji Ukyo!" Exclaimed
Kuno as he followed Ukyo who was wandering out onto the
baseball field.
        Raising an eyebrow Ukyo questioned dryly. "The scent of
my hair, huh?" Smiling wryly she continued. "You're a strange
fellow Kuno but nice in your own odd way. That's why I'll tell
you this: I'm not the girl for you. I'm not the girl for anyone..."
Ukyo trailed off sadly while gazing into the depths of the blue
sky before them.
        Kuno was about to protest this when he sputtered as a
stream of cold water hit him in the face. "What is this?!" He
cried. His eyes focused on several sprinklers lying a few feet
away. "Fool gardeners. They ought be dismissed for such a
folly." Turning back to Ukyo he found that his goddess was no
longer there. The person standing next to him looked similar to
her but was obviously male. Pulling out his bokken in a swift
movement he snarled.
        "Villain! Where have you taken Kuonji Ukyo?!"
        Ukyo was staring at the sky wondering how things
always managed to get worse when he thought it was impossible
for it to happen. Sandalwood eyes widened as the bokken was
thrust in his face. "What?" He gasped.
        "Knave! I shall smite thee! Bring back my love or such
horrors will you face!" Kuno growled as he waved the bokken in
a threatening way in the male Ukyo's face.
        "Uhhm.." Ukyo began hesitantly wondering how Kuno
could have missed the transformation. "I didn't do anything with
her. She's right here. I'm Ukyo."
        Kuno narrowed his eyes. "Vile sorcerer! You have used
evil magics no doubt to whisk her away but I shall have her
returned! I am your doom ponytailed boy!!" Ukyo's eyes widened
as Kuno suddenly leapt forward with incredible speed. Suddenly
the Kendoist's attack was stopped as Ranma appeared standing
on the back of his fallen friend.
        "What a doofus," commented Ranma as he casually
hopped off Kuno and kicked him over on his back revealing that
the other boy was unconscious. Nervously looking at Ukyo he
twiddled his thumbs. "I'm really, really, sorry about what I said
before Ucchan. It just sort of came out." Ranma flushed and said
slowly, "I have this bad habit of saying things without thinking
first."
        Seeing the sincerity in his eyes and hearing it in his voice
Ukyo smiled softly. "It's okay Ranchan. Thanks for the assist."
        Happy that Ukyo appeared to have forgiven him for his
earlier mistake Ranma smiled proudly. "Yeah. That was a good
one, huh?"
        "Yup," Ukyo commented wryly as he began to walk off
the baseball field. "I can't believe he didn't figure out about the
curse though. He must be one dense fellow."
        "Kuno can be pretty slow witted about certain things,"
said Ranma following Ukyo closely. Pausing a moment he
clasped Ukyo's shoulder. "Ucchan. I just want you to know that I
think you're a great person." Blushing a bit Ranma shyly
continued. "You're really cute.. as a girl and a boy. It doesn't
matter that you change your sex. Anyone would be lucky to date
you. Anyone."
        "Ranchan.." Began Ukyo in mystified tones. That had to
be the nicest thing anyone ever said to him.
        Wearing a crooked smile Ranma scratched the back of his
head and added. "Anyone but Kuno of course."
        "I definitely agree with you there," Ukyo laughed making
a face. "C'mon. I'm getting out of here to find some hot water.
Want to come with?"
        "Sure!" Ranma brightly responded. Spending a day with
Ukyo was definitely a good thing in his mind. Forming a worried
expression he said. "But what about school? It isn't even halfway
over with."
        "Who cares?" Ukyo snorted. "I've had enough of school
for one day."
        Shaking his head at this response Ranma quickly ran
after his companion as they exited Furinkan's campus leaving a
slowly awakening Kuno who muttered. "I'll get you for this...
ponytailed boy..."

---

Comments, criticisms, etc. are greatly appreciated; please direct them to
either the FFML or to me personally at Dreiser@ix.netcom.com.

You can read the rest of the Altered Destiny series by going to
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/attenborough/249/index.htm