A basic summary: Ukyo is the official heir to the Anything Goes school 
of martial arts. Named so by loyal customer Master Happosai after 
she was orphaned by the death of her Father. Ukyo returns with 
Genma from their ten year training journey revealing their curses. 
Genma turning into a panda and Ukyo into a boy with a splash of cold 
water. Attending school Ukyo is met with the confusion of Kuno 
romancing her natural girl form while declaring her male half, 'the 
ponytailed boy', a sorcerer whom he must destroy. As this occurs 
Ukyo finds the Akane/Ranma engagement rescinded as she becomes 
the new iinazuke for Ranma. Soun and Genma arranging this because 
the pair actually get along, unlike Ranma and Akane who are more like 
siblings than lovers. Ukyo is now engaged to Ranma and they are 
starting their newfound romance when Ryoga finally reaches Nerima. 
He attacks her along with his best friend Sakura, a street fighter who 
had a past romance with Ukyo. Ukyo manages to work out her 
problems with Sakura but has no idea why Ryoga is so angry. They 
disappear on another lost journey while Ukyo works out her torrid 
past with Ranma's patient help. Arriving at Furinkan the long awaited 
duel of Ukyo vs. Ryoga is about to begin... 

Switching Heirs:
An Altered Destiny

By: Dreiser

-Seven-

	The happy shouts of playing athletes filled the air as two 
hooded figures walked steadily through the nearby field. The person 
that was leading the way paused to stare up at the towering school 
building before them. Tipping their head back while laughing the hood 
to their cloaked slipped away revealing the ecstatic face of Kurasawa 
Sakura. Her companion whipped his cloak off and the brooding visage 
of Hibiki Ryoga is seen. 
	Turning to the girl he questioned, "Is this Nerima?"
	"Yes!" Sakura exclaimed. "At last.. after all this time we've 
arrived. At last I'm reunited with Ukyo. At last you can issue your 
challenge."
	"At last," growled Ryoga his eyes alight with something akin to 
madness. "At last we've made it. Kuonji Ukyo today is the day I send 
you to hell. A hell so deep it swallows the light, a hell so lonely you'll 
become a tortured soul suffering through all eternity." The lost boy 
began to softly chuckle at this. 
	"Eh.." Sakura trailed off studying her friend warily. "Ryoga 
maybe you ought to try and calm down."
	"Calm down?!?" Ryoga shouted. "Calm down?!? I'm about to 
wreak my vengeance on the woman who ruined our lives and you 
want me to CALM DOWN?!?!" 
	"Ryoga--" Began Sakura anxiously.
	"NO!! Don't `Ryoga' me Sakura! You said you wouldn't take 
sides and now you try to convince me not to fulfill the only dream 
which has kept me going the last year?!? Revenge will be mine! 
Beware--"
	Wincing as a soccer ball whizzed through the air hitting her 
companion on the side of his head causing him to fall to the ground 
Sakura finished wryly, "Duck." 

	"Your hair has grown so long Akane!" Exclaimed Harimi to 
her dark haired friend who smiled softly at this.
	Fingering the black silken strands of hair in her hands Akane 
murmured to herself. "It's finally longer than Kasumi's.." As she said 
this an image of Dr. Tofu came to mind. She was about to dwell more 
of her feelings for the handsome doctor when suddenly the cries of her 
classmates caught her attention. Akane stood to gain a better view of 
what had them gathered around the window. 
	Brown eyes widened at what she saw. Whirling around she 
focused on Ukyo and Ranma who were talking in a loud group boys. 
"Ukyo! Come quick!" 
	Quirking a dark brown eyebrow the other girl smoothly 
crossed the classroom. "What is it Akane?"
	Wordlessly Akane pointed out the window. Pushing through 
the crowd Ukyo and Ranma stared down at the figures of Ryoga and 
Sakura. "Swell." Ukyo muttered.  "Looks like they finally made it," she 
said dryly, locking eyes with Ranma. 
	"After three days," Ranma said humorously. "That Ryoga guy 
must have the worst sense of direction in the known world. I was 
starting to hope he just wouldn't show." 
	"No such luck Ranchan," Ukyo replied straightening her 
shoulders. Striding out of the classroom she stated, "Time to meet my 
challenge." 

	"She was right you know," Nabiki commented to her younger 
sister. She and the several hundred other students were gathered on 
the baseball field waiting for the match between Ukyo and Ryoga to 
begin. "Ucchan has been great for my betting pool business. Ever since 
she's shown up the fights in Furinkan have tripled in amount."
	"You say that like its a good thing!" Groaned Akane. 
	Turning to head back to her gathered cronies Nabiki purred 
softly, "Oh but it is a good thing Akane.. for me." 
	Sakura made a face of disgust at this. "Gamblers. I despise 
them. They ruin the spirit of a match. Its about the fighters not the 
weaklings who makes bets on their defeat. It always annoys me to see 
them lurking at street fights."
	"That's right," began Ranma curiously. "Ucchan said you were 
a street fighter. Been in a lot of tournaments then?"
	"Hundreds. Unfortunately for me street fighting is a sport of 
and about money. Those who run it have it and those who fight want 
it." Sakura sighed at this.
	"If you hate gambling why get involved with it?" The question 
had left Ranma's lips before he knew it.
	"Street fighting is the most pure form of no holds barred 
battle," Sakura replied smiling slightly. "Only the elite fighters get 
involved. I was there to test my skills and seek out the man I wished to 
become my Sensei. Later I would continue to return for these 
reasons." Sakura paused her face forming a hard mask. "Until other 
things came up.."
	"Ucchan. You went after her taking Ryoga with you. Tell me," 
Ranma said blue eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Why aren't you out 
there with him trying to kill her? You seemed ready enough yesterday." 
	Locking blazing blue eyes with glittering green ones Sakura 
smiled quietly. "Because I love Ukyo. I was hurt and angry when she 
left. Maybe at first I sought revenge for what happened in China but 
once I set eyes on her I knew I still loved her. I never really wanted to 
harm Ucchan. I just wanted to know why she left me." Turning away 
from Ranma she stated coolly, "I've accepted how things are and have 
made my peace. Ryoga however is not so easily adapted. He must 
satisfy the anger he has inside first." 
	"What happened to you two in China anyway?" Interrupted 
Akane who tuned back into the conversation at the mention of Ryoga.
	"It's not my place to say," Sakura responded before setting her 
gaze on the starting fight.

	Pointing an accusing finger at Ukyo the lost boy smiled 
harshly. "So at last we fight coward!" Ryoga declared. "You can't run 
away this time!" 
	"Run away?" Queried Ukyo perplexed. "You're the one who 
got lost Ryoga."
	"Shut up!" Shouted Ryoga forming a snarl. "You have no idea 
what I've been through. The blazing white hot heat of the desert. The 
unstoppable rage of a tsunami out at sea. The freezing cold of the 
highest mountain tops. You have no right to say anything!" 
	Saying this Ryoga leapt through the air while swiftly pulling the 
bamboo umbrella he carried off the top of his backpack. Pointing it at 
his opponents head as he descended Ryoga wore a face of rage. Then 
Ukyo suddenly yanked her large battle spatula from its place to deflect 
the blow. Bouncing back easily Ryoga and Ukyo faced off with their 
weapons crossed. 
	"Ryoga," began Ukyo steadily. "Can't you at least tell me what 
this is all about?"
	"Shut up!" Repeated Ryoga with a growl. "Just shut up and 
fight me damn you!" With that the lost boy moved forward in an other 
offensive attack that Ukyo evaded. 

	"One of them is going to get hurt at this rate.." Stated Akane 
worriedly. Moving her gaze to Sakura who was watching the fight with 
calm eyes she cried, "How can you let this happen? You're Ryoga's 
friend.. and you claim to love Ukyo! You know one of them will be 
hurt if this keeps up!" 
	"It can't interfere," Sakura stated while meeting Akane's gaze. 
"This has nothing to do with me." Running glittering green eyes over 
Akane's figure she murmured, "You look like a martial artist to me. 
They must have taught you at one point about the honor involved in 
personal duels. This match isn't about me and what I want. It goes far 
deeper and far beyond any issue I might have.." 
	"Akane," said Ranma while clasping her shoulder. "Ucchan is 
my iinazuke." He bore blue eyes into Sakura as he said this. Akane 
noted the ring of protection in his voice and smiled. "I hate this more 
than anyone but I know that she has to settle this on her own. The only 
thing we can do is watch and hope it all turns out for the best." 
	Sighing Akane drew her gaze away from her friend back onto 
the fight. "I guess so," she murmured uncertainly. 

	"Nabiki," whined one of her many cohorts. "Are you sure 
about this? Everyone placed their bets on Ukyo beating this guy into 
the ground. We could stand to lose a lot if she ends up winning the 
fight." 
	"Trust me ladies," Nabiki drawled wearing a smile of sexy 
confidence. "I have everything well under control." 
	At the tone of this statement and the smile on the features of 
their boss the cronies relaxed to smile also. After all, when had they 
known Tendo Nabiki ever to been wrong? 

	Sandalwood eyes widened as the red bamboo umbrella sliced 
through the air at a dangerous speed towards them. Leaping out of the 
way swiftly Ukyo cocked a brown eyebrow at Ryoga. "That could've 
hurt me y'know."
	"Cretin!" Screamed Ryoga as he flew through the air 
attempting to connect a powerful high kick. Blocking his foot with the 
broad side of her battle spatula Ukyo winced in pain when she felt the 
tight clasp around her wrist. 
	Averting her eyes Ukyo found a handcuff around it with a long 
metal chain attached. The chef didn't even need to follow the chain to 
know who she was linked to. 
	"This way you can't run from me again." Smirked Ryoga while 
casually flying into the air again. 
	"But you're the one who got lost!" Cried an exasperated Ukyo 
as she followed suit. The pair seemed frozen in the air as their legs 
met, blocking both from achieving the blows they had wanted. Landing 
simultaneously they flew at each other again soon exchanging blows at 
a furious rate. 

	"Jeezus!" Remarked Daisuke from the sidelines. The boy was 
trying to lift the bamboo umbrella Ryoga carried which had landed 
there after the faulty throw. "This thing must weigh a ton!" 
	Silently walking over to where Daisuke stood Ranma took his 
friend's place and attempted to lift the umbrella. Concentrating all his 
strength Ranma managed to barely lift it a few scarce inches from the 
ground. Setting the umbrella back down on the ground where it 
caused an imprint. "And he carries this thing around one-handed?" 
Ranma questioned incredulously while massaging his wrists. 
	"Ryoga is one of the strongest fighters I've ever seen," 
remarked Sakura casually. "I've seen him crash through walls as 
though they were kleenex." Directing her attention back to the fight she 
murmured, "Think someone might need to be told this?" 
	 "Ukyo!!" Ranma cried in desperation, whirling around to the 
fight "Don't get close to him! He's got the strength of a monster!!"

	Distracted by the yelling Ukyo moved her gaze towards her 
iinazuke, taking in his warning, and making it impossible to block 
Ryoga when his palm sliced through the air. He barely made contact, 
only nipping the edge of her ear, but still it was a harsh blow and it 
stung. 
	Leaping backwards to rub her ear a bit Ukyo stared at her 
opponent who wore a confident smirk. "That's the way you want it?" 
She questioned moving into attack position with her battle spatula. 
"Fine. No holds barred." 

	"Captain Kuno!" Called an anxious member of the Kendo 
club. "Captain Kuno! Kuonji Ukyo is fighting that guy from the other 
day! Don't you want to see?" 
	There was a moment of silence before the door to the Kendo 
club opened to reveal the stressed features of Kuno Tatewaki. "Fool. 
Do thou really believe I care for such minor effects as that while my 
mediation calls?!? Now leave me!" 
	Backing away nervously the Kendo club member ran off as 
Kuno stomped back into the clubhouse. Sitting in his former position 
with legs crossed Kuno closed his eyes while calming his breathing. 
When he had accomplished this he opened his eyes to the sight of two 
huge posters of his loves Tendo Akane and Kuonji Ukyo then began 
his mediation.
	"Tendo Akane or Kuonji Ukyo.. Tendo Akane or Kuonji 
Ukyo.. Tendo Akane or Kuonji Ukyo.." The Kendo champion 
chanted. Then his eyes suddenly snapped open as he realized 
something. Murmuring slowly he said. 
	"Did that peasant say it was my beloved Kuonji Ukyo battling 
some nameless villain?" Leaping to his feet Kuno pronounced 
solemnly. "I must investigate!" 

	This game of dodging the powerful attacks from Ryoga was 
beginning to wear at Ukyo's nerves. Thanks to Ranma's warning she 
was now aware of the high strength level of her opponent. Speed was 
her only recourse for she knew from past experiences that when her 
lithe frame took hard blows it tended to slow her down or sometimes 
incapacitate her totally. 
	Veering her head to the left to avoid another harsh jab on the 
part of Ryoga and she allowed her eyes to wander. Wearing a slight 
smile Ukyo swung her body back and slid quickly under and through 
the spread legs of the lost boy. 	Landing on his back Ukyo sheathed 
her battle spatula to bring it down on his head with a sharp jarring 
blow. Ukyo continued the assault with her weapon until Ryoga had 
fallen to the ground and seemed to be straining under her as Ukyo 
shifted her position so she had him in a tight headlock.
	"Give up Ryoga," Ukyo hissed. "I'm sure whatever you're 
angry about we can work it out. This is pointless."
	"Never!!!" Snarled Ryoga as his muscles strained to break 
free from her grip. "I'll never give up!!"

	"This doesn't look good boss." 
	Narrowing dark brown eyes Nabiki thoroughly agreed with 
the sentiments of her cohort. Ukyo had Ryoga in what looked to be an 
unbreakable stranglehold. The boy was quickly tiring under her 
constant barrage of tactical blows. Nabiki had studied the art for long 
enough to know all the many vital points on a persons body. And right 
now Ukyo was striking all of them available to her on Ryoga's person. 
	"Dammit. We have to do something quick or Ukyo will win 
this match easy. We won't even get our time contingency bets.." 
Muttered Nabiki trailing off. They had to do something to change the 
odds. But what? 
	It was then that a loud scream of pure rage filled the air and 
hazel eyes focused on the form of Ryoga. Muscles straining he lifted 
his body one handed off the ground with Ukyo still sitting atop him. 
The pair went flying into the air and the crowd gasped at this. 
	"One handed?!? Did you see that?" Exclaimed a nearby 
student. The boy next to her nodded saying, "He's a lot stronger than 
Ukyo.." 
	Nabiki smiled softly at this reaction. "Things are looking up.." 
She murmured.  

	Startled by this sudden change in motion Ukyo did not see 
Ryoga's attack until it was too late. Jaw stinging from the hard kick 
Ukyo plummeted to the ground. Pushing herself up slightly 
sandalwood eyes widened as she saw Ryoga rush for his bamboo 
umbrella. The warnings of Ranma rang in her ears and Ukyo leapt to 
her feet to chase after the lost boy. 
	Seeing Ukyo on his tail as he snatched his bamboo umbrella 
Ryoga glanced around to take in his options. Locking in on the tall 
wire fencing surrounding the baseball field Ryoga ran towards it. 
	Leaping into the air Ryoga stealthily climbed up the fence well 
aware Ukyo was trailing behind him with determination. Reaching the 
top of the fence he went sailing into the air to finally land in a close 
patch of trees. Ukyo falling into place softly across from him. 
	She now wore a face of anger that the lost boy had never seen 
on her sharp features. Yanking a miniature spatula from her bandoleer 
Ukyo growled, "I'm getting tired of this game Ryoga." 
	With a flick of her wrist Ukyo sent the tiny spatula flying, 
effectively slicing through the chain that linked them together. Moving 
into attack position she demanded, "Tell me what this is all about!" In a 
swift movement Ukyo swung her battle spatula at his head. 
	Ducking with wide eyes Ryoga backed away nervously. He 
hadn't expected Ukyo to lose the calm attitude she had always 
possessed in battle. Sending a quick high kick her way Ryoga turned 
to bound away. 
	 "Ryoga! Come back!" Snarled Ukyo, soon following.  

	Rounding a corner at breakneck speed Nabiki ignored the 
loud complaints of her cronies that were trailing behind her. Stopping 
suddenly she winced as one of them rammed into her back. 
	Turning to give her worker a harsh look, which caused the girl 
to pale, she murmured, "You're lucky I'm wearing my school uniform 
not my own clothes. There is nothing I hate more on clothes than 
wrinkles." 
	The girl seemed to sigh with relief at this light scolding and 
Nabiki smiled to herself. It was a good thing that her workers had 
such respect for her abilities. Narrowing hazel eyes she turned towards 
Ukyo who was yelling at the once again attacking Ryoga.
	"Can't you at least tell me why you're so angry?" Questioned 
Ukyo while dodging a punch from her opponent. While running after 
the lost boy Ukyo had regained her senses and returned to her usual 
logistical and calm thinking. 
	"No! You don't deserve an explanation!" Growled Ryoga 
while attempting to land a punch. Ukyo dodged again then delivered a 
strong blow with her battle spatula. Sending him flying backwards into 
the cement wall near Nabiki. 
	Shaking the rubble from his hair Ryoga's brown eyes 
darkened and he prepared to attack again. That was when a pretty girl 
stepped in front of him. "Uhm.." He started hesitantly while staring into 
her sweetly smiling face. "Can I help you?" 
	Nabiki leaned in closer to him. "Relax Ryoga," she whispered 
in his ear. "We're on the same side." Reaching down to hold his hand 
in her own, Nabiki slipped some pills into his strong grasp. 
	"What're these?" Asked Ryoga lowly, studying the pills 
carefully, a note of puzzlement in his voice.
	"You ever hear of steroids?" Purred Nabiki, circling him much 
like a cat would with its prey. "Swallow these pills and your strength 
will increase ten fold." 
	Seeing Ryoga's hesitation she looked at Ukyo out of the 
corner of her eye while moving in closer. "Don't worry about Ukyo. 
What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Besides, winning the match is 
what is important. Not how you do it." 
	Brown eyes glaze over at this. Shoving the pills into his mouth 
Ryoga swallows them immediately. Standing perfectly still his eyes 
transfixed on Nabiki as she started a mesmerizing speech. 
	"Listen to me Ryoga. You are the strongest man in the world. 
You have no rival. You are an Atlas. Hercules was a wimp compared 
to you." Nabiki paused in her circular walk around the lost boy. 
Moving closer she breathed in his ear in low tones. Smiling as she felt 
his will bend to her own. His beliefs becoming what she wanted. 
	"You're a tiger. You hear me?" Her hazel eyes began to glow 
with intensity as she said this. "A tiger!" Nabiki paused a moment to 
stare at Ryoga who resembled a statue. Backing away slowing she 
rejoined her cronies in a group to observe the affects of her captivating 
work carefully. 
	The lost boy remained frozen a moment. His dark head hung 
low when suddenly he raised his eyes. Wearing a triumphant smile of 
victory he released a primal scream. Focusing on the large cement 
telephone pole next to him Ryoga gripped its center then uprooted in 
from the street. With another yell he swung the pole at Ukyo who 
barely managed to jump out of the way. 
	"Hey!" Exclaimed Ukyo who had previously been watching 
the exchange between Nabiki and Ryoga with a great deal of curiosity. 
	"Fight me fair and square Kuonji!" Yelled Ryoga as he drove 
the pole deep into the cement wall behind Ukyo as she evaded him. 
He was losing his patience with the way Ukyo constantly dodged his 
attacks. 
	"You call this fair and square you jackass?" Ukyo questioned 
incredulously while bounding away. She knew she had to put some 
distance between herself and Ryoga. For some unfathomable reason 
his already formidable strength seemed to have magically increased in 
power. 
	"Escaping again?!" Cried Ryoga in frustration continuing to 
wave the huge cement pole as he chased after the departing Ukyo. 
"Wait, damn you!!" He yelled in pursuit.
	Nabiki and her cronies watched this exit in silence for several 
moments when one finally began hesitantly. 
	"Boss..?" The quiet pause continued as their leader did not 
respond and simply stared after the departing fighters. 
	Turning to reveal a satisfied smirk Nabiki purred in 
mesmerizing tones. "Yes?" 
	"Those were just vitamin pills.. right?" 
	Turning to stare into the eyes of her inquisitor Nabiki gently 
placed a bottle in her hands and offered a raised eyebrow. She then 
headed in the general direction that the dueling pair had disappeared 
to. 
	The girl watched her employer walk away before looking at 
the bottle she'd been handed. Reading the label she smiled at her 
comrades as she held it up for their inspection.
	"Sailor Moon chewable vitamins." Shaking her head the girl 
murmured. "The power of her suggestions will never cease to amaze 
me." 

	Ukyo studied her surroundings. "The zoo," she muttered 
staring at the many caged animals. "Great. And Ryoga is chasing after 
me swinging a cement pole." 
	As if one cue the lost boy appeared waving the pole which 
smashed through several of the nearby cages. "Kuonji!! Stop running 
from me and fight!" 
	Sighing deeply Ukyo turned and moved into battle stance. "If 
you insist." 
	Moving backwards on his heels Ryoga swung the pole 
towards Ukyo in a fast jerky movement that she barely avoided. 
Managing to do so by leaping onto the high fence surrounding the 
adjacent tiger pit. 
	Not showing any signs of tiring Ryoga quickly swung the pole 
again. This time hitting his target by cutting Ukyo's Chinese style silk 
shirt open and drawing blood.
	"My favorite shirt!" Said a dismayed Ukyo. Fingering the 
material with woeful eyes. 
	"My favorite shirt!" Ryoga mocked taking another swing while 
she was distracted. "You sound like a spoiled brat! Try to have some 
ounce of warrior spirit!" 
	Ukyo evaded the attack and high in the air with her legs 
tucked under her she hissed, "What did you say?"
	"You heard me! You're no true warrior! Simpleton! Coward!" 
Boasted Ryoga. Still waving the cement pole as if it was a part of his 
body. 
	Narrowing sandalwood eyes Ukyo smoothly unsheathed her 
battle spatula and sent it slicing through the air with deadly efficiency. 
The effect of the attack shattered the cement pole into a thousand 
pieces. 
	Landing softly on the ground Ukyo pressed her advantage 
sending her battle spatula forward in an assault flurry at the lost boy 
who was withdrawing nervously. An emotion Ukyo seemed void of as 
her face work a mask of cool indifference. All she seemed able to do 
was repeat the phrase, "What did you say?" 
	Backing away Ryoga stumbled into a water fountain and 
smiled as an idea came to mind. Pulling his bamboo umbrella from his 
backpack he smashed into the front of the fountain sending a 
pressurized blast of water at Ukyo who flew backwards from the 
force. Shielding himself from the water with his umbrella Ryoga smiled 
triumphantly. 
	"Idiot." He muttered under his breath preparing to follow after 
his opponent when suddenly a lean figure flew through the air aiming a 
strong kick at his midsection. 
	Blocking the attack easily with his palm Ryoga backed away 
from the stranger. He had never seen this person before. It was a 
brown haired boy with his hair in a ponytail who was a slightly taller 
than Ryoga with a more wiry frame. Staring at him Ryoga puzzled. 
"Who are you?" 
	The boy blinked several times then stared at his own body. 
Forming a look of disdain he simply bore his steady gaze into Ryoga. 
"This look familiar?" The boy retorted as he tugged at the blue Chinese 
style silk shirt he wore. 
	Slowly brown eyes took in the clothes he wore, the battle 
spatula he held, then the similar features, and the reality hit Ryoga. 
Staring at sharper planes of the long hated face he knew Ryoga 
whispered, "Ukyo? Is that really you?" 
	Before the boy could reply a mad shout filled the air 
announcing the presence of others to the pair. "Ponytailed boy!!" It 
proclaimed with a start. "Infidel! I shall surely dispose of your evil this 
day!!" 
	Not even averting his eyes Ukyo held his battle spatula up in 
the air causing Kuno to smash into it mid leap. Still staring at Ryoga 
the okonomiyaki chef slung the large spatula in the direction of the tiger 
pit. Sending Kuno flying inside it with a loud scream of fear. 
	"Ucchan!" Ranma exclaimed looking relieved as he 
approached with Akane at his side. Stopping in his dash he questioned 
carefully. "Are you okay?" 
	Smiling at his concern Ukyo replied, "I'm fine Ranchan. 
Really." Ranma smiled at this but it was soon erased when Ryoga 
stepped forward. 
	"So. It is you Ukyo." Taking in Ukyo's male form with hard 
eyes Ryoga snorted. "Almost ironic. You were such a tomboy as a girl 
that you might as well have been a boy. Now with a splash of cold 
water you really are one. Fitting that you should have a Jusenkyo 
curse." 
	"Why you!" Ranma seethed moving to attack Ryoga when he 
was held back by Ukyo.
	"No Ranchan. It's fine." Stepping in front of his iinazuke Ukyo 
stared down Ryoga. "Go on," he encouraged sarcastically. "Make fun 
of me Ryoga. I have no idea why you hate me so much but you have 
no idea what life has been like for me with this curse. The only thing I 
ever wanted was to live a normal life.." 
	Ukyo shook his head while releasing a short laugh. "I was 
stupid to even hope for it.. I know that now. But I what I don't know 
is what I did to you. I'm just trying to get by!" Ukyo cried. "It isn't easy 
living with this curse for a body!" 
	Lowering his head Ukyo stared at the ground after declaring 
this. In one swoop he had managed to summarize all his feelings on the 
life he was forced to lead. It seemed to have almost drained his mental 
recesses from baring that much of his soul. All was quiet as the 
surrounding crowd of Furinkan students took in this information. While 
most of them had no idea who this newcomer fighting Ryoga was they 
all sympathized for him after hearing this speech.
	"Oh. I'm so touched. That was so moving." Ridiculed Ryoga 
as he swiftly yanked several of his yellow bandannas from their place 
around his forehead. "You have no concept of suffering or pain!" 
Ryoga continued as he piled up the bandannas in his hand. "What 
would you know? Look at you! You're normal at least in your both 
forms! You're still human! You're still yourself on the inside! What sort 
of curse is that?!" 
	"Akane," whispered Ranma. "Can you try to get Ucchan some 
hot water?" 
	Moving her gaze from Ryoga she offered a quick nod in 
agreement. Turning, Akane started running towards the snack shop 
they had passed.
	"I'm going to make you pay Kuonji," said Ryoga. The 
bandannas in his grip snapped, straightening like knives. In a flash the 
bandannas whipped through the air surrounding Ukyo from all sides.
	Yanking several mini spatulas from his bandoleer Ukyo aimed 
them at the whirling bandannas. Doing this he caught sight of one 
heading towards the departing Akane.
	"Dammit Ryoga!" Growled Ukyo. "Look what you've done 
now. Akane!! Get out of the way!" 
	Pausing in his attack Ryoga's eyes widened when he saw 
Akane in danger. One of the bandannas had cut through the back of 
her skirt causing her to fall to the ground. Ryoga bounded into action 
seeing this and swept the startled girl up into his arms. Leaping into the 
branches of an overhanging tree, to keep her safe from being targeted 
again, he locked their gazes together. 
	"Are you okay?" Ryoga questioned intensely. His brown eyes 
were searching her body for any sign of injury. 
	"M-me? Fine.." Replied Akane, getting a nervous feeling in her 
stomach from being held in his arms. "I mean.. I think so.." Moving her 
gaze away from his dark brown eyes Akane's own eyes widened 
when she realized where they were. "Uh.. Ryoga?" She squeaked, 
clutching to his shirt in certain desperation. 
	"Yes?" He bore his dark gaze into her. 
	"Can we please get down?" She began. "I sort of hate 
heights," Akane offered with an anxious face. 
	"Of course! I'm so sorry!" Tucking Akane tightly against his 
chest Ryoga leapt from the tree to land softly in the crowd of Furinkan 
students. Placing her gently on the ground he cupped her cheek. "Sure 
you're okay?" 
	"Fine. Really. I swear," Akane stammered with an overly 
bright smile. She was still reeling from how it felt to be held by him and 
was now experiencing a flashback from his immediate touch. 
	Seeming satisfied with this reply Ryoga backed away and 
presented her with one last tender smile. Facing Ukyo once more his 
face hardened. "Now," pronounced Ryoga slowly. "We finish this." 

	Pausing in his sweeping in front of Dr. Tofu's clinic Genma 
observed as several baboons ran past. A few seconds later they were 
followed by a herd of zebras. Stopping entirely from his work now 
Genma simply watched as dozens of different animal species ran 
through the area. 
	<And I thought I was the only wild animal wandering around 
these parts.> The wooden sign he held read. 
	Leaning against the wall in front of the clinic Genma watched 
as two zoo workers cautiously tried to lure a baboon down from the 
telephone pole it was clinging to. 
	One worker shifted his gaze suddenly and jumped as he took 
in Genma in his panda form. "Here panda," he began carefully as he 
moved forward. "That's a good panda. C'mon now.. dontcha want to 
go back to your home?" 
	Eyeing the electrical collar the man held Genma flipped the 
wooden sign over. <Not particularly. I've never much liked bars you 
see.> 
	And Genma continued to watch as the zoo worker promptly 
fainted at reading this. Shrugging he turned to head inside the clinic. He 
didn't know why but he was sure that this all had something to do with 
Ukyo. 

	"You're right Ryoga. It ends here," said Ukyo holding up 
several mini spatulas between his fingers. "I'm sick of this senseless 
fight and I'm ending it now!" 
	With a flick of his wrist Ukyo sent the spatulas cutting through 
the air. Moving at unbelievable speeds they caused a whistling noise as 
they flew at their target. With wide eyes Ryoga vaulted into the air, 
avoiding the weapons. Whipping his bandannas at the spatulas he sent 
them flying off course. 
	This caused one spatula to avert its path and promptly  slice 
through Akane's hair. The crowd of students gasped as the bottom 
half of her formerly long hair softly fell to the ground. All seemed 
frozen as it hit and Akane seemed only able to stare blankly ahead. 
	 Nabiki was the first to speak. "Oh Akane," she breathed 
sadly taking in the form of her younger sibling.
	Stepping in front of Akane tentatively Ukyo waved his hand 
up and down. Peering into the girl's blank face he looked at the crowd 
stating. "She's in shock." 
	"Of course she's in shock!" Exclaimed a nearby girl in 
exasperation. "Look at her hair!" 
	Blinking, Ukyo pulled back to stare at the uneven chin length 
shock of hair Akane now bore. "Yeah.. it's short. So?"
	Sakura walked out of the crowd where she had remained 
watching the fight. Gripping Ukyo's shoulder Sakura wore a fond 
smile. "You were always clueless at times." Murmuring in his ear she 
said, "Hair is an important thing to most girls."
	"Oh! Yeah," stammered Ukyo with a grin. "Hair is a girl's life." 
Nervously rubbing the back of his head he tried to ignore the stares he 
was getting from the Furinkan students. 
	"Who are you anyway?" Asked a boy. 
	"Uhm.. I'm.." Began Ukyo tensely, unsure of what to say. For 
some reason people never seemed to accept the truth when he told it 
to them. 
	"Nobody important!" Cut in Ranma, saving his iinazuke from 
further embarrassment. "The important thing now is Akane." 
	"He's right," agreed Ryoga. Stepping in front of Akane he 
stood next to Ukyo. Leaning forward he stared deeply into her eyes. 
"Hit me Akane. You must want to."
	Akane snapped out her trance at this but stared at Ryoga 
blankly as if unsure of why he was saying this. 
	"Come on Akane. Hit me. Get rid of that anger. It's my fault 
this happened to you. Hit me. Hit me hard," Ryoga stated calmly. 
Tilting his chin up he continued. "Hit me right here. On the chin. Give it 
to me good." 
	Recognizing what Ryoga was trying to do Ukyo chimed in 
saying, "Yeah Akane! Hit me too! Hit us both. It was our stupid battle 
of honor that did this. Pound us!"
	 Closing warm brown eyes from the sight of the former 
combatants Akane tilted her head downwards and released a weary 
sigh. 

	Her now short hair blowing in the wind Akane walked away 
from the crowd with a slight limp. A silence stayed in the air until she 
had exited the zoo and was out of sight. It was then that Ryoga finally 
spoke.
	"Well. She's certainly easy to please," he mumbled. The lost 
boy was now sporting a fat lip. 
	Next to him, looking similar, Ukyo nodded dumbly with 
agreeing sentiments. 

To be continued... 

This was inspired by the works of Rumiko Takahashi, Wade 
Tritschler, Jim Robert Bader, and many other cool folks. All
characters come from Ranma 1/2 except Sakura who graces
us from Street Fighter. 

Send comments to: Dreiser3@ix.netcom.com

Visit other Altered Destinies at:
www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/attenborough/249/index.htm

Next up: 
Now sporting a new haircut Akane sees a different side to Ryoga 
while Ukyo and Sakura have a heart to heart.  

"Now look here you altered destiny jackass!" raged Ukyo indignantly 
as she tossed aside the latest episode script. "It's not that I don't 
appreciate what you've done for my romance with Ranchan in the 
series but I'm absolutely one-hundred percent woman and there's--" 
Ukyo stopped abruptly as discarded script was presented before 
again. Re-reading the plot concept for the series she flushed a bit then 
muttered lowly, "Forget it." Stalking away from the silent author she 
wondered if having Ranma honey to herself was worth all the 
complications in her new life. Pausing a moment Ukyo broke into a 
wide grin and said, "Without a doubt."