Switching Heirs:
An Altered Destiny

By: Dreiser

-Twelve-

	"Finish him!" 
	Gazing at the screen before him Ukyo wore a sheepish grin as 
Liu Kang defeated his opponent Raiden. Rolling blue eyes Ranma 
groaned. It had been his idea that the two of them go to the arcade 
together. In their younger days it had been one of their favorite 
activities and Ranma figured that Ukyo must have missed it on the 
road. 
	Unfortunately for Ranma, he forgot that in their younger days 
Ukyo consistently beat him in every arcade game they would play. 
This fact had proved consistent throughout the passage of time. They 
had just finished their sixteenth game of Mortal Kombat 4 and Ukyo 
had won every single match. 
	"What I want to know is," Ranma said comically. "Is how 
exactly can a thunder god die? I thought I'd win for sure by playing 
Raiden." 
	Pushing through the crowd that had formed around them to 
observe his winning streak Ukyo shrugged. "Must be my lucky day." 
	"Lucky day?" Snorted Ranma. "I dunno about that Ucchan. I 
think the god of arcade games has blessed you."
	At this Ukyo looked extremely uncomfortable. Stepping in 
front of his iinazuke he began, "I'm really sorry if I've embarrassed you 
Ranchan. I didn't know this would happen... I mean, I haven't played 
any games since I was a little kid and I never wanted--" 
	"Ucchan!" Exclaimed Ranma surprised. Clasping the taller 
boy's shoulders he smiled warmly. "Don't apologize for winning a 
stupid arcade game. The only reason I brought you here was because 
I'd thought you'd like it and have fun."
	"Oh," Ukyo broke into pleased grin. "Good! I did have fun. 
That last game was the best..." 
	"Glad you enjoyed it," chuckled Ranma. "Because you broke 
all the record scores for it."
	"Really?" Pondered Ukyo. Suddenly a lingering thought 
returned to him. "Ranchan?" He began slowly.
	"Yeah?" Returned Ranma as they wound their way through the 
teeming crowd of gamers and the maze of games inside the arcade. 
	"Why did you want me to be in my boy type?" Ukyo 
questioned with definite curiosity.
	Stopping in his path Ranma turned to face his companion. 
Wearing a lopsided grin he scratched his cheek  looking quite 
uncomfortable. 
	Ukyo took this in with some surprise. He'd never seen Ranma 
this shy about a simple question. "Well?" Ukyo asked. "Are you going 
to tell me why?"
	"It's like this Ucchan," Ranma said slowly. "There are a lot of 
guys around here... right?" 
	Glancing around the arcade Ukyo acknowledged that the 
crowd was indeed filled with nothing but male forms. Locking eyes 
with his iinazuke he shrugged. "Yeah. So?"
	Sighing deeply Ranma continued, "The thing of it is most of 
these guys are... well... jerks. I didn't want them to harass you while 
you were in here so I figured..."
	"It would be better if I was a guy," finished Ukyo. Gazing at 
Ranma with wonderment Ukyo smiled softly. "That was really sweet 
of you Ranchan but I think I can handle a few come on's."
	"Yeah," said Ranma dryly. "You can but I'm not sure that I 
can. These guys aren't my friend like Kuno is. I might not be as 
understanding." 
	Chuckling at this Ukyo shook his head. "So you're a tough 
guy, eh? Defending your woman's honor and all?" 
	Smirking Ranma replied, "You bet. Me Tarzan, you Jane. The 
whole law of the jungle bit." 
	"Ugh," groaned Ukyo. They were now heading out of the 
arcade again. "Don't mention jungles. I've had some weird experiences 
in them."
	"Like what?" Prodded Ranma. He was always eager to hear 
about his iinazuke's past. 
	Suddenly a loud burst of noise met their ears and they whirled 
around to see a gaping hole in the far wall of the arcade. Standing 
inside the hole surrounded by a cloud of dust was an exotic lavender 
haired girl holding a pair of sphere like weapons. Her scarlet eyes 
narrowed decisively, scanning the arcade for their target. Resting on 
the surprised figure of a male Ukyo the girl pointed one of her 
weapons at the okonomiyaki chef. 
	"Ukyo!" She shouted in a charming sing-song voice. 
	"Shampoo?" Blinked Ukyo with confusion. "What're you 
doing in Japan?"
	"Ukyo," repeated Shampoo. "Die!" 
	In a flash of movement the lavender haired girl flew at Ukyo 
who barely evaded her harsh attack. Grabbing Ranma's hand in his 
own he leapt backwards to put some distance between them and 
Shampoo.
	"Another spurned old friend holding a grudge against you?" 
Asked Ranma dryly in reference to when Ryoga and Sakura first 
made their appearance.
	"Not really," replied Ukyo while releasing his hold on Ranma. 
"I met her in China. We fought briefly." 
	"Maybe she doesn't think the fight is over?" Ranma offered 
helpfully. 
	Sighing at his iinazuke's attempt at humor Ukyo gripped the 
oncoming attack from Shampoo. Holding the spherical weapon in the 
palm of his wide hands he locked eyes with the lavender haired girl. 
	"Shampoo," Ukyo said gravely. "Why are you doing this? I 
thought we settled our problems in the village." 
	"We settle nothing!" Proclaimed Shampoo. "You run off, 
nothing settled! Only thing settled is Shampoo's disgrace in tribe! Now 
you pay!" 
	Launching her attack again Shampoo swung her spherical 
weapons at Ukyo with great efficiency. Not wanting to fight Shampoo 
and beginning to feel helpless due to this impulse Ukyo hastily worked 
out a plan of escape. Pushing back his toes the okonomiyaki chef leapt 
into the air and   effectively disappeared without a trace. 
	Turning in circles a seething Shampoo searched the premises 
with narrowed scarlet eyes. Stopping on the form of Ranma she 
approached him slowly. 
	Before Shampoo could get any closer the pigtailed boy 
pointed towards the large hole she made upon entering the arcade. 
"She went that way!" Ranma cried hurriedly.
	Following where Ranma pointed Shampoo leapt stealthily out 
of the arcade. "Running again?!" She glowered angrily. "Ukyo! You no 
escape Shampoo!" 
	A moment passed before Ukyo fell gracefully from  his hiding 
place in the high rafters of the arcade and landed beside Ranma. 
	"So," Ranma smirked. "You fought with her?"
	Staring out the large hole in the arcade wall that Shampoo had 
made Ukyo sighed. "I would change that to the present tense 
Ranchan. It looks like I'm back to fighting with Shampoo again. Too 
bad I have no idea why..."
	"Hey!" Shouted the rampaging figure of the arcade owner. "Do 
you know that crazy girl?! She wrecked my arcade because of you 
two! That makes you and your crazy friend responsible for paying the 
damages!"
	Ukyo groaned at the approaching arcade owner and turned 
his back to the man. The last thing he wanted to deal with was some 
angry business man when someone was trying to kill him again.
	Seeing this reaction in his iinazuke Ranma faced the arcade 
owner. "Look," pronounced Ranma slowly while poking the man in his 
huge belly. "We aren't paying for anything! That crazy girl isn't our 
friend! Any idiot could see that she was attacking us for no reason!" 
	Whirling around Ranma marched out of the arcade followed 
closely by Ukyo. Halting at the exit Ukyo gave a wan smile and a 
solemn bow. "Sorry," he said warily before heading after Ranma.
	"Who were those guys?" Questioned the arcade owner in a 
combination of distraught disbelief.

	"Much better," sighed Ukyo as she corked the flask of hot 
water she always carried. 
	Shampoo had never seen Ukyo as a girl and knew nothing of 
her curse, so by Ukyo being in her natural form it guaranteed them 
protection from Shampoo's rampage. 
	Gazing at his iinazuke Ranma incited, "So you met her in China 
and you fought. Then what?"
	Smiling fondly at his curiosity about her former life Ukyo 
recalled the memory. "It was just after Pops and I left Jusenkyo. Only 
a few days had passed since we were cursed and we decided to try to 
adjust to our cursed forms by living in them day in day out for a week. 
The Jusenkyo Guide even supported our decision. He thought it would 
be wise for us to get used to our curses as soon as possible since there 
is no known cure available."
	Ranma nodded his understanding, encouraging Ukyo to 
continue. So far the story was nothing spectacular but he was learning 
more about Ukyo and his Father's past. That was one of his biggest 
missions in life. The two of them hardly discussed their past and 
Ranma got the feeling they were ashamed of many of the experiences 
they shared. 
	"Anyway," Ukyo lamented. "We were getting tired  so the 
Guide suggested we stop at the small Amazon village called 
Joketsuzoku. They were having an annual fighting tournament and he 
thought we'd enjoy watching it." 
	"Amazons?" Ranma blinked in surprise. "That Shampoo girl is 
an Amazon?"
	"Just one of several hundred in her village," Ukyo said with 
small smile. "At first it was a lot of fun. Especially watching Shampoo 
fight... she's a real dynamo. One after another of her opponents fell 
after a few minutes. I'd have to say she's one of the better fighters I've 
ever seen..." 
	Ukyo trailed off thinking of the lavender haired girl's recent 
attack. It had lacked the usual skill, it was almost like Shampoo was 
reluctant to fight her. Like her heart wasn't in it. It didn't make any 
sense... like a lot of things.  
	"Ucchan?" Questioned Ranma concerned.
	Snapping out of her reverie Ukyo focused on her iinazuke. 
"I'm fine Ranchan," she assured. "Where was I? Oh yeah... it was fun 
until Pops and I discovered that what we thought was a free buffet 
was really the first prize for the tournament winner."
	"And the tournament winner was Shampoo," supplied Ranma 
easily.
	Meeting deep blue eyes Ukyo smiled. "Bingo. When the 
Guide finally noticed what we were eating Shampoo had defeated her 
last challenger and was the official Champion of her tribe. We did her 
a great dishonor by eating her prize and she had to be compensated 
somehow." 
	Diverting her gaze Ukyo noted they were almost at the dojo 
and felt a degree of comfort. It would be good to be surrounded by 
the warm safety the dojo inspired inside her. In her short life it was the 
only place she could truly call home. 
	Seeing Ukyo was dealing with some inward demons Ranma 
waited patiently until she felt able to resume her explanations. Smiling 
as she focused kind sandalwood eyes on him Ranma anticipated the 
rest of the story.
	"The problem is," Ukyo began warily. "I couldn't come up with 
a good solution so I resorted to using my fists. I figured she wouldn't 
have a problem with our eating the  prize if I beat her. Then I would be 
the Champion and we'd be eating our own prize, right? No harm in 
that." 
	"Makes sense," Ranma supported, thinking privately that it 
was a good solution on her part.
	"Now you have add one definitive factor when I tell you about 
the result of our fight. This factor totally affected the fight and I don't 
know how things would've gone had it not been involved," Ukyo said 
solemnly. She paused and was boring her gaze steadily into Ranma.
	A bit stunned at her mood change Ranma wore a smile of 
solace, urging Ukyo to go on. Relaxing at this reaction on the part of 
Ranma the okonomiyaki chef went back to her steady pace next to 
him.
	"Shampoo had been fighting all day," Ukyo stated seriously. 
Her eyes were unrelenting, staring ahead. "She had to be exhausted by 
the time I challenged her over that stupid food. I mean, she must have 
fought hundreds of girls nonstop since that morning, and now she had 
to fight me in my male form." Looking at Ranma, Ukyo was sheepish. 
"I know I'm not the biggest guy in the world, with the most strength, 
but as a boy I can take more damage. I'm more lethal in some ways. 
The point is... it's safe to say that Shampoo wasn't expecting an 
opponent of my caliber."
	Focusing ahead again Ukyo continued. "So in my male form I 
challenged Shampoo and won. It barely took five seconds for me to 
defeat her. I pulled out my battle spatula and with one easy blow I sent 
her flying. In my whole history of fighting that match had to be one of 
my easiest." 
	Ranma considered this a moment before replying. "And now 
she's back. Do you think that she wants to regain her title as tribal 
Champion by challenging you?" 
	"I honestly don't know Ranchan," Ukyo sighed deeply. "But 
there is one other important part of the story."
	"Oh?" Asked Ranma inquisitively. They had reached the dojo 
and were strolling up the front walk. "What's that?"
	"After I defeated Shampoo she kissed me," Ukyo said 
carefully. Stopping she gazed into Ranma's eyes. "And I don't mean 
peck on the cheek kiss. I mean a whooping serious French kiss that 
most guys would love to receive from a gorgeous girl like Shampoo."
	 Noticing the cautious wording his iinazuke used Ranma 
smiled. "Most guys... but not you. Especially not when you were just 
starting to get used to being in your male form and are in reality a girl." 
	"Exactly," nodded Ukyo relaxing at his easy  understanding of 
the situation. "I hadn't felt..." She paused trying to think of how to 
word it. "Male urges in that form yet and it scared me when they 
appeared because of Shampoo's kiss. It scared me a lot." 
	"So what did you do?" Asked Ranma as they slipped off their 
shoes in the front entrance to the dojo.
	Meeting blue eyes with sandalwood ones Ukyo released 
another deep sigh. "I ran away." 

	Walking down the hall towards the sitting room Ranma offered 
varied reasons why Shampoo was angry at Ukyo. "Maybe she's a 
scorned woman," he grinned.
	"Scorned woman?" Ukyo asked skeptically.
	"Yeah, you know... the guy I liked ran off on me as soon as I 
kissed him and now I want revenge schtick. She could be a scorned 
woman. You are a cute guy," Ranma wiggled his black eyebrows 
humorously.
	"Very funny Ranchan," Ukyo groaned. "But I definitely don't 
think Shampoo is a scorned woman." 
	Walking into the sitting room sandalwood eyes scanned the 
room and widened in shock upon seeing a mane of long lavender hair. 
Gazing at other room occupants, first Kasumi who was pouring 
Shampoo tea, and then Genma panda who was hiding underneath the 
table Ukyo growled.
	Looking up Kasumi smiled at Ukyo and Ranma who remained 
frozen in the doorway. "Hello Ukyo! Ojisama Saotome brought home 
a friend of yours from China. Wasn't that a nice thing for him to do?" 
	Ignoring this question Ukyo scurried on the floor. Crawling 
next to Genma panda she demanded, "Have you lost your mind?!" As 
a response Genma panda released a low sound of desperation then 
buried his face in his arms. "Hey, old man!" Ukyo hissed. "Tell me 
what you were thinking by bringing her here!"
	"Ukyo?" Shampoo asked softly in her high pitched tone of 
voice. Tilting her head to one side the Amazon set down her cup of tea 
and gazed inquiringly at Ukyo.
	Turning her head slowly Ukyo locked gazes with Shampoo 
who had moved from her seat. Scooting closer to Ukyo with an 
unreadable expression on her beautiful features Shampoo gazed calmly 
into sandalwood eyes. After what  seemed to be had eternity passed 
she finally said, "Nihao."
	At this response Ukyo released a burst of relieved laughter. 
"Nihao," she mimicked easily. 
	Moving her head down Shampoo stared hard at Ukyo. The 
person before her looked amazingly similar to her prey and it was hard 
for Shampoo to believe it wasn't the same person. But proof lay right 
in front of her. The one she sought didn't have the notable swell in their 
chest that this one did. Reaching a hand out tentatively Shampoo 
poked Ukyo in her ample chest. Cupping both breasts in her hands 
perplexed scarlet eyes looked upwards. 
	"Is woman!" Shampoo declared with certain shock to 
everyone in the room. 
	"Uh, yeah," Ukyo said slowly while removing the Amazon's 
grip on her chest. "I'm a girl. Sorry about that."
	"She's never seen your girl type?" Asked Ranma curiously 
from where he stood in the entry way. He wore a lopsided grin and 
was finding Shampoo groping Ukyo almost strangely enjoyable to 
watch. 
	Gazing at her iinazuke Ukyo replied, "Nope. This is probably 
the first time she has ever seen the real me."
	While this was going on Shampoo moved her attention from 
Ukyo to Ranma. Scarlet eyes narrowed as she recognized the 
companion of her prey. The entire reason why she was in this strange 
country so far from her home. 
	"You!" Proclaimed Shampoo angrily. Rising to her feet she 
pulled out her spherical weapons, that Ukyo had since recognized to 
be bonbori, one of the traditional fighting weapons of China. 
	The bonbori shot forward in a blur of motion that a surprised 
Ranma found difficult to evade. As this went on Shampoo continued 
her halted speech in scattered Japanese.
	"Ukyo! Where he?" Shampoo demanded while taking another 
wide swing at Ranma's head. 
	Ducking Ranma focused blue eyes helplessly up into scarlet 
ones. "Uhm..." He began slowly, unsure of what to say as to not reveal 
his iinazuke. "I dunno what you're talking about. I haven't seen the 
guy."
	Scarlet eyes narrowed by another notch. "You hide boy 
Ukyo!" Stated Shampoo angrily. "You too must die!" 
	The Amazon began another frenzied attack against Ranma 
who was tiring of this game. Blue eyes studied the rushed approach of 
the lavender haired girl. Spotting a small opening he shot his leg 
outward in a high sweep and knocked a bonbori out of her right hand. 
The spherical weapon went flying high into the air and time seemed to 
freeze as it landed with a resounding thud on Shampoo's head. 
	Shampoo remained still for a long moment before collapsing 
face forward on the floor. 
	"Oh my," Kasumi exclaimed softly, the first to break the 
silence. Everyone in the tiny sitting room had their eyes focused on the 
fallen figure of Shampoo. 
	Rising to her feet Ukyo locked eyes with Ranma. "You 
defeated her Ranchan," she said simply.
	Moving from his place underneath the table Genma panda held 
up a sign. <Does this mean she'll be trying to kill Ranma too?> 
	Ukyo pondered this. "I don't know Pops. I learned to speak 
pretty fluent Mandarin after we first met Shampoo but I still don't have 
a very good understanding of Amazon law. She might react differently 
in this situation." 
	"She's going to try to kill me?!" Cried Ranma as he  
interrupted their conversation. "But I didn't do anything!"
	A muffled sigh filled the room and everyone focused on the 
waking figure of Shampoo. Raising her lavender head slowly Shampoo 
focused on Ranma who was backing away nervously while waving his 
hands frantically. Shampoo rose to approach him with determination, 
ignoring his strange antics. Stopping her forward approach and leaving 
a few inches between them Shampoo's face shifted into a bright smile. 
Ranma blinked blue eyes at this transformation and it was then that she 
slipped her hands around his neck. 
	Ranma was still in shock at the sweet expression on the 
normally enraged face of the Amazon and could only meet her deep 
gaze. Entwining nimble fingers in thick black hair Shampoo breathed 
softly, "Wo ai ni." In a smooth movement she pulled Ranma into a 
passionate embrace that for Ukyo was like looking in a mirror of the 
past.
	"It's you I love," Ukyo interpreted while staring at the kissing 
pair. 
	"Love?" Kasumi questioned softly. 
	Disentangling himself from Shampoo's embrace Ranma swiftly 
crossed the room to stand in front of Ukyo Blue eyes nervously met 
sandalwood ones. "Ucchan," he began anxiously. "I didn't--it wasn't--I 
only--"
	Holding up a hand to cease this stammering line of speech 
Ukyo smiled softly. "Calm down Ranchan," she said gently. "This 
happened to me too, remember? I'm not angry at you. I'm more 
curious than anything. I really have no idea what this is all about."
	Sighing with relief Ranma reached down to hold Ukyo's hand 
in his own. Across the room Shampoo observed this action with 
certain anger. It was becoming clear to her who exactly were her 
enemies in this strange land. 
	"See here!" Called Soun as he slid open the doors to the sitting 
room. "What is this all about? What's all the fuss?"
	Looking up at her father Kasumi explained in tones that could 
be called the closest thing to her version of panic. "Oh Father!" She 
exclaimed softly. "I don't know all of the details but it seems a friend of 
Ukyo's followed her all the way from China and now she seems to like 
Ranma!" 
	"Ranma?!" Cried Soun loudly as he focused in on Ranma who 
was once again being smothered by Shampoo.
	"I didn't do anything!" Responded Ranma desperately as he 
gave up on trying to get loose of Shampoo's embrace.
	"It looks like you're doing something to me," accused Soun in 
solemn tones. Shampoo was now rubbing the side of her face 
affectionately against Ranma's strong chest. 
	Sighing deeply Ukyo sat at the table across from Kasumi. 
"Stop picking on him Ojisama Tendo," Ukyo said firmly. "It isn't 
Ranma's fault."
	Smiling widely at this support Ranma separated himself from 
Shampoo again to sit beside Ukyo. Seething inwardly at this slight 
rejection Shampoo quietly followed Ranma to sit on his other side. 
Following suit Soun sat next to Kasumi and lit a cigarette. He was 
staring at Ranma who, once more, had Shampoo clutching to him. 
	"Okay son," Soun said calmly. "Explain how you got yourself 
into this one."
	Scratching his cheek Ranma gazed at Ukyo for support before 
answering. "Actually," he said hesitantly. "It all sort of started because 
of Ucchan."
	Turning his eyes to Ukyo who looked quite sheepish Soun 
said dryly, "What a shock." Glancing around the table he continued. 
"Does anyone have any idea about what's going on and why?"
	Sensing the confusion in the air Shampoo proudly held up her 
copy of the Amazon tribal law handbook. All eyes focused on the 
book and Soun reached for it first. Scanning the pages quickly his face 
turned to one of utter horror.
	"What?" Ranma asked anxiously. "What does it say?"
	Raising his eyes Soun stared hard at Ranma. Tossing the book 
aside he stated, "Really. You know I can't read a word of Mandarin."
	Before Ukyo could reach for the handbook the long tapering 
hands of Nabiki beat her to it. Taking a seat next to Ukyo she began 
reading. "The rules of the Amazon tribe in dealing with outside 
warriors are as follows. If an Amazon warrior is defeated by an 
outsider, be it male or female, they must determine what fate the 
outsider is to face by their own accord. To regain face the warrior has 
two options. The first is to deliver the kiss of death, in which case they 
must swiftly hunt down the outsider and kill them. The second is to 
deliver the kiss of life, in which case they must marry the outsider and 
bring added strength to the tribe through their union."
	When Nabiki had finished reading Shampoo nodded her head 
in vigorous agreement while Ranma sat in complete shock upon finding 
he was engaged to another girl.
	Meanwhile, Ukyo was pondering Shampoo's reaction to her. 
Why was Ranma fit to marry while she, in her male form at least, had 
apparently received the kiss of death? It doesn't make any sense, 
thought Ukyo with some confusion. Staring at the Amazon law 
handbook that Nabiki still held Ukyo considered that the odds lay with 
that the answer being inside its pages. Leaping to her feet Ukyo 
snatched the handbook from Nabiki and bounded out of the room. 
	"Ucchan," murmured Ranma with concern at the hurried nature 
of her exit. Rising to his feet Ranma pursued his iinazuke leaving 
Shampoo alone to desperately shout in her native language for her 
husband. 

	Sitting on the roof top of the dojo Ukyo flipped through the 
pages of the Amazon law handbook. "I don't understand," she 
muttered. "I've read this thing backwards and forwards in both 
Japanese and Mandarin but it doesn't offer any explanation as to why 
Shampoo gave me the kiss of death and you the kiss of life."
	Lying on his back Ranma gazed up at the darkening night sky 
above them. "I still stand by my scorned woman theory," he said 
resolutely. "When you first defeated her in the village she thought, 
`Hey... he'll make good husband material.' Then you ran off on her 
after one lousy kiss so she's disgraced. I mean, no one likes it when 
their future husband runs off on them. Especially not a proud top notch 
warrior like Shampoo, right?" 
	"Right..." Ukyo said slowly. She was studying her companion 
with gaining admiration.
	Sitting up now Ranma continued to explain his theory with 
some excitement. "So the law states clearly Shampoo has two options. 
One, to marry you. Two, to kill you. By running off after one kiss you 
obviously didn't leave the marriage option open so..."
	"Now she has to kill me," finished Ukyo. "You figured it out 
Ranchan." Giving him the handbook Ukyo sighed. "I don't know 
whether to be happy or sad."
	"I say be happy," Ranma said confidently. "Now you know the 
problem. All you have to do is to get her to not want to kill you 
anymore. If Shampoo goes back to wanting to marry you then we're 
on equal ground at least." 
	Rubbing her temples Ukyo muttered, "But I don't want to 
marry her Ranchan. I want to marry you!"
	Taken aback by the forceful tone in which Ukyo said the last 
statement Ranma smiled. "I know Ucchan," he said gently. "But isn't it 
better that Shampoo wants to marry you then kill you? At least with 
marriage you'll be alive to think of a way to get out of it. Besides," 
Ranma grinned slyly. "Shampoo is kinda cute."
	Ukyo chuckled at this. "I guess..."
	Bumping shoulders with her Ranma prodded, "You guess 
what? You guess it's better to marry her or you guess she's cute?" 
Shaking her head Ukyo refused to answer this and Ranma poked her 
in the ribs. "C'mon Ucchan..." He said wearing a goofy grin. "Tell me 
or I'm going to start tickling you..." Nimble hands shot outwards and 
Ranma began a fierce tickling attack against Ukyo who burst into 
laughter. 
	"C-cute!" Ukyo sputtered while trying to knock away his 
questing hands. "I guess she's cute!" 
	Smiling triumphantly at this Ranma pulled away. Gazing at his 
iinazuke, who was regaining her breath, a loophole occurred to him.
	"Hey..." Ranma began slowly. "Shampoo can't marry the both 
of us. It would be bigamy..." Smiling happily he continued. "That has to 
be the answer Ucchan!" 
	Stretching her back muscles Ukyo replied, "Afraid not 
Ranchan. She's a Chinese Amazon remember? Their laws are different 
than ours and their law clearly states the higher rank a warrior is the 
more mates they can take on. And it isn't like that matters much since 
right now it seems that Shampoo would rather kill me than marry me."
	"Shampoo was the village Champion, the highest warrior rank, 
meaning she can pretty much do whatever she wants..." Ranma 
lingered on this. "Out of curiosity, who's second in the warrior power 
ranks?"
	"The tribal Enforcer," Ukyo said easily. "They basically carry 
out missions for the Elders of the tribe." 
	Tilting her head Ukyo gazed at the subject of their discussion. 
Shampoo was looking around the yard to the dojo with some 
frustration and Ukyo figured she was searching for the absent Ranma. 
Following her gaze Ranma stared at the Shampoo before meeting 
Ukyo's sandalwood eyes.
	"Go talk to her," advised Ukyo. "Try to explain how you feel. 
Who knows? Maybe she'll understand." 
	"Are you sure?" Asked Ranma uncertainly, not wanting to 
leave Ukyo alone if she didn't want to be.
	"Positive," Ukyo smiled fondly. Giving him a tiny shove for 
motivation she continued. "Go on. You know you want to try to work 
your magic on Shampoo like you do with everyone else. Why don't 
you try to find out if she really is a scorned woman?"
	Rising slowly Ranma gazed at Ukyo lovingly before bending 
down for a quick kiss. Ranma leapt off the roof and Ukyo watched as 
he called out to Shampoo who immediately had him in a tight hug. 
	Observing the scene below her Ukyo felt no animosity 
towards the other girl. She found it almost impossible to be jealous of 
Shampoo. The Amazon seemed to be followed by an unbreakable 
chain of bad luck and circumstance that made Ukyo sympathize for 
her. After all, how many horrendous situations had Ukyo been in for 
no real fault of her own? It was an infuriating experience to have your 
life seemingly beyond your own control. Unfortunately for Ukyo, it 
seemed to her that it was her destiny to live that way. 
	Poor girl, thought Ukyo as she watched Ranma lead Shampoo 
away for their discussion. Her first husband runs out on her and her 
second husband is engaged to her first husband who is really a girl. 
Pulling her legs under her chin Ukyo murmured, "I don't look forward 
to having to explain how things really are to her."
	The sound of soft footsteps met Ukyo's ears and tipping her 
head she gazed at Nabiki as she carefully walked on the dojo roof. 
Smiling at her friend as she sat next to her Ukyo commented, "First 
time on the roof, huh?"
	"Under normal conditions I would have no need to be up 
here," drawled Nabiki as she tried to get comfortable. "But it's safe to 
say normal conditions don't really apply to our household do they?"
	Chuckling Ukyo returned her gaze to the yard and found that 
Ranma had lead Shampoo to somewhere private. Oh well, she 
dismissed. It isn't like I need to worry about him. He could barely 
handle a single kiss. Ukyo smirked thinking of her own reaction to 
Shampoo's kiss. Not like I'm any better... I ran away screaming. 
	"Okay Nabchan," Ukyo said looking at the middle Tendo 
sister. "What brings you up to my roof top domain?"
	"Free of charge I offer my listening services about the recent 
events involving certain high strung foreigners," said Nabiki smirking. 
	Looking at her friend she saw the sincerity that shone in hazel 
eyes and appreciated the gesture. Ukyo found a strange affinity with 
Nabiki who, like herself, often had a tendency to distance herself for 
emotional protection. While Ukyo did it with an outward appearance 
of a casual and carefree nature Nabiki used her impressive intelligence 
to put a block between herself and others. 
	"I appreciate it Nabchan but there isn't much to discuss," 
Ukyo sighed. "Unless you can help me think of a way to get out of this 
situation with Shampoo."
	The brunette formed a thoughtful expression. "Didn't you say 
that you speak Mandarin?" Nabiki queried.
	"Yeah," acknowledged Ukyo. "So? I learned how to speak it 
after the incident at Joketsuzoku. Figured it would help me avoid that 
sort of thing again." 
	"So why don't you explain things to Shampoo? If you speak 
her native language then you should be able to clear things up easily," 
theorized Nabiki simply. "In my opinion what Ranma said about 
getting on her good side is a brilliant idea." Smirking Nabiki drawled, 
"Almost makes me wonder why I didn't think of it first." 
	Ukyo sighed wearily at this suggestion. "You just said what 
I've been thinking since I first saw Shampoo."
	"Then why haven't you talked to her?" Asked Nabiki. 
	"I'm not really sure of what to say," confessed Ukyo. "Talking 
about feelings really isn't my strong suit." 
	"Right," Nabiki snorted. "Beating the stuffing out of people is. 
You should at least give it a try Ucchan. You can't possibly do any 
worse than Ranma is right now."  
	Blinking at this Ukyo moved to the edge of the roof and 
observed her iinazuke who was perched on a birdhouse talking to 
Shampoo. Looking backwards at Nabiki she questioned, "I can barely 
hear them from this vantage point. How could you possibly...?" 
	Nabiki wore a secretive smile. "Listen for the smallest details. 
That which is most subtle pay the keenest attention to. Like I keep 
saying... the school of martial arts I took over for my Mother is 
something worth looking into." 
	"Must be," respect shone in sandalwood eyes. "I think I'm 
going to ask for a lesson one of these days." 
	"I'd recommend it," Nabiki smiled. Hazel eyes moved back 
towards the edge of the roof. "Poor Ranma. Things really aren't going 
well." 
	Oak brown eyebrows shot upwards in surprise and Ukyo 
returned to her place on the edge of roof. Leaning slightly over the 
edge she listened to the conversation. 

	"Now do you understand, Shampoo?" Questioned Ranma 
gingerly. "Your Amazon laws may work in China but in Japan things 
don't work that way. I can't marry you just because I accidentally beat 
you in battle. It isn't right." 
	Staring deeply into Ranma's blue eyes Shampoo nodded her 
head in agreement with whatever her husband had just said. Hopping 
onto the bird house in easy movement she gazed at Ranma with utter 
adoration. 
	"Woda Airen," said Shampoo in low husky tones. Agile fingers 
gracefully traced the lines of Ranma's strong jaw while moving closer. 

	Hearing a low rustle Ukyo averted her eyes to look back at 
Nabiki. The brunette was busy scanning a Mandarin to Japanese 
language translation book. 
	"It means my beloved husband Nabchan," Ukyo informed 
smiling at her friend's curiosity. 
	Nabiki looked almost embarrassed as she met the gaze of her 
companion. "I thought it might be useful to speak Mandarin in case our 
lavender haired friend decides to stick around like everyone else 
does." 
	Turning back to the edge of the roof and the continuing 
conversation below Ukyo murmured. "Oh, it'll be useful. Believe me." 

	Graceful fingers gently traced a path up Ranma's muscular 
chest until they wound into the soft black hair at the nape of his neck. 
Falling forward smoothly Shampoo rested her face only inches from 
his. 
	Smiling angelically she whispered, "Wo ai ni." 
	Blue eyes blinked in confusion and Ranma swallowed 
nervously. He had no idea what Shampoo was saying but the tone of 
voice she spoke in was driving him insane. It was the same low throaty 
tone that Ukyo would take on when she felt romantic. Ukyo! An 
image of his iinazuke appeared in his mind and Ranma moved 
backwards in an attempt to separate himself from Shampoo's 
affectionate embrace. 
	For her part, Shampoo didn't understand her new Airen's 
erratic behavior and clung obstinately to him. She had already lost one 
suitor... she wasn't about to lose another. Yes, thought Shampoo 
emphatically, nothing would come between her and her Airen. 
Nothing. 

	"I love you," supplied Ukyo dryly. Raising an oak brown 
eyebrow she chuckled. "Isn't learning a new language oodles of fun?"
	"If you're jealous why don't you go down there and break 
things up?" Inquired Nabiki. 
	Pushing herself into a sitting position Ukyo continued to 
observe the pair below. "That's just it Nabchan. I'm not jealous. 
Shampoo wouldn't even be after Ranma if I hadn't run off when we 
first fought. It's me she's after... not him. Ranchan is just a replacement 
for me, her lost Airen." 
	"Well," snorted Nabiki humorously. "Someone is getting a big 
head."
	Sandalwood eyes met hazel ones. "Very funny. But it's the 
truth. Shampoo came to Japan looking for me... the husband that ran 
out on her." Ukyo turned to gaze at the Amazon once again. "I think 
she must be a very lonely person to journey so far in pursuit of a 
complete stranger. And now this thing with Ranchan... it only proves 
how much she wants to belong. To be loved. No," Ukyo sighed. "I'm 
not jealous of Shampoo. I actually sympathize for her."
	"It's hard to be at the top," Nabiki philosophized.  
	"You got that right," replied Ukyo easily.

	"Now do you get it?" Questioned Ranma. He was now lying 
on his back anxiously stammering to Shampoo the reasons he couldn't 
marry her. "I l-loo... I like Ucchan. So I can't possibly marry you..." 
	Tilting her head inquiringly to one side Shampoo could only 
understand and recognize a single word out his entire barrage of 
explanations. "Marry?" She whispered. Breaking into smile she clung 
to Ranma once again. "Ranma want marry Shampoo? Wo ai ni, 
Airen!" 
	"Uh..." Began Ranma helplessly as she snuggled against him. 
"NO! I mean... no. I can't marry you. Do you understand me 
Shampoo? Can't marry!" 
	Raising her lavender head Shampoo smiled sweetly and 
nodded her head in agreement. The chattering complexity of the 
Japanese language was proving difficult to master but Shampoo was 
sure she'd learn it eventually. In the meantime she would settle for 
mimicking her Airen's speech and study his inflections as to aid in 
speaking the language. 
	"You don't understand me," groaned Ranma as Shampoo 
glommed him again. Blue eyes moved upwards and he gazed at the 
understanding face of his iinazuke peering over the dojo roof. 

	"I guess you trying to talk things out with Shampoo wasn't one 
of my best ideas..." Said Ukyo sheepishly. 
	The couple had returned to their usual place on the dojo roof 
top to discuss the recent events. Shampoo had been safely removed 
from their presence by Nabiki who wanted to test her skills at 
speaking Mandarin along with learning more about Amazon tribal law.  
	Genma and Soun had retired to their nightly game of shogi 
while Kasumi worked in the kitchen with Nodoka on dinner. Akane 
was still out with Ryoga on their double date with Sakura and 
Kodachi. Which was an attempt of Akane's to help Ryoga get over his 
anger at the Kodachi for having chained him, in his cursed form, to 
Ukyo. 
	"It's okay Ucchan," Ranma assured. Scratching his cheek he 
smiled warily. "It isn't like I did a bang up job talking to her. All in all it 
was pretty disastrous. I don't think she understood a thing I said."
	"You're probably right," agreed Ukyo.
	"I mean, she just sat there and nodded--" Halting his speech 
Ranma gazed at Ukyo with surprise. "Wait a minute. I'm right?" 
Ranma inquired. 
	Chuckling Ukyo leaned into Ranma and he wrapped a strong 
arm around her shoulders. "Don't sound so shocked Ranchan. I'd bet 
the reason she looked so clueless was because she was." Sandalwood 
eyes gazed into shining blue depths. "Shampoo only just arrived in 
Japan. She probably only understands a few scattered words of our 
language." 
	"Then it's hopeless," sighed Ranma. "If she can't understand 
what we're saying how are we supposed to make things right? She'll 
just keep glomming onto me while trying to kill your boy type."
	Slipping out from under his embrace Ukyo rose to her feet 
smoothly. "Not necessarily," she smirked. "I can always try talking to 
her." 
	Blinking in surprise Ranma questioned, "Ucchan? What are 
you up to?"
	Pausing in her walk to the edge of the roof Ukyo turned her 
head back. "You'll see," Ukyo wore a secretive smile. In a quick leap 
Ukyo jumped off the roof to land with a huge splash in the koi pond 
below. 
	Ranma stared at the now male Ukyo who gazed up   at him 
before turning his attention to the house. "Shampoo!" He shouted 
loudly. "Come on Shampoo! I thought you were looking for me!" 
	 The lavender haired Amazon appeared in a flash on the porch 
outside the sitting room. Scarlet eyes narrowed in speculation as she 
took in the form of a male Ukyo. 
	"Boy type Ukyo." She hissed in recognition. Swiftly she 
retrieved her bonbori and moved into action. "I kill!"
	Calmly gripping the bonbori in the palms of his hands Ukyo 
bore his steady gaze into Shampoo's. "<Are you sure you want to do 
that Shan-pu?>" 
	On hearing her native language Shampoo froze and Ukyo 
jumped at this advantage. Nimble hands moved quickly and Ukyo 
tossed the Amazon over his shoulder hoping to move the confrontation 
to a better location. 
	Watching as his iinazuke leapt away with a screaming 
Shampoo over his shoulder Ranma smiled proudly. "I almost forgot," 
he chuckled. "Ucchan speaks Mandarin." 

	"<Put me down you barbarian!>" Demanded Shampoo. She 
was still slung over Ukyo's shoulder as he leapt on the roof tops of 
Nerima. "<Haven't you already brought enough embarrassment to me 
for one lifetime?!>"
	Deciding that they were a safe enough distance from the dojo 
Ukyo paused in his trek. Leaving them on the roof top to one of the 
tallest buildings in downtown Nerima. Upon stopping the furious 
Amazon immediately escaped from his grip to stand across from him. 
	"<I apologize Shan-pu,>" Ukyo said solemnly. "<But it 
wouldn't do any good for us to fight. Especially not at my home. It has 
already gone through enough damage due to the mistakes of my 
past.>" 
	"<There are many I'm sure,>" said Shampoo smugly. "<No 
doubt I am not the only one you have run out on. Your upbringing 
must have been poor indeed to produce a fighter that is totally lacking 
honor. Perhaps it's better that you ran from me. The one called Ranma 
will make a much better addition to my tribe than you. I would much 
rather kill than marry such an obvious scoundrel.>" 
	 Studying Shampoo carefully Ukyo moved closer to remove 
the distance between them. Recalling Nabiki's advise to notice that 
what is most subtle Ukyo gazed at the tapering neck of his companion. 
On increasing his proximity to her the beat of Shampoo's pulse 
increased greatly. It was now going at an incredible rate. Raising 
sandalwood eyes Ukyo peered at Shampoo. Under careful inspection 
it seemed to him that his presence was effecting the girl physically if not 
mentally. To Ukyo that signaled one clear thing. Shampoo liked him. 
She didn't want to kill him, in fact, she had been avoiding the event by 
not using her full abilities against him in battle. 
	"<Very well,>" he said finally. Confidently Ukyo threw the 
bonbori back to Shampoo. The Amazon watched Ukyo with 
confusion as he removed his bandoleer and tossed his weapons aside. 
"<If the only way you can regain your honor is by killing me then do it. 
I won't stop you. Look, I'll even make it easier!>"
	Unbuttoning his sleeveless silk shirt Ukyo tossed it to one side 
to leave his muscular chest bare. "<Now all my vital points are in clear 
sight. I won't stop you from attacking me if that's what you really 
want.>" 
	Stunned by this turn of events Shampoo gazed at the boy 
before her. She hadn't expected him to give into her will. She had 
expected pleas, begging, and wild excuses for his treacherous 
behavior but never in her wildest dreams did she think he would admit 
his own fault. By doing this Ukyo opposed all of Shampoo's 
assumptions about his lack of honor. By turning himself over to her 
judgment it proved he did possess honor. Honor along with incredible 
bravery. Not many would voluntarily leave themselves defenseless 
before a clear enemy. But if Ukyo possessed honor then why did he 
run away from her and his duty in the first place?  
	"<First,>" Shampoo began slowly. "<Tell me why you ran 
from me in the village after I gave you the kiss of life. I want to know 
the cause behind all my recent suffering.>" 
	Sighing with relief Ukyo scratched the back of his head. "<It's 
kind of hard to explain but basically I'd never been kissed by a girl 
before. I sort of...>" Ukyo turned red and Shampoo observed this 
curiously. "<Got scared of how it made me feel so I ran away. I didn't 
know what it meant. I just thought you were kissing me...>" 
	"<You were scared?>" Shampoo asked in disbelief.
	Staring at the lanky figure of masculinity she took in this 
explanation with wonderment. The boy before her had to be one of 
the best fighters Shampoo had ever encountered. In her pursuit of him 
across China and Japan she had been privy to observing the aftermath 
of his many battles. All of which, she had been told, were handled with 
a level of such calm ease that it reflected on a fighter of high skill. He 
was all this and now he would claim to be scared of how a simple kiss 
from her made him feel? That was why he ran? 
	Studying Ukyo carefully Shampoo noted the flush of 
embarrassment. All her instincts told her that he was telling the truth. 
Considering this Shampoo recalled the day of the tournament. When 
she pulled away after giving Ukyo the kiss of life there was a moment 
where pure happiness shone on his handsome features but then... 
	Her thoughts trailing off Shampoo gazed into warm 
sandalwood eyes. Then he ran away, she thought. He ran away 
looking just as he looks now. Red with embarrassment. 
	"<You're telling the truth... aren't you?>" Shampoo questioned 
incredulously. "<You were truly scared. That was why you ran from 
me. Not because you were disgusted at my touch. Not because you 
didn't want to face the duties put before you from my defeat. You 
were just scared of how my kiss made you feel.>" 
	"<Exactly!>" Exclaimed Ukyo happily. He didn't know how 
but he managed to get through to Shampoo. "<I didn't know anything 
about your laws or tradition. If I knew what the kiss meant I never 
would have run.>"
	Stepping forward Ukyo tentatively rested a hand on 
Shampoo's shoulder. Bending down he locked scarlet eyes with his 
earnest sandalwood gaze. "<I didn't mean to bring you dishonor Shan-
pu. Please believe me.>" 
	Looking up into shining eyes Shampoo saw the truth that lay 
there and smiled. The boy before her had put himself at her mercy 
without any sign of fear. He was indeed worthy her, and her tribe's, 
attention. 
	"<Then,>" Shampoo said while watching Ukyo carefully. 
"<You would be willing to make retribution for your crimes against 
me?>" 
	Bowing his head respectfully Ukyo replied, "<Of course. I'm 
willing to do whatever you ask. It was never my intention to hurt your 
standing in the tribe.>" Lifting his eyes Ukyo bore his steady gaze into 
her. "<I have great respect for your skills as a fighter Shan-pu. It didn't 
escape my attention that you had been fighting all day when I 
challenged you. I was confident in my victory because of this. If you 
had not been exhausted by the other battles our fight would have had 
much different results I'm sure.>" 
	Scarlet eyes glinted dangerously. Ukyo had admitted to both 
her skill as a fighter as well as his motivations behind the challenge. 
Reaching a graceful hand outward she tipped up his strong chin. 
	"<Rise.>" Shampoo commanded. "<I have decided what I 
must do.>"
	Following her order Ukyo straightened to his full height to 
tower over Shampoo. Meeting her scarlet eyes Ukyo was surprised to 
see affection shining in their depths. Moving with a speed that defied 
time Shampoo pulled him into a passionate embrace. 
	Feeling the familiar surge of panic that had filled him the first 
time this happened Ukyo started to move away but Shampoo held him 
firmly in place. After several moments Ukyo finally resigned himself to 
the embrace and began to enjoy the soft feel of Shampoo's lips on his 
own. As the kiss developed Ukyo became involved and tentatively 
explored the recesses of Shampoo's mouth with his tongue. Shampoo 
encouraged this action and pressed against him eagerly. 
	This heated exchange went on for several moments before 
they finally broke apart for air. Ukyo studied the petite frame of 
Shampoo who was resting against his chest. His mouth quirking 
upwards in a small smile Ukyo gave into an impulse and ran his fingers 
through the silken softness of her lavender hair. 
	"<So that was what you must do?"> Ukyo asked playfully. 
"<You must kiss me?>" 
	Lifting her head Shampoo revealed happiness gracing her 
beautiful features. "<I had to test a theory of mine.>" She explained 
while running gentle fingers across his cheek. "<I wanted to know if 
you were telling the truth about being scared of how my kiss made you 
feel. By your initial reaction just now I know you weren't lying.>" 
Forming a wicked smile Shampoo giggled. "<In fact, it seemed like 
you were almost ready to run again. Good thing I held you in place.>" 
	"<Yeah, well,>" Ukyo said meekly. "<You're a very beautiful 
girl Shan-pu. It is kind of disconcerting when you show me that sort of 
attention. Makes me wonder what I ever did to deserve it.>" 
	"<Everyone deserves devotion from another person at one 
point or another,>" Shampoo declared. Moving away from Ukyo she 
turned to gaze at the Nerima skyline. "<Back home in Joketsuzoku I 
hold a great deal of respect as tribal  Champion but I pay a price.>" 
	Tipping her head backwards Shampoo wore a wan smile. 
"<Everyone fears me. I have no real friends besides my cousin Per-
fum the Enforcer. The two of us have a kinship from being the 
strongest in the village.>" 
	Sighing Shampoo formed a thoughtful expression. "<Those 
who fear us also hate us for our superior skills. On the day of the 
tournament I singly defeated all the warriors of my generation. When 
you challenged me, they gave their support to you, wishing for your 
victory and my loss. My defeat was a great thing for their jealous 
hearts and they rejoiced in my ultimate failure to win.>"
	"<What about you?>" Asked Ukyo gently. "<How did you 
feel? Did you hate me for beating you?>"
	"<Hate you?>" Shampoo puzzled. "<No. I didn't hate you. I 
was actually somewhat relieved. Being the best warrior in a tribe 
brings isolation. None wanted to associate with me and I was 
beginning to despair from my loneliness... then you came. When I lost 
to you I was happy. Of course, I couldn't let anyone see that, but 
inside I was rejoicing. Finally there was a fighter that was stronger than 
me. Someone worth being with. I wouldn't be alone anymore! I 
thought that giving you the kiss of life would guarantee my happiness. 
It was pathetic to think so, wouldn't you say?>"
	"<Pathetic?>" Ukyo looked surprised. "<No. I don't think it 
was pathetic. In fact, I understand perfectly. I spent most of my youth 
on the road traveling with Pops. I didn't have a lot of friends either...>" 
Taking a step forward Ukyo caressed Shampoo's cheek tenderly. 
"<It's horrible to be alone, isn't it?>" 
	Losing herself to the shining depths of sandalwood eyes 
Shampoo reached up to hold Ukyo's face in her soft hands. "<But I'm 
not alone anymore,>" Shampoo smiled. "<I have you and Ranma. 
When we three return to the tribe my honor will be vindicated.>" 
Studying the towering form of Ukyo carefully Shampoo looked 
mischievous. "<No doubt I will also be a figure of great envy for 
having two such virile and handsome husbands.>" 
	"<Husbands? But-->" Ukyo started to protest. His words 
were muffled by another passionate embrace on the part of Shampoo. 
Losing himself to the sweetness of her kiss Ukyo was helpless against 
the emotion it incited. 
	Ending the kiss Shampoo gazed at Ukyo with utter adoration 
before sprinting towards the edge of the roof. Turning on her heel she 
smiled brightly. "<But nothing my beloved husband. The law clearly 
states my choices. I may either kill or marry you. I have chosen to 
return to my original decision of marriage.>" Leaping off the roof with 
her lavender mane flying upwards Shampoo's voice trailed off with her 
descent. "<We will speak more on the matter later my husband. Now 
I must deal with the developing problem of the girl who shares your 
name. She is entirely too friendly towards my second husband, 
Ranma.>" 
	Left alone Ukyo stood frozen for several moments before the 
meaning of her words hit him. "Wait a minute," he said slowly. "The girl 
who shares my name?" Groaning loudly Ukyo muttered, "Why didn't I 
tell her about my curse?" He  paused to dwell on this error for a 
moment. "Oh well," Ukyo lamented. Bending down he retrieved his 
blue silk shirt and bandoleer. "It can wait..." 
	Slinging his battle spatula over his shoulder Ukyo smirked. 
"Second husband Ranma?" Chuckling a bit Ukyo shook his head. 
"Ranchan will love that." Pushing back on his heels to shift into an easy 
jog Ukyo sighed. "I think I enjoyed Shampoo's kisses a little too 
much. We're going to have to talk about that too I suppose..." 
	Dashing back towards the dojo Ukyo resolved to try and 
clear everything up. But, he thought tiredly, it would have to wait until 
tomorrow. Because he was entirely too exhausted to deal with the 
constant complications of his life right now. It would be easier to deal 
with after a good nights sleep. At least, he hoped so. 

	Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes Ukyo slowly made her way 
downstairs and into the sitting room. Genma had allowed her to sleep 
in for once, probably due to the sexy negligee Nodoka purchased, and 
the event was disconcerting. In her short lifetime Ukyo had only slept 
in possibly ten times, this being one of them. Yawning again Ukyo 
heard the sound of soft murmurs and found that other members of the 
always expanding Tendo household were awake as well.
	From the top of the stairs Ukyo could hear their conversation 
dimly. Not surprisingly, it was focused around Shampoo and the 
recent complications arisen due to her traditional Amazon laws. Sliding 
open the door to the sitting room Ukyo was met with the stares of 
Sakura, Soun, and all three Tendo sisters who were eating breakfast. 
	Sakura was the first to speak as she sported a teasing smirk. 
"Okay," she drawled. "What's this I hear about you and Ranma 
sharing an Amazon bride named after a hair care product? What?" 
Sakura pouted with exaggeration. "You can't have me and still be 
faithful to Ranma but you'll share him with this Chinese broad? I'm 
insulted."
	"C'mon Sakura," Ukyo moaned leaning against the doorway. 
"It isn't like that. Shampoo has all these funky Amazon laws she has to 
obey. Anyway, it isn't like I've done anything with her. She isn't even 
staying at the dojo."
	"She isn't?" Nabiki asked while finishing her soup. Setting 
down the bowl she gazed at Ukyo. "I could have sworn I saw her 
lavender head poking into Ranma and Ryoga's room last night." 
	"She what?!" Demanded Akane, slamming her fist down on 
the table. "What was she doing in Ryochan's room?! Why didn't you 
stop her Nabiki?" 
	"Calm down Akane," drawled Nabiki smoothly. "I don't think 
it was Ryoga she was interested in." Turning back to Ukyo she 
continued. "Don't worry Ucchan. I'm sure Ranma's chastity is still in 
tact. I didn't hear any moans coming from the room." 
	Rolling sandalwood eyes Ukyo muttered, "I still better go 
check on him. At this rate we'll at the very least be late for school." 
	"Hey!" Called Sakura to the departing Ukyo. "Aren't you at 
least going to tell me exactly how you two managed to get engaged to 
an Amazon in the first place? Or is this sort of thing common place 
news around here?"
	Ukyo responded playfully, "Why don't you ask Nabchan? She 
seems to be up on all current events of the dojo." Bounding up the 
stairs Ukyo grinned as she heard Sakura start her interrogation of 
Nabiki. 

	Quietly opening the door to her iinazuke's room Ukyo took in 
the sleeping figures of Ranma and Ryoga. The former was being clung 
to by a contented Shampoo who was snuggled under the covers with 
him.
	 Ranma unconsciously adjusted his sleeping position and 
Shampoo moved along with him. Rubbing against his chest the 
Amazon sighed softly, "Oh... Airen." 
	Gazing at the tender scene before her Ukyo couldn't help 
smiling. They really did look cute lying together. Almost like little kids. 
Ukyo had the utmost faith in Ranma, despite Nabiki's teasing, she 
knew full well nothing had or would happen between him and 
Shampoo. Ranma was far too loyal to even consider such a thing. 
	Watching them a moment longer Ukyo considered her feelings 
towards both of them. Though she had trouble with verbalizing it Ukyo 
loved Ranma deeply and they shared a natural rapport. They had the 
same carefree love of life and saw the world in hopeful terms. Their 
personalities were incredibly similar and a high sense of honor had 
been bred into them both. Although, on Ukyo's part, it was sometimes 
lacking due to her unusual upbringing. Being raised by Genma and the 
Master resulted in many things but the pursuit of honor wasn't one of 
them. The bond she shared with Ranma was so that Ukyo didn't even 
need to speak for him to understand how she was feeling. This event 
was useful since neither she nor Ranma were exactly comfortable in 
trying to voice their feelings. Ukyo didn't really know how to describe 
the nature of their relationship. Soulmates, as corny as it sounded, 
would be the best choice. 
	Then there was Shampoo. Gazing at the lavender haired 
Amazon as she pressed closer to Ranma she felt a twinge of envy. 
Shampoo was able to express her emotions so purely without any fear 
of rejection. Ukyo would die to have her self-doubt taken away and 
be like Shampoo. It pained Ukyo to see the Amazon being 
affectionate with Ranma so easily. Things that took all of Ukyo's built 
up courage, like instigating their first few kisses, were nothing to 
Shampoo. She felt horrible for her part in bringing Shampoo to Japan 
and wanted to make it up to her. Ukyo couldn't imagine the 
embarrassment she had brought on the Amazon when she had run 
from her. Unfortunately Shampoo seemed to deeply cling to the 
traditional laws of her tribe. This could only lead to imminent 
heartbreak because even though Ukyo and Ranma weren't immune to 
her exotic beauty they had no desire to include a third party in their 
upcoming marriage. Harsh as it sounded, there was simply no room 
for Shampoo in either of their hearts. 
	This left heavy question of how to resolve the growing 
problem of their current situation of being engaged to Shampoo 
hanging in the air. And neither of the chosen husbands had the slightest 
clue of how to do that.
	Sighing deeply Ukyo shook her head. I've got to stop 
brooding about this, she thought. Things will work out in the end. They 
always do. Bending down Ukyo rested her face some inches above 
Ranma's and studied him closely. Forming a mischievous smile Ukyo 
pinched her iinazuke's nose. 
	Several moments passed when Ranma finally shot forward his 
blue eyes wide with panic. He glanced around the room wildly while 
clutching to his mattress. Locking on the smiling figure of his iinazuke 
he breathed a sigh of relief. 
	"Ucchan?" Ranma was baffled. "What--?"
	"Shhh," hushed Ukyo. Giving him a charming smile she gently 
brushed his lips with her own. "In case you haven't noticed we have 
company." 
	Blinking in confusion Ranma followed Ukyo's gaze to stare at 
the sleeping Shampoo who was now sprawled across the bed 
squeezing his pillow tightly. On spotting the Amazon Ranma vaulted 
out of the bed to stand beside Ukyo. 
	"I swear I didn't let her in here Ucchan," Ranma hissed. "She 
must have--" 
	"Shhh," Ukyo repeated as she gave him another kiss. "Calm 
down Ranchan. She probably would've done the same thing to me if 
she could've found my boy type. C'mon, we better get out of here 
before we wake her up."  
	Breathing a sigh of relief Ranma nodded his assent and quickly 
grabbed his school uniform before exiting the room. Sliding the door to 
a close carefully Ranma turned to face Ukyo who looked quite 
sympathetic.
	"We've got to do something about Shampoo," Ukyo began 
sadly. "We can't let her live in this fantasy world of hers where she gets 
to marry us both then take us back home to China with her. It isn't 
right... to her or us."
	"Wait a minute," Ranma pronounced slowly. "Take us back to 
China? Marry us both?" 
	Flushing with embarrassment Ukyo amended, "I haven't told 
you about that yet have I?" 
	"Nope," Ranma's blue eyes twinkled. "You two must have had 
one hell of a talk last night. How'd it go?"
	"Well, she wants to marry you and my boy type and is 
apparently jealous of my girl type," Ukyo chagrined. "I worked things 
out with her as a boy and Shampoo is back to liking me again... in my 
boy form at least." Scratching the back of her head Ukyo mused, "I 
haven't gotten around to telling Shampoo about my curse. I figure that 
will hold..."
	Clasping her shoulders gently Ranma's face brightened with a 
smile. "Sounds like it went pretty good to me. Now that she doesn't 
want to kill you, we can work on how to get around these crazy laws 
of hers." 
	"Yeah..." Ukyo trailed off in low agreement.
	Peering into his iinazuke's face Ranma pondered her sudden 
change in attitude. It wasn't like Ukyo to be this subdued. "What's 
wrong?"
	Reluctantly meeting deep blue eyes Ukyo blushed and 
stammered, "It's just... uhm. Shampoo. Last night she kissed me... 
twice. Kissed me like before... in the village." 
	Absorbing this information Ranma stared thoughtfully at the 
ceiling then focused on Ukyo. "Did you like it?" He asked finally. 
Instantly her posture slackened and Ranma knew the answer to his 
question. "I guess you didn't run away this time?" Ranma's lips quirked 
into a smile. 
	"No... I didn't," Ukyo sighed. Stepping closer she held his 
hands in her own. "But I..." Diverting her gaze Ukyo built up her 
courage. Raising sandalwood eyes Ukyo looked deeply into her eyes. 
"I love you Ranchan." Smiling widely now Ukyo felt a sense of relief 
filling her system. She finally said it. She finally told Ranma how she felt 
about him. Ukyo's face shone with happiness as she continued, "I'm in 
love with you Ranchan. I don't love Shampoo... I like her but returning  
her kiss was a terrible mistake because you're the only one I love. 
You. It's always been you." 
	Staring at Ukyo with a sense of wonderment Ranma reflected 
on what was just said. Ukyo loved him... she loved him just as much 
as he loved her. "Ucchan," Ranma breathed. Tenderly tracing the 
planes of her face with his fingertips he continued. "I love you too. So 
very much."
	Leaning down he captured her lips with his own for a heartfelt 
kiss that lasted several moments before they broke apart on hearing a 
loud cough. Tipping their heads together the couple stared at an 
amused Sakura.
	"Y'know," Sakura snickered. "Watching you two is something 
out of a soap opera." Focusing on Ranma, who was clad in a pair of 
boxer shorts and tanktop, Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Nice 
ensemble." 
	Smiling at the usual teasing Ukyo said, "Out with it Sakura. 
You must want something."
	"Ouch. Pain. I'm hurting," mocked Sakura as she gripped her 
chest. Straightening up she gestured downstairs. "Just wanted to tell 
you we're about to leave for school so you better get your butts in 
gear." Smiling lasciviously at Ranma she said, "And you better put 
some clothes on. Unless you want to cause a riot by exposing that 
body."
	"I know, I know," Ranma called playfully as he walked 
towards the furo to get dressed. "I'm a supermodel." 
	The two girls let loose wolf whistles as he shut the door to the 
furo. Meeting each others eyes Ukyo and Sakura burst into a fit of 
giggles. Wrapping arms around their waists they walked downstairs 
together. 
	Pausing at the top of the stairs Sakura turned back to shout, 
"Make sure you wake up Ryochan!" 
	Hearing the muffled concession on the part of Ranma the girls 
continued their departure downstairs. Sakura turned her glittering 
green eyes to Ukyo. "So," she said coyly. "Are you going tell me about 
your Amazon bride or not?" 
	Groaning loudly Ukyo rested her head on Sakura's shoulder. 
"I'd rather not... it's a complicated story."
	"Everything is a complicated story when it comes to you," 
Sakura observed sardonically. 

	Stretching her muscles in a gesture of contentment Shampoo 
reached for her Airen to find nothing. Scarlet eyes opened in 
speculation and Shampoo found herself alone in the comfortable bed 
she had snuck into last night. 
	"Airen? Ranma?" Shampoo questioned in slight panic as she 
looked around the room. 
	Where could Ranma have gone off to? Wearing a small frown 
Shampoo pondered the behavior of her two husbands. They shared an 
irritating habit of disappearing at the most inconvenient times. 
	Shampoo had searched for nearly two hours for her first 
husband Ukyo before giving up. As she thought of the tall boy that had 
brought her to this strange country Shampoo smiled. There was an 
easy charm about him that she couldn't resist. He was certainly good 
looking and just thinking of him sent shivers down Shampoo's spine. 
While she appreciated the aesthetic qualities of Ranma there was 
something special about Ukyo. The Amazon felt an indescribable link 
to the lanky fighter. Almost like her future was tied to his. 
	She pondered this a moment when a sudden sleepy mumbling 
caught her attention. Shifting her gaze Shampoo peered over the edge 
of her Airen's bed to look at a dozing Ryoga asleep on his low futon. 
	Narrowing scarlet eyes Shampoo bounced off the bed to 
crouch next to the futon. Studying Ryoga in minute detail Shampoo 
finally resolved how to find her lost Airen. Cupping her hands over her 
mouth Shampoo shouted at the top of her lungs, "Wake up! Where 
Ranma?! Shampoo want Airen!" 
	This being yelled in his ear Ryoga leapt high into the air in 
fright, all his limbs extended. Landing with a bounce back on his futon 
he screamed upon seeing an angry Shampoo glaring at him. Pulling a 
bonbori out of nowhere she pointed it at his head. 
	"Where Ranma?" Shampoo demanded, a dangerous glint 
surfacing in scarlet eyes.
	"W-what?" Stammered an anxious Ryoga. Rising to his feet he 
nervously moved backwards. He had no idea who this strange girl 
asking for Ranma was but if Akane found her in their room... well. It 
wouldn't be pretty. 
	Distracted by the mere thought of this Ryoga was hardly able 
to evade Shampoo's powerful swing of her bonbori. Ducking his head 
Ryoga glanced towards the open window and considered his options. 
As another bonbori came heading for his head it took Ryoga a second 
to decide. In a desperate maneuver he leapt out the window to escape 
the wrath of the mystery girl. He didn't like running away but the last 
thing Ryoga wanted to face was an angry Akane in the morning. 

	"Then she followed me here to Japan to fulfill the laws of her 
tribe and ended up being defeated by Ranchan. I managed to work 
things out so she no longer wants to kill my boy type but now 
Shampoo wants to marry us both. She also doesn't know about my 
curse," finished Ukyo with a sigh. 
	Akane and Sakura wore thoughtful expressions as the situation 
involving Shampoo was finally explained to them. Nabiki had already 
departed for school to conduct her usual business dealings and Soun 
was helping Kasumi clean up in the kitchen leaving them alone to hear 
the story.
	Sakura was the first to comment on the situation. Folding her 
arms across her chest she said in disbelief, "I can't believe you actually 
went to an Amazon village during their Champion tournament. 
Ryochan and I avoided all the provinces they have tribes in. Didn't you 
know anything about how their culture works? Those women thrive on 
marriage by means of entrapment."
	Ukyo sighed deeply, "I guess you could say that. And no, I 
didn't know anything about the Amazons. I traveled around with Pops 
remember? We didn't speak the language or know the slightest thing 
about Chinese society. Hell, we didn't even own language translation 
books!"
	Akane was about to comment when she caught sight of Ryoga 
flying out of his window to land in the koi pond with a gigantic splash. 
"Ryochan?" She breathed as his piglet form surfaced. Dashing to the 
pond Akane lifted him out of the water and clutched him to her chest. 
"Why did you jump out the window?" 
	Wide brown eyes gazed up into Akane's and Ryoga piglet let 
loose a series of distressed squeals. Akane was absorbing this as 
Shampoo descended gracefully from the window to stand beside her 
in the yard. Scarlet eyes studied the figures of the dojo residents 
before they locked on the person for their search.
	"Airen!" Cried Shampoo happily as Ranma entered the sitting 
room. Bouncing past Ukyo and Sakura she pounced on Ranma who 
lost his balance at the sudden gesture of affection. Falling on his butt 
with a loud thud he groaned from the floor.
	"Shampoo," Ranma began wearily. "Try to calm down with the 
hugs, huh?" Rising to his feet Ranma stretched his back as Shampoo 
clung to his side.
	"Shampoo is calm Airen," she replied cheerfully. 
	Studying the lavender haired Amazon curiously Sakura 
smirked at Ranma. "So this is the lovely lady you're throwing Ucchan 
over for. Nice choice Ranma."
	Rolling blue eyes Ranma snorted. "Very funny Sakura but you 
know I'm not throwing Ucchan over for anyone."
	"Who Ucchan?" Questioned Shampoo as she gazed at Sakura 
suspiciously. She didn't like the affectionate tone her husband took on 
when referring to this person.
	"She Ucchan," responded Sakura sardonically pointing at 
Ukyo who waved and wore a tiny smile. 
	Narrowing scarlet eyes Shampoo stared at the girl who 
seemed to occupy so much of her husband Ranma's time. She had 
told first husband Ukyo that she would take care of this obstacle and 
Shampoo vowed to keep that promise. Her future happiness was at 
stake and she couldn't let anyone stand between she and her 
husbands. 
	It didn't escape her attention that the girl, Ucchan, as she was 
called looked incredibly similar to her Airen. She had thought earlier 
that they shared the same name. More likely Shampoo made a 
mistake in attempting to translate the warblings of the Japanese 
language. Staring at Ucchan she pondered her standing in the lives of 
her Airens. Perhaps the girl was her husband Ukyo's sister. They 
seemed to share the same taste in clothing. Ucchan was wearing a 
sleeveless white Chinese style silk shirt and black gi pants. While the 
style was alike Shampoo knew her beloved Ukyo preferred the color 
blue. It didn't matter to Shampoo who the girl was. If this Ucchan was 
planning to stand between Shampoo and Ranma she would pay the 
price. Amazon law and Shampoo's unyielding sense of honor 
demanded it. 
	Sniffing with disinterest Shampoo turned her adoring gaze 
back to Ranma who looked thoroughly uncomfortable.
	"Ranma," she said tenderly. Running nimble fingers down his 
chest Shampoo purred, "Where boy type Ukyo? Shampoo want see 
first Airen."
	"Uhm.." Ranma looked desperately at Ukyo who shrugged 
helplessly. Ukyo had no idea as what to say about Shampoo's 
question on her boy type's location. 
	Fortunately for the pigtailed boy Akane was getting 
increasingly angry as she replayed the scene of Ryoga landing in the 
koi pond to avoid Shampoo. Akane knew how much Ryoga hated 
being in his cursed form and she must have done something awful to 
make him voluntarily transform.
	Stomping into the sitting room while still holding Ryoga piglet 
against her chest Akane growled, "Look you! I really don't care how 
many stupid laws your tribe has! You shouldn't attack people just 
because your looking for your `Airen'! Next time just ask where he is 
instead of scaring poor Ryoga half to death!" Sniffing loudly Akane 
whirled around to exit the sitting room. "C'mon Ryochan," she 
murmured gently as she left. "I'll boil you some hot water."
	The group stared wide eyed as the dark haired girl exited. 
Wearing a lopsided grin Ukyo commented, "I guess Ryoga has himself 
an official protector."
	"Lucky him," Sakura added. Bending down she picked up she 
and Ukyo's backpacks. "Akane isn't someone I'd like to meet in a 
dark alley." Sakura imitated shivers. "She sure can be scary at times."
	Taking her backpack from Sakura the okonomiyaki chef 
rolled her eyes. "It's Akane's temper, not her, that can be scary." 
Turning her gaze to Ranma she continued. "We better get going 
Ranchan or we'll be late for school. Akane and Ryoga can catch up to 
us later."
	"Sounds good," conceded Ranma. Extricating himself from 
Shampoo's embrace he said seriously, "Stay here Shampoo. I have to 
go to school but I'll be back later. Look around the dojo if you want... 
train with Father or Ojisama Tendo but stay put, all right? I'll return 
soon and then we'll talk." Blue eyes gazed at Ukyo humorously. "All 
three of us. Me, you, and boy type Ukyo. Okay?" 
	Shampoo processed this information for a moment before 
smiling brightly. "Shampoo understand. Airen Ranma want Shampoo 
stay put. Will try." 
	Looking relieved Ranma grabbed his backpack and put it on. 
Turning Shampoo he pondered her a moment then gave her a quick 
hug. Rewarding her with a fond smile Ranma declared, "Be good!"
	Trooping through the kitchen together Sakura admonished. 
"Was the hug really necessary?" 
	"What?" Ranma blinked naively. "She's here all alone and she 
thinks I'm her husband. I can't give her a simple hug for reassurance?"
	Sakura snorted. "Lousy excuse Saotome. I think you might 
actually be hot for this Amazon."
	Shaking her head Ukyo chuckled. "Leave him alone Sakura. 
I've kissed Shampoo so it doesn't matter much if Ranchan gives her a 
few hugs. Besides," she looked at Ranma lovingly. "We both know 
where our hearts lie."
	"Wait a minute," pronounced Sakura drawing to a halt. Staring 
at Ukyo incredulously she questioned, "You kissed her?" Hands on 
her hips Sakura demanded. "Why in the hell did you kiss her Ucchan?"
	 Opening her mouth to reply Ukyo was interrupted by Akane 
storming into the kitchen. She stared at all three friends then focused 
her glare on Sakura. Pointing a finger in the street fighter's face she 
announced. "We're buying him some sort of tracking device! Don't ask 
me how, but Ryoga managed to wander off while I was boiling him 
some hot water." Sighing morosely she whispered, "I hope he's all 
right. Where ever he is this time..."
	  Slinging an arm around Akane's shoulder Sakura offered 
wisely, "Like I always say Akane. That's the way it goes. Ryochan will 
find his way back to us. He always does. It's a talent he has." Tilting 
her head back she smirked at Ukyo and Ranma. "In the meantime we 
better get going or we'll have to pay Nabiki to sneak us into school 
again."
	Ukyo groaned at this as the group moved into an fast paced 
dash out of the dojo. "Don't remind me. I still owe her for last week 
when she turned off the school's electricity to help me escape those 
hordes of girls." Ukyo unconsciously shuddered at the thought. 
	Recently she had been spending more time in her male form, 
on a suggestion from Genma for training purposes, and in doing so she 
discovered something. Apparently Ukyo in her boy type caused some 
hormonal reaction in the opposite sex. Every time Ukyo was a boy 
hundreds of girls came out of the woodwork to chase him down in an 
attempt to glom onto him or ask for a date. In a way it was more 
annoying than Kuno's continuous launching of attacks on his arch 
nemesis the `ponytailed boy'.
	Remembering the fiasco in the gym Akane giggled softly. 
"Your poor shirt," she now giggled nonstop. "Those girls tore it to 
pieces. It looked like shredded newspaper."
	Recalling the event as well Ranma chuckled. "I wonder how 
those girls would take it if they knew they were trying to molest my 
iinazuke not some mystery man that wanders around Nerima." 
	Considering this the four companions formed fearful 
expressions as they continued their race towards Furinkan.

	He was lost again. Studying his surrounding morosely Ryoga 
piglet cursed his horrendous sense of direction. Why was it he couldn't 
find his way in the simplest of locations? And even more perplexing, 
why was it that he couldn't stay in one place? While he was waiting for 
Akane to get the tea kettle ready to boil some water Ryoga felt this 
instinctual call to wander. He didn't know where it came from but it 
existed deep within him and it was strong. Before Ryoga knew what 
he was doing he was already outside the dojo and lost again.
	The change in his life only made having the combined curse of 
Jusenkyo along with his directional ineptness worse. Now he had a 
place he belonged, a place with people who cared and worried about 
him. Because of this it made it even worse for Ryoga when the 
helplessness of being completely lost, as usual, overtook him. That and 
the thoughts of how Akane, who hadn't adjusted to his direction 
problem as  Sakura, would fret at his absence. 
	Sharp black ears shot up at the soft sound of footsteps. 
Tipping his head upwards Ryoga piglet looked at the hovering form of 
the mystery woman who caused him to be in his present form. 
Shampoo, Ukyo and Ranma had called her. She was an Amazon that 
apparently thought she was engaged to the both of them. Narrowing 
his eyes in cautious speculation he studied her carefully. Shampoo was 
standing on the high wall surrounding a building that looked... 
	Wait a minute, Ryoga thought happily. Glancing around 
hurriedly he recognized the neighborhood. He was back home! 
Smiling widely Ryoga piglet did a happy dance as he stared at the sign 
for the Tendo dojo. Shampoo had been staying at the dojo. She might 
be here to help him find his way inside! At this prospect Ryoga's 
formerly dark mood lightened considerably.  
	Meanwhile, Shampoo was gazing at the miniature black piglet 
curiously. Such creatures were often found in the woods outlining her 
village back home. Thinking back to Joketsuzoku traditions Shampoo 
recalled the celebration feasts accompanying a betrothal. Jumping 
down from the wall  Shampoo crouched in front of the tiny piglet.
	Cooing softly she clucked the piglet under his chin who turned 
crimson at this attention. Gathering the piglet in her arms Shampoo 
smiled in wide pleasure. It was perfect. Surely her husbands would 
appreciate a gesture of such tender care from their wife. After all, 
Shampoo hadn't promised Ranma that she would remain at the dojo. 
She had merely agreed that it was his will she stay there. Amazons 
don't take orders from outsiders, even from their Airens, and having 
laws that consisted of many minute details they shared a talent for 
cleverly evading fixed concepts. 
	It is the Amazon way to shift and change for varied situations. 
The supple reed survives against the wind while the brittle one breaks. 
So it is in life. And knowing this well Shampoo held Ryoga piglet to 
her chest while planning a great surprise for her Airens. 

	Handing Ranma his share of the okonomiyaki that she made 
for their usual lunch Ukyo grimaced. "Okay," she said looking at him 
with sandalwood eyes. "What are we going to do about Shampoo?" 
	Chewing on the okonomiyaki thoughtfully Ranma mumbled. "I 
dunno Ucchan. But we better tell her about your curse and our 
engagement soon. I don't think she likes your female half too much." 
 	Ukyo snorted at this. "She wants to kill me. Shampoo told me 
herself that she considers my natural girl type an obstacle to her 
engagement to you."
	"That's not good," Ranma stated the obvious. 
	"Uh-huh..." Trailed off Ukyo as she tilted her head to one side. 
Forming a face of concentration she focused her acute hearing on far 
off crashing sounds. It was almost like a wrecking ball was heading 
their way.
	Noticing the strange look on his iinazuke's face Ranma 
followed suit and focused on the noise. Steadily it was increasing in 
volume and the school building began to shake from the impact from 
whatever was causing the disturbance. 
	The students gathered about in study hall began to scatter as 
the roar of destruction neared their class room. Leaving only Ukyo 
and Ranma still sitting calmly. A sudden burst of rubble filled the room 
as a cloud of dust settled in the air. When it cleared the smiling form of 
Shampoo holding a silver platter was seen. 
	Simultaneously Ukyo and Ranma groaned on seeing the 
lavender haired Amazon. Rising to his feet Ranma found Shampoo 
immediately at his side. 
	"Shampoo," sighed Ranma wearily. "I thought you were going 
to wait for me at the dojo."
	Smiling sweetly Shampoo gently tapped Ranma on the bridge 
of his nose. "Silly Ranma. Amazon no have to follow order from Airen. 
Shampoo is higher rank in tribe. Can do what want."
	"I guess that includes busting through walls, huh?" Asked 
Ukyo while peering at the large hole Shampoo had produced in their 
class room wall.
	Rubbing his forehead Ranma muttered under his breath, "But I 
wasn't giving orders... I was asking nicely. Why doesn't that ever seem 
to work with girls?" 
	Directing scarlet eyes at Ukyo the Amazon sniffed haughtily. 
"No care what you say. Here to see Airens."
	"Okay Shampoo!" Ranma interrupted nervously. The last thing 
he wanted was Ukyo getting into more trouble with Shampoo. "What 
is it you want?"
	Beaming happily Shampoo held up the silver platter for 
Ranma's inspection. "Dutiful wife make Airens delicious lunch." 
Glancing around the classroom Shampoo searched for the object of 
her primary affection. Unable to find his tall and gorgeous form 
Shampoo looked back to Ranma. "Where boy type Ukyo? Shampoo 
made lunch for both Airens." 
	Ranma stared blankly at Shampoo for several moments when 
Ukyo saved him by saying, "He isn't here. He just sort of comes and 
goes with the rain." Raising an oak brown eyebrow she moved closer 
to her iinazuke. Ukyo had no idea what Shampoo was up to but she 
wanted a close view of whatever was going to happen. 
	At this reply Ranma fought to hold back a need for laughter. 
He was instantly cured of this impulse as Shampoo moved seductively 
closer to him. Running a finger down the side of his face she purred, 
"No matter to Shampoo. Have Ranma here. Is good fighter. 
Handsome too. Make Shampoo proud to have as Airen. He deserve 
delicious lunch." 
	Coughing loudly Ranma pulled away from Shampoo's 
machinations and questioned tightly. "So lets see this lunch, huh?" 
Offering Shampoo a falsely bright smile he continued. "I bet you're a 
great cook."
	Smiling widely at the compliment Shampoo lifted the lid to the 
silver platter. "Shampoo make canton style pork with hibiscus sauce 
for Airen. Look good, yes?" Asked the Amazon pleasantly as she 
thrust the platter towards Ranma. 
	Blazing blue eyes widened in shock and Ranma released a 
scream of terror as he stared at the form of Ryoga piglet covered with 
sauce and vegetables. Rushing forward to see what had her iinazuke in 
such a fright Ukyo too released a startled shriek upon seeing Ryoga 
piglet. Snatching him off the silver tray she whirled around. Slapping 
the side of Ryoga piglet's face Ukyo inwardly thanked the Kami that 
Akane didn't share their study hall period. Upon seeing Ryoga like this 
she probably would've unwittingly challenged Shampoo and ended up 
getting the kiss of death. 
	After several quick slaps Ryoga piglet groggily opened brown 
eyes to gaze up at Ukyo. "Ryoga!" Ukyo exclaimed tearfully. "Are you 
okay buddy?" 
	Ryoga piglet nodded his head while releasing a series of 
outraged squeals and that left Ukyo with no doubt on how he felt 
about Shampoo. Ukyo was about to question Ryoga more on his 
condition when she felt a soft touch behind her ear at the edge of her 
chin. Tilting her gaze to the side she observed Shampoo out of the 
corner of her eye as she gave Ukyo a gentle kiss behind her ear. 
	Turning around Ukyo touched the still burning skin where 
Shampoo had kissed her and looked at the Amazon with questioning 
eyes. 
	Wearing a harsh smile Shampoo informed, "Womans what 
interfere is for killing. Is Amazon rule." 
	"Great," muttered Ukyo lowly. "This is just what I don't need 
right now. Look Shampoo, you don't want to fight me. I can explain 
ev--" 
	"No explain nothing!" Declared Shampoo as she pulled out her 
bonbori and slung it at Ukyo's head. "You obstacle for Shampoo 
marry Ranma. I kill obstacle!" 
	Letting loose a startled yelp Ukyo ducked under the attacking 
bonbori. Holding a squirming Ryoga piglet against her chest, who 
probably wanted to attack Shampoo himself no matter what his form, 
Ukyo dashed towards the open windows of the class room. 
	"Hold on tight Ryoga," said Ukyo through clenched teeth. 
Bracing herself the okonomiyaki chef leapt out the window in hopes of 
avoiding a fight that she did not want to have with Shampoo. 
	"Running?!" Shampoo cried in disbelief as she chased after the 
departing Ukyo. "Girl called Ucchan is coward so   Shampoo surely 
defeat her. Ranma is Shampoo's Airen!" In stealthy movement the 
Amazon bounded out the window to pursue Ukyo and leave Ranma in 
stunned shock.
	Gritting his teeth together Ranma snapped out of his mental 
stupor and pushed himself into action. Vaulting out the window he 
shouted at the top of his lungs, "Shampoo! Don't do it!! She's Ukyo!" 
	When the pigtailed boy exited the class room via the window, 
as had the two girls, the wary Furinkan students stared at each other 
unsure of how to react. They were beginning to get used to this sort of 
thing since the arrival of the Anything Goes heir but this was still 
unusual by their standards. The room was still deathly silent when 
Akane and Sakura stuck their heads through the door, being sent by 
their teacher to discover what was causing so much noise.
	Taking in the chaos the class room was in the two girls stared 
at the large hole in the wall. Sakura was still inspecting the damage 
when Akane turned to the other students and asked, "What 
happened?" 
	Meeting each others gazes the students were silent for a 
moment before they all simultaneously burst into hurried  tales of the 
latest fight revolving around Ukyo. 

	Running at top speed Ranma rushed through the soccer field 
to bound up the high wire fence surrounding the baseball field. If 
something happened to Ukyo because of him Ranma would never 
forgive himself. He should have stopped Shampoo from giving the kiss 
of death when he had the chance. Now Ukyo was back to where she 
started with the Amazon wanting to kill her. Ranma knew the fight 
would be of no good consequence since his iinazuke didn't want to 
fight Shampoo. She wouldn't put her full effort into battling the 
Amazon and it could only lead to trouble for Ukyo.  
	Falling gracefully to the soft earth blue eyes zeroed in on the 
fallen form of his iinazuke lying one of the many hills of sidelines to the 
baseball field. Rushing to her side Ranma immediately pulled Ukyo 
into his embrace causing Ryoga piglet, who had been standing on her 
shoulder trying to revive her, to slide to the ground. Cupping Ukyo's 
face tenderly Ranma held back tears on seeing her face so peaceful. It 
looked as if her face held an empty shell behind it. 
	"Ucchan?" Ranma questioned desperately. Shaking her a bit 
he demanded. "Ucchan! C'mon Ucchan! Wake up. I know you better 
than this. No way you get out of the game this easy!" No response 
came from his iinazuke and Ranma released a choked sob while 
clinging tightly to her. Burying his face in her sweet smelling hair Ranma 
began to cry softly. 
	It was then that a low moan met his sharp ears and Ranma 
moved back to gaze into confused sandalwood eyes. Straightening up 
into a sitting position Ukyo rubbed the back of her head. Running her 
fingers through long brown hair which was, strangely, removed of its 
normal ponytailed hold to fall loosely around Ukyo's shoulders. 
Glancing around the baseball field Ukyo finally focused on the form of 
Ryoga piglet who was staring at her with teary eyes. Picking him up 
smoothly Ukyo rose to her feet. Fingering her hair again she gave her 
surroundings one last inquisitive glance before heading towards the 
school building. Leaving Ranma alone without ever speaking a word to 
him.
	Puzzled by this treatment on the part of his iinazuke and best 
friend Ranma wiped his wet eyes before dashing after Ukyo. Matching 
her steady walking pace he questioned anxiously, "Ucchan? What is 
it? Are you mad at me for what happened with Shampoo?"
	Inclining her head Ukyo looked back at Ranma and blinked. 
Wearing perplexed face she studied his handsome features carefully. 
"Do I know you?" Ukyo asked in tones of clear bewilderment.
	"Huh?" Mumbled Ranma in shock. "Do you know me? 
Ucchan! It's me, Ranma, your iinazuke!"
	"Ranma...? Iinazuke...?" Ukyo repeated slowly. She paused to 
consider this when she felt herself become dizzy from trying to recall 
his name. Pressing her hand against her forehead Ukyo attempted to 
steady herself.
	Distressed Ranma stepped forward to hold Ukyo softly to 
keep her from falling over. Looking deeply into sandalwood eyes he 
cried, "Ucchan! Are you all right?" 
	Meeting his gaze Ukyo immediately jumped away when she 
noticed his hold on her. "Ucchan, Ucchan," she said in annoyance. 
"Who the hell are you anyway? And why do you keep calling me by 
my childhood nickname?"
	"But Ucchan..." Ranma whispered as he tentatively reached 
out his hand. "I gave you that nickname. I'm Ranma. Don't you 
remember me?" 
	Slapping away his advancing hand Ukyo formed a peeved 
expression. "Look `wild horse', I don't know you. So  back off!" 
Whirling around Ukyo stalked off the baseball field muttering 
something about pushy guys to Ryoga piglet. 
	Blinking as his iinazuke walked away Ranma tried to ignore 
the pain clenching at his chest. It was literally as if he couldn't breathe. 
What had Shampoo done to his Ucchan to make her forget him? 
Wearing a face of determination Ranma followed after Ukyo swearing 
not to let her out of his sights. No matter how Ukyo treated him, he 
knew deep inside that she loved him, and he had to protect her from 
any more harm. Ranma felt he had already failed once in this area and 
he wasn't about to do so again. 
	Currently Ukyo was surrounded by several students from their 
study hall class along with Akane, Sakura, and Nabiki. The latter of 
which was quizzing Ukyo about the details of her fight with Shampoo.
	"She gave you the kiss of death?" Questioned Nabiki 
incredulously as she eyed Ukyo for any injuries. 
	Nodding yes Ukyo gently handed Ryoga piglet over to Akane 
who immediately clung to his tiny frame. Sakura released an 
exasperated groan at the okonomiyaki chef's response to Nabiki's 
question.
	"Ucchan..." Sakura began slowly as she tried to calm herself. 
"Why didn't you just tell Shampoo about your curse? Then you never 
would've had to fight her."
	"Pfff," Ukyo dismissed waving her hand. "The fight was 
nothing. I don't have a scratch on me." Forming an charming grin she 
slid closer to Sakura. Tipping her head forward to gaze deeply into 
green eyes Ukyo purred, "I think you're actually worried about me 
Sakura sugar."
	Green eyes widened at the usage of the former nickname 
Ukyo had given her when they dated. "Of course I was worried about 
you Ucchan..." Sakura said slowly as she studied Ukyo cautiously. 
"Are you all right?"
	"All right?" Ukyo repeated, now wearing a flirtatious smile. 
"I've never felt better in my life... now that you're here." Ukyo was 
approaching the street fighter for what seemed to be a romantic 
moment when suddenly a muscular male figure stepped between them. 
Looking up she was met with a pair of blue eyes burning with jealousy.
	"Who are you?" Questioned Ukyo irately. 
	"I'm Ranma," stated her iinazuke plainly. Studying sandalwood 
eyes carefully he saw a flash of recognition before the all too familiar 
look of ignorance flooded their beautiful presence. 
	"Ranma?" Ukyo puzzled. Squinting her eyes she thought on 
this for a moment. Turning her attention to the handsome boy she 
exclaimed, "Oh! You mean, you're like that company that sells ginsu 
knives!"
	"That's Ranko!" Bellowed Ranma in frustration. 
	Ukyo directed her attention back to Sakura. "Is he a transfer 
student sugar?"
	"No..." Said Sakura slowly, still mystified at Ukyo's sudden 
return to her fondness of old. "He's your iinazuke. You've been 
engaged for a couple of months now."
	"Iinazuke?" Ukyo breathed, confusion showing on her beautiful 
features. Moving her gaze quickly from Ranma then back to Sakura 
she formed a wide smile. "I get it!" Exclaimed Ukyo cheerfully. "This is 
all a big practical joke set up by you and Pops. That's a good one 
Sakura sugar." Ukyo chuckled as she shook her head. "Me... 
engaged? To a guy?" Crinkling up sandalwood eyes Ukyo gracefully 
wrapped her hands around Sakura's shoulders and behind her neck. 
"It's a very funny joke. Especially since you know very well that I'm in 
love with you Sakura sugar." 
	On Ukyo stating this the reactions were immediate. All the 
surrounding Furinkan students gaped at Ukyo before studying Ranma 
closely for his reaction.
	"You're in love with me?" Squeaked Sakura. 
	"And so the tables turn," drawled Nabiki. 
	"What's going on?" Demanded Akane. 
	Clenching his hands into tightly balled fists Ranma stared at 
Ukyo embracing Sakura before whirling around. Pushing back 
powerful legs the pigtailed boy leapt high into the air. Pausing as he 
landed on the roof top to a locker room building Ranma stated coolly, 
"I'm going to find Shampoo and get to the bottom of this. Watch 
Ucchan closely Sakura. I think you can tell that she isn't acting 
normally."
	Everyone watched Ranma's hurried departure for a moment 
when Ukyo broke the silence. Giving Sakura a puzzled look she 
questioned, "Who was that?"
	Meeting their gazes the gathered students released a loud 
groan of frustration. 

	"I can't believe you forgot Ranma," Akane murmured while 
staring at Ukyo who was holding hands with Sakura.
	School had ended and the group of friends were walking back 
to the dojo with the exception of Ranma who was still searching for 
Shampoo.
	"Look Akane," sighed Ukyo irritably. "I never met this Ramen 
guy so I can't see how I forgot him."
	"His name is Ranma not Ramen," informed Sakura as she tried 
to slip her hand away from Ukyo's. When she finally accomplished this 
the okonomiyaki chef ignored her original efforts and grabbed her 
hand again. 
	Sakura sighed inwardly at this. Whatever Shampoo had done 
to Ukyo it apparently removed all her memory of Ranma and her 
relationship with him. Which meant, for some reason, Ukyo believed 
she was still dating and in love with Sakura. While the street fighter 
secretly enjoyed the return of Ukyo's feelings of old she did not 
appreciate the instance behind it. She wanted it to be of Ukyo's free 
will. Not due to some crazy trick pulled by a Chinese Amazon. There 
was also the point of Ranma. He was obviously tormented by the 
sudden change in his iinazuke's feelings towards him. Having once felt 
the change herself Sakura knew his anguish all too well and she vowed 
to do anything she needed to help him. It was her duty as a warrior of 
high honor. Ryu himself would do no less to help a fellow fighter.  
	"Ryoga," Nabiki said slowly. "What did you see when you 
were with Ucchan? Maybe you can give us some idea of what 
Shampoo did to her," speculated Nabiki. 
	Scratching the back of his head Ryoga formed a thoughtful 
expression. "I wish I could tell you Nabiki," he said sadly. "But I lost 
my balance and fell to the ground. Last thing I remember is Shampoo's 
feet kicking me in the face," Ryoga hissed his eyes now slits. Calming 
down a bit he said, "I have no idea what she did to Ukyo." 
	"Obviously she didn't to much to me," declared Ukyo 
smirking. "Because I'm in perfect health." 
	"Yeah. Except you can't remember Ranma," Sakura added, 
rolling expressive green eyes.
	"Who?" Blinked Ukyo baffled. 
	"Me. I'm Ranma," stated a weary voice above them.
	Looking up they were met with the haggard figure of Ranma 
who was crouching on the high wall next to the street they were 
walking on. His blue eyes were staring sadly at Ukyo, as if looking for 
a glimmer of the girl who loved him. Seeing nothing Ranma sighed then 
leapt off the wall to stand in front of Ukyo. Pulling her hand away from 
Sakura he held it gently in his grip. Kissing the top of her hand softly 
Ranma lifted his gaze to bore it deeply into sandalwood eyes.
	"Ucchan," he pleaded desperately. "Please try to remember 
me. Try with all your heart. I'm Ranma... your iinazuke. We were 
engaged to preserve the continuation of the Anything Goes school of 
martial arts but we fell in love by the will of our own hearts. Don't you 
remember?" Blue eyes stared beseechingly at her. "I'm Ranma." 
	Sandalwood eyes glazed over and Ukyo shifted her gaze 
elsewhere. Looking up at the sky above she felt herself become dizzy 
at attempting to recall the sad boy before her. Putting her hand to her 
forehead, as if to hold back the abrupt flood of memories coming, 
Ukyo whispered, "Ranchan...?"
	As her body went limp Ranma caught the fainting Ukyo and 
held her tenderly in his arms. Hefting her up into his arms quickly 
Ranma met the gazes of his friends. 
	"I'm going to take her to Dr. Tofu," Ranma said with 
conviction. "Maybe he can explain all this."
	Observing as Ranma bounded away holding Ukyo in his arms 
the companions winced as they heard Ukyo waking up and the sound 
a large battle spatula hitting Ranma on the head. Listening a moment 
longer to the sounds loud shouting the group released a mutual sigh 
before moving back into their steady pace towards the dojo. 

	Wandering through the market Kasumi pondered if she 
needed anything else for tonight's dinner. Since the arrival of Ryoga 
and Sakura to their already crowded house hold the need for food had 
doubled. Studying a batch of vegetables Kasumi sighed. Sometimes it 
seemed she might never get the chance to return to school. Ever since 
she was a little girl Kasumi had wanted to be a doctor and help 
people. 
	But when her Mother died the domestic duties of the dojo 
were placed on her shoulders. And I've yet to escape them, thought 
Kasumi. It wasn't that she didn't love her family. It wasn't even that she 
hated doing the house work. It was more that she was forced to 
abandon her dream while everyone else got to pursue theirs openly. 
	Of course, now that Ukyo has returned with Ojisama 
Saotome, things are improving in the dojo. Kasumi smiled at the 
thought of the rambunctious heir to the Anything Goes school of 
martial arts. Ukyo's arrival had tripled the number of students attending 
dojo classes. She along with the other younger members of their house 
hold were beginning to aid in teaching the increasing student numbers 
and were doing quite well with the task.
	Who knows? Thought Kasumi with a soft smile as she paid for 
the vegetables. Maybe this is the time to talk to Father about attending 
college. Yes, she affirmed mentally. I'll tell him immediately. The 
sooner, the better. 
	Adjusting her tote bag the eldest Tendo sister moved to return 
to her shopping when the raucous yells of Ukyo and Ranma met her 
ears. 
	"Oh my," breathed Kasumi. Ukyo was running from Ranma at 
top speed as he chased her tenaciously. 
	Ukyo dashed past Kasumi with such speed that it caused her 
long brown hair to fly in the wind. Throwing several miniature spatulas 
back at Ranma in hopes of deterring his pursuit of her. 
	"Who are you anyway?!" Ukyo shouted in desperate 
annoyance. This is getting ridiculous, she thought to herself. I have no 
idea who this guy is and he won't lay off. 
	"Ucchan! Wait up!!" Screamed Ranma as he dodged the 
miniature spatulas. "You're not feeling yourself!" 
	Blinking at their disappearing figures Kasumi smiled softly. 
"Those two," she giggled. "Always playing games." Cupping her hands 
over her mouth Kasumi called, "Don't be late! I'm starting dinner 
soon!" 

	Gasping for breath Ukyo leaned over and rested the palms of 
her hands on her knees. "Whoever that guy is he sure is persistent," 
muttered Ukyo darkly. 
	Standing up to her full height she glanced at her surroundings. 
She was standing right outside Dr. Tofu's clinic. Shrugging Ukyo 
adjusted her back pack. "Might as well see him as long as I'm here," 
she sighed. 
	"Good idea," called a voice above her. "Maybe he can help 
you remember me."
	Wary sandalwood eyes took in the figure of the pigtailed boy 
who had been chasing her. Unsheathing her battle spatula Ukyo thrust 
it into his face. 
	"Look you," Ukyo hissed warningly. "I don't know you, so 
stop following me around or I'll have to use this!"
	 Staring at the slender figure of his iinazuke as she stalked into 
Dr. Tofu's clinic Ranma sighed for what must have been the fiftieth 
time that day. This day was slowly becoming a nightmare for him. 
Ranma just prayed that Tofu would be able to offer a solution. 
Because if he couldn't Ranma was afraid he'd go out of his mind. 

	"You don't seem to be injured," said Dr. Tofu thoughtfully as 
he scooted backwards on his stool. He had just been examining 
Ukyo's head. "How did you feel after the fight was over?"
	"It's weird but... I felt refreshed," Ukyo said with some 
confusion as she fingered her long oak brown hair that was still running 
loose around her shoulders.
	Rising to his feet Tofu crossed the room appearing to be deep 
in thought. Suddenly he leapt slightly into the air and whirled around 
with an excited look on his features. 
	"That's it!" He cried, snapping his fingers. Turning around he 
stared at the form of Betty, his skeleton. "That has to be it! There's no 
other explanation..."
	"What's it?" Asked Ranma anxiously following after Tofu. "Do 
you know what's wrong with Ucchan, doctor? Please tell me!"
	Pausing Tofu looked deeply into Ranma's eyes and said 
seriously, "The Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu attack. One of the most 
dreaded techniques from the land of China."
	"So what exactly does this dreaded technique do to a 
person?" Questioned Ukyo teasingly. She didn't hold much stock in 
whatever Tofu was saying. Ukyo felt perfectly fine and had no 
problems... other than the strange boy who kept following her 
everywhere she went. 
	Sliding open the door to the clinic with a loud slam Genma 
panda appeared before them all holding a large sign with writing 
already on it. <I saw the whole thing!> It read with a touch of certain 
panic in the message.
	"Father!" Exclaimed Ranma rushing forward. "Tell me! What 
happened to Ucchan?" 
	<It was horrible...> Genma panda's sign read in dramatic 
prose. <Never with these two eyes have I ever experienced a battle of 
such-->
	"Jeezus Pops!" Ukyo shouted testily. "Change back to a guy 
already! You and your stupid signs..." She muttered. 
	Sitting on a stool, now in his male form, Genma said solemnly. 
"I saw the entire thing. For the rest of my days I will carry with me the 
memory of the horrid event." 
	Pausing to take a sip of tea Genma bore his eyes into Ranma. 
"She attacked Ukyo from the rear. The speed of her hands was 
inhuman." Turning to focus on Tofu, Genma cried incredulously, "It 
was over in five to six seconds! She washed and rinsed Ukyo's hair. 
Then the girl collapsed." On the latter statement he stared at Ukyo 
with disdain.
	"Shut up Pops," snorted Ukyo. "I bet you couldn't even last 
one second fighting an Amazon." 
	Ranma gave his Father a disbelieving stare. "She washed 
Ucchan's hair? What's the point in that?"
	"It's quite simple Ranma," said Tofu pushing his wire rim 
glasses up the bridge of his nose. "The Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu 
attack, by applying rare Chinese herbs and extracts combined with 
finger pressure in strategic locations, can selectively erase memory." 
	"That's why you've forgotten all about me!" Ranma cried 
excitedly, resting his hands on Ukyo's shoulders.
	"Do I know you?" Questioned Ukyo with aggravation pushing 
his hands away from her. 
	Ignoring this Ranma rushed to Tofu's side. Shaking the calm 
doctor slightly he cried, "Doctor! I'm begging you, isn't there anything 
you can do for her?" 
	Rubbing the top of Betty's head Tofu murmured thoughtfully, 
"If you could find the herbal solution that was originally used on Ukyo 
I could study it and determine if there is anything available to reverse 
the effects." 
	"I can do that!" Ranma said vehemently. Grabbing Ukyo's 
hand in his own he dragged the puzzled girl after him as he dashed out 
of the clinic. "C'mon Ucchan!"
	Genma and Tofu watched this sudden departure for a moment 
before shrugging and sipping their tea. 

	Whistling to herself as she walked towards the dojo Kasumi's 
light brown eyes widened at the sight of Ranma running towards her 
dragging a screaming Ukyo behind him. 
	"Oh my," she breathed quietly as they ran past her causing her 
hair to fly in the wind. Turning to face their exiting figures Kasumi 
called, "It's almost time for dinner you two! Don't be late!"
	Smiling with satisfaction Kasumi continued on her way back to 
the dojo and mentally ran through the speech about her attending 
college one more time. 

	Focusing on the far wall to the examination room in Dr. Tofu's 
clinic Genma's eyes widened. Now back in his panda form he backed 
up anxiously as the wall erupted in a burst of rubble and a cloud of 
dust filled the air.
	When it cleared away the form of a smiling Shampoo could be 
seen. On seeing her Genma panda released a gruff sound of fear and 
clung to the back wall. 
	Not noticing this reaction on his part Shampoo turned her 
attention to Tofu. "I home Dr. Tofu!" She said cheerily.
	"Shampoo," Tofu smiled. Glancing back at Genma panda he 
gestured towards Shampoo who was now standing in the middle of 
the room. "Mr. Saotome this is my new nurse Shampoo. She'll be 
staying at the clinic with me for awhile. You two will be working 
together."
	Genma panda reluctantly met Shampoo's eyes and she shot a 
hand up in the air while saying brightly, "Nihao!" 
	Instinctively Genma panda released a gruff wail and clung to 
the wall again. This definitely wasn't a positive development in the 
trends of his life. 

	Ranma had given up on holding Ukyo's hand as his iinazuke 
became increasingly irritated with his grip. He now had the screaming 
okonomiyaki chef slung over his shoulder as he vaulted on the roof 
tops of Nerima searching for Shampoo. The Amazon was his only 
hope for getting Ukyo's memory back and he was desperate to find 
her.
	It was almost ironic. Ever since he met Shampoo he wanted to 
avoid her but she would constantly appear and now that he wanted to 
find her she was nowhere to be found. Ranma would laugh if he wasn't 
so miserable due to the situation. Ukyo was his best friend. His only 
real friend. She listened to him when no one else would and he loved 
her with all his heart. And she loved him too... but now...
	But now she couldn't remember him and it was tearing Ranma 
apart. Steeling his blue eyes with resolve Ranma adjusted his hold on 
Ukyo while vaulting onto another roof top in his search. 
	"Shampoo!!!" Ranma shouted with all his strength. 
"Shampoo!!" He screamed frantically. "Shampoo!!! Where are you 
Shampoo?!" 
	Slung over his shoulder Ukyo gave Ranma's backside a hard 
punch with her fist. "Who are you?!" Ukyo demanded with anger. 
"Why are you doing this?!" 
	As night descended upon Nerima the harried screams of 
Ranma were heard as he continued his quest for Shampoo while Ukyo 
shouted at her iinazuke turned a stranger. 

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: Dreiser2@ix.netcom.com

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

Next up: 
Ukyo's memory is returned in a most fairy tale like fashion and 
Shampoo learns of her Airens true relationship.

QUIMBY'S LAWYER: Mr. Quimby, did you assault Mr. Lacoste?
FREDDY QUIMBY: Of course not. I love each and every living thing 
on God's green earth.
LAWYER: Therefore, you certainly would never lose your temper 
over something as trivial as the pronunciation of "chowder."
QUIMBY: That's chowdah! Chowdah!! I'll kill you!! I'll kill you
all---especially those of you in the jury!!! 

-Freddy Quimby, Mayor Quimby's nephew, on trial for attempted
murder in The Simpsons-