Here's the rewritten and hopefully improved version of chapter. It's not
necessary to read this if you've already seen the first draft.  There
are only minor changes to the original story line.  However, the grammar
and structure have been greatly improved.  I'll be issuing a revised
version of chapter two, but I suspect even less will change with it.

Now, some information about the story itself.  For those of you
concerned with continuity it takes place sometime shortly after volume
28 of the manga.  In other words, Akari and Konatsu haven't appeared
yet, Nodoka has been introduced, but doesn't know about Ranma's curse.
The story itself was inspired by the many fanfics (some very good) in
which Ranma suddenly devises a plan to solve all his problems.  It seems
to me he'd be at least as likely to really mess things up.

Disclaimer:      The characters and situations of Ranma 1/2 are owned by
Rumiko Takahashi and are used in this fanfic without permission.  That
doesn't really surprise anyone though does it.
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Chapter 1: A Truce Between Friends
     The day wasn't going at all well for Ranma.  There were good
points, for example he got to spend time with his mother, but there was
a definite drawback to the whole situation.  It had to do with his or
rather her gender.
     "That dress makes you look much more feminine, Ranko, but we really
should do something with your hair."
     "No!  I mean you really don't need to bother Auntie Saotome. I like
my hair just fine the way it is."
     Nodoka smiled gently at the young girl before her, "Nonsense,
helping you is no trouble at all, and you really do need to start paying
attention to your appearance if you hope to find a good boyfriend. If
you aren't careful you'll end up becoming an old maid."  At this
Nodoka's gaze darted briefly over to Kasumi who was quietly preparing
supper, a gesture Ranma did not overlook.
     She could hardly believe that his mother thought Kasumi was an old
maid.  Realizing the implications of this, Ranma began to search
desperately  for an avenue of escape. However, the only person who met
her gaze was Nabiki, who seemed to be ready to break into uncontrolled
laughter.
     Ranma wasn't surprised by the lack of response from Mr. Tendo and
the panda who was playing shogi with him.  When it came to the final
person present it was a different matter though.  Ranma would never
admit but her heart sank slightly when Akane fidgeted in her seat and
turned to look away. 
     With a nervous grin Ranma turned  back to her unsuspecting mother
and stammered, "I'm, uh,  really not interested in finding a boyfriend
right now. I mean that is...".  Ranma's voice trailed off as Nodoka
gazed steadily at her.
     Nodoka attributed the young girl's obvious shyness to the lack of a
maternal figure in her life and quickly resolved to fill that role.  As
Nodoka began unbraiding Ranma's hair she said, "You might think that
now, but you'll change your mind soon enough, and you really can't
afford to wait.  Why I was almost twenty when I married and...".
     At this this point their conversation was cut off by a voice from
the entrance of the house.  "Ryoga, how nice of you to visit.  Are those
roses for anyone I know?"
     Upon hearing that exchange a grin split Ranma's face and she darted
off.
     "Well actually Kasumi, these roses are for..."
     "Me!  Come on Ryoga, I'm ready for our date.  Bye everyone I'll see
you later."
     Nodoka watched bemused as the petite redhead dragged the larger boy
away.  She wondered why Ranko hadn't simply told her that she already
had a boyfriend.

     Outside the Tendo's home, Ryoga was trying to figure out what
exactly was going on.  Mot having much luck he masked his confusion with
anger.  Tearing loose from Ranma's grip, he snarled, "What do you think
your doing Ranma."  Taking a closer look at the girl beside him he
paused in confusion.  She looked like Ranma but was wearing a light blue
sundress and her red hair fell loose past her shoulders.  Blinking, he
ventured uncertainly "You are Ranma aren't you?"
     "Of course I'm Ranma.  If you couldn't tell maybe you should borrow
a pair of glasses from Mousse.  After all it's bad enough you being lost
all the time, if your eyes go as well you'll be really sunk."  As she
spoke Ranma evaluated the lost boy's condition.  She easily noted the
mix of anger and confusion that dominated his expression. Ryoga was
wearing his normal garb of a black T-shirt and pants although they were
far less travel stained than usual.  The shocking feature was the
bouquet of fresh roses clutched in his hand.  Ranma briefly wondered how
he had managed to travel from a florist's to the Tendo's so rapidly. 
     Across the street an unconscious kendoist stirred slightly and
muttered something incomprehensible in what sounded suspiciously like
iambic pentameter.
     Ryoga's expression changed to a confident smirk as he replied "Heh,
I don't think I'm the one who needs glasses Ranma, or maybe you're
trying to get it touch with your feminine side.  I've got to admit the
new hairstyle is a big improvement."
     "Hey, I didn't want to dress like this, it's all my Pop's fault for
making that crazy promise."  snapped Ranma.
     "What did he do Ranma engage, you to another girl?  If you're
cheating on Akane again I'll make you pay," Ryoga growled.
     "It's nothing like that, P-chan.  Before we left on a training trip
ten years ago he promised Mom that if I didn't become a man among men
we'd both commit seppuka.  Thanks to this curse I don't exactly fit
anyone's idea of a manly man now do I?"
     "I think you're worrying about this too much Ranma.  There's no way
your own mother would hold you to a promise that you didn't even make
yourself," he said in a pensive voice.
     "You think so do ya, well then can you explain the katana she's
always carrying around?" came the bitter reply.  "Besides even if I knew
she'd forgive me I don't think I could stand to disappoint her like
this."
     "That's really rough.  I sort of know how you feel I haven't seen
my own family since I got cursed.  I swear I won't tell your mother
about your curse no matter what."
     "Thanks Ryoga, but you didn't need to promise.  Even though we're
rivals I know you'd never resort to something that underhanded."
Ranma's lips turned up in a faint smile as she continued "Look I ran out
of there before I got a chance to eat supper, and I know you've probably
missed a few meals lately, so how about stopping for a bite to eat?"
     "Sure something besides instant ramen would be nice, and I don't
have anywhere else to go," Ryoga answered.
     "Great, I know this Italian place nearby.  Say you do have money
don't you?"  Ranma's smile had become a bit brighter at the prospect
free food, and she wanted to make sure this wasn't premature.
     "Of course I do, but why should I pay for your food?"
     "Well, Nabiki has all of my money and anyway its only fair since
you'd never be able to find the place without me."
     With that the two arch rivals walked off still bickering quietly.

     An hour later Ranma and Ryoga sat in the dimly lit restaurant
finishing their meal and engaging in an animated conversation.  It must
be admitted that in most places outside of Nerima their chosen topics
would have been considered slightly unusual.
     "You're serious, you really had to fight a master of martial arts
candle making," Ranma said from behind the hand she was using to stifle
her laughter.  "I thought martial arts tea ceremony was weird, but
you've got that beat."
     "Stop laughing Ranma, its an ancient and deadly art.  Well maybe
not exactly deadly, but it was really annoying." Ryoga settled back to
sulk offended by Ranma's mirth.
     "Come on Ryoga, I didn't mean to upset you its just nice to know
that stuff like that can happen to somebody besides me."  I never knew
how much I had in common with Ryoga, Ranma thought,  I guess neither of
us have had easy lives.
     "Well what did you think I did all the time I was lost?  My life
doesn't revolve around you after all," Ryoga grumbled.  "Anyway we're
finished eating, so I guess we'd better go now."
     "Um, do we have to?  My Mom's probably still at the Tendo's and I
really don't want to have to deal with her now," Ranma said, sounding
faintly depressed.
     "It's still light out so I guess we could do something else, but I
don't really have any ideas of what that might be."
     "Well I heard that this movie called Death Ninja VI it's supposed
to be pretty good I think its about  martial arts or something."
     "It sounds like it might be interesting, I've never been in a movie
theater before anyway.  Lets go," said Ryoga rising to pay the bill.

     "This movie isn't very realistic Ranma.  That isn't how you perform
the iron cloth technique at all," Ryoga stated between mouthfuls of
popcorn.
     "Listen kid, nobody can do that in real life.
So shut up or I'll kick your ass,"  a tall, broad shouldered man
threatened, as he began to stand up.
     -BUZZ-
     A yellow blur skimmed just above the mans head as he abruptly
parted company with a sizable amount of hair.  "I g-guess I could be
wrong about that," a considerably paler man quavered.  "I think I'll sit
down for a while now."
     "The way the ninja's are jumping is completely wrong too, Ranma
sniffed.  "No real martial artist would be bothered by a forty foot fall
anyway."
     "You're right about that, the whirlwind kick that Mamoru guy uses
looks like it might be useful though.  Hey, hand me some more popcorn."
     "Here help yourself.  I could dodge that kick no problem though,
the specialty of the Saotome school is aerial attacks you know."  Ranma
handed over the tub of popcorn as she boasted.
      The two continued their debate on the relative merits of the
movie, drawing furtive glances from the other patrons.  Strangely
though, no one objected despite the occasionally  excessive volume.  In
fact the rest of the theater seemed strangely quiet.
     "Come on Ryoga, the movies over.  It's time to leave," Ranma said "
and
my Mom has probably gone home by now so I can head back to the Tendo's."

     "That movie was pretty good.  I usually don't like comedies though.
I guess I'd better try to find my campsite for the night."
     "Ah, you don't have to do that Ryoga. I bet the Tendos would be
glad to let you sleep over."
     "You really think so?"
     "Sure, lets go.  I'd better not see P-chan around tonight if you
know what's good for you."

     The walk back to the Tendo's home was quiet with  both young
martial artists deep in their own thoughts.
     Ranma's thought were surprisingly pleasant, considering how the
evening had started for her.  It was nice to just hang out with another
guy for once, an experience she was quite unfamiliar with. Hiroshi and
Daisuke were normally the closest thing Ranma had to genuine friends,
but they didn't really have much in common with her.  The amount of
attention they paid to Ranma's cursed form was another problem. At
least, Ryoga hadn't spent the evening staring at her chest and drooling.
Possibly the difference in behavior resulted from Ryoga's own curse.   
     In contrast Ryoga's thoughts took a more somber turn, and expressed
a concern he would never admit he felt.  He was concerned by Ranma's
unusual behavior, although he certainly didn't miss the insults, and
wondered how much pain hiding from her mother was causing Ranma.  Ryoga
decided be a bit nicer to Ranma.  Besides, this way he might get to
spend more time with Akane. An image of him, sitting peacefully beside
her filled his mind  

     The day began quietly at the Tendo training hall, an unusual fact
which did not go completely unremarked upon by its residents..
     "Kasumi, Ranma and Ryoga didn't fight at all last night and now
they even got along at breakfast.  Do you think there's something wrong
with them?"
     "Now Akane, there's nothing unusual about them getting along. 
After all, they are good friends.  Why just look at all the time they
spend playing together."  With a cheerful smile Kasumi returned to her
housework and began humming.
     Akane rolled her eyes in faint disgust.  "Dad, Nabiki, don't you
think there's something strange about the way Ranma and Ryoga are
acting?"
     Nabiki paused to consider this, then answered "You should make up
your mind.  You're always telling them to stop fighting and now you
sound disappointed."  Inwardly Nabiki was wondering how likely it was
that the uncharacteristic ceasefire would continue.  She decided to set
the odds that it would last out the day at five to one.
     "Your sister is right, Akane.  This is a sign of good fortune.  Why
they've spent over twelve hours in the same building and they haven't
even destroyed part of it.  With luck like this it can't be long before
you and Ranma are married."
     As Soun began to cry tears of joy at the thought of his lifelong
dream being fulfilled, Akane stalked away muttering inaudibly to
herself.  "They can't fool me, whenever Ranma and Ryoga get along its
because there's trouble."  With a worried expression on her face Akane,
wondered what sort of catastrophe would cause Ranma and Ryoga to get
along so well. 
      "Yo, Akane if you don't hurry we'll be late for school," a certain
pig-tailed martial artist called drawing her out of her reverie.

     Meanwhile Nabiki was arriving at Furinkan High, having left for
school somewhat earlier.
     Hold, mercenary, I require information to aid me in my noble quest
to liberate the fair Akane and the fiery pig-tailed girl," spouted a
tall figure as he strode towards her.
     "Let me guess Kuno-baby you want to know what Ranma's doing,"
Nabiki replied in a bored tone.
     "No I do not speak of the diabolical Saotome, but instead of his
cohort, the bestial rogue Hibiki," Kuno solemnly proclaimed.
     "You want to know about Ryoga, in other words.  Care to tell me
why?"
     "He has proven himself to be allied with the foul sorcerer who
holds my loves in bondage.  Only the night previous he prevented me from
dating the beauteous Akane through devious and underhanded means."
     "Okay Kuno, 10,000 yen for the information."
     "Done," Kuno shouted, slapping the money into her waiting hands.
"Speak now,  mercenary witch."
     "Ryoga spent a lot of time with the pigtailed girl last night.  I
believe they had dinner together and went to a movie afterwards."  This
should be fun Nabiki thought, as she struggled to control a smirk.
     "What!  The scoundrel has dared to date my noble huntress.  He
shall suffer for forcing her to submit to his depraved animal lusts.
This I swear!" Kuno cried in a ringing tone as he rose to his full
height and drew his bokken.  "The vengeance of heaven shall be swift and
sure!"  Holding his bokken high the would-be samurai turned and raced
from the school grounds.
     Since Tatewaki would be cutting classes, she resolved to charge him
for a copy of someone's notes.  With a faint smile
Nabiki walked in the opposite direction entering the school.

     Despite the welcome absence of Kuno dinner that day was a minor
disaster for Ranma.  Kasumi had packed him a delicious lunch, Ukyo had
offered him some of her superb okonomiyaki and Shampoo had shown up with
ramen from the Nekohanten.  Even Kodachi had gotten into the act.  The
problem was that the inevitable four-way brawl had prevented him from
eating anything.  As Ranma walked back to class a plan began to
take shape.  
   
     "You know you've been really nervous all day.  It's almost like 
you're expecting a demon to jump up and grab you or something." 
Realizing that this could actually happen, Ranma glanced nervously 
around. 
      "Oh, its nothing Ranma.  You know I think its really nice how well 
you and Ryoga are getting along now,"  Akane said, as she looked at her 
fiancee to gauge his reaction. 
     "Hey, I'm glad you like it.  I'm gonna meet him now and go eat at
Ucchan's," Ranma said relieved at the route the conversation was 
taking. 
     Akane paused for a moment. She felt she should be mad at him for 
going to see Ukyo, but knew Ryoga wouldn't let him get away with 
anything.  "Just two friends going out for a bite to eat I suppose." 
     "Well Ryoga's so serious all the time, I thought I'd help him 
lighten up a bit." 
     As she considered just what Ranma's words might mean, an image of 
drunken debauchery entered her mind.  "Ranma how could you do something 
like that to a nice guy like Ryoga?" Akane said through clenched teeth 
as her temper suddenly rose. 
     "What!" 
     Akane hurled a bucket of water over Ranma and then walked past the
surprised martial artist.

     Moments later, a wet and annoyed young martial artist walked the
streets of Nerima.  "I don't know why Akane had to splash me like that,
I mean she knows I'm just going to Ucchan's to meet Ryoga."  Ranma
refused to let such a minor occurrence depress her.  She was about to
solve half her problems at once.  Her master plan was foolproof.  After
all, Ryoga would be her friend if he wasn't after Akane.  Even better,
with the engagement out of the way she and Ukyo could be friends, just
like when they were kids.  Getting them together was so obvious Ranma
didn't know why she hadn't thought of it before.  The one snag was
actually getting Ryoga to show up.  Other than that it would be no 
challenge for a master of anything goes match-making.  "Mwa-ha-ha."
     "Mommy, why is that girl laughing like that?"
     "I don't know darling, maybe she goes to St.Hebereke."
     Glancing over at the young mother and her child, Ranma hurried on,
trying not to look too embarrassed by her lapse.

     Drawing near to her destination Ranma was delighted to see a figure
waiting with poorly concealed impatience.  "Ryoga, you made it."
     "Kasumi had to do some shopping, so she dropped me off here.  It
was really ... nice of her,"  Ryoga said uncertainly.
     "Well Kasumi's always glad to help out.  Come on Ryoga, this time
its my treat."  Ranma knew that Ukyo wouldn't charge him for the meal,
but it's the thought that counts. 
     Ryoga moved to follow Ranma but he was soon distracted.  "Hold
coward, I, Tatewaki Kuno shall not allow you to repeat your crime."
With those ominous words Kuno charged directly at the puzzled Ryoga
ignoring an equally puzzled Ranma.
     Ducking under a wild slash of Kuno's bokken, Ryoga landed an open
palm strike on Kuno's chest that sent his opponent staggering
backwards.  A spinning kick to the head soon propelled the dazed
kendoist into unconsciousness and embedded him in a wall across the
street.
     "Not too shabby, but do you have any idea why he attacked you?"
Ranma raised an eyebrow as she gazed at the motionless figure.  "Kuno
never makes much sense, but usually he's sorta predictable."
     "He was probably trying to get revenge, I ran into him yesterday on
my way to the Tendo Dojo.  I would've expected him to know better than
to attack me again though."
     "Ya right, he still hasn't figured out he can't beat me.  Don't
worry about it, beating Kuno up is kinda fun and no one takes him
seriously anyway.  Lets go eat maybe by the time we're finished Kuno
will be awake and we can ask him."

     The interior of the Ucchan was as cheery and well lit as always and
the two hopeful customers were soon greeted by the owner and sole
operator.  "Ranchan, Ryoga its good to see both of you,"  called a
smiling Ukyo.  Ukyo fingered her bandoleer of throwing spatulas and
hoped that Ryoga wouldn't start a fight with her Ranchan.  She couldn't
afford any more repairs after that mess with Shampoo.
     "It's good to see you too Ucchan.  I'd like two extra large deluxe
okonomiyaki and lets see... what do you want Ryoga."
     "Anything without pork is fine for me ," said the lost boy looking
faintly queasy.
     "Okay two deluxe okonomiyaki and one seafood coming right up."
     The food was soon presented and Ranma tore through his serving like
a starving wolverine, while Ryoga ate methodically savoring the taste.
     Seeing that Ranma was finished, while Ryoga continued to eat, Ukyo
took the opportunity to speak with her fiancee "So it looks like you and
Ryoga are getting along pretty good, isn't that a bit unusual for you
two."
      Ranma smiled at the perfect match-making chance that had presented
itself.  "Not really Ucchan, Ryoga's a wonderful guy once you get
to know him."
     "We are talking about the same Ryoga that wants to kill you, aren't
we?" said Ukyo directing  a skeptical look at Ranma.
     "Well, maybe he is a bit short tempered, but he has lots of good
points as well.  I mean, he's a terrific martial artist, honest, brave
and loyal to his friends.  He's even kind of good looking. Be honest
Ucchan, what do you really think about Ryoga?"
     "Well, I guess he is pretty nice," replied the flustered young
chef.
     "Great!"  Pleased by a job well done, Ranma felt it was time to
depart.  "It's time to go Ryoga, Kasumi is making sashimi for supper
tonight and I don't want to miss it."
     "Um, sure Ranma," Ryoga answered distractedly, as he rose and left
his final bite of okonomiyaki uneaten.
     Behind them Ukyo stared at their retreating backs and wondered
aloud, "There was something really wrong about that conversation and
Ranchan never even asked for hot water to change back.  I don't know
why, but I've got a bad feeling about this."

     Outside Ryoga was considering the very same conversation.  "Ranma,
you'd better go back to the Tendo's without me."
     "Huh, why is there something wrong?"
     "No, I'm going on a training trip.  I just need to think about some
things alone."  As Ryoga strode away he called over his shoulder, "I'll
see you around."  There would be more than enough time for him to decide
how he felt about Ranma on when he was alone.  Sometimes there were
advantages to getting lost.


End of Chapter One