Ok.  This isn't part of a larger fic (although it could be I guess...), nor
is it something I want to continue or even think about.  If you want to use
it (can't imagine why) go right ahead! ;)

The idea for this is hardly new, especially in fanfiction. ;)  But after
reading a line in 'The Cat Who Walked Through Walls', it hit me and I
couldn't resist. :p

Brian Payne
sofaspud@ior.com
brianp@nhspokane.com
http://www.ior.com/~sofaspud

----------------

   The clouds overhead were rumbling occasionally, almost in counterpoint to
the solemn gathering below.  The cemetery was slowly clearing of people,
many of whom stopped for a moment by a fresh grave to leave small gifts or a
bouquet of flowers.  Several people remained standing by the gravesite,
huddled together for comfort.  A priest was speaking in low tones to a
young, short-haired girl whose face bore an interesting expression... almost
a mix between despair and rage.
   "I'm very sorry, Akane," the priest said, nervously wringing his hands.
"The arrangements were made a week ago, and now that the funeral is over I
can't change it."
   "Isn't there anything you can do?  I mean... well... IT'S EMBARRASSING!"
   The priest shrugged, not meeting Akane's eyes.  "There's nothing more I
can do."
   Akane glowered at the man for a moment, before sighing and crossing her
arms in resignation.  "Fine."
   "I think it's a lovely headstone, Akane.  Why are you so upset?"
Kasumi's voice, while still upbeat, had an undertone of sadness to it.
   "BECAUSE IT'S EMBARRASSING!"
   "Oh.  Well, it still *looks* nice."
   Akane tried to glare at her oldest sister, but found herself unable to,
as usual.  Sighing, she dropped her arms and went to stand by her family
around the fresh grave.
   <Ranma, you jerk,> she thought, tears coming to her eyes.  <Even dead,
you're mean to me!>
   She read the words on the tombstone one last time, hoping that they
somehow had magically changed for the better:

           Ranma  Saotome
            19xx to 1999
   "I ate what was set before me."

----------------------------
(you can kill me now. ;)