Fickle Fate, Uncontrollable Love

This fanfic started after I read a whole host of great fanfics on the web. I started with "Relentless", moved on to Zen's fanfics. I read -M- productions "The Pursuit of Happiness" and "The More Things Change" (Not in that order, of course.) I was impressed by the writing style, grasp of character and plotline so much that I felt I just had to try and make something that these great authors might enjoy. But I didn't think I could do better than what's already been done- I'm not an experienced writer, and the above mentioned authors are not just experienced, but talented as well. So I took a new approach. All romantic relationships are decided by dice.
I also borrowed a few really popular themes, ones that pervaded more than a few fanfics I've read. Whoever had these ideas first, Kudos, and I'll put in a proper gratis in the final draft of the first chapter.
Special thanks go to Richard Lawson and Grayson Towler- Richard, for writing the first fanfic I've ever read, and perhaps the best; and Grayson, whose fic dragged me back in after three years without anime. Also thanks to Grayson for making me like Pansuto Taro.

Not surprisingly, none of these characters are mine. They are the rightful property of Rumiko Takahashi, viz, Shogagkukan and a whole bunch of other people, not one of whom is me.



Nabiki strolled down the hallway of the Tendo dojo, her usually calm demeanor showing clearly on her just-barely s   ing (Better for business, after all) face. She strolled past the guest room, then the next room.A little duck plaque said "Kasumi". Another door, with the duck supporting a dry erase board and marker. And then the last. The little duck said "Akane".
She slid the door open, and took one step inside.
"Akane, you here?"
The blue haired girl turned from her chair, where she had been doing some homework. She was dressed in a yellow shirt and a modestly short skirt, with a pencil tucked behind her ear. She smiled at her older sister.
(I can see why the boys all go for her when she smiles like that), Nabiki thought.
"What is it Nabiki" Akane said brightly.
Nabiki swallowed nervously. "Well, I was ah... wondering... you know, we haven't sparred in years, Akane. I was kind of hoping that we could go back to the dojo for old time's sake?"
Akane put on a mystified look."Nabiki, you haven't practiced any martial arts since we were little kids. Did you just want to talk to me about something?"
Nabiki sighed. "No, Akane. I was just kind of hoping to get back into it a little, to maybe help defend myself or something. I was kinda hoping you would teach me, since I need to start with the basics."
Akane made a little harrumphing sound. "Maybe you want Shampoo or Ukyou.they're much better martial artists than me"
Nabiki looked dead serious. "Well, I asked them already, but they said no. you're my last choice"
Akane gave her older sister a furious look, but before she could get in a word, Nabiki continued.
"Hey, hey sis, I was just kidding. I haven't asked them anything. I just want you to teach me. this is hard for me, to ask my little sister to teach me something." Nabiki said, looking solemn.
Akane smiled brightly again. "Okay, Nabiki.I've just got a few more problems to do, then I'll change and meet you in the dojo."
Nabiki smiled back, a little Tendo showing in her smile. "Thanks, Akane."
Akane turned back to her desk, then spun back to the door as Nabiki turned and walked out.
"Nabiki?"
"Yes, Akane?" Nabiki replied, as she turned around and put her face through what she hadn't closed of the door.
"Is something the matter? why do you all of a sudden want to do this?"
"Nothing's the matter, Akane. I just want to spend some time with my little sister before she gts married" Nabiki said with a smile.
Akane smiled back, and Nabiki shut the door. Akane returned to her work, but she was having a hard time paying attention. (I'm so happy that she came to me. I hope nothing changes between us now that Ranma and I are... or that if it does change, it's more changes like this one) Akane mentally added to her prayer to nothing in particular.
----
Ranma stared in disbelief. "What? You're leaving?"
Kasumi nodded. "I'm going over to cook dinner for Dr. Tofu. That means Akane will have to cook." she smiled, eyes closed, an expression of dimness floating across her face. "Also, Miss Hinako will be coming over for dinner, so be sure to make something nice. And don't distract Akane while she's cooking, Ranma." Kasumi giggled. "I know how you two are now that you're almost married".
Ranma turned white.So white he couldn't respond to the 'almost married' remark. This meant only one thing. Actually two. (I'm gonna have to eat Akane's cooking, or Miss Hinako'll drain me so bad I won't be able to fight off the poison. Time to go out to eat, so that I don't have to eat too much), Ranma thought.
Ranma headed towards the door, but stopped when he heard the sounds of girls fighting. Slipping his shoes back off, he padded over to the dojo door, and peered inside through the crack.
Akane was holding up a blocking mitt, and catching punches thrown by... Nabiki? Nabiki was dressed in a pair of Gi pants, heavily belted, and a red chinese shirt. (Hey... that's my shirt! Ranma thought.)
Ranma slid the door open, and stepped inside. As he did, the two girls stopped what they were doing.
"Oh, hey Ranma" Nabiki said, smiling and scratching the back of her head.
"Ranma, we're busy. do you think you could leave us alone?" Akane said, holding back a glare.
Ranma shrugged. "You know, you could do a lot better than Akane as a teacher, Nabiki."
Nabiki shot Ranma a glare. "I think my sister's a great martial artist. what's more, she's a good teacher."
Ranma was perplexed. He'd never seen Nabiki act like this before. (I guess family's more important to her than I thought). "Well, if being a good teacher is measured by macho uncute tomboyishness, she's your best bet" Ranma said, congratulating himself on a great dig.
Scant seconds later, Ranma was congratulating himself on his fortune at not having to walk to the restaurant district, as well as congratulating Akane (Mentally, of course) on a truly great demonstration of Mallet-Fu.
Standing up and shaking himself off, he saw Ucchan's Okonomiyaki. Ranma wasn't much of a grudge holder, but Ucchan hadn't won much favor from him with that bomb event. He hadn't noticed, but that's kind of where he'd been heading. He stared at the door for a minute, shrugged to no one but himself, and made his way over.
---
Inside Ucchan's, Ukyou Kuonji was crying. heaving sobs into the chest of Ryoga Hibiki,
who was not much more composed himself. The store was 'open', but there were no customers.
"He hates me now, Ryoga. Hates me. What will I do? I have nothing left!" Ukyou sobbed heavily.
"You have many things, Ukyou. Just not Ranma. THat's okay, you're probably better off without him" Ryoga sighed.
"That's easy for you to say, Ryoga. You've got Akari to retreat to." Ukyou shot, breaking their embrace.
"Akari... I just don't know about Akari. Sure, I like her. but it's not... I just can't run over there" Ryoga said. "I just feel so trapped"
"I know how you feel, sugar" Ukyou said, again collapsing into Ryoga's chest.
"Like a pig in a pen" Ryoga said, grimacing at his self deprecation.
Ukyou laughed, and looked up at him. He'd always been there for her, even if he hadn't always been the nicest- she recalled when he threatened to walk away and leave her to that monkey guy on Togenkyou. BUt she'd asked again, and he'd defended her. Poor monkey guy...
He was pretty handsome. Ranma had a healthy bit more raw handsome-juice flowing through him, but Ryoga was _manly_. Tall, broad shouldered, strong and deeply voiced.
she was giving him this look over when the door slid open.
"Ryoga, you sly pig. I haven't been out of the picture for more than two days and already you're stringing along number two." Ranma grinned at his... friend? Ranma liked Ryoga well enough, when Ryoga wasn't trying to kill him. He was pretty sure the feeling wasn't mutual, though.
"Just shut up, Ranma. What do you want?" Ryoga glared, obviously not in the mood for a wit battle.
Ukyou separated herself from Ryoga hastily, trying to regain composure, and a little embarassed to be seen holding Ryoga like that.
"Actually.." Ranma said... "I was looking for some okonomiyaki. Akane's cooking tonight, and I was looking to take the edge off my hunger. I could die if I ate enough to fill my stomach."
"You couldn't fill your stomach with all the food in that dojo, Ranchan" Ukyou smiled at Ranma.
"I'll make us all some nice okonomiyaki. What do you guys want?"
Ryoga looked at Ukyou. "I guess I'll be going now, Ukyou. I'll see you later."
Ranma and ukyou both looked at him, but it was Ukyou who spoke."Ryoga, I'd appreciate it if you'd stay a little while. After all, I can't be alone with Ranma anymore. People might get the wrong idea." There were tears in her eyes with these words, and it broke Ryoga's heart to see them etched so plainly just for him to see.
"Sides, P-chan, we have a lot to catch up on. Come on, sit down" Ranma said.
Ryoga looked at Ukyou. "I'm sorry, Ukyou. I just can't be here right now. I'll stay, but please don't make me"
Ukyou looked down at her feet. "I guess you're right, Ryoga. I'll see you around, Okay?"
"You bet" Ryoga said, smiled a forced smile for Ukyou, waved, and said "Goodbye, Ranma.Give Akane my regards."
"Yeah, sure thing, pal" Ranma said in reply.
The lost boy walked out, leaving the restaurant in silence.
---
an uncomfortable hour later, Ranma walked back into the tendo dojo. The okonomiyaki had been _crap_. Almost as bad as Akane's cooking. Ukyou wasn't doing so hot. Ranma felt really sorry for her. when it came down to it, despite his lack of social graces or tact, Ranma was a really, really nice person who never wanted to hurt anyone. It pained him to see that his father had gotten him to take after him even though Ranma actually cared about the girls. Shampoo, Ukyou... Ukyou a lot... hell, even Kodachi. he was just one man, and there was just one woman for him.
"Hey, Ranma" Akane said, padding out of the dojo, looking just a little bit ruffled.
"Hey...pant...wheeze... Ranma" Nabiki said, drawing the dojo door closed behind her, looking exhausted.
"you trying to learn to be a martial artist in one day, Nabiki?" Ranma said, his contagious smile written right across his face.
"Well, kinda" Nabiki said, smiling right back.
Ranma thought to himself, then allowed a rare show of grace to come up. "You know who's a really good short notice teacher, Nabiki?"
Nabiki just looked at him quizzically.
"I don't know if he's still around, but Ryoga's really good. Of course, I'm better, but.."
Nabiki looked at Ranma. "Okay, Ranma. Thanks. If I see him, I'll ask. now, I have to go help Akane make dinner"
Ranma looked mystified. He shot a hand out, and felt Nabiki's forehead.
"You all right, Nabiki?"
Nabiki took Ranma's hand off her forehead. "Yeah, Ranma... I'm just fine."
---
Even Ranma had to admit it. Miss Hinako(All grown up, of course) was Saucy. Extra hot sauce saucy, and she and Mr. Tendo got along well. So well, in fact, that it looked like this was going to be a regular thing. Of course, it already was kind of a regular thing. But it seemed to Ranma that Mr. Tendo and Miss Hinako were headed down the bell path. Now that Soun had taken care of the Dojo's future, it looked like he was looking to get married and free up Kasumi's future. Ranma smiled at that thought. Kasumi was a good person, and he wished her happiness.
Soun looked at his soon to be son-in-law. "Ranma, I've decided to sign the deed to the Dojo over to you and Akane".
Nabiki nearly puked up her dinner, which had been surprisingly good. Nabiki had spent her time in the kitchen trying to prevent Akane from "Substitution" or just plan mistakes in ingredients, and as a result, the food was just odd tasting, and not actually dangerous. Well, most of it, anyways.
Akane looked at her sister. "Nabiki, are you okay?"
Nabiki looked up, grabbed her bowl, wiped the table with her napkin, and with a hurried "Excuse me", left the dining room.
"Nabiki" Soun called out. Is anything wrong? Oh, and don't forget to bring the deed down when you come back for dessert."
---
Ranma couldn't believe it. That sly dog Mr. Tendo. Miss Hinako was maybe thirty-two years of age, and Soun was in his mid forties. But Miss Hinako had looked at him with those eyes, and right there, on what must have been maybe, just maybe their tenth date, Had proposed. Ranma had hit the floor in shock, and Akane had been plain flabbergasted. Ranma had been even more shocked when she'd said yes. When Soun looked over to Akane to ask if she approved, it was all Akane could do to just nod, unable to remove the expression of total shock from her face.
"Genma and Nodoka put me up to it, Ranma. Genma got Nodoka to invite her over and ask her how she felt" SOun explained after Miss Hinako had gone. Ranma and Akane were in so much shock, and Soun was so happy, that they forgot entirely about Nabiki.
---
The next morning, Nabiki got up early, as usual, and headed out to school. But she wasn't going to go to school. She headed out towards Furinkan, but midway, she left and headed to a small Cafe in the restaurant district, not on the way to the Nekohanten or Ucchan's from any normal destination of a Tendo or Saotome. She didn't want to be seen right now, that would be unfortunate. She had to own up to this, and then find some way to make it right before everything fell apart.
She sat down in the cafe, and then two large men in business suits, wearing shiny sunglasses came in and sat down with her.
"Nabiki Tendo?" one of the men asked.
"Yes" Nabiki said, her nerves clearly rattled to the core.
"So, we meet at last. I'm Himosuke. I trust you understand why we're here"
"Well, yes, but I was hoping you'd make an exception, see? I'm just a schoolgirl, and I didn't know what I was getting into..." she was cut off by the man who had called himself Himosuke.
"Well, that's unfortuante. Because we can't, and don't, make exceptions. So, I'm going to have to demand all of your profits, as well as your collateral. We can't have people just moving in on our horse races whenever we want. you must understand. Most unfortunate."
"I can't give you the collateral. It's not actually mine. I bet it without a right" Nabiki embarassingly admitted.
"That's the Dojo, right? Well, that's all right then. I have something to show you. Come on outside." Himosuke said.
Nabiki looked around, every instinct in her body telling her to run. But she knew that meant that they would just go to the Dojo, and that would be a disaster. She followed them outside, where they turned into an alley.
"What are you going to show me in there?" Nabiki asked, raw fright now showing in her voice.
the man who had not been named suddenly grabbed Nabiki's shoulder and threw her int he alleyway. she landed unceremoniously on her rump, her school skirt ripping as she rolled on the ground.
"I'm a resident of a Dojo, are you sure you want to do that?" she asked, fooling no one.
"A Dojo resident. Well, I'm scared." The nameless man said. He pulled a pair of Nunchaku from his jacket, and said "Well, I guess I shouldn't go easy on you then"
"We have to do this, even if you pay us, Nabiki Tendo. IT teaches your body not to cross us." Himosuke said, compassion in his voice.
Nabiki saw through that good cop, bad cop in an instant, but it didn't stop the nameless man from swinging his nunchaku down. Nabiki screamed, as she felt her whole body being jarred around, but no pain.
The nunchaku bore down on her left arm, but before it got there, something cut the chain and the dowel shot past, hitting the ground somewhere above Nabiki's shoulder with a nasty crack.
"What do you two think you are doing, picking on a girl like this" a voice very familiar to Nabiki said. She felt herself being set down, gently.
"Why you" the nameless man said, pulling another pair of nunchaku and a Tonfa. I"ll teach you to interfere with Keisuke's justice"
"Keisuke's justice? What about this resembles justice?" said the new man's voice. Keisuke rushed him, and swung the nunchaku from shoulder height at the boy's head, right side. The boy's left hand shot up across his chest, and caught the nunchaku, bare handed. Keisuke jabbed underneath with the tonfa, but the boy used his right hand to slam the tonfa back into his midsection, crumpling him easily.
Nabiki looked up at her savior. Ryoga Hibiki was rarely there when he was wanted, but always there when he was needed.
"Hey, Nabiki. Are you all right?" Ryoga said, his face a mask of grim determination as he strolled over to Himosuke.
Himosuke smiled, and drew a bulky gun. "That was pretty good, kid. You've got some good moves, there, to beat Keisuke like that. but that doesn't matter. I'll teach you now"
Ryoga fixed him with an angry glare. "I'm giving you just one chance to get the hell out of here before I make you pay for what you've done in full."
Himosuke just smiled. "Okay, accept my payment."
Himosuke pointed the gun at Ryoga's head, and fired a short burst. Not to his surprise, the boy's head wasn't there. To his surprise, it wasn't a paste in the alley, but rather right next to him.
Nabiki fainted.
"You'd better be careful, you could hit someone with that" Ryoga said, swinging his fist at HImosuke's forehead.
Himosuke barely ducked, then fired a burst into the boy's midsection... but all he hit was cement wall. He could hear the girl sobbing in the alleyway.
"I've got you" gasped Keisuke, apparently revived, and swing his tonfa down behind Himosuke.
Himosuke turned just to see the tonfa get wrapped up in the loop of a spotted bandanna identical to the one wrapped around the boy's head. Ryoga calmly drew back his fist, and Himosuke was forced to watch, too slow to act, as the fist plowed into Keisuke's face, sending him flying right out of the alley into the street.
Himosuke tried to spin and fire the gun agains his midsection, but a hand from Ryoga on his shoulder pinned his arm close to his side, and facing away from Ryoga.
"Now, I want you to say you're sorry, and that this'll never happen again."
"I can't. I'm just a thug. It isn't my choice. Even if you kill me, it won't stop." Himosuke said.
"Well, at least say you're sorry." Ryoga said, his voice betraying serious anger.
"I can't. I like my job" Himosuke said.
Nabiki opened her eyes as Himosuke's face punded into the cement right next to her head.
"Say it!" Ryoga said loudly.
"I'm... sorrry" Himosuke struggled to get the words out of the semblance of mouth he had left pressed against the concrete.
With that, Ryoga grabbed him again by the back of his suit, and chucked him into the brick wall of the cafe Nabiki had met them in.
Ryoga kneeled next to Nabiki. "Hey, Nabiki, are you all right? Did they hurt you?" Ryoga asked, concern written plainly across his face. He was helping her sit up.
She threw her arms around his neck, sobbing. Ryoga had had a lot of this lately, but he was still clueless as to what to really do. So he put his arms around her, and held her tight.
"It's okay, Nabiki. It's okay. You'll be safe. Let it out" Ryoga said, pleased with his consoling voice.
Nabiki did.
---
She had been so scared. She still was, really, but it was much better, because at the same time she felt safe. she knew the danger had passed. Ryoga might be unable to find his way out of the bathroom, but he was serious business martial arts. He held her tightly, letting her sob.
"It's okay, Nabiki. It's okay. You'll be safe. Let it out." He said, his voice as compassionate as she had ever heard it.
It felt nice, being held like this. not just because she was crying, but in general. She was always so... self reliant. Just to let go, and allow herself to let someone else bear something... it was really nice. She'd been forced to show more weakness in the last couple of days than she had in the last several years. How foolish she had been to think that she could defend herself.
She stopped sobbing, after a while, and loosened up her grip. Ryoga let her go, and she immediately missed the feeling of being held. She looked at his yellow shirt. She'd been crying on the side opposite the frogs which kept it closed, and the shirt was well wet with her tears.
"Oh, Ryoga, I'm sorry. Your shirt" she said, pointing.
"No problem, I've got more. It doesn't matter anyways" Ryoga said. "Are you all right now?"
Nabiki nodded, a little smile crossing her face. "Thank you, Ryoga. Thank you so much. I owe you everything"
"you don't owe me anything. Don't I owe you 1600 yen for hot water?" Ryoga asked, his face serious.
"No" Nabiki said simply. "You don't own me anything, anymore".
"What was going on here, Nabiki? These guys look like refugees from those gangster movies Mr. Saotome watches" Ryoga asked, his face stern.
"Can we go somewhere? I'll tell you over a cup of tea or something"
"Sure. My treat" Ryoga said, his eyes closing in a bright smile.
"Oh no, mine" Nabiki said
She stood up, and as she did, she felt a big draft. The back of her skirt had ripped off when Keisuke had shoved her to the ground.
"Ah.." she said, shooting her hands back to cover her hind.
Ryoga looked at the torn piece of fabric, then stood up. "Here, tie this around your waist" He said, taking off his shirt, revealing that nappy little yellow T-shirt he had worn while they were on Togenkyou.
Nabiki tied it around her waist, the main part hanging in back, then squawked in surprise as Ryoga heaved her up onto his back.
"Where to?" he asked.
---
Ranma sat up on the school wall. Ever since he'd almost married Akane, the stormtroopers were back, trying to get one last date in before Akane became a married woman. they were fewer in number, though. A few of them, at least, seemed to know their chances.
He looked to see the bet lines, to see how much money Nabiki'd be raking in. She wasn't there, though; just her two associates, taking them as usual. She sure had been acting strange, yesterday. He looked up at the window, where Nabiki had been the first day he had come to school, and where she usually watched Akane plow to class from if she wasn't taking bets.
Not there, either.
Kuno advanced on Akane, after the rest had been defeated. "Hurry up, slowpoke, or we're gonna be late!" Ranma shouted.
"Just shut up, Ranma!" Akane said. "Kuno, get out of my way, I'm late for class"
"My Darling Akane Tendo, this be the day on which I must rid you forever of the taint of Saotome's vile black magics. Surely he did nearly ensnare you for good recently, and it lies upon only me, of noble stature and unequalled battle skill to rescue a damsel such as you" Kuno pontificated, a rhyming elemnt from his speech peculiarly missing.
Ranma stomped him from above, and then he and Akane headed into class.
---
Nabiki looked up guiltily at Ryoga.
"So, you ran a betting ring at a horse track, and the Yakuza found out? Those guys were Yakuza?"
Nabiki looked up, same expression. "Yes, those guys were yakuza"
"Wow. I thought they were supposed to be tough" Ryoga laughed.
"Well, maybe not to you... but there's nothing I could do. If you hadn't been there..." Nabiki added.
"Look, I told you, I was happy to do it. No need to keep thanking me" Ryoga said, hand on back of head.
"What do you think I should do" Nabiki said, well aware of the irony of asking one of the world's least decisive people for advice when she was Nabiki Tendo.
"I think you should tell Akane" Ryoga said. "After all, you said that Mr. Tendo was going to sign it over to them, right? Akane will understand. She understands everything..." Ryoga said, his face telling exactly what he was feeling- Longing, love and sadness.
"You're right, Ryoga. I think I'll go home now."
"can you walk now?"
"I could before, thank you." Nabiki said.
"All right. See you" Ryoga said, dropping some yen on the table and getting up.
"Ryoga" Nabiki said.
"Yes?"
"Could you please walk me home? I don't feel really safe right now" Nabiki admitted.
"All right. But I'm not going to stay long"
"THat's okay" Nabiki said, sighing with relief., and dropping her own yen on the table. As she strolled by Ryoga, she dropped his money back in his pocket. He never noticed.

---
As the strolled up to the Tendo Dojo, they saw Miss Hinako and Soun at the gate.
"Daddy, I have the deed here for you like you told me to get last night" Nabiki called out.
"Hello, honorable father in law" Ryoga called out instinctively, then cursed himself silently.
"Who are you calling father in law" Soun exclaimed. "Akane is to be married to Ranma."
"I know. I apologize, it was reflexive, Mr. Tendo. I beg a thousand pardons" Ryoga said, looking down at the ground, deep sadness etched on his face.
"As well you..." he stopped himself, looked at Ryoga for a second, then stopped.
"Nabiki, hand that here. I'll sign it over." He said, then looked up. "Shouldn't you be in school, young lady?"
"Delinquent?" Miss Hinako asked nicely, a smile on her face, her eyes closed.
"I wasn't feeling very well, and I fainted on the way home. Ryoga carried me for a while"
Soun turned a soft expression towards the lost boy he'd never really liked. "Thank you, boy, for helping my precious daughter."
"It was nothing, Mr. Tendo"
"What are you doing out of school Ryoga?" asked Miss Hinako
"Well, I get lost, so I have a hard time going regularly"
"Delinquent excuse!" She called. flipping up a 5 yen piece between her fingers, she called out "Happo-five-yen-satsu"
In a flash, Ryoga was a heap on the ground, and Miss Hinako looked even more her buxom adult self.
"Shall we go now, Soun darling?" She said in her sultry voice.
"Nabiki, I'll be out of town for a while. Take this in and get Ranma and Akane to sign it, and offer Ryoga some tea" he said calmly, not fazed at all by Miss Hinako's draining of Ryoga.
Nabiki looked shocked. "What?"
"You heard me.I'm leaving town. I've got a little money stored up, and I'll be gone for a while. Take care of things, Nabiki" Soun said, and then made his way happily down the street, Miss Hinako in arm.
"Bye...Daddy" Nabiki said.
"Bye..." Ryoga managed, from the ground.
---
Nabiki put Ryoga to sleep in the guest room, using the bedroll Genma had left behind when he moved out with Nodoka. Then she went to her room, picked up some stuff, and went out to the patio, where she started some mathematics in the sunlight.
"Let's see, they want my winnings plus my collateral. the winnings were 3 million yen. Nabiki said, smiling at her success. And the collateral... the Dojo. Worth... 75 million yen at least. The place was huge, and wasn't rented. (Of course, it was protected in the same way farms are, so selling it is very difficult, Nabiki thought)
She heard things sliding around, and the twin call "We're home" of Ranma and Akane. She checked her watch. They'd come home at lunch, no doubt to check on her. Akane was such a good sister.
Akane padded out into the dining room, behind Nabiki. "There you are, Nabiki."
Akane walked over to sit down next to her sister. "Hey, isn't that Ryoga's shirt?"
Nabiki nodded, embarassed at forgetting to change clothes. it just didn't seem right to be dressed casually yet- it was still only 1:00."and how did you get this scuff ont he back of your arm? I didn't do that to you last night, did I? it's pretty bad" Akane asked thoughtfully.
"Akane, I need to talk to you. It's Ranma's business too, but I'd prefer if it was just us two" Nabiki said.
Akane just nodded. "Sure, Nabiki. What is it? does it have to do with your arm?"
"Yes."
"You see, Akane, the wedding cost a lot of money, and I came up with it. Our money hasn't been so hot lately, and I was thinking of ways to get the money up so I could go to college, Kasumi could move out, and you and Ranma would have a nest egg until you started teaching again" Nabiki spoke calmly. "And the only way I could think of was the races. so I went to the horse track a few times, and made a little money. But once I figured out how the fixes were, I made a ton of money."
"How much money, Nabiki?"Akane asked, excitedly.
"Well, 3 million yen" Nabiki said.
"Wow! that's great, Nabiki" Akane said, smiling. The smile dropped when she saw Nabiki's pained expression.
"Akane, the Yakuza found out. they want the Dojo, which I used as collateral, and they already took my profits. they'll take money instead of the Dojo, but we don't have 75 million yen." she looked sad. " I failed, Akane. and if I don't figure out something soon, we could all be in danger of losing the Dojo, or worse."
"Nabiki, how could you think of using the Dojo as collateral?" Akane said, slightly angry.
"I was just thinking of you, Akane. A little of me, a little of Kasumi, but mostly of you and Ranma. I'm so sorry I failed. I want to just make it better, but I can't. I need your help, and you have a right to know." Nabiki said, grim determination and sorrow showing on her face.
"I suppose that yesterday was a lie to, just to get some self defense courses"
"Well, I probably wouldn't have asked if I hadn't felt like I was in danger, but I had a good time yesterday, Akane. I hope... that htis doesn't ruin our relationship."
akane looked grim for a second, then smiled. "Of course not. You are my sister, after all. I'm glad you asked me, whatever your reasons are. I kinda think that we haven't done much together since Ranma got here" Akane finished.
"Thank you, Akane" Nabiki said. Akane just hugged her sister. Nabiki hugged back.
---
"So, how long do we have before they do something?" Akane asked.
"Probably ten days, if they don't want to retaliate for today" Nabiki said, worried expression plain.
"Retaliation..." Akane half-asked. "Is that why you're hurt? And why your skirt is ripped?"
Nabiki nodded.
"What did they do to you?" Akane asked, battle aura raging, eyes going red.
"All they got to do was push me and scare me a little. Then Ryoga showed up... and, well, let's just say team Nabiki won" Nabiki said, smiling.
"So, did you use anyhting I showed you last night?" Akane asked.
"Falling" Nabiki said, smiling. "Ryoga really looked out for me. he beat them both up, and one of them even had a machine gun"
Akane looked impressed. "Really? Where is he?"
"Right here" Ranma said, padding into the dining room, Ryoga right behind.
"Hi Akane, Hi Nabiki" Ryoga said, smiling.
"Ryoga, I want to thank you for saving my sister like that. It was very brave of you" Akane looke dhim straight in the eyes.
Ryouga blushed. "It was easy, Akane.I was glad to help"
Akane looked at Ryoga's blush.
---
"So, we gotta get together 75 million yen? how the heck are we gonna get together money like that with what we do?" Ranma intelligently added to the conversation.
"well, I've got some money back home that we could use" Ryoga added. Akane and Nabiki looked over in his direction.
"Ryoga, we could never ask you to do that" Akane said, gratefully toned.
"Ryoga, I may have to ask you for it. I promise on my mother's grave that I will pay you back, with interest, if it comes to that" Nabiki said.
"It's about 1,000,000 yen. It's college money, but I don't even get to High school often enough. I'm not so sure I'm cut out for college anyways." Ryoga said humbly.
"That's for sure" Ranma added, ribbing Ryoga, who just ignored.

"Airen... Wo Ai Ni,  Airen Zai Nar" Shampoo called out from the front of the Tendo Dojo.
"Oh no" Ranma said, getting ready to hide. "Ryoga, hide me or something" Ranma said.
Nabiki turned her head. "Under the porch, Ranma. You too, Akane, that way they'll think you're still at school"
---
Meanwhile, Akari Unryuu strolled downtown Nerima, looking for Ryoga. She knew he was often at Okonomiyaki restaurant called "Ucchan's", and less often at the "Nekohanten", Cat cafe. She saw the Cat Cafe, and walked inside.

Mousse was mopping a section of the floor when Akari Unryuu walked in. Shampoo was gone, so he had his glasses on full time. "Hello, can I help you?" he said.
"Yes. You're Mousse, right?" Akari giggled. Mousse couldn't help but smile, she was so cute.
"Yeah, that's me. "
"Have you seen Ryouga?" She asked, all smile.
"He was in here earlier with a girl in a booth... didn't see who though" Mousse replied.
"A.. girl?" Akari said, looking a little disappointed.
"Yeah."
"Tell me, Mousse. Do you think Ryoga loves me, or soem other girl?"
"Well, I know he loves another girl, but I don't know if he loves you more or not" mousse replied.
"Well, I love him, see... and I was kind of hoping..."
Mousse was now, suddenly curious. "You love him, eh? Why?"
"Well, because he's smart like a pig, strong like a pig, gentle like a pig,and he even turns into one!" She replied, eyes shut she was smiling so much.
"You realize that he hates pigs. He hates being a pig. He's ashamed of it. he probably hates being reminded of it." Mousse replied, and instantly regretted it.
Akari welled up in near tears. "You think I'm a reminder of what he hates?" Akari started to sob.
"Well, I don't know if you have to be, but I think so" Mousse said, trying to console. He felt really bad for doing this, but he felt she deserved the truth. As a matter of fact, Mousse was already starting to like the girl, to want to help her out.
"After all this time, such a perfect man beats Katsunishiki, so I can marry him, and all I do is hurt him"
Mousse's expression suddenly changed. "Beat... Katsunishiki..."
"Yeah. I promised my grandfather I'd only marry someone who could beat my prize sumo pig, Katsunishiki. He's really strong.And I fell in love with the first man who did"
Mousse suddenly hardened, this story eerily reminiscent of one he knew pretty well.
"What kind of a stupid way is that to pick a fiancee anyways?" mousse said, angry.
"I... I don't know" Akari said, tears welling.
"Half of everyone in this town could beat up a giant pig. What does beating people up have to do with marriage?" Mousse exploded. "You should find someone to love, not based on combat, but on love itself! someone who wants the best for you, who works to make you happy, who never leaves your side, who accepts painful truths.." mousse stopped for a second, paining himself "About you and accepts you anyway!" he finished. "Ryoga's a nice guy, but he's not that special in that department. That's a stupid way to pick a fiancee, and a stupid way to fall in love"
he said, storming out fo the restaurant, Akari in tow.
"THis your pig?" Mousse said, still angry"
Akari, now sobbing non-stop, could only nod.
Katsunishiki, the great white sumo pig, saw Akari crying. he decided that he would hurt this white dressed guy with the really big eyes for being near her when she cried. Katsunishiki really loved Akari, and his simple heart and mind were simply rent whenever he saw her cry like that.
so he charged.
"I'll show you how easy it is. I'm not very good, and I'll..."
the pig snout-bashed him into the wall of the nekohanten.
Akari watched the wall break down, Mousse disappearing into the hole in the restaurant wall.
Katsunishiki wathced the hole.
"Come on Katsunishiki. That's it" Akari said, still hiccoughing from her sobbing.
Katsunishiki didn't move, and the suddenly, a great big manruki gesauri flewout of the hole, bashing katsunishiki right ont he top of the head. The chain fell to the ground, it's heavy weight landing last after it's richochet from the pig's skull.
Katsunishiki followed suit, dropping like a ton of bricks.
Mousse stepped out of the hole in the wall.
Akari looked at him, and burst out crying. Even mousse had his composure shattered by this, and he ran over.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. Look, I'm really sorry"
but the scare wasn't what Akari was crying about. She grabbed ahold of Mousse's long robes, and began to sob. Mousse didn't know what to do, so he put his arms around her, the first woman in his life to let him hold her.
---
"Son-in-law, where are you?" called Cologne, the old ghoul.
"He's not here" lied Ryoga.
"Really? I'm rather sure he is" replied Cologne to her former student.
"Well, whatever youre sure of, we're sure he's not here. Now, there's something going on that's rather important, so we'd like some peace" Nabiki said, composure instantly back to what it had been two days before- solid ice, unreadable. Ryoga was impressed.
"well, I think I'll have a quick look around first" Cologne answered as Shampoo jumped out into the lawn.
Shampoo was standing near the Koi pond when disaster struck.

---
Come one, Akari. WE'll go over to the Tendo Dojo, and we'll see if we can get Ryoga to come out and talk about how he feels. I'm pretty sure he's there" Mousse said helpfully. He didn't really want to go. What he really wanted to do was find some way to make up to her for being such a jerk.
"I don't want to" Akari said, sobbing.
"Well, I've got to go over there anyways. I'll tell Ryoga what happened, and if he doesn't beat me up too bad, I'll try and send him over here. I'll be back or dead soon, either way" he said. He congratualted himself on his inner humor.
"Thanks, Mousse" Akari said, managing the most genuine and beautiful smile Mousse had ever seen, even though she was still crying.
as he walked out, he thought to himself (I'd do anything to stop that crying)
---
"Ranma, M'boy.What are you doing under that porch. Akane, my sweet. Shampoo!"
Ranma groaned as his cover was spoiled, and Shampoo yelled angrily as she got glomped.
(About a 9.8 on the glomp scale, Nabiki thought).
Happosai lept from Shampoo's chest to the edge of the porch just as the Amazon threw a vicious punch at her chest. He was so fast that despite her skill, she still crackedherself good int he reib, losing her breath.
Cologne sighed. "Shampoo, that is humiliating"
"Anyways, Ranma M' Boy, I have come to make you an offer you can't refuse!"
Ranma looked at the old creep. "What is it this time"
"Happosai's secret", he replied. "I've brought Nannichuan for you, Nyannichuan for Shampoo, and... well, Akane will do it because she's a good disciple."
Ranma shot out from under the porch. "You mean it? You've really got some nannichuan?" Ranma said.
"Yes, I do. BUt, In order to get it from me, you've got to pose for my new lingerie Catalog! BWaHahahahahaahahahah" he cackled.
"No way, creep. You give it to me now!" He said.
Ryoga lept up from his seat, and shot out onto the lawn to back up Ranma. "Yeah, give it to us RIGHT NOW"
"well, you know, Ryoga, you'd make a pretty cute girl too. Why don't you take some nyannichuan, and then I;ll give you some of my nannicuan to turn you back? Otherwise, Butt out!" The creep said, batting Ryoga on the noggin with his little pipe, which fed-ex-ed ryoga to the wall. THat of course, did not stop him, and soon he was right back out, helping rnama fight happosai.
Mousse heard the combat from outside, and jumped over the wall. He heard Happosai offer Ryoga Nyannichuan. He wanted some.
Cologne wanted that water for herself. She needed allt he elverage she could get to force Ranma's hand into marrying Shampoo, and Happosai giving Ranma a cure for a trip through Lingerie would reduce her chances greatly. She stepped in.
All in all, it looked bad for Happosai.
Mousse threw a chain for Happosai's feet, but the old man jumped up right as the chain hit. Ranma leveled a roundhouse kick at the trajectory he came up at, but he pushed off Ranma's kick into Ryoga's face. Ryoga threw a punch at the old man, which just hit Ranma as he spun around. Cologne batted Happosai with her staff, but missed the pressure point she'd been aiming for with it... he was good, and faster than she'd remembered. She looked at him as the battle raged. His hairline was more forward, and he moved with more grace... he was less wrinkled. Yes, drinking the nannichuan was having an effect on him.
He pulled out a bottle, now. "You want this, Ranma?" He said.
"Gimme that, Creep" Ranma said, staring at the bottle. It was pretty big.
"Yeah, give it over, before we hurt you" Ryoga said.
"Shampoo Help too" shampoo joined with.
"I'll get that water and then marry shampoo" Mousse said, and everyone stopped, and looked at him for a second.
"Shampoo no marry you. Shampoo Marry Ranma". Shampoo said, and Mousse thought back to his arguement with Akari.
He didn't think long though, because the battle started.
Once again mousse started with the long range. He shot out with the giant manruki gesauri he'd clubbed Katsunishiki with, and aimed for the old man's head. He ducked, and the weight was caught by Ryoga, who flung it to the ground in the path where Happy was rolling. Happosai stopped, while Ranma brought an axe kick down towards the old man's back. Happosai brought up his pipe, and blocked ranma's foot, sending Ranma backwards into the pond.
Ryoga pressed the assault, while Cologne held back, watching. Ryoga attempted a punt kick, but when Happosai held up the bottle in the path, Ryoga stopped the kick, which gave Happosai time to jump up and plant one of his midget legs in the boy's face. Mousse, not to be outdone, threw a series of knives at the old freak, one of which cut off Ryoga's bandannas. _All_ of them. They fell to the ground in a great flurry of yellow and black spots. Akane, Not wanting to get splashed with Nannichuan in case of accident, picked up one of these bandannas... funny, reminded her of P-Chan's... and flung it. She remembered Ryoga cutting things with them, like her hair.
The bandanna flew wildly, but it actualyl came the closest to hitting happosai yet- it clipped a tuft of hair ont he side of his head as he dodged a punch kick combination from Shampoo.
The pool exploded, and Ranma flew out, Jump kick leveled at the backof Happosai's head. He'd jumped to evade shampoo, and he was looking away. the kick launched him into Ryoga, whu calmly uppercutted the creep straight up into the air- just before water splashed him, and turned him right into P-chan. Mousse shot a grappling cord up after the old man.
then they heard the cackle.
"Heheheheheheheheh"
Happosai held the bottle in front of the hook, and the bottle exploded.
Ranma-chan couldn't see-Shampoo had crashed into Ranma-chan when Ranma-chan had landed. Cologne jumped in, trying to push Shampoo and Ranma out of the way.
Ryoga was looking straight into the sun, and Mousse couldn't see anyways.

The water splashed down, ridiculous in volume, even for the surprisingly large bottle happosai had been carrying.
---
A second later, a blond, green, red, purple and another red haired head, all stood staring at Happosai, who had just made his landing ont he big rock at the back of the pool.
Ranma spoke first. "Why you... that wasn't nannichuan!"
"Of course not, M'boy. That was my Nyannichuan. I need you to do some modeling for me, my sweet! Wouldn't do for you to get the payment before the work!" he said, flying towards Ranma's chest.
He never made it. a green panted leg bashed him to the ground.
"Taro" spoke Akane, who ran up beside Ranma.
"Oh look, Fem-boy and co. Feminist rally, I see. Or are you commiserating about childbirth and bad boyfriends?" Taro spoke, a sneer obvious on his face.
Ranma was rarely glad to see Taro, and this time was no exception. well, except that he'd bashed Happosai. what had Taro said?
Ranma looked around.
Girls.
Shampoo and Akane were familiar.
He assumed the naked girl with short red hair and the ridiculously large..., spraying blood out her nose as she looked down her chest was Ryoga.
The girl with long blond hair was wearing glasses. that meant Mousse. Mousse was staring at herself.
that left....
Oh, no.
Ranma looked at the green haired girl. No more than seventeen apparent years of age, Ranma was hoping that Dr. Tofu had snuck in or something. But he knew better, and that that seventeen was awfully misleading.
Cologne. 17. How would he ever stop her from making him marry Shampoo now?
"Aiya! Shampoo Cured!" he heard, as he looked in the pond to find Shampoo gleefully splashing about.
there was peculiar silence. No one was talking.
"Well, I hate to bother all you girls, but I need to be talking to the old man here about giving me my new name. I'll be wanting some privacy, so maybe you can all herd off to the women's room or something."
"SHut up Taro. He has Nannichuan on him, and I want it." Ranma said, his face angry.
"Does he really?" Taro said, giving ranma a playful glance. "Oh. Well, I'm busy, fem-boy. I'll pass it on when I'm done with him and have my new name. Then again, maybe I'll just beat the snot out of you and leave you in the kitchen, where you belong"
"I'll give you a new name all right, Taro."came the voice from the ground.
"What the..." Taro called, as his foot flipped up in the air, and Happosai Mr. Magoo'd him to the ground.
"Pantyhose Bustier Taro!" Happosai yelled, as he smashed Taro into the ground again, knocking him right out.
Everyone gasped.
Happosai was now nearly 5 feet tall. his face was young and chiseled, with strong if small arms ripping out of the little black gi he had worn when he was an old man. Because he was no longer an old man, but a young boy, of no more than 17.
Ranma looked at Happosai, then at Cologne.
Life was going to suck.
---
Nabiki watched the fray from the safety of the porch. Man, those boys really meant it- they wanted that nannichuan. Mousse and Ranma for obvious reasons, but she wondered why Ryoga was after it. Must have something to do with hidden friendship for Ranma or Mousse.
These things were running through her head, as well as a regret that there was no one to bet on this with... then she suddenyl got a great idea. SHe flew off the porch, got into her room, and ran back with her trusty video camera, and, turning it on as she ran. She slid out onto the patio, looking through the viewfinder. The camera calmly recorded.

/Happosai pulled out a large bottle. "You want this, Ranma?" He said.
"Gimme that, Creep" Ranma said, staring at the bottle. It was pretty big.
"Yeah, give it over, before we hurt you" Ryoga said.
"Shampoo Help too" Shampoo joined with Ryoga and Ranma standing at the edge of the pool.
"I'll get that water and then marry shampoo" Mousse said, and everyone stopped, and looked at him for a second.
"Shampoo no marry you. Shampoo Marry Ranma". Shampoo said, and Mousse thought back to his arguement with Akari.
He didn't think long though, because the battle started again.
Once again mousse started with the long range. He shot out with the giant manruki gesauri he'd clubbed Katsunishiki with, and aimed for the old man's head. He ducked, and the weight was caught by Ryoga, who flung it to the ground in the path where Happy was rolling. Happosai stopped, while Ranma brought an axe kick down towards the old man's back. Happosai brought up his pipe, and blocked ranma's foot, sending Ranma backwards into the pond.
Ryoga pressed the assault, while Cologne held back, watching. Ryoga attempted a punt kick, but when Happosai held up the bottle in the path, Ryoga stopped the kick, which gave Happosai time to jump up and plant one of his midget legs in the boy's face. Mousse, not to be outdone, threw a series of knives at the old freak, one of which cut off Ryoga's bandannas. _All_ of them. They fell to the ground in a great flurry of yellow and black spots. Akane, Not wanting to get splashed with Nannichuan in case of accident, picked up one of these bandannas... funny, reminded her of P-Chan's... and flung it. She remembered Ryoga cutting things with them, like her hair.
The bandanna flew wildly, but it actualyl came the closest to hitting happosai yet- it clipped a tuft of hair ont he side of his head as he dodged a punch kick combination from Shampoo.
The pool exploded, and Ranma flew out, Jump kick leveled at the backof Happosai's head. He'd jumped to evade shampoo, and he was looking away. the kick launched him into Ryoga, whu calmly uppercutted the creep straight up into the air- just before water splashed him, and turned him right into P-chan./
Nabiki gasped. That was Ryoga, that little pig that Akane was always snuggling. How could she have been so blind! ("I'll kill him" nabiki thought... if Akane doesn't notice)

The camera Recorded the splash caused by Mousse's grappling hook impacting with the bottle. Nabiki panned down, to see the water splash over everyone, but she was watching the pig with the camera.
At first, she thought Ranma had somehow switched places with P-chan... er.. Ryoga during the water splash. But he hadn't- Ranma was still by the pool, and wearing clothes. Plus, the naked redhead didn't have a pigtail.
This video was going to be worth some money.
---
"You mean Taro broke the bottle of Nannichuan in Happosai's jacket?" Ranma asked, still on the lawn. He was looking at Akane as he asked, though, watching to see if she'd caught the P-chan transformation. She was looking at Ryoga oddly... But then, Ryoga was naked.
Cologne was sitting on the large rock at the edge of the pool, her striking amazon beauty reflected in that what she had been wearing now amounted to no more than a baby tee and a bikini bottom. Her green hair flowed over her shoulders and almost touched the surface of the pond.
"Yes, Son-in-Law."
Happosai strolled nonchalantly over to Cologne's rock. He was viciously batted away with Cologne's... well, it was a small club, now- when he tried to cop a feel.
"Ow.... ow how ow..." he sniffed. "All I wanted was too see you in some nice underwear, and I even offered to cure you. And all you people do is be mean to me" Cologne asked.
The girl with short red hair, Ryoga, strolled over, now wearing her nappy yellow tee, fitting even less well on her than cologne's shirt, and a pair of men's underwear.
"So if you could have done this before, old woman, why didn't you?" Ryoga asked.
"It is a great shame to be touched by the waters of Jusenkyou for a Joketsuzoku  and I will prbably have to return to the village and endure the shame of it" Cologne said, her faice turned towards the ground, a sad expression pasted all over her face.
"Ranma, I no frighten anymore! Come back to China with SHampoo, Yes?" she said.
*Glomp*
---
"Akane, I have something to show you" Nabiki said, her face a serious mask of anger and disapointment... and sadness."
"What is it, Nabiki?"
"Just look through the viewfinder" Nabiki said.

Now some of you may think that this is just plain a bitchy thing for Nabiki to do. I disagree. I think I would want to be told, and Nabiki places a high value on family... after all, she doesn't even sell slightly risque' pictures of Akane to Kuno, even though they'd probably be worht a whole lot more. So Nabiki showed Akane. P-chan is revealed.

"Ryoga" Called Akane, her voice unclouded by obvious emotion.
Ryoga, the scantily clad redhead, turned around. "What, Akane"
Akane ran up, and with all her might, slapped Ryoga-chan right on the side of the head, shock and impact sending her right into the ground, and making a sizeable dent.
"How could you, you liar! you filthy disgusting pervert! I thought you were my friend!" Akane said, tears streming down her face.
5 feet down, tears were streaming down Ryoga-chan's face. "I'm sorry, Akane, I..." He was cut off. Akane was going down to throw a punch into his face, one that might have really hurt him, when Ranma's lithe, strong and fast hand caught Akane's punch.
"He couldn't help it, Akane" Ranma-chan said.
"And you! You must have helped him keep his secret! You knew all this time! Ranma, you're just as bad as he is!"
"Stop it, Akane. Lemme explain!" Ranma said, for once blocking Akane's righteous fury.
"What's there to explain! I hate you both! I never want to see either of you ever again!" Akane said, her face red and flushed with anger. The non-players in this situation looked on, helpless to do anything but watch.
"Listen, Akane. Ryoga's curse wasn't like the rest of ours"
"Yeah, his curse enabled him to sneak into my room at night" Akane said, still no less furious, pressing the attack on Ranma, who merely defended.
Ryoga's sobs could be heard from the ground, and then she suddenly stood up, ran, grabbed her pants, still sobbing.
"Ryoga's curse left him no control of what he was doing. He was just a pig" Ranma said, truth etched across his face. Ranma was generally a bad liar, but things were going to get ugly if this one didn't fly.
"What?" Akane said, slowing her attack.
Ryoga didn't hear any of this. she had removed the belt from her pants, and snapped it into sword form.
"That's right. Ryoga remembers some of what happens, but he also doesn't have any control. Akane, Ryoga loves you. He would never try to hurt you" Ranma said, swallowing.
"Ryoga... Loves... me?" Akane said, her face becoming thoughtful.
Ryoga slumped into a kneeling position next to Akane, belt sword in hand.
"Akane, I know you can never forgive me. I am so weak, and so disgusting. Please, if it will make you feel any better, end my life" Ryoga said, tears streaming down her face as she managed to look Akane in the eyes for the first time since the wedding.
"Ryoga, is what Ranma just said true?" Akane said, looking at Ranma.
"What?"
"That you had no control over your curse? That you love me?"
Ryoga looked over at Ranma, who had a pleading look on her face. the face said "you owe me, please?"
Ryoga sighed.  "Yes, but that doesn't make any difference. It's just because I'm weak, Akane. Please... If you don't, I'll do it myself"
Ranma looked over, and was about to snatch the belt sword, when something unexpected happened.
Akane knocked the belt sword out of Ryoga's hand, where the impact witht he rock caused it to snap back into a harmless belt.
"You'll do no such thing" Akane said, clutching Ryoga-chan's head to her chest. "I'm so sorry for all those things I said."
Ryoga cried many tears of joy, grabbed a glance at Ranma that conveyed pure thanks, and then passed out, blood spraying from nose. she was, after all, clutched to Akane's bosom.
---
"Ranma, was any of what you just said true?" Nabiki asked, as the large group strolled up into the Tendo dojo.
"yeah, it's true" Ranma supplied, wondering himself. he did say, do and consider things as a girl that he was later kind of... embarassed of, so was it so hard to believe that Ryoga had a hard time controlling himself? When he thought about it that way, it didn't even seem like much of a lie. He'd ask Ryoga about it sometime, he promised himself.
The lost...girl padded her way up onto the porch. Ranma took a look at her. Except that the pigtail was missing, and Ryoga's fangs... they were a pretty good look-alike. Ryoga-chan was a little bit taller, and, if possible, even more busty. But the differences were really small. Ranma threw her arm around Ryoga-chan's shoulders, and doing the same to Mousse, who was still looking abit confused by the whole day, said "Let's all go take a hot bath, shall we?"
---
Sitting in the bath, Ranma looked over the other two men in the tub with him. Today had been an interesting day. Ranma was still mad about the nannichuan.
"So, I guess this means Jusenkyou is workin' again, or something" Ranma posited.
"Yeah, I guess so" Mousse replied. "That means that we might be able to go to china and get a cure"
"Yeah, Ranma. I'd be happy to go get you cured" Ryoga said, looking at Ranma with an unsure look on his face.
"What's this? I save your hide this time, and now you're grateful? Sure, Ryoga. "You just want a cure yourself".
"Actually, I don't really mind this curse so much. It's a lot better than being a pig" Ryoga added, poking a fang with the tip of his finger.
"Or a duck" Mousse said.
"It's just that... Well, Ranma, I kind of owe you everything now. I still don't like you, but it's only right that I help you now"
"that's right, you do owe me" Ranma said, internally wishing that Ryoga'd just let go one of these damn days. He could use a friend, and Ryoga was the closest thing he had.

"Ah, goddess-worship, I see" Came the voice, the voice which just seemed to convey sneer even before you saw the bearer.
"What do you want, Taro?" Ryoga asked.
"I want to congratulate fem-boy on his wonderful success in curing himself and his friends. and on his excellent diffusal of that violent woman he sometimes calls his fiancee"
"You don't congratulate or nothin', Taro. Whata ya want" Ranma sneered as best as he could.
"Happosai is gone. But he's coming back. I want a place to stay, and you're going to give it to me." Taro said plainly.
"And if I don't?" Ranma said.
"Well, I could jsut beat you until yo uhad no choice, but I also might just tell that darling blue haired girl down there how much of a fat lie you floated her today. Maybe I'll do both. Blackmail isn't my style, yo uknow" Taro said, cruel satisfaction emanating from each syllable.
"I'd hate to see all of Fem-boy's efforts at saving pork-chop's bacon go to waste." he continued. "see you later,  Hermaphro-dykes."
Ranma couldn't stand it. "Arrgh!" he said, throwing a punch in frustration. Ryoga thoughtfull yblocked the punch, dissipating Ranma's energy and making the punch feel more like it had done something.
"Is he always like that?" Mousse asked.
"He's usually worse" Ryoga replied.
---
The three boys walked out into the dining room, to discover Shampoo, Ukyou, Akane, Nabiki and Kasumi waiting for them. The table was covered with okonomiyaki, large bowls of Ramen, and some sukiyaki that Kasumi had, Ranma assumed, prepared.
"Well, I was making dinner, but we had so many guests. Luckily, our guests brought some of their delicious food with them, so we can all have a little of everything. Isn't that nice?" Kasumi said, surprising Ranma with the complexity of the thought. The 5 large bowls of Ramen were divided into 8 smaller bowls. Ranma stole a look at Ukyou, who just looked down at her plate.
"I have to be going, don't make a plate for me" Ukyou said to Kasumi.
"Nonsense. You brought so much delicious food, you simply must stay and have dinner with us." Kasumi said, eyes closed, smile bright. Ukyou sighed. as she understood, something big had gone down, and even though she was pretty ashamed to show herself in front of Ranma, she did kinda want to know. Life was never dull around here.
---
First, everyone interjected their own bits of story about how Happosai had dunked them all with the nyannichuan.Ranma was bragging about his role, when Nabiki pulled out her tape. She showed it to Ukyou, who, after watching, took a look at Ryoga.
"Ryoga, sugar. You okay?"
"Yeah, Ukyou. I'm fine. THanks for asking."
No one had noticed, but it was the first word he'd said since the bath.

Then the story started about Nabiki, and how she'd lost so much money and their debts. Once again, Ryoga was silent, and Nabiki was flushed red with embarassment as she told the story of how Ryoga had saved her and helped her home.
"Ryoga, honey, you did that?" Ukyou asked, smiling brightly at Ryoga, who sat right next to her.
"Yeah. It wasn't as brave as she makes it sound, though" Ryoga muttered, uncomfortable about something.
"I'm proud of you. it was brave, no matter what you say" Ukyou said, before returning to the conversation at large.
---
"So, how are we going to get that much money?" Ranma wondered aloud.
"Well, why don't we hold some kind of contest, and charge for admission?" Akane said, face all smiles.
"Yeah, some kind of anything goes martial Arts contest. It'll be great, and we won't have to give away the prize... I'll win it." Ranma said, surety plain in his voice.
"How about a Martial arts Obstacle course, Ranma?" Ryoga said, glint in eye, devilish grin plastered across face.
"You just shut up" Ranma said. "Anyways, we should do one that nobody's ever done before. And the prize should be something people really want" Ranma said.
"HOw about a date with Akane?" Nabiki suggested.
"Oh no. I've had a life's fill of that kind of treatment. You're nuts if you think I'm going to date just whatever wacko manages to win this martial arts tournament" Akane said, slightly angry.
"But it will get all of your admirers to enter. We can charge a fee to compete, too" Mousse said.
"Why don't you offer Ranma?" Akane suggested.
"No way am I going on a date with some guy!" Ranma said.
"Why not, Ranma? You always seem to enjoy ours" Ryoga said, giving Ranma a glare for all the times he'd been tricked.
"Oh, now if there was one thing I didn't really want to hear, it was my suspicions confirmed" Taro said, walking into the room, his green scaled jacket catching the light in shiny patterns that shone everywhere.
"Oh, you" Ranma said. "It's not what you think"
"No, I'm afraid it's worse."
"What month is it, Nabiki?" Ryoga asked, ignoring Ranma and Taro, who continued to bicker.
"april. It's the 20th" Nabiki replied, looking thoughtfully at Ryoga.
"I have an idea..."
Ryoga beckoned to Nabiki, who came over to sit next to him, scooting Mousse aside.
Whispering into Nabiki's ear, Ryoga said "Look, I've got this idea, but I think everyone else'll think it's stupid. I just know they'll think it's smart if you like it" Ryoga said, then pulle dback and loked Nabiki in the eyes.
Nabiki looked eagerly  at Ryoga's broad face. "Well?"
"An anything goes martial arts easter egg hunt" Ryoga said.
Nabiki rolled off her bent knees onto her butt, and started laughing.
"That's not just stupid, Ryoga..."
Ryoga looked heartbroken as his intellect was demeaned.
"It's also the most brillian thing I've ever heard!" Nabiki finished, substantially improving Ryoga's feelings of his intellect.
"What?" suddenly came the collective call from around the table. Everyone turned to look at the two... and stopped, suddenly. Ranma cocked his head. "No really, what?"
"An Anything Goes Martial Arts Easter Egg hunt" Nabiki replied. "In America, they celebrate the rebirth of Christ by telling their children a giant rabbit that lays eggs has hidden them all over a park or yard or house or something. Anyways, it's kind of like a scavenger hunt, but that's been done before. But it's also different. I'll get Kuno to get me the High school for it." Nabiki finished, proud of her fast thinking.
"What are you so proud of? this whole thing is your fault anyways" Taro spoke out from across the table. "This is nigh the stupidest idea I've ever heard of."
"Why don't you just shut up?" replied Ukyou. "This is a great idea, and it'll keep our minds off the problem"
"Is that carpet being chewed? Oh sorry, my mistake" Taro said, smiling at his own joke. He had a nasty smile.
"Oh, you calling me a pervert?" Ukyo asked angrily.
"I didn't call you anything, but That's gonna change soon, dutch girl."
"Dutch girl?" Ryoga asked quietly.
"Means lesbian" Nabiki said quietly... but not so quietly that Ukyo didn't hear it.
"YOu want to see a lesbian?" Ukyo asked.
"Not really. I mean, they're all over this room. Come on, you're telling me you prefer fem-boy's less than masculine male half? I mean, if you liked him, that's all that would make sense."
"I am not a lesbian!" Ukyo said, furious.
"Yeah, right" Taro replied.
Ukyou reached across the table, grabbed a stunned Taro by the neck, and yanked him across the table.
And kissed him.
everyone in the room stood in stunned horror. Ryoga, especially, seemed quite upset. But the kiss just kept on going. an uncomfortable silence was growing... well, it was staying long. The kiss continued. Ryoga's face went from white from blood loss, to purple, from really needing blood. Nabiki started to fidget.
and then, just like that, it was over.
"still think I'm a lesbian?" Ukyou said, her face full of fire.
Taro backed off, the look of smug superiority wiped off his face as Ranma had never seen before.
"I seem to have been mistaken. You have my apologies" Taro said, and with that walked out of the room.
Everyone facefaulted except Ukyou, who watched him leave.

"That was quite a kiss you had there, Ukyou. I don't think I've ever been kissed like that" Nabiki supplied. "You seemed to have quite a thing going there"
"Just shut up, Nabiki. It was just to show him that I wasn't a lesbian."
"Aiya" shampoo said flatly, quietly. "Shampoo know Spatula girl no really love Ranma much as Shampoo, but now Spatula girl show bad taste too"
Ukyou turned angrily to Shampoo. "Just shut up, Ramen wench".
That got Shampoo's blood boiling. "Shampoo teach you not to talk to Amazon Womens like that!" but before they could really get into it, Ranma was between them.
"Whoa, whoa, girls. Not tonight, okay?"
Shampoo smiled and nodded to Ranma, and then stuck her tongue out and drew her eyelid down for Ukyou's benefit.
Ranma tuned to Ukyou. "Are you all right, Ukyou?" he said. "You feelin' okay?"
"What would you care, Ranma!" Ukyou said suddenly, pushing Ranma away. She jumped over the table and ran away, out the hall and out of the house.
"Ukyou..." Ranma said, softly, to himself.
Ryoga started up to run after him, but Akane stopped him, standing up in his path, arms spread wide.
"Let her go, Ryoga. We need you right now, and she probably just needs to be alone."
Ryoga slammed into Akane's outstretched arms, but kept himself from bowing her over.
He looked on painfully as his only friend ran away in the night.

As Shampoo and Mousse left the Dojo, Nabiki looked on. She could probably count on Mousse for help. Shampoo would prove, as usual, less than useful, even if she tried to help.

Mousse and Shampoo strolled up to the Nekohanten. As they got there, Mousse noticed a large silhouette, near the side of the building.
(Oh no, he thought. I forgot her)
he ran over as Shampoo entered the cafe wordlessly. Mousse saw that Akari was asleep, leaning against Katsunishiki's large form. Mousse picked her up gently, and started to carry her inside.

Snort<

Mousse turned around, and saw the huge pig turning his head his way. MOusse smiled ath the pig, and whispered. "Don't worry, she'll be safe"
A moment later, Mousse walked out, and threw a blanket over the giant pig. HE walked to the front, and patted Katsunishiki's snout.
"She'll rest well, tonight, great beast."
---
Back at the Dojo, things were winding down as well.
"Ryoga, do you want to stay here tonight?" Akane asked, smiling.
Ryoga blushed. "Well, I don't want to put you out at all" he said, staring at his feet, which were fidgeting.
Nabiki lifted Ryoga's head with a finger to his chin. "That's the least we could do, after all you've done for us" she said.
"You mean for you" Ranma added nastily.
"Well, Daddy means for the Dojo to be yors and Akane's, Ranma" Nabiki said, quickl pulling her hand away from Ryoga. "But you're still a minor, so it still has to be Daddy's until Akane's 18. And I think Daddy would want us to put Ryoga up."
"Aw, I didn't mean nothing like that. Ryoga, you can stay with me, in the room me n' pop used to sleep in."
Ryoga looked back down at the floor. "Thank you... Akane...Nabiki...Ranma." he said, quietly.
---
Ryoga couldn't explain it. Sometimes, he just couldn't control his hatred of Ranma. He had wanted to kill Ranma when he first got here, to Nerima. Kill? Ryoga thought as Ranma laid out the bedroll Mr. Saotome had used. No, just humiliate. Ryoga'd had enough, and his life had been a lot of suffering. BUt deep, deep down, in a place he rarely let himself acknowledge existed, he knew it wasn't really Ranma's fault. If anything, it was Mr. Saotome's fault... a father like that played a big role. Ranma was lucky to have turned out so nice.
Father... Ryoga thought, as he drifted off into sleep.
---
Ryoga was padding down a hallway. Then, behind him, he heard a sob. He turned to face it, and saw, right before him, his mother. A rather tall, beautiful woman, with an elegant grace and apparent femininity. She was the source of the sobbing. "momma, don't cry" Ryoga heard himself say.  A shadow fell over him and his mother. He turned, and saw his father. His mother sobbed, even more. "Momma, why are you sobbing, Dad's here" Ryoga said, turning to his mother. He felt his father's large, rough hand on his shoulder. "Ryoga, your mother has some explaining to do" he said, his father's strong grip starting to hurt his shoulder. "No, papa, Mama was just trying to make you happy!" Ryoga said, turning roughly to face his father full on.
suddenly, he was P-chan, running away, down the hall, unable to get more than a few feet away. and back there, his mother, and his father, and the all of a sudden Akane and Ranma, were there, pointing and laughing. And suddenly, he was on his back, naked. Naked and female, naked and male, both. And all his friends, all the people he knew, were staring at him, and snickering.
Ryoga burst out into tears.
----
Ryoga awoke with a start, in a cold sweat. He'd hadn't had a dream this bad... in, well, a long time.


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