*Intro notes: There is some previous continuity to this story, although

not major ones or any that would confuse new readers. This does begin

someone half way through my last fanfic four years ago, Four Fiancees and

a Funeral, but its not anything that isnt summed up relatively quickly in

the story. However, people who have read it will appreciate some of the

"changes" that are going to take place from that story. And Amys with

Kuno, pretty much the only continuity I have from my first Ranma/SM fanfic

"Skimpy Skirts and Crossdressers" and "Prom Nite." Ive been writing this

off and on, mostly off, for the past four years, and I think I have enough

in the bag to start putting parts out. I think its a different take on

your usual Ranma/SM crossovers; the been there done that "lets make Ranma

or Akane a sailor scout" or "lets make them family" thing isnt done here,

or at least not in any way youve seen or would expect. Keep in mind this

is a prologue that sets up the whole series, the ball really doesnt begin

to roll until Chapter 2. Also, Chapter 1 will also be a whopper-sized

entry, but beginning with Chapter 2, it will be much more digestible. Hey,

this long thing will keep you busy while the FFML is down right? For

anyone who do remember my previous fics, this is chihokodan, and I hope

you enjoy this probably final entry in my fanfic writing career. This IS

supposed to just be an intro so Im cutting this off now. More notes at the

end.







As he walked away, he just stepped on the package for Akari, not giving it

a second thought. Heh. Akane and Ranma had some close calls, but this was

the first time he could recall a wedding. Worst yet, he knew..., hed

known..., that Akane would be willing to... to...



He looked at the invitation in his hand.



Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo To Be Wed.



5:00 @ Tendo Dojo. Reception to be held after.



Wedding Gift(s) Required for Admission.



He crushed the invitation in his hand and discarded it. The fact of the

matter was that Ranma would never make Akane happy. Ever. Because Ranma

didnt really love her. He cheats on her, yells at her, puts her down,

belittles her, makes her cry, and doesnt appreciate her at all. And if

Akane couldnt see that, than hed have to be the one to protect her, to

take care of her.



But it was partly his fault too. How could she ever appreciate him if he

never told her how he felt. Yes, there were things that needed to be done

if he were going to protect Akane. Hed have to let her know there was

someone better than Ranma out there for her. And hed have to protect Ranma

from hurting her. Once and for all.



Forever.



Ranma & Sailor Moon: Family, Friends, Lovers, and Evil Genuises



Prologue: A VERY Long Prologue



(Or Five Scouts and a Wedding)



by Shiaw Chi



The translucent window shimmered like water. As if one were an angel

looking down from heaven, the view from the window was an angled overhead

view of an old, long gone home in Japan. Nothing especially particuluar

about this home from other's in this area of the Nerima district in Tokyo

except perhaps the dojo behind this home. But it wasnt the home that was

quiet so important as the residents of it. The view, with no

provocavation, suddenly swerved and manuevered about like a mad camera man

and shifted its focus to different areas of the home. It would zoom in and

through cielings and walls as if they were intangible. It hopped into room

to room in the house to find the place empty and then it would just as

suddenly fly through wall after wall until it were outside and then enter

into the dojo where it would turn out everyone was. There was some

commotion as four individuals knocked each other over for a barrel of some

sort. The view would continue to dance as an old individual drank the

contents of the water and the four leapt upon his wrinkled frame. The

constant motion could give one motion sickness. Not that the plane outside

the window was any less disconcerting.



All around, in every direction, up and down, close and far, all at the

same time, there was nothing and yet there seemed to be something

engulfing you. This something could best be described as a strange

purplish pink hue of space surronding you. This nothing could best be

described by the fact that one never seemed any closer or farther to it.

It was just there, all around, even though all around where you stood

seemed to be a vacuum. Standing was a relative term here of course. No

matter where or how you moved, you were always standing upright even if

there didnt seem to be anything to stand on.



But if one could be described as standing, then it wouldve seemed like a

tall, attractive woman with a bushel of black hair on her head with a long

braid descending past her waist was standing there in front of the

shimmering window. Standing there in a modified Sailor Scout costume with

steel shoulder pads replacing flimsy silk, her chest resting under a

yellow bow, and a black scarf around her neck which was lengthed down to

the small of her back so it was more of a cape. The primary colors of her

costume were black and white with all the bows being yellow. Her thigh

high black boots tapped impatiently as she stared into the mirror and saw

Ryoga Hibiki challenge Ranma Saotome to a final duel as he held what was

left of the barrel of Nanichuan for hostage.



"One would think the opportunity to see their parents again in their

youth, on their wedding day nonetheless, would harbor many feelings with

impatience not being one of them," commented Sailor Pluto as she stood

beside the other Scout; she looked the same as ever with the exception

that her scarf was lengethed so that it now also trailed down past her

hips.



Looking back into history was just something you could never get used to.

To literally, look through a time portal into the past as some sort of

divine being was something that boggled her mind every time she did it.

There was just something unsettling about ripping a hole through reality

to see events a lifetime ago play out in front of you. But this wasnt the

reason for the womans irritation.



"I was under the impression that you had wanted to see this," asked Pluto.



"Maybe," Sailor Earth exhaled. "A long time ago. A lifetime ago even.

Now... Now it almost seems banal. It took me some time to come to grips

with my father abandoning me. As a little girl, I always wanted to

opportunity to tell him how sorry I was I didnt train harder, or for what

a nuisance I was, and just somehow beg him to stay." Her tone then

suddenly turned cold. "But by the time I was twenty five, he had become

just another dead beat dad as far as I was concerned."



"Perhaps. Or perhaps you simply have a fear of long buried feelings of

dependency and abandonment drudged up again."



Earth smirked absently as she kept her eyes on the window, away from

Pluto. "Perhaps. Perhaps Id have a firmer idea of what to feel once you

tell me why exactly am I watching ancient history here in null space."



"Maybe I simply wish for you to come to terms with your past; your father

in particular, and accept that their are unresolved issues in regards to

the damage on your psyche your childhood has left on you despite all this

time. Maybe... maybe not."



"Maybe you should stop using cryptic and indefinite words and give me a

straight answer for once."



Pluto smiled with that perpexling smile of hers, the one where she

exhibited an almost motherly kindness and yet held a smirk of her knowing

something you didnt. "But where would the fun be in that?"



Earth rolled her eyes and sighed out, "Crazy old woman."



"Impetious young girl," replied Pluto.



You know, calling me young one mightve been cute thirty years ago but I

dont really think that applies anymore..."



"Ssssh. Pay attention despite your feelings about the matter; its not

everyday someone gets to see their mother and father married."



Ryoga had finally lost it. The shock of Akane getting hitched with Ranma

was more reality than Ryoga was ready to face. It was more reality than

Shampoo was prepared to face honestly. But Shampoo didnt have thoughts of

homocide on her mind quiet yet. She had the more immediate goal of tearing

Ryoga away from Ranma and beating him to bloody submission. It was the

only immediate goal on her mind at the moment actually. Her goal of

finding Ryoga was suddenly displanted by another when she turned a corner

and accidently ran face first into the back of Ukyou Kouinji.



"Where Ranma go Ukyou! You better no hide Ranma right now," growled

Shampoo.



"Nows not the time for this! I have to find Ranma, its important," Ukyou

snapped as she tried to get away from Shampoo but Shampoo quickly moved in

front of her again.



"You leave Ranma to Shampoo!"



"I dont have time for this," growled Ukyou as she drew her spatula. "Get

out of my way now before I move you out of my way."



"You welcome try," Shampoo smirked as she drew her bonboris.



"Damnit, I dont have the time to waste wrestling with you now. Do you

realize what could be happening with every second youre stalling me! Were

all out of time right now, so if you dont mind, get the hell out of my

way!" Ukyou pleaded in a last desperate attempt to reason with Shampoo.



Something about Ukyous words struck Shampoo. Instead of removing Ukyou out

of her way so she could find Ranma, all of a sudden she felt the desire to

remove Ukyou period. This was her instinctual reaction, one that she had

long buried. Ever since her betrothal to Ranma, she had been different and

kept a side of her long suppressed knowing that there were certain lines

that Ranma wouldnt accept her crossing. His actions in their first few

encounters had told her as much. But without her knowing, the urgency of

the situation had prompted a knee jerk reaction in her.



"Wrestle you? Spatula girl think Shampoo wasting seconds? Shampoo not

waste seconds, Shampoo try to salvage rest of her life!" roared Shampoo as

she flew at Ukyou swinging her bonboris in a fury.



How much time had she wasted since then? A few years now? What had

happened to her during all that time... Resorting to indirect methods of

love potions, brainwashing, and contrived escapades for her and Ranma were

not the amazon way she was raised upon. In her desire to offend Ranma in

the least while expediting their inevitable joining, she had let herself

get placid. She had procrastinated in the misplaced assumption that it was

simply a matter of time before her and Ranma would be wed and she could

return to her village victorious. A fancy wedding, feh, what need of such

a thing for an amazon warrior? And now, where could she go without Ranma;

as a failure... It was due time that she once again became the pro-active

amazon she was raised to be, to do things right, like when she had first

arrived in Japan after Ranma-chans hide.



"Stupid spatula girl never understand how much Shampoo need Ranma! Shampoo

think she have all time in world, but today Shampoo realize she no longer

can waste time!"



Ukyou expected as much from Shampoo. She sometimes wondered who was

violenter, Shampoo or Akane. Both of them were all too quick to resort to

violence and there wasnt going to be any time for delicate reasoning on

Ukyous part. If Shampoo wanted a fight, well, Ukyou would oblige just as

she always had. However, rationalizing might not have been too bad since

it was now taking Ukyou everything she had not to be pummeled by Shampoos

attack.



"You and stupid agreement by Ranma ass of father; you compare that to

1,000 years tradition! You compare that to expectactions tribe! You

compare that to Shampoos expectations for self! How Shampoo settle for

anything less now that she know someone perfect as Ranma exist? Shampoo

never be happy except with Ranma!"



Ukyou might have noticed that Shampoo mightve have been fighting for more

important matters than simply who could glomp Ranma first today. But she

didnt as she was distracted by every near miss of Shampoos bonboris with

her face.



"You stupid amazon bimbo, Ranma could be killed by Ryoga every second we

waste! If you love him, well take care of his safety first!"



Shed forgotten that moments ago she was simply trying to wrap her arms

around Ranma and convince him of how silly it was that he had almost

married Akane. She hadnt even noticed that she was fighting Ukyou for real

for once and was trying to pound her to paste. But there was no reason to

leave a job half done... "Ranma is best! Stupid Ryoga never come close to

beating Ranma! No stupid excuses from spatula girl, we settle things once

for all!" Shampoo punched Ukyou in the face, but Ukyou quickly recovered

before Shampoo could take advantage of it.



"Is it confidence in Ranma thats driving you know," hissed Ukyou as she

locked their weapons together, "or is it apathy for him?" Shampoo glared

at her with a look of overflowing hate.



"You dont have the faintest idea what love is. Everything you do isnt for

your love of Ranma, its for your love of yourself. Youre so concerned

about tradition, about what your tribe will say, about what your

expectations of a perfect mate based only on fighting prowess! You dont

love Ranma, you love what hell do for your image, and your expectations

for yourself. Its all about you, this has nothing to do with Ranma!"



Shampoo realized that Ukyou knew her less than she thought she did. She

didnt know how much of tradition she had actually sacrificed for her love

for Ranma. How she had turned her entire life, her entire way of living

upside down because of her devotion to Ranma. Ukyou couldnt possibly have

known how much she had changed for the only person worthy of marrying her.

Maybe it was time to show her how different she is to the person that

Ukyou had known most of her life.



"Shampoo think... Spatula girl... Talk too much!" Shampoo swung her other

bonbori at Ukyou who managed to unluck weapons with Shampoo and duck under

it. Shampoo then spun around with a round house and caught Ukyous face

with her foot. While Ukyou was still reeling, Shampoo quickly slammed a

bonbori into Ukyous rips, sending her falling to the ground gasping for

air.



Shampoo smirked a bit as she looked at her downed opponent. She had once

almost considered this girl an ally despite their differences. How asinine

of her to have thought so when the girl wasnt even a competitor. "Spatula

girl silly think Ranma ever like weakling like her. Why would Ranma ever

take useless spatula girl over Shampoo?" A thought that most would

probably find disturbing flashed across her mind and Shampoo beckoned to

it. Shampoo rose a bonbori over her head ready to shorten her list of

competitors. "After spatula girl, Shampoo resolve matter finally with

Akane."



With a swing of her bonbori, the past few years of her life would have

been erased. Shampoo waitress at the cat cafe, Shampoo the devious siren,

Shampoo the passive amazon, would be replaced by Shampoo of the

Joketsuzoku Amazon Tribe. But she hesitated. Maybe it was simply a crisis

of conscience, maybe her mind was playing tricks on her, but she thought

she saw something that caught her eye that she could barely percieve. But

it was as if she had looked whatever it was straight in the eyes. A sudden

warmness and sadness gripped her body, and she felt that at any moment she

would break out crying for no apparent reason. At the same time she felt a

security shed never known before all in a matter of seconds.



Ukyou probably couldve rolled out of the way of Shampoos attack. She

wouldve rolled out of the way and they wouldve went at it again for

probably another hour. But Ukyou didnt have to as Shampoo stood there

distracted by something. Taking advantage of the brief moment, Ukyou held

her breath and dropped a flour bomb right at Shampoos feet, eveloping the

area in a cloud of flour. Shampoo gagged and choked on the flour even as

it blinded her.



"Maybe Ranma likes me more because Im nicer!" yelled Ukyou as she twirled

her oversized spatula over her head and smacked it hard into Shampoos

back, sending Shampoo flying face first into the wall surronding the Tendo

home. Shampoo fell on her back seeing little okinomiyakis swirling around

her head.



Ukyou bent over and placed her hands on her thighs as she breathed hard.

She turned her eyes over to Shampoo lying limp there, and wondered why

Shampoo had paused there like that. Had circumstances been just the

teeniest bit different, there was no way she couldve taken Shampoo out so

fast. She almost felt bad about it... her and Shampoo werent all that much

different when it all came down. Even though both were the odd women out

of Ranmas life, there was still a subtle bond there. She put her thoughts

on hold as Ranmas safety was in jeopordy now, and she had to stop Ryoga

from whatever he planned. She heard the sound of a chi blast coming from

the rooftop, and quickly tried to make her way towards the roof.



"Thats it Ryoga. Im ending this now!" screamed Ranma. Ryoga tried to trip

Ranma with the umbrella, but Ranma simply hopped into the air and bounced

off Ryogas chest, landing a good distance from him. "Mouko Takibishya!"

chanted Ranma as he unleashed a ball of chi smashing into Ryogas chest.



Ryoga was sent skidding across the rooftop, kicking up tile as he nearly

flew off the roof. As he tipped over the edge, he grabbed the roof with

his hands, and pulled himself back up. But all this had taken a toll on

him, and he wasnt breathing as well as he wouldve liked.



"Do what you do best now Ryoga. Get lost."



"No Ranma, I have a very firm direction in mind today Ranma. Today, Im

going to walk on your grave!" Ryoga quickly reached into his backpack, and

pulled something out in a blink of an eye. Ranma tried to dodge the

projectile flung at him, but it clamped onto his wrist before he could get

away and he fell forward as his momentum was suddenly halted.



"Ryoga, youre acting more stupid than you usually do!" shouted back Ranma.

He looked down and saw a clamp on his arm, with a chain connecting it to

Ryogas. And then he saw a blur of silver flash across his field of vision

that severed the chain. A mini-spatula had liberated him.



"Ryoga you jack ass; youre walking that thin line between Shampoo and

Kodachi. You were babbling stranger nonsense than usual earlier today and

if I have to beat some sense into you, I will."



"Ukyou," Ranma muttered as he saw her slowly moving towards Ryoga.



"Stay out of this woman! You have no idea what Im going through right now.

Youre not going to want to be part of whats about to come down here

tonight, and so help me god, I will move you out of my way if I have to."

The words, the tone of voice, it almost didnt sound like Ryoga.



Ukyou was getting worried and had to calm him down the best way she knew

how.



There was a loud KLANG as Ukyou flattened Ryogas head under her spatula.

"Now you listen to me, and you listen good. You know damn well that I have

EVERY idea what youre going through now."



"Youre petty love for Ranma couldnt possibly compare..."



SMOOSH! Ukyou added more force to Ryogas already flattened head.



"To your petty love for Akane? Or Shampoos petty love for Ranma? You dont

think Im every bit as afraid as you of what tomorrow will bring? Whether

there could possibly even be a tomorrow for me without Ranma in my life?

You dont think I feel the entire point of my existence is just about over?

But you know what, I love Ranma, and I dont think Akane deserves him more

than me. But..., but I realize this is what Ranma wants right now, and I

love him enough to realize his happiness comes before mine. Sometimes when

you love someone you have to learn to let them go. I dont think Akane can

make him happy in the long run, not as much as I would... But Ranma wont

be happy if he never finds out for himself... And neither will Akane...

They have to find out for themselves whether theyre right for each other

or not, and if its not, well, then Ill still be there for him I gurantee

you. If its meant to be, Ranma will find his way back to me... I really

believe that right now, I have that much faith in him... I mean, what

other choice do I have, ya know..." Ukyous didnt even notice the tears

pouring down her cheeks as she continued. "So if Im not getting through to

that thick skull of yours right now, then Im going to be forced to take

you down just like Shampoo."



Ranma watched as Ukyou poured her heart out to Ryoga. In the chaos of the

day, he had completely forgotten about how shed feel about his marriage

and how serious shed always been about him and her. People barging in and

trying to kill him and Akane, that was almost expected. But he hadnt

really thought about just how his marriage to Akane wouldve thrown so many

other lives into disarray. But Ranma rarely thought of such things. And

yet, right now, these ideas crossed his mind and for only the second time

this day, he had second thoughts about his and Akanes marriage. What was

most odd however, was that for the first time this day, he thought about

life without being married to Akane. He kept his gaze on Ukyou, watching

her trembling there, ready to fight for his life and he couldnt say a

thing.



It came so suddenly for her. One second she was just about ready to knock

some sense into Ryoga; the next she couldnt stop the flood of tears. She

didnt know why she felt able to babble all that nonsense to Ryoga. Worst

of all, she knew Ranma was standing right there behind her listnening to

her pathetic woes and delusive hopes. But Ryoga and Shampoo... It had

openend up some wounds shed tried to keep to herself... She knew that it

could very well have been her attacking Akane ruthlessly... It terrified

her how desperate losing the one you love could make you... She was

terrified of what a tomorrow without Ranma would bring... All her fears,

her emotions, her hopes that she had held to herself all this time finally

came pouring out and the truth of the matter was she couldnt imagine a

life without Ranma.



"But... but you dont understand... Ranma couldnt possibly... I mean, her

and Ranma dont..." Ryoga stuttered as he gazed in no particular direction.

Ukyou eased the pressure on his head as he looked up into Ukyous eyes and

uttered, "If you really love him as much as I love Akane... How can you

let her make the biggest mistake of her life and not do a single thing?"



Ukyou removed the spatula from his head and held it upright with her right

hand to her side. "Weve done plenty Ryoga between you and me and you know

this. PLENTY." She sighed hard as she finished her statement. "You know,

it seems so obvious, but we always forget that you cant make someone love

you. I guess... I guess there comes a time when you have to let them make

their decisions and..." Ukyou exhaled again right before she raised her

voice considerably. "...trying to kill their significant other is

deffinitely passing that line you jack ass!"



"But... Akane wont..." Ryogas head was swirling with mixed emotions. He

was trying to grasp a idea that seemed to slip away the harder he tried to

remember it. "But... crossing that line...," Ryoga finally conceded

hesitantly. "Theres no honor in killing Ranma for those reasons..."



"You think you stubborn jackass," Ukyou said softly as she offered her

free hand and helped him to his feet. The hands of a would be killer were

surprisingly warm to her.



As Ryoga took a hold of Ukyous hand as he stood up, he looked into her

eyes and her gaze almost seemed to go right through him. They both paused

for a moment as they stared into each others eyes. Ukyou finally pulled

Ryoga to his feet but they continued to eye each other as their hands

remained clasped. The moment seemed frozen as the two of them felt

compelled to say something but no words came to mind.



Everything seemed to have finally calmed down. That made what Ranma did

next all the more mind boggling. Ranma couldnt begin to possibly

rationalize why, but the feeling was there undeniably... A gnawing feeling

in him as he saw the two of them share that moment that he never expected.

The feeling would pass momentarily and he wouldnt remember it later.

Anyone could easily rack it under just another one of those times where

Ranma simply said the wrong thing without thinking about it. But at that

moment, as hes about to say it, he knows exactly why he says it.



Hey pig boy, if youve finally calmed down, remember that Akane did one

thing right in her life and agreed to have a wedding today with me. And

wheres the nanichuan P-Chan, that sure would make one helluva wedding

present. So how about we get this sentimental stuff between you and Ucchan

over with, hand over the nanichuan before I beat it out of you, and then

Ill be on my way towards my honeymoon, okay?"



The idea that had been slipping away from Ryoga rushed back into his mind

like a bullet train. The thought that Ranma had somehow coerced Akane to

enter marriage with him, and that it was not a decision on Akanes part

that had thrust her into this situation as Ukyou had tried to explain, and

that it was his obligation to free her from this entrapment. It was

obvious that she couldnt possibly have WANTED to marry Ranma, and it was

simply the right thing to do to free his love from the vile villan known

as Ranma Saotome.



"Ranma, you idiot," whispered Ukyou to herself as she saw the rage return

to Ryogas eyes. "Ryoga... Hehe, remember what I just said? Come on, Ranmas

just kidding, lets calm down..." but she was knocked aside by a strong

shove from Ryoga before she could finish her sentence.



"You dont get it Ukyou! I cant let Akane waste her life away with this

ungrateful brat, even for a minute! He could never make her happy and I

know shes smarter than to waste her life away with him willingly," yelled

Ryoga. He then returned his attention to Ranma. "Youre not getting away so

easily Ranma. We fight until one of us is dead Ranma!"



"I wont kill you Ryoga," Ranma said smugly. "But no promises about

paralization."



Ryogas hand pulled back as he extended his index finger. His hand glowed

with gold energy as he cried, "Bakusai Tenketsu!" and not only shattered

the spot he was standing on, but a quarter of the roof exploded as well.



Ranma was surprised by the force of his attack. He jumped in the air, but

he wasnt fast enough. Ryoga fell with the rooftop down into the house, and

Ranma followed him. They both landed with a crash as tile rained down on

both of them. Both of them pushed themselves back up slowly, and stared at

each other repellently. "Youre insane if you think any of my fiancees

would want you," seethed Ranma.



"Things have never made more sense," replied Ryoga as charged towards

Ranma. It wouldve went better if Ranma hadnt flown at him with his leg at

his gut. But Ryoga quickly recovered, grabbed Ranmas leg, and slammed him

against a wall, and then slammed him so hard agains the ground he nearly

went through it. "Better appreciate the pain now Ranma, you wont be

feeling much more for long."



Akane had been trying to reach the rooftop where Ryoga and Ranma had been

brawling through the window in her fathers room when Ryoga had collapsed

the rooftop. She barely managed to draw her head back into the room before

debris from the ceiling wouldve took it off. She just managed to get back

inside when the cieling imploded upon itself and evasive manuers were

required again. When Akane could finally catch her breath again, she saw

that most of the room was buried under debris... including a large wooden

support beam blocking the door. Shed have no where to go if she climbed

out the window now, and she couldnt climb over the snarled debris to get

out of the room. Shed have to move that beam if she were to get out.



The sound of Ryogas Bakusai Tenketsu was still ringing in Ukyous head when

she got up; so much so that she had to clutch her head to keep her world

from spinning too badly. And now the sound of Ranmas Mouko Takibishya was

echoing in her ears as she saw Ryoga fly through the air propelled by

Ranmas attack. He slammed into a wall on the other side, leaving an

impression. And a moment later, to Ukyous surprise, he got back up to

charge Ranma. At that moment, if Ukyou had any doubts before, she knew for

sure that this was as serious as it got. Ryoga wasnt saving anything for a

next time.



At first Ukyou thought it was just the repititious throbbing of her head,

but she noticed that it sounded more like someone banging on a door behind

her.



"Somebody, anybody, help me out!" yelled a voice from the other side as

the door shook again. There was another thud as if someone was trying to

break the door open.



"Akane?" questioned Ukyou.



"Ukyou? Its me, Akane! Help me out! The doors blocked, I cant get out! And

what the hell is going on out there! What happened to my cieling!"



"Its a long story you dont want to hear sugar," replied Ukyou as she

wedged her large spatula into the door frame, and began trying to pry open

a slim opening in the door. "And its a story you most certainly dont want

to see..."



He felt a rib crack when Ranma went between his punches and slammed his

elbow at his side, but he simply held his breathe for a moment to stop

breathing and backhanded Ranma across the face. A blow, a beginning of

what was to come.



Ranma wiped the blood from his lip, and quickly flipped away before Ryoga

could strike him again. If this was how pigboy wanted it to go down, if

this was the only way he would accept the fact that Akane was his wife,

then so be it. Hed beat Ryoga to bloody sense. "After this Ryoga, no more.

Akanes mine, and you go settle down with that nice pig girl Akari,"

demanded Ranma.



"There will be no after this for you Ranma," Ryoga seethed with a low

growl. "Bakusai Tenketsu!" chanted Ryoga as he sent the panels of the

floor exploding in a line towards Ranma.



Ukyou was prying the door open as much as she could with her spatula, her

arms straining from the pressure. Akane was pulling against the door also,

and it was almost open enough for her to squeeze herself out. Either that,

or the door would soon break under the strain.



"Akane I think Ive wedged enough space to squeeze out If not You really

need to lose weight" instructed Ukyou.



"Ill keep that in mind," growled Akane as she tried to squeeze through the

door. "Almost there"



Akane was suddenly dragged back into the room by her arm. The assailant

then threw her roughly against the remains of a book shelf. Akane landed

back onto the ground; the wind knocked out of her.



Amazon words to live by #66: Eliminate the competition.



Shampoo stood over the downed body of Akane with bonboris in hand. "No so

fast. Akane and Shampoo have matter settle first."



"Shampoo, what are you doing! I told you, this isnt the time for that!"

shouted Ukyou from the other side of the door.



Shampoo looked angrily towards where Ukyou was straining to keep the door

open. The look of animosity on her face was one that almost shocked Ukyou.

That inferior women had humiliated her due to another moment of weakness

on her part and she was never going to let that happen ever again. An

amazons pride can only take so much abuse before she realized that it was

past time the kiddie gloves came off. Consider them taken off and

incinirated. Shampoo wasnt going to try to dance around matters anymore.

There was a simple manner in which to solve all her problems and she held

them in each of her hands.



"Spatula girl shut up! After Shampoo done with home wrecker, she rematch

with you!" She then threw a bonbori at the door, causing Ukyou to lose her

grip on the door. The door loudly slammed back into place under the beam.



"Shampoo I dont want to fight you right now Ranma"



"Stupid tomboy no can help Ranma. Shampoo be by his side shortly anyway.

We now settle matter," whispered Shampoo ominiously as she walked

methodically with her back turned to Akane to her bonbori and picked it

up. She stood there, still, and added, "According to ancient amazon trible

law, when scandalous girl try to steal husband from amazon, two must face

off for right to husband."



"But Ranmas not your"



"Wrong! Ranma Shampoo husband minute she beat Shampoo!" she shouted as she

turned around with ire in her eyes. "Shampoo take mercy, let Ranma leave

stupid tomboy so Shampoo no have to kill weak girl. But you leave Shampoo

no choice! Shampoo has heritage to maintain Now fight!"



"What are you talking about? Youve done plenty to try to push me out of

the picture! Besides, this isnt the AAAAH!" screamed Akane as Shampoo

smashed a bonbori inches in front of her.



"So Shampoo give Ranma little nudge here and there, Shampoo still show

restraint!" she hollered as she narrowly missed striking Akane. "Shampoo

no want to kill defenseless opponent! Fight!"



Akane bounced around the room as Shampoo chased relentlessly after her.

Akane knew who the better fighter of the two was, and it was going to take

everything she had to survive this. As she rolled away from one of

Shampoos attacks, she picked up her fathers sleep mat as she got up. She

let Shampoo smash a bonbori through it as she side stepped the attack,

wrapped the remains of the mat tightly around Shampoos arm, and slammed

her into some debris.



"Shampoo, this doesnt have to be like this!" pleaded Akane as she backed

off.



Shampoo just smiled as she got back on her feet. "Good, Akane fight back.

Shampoo no longer feel guilty about killing defenseless girl."



Ukyou tried to smash the door down with her spatula in vain but for it

simply wasnt buckling. Her best bet of caliming Ryoga had been Akane but

there was no way she could get the door open by herself. She would have to

take Ryoga down herself. She turned around just in time to see Ryoga

release a flurry of flying bandannas at a disoriented Ranma.



"Ranma honey!" shouted Ukyou as she sent her giant spatula flying to block

most of the bandannas.



Ranma landed on his back disoriented but was spared a far more damaging

attack.



"Ryoga, stop this!" implored Ukyou.



"I told you before Ukyou, stay out of this before you regret it! You dont

understand I cant let Akane ruin her life with him!"



Ranma got up to one knee. "Im going to ruin her life? Look whos tearing

her house apart! She could do a lot worse than me; at least Im not

livestock!"



"Shut your damn mouth Ranma! Shishi Hokodan!" Ryoga pulled his hands back

and released a destructive blast of chi that Ranma leapt away from at the

last moment. It crashed through the floor at an angle crippling the

intergrity of the upper story already damaged from his Bakusai Tenketsu.



"Ryoga, this is getting ridiculous!" shouted Ukyou as she rushed to

restrain Ryoga. The moment her foot touched the panel beneath her, she

knew that she was stepping a tad bit too hard. There was no time for her

to jump as she felt the floor panels give in from under her. "Ranmaaaa!"

she managed to yell as the floor beneath her feet gave out sending her

plunging.



Her eyes were shut tight bracing for immediate impact, but there was none.

Someone had grabbed her arm. She opened her eyes expecting to see Ranmas

loving face.



"I told you to stay out of this before you regret it," reprimanded Ryoga

as he pulled her onto stable ground. "Im not going to be responsible if

you get in the way of me and Ranma again so stay out of the way!"



Ukyou just looked at Ryoga with some surprise before she again hardened

her resolve. "Im willing to risk a little fall to make sure you stop this

madness now, for both Ranma and your sake."



Ryoga stared sternly back at her. "So be it."



"Ukyou, you okay?" asked Ranma as he approached the hole in the ground

seperating him from Ukyou and Ryoga.



"Youd be reckless enough to let an innocent get hurt in our fight Ranma!

Youre unforgiveable! Im doing the world a favor when I wipe you off the

face of the earth!" thrented Ryoga as he leapt over the gap to attack

Ranma.



"It was YOUR blast that I had to dodge and YOUR blast that took the ground

apart!" shouted back Ranma as he continued his duel with Ryoga.



"And itll be my blast that takes your head off!" roared Ryoga as he pulled

his belt out and snapped it solid in one motion, and swung it like a sword

at Ranma.



Ranma was able to clasp the belt between his hands, but it was taking him

considerable effort to hold the blade from cutting his face.



Ryoga took advantage of Ranmas situation and kneed Ranma right in the gut,

before backhanding Ranma in the face. Ranma was sent spinning in the air

before landing on his stomach.



Ranma shook his head to clear the cobwebs, and looked up just in time to

see the doors to Mr. Tendos room shatter as Akane flew tumbling out of the

room.



Akane landed roughly on the splinters of the door as Shampoo had smashed a

bonbori into her midsection before flinging her through the door. She was

barely conscious as she tried to push herself up onto her hands. The torn

dress and bruise marks all over her body indicated that she had been

beaten around quiet a bit.



"Feh. Too fast. At least make it seem like Shampoo not waste few years

when she could take care of everything in few minutes," taunted Shampoo as

she stepped towards the door frame. She then leaped out of the room with

both bonboris in hand, ready to finish off Akane. The bonboris were

pointed downwards for maximum impact.



"Now Ranma all Shampoos!"



Akane didnt hear Shamoos threats as she had pried her eyes open enough to

see Ryoga charging towards Ranma from behind ready to skewer him with his

belt. Worst of all, Ranma wasnt even looking at him but was staring at

her.



"Baka Ranma," gasped Akane as she tried to get onto her feet. Akane didnt

have a second thought on her mind except to stop Ryoga from killing the

man she loved. She noticed the glint of Ukyous spatula out of the corner

of her eye.



Ranma was distracted with good reason as he ran a dozen scenarious through

his head in a split second and came to the conclusion that there was only

one way that he could intercept Shampoo and save the life of the woman he

loved. He looked down at the floor and quickly deciphired the right

floorboard and struck it with his fist at just the right angle with just

the right leverage and force. The long floorboard tipped up at one end to

strike Shampoo squarely in the face a few meters away sending her back

first to the ground.



Ryoga may have saved her from some unpleasant broken bones a second ago,

but that didnt mean she was going to let the jack ass take Ranmas life.



"Ranma, get out of the way!" screamed Ukyou as she threw all her body

weight into tackling Ryoga but it was no use. He was moving too fast and

too strong for her to stop, and he was too enraged to stop with words. All

her efforts would do would be to slow Ryoga down a bit at best and Ukyou

hoped that was enough time for Ranma to roll out of the way.



Ranma rolled over onto his back and saw the furious look in Ryogas eyes.

For the first time Ranma could ever remember, Ryoga had the eyes of a

killer. Ranma tried to roll away but was kept from moving by a sudden tug

on his leg. Of all the bad luck... His foot had been caught in a hole in

the floor! Ryogas hardened belt was descending towards him far too quickly

for him to stop with his hands. He held his forearm in front of him hoping

that the belt wouldnt be able to cut through bone.



Ranma shut his eyes tightly as the blade seemed like it was just about to

hit him. He heard the blade strike steel and then a loud thump next to his

head. "Great," he thought. "That must be my amputated arm falling beside

my head. Hey, its funny, theyre right. It does still feel like its there."

He then realized that it was indeed still there and there was something

heavy on his chest.



Ranma let out a heavy breath as he turned to see the belt imbeeded into

the ground just a fraction of an inch away from his head. His eyes then

shifted towards the person lying on his chest. Akane had just barely

managed to deflect Ryogas belt with Ukyous spatula before being knocked

down on top of Ranma. Ranma took a look at Ryoga who had Ukyou hanging off

his waist, and noticed that Ryogas attentions werent fixed on him.



The fury in Ryogas eyes were replaced with wide eyed shock and

disorientation. He was looking down at Akane, who was still holding the

spatula that had saved Ranmas life. Ryogas eyes met her distressed gaze.



"Ryoga, stop this now... please."



"B-but Akane..."



"Despite your hatred for Ranma, please dont ruin my wedding just to spite

him," pleaded Akane.



"To spite Ranma? Im not doing this to spite Ranma," Ryoga exclaimed with

disconcert in his eyes.



"Then why are you doing this Ryoga?" asked Akane as she looked at Ryoga

with tears in her eyes.



It was at this moment that Ryoga realized that Akane had no idea that he

had any feelings for her. He had hoped deep inside she might have put

together all the clues of his irratic actions but..., maybe she didnt

consider him as anything other than Ranmas enemy at worst and a friend at

best.



"I... I just dont want you to make a mistake..." Ryoga finally uttered.



"I appreciate the thought, but dont you think this is my decision to make

and not yours?" shot back Akane.



Ukyous words came back to haunt Ryoga. "I guess there comes a time when

you have to let them make their decisions."



His eyes were downward cast as he timidly asked her, "Is it your

decision?"



Akanes heart softened a bit seeing Ryoga turn so shy so suddenly. It was

almost beyond her ability to understand how someone could be so frenzied

as to kill someone in one moment, and a shy little kid the next. She

always believed the bashful side of Ryoga was his true self and the

belegirent side was simply brought out by Ranma. But she knew now that

regardless of Ranmas actions, Ryogas extreme force was not an adult

reaction. It wasnt a very reasonable reaction, and she had to explain this

to Ryoga.



"Ryoga... I appreciate how much you worry for me, your friendship, and I

can understand why you cant believe Id ever WILLINGLY marry Ranma. Stupid

insensitive jerk that he is, has the nerve to destroy half my house on our

wedding day, but... Ryoga, you dont have to stress yourself out for me. Im

a big girl and..." She turned around to look at Ranma with a bemused

wrinkle on her brow. "Its that dummies job to look after me now Ryoga."



Ryoga never could admit it, but he had always known that Akane wasnt as

dispassionate about Ranma as she pretended to be. He wasnt quiet that dim.

But he always fancied it as a childish infatuation that would eventually

pass. Akane would sooner or later have to realize that Ranma could simply

never make her happy. He never had any doubts about this, that she would

eventually mature. When he had learned she was going to marry him, the

only logical response to him was that she was being forced into the

mistake of her life.



Ukyous words from earlier rang in his mind again. "They have to find out

for themselves whether theyre right for each other or not, and if its not,

well, then Ill still be there for him I gurantee you."



Vainly, he held out for the hope that Akane didnt love Ranma. That there

was still hope for him and her right now. "You... Youre marrying Ranma to

make your dad happy right? Thats the real reason right? Dont you see,

thats a mistake Akane..."



Akane got up off the floor and finally casted aside Ukyous spatula. She

looked up into Ryogas eyes, smiled, and told him as gently as she could,

"Im going to marry Ranma because I want to. I appreciate the concern, but

this is my choice."



Just like that, the unimageable reality occured to Ryoga. Maybe, just

maybe, he wasnt going to be sharing old age with Akane. Perhaps Akane and

him simply was never going to happen. More importantly, he might

conceivably have to find someone else if he wasnt going to be doomed to

old age in a house full of cats.



"I... I think I understand Akane," Ryoga said dejectedly.



"Ryoga, are you okay? Is there something else bothering you? You know,

Akari is here today and she was looking for you. I really think you should

talk to her, you know how weddings affect girls."



Ryoga just smiled back lightly at the thought of Akari. Akari certainly

was an option for him but... It really didnt make sense to him when he

thought about it. Here was a girl who loved him very much, was almost too

perfect for him, and one he could easiely be with any moment he wanted

to... But if he really loved her that much, how could Akane still hold his

heart so tightly even after he had met Akari?



"Im... not so sure about that. I guess well just have to see some other

time Akane. All I can say is... Is have a nice life Akane."



Ranma pushed himself off the ground and brushed himself off trying not to

pay too much attention to Ryoga and Akanes dialogue lest Ryoga say

something to piss him off. He then looked around the room briefly and

noticed a certain unconcsious amazon wasnt where she was supposed to be.



"Ryoga, you sound like were never going to see each other again." Akane

gently took a hold of one of Ryogas hand. "I fully expect you to stay

around even after I marry the jerk. Afterall, Ill need someone to keep

Ranma in check."



"Um, Akane? I hate to interupt this mushy tete a tete but..."



"What is it Ranma? You dont always have to be the center of all the

attention do you? Im trying to talk to Ryoga here."



"Yeah, I really appreciate you making nicey nice with my would-be killer.

But theres another would-be killer we should be worrying about here."



"What are you talking about? No wonder Ryoga was so mad at you! Im talking

to him calmly instead of trying to beat his brains in and you get

jealous!?"



"I dont know... Maybe I didnt expect my wife to ever be so kindly to

someone who tried to kill me a few minutes ago!"



"Ummm, Akane? Tell me again youre sure about marrying Ranma?" interrupted

Ryoga.



"Akane, Ranma honey does seem to have something important he needs to

say," added Ukyou as she pushed herself back into the conversation.



"At least someone is listening to me!"



Before Akane could yell back at Ranma, Ryogas hands grabbed her by the

shoulder and pushed her out of the way. As Akane flew backwards, she could

see some sort of projectile soar into Ryogas chest slamming him through

the door into her room.



Ukyou quickly rushed to Ryogas side and picked him up by the head. "Ryoga,

are you alright?" she asked in concern. All she got in reply was Ryoga

still gasping for breath. Ukyou picked up the projectile that had struck

Ryoga. It was a bonbori. "Shampoo..."



She wasnt sure what happened, but Akane wasnt going to get away again.

Well, again after she just got away again thanks to Ryoga. You know what I

mean. Shampoo took in heavy breaths as she stood there with her left arm

still in front of her from tossing the bonbori. No more running, and let

any inteference be damned. She wasnt going to waste any more time. She had

had enough of this never ending charade with these clowns, this ridiculous

comedy she had lead the past few years was going to end here and now, one

way or the other. She was going to take Ranma back home with her or she

would die. There were no other options.



"Stupid tomboy lucky again," shouted Shampoo from the other side of the

room as she lunged at Akane with her remaining bonbori. "But luck run out

now!"



She was less than a foot from smashing Akanes face when Ranma had wrapped

her arm up into a vice and pinned her roughly against a wall.



"Shampoo... Dont you think youre getting a little carried away with this

love is war idea," Ranma remarked.



Shampoo winced in pain as she tried to break Ranmas grip, but that most

certainly didnt stop her from contuining to struggle. If Ranma had one

weakness it was that he was too nice she thought. Always trying to spare

these silly girls feelings when it was obvious he would have to disregard

them sooner or later. "Husband fault... If husband no be so flirty with

other girl and almost be two timer on Shampoo... She no have to kill

stupid weak violent tomboy."



"Shampoo, not that I dont mind you crushing Ryogas chest in, but dont you

think you should draw the line at murder? And I told you before, Im not

your husband!"



Shampoo looked at Ranma with a mixture of anger and dejection. "Ranma no

understand, according to Amazon Tribal Law, Ranma is Shampoo husband

minute he beat Shampoo and Shampoo kiss him! Is law! Shampoo be patient

with husband, but husband no can marry other girl when already married!

Shampoo understand husband have honor maintain because of baka father, so

Shampoo help husband by eliminating obligations! What Shampoo do, she do

for husband!"



Ranma had by far underestimated how deeply Shampoos commitment towards her

amazon law. For the most part, he had considered it some silly law that

Shampoo used as an excuse to chase his too sexy self. But Ranma finally

realize that it wasnt some silly law of convenience to Shampoo; it was a

way of life to her.



"Shampoo, look... Ummm..." Ranma was never eloquent to start with. He was

at a complete loss of words; he didnt know if he should break the simple

truth to her, or dance around his commitment to Akane with lame excuses or

if he should simply wait for Mousse to come here eventually and just beat

him up. However, beating up Shampoo was not an option. Ranma didnt fight

girls. Hey, speaking of Mousse... "What about Mousse Shampoo? Maybe its

time you realized your feelings for Mousse..."



"What feelings for Mousse? Contempt? Irritation? Anger? Husband so silly

sometime. Shampoo no settle for duck boy after Ranma. Knowing Ranma out

there, how can Shampoo settle for blind duck boy? How can Shampoo go home

without Ranma after all this time?" Shampoo cupped Ranmas face with her

free hand. "Shampoo understand Ranma at loss of words; Shampoo know Ranma

have trouble saying true feelings. Ranma no need say anything to Shampoo,

and it be no trouble for Shampoo to kill weakling girls. So Ranma let go

of Shampoo arm so she can help Ranma, okay?" It was almost paradoxical the

sweetness she said these words with even as she used amazing strength to

unhook her arm from Ranmas grip. Ranma was then flung upside his head

coarsely onto the floor. "Ranma is Shampoo ai len and husband," she

declared as she turned angrily to Akane.



Ukyou prepared herself for another tussle with Shampoo as Shampoo broke

out of Ranmas grip and turned around to attack. "Akane, I think youd

better let me handle this," warned Ukyou.



"Actually, I think youd better let me handle it," interuppted the voice of

Nabiki as she walked up the staircase into what was left of the second

story. "This is going to take an extra bit of hustling on my part to

repair all this," she whispered to herself as she looked at the damage

done to her home. She returned her attention to Shampoo. "Ranma and

Shampoo, I declare you officially divorced under Amazonion Tribal Law #32

Section C. I witness and execute this act as a legal magistrate of the

Nerima District of the Amazon Tribes International. You may kiss the bride

good bye."



"What devious girl up to? You no hustle Shampoo from killing sister!"



"Go ahead and kill her, thats not going to change the fact that youll have

no legal claim over Ranma anymore."



"Nabiki?" questioned Ukyou but Nabiki quickly motioned for her to hush.



Nabiki pointed to Ranma who was lying on his head with his neck bent a way

it shouldve have been. Hed be in a great deal of pain at the moment if he

wasnt half conscious. "I believe you had just defeated your former ai len,

Ranma Saotome, in combat. According to Amazonion Tribal Law #32 Section C:



However, if said amazon were to defeat spouse in combat at any time in the

future, the marriage is officially nulled until the male can once again

deem himself worthy to be the mate of said amazon. Reenactment of marriage

would involve the foreign male to once again best said amazon in combat

once again. At the moment of seperation, said amazon can immediatly seek a

new mate or enter into formal marriage if she so wished despite possible

disgrace, with defeated partner. Another amazonion or amazonion liason

must witness the event of defeat and a recognized amazonion official must

decree the divorce to finalize proceedings.



With that said, I beleive proceedings have indeed been finalized."



"But... but Nabiki not..."



"Oh, but Nabiki is." Nabiki pulled out her wallet and let a plastic sleeve

holding numerous licenses and identification and associations drop out.

Between her gambling license and Triad membership cards was an ID card

identifying her as the Nerima District of Japan liason to Amazon Tribes

International. "I picked it up a few months ago because government

officials of ATI get moderate insurance coverage to all damages done by

any amazons not to mention a Japanese translation to Amazon Laws; been

needing that for awhile now. Plus as an ATI liason, I get diplomatic

immunity and since we had Amazons present here without a Japanese

representitive, who better than I to fill the job right? And to think, Ive

actually had to exercise some of my powers. How funny. Hahaha," Nabiki

laughed mockingly.



Shampoo wouldve been infuriated by Nabikis mocking laugh if she wasnt

going through her copy of the Amazon Laws to confirm her fears. "But...

but Ranma just have to defeat Shampoo again to remarry right? Ranma, fight

Shampoo now!" she cried as she pulled Ranma up by the collar of his shirt.



Ranma had gained enough of his wits back to hear everything Nabiki said

and just pulled Shampoos hands off of himself as he got up. Shampoo took

this as an indication they were going to duel and took a step back into

her fighting stance. Ranma just looked downwards avoiding her eyes.



"What Ranma wait for? Shampoo no care if you defeat Shampoo in front of so

many people. Shampoo no embarres to lose to best. Now fight Shampoo so we

marry again!"



"No..."



"Wh-what? Ranma say go? Shampoo wait for husband go first."



"I said no," Ranma replied irately. "Im not going to fight you right now

Shampoo because... Look, Im just not going to fight you so I guess,

well... Everything Nabiki just said."



Shampoo couldnt believe her ears. Why wasnt Ranma fighting her? It didnt

make any sense to her unless he... But how could he... Ranma couldnt, no

man, could do this to her. She wouldnt, couldnt, accept that.



"Ranma will fight Shampoo and Ranma will marry Shampoo!" she cried as she

charged forward with an open palm forward and her bonbori held behind her.



Ranma sidestepped her initial charge and ducked under a swing of her

bonbori. He acted as defensively as he could as Shampoo unleashed herself

at him. "Im not going to fight you Shampoo so you might as well back off."



"Shampoo do this for Ranma own good!" she shouted as she launched a

crescent kick that just managed to clip Ranma on the chin, sending him

falling onto his back. Shampoo spun in mid-air as she finished the kick

and landed squarely on Ranmas chest with her bonbori to his face.



"Ranma!" cried Akane. "Shell kill you!"



There was a number of manuvers Ranma couldve done in that position to

knock Shampoo flat on her ass. Even if he waited until Shampoos bonbori

was inches from hitting his face, he could dodge her. After all, Shampoo

wasnt exactly Ryoga here. But she was a girl smitten by him and that wasnt

something to be underestimated. Ranma laid there still on his back with

just the tiniest bit of reservation.



Instead of the bonbori striking Ranmas face as Akane feared, tiny droplets

of water fell instead. Shampoo stood there over Ranmas figure, the bonbori

frozen inches from his face. Her hair covered most of her face but the

tears dripping from them described her expression. "Woe da ai len...

Please no do this to Shampoo... Shampoo have no where to go, physically

and emotinally without Ranma. Shampoo know Ranma best fighter so please...

Fight back Ranma, you have beat Shampoo." Her tears streamed down her face

onto Ranmas.



Ranma was againt at a loss of words and nothing came to his mind at all

this time. Afterall, what could he say besides "I dont want to marry you

Shampoo and thats how its going to stay." But he couldnt say that. If he

couldve, he wouldve said it a long time ago. All he could manage was to

utter some words he didnt know how to finish as Shampoo stared down at him

with her shimmering eyes.



"So... that how it is going to be..." She stepped off Ranmas chest and

wiped the tears from her eyes. "This is something... Shampoo and Ranma

will both regret," she said with both remorse and bitterness.



It was funny... In the end, it wasnt her decision to make. Ranma wouldnt

be coming back with her and she wasnt going to die either. Shed be trapped

in some limbo inbetween what she wanted and what shouldve been her fate.

She would like to say that she was angry. Angry at Ranma, at Akane, at all

the sordid people in her life. But instead, she felt shame and she had no

idea why. She took one last look at Ranma who was still on the floor on

his elbows. He kept looking at her with those confused eyes and an open

mouth with no words coming out of it. It was funny she thought, that he

seemed so confused when he was the one who made the final decision. She

turned and quickly leapt out of a hole in the wall to bound away into the

evening sky.



Mousse adjusted his glasses to make certain that it was actually Shampoo

he saw leaping out of the Tendo home. Upon further inspection, he could

see the tears flowing out of her eyes and the way her body shuddered;

reflecting the fact that she was sobbing. Mousse took a moment to debate

whether he should charge into the house and make Ranma pay because only

Saotome would hurt Shampoo like this. But hed never seen Shampoo this

vulnerable before, and it concerned him. Not since the first time she came

back from Japan... Whether she wanted him or not, Mousse was going to be

there for her. Mousse took off following her.



"Nabiki," Akane began, "you just saved the day."



"I know. And Im glad you all know that too," she said with a mischevious

grin. "I believe the saying is, you owe me one."



"But of course. Id never consider that Nabiki would do something nice for

her family and friends," grumbled Ranma as he pulled himself off the

floor.



Ukyou came out of the other room with Ryogas arm draped over her shoulder;

he was still considerably groggy from Shampoos attack. At the very least,

she had put the fight out of him.



"So... What now?" asked Ukyou. "I suppose the wedding is going to be

indefinitely postponed considering the hysteria?"



"Are you kidding me? Do you know how much money weve spent for this not to

mention the fact that Im not giving back the wedding present money,"

replied Nabiki.



"If you hadnt noticed, most of your house has been destroyed!" yelled back

Ukyou.



"Exactly. I dont know if we can cover the repairs for the house right now;

you dont think the same things going to happen the next time they try to

get married? Id rather cut my losses right now thank you very much. Who do

you think pays for all the repairs usually?"



"Excuse me you two, but dont you think, for once today, that me and Ranma

should decide whether or not we get married?" interupted Akane.



Nabiki looked back at Akane sourly. "Okay then Ms. Decisive. You two

decide. Lord knows youve been definitive in the past," she noted

sarcastically.



"Well... Ummm... I dont know... Ranma?"



"Me marry Akane today... Geez, talk about hard questions." Ranma regreted

that the moment he said it as Akane shoved his face to the floor with her

heel.



"Well you dont have to be so enthusiastic about it! If you dont care,

maybe we shouldnt get married!"



"I dont mean that!" he yelled back as he peeled his face off the floor. "I

mean, look at the two of us, were a mess. You really want to get married

after both of us were nearly killed today, my tux all dirty and your dress

in shreds? When we get married, dont you want it to be more... I dunno,

right?"



Akane looked at Ranma sweetly as if he had just said the most beautiful

sonnet to her. "Yeah Ranma, youre right... I do want us to get married

right."



"I mean, not that Im a sentimental guy or anything, I mean, I can do

without the cakes and balloons and ribbons and all that girly stuff... But

you know, attempted murder and property destruction... Probaby get stupid

Ryoga there to a hospital..." Ranma scratched his head and looked up and

around as he uttered the words.



Ranma continued to fumble around trying to find the right thing to say and

getting farther away from it the more he talked. Akane continued to look

at his clumsiness with a certain amusement and chuckled to herself. There

was a time when Ranmas awkwardness with words wouldve angered her right

now. But when she didnt let her irritation of a forced engagement cloud

her judgement, she was finally able to let herself see how simply cute and

non-offensive it was meant to be. That was all the difference in the world

concerning these two. "Ranma no baka," she whispered to herself.



"You know what amazes me Ryoga," asked Ukyou as she continued to prop

Ryoga up. "How can we just have this crazy do or die battle with Shampoo

and then all of a sudden we have Ranma and Akane making googly eyes at

each other in less than a minutes span? I dont get it."



"You forgot to add the part where another maniac then suddenly bursts onto

the scene ceasing all warmth of the moment."



"What are you talking about Nabiki?" asked Ukyou.



Just then, one of the walls suddenly burst apart as Kuno barged into the

hallway brandashing his steel samuri sword. "Saotome! It is far past the

time for your scandalous hide to decorate my walls. My sword thirsts for

your blood, prepare to nourish it!"



"What did I tell you," commented Nabiki.



"Saotome, the end game begins and soon Tatewaki Kuno shall stand

triumphant over your decapitated body!" ranted Kuno as he took a sharp

horizontal slice at Ranma. Before Ranma had the chance to duck, a ribbon

had wrapped around Kuno's sword slamming it and him against a pile of

debris.



"Aaaaaaaahahahahaha. Foolish brother, you shall not be laying a finger on

my husband to be on our wedding day or any other day for that matter. Not

while I, the black rose, Kodachi Kuno, has any say in it!"



Kuno recovered remarkeably fast and set his sword in front of him. "Then

you shall have no say in it once I disbond you from your tongue!"



"En garde foolish brother!"



The two siblings engaged each other and fell into a swarm of cloud and

dust as they pouned each other relentlessly.



"Akane! Akane, where are you? Daddy is here!" hollered Soun as he made his

way up the stairs looking for his daughter.



"Im up here dad, but Im not so sure you want to come up here."



"Why, what would possibly make you think your father wouldnt AHHHH!!! My

home! The roof to my home! Why is the roof in my home! And why are there

holes in the floor!"



Ryoga squirmed uncomfortably. "Ummm, Ukyou? I think Im healthy enough to

run for my life now," whispered Ryoga fearing for his immenent death.



"Ummmm... Would you believe termites dad?" Akane lied coquitshly.



But Soun wasnt really listening to Akane at the time as he tried vainly to

put numerous pieces of his home back together only to have it drop back

down on top of his head.



"Hey, hes taking it better than I thought he would," whispered Ranma to

Akane. "I thought for sure old Ryogas martial arts career was going to be

prematurely ended by your dad."



"Oh, wait until he sees HIS room and then Ill be laying odds against

Ryoga," remarked Nabiki.



Kodachi was seen leaping away laughing insanely as Kuno followed her with

sword strokes in the background.



"Boy, you were right honey... It does look worse inside than it did out,"

Genma said as he climbed up the stairs with Nodaka by him. "And you wonder

why I had to train Ranma far away from our home."



"Ummm, Soun are you okay?" asked Nodaka.



"This goes here, and this goes here," muttered Soun as he continued to try

to rebuild his house only to have it fall apart moments later.



"Sounie! Are you up here? You know, maybe its this whole wedding

atmosphere or maybe its the sugar from the cake, but I think maybe its

time your new son in law also have a new mom in law," shouted Ms. Hinako

in kiddie form as she marched upstairs as well.



"Ryogaaaaa, are you here? Ryogaaaa," chanted Akari as she entered the

second floor.



Kuno was seen backpeddaling swatting away Kodachis flurry of club

projectiles.



Konatsu was clining to the side of a wall as stealthly as possible.



"Umm, hey everybody, didnt the floor kind of just give out on me a few

moments ago. So ummm... I think some people should be going downstairs,"

observed Ukyou.



"This madness has come to an end my demented sibling!" shouted Kuno as he

swung a heavy blow towards Kodaci. Kodachi easily dodged the swing but the

floor ended up absorbing the blow. And then the integrity of the second

floor simply buckled.



With a mighty scream by everyone, the floor gave out sending everyone

flailing to the ground floor.



The first moments of peace and quiet in awhile for the devestated Tendo

home followed. But slowly but surely, people began emerging from the

debris, pushing pieces of the Tendo home off themselves. However, Kuno and

Kodachi remained crushed with their arms and legs sticking out from under

the heavy debris they lay under.



"Well, if Mr. Tendo wasnt pushed over the edge before," muttered Ranma as

he pulled Akane up.



"That... THAT... IS IT!" hollered Soun as he rose with a flurry from the

debris. "Ranma, I have endured ogres, amazons, giant birds, giant cats,

crazy gymnasts, monsters beyond description as well as the numerous and

repeated damage to my home from your random enemies all in the hopes that

one day the son of my dear friend Genma would take one of my daughters

hands in marriage. After all this time, all the years, on the precipse of

the realization of my dreams, my house comes crashing down around me and

that... That Is It! Today you will marry one of my daughters, I dont care

which one, but one of them you will marry. The destruction of my home just

might seem worth it today if I can have my long awaited wedding. If not,

then that is it!" Soun then turned to Akane. "Akane, is there anyone else

here youd want to marry? That Shinosuke boy looks like a nice enough

fella... Isnt that Toma boy supposed to be some kind of prince? Ill bet he

can pay for my homes repairs."



"Not marry Akane," uttered Ranma in shock.



"Dad, I dont think thats fair," Akane shouted back.



"Not fair!? Ive supported Ranma and his father for 3 years and he just

destroyed my house and its not fair that I expect him to marry you today

like he was supposed to?"



"Soun, Soun, threats arent necessary, Im sure theyll marry today," Genma

added.



"Youd better hope so because Ranma and his fiancees will be terrorizing

your home from now on if he doesnt!"



"Boy, youd better marry that girl today or it wont be my home or anyone

elses home youll be going to if you dont!"



"But, my tux is all ruined... And Akanes dress," babbled Ranma nervously.

He was confused about his feelings at this time, not sure if he wanted to

marry Akane today, but also sure that he didnt want to lose her.



"You can borrow my tux boy, and me and Tendo anticipated something like

this albiet on a smaller scale. She has a spare dress."



"Daddy, what if I dont want to marry Ranma today," questioned Akane.



"Then thats okay baby, you wont have to marry Ranma today... Or any other

day! Daddy will find you a new fiance, one with far less enemies."



"No dad, you dont understand..." But of course her father didnt

understand. Shes always given him the impression that she didnt want to

marry Ranma, and that she had finally conceded only due to her fathers

pressure. But it was never about her not liking Ranma she finally

realized. It was about being forced to marry him, with little say on how

or when she wanted to. Ranmas past was as complicated as ever, her home

had just been destroyed due to those complications, and she... She was a

senior in high school. But an ultimatum had just been raised, and it said

now or never.



Nabiki couldnt believe how blind her father could possibly be. It was only

completely obvious that Ranma and Akane had strong feelings for each

other. Just off the top of her head she could think of at least a dozen

times where they illustrated their feelings for each other, and right at

the verge of admitting it to each other, Ranma would say the wrong thing

or Akane would take it the wrong way. And it wasnt as if it took some

great deduction on her part to see the completely obvious. She was sure at

least Ranma and Akane realized each others feelings; she had seen them

becoming more and more open about how they felt, without ever simply

saying so of course. No, she didnt doubt that they knew they loved each

other, the problem wasnt that they were afraid of how the other might feel

by now. The problem was that they didnt trust each other.



"Ranma honey... Homeless, no longer engaged to Akane... Shampoo gone as

well; the competition is suddenly eliminated!" Ukyou thought ecstatically

to herself.



"Akane needing a new fiance, one with no convuluted pasts," Ryoga thought

to himself. "I was so sure it was finally over for me but now..."



Ranma always despised being forced to do anything. He thought he

especially despised being forced to marry Akane with little to no say in

the matter. Ironically, now he had his fate in his hands. With a few stern

words, his and Akanes engagement could be completely called off leaving

him a free man. At the same time, the opportunity to marry Akane EVER

would be taken out of his hands. It was an all or nothing decision he had

to make now and if there was anything Ranma wasnt good at, it was making

decisions. Be it fiancees or poker, he was hardly conclusive. Ranma had

been willing to marry Akane today, but that was before he realized just

how unprepared he was and the consequences of such an action.

Unconcsiously, Ranma turned to look at Ukyou who was focused on Akane

eagerly. And then Akane took the decision out of his hands.



"Okay dad... Ill... Ill marry Ranma today... I mean, if he wants to get

married still after the mess he caused... If he had any honor he would...

Not that I care... I mean, theres always divorce right..."



"Thats the spirit Akane! Daddy loves you!" proclaimed Soun as he hugged

his daughter tightly. "Ranmaaaa...," he uttered angrily. "What do you have

to say?"



"Marry her, marry her," chanted Genma into his ear.



"Marry her," bluttered Ranma. "I mean... Uhhh... If shes that desperate, I

mean, I guess I will... Because well, Id feel bad if I didnt after all

this, and we can divorce later I guess..."



"Hahaha! You have a way with words son!" Genma hugged Ranma tightly for a

moment before he exchanged high fives with Soun. "Sure maybe you lost a

house and some years off your life, but we did it! After all this time,

Operation Match Up has paid off Tendo!"



"I have no regrets Saotome! Haha!"



"Who exactly is desperate here?" yelled Akane.



"Hey, youre the one who first questioned my honor."



"I didnt question it, I just said if you had any..."



"Yeah yeah, a desperate plea for me to marry you if I ever heard one."



"Hey, if thats your attitude, we dont have to go through with this you

know?"



Ranma hesitated for a few moments and looked away from Akane towards their

celebrating parents. "Yeah we do have to... Because if we dont..."



Akane had lowered her defensive shell and gazed towards their parents

moresly as well. "Ranma... Its not that... Well... I dont know how to say

it but... When my dad said Id be looking for a new fiance; I dunno... I

just realized..."



"I didnt want to lose you," finished Ranma as he turned to look into

Akanes face. "That maybe... Marrying you at the wrong time was better than

never marrying you... Not that was how I felt... I mean... Just that was

what you were going to say, right?"



Akane smiled back softly at Ranma. "Yeah Ranma, something like that..."



The two of them stood there quietly for a moment and it seemed like it was

the first time they ever really looked into each others eyes; the first

time that they saw tomorrow in each others eyes.



"What are you two kids waiting for! The days almost over, wed better hurry

up with this wedding while daylight is still out!" Soun and Genma both

grabbed them and pushed them towards the dojo. "Hurry, hurry, we have a

wedding to do!"



And just like that, Ryoga and Ukyou were left with their hopes dashed once

again, ripped away from them just as their dreams taunted them ever so

close in their grasps. They both stood there for a few moments as Ranma

and Akane were pushed away from them, leaving both of them nothing but an

overwhelming feeling of dejection.



"Where did you put it you dummy!" hissed Ranma as he grabbed Ryoga by the

collar of his shirt, nearly knocking him off the stage of the Tendo dojo.

The wedding was under way now, Ranma and his hastily assembeled grooms men

were all standing side by side to each other now awaiting the bride but

hardly in order as Ranma shoved his father aside to grab Ryoga. Behind

Ryoga was Hiroshi, Daisuke, Dr. Tofu, and Konatsu.



Ryoga knocked Ranmas hands off him. "Over my dead body will you have that

water! Besides, I know where it is, I can just get it whenever I want... I

mean, I think I know where it is..." Ryogas faced contorted as he

concentrated hard.



"You didnt possibly forget where you threw it. Ryoga, you pig headed

idiot! Think hard man! Where is it!?"



"I dont remember! I wasnt thinking that straightly when I tossed the damn

thing! It cant be too far from here, well just have to look around a bit!"



"Oh no you dont!" shouted Genma. "If both of you know whats good for you,

youll let Ranma marry Akane first if you wont want Mr. Tendo to hunt you

down to the ends of the earth. So save this nanichuan hunt for later.

Besides, I think the wedding is just about to start." Genma then began to

tip toe off the stage and almost got away if Ranma didnt suddenly grab him

by the back of his collar.



"Hey, where do you think youre going? I thought you were supposed to be my

side or something like that. Youre not thinking about sneaking off right

now so you can get it are you?"



"Why of course not son, why would you say that?" Genma nervously replied.



"Oh I dont know pops, maybe because it sounds like something youd do!"

shouted Ranma as he pulled his dad down flat on his back. "If were going

to be staying put, so will you!"



All of the sudden, the piano started playing and the Maid of Honor,

Kasumi, walked down the aisle, followed by Nabiki, Ukyou, and Miss Hinako.

Dr. Tofu seemed more nervous than Ranma at the sight of Kasumi. And then

Akane walked in covered with lace, velvet, and pearls like the most

beautiful figurine. It wasnt so much the dress that radiated Akanes

features so much as Akane who made the dress look perfect on her.



Ranma took a large gulp of air.



"Were late arent we?" whined Serena as she lightly walked into the dojo

decorated with ribbons, balloons, and other bridal arrangements with

Dariens arm hooked to hers and Rei, Amy, Lita, and Mina in tow. A few

members of the wedding guests turned their attention from the bride and

groom to look at the late arrivals.



"Figure that out all by yourself did you. You know, youd like to think

that one of these days, maybe the millionth time we come here, we wouldnt

get lost on the bus for once," jabbed Rei.



"You know Im not good with directions! Why did any of you listen to me in

the first place! You know I dont know what Im talking about," whined

Serena.



"Thats the million dollar question isnt it," sighed Rei.



Serena suddenly snuggled herself againt Dariens arm. "Darien, when are you

going to save up enough money to ditch your bike and get a real car so you

can drive us everywhere?" she asked sweetly.



"Uuuuh... But I like my bike," Darien replied passively.



Rei looked agitated as she watched Serena snuggle against Darien, but

quickly regained her composure, put a fake smile on her face, and pulled

Serena by her pony tails towards the benches so that they would get out of

the way of the newlyweds.



"Owww, what are you doing!" whined Serena as she was pulled out of Dariens

arms.



"I believe were interupting a certain wedding?" Rei angrily whispered. The

rest of the scouts made some quiet apologies as they made their way to

their seats. All except one scout.



Amy stormed angrily to a bound and gagged Kuno who was tied to Kodachi in

chains, murmuring and squirming helplessly in the back of the dojo. Amy

easily lifted both him and Kodachi up by the collar of his shirt. "They

didnt tie you up because you were trying to cheat on me did they

Tatewaki-kun?"



Kuno shook his head madly and tried to mumble protests of his innocence.

"Thats what I thought," smirked Amy. "Im going to sit with my friends now

okay? Dont go making any trouble... or else."



"If anyone objects, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."



Only muffled protests by Kuno and Kodachi were made.



The priest then read some passages from the bible, before finally asking

the big question. "Do you, Ranma, take Akane to be your lawfully wedded

wife, to love, honor, and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and

in health, as long as you both shall live?"



Ranma looked through the veil into the eyes of the girl he was willing to,

and on many occasions almost did, die for. He could see her eyes shine

even behind the tapestry of the cloth. And all he could manage was to

squeek out a hesitant and nervous yes.



Akane frowned at Ranma from beneather her veil but used her better

judgement to realize that Ranma was just as nervous as she was, and

slapping him upside the head right now would not be in her best interests.



"And do you, Akane Tendo, take Ranma Saotome, to be your lawfully wedded

husband, to love, honor, and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness

and in health, as long as you both shall live?"



"I do," Akane answered emphatically.



"I know pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."



"Kiss the bride? You mean kiss her?" Ranma exclaimed in shock.



The bliss on Akanes face turned to all too familiar irritation as she

pulled up her veil. "Would you rather kiss someone else? What did you

think youre supposed to do after we get married you nitwit!" Akane

suddenly turned beat red at the realization of what was to be expected

from them after they got married, especially this particular night.



Ranma observed how red Akane had suddenly become, and instantly realized

what she was thinking. "I... I have to kiss her?" Ranma exclaimed again as

he looked towards the bewildered priest for some direction.



"If you dont want to kiss her, my lips have your name on it Ranma honey!"

shouted Ukyou as she hollered from behind them amongst the brides maids.



"Ranma, we just got married, and youre already cheating on me!!! Is this

what Im supposed to expect from you for the rest of our lives!!!" seethed

Akane.



"What did I do??? I didnt even say anything!"



"Thats it, I cant take it anymore, Im going to kill you Ranma! I dont care

what everybody said, youre dead Ranma!" shouted Ryoga as he began to

charge down the aisle. He didnt take more than a few steps when Soun and

Genma pounced on him and had him wrapped up in steel chains.



"Its not what you did, its what you didnt do you dolt! If you had just

kissed me, we wouldnt be yelling at each other right now! But you were too

insipid and juvenile to do what was COMPLETELY obvious and expected, and

now were all going to fight just like everything else in our..."



Akane was cut off when Ranma wrapped his arms around her and kissed her

firmly on the mouth. Whatever restlessness in the audience immediatly

ceased as they watched in awe at the long, passionate kiss Ranma was

giving Akane.



Both Ranma and Akane kept their eyes closed as Ranma finally pulled his

lips away from Akane, gently and slowly. As their eyes slowly fluttered

open, Ranma whispered "was that all I had to do to calm you down all this

time?"



Akane smiled back lightly at him and remarked, "I dont think the word calm

is in any involved with what you just did."



The audience erupted into a mixture of cheers and melancholy sobs as the

two were finally united in holy bliss. And just like that, things would

never be the same again.



As the wedding ended, the dojo went from wedding chapple to reception

house. Chairs and benches were replaced with dining tables. The runway to

the stage was quickly cleared for a dance area. A live band took the

stage. Everyone soon either broke to different tables for dinner or

started dancing. Amy on the other hand, placed the still bound and gagged

with Kodachi Tatewaki Kuno onto the chair next to her as she fed herself

and responded to Kunos murmuring.



"Im sorry Kuno, Id love to untie you, but everyone seems to think youd go

nuts and try to kill Ranma again. Now, I know my widdle biddy Kuno would

never do anything like that to piss off his lil Miz, but no one else

believes me so majority rules. You do understand right Kuno?"



The muffled Kuno could only gurble out more nonsensicle babble.



"Can I ummm... Have this dance?" Ryoga asked Soun who was now dancing with

Akane.



"Sure, sure. Just dont try anything funny, shes a married woman now! And

if I ever found out what really happened to my house, youd better make

sure you stay lost," threatened Soun menacingly.



Ryoga cringed in fear. "Su-sure thing Mr. Tendo."



"Ryoga, tell me youve gotten better since the junior prom," teased Akane

as she wrapped her arms around Ryoga..



"Heh, was I that bad? Okay, dont answer that. Here, let me give you this

first," he said as he handed her a brown package. "I guess this would be

your wedding present now."



"What is it?" inquired Akane as she unwrapped it. In her hands was a

beautiful Chinese jewelry box. It had a black casing, with gold patterns

of a dragon sketched into it. She opened the box and a melancholy melody

began playing. It seemed so sad, yet there was a certain sanguine quality

to it. "Its beautiful Ryoga... Whats this tune called."



"Its called I Wish... I think." He stared at her as she looked at his

present, her face full of a joy that he always wished he would give her.

There wouldnt be one more night after this for his fantasies of her; an

entire life seemed over for him. But he still couldnt help looking at her

with the love hes always held for her, and worst of all, the same sadness,

worse than ever now, of how elusive she was to him. It always felt like an

uphill struggle with Akane, and he felt far more heartache than happiness.

However, those few happy moments were far more than enough to convince him

that he had to keep pursuing her, and that there was no doubt that one

day, after all was said and done, he and Akane would finally be together.

Something that felt so perfect; how could he try so hard and fail. It just

had to be him with Akane in the end. And here she was right now, married

to Ranma and his dreams had slipped through his fingers. God help him, he

couldnt just let go of all his past feelings. But it was soemthing he had

to force himself to do, one way or another.



"Akane, I think its time I said good-bye... Have a nice life."



"What?" Akane closed the music box and looked at Ryoga. "But we havent

danced yet? And whats with this have a nice life nonsense again Ryoga? You

know youll always be welcome in my home... Whats left of it..."



Ryoga just chuckled nervously at her comment, but thought to himself, "Id

like to stay, but seeing you with him is tearing up my heart."



"No, Ive really been in Tokyo too long. I think its time I looked up the

rest of my family and see how theyre doing. Ill... Ill keep in touch. Have

a... See you around Akane," Ryoga said as he gave her one more quick hug,

and was then on his way.



"Okay Ryoga, see you around... Take care of yourself..." Akane just stared

at Ryoga somewhat confused as he walked backwards from her. She chuckled

lightly as Ryoga bumped into someone as he backtracked. After he

recovered, he waved one more time at Akane and then turned around and left

the dojo. It almost seemed to her that he would be missing her more than

Akari. Then she thought about him fightning Ranma today, and what he said

to her, as if he was trying to explain something that he couldnt. In fact,

there seemed to be quiet a few instances of this, like that time he

thought he had a date with her because of Ukyou, and that other time he

thought that too because of Shampoo... And just like that, it dawned on

her. She gasped at the realization of what shouldve been so obvious.

However, before she had a chance to chase after Ryoga, her father took a

hold of her hand.



"Akane, I think its getting near time you threw the bouqet. You should

make some preparations before this, and we all need to be at the table

when the best man and maid of honor give their speeches."



Akane took a look at where Ryoga had been but he was gone now. Akane

sighed to herself and conceeded to her father.



He was missing her before he had even walked outside the dojo. Part of him

wanted to just rush back into the dojo and grab Akane into his arms and

pour out all his feelings to her, as if that would somehow convince her

that she had erred in marrying Ranma. That was almost as insane as trying

to kill Ranma earlier he realized. He looked at the house he had nearly

destroyed earlier, and wondered where hed be now if Ukyou hadnt broken up

his fight with Ranma. He couldnt believe the insanity that was plaguing

him earlier, and what hed done. He also wondered if the pain that was

gripping his heart now couldve possibly been worse if he had actually

killed Ranma. Akane wouldve never forgiven him. Maybe he wouldve died in

the melee, and maybe she wouldve shed some tears for him. Maybe he wouldve

died a good death...



"Ryoga, Ive been looking all over for you," a voice called after him from

the shadows. "I heard about earlier today; are you okay?"



Akari walked out of the shadows carrying a little pig. "Ryoga, now that

Akanes married to Ranma, I thought we could maybe go for a walk tonight."



Ryoga smiled at her with a strange sense of melancholy. Here was a girl

who cared about him, would offer him the affection that Akane never gave

him. This girl would love him the way he had always hoped Akane wouldve

loved him; how could he not return such affection? And then he realized

why perhaps he and Akane might not have been meant to be. He liked Akari,

and he beat himself stupid over how he could possibly care for the

apathetic Akane more than Akari, but he didnt love Akari and it was as

simple as that. He would be fooling himself to think that he could learn

to love her, and to expect the same from Akane would be just as foolish.

He did care for Akari, but he knew that no matter how hard he might try,

Akari would never replace Akane in his heart.



He walked up to Akari and in a bold move that would surprise himself if he

thought about it, he gently placed a kiss on Akaris forehead.



Akari gasped in shock and could utter no words as she looked up into

Ryogas eyes. This was not the Ryoga she knew.



"I dont think Im up to walking in a circle tonight Akari, sorry. I have

somewhere to go. Ill see you around whenever I decide to come back."



"Decide to come back? What are you talking about Ryoga? You dont exactly

have a choice in where you end up Ryoga."



Ryoga just kept smiling at her. "You know, for once, I think I do have a

choice. Bye Akari..." Ryoga then turned away from her and started steadily

walking out of the courtyard.



"Wait Ryoga! Where are you going?"



Ryoga turned around, shrugged and smiled at her. "I dont really know." He

waved at her one more time, and then he was gone.



Akari had long thought that it was more than uncanny coincedence that

whenever Ryoga tried to go somewhere, anywhere, he would end up near Akane

before too long. The truth of the matter was, that was really where he

wanted to be. Even if he didnt realize it, his subconcsious would always

draw him back to her, for some reason. And now, he might not have a reason

to come back here anymore. If he really did let go of Akane, of his past,

then it might really be a good long time before Ryoga came back. And if he

didnt come back, she wasnt sure if it would be good news or bad.



Ukyou wondered to herself where Ryoga was going in the middle of the

reception. She had been looking at him while he talked to Akane and

continued staring at him as he made his way out of the dojo. The jackass

wasnt about to take off without saying anything was he? Especially after

all shed done for him today.



"Hey, Venus to Ukyou, what are you staring at? You didnt tell me what

happened after Ranma and Akane decided to get married today."



"Huh? Oh yeah, my story," muttered Ukyou as she drew her attention back to

Mina. "Well, thats pretty much it. Ranma slapped on his dads old tux, kind

of sad that hes getting married on what seems like a zoot suit on him, and

Akane got into her spare dress which wasnt as elegant as the primary

dress, but still beautiful for all intents."



"So thats why Shampoo and Mousse arent here huh?"



"Yeah, it got pretty ugly back there V... Ive never seen Shampoo so

frantic, at least not since Ive been here," answered Ukyou. Her and Venus

were talking privately in a corner of the dojo.



"But what about Ryoga? Isnt it a bit akward for him to be here after an

attempt on Ranmas life?"



"Youd think that wouldnt you? But I dunno... You know Akanes always been,

at least in my opinion, unreasonably tolerant of that rock head. Also,

nobody really knows Ryogas to blame for all the destruction; Ranma dear,

Akane, and I kept it to ourselves and everyone else is overlooking it as

just another one of those Ranma associated things, especially considering

its his wedding day. Not only that but... Well, it seems Ryogas

actually... accepted the fact that Akane isnt and might never be his... I

dont know... Heh, if hes got that, maybe hes in a better state of mind

than me. Ranma no longer being in my future is something Im still trying

to accept."



"Well, maybe once both of you come to accept that your hearts have been

misplaced, maybe you two can find its proper place together," Mina said

teasingly.



"Me and Ryoga? Uh-uh! I dont think so. Nevermind the fact that Ill only

see lost boy once every blue moon, but I just dont think of him in that

way... I dont want to think of him in that way!"



"Why not? I saw you staring at him a moment ago. Besides, he damn sure

looks like Ranma, and you know hes a sweet guy, if not sometimes a bit

overpassionate. And hey, youd better listen to me. They dont call me

Sailor Venus for nothing you know."



"Overpassionate at all the wrong times and the most ridiculously shy guy

in the world the rest of the time," added Ukyou. Still, Ukyou actually

smiled lightly at the thought of her and that jackass as a couple. To her

surprise, she could actually see herself holding hands with the dummy,

placing her head on his shoulder, his arms wrapped around her... And then

she realized she wasnt picturing Ryoga with her anymore, but Ranma.



"Thanks for the tip V, but I dont think Im exactly ready to just jump into

another relationship right now (not that I had a relationship with Ranma).

No need to rush into anything, right? I mean, I guess I have the rest of

my life now to find someone else..."



Ukyou then looked down away from Mina as she wondered to herself, "I

wonder if thats enough time to find someone to replace Ranma in my heart."



"Hey V..."



"Hmmm?"



"How do I know whether or not whatever feelings I develop for anyone in

the near future are genuine feelings and not a desperate move to fill the

void in my heart. Especially if its Ryoga like you said... How would I

know its not a move to assuage the pain in both of our hearts.."



Mina just looked back at Ukyou not knowing what to say while her brain

scrambled for some response.



"I guess... When you can honestly answer the question if Ranma were to ask

me to be with him today, what would I say, with an answer of no, then I

think youll know youre over him. Youll never completely let go of Ranma

you know. You cant be in love with someone that much and then just

competely erase that feeling from your heart; a renmant of it will always

remain. But you can say to yourself someday that youve accepted fate and

decided to move on with your life." Mina then smiled at Ukyou. "That didnt

sound too bad for something I just pulled out of my ass did it?"



"No, not at all. I think thatll actually help alot because right now... I

cant let go of Ranma yet I guess. How do you know all this stuff anyways?"



Mina smiled widely again. "I told you already, Im the Sailor of Love!"



Both girls laughed together. Mina then took a look towards the stage.



"Hey, looks like Akanes about to throw the bouqet. Lets go fight the crowd

for a modicum of false hope shall we?" asked Menu.



"False hope? Since when did the Sailor of Love need a modicum of false

hope?" chided Ukyou.



"Since she broke up with her last boyfriend right before she came here to

Japan," smiled back Mina. "And seeing Amy and Serena so cutesy cute with

their boyfriends is making me as jealous as I am disgusted."



All the girls packed themselves at the base of the dojo stage as Akane

turned her back to the crowd with her bouqet in hand.



"Okay everyone, on the count of three, alright? Here goes... One... Two...

THREE!" yelled Akane as she tossed the bouqet over her head into the

crowd.



"I got it!" yelled Rei she stepped on top of Serenas head for the flowers

only to have a ribbon wrap around the flowers and pull them away.



"The bouqet shall be mine!" shouted the apparently now free Kodachi as she

reeled the flowers in.



"Not so fast you insane witch!" hollered Ukyou as her mini-spatula severed

the ribbon and sent the flowers flying in another direction.



They landed harmlessly in the hands of Lita who just stared in amazement

at the flowers in her hands.



"Ummm, I guess this means Im going to find a boyfriend soon then?"



"We finally did it didnt we," Soun exclaimed almost with shock in his

voice. "After all this time, it actually happened."



"Haha, dont sound so surprised Soun! The two of us putting our collective

minds together, victory was inevitable." They both had a good laugh at

their victory. "Anyways Soun, are we going to be changing the name of the

dojo soon?"



"Change the name? What do you mean?"



"I mean to the Saotome dojo of martial arts.

` "What? What are you talking about, I perfectly intend to keep the dojos

name the same."



"Not if my boy is taking it over youre not. Afterall, its not Akane whos

running it is it?"



"Now just hold on a second here!"



"Look, its the way things are done!"



"Thats not the way I do things!"



A small explosion suddenly consumed the both of them. The two toasted men

slowly turned around to look at the suspectly up to now absent Happosai

smoking his pipe on top of Genmas head.



"You know, if anyones name should be attached to the dojo, it should be

mine. Ive taught all of you everything you know about martial arts ya

know, one way or another."



The two of them growled in anger before a stern look from Happy reduced

them to whimpering puppies.



"Master, we missed you at the ceremony today, why did you not come to ruin

everything..., errr, I mean to attend the proceedings?"



Happosai just smiled back with that broad crazy smile of his. "I dunno, I

thought maybe it was due time I gave those two kids a break after all the

trouble I gave them."



"But master... That sounds so unlike you, so nice... So fair..." Soun

began sobbing. "Oh wonderful master, could it be weve misunderstood you

all this time..."



"And theres just something exotic about married women ya know. And not

just Akane, but Ranma with a cold shower..."



A loud BOOM preceeded Happosai being knocked through the roof of the dojo

by Genma and Soun.



This was really beginning to bother her.



"Come on, youre amongst friends here, you can tell us... Its Ken isnt it?

You two have been keeping it on the down low, but its okay Lita. If you

dont mind that hes shorter than you, why would we, right?"



"Real nice tact there Serena," thought Lita. The sudden attention

regarding her "love life" due to a lucky catch was not only awkward but

beginning to get on her nerves.



"No its not Ken, they are SO obviously just friends," corrected Mina. "But

I saw how you were looking at that kid with the mop over there during the

wedding. You know what they say, more risk, more gain! Hes cute, you

should go for him Lita!"



"Im not exactly desperate here to go after the first thing with two legs

here Mina," thought Lita. Then again, that wasnt quiet true. She realized

the absence of any kind of significant other in her life since her last

boyfriend, and shed been looking at just about anyone with two legs and a

full set of teeth. Yep, thats all it took to remind her of her heart ache,

Freddy. Stupid jerk that he was. Like to see him die of siphilies.



"Come on everyone, youre embarassing her. Besides, Lita doesnt need to

become dependent like some oogle eyed teenager on some guy, right Lita?"

asked Rei. "We dont need any man to dominate our lives do we now?"



Lita smiled back slightly at Rei and was about to acknowledge ardent

agreement with her when Darien added, "Thats easy for you to say isnt it

Rei?"



Rei suddenly began blushing curiously and nervously replied, "Wha... What

do you mean Darien?"



"Its easy for you to say when you know you have Chad hook, line, and

sinker waiting to smother you with his love the first moment you return

his affection," chided Darien.



Rei seemed a bit relieved after what Darien said as if the spotlight was

lifted off her. "Heh, yeah... I suppose... But who wants that washed up

wannabe rocker anyways? Id be better off with a mangy sheep dog. Their

hair is similar enough," Rei said as she turned her nose up into the air.



Lita smiled a bit as she decided to shift the focus of attention around

here. "You know Darien, if anyone around here should be feeling confidence

in their love life, it should be you. I mean, I can think of a few things

more indictive of the future than a stupid bouqet like, oh say, I dunno, a

journey to the future to find yourself married to your girlfriend... WITH

a daughter."



That shut Darien up real quick. Serena was visibly just as embarrassed as

Darien was. Could you imagine that, knowing that sooner or later, you were

going to have a kid with him? And be married for millenia? Some people

would feel that all excitement in a relationship would be sucked right

down the toilet with such knowledge. But not Serena. If any, it symbolized

the love that they had for each other, a security and confidence in a

relationship no one else could possibly claim. She could wonder about

things like the wedding or wonder what flavor the cake would be because

she and Darien loved each that much. She had faith... No, not faith, she

KNEW that nothing on Earth would ever tear the two of them apart. But it

was still pretty embarrasing having everyone know you have a daughter; she

was only sixteen! Serena just smiled embarrasedly as she hugged Dariens

arm tightly before replying.



"Haha, thats right, so nobody had better be checking out Darien... Youre

only cruising for a heart break... But you know, its too bad we only found

out about me and Dariens future here. I mean, I wouldve liked to know

whether or not Amy was married to Kuno years from now. Or maybe it could

be Greg shes hitched with after all this?" teased Serena.



Now it was Amys turn to turn beet red. "Me and Kuno? Well, I certainly

dont see any CHILDREN on the immediate horizon but ummm... Could we not

talk about me? And leave poor Greg out of this."



"Who wouldve imagined, the resident book worm would be the one having two

boyfriends out of us all! I certainly wouldnt have imagined this when we

first met," chided Mina. "Youre SUCH a hoochie Amy. And a homewrecker to

boot; poor Mariko having her man stolen by you... Have you no shame Amy?"



"I dont have two boyfriends! Its just Kuno... Ummm, I mean, me and Greg

are just friends and... Even if me and Kuno WERE something, Im not a

homewrecker as you call it because Kuno and that stupid cheer leader...

Ahem. But me and Kuno arent, so..." Amy then noticed Rei fidgeting

slightly in her seat. "Rei, is there something wrong?"



"Just feeling some bad vibes," Rei lied. "Maybe its just remnant negaforce

energy here from our last visit." She may have been feeling bad vibes, but

it wasnt from any negaverse threat. Something was bothering her more than

it should have, something that didnt bother her at first but the fact that

it does now made her fear the seriousness of the matter. She didnt expect

it to bother her so soon, and so much; she didnt expect it to last long

enough to. She tried to get into the spirit of humor at the table, but out

of the corner of her eye, she could see it, and it tore away at her

insides. She tried to tell herself it was all a sham, a fraud, but here,

at the wedding, knowing what she knew, she couldnt tell whether or not she

was the one being decieved. She decided shed had enough self pity for the

moment and turned towards Mina. "You know Mina, youve been giving some of

us a hard time here. How about you Ms. Elegible bachelorete?"



Mina just smiled wryly. "Lets just say Im not exactly ready to jump back

into the dating pool just yet." Tonight, at the wedding and everything,

some old wounds she was still trying to forget had already resurfaced. It

was funny she thought, that the more you needed to forget something, the

harder it was to let the memory go. Maybe it was past due time for her to

finally move on with her life. Shell never see him again after all.



All the other scouts however, yelled back in unison at her, "Jump back!?

Do tell Mina, just what have you been keeping from us?!"



Shampoo sat there by the skylight staring down into the dojo quietly by

herself. She stared at the crowds of people talking, dancing, drinking,

just generally having a good time. People she once called friends a few

hours ago. A lifetime ago. She stared with sorrow and anger at Ranma

dancing with his mother. He danced just as bad as she remembered. She

chuckled to herself about the time at the Junior Prom when their little

group had pretty much destroyed the ball room. And then the group picture,

it didnt seem as if those photographers were trained to put out fires. She

still remembered the exact words he said when he asked her out. And then

there was the time when Ranma had nearly proposed to her due to some

reversal jewel. For some reason, the whole experience was foggy to her.

And then there was the time...



Shampoo sighed to herself. There she was, living in the past again. She

couldnt do that anymore, not with the single objective in her life taken

from her. Not just by that wench Akane, but by his own inclination. He had

left her with nothing but broken dreams and a need to start a new life.

She had defeated Ranma in combat, he was no longer obligated nor worthy to

be husband. As for her vendetta against Ranma-chan... Sometimes it was

best to cut your losses. There was a strange confusoin developing in her.

Her feelings for Ranma, the compassion she had felt for him, were in a

state of flux. Did she really only desire Ranma because of amazon tribal

law? Or did she really develop an affection towards him after all this

time. Perhaps it would be easier if her love for him was so shallow. But

what does it say about her if that were true? Maybe her feelings still

existed because deep down inside, she knew Ranma was the superior martial

artists despite her victory over him earlier? None of this really mattered

of course. She would never see him again after this night. She tasted salt

on her lips. Shed been crying again.



A hand touched her lightly on the shoulder. "Shampoo, are you okay?" asked

Mousse. "Sorry if you wanted to be alone, but Cologne was looking for you.

I figured youd be somewhere around here." To Mousses surprise, Shampoo

didnt smack his hand off her shoulder.



"It no problem. Shampoo just letting past go now." She stood up and turned

towards Mousse. "We leave for Amazon village soon as possible." Mousse

nodded in acknowledgement.



Shampoo took one last look inside the dojo. Ranma was being playfully

attacked by cake from Akane and one of those loser friends who tagged

along with him. So much time wasted, and she had to return to her village

with nothing to show for it. How disappointed Cologne must have been with

her. She would return with no vengeance extrated, nor with a husband in

tow. Failure was not looked upon lightly within her village. It seemd as

if her whole life had suddenly imploded on her. Ranma was obviously gone,

but then there was the immenint matter of returning to her village empty

handed. As she took her last look at Ranma, these two conflicting emotions

raged within her. On one hand, she wanted to show Ranma that she genuingly

loved him, that he didnt understand how much he meant to her and what she

was willing to do for him, to change everything about her until he loved

her. The other part wanted to bash his brains in with her bonboris and

then splash some cold water on him so that she could return at least with

revenge completed. Heh, maybe then Ranma would fight back. Shampoo paused

for a moment and placed a hand to her lips suddenly realizing that perhaps

things werent necessarily over afterall.



The window into the past abruptly vanished and then there was nothing

around but that ever distant purple sky. "That wasnt all that unpleasant

was it now?" Pluto remarked softly.



"No, not particularly... Nor particularly helpful in any way either."

Earth turned to Pluto for the first time since they started watching

history and bowed to Pluto. "Thank you Grand Sailor Pluto, for wasting my

precious time."



"Time is relative here Earth, didnt I teach you that in your Sailor Scout

training? I can place you back where you were with no more than a couple

of minutes elapsed. But you truly feel as if nothing was to be gained by

this experience?"



"You do realize Ive had YEARS to work this out of my system. Im an old

woman now after all..."



"Albiet a single old woman... Curious isnt it? You know, they say children

of divorced parents..."



"My parents werent divorced," Earth sharply cut in. "And you do realize

just how hard it is to date as one of the keepers of the earth. Kind of

keeps you preoccupied not to mention scare the crap out of every guy you

meet. But anyways, thanks for showing me this although Im only saying that

to be polite, and now I believe I need to get back to protecting the Earth

from the hordes of evil and you need to watch those gates of time whatever

that means." Earth gave a quick salute to Pluto and said, "sayanora."



"Not quiet yet young one..."



"When did 49 years old begin to still qualify as young..."



"Fine, I retract that last statement, but I have one final question to ask

you. Tauma, consider it curiousity if you want, but what exactly to you

remember from that last day."



"Last day? You mean when... Yeah, of course you mean that, its open old

wounds day today. Look, you know what happens and even if you didnt, you

could open up another one of those view masters back in time things

instead of asking me."



"But I want to hear your side of things as you percieve it."



"For any particular reason?"



"Maybe I should open a view master through time to when I stated for you

to consider it curiousity if you wanted. Just humor this old woman. You

should know by now that everything I do has some purpose."



Earth looked down away from Pluto and sighed hard. She didnt want to talk

about it; she organized the thoughts in her head to minimize the

discomfort it took for her to talk about it. But there was no candy

coating the memories.



"I remember... everything... I could tell you every sight and every sound

I experienced on that last day I saw my father."



"I really should exercise more and so should my eggs! Wahahahahahahaha!"

laughed the mad professor as he experimented with another demon egg. The

demon egg took off into the air through a vent, heading straight for a

local gym.



A red haired lady in a lab coat walked into his view from the shadows.

"Maybe I should go along as well. We ran into some trouble the other day.

It wasnt a medallion, but the demon egg was destroyed by some girl scouts

of some sort. I should go and insure that if the talisman is found, itll

fall into our hands," suggested Kaolinite.



"And you think you can succeed where my creations have not? What a

preposterous idea, almost makes me want to laugh," taunted Tomoe.



Tomoe noticed Kaolinite scowling, and added "Im just kidding my dear. You

know I have the utmost confidence in you my dear (but of course, I do have

some back up witches in the bag), but I dont think your immediate presence

with the demon eggs will be neccessary. Just be nearby on the lookout and

if a tailsman is found, Im sure those girl scouts or whatever they call

themselves will be but a second thought between you and my demon egg."



"Youd think that wouldnt you? But youd be wrong," a strong masculine voice

interupted. Kaolinite and Tomoe turned to look at their intruders. A tall

man wrapped in a black cloak with the bottom half of his face covered with

a metal mask walked into the lab. A group of five people remained behind

him in the shadows.



The two parties simply stared at each other for an akward moment before

Tomoe asked with that strange amusement in his voice, "And who might you

be? A concerned parent? Well, I could see why you might be concerned but

please do, give me a moment to look a bit more... professional... before

we converse. You really shouldve made an appointment first though you

know."



"Im not a parent and lets not lie to each other with such pretenses. Im

here to offer my aid in dealing with these Sailor Scouts youve encountered

effeciently and swiftly."



"Lets not. Kaolinite, dispose."



"No sooner said than done," she declared as she flung off her lab coat to

reveal a slinky low cut and revealing red dress. Purple lightning crackled

between her hands before they launched themselves at the intruders.



"Well, we certainly are the chipper harbingers of armageddon here arent

we?" the stranger said mockingly. He simply stood there as the blast

streaked at him. However, within a foot of nearly striking the man, the

blast seemed to have hit some sort of invisible barrier, flashing brightly

for a moment before dississipating with no effect except a slight

billowing of his long black hair.



"Wha? Impossible...," muttered Kaolinite in shock.



"Lotion, I believe an expediant pacification is in order."



A foot wearing three inch black multi-thin strapped high heels stepped

into view. Attached to the foot was a tall asian girl, looking no more

than twenty, with slightly wavy purple hair that had a slight tendency to

lay on the left side of her head, and dressed in a long, black skirt with

slits on both sides as long as her legs, with a few black straps emerging

from underneath the skirt around her lower waist leaving one to imagine

whether they be straps for the low skirt or interior wear of some sort. A

tight black tube top accompinied the skirt leaving her entire belly and

shoulders exposed. The top was connected to only the lower portion of arm

length thin black transparent gloves that attached themselves to the

middle fingers of each hand. (Aaliyahs outift at the end of the R You That

Somebody video, specifically that one actually). She also had a strap

around her right thigh in which an oriental fan was holstered to. Needless

to say, she filled the outfit out quiet nicely. "Youre not intimidating

anyone by your verbose vocabulary here Aoshi," the girl amusedly whispered

to herself. She opened her hands halfway with the palms outward as her

hands began to glow. As she did this, a light wind began swirling around

Kaolinite, blowing the lapels of her shirt slightly. Suddenly, Lotion

chanted "Fung Chan Bi!" and lifted her hands quickly as if flipping over a

coffee table. Swirling winds rose up and exploded in strength around

Koalinite, encircling her.



Kaolinite looked around her at her cage with concern before smirking back

at her assailants. "You think this will hold me? Ha!" she shouted as she

disperesed the winds around her with a wave of energy. "Ill show you power

beyond some mild breeze!"



"Not right now you wont," commanded Tomoe as he gave Kaolinite a look that

meant desist. He then glared at the intruders with a serious look of anger

at the destruction of some of his eggs by the attack. The stranger took

note of this reaction.



"And why should I join forces with you..., if you dont mind me asking."



The stranger took a step towards Tomoe. Suddenly, one of the demon eggs in

a test tube burst with a loud SPRAT.



"You should deal with me because the Sailor Scouts have already proven

troublesome at this early juncture and their harassment will only grow

worse from now on."



The stranger took another step. There was another SPRAT as another egg

burst into pieces.



"You should deal with me because I can help you efficiently deal with the

Sailor Scouts and any other obtrusions that will come up along the way..."



Tomoe looked as serious as Kaolinite had seen in a long time. His twisted

smirk was skewed into a look of shock as he saw his eggs bursting with

every step the stranger took towards him.



"And finally, you should deal with me because you my friend..."



SPRAT



"Are running out of Demon Eggs."



Tomoe was shaking with fury; his fists were clenched tight. Kaolinite

began charging up as discretly as possible.



There was another SPRAT as if it were one final reminder of what he was

capable of doing.



Suddenly, Tomoe unclenched. He laughed again with that maniacal laugh of

his. Kaolinite looked at him with worry. Returned to his bemused state, he

asked, "by all means, invite yourself in. And what exactly are you

proposing here my friend?"



The man smiled. Well, at least Tomoe thought he was smiling. He was

wearing a mask afterall. But he could just imagine him smiling as walked

towards him with his hands politely clasped behind his back. "For my own

reasons, I have need to have the Sailor Scouts as debilitated as possible

as I address certain matters here in this era. I believe by pooling our

resources together, debilitated would be the least the Scouts have to

fear. Bottom line is, the Sailor Scouts are a pesterance that needs to be

remedied as expediantly as concievably possible. And the medicine man has

arrived."



Bakhit Kalnazarov was preaching in Russian as he stood stood on the shell

of an old Volkswagon. He drew little attention as people passed by,

scurrying back home with their cloacks wrapped tightly around their faces,

protecting them from the bitter winter cold of this small, Asian country

bordering the west end of China. Kalnazarov kept himself from freezing

with an old heat lamp connected to a car battery, but its effect was

limited at best in this sub zero temperature. Yet, Kalnazarov continued

preaching about the righteousness of the Queen.



There was a glimmer in the sunlight as a single MiG plane appeared off in

the horizon. Kalnazarov heard the hum of its engines and looked up. It was

unusual to hear aircraft in this dead mans land where cars were considered

a luxury, even as teleportation technology was beginning to spread

throughout the rest of the world. He held a hand over his eyes to protect

himself from the glare, wondering what the heck a plane was doing over

Uzbekistan. He never saw the mid-yield nuclear warhead that was released

no more than a dozen miles from his location. All he saw was a single,

silent, bright flash that seared his eyes shut right before a wall of fire

consumed him and everyone else within a hundred mile radius.



Twenty five years ago, threatened by the possibility of losing Uzbekistan

to the soveirngty, and more importantly, losing a buffer between the

mainland and the approaching tide of her highness, China dropped a nuke

into its own territory, detonating it in eastern Uzbekistan so that the

nuclear fallout would have limited affect on China and considerable affect

on the Queens land of Russia. The nuclear radiation in Uzbekistan would

leave the land inhabitable for eleven years. By then, the shield would

already be in place.



Authors Notes: Hey everyone, remember these? I used to always have one at

the end of each chapter so the tradition continues four years later. Its

sad that it takes something like the FFML going down for me to finally

post this long written but many many times and very radically revised

first chapter out. I started out on the FFML five years ago, and after my

writing career ended with Four Fiancees, I kind of disappeared from the

scene but I never stopped my subscription to the FFML in that time. At

least not for more than a couple of months. I dont think theres a better

fanfic writing community out there than the FFML, and through numerous

controversies, from the Spam Mailing List to endless debates regarding

OCC, the FFML never felt overtly hostile to me. I hope it comes back up

again soon. Much thanks to the maintainers of the FFML, and hopefully

everything will work out.



Now, onto this story. Its huge. Through just chapter 3, its already

clocking in at 200 pages. This will take me forever to write. But write it

I will. So many things delayed this from coming out at least a year

earlier. I really wanted to finish posting the rewrites to Skimpy Skirts

and Cross Dressers, but the fire just isnt there and I still refuse to

continue posting unfinished work. I wont post more parts of the rewrite

until its done, period. And I wanted to get Prom Nite archived too, but

that might have to wait since I really do want to rewrite one scene in

that story and Im just not getting around to it. Regardless, the first

part of this monstrosity is out there and I have pretty ambitious plans

for it. I plan to have a Fushigi Yuugi like cliffhanger at the end of ever

chapter starting with the next one, and its a good one that will really

set up what I want to do with the characters in this story. Youll just

have to read it to believe it. ^_^ Hey, here it comes again... *Deep

breathe* Please email all comments, suggestions, questions, etc, to

iluvrice2@yahoo.com. I plan to answer every email I receive, so please, Im

writing for people to read this. The more that are reading it, the more

pumped I am to churn out other parts faster. If anyones interested in

recieving parts of this story directly from me, email me at the indicated

address. Until next time,



Jya Ne,



Shiaw Chi









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