Okay, people, be sure to give me a call to tell me what you think!

    Based off of characters by the ever-lovable Rumiko Takahshi, which
are her's, no copyright infringement is meant, and they are used
without permission.
    Story idea based off the script- Ranma 1/2: the final solution,
what a couple of dips! - written by Joe Rispoli and Mike Termena of
the Dayton Anima club.  Again, no copyright infringement is meant as
to their storyline. (By the way, if anybody knows how to get in touch
with these two, or better yet, are these two, drop me a line, okay?)
    Any other Non-Rumiko type characters have their own copyrights
and are also used without permission, no infringement is meant
    any other characters are mine, and Are used with permission
(Mine!)
    This story can be spread around, as long as the author is
acknowledged, and it is not sold for profit, either in part or in
whole, and the previous disclaimers are left intact.


Acsending Changes: part two
by Ridgewolfe


    The first beams of the early morning sun lazily shone through the
glass balcony doors, shining down across the bed and the two sleeping
figures within.
    Ranma slowly woke in the early morning light, looking around
blankly, then smiled warmly as she remembered where she was.
    Sitting up, Ranma slowly stretched, looking down at her still
slumbering husband as she did.
    He always looks so cute when he sleeps, Ranma thought, reaching
out to brush Akane's hair off his face, then quietly she slid out of
the bed.
    Of the four days they had spent here, today was the first that
Ranma had awaken first.  Normally, Ranma was only up in the morning
because of an attacking Panda or a sereneful Kasumi, but she was just
feeling too good today to go back to bed.  Lazily, she picked her robe
up from the floor and slowly pulled it over her bare form, walking out
onto the balcony as she did.
    Ranma leaned against the rail and drank in the early morning
peace, the sun warm on her face.  Overhead several birds flew.
     "It's so quiet here... it'd be perfect if I served breakfast out
here... I bet Akane would like that..."  Ranma smiled pleasantly to
herself, then slowly started to frown as she realized what she had
said.
    It wasn't that she had a problem making breakfast, or even in
doing it for Akane, Ranma knew it would make him happy, and she really
liked it when he smiled.  No, it was Why she had said it, her thoughts
had been so... so... GIRLISH!  She was a guy, dammit!
    "There's no way I'm makin' breakfast, that's what a girl's
supposed to do, I'm a Guy!"  Ranma growled, then she turned and
stormed back inside the bedroom.  As she did, though, Ranma glanced
over at the still sleeping Akane, and stopped.  A pleasant shiver ran
up through her stomach, and Ranma found herself with conflicting
feelings.  Although she thought of herself as a guy, the fact now was
that she was a girl, with no known way to remove the curse.  That
didn't change her self image, in spite of everything that had
happened, she still saw herself as a man, but with Akane...
    When Ranma looked at Akane, she could feel herself loosen up on
the inside, she wanted to do things for him to make him happy, not
because she was forced to, but because it made her feel good to see
his face light up.  More than anything, Ranma wanted Akane's approval
in her actions now, to make him happy.  The other night when Akane had
said what a joy it was just being with her now, she had just melted...
    Ranma shook her head, she was doing it again!  Disgust, mixed with
a touch of fear, ran through her as she quickly but quietly stepped
into the bathroom.
    Ranma sat on the edge of the large Japanese tub and turned on the
water, shaking slightly.  This was starting to get a little weird,
Ranma thought as she watched the water level slowly rise, were these
feelings the changes that she and Akane had been warned about?  She
was already a girl in body, she didn't want to become one in mind as
well!  These feelings, these desires, went against everything Ranma
had ever been taught about how to act, and they scared her, but then,
they also felt so... natural, so good...
    How was she supposed to know what was her mind, and what was the
curse?  Ranma thought as she turned the water off.  Admittedly, Ranma
had known for awhile that she acted slightly different as a girl, back
when she was able to turn back to a guy.  A action here, a word there,
but it had been no big deal, just the instincts of her girl's body,
the same way that it was a instinct for Mousse to float as a duck.
    Ranma dumped the water bucket over her head, shivering from the
cold, then stepped into the shower, but now, they were so natural, so
willing to have him do something girlish.  Yes, stuff like cooking, or
sewing, or other girlish stuff she would have to admit, if tied down
and tortured mercilessly that is, wasn't that big a deal.  After all,
on the training trips it had been only her and the old man, it had to
be done.  But especially after Ranma had been cursed, she had become
very self conscious about doing anything that might make her seem like
she was acting like a girl.  Now that she was this way for good, it
was even worse.  God!  This was so confusing!  Was Akane going through
the same thing?  Would he start acting more like a boy?
    "Well, if Akane does, who would notice?" Ranma muttered as she
slid into the tub.
    No, that wasn't fair, if Akane was suffering... changes, then he
would also be less prepared to handle them.  No, Ranma had to stand by
him and help through this difficult time.
    Mousse's words from the wedding came back to her then, unbidden.
    `I have accepted my curse, it no longer has power over me, and one
day I may need the power it gives me'
    Ranma contemplated this, a thoughtful light in her eyes.
    "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she slowly sank under
the water.

    Akane awakened slowly, layer upon layer of sleep being kicked off
by his subconscious, which complained loudly about it being cold when
the last layer was gone.
    Akane looked around with heavy eyes, taking in the bleary
surroundings of the room.  Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Akane slid
out of bed, then, yawning, shuffled off towards the bathroom, tripping
over the bedsheet as he did.
    "God, I hate getting up this early in the morning," Akane growled
to himself, kicking free of the sheet, "Why does training start this
early?"
    At this thought, Akane looked back to the bed, confirming that it
was indeed empty.  "Where's Ranma?"  Akane muttered, "I hope she
hasn't gone somewhere without me."

    Out in the kitchen, Ranma was stirring the rice as it boiled.
Suddenly she turned and sneezed.
    "Whoa, wonder what brought that on?" she wondered.

    Akane stumbled into the bathroom and flicked on the light,
glancing at the strange face that looked back from the mirror.
    "GAAAHHH!"
    Akane fell back against the doorframe, now fully awake, with his
heart trying to leap out of his chest.  After a moment, he calmed down
and stood back up.
    "Baka! jumping like that at your own reflection!" he muttered,
walking back to the mirror.
    Akane ran a hand slowly over his face, studying his features.  He
noticed that his beard was now starting to come in.  That was
something else he was going to have to learn, as the only time he had
shaved since becoming male was before the wedding, and even then, Mr.
Saotome had held the razor.  Akane's hair looked a bit odd, but that
was because it was still in a bob.  His face was a bit narrower, but
it was still Akane's features, especially his eyes.  That made him
feel better, in a way.  Actually, Akane thought that he looked a lot
like Shinnosuke, or a younger version of his father now.
    There was a knock on the door, and Ranma looked in, "Akane?  are
you alright?  I heard you yell."
    Akane sighed, then smiled raggedly at her, "Yeah, I just startled
myself, that's all."
    Ranma smiled back, "Okay!  Finish taking your bath, I'll have
something ready to eat by then," Ranma disappeared, then reappeared,
setting some clothes down on the counter for him, "You can wear
these."  Ranma looked at Akane, who was simply staring at her, his jaw
hanging, "...what?"
    "Your acting very... strange, Ranma,"  Akane finally said, still
staring.
    Ranma grimaced as she realized how she'd been acting, Great, now
I'm turning into Kasumi, she thought, then she smiled mischievously at
her husband as she realized something herself.
    "Well, I'll go finish breakfast," she grinned, "If you don't like
the choice of clothes, I think what your wearing now is cute."
    Akane looked down as Ranma left, and a blush that started at his
toes rose as he realized he wasn't wearing any clothes.
    Akane sighed, belatedly wrapping a towel around himself.  "Go
ahead and laugh, you pervert, I'll get you back during training--"
    Akane stopped, confused.  He and Ranma had talked about training
more seriously together, the way she and Mr. Saotome did, as Ranma
would now have to change her style slightly, and he definitely had to
learn to use this body, but they hadn't started yet.  What was he
thinking?
    Akane stepped into the shower and started to scrub himself with
the soap, He had done it again, thought of something that had come
naturally to him, but was totally unlike him, too, sometimes from a
frame of mind that he shouldn't have.
    It was the transformation, it had to be, Akane thought as he
washed his hair, I've never thought of myself as a warrior before, but
I did the other night.  And something keeps holding me back when I
lose my temper.  I guess that's a good thing, but just how far will
this go?
    Then there's the way that Ranma's acting.  She was being a lot
more kinder than normal.  True, she was still a jerk, and a idiot, and
a Pervert--! oh, she makes me so mad--!  Akane quickly turned the cold
water on, stopping that line of thought, No Ranma was acting different
too, she was a lot more relaxed as a girl now than she was before, and
she seemed so free with her emotions.  She was nice, and so kind to
him, Ranma rarely insulted him anymore.  Obviously Ranma was changing,
just like he was, but how was she handling it?  did she even know she
was?  It wouldn't be the first time they had hid their feelings, but
they had been so open with each other lately...
    "Not that we don't still fight," Akane muttered as he slid into
the bath, just the other night they had gone at it tooth and nail,
what about Akane couldn't remember, but as Akane had been about to
whip out a mallet to flattened her, another little problem had stopped
him, and Akane had seen the smile that Ranma had been trying to hide,
meaning that she'd only been teasing Akane.
    Akane sank lower into the hot water, stretching the sleep from his
muscles, Yes, let's not forget that "Other little problem," the one
that had shown up on their first night together.  They had been on the
bed, and just as things had started to get interesting, Akane had
rolled to the side to free his hands, but instead he had dragged both
of them off the end to the floor.
    Akane had been mortified.  Even now he still blushed with
embarrassment at the thought.  He thought he had hurt Ranma, as Akane
had landed on top of her.  Ranma, however, had laughed her fool head
off, calling him a klutz and a tomboy.  So of course Akane had gone to
mash her.
    But before Akane could strike, a voice had spoken, asking just
what did he think he was doing.
    This frightened Akane.  Where was this voice coming from?  Why was
it controlling him?  And why was he the only one who seemed to hear
it?  Ranma had never mentioned anything about a voice before, could
Ranma also be hearing a voice, or was it just controlling her...
    "Oh Ranma," Akane whispered softly, "I'm so sorry that I put you
through this..." it broke Akane's heart just thinking of the pain the
poor dear must be going through--
    #Talk to her.#
    "Nani--?" Akane almost jumped out of the bath, it was that voice
again!  He looked around, but then realized that it was in his head.
Akane then felt a presence there, and it seemed... familiar, in a way.
    #Talk to her, Akane-san.  Maybe she has the same thoughts that you
do.#
    "Who are you?" Akane asked.  When the voice had first spoke, it
had startled Akane, but now he was more curious than anything.  Why,
he didn't know.
    #You will have to figure that out on your own, it is not yet time,
but know that I am a friend.#
    "Then why do you keep messing with my mind?  Why are you
controlling me?" He growled, his anger starting to flare.
    The voice seemed to sigh, #There is still much anger in you, anger
that blinds you.  By realizing your feelings, you have taken a very
important step, little warrior, but you still have a long way to go.
Your anger drags you along by it's leash.  When it walks by your side
without one, then you will have reached the next level.  That is where
we will meet.#
    "Wait!  What does that mean?" Akane called out, but it was too
late, the voice was gone.
    Akane started shivering, although the water was still hot.
Quickly he stepped out of the bath and dried off.  Suddenly, he didn't
want to be alone.
    Akane dressed quickly in the clothes Ranma had brought in, a pair
of Ranma's black trousers and his blue chinese shirt with wood ties
(Unlike Ranma, Akane didn't have a problem with wearing men's clothes.
Besides, none of his old clothes fit anymore) and stepped back into
the bedroom.
    "Ranma?" Akane called out, leaning into the main room and trying
to keep a waver out of his voice.  A pleasant aroma filled the room,
and his stomach growled in response.
    "I'm out here, Akane," Ranma called back from the balcony.  Akane
hurried out there, trying not to run, and saw that Ranma had set
breakfast out for them on the small patio table.  Ranma herself was
currently curled up in a chair, still dressed in her robe, holding a
cup of tea in her hands.  With a sigh, Akane walked over and hugged
her.
    "Ack!  Jeez, Akane, your spilling my tea!" Ranma said in surprise,
quickly setting the cup down, "What's wrong, you're shaking."
    "I'm just happy to see you, that's all," Akane murmured into her
hair, then he straightened, running a hand through Ranma's hair.  Then
Akane brushed Ranma's bangs out of her eyes, tucking a strand back
behind a ear.  Then he straightened Ranma's collar for her, then--
    "Jeez Akane!" Ranma exploded, "Would you stop fussen' over me?!
Sit down and eat!"
    "I'm just trying to show that I love you, you Baka!" Akane
exploded back, his anger flaring, "I thought you would appreciate
that!"
    "Fine!  I do!  I love you too!  Now sit!"
    Akane glared at her, sitting down across from her, as Ranma
handed him bowls of Miso soup and Rice.  For several moments, the only
sound was that of Akane eating angrily.
    Ranma realized that she shouldn't have yelled like she did as she
watched Akane eat.  Akane was acting as though something was bothering
him, and yelling would only make him close up, which could ruin what
had been growing between them.  Both of them had to be open with each
other, and that was something both of them needed to work hard at.
    Ranma cleared her throat, "So, did you, like, have a nightmare or
something?" oh, good one, Ranma...
    Akane paused, trying to calm down.  The voice had suggested that
he should control his anger, but that was easier said than done,
especially when one was always angry...
    "You'd only make fun of me," Akane grumbled finally, setting his
bowl down.  Especially if you knew I was hearing voices... he thought
dejectedly.
    "Akane... " Ranma paused, wanting to choose her words carefully
for once.  This seemed to be one of those turning point thingees that
you read about, and Akane could be unpredictable when like this,
"Akane... if something's bothering you, and it's obvious that
something is, I want to hear it.  We're married now, I want to help
you, to be there for you."
    Akane looked surprised, but only for a second.  Things were

changing between them, but they still acted on their old reflexes.
    "I-I think I'm noticing some of the changes we were warned about,"
he finally said.
    "What are they?"
    "Well, it's nothing definite, but... sometimes I think of things,
then, it's like I realize I thought them," Akane started to stir his
breakfast idly with his chopsticks, "It's almost like... like... " he
fumbled for a good example.
    "Like someone's been plugged into your head?" Ranma asked quietly.
    Akane stared at her, "Yes, that's exactly it, sometimes it's like
I'm on autopilot or something.  Thoughts, ideas, sometimes even words
just pop into my--" Akane stopped as he realized what Ranma had said,
his suspicions proven true.  "Ranma, you're going through this too."
It was more statement than question.
    Ranma fidgeted a little, "I think so."  Ranma looked down at the
table, her hands, anywhere but Akane's questioning face, " There have
been times here when I've been comfortable with doing things, like
getting clothes for you, or cooking, or anything else.  I don't mind
because I know it makes you happy, and your so kawaii when you
smile... "
    "Oh, Ranma... "
    Ranma still didn't look up, "but then there's times when I'm
screaming to myself, `What are you doing?  Stop it, your acting like a
girl, your a guy'.  I'm... " Ranma had to swallow before she could get
the next word out, "...Afraid... of what I'm feeling.  I never felt
this way as a guy before, and I don't want to become something I don't
want to be. It's a scary feeling." Ranma paused for a bit, then said,
almost whispering, "But I have to admit, it's also kinda nice, too."
Ranma's hands trembled at this thought.  Could it mean she really was
a pervert?
    Akane noticed and reached across the table, taking her hand.  What
Ranma had just admitted touched him, it made him feel very protective
of her, in a way he had never felt before.  Ranma had taken a big
chance, and opened up to him.  Akane hoped that he could prove worthy
of the trust she had shown.
    Ranma looked up then and sighed, giving Akane a half-hearted
smile, "But, we were talking about you, Akane, you've been thinking
different too?"
    "Yeah, I've been thinking in ways I never did before, but umm...
that's not what's bothering me the most... "  Akane trailed off.
    "What is, then?"
    "Well, umm... Ranma," Akane cleared his throat first, "Have you
been... uh, hearing voices, by any chance?"
    "Voices?  no, I can't say I have," Ranma said slowly, "What are
they saying?"
    "I'm not crazy, Ranma," Akane was suddenly defensive, but his
voice lacked any bitter edge.
    "I'm not saying you are, I was just wondering what they said to
you."  Ranma squeezed his hand gently.
    "Oh, well... do you remember the other night when we... fell...
off the bed...?" Akane looked down as he flushed in embarrassment.
Honestly, he still couldn't believe that he'd done that!
    Ranma smiled but didn't laugh, she still thought it was funny, "Go
on."
    "Well, I was going to bash you for laughing, but a voice told me
not to."
    I think I like this voice, Ranma thought, but instead, she asked
"Are you sure it was a voice, or could it have been you?  Like a
thought that you really didn't want to do this?"
    "It was definitely a voice," Akane replied, "and it definitely
kept me from flattening you.  And yes, it's starting to scare me as
well."
    Silence hung between them, both concerned for the other.  Above,
the sounds of the birds drifted down.  Finally, Ranma spoke.
    "Akane, if you want, we could go back home early and have Dr. Tofu
check us out," she said slowly, "And it's probably a good idea to read
those books he gave us."
    Akane thought about this.  It wasn't as if they hadn't been
warned, and in a way, any changes they went through were his fault.
But neither of them had thought that these changes would be
psychological in nature.  Besides, there were going to be enough
problems facing them once they got back to Nerima, such as Ranma's
other two alleged fiancee's, Kuno, their schoolfriends, their
teachers, various wandering martial artists and princes... those
problems would be much easier to deal with without having to deal
with these.
    "But what if there isn't a way to fix it, Ranma, we tried so many
ways to remove your curse before, what if there's nothing that can be
done?" he asked.
    Ranma sighed, she'd been thinking that too.  What would they do?
What if they did become different people?  What if their feelings for
each other changed?
    We are different people already, she thought, there's no way we
woulda been together like this a year ago, or even a month ago.  We've
finally admitted that we love each other, our feelings have already
changed.  Part of that's because of how fast things have been moving,
though, but that's life...
    ...and with life... comes change...
    ...and with change... comes growth...
    Ranma sat straighter in her chair then, looking up at Akane.  A
light breeze blew, ruffling his hair slightly.  The morning sun
brought out faint highlights in it, as well as those of his handsome
face.  As she looked into it though, Ranma still saw the face of the
girl who had offered friendship two years ago to a stranger carried in
by a Panda, the girl who had caused her no end of trouble and
heartache, the girl she had fought Kirin for, and Toma, and the
Yamatano Horochi.
    The Woman she had fallen in love with.
    "Then... We'll deal with it, love," Ranma said slowly, unsure of
her words, "If we become totally different people because of this,
then that's the risk, but it's also the gain."
    Without letting go of his hand, Ranma stood and walked over to
Akane, who pushed his chair back and pulled her into his lap, "I'm not
sure about this, and maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but I
remembered something that Mousse told me, that he had accepted his
curse and it didn't have power over him anymore.  We're both stuck
like this, forever.  This is who we are, now, but it doesn't define
us.  That's done by what's inside.  If we change because of it, I
think it could be good, as long as we're together, don't you think?"
    Ranma noticed that Akane was looking at her with a big grin,
"What?"
    "I love it when you talk like that," Akane grinned.
    "You do?  I'm not usually that long winded..."
    "Well, maybe that's what happens when you actually think before
you talk," Akane hugged Ranma to him, "I'm still worried, Ranma."
    "So am I, Akane," Ranma kissed him on the forehead, "So why don't
we do something to take our minds off it this afternoon," She hopped
up and started collecting dishes.
    "Like what?" Akane asked, helping clear the table.  After four
days, they had the routine of cleaning up down smoothly.
    "Well, your hair for one.  It's cute, but I think you'll need
something a bit different.  Plus, you need to shave."  Ranma rubbed
her cheek in remembrance as they walked into the kitchen, "You were
tickling me last night,"  she smiled at Akane as they set the dishes
into the sink and started drawing dish water.
    "Do you... really think I should cut it?" Akane asked, touching
his hair.
    "Just trim it, really," Ranma agreed, "It's a really cute style
for a girl, but it does look a little odd on a guy."
    "Well... maybe... " Akane slowly agreed, starting to dry dishes
that Ranma handed him, "I was hoping you'd show me how to shave,
though."
    "I could do that tomorrow."
    "Yeah, and that's not all we can do, we could shop for some
clothes, too, we're both gonna need those now, then we could even do a
little sightseeing, maybe have a picnic in the park... " Akane had
stopped drying, now starting to think of the fun they could have.
Ranma just smiled, glad that Akane wasn't worrying anymore.
    "Ranma."
    "Hmm?"
    "You've been so sweet the last few days, wanting to do all the
cooking, but why not take a break tonight and let me fix something?"
    To her credit, Ranma didn't flinch, gasp, or scream, or do any of
the other half dozen things that popped to mind at the thought of
Akane cooking.  Instead, she slowly looked up at Akane, eyes wide and
innocent, and said "But I enjoy cooking for you, it makes you so
happy... "
    Akane wasn't quite sure how to handle that.  Akane was happy Ranma
felt that way, it made him feel warm inside to hear her say that, but
now he felt even moreso that he should be doing something for her in
return.  Still, he made her happy...
    Hey, wait a minute!  "Do you say that because you mean it, or just
because you don't want me cooking?"
    "Dah..."
    "Ranma--!"

                        *           *           *

    The ground in the empty lot exploded upward, scaring many a
passerby, as a exhausted young man, dressed in green trousers, a
ragged yellow shirt, and a yellow and black bandanna around his head,
crawled out of the hole, a large backpack strapped to his back.
    "What a way for a martial artist to travel.  Underground." he
muttered, collapsing on the ground to catch his breath.  He had
thought that he would never get out of those sewers...  Several
pedestrians walked by, but did nothing.
    After all, this Was Nerima.
    After a few minutes, Ryoga slowly dragged himself to his feet,
brushed himself off, then looked around.
    "Huh... Now where am I?" He asked himself as he looked around,
confused.  This place looked familiar, but then again, so had Paris,
Mexico city, and that strange city that was full of crime (Why that
guy lived in that cave with all those bats when there was a perfectly
good house above was beyond him).
    "Well, at least the street signs are in Japanese, so let's hope
that means I'm back in Japan," pulling out a map, he unfolded it and
started walking, "If I can find the Tendo Dojo, I can gain my revenge
against Ranma at long last..."

    Ukyou waved as the last customer left, then sighed heavily as she
collected the tip and started wiping down the table.  Ukyou had not
cheered up much since the wedding, although she tried not to show it
in front of her customers, as most people didn't respond well to a
brooding martial artist.
    She still wasn't sure of her feelings about the wedding, and was
still a little upset that it hadn't been her besides Ranchan, but
Ukyou understood that Ranma loved Akane, and fully intended to try to
stay friends with both of them. 
    Still, in a way, Ukyou was glad that she had been asked to go, it
showed just how highly they thought of her, and all of them had tried
so hard to cheer her up.  In spite of herself, Ukyou had to laugh at
Ranma's last clumsy attempt...

(flashback)
    The wedding party stepped out into the early summer evening, the
air pleasant and warm.  Soun and Genma were first, both of them
pleasantly buzzed from the sake they had consumed, not quite drunk.
next being Dr. Tofu, with Kasumi and Nabiki.
    "It was such a lovely day," Kasumi was telling Dr. Tofu, "I hope
that Akane and Ranma will get along with their other friends now."
    "Yeah, it's going to be so Boring now," Nabiki grumbled, "How am I
supposed to make any money?"
    Mousse had walked out with Ukyou, carrying the camcorder as she
checked through the camera bag.
    "Mousse, you don't have to hang around me," she groused as they
walked down the small flight of stairs.  Yep, everything was here, "I
told you, I'm fine."
    "I was just curious as to why you didn't answer me," Mousse was
having fun teasing Ukyou, it served to cheer her up.
    Ukyou finally looked at him in exasperation, "And just what
question was that, Sugar?" If Mousse teased everyone like he'd been
teasing her, then no wonder Shampoo was always beating him up.
    "Why did you not kiss the bride?"  Mousse smiled slightly as he
saw the glint of humor in Ukyou's eyes.
    "I didn't see you get in line, Mousse." Ukyou quipped back.
    "True, but I did not wish to be beaten," just then the two
newlyweds walked out.  Ukyou quickly took back the camera and started
filming.
    Akane stopped Ranma before she could go down the stairs, "Here,
you'll need this," he said pulling a small bouquet out from behind his
back.
    Ranma took the flowers, looking confused, "What for?"
    Akane pointed to his sisters, who had gathered around Ukyou,
"Throw it to them," Akane replied.
    Ranma still looked confused, "Wouldn't it be easier if they just
got their own?"
    Akane rolled his eyes, "God, Ranma... You're supposed to throw it,
whoever catches it is supposed to be the next to get married!"
    "That's a stupid custom."

    "C'mon Ranma!  You can do it!"
    "Throw it Ranma!"
    "Would you two quit stepping on me!"

    "Well... I wouldn't wanna disappoint them... " Ranma drawled.
Ranma made several feints, causing Kasumi and Nabiki to jump as they
giggled, much to Ukyou's annoyance.  Then, Ranma threw it straight at
them with a sidearm pitch that would be the envy of a major league
pitcher.  All three of them jumped in surprise at it's speed, but
Ukyou's reflexes took over, snatching the missile out of the air.
    "Oh Ukyou!  What a wonderful catch!" Kasumi beamed.
    "Yeah, so, who's the lucky guy, Ukyou?" Nabiki asked.
    "God, I don't need this... "

    (end flashback)
    Akane and Ranma had told everyone then that they were going to
walk to the hotel then, and had left before Ukyou could get Ranma to
admit that she'd thrown it to her on purpose.  Ukyou knew she had,
though, and normally she would be happy knowing that her Ran-chan was
looking out for her, it was just that this dark state she was in from
the wedding wouldn't lift, and at times it left her a emotional
shambles.  Probably it was some sort of mourning process.
    Ukyou glanced up and then groaned at what she saw out the window,
There he was again!  That's the fourth time today Ryoga's walked past
here, she thought, her fists at her hips as Ryoga walked past the
front of her store, his face stuck in a map.  Well, the lunch rush
shouldn't start for a few minutes...
    "Hey, Ryoga--!" Ukyou shouted, sticking her head out the door.
The figure at the corner turned, then walked back to her.
    "Ukyou! so I am back in Nerima!" Ryoga greeted as he walked up,
"It's been awhile."
    "You look a little lost," Ukyou said dryly, taking his map of the
British Isles away and folding it up, "C'mon in and have a seat."
    "So, how's business been?" Ryoga asked, walking up to the grill as
Ukyou went back behind it.
    "Not too bad, how's a breakfast Okinomiyaki no bacon sound?" Ukyou
asked him.
    "Sounds great," Ryoga dropped his backpack to the floor and sat
down as the batter sizzled onto the grill in front of him.  Reaching
into his pocket, he set several bills down on the counter, "I can even
pay for it this time."
    "How'd that happen?" Ukyou asked him, raising an eyebrow.
    "Well, a couple of months ago I somehow ended up in this dojo, and
the Sensei hired me for awhile.  At first I was only cleaning, but
when he found out I was a martial artist he let me teach some of the
classes."
    "Where was this dojo?" Ukyou asked as she dropped ingredients into
the okinomiyaki.  Maybe if she kept him talking long enough, she might
forget her mood for a moment.
    "I think it was some place called `Saddle', or was that `Settle'?"
    Ukyou paused for a moment, then with a feeling that she would
regret it, asked, "What language did they speak?"
    "English, although Sensei Macleod spoke fluent Japanese.  I think
his accent was German."
    Ukyou searched for the name, then it came to her.  "You went to
SEATTLE!?  That's in AMERICA!!"
    "It is?" Ryoga looked confused, "I thought it was a long walk from
Toyama."
    Ukyou recovered from the facefault.  This shouldn't surprise me,
I'm used to it, aren't I?  she thought.  She hurriedly finished up
the okinomiyaki, then started two more when she saw how Ryoga was
wolfing it down.
    "So, what style did he teach?" Ukyou asked finally, feinting to be
interested.
    "He taught several styles," Ryoga answered, swallowing the last
bite, "He was really good, too.  He was kind of odd, though, and these
weird people kept showing up looking for him." Ryoga shrugged, he
couldn't imagine living with a situation like that, "I sparred with
him a lot, and really improved my skills, although he wasn't used to
someone fighting with an umbrella.  But it all paid off, I'm better
than I've ever been before, and now I can finally take my revenge on
Ranma!  Long has he escaped his fate, but no longer!  Now I shall--"
    *Clang!*
    "What was that for!?" Ryoga yelled as he sat up on the floor,
holding the side of his head, but he stopped as he saw Ukyou's
expression.
    Ukyou loomed over him, her Battle spat still raised, trembling
with the anguish that showed on her face.  "Why can't you leave them
alone?" she screamed down at him.  Tears that came too easily to her
these last few days started to trickle down her cheeks, "I thought you
were at least friends with Akane, but if all your going to do is try
and beat up Ranchan then stay away!  They have enough problems now
after what's happened!" she tried to stop shaking, but instead started
crying in small whimpering sobs.
    Ryoga slowly stood, he had never seen Ukyou in such a state
before, usually she was so strong.  "What's happened, Ukyou?"  He
asked, offering one of his bandanna's.
    Ukyou took the bandanna and collapsed onto one of the barstools,
trying to get her emotions back under control.  She couldn't let Ryoga
interfere, she'd made a promise, she had to help her friends.
    With a huge effort, Ukyou stopped shaking, then turned back to
Ryoga, who was hovering over her nervously.
    "Sit down, Ryoga, I've got something important to tell you," Ryoga
sat down next to her, "But before I tell you anything, I want your
word of honor as a martial artist that your not going to go flying off
the handle and try to hurt Ranchan, `cause if you do, I'm gonna hurt
you!"
    "Okay, I promise," Ryoga shrugged, he could find lots of other
reasons to go after Ranma for, anyway.
    "Okay, well, about a month ago, Ranchan got hurt, real bad,
because of his curse, and-- *Stop That!*" Ukyou punched Ryoga in the
face again as it lit up in joy.
    "Stop hitting me!"
    "Do you want to hear this or not you jackass!?"
    "Of course I do!" Ryoga sat back on the stool and schooled his
features as best he could.
    Ukyou was still glaring at him, but continued, "Anyway, because of
his curse, Ranchan was paralyzed, and they had to take him back to
Jusenkyo.  They talked to a local doctor, but he couldn't do anything.
    "Somehow or another, Ranchan managed to fall back into the drowned
girl spring again."
    Ryoga looked up at this, "He didn't drown , did he?"
    "No, it cured him, but..." Ukyou trailed off.
    Ryoga started as he saw the light in her eyes fade.  "Hey, Ukyou,
if it cured him, then that's not so bad," Not that he cared about what
happened to Ranma, but Ukyou was sorta a friend, and like all men, he
couldn't stand to see a woman cry.  Without thinking, he reached out
and took her hand, "Besides, Ranma was already cursed as a girl, it's
not like anything bad could come from it."
    Ukyou looked at him with a strange expression, "Do.. you know what
happens if you fall into the same pool twice?" she asked slowly.
    "Something happens?"
    Wham!
    "Ryoga no Baka! Baka! Baka! Baka! Baka!" Ukyou screamed, each
insult accented by her spatula, "He fell in twice and now he's a girl
forever!  Do you get it?  Forever!  Twelve years of my life are gone!
Wasted!  I can never marry Ran-chan now!"  Ukyou threw her dented
spatula aside and started crying again.  Ryoga sat up again and felt
the large lumps on his head.
    "I see your taking the news pretty well," he said sarcastically.
    A scream of rage started to come forth from Ukyou, when the front
doors opened.
    "Moshi Moshi!  Welcome to Ucchan's!" Ukyou beamed merrily to her
lunch rush, "Have a seat and I'll be right with you!" she turned back
around to finish with Ryoga.
    He was gone.
    "That Jackass!  He didn't even let me finish!" Ukyou stormed to
the back of the restaurant, sure enough, the back door was open.  The
customers simply found their regular seats, used to such displays.
    Ukyou fumed as she glared out into the alley, then slowly calmed
down, "Well, it's not like the little pig's going to cause trouble any
time soon, the Dojo's just down the street.  By the time he finds it,
Ranma and Akane should be back." Ukyou went back inside, slamming the
door behind her.

    Ryoga ran down the street, shrugging his backpack back on.  Ranma
was a Girl now!  he thought, his feet barely touching the ground, Not
that he'd wish something like that to happen to his worst enemy...
well, okay, yes he did, and it had!  What perfect revenge!  And this
means... this means... Akane was Free!
    "I've got to get to the dojo, now is my chance!" Ryoga cried
out loud, "Oh Akane, now that you are free of his clutches... Hey!"
Ryoga slowed down, then stopped, looking around, "When did they put a
forest here?"

                *               *               *

    Akane stood outside the dressing room of the department store,
fidgeting as he waited for Ranma.
    The two of them had quickly found a clothing store, and had set
Akane up with several new outfits, but then he had surprised Ranma by
insisting they get clothes for her as well.  At first she had
complained rather loudly, saying that her chinese clothes were enough,
but had quieted when it had threatened to become an argument and set
off Akane's temper.
    The result was that Ranma was now in the dressing room trying on
several outfits and changes of lingerie, a variety of curses from
behind the door indicating her success as Akane waited outside.
    Dressed now in gray slacks and a denim dress shirt, Akane looked
exceedingly handsome, several other patrons having stopped to stare
already.
    Akane tried his best to look casual, but to be honest, he was
getting real nervous.  His hair felt funny, as it was now trimmed into
a man's style, shorter on the sides, the back layered.  His bangs
were still there, but now the part was down the middle.  Occasionally
he found himself touching it, still not sure what to think.
    Then there were the clothes.  To be honest, the only thing that
Akane was wearing right now that he was comfortable with were the
chinese slippers that Ranma had given him.  It felt odd to wear a
T-shirt instead of a bra under the dress shirt, the belt was sitting
funny on his hips, and although the boxers were alright, Ranma had
insisted that he get an athletic supporter.  To be honest, Akane
hadn't known these stupid things even existed, but Ranma had said he
would need them for sports or martial arts.
    "Yeah right," Akane muttered, trying to readjust his belt again,
"Ranma's probably getting back at me for something.  How you doing in
there, Ranma?"
    "Lousy, no good-- Augh! where does that go!?" was the muttered
response.
    Akane smiled and nodded as two young girls slowed down and tried
not to act like they were watching him, and Akane was sure that if he
looked he'd catch the saleslady looking again.  That's what was making
him really edgy.  Akane had gotten attention before as a girl (if you
wanted to call the hentai hordes of his sophomore year attention, that
is), but now it was the *girls* that were giving him the eye, and he
highly doubted his standard response of pounding the offender would go
over that good.
    Akane supposed he should be flattered, as he was a guy now, but
honestly, there was just no way that he could ever be attracted to a
girl.
    Akane smiled to himself, well, there *was* Ranma, but that was
different.  Besides, there was a lot to be attracted to with Ranma.
Akane flushed as he remembered how they had spent the last few nights,
a flush that quickly turned to one of embarrassment as his body started
to respond.
    "God, I'm turning into some sort of hentai," Akane muttered,
trying to act casual and hoping nobody noticed.
    "Can I help you with that?"
    "Excuse me?" Akane turned to the saleslady that had been staring
at him all morning, shocked.  Asking something like that in Public--!
    "The tie, sir, can I help you with that?" The saleslady clarified,
Akane looked down and saw that he'd picked up a tie from a display,
and was twineing it around his hand nervously.
    "Uh, no! No thank you," Akane smoothed the tie out and put it
back.  The saleslady shrugged and went back to what she was doing,
mainly, acting like she wasn't watching Akane.
    "If only she knew the truth," he muttered.  Then Ranma stepped
out of the dressing room.
    Akane smiled at Ranma, both because of her look of disdain, and at
what she wore.
    Ranma wore a simple long blue skirt and white blouse , with a
light tan vest.  Her hair, like Akane's, had been trimmed and was no
longer such a unruly mass, although the pigtail was still there.
Akane had tried to get Ranma to wear a little makeup, but she had
flatly refused, wanting to get used to the clothes first.
    Not that she needed it, Akane thought, she was very pretty, even
when she was grimacing.
    "You look very nice, Ranma," Akane told her, adjusting the vest.
    Ranma's scowl deepened, "Yeah, right," Ranma pulled at her
shoulders, then picked at the back of the skirt, "The skirt's making
my knees itch, it feels like I can't breathe, and this underwear is
crawling up my butt!"
    "You might have the bra too tight, but you'll get used to the rest
of it.  In a week you won't even know you have them on."
    "I don't even want to wear a bra, what if Happosai finds out?"
Ranma growled.
    "Hey, your going to need one now, besides, if I have to wear a
uhh... thing you said I have to, then you have to wear a bra," Akane
started to get embarrassed.  Then the saleslady walked up.
    "That looks very nice on you," She smiled at Ranma, then turned to
Akane, "Is there anything I can get for you, sir?"
    Akane waited for Ranma to answer, then realized the saleslady was
talking to him, "Oh!  uh, well, we have to get a few more things, is
it possible to get them sent to our room?"  Neither one of them
noticed Ranma glaring at the saleslady.
    "Of course... in care of... ?"
    "Ranma and Akane Tendo, in the Honeymoon suite," Ranma answered, a
bit too loudly, as she took Akane's hand.
    "Alright, take your purchases to the front desk, and we'll send
them out this afternoon," The Saleslady seemed disappointed for some
reason as she left for the front desk.
    Akane looked down at Ranma, who was looking at him oddly, "What?"
    "Nothing," Ranma said, stiffly walking back into the dressing room
to gather up her outfits.
    "Ranma, what is it?" Akane asked again as Ranma came out, "You act
like I did something to upset you."
    "Why would I be upset?"  Ranma asked questioningly, starting to
head up front.  She saw the two girls watching Akane with moonstruck
eyes and snarled at them, scaring them off.
    "Ranma!  What's wrong?"  Akane caught up to her, "I'd swear your
acting like your jealous or something!"
    "Now why would I do that?" Ranma said calmly, not looking at
Akane, "In order for me to be jealous, You'd have to do something for
me to be jealous of, but you haven't been doing that all morning, have
you?  Like I would care if you did."
    "Ranma!" Akane glared at Ranma, who looked up with questioning
eyes, "Honestly, your so infuriating at times!"

                *                *             *

    Kasumi hung the last bit of laundry up to dry in the afternoon
sun.
    Ever since they had returned, things had been relatively peaceful,
so to speak.  The number of fights had cut down dramatically, although
Kasumi suspected that would change when Akane and Ranma returned.
    Still, it was much easier to get the housework done without the
constant destruction, and it was much easier on everyone's nerves.
    Kasumi paused, and let a warm feeling of happiness seep through
her as she thought about her newly acquired younger brother and his
wife.  It was strange, even for this household, to be sure, but they
were finally married, and she could just imagine how well they were
getting along.
    Kasumi looked up to the sky wistfully.  With Akane and Ranma
married, and Nabiki returning to college soon, maybe it was now time
to start thinking about her own life...?  The sky seemed to twinkle in
response.
    The twinkle soon resolved itself into a form, which landed with a
thunderous splash into the carp pond.  At the porch, Soun and
Genma-panda looked up from their Go game (Soun using the distraction
to palm several of the panda's pieces) while Nabiki looked up from her
text book to see who it was.
    When a white duck bobbed to the surface, Nabiki started jumping up
in excitement.
    "Yes!  Yes!  That's 30,000 yen Hiroshi owes me!" Nabiki ran up the
stairs, "That with the money from Kuno and what I won at the wedding,
I'm set for the semester!  Yahoo!"
    Mu-Mu chan stepped out of the pond and shook himself off, then
picked up his glasses and put them back on, grumbling at the robes
that were settling at the bottom.  He *hated* when this happened, now
he had to get his clothes cleaned, and dry his weapons out so that
they didn't rust, those that could be salvaged, that was.  Dammit, and
he'd waited so long for the fragmentation pumpkin bombs, too...
    "Good afternoon, Mu-Mu chan," Kasumi said pleasantly, "What brings
you here today?" The fact that she was talking to a duck didn't seem
to bother her.
    Mu-Mu chan looked up at her, "Quack, Quack Quack, grrr" He said.
    "Oh my," Kasumi put her hand lightly to her cheek, "That's the
third time this week Shampoo's done that, isn't it?"
    "Quack..."
    "She's gotten very hostile since we returned, hasn't she?"
    "Quack..." Mu-Mu chan agreed dejectedly, his head hanging.
    "Well, I'm sure your luck will change soon," Kasumi knelt down and
petted the small feathered head, "I just hope she becomes reasonable
soon..."
    "Quack," Mu-Mu chan agreed.  Ever since he had told Shampoo and
the Old Ghoul about Ranma's wedding, things had definitely gotten bad
at the Neko-hanten.  While Cologne had gotten more introspective (or
withdrawn, he wasn't sure which), Shampoo was getting downright
violent, even moreso than Akane.  Mousse had tried several times over
the last few days to talk with her, to confide in her, even Confront
her, but every attempt ended like it had just now, with him being
thrown out.
    Frankly, Mousse was frustrated beyond reason, and his patience was
almost at an end.  He truly loved Shampoo, and he couldn't imagine
living without her, but he couldn't take this abuse much longer, and
if something didn't change soon, he was afraid he soon would be
without her.
    Mu-Mu chan let out a long sigh, then looked up at Kasumi, "Quack,
Quack Quack, Quack?" he asked.
    Kasumi smiled down kindly to him, "I'm sorry, but the water heater
is acting up again, the water for the bath won't be hot until later
this evening."
    "Quack..."
    "You're more than welcome to stay for dinner, Mu-Mu chan."
    "Quack?"
    "I was about to serve some iced tea, would you care to join me?"
    "Quack!  Quack!"
    "Your very welcome," Kasumi scooped up the duck, who found it hard
not to get comfortable in her motherly embrace, and walked into the
kitchen, sitting him down on the table as she gathered the tea set.


    Dinner was a mildly amusing affair.  The conversation was lively,
although the only one who seemed to be able to understand Mu-Mu chan
was Kasumi.  Still, it wasn't everyday that you saw a duck eating with
chopsticks, or fighting off a panda for stealing it's food.
    Still, Kasumi had to consider it a quiet night.  The company had
been pleasant, and at least they hadn't been interrupted by revenge
seeking martial artists, or magically charged elephants, or other
worldly invaders.  She looked down at Mu-Mu chan, who was walking down
the hall next to her.  Mousse was really a very nice gentleman, and

she was glad that he'd finally decided to get along with Ranma, they
would be such good friends.  She just hoped he could work his problems
out soon.
    Kasumi walked into the laundry room, holding the door open for
Mu-Mu chan, and walked up to a series of shelves labeled with various
names.  Various stacks of clothes were piled there.
    "Let's see... Shampoo (Her entire wardrobe must be here)... Ryoga
(I do wish he'd pick up his things instead of leaving them in the
pond, those backpacks are so heavy)... Ukyou (When did she fall in the
pond?)... Kuno (He'll have to talk to Nabiki about replacing those
pictures)... ah, Mousse."  Kasumi pulled down one of the outfits there
and a towel, "We had to store your equipment in the dojo, there was
just too much to bring into the house," she apologized.
    "Quack," Mu-Mu chan replied, as they left towards the bath.
    Half an hour later, Mousse walked back into the kitchen.
    "Thank you, Kasumi-san, for your hospitality," he said formally.
    "Your very welcome, Mousse," Kasumi smiled at him as she finished
the last of the dinner dishes, "I enjoyed your company."
    "I retrieved most of the outfits I have left here, to give you
more shelf space," Mousse shrugged, "I should also retrieve my weapons
as well."  He walked to the back door.
    "Mousse..." Mousse paused in the doorway at the serious tone in
Kasumi's voice, "What are you going to do if Shampoo won't calm down?"
    Mousse slowly looked over his shoulder, "Actually, Kasumi, I am
more worried about what Shampoo will do if she doesn't calm down."
    Mousse left.

                *               *               *

    Akane stormed into the hotel vestibule, followed by a quiet Ranma.
    She makes me so Crazy!  Akane thought, marching up to the
elevator, is she Trying to make me jealous?  he stabbed the door
button, cracking it.  Ranma walked up and stood behind him, downcast,
Honestly, flirting with that--that--Guy!  I'm Twice as good-looking as
he was... The door opened and they went in, Akane standing at the back
of the small room, not looking at Ranma.
    "Akane..."
    "I'm not talking to you, Ranma."
    Ranma paused, then shrugged.  "Good, then you won't interrupt me,"
she said, "Akane, I'm sorry I got you mad.  what I was doing wasn't
very nice."
    Huh?
    "Your right, I was flirting with that guy, I was trying to make
you jealous... but I was only doing it because of the way you were
acting at the store..." Ranma started shuffling her feet, she wasn't
any good at this apologizing stuff...
    Ranma started as Akane lifted her chin.  Akane looked into Ranma's
eyes, his expression searching.  "Is That what the problem was, love?"
Ranma nodded, "Ranma, I don't know why everyone was looking at me, but
I wasn't doing anything."
    "Are you saying that you weren't trying to make me jealous?" Ranma
asked him softly, starting to feel like an idiot.
    "No!" Akane smiled at her, if this was the problem...
    "But you weren't doing anything to discourage them..."
    "That's because they made me uncomfortable, I didn't know how to
handle it... " Akane thought for a moment, "But then you never did
anything to stop Shampoo either.  I guess I understand now, a bit."
    "So your not mad anymore?" Ranma asked.
    Akane smiled, "No, but I wish you had told me what was wrong
earlier.  We already went through this, it's You that I love, Ranma, I
always will, It's just that it's hard getting used to things as a guy.
Am I forgiven?"
    The elevator door opened then, "Well, I guess if you can forgive a
Pervert like me, I can forgive a Tomboy like you," Ranma took Akane by
the hand, "C'mon, let's go back to our room."

                *               *               *
                                            
    The early evening silence in the village was shattered as the
warning bell rang out.  Immediately everyone started looking around.
    Just as quickly they saw the problem.
    "Wild Boar!  Look out!  It's a Wild Boar!"
    The Boar barreled down the street, easily the size of a bear, a
destructive force of nature.  It trampled down market carts like rice
paper, and smashed through huts in it's rampage.  There was instant
chaos as the villagers tried to get to safety.
    "Clear the street!  Clear the street!"  the Bellman roared,
helpless to do anything else to stop the destruction, then he happened
to glance further up the street, and his heart stopped.
    A little girl, probably no older than five, tripped in the street
as she tried to get out of the boar's way.
    Time seemed to slow for the bellman, as he saw someone move, but
there was no way to keep the girl from being trampled.
    KaBlam!
    What?
    A eerie silence descended as the boar stood still in the road,
then, slowly, it toppled over, unconscious.
    Standing in the middle of the road was a large man, breathing
heavily.  Clad in jeans, T-shirt, and jean jacket with several
colorful patches, he wore his hair in a ponytail, and had a bone
choker around his throat.  Around his neck was a small pouch, while
what looked like a large mallet hung from a toolbelt around his waist.
A tremendous backpack was on the ground beside him.  In his left arm
was the small girl he had scooped up, while his right was still
extended from the blow he'd delivered.
    Hikaru slowed his breathing and swallowed a few times, then looked
at the child in his arms.
    "Are you okay, honey?" He asked, then hugged her to him when she
nodded, "That was too close."
    The villagers started to gather around Hikaru, who handed the girl
off to her mother.  The Bellman walked up, his face a mask of
disbelief, "Mister, that was incredible!  I haven't seen anything like
that-- well, in a few years, at least," he said, remembering a young
boy with a umbrella that had showed up a few years ago.
    "Do you get boars through here often?" Hikaru asked, picking his
pack back up.  "Actually, I was wondering if you could help me," he
handed the man a map, who took it with a strange sense of Deja vu,
"I'm looking for a place called the Tendo dojo, maybe you could help
me find it?"
    The Bellman looked at the map, and the deja vu grew.  "But, this
here's a map of Tokyo." he said.
    "Yeah, but I think it's a bit outdated," Hikaru agreed, "I didn't
know they put a park here."
    "But... this here's... Shichouku."
    Hikaru looked crestfallen, then took back the map.  That's what I
get for traveling during the day, he thought.  Although it wasn't as
bad as it used to be, ever since had learned to read a compass and to
navigate by the stars, his sense of direction still got him lost.  It
was useless to get mad about it, though, and he had been here to help
the little girl.
    "Sorry to bother you... " he mumbled in apology, then turned and
left.
    "Do you suppose he's one a' dem martial artists?" someone asked.
    "If he's anything like the last, I wonder when he'll be back," the
Bellman answered.

                *               *               *

    Akane dried the last dish off and set it on the counter, then
dried his hands with the towel.  Ranma had cooked again, so Akane had
insisted on cleaning up, chasing Ranma out of the kitchen.
    The two of them had actually had fun today, although they had
argued off and on but they had enjoyed themselves and had gotten some
things accomplished.  Besides, Akane was beginning to suspect that
they were arguing more for a need of security than anything else, a
need for something they were used to, why else would they always make
up so soon?
    Akane walked into the bedroom, glancing at several bundles that
were off to the side.  They had both bought several outfits, along
with other things, but would probably have to buy more when they got
home.  Then again, Kasumi had mentioned something about altering the
clothes they already had.
    Akane saw Ranma through the open balcony doors, and went to join
her.  Ranma had changed to a pair of sweats, and was currently sitting
on the railing watching the slowly darkening skies.
    Akane leaned across the railing next to her, not trusting the
balance of his new body enough yet to join her, and looked out across
the trees.
    "Yen for your thoughts," Ranma asked softly after a moment.
    "Just thinking about what we talked about earlier," Akane sighed.
    "What part?"
    "The part about us leaving early to see Dr. Tofu," Akane looked
over at his new wife, "Some of these changes really have me worried."
    Ranma nodded slowly, still looking at the sky, "We still have two
days here, we could spend tomorrow packing, and be back home by
tomorrow night, the next morning by the latest."
    "Do you... Do you think they could be life threatening?" Akane
asked.
    Ranma shrugged, "I don't know, love.  Dr. Foo said we were okay,
so until we talk to Dr. Tofu, let's just hope not and not worry about
it, okay?"
    They sat in silence for a few moments, then Akane stood and moved
behind Ranma, wrapping his arms around her.  Slowly he ran the tip of
his tongue up the ridge of her ear.
    Ranma shivered, then looked back at her husband.  "Akane--?"
    "Well, if we have only one more night here, it'd be a shame to
waste it," Akane whispered huskily, sending another shiver through
Ranma.
    "Yes, it would be a shame," she agreed, putting her arms around
Akane's neck and letting herself be carried back inside.

                *               *               *

    The young woman quietly turned the corner and continued down the
sidewalk, amazed at how pretty this new town was in the early evening
dusk.
    Although she still wasn't sure why her Grandfather had moved them
here.  It wasn't as if they had done badly in New Orleans, but to just
up and move to another country...
    Her thoughts were interrupted as a body was hurled out a door
further up the block from her to land in a lump on the street.  The
lump stood to reveal a tall young man about her age in long white
robes with long black hair and thick glasses.  He also looked to be
quite angry, and started to yell back through the doorway.  She wasn't
sure, but it didn't sound like Japanese.
    "<It's a fact, Shampoo!>" Mousse screamed at the doorway, pointing
a accusing finger at the figure within, "<Ranma and Akane are married
now!  There's nothing You can do about it but accept it!  The sooner
you do th-- Ouff!" Mousse was interrupted as a Bombori flew through
the door to smack him in the face, knocking him off his feet.
     "<SHUT UP, you stupid blind fool! There is no way I will accept
it!>"
    Mousse sat up, then staggered to his feet, holding his head,
"<Alright Shampoo, that was it! I challenge you -- oww!>"  This time
it was a water bucket that smacked him in the face, then it landed
over him as he became a duck once again.
    "<Go sleep in a pond!>" with that the door was slammed shut and
locked.
    The girl stared, wide eyed, down the street, both at the violence,
and at what had happened to the boy.  What sort of town did we move
to?  she thought.
    Mu-Mu chan threw the bucket off and shook himself out.  Dammit!
Twice in one day!  And Kasumi had ironed the robe for him, too... eh?
Mu-Mu chan looked up then and saw a strange girl walking towards him
slowly, her hand outstretched.  She was dressed in a white blouse and
green skirt, with a shawl around her shoulders.  From her left arm
hung a small basket, which he could see had what looked like
foodstuffs within.  Her skin was a smooth, dark caramel color, and her
dark hair was drawn back into a ponytail.  She was rather cute,
actually, Mu-Mu chan thought.
    As she got closer, she started clucking her tongue, then started
speaking in a language he'd never heard before.
    "<Here, Mister duck,>" She crooned in Cajun, "<Don't be afraid,
Shanna's not gonna hurt ya>" as she got closer, Shanna knelt in front
of him.
    Resigned, Mu-Mu chan sighed and allowed Shanna to reach out and
pet him.  This was one part of his curse he could do without, always
being taken home as someone's pet...
    Shanna quickly stuffed the clothes into her basket, then scooped
the duck into her arms.  This had all the earmarks of a spell,
Grandfather would know how to handle it.
    Before she got more than six blocks, however, four figures jumped
out of an alley.  All four of them wore blue closed neck suits, and
wore animal mask.
    Shanna immediately jumped back, oh god what's going on I've never
been in a fight before--!
    "Well, well, well... a girl and her duck, out for a walk," the cat
mask one purred.
    "We're just here to collect a donation, sister," the hoot owl
mask one hooted.
    "Yeah, so give us your purse!" the dog mask one barked.
    "Hey guys, don't that duck look familiar?" the pig masked one
squealed.
    Shanna backed up, only able to understand a smattering of what
they said, which scared her even more.  Mu-Mu chan, however, could.
Finally, a chance to work off some frustration, he thought as he
squirmed out of Shanna's grasp.
    Shanna gasped as the group in front of her exploded into
dustclouds and screams of pain.  After a few seconds, the cries
stopped, and when the dust settled, the four were piled on top of
each other, Mu-Mu chan sitting on top of them.
    "Quack." was all he said, feeling much better.
    Again, Shanna couldn't believe what she saw, what sort of person
was this duck?  she wondered.
    "<I hope your willing to explain, Mr. duck>" she said as she picked
Mu-Mu chan up again.  This time, Shanna got all the way home.
    Mu-Mu chan looked over the restaurant they were approaching.  It
had to be new, as the building had been closed when he went through
here last week.  The sign by the door read `Crawdad's', but it looked
like any of the other restaurants in the area from the outside.  Mu-Mu
chan just hoped she wasn't going to try and cook him, then wondered
what a crawdad was as they went inside.
    Mu-Mu chan was set down on top of a table as Shanna called out to
someone.  As he couldn't understand what was being said, he looked
around.  Although the building was the same generic type as the
Neko-hanten or Ucchan's, the decor was some sort of ocean theme, and
there was a lingering odor of fish and spices.  Nice place, as long as
they didn't try to serve duck...
    An older black man walked out of the kitchen, drying his hands on
his apron.  Apparently in his mid-fifties, Mu-Mu chan noted that his
color was darker than the girls.  He was dressed in a flannel shirt
that his barrel chest threatened to split with the sleeves rolled up,
and blue trousers.  His head was bald, although some white hair still
lingered at the sides, and he had a warm face which was used to
smiling.  He greeted Shanna in a voice that could shake the windows,
then listened to what she said.  Several times Shanna pointed back to
Mu-Mu chan, causing the man to raise a shaggy white eyebrow, then he
said one word that he did understand:
    "Jusenkyo"
    He said a few things to Shanna, who pulled Mousse's robes out from
her basket and placed them on the table, then left the room, confused.
The older man pulled up a chair and sat down across from Mu-Mu chan.
    "So, me little friend, I see `dat you went to Jusenkyo, haha," he
chuckled, speaking in Japanese, "Welcome to my home.  You can call me
Mr. LeBeau, an' you meet my granddaughter, Shanna.  No need to
introduce you self just yet, Shanna is getting a kettle now.  She tell
me that you helped take care o' some Idiots earlier, I thank you very
much."
    Mr. LeBeau continued to chit-chat, seeming only to need someone
there to listen, but Mu-Mu chan found him to be friendly enough.  He
found out that `Crawdad's' was something called a `Cajun' restaurant,
and that their opening had been four days ago.  Although they were off
to something of a slow start, the cuisine was already popular with the
customers.  After a few minutes, Shanna walked back in and set a tea
tray down, leaving at her Grandfather's insistence.
    Mr. LeBeau poured water into the three cups, then over the duck
after he hopped to the floor.  Mousse stood and quickly dressed.
    "Thank you sir for your kindness," Mousse bowed, "You may call me
Mousse."
    "Your quite welcome, Mousse, please sit," Mr. LeBeau smiled at
him.
    "Thank you, LeBeau-san," Mousse said as he sat, "If I may ask, how
do you know of Jusenkyo?"
    "In my family, we have studied what you know as magic.  For
generations, we listen to all `de tales we can," LeBeau frowned a
little at this, "sometimes, it cost us our lives.  `Dey be many
families like us, around world, who trade facts for facts," he
chuckled deeply, lightly slapping Mousse's arm, "Bet `dey love talk to
you, boy, HaHaHa!  but yes, I know of Jusenkyo, de tales and legends.
But I don't tink I know a cure, son."
    "I am not really concerned about a cure" Mousse said, sipping the
tea.  It tasted like... licorice?  "But I will admit, life would
certainly be more normal without the curses around here."
    Mr. LeBeau's eyebrows shot up, "Dey be more `dan you?  I would
like to hear."
    Mousse started to explain the last two years as best he could.
Partway through Shanna came back and joined them.  Occasionally, they
would stop him to ask questions, but for the most part let him talk.
When Mousse realized that Shanna spoke little Japanese, he switched to
English.  Mousse finished by telling them about the events of the last
month, and why they were causing him to be treated roughly.  When he
was done, several hours had passed.  Mr. LeBeau was looking at him
like a bear does a honeypot.
    Shanna looked at him like he had lost his mind.
    "...I just am worried about how this whole situation will explode,
I do not wish for Shampoo to be hurt, nor Akane and Ranma when they
return.  However, there most certainly will be a fight." Mousse
finished.  The frustration about not being able to change the
situation was evident in his voice.
    "From `de way you tell it Mousse, `dey is no way it won't come
down to one," Mr. LeBeau clamped him on the shoulder "Just try to do
`de best you can, `dat all you can do."  He looked over at his
granddaughter, and his features turned comptemplative.
    Mr. LeBeau looked back at Mousse, "Tell me, Mousse, do you have a
place to stay tonight?"
    Mousse looked down into his teacup, "I would probably not be
welcomed back to the Neko-hanten," he finally admitted, "And if I went
back, I probably would spend the night in a cage."
    "Shanna, go upstairs an' set up a cot for `de boy, it'd be wrong
ta send him back out tonight," Mr. LeBeau asked.
    "<Just what are you up to, Grandpapa?>" Shanna asked in Cajun, her
eyes narrowing.
    "<What's this?  Here I am, a frail old man who's only wish in his
last few years is to help other's in his own feeble way, and my
granddaughter accuses me of being up to something?>" Mr. LeBeau tried
his best to look hurt.
    Shanna simply kissed him on the cheek as she stood up, "<Feeble my
butt,>" she muttered to him, then turned and bowed uneasily to
Mousse, "Sayonara, Mousse-san, it be nice to meet you."
    "<It was a pleasure to meet you as well, LeBeau Shanna, sleep
good.>" Mousse answered in English, standing and bowing back.
    Mousse sat back down as Shanna left, "You have a very nice
granddaughter, LeBeau-san," he said.
    Mr. LeBeau's wide grin returned, "Fortunately, she get's her looks
from her mama, not me!" He chuckled at this a bit, then his face grew
serious.  "Mousse, you a Martial artist, no?"
    Mousse pushed his glasses back up his nose, "Yes sir, I am a
master of the hidden weapons style of martial arts, as well as the
avian fighting styles taught by my village.  Why do you ask?"
    "I ask `caus this old man would like to ask a favor o' you," he
refilled their cups, then continued.
    "Me an' my family, we live in `de bayou, collectin' tall tales,
but `de others `dere who do the job as good as me.  I come to Japan,
because we told `dat a chance to hear `dey tales are here, but it take
years to hear `dem all."
    "I am not sure I understand, do you want me to help you?" Although
many strange things came to Nerima, not many of them ever wanted to
talk.
    "No, not `dat," Mr. LeBeau shook his head, "I'm asking `bout
Shanna."
    "Now I am sure that I do not understand."
    "You see, `de people I met here, `dey good people, but most a'
`dem are older, my age" Mr. LeBeau pointed a thumb over his shoulder
toward the door Shanna had left through, "Shanna need be around one's
her own age, `ta make friends.  An' a know `dat `de Japanese no like
us Gaijen, an' `de young one's can be cruel, why you `tink dose
bullies try an' attack her.  Shanna be goin' ta school here to, and
she need `ta speak `da language better." He sipped his tea, then
continued.
    "I realize you not know us, an' you can say no if you want, but I
would ask if you be her friend.  Show her `round, help her out, make
her feel at home." He shrugged with his hands, "truth be told, I gonna
be busy wit dis' place, I not gonna have much time for her.  I not
askin' you to date her, jus' be nice,"
    Mousse thought for a moment.  It was true, he probably wouldn't be
spending as much time around the Neko-hanten anymore, although he
would still have to keep an eye out for trouble.  And before now the
closest thing he had to friends were the people who didn't beat him up
as badly.  The idea of a non-violent friend was appealing.
    "How do you know you can trust me?" Mousse asked, looking back at
Mr. LeBeau.
    Mr. LeBeau's face split into another grin. "Because o' dat
question right `dere, Mousse," he chuckled, "Is dat a yes?"
    Mousse grinned back at him, "It would be an honor to escort
Shanna-san, LeBeau-san."
    Mr. LeBeau stood and clapped him on the shoulder, "Ah, you make a'
old man happy, son," he looked at the time and saw how late it was,
"Come now, it time for bed, da' mornin' come way to early for dis' ol'
man," he lead Mousse upstairs, and to their guest room.
                                            
                *               *               *
                                            
    Akane stirred in his sleep, reaching over to curl up with Ranma,
his searching hand finding nothing.  Sleepy-eyed, he sat up and saw
that he was indeed alone.
    "Ranma?" he called out, more curious than worried, where was she?
    After a moment, a voice called back softly from the balcony, "I'm
out here, Akane."
    Akane pulled on a pair of boxers and silently padded onto the
balcony, the warm night air pleasant on his bare chest.  Although he
didn't notice, his movements had become more measured as he became
more used to the male body, and his steps where weighed for silence.
Akane walked up next to Ranma, who was sitting on the railing again, a
robe over her compact frame.  Akane noticed that she was looking up at
the stars, her fiery red hair loose and ruffled by a summer breeze.
    "What's wrong, Ranma?" he asked softly, placing a hand on her
shoulder.
    Ranma smiled, then after a moment looked at Akane, "Nothing's
wrong, love.  I just woke up and had a bad feeling, so I came out here
to think, that's all."
    Akane squeezed her shoulder, "Want to talk about it?"
    Ranma shrugged, looking back at the stars.  "It's just... a
feeling, like something's going to happen," she shivered as she
remembered the icy finger that had awakened her, "it wasn't real
definite, like we're about to be attacked, but I think something might
happen soon."
    Akane thought for a moment, "Could it be what's waiting back
home?" he asked.
    "It could," Ranma agreed, "I've felt this before, like when
Shampoo showed up, or sometimes when Ryoga comes to town," Ranma
smiled at her husband again, "Don't worry, we always handle it.  I'll
be back in in a few minutes."
    Akane kissed her lightly on the cheek, surprised that he didn't
have to stand on tip-toe, "Okay, but don't keep me waiting," he turned
and left.
    Ranma looked back out to the stars, trying to reach into herself,
to reach a meditative state.  However, it still eluded her.
    Meditation was one of the few things that her father hadn't
taught, preferring the more physical aspects of their art.  Are you
still there?  Ranma called out silently, not really expecting an
answer, then sighing when one did not come forth.  The dream she had
waken from had been odd.  In it, Ranma had been a guy again, and his
female form had appeared.  She didn't look happy, and had started to
say something, but then she had woken up, and now couldn't remember.
    However, Ranma had felt... something, a presence, maybe, and had
come out here to search for it.  Since she had felt the presence
within her, Ranma had thought meditating might help.  But it was
apparently a losing effort.
    Ranma hopped down and went back inside.  Well, I'm sure we can
handle anything that happens, but I'll tell Akane about it in the
morning anyway, she thought, pulling back the light sheet and climbing
into bed, it's probably nothing anyway, besides, there's nothing bad
that can happen, now that we're together.
    Ranma snuggled up to Akane, who immediately jumped out of the bed.
    "Auugh!  Where have you been?  Those things are cold!"  He yelped,
looking at her in surprise.
    "What?" Ranma sat back up.
    "Your hands are Freezing, Ranma!"
    "Well, don't you want to help me warm them up?" Ranma asked him.
    "Not when they're like ice!" Akane snapped.
    "Oh, really..." Ranma started mischievously.
    "Auugh!  Don't touch me!"  Akane ran from the room, a giggling
Ranma following with her cold hands on his bare back.
                                            
                *               *               *
                                            
                           Morning, China

    The Guide walked out of his cabin, puffing gently on his pipe, as
he watched the sunrise.
    As he looked across the valley, he noted how the early morning fog
over the springs gave the training grounds a eerie yet peaceful calm.
    The Guide smiled to himself, as if enjoying a private joke, as
the fog lifted, revealing a quintet of deer by the far edge of the
springs.  Startled, they bolted, leaping in graceful bounds.  one of
them, however, stumbled, and plowed headlong into one of the pools.
    "Oh no!  Little Deer!" The Guide called out, "How terrible!  You
fall in... fell in... " Actually, he wasn't sure *what* spring the
deer had fallen in, it was one of the few that wasn't cataloged.
    The Guide started to rapidly make his way out to the spring,
making sure to avoid falling in with a ease born of practice.  About
fifty meters from the pool, a figure burst forth, gasping for air,
then collapsed by the side.
    The Guide's eyes grew wide with surprise, then he was at the pool.
He rolled the figure over, it was a young man!  So, this was a
personality pool, he thought as he checked the cursed deer over.  It
was now a young man, slim of build, and appeared to be occidental.
His hair was black, with some gray at the sides.  His brown eyes
looked up blankly in shock and confusion.
    "Oh, do not worry, little deer," the Guide shushed, "I take care
of you, I can fix"  He had to get him back to the cabin and doused
with hot water, before he had a heart attack or went into shock, then
he could take him to the drowned deer pool and turn him back to
normal.  Picking him up in a fireman's carry, the Guide made it back
to the cabin.
    The Guide quickly put the cursed deer on his bed and wrapped him
up in a blanket, then filled the tea kettle with water, setting it on
the woodburning stove.
    As the Guide fanned the still hot embers within the stove, he
could feel the eyes of the cursed deer on him.  Glancing up, he
smiled kindly, but found the gaze unnerving.  The cursed deer slowly
sat up, looking around wide-eyed.  The Guide smiled again, then turned
back to the stove, throwing in a few small logs.  This wasn't the
first time something like this had happened, and his heart broke for
these poor creatures every time that it did.  They usually acted
like this, scared and cowering, unless you counted the time that
Raccoon fell into the Niu-hoo-man-mao-ren-nii chuan--*
    That was when the hand grabbed him by the throat.
    With a surprised grunt, the Guide was picked up and shoved hard
against the wall, knocking a row of shelves down.  Looking down, he
saw the strange man looking calmly at him, holding him against the
wall with no apparent effort, choking the breath out of him.  The
Guide's feet were a good ten inches from the floor.  The man looked
around again, then looked the Guide in the eyes.  The unholy light he
saw there made the Guide afraid for his life.
    "So, this is Jusenkyo," the man asked in perfect Chinese, his
voice cold as ice, "Tell me, has as much time passed as it seem's?"
    "I -- Don't know--" was all the Guide could get out, strangling.
    The man scowled, then brought up his left hand to the Guide's
temple.
    Agony, like a hundred white hot daggers, bore through the Guide's
brain.  Screaming, he felt his mind sifted through, like a overfull
trashcan, it was gone through, the bits read, then tossed back in.
With a white flash, the Guide found himself on the floor, gagging and
retching.
    The man turned and walked over to the Guide's closet, rummaging
through it until he found a pair of camouflage fatigues.  As they were
overly large, he tied the waist off with rope, then did the same for
the wrist and ankles.
    "So, the Tiger and the Crane are free again," he growled to the
Guide, who was just now getting his throat unknotted and gasping for
breath, "Finally, after all these centuries, the ritual can be
completed."  He found no shoes that fit, but he could do without.
    He noticed that the Guide was now trying to get to his feet.
Unlike what people had thought all those years ago, he didn't kill
needlessly, even if there was a certain joy to it.  It simply was a
waste of energy to use the higher spells on one person.  Besides, the
fool had been somewhat useful...
    "Sleep."  Instantly the Guide slumped over, unconscious.
    He walked out of the cabin and looked around.  Time.  He needed
time.  All of his books were gone, and some of the spells had to be
relearned.  But most importantly, the spells for the ritual had to be
rediscovered.  If they had to be relearned from scratch, it could be
difficult.  He needed a place where he could get equipment, supplies,
and muscle...
    It was then that he saw the smoke plumes rising up from the
surrounding mountains, and smiled.
    So, the Amazon village was still around... good.  It had been
awhile since he'd... visited them.  But first, he had some other
business to take care of.
    Walking carefully, he made his way back to the pool of drowned
Wizard, and jumped in a second time.

end part two

 *Niu-hoo-man-mao-ren-nii chuan : Spring of drowned
Yeti/Bull/Crane/Eel, famous for making Pantyhose Tarou the man he's
not today ;-)



Author's notes:  Okay, this took a little longer than I thought, but I
got the second part done!  I want to thank Peter Schell and Ronald
Chan both for their proofreading and their C&C, which I think helped
greatly in this.  Hopefully, part three will not take as long,
although it won't be until after Christmas at least `til I start
typing it.

I now have my own E-mail address! So you can now send  your caustic 
comments, racious remarks, noxious notes, and original observations
to:
    Ridgewolfe@evnet.com

    Any and all fanmail and C&C will be read and appreciated, and I 
do ask that you send it, C&C is one of the best tools for improving
one's writing skills

Sayonara!
Ridgewolfe
              
		  *               *               *

    "And remember, my fast friend, these outfits we wear are just
another suit of clothes, NOT another man." - Nightshade