>From :- Shard@hotmail.com

Three Husbands and a Bride

A fanfic from the world of Ranma 1/2
Copyright Rumiko Takahashi
and VIZ Communications

This my first Fanfic so be gentle.  My thanks 
to the writers at www.tass.org who have led
me to attempt this endeavor. 

Part three:- Phase One

"Did you have to hit him so hard, Nabiki? I mean he was only there to get 
you for breakfast."  Akane stopped as Nabiki glared nastily at her.  She was 
surprised at the emotion that her elder sister was exhibiting.  While Akane 
always knew that her sister had a sensitive side, seeing Nabiki without her 
calm demeanour was unnerving.  She was the violent one of the family.  
Nabiki usually showed her irritation in more subtle ways.  Often more 
painful than physical punishments.  

'But what she did to Ranma this morning came very close.' Akane shuddered 
as she remembered prying Ranma out of the wall.  Nabiki had really put an 
effort in those slaps.  While she could admire how Nabiki had struck Ranma.  
Akane was worried at what was happening to the family.  

It had started yesterday.  

					*

Akane was angry at Ranma.  The usual situation at the Tendo Dojo.  She was 
behind the house indulging in her favourite pastime.  Ranma bashing.  

At least in effigy.  

"Ranma no baka!" she shouted.  Kicking the dummy.  Which looked a 
lot like Ranma.  

"Baka Baka Baka Baka Baka Baka Baka Baka Baka Baka." she continued.  
Each utterance of baka was accompanied by a kick.  The dummy soon 
looked very beat in.  As she was about to end the session by smashing the 
training dummy to the Americas.  Akane heard a voice, 

"Ouch.  I had no idea this meant so much to you."

Spinning around, Akane saw Ranma perched on the roof of the Dojo,  
with an unusually serious expression on his face.  Before she could reply 
Ranma jumped down and walked over to her.  

"Akane," he began, "I'm sorry if I did not realise that those brownies 
were your cooking.  They tasted so good and I was not expecting you 
to cook again after the tea incident."  

Seeing Akane's face darken Ranma hurried on.  

"Akane, you don't have to go to such lengths to prove your worth.  I 
already know who you are.  You are kind, tender and passionate about 
what you believe in."  Grinning Ranma sniped, "At least when you stop 
being a violent maniac.  But, I'll wait until the tantrums pass to see the 
true Akane.  The uncute, macho girl who stole my heart."

Faltering for a moment.  Ranma pauses to catch himself.  Akane who 
was in the process of pulling out a huge mallet, loses concentration and 
just stares at Ranma.  Ranma noticing that he was not being plastered 
by a mallet continued his speech.  

"Akane, I guess what I am trying to say is that I love you.  I would have 
married you, even if we were not bound by our father's arrangements.  
Akane.....Akane?"

Ranma stopped as he saw Akane frozen in place.  Waving his hand in 
front her face he tried to get some reaction.  

"Akane snap out it.  Wake up, you uncute tomboy!" rapping his 
knuckles on her forehead.  

"She's in shock." an awed voice commented.  As Ranma only got a 
clunking sound in return.

Ranma then noticed the entire family crowded in the doorway of the Dojo, 
observing the events.  Kasumi was smiling at the couple with tears in her 
eyes, Nabiki was consulting a large betting sheet.  Marking the date and the
person's name who won the Family betting pool for Ranma's declaration 
of love, Nodoka beamed at her son.  

Pride was plain on her face at her son's manly behaviour.  Finally, Genma 
and Soun were crying together and waving encouragement signs and fans 
with the logo {Go Ranma!!}  

While Ranma's eyes bugged out, the family streamed from the house.  The 
men surrounded Ranma, while the women went to Akane.  

"I am so happy."  Soun bubbled, "I am glad I will see you two married soon.  
Look at my daughter, overcome with joy."  [Pointing towards Akane.]

Over on the other side the women tried to congratulate Akane.  However, the 
initial excitement quickly died down as they realised she was showing no 
reaction whatsoever.  They began to try to snap Akane out of her stupor.  As 
the sound of slapping came from their direction.  Soun continued.  

"I still have that surprise for you.  Everything will be perfect."  Flashback:-

[Soun Tendo stumbled into his room.  Still reeling from the announcement 
that Nodoka had made during the wedding day.  Going to his closet the head 
of the Tendo household opened a secret compartment to reveal several bottles 
labeled {Spring of Drowned man water}.  He had expected that the events of 
the bachelor party or something equally as bad would happen and had prepared.  

'What am I going to do with all this water? After all the trouble I went to get this 
cure, that ingrate Genma spoils my surprise for Ranma and my little girl.  No 
one gets this until Ranma gets married.' Soun decided.  Thanks to his efforts 
to get the cure, he now had to be wary of cold water, just like the rest of the 
men of the Dojo.  Worse yet, there was no spring of normal middle-aged man.  
Leaving him stuck in this situation. ]

Ranma seeing Soun's eyes glaze over with joy muttered, "Not this again.  
I thought he finished with that after the wedding."  Before he could continue, 
he was slapped heartily on the back by his Father.  With a huge grin Genma 
Saotome boomed, "A stroke a genius, my son.  Now your mother will not 
look upon my activities with such scrutiny.  She has seen that you are a 
manly man.  It's ...its all so sweet!!!" Ranma's father began to cry tears of joy.  

Ranma did not know if he could survive much more of such 'congratulations'.   
Fortunately, the women came over carrying Akane.  "I think she has gone 
into a coma."  Nodoka stated, casting a nervous glance at Akane.  Then she 
smiled at Ranma and hugged him.  

"To think that my son can inspire such a reaction in his beloved."

Ranma hearing this, ran over to Akane and finding that it was true, disappeared.  

Doctor Ono Tofu was not surprised to hear Ranma at his door.  It was now 
quite natural for him to patch Ranma upon a regular basis.  Ranma was in effect, 
a danger magnet and thus a definite repeat customer.  As evidenced by the 
fact that over the past few years Ranma had seen more of the doctor's than 
any other three customers combined.  Akane included.  

Nabiki arranged for special rates for Ranma under the Frequently In 
Danger plan.  This allowed Ranma to get the same medical benefits Akane 
had at the same low price.  Wondering what shiatsu technique he would 
have to use on Ranma this time, Doctor Tofu opened the door.  

Ranma seeing the doctor open the door, grabbed him and streaked towards 
the Dojo, for five feet.  Feeling several prods Ranma instantly froze on 
the road.  His body refusing to move, as Doctor Tofu brushed himself off, 
looked at his abductor and asked, 

"Ranma? What is so important that you need to kidnap me?"  

Hearing grunts in reply, the doctor pushed the pressure points that allowed 
Ranma to speak.  Hearing that Akane was in a coma was enough for 
Tofu-sensei to unfreeze Ranma and continue towards the Tendo Dojo.  

As the pair arrived, the doctor noticed Soun crying at what had happened 
to his baby.  On seeing that Ranma had returned with the doctor.  Kasumi said, 

"Oh doctor, I see Ranma has brought you.  I just tried to call your 
clinic.  Can you help Akane?"

While Doctor Tofu's braincells fused whenever he saw Kasumi, with 
a patient in a coma he was able to answer.  

"I will have to examine her, Kasumi.  Could I get some room to work, 
please?"  

Missing Kasumi's admiring gaze at how he was behaving, Doctor 
Tofu began to check Akane.  After a through examination he turned 
away from his patient looked at the household with a puzzled expression.  

"Though she is perfectly healthy, she has suffered a great systems shock.  
While I am not sure, I think it was caused by a great emotional response.  
Do you have any idea what could have caused this?"

Ranma sidled over to the doctor and whispered the entire sequence of 
events to him.  Doctor Tofu donned a wide smile and whispered the cure 
to Ranma.  

Ranma was shocked that it could be so easy.  "Are you sure?" he inquired.  
Seeing the doctor nod Ranma bent down to the floor and picking up Akane 
passionately kissed her.  The entire room seemed to shake and the family's 
members gaped.  Akane began developing a nosebleed and woke up to 
Ranma kissing her, she automatically slapped him to the floor.  Then 
immediately gasped,  

"Wait! I didn't mean that.  It was only a reflex action." and rushed over to 
Ranma who was recovering from both the kiss and the slap.  

Seeing that the situation was somewhat coming back to normal.  Doctor 
Tofu began preparing to leave.  Saddened that he could not express his 
feelings so easily.  He was surprised when he was intercepted by Kasumi 
at the door.  

"Doctor, thank you for helping my sister.  Nothing I tried would work.  I 
never thought that method could bring Akane out of her coma. I would like 
to work with you and improve my healing skills. As Aunt Saotome is here, 
I finally have the time.  I have never seen you this way before.  Perhaps we 
could go out soon."  completing this speech she smiled.  

Doctor Tofu's braincells which had given a valiant effort to retain coherent 
thought, surrendered under this onslaught.  He stiffened and beginning to 
giggle stumbled out of the Tendo home (tripping over various objects on 
his way out)  Kasumi sighed and hoped that he would not behave like this 
when she came over to study medicine with him.  As she saw the doctor 
dance down the road, singing and occasionally crashing into telephone 
poles.  

Nodoka overheard the conversation and seeing their reactions decided that 
she had better have a talk with the good doctor, before he wasted this 
chance for both of them.  Kasumi had devoted her all life to her family since 
her mother died.  She had given up her cherished dreams to keep the Tendo 
family together.  She deserved a chance for her own happiness.  

The doctor was obviously in love with her, but was too shy to make a move.  
They needed time to get to know each other.  This was why Nodoka 
volunteered to take over the household duties.  'Genma had better look out, 
Nodoka Saotome is now mistress of  the Tendo Dojo.' she thought.  

On the other side of the room Genma had a premonition of doom and 
sighed.  He sensed that his days of freedom were truly over.  

Akane having apologised to Ranma, hugged him and murmured, 

"I love you too, baka."  Then she increased her volume and asked,  
"How is it that you are able to tell me this now? I mean, every time you have 
tried before, you either wimped out or something happened to stop you."

"Yes.  We would all like to know why you are suddenly acting so romantic." 
Nabiki asked.  While thinking, 'I definitely want to know who caused me to 
lose so much yen to Aunt Nodoka.  I hate losing.'

The rest of the household (except Nodoka) just wanted to send 'thank you' 
notes to the person who could get Ranma to express his feelings.   Nodoka 
not having seen Ranma agonise over his decision over the years thought his 
behaviour quite natural.  

"It all started this evening after Akane sent me out of the house........" 

Ranma began to relate the days events.  As the story unfolded, Nabiki 
frowned at some of the details, but the rest of the family was happy to hear 
how Ranma got his resolve. 

 ".....So after I reached Furinkan I realised how I had to resolve matters.  
Then I went by  doc Tofu to get some hot water  and went to talk to Akane."  

As he finished his story Nabiki asked,

"Why did that priest take so long to lead you back to Furinkan High School? 
I mean, I recognise the area and it should have been very easy for you 
both to reach Nerima."

Ranma frowned, then nodded and replied, "But then we would not have 
talked.  I realise now that he was making time for us to talk.  Without that 
conversation, I would not have had any idea to sort out this mess."

Akane asked, "And that is?"

"Marry off my other fiancees!" Ranma shouted.  Everyone facefaults 
excepts Nodoka who smiles.  

Akane who recovers first croaks, "What do you mean by that?" while 
giving Ranma a dirty look.  

Ranma caught up in his idea, misses this and exults, 

"I mean if I told all of them that I only wanted Akane.  They would have 
schemed to break up our wedding and failing that, our marriage.  Plus in 
many cases, in addition to love they have an obligation to marry me.  
Either by arrangement, [Everyone frowns at Genma who cringes and 
tries to hide], by laws [Ranma groans at the thought of finding someone 
to beat Shampoo. 'I wonder if I could teach Mousse some techniques?' ] 
or by sheer determination." 
[Everyone shudders at the thought of Kodachi being jilted and her 
immediate reaction.]

"The only solution is for them to have their own relationships and 
voluntarily releasing me from any pacts with them.  Then Akane and I 
can be married in peace.  Well, relative peace anyway." 

Ranma seeing Akane take that last phrase badly bolts as Akane pulls out a 
mallet.  "Come back here and explain that last comment!" she shouts 
running after Ranma swinging the mallet.  

Nodoka was crying at the manly actions of her son.  She announced, 

"He is such a manly man.  To care about the needs of others before 
seeking his own happiness.  While I would not suggested such a 
difficult path, it is the most honorable course of action.  I am so proud." 

{An image forms behind her back of Ranma in a noble pose, with battle 
flags with the Saotome crest on them flown from nearby buildings.  
Giving the scene a stunning visual effect.}  

Sounds of someone being caught and being malleted were then heard 
outside.  This snapped Nodoka out of her reverie and she hurried outside 
saying, 

"I had better stop Akane from beating Ranma too badly.  She must work 
on controlling temper, I can see why the others believe they have good 
chances of winning Ranma from her."  Raising her voice she shouts, 

"Akane stop that....."

Inside the Dojo, everyone else facefaults again.  

					*

'Now this morning's scene with Nabiki.  What next?' Akane wondered.  

					*

"Foul wizard Saotome!"  Kuno shouted, "For the Kuno family pride.  I 
will avenge the dishonor that you have scarred across my good name.  
Prepare yourself !!" 

"Again? Couldn't we settle this in another manner.  Tiddlywinks, perhaps?"  
Ranma groaned.  He was in no mood to take Kuno's antics this morning.  

"No.  Honor demands that I best you in the manner in which I have been 
defeated."  Kuno snarled.  

Oh well he had tried.  Ranma leaped at Kuno.  'Best if I ended this quickly. 
I should use the Teshin Amaguiken.' Ranma decided in mid-leap.  As he 
began to perform the move and shouted "TESHIN AMAGUIKEN!"  
Kuno's bokken blurred in his hands giving the appearance of the flutter of 
 the wings of a dragonfly, Ranma suddenly found that each strike was being 
countered by the upperclassman's spinning bokken and one of his favourite 
moves no longer worked on the Kendoist.  

"What? How did you.." Ranma began.  

"Impressed by my new move?" Kuno stated, "It is called the dragonfly 
stroke.  It has taken me weeks of training to learn."  As the combatants 
squared off.  The bell rang.  

"Until lunch time, Villain." Kuno shouted as he withdrew.  As the Kendoist 
departed Ranma looked at the puzzled crowd and said,  "Well I better get to 
class.  Let's go Akane."  Grabbing Akane from the crowd Ranma sprinted to class.  

Behind them the crowd murmured in disbelief and shock.  Kuno had not 
bitten the dust that morning.  Was Saotome getting soft or ....  

"Wait a minute."  One of the crowd realised.  "We are late for class."  

As the everyone else realised this.  There was a great scream and a stampede 
to classes.  Unfortunately, they were late and as a result a record number 
of students had to stand in the hall. 

(They ran out of buckets of water for the students to hold.)

As she listened to the teacher drone about outdated management techniques.  
Nabiki remembered noted the change in Kuno's daily address to Ranma.  
He was really trying to change.  

'I wonder if he really meant what he said this morning.'  

A few seats away, Tatewaki Kuno was exultant.  By finally deciding to 
properly use the family scrolls had brought him the best encounter with 
Saotome yet.  They had fought and he had not been beaten.  All this 
without terrible side effects.  [He still had a problem with watermelons]  
Looking around to remember this joyous day Kuno saw Nabiki.  He 
stopped looking and stared at his classmate, entranced by  her features.  

To think such a treasure next to him and he had not noticed.  [not that 
the rest of the school was surprised] 'I must ask her permission to court.'
Kuno thought as a familiar gleam entered his eyes.  

At lunch time Nabiki was at a table with some friends.  She was conducting 
business with various students, while the rest of them had lunch.  As she 
sold some more pictures of Ranma-chan.  She heard Kuno ahem.  
Turning around she saw Kuno in the school uniform with a set of roses 
in his left hand and a thick wad of Yen in his right.  

"So Kuno," she started.  "Have you come to pay for some more pictures? 
Right off the press."

Smiling Kuno replied, "I am not here for that for that sole reason, but I 
will purchase those images of my loves."  

Holding up an envelope Nabiki bid.  "10,000Yen."  Kuno pays.  
As Nabiki begins to count the Yen she notices that he has not opened 
the envelope.  Also there was some extra Yen in the wad she had received.  

"So aren't you going to check those pictures out?  And when are you going
 to give those to Akane?" She asked, pointing to the roses.  

"Nay, Nabiki Tendo, these roses are for you.  As is the extra yen, as we 
agreed in your room this morning."  Kuno stated in a prim voice.  Ignoring 
the spitting and choking sounds made by Nabiki's friends he continued.  

"I have to apologise for any problems this may cause, but may I have 
your permission to seek your favour?"  

"That's strange, asking to court her when you have already been in her room." 
One of the girls wheezed while trying to regain her breath.  The rest would 
have joined in, but an icy glare from Nabiki froze them in their places.  
Turning to the upperclassman she blushed and answered, 

"I have to think this over.  This is very sudden and remember I don't deal in 
my room in the morning.  See me later."

"Of course my black haired enchantress.  Such a decision should not be made 
lightly.  Excuse me, I must go to crush that worm Saotome."  As he departed 
he called over his shoulder.  "I do not need to view them.  They were bought 
from you."

Nabiki stared at the departing form of the kendoist.  Hearing a noise behind 
her.  She turned to face the surprised faces of her friends and stated in a 
quiet tone. "Nothing happened."  With that she left the frozen figures behind.  
The gossips who noticed these events ran over to defrost the hapless girls 
while asking for details.  

Ranma was eating his lunch with Akane near a tree in the schoolyard.  When, 

"Saotome!! It is time for our reckoning." boomed Kuno.  Ranma finished his 
lunch he stood up and shouted back, "I have been looking forward to it all day,   
Kuno.  Let's finish this."

"Indeed." Kuno stated, coming into sight.  In the background the usual 
crowd gathered with Nabiki taking bets as usual.  However, she cast glances 
at both of the combatants hoping they would not hurt themselves too badly.  
It never paid for those two to hurt each other too badly.  These daily bets 
were a gold mine.  

Meanwhile, Kuno and Ranma were facing off in the yard.  Ranma had 
again tried to hit Kuno with the Teshin Amaguiken to test if this morning 
was just a unlucky event.  Kuno shimmering bokken blocked the attack and 
began his counterattack, incorporating several new moves to claim his first
true victory over the despicable Saotome. 

 Only Ranma's speed allowed him to dodge the slashes of Kuno's bokken and 
avoid serious damage.  As Kuno put out the most decent showing of his Kendo
skills yet.  

Then, "An opening!!" Kuno shouted and crying "Migi-do!!" struck Ranma 
(with a modified kesagake motion) on his ribs.  As the crowd cried out in 
disbelief at this.  Ranma merely scowled and quickly recovering from the 
injury, swept under the Upperclassman's following slash and pulled the 
bokken out of the surprised kendoist hands, took out the upperclassman 
with a combination of solid punches.  As Kuno fell to the ground.  Ranma 
muttered, "I had to use a really serious technique to beat him.  How is he 
improving so quickly?"

Nabiki was thinking the same thing as she collected her winnings from 
various people in the crowd.  If Kuno was improving both physically and 
mentally, he may be worth going out with.  'But I had better find out 
how he is improving himself.  After all, Happosai is a pervert but he is 
also one of the most powerful Martial Artists I know of.  Kuno may be 
taking lessons from him or may be doing something even worse to 
gain power.  Only one way to be sure.'  Nabiki decided.

Walking over to the comatose student Nabiki picked up Kuno and began 
to take him to the nurses office.   As she dragged him off she was heard 
saying, 

"Kuno baby, we have to talk....."

					*

Ukyo had just left school and was on her way to Ucchan's.  Hoping to 
catch Ranma on his way home and maybe be able to dispose of Akane 
Tendo while she was at it.  Nodding to Konatsu as she walked in she 
changed to her standard clothes and went out to see if she could spot 
Ranma on his way home.  

It was harder to catch Ranma these days.  It had been so easy before, 
now she could not even track the couple down.  It was as if they 
knew where she was and were avoiding her.  Ukyo discounted this as 
being very unlikely.  But in this case her instincts were right as the 
lamppost twenty meters behind her grew legs and began tailing her, 
hiding whenever she might look around.  

The lamppost was of course Tsubasa.  The resident master of disguise, 
in addition to his usual garb was wearing a headset.  Much like those 
used by telephone operators.  As Ukyo moved towards her ambush 
position Tsubasa spoke into his microphone.  

"This is 'lamp' to 'Rei'.  Target is at tea shop near doctor.  Target is 
setting up ambush position.  Take alternative route 12.  Over."  

As people noticed this unlamplike behaviour, a few of them began to point 
at and discuss such an odd sight.  

Ranma a few blocks away was wearing a similar headset and was replying 
to Tsubasa's message.  

"Route 12? Okay Tsubasa, I read you loud and clear.  By the way, stop 
using those stupid code names!!"  

People were also looking at Ranma strangely, but recognising who it was 
wisely said nothing and contented themselves with merely staring at him.  
Akane noticed the stares and observing Ranma, realised how ridiculous he 
looked.  She began to bite her lip to stop herself from giggling.  

"No can do, Rei.  If I start using your real name near Ukyo, we may as 
well give up.  She would become very suspicious if she heard your name 
spoken and you supposed to end each message with the word over.  Over."  

"If you say so.  But I still think that its silly to give out these names.  I 
mean, Rei and Anna?  I know....  I know.  You said that already.  
Alright I'm signing off, bye.  I mean over."   

Ranma took off the headset and frowned at it.  

"I know he is helping us, but no way is that creep going to marry Ukyo.  I 
mean he looks ridiculous.  Dressing up like a girl.  How does he hope to 
win her?"  Glancing at Akane, he stopped his speech. 

"Are you okay? You look cons.. uhh .. like you have an upset stomach.  
Look why don't we go to doctor Tofu." Ranma paused as he remembered 
who gave him lunch that morning.  "Wait Kasumi's there.  Let's go home 
instead.  I'm sure mom can patch you up.  I better let Nabiki know we're 
on our way."   Putting the headset back on Ranma broadcast.

"Hello Nabiki? Its me Ranma...."

This was too much.  Akane began to laugh.  

					*

"Baka."   Tsubasa muttered as he took off his headset.  

The observers had gathered around the post, wondering if this was some 
television or Radio gimmick.  Many of them were not residents to this 
area.  (As this was very routine to Nerima residents) Seeing the crowd 
and realising the problems this would cause trying to spy on his love.  
Tsubasa resumed his role as a lamppost.  

'This kind of attention is never healthy.' he thought sagely, as the crowd 
tried to dig him out of his disguise.  

Ukyo turned around as she heard the sounds of cheering.  She saw a large 
crowd cheering at a nearby lamppost with several spectators inspecting 
it, often with loud banging sounds.  'These people are weird.' she thought.  
'What was so amazing about a lamppost? Strange even for Nerima.'

An alarm bell sounded off in her mind.  As realisation was about to hit her, 
it was derailed by a voice crying, 

"Help!! Kidnapping! Let go of me, you strange bimbo.  I could really do 
with some assistance here.."

This was addressed to the crowd.  But as they were still cheering at the 
lamppost only Ukyo heard the voice of a young girl.  She was dressed in 
a elementary school uniform.  She also was carrying an black attache case, 
giving her a very cute look.  This effect was spoiled by Azusa Shiratori 
who had grabbed the girl in a tight hug and was trying to drag her new 
prize home.  

"Little Janelle!!" Azusa bubbled, "I found you.  Now I will take you 
home and we will play dress up with all my other friends.  You'll love it."

The child only increased the volume of her cries for help.  Until Azusa 
bonked her on the head, knocking her out.  Securing her prize Azusa 
began to return home.  Only to find her way blocked by a combat spatula 
with a very annoyed Ukyo at the other end.  

"I have heard of you, Azusa Shiratori.  But I had no idea that your mania 
for taking objects as your own had spread to people.  I do not think that 
that girl wanted to go home with you.  Let her go."

"Widdle Azusa is not going to let anyone take  Janelle away from her.  
She is mine.  Don't worry Janelle, mommy will not allow that rotten girl 
to take you." She addressed the comatose girl.  

"We'll see about that...." Ukyo growled.  Hefting her spatula.  A battle 
aura flaring around her.  

A giant splatting sound was then heard followed by several thunks.  
This distracted the lamppost crowd who observed Ukyo carrying the 
unconscious child towards Ucchan's.  Behind her Azusa was plastered 
on the wall of a nearby house in the same manner as pinned butterfly, 
(albeit a squashed butterfly) with spatulas acting as pins.  

"Do you think we should bring her down from there?" A man asked his 
friend.  

Hearing Azusa groan as she woke up, the other man considered.  

"No way.  I think letting her stay up there is a better option.  Do you 
remember the time we lost our clothes when she thought they were cute? 
I was the laughingstock of the neighbourhood."  He replied.  

"That was her? I thought you said they were taken by a gang of toughs."

"Did you expect me to say they were stolen by a young girl who names 
her stuff? Anyway, she is as dangerous as a gang of toughs.  That is one
 psycho chick.  I want to be far away when she is removed from that wall.  
I have no intention of going through Tokyo clad only in my underwear again."  

"Hmm... let's split.  You weren't the only one who had to travel like that.  
Remember?"  

With that the two men left the scene.  Many of the crowd did the same.  As 
a lot of them had many of their possessions stolen by the collector of cute.  
Soon the area was deserted with only Azusa and Tsubasa remaining.  
Azusa woke up to find herself on the wall.  She cried, 

"I will have you Janelle!!!!" 

 Then promptly forgot about what she was saying as she noticed the spatulas.  

"Oh! What cute spatulas and so shiny, let mommy take you home!"  

[You had to get your power from any source.  Right?]

Tsubasa lamppost shuddered and the battered transvestite in a stylish outfit 
fell out and collapsed on the road.  "Last time I use a lamppost as a 
reporting post on this street." he groaned,  "Those people would not just 
give up banging on my disguise.  I'll stick to mailboxes.  At least they have 
a stronger steel shell to take that kind of damage and people respect the 
postal service too much to damage one."

He then looked towards Ukyo's restaurant and its decor.  A wide smile 
spread across his face and he declared.  

"Ah my Ukyo, the things I do for your love."  

Tsubasa had been contracted by Nabiki weeks ago as he learned that Ranma 
was no longer interested in Ukyo.  Had eagerly agreed to be the pointman 
in this daily ritual and performed his job to perfection.  Though it at times 
he had to be excused, as his passion for Ukyo often led him to several 
painful encounters.  

This was one of them.  

					*

Returning to Ucchan's, Ukyo placed the unconscious child on a seat and 
went to get some water.  As she returned the child was coming to and crying 
out.  "No!! I don't wanna end up as your plaything.   I want to grow up 
and go back to the.... where am I? You're not that.... thing." She addressed 
Ukyo with relief, while scanning her surroundings.  

"No I am not Azusa.  My name is Ukyo Kuonji.  I own this restaurant, 
Ucchan's. 'The best Okonomiyaki in Tokyo.'  Look, I can see that you 
are still recovering from that terrible experience.  Why don't I cook you 
some.  Any preferences?"  Ukyo said as she fired up her grill.  

Scanning the menu, the girl timidly stated, "A plain one for me please. 
Hold the sauce."  She was examining the area very closely and at times 
sniffed the air as if getting a scent.  She was caught doing this when 
Ukyo turned around.  

"One plain Okonomiyaki.  No Sauce."  frowning at the girl Ukyo asked, 
"Smells delicious huh? But you really should have gotten something with 
more flavour.  Like my shrimp Okonomiyaki with plum sauce.....  
Never mind, you really are hungry.  Aren't you?" 

The girl, who was attacking the Okonomiyaki with a hunger that even 
surpassed Genma's ferocity.  Quickly swallowed the last of her meal and 
replied, "Sorry.  I haven't had anything since breakfast.  I have just come 
from school and was selling these to earn some extra yen."  The girl 
pulled out a small doll from the attache case.  "They have been selling very 
well.  Please take this one.  It is the least I could do.  

[Ukyo takes the doll and the girl smiles]

"You saved me from that scary girl.  I think she thought I was some sort of 
prize.[shudder]  I mean, there I am walking down the road and wham.  There 
she was, rollerblading towards me yelling 'Janelle'.  My name is Akiko.  
[The girl then bows to Ukyo] Akiko Ohonamochi."  

Seeing Ukyo's reaction to her last name the girl blushed, "I come from 
a very old family.  We believe we were descended from that deity.  I must 
be going home now.  Mother would be very worried about my being 
out so late.  Thank you for everything."  

The girl quickly got up from the seat and picking up her attache case, raced 
out of the shop.  

"You're Welcome!" Ukyo shouted after the girl.  Picking up and examining 
the doll the chef commented, "Strange girl, I can see why these dolls are so 
popular though.  They are very cute.  I think I'll name him after Ran-chan.  
They are both so very Kawaii.  I could just hug .... Gah! I was sounding 
like Azusa.  I better put this doll somewhere.  Hey Konatsu!!"

"Yes Ukyo?" The assistant manager of Ucchan's replied.  Entering from the 
storeroom with some eggs.  

"Put Ran-chan somewhere safe would you?"  Ukyo tosses the doll to Konatsu.  

"Ran-chan?" Konatsu asked staring at the doll.  
" This does not look like Ranma Saotome."

"It's just a doll.  I mean, at least I have one Ran-chan that can't run away 
from me."  Ukyo joked.  

"Uh huh." Konatsu replied.  While thinking, 'This Ranma fixation is getting 
a bit too serious.  Maybe therapy can help.'  Konatsu is a nice guy, but he 
sometimes takes matters too seriously.  

					*

Saint Bacchus's School for girls.  The next day.  

Kodachi Kuno strode through the halls of St.Bacchus, heading towards 
the gymnasium, dressed in the school uniform and carrying her leotard 
and other gymnastic equipment in a large shoulder bag 

[Black of course.  Kodachi had chosen this school because of the color 
scheme.  Kuno being a dutiful brother acceded to her wishes.  Which 
mirrored his.  I mean, if people knew he had a sister he would have to 
defend her honor from the perverts of Furinkan High.  {luckily for them}  

A girls school was so much safer.  

In retrospect, this was not such a good idea.  Defending Kodachi from others 
would have shown Kuno the stupidity of his own actions.  Also, Kodachi 
may have received a long overdue dose of reality about men.  Mr. Perfect 
is always hard to find and even if you find him.  He may not be available.  

Sometimes you just have to settle for Mr. Second best or even Mr. Normal.  
However, if you are going to slip below this.  Kodachi's methods become 
acceptable.]  {It didn't happen this way, so life goes on.}

Back to Saint Bacchus's.  Kodachi was regarded with awe by her fellow 
students.  While definitely on the eccentric side.  Kodachi had provided 
much pride to the student body of the school.  Because of her fearsome 
reputation in the sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics.  The boredom of life in 
an all girl school was reduced.  

A rhythmic gymnastics match with Kodachi was an invitation to a no 
holds barred slugfest and as Kodachi fought every week.  The student 
body enjoyed this release from boredom.  

The teaching body got to enjoy the matches also, there were no classes going 
on and they had some free time.  As the time helped them get ready for 
another week of school.  The teaching body also found Kodachi very popular.  

This was not including the protection that Saint Bacchus students enjoyed 
as Kodachi stayed at their school.  While not as open as her brother.  
Kodachi also possessed a strong sense of honor.  She let it be known in no 
uncertain terms.

{These being severe physical assault and several 'mysterious' poisonings} 

That the students of her school were not to be disturbed.  

{Most criminals in the general area now fled from anyone wearing anything 
close to the St. Bacchus school uniform.}

It is, therefore, no surprise that Kodachi had many friends at her school.  
Especially in the Rhythmic Gymnastic team. Thus as Kodachi saw several 
of her friends fighting their way out of a mob of  excited girls.  They did 
not even flinch when she bounded over to them.  

"So Chieko, Isami.  What event has transpired to create this large crowd 
of irate students? I haven't seen this large a gathering since the sale at the 
stationery store."  Kodachi addressed her friends.  

"A vendor has come to our school.  I do not know how she was allowed 
in, but she has the most Kawaii set of dolls I have ever seen.  Since the 
end of school she has been selling them.  I just hope I can get a full set." 
Chieko sighed as she looked at the doll in her hand.  

Isami continued, "Yes.  These dolls are very cute.  We had to struggle for 
over fifteen minutes just to get the ones we have.  That saleswoman is 
going to do very well here."  

Glancing at Isami's doll.  Kodachi sniffed and said, "Not my style or colour.  
However, as you say that this peddler has a selection, I will examine her 
wares."

"Good luck getting through that crowd." Isami chimed, "They like these 
dolls and its gotten very ugly in there."  This was highlighted as three 
girls were being taken to the nurses station on stretchers after trying to 
get to the vendor.  Kodachi laughed.  

"Me? Run into a crowd? A member of the illustrious Kuno family does 
not throw herself in a crowd of sweaty people.  I will see these wonder 
dolls in a moment.  In perfect comfort."  Kodachi announced while 
frowning at Isami.  

Eyeing the crowd of girls, Kodachi pulled out one of her special gymnastic 
clubs and with a quick twist activated the spikes tossed the club over the 
crowd.  

The saleswoman [a middle aged woman dressed in a business suit] was 
surprised at the response she had received with her dolls.  While she knew 
they were cute.  She had no idea that cute would sell so well.  

"Buy a doll.  Only 1000 yen!" She cried.  Several hands went up at this 
announcement.  

As she leaned forward to collect the Yen.  The saleswoman heard a thunk and 
seeing the crowd visibly quiet, looked up and saw a what looked to be rhythmic 
gymnastics club with spikes attached vibrating just above her head.  

"No need to get so serious.  I have for everyone."  She announced.  
Puzzled by the non reaction, she then heard a new voice call out.  "I think I 
would like to browse this peddler's merchandise.  If I may have some room.  
I, Kodachi Kuno, 'The Black Rose' will grace this woman with my presence."

The crowd parted to reveal a somewhat pretty girl in school uniform, with her 
black hair tied in a ponytail, walk towards her makeshift stall.  As she looked 
at the contents of the display.  She asked, "Do you have anything in black? 
I find such bright colours.... distasteful."

Hearing the contempt in Kodachi's voice.  The vendor smiled.  She then 
reached into her attache case which was hidden under the display and 
pulled out a Panda doll whose Black colour was emphasised by the 
small flecks of white on its body.  

"This is the closest I can get and since you seem to be a student of 
Gymnastics...." the vendor pulls out a small doll sized set of Rhythmic 
Gymnastics instruments.  "I will throw in these tools for a total price of 
only 1500 Yen."

Kodachi looked at the doll.  While she had abandoned such inane things 
for the glory of Gymnastics and challenge of Chemistry.  She found that 
she could not resist the appeal that this doll created within her.  Most
 interesting.  Pulling out some Yen she pays and states.  "Here you 
are, vendor.  I find myself surprised to have purchased such an item.  
We should talk soon."

With that Kodachi leaves, doll in her hand, heading for the gym where 
the Rhythmic Gymnastic Team meets and trains.  As she leaves a voice cries, 
"Hey! If Kodachi can get a set of tools for her dolls.  I want a set for mine!"
With a roar of approval the crowd renews its struggle for the rapidly 
diminishing display of dolls.  [Now with accessories.]

A short while later, the vendor exits the school.  On her way out various 
students approach her, asking when will she bring more and after receiving an 
answer leave.  She walks with a tired, but exhilarated expression on her 
face.  As she passes an alley a figure emerges and picking up speed shouts.  

"Janelle!  There you are .... [Azusa glomps on to the saleswoman and realises 
that 'Janelle' is a bit too large]  you are too old.  Who are you to feel like my 
little Janelle?"  Azusa asked as she deglomped the woman.  The skater 
frowns at the older woman as she ponders this fact.  The saleswoman groans 
and in a firmer voice states, 

"Look missy, Akiko warned me about you.  Do not think that I will be so 
easy to Kidnap.  What is that you want? Our product? If so, I am only down 
to this single doll and I am not going to sell it to you.  Hey!" 

This exclamation was the result of Azusa grabbing the attache case and 
trying to take it as her own.  

"This is miine." Azusa pouted as she tried to pry the case out of the woman's 
hand.  "Vladimir has to go home with Azusa."

"My briefcase is not going anywhere with you.  Let go and quit whining!" 
The woman panted as she tore the attache case out of Azusa's hands.  

"Vladimir will come home with mommy Azusa."  the rollerblader uttered, 
while tugging at the attache case.  

Seeing how Azusa was eyeing her case the salewoman replied "That case 
contains my entire day's take.  I am not letting you get this briefcase."   

The scene shifts to Azusa skating away with the attache case and the woman 
on the ground sounding impressed.  

"An adept of the Kawaii Ken technique. A very powerful and skilled adept of 
the technique.  Who would have thought the style still had practitioners? 
Imagine throwing Ki blasts from a teddy bear."  Cringing at the memory she 
continued, "I wonder why I have not heard of her before."  Deciding to 
discover this another day, the woman picks herself up and races after the 
giggling skater.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi! Its me.  If you think that this part seems to be cut off you are very right.  
This section took much longer than any previous sections. As the feedback 
I got led me to seriously edit any new stuff I put out.  The first two parts will 
be edited later, after I introduce the prospective fiancees.  

Until phase one Part Deux.  CIAO!!

Written by Shard(Nom de plume)
 
All comments should be sent to
Shard@hotmail.com.  Please send some.  
I want feedback.