Ranma 1/2 is owned by Rumiko Takahashi

Tribe of One is owned by TSR



"Your hand is starting to bleed again Ranma."  Akane said as the pair walked
out of the school building.  

"Yeah, I know.  I figured I'd wait until class was over before I did anything
about it."  Ranma replied.

Actually, Bitter was rather insistant that the tribe not miss any more classes
that day.  He felt that things had started off bad enough with being late and then
having a fight with Kuno during class.  Ranma was in no mood to argue with Bitter, and
still felt somewhat irritated with Play, so he remained quiet and stayed in school.

<Bitter>  *Perhaps it might have been better to leave early, I couldn't concentrate
in class with all that pain.*

<Ranma>  *Serves you right!  YOU'RE the one who wanted to stay.*

<Bitter>  *You'll thank me one day when you discover that your punches and kicks
won't solve all your problems.*

<Guardian>  *Settle down... It's been a long day for everyone.*

"Well, I know where we you can get it taken care of.  There's a clinic nearby,
the doctor there has taken care me since I was very young."  Akane said, a smile
tugging at her lips.

<Guardian> *Dr. Tofu, if I don't miss my guess...*

<Bitter> *Very smooth Akane... She's not as stupid as I thought.*

"Ok, let's go there."  Ranma replied.

<Ranma>  *I am a bit curious to meet the guy she likes.*

<Lyric>  *hooooooo..... Ranma is jeeealous!*

<Ranma>  *sigh... shut up Lyric...*


   *****************************************
   *     *
   * Raoh the Conquorer presents *
   *     *
   *    A Story of Ranma 1/2  *
   *     * 
   * A Stained Glass Mind part 7 *
   *     *
   *****************************************

Akane led Ranma to Dr. Ono Tofu's clinic, which happened to be located between 
Furinken High School and the Tendo Dojo.

<Guardian>  *Makes sense that she comes here, very convenient.*

<Bitter>  *Yeah, I bet a tomboy like her has to visit a doctor on a regular basis.*

"Here it is Ranma.  Let's go inside."  Akane said.

Akane and Ranma entered the clinic and found the waiting room empty.  

"Looks like there's no one here..."

"Yeah, lucky for you.  He'll be able to fix that hand."

<Bitter>  *Lucky for _her_ too.*

"Dr Tofu!  Are you there?"  Akane called out.

The door to the examination room open and Genma-Panda walked out.  

"Otosan!  What are you doing here?  Are you sick?"  Ranma asked.

Genma/Panda held up a sign that read, *I work here*

"Ah... um... Uncle Saotome?  Is the Doctor in?  "  Akane asked, a bit flustered at
seeing a panda in the clinic.

"I'm right here Akane."  Dr. Tofu said as he walked out behind the panda.

Dr. Tofu was a young man with of average height and an average build, Ranma noticed.
He looked so ordinary and Ranma wondered what it was that Akane saw in him.  He did,
however, have a kind unassuming face that wore a gentle expression.  

<Guardian>  *After all the violence and male piggishness she has to put up with
every day, maybe she needs a kind, gentle, man.*

<Play>  *Besides, he's cute!*

"So Akane, what brings you here?  Any new injuries?"  Dr. Tofu asked.

<Bitter>  *I told you!*

"No doctor, I mean, I haven't been doing anything that would cause any injuries.." Akane
replied in a shy voice.  He lowered her eyelashes and blushed demurely.

<Ranma> *Man, she's got it bad!*

<Bitter>  *Ah... but don't forget, the good doctor loves another...*

<Ranma>  *At least, Akane THINKS so... Guardian, wanna check it out?*

<Guardian>  *If you really want... but why?  What concern is it to us?*

<Ranma>  *Well, one way or another, I can help Akane deal with it.*

<Guardian>  *Is that ALL you want to do?  Help her?*

<Ranma> *You know it's impossible for me to keep anything from you... all I want
is her friendship, you know that.*

<Guardian>  *That's true now, but I don't like the direction this 'friendship'
is taking.*

<Ranma>  *Oh come on, I've only known her for two days!*

<Guardian>  *I just want to remind you that nothing can come of you falling in love,
it will just lead to pain for the both of you...*

<Ranma>  *OK, 'mother'!  Can you check Tofu now?*

<Guardian>  *sigh... As you wish.*

Guardian took control and gently probed Dr. Tofu's mind.

<Guardian>  *He's a really nice guy.  Damn good martial artist too.  Oh, and he
is head over heals in love with Kasumi.  Looks like Akane was right.*

<Bitter>  *Rather perceptive of her, for a tomboy.*

<Ranma>  *Why do you keep calling her that?*

<Bitter>  *It seems to fit her personality.  At least, from what we've seen so far.*

<Guardian>  *ANYway, he's a bit frustrated because he can not tell Kasumi how he feels.
Actually, he loses complete control of himself when she's around.*

<Ranma>  *Loses control?  In what way?*

<Guardian>  *Well he... hmmm... I think you're going to have to see it to believe it.*

<Ranma>  *Oh well... poor Akane.*

<Guardian>  *Its not like its a big surprise.  She KNEW how he felt.*

<Ranma>  *Does Kasumi know?*

<Guardian>  *Akane doesn't think so... but we can check later if you want...*

<Ranma> *Thanks.*

"So who's your friend, Akane?"  Dr. Tofu asked.

"Oh.. this is Ranma Saotome.  Actually, HE'S the one who's injured.  He cut his hand
while sparring with someone at school."  

"Saotome, eh?  You wouldn't be related to my new assistant here, would you?" Tofu asked.

"Actually, he's my father."  Ranma replied.

"Ha...  There's not much of a family resemblance, is there?  Well, let's go to
the examiination room and have a look at that hand."

Dr. Todu led Ranma and the others back into the examination room then carefully
inspected Ranma's hand.  

"Doesn't look TOO bad.  A little disinfectant and some new bandages, and you should
be all set."

Dr. Tofu walked over to a medicine cabinet and took out a small brown bottle and a roll
of fresh white guaze.  He walked back to where Ranma was sitting and used some of the
gauze to clean the wound with some disinfectant.  He then proceeded to bandage the 
wound.

"There, that should do it.  Be more careful the next time you spar."  

"Thanks Doctor.  I appreciate it."  Ranma said.  

"Hahaha... No problem.  Well, you kids better get home.  I'll see you later."

Ranma and Akane left the clinic in silence.  Ranma glanced at Akane several times as
he walked her home.  She a far-away look in her eyes and a goofy grin plastered on
her face.  

"So, he's the one."  Ranma said after a while.

Akane nearly tripped as she lost her train of thought.

"What did you say?"  Akane asked, blushing slightly.

"He's the one.  Dr. Tofu;  he's the one you like, right?"  

"How... how did you-"  

"Like I said, I'm psychic."  Ranma said grinning.

<Bitter>  *That's only funny once, Ranma.*

"Actually, I could tell by the look on your face; Hell! A BLIND person could see it!"  

"He- He's always been there for me and my family.  Whenever I had a problem, or got
hurt, he would make it better."  Akane said.

"You're lucky to have such a nice boyfriend."  Ranma said, trying to keep his voice neutral
and non-patronizing at the same time.

Akane didn't respond to Ranma's comment and the pair continued to walk in silence.
Soon, they arrived in front of the Tendo Dojo and Ranma was about to head home, when
Nabiki came running out of the house.

"Ranma-kun!  I have a message for from Kuno.  At least, _I think_ it's for you."  Nabiki
said as she handed Ranma a folded slip of paper.

" 'To the Tree-Bourne Kettle Girl'??? "  Ranma read aloud.

"He doesn't seem to know about your curse yet."  Nabiki said with a smirk.

Ranma unfolded the paper and looked at it intently.  After a few minutes Akane became
impatient and said, "Well?  What does he want?!"  

"He wants me to meet in the field at the back of the school at 6:34 this evening.
Heh.  Looks like a challenge."  Ranma said with a grin.

<Bitter>  *Do you HAVE to get excited over these things?*

<Play>  *6:34?  What kind of a stupid time is that?*

<Bitter>  *Who can read the mind of a delusional loser?*

<Guardian>  *I can.*

"You're not going, are you?"  Akane asked in a concerned voice.

"Of course I'm going!  I never turn down a challenge!  Especially one from an idiot like Kuno."

"You'd better be careful Ranma..."  Akane warned.

"Don't worry Akane, I'll be fine. Well, I'd better get going,  See ya tomorrow!"  Ranma
said as he ran home.  

If Ranma had turned back, he would have noticed that Akane and Nabiki had mirror
images of concern written all over their faces. 


   ***********************************

"Okasan!  I'm home!"  Ranma called out as he removed his shoes and entered the house.

"Welcome back, Ranma-chan.  How was the first day of school?"  Nodoka asked.

"Well, it wasn't boring...."  Ranma replied.

He proceeded to tell her about Kuno, Akane's morning fight, falling into the pool, Play's
reaction to Kuno, and finally the challenge.

"That boy would actually challenge a girl?"  Nodoka said her voice tight with anger
and surprise.

"Okasan, I know you're the traditional sort, but believe me, I know a LOT of women who
could beat guys like Kuno.  I was raised by them, remember?"  

"It's still not right!  Someone should talk to that boy's father.  There is no
honor in this!"  Nodoka continued to fume.

"Okasan, I'll handle it, OK?"  

Nodoka sighed and ran her fingers through Ranma's hair.  

"What ever you think best.  Just be careful, OK?  And you'd better re-bandage that
hand before you go."  

"I'll be fine, Okasan." Ranma replied as he turned back towards the door.

<Guardian>  *Aren't you forgetting something?*

<Ranma>  *What?*

<Bitter>  *Sigh... get some cold water Ranma, we gotta be female for this, remember.*

<Ranma>  *Oh yeah...*

Ranma turned towards Nodoka, a sheepish grin on his face.  

"Could you get me a glass of cold water, Okasan?"  


   ************************************

After changing into a female, Ranma-chan ran to the assigned meeting place and
waited for Kuno to show up.  She glanced at her watch and smiled in anticipation.

<Ranma> *Just a few more minutes to go.*

<Bitter>  *Assuming the idiot gets here on time.*

<Guardian>  *Why wouldn't he? HE set the time, after all.*

<Play>  *Why does he want to fight us anyway?*

<Bitter>  *Well, Ranma DID knock him off a tree branch.*

<Play> *Ranma, why-*

<Watcher>  *He's here.*

Ranma-chan looked up into the waning light of the setting sun and watched as 
Kuno approached her.

<Play> *He looks sooooo COOL walking with the sun-light like that!*

<Guardian>  *I think that was the general idea.* 

"It is now 6:34... The time when the sunset is most beautiful."  Kuno intoned.

"Yeah, yeah... Let's get on with it.  Say, where's that big stick you always carry
around?"  Ranma-chan asked.

"I will not be needing it." Kuno replied in a level voice.

"Heh.  Rather confident, aren't you?  I like that."  Ranma-chan said.

"Confident enough, to give you... THIS!"  Kuno yelled as he threw an object at Ranma-chan.

<Bitter>  *Incoming!*

<Ranma> *No problem.*

<Watcher>  *No danger.*

Ranma-chan, almost without thinking about it, reached out and snatched the object in
mid-air.  She started to smile when she noticed red rose petals start to fall anf float
all around her.  She looked up at the object in her hand and her eyes narrowed in consternation
and confusion.  She was holding a large bouquet of red roses.

"Pig-tailed girl..."  Kuno began.

"Y-yes?"  Ranma-chan replied.

"I love you."  Kuno said deeply and simply as he turned into the sunset and walked away.

Ranma-chan slumped to the ground, speechless with shock.

<Bitter>  *HAHAHAHAHAHA... Guess you lost that one Ranma!*

<Play>  *He LOVES us!  He actually LOVES us!  Let me out!  I have to go catch him!*

<Guardian>  *NOW is DEFINITELY not the time, Play.  Ranma?  Ranma, are you OK?*

<Ranma> *...*

Guardian sighed as she gently pulled Ranma back and took control.  

<Guardian>  *We'd better get home...*

Ranma/Guardian walked home and found Nodoka cooking dinner in the kitchen.

"Okasan, can we talk?"  Ranma/Guardian asked.

"Sure Ranma-chan. I'm glad you're OK... How did the fight go?"

"Well, first off, I'm Guardian, not Ranma..."

Nodoka looked up in alarm.  "Is Ranma alright?  Did something happen to him?"

"I think he's in shock.  He should be all right by tomorrow morning.  Kuno came
and, well, there wasn't any fight.  He told us that he loved us.  I think he's
become infatuated with this female form."

"Oh dear..."  Nodoka said in dismay.

"Exactly...  Play id the only one who's happy about the situation."

<Play>  *Why shouldn't I be?  Kuno's cute, romantic, and a gentleman.*

<Bitter>  *He's an idiot.  Remember what Ranma said, Play... You mustn't go
after Kuno.*

<Play> *Well...*

"I think, we'll be going to bed now, Okasan.  Ranma seems to enjoy this craziness,
but the rest of as are exhausted."  

"Ok, dear, go on.  And if Play causes any trouble, let me know.  I'll have a talk
with her."  Nodoka replied.

"Thanks, Okasan."  Ranma/Guardian replied as she smiled tiredly and walked off to bed.

The next morning, Ranma woke up and went to the backyard to spar with his father.

<Ranma>  *Man, what a night!  I had the the most god-aweful nightmare.*

<Bitter>  *Yes, we know... you woke US up when it happened.*

Ranma yawned as he stepped out into the backyard.  Genma was already there, waiting
for him.  

"You are going to have to wake up earlier, boy."  Genma reproved.

"Sorry, Otosan.  I didn't sleep well."

"Heh.  I heard about your fight yesterday.  Pathetic!  Who taught you to
block a sword thrust with your hand?"  Genma asked.

"It... wasn't me, Otosan."  Ranma replied.

"What do you mean, it wasn't-  oh...  It was one of the... others?"  

"Yes."  

"Well, ok... Uh... let's get started then." Genma said as he bowed towards Ranma.

<Guardian>  *He's not ready to hear all of this yet.*

<Bitter>  *Maybe Ranma should introduce Pop to Shade.*

<Ranma>  *Bitter! That isn't funny!*

<Bitter>  *sorry.*

Ranma bowed back towards Genma then stepped back and got into a fighting stance.
Suddenly, a section of the backyard fence exploded and a loud voice yelled,

"SAOTOME!  I HAVE SEEN HELL BECAUSE OF YOU!  PREPARE TO DIE!"  

Ranma quickly turned towards the attacker, his muscles primed and ready.

<Ranma>  *How the hell did this guy get past the Watcher?!*

<Guardian>  *I... don't know!*

The young man that was running towards Ranma wore a yellow bandana with brown
spots.  It served its purpose in keeping his long brown hair out of his eyes.
As he got closer, Ranma noticed that the boy had fangs.

<Play> *Oh he's-*

<Bitter>  *Cute, right?*

Ranma waited for the strangers attack, but it never came.  Instead, the man ran
straight past Ranma and starting pounding on Genma.

"That's the last time I go on a training trip with you!"  he yelled.

Ranma just looked at the fighting pair.

<Bitter>  *This situation gets stranger and stranger every day...*

**************************
End part 7

I've realized that since I am retelling the 
whole story, this fic can get rather large, so
there will be a cut off point sooner or later,
BEFORE manga vol 38.  WAAAAAAAY before.  So if
there are any characters you would particularly
like to see, let me know.  Oh, BTW, Cologne IS
coming back.

NEXT TIME:

Ryoga Hibiki:  Student of the Anythings School of Martial Arts

and...

"What IS this?"

"It's a cute little dolly."

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