Ranma 1/2 is the property of Rumiko Takahashi, oh, so is Urusei Yatsura.


Juxtaposition
------------------
By: Anand Rao


Chapter One:  Now THIS is Fate!
--------------------------------------------


With his hands behind his back in a true sign of boredom, Ranma idly 
followed his parents into the hospital lobby.  "Are ya sure you don't 
know what this about, Pops?" he asked, a put upon expression on his 
face.

"I have no clue, boy"

"Patience, Ranma-chan.  The administrator who called said there were 
some irregularities in your birth record.  It really is important," 
Nodoka chided.

"But why?  I mean, it's not like I'm sick or anything, right?"

"If it wasn't important, the hospital wouldn't have contacted us."

"Listen to your mother, boy," Genma advised.

"I was just wondering," Ranma sulked as they reached reception desk.

"Excuse me, we have an appointment with Mr. Nakamura.  The name is 
Saotome," Nodoka said to the receptionist.

"Just a second," the receptionist replied, picking up the receiver of 
the phone on her desk.  "Mr. Nakamura?  Your two o'clock appointment is 
here.  Yes, sir."  The receptionist hung up the phone and smiled at 
Nodoka. "His office is in room 204, down the hall to your right.  
Please, go right in, he's expecting you."

Nodoka thanked the receptionist and led her family to the appropriate 
office.  Reaching room 204, she smartly knocked on thedoor.  A few 
seconds later, a short, overweight man with balding gray hair opened the 
door.  "You must be the Saotomes.  I'm Kenusuke Nakamura." he greeted.  
"Come in, please."

They entered the office and Ranma was a bit startled to find that Mr. 
Nakamura wasn't alone.  Already seated around Mr. Nakamura's large 
ornate desk were four other people; two men and two women.  One of the 
women, a girl about Ranma's age, stood out immediately.  She had 
blue-green hair, was wearing a small tiger-striped bikini and sporting a 
pair of horns on her head.  Ranma recognized the girl and the younger 
man immediately.   

"Hey!  It's Tag Boy and that Oni chick!" he exclaimed.  Ranma had 
remembered watching the fateful invasion and subsequent tag race that 
had taken place the previous year.  It was hard to believe that all 
those strange. . . people lived so close by.  

"My name is not Tag Boy!" one of the two men yelled.  He jumped up from 
his seat and glared at Ranma.  He was a young man about Ranma's age and 
had a short crop of unkempt brown hair.  

"Ataru, calm down," the older woman suggested wearily.

"Why are we here anyway?" Ataru demanded.  "There's no point in visiting 
a hospital if I can't get to meet some of the nurses!"

"Darling. . ," the girl in the bikini growled, electricity dancing 
dangerously around her body.

"Looks like the stories were true," Ranma whispered to his father.

"Sure looks like it," Genma agreed.

"Please, please, everyone be seated and try to calm down.  I. . . I'll 
explain why I asked you to come here," Mr. Nakamura said nervously.  
Ataru sat back down while the Saotomes occupied the remaining empty 
chairs.  "Thank you," Nakamura said, slightly relieved as he sat behind 
his desk.  He cleared his throat meaningfully and took a deep breath.  
"Seventeen years ago, Ranma Saotome and Ataru Moroboshi were born in 
this hospital; within hours of each other, in fact."

"I guess you're as unlucky as me," Ataru quipped, glancing at Ranma.

"Close," Ranma sighed.

"Ahem.  Yes, well. . . Apparently there was a, uh, shall we say, mix up 
of sorts. . ," Nakamura continued.

"What type of mix up?" Nodoka asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Somehow, your sons were switched at birth," Nakamura paused.  "We 
really don't know how it happened! And we only discovered the switch a 
few days ago when conducting a standard review of our medical records," 
he finished in a rush.

"Switched at birth?" Ranma and Ataru exclaimed at the same time.

"Yes.  I'm terribly sorry, I honestly don't know how it happened!" 
Nakamura repeated.

Nodoka and Genma stared at Ataru while the Moroboshis stared at Ranma.  
"Y-you're my son?" Nodoka asked hoarsely.

"That idiot's not really our son?" Mrs. Moroboshi asked with growing 
delight.

"Ranma has to be my son!  I've taught him everything about our Art since 
before he could walk!" Genma protested.  

Mr. Moroboshi remained silent, intently reading a newspaper that been in 
Mr. Nakamura's office. 

"I know this is difficult for you to accept, and given that these two 
young men are so. . . famous around here, we'd rather word of this 
mistake not get out.  The hospital is prepared to give adequate 
compensation," Mr. Nakamura explained.

"Compensation?" Genma and Mrs. Moroboshi said at the same time.  "What 
kind of compensation?"  

"The hospital is prepared to pay you handsomely; for all the trouble 
that has been caused," Mr. Nakamura clarified, handing a check to Genma 
and one to Mrs. Moroboshi.  The pair looked at their checks, yen signs 
popping in their eyes and beautiful smiles growing on their faces.

"You're telling me that idiot is not my son. . . and you're paying me 
for it?" Mrs. Moroboshi asked gleefully.  A nearly orgasmic look crossed 
her face.  (With this much money, I can take care of -myself- in my old 
age!) she thought.

"So, you agree to keep this quiet?" Mr. Nakamura asked carefully.  Genma 
and Mrs. Moroboshi nodded their heads vigorously. 

"Excellent," Mr. Nakamura sighed.

"Wait!  Please, are you sure about this?" Nodoka demanded.

"Quite sure I'm afraid," Mr. Nakamura replied apologetically. 

"Hey these things happen!  We'll all adjust in time," Genma said easily.  
"Well, Son?  Shall we go home?" he asked, turning towards Ataru.

"What?  Pops!" Ranma exclaimed.  

"Now, now, don't worry.  I'll take care of you, Ranma-chan," Mrs. 
Moroboshi said soothingly. Ataru remained seated, a look of painful 
indecision crossing his face.  

(This is a perfect chance to get away from those idiot parents of mine!  
B-but what about Ran-chan and Ryu-chan and Ryoko-chan and Shinobu and 
Sakura and-)  "What do I do?" he asked, his voice filled with anguish.

"Darling. .  ," Lum said, sympathetically placing her hands on Ataru's 
shoulders.

"I- If you are my son, then come along.  We must introduce you to your 
fiancee," Nodoka said. 

"Fiancee?" Ataru said, suddenly looking up, his eyes glued on Nodoka.  

"You gotta be kidding!  You can't engage -him- to one of the Tendo 
girls!" Ranma protested, rising from his seat.

"Darling is engaged to me!" Lum chimed in.

"Moroboshi-kun," Nodoka began, looking sternly at Ranma, "You are a good 
man, and. . . and you would make any mother proud, but a marriage 
between a Saotome and Tendo must take place; it is our clan's duty and a 
matter of honor.

 "As for you, Lum-chan, I am sorry.  Ataru, as our child, had no right 
to engage himself to anyone.  This joining of our clans was agreed to 
before he was born," Nodoka continued. 

Stunned, Ranma and Lum sat down in their seats heavily.  "Lum, it is a 
matter of honor," Ataru said in a serious voice. "I must marry this 
girl.  Ne, ne, Okasan?  My fiancee -is- pretty, right?" 

 "Oh yes, my son.  All three of the Tendo girls are beautiful," Nodoka 
replied, smiling at Ataru's enthusiasm. (He seems manly enough,) she 
thought.

"There are -three- of them?" Ataru exclaimed, his grin growing into the 
well-known lecherous smirk.

"Yes, my best friend, Soun Tendo, has three daughters," Genma replied.  
He suddenly grabbed Ataru by the shoulders.  "Wait a minute, boy!  Do 
you mean to say that you'll actually go through with the marriage?" he 
demanded.

"Of course, Otosan!  After all, it is a matter of honor," Ataru answered 
righteously.

"My son!" Genma exclaimed, embracing Ataru.

"Otosan!" Ataru exclaimed, his voice choked with emotion.

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Ranma muttered.

"Come, Ranma, let us take you to your new home," Mrs. Moroboshi 
suggested.  She smiled encouragingly at her newly found son.  (We better 
leave before someone changes their minds about this.)

"Darling," Lum growled.  She grabbed hold of Ataru and yanked him out of 
Genma's embrace.  "How dare you act like this after all we've been 
through!" she exclaimed, electrocuting him into submission.

"Lum-chan," Nodoka quietly rebuked.  Startled, Lum let go of Ataru and 
looked at Nodoka.  Ataru fell to the ground, a charred mass, still 
smiling at his new found fortune.   Nodoka stared at Lum silently, not 
quite glaring at the Oni girl.  Lum flinched under her gaze, stepped 
back, and dejectedly sat back down in her seat.   "I understand how you 
feel, but Ataru -will- marry a Tendo; that is final," Nodoka said.  "It 
is time for us to leave, before this becomes any more difficult."

"Good luck to you, Ranma-kun," Genma said, slapping the pigtailed boy 
good-naturedly on the shoulder.  "You're a great student of the Art!  
Follow the path of a true martial artist, and you will never go wrong," 
he advised.  

"Gee, thanks, Pops, er, Mr. Saotome!" Ranma replied bitterly. 

"Think nothing of it," Genma said, following his wife and son out of the 
office.  

"We should be leaving as well," Mrs. Moroboshi said. "Thank you, Mr. 
Nakamura!  You don't know how happy you've made me!" she exclaimed.

"Er. . . you're welcome?"  Mr. Nakamura replied uncertainly.

Beaming happily, Mrs. Moroboshi grabbed her husband by the arm, wrapped 
a free arm over her son's shoulder and led them out of the office.  
Looking depressed and unsure of herself, Lum followed meekly behind.  


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

Surrounded by a half dozen law and medical books, Nabiki tapped away on 
her calculator, her grin growing along with the number on the LCD panel.  
"Nabiki, what are you doing?" Akane asked.  "You've been sitting here 
for about an hour already."

The two sisters were sitting at the dining room table, awaiting the 
Saotomes' return; each for their own reasons.  "Just doing some 
research, Akane.  I need to be prepared for when Ranma and his folks get 
back," Nabiki replied, her eyes still glued to the calculator.

"Prepared for what?"

"Dear Akane," Nabiki began condescendingly, "a hospital administrator 
doesn't call a whole family out for a meeting unless something is wrong; 
or to be more precise, unless the -hospital- has done something wrong.  
I'm trying to determine how much the Saotomes' should sue for." 

"Sue?  What a minute!  Do you think something's wrong with Ranma?"  
Akane asked worriedly.  "They didn't act too concerned when they left."

"Oh, the doctor probably dropped him on his head when he was little or 
something," Nabiki said dismissively.  "The point is, whatever mistake 
they made could be worth a lot of money!"

"Is that all you ever think about?"

"Hey, you're the one marrying into that family.  If we play this right, 
you could be set for life!" Nabiki pointed out.  "For a small service 
fee, of course."

 Akane smiled and shook here head.  "You never change, do you, Nabiki?"  
The girls heard the front door slide open and Akane rose expectantly 
from the table.

"We're back," Nodoka said, walking into view.  Behind her came Genma and 
Ataru.  The newest addition the Saotome clan was looking around the 
Tendo home with interest.  

"This place doesn't look half bad, Otosan.  I could live here," Ataru 
decided.  "Now, when do I get to meet the girls?"  Ataru rubbed his 
hands together in anticipation, the ever-present gleam of lechery in his 
eyes glowing brightly.

"So eager," Nodoka sighed happily.  

"Ataru-kun?" Nabiki queried, obviously surprised to see him.

"Nabiki-san!" Ataru yelled in delight.  He ran past Genma, vaulted over 
the dining table and grabbed Nabiki in a tight hug.  

"Ataru-kun, remember what I told you about this," Nabiki said coolly as 
Akane blinked stupidly at the pair.  

"Your threats don't worry me anymore, Nabiki-san!  Lum is no longer a 
concern of mine; thanks to Okasan," Ataru replied.  "So, now that I'm 
unattached, how about a date?"

"I think not, Ataru-kun."  

Akane had heard enough; she didn't know who this guy was or how he knew 
Nabiki, but his intentions were -quite- clear.  "Just what do you think 
you're doing to my sister, you pervert?" 

Ataru spared a second to look at Akane, then jumped towards her, glomp 
ready.  "Cutie!" he exclaimed, as he grabbed her.  Akane kicked him 
underneath his chin, sending him flying through the roof and off into 
the sky.  

"Nice shot, Sis."
 
"Are you okay, Nabiki?" 

"I'm fine, Akane," Nabiki sighed.  "Although, if what he said about Lum 
is true, then no female in Tokyo will be 'fine' ever again."

"Who -was- he?  And who is Lum?" Akane demanded.

"Ataru is my son," Nodoka said. "Isn't he manly?"  The Saotome matriarch 
beamed proudly as the Tendo sisters face-faulted.

"Your son?  Last time I checked, Ataru's last name was Moroboshi," 
Nabiki pointed out.

"Moroboshi!  -Now- I know who that guy is!" Akane exclaimed.

"Yeah, we watched the race on TV." 

"But how can he be your son, Auntie?  What happened to Ranma?"

"Akane, dear, this may be difficult for you to accept," Nodoka gently 
began.  "Ranma and Ataru were switched at birth due a hospital error.  
Ranma, as good a man as he is, is not my son."

"W-what are you saying?" Akane fearfully asked, the shock and pain clear 
on her face.

"Ranma is no longer your fiancee.  Ataru-"

"I am NOT marrying that pervert!" 

"Ataru will marry -one- of you; he needs time to decide which of you he 
wants," Nodoka finished.

"It won't be hard to figure out what -he- wants," Nabiki muttered.

"How do you know him, Nabiki?" Akane asked.  "I mean, sure we saw him in 
the tag race, but he seemed to know you personally."

"He comes around here sometimes on his 'girl hunts'.  I'm surprised that 
you've never run into him before, Akane.  Anyway, for a small fee, I'd 
help him hide from his alien fiancee."

"Lum?"

"Exactly.  He used to hit on me all the time, but I threatened to tell 
Lum about all his hiding places and that would keep him in line."  
Nabiki sighed.  "Looks like I'll have to think of something else."  

"Like changing your name and moving to another country," Akane 
suggested.

"I do hope he gets back soon, he still needs to meet Kasumi!" Nodoka 
said.

"Yes, and I need to see if the boy knows anything about the Art," Genma 
chimed in.

"Well, then. . . Ataru should be back soon, I'd better make something 
for him to eat, he'll probably be hungry!" Nodoka exclaimed giddily as 
she walked into the kitchen.

"Say, I'm feeling rather hungry myself!" Genma quickly followed his wife 
into the kitchen.

"Akane, how much would you pay me to tell you where the Moroboshis 
live?" Nabiki suddenly asked.

"Why would I want to know that?" 

"Don't you at least want to say goodbye to your former fiancee?" 

"Ranma!" Akane gasped.  In all the excitement with Ataru, she had almost 
forgotten about him.  

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

The martial artist formerly known as Ranma Saotome walked into his new 
home with slight trepidation.  So far, he had been nearly run over by a 
squadron of tanks, a girl wearing what looked like a red bikini almost 
cut his head off with a flying motorcycle, and a large furry cat had 
offered him a cup of tea.  

He shuddered at the memory but resiliently followed his new mother 
through her tour of his new home.  "Here's the kitchen," she was saying, 
"feel free to get something to eat any time you like; after all, you are 
a growing boy!" she grinned happily at Ranma, running her hand through 
his hair.  

In spite of the situation, Ranma grinned weakly in return.  (She seems 
happy, at least,) he thought.  

"Come, I'll show you to your room, now," Mrs. Moroboshi suggested, 
gently dragging Ranma upstairs.  Lum, who had remained quiet the entire 
trip home, followed the pair closely.  The came to the top of the stairs 
and Mrs. Moroboshi opened door leading to what was once Ataru's room.  
Curious as to what the infamous Ataru was really like, Ranma entered the 
room.  The first thing he noticed was how much more clutter filled up 
the room compared to the one he was using at the Tendo home.  

(So, this is what it's like to live in one place for your whole life,) 
Ranma realized, glancing around.  "I, uh, guess I'm gonna have to get my 
stuff from the Tendos'."
 
"Oh don't worry about that!" Mrs. Moroboshi exclaimed. "We can buy what 
ever you need.  We'll go shopping tomorrow morning, okay?"

"Sure, thanks, M-mom."
 
"I'll let you get settled in, then."  Mrs Moroboshi gazed lovingly at 
Ranma for a few moments then suddenly embraced him in a bone-crushing 
hug.  "I'm so glad you're my son!"

"Th-thanks, Mom!" Ranma replied, gasping for breath.  She released him, 
then left the room.  Ranma slowly walked around his new room, when he 
heard a gentle tapping at the window.  "Huh? Who's that?" Ranma wondered 
aloud, staring at diminutive, chubby, blue-haired. . . person who was 
floating outside his room.  

"That's Ten-chan," Lum replied despondently.  

"Who?"  Ranma had forgotten that Lum was there. 

"My cousin, Ten," Lum explained, opening the window to let in the 
younger Oni.
 
"Hello, Lum-chan!" Ten cheerily greeted his cousin.   "Who's that?" he 
asked, pointing towards Ranma.

(Whoa. . . He- he's floating,) Ranma thought, still staring at the young 
Oni.

"Ten-chan, this. . . this is Ranma.  He is Mr. and Mrs. Moroboshi's son; 
their -real- son."  The last, Lum said with a sob.  

"Real son?"
 
"Er, yeah.  Apparently, Ataru and I were switched at birth," Ranma 
explained.  "It's nice to meet ya, Ten."

"You and that idiot?  What a horrible mistake," Ten observed.  
"Lum-chan, what's wrong?"

"Darling's mother won't let me marry him!"
 
"What?  Why not?" 

"Cause my Pop, er, Mr. Saotome and his best friend, Soun Tendo, agreed 
to join their families in marriage when they had kids.  M- Mrs. Saotome 
takes that sorta stuff kinda seriously," Ranma said.

"I see. . .  Lum-chan, what are you going to do?"

"I. . .I don't know!" Lum wailed.

"Er, do you two live here?" Ranma asked.

"We sleep in Darling's closet, or sometimes up in my spaceship."

"In the closet?" Ranma asked, unbelievingly.  "That's no place for a 
girl to sleep.  I'll ask Mom to set up a room for you."

For the first time since going to the hospital, Lum smiled.  "Thanks, 
Ranma, but that won't be necessary.  We- we'll just stay in our ship."

Ranma looked at the strange alien girl who was currently wiping her eyes 
and suddenly felt just a bit of kinship with her.  For, although he 
would never admit it, he knew exactly how she felt.  "Look, it ain't 
exactly hopeless yet.  There still might be time for you to get back 
with Ataru," he said.  (If Akane doesn't kill him first.)

"How?" Lum demanded.  "His mother won't let me near him!"

"We. . . we'll think of something," Ranma replied.  "We got some time, 
at least.  I don't think any of the Tendo girls are going to be eager to 
marry him."

"The way that idiot acts?  No way," Ten agreed.

Ignoring the insults that were being directed towards her beloved, Lum 
gasped in realization.  "Ranma!  You were engaged to someone before this 
too, weren't you?" 

"Yeah," Ranma softly replied, looking away from the two Oni.  

A look of determination grew on Lum's face.  "We'll get through this, 
Ranma.  We'll figure something out, together!" she exclaimed.  Finally, 
here was someone who could understand her.  Someone who knew exactly 
what she was going through.  Someone who would help her catch her 
Darling.  Eyes shining with renewed vigor, she excitedly grabbed hold of 
the front of Ranma's shirt.  "We can even hold a double-wedding when 
this is all over," she decided.  

"What!" Ranma yelped.  "Uh, let's just take things one step at a time, 
okay?" he suggested in a bit of uncharacteristic wisdom.  


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

Disbelief and shock warred with hopefulness and joy on the face of Soun 
Tendo.  He was having a great deal of trouble accepting the story he had 
just heard.  Yet, staring at the face of his future son-in-law, he knew 
it must have been true.  "There were times," he said hoarsely, "that I 
almost gave up on our dream, Saotome."  Tears forming in his eyes, Soun 
turned towards his oldest and closest friend.  

"I know, Tendo.  I know," Genma quietly replied.  

"But now, finally. . .  after all the crazy, emotional, dangerous, 
home-destroying events that have occurred since you came here, this. . . 
blessing, this miracle has come upon us!" 

"Finally. . ," Genma agreed.

"Our families will be joined!" The two men cried in triumph.  Nodoka 
smiled, sharing the joy of the moment.  Akane and Nabiki tried very hard 
not to throw up.  Both families, save Kasumi, were seated at the Tendo 
dining table.

"Father. . . Uncle. . .  I promise to make you both proud," Ataru said 
solemnly.  

"So, have you decided which one you want to marry?"  Beaming happily, 
Soun looked expectantly at Ataru. 

"Well, I've already met Akane-chan and Nabiki-chan," Ataru said, smiling 
brightly at the Tendo girls. "But you also have a third daughter, don't 
you?  I'd like to meet her!"

"Yes, you should meet Kasumi.  She should be home very shortly, then you 
can decide."  

"Actually. . ," Ataru began, "I was thinking that I should maybe go on a 
date, maybe a few dates, with each of them, just to make sure I pick the 
right one."

"That's a very good idea, Son," Soun replied sagely while Genma and 
Nodoka nodded their heads in approval. 

"You know, you really shouldn't forget about Ukyo," Nabiki pointed out.  

(Sister, you're brilliant,) Akane thought, pushing down the guilt she 
was feeling over what she was about to do. "Yes, remember, Ataru is 
engaged to her too.  You -did- take a dowry, Uncle Saotome." 

"That engagement isn't valid!" Soun yelled.

"Of course it is, Daddy," Nabiki disagreed.

"Wait a minute!" Ataru interrupted.  He turned towards Genma.  "Father, 
did you really engage me to more than one woman?" he demanded.  

Gulping nervously, Genma nodded his head slightly.  He blinked in 
surprise as Ataru grabbed him in a tight embrace.  "Oh Father!  You 
don't know how proud I am to be your son!" 

"So manly," Nodoka sighed.  

"Why. . . that. . .  pervert!"
 
"Akane, settle down!" Nabiki whispered.  "If we do this right, he'll be 
Ukyo's problem, not ours."

They heard the front door slide open, then shut.  "I'm home!" Kasumi 
called out.  She walked into the dining area, a bag of groceries 
dangling on her arm.  She looked at Ataru and blinked in surprise.  "Oh 
my, do we have a guest?" 

Ataru let go of his hold on Genma and stared hungrily at Kasumi.  "Yes, 
I really should go on dates with all three of them," he said faintly.  

"Father?" Kasumi queried.  

"Kasumi, dear.  Let me help you with dinner and explain what has 
happened," Nodoka offered.  

"Thank you, Auntie," Kasumi replied.  "Are any more guests coming 
tonight, Father?" 

"No, Kasumi.  And . . . you won't have to set a place for Ranma."

Kasumi glanced at Akane then back towards Ataru.  "I see."


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

Ranma held a glass of cold water in one hand and a kettle of warm water 
in the other.  "Since we're family and all, there's something about me 
that you gotta know."  

"What is it, Ranma?" his mother asked.  The Moroboshis and the two Oni 
were sitting in the living room, intently listening to Ranma.

"A couple years ago, when I was on a training trip, I got cursed."

"Cursed?" his mother weakly replied.  (Oh please!  Don't let this one be 
an idiot too!)

"Yeah, me and Pop- um, Mr. Saotome, went to a place in China called the 
'Cursed Springs of Jusenkyo'.  There are dozens on springs there and 
each one has a tragic story about the person, animal, or thing, that 
drowned there."  Ranma paused to take a deep breath.  "Who ever falls 
into a spring is cursed to turn into whatever it was that drowned there.  
Cold water," Ranma said, dumping the contents of the glass over his 
head, "activates the curse."

Mrs. Moroboshi and Lum gaped at the cute young woman standing before 
them.  (Kawaii,) Ten thought, subconsciously floating closer to the 
girl.  "R-Ranma, is that you?" Mrs. Moroboshi hesitantly asked.

"Yeah, Mom.  I fell into the Spring of Drowned Young Girl."

"So you. . . you. . ."

"I turn into a girl any time cold water hits me," Ranma completed.   
"Hot water changes me back."  He poured the kettle of now warm water 
over his head, once again becoming male. 

"It's. . . a strange curse; but not a whole stranger than anything else 
that occurs around here." 

"So, you're okay with it?" 

"It'll take a bit getting used to, but we're used to adapting around 
here."  Mrs. Moroboshi sighed, then giggled.  "Well, I always did want a 
daughter!"

"Do you -really- become a girl?" Ten asked.

"Only physically," Ranma flatly replied.  "In mind, I'm still a guy, one 
hundred percent!"

"It's a curse?" Lum asked.  "Hmmm. . . Maybe Sakura-sensei can do 
something about it."  Lum had regained her cheerful and helpful 
disposition. She was hopeful that together with Ranma she would find a 
way to get her Darling back. 

"Who's that?" 

"She's the school nurse at Tomobiki, but she's also a Shinto priestess."

"Ya know, that -is- one thing I've never tried; getting the curse cast 
out of my system."

"I'll introduce you to her tomorrow when we go to school," Lum offered.

"School?"

Lum blinked.  "You are going to school, aren't you?" 

"Of course he is!  It's very important to get a good education, Ranma," 
Mrs. Moroboshi said.

"Er. . . right," Ranma replied.  (At least some things never change,) he 
sighed.


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


Ataru sat back and patted his stomach in pleasurable contentment.  He 
had not eaten such a wonderful meal in a long, long time.  "That was 
wonderful, Kasumi-chan!  I loved it!" he exclaimed. 

"Why, thank you, Ataru-kun!" 

"He eats more than Ranma," Akane muttered.

"You're pretty fast with those chopsticks, boy," Genma noted with pride.  
He was unable to steal even a morsel of food from Ataru's plate.  "We'll 
test some of your other skills tomorrow."

Ataru, who was hungrily looking at Akane, glanced at his father.  "What 
skills?"

"Oh, didn't you know, Ataru-kun?  You're heir to the Saotome School of 
Anything Goes Martial Arts," Nabiki said.

"Martial Arts?" 

"That's right, boy," Genma nodded.

"I wonder if it help me in my Girl-Hunt. . ."  Ataru scratched his chin, 
a thoughtful look on his face.

"Ahem," Nodoka cleared her throat.  "Perhaps we should start scheduling 
the dates now.  After all, there really is no reason to wait."

"Quite right!  Good idea!" Soun agreed.

"I guess I'll go first," Nabiki sighed.  

"Nabiki!" Akane exclaimed.  (I can't believe she's not pushing him off 
on me!)  

"I know just the place we can for our date too, Ataru-kun," Nabiki said.  
(And with any luck, I can get rid of you before either one of my sisters 
has to deal with you.)

"Anything you say, Nabiki-chan!"  Ataru replied, laughing eagerly.  In 
the blink of an eye he was across the table, draping an arm over Akane's 
shoulder.  "So, how about we plan -our- date next, hmm? After all, 
there's plenty of me to go around."

"There's going to be plenty of you all over the floor if you don't let 
go of me!"  She smacked him across the face with her open right hand, 
then followed with a left hook that had him flying back across the 
table.  

"The boy knows how to take a hit," Genma observed.  He paused for a 
moment, then proceeded to empty the remaining food from Ataru's plate.   



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



Chapter Two:  The Grass Ain't Always Greener. . .
-------------------------------------------------


Ranma lay back in his futon and stretched out his arms.  He was 
relatively comfortable in his new room, now that he had thrown away all 
the posters of scantily clad idol singers and the numerous adult 
magazines he had found.  Once again his life was being turned upside 
down, out of his control, and without his permission.  Once again he had 
been forced to leave a place he considered his home.  "I don't know how 
much more of this I can take," he said aloud.  A knock on the door 
interrupted his thoughts.  "Come in."

"Ranma-chan, are you asleep?" his mother asked, opening the door.

"Not yet, Mom.  What's up?"

"I brought in your school uniform.  I cleaned and pressed it for you.  
It was Ataru's, but it should still fit you.  Would you like to try it 
on?"  

"Uh. . . I don't really need to wear a uniform to school, do I?  I mean, 
I never did at Furinkan," Ranma pointed out.

"Why, of course you need to wear a uniform!  If you don't conform to 
society's standards, how do you expect to become a productive salary-man 
like your father?"

"Salary-man?" Ranma repeated weakly.

Mrs. Moroboshi nodded her head brightly.  "Now stand up, and we'll see 
how this fits."

(Oh man,) Ranma silently groaned.


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

"Wake up, boy!" 

Ataru curled up tightly in his blanket, dimly aware of the voice that 
was yelling at him.  

"It's time to train!  The Art waits for no man!"

Ataru continued to sleep, hoping that dreams of his harem would return 
shortly.  Genma let out a frustrated sigh and began vigorously shaking 
his son.  Ataru giggled in his sleep, dreaming that Akane was giving him 
a massage.  Genma stood up straight and cleared his throat meaningfully.  
"Ataru-chan, time to wake up!" he said in his best imitation of a female 
voice.  

Ataru continued to sleep.  "Enough of this," Genma growled.  He picked 
up Ataru, blanket and all, and tossed him out the window.  Fortunately, 
Ataru had a firm grip on the edges of the blanket and it acted like a 
parachute as he began his descent.  He landed gently on the ground, 
right next to the Koi pond, still fast asleep. 

"Oh my!  Was your room too hot, Ataru-kun?"

Ataru's eyes snapped open and he threw off the blanket.  He slowly 
turned towards Kasumi, who was currently dusting the sliding door that 
separated the backyard from the house.  "Kasumi-chan!" He jumped towards 
the eldest Tendo daughter.  

"None of that now, boy," Genma said, grabbing a hold of the back of 
Ataru's shirt.  "First, we train."

"Train for what?" Ataru asked irritably.  He was still grasping for 
Kasumi.  

"The Art, of course!"  Genma replied, tossing Ataru across the yard.  
"Defend yourself, Ataru!"  

Ataru landed on his head, but quickly stood up as Genma ran forward to 
attack him.  "Otosan, is this really necessary?" Ataru asked 
plaintively.  He dodged an attempted kick, then jumped over his father.
 
"This is very necessary, Son.    I started training Ranma before he was 
old enough to even walk!  We have a lot of catching up to do if you are 
going to be my heir."  

"Yeah, but why so early in the morning?" Ataru yawned theatrically to 
make his point, then dodged an upper cut followed by a jab.  

Genma grinned in anticipation.  "You can't dodge forever, Ataru."

And so it went.  Genma spent the next twenty minutes chasing Ataru all 
over the Tendos' backyard, unable to hit him even once.  On the other 
hand, Ataru didn't even attempt to attack his father.  

Akane walked in through the front gates after finishing her jog.  With a 
sense of d�j� vu, she watched as Genma and Ataru danced around the yard.  
In Ataru's place, she imagined seeing Ranma.  She saw his rippling 
muscles underneath his red shirt, she saw his cocky grin, almost hearing 
him taunt his father to fight harder and faster.  

Ataru noticed her and the spell was broken.  "Akane-chan!" he yelled in 
delight, immediately turning towards her.

"An opening!" Genma exclaimed in triumph.  He vaulted towards Ataru, 
ready to attack.  His attention completely focused on Akane, Ataru 
pulled out a mallet, and smacked Genma over the head with it.  The 
Master of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts fell to the 
ground in a heap.  

"Nice technique," Akane murmured as Ataru ran towards her.  

"Akane-chan!!" Ataru yelled again.  "We need to plan our date!  How 
about a hot spring?"

"We're NOT going on a date, Ataru!"

Ataru grabbed hold of Akane's hands.  "It'll be fun!  We can hug and 
kiss and-"  Akane's fist connected with the side of his face.  Ataru 
unerringly flew straight into the koi pond.

"Get away from me, you pervert!"  Akane growled.  Satisfied that her 
task was complete, she stormed into the house.  

(And I thought electricity was bad,) Ataru thought, gurgling helplessly 
in the pond.  

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


Ranma tugged at the collar of his shirt and scratched the back of his 
neck.  "Man, I hate these things."

"It's just a uniform.  I thought Mother fixed it for you last night," 
Lum said.  The pair were on their way to school, Ranma walking lazily on 
the sidewalk with Lum floating in the air next to him.  

"She did, but it's still uncomfortable."

"It took me a while to get used it too," Lum admitted.  "But the 
teachers insisted."

"I've noticed that about them," Ranma replied, tugging at his collar 
once more.  He had to admit, this particular morning wasn't too bad.  No 
old women splashing him with cold water, no overly-friendly amazon 
waitresses, no spatula-swinging would-be brides, no psychotic gymnasts, 
no eternally lost pig-boys, no delusional kendo captains, no pint-size 
hentai freaks, no stately katana-wielding mothers, no conniving 
mercenary future sister-in-laws, no idiotic panda bears, no chi-sucking 
homeroom teachers, no moronic principals with tropical fixations, no 
blind hidden weapons masters, no old ghouls, and finally, no uncute 
tomboy fiancees.  

Strangely, that final thought brought him no pleasure.  (Who's gonna 
protect her now?) he thought morosely.  (I hope she's okay.)  Ranma 
tugged at his shirt collar again.

The vaguely familiar rumble of an engine made Ranma look up.  (It's that 
biker chick from yesterday,) he realized, suddenly wary.  Benten flew by 
Ranma and Lum, made quick mid-air U-turn, then stopped in front of them.

"Hey, Lum!  Who's your new friend?" 

"Hi, Benten!  This is Ranma; he's Mr. and Mrs. Moroboshi's real son."

"What do ya mean, 'real son'?  What happened to Ataru?"

"He and I were switched at birth," Ranma replied, idly wondering how 
many times he would have to repeat that sentence before the day ended. 

"No shit?" Benten exclaimed.  "So Ataru's living with -his- real family, 
eh?"

"Yeah, and his new mother already engaged him to someone.  She won't let 
me marry him."

"Oh geez. . ," Benten sighed.  "Why don't we go teach that bitch a 
lesson!  Remember, Lum, you have to fight for what you want."  Benten 
grinned viscously. 

"Hey!  Don't threaten Mrs. Saotome!" Ranma exclaimed.

"What's it to you?" Benten asked, glaring at Ranma.

"She may not be my real mother, but I still care about her."

"Benten!  Ranma!  Calm down, please!" Lum pleaded.  "I don't want to 
hurt Darling's parents, I just want to figure out a way to get him 
back."

"Let me know if you need any help," Benten offered.  

"Thanks, Benten, I will."

"Nice meeting ya, Moroboshi!"  Benten spun her air bike around and took 
off.  

Ranma stared at the quickly disappearing air-bike and shook his head.  
(It's gonna be a long day.)


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


"All right class, pay attention!" little Hinako impatiently demanded.  
"We have a new student starting here today.  He's a transfer student 
from Tomobiki, please welcome Ataru Saotome."

"Saotome?" more than one student murmured in surprise.   "Isn't he that 
Tag Race champion?" others asked.  

"Hello!" Ataru brightly greeted the class.   "I look forward to getting 
to know all of you; especially the girls!" he giggled delightedly.  

"Welcome to Furinkan, Saotome-kun.  Please sit in that empty desk over 
there behind Kuonji-kun.  Ukyo, will you please raise your hand?" Hinako 
asked.

"B- But, Sensei!  That's Ranchan's desk!" 

Hinako giggled slyly.  "That's not really a problem! Ranma transferred 
to Tomobiki as of today."

"What?" Ukyo demanded, suddenly standing.  She turned towards Akane.  
"Akane-chan, what happened?"

"Kuonji-kun, please be seated!  We're about to start class!" Hinako 
pouted.

"You're Ukyo?" Ataru asked, running up to her desk.  

"Y-yeah. . ."

"Great!  I'm your fiancee', Ataru!  We really should go on a few dates 
and get a chance to know each other, don't you think?" 

"What do you mean, 'fiancee'?  I'm engaged to Ranchan!"

"Not any more. . ," Ataru sang, grabbing hold of Ukyo's hand.

"Saotome-kun, are you a delinquent?" Hinako suspiciously asked.  

"A delinquent?  Certainly not!" Ataru replied, sounding rather offended.  
"I'm just greeting my fiancee."

"I'm -not- your fiancee!" Ukyo yelled, jerking her hand out of Ataru's 
grip.

"But Ucchan. . ." 

"Nobody calls me that but Ranchan!" Ukyo growled, reaching back for her 
battle spatula. 

"You -are- a delinquent!" Hinako decided.  She pulled out her 
ever-present five-yen coin and pointed it at Ataru.  "Happo Go-en 
Satsu!" she exclaimed.  Ataru turned towards Hinako just as a wave of 
energy flowed from his body, entered the center of the coin, and passed 
into Hinako's body.  

Ataru felt himself weaken and become dizzy and then Hinako's body 
changed and grew in the most interesting of places.  The dizziness 
suddenly passed, and he stared at Hinako, the power of lust permeating 
his very being.  Hinako completed her transformation, but energy was 
still flowing into her from Ataru.  

"Shouldn't he be, like, unconscious or something?" Hiroshi wondered 
aloud.  

Ataru giggled wickedly, sending a shudder through all the females in 
class.  (Gods, how I've been blessed!  Sakura's got nothing on her!)  
Ataru leaped towards Hinako, the energy still flowing from him.  
"Sensei!" he screamed joyously.  

For the first time in her career, fear touched Hinako's being.  She 
quickly dropped the coin and held out her hands towards Ataru.  "Happo 
Tsurisen Gaeshi!" she yelled, almost desperate.  

A ki blast larger than any she had created previously flew from Hinako's 
hands and hit Ataru dead center in the chest. Ataru didn't even have a 
chance to scream as he sailed right into the back wall of the classroom.  
Hinako, once again a little girl, blinked and looked up at Ataru.  "He's 
stuck in the wall!" she giggled delightfully.  

"Akane-chan, we need to talk; at lunch," Ukyo said flatly. 

"Yeah, I guess we do," Akane agreed.  (It's going to be a long day,) she 
sighed.  


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


"Megane, can I borrow your notes for physics class?"

"Not now, Perm!" Megane snapped, "Can't you see that I'm busy?"

"All you're doing is making hatch marks in your notebook," Perm replied 
flatly.  

"What's wrong, Megane?  You've been acting strangely since yesterday, " 
Chibi said.  Lum's four storm-troopers were sitting in class, waiting 
for homeroom to start.  

"I've been thinking. . ," Megane began. "Do you all not consider it 
strange that Ataru had an appointment at the hospital yesterday?"

"Maybe he's sick," Kakugari suggested.

"Or maybe he was in for a physical," Perm said.

"Maybe Lum sent him there to get 'fixed'," Chibi giggled.  The four 
guards silently looked at each other for a moment, then burst out 
laughing.

"No, I think it's much more serious than that," Megane replied, wiping a 
tear from his eye as he stopped laughing.

"What do you think, then?"  Perm asked.

"Ataru's parents -and- Lum went with him, that tells me that something 
serious has occurred, indeed.  I think," Megane trailed off.

"You think. . ."

"I believe. . ," Megane continued.

"You believe. . ."

"Ataru is dying," Megane proclaimed.  Once again, the guards become 
silent for a few moments, then exploded in laughter.  

"If only that was true," Perm sighed.

"It is!  I'm almost certain!" Megane protested.  "Think about it!  We 
haven't seen nor heard from Ataru since yesterday.  Normally he's 
running all over town on his girl hunt.  This morning, not once have we 
heard the cries of women screaming in terror and disgust."

"So?  Just because he's taking a break from his girl hunt doesn't mean 
he's dying," Chibi pointed out.

"What would cause Ataru to cease his lecherously idiotic ways?" Megane 
challenged.  "When confronted with his own mortality, man often becomes 
depressed and despondent.  He feels the futility of his life and finds 
joy in nothing, such trauma can lead to self-destruction; to suicide."

"You think. . ," Perm began.

"Ataru killed himself?" the three storm troopers asked at the same time.

 "It's definitely a possibility.  In that event, we must be prepared to 
comfort Lum in her loss.  Then, after a suitable period of time, I will 
try to fill the gap in her heart, the gap created by being widowed so 
young."  Megane sighed dramatically. 

"Why should -you- be the one to fill her gap?" Perm demanded.

"Yeah!  It might be me!" Kakugari added.

"Idiots.  If anyone would have the capacity, the strength of character, 
the gentleness to care for Lum, it would be me," Shutaro Mendo declared, 
walking up to the storm troopers.

"Ha!  Lum is pure!  She would not be swayed by your money or-" Megane's 
retort was cut short as Chibi gasped.

"Lum!" the short storm trooper exclaimed in delight.

The five boys watched in rapture as the green-haired Oni gracefully flew 
into the classroom.  The fact that Ataru had not accompanied her was not 
lost on them.  "Lum-san," Mendo greeted, quickly moving towards her.  
"Let me be your pillar in this time of need!"

"No, Lum!  Let -me- be the rock you can hold onto as sorrow washes over 
you like a wave," Megane offered, jumping to his feet.  

  "What are you talking about?" Lum asked, blinking in surprise.

"Lum-san, we know about Ataru," Mendo replied.

"I see. . . I'm still trying to find a way to be with him," Lum said.

"Lum-san!" Mendo gasped.

"Lover's suicide is very noble, but it's not for you!  Not when there 
are people around who are filled with love for you," Megane said.  

"Lover's suicide?" Lum demanded.  Electricity started dancing around her 
body.   "Who said anything about suicide?"

The boys slowly backed away, confusion and fear evident on their faces.  
"Isn't Ataru dead?" Pern weakly asked.

"No!  Darling is NOT dead!" Lum yelled, letting her lightning fly.  



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


Onsen Mark entered the classroom just as the boys' screams faded away.  
"Everyone, please be seated," he requested absently.  As hard as he 
tried, he could not hide the small, easy-going grin that grew on his 
face.  His arch-nemesis, the bane of his existence, the terror of his 
class, was finally gone.  Finally, his students would get an education!  
Tomobiki would no longer be the laughingstock of every school district 
in Japan.  

He waited for the students to get settled, and then his grin grew wider.  
"Class, I'd like to introduce you to a new student today."  The 
classroom door opened and Ranma walked inside.  The girls sat forward in 
their seats, staring at him openly.  Their hearts were still set on 
Mendo, but they were always on the look out for a feasible consolation 
prize. 

"Class, this is Moroboshi Ranma."

"Moroboshi?" the class yelled. The Storm Troopers and Mendo suddenly 
rose to their feet. 

"Sensei, what is the meaning of this?" Mendo demanded.  The young 
trillionaire drew his family katana.

"He can't be a Moroboshi, he's so. . . handsome," Shinobu pointed out.

"Be quiet!" Onsen Mark bellowed.  

"I'm Moroboshi Ranma, nice ta meet ya," Ranma warily greeted his class.  
(Man, this place is crazier than Furinkan.)

"Where's Ataru?" Megane asked.  

An insanely delighted look crossed Onsen Mark's face.  "Ataru is gone!  
He's living in Nerima with his real parents!  He won't ever be part of 
this class again!"  He laughed hysterically as tears of joy ran down his 
face.

The class' reaction was not surprising; everyone started talking at 
once.

"He's gone?"

"Why'd he go to Nerima?"

"What do you mean, 'real parents'?"

"Is Ranma his brother?"

"Lum, why didn't you go with him?"  

The last question, asked by Shinobu, silenced the class.  Ranma sighed 
in quiet relief as the focus shifted from him to the green-haired oni.  
"Darling's real mother won't let me marry him." Lum replied, then 
continued to explain what had happened at the hospital the previous day.  

After she had finished, the students, as one, turned back towards Ranma.  
To the class that had seen countless alien races, numerous planets in 
all corners of the galaxy, and a large private army declare war on one 
young pervert on a daily basis, the news came as a complete shock.  
Finally Megane stood up and cleared his throat.  "I have only one 
question for you," he said, staring pointedly at Ranma.

"Yeah?"  

"Do you plan on pursuing a relationship with Lum?" 

The students leaned forward, eager to hear Ranma's response.  Mendo 
tensed, his hand poised on the hilt of his sword.  Ranma blinked in 
surprise. "No! But, what business is it of yours?"
 
"I am the leader of Lum's guards!" Megane proclaimed.  "It is our sacred 
duty to protect her interests."

"Er. . . right."

"Megane!  Sit down and shut up!" Onsen Mark yelled.  "Ranma, please be 
seated in that empty desk next to Lum." 

Ranma sat down at his desk and idly wondered how many fanboys surrounded 
him.  (These guys are nuts.)  


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


Ukyo stared at Akane and sadly shook her head.  "You're in trouble, 
sugar."

"I'm not the only one," Akane pointed out, pausing to smack Ataru.  
"He's engaged to you too!"

"He is not!" Ukyo indignantly replied. "Genma Saotome engaged me to 
Ranma; not this hentai bastard."  Ataru, quickly recovering from Akane's 
blow, jumped towards Ukyo.  

"Ucchan!" he exclaimed.

"How many times do I have to tell you?" Ukyo demanded, hitting Ataru 
with her large spatula.  "Only Ranchan can call me that!"  She 
emphasized each word with another hit with the spatula.  Ataru dizzily 
clutched his head then finally slumped to the ground.

Lunch time had finally come and Ukyo had practically dragged Akane 
outside to talk about what had happened to Ranma.  Ataru, of course, 
wanting to familiarize himself with his two fiancees, followed after 
them.

"Uncle Genma had no right to engage you to Ranma, but he still took your 
dowry, so Ataru's your fiancee," Akane countered.

"He's -your- fiancee!" Ukyo yelled.

"No, he's not, he's yours!"

"Yours!"

"Yours!"

Ataru stood up and comfortably put an arm around each of them.  "Girls, 
girls! There's no need to fight, I have enough energy to satisfy the 
both of you," he assured them. 

"Whose turn is it?" Ukyo asked.

"Mine," Akane growled.  She tightly grabbed a hold of Ataru's arm, flung 
him around in a large semi-circular arc, and threw him into a tree 
several yards away.  

"Don't look now, sugar, but more trouble coming your way," Ukyo warned, 
glancing behind Akane.

Akane turned around and groaned as Kuno strode purposely towards her.  
"He probably found out about Ranma's transfer."

"Greetings, fair Akane," Kuno began.  "I heard of Saotome's flight from 
Nerima.  It would seem he has finally realized the futility in keeping 
me away from you and the pig-tailed girl."

"Moroboshi, Sempai.  Ranma's family name is Moroboshi, not Saotome," 
Akane replied.  

"I see.  The rumors are indeed true.  The miscreant was engaged to you 
under false pretenses!" Kuno exclaimed triumphantly. "And finally. . . 
finally he is gone!"

"He took the pig-tailed girl with him," Akane said flatly.

"What?  How dare he persist in holding my goddess captive!" 

"Did someone mention a goddess?" Ataru asked, suddenly jumping on Kuno's 
head.

"Remove yourself from my person," Kuno commanded, attempting to pick 
himself up off the ground.

"Sorry about that," Ataru easily replied.  He stepped off of Kuno's head 
and looked eagerly at Akane and Ukyo.  "So?  Tell me about this 
goddess!"

"Hold!" Kuno said, finally standing up.  "What business have you with 
the pig-tailed girl?"

Ataru blinked and looked quizzically at Kuno.  "I thought we were 
talking about a goddess. . ."

 "The pig-tailed girl -is- a goddess," Kuno explained.  "Her beauty 
outshines even the sun!  With each passing moment, her innocence, 
purity, and strength make me yearn for the day when she will finally be 
mine!"

(If she's -that- pretty, I gotta meet her!) Ataru thought.  "So, where 
can I find this pig-tailed goddess?"

Akane was about to reply when she heard the ring of an all too familiar 
bicycle bell.  With the greatest of ease, Shampoo flew through the air.  
Ataru looked up just in time to serve as Shampoo's landing pad.  
"Hello!" she sung brightly.  She looked down at Ataru and blinked.  "You 
no Ranma," she observed.

Ataru chuckled weakly, twitching slightly in pain.   Shampoo moved her 
bicycle off of Ataru and turned towards Akane.  "Where Ranma?" she 
demanded.  Ataru suddenly stood up and glomped Shampoo.

"Why is everyone interested in him for?"  he plaintively asked, nuzzling 
against Shampoo's breast. 

"You no touch woman of Amazon tribe!" Shampoo yelled.  She rapidly 
slapped Ataru back and forth across the face.  "Pervert-boy die!"  She 
threw Ataru back towards the tree.  

"Maybe we should engage him to that tree," Ukyo suggested.  "He's 
becoming more intimate with -it-, than he ever will with one of us."

"Where Ranma?" Shampoo demanded again.  

Akane sighed, hoping that this would be the last time she would have to 
tell this story; for today, at least.  She explained Ranma's current 
situation and his relation to Ataru as succinctly as possible.  The 
constant reminder that she was no longer connected to her one-time 
fiancee was almost more than she could bear.

Shampoo looked at Akane and Ukyo, then glanced at Ataru, who was just 
getting up and away from the tree.  "So Akane and Spatula Girl now 
engaged to Pervert Boy?" 

"We're still debating the point, but yeah, something like that."

Shampoo looked back at Akane and burst out in laughter.  "Akane always 
call Ranma 'pervert', now have real pervert for husband!"  Akane 
silently fumed and Ukyo let out a low growl.  They both realized that 
Shampoo was the only one left who had a 'valid' claim on Ranma.  
"Shampoo go tell good news to Great-grandmother!  Maybe time to move 
Nekohanten to Tomobiki," Shampoo said.  She quickly pedaled her bike 
away from her now former rivals.  

"Ohhh. . . that. . . that. . . bimbo!" Ukyo yelled.  

"What are we going to do, Ukyo?" Akane softly asked.

"I don't know, sugar." 

"Ease thy wounded heart, Akane Tendo," Kuno gently said.  "I will allow 
thee a date with me, to cheer thy spirits." He embraced Akane tightly, 
offering her his full support. 

"Go date a tree, Kuno!"  Akane kicked him into Ataru, who had finally 
managed to stand up, and the both of them slammed into the tree.  Ataru 
managed to stand up again, and grinned stupidly at Ukyo.  

(I wonder what life is like in Tomobiki,) Ukyo wondered, letting out a 
heartfelt sigh.  


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


Chapter Three:  Misunderstandings?  With These People?  
------------------------------------------------------

Sakura looked at the individual standing in front of her and narrowed 
her eyes thoughtfully.  "I've heard of shape-shifting curses before, but 
nothing that was water-based," she said.  She held out a cup of water 
that Ranma accepted gracefully.

"Do you know of a cure that might work?" Lum asked.  Morning classes had 
gone by relatively uneventfully and she had decided to use the lunch 
break as an opportunity for Ranma to meet with Sakura.  

"This isn't something that we should rush into," Sakura warned.  
"Anything I do now might have some undesired side effects."

Ranma poured the cup of warm water over his head.  "What kind of side 
effects?" he asked. 

"You might become stuck in your cursed form.  You might develop a female 
persona and perhaps even fall in love with a man," Sakura explained.

Ranma shuddered.  "I see what you mean.  Anything else?"

"You may split into two different people, one male, one female.  You'll 
be your own sister," Sakura smiled.  "Or lover, if you're into that sort 
of thing."

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Ranma gagged.  Lum only nodded her head in 
agreement, but her face had turned a bit pale.  

"Well, you get the general idea.  Let me look into it a bit and I'll let 
you know if I find anything." 

"Sure thing, Sensei.  That sounds just fine.  Thanks. . .  I think."

"We should be heading back to class," Lum said.

"It was nice meeting you, Ranma.  I hope you turn out better than he who 
held your name," Sakura said evenly.

"Er, yeah.  See ya later."   

As the left the nurse's office, Lum sparked in anger.  "Nobody seems to 
care that Darling's gone!" she exclaimed.  Ranma yelped in pain as a 
stray bolt of electricity hit him in the shoulder.

"Hey, watch it!"  

 Lum calmed down and blushed slightly.  "Sorry about that, Ranma.  I 
just wish. . . everyone didn't hate Darling as much as they do."  

"Well, I doubt anyone's missin' me back in Nerima," Ranma replied, 
rubbing his shoulder.

"Really, Ranma?  What about the girl you're engaged to?"  

"Who, Akane?  I. . . I don't know how she feels. . ."

"Do you love her?" 

"What?  That uncute tomboy!  Please!" Ranma exclaimed. 

"You're like Darling.  You don't realize how much happier you'll be if 
you just admit your true feelings."

"Come on, lunch's almost over.  We don't wanna be late for class," Ranma 
replied, quickening his pace towards the classroom.  

(Boys,) Lum thought disparagingly.  She sighed and followed after Ranma.   


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


"You have one day, Akane," Nabiki said, handing her younger sister a 
small folded slip of paper.  "Then this information is up for sale."

Akane unfolded the slip of paper and read the address written on it.  
"Thanks, Nabiki.  I might be home kind of late, okay?"  School had 
finally ended for the day and Akane decided to check up on Ranma; just 
to see how he was adjusting, of course.  She didn't -really- care about 
him, or anything.   She wasn't worried about Shampoo getting to him 
first; nope, not at all. 

 "Sure thing, Akane, and say hi to Ranma-kun for me." 

"Where's Ataru?  I don't want him pestering me for the next few hours," 
Akane said.

"Don't worry about it.  He's probably off chasing after a few dozen of 
your classmates."

"Nabiki. . . are you sure you want to go out with him?  I mean, he 
might. . ."

"Daddy and the Saotomes aren't going to let up on it, Akane.  Besides, 
if I handle things correctly, I could get rid of him permanently," 
Nabiki explained

"What do you mean?" Akane asked.

"You'll see, Akane, you'll see," Nabiki smirked.

"Nabiki. . ."

"Hey!  How about a date? Come on, what's your number?" they heard Ataru 
call out in the distance.

"I'll be leaving now."  Akane sighed.

Nabiki smiled sympathetically as Akane walked away.  (Good luck, Akane.)


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


Ranma was pleased to note that his first day at Tomobiki high school had 
ended rather quietly.  "I guess this place ain't as bad as I heard," he 
mused aloud.  He stretched his arms wide and sighed.  He had left Lum at 
school with her friends and had decided to explore the new city that 
would serve as his home.  (It beats homework, anyway,) he reasoned.

More than once he resisted the temptation to go to Nerima, to one dojo 
in particular.  (I don't got a connection to them any more, and the 
sooner I realize that, the better,) Ranma thought sadly.  

It had hurt though, more than he was willing to admit.  In the past two 
days everything he knew and cared about had been taken away, and he was 
still unsure of what he had gotten in return.  (I have to start all 
over.  Again.  I can deal with it, I know I can! Just. . . just like 
always,) he thought, trying to stay focused and determined. 

The roar of a very familiar engine interrupted Ranma's thoughts.  He 
stopped walking and looked up to once again see Benten's air bike flying 
overhead.   She was flying around rather erratically, and black smoke 
was billowing out of the red bike from behind.  "Oh shit," Ranma 
murmured as Benten started a nose-dive. 

"Damn that bitch!" Benten growled as she tried to regain control of her 
bike.  She had been flying around minding her own business, when Ran got 
it in her head to shoot her.  So she buzzed by Ran's spaceship a couple 
dozen times, big deal!  That wasn't any reason for her to wreck Benten's 
precious bike.  The flames behind her grew and she quickly began to lose 
altitude.

Benten accelerated towards the ground and her grip on the handlebars 
began to weaken.  "Shit!" she screamed, trying to hold on tightly.  As 
the ground grew closer and closer, she closed her eyes and braced 
herself for the inevitable.  Suddenly, she was pulled off the bike as a 
pair of strong arms held her gently around the waist.  She opened her 
eyes and found herself looking at Ranma's face.  He moved her into a 
more comfortable position, one arm under her legs, while the other 
supported her back.  

They continued to ascend for a few more seconds, then Ranma looked down 
past Benten, and tightened his hold on her.  "Hold on," he said. Benten 
silently complied as they began to fall.  She heard a loud explosion 
beneath her and gasped in realization.

"My bike!" she yelled, trying to twist around in Ranma's grasp.  

"Hey!  Settle down, will ya?" Ranma exclaimed as the heat and shrapnel 
from the exploding air bike washed over them.  Ranma gritted his teeth 
as a piece of hot metal tagged him in the back.  He landed softy on his 
feet, still cradling Benten in his arms.  

Benten stared at the red wreckage that was her beloved red bike.  "I 
just got it waxed too," she said faintly.

"Are you okay?"  

Benten blinked and looked up at Ranma's concerned face. She got angry at 
the way he was holding her and she glared at him.  She pulled her fist 
back to hit him, but then his eyes drew her in.  His eyes showed sincere 
concern, not the bravado, or lechery she was used to seeing from the 
males at Tomobiki.  Her face softened and she relaxed her fist.  "I. . . 
I'm fine," she replied softly.

Ranma breathed a sigh of relief and gently set her down on her feet.  
"You gotta be more careful.  Girls shouldn't be ridin' around on 
dangerous machines like that," Ranma chided.

Benten's eyes narrowed dangerously.  "What the hell is wrong with a girl 
riding a bike?" she demanded.

"Um, nothing, nothing!" Ranma quickly replied.  "I just meant it'd be a 
shame if a cute girl like you got hurt or something!"  

Benten's anger faded and she thought about what it had been like to be 
held in his arms.  She had felt safe; as safe as if she was riding a 
bike she had tuned herself.  For the first time in many, many years, 
Benten blushed.  "Oh. . . well, um, thanks for the assist, ya know?"  
she finally replied.  (I don't believe this shit,) she thought, 
mortified at her actions.  

"No problem," Ranma easily replied.  "So, what ya gonna do about your 
bike?"

"I'm going to have to talk to Lum.  I need her spaceship to get to the 
insurance company and the aircycle dealer," Benten sighed.

"Well, she was back at the high school when I left," Ranma replied.

"Do you, um, mind if I walk home with you?" Benten asked.  "To wait for 
her there, I mean."

"Er, sure, let's go," Ranma replied.  He didn't her the soft gasp behind 
him, or the quickly disappearing footfalls as Akane ran away, tears of 
betrayal blinding her eyes. 


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


Ataru wiped his face and glared at the old woman as he walked by.  "What 
is it with this place and water?" he wondered aloud.  While on his way 
home from school, he had already been splashed with cold water three 
times.  It had started with a sudden but short-lived rainstorm as soon 
as he exited the school building.  There hadn't been a storm cloud in 
the sky earlier, so he did not think to carry an umbrella. Later, as he 
was crossing a street, a car and driven through a large puddle, 
splattering water and finally, the old woman had splashed him as she 
emptied her dirty water onto the sidewalk.  

Ataru sighed and then heard a sympathetic snort from behind.  He turned 
around and instinctively glanced down.  He bent down and picked up the 
small black piglet that was curiously staring at him.  If Ataru didn't 
know any better, he would have said that the pig had a resigned look on 
its face.  "Looks like I'm not the only one who got splashed," Ataru 
said, noticing that the pig was rather wet.  The pig nodded its head and 
Ataru smiled.  "You're a smart one, aren't you?  Are you hungry?  I'll 
take you home and have Kasumi-chan fix you something to eat," he 
promised.

Ryoga's ears perked up momentarily at hearing Kasumi's name.  (What are 
the odds?  He can't be talking about Akane's sister. . . After all, he 
doesn't live with the Tendos.) he thought.  He considered jumping out of 
Ataru's grasp, but decided to wait until he had been fed.  Ryoga felt 
slightly guilty for getting food in this manner, but given his current 
situation, he had few options available.  

About fifteen minutes later, the lecher and the pig arrived at the Tendo 
home.   (This can't be right!  What are we doing here?) Ryoga wondered.  
Ataru removed his shoes and entered the house.

"I'm home!" 

"Hello, Ataru-kun," Kasumi greeted.  "How was your first day at 
Furinkan?"

"Not bad!  I met twenty-three girls with serious potential, and I only 
got slapped six times!" he exclaimed.  

"My goodness!"

"Oh, I also found this little guy on my way home."  Ataru held out Ryoga 
for Kasumi to see.

"You found P-Chan!  He's been gone for such a long time.  Akane will be 
so happy," Kasumi gushed.

"P-Chan?" Ataru repeated, looking at the little black pig.  

"Yes, he's Akane's pet."

"Hmmm. . . Do you think Akane-chan will be -grateful- that I found him?"  
Ataru asked.

"Oh, I'm sure she will," Kasumi replied.  "She just got home a few 
minutes ago and went straight to her room."  Kasumi frowned for a 
moment.  "I don't know what's bothering her, but seeing P-Chan is sure 
to lift her spirits."

"I better go deliver him to her then," Ataru said, then started 
giggling.  "Maybe Akane-chan will reward me!"  Ryoga glared at Ataru.  
He did not appreciate the boy's casual attitude towards Akane at all.  
Ataru bound up the stairs and stopped in front of Akane's room.  
"Akane-chan!" he called out, banging on the door loudly.

"Go away!  I'm not in the mood for your perversion, Ataru!" Akane yelled 
back.

"Oh, come on, Akane-chan," Ataru pled.  "There's someone here who wants 
to see you."  

The bedroom door burst open and Akane grabbed Ataru by the scruff of the 
neck.  "I don't care if someone wants. . . "  Akane trailed off when she 
saw the little pig in his arms. "P-Chan!" she cried, releasing Ataru and 
grabbing hold of her pet.  She hugged him to her chest and rocked him 
back and forth, while Ataru looked on in envy. 

"You've been gone for so long, P-Chan!  I've missed you so much!"  Tears 
flowed freely down Akane's face and she kissed the little pig on its 
snout.  

A wave of dizziness over took Ryoga, but he managed to fight it off.  
(Something's -really- bothering her,) he realized.  (Well, maybe she 
just misses P-Chan.  After all, I haven't been around here much since I 
last found Akari's farm.) 

"I found him," Ataru said proudly.  "Yup, I must have saved his life! I 
mean, there he was, walking along the sidewalk, and who knows what could 
have happened!  Someone could have stepped on him, or he could have been 
hit by a car, or he could have been chased by a dog, or worse!" Ataru 
paused for effect.  "Someone could have tried to cook him!"

Ryoga found himself nodding his head in agreement, all of those things 
had happened to him at one time or another.  Akane looked up at Ataru's 
hopeful face and sighed.  "Th-thank you," she grudgingly replied.

"You're welcome, Akane-chan!" Ataru beamed.  "Now, how about a little 
reward?"  He leaned towards Akane and puckered his lips.

"Sure. . . I'll give you exactly what you deserve!" Akane yelled, 
slamming her fist into Ataru's outstretched face.  

Ataru's head jerked back and he fell flat on his back.  (Nice hit, 
Akane-san,) Ryoga thought, nodding his head firmly.  

Akane slammed the door shut and sat on her bed, still cradling Ryoga in 
her arms.  "Oh, P-Chan, what am I going to do?"  

Ryoga snorted questioningly in response.  

"I guess. . . Ranma really didn't love me.  He didn't really say it back 
in China," Akane sniffed.  

(What do you mean, Ranma doesn't love you?  What the hell happened?) 

"If. . . If he loved me, he wouldn't have been holding that girl today.  
He. . . used to hold -me- that way!"  Akane cried harder.  As she gently 
pet her pig, the tears stopped and she took a deep breath.  "Maybe. . . 
maybe the only connection we had was that engagement and now, that's 
gone too."

(The engagement's off?  Again?  Damn!  What did you -do-, Ranma?)

"Then there's that idiot, Ataru," Akane grumbled.  "He's a worse pervert 
than Ranma ever was!"

(What?!)

 "One of us has to marry him!  Can you imagine being engaged to an idiot 
like that?"  Akane asked.

(Marry him?)  Ryoga shook his head.

"I don't want that pervert anywhere near Kasumi or Nabiki; they can't 
defend themselves like I can, but. . . I don't want to marry him 
either!"

(Time to settle this right now!  Dammit, Ranma, where are you?) Ryoga 
thought, jumping out of Akane's lap.  He ran to the door and starting 
tapping on it, then looked back at Akane.

"What's the matter, P-Chan?  Do you need to go the bathroom?"  Akane 
asked.  Ryoga just tapped on the door again.  "Okay, baby, I'll let you 
out," Akane said soothingly.  "Just be sure to come back soon, okay?"


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


"Why does she have to be so. . . so. . . aggressive," Ataru wondered.  
He touched a cut on his lip and winced in pain. "She's as strong as 
Shinobu!  Ah well," he sighed. "She'll come around eventually."  After 
Akane had unceremoniously knocked him on his backside, Ataru decided to 
take a bath.  

He sunk down into the steaming furo and smiled in pleasure.  "Nothing 
beats a hot bath after a day of Girl Hunting!"  The door to the bathroom 
slowly creaked open and Ataru looked up in expectation.  (Maybe 
Akane-chan wants to take a bath with me!  Or maybe Kasumi-chan wants to 
wash my back!  Or maybe. . .)  Ataru frowned in disappointment when 
P-Chan walked through the open door.  "Oh.  It's you."  He leaned back 
in the furo and put his arms behind his head.  "So, you need a bath too, 
eh?"

P-Chan walked purposefully towards the furo then jumped in.  "Hey, 
careful!  You might drown!" Ataru exclaimed as he leaned forward.  He 
reached out his hand, hoping to save the little pig. Instead, he found 
himself staring at a young man who seemed to have suddenly appeared in 
the furo.  "W-w-who are you?" Ataru asked, jerking his hand back. 

"My name is Ryoga Hibiki.  I'm a. . . friend of Akane-san's." Ryoga 
cracked his knuckles meaningfully.  "I want you to leave her alone."

"Hey!  Who are -you- to interfere in my Girl Hunt?" Ataru demanded 
indignantly.

"You leave Akane-san out of your Girl Hunts, you Pervert!" Ryoga yelled.

"Are you in love with her or something?" Ataru asked suspiciously.  
"Akane-chan and I might get married some day.  I can chase her if I 
want!" 

"N-no, I'm not in love with her!  She's just a good friend!" Ryoga 
blushed, then took a deep breath.  It was the first time he had admitted 
that vocally since meeting Akari.

"Then I suggest you stay out of our business."  Ataru whipped out his 
mallet and slammed it on top of Ryoga's head.  "All pretty girls belong 
to me," he said simply.  "Have a nice nap."  

"That. . . hurt."  Ryoga began to glow bright blue and his eyes blazed 
with rage. 

Ataru blinked in surprise.  (Wow!  He has a hard head!)  He gulped 
nervously as Ryoga slowly pushed the mallet off his head.  "Uh. . . . 
Sorry about that," he said lamely.  

"Die!" Ryoga roared, launching himself towards Ataru.  


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


Akane walked downstairs, a puzzled frown on her face.  "P-Chan?  Where 
did you run off to?"  she called out.  She walked into the kitchen where 
Kasumi was busy preparing dinner.  "Kasumi, did P-Chan come down here by 
any chance?" 

"Why, no, Akane.  I haven't seen P-Chan since Ataru-kun brought him 
home."

"He just up and ran out of my room.  I don't know-"

"Akane-chan! Save me!" Ataru screamed.  Naked and soaking wet, he ran 
into the kitchen and hid behind Akane.  

"Oh my! Is anything wrong, Ataru-kun?" Kasumi asked.

"There's some crazy guy in the bathroom!  He growls and has large fangs 
and glows this really weird blue color!" Ataru explained.  He embraced 
Akane tightly.  "Please, Akane-chan, use your magnificent strength to 
save me.  Defeat that fanged monster!" he pled.  

"You. . . you pervert!" Akane spluttered.  "I'll show you magnificent 
strength!"  She broke free of Ataru's grasp, grabbed his arm and tossed 
him through the kitchen ceiling and into the evening sky. 

"Looks like we'll have call the repair crew again," Kasumi observed.  
"My goodness, Ataru-kun is rather. . . well-endowed, isn't he?"  A light 
blush covered Kasumi's face.

"Hmph.  He doesn't having anything on Ranma," Akane replied, realizing 
too late what she had said.

"Akane, you didn't!"

"No, it was nothing like that!" Akane hastily replied.  "I just, er, 
caught a glimpse of him that first day when I walked in on him in the 
bath; a small glimpse."  

"Oh, I see.  I hope who ever attacked Ataru is gone, I really don't have 
enough food for a guest tonight," Kasumi fretted. 

"I'm sure he was just making it up," Akane easily replied.

"Maybe. . ."

"Well, I'll go check it out, just to be sure."

"Thanks, Akane," Kasumi replied gratefully.  "Just be careful, okay?"

Akane promised that she would and wearily walked to the bathroom.  (That 
Ataru!  Honestly!)  She sighed in exasperation.    She glanced around 
the outer bathroom and then the furo area.  As she expected, the 
bathroom was empty.  "Ha!  I knew it."  She walked back into the kitchen 
and smiled at an expectant Kasumi.  "I was right, Kasumi.  No 'fanged 
monster' in sight."

"Oh, good.  That would have been frightfully inconvenient just before 
dinner."

"Uh. . . right.  I'm. . . going to go look for P-Chan now."

"Okay, I'll let you know when dinner's ready."

"Thanks, Kasumi," Akane replied, exiting the kitchen.  (Maybe he went 
back to my room.)  She walked back upstairs, hoping that she had not 
once again lost her pet, so soon after finding him.  As she reached the 
top of the stairwell, she noticed a familiar figure standing in front of 
Ataru's door.  "Ryoga-kun!" 

"Akane-san!" Ryoga jerked back then smiled sheepishly at Akane. "H-how 
have you been?"

"I'm. . . fine, Ryoga-kun.  What are you doing here?  Did you get lost?"

"No!  I mean. . . er, I was looking for Ranma. . ."

"Oh, I see.  Ranma doesn't live here anymore, and I doubt he'll ever be 
coming back," Akane replied bitterly.

"Akane-san, what happened?  And what's the deal with that guy, Ataru?" 

"You've met Ataru?" Akane asked, blinking in surprise.

"Er, I sort of ran into him earlier when I was looking for Ranma," Ryoga 
laughed nervously.  "He mentioned a 'girl hunt' and being engaged to 
you!"

Akane suddenly giggled, realizing who Ataru's 'fanged monster' was.  
"Come on, Ryoga-kun," Akane said, motioning towards her room. "I'll fill 
you in on what's been going on for the past two days."


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


"Ranma-chan, this might sting a little. . ."

"Don't worry about it, Mom, I've had worse."

Benten stared guiltily at Ranma as his mother dabbed antiseptic on his 
back.  "I'm really sorry, Ranma."

Ranma shrugged his shoulders and winced slightly at the pain.  "Quit 
apologizin' already, okay?  It wasn't your fault."

When they had reached the Moroboshi home, Benten finally noticed the 
wound on Ranma's back.  The fact that Ranma had gotten hurt saving her 
made her feel horribly embarrassed for some reason.  (It's not that big 
of a cut,) she tried to rationalize to herself.  She -did- like looking 
at Ranma's unclothed chest, however.

"You're such a brave young man, Ranma-chan, saving a young lady in 
distress like that."  

"Thanks, Mom," Ranma paused then sighed.  "I'm used to it," he muttered.

"I'm home!" Lum called out, flying into the room.

"Welcome home, Lum-chan."  Mrs. Moroboshi placed a large bandage on 
Ranma's back then gently patted him on the shoulders.  "There, all 
finished."

"Great."  Ranma grabbed the red shirt that was sitting next to him and 
shrugged it on.  "Hey, Lum, how's it going?"

"Hi, Ranma.  What's going on?" Lum shot a puzzled glance at a blushing 
Benten.

"I had, er, a little problem with my bike, and Ranma helped me out."

"A little problem?  That thing's a flaming hunk of junk now!" Ranma 
snorted.

"Hey!" Benten glared at Ranma, her guilt and blush quickly forgotten.

"Benten, did you. . . crash?"  Lum cringed as she asked the question.  
Benten was very proud of her cycling skills.

"No! Ran shot me down!"

"Oh, I guess you'll need another ride to the insurance agency then."

"Right!  Come on, Lum, let's get going!" Benten stood up and grabbed 
Lum's arm.  

"I can't leave now, filing a claim takes weeks!  I still need to get 
Darling back!"

Benten sighed and relaxed her grip.  "Well, shit, Lum, what am I 
supposed to do until then?"

"You can stay in my ship until then.  Please, Benten, just be a little 
patient?"

"I'm gonna go nuts, being cooped up in your ship all day. . ."  Benten 
glanced at Ranma and an inspired smile grew on her face.  "On the other 
hand, I think I can I find a way to keep busy."  

_____________________________________


End - Chapter 3

_____________________________________


Authors Notes:

First off, I'm not dead.  Honest.

I still write.  Kinda.

I was going to wait until I finished the whole fic before posting it, 
but since life has gotten even busier than usual, I decided to post what 
I have.

I've been working on this story since October.  Yeah, I've slowed down 
lots.  Anyway, I hope you enjoyed what I have so far.  I haven't had so 
much fun writing a fic since Stained Glass Mind, (which is being 
rewritten, in case you were interested.)  

Hey, acknowledgments first, then I'll move on to a status report....

Special thanks go to Fred Herriot and the TSY crew, believe it or not, 
their fic inspired me to write this one.  I sat down one week and read 
the 50 core chapters.  *_*  You got to respect authors who are obviously 
having fun.  That's my motivation too.

Thanks to Phillip Masters for the title!  "My Son, the Lecher," (the 
original title,) just didn't fit for what I had in mind.

Thanks to Gary Kleppe for keeping me honest.  Akane was a lot meaner 
before he got his hands on this fic.  I trust his ability to keep 
characters IC more than any other Ranma-fic writer I've met.

I had a bunch of prereaders who were very supportive and kept me 
interested in the fic.

Thanks to: John Peasley, Ed Becerra, Saitou, Karaohki, Nightman, Su, 
(Hi, imouto!) Donny Cheng. . . ack, I'm forgetting people!  (Remind me 
for next time, guys.)

Status Report:

*sigh*  Not much to say here, I'm afraid.

Juxtaposition chapter 4: Being written; about 30% done.

For the Sake of the Children, chapter 10: about 10% done.  (I'm having 
difficulty *believing* in this story right now, and that's making it 
hard to write.)

For the Love of a Mortal, chapter 5: Not even started.

Only Begotten Son, chapter 2, about 30% done.

Child of Balance, Not even started.

Stained Glass Mind rewrite, I'm in the middle of what was chapter 2.  
Actually, chapters 1 and 2 are going to be put together...

That's all folks, feel free to C&C in any way, shape, or form.

Namaste,

Anand.
  	 


Anand Rao
anandr@mminternet.com
anandr@deranged-otaku.com
http://www.deranged-otaku.com/

"He's a sex object.  He asks for sex and women object."

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