Ranma 1/2 is owned by Rumiko Takahashi.
A Tribe of One is owned by TSR


A Stained Glass Mind: REVISED EDITION
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By: Anand Rao

Chapter 3: Sex Changes, Lies, and Engagements
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Guardian woke up and rose from bed.  Ranma was deep asleep and she decided not to wake him.  The tribe had spent most of the night arguing over what the best course of action would be.

(I still say we should just leave.)

(Not yet, Bitter.  Ranma wants to try to make this work.)

(Besides, we get to meet three hotties soon! We can't leave until then!)

(Sex, sex, sex!  That's all you ever think about, Play.  Maybe we should change your name to Slut.)

(Bitter!  Play!  It's too early in the morning for this!)

The rapid changes that had occurred since meeting Genma had truly rattled the tribe.

        **************************


"So he should be here in a few days?"  Soun asked his old friend as he placed a go stone.

"With any luck, yes," Genma replied.  (If Nodoka doesn't kill him.)

Soun looked out into his back yard, watching the sunrise in the horizon.  "It promises to be a beautiful day, eh Saotome?"

"Yes, Tendo, and soon, our families will be joined together."

Soun turned back to the game board and studied Genma's latest move.  "Hmmm. . . Which one of them do you think he will choose?"

"I really don't know, Tendo.  I don't know what kind of girl he likes."

Soun glanced at Kasumi who was setting up the dining table for breakfast. (A house wife?) He then turned towards Nabiki who was yawning as she leaned forward on the table. (A career-minded woman?)  He then turned towards the Dojo where he could hear the sounds of bricks being smashed.  (A martial artist?)

"Well, which ever one he picks, he will be getting a good wife."

Genma nodded his head in agreement.  "You have done a very fine job of raising them, Tendo."

"Thank you.  Where were you and Ranma before this recent trip to China?"

"Uh. . . Er. . . Well, this trip to China was recent for -me-, Ranma has been there for the last ten years," Genma replied.  (Please don't take this the wrong way!)

"Really?  So Ranma has been learning a lot Chinese styles, eh?"

"Uh, yeah.  But he has also learned Anything Goes; from my sister, Ryoko."

"Sister?  I didn't know you had a sister!"

"Well, she left home to. . . perfect her skills a long time ago."

"Well, it's good that Ranma has learned from her then."

The two men sat in silence for a moment and then Soun finally asked, "Are you sure he'll agree to this?  I mean, he does know about what we planned, right?"

"Of course, Tendo.  The boy knows his duty."

"Good, because things might get difficult if he is of two minds on this subject. . ."

(You don't know the -half- of it,) Genma thought morosely.



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


"I can't believe Daddy is forcing us into something like this!"  Akane said as she wiped the water off another plate.

"Well, it's not that bad -yet- Akane, after all, he might be cute.  Right, Kasumi?"  Nabiki asked, standing in the kitchen doorway watching her sisters work.

"Well, he's younger than me, so I can't marry him," Kasumi replied.

"That's a weak argument, Kasumi," Nabiki chirped.

"And what about that stupid curse?  He turns into a girl!  He's gotta be some kind of a freak or a pervert!"

"Well, then he's perfect for you, right, Akane?  After all, -you- don't like boys."

"Nabiki!"  Akane's face turned a bright shade of red.

Before Nabiki could further embarrass her younger sister, someone knocked on the front door.  "Oh!  That might be Ranma!"  Nabiki exclaimed as she turned around and headed towards the front door.

"Come on, Akane, we should greet our guest," Kasumi said, drying her hands.

"Oh. . . okay,"  Akane replied.

Before they were able to exit the kitchen, however, Genma came barreling in and hid behind Kasumi.  "Pleasedon'tletherhurtmepleasedon'tletherhurtmeplease-" he gibbered.

"What the-" Akane started to ask but was interrupted by a loud yell.

"Husband!  Come back here at once!"

"Oh my!  Is that your wife, Mr. Saotome?"

"Pleasedon'tletherhurtmepleasedon'tletherhurtmeplease-" he gibbered.

"Oh please!" Akane said, exasperated.

She grabbed Genma firmly by the hand and dragged him out of the kitchen.  Genma was too paralyzed with fear to fight back.  When Akane reached the living room she saw a woman wearing a kimono who had a sword drawn.  Standing next to her was a boy with a red chinese-style shirt with long black hair that was tied back in a pigtail.

The woman with the sword stalked angrily up to Akane and the girl flinched when she looked at the woman's eyes.  When she reached Akane she suddenly smiled.  "Thank you dear, I'll take it from here."  She then firmly grabbed a hold of Genma's ear and dragged him outside of the house. "We have -much- to discuss, Husband."

Akane stared at Nodoka's retreating form and then turned to her father who was hugging the boy with the pigtail.

"Uh. . . Dad?"

Soun let go of the boy and turned around to face Akane, his eyes brimming with tears and a smile plastered all over his face.  He kept one arm over Ranma's shoulder.

"Oh Akane, good, you're here.  Kasumi!  Nabiki! Gather around please."

Kasumi followed Akane out of the kitchen and Nabiki walked downstairs with a camera in her hand.

"Girls," Soun began, "I would like you to meet Ranma Saotome.  Genma's son."
Soun turned his head towards Ranma and said, "Ranma, I would like to introduce you to my daughters.  There is Kasumi, age 19, my middle daughter Nabiki, age 17, and finally my youngest daughter Akane, age 16.  Pick any one you want. She will be your wife."

Ranma looked at each of the three girls in turn.  Kasumi was slightly smiling and had a vapid look on her face.  Nabiki was looking at Ranma with a speculative gleam in her eyes.  Ranma shuddered.  The girl looked like a predator.  Akane was glaring at him with undisguised hatred.  He didn't need to be a telepath to know what -she- was feeling right now.  It took a lot of will power to keep Shade down when he looked at Akane.  There was nothing but hostility there.

(Guardian. . . I need help!)

(All right Ranma, just calm down and let me up.)  Guardian took control and started probing the minds of all the people in the room.  (Kasumi is a gentle, sweet, airhead who thinks that we are too young for her.  Besides, she is a bit uncomfortable with the curse.)

(Wait a minute!  How did they find out about the curse?) Ranma asked.

(Hold on a second. . .)  Guardian started a deeper probe and then started laughing.

(What's so funny?)

(Ranma, you're not going to believe this, but Father came here as a panda!)

(What? That idiot!) Bitter exclaimed.

(Pop's a panda, pop's a panda, pop's a panda!)

(Lyric, please, not now.)

(I can't believe he did that!) Bitter fumed.  (What utter stupidity!)

(Bitter, it's not that bad.)

(Oh really?  Have you forgotten, Guardian, Mother doesn't know about the curse yet?  Have you forgotten the promise Father made to her?)

(Oh dear. . .)

(Guardian, go on,) Ranma urged

(Yes, well, father changed back, scaring everyone half to death I might add, and explained everything to Soun and the girls.)

(Okay, what about the other two?)

(Nabiki doesn't really care about the curse, but she doesn't want to marry you either.  She is more concerned about how much money she can make off of you.  As for Akane. . . well, she hates you.)

(What?  Why?  I don't even know her!)

(Ranma, she's upset about the possibility of an arranged marriage, she hates boys our age, the curse scares her, -and- she's in love with someone else.  We are the primary cause of all her stress right now, regardless of who thought of this idea,) Guardian explained.

(Well, I guess I'd better say something.)

While Ranma was doing his mental 'research', it had seemed to the girls that he was staring off into space, trying to make some kind of decision.  Soun looked expectant and a bit excited as Ranma turned towards him.

"Mr. Tendo, I- I don't think that any of your daughters want to marry me.  Am
I wrong?"  Ranma asked turning towards the girls.

"It's not that you don't seem like a nice young man, but I think you're too young for me," Kasumi said with a smile.

"I have a lot of plans right now, and marriage, just wouldn't fit right now," Nabiki replied.

"I hate boys."  Akane's tone of voice was surprisingly calm.

Nabiki walked into the kitchen, filled a glass with cold water and walked back out.  She casually threw the water at Ranma and watched the transformation.  Ranma, because of the shock of the water and the transformation lost control and Bitter came up.

Bitter calmly wiped her face. "I assume there was a point to that?  Or perhaps you prefer this body better, eh Nabiki?"

Nabiki blushed for a moment then smirked, "Actually, I did it for Akane, since she hates boys, but you're just too cute.  We could find a nice, handsome man for you easily."

Bitter glared at Nabiki for a moment then started laughing.

"I could get to like you."  She said with a sigh.

Nabiki just winked and smiled mysteriously.

(Bitter, be careful what you say!)

(Oh, no harm done, but I do like her. I need someone intelligent to talk to once in awhile.  I've always liked the thrill of a good debate or argument.)

Lyric began to giggle.  (Bitter and Nabiki sittin' in a tree!  K-I-S-S-I-N-G!  First-)

(Oh shut up!)

Soun looked like he was going to cry.  "You- You don't want to marry -any- of them?" he asked in a stricken voice.

"I don't -know- any of them, and besides, they don't want to marry me.  I won't force a girl into a marriage, Mr. Tendo."

(Very smooth, Bitter.  If I didn't know better, I'd say you sounded almost noble,) Guardian said.

(Oh please!  This is just an argument, like any other.  I'll use any means necessary to win it.)

(I think you'd better let me up, now.)

(Sure thing, Ranma.  Just get some hot water.  Quickly.)

Before Soun could respond, Nodoka walked back into the house, (her sword was on her back this time), with a meek Genma walking behind her.

"It was rude of me to leave before introductions, but there were some things that needed to be settled," Nodoka said as she smiled at Akane and Kasumi.

"My name is Nodoka Saotome. You already know my husband, and I see that you have met my. . . where is Ranma?"

(We're in trouble now!)

Akane looked back and forth between Nodoka and Ranma.  "You mean you don't-"

"Ranma's upstairs," Nabiki smoothly intervened.  "In my room."

"Oh really?"  Nodoka looked pleased.  "Goodness, he's a fast worker."

"It's not like that!" Ranma exclaimed.

"And who might you be?" Nodoka asked.  She narrowed her eyes as she noticed the clothes Ranma-chan was wearing.  "Why are you all wet, dear?  And why are you wearing Ranma's clothes?"

"Er. . ."  Ranma-chan began to sweat.  (Any ideas, guys?)

(We could try something original, say like, maybe the truth?)

(Yeah, like -that's- gonna work!)

"That's Miaka.  She's an amateur model whose career I'm helping along," Nabiki replied. "She's wearing Ranma's clothes because we thought it would be nice to get some shots with her in Chinese clothing.  Go one upstairs and change, Miaka, I'll be up there in a few moments."

"Uh, right."

(Damn, she's a quick thinker.  I could -really- get to like her!)

(Weren't you the one who wanted to try the truth, Bitter?)

Ranma quickly jogged up the steps and was relieved to find a door with Nabiki's name on it. He stepped inside and sat down on the bed.

(Now what?)  Ranma asked.

(Now we wait and see what Nabiki has planned,) Guardian advised.

A few moments later, Nabiki entered the room carrying a steaming kettle.  "Here, I thought you might like this."  She handed the kettle to Ranma.

"Great!"  Ranma poured the contents over his head.

(See?  She's being helpful already,) Bitter said.

"Thanks a lot, Nabiki. I really appreciate it."  He looked down at the water that was dripping on her bed.  "Er. . . sorry about the mess."

(Idiot.)

(Shut up, Bitter.)

"Don't worry about it."  Nabiki smiled.  "Oh, and that will be 5000 yen please."

Ranma blinked. "For what?"

"For hot water services and keeping your curse a secret from your mother, who obviously has no clue about it," Nabiki explained.

(She's charging us for a favor and trying to extort money from us, Ranma.)

(Well, what do we do, Guardian?  I don't have any cash on me!)

(You might want to let me handle this, Ranma.)

(Be my guest, Bitter.)

(I'd like to handle her!  Maybe we can do her some sexual favors instead of paying her.  She -does- seem a bit hard up,) Play observed.

(I'll deal with you later, slut,) Bitter warned, then took control of the body.

(Hey, hey, Play-neechan, what's a slut?)

(Just a gal who likes to have sex, sweetie. Don't worry about it.)

"I'm afraid I don't have that kind of cash on me right now. Perhaps we can make. . . other arrangements?"  Bitter suggested.

"Let's just say you owe me the money, with interest.  I might, however, think of a favor or two you can do to erase that debt at a another time."

"Depends on the favor," Bitter said cautiously.

"We'll talk about it when the time comes," Nabiki said confidently.  "From the way our parents are talking, it looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

"I can't say that I'm disappointed," Bitter replied.

"Either am I," Nabiki replied throatily.  She leaned forward towards Bitter. "Cute, female martial artist are big money makers around here."

Bitter laughed weakly as the rest of the tribe groaned in unison.

"Come on, we'd better get down stairs.  Your mom is asking about you."


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


"We have been waiting for this for so many years, I just wish your mother could be here for it."  Nodoka looked at all three Tendo girls in turn and her eyes moistened.

Both families were seated around the Tendo dining table, drinking tea. Nodoka smiled and got down to business.  "Now, the wedding doesn't have to take place right away, but soon.  Of course, Ranma needs to decide who he wants and-"

Akane slammed her hands on the table.  "I can't believe you're doing this!  I mean, what if we're not ready to get married, huh?"

Nodoka blinked and sat back.  "Well, I suppose we could postpone it for a bit, but the marriage -must- occur.  It is a matter of family honor," her voice hardened at the last.  "First things first, however.  Ranma has to choose one of you."

All eyes turned towards Ranma.

(Still glad you decided to leave the village, idiot?)

(Bitter-niichan, what is marriage?)

(Well, Lyric, it's when a man and a woman decide to spend the rest of their lives together.  They usually bind the agreement in some legal and often spiritual manner.  Most times, however, the couple comes together by -choice-.)

(Don't forget the wedding night!  Woohoo!)

Bitter sighed.  (Yes, there is usually some pomp and circumstance dealing with the initial consummation.)

Ranma looked at the three women who would be his prospective bride.  (Look, I don't want to consummate anything with anybody!  How do I get out of this, guys?)

(Just be honest about how you feel, Ranma.  We've told enough lies since leaving home; it's time to start telling some truth.)

"Look. . . Mom, I- I'm just not ready to get married yet.  And- And, I don't know any of these three girls, and none of them want marry me, so-"

"This is not about what you want Ranma, this about fulfilling your obligation to giri.  You could have stayed in China, but thankfully, you decided to be a part of our family, and as such, this responsibility is yours."

"But Mom, I. . . don't know what to do," Ranma confessed.

(There, that wasn't so hard, was it?)

(What do you mean, Guardian?)

(It is not a weakness to admit to needing help, Ranma.  There are going to be times in life when even we will be unable to help you.)

(Very rare times,) Bitter amended.

"Under the circumstances, that's understandable," Nodoka smiled.  "So, we'll start off by just engaging you to all three girls.  You'll have a few months to get to know each of them, go on several dates, and then decide who you want to marry."  Nodoka looked around the table.  "Would that be acceptable?"

"Oh yes!  Absolutely, what a splendid idea!" Soun exclaimed happily.

Akane was about to speak when Kasumi put a hand on her shoulder, halting any objection she might have had.

"Excellent!  All that's left then, is for Ranma to enroll in high school, and we're all set."

(High school?  Oh man!)

(Aw. . . come on, Ranma! It'll be fun!  We'll get to met lots of new people and join some clubs, maybe go on a few-)

(Don't forget, we'll have to study and do homework as well.)

(Ha!  I'll leave that to you, Bitter, since you enjoy it so much!)

"Well," Nodoka continued, "I guess that's everything.  Genma, pack up your belongings, you have a home to return to."

"Yes dear," Genma replied, starting to walk upstairs.

"Oh Auntie please, you must, at least, stay for lunch!"  Kasumi exclaimed.

"Why thank you dear, we would love to.  I'll help you in the kitchen."

"But you're a guest! I-"

"None of that!  I'll help," Nodoka said as she followed Kasumi into the kitchen.

"Well, I got some homework to do, it was nice meeting you, Ranma-kun." Nabiki smiled and walked upstairs.

Ranma nodded in her direction while Genma and Soun happily returned to their game of Go.  This, of course, left Akane and Ranma standing alone together in the living room.

(Say something, idiot!)

"Uh. . . well. . ."

(Good start!)

"You practice Kempo, right?"  Akane said asked.

"Sure. . . been practicing it all my life."

"Let's have a little match then.  Nothing major, just sparring," Akane suggested, sporting her first smile of the day.

Ranma smiled in turn.  (She is rather cute when she smiles, isn't she?)

(I wouldn't know.)

(Guardian, are you okay?)

(Fine, fine. . . go have your match,) Guardian sighed.

Ranma was glad to be on more familiar ground. "Okay. . . sure! Actually, that sounds like fun!"

Ranma and Akane both headed off to the dojo, neither one noticing the slight grins on their fathers' faces.

"Nice Dojo," Ranma commented as they walked inside.

"Thanks.  Shall we get started? Or do you need to get warmed up?"

"Nah.  I'm ready to go."

Akane stepped back from Ranma and took a deep breath.  She suddenly jumped forward and tried to hit Ranma with a right jab.  Ranma simply dodged to the side, grabbed Akane's outstretched arm, and flipped her over.

Akane, not used to being on the receiving during her fights, painfully stood up and faced Ranma again.  She was more than a little angry at herself as she attacked again.  She charged towards Ranma with a yell and jumped into air, her foot out-stretched towards Ranma's face.  Ranma smiled and jumped over Akane as she started her descent.  He quickly turned around as he landed on his feet and promptly kicked Akane in the back.  She stumbled forward and fell, face-first, onto the dojo floor.

(Woo Hoo!  And we have a face-plant, ladies and gentlemen!)

(Shut up, Lyric!) Ranma snapped as he quickly went to Akane's side.  "Hey, are you all right?  I'm really sorry about that. . ."

Akane turned herself over and glared at Ranma, but with a grudging look of respect on her face.  "You're pretty good," she admitted after a few moments.

Ranma sat down on the Dojo floor and smiled.  "Thanks.  Like I said, I've been training for a long time."

Akane sat up and rubbed her nose.  "Your dad said that you were in China."

"Yeah, I've trained with my Aunt Ryoko there in a small village for the past ten years."

Akane sighed.  "I'm sorry. . . for not being more hospitable earlier.  I'm usually not that rude to guests.  I just got upset over that wedding thing."

"I understand.  I don't want to marry you, you don't want to marry me.  No problem.  Besides, you already like someone, right?" Ranma said with a smile.

Akane blushed and looked shocked at the same time.  "H-How did you know?" she finally asked.

"I'm psychic," Ranma explained with a perfect aplomb.  His head was filled with mirthful laughter.

Akane just smiled back and shook her head.  After a few minutes, Ranma closed his eyes, and Lyric took over and starting singing.  Akane looked up in surprise as she listened to Ranma.  After a while, she too closed her eyes and relaxed as Lyric's song vibrated through out the dojo.

(Well, maybe he's not such a freak after all. . ,) Akane silently thought to herself.


******************************
End Chapter Three.

Notes:

Hey, I got half way done with this a while back and then got completely stuck.  Then a floodgate opened after I finished my last final on Saturday and finito!

I dunno what I'm going to be working on next.  Chapter 6 of Juxtaposition will be the last chapter, and I still have a LOT to write.  Thanks to the help of a LOT of people, I got about 50% done with Heart of the Immortal 2, and am stuck again, but this time, I don't need help, just time.

Until then,

Namaste!

Anand


Anand Rao
jouve25@hotmail.com
http://www.gsm.uci.edu/~arao02/
ICQ# 10869014

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

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