Switching Heirs: An Altered Destiny

By: Dreiser

-Fourteen-


	"It's kind of complicated," remarked Sakura with a 
mouth full of rice. "But basically because of the unusual nature 
of my Jusenkyo curse I have a sort of warning system around 
cold water that the others don't."
	Kodachi considered this thoughtfully from across the 
cozy table the couple shared. They were having lunch in a local 
restaurant while carrying on one of the wandering conversations 
that had become a habit for them. Their relationship had 
deepened since their first fight over the rumors Kodachi had 
heard about an amnesiac Ukyo wanting to resume her romantic 
relationship with Sakura. A month had passed since then and the 
pair were content in their mutual affection for one another.
	"Most likely that is due to the mystical nature of your 
curse. Perhaps the oni who drowned in the spring remained a 
sentient being by some means," Kodachi offered as she tapped 
her fingers against her bowl of noodles.
	Pointing her chopsticks at Kodachi the street fighter 
exclaimed, "Exactly! When I get splashed with cold water and 
the oni emerges it isn't me anymore. Everyone else still stays 
themselves mentally but not me. It's like I'm trapped inside 
myself and I can only watch as the oni takes control." Snorting 
Sakura resumed her eating. "The one thing I never understood is 
how could an oni drown?"
	"Fascinating," breathed Kodachi. "So as we speak you 
can sense the oni trapped inside your mind fighting to break 
loose. And that is how you are able sense the approaching 
possibility of being splashed with cold water. The oni draws you 
towards it in hopes of being released?"
	Sakura nodded. "Yup, and it's a major pain in the ass 
Dachi. I can constantly feel it pulling at me... it's like a war is 
going on inside me for control."
	Shaking her head in amazement Kodachi sighed. "It is of 
no wonder I have yet to see you in your cursed form my darling. 
I must admit when I inquired on the subject of that oddity I did 
not expect such complexities in the tale."
	Smiling softly Sakura proffered her chopsticks holding 
rice towards Kodachi. "Yeah, well. Leave it to me to get the 
freakiest curse from hundreds of options." Sakura watched as 
Kodachi took the offered food into her mouth in an sensuous 
action. "Sometimes I actually envy Ryochan for changing into a 
pig."
	Chuckling lowly Kodachi murmured, "My dearest love 
as a porcine. That is indeed a priceless image." Smiling Kodachi 
tilted her dark head to one side. "Which reminds me... how do 
you suppose Akane is faring in her attempt at teaching Ryoga 
how to skate?"
	"Not good," replied Sakura immediately while rising to 
her feet. Shining green eyes were locked on something beyond 
her companion.
	Sensing this Kodachi shifted in her seat to turn and take 
in the figure of Akane as she rushed into the restaurant. Spotting 
her two friends Akane pushed hurriedly through the maze of 
tables. Biting her lip light brown eyes watered as Akane wailed, 
"Ryochan's been kidnapped!"
	"Kidnapped?" questioned Sakura shocked.
	Now standing Kodachi gently pulled a chair to their table 
and helped Akane sit. "Whatever could have occurred to cause a 
kidnapping?" the gymnast inquired softly.
	"We got separated at the skating rink so I started to look 
for him. Then I hear a group of people talking about a miniature 
black piglet wandering around so I ask them where Ryoga went 
and they tell me some strange girl took him!" Forming a dark 
expression Akane said, "Whoever she is, she better not hurt 
Ryochan or I swear I'll rip her eyes out!"
	Sakura blanched, turning a sickly color at this comment, 
while Kodachi averted violet eyes towards the front entrance of 
the restaurant. "What did this alleged piglet look like my dear 
Akane?"
	"You know what Ryoga looks like in his cursed form 
Dachi!" Akane retorted irately, rubbing her temples to ease the 
pounding behind her eyes.
	"Well, I don't suppose he looks like that piglet directly in 
front of us, does he?" Kodachi purred, gesturing towards the 
form of a petite girl with a mane of long curly brown hair 
holding an unconscious Ryoga piglet.
	"Ryochan!" exclaimed Akane in relief, rushing forward 
towards Ryoga piglet who was slowly awakening.
	Upon seeing Akane he burst into a fit of distressed 
squeals and attempted to escape from the grip of the girl who 
held him. The girl meanwhile was scrutinizing Akane with some 
degree of wariness in her bright blue eyes.
	"Go away!" she cried anxiously, clutching Ryoga piglet 
more tightly to her. At this action his dark brown eyes bulged 
outwards and he gasped for breath. "This is Azusa's little 
Charlotte."
	"Charlotte?" blinked Akane. Shaking her head on the 
mere idea someone thinking Ryoga was a girl Akane demanded 
seriously, "Enough jokes. His name is Ryoga and he isn't yours. 
Give him back to me."
	Pouting severely the girl now identified as Azusa shook 
her head vehemently. "No! No! You're wrong. Don't you think 
Azusa knows her own little pet Charlotte?"
	"Pet?!" Akane screeched. "Ryochan isn't anyone's pet!!" 
Squaring her shoulders Akane broached the girl fully ready to 
do anything to get Ryoga back.
	That was when a pair of tapering hands gently grasped 
Ryoga piglet by his bandanna, holding him high in the air, out of 
Azusa's reach. Looking up Akane was met by a pair of sparkling 
azure eyes that rivaled Ranma's cobalt ones in beauty. Standing 
before her was a handsome boy, very tall in height, wearing an 
sleek sky blue suit.
	"Is it yours?" questioned the boy charmingly.
	Taken aback by his captivating tone of voice Akane 
could only stammer, "Y-yes. I guess you could say that."
	Forming a winning smile the boy easily handed Ryoga 
piglet over to Akane who held him while focusing on the boy 
with wonder. "Please accept my apologies Miss...?" he trailed 
off searchingly.
	"Tendo Akane," replied Akane instantly. Brightening 
with a smile she continued, "My name is Tendo Akane."
	"Ah," the boy smiled in satisfaction. "Such a lovely 
name. One I shall surely never forget. I am called Mikado."
	By this time Sakura and Kodachi had moved from their 
table towards the scene before them. Overhearing this 
compliment Sakura made a face and whispered in Kodachi's ear, 
"P-U. Think this guy can get any cornier?"
	Kodachi smirked, "True he sounds like a cheap French 
film but I do believe Akane is somewhat impressed by his 
obvious charms. He is very well spoken."
	On this observation Sakura made a retching sound and 
Kodachi rolled her violet eyes. From dating Sakura for over a 
month the dark gymnast had learned that her lovely companion, 
though obviously female, shared many male characteristics. The 
most clear being that Sakura had, at times, an incredible lack of 
romanticism. Even them seeing a romantic film was a result of 
insistent wheedling and the promise to attend a Kung-Fu movie 
festival the week after.
	Turning back to the conversation Kodachi found that 
Mikado was explaining Azusa's actions. "So you see, she makes 
a habit of collecting these cute little things," he smiled 
contentedly, seemingly unaware that Azusa was repeatedly 
hitting him on the back of the head. "Even if they don't belong to 
her," Mikado revealed tediously. Azusa was now assaulting him 
with a frying pan but azure eyes remained focused on Akane. 
"She has an appalling habit of giving things a silly name then 
taking them home with her."
	Raising an chocolate brow eyebrow Sakura questioned, 
"Isn't that illegal?"
	"Quite, my darling," agreed Kodachi, folding her arms 
over her ample chest.
	Ignoring this interruption Mikado continued smoothly, 
"So that is why the one she calls Charlotte is actually in fact 
your own abducted pet pig."
	Upon hearing pet Ryoga piglet squealed indignantly and 
Akane flushed. "Actually," she began nervously. "Ryoga isn't 
my pet. He's my--" The rest of Akane's statement was drowned 
out by the loud crash caused as Azusa hit Mikado with a 
wooden chair.
	"Ouch," winced Sakura. "That's gotta hurt."
	No reaction came from Kodachi as she studied Azusa 
and Mikado inquisitively.
	Apparently having enough of her assaults Mikado 
whirled around to face Azusa. "Enough!" he shouted finally 
losing his easy charisma. "You've made your point!"
	Bright blue eyes watered at being yelled at and Azusa 
released a high pitched whine that resembled that of a baby's. 
Abruptly shifting her gaze Azusa glared at Akane. "If you won't 
give back Charlotte then Azusa challenges you!"
	Staring blankly ahead Akane asked nonplused, "You 
want to fight me?"
	"Don't be so tacky," pronounced Azusa, scrunching her 
nose in distaste. "Azusa is talking about figure skating." Holding 
up a pair of white skates she mocked, "You do know how to 
skate don't you? If Azusa wins then you give her back 
Charlotte."
	"Now I recall," Kodachi murmured in realization. "I was 
positive I had seen their countenances before. They are the 
Golden Pair of Kolkhoz high. Second only to myself in athletics 
legends among the high school circuit. Although," sniffed 
Kodachi. "They would stand no chance if I should take it in my 
head to compete in figure skating as well as rhythmic 
gymnastics."
	Disregarding the latter insult on the part of the dark 
gymnast the Golden Pair proceeded to introduce themselves 
with a high degree of brash confidence.
	"I'm Shiratori Azusa," said Azusa with a smug smile.
	"Sanzenin Mikado," Mikado said bowing.
	Moving to her friend's side Kodachi whispered to Akane, 
"You might consider withdrawing from any sort of competition 
against them. The Golden Pair have an unbroken record of one 
hundred and fifty victories." Kodachi paused then added, 
"Without the aid of traditional scare tactics that I myself admit 
to utilizing. Not shabby for plebeians."
	"Not a chance," returned Akane hissing. "I'm not about 
to let this twit think Ryoga is her pet. He's a human being! And 
no way am I letting her get anywhere near him again. Ryochan's 
mine!"
	The last statement Akane said in such adamant tones of 
possessiveness that Ryoga piglet lifted his head to confirm if he 
heard correctly. On seeing the dark rivalry dancing in light 
brown eyes he couldn't help but grin widely. If this didn't prove 
Akane cared for him nothing would.
	Giggling Azusa refinely covered her mouth in a ladylike 
fashion. "Why don't just surrender now and get it over with? 
Azusa never loses!"
	Before Akane could respond to this Mikado pushed his 
birdbrained partner out of the way. Smiling apologetically he 
questioned, "Can you find it in your heart to forgive my partner's 
rudeness? And as a token of my apology..." Swiftly Mikado 
hands moved to cup Akane's face gently. Stunned brown eyes 
were transfixed on azure ones as he lowered his face for an 
impending kiss.
	Just as Akane was preparing to employ one of her 
favorite self-defense moves and flip Mikado over her shoulder 
Ryoga piglet leapt from her hold to jump on Mikado's face. The 
figure skater screamed loudly in shock as Ryoga piglet scratched 
furiously at his face as Mikado clumsily moved backwards to 
crash into several tables and fall to the floor. Upon his fall 
Ryoga piglet satisfied himself with a few last vicious scratches 
and one ferocious bite then returned to the warm haven of 
Akane's arms.
	Smiling widely Akane gently stroked Ryoga piglet's 
forehead as he snuggled against her. "Thanks Ryochan," she 
murmured fondly.
	Recovering quickly Mikado rose to his feet. Combing 
back his hair he commented suavely, "Adorable piglet you have 
there Akane. Very well then," Mikado smiled rakishly. "My 
special apology will just have to wait until later. Lucky for you I 
am a patient man."
	On the word man Sakura snorted loudly and Kodachi 
had to restrain her usual peals of manic laughter. Ignoring them 
Mikado continued smoothly, "The match will occur a week from 
today in the Kolkhoz skating rink." He paused to ridicule, "You 
do have a boy to skate with?"
	Sniffing Akane said haughtily, "I don't have a boy. I 
have a man. A real one... unlike you." Saying that Akane swept 
out of the restaurant holding an overjoyed Ryoga piglet in her 
arms.
	Following after her best friend Kodachi exited quickly 
leaving a trailing Sakura on her tail. Pausing in front of Mikado 
the street fighter studied him with cool green eyes. Standing in 
front of him Sakura disconcerted the figure skater by shifting 
into a friendly smile. Suddenly in a flash of movement swift 
hands snatched the collar of his shirt and Mikado gasped for 
breath. His handsome face was removed of all arrogance on 
gazing at the fierce expression on Sakura's face that rested only 
centimeters from his own.
	"I wouldn't try that again if I were you," hissed Sakura, a 
dangerous glint in glittering green eyes. Mikado blinked as the 
friendly smile from before returned again. Releasing her hold on 
his collar Sakura slapped his cheek gently to say, "Okay?"
	Swallowing deeply Mikado nodded nervously and this 
seemed to please Sakura and because of this he did not expect 
the powerful blow to his midsection a moment later. Falling 
hard on his back Mikado could only watch helplessly as the 
street fighter strode out of the restaurant.
	Kneeling beside her partner Azusa questioned in 
concern, "Mickey? Is he hurt here?" In an action of supreme 
stupidity Azusa punched her partner in the exact place that 
Sakura had struck.
	Wailing in pain Mikado clutched at his side, biting his 
lip to keep from yelling at his clueless partner, and instead 
simply threw her hands away from his midsection. This assault 
only increased his desire for a kiss from Tendo Akane. Having 
protectors only made her more a challenge for him and Mikado 
would have his kiss. He would have his kiss and Azusa would 
have her Charlotte. Maybe, he thought darkly, if we win her that 
pig she'll stop being such a nuisance.
	For whatever reasons they had the Golden Pair were now 
focused on their latest task. To defeat Tendo Akane and her 
chosen partner in the upcoming match. And once the Golden 
Pair of martial arts figure skating had their minds made up it 
about something it was difficult to avert them.


	Striding out of the restaurant Sakura smiled as the sound 
of Mikado's wail met her ears. Kodachi raised a raven eyebrow 
and questioned, "Whatever were you doing in there my darling 
Sakura?"
	"Nothing much," said Sakura stretching her back 
muscles. "Just giving Sanzenin some advice about ladies that's 
all. I figured he'd need it."
	"Mmm..." purred Kodachi moving to Sakura and tipping 
the other girl's chin up so their eyes met. "And you would be the 
best to give stalwart direction on the proper actions with the 
female persuasion. Wouldn't you dearest?"
	"Of course," Sakura smirked, tilting her head forward for 
a kiss. She paused in her approach though because from the 
corner of her eye she saw an baffling sight.
	Rounding a corner was Genma who was screaming at 
male Ukyo that was trailing behind him with a shackle on his 
ankle that had a cannonball chained to it. Genma moved in a 
steady pace ahead of Ukyo leaping high into the air. Ukyo 
mimicked this movement only every time his feet hit the ground 
it would accompany a loud smashing sound and bits of concrete 
flying from the impact of the cannonball.
	"Faster girl!" boomed Genma at the top of his lungs 
while doing a high kick. "You're too slow!"
	"This isn't fair you jackass!" shouted Ukyo who was now 
dragging the cannonball with his bare hands. "And I'm a guy 
right now! Plus you had a head start, you cheater!"
	"Quit your whining Ukyo! If you can't take a simple 
training exercise how do you expect to ever take over the 
Anything Goes school of martial arts as the official--" Genma 
was drowned out by a series of panda gruff calls as an elderly 
woman accidentally emptied her dishwater onto his head.
	Laughing loudly at this Ukyo hefted the cannonball into 
his arms and leapt high into the air catching up to his Sensei 
turned a panda. "That's what you get old man!" Ukyo taunted, 
taking the long route back to the dojo, never once noticing his 
four comrades staring widely at him.
	"What the hell...?" began Akane dazedly.
	Shaking her head Sakura wrapped a strong arm around 
Kodachi's slim waist. "Genma never was one to go for 
conventional methods. Dragging Ucchan around Nerima like 
that is pretty normal when it comes to the crap he puts her 
through for the sake of training."
	Thinking on this a moment Akane shook her head, "I 
never thought I'd be so grateful to be a Tendo." Shrugging 
Akane picked up her pace to walk with her friends and head 
back home.


	"You two are going to fight the Golden Pair?" asked 
Nabiki skeptically. "Please tell me this is a practical joke."
	Groaning Akane replied, "No this is not a joke. And 
could you try and be a little supportive Oneechan?"
	Arriving home they had found most of the household 
gathered in the sitting room compatibly busy with their own 
projects. Nabiki calculating the dojo expenses for the month 
compounded by the profits brought in from the new martial arts 
classes forming. Sakura and Ranma were completely enraptured 
watching a Kung-Fu movie on television. Kasumi was listening 
with half an ear as she scanned the semester course guides for 
Tokyo University and Nekomi Tech. Soun meanwhile switched 
from observing Kasumi working and reading the newspaper. 
After being broached by the entire dojo with the subject of his 
eldest daughter returning to school Soun had now calmed down 
and accepted it. Of course it had taken a good two weeks of 
nonstop crying on how he was losing his little girl but he had 
finally managed to accept it. As this all occurred Nodoka floated 
in and out of the room as she finished her afternoon cleaning.
	"Sorry Akane," replied Nabiki dryly. "It's just I have a 
few doubts about your battling the undefeated champions of the 
martial arts figure skating world." Hazel eyes focused on the 
nervous figure of Ryoga, now in his male form. "Do you even 
know how to skate Ryoga?"
	"I can learn...?" Ryoga offered unconvincingly.
	"That's right," chimed in Akane automatically. "He's a 
great martial artist. How hard can it be to teach Ryoga how to 
skate? Besides," Akane smiled widely. "As long as it's got 
martial arts in it there's no way we can lose."
	On this comment Nabiki shared a wary look with 
Kodachi who had long since given up on trying to tell her friend 
of the reality that was the Golden Pair's skill at their chosen 
sport. No matter what she said Akane stubbornly insisted that 
she and Ryoga would win anyway.
	"Akane," murmured Kasumi while flipping the page in 
her course guide. "You never did say exactly why you're 
fighting this Golden Pair in the first place."
	The youngest Tendo sister opened her mouth to reply 
when Sakura interrupted with, "Shiratori Azusa kidnapped 
Ryochan. Pissed Akane off something awful so she accepted 
Shiratori's challenge soon as it was delivered. Whoever wins the 
match supposedly owns Ryoga as a piglet."
	The Kung-Fu movie being on a commercial Sakura and 
Ranma shifted their focus from the television to the current 
discussion. Hearing this explanation Ranma started snickering. 
Cobalt eyes moved from Ryoga to Sakura as he teased, "You 
two were just born to be prizes in everyone else's grudge 
matches, huh?"
	Both martial artists glared at Ranma and he smiled 
innocently before turning back to the television set. Kodachi 
was grinning and next to her Nabiki drawled, "Just let me give 
you my official support Akane. If you manage to win it's bound 
to be an upset. And that makes for great betting odds." Smiling 
sweetly, Nabiki returned to calculating their finances saying, 
"Good luck sis. My yen rests with you."
	"Thanks," Akane replied, rolling her eyes.
	Drawing down his newspaper Soun commented, "So this 
girl thinks Ryoga is really an piglet then, eh? Perhaps if you 
simply told her the truth you could avoid this match. I 
personally have been enjoying all this peace and quiet we've 
been blessed with lately."
	Ryoga looked fearful at this prospect. If there was 
anything he kept closely guarded it was his Jusenkyo curse. 
Only his adopted family that was the ragtag group living at the 
Tendo dojo knew about his curse. No one else had any idea and 
he preferred to keep it that way. Fortunately for Ryoga his 
companion picked up on this acutely.
	"Dad," scolded Akane. "That isn't a nice thing to do to 
Ryochan. I'm sure he doesn't want some nutcase like Shiratori 
Azusa knowing about his curse." Her pretty features turned dark 
as she muttered, "And there's always the chance she might take 
it into her head to date the human Ryoga."
	Hearing this Ryoga laughed his nervous wild laugh and 
rubbed the back of his dark head. "That's a very scary thought 
Akane," Ryoga choked out.
	Whatever Akane's reply was to be was interrupted by 
Nodoka's entrance into the room. Carrying a large box she called 
to her son, "Ranma! A package arrived for you."
	Leaping up with some excitement Ranma took the 
proffered package. Studying it closely he murmured with certain 
surprise, "It's addressed to me and Ucchan." Looking up cobalt 
eyes held definite a tinge of anxiety. "And it's from Shampoo all 
the way in China."
	All the room occupants shared a conjoined look of 
nervous anticipation. Kasumi was first to comment, "Open the 
package Ranma-kun. There hasn't been any sound of ticking so 
we know it isn't a bomb. Surely nothing dangerous could be sent 
through the international mail system."
	Swallowing deeply on the bomb comment Ranma 
carefully pulled back a strip of tape, opening the lid to the 
package. Soon as he had this accomplished a blur leapt from 
inside it and past his head. Blinking Ranma turned his head and 
found the figure of pink and cream colored cat gazing 
inquisitively at him.
	"A cat!" Ranma cried happily. Walking towards it he 
held out his hands. "Here kitty, kitty..." Studying Ranma for a 
moment the cat released a soft meow then leapt into the safety 
of his arms. Scratching behind it's ears softly Ranma smiled. 
"I've always wanted a pet." Turning to Nodoka he pleaded, 
"Please Mom... can I keep it?"
	Nodoka sighed at this. "Ranma you know the rules. No 
pets in the dojo."
	Groaning Ranma replied, "But we let Ryoga live in the 
house and he changes into a pig! Isn't he a pet like that? 
Shiratori Azusa thinks so!"
	"Ranma," growled Ryoga dangerously preparing to rise 
to his feet. He was stopped however by the gentle yet forceful 
hand of Kasumi on his shoulder.
	"For once Ranma has an feasible argument Obasan 
Saotome," commented Kodachi. "Why not let him keep the 
feline as a pet? Perhaps it would be a valuable source of life 
experience to care for one other than himself."
	Having calmed Ryoga down Kasumi added, "I'm in 
agreement with Kodachi. Having a kitty really wouldn't cause 
that much trouble Obasan. Besides, it was a present from 
Shampoo. It would be rude to refuse a gift."
	Sighing again Nodoka formed an indulgent smile. "Very 
well," she breathed. "Since she is a gift, you may keep the cat 
Ranma. But make sure you take good care of her. She's to be 
your full responsibility."
	"I will Mom! Promise!" Ranma exclaimed beaming 
widely. Looking down at the cat he held Ranma scratched her 
again behind the ears gently and it responded with a low purr. 
Raising his gaze he inquired curiously, "You said she. How'd 
you know it's a girl Mom?"
	Turning to head out of the sitting room Nodoka 
pronounced, "Simple. What boy cat has pink fur?"
	Chuckling at this Ranma took his former seat on the 
floor next to Sakura. Gazing fondly at the cat that sat in his lap 
he murmured, "I've already got a name all picked out for you. C-
chan..." Smiling widely Ranma looked at the dojo boarders. 
"Get it? Cat cute? Good name for a pretty kitty like her, don't 
you think?"
	"Yeah," said Nabiki dryly. "A great name. The real 
question is why did Shampoo send it to you and Ukyo in the 
first place?"
	"I don't think keeping the cat is a good idea..." began 
Sakura nervously. "Ranma, I don't know why Shampoo sent you 
and Ucchan that cat but it's only going to cause trouble."
	"Trouble?" questioned Ranma in confusion. "Why would 
C- chan cause trouble?" As he said this C-chan lifted her head to 
mimic Ranma's perplexed gaze.
	Biting her lip Sakura murmured, "I promised Ucchan not 
to tell anybody about this but she sorta has a--"
	The rest of her statement was cut off by the loud yell of, 
"Stupid old man! You're a damn jackass and I'm never listening 
to your ideas again!"
	"Sounds like Ukyo's back," said Akane smiling.
	Upon hearing this C-chan leapt out of Ranma's arms, 
dashing out of the sitting room and down the hallway leading to 
it. Ranma blinked in surprise at this and Sakura jumped to her 
feet to run after the disappearing feline. A moment later the 
sound of a panicked scream from Ukyo met all their ears and the 
group scrambled into the hallway. Arriving there they saw the 
figure of male Ukyo lying on the floor his hair on end and a 
terrified expression on his features. Sitting atop his smooth 
muscular chest was C-chan.
	"Shimatta," hissed Sakura lowly. Picking up C-chan in a 
frustrated yank she handed the cat to Ranma. "Get that thing 
away from Ucchan."
	"But--" Ranma protested.
	"NOW!" Sakura shouted, rage plainly shown on her face. 
No longer arguing Ranma turned on his heel taking his new pet 
up to the room he shared with Ryoga.
	Kneeling beside Ukyo the street fighter pulled his lanky 
figure up into a sitting position. Rubbing his back reassuringly 
she whispered gently, "It's okay Ucchan. I got rid of it... come 
back to us. You're safe now... safe."
	Sandalwood eyes gained focused to shift their gaze to 
Sakura. "C-c-c-c..." Ceasing his fearful stammers Ukyo relented 
finally able to ask, "Is it gone?"
	"Yeah it's gone. I told Ranma to get rid of it," Sakura 
smiled softly. "You're okay now... I won't let that thing get 
anywhere near you again. All right?"
	Ukyo nodded slowly at this and seeing her former lover 
had calmed down Sakura rose to her feet. Turning her gaze to 
the others she stated, "Get Ucchan out of here. Bring her to the 
sitting room. We'll be there in a minute."
	Silently the other dojo occupants helped a shivering 
Ukyo to his feet and led him back to the sitting room leaving 
Sakura alone with Genma panda. Only Kodachi paused in this 
trek, to gaze at the street fighter with some degree of anxiety. 
Wondering what had brought Sakura to such an over protective 
stature regarding Ukyo. Whatever it was she definitely didn't 
like it.
	When they were left alone Sakura turned to glare at 
Genma panda demanding, "You need to tell them."
	Feigning innocence Genma panda up a sign. <Tell them 
what? Why me?>
	"Why you?" snarled Sakura nearing him. "Maybe 
because you're the monster who did this to Ucchan. Messed with 
her head until she was stuck with a phobia that controls her 
mind and consumes it entirely. But sure! Fine!" Sakura said 
flippantly throwing her hands into the air. "Don't tell them about 
it. That'll work out perfectly. Especially if you want Ranma to 
keep that creature as a pet." She paused to smile viciously. 
"Wouldn't that be fun? A little..." Leaning forward Sakura 
whispered in his ear, "Kitty running around the dojo. Wouldn't 
you just love that? Especially knowing what it would do to 
Ucchan." Pulling back Sakura saw the nervous look Genma 
panda had. "Now don't you think you should tell everyone about 
what you did to Ucchan?"
	Nodding slowly Genma panda reluctantly held up a sign 
that read. <Of course but let me change back first.>
	Smiling in satisfaction Sakura grabbed his elbow. "All 
right. But I'm coming with you... just in case. There's no way I'm 
going to give you the chance to run out on this one."
	Dropping his head in resignation Genma panda slowly 
walked towards the kitchen with Sakura to boil some hot water. 
He wasn't looking forward to this explaining his motives behind 
this particular mistake. And Genma had a feeling that the 
reaction it would cause with the residents of the dojo would, in 
some ways, be worse than the Master's.


	Sitting nervously before the entire dojo household and 
Kodachi included Genma swallowed nervously. Gazing at the 
still shivering figure of a now female Ukyo who rested in the 
comforting hold of Ranma.
	Swallowing deeply Genma said, "Ailurophobia."
	"Ailurophobia? Fear of cats?" questioned Ranma in 
confusion. On hearing the word cat Ukyo shivered more 
violently and Ranma held her closer to him. "What's going on 
Father?"
	"What's going on is that his own cruel techniques for 
training are coming back to bite him in the ass," Sakura 
muttered darkly glaring at Genma. "Stop stalling and tell them 
about the training method already."
	"All right," sighed Genma morosely. "Long ago, only 
shortly after I had begun the training mission the Master 
requested I depart upon with Ukyo, I came upon one of his most 
sacred and secret martial arts technique booklets. This technique 
was truly the most brilliant and terrifying in results and I knew it 
had be mastered by our chosen heir. So  
IthrewUkyointoapitofhungrycatstolearnitassaid."
	After spitting all this out in one hurried mouthful Genma 
jumped to his feet and prepared to rush out of the room. Only he 
was prevented by the strong hand of his wife holding the back of 
his gi.
	"Genma," Nodoka hissed. "Did you just say that you 
threw Ukyo into a pit of hungry cats?"
	Hearing the word cat Ukyo began shivering nonstop and 
Ranma anxiously grabbed an offered blanket from Kasumi to 
wrap it around his iinazuke. "Father," Ranma said in disbelief. 
"Why would you do that?"
	Sweating profusely Genma replied, "Well my boy it was 
part of the instructions for mastering the Nekoken or the Cat-
Fist. It's unbeatable technique... I just didn't know the 
consequences it would have on the girl."
	"Consequences," snarled Sakura. "She changes into an 
animal under that technique! It's like Ucchan isn't even human 
anymore! You made her completely terrified of those creatures 
and without even bothering to learn everything about the 
method!" Striding forward Sakura hissed, "Ucchan told me 
everything about the Master's reaction on finding out you used 
that technique on her. He almost banished you for using it on 
her, that's how cruel it is! He even labeled it as expressly too 
dangerous on the human psyche to put into use... but you never 
bothered to read that page!" Grabbing Genma by his collar 
Sakura bore angry eyes into panicked ones. "Do you know how 
much I really want to kill you for doing that to Ucchan?"
	"No," rang the clear calm voice of Ukyo. Rising to her 
feet she repeated, "No. Don't do it Sakura. I stopped you once 
and I'll stop you again."
	"But Ucchan," Sakura objected. "He needs to pay for 
what he did to you."
	Ukyo chuckled lowly. "Oh believe me... Pops paid for it 
plenty when the Master found out. And I doubt that you could 
do any better than him when it comes to dishing out  
punishment."
	Sakura was going to protest some more when Nabiki 
intervened questioning, "Exactly what was included in teaching 
you this technique Ukyo?"
	Sighing deeply Ukyo replied warily, "Only dumping me 
repeatedly into a pit of hungry cats with fish sausage tied to me. 
Of course," Ukyo glared venomously at Genma. "The old man 
didn't think doing it just once would do the trick so I had to go 
through the training three times before the Master found out. 
Which explains my fear of c-c-c..." Giving up on pronouncing 
the one thing she was utterly afraid of Ukyo relented, "Those 
furry creatures."
	Thinking of his newfound pet Ranma questioned, "Is 
there a way you can be cured of your phobia?"
	"If there is I haven't heard of it," Ukyo answered. Her 
iinazuke formed a morose expression at this response causing 
Ukyo to wonder at it and why her worst fear had been in the 
dojo in the first place. "Out of curiosity Ranchan where did the 
thing come from?"
	"Shampoo sent it to us both in the mail," sighed Ranma. 
"I was hoping to keep it as a pet... cause I mean, Shampoo sent it 
for a reason right? Couldn't just send a helpless animal away. 
But I guess we better get rid of it now."
	Studying his sad expression Ukyo felt her heart tug. If 
only there was some way to...
	"Get rid of your phobia."
	Snapping out of reverie Ukyo gazed at Kasumi. "Huh? 
Did you say something Kasumi?"
	Smiling indulgently Kasumi repeated, "I said I might be 
able to help you get rid of your phobia Ucchan."
	"Really???" cried Genma escaping the grip Nodoka had 
on him. "Can you really cure the girl Kasumi?"
	"I think so," replied Kasumi easily. "It's really all a 
matter of psychological association. When I first attended Tokyo 
University I took several psychology courses. One of them 
specialized in phobias." Pausing a moment Kasumi murmured, 
"If I remember correctly, what happens is that when Ukyo sees a 
feline she immediately freezes from her fear. This is because she 
unconsciously recalls the memory of her Nekoken training. This 
makes Ukyo associate felines with that experience and this 
causes her phobia. But with a series of sessions there is a 
possibility that I could gradually get Ukyo to associate felines 
with something more pleasant. If it works, it could erase any 
fear she has of them." Pausing again Kasumi frowned. "The only 
problem is that the ability to use the Nekoken technique would 
be destroyed. Once Ukyo is cured of her phobia there's no way 
she could use it."
	On hearing this Genma began wailing about all his hard 
work going to waste and Ukyo smoothly unsheathed her battle 
spatula to hit him on the head. Turning to face Kasumi she wore 
a face of hope. "It doesn't matter Kasumi. It's just one technique 
in hundreds I've learned over the years. I can live without it." 
Glaring at Genma Ukyo continued, "And so can Pops for that 
matter."
	"Then it's settled. Ranma will be able to keep C-chan 
because she will be the focus of our training sessions." Light 
brown eyes focused on Ranma and Kasumi said, "I'm afraid I'll 
need to your help in these sessions Ranma. As Ukyo's iinazuke 
she puts the most trust in you and we'll need that to help her to 
overcome her fear. Will you agree?"
	Immediately Ranma cried, "Of course! I'll do anything to 
help Ucchan! You should know that Kasumi."
	"I know that Ranma-kun," sighed Kasumi. "But for you 
to help Ukyo you will have to see her in a state of incredible 
helplessness caused by the phobia. In other words you're going 
to see her terrified and you won't be able to help her. She has to 
get through it on her own. Will you be able to deal with that?"
	Considering this Ranma gazed into sandalwood eyes and 
saw the silent plea there. Steeling his cobalt gaze Ranma replied 
emphatically, "For Ucchan's sake I can deal with anything. I'll 
be all right Kasumi. I promise."
	Concentrating on the current discussion none in the dojo 
noticed as a stealthy black blur exited from underneath the dojo 
floor to jump over the high wall. No one, that is, except C-chan 
from her vigil on the windowsill from inside Ranma and 
Ryoga's room.


	Sitting on top of the dojo roof with her iinazuke Ukyo 
questioned solemnly, "Why do you think Shampoo sent C-chan 
to us anyway?"
	On being told Ranma's chosen name for his new pet 
Ukyo had found it much easier to simply call it by it's name than 
by it's normal classification. After diffusing the situation caused 
by learning of the Nekoken the couple departed to the roof for 
their usual nightly chat. Downstairs things had calmed down 
considerably. Kodachi had gone home with Sakura 
accompanying her on the way. Ryoga was watching television 
with Akane. Genma had been drug off by Nodoka for a good 
talking to. Nabiki left after receiving a phone call from Ryonami 
and Soun was discussing Kasumi's college course selections 
with her.
	"I dunno Ucchan," replied Ranma thoughtfully. "But my 
best guess is that she doesn't want to be forgotten. She probably 
sent C- chan to remind us that she's still out there and eventually 
she'll be coming back. Or maybe she sent C-chan as a sign of 
good will. But I doubt that's true, I mean we weren't that nice to 
her."
	Considering this Ukyo sighed, "The first makes the most 
sense I suppose. When I first found out that Shampoo was the 
one who sent us C-chan I almost thought that she knew about 
my phobia."
	Shifting his position Ranma held Ukyo's hands in his 
own while boring gentle cobalt eyes into hers. "I wouldn't worry 
about that Ucchan. I have this feeling, I dunno why, that 
Shampoo would never do anything to hurt us. She's doesn't seem 
like a genuinely vindictive person. And anyway, how would she 
know about the Nekoken training?"
	Shivering on the word Nekoken Ukyo replied, "I guess 
you're right Ranchan. I just can't shake the strangeness of her 
sending us C- chan of all things. Kind of eerie." Lifting her head 
she smiled gently at him. "I'm just glad you're taking this so 
well. Why is it that you never seem shocked or disgusted by all 
the oddities in my life?"
	"Ucchan," breathed Ranma incredulously. "There's no 
reason for me to be any of those things. Having this phobia isn't 
your fault. If anything it's my Father's." Averting his gaze 
Ranma said sadly, "I don't understand how he could've done 
something like that to you. It's so cruel..." Tucking his legs 
under his chin Ranma continued. "I never knew my Father 
growing up. He had to leave when I was still little on that 
training mission with you and the Master but I'd always hoped 
he was a good person. Since he was never around I made up 
stories of what he was like in my head." Ranma offered Ukyo a 
wan smile. "Like he was some sorta secret Government agent or 
something. You know the things kids invent. Anyway... when 
Nabiki told me that you two were finally returning home my 
heart nearly burst out of my chest I was so excited. Then the 
first sight of my long lost Father, the greatest of martial artists, 
is a giant panda. Kind of a let down but it was okay. I didn't care 
about the curse, all that mattered was that he was back home." 
Gazing deeply into Ukyo's eyes Ranma confessed, "I'm really 
angry with him Ucchan. I don't know if I can forgive him for 
doing this to you. I know he's my Father but this... this is so..." 
Ranma broke off shaking his head. "I don't even have a word for 
it. I just don't understand how he could have done this to you."
	"Ranma," began Ukyo gently. Resting her chin on his 
shoulder sandalwood eyes peered tenderly upward. "Pops didn't 
mean any harm. Really he didn't. I think the whole thing 
happened because he was so eager to please the Master. To be 
honest, the Master scares the crap out of most people. I think I'm 
one of the few folks who honestly likes the little guy. I mean, 
how could I not? He did so much for me in my life." Ukyo 
formed a fond smile. "Anyway, when Pops found that training 
booklet for the Nekoken..." Ukyo shivered on saying the word. 
"He read about how impressive the results were in battle and 
thought the Master would be happy with him if he taught it to 
me. Unfortunately for me, and him, Pops is a little too 
enthusiastic sometimes and he never read the entire booklet. So 
here I am." Soft hands tenderly held the planes of Ranma's face. 
"Ranchan," Ukyo whispered. "He never meant to hurt me. 
Honest he didn't. Please don't be angry at him... I've gotten past 
the anger. There's nothing I can do about the past and like I told 
Sakura, Pops got more than his deserved punishment from the 
Master." Ukyo chuckled on recalling the memory. "The little 
guy was furious for weeks afterwards. Made the old man's life a 
living hell, more than usual. Besides, with your and Kasumi's 
help I might be able to conquer my fears. Then this entire 
subject will be moot. Won't it now?"
	Sighing deeply Ranma admitted, "I guess. I think I'm 
going to need some time to forgive him for this though. One 
thing is for sure..." Ranma smiled wryly. "My Father has fallen 
off that golden pedestal I've placed him on."
	"Well now," Ukyo chuckled teasingly. "I don't think 
that's such a bad thing, is it? Considering the kind of person 
Pops is I'd hate for you to emulate his example."
	Rolling cobalt eyes Ranma drawled, "The Kami forbid 
that should ever happen." Pausing a moment he asked, "What do 
we do when Shampoo returns?"
	Pondering this question Ukyo finally replied, "We 
should think about our options. There really isn't much we can 
do to get out of our engagement to her in Amazon laws. I was 
actually thinking we should..." Ukyo turned a shade of red as 
she said, "Consider a three way marriage."
	"What?!" cried Ranma at the top of his lungs as he leapt 
to his feet. "Are you nuts Ucchan?! I don't love Shampoo so 
why in hell should I marry her? I don't--"
	Rising to her feet Ukyo hushed Ranma by placing a lithe 
finger over his lips. "Because it might be our only peaceful 
option of resolving the situation. The only other thing I can 
think of is finding someone who likes Shampoo then have them 
beat us in an arranged fight. That would transfer our 
engagements to her to that person." Ukyo formed a sour 
expression. "But what are the chances of finding someone who 
could believably beat us?"
	"And it isn't honorable," Ranma lamented. Taking his 
former seat on the dojo roof he sighed. "Like I said before. It's 
better to be engaged to Shampoo and be alive to figure a way 
out of it then to be dead and free."
	Sitting next to her iinazuke Ukyo bumped shoulders with 
him playfully. "That's the spirit," smiled Ukyo. "But don't go 
worrying about it now Ranchan. After all, other than C-chan we 
haven't seen or heard hide nor hair of her. Lets just wait until we 
have to deal with the situation to start worrying about it, okay? 
There's no sense in making ourselves crazy."
	"That's fine with me," Ranma turned to Ukyo wearing a 
small smile. "Anyway, we have plenty of things to occupy our 
time with in the meantime."
	"Like my sessions with Kasumi," Ukyo remarked 
thoughtfully. "We begin tomorrow morning and have three 
sessions a day. I wonder if it will actually work. If it does and 
she can actually cure me of my phobia..." Shaking her head in 
wonderment Ukyo breathed, "I can't even describe how happy 
I'll be. It'll be like a part of me is restored."
	Wrapping an arm around her shoulders Ranma replied, 
"That's why I'm helping her Ucchan. I know how much this will 
mean to you. I hope it works out for you and for C-chan."
	"C-chan?" Ukyo drawled. Pulling away she raised an oak 
brown eyebrow sardonically. "Putting your pet on the same level 
as your iinazuke are we?"
	Blushing furiously Ranma stammered, "N-no! It isn't that 
Ucchan!" Waving his hands he calmed to explain, "It's just I'd 
hate to give her away to the pound. She's a present from 
Shampoo... she wouldn't have sent us C-chan for no reason. Out 
of respect for Shampoo and as apology of sorts for how we 
treated her we should keep C-chan. Take good care of her. It's 
the right thing to do."
	Smiling fondly Ukyo returned to the warmth of Ranma's 
embrace. Poking his side teasingly she said, "Don't be so jumpy. 
I was only joking about C-chan. Plus you're completely right 
about owing it to Shampoo. After the way we blew her off we 
do owe her. Still..." Ukyo trailed off introspectively. "I can't help 
wondering why she would do such a thing."
	Gazing up into the star filled sky above them the couple 
pondered on this odd fact while wondering about the motives of 
the girl behind it.


	"So you see," Ranma explained gently. "It isn't that 
Ucchan doesn't like you it's that she had a really bad experience 
with cats as a kid and now she's scared even hearing the word 
cat. So for awhile now you can't go near Ukyo or else she'll 
freak out. Understand?"
	"Mew," replied C-chan heartily.
	Peering into scarlet eyes of C-chan Ranma smiled upon 
seeing understanding in his new pet's eyes. Scratching her 
behind her ears Ranma murmured, "You're such a smart girl. I 
knew you'd understand." As he scratched behind her ears C-chan 
arched her head upward in pleasure while releasing a low 
satisfied purr.
	Continuing down the stairs Ranma held C-chan in his 
arms as he prepared for the first therapy session Kasumi had 
planned that day for the four of them. Ukyo, himself, Kasumi, 
and C-chan who was to be the focus of helping Ukyo to 
overcome her phobia of cats. For this morning session they all 
had to wake much earlier as to not be late for school. Kasumi 
insisted that one session be in the morning before school, one 
immediately after school, and one before bedtime. These 
sessions would occur every day and were not to be missed. If 
they diverted from this plan Kasumi said it would have adverse 
effects on Ukyo's therapy.
	"So that's why we're having these sessions C-chan. With 
our help Kasumi is going to get Ucchan over her fear of cats. If 
we succeed it will really make Ucchan happy." Lifting C-chan in 
his arms Ranma peered into kind scarlet eyes. "Don't you want 
that?"
	Immediately the cat nodded its tiny head while releasing 
a soft meow and Ranma beamed widely. He knew most people 
would think him crazy but he could swear that C-chan 
understood every word he said. He felt comfortable in her 
presence and ever since her arrival yesterday Ranma had been 
talking to the cat. Somehow by explaining the situation with 
Shampoo to C-chan he set his soul at ease. As if by 
communicating his sorrow about how they handled the situation 
with Shampoo to the cat she sent them it was somehow reaching 
the Amazon. Shaking his head at the strangeness of it Ranma 
decided not to brood on it. A lot of people talked to their pets. 
He would just leave it at that.
	"Talking to your dumb kitty again Ranma?" Ryoga 
called in a teasing voice behind him.
	Gritting his teeth Ranma shifted his gaze to the figure of 
Ryoga who stood at the top of the stairs. "How cute," the lost 
boy chuckled. "Wait until I tell Sakura about this one. She'll 
enjoy--" Ryoga was cut off as while trying to walk past Ranma a 
foot shot out in front of him causing Ryoga to trip and go 
tumbling down the stairs.
	"Don't make fun of my C-chan," said Ranma firmly as he 
walked past the crumpled form of Ryoga and towards the 
training room for their morning session.
	As the pair walked away Ryoga looked up to meet the 
eyes of Ranma's new pet who was riding on his shoulder. The 
cat had stuck out it's tongue and was wearing what appeared to 
be a smug look on feline features.
	"Mew!" called C-chan haughtily as they departed.
	"Stupid cat..." muttered Ryoga lowly.


	"For our first session we're going to start things off 
slowly," said Kasumi.
	Kasumi was standing beside Ranma whose back was 
turned to Ukyo being that he held C-chan in his arms. Ukyo 
stood across from the three of them with a decidedly anxious 
look in sandalwood eyes.
	 Walking across the dojo training room Kasumi said in 
slow calm tones, "I want you to close your eyes Ukyo. Bring 
yourself to a place of total peace."
	The okonomiyaki chef complied and closed sandalwood 
eyes. After several moments Kasumi noted that her breathing 
had slowed considerably. Standing beside Ukyo she murmured 
gently in her ear, "Now I want you to picture the place at which 
you're most peaceful. The one location that fills you totally with 
contentment and ease." Pausing Kasumi watched emotions flit 
across beautiful features. "Do you have the image, Ukyo?" She 
nodded her head and Kasumi smiled. "Good. Hold that image in 
your mind while concentrating on your breathing. Take slow 
steady breaths that you control. Name them as you inhale and 
exhale. Allow the pattern to set both your mind and body in 
restful state until all inside you falls away and you become 
totally relaxed." Edging away from Ukyo the eldest Tendo 
crossed the room walking backwards saying, "Remember now, 
inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale. Keep the pattern..."
	Observing with keen eyes as her subject obeyed her 
instructions Kasumi stopped at Ranma's side. Whispering in his 
ear Kasumi said, "She's almost at the state we need her to be in. 
Whatever happens don't move from this place. She needs to get 
through this on her own. Ukyo will see your love for her in your 
eyes." Light brown eyes gazed inquisitively into blue ones. 
Ranma nodded his head in agreement and Kasumi smiled. 
"Good. Wait for my word then turn around and let her see C-
chan."
	Moving back to Ukyo smoothly Kasumi murmured in 
gentle tones, "Are you keeping track of your breathing Ukyo? 
Inhale and exhale?" Ukyo nodded her head in a slow transfixed 
movement. "Good. When on the count of three you will open 
your eyes. Remember to stay focused on your breathing and that 
calm place you love so much. Can you remember to do that 
Ukyo?" Again Ukyo nodded her head in a slow mesmerized 
motion. "That's a good girl..." Kasumi said in fond reassuring 
tones that made Ukyo smile softly. Feeling her heart strings tug 
at this Kasumi softly ran her fingertips down Ukyo's cheek 
before turning to Ranma.
	"Now Ranma," she said and the pigtailed boy complied 
turning around to face them with a contented C-chan resting in 
his arms. Kasumi focused her attention back on Ukyo saying 
softly, "On the count of three Ukyo you will open your eyes. 
You will not be scared of what you see. Instead you will 
remember that calm place that sets your heart free. You will 
concentrate on your breathing. Keep track of it. Inhale and 
exhale. Inhale and exhale. Do you understand Ukyo?" Nodding 
her head slowly Ukyo confirmed her comprehension. "Good. On 
the count of three open your eyes. One... two... three."
	Sandalwood eyes blearily opened and focused on the 
figure of C-chan who was staring at her with curiously 
concerned eyes. The initial wave of terror seized her system on 
seeing a cat and Ukyo felt herself clench inwardly.
	Seeing this Kasumi murmured gently, "Concentrate on 
your breathing Ukyo. Do it along with my voice. Inhale.. now 
exhale. Inhale.. exhale. Good girl. Keep it up. Now recall that 
safe place that you love so. No," Kasumi said in soft but forceful 
tones as sandalwood eyes averted away from the figure of C-
chan. "Keep your eyes forward. Inhale.. exhale. Good, good. 
Remember that calm place. Calm your breathing. Control your 
heart rate."
	Ukyo complied with Kasumi's instructions and felt her 
hammering heart calm itself considerably. Focusing on the 
figure of C- chan in front of her Ukyo felt herself shudder as she 
unconsciously recalled her Nekoken training. It was then that 
Ukyo lifted her gaze to meet concerned cobalt eyes of her 
iinazuke. Ranma wore a face of gentle worry as he met her eyes 
he silently mouthed, "I love you."
	Blinking at this Ukyo felt her inner strength return and 
she forced the image of the summer home they rented in her 
earliest youth. Before the death of her birth Father. Before her 
life had changed forever and was twisted and turned into the 
strange creature that lay before her. As she did this Ukyo 
continued to stare at C-chan while willing herself to control the 
fear continually rising in her system though she fought against 
it. Just when Ukyo thought she could take it no more the kind 
voice of Kasumi said...
	"That's enough. Close your eyes Ukyo." Immediately 
Ukyo complied and sandalwood eyes shut. Resting her hands on 
Ukyo's shoulders Kasumi worked out the knots that had formed 
there. Murmuring softly, "That was very good Ukyo. I'm very 
proud of you. Now I want you to remember that calm place of 
yours. Do you have it?" Ukyo nodded in agreement. "Good. 
Picture yourself there with Ranma. The two of you are playing 
and having fun. Keep this image with you as you concentrate on 
your breathing. Inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale. All right 
Ukyo?" Again Ukyo nodded her head slowly and Kasumi 
smiled.
	Crossing the dojo training room quickly Kasumi said to 
Ranma, "I need a few minutes to bring her out of this calm state. 
Put C-chan back in your room then return here. When I bring 
her out of this Ukyo will want to see you."
	Ranma nodded silently then dashed out of the dojo 
clutching C-chan tightly in his arms. Hoping as he ran up the 
stairs to his room that Kasumi's plan would work because he 
couldn't stand the look of transfixed terror that had floated in his 
iinazuke's eyes at just seeing a cat. It was now Ranma's goal to 
do anything to erase that look from existence in the beautiful 
sandalwood eyes he loved so much.


	Running behind Ranma on the way to school Ukyo 
shivered unconsciously as she recalled seeing C-chan. Sensing 
this Ranma gripped her hand more firmly in his own. Next to 
her Sakura gave Ukyo a look of concern.
	"Sure you're okay Ucchan?" Sakura questioned.
	"I'm fine," reassured Ukyo smiling. "I just need some 
time to get used to these sessions. I imagine I'll be pretty freaked 
out the first few times but eventually I'll get used to them. That's 
the whole point of it."
	Thinking on this Sakura said softly, "Yeah well. If you 
need anyone to talk to you know my ear is always free."
	Cocking her head aside Ukyo replied, "Yeah. I know. 
Thanks Sakura. Your friendship means a lot to me."
	Blushing slightly Sakura coughed. "Aw... it's nothing. 
After all," Sakura shot Ukyo a lascivious grin. "I'm happy to do 
anything for an ex-girlfriend. And I mean anything."
	Ukyo groaned at this and Sakura began to chuckle softly 
as Akane rolled her light brown eyes.
	"I can't believe you made me fall down the stairs over 
that stupid cat Ranma," groused Ryoga as he kept pace next to 
his pigtailed comrade.
	Locking blue eyes with brown ones Ranma shrugged 
slightly. "I told you not to make fun of my C-chan," he said 
easily. "You should've listened to me."
	"Your C-chan?" Ryoga questioned. This was getting 
weird. He'd never seen Ranma this protective of anything other 
than Ukyo. "What is it exactly with you and that cat?" The latter 
word Ryoga whispered softly as to not alert Ukyo's attention.
	Sighing Ranma thought on whether or not he wanted to 
tell Ryoga. The only person he told so far was Ukyo and that 
was because it was natural. Ukyo was his iinazuke, his best 
friend, his other half so of course Ranma told her about his 
fondness for C-chan. But Ryoga? Though he and the lost boy 
had become closer of late they certainly weren't on the same 
level of trust as he and Ukyo. Then again, Ranma had very few 
close friends. At school he had more than his share of 
acquaintances and he was fairly popular but hardly anyone knew 
the real him. Did he want to put Ryoga into that select category? 
Gazing into brown eyes Ranma was surprised to see a touch of 
worry floating in their depths. That made Ranma's decision for 
him.
	"I know this is gonna seem weird," Ranma confessed 
lowly. "But it's like by talking to C-chan about things I'm sort of 
talking to Shampoo too. I feel responsible for her. I mean, 
Shampoo sent C- chan for a reason and because of that I don't 
want anything bad to happen to her." Pausing Ranma relented 
with, "That and I never had a pet before so it's kind of a cool 
thing to me. I know you think it's dumb so go ahead and make 
fun of me..."
	There was a long silence and Ranma turned his gaze to 
Ryoga who wore a withdrawn expression. "Ryoga?" asked 
Ranma with some concern. "You okay?"
	"Checkers," breathed Ryoga. Raising brown eyes he 
gazed at Ranma. "I have a dog back home named Checkers. I 
haven't seen her in years because of my journey to China and 
before that, my lousy sense of direction." Averting his gaze 
Ryoga whispered, "I wonder how she's doing..." trailing off 
Ryoga pondered this a moment. Raising his gaze again he 
smiled wanly at Ranma. "So, no Saotome. I don't think it's dumb 
at all. I know what it's like to love an animal."
	Biting his lip Ranma thought on holding back the 
immediately retort in his head. Gazing at his friend Ranma saw 
that the semi- cheerful mood from this morning was now 
replaced with Ryoga's usual glum state. Ranma knew exactly 
how to bring him out of it.
	"You should," Ranma replied smirking. "You do change 
into one. It's easy to love your own kind."
	Ryoga took in this statement a moment then lifted his 
once sorrowful gaze to glare at his companion. "Saotome," 
Ryoga hissed. Ranma wore an innocent expression as his friend 
glared at him. "I'll get revenge on you for making such an 
insult!"
	Tugging on Ukyo's hand Ranma moved into high speed 
to dash inside the Furinkan campus dragging Ukyo along with a 
raging Ryoga chasing after them.


	"I can't believe it!" exclaimed Ukyo.
	She was sitting with Ranma and Kasumi in the training 
room. Her iinazuke had C-chan sitting in his lap and Ukyo sat 
across from them with a face of complete calm. Four days had 
past since Ukyo's Nekoken training was revealed and her 
subsequent fear of cats. The group were currently going through 
their early morning session.
	Beaming widely the heir to the Anything Goes school of 
martial arts embraced Kasumi in a tight hug. "You really did it 
Kasumi!" Ukyo cried. Pulling backwards Ukyo wiped away 
some tears hastily. "I'm scared being this close to C-chan but the 
absolute terror isn't there. I bet I could even pet her if I wanted!" 
Sandalwood eyes turned with some determination towards the 
cat but Kasumi halted this idea.
	"Now Ukyo don't be hasty," Kasumi murmured. "We've 
only just begun our sessions. While you've reached the point of 
close contact without being overcome by your fear I hardly 
think you're ready for actual contact."
	Forming an disappointed face Ukyo sighed. "If you say 
so Kasumi. You're calling the shots." Turning to C-chan Ukyo 
smiled fondly. "Sorry girl, looks like you're going to have to 
wait awhile for me to pet you."
	"Mew?" C-chan questioned sadly in tones of similar 
disappointment. Ukyo's reaction to this was a slight flinch.
	Watching this closely Kasumi smiled. The therapy 
sessions were turning out better than she could ever hope for. 
Ukyo was working at such dedicated level to cure her phobia it 
was amazing. It was almost as if she was willing herself to not 
be afraid. Kasumi assumed part of the motivation came from 
Ukyo's feelings of guilt involving Shampoo that related back to 
C-chan. She found it fairly obvious that both Ukyo and Ranma 
felt terrible on how they handled Shampoo's feelings for them. 
In their own way they were attempting to assuage their own 
guilt by treating C-chan so well. Kasumi couldn't help grinning 
on recalling the treatment anyone received from Ranma if the 
boy thought they were picking on his C-chan.
	"Well," began Kasumi, breaking off this line of thought 
while rising to her feet. "That's all for now. You two don't want 
to be late for school."
	Ukyo and Ranma complied quickly and moved to leave 
the training room. As they reached the doorway Kasumi called 
out, "Oh and Ranma-kun? Don't put C-chan away in your and 
Ryoga's room. Since Ukyo has adjusted to having her in close 
contact it will be fine to let C-chan wander around the dojo. I'm 
sure no one will mind."
	Wearing identical faces of pleasure the couple nodded 
before dashing away. Shaking her head Kasumi smiled softly. 
She had really enjoyed spending time with Ukyo and Ranma 
over the past couple of days. And Kasumi knew when the time 
came to finally ending their therapy sessions she would miss 
them. It somehow wasn't the same seeing the around the dojo as 
it was during their sessions. Maybe it was because the sessions 
had leant her some degree of peer respect among them as martial 
artists. Sighing wistfully Kasumi walked out of the training 
room to begin her morning chores. A task that soon would 
handed over to Nodoka fully. In only a month Kasumi would 
return to her studies. An event she was looking forward to more 
each day.
	Moving past the sitting room Kasumi paused to listen in 
on the conversation. They were discussing the upcoming figure 
skating match involving Ryoga and Akane. At this Kasumi 
grimaced slightly. They had been training almost nonstop and 
still Ryoga hadn't been able to master skating on his own. As she 
walked towards the kitchen Kasumi pondered on whether she 
should make an herbal remedy to help steady the nerves for 
Ryoga.
	"So you're going to the rink again after school today?" 
Ranma asked wryly. Pointing his chopsticks at Ryoga he 
questioned, "Haven't you given up on the dope yet? You spent 
nearly six hours there yesterday Akane and he still couldn't 
manage to skate more than a minute before he fell down." 
Ranma paused to scratch C-chan under her chin and she purred 
contentedly. "I say you give up."
	"Give up?!" screeched Akane. "No way! No way am I 
letting that little psycho get her hands on Ryochan. We're going 
to beat their butts. Just you wait."
	Looking up from C-chan who she had just been feeding 
some of her chicken Ukyo said, "Are you sure about that 
Akane? Things don't look so good. What if the Golden Pair do 
win? What're you going to do then?"
	Ryoga paled visibly at the suggestion and envisioned 
himself in a small cage with metal bars surrounded by other 
trapped animals with a manic Azusa continuously cooing cutely 
in front of him. Shuddering on this prospect Ryoga slammed his 
hand down on the table.
	"Never!" Ryoga announced strongly. "We'll never lose! 
I'll master skating, just you wait! Failing is not an option when it 
comes to Akane! For her I will win this match and defeat the 
infamous Golden Pair! We'll crush them into submission with 
our bare hands!"
	"Ryochan," breathed Akane with stars in her eyes.
	Rolling bright green eyes Sakura averted her attention to 
Ukyo. "Seems like you're getting on better with C-chan these 
days," commented Sakura curiously. "Kasumi's methods are 
really working out for you then?"
	"Oh yeah," beamed Ukyo. Smiling at C-chan Ukyo was 
rewarded with a soft purr from the cat. Turning her gaze to 
Ukyo their pet made no move to leave Ranma's lap though it 
seemed from her longing expression she wanted to. "There's 
something about C-chan that makes it easy. Besides that first 
day she hasn't tried to jump on me again. It's like she knows 
about my phobia and respects my limitations in dealing with 
her." Wearing a wry look Ukyo offered, "It's almost like she's 
human. Kind of silly, huh?"
	Gazing thoughtfully at C-chan the street fighter mulled 
over this. "Not really," Sakura replied. "There's definitely 
intelligence in her eyes. Some animals are a lot smarter than 
others." Sakura smirked, "Sort of like people." Saying this 
Sakura directed her gazed towards Ranma who stuck out his 
tongue as a rebuttal.
	C-chan meanwhile was glaring at Sakura and had raised 
her fur to stand on end. Hissing at the street fighter who merely 
raised an eyebrow curiously at this gesture. Ranma calmed her 
down with a few gentle words and a loving caress. Taking C-
chan in his arms Ranma didn't see Sakura stick her tongue out at 
the cat but wondered on why his pet was trying to escape his 
hold that she normally so enjoyed being in.
	Sighing at this scene Ukyo rose to her feet while 
grabbing her back pack. "C'mon you guys. We better get going 
or we'll be late for school."
	"Can't have that," Ranma smirked. "Especially since 
Kuno said he had a special surprise in store for the evil 
ponytailed boy during this morning's duel."
	On hearing this Ukyo groaned. "I almost had that 
blocked out entirely Ranchan. Why'd you have to remind me?" 
Putting her back pack on Ukyo strode down the hallway to leave 
the dojo. "I hate changing forms at school. I wonder what that 
jackass wants with my boy type anyway."
	Now off the dojo premises the group moved into their 
easy dash towards Furinkan as they did every morning.
	"Maybe you should leave your battle spatula and 
bandoleer in your locker Ucchan," suggested Akane. "That 
might drag the fight out longer than a minute."
	Pondering this Ukyo murmured, "Maybe. Thanks for the 
idea Akane. I'll consider it... I need to start refining my skills at 
unarmed combat. When the Master comes back I've got to be 
ready."
	"Ready?" questioned Ryoga. "Ready for what?"
	"Absolutely anything," answered Ukyo solemnly.


	Striding into the gym now in male form Ukyo warily 
took in the large crowd. Listening to Akane's suggestion he had 
neither his battle spatula nor bandoleer present for this duel. 
Deciding instead to test his skills at unarmed combat against his 
perpetually confused opponent. On the stage stood Kuno who 
was laughing in loud manic tones similar to his sister's. Next to 
him stood his loyal retainer, Sasuke, who was smiling sneakily. 
Neither had any idea Ukyo had arrived because the crowd of 
students concealed his presence nicely.
	Grimacing Ukyo questioned, "Ranchan, will you go talk 
to Kuno? Maybe you can figure out what he's up to this time 
before I have to stomp him into the ground."
	"Sure Ucchan," replied Ranma before bounding towards 
the stage to talk to his friend.
	"What about you ponytailed boy?" Sakura asked in 
joking tones. "You have any plans to investigate?"
	Smirking Ukyo responded, "Naturally. And I've got the 
best contact in school." Directing sandalwood eyes into the 
teeming mass of students he spotted his target. Cupping his 
hands over his mouth Ukyo shouted, "Nabiki! C'mere!"
	Immediately the svelte brunette turned away from her 
customers in the direction of Ukyo's voice. Seeing her friends 
Nabiki made a quick excuse before heading their way.
	"Well now," said Nabiki drolly. "Glad to see you had the 
time to make it to your own duel."
	"Funny Nabchan," Ukyo said dryly. "But seriously, do 
you have any clue what it's about this time?"
	Forming a solemn expression Nabiki answered, "None 
whatsoever. The only thing I know is Kuno baby seems to be 
ranting something about exposing the ponytailed menace for the 
true coward he is." Shrugging slightly Nabiki said, "And that 
could pretty much mean anything."
	"Great," muttered Ukyo darkly.
	Glancing around Nabiki questioned, "Where's Akane and 
Ryoga?"
	"Science lab," supplied Ukyo. "Apparently Akane is 
talking to the Chemistry club about helping Ryoga balance on 
the ice. I have no idea how she thinks they'll be able to help with 
that though."
	Glaring at several female students who were gaping at 
Ukyo in his boy type Sakura scowled, "They're staring at you 
again Ucchan. They better not do a replay of last week's incident 
because if those girls start chasing after you again I'm going to 
have to do some damage. And don't think it matters to me that 
they don't know about your curse."
	"Now, now," drawled Nabiki. "Don't be so hasty. I can't 
let you destroy my customer base. Those girls have been making 
big investments in my photography studio."
	"Studio?" Sakura said skeptically. "What're you up to 
this time Nabiki?"
	"Up to? Moi?" Nabiki asked innocently, placing her 
hand over her chest. "I'm a simple businesswoman who is kindly 
supplying the female populous of Furinkan with what they 
demand. Pictures of Ukyo in her male form."
	"Nabiki..." Sakura said, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
	Sighing Ukyo touched his friend's shoulder. "Calm down 
Sakura. I gave Nabchan permission to take my picture and sell 
it. But Ranma," Ukyo directed his stern gaze to the middle 
Tendo sister. "That's something entirely different. I better not 
catch you selling any more photos of Ranma honey to those 
crazy girls again. Next time they might try ripping his shirt off. 
And you know I won't put up with that."
	"Speak of the handsome devil," interrupted Nabiki. 
Effectively ending their conversation to watch as Ranma 
approached hurriedly.
	Halting in front of his iinazuke Ranma wore an defeated 
expression. "Sorry Ucchan," he apologized. "But I couldn't get 
Kuno to tell me anything. I all know is that he's getting pretty 
steamed about having to wait for the match to start."
	"That's your cue sir," smirked Sakura giving Ukyo a tiny 
shove in the back.
	Groaning Ukyo shook his head and crackled his 
knuckles while moving through the crowd of students towards 
the stage. "Hey Kuno!" shouted Ukyo. "You wanted 
something?"
	Narrowing his gaze Kuno bellowed, "Ponytailed boy! 
You nefarious wretch, at last you arrive to face my wrath! 
Surely this time I shall smite you and claim Kuonji Ukyo as my 
own. Not to mention Tendo Akane!"
	In a smooth leap Ukyo landed across from Kuno wearing 
a tiny smirk. "You always say that and you never manage to beat 
me, do you?"
	"This time will be different!" proclaimed Kuno as he 
began to chuckle lowly. "This time I shall reveal you to be 
cowering baby that you are. Sasuke!" Kuno cried, shifting his 
gaze to his retainer. "Ready the attack!"
	"Yes Master Kuno!" cried Sasuke.
	With a powerful tug Sasuke pulled back a large 
mechanical switch from the side of the stage. Instantly a large 
trapdoor opened in the middle of the stage. Unfortunately for 
Kuno his servant had miscalculated the trapdoor's location and it 
was directly where he stood. Causing Kuno to fall screaming 
into it and the dark pit it lead to.
	Crouching beside the trapdoor Ukyo stuck his head into 
the darkness and asked, "You okay Kuno?"
	"Curse you ponytailed boy! I'll make you pay dearly for 
this humiliation on my person!" Came the immediate response 
from down below.
	"I guess that answers that," muttered Ukyo humorously. 
Lifting his sandalwood gaze he stared at the advancing Sasuke. 
"Who was that trapdoor for anyway?"
	Laughing nervously Sasuke scratched his head while 
retreating. "N-nobody at all," stammered the timid Kuno 
servant. Suddenly his face shifted from anxiety to mocking 
confidence. Snatching a nearby rope Sasuke yanked it while 
shouting, "Now I have you ponytailed boy!"
	A whistling sound filled the air and a pair of sandbags 
flew from the rafters, hitting Sasuke in the back of the head 
while knocking him into the pit with Kuno.
	Returning to his former crouched position next to the 
trapdoor Ukyo muttered to himself, "I guess I better go to them 
or this match will never get started."
	Falling gracefully into the dark pit Ukyo landed easily 
across from the toppled figures of Kuno and Sasuke. Leaning 
down he questioned humorously, "And who exactly were you 
trying to knock in here anyway?"
	Releasing a groan Sasuke pushed himself up from under 
the unconscious figure of Kuno. Shakily his hand rose upwards 
as he said, "I have something for you."
	Squinting Ukyo knelt to take the offered gift in his 
hands. Blanching he asked, "Fish sausage? Why do--"
	Ukyo stopped mid-sentence as a quiet sound met his 
ears. Sandalwood eyes widened while he rose to his full height. 
Glancing slowly around the pit he could make out the shadowed 
figures of several hundred cats. Biting his lip Ukyo immediately 
closed his eyes and tried to picture the quaint summer home 
from his childhood as Kasumi had instructed him in their 
sessions. He managed to summon the image but it soon 
disappeared as the howls of the obviously hungry cats increased 
in volume. Shaking in terror he felt his hands lose grip of the 
fish sausage and several furry creatures brush against his leg in 
an attempt to seize the food as their own. Suddenly a mocking 
voice met his ears and he flinched.
	"So!" Kuno bolstered. "It is true! When my dear Sasuke 
informed me that you were deathly fearful of felines I thought 
surely it was a jest! My great foe, the ponytailed boy, scared of a 
few slight beasts as this? Never! But lo, here we stand and there 
you be. Trembling in your boots!"
	Ukyo snarled. That was it! No way was he going to take 
insults from the likes of Kuno. Snapping sandalwood eyes open 
he glared at his opponent. Ukyo saw the expected look of 
triumph on Kuno's face before the usual confusion returned as 
he observed a no longer fearful Ukyo.
	"Who's trembling?" growled Ukyo lowly as he stalked 
forward. Grabbing Kuno by his collar he hissed, "Do I look like 
I'm trembling to you?"
	"Then you're not scared?" Sasuke asked timidly.
	"NO!" Ukyo screamed rage showing plainly on his sharp 
features. Releasing Kuno he clenched his fists and began to 
laugh insanely from seeing the gathered forms of the several 
hundred cats staring at him. For the first time since he was a 
small child going through the Nekoken training Ukyo was 
completely surrounded by his worst nightmare. Cats everywhere 
he looked. There was no escape. This final thought caused 
Ukyo's laugh to increase in volume and in it's crazed 
proportions.
	Kuno scowled darkly, "Laugh at me will you?!" Moving 
into a fighting stance Kuno swiftly retrieved his bokken and 
flew at Ukyo.
	From instinct alone Ukyo managed to avoid Kuno's 
blows as the other boy came at him. Still his sandalwood eyes 
held a gleam of definite animalistic quality. Almost as if he 
didn't grasp what was going on around him. Flying forward from 
a particularly close evasion on Ukyo's part Kuno's bokken hit a 
latch releasing the door it had held shut.
	 As this occurred Sasuke paled visibly. "Master Kuno!" 
Sasuke cried loudly in panicked tones. "Get away from that door 
quickly!"
	"You dare give me orders Sasuke? I should---"
	The rest of Kuno's sentence was muffled as he stepped 
into the chest of a large tiger in front of him. Backing away his 
eyes widened in terror and Kuno released a loud scream of fear 
then dashed behind Ukyo who was frozen.
	Staring at the tiger who was releasing a low growl Ukyo 
felt his heart stop as several cats jumped on him. Surrounded by 
his hundreds of worst fear and a creature that was an amplified 
version of them Ukyo felt himself lose hold of what little 
humanity he had left. Staring into the predatory glare of the tiger 
before him Ukyo began responding to it instinctively. His mind 
shifted and changed until only one thought remained in his now 
animalistic mind.
	Challenge. This other cat before him was challenging 
him with his superior stance. He must answer this challenge in a 
match if he is to prove his dominance. This was his territory and 
the silly humans that remained around it were his prey and his 
friends. This new arrival would not take that from him. So Ukyo 
released a high pitched howl answering this official challenge 
from the tiger who narrowed green eyes in surprised speculation 
as Ukyo cat crouched into an offensive stance to prepare for the 
fight to come.


	"Kasumi my dear," called Genma. "How are those 
therapy sessions with Ukyo going?"
	Looking up from her herbal remedy booklet Kasumi 
replied, "Good. Ukyo is doing much better and can get close to 
C-chan without letting her fear take over. In fact," Kasumi 
smiled. "I think she's becoming quite fond of C-chan."
	Upon hearing her name the pink and cream colored cat 
looked up from her fight with a white tomcat. In a quick gesture 
she swiped at him with her claws causing the tomcat to run 
away fearfully. Bounding over to Kasumi she looked at the 
eldest Tendo sister with inquisitive eyes.
	"Hear me say your name?" questioned Kasumi softly. "I 
was just telling Ojisama how you were getting along with Ukyo 
better these days."
	"Mew!" agreed C-chan happily wearing a wide smile of 
pleasure.
	Smiling at this Kasumi scratched her behind the ears and 
murmured, "Ranma is right. It's almost like you're human you're 
so smart."
	A loud snap filled the air and Kasumi shifted her gaze to 
see Genma holding a broken toothpick in his hand. Staring at it 
nervously he said lowly, "This is a bad omen." Directing his 
gaze towards the sky he muttered, "Something must be wrong 
with the girl." Rising to his feet Genma dashed out of the room 
quickly leaving Kasumi alone with C-chan.
	"Oh my," Kasumi said, watching him leave. "I wonder 
what that was about."
	"Mew..." C-chan responded trailing off.
	It was then that Genma burst through the sitting room 
and past them carrying a large knapsack that was close to 
overflowing. Passing Kasumi he called loudly, "I'm going to the 
school Kasumi! Something bad is happening to the girl, I can 
feel it in my bones."
	Kasumi blinked at this and his departure before rising to 
her feet saying with determination, "Ukyo is under my care. If 
she's in danger I should help too."
	Running after Genma she barely noticed as C-chan 
followed her hasty pursuit. Exiting the dojo Kasumi took in the 
abandoned form of a broom and figured her Father had taken off 
after Genma as well. Whatever it was that Genma sensed it had 
to be serious because he had left in the process of eating his 
lunch. An event that was never disturbed.


	"What's taking so long?" Sakura asked with some degree 
of irritation. "It never takes Ucchan more than a minute to beat 
up Kuno."
	"I dunno," said Ranma. Leaping onto the stage he stuck 
his head into the trapdoor and called in concern, "Are you guys 
all right?"
	His only answer was a high pitched howl which echoed 
throughout the gym causing an eerie effect that made many 
shiver at the sound. Suddenly the stage burst apart and a tower 
of several hundred cats flew out of the rubble. In this mass of 
felines resided the unconscious figures of Kuno and Sasuke. 
Avoiding this confusion Ranma leapt from the now destroyed 
stage next to Nabiki and Sakura in the crowd of Furinkan 
students. Blue eyes searched for the form of his iinazuke and 
finally found him flying through the air in a feral fury while 
pursuing a large Bengal tiger.
	"Ucchan?" breathed Ranma slowly.
	"Oh crap," muttered Sakura. Tugging Ranma's elbow she 
said to the shocked boy, "We've gotta get out of the way Ranma. 
That isn't our Ucchan. She's under the influence of the Nekoken 
training now."
	Unaware of Ranma or anything else other than his fight 
with the tiger Ukyo cat landed smoothly on all fours. 
Sandalwood eyes shifted in tactical viciousness searching for 
their prey. They finally locked on the figure of the tiger who was 
lying on top of Kuno dumbstruck as to how this puny challenger 
had beaten him. Releasing a high pitched howl Ukyo cat 
pounced through the air with a look of certain gleeful madness 
floating in his gaze.
	Hastily shoving the suffocating form of the tiger off his 
body Kuno was met with the sight of Ukyo cat coming towards 
him. Releasing a loud scream of terror Kuno closed his eyes in 
anticipation of the upcoming death he had seen floating in the 
inhuman eyes of his opponent.
	"Master Kuno!" shouted Sasuke loudly.
	 Reaching deep into his pockets Sasuke retrieved the last 
bit of fish sausage. Throwing it into the air Sasuke sighed in 
relief as Ukyo cat landed, screeching to a halt, before turning 
and bounding after the fish sausage which had flown out the 
window. Turning to his employer Sasuke saw that Kuno was 
breathing heavily and clutching to his chest. Going to his side 
Sasuke congratulated himself inwardly. He had saved his 
Master's life. Surely he would be rewarded for such a 
courageous deed.
	Meanwhile Ranma escaped Sakura's hold and jumped 
out of the window after his iinazuke. Sighing deeply Sakura 
muttered to herself while following, "I really wish she'd let me 
beat up Genma at least once for doing this to her."


	Ignoring the large crowd of Furinkan students 
surrounding him Ranma shouted, "Ucchan! C'mon Ucchan! It's 
me Ranma! Speak to me!"
	His iinazuke didn't seem to hear his pleas and released a 
contented meow then continued to claw at the tree bark pealing 
it back in layers.
	"Ukyo can't hear you," responded Sakura in sympathetic 
tones. "The Nekoken training has taken control and all that's left 
of her mind is a cat."
	Blazing blue eyes met green ones. "Can't we do anything 
for her?" Ranma begged. "We can't just leave her like this!"
	"There has to be some solution," Nabiki added as she 
emerged from the mass of students at their side.
	Gazing thoughtfully up at Ukyo cat who was still 
clawing at the tree bark happily Sakura opened her mouth to 
reply but was cut off by Genma proclaiming, "Of course there's 
a solution!" The three stared at him with wide eyes and he 
asked, "You were expecting someone else?"
	"Father," began Ranma warily. "Why are you here?"
	Flinching at his son's tone of voice Genma replied, "I 
sensed something was wrong with the girl."
	"Oh my," Kasumi exclaimed softly. "Ukyo is acting like 
a giant kitty cat."
	"So it would seem Kasumi," said Soun solemnly. 
Turning his gaze to Genma he continued, "You said you had a 
plan for this Saotome?"
	 Feeling something rubbing against his leg Ranma 
looked down at the figure of C-chan below him. "Hey girl," he 
said fondly. "Did you follow them here?" Lifting his pet into his 
arms Ranma stroked her fur murmuring, "Something is wrong 
with Ucchan and I dunno how to help her." Looking down into 
thoughtful scarlet eyes he questioned, "Do you have any ideas?" 
On this C-chan only stared at him with sad eyes and Ranma 
sighed deeply then moved his gaze back towards his iinazuke 
who remained perched in the tree high above their heads.
	"I don't understand," said Kasumi while studying Ukyo 
cat. "She was doing so well in our therapy sessions why would 
this happen now?"
	"One word," said Nabiki dryly. "Kuno. Apparently he 
had Sasuke rig the gym basement so it would be full of starving 
cats. Somehow he found out about Ukyo's fear of cats and 
decided to use it against her male half."
	"No matter!" Genma proclaimed, whipping the large 
knapsack off his back. "I have the solution to all our problems 
right here." Turning to the others Genma held up his large 
knapsack. "When Ukyo's acute fear of cats goes beyond a 
certain point the only way she can deal with it is to become a cat 
herself. We all know that by now but there is also a way to bring 
her out of that state. Yes," Genma said solemnly pushing his 
glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Only one person could calm 
the girl down when she was like this. The Master."
	Hearing this Soun turned a sickly color and grabbed his 
friend's shoulders. Shaking Genma he shouted, "Saotome! Don't 
tell me you mean to--!"
	Nodding his head seriously Genma stated firmly, "I must 
Tendo. No sacrifice is too great for the chosen heir to the 
Anything Goes school of martial arts. For Ukyo, and Ukyo 
alone, I will become the evil that is the Master."
	In a flash of movement Genma changed his appearance 
and was now wearing a purple ninja outfit with a handkerchief 
tied around his mouth. The white bandanna he wore was 
covered with a bald wig and he held a long thin pipe in his 
hands. Cackling strangely he leapt through the air to land on the 
same tree branch as Ukyo cat. Feeling the slight shift in weight 
Ukyo cat jumped now facing Genma.
	Approaching Ukyo cat slowly Genma called gleefully, 
"Li'l Ukyo sweetie! It's me Gramps! Let's train by having a good 
old fashioned panty raid!"
	Ukyo cat studied Genma carefully then released a low 
hiss. This wasn't the human he was so fond of, the one who 
saved him in the beginning. No, this was the one who had 
caused him great pain. He knew it by his smell and stance. And 
this puny person dared think he could fool him? With his feline 
intelligence? Releasing a howl of outrage Ukyo cat flew at 
Genma his hands now in the formation of claws as he attack his 
Sensei. Genma screamed loudly in pain and fear before going 
flying off the tree branch and into the thick woods below. Ukyo 
cat sniffed in some satisfaction at this then focused on the 
humans gathered below. Narrowing his gaze again Ukyo cat 
hissed a low vicious warning at them telling them not to try 
something like that again.
	Staring at the trail of girls panties floating through the air 
towards where Genma had landed Soun said sheepishly, "So it 
wasn't his best idea."
	"Why did he have girls panties?" Kasumi questioned 
perplexed.
	"Never mind that," stated Sakura shaking her chocolate 
brown head. "We have to get Ucchan down soon. She's getting 
worse."
	"Hey!" cried Ranma in surprise as C-chan leapt from his 
grasp to bound high into the air towards the floating trail of 
panties that Genma had left. In a flash the cat was back in his 
arms holding a small piece of catnip in her teeth that had 
apparently been in Genma's knapsack along with lingerie.
	"Mew!" C-chan called emphatically as she raised her 
gaze towards Ukyo cat who was now stalking in a predatory 
motion on the tree branch above.
	"That's it," Ranma said excitedly. "All cats like catnip 
don't they? Maybe if we get Ucchan to eat some she'll calm 
down." Smiling widely he scratched C-chan under the chin 
affectionately. "Good girl, you came up with a solution!" On this 
compliment his pet beamed and began purring happily.
	"So it seems," said Nabiki slowly. Hazel eyes studied 
Ukyo cat like a hawk. "But how are we supposed to get the 
catnip up there in the first place?"
	Wandering away from the group Sakura snatched an 
unconscious Genma's knapsack from him then dumped out all 
the lingerie over his head to leave only the catnip inside. 
Approaching them she paused to borrow a nearby archer's bow 
and arrow. "Viola," Sakura said grinning. "Instantly drugged 
Ukyo."
	Observing as Sakura moved into position preparing to 
fire the knapsack full of catnip at Ukyo cat Kasumi warned 
softly, "Be careful Sakura and focus your aim towards the tree 
branch and not Ukyo. I don't think she'll take any hint of 
aggression well."
	"Gotcha," assured Sakura confidently. Pulling back the 
bow string she fired the knapsack through the air in a clean 
motion.
	From his haven high above Ukyo cat cocked his head to 
one side watching keenly as the humans below scurried about. 
Sandalwood eyes narrowed decisively as one of them pointed 
something at him. As this latest threat moved towards him 
quickly Ukyo cat stealthily pounced into the air to intercept his 
new attacker. In a swift slashing movement his hand turned a 
claw ripped apart the knapsack to sends several hundred pieces 
of catnip flying into the air with him. Disconcerted by all this 
interference Ukyo cat lost his balance mid air and releasing a 
high pitched howl of desperation he fell clumsily to the ground.
	Immediately Ukyo cat leapt to his feet as instincts 
instructed. Turning his head slowly he studied the group of 
humans who dared initiate such action against him. It was then 
that a familiar voice met his ears and sent a calming wave of 
contentment through him. Sandalwood eyes studied this human 
closely. This person continued calling to Ukyo cat and he 
wondered why they weren't afraid as were all the others. Then it 
hit him. This was his special person! His and his alone! This one 
belonged to him, that was why he wasn't afraid, he wanted Ukyo 
cat's attention. He was calling out for it even as Ukyo cat was 
thinking.
	Releasing a happy howl of excitement Ukyo cat flew 
into the air in a predatory leap and before Ranma knew what 
was happening he had toppled to the ground with his iinazuke 
purring contentedly in his lap. When Ranma had called out to 
Ukyo he hoped to bring him back to reality and his human side 
but instead he'd brought about his animalistic sense of 
ownership. Sealing Ukyo cat's desire to be with the one he 
designated as solely his own leaving Ranma in the position he 
was currently in now.
	"Ucchan..." whispered Ranma barely audible as Ukyo cat 
tucked himself into a tiny ball seemingly going to sleep. 
Standing on his shoulder C-chan tilted her head curiously and 
released a inquiring meow.
	"Well," Nabiki said, smirking at the scene of Ranma 
being nuzzled by a male Ukyo cat. "Isn't this a cozy scene."
	Suddenly snapping into wakefulness Genma rushed 
forward and screamed on seeing the scene before him. "Get off 
him girl! This isn't right behavior in that form! Nodoka 
promised me that she'd raise Ranma to be a man amongst men 
and you're ruining it!!" As he yelled this Genma made an 
attempt to pull Ukyo cat off of Ranma's lap.
	Wearing a dark expression Ranma grabbed Genma's 
wrist and squeezed it hard. "Don't Father," he hissed 
dangerously. "Don't you dare touch Ucchan. This is all your 
fault, so you don't have the right to give her orders."
	"But Ranma look at him!" Genma cried, noting the look 
of surprise in blue eyes. "Yes. Him," emphasized Genma 
thinking he was reaching his son. "That isn't the girl you're 
going to marry you're holding. That's another boy and I hope 
you know how it makes you look."
	Hearing the underlining tone of disgust Ranma directed 
his cobalt gaze to the surrounding Furinkan students. The boys 
were staring at him with wide eyes that reflected a combination 
of curiosity and nausea. A look some of the girls shared but 
mainly they were bursting into tears wailing about two of the 
most handsome boys in school being wasted. Turning his gaze 
back to his Father he saw the look of triumph that floated there.
	Pushing Genma's hand off his arm Ranma said 
resolutely, "I don't care! I love Ucchan and I'm not going to 
leave her when she needs me! It doesn't matter to me what 
everybody thinks!"
	This vehement statement raised the attention of the 
dozing Ukyo cat who tilted his head up curiously. Why was his 
human so upset? Shifting his gaze Ukyo cat saw that he was 
confronting the stupid human from before. The one that had 
caused him so much pain in his youth. Of course! Ukyo cat had 
an epiphany. His human was defending his honor against the 
shameless one. A wave of pure happiness invaded his system 
and Ukyo cat purred in low rumbling tones. Tilting his head 
upwards he met his human's gaze. Forming a tiny smile Ukyo 
cat pressed his lips against his human's to show his pleasure in 
being cared for this way. Lowering his head Ukyo cat curled 
back into his former sleeping position while continue to purr 
happily. Totally confident that he would be safe with his human.
	Blinking in shock Ranma lightly traced his lips with his 
fingertips. Staring at the purring form of his iinazuke blue eyes 
began to darken as the comments of his classmates met Ranma's 
ears. The screams from the girls, the taunts from the boys. None 
of them understood. This was his Ucchan. His iinazuke. The 
only person he'd ever loved. It didn't matter what form she took. 
Inside it was still Ucchan.
	Raising his gaze Ranma glared at all those who dared 
insult the purity of Ukyo cat's gesture of love and screamed in 
loud outrage, "Shut up!! All of you just shut up! Just leave me 
and Ucchan alone!!" Jumping to his feet Ranma clutched Ukyo 
cat against his chest and ran away cradling the other boy in his 
arms.
	The crowd of students and the gathered residents of the 
Tendo dojo were silent as they observed the departing figure of 
Ranma and that of his tiny pink and cream colored cat who was 
following closely behind him.


	Blearily sandalwood eyes opened and Ukyo sat up in bed 
to focus on his surroundings. He was alone in his room with the 
door to it slightly ajar. Making it look as if someone had left in a 
hurry. A soft patter met his ears and Ukyo looked up to see the 
figure of C-chan moving cautiously into his room.
	"C-chan?" Ukyo questioned softly. Rubbing his eyes 
wearily he muttered, "What the hell happened to me? The last 
thing I remember is falling into that pit with Kuno..."
	"Mew?" inquired C-chan curiously. Feeling it was safe 
she jumped forward to stand next to Ukyo on the mattress. 
Almost as if she was guarding him. Tilting her pink head to one 
side she gazed inquisitively at Ukyo.
	"Yeah," chuckled Ukyo. "I remember that for sure. Kuno 
challenged my boy half again... I wish that jackass would just 
find out about my curse already. In fact," Ukyo stretched his 
sore back muscles. "It would be a lot easier if everybody at 
Furinkan would just figure it out already. I'm getting sick of this 
ponytailed boy crap and all those nutty girls chasing after my 
boy side."
	Hearing this C-chan released a low hiss and Ukyo raised 
an eyebrow. "You don't like that either do you girl? Me neither. 
It gets pretty annoying... especially since those girls don't know 
the first thing about me. Not like Ranchan." Thinking of his 
iinazuke he sighed. "Ranchan knows the real me. I don't think 
I've been closer to anyone in my life. Well, there's the Master 
but it isn't the same thing." Directing his sandalwood gaze to C-
chan he continued, "Every time I look at you I think of 
Shampoo. I suppose that's what she wanted when she sent you to 
us." Looking around the room Ukyo finally rested his gaze back 
on C-chan. Leaning down he whispered, "Don't tell anyone but I 
miss her."
	"Mew?" C-chan questioned with wide eyes.
	Laughing at the disbelief he saw in scarlet eyes Ukyo 
responded, "Yeah well. Don't ask me to explain it but there's 
something about her. The Kami knows she has a great body. I 
mean, I've traveled all over and I haven't ever seen a girl that 
beautiful." C- chan was now watching Ukyo carefully as he 
continued talking. "Her muscles are pure sinew. When I first 
saw her fight I was just sucked in by her movements. It was like 
magic. To tell you the truth girl, I didn't really want to fight her." 
Chuckling to himself Ukyo confessed, "I wanted to kiss her. I 
just didn't know it... it was a subconscious thing but wooh. Is she 
good looking." Sighing Ukyo murmured, "But the connection I 
feel with Shampoo is more than physical. In a way she reminds 
me a lot of myself before I met Ranchan." Ukyo sighed again. "I 
was so lonely back then. Even when I went to school with 
Sakura and Ryoga. Knowing them made things a bit easier but it 
was always like a piece of myself was missing. An ache was 
always in my heart." Smiling wistfully he said, "When I'm with 
Ranma that ache goes away and I feel at peace. I think that's 
what Shampoo was searching for when she was chasing after us 
both to marry her. She wanted to ease her loneliness. I know 
how hard it is to be alone. To not have anyone understand and 
care for you. That's why I really wish she'd come back. So I 
could make things right." He averted his eyes to study the 
ceiling saying, "I'm sort of thinking of going to China and 
finding her if she doesn't return soon. It doesn't feel right to 
leave things as they are. I don't like to leave things unsettled. 
Plus..." Ukyo looked sheepish as he stared at C-chan. "I do miss 
her."
	The pink and cream colored cat studied Ukyo with teary 
eyes before closing them. In a gesture of affection and love she 
rubbed her head against the side of his chest. Ukyo froze at first 
then relaxed and smiled feeling totally at ease.
	Totally at ease until a scream pierced the air and Ranma 
rushed into the room after dropping the tea pot he held in a loud 
clatter. Dashing across the room Ranma clutched C-chan against 
his chest saying, "I told you to stay in my room girl! Why didn't 
you listen?" Ukyo watched with some confusion as he rushed 
out of the room holding C-chan tightly. When he returned 
Ranma looked distraught. Clasping Ukyo by the shoulders he 
bore his concerned blue gaze into him. "Are you okay Ucchan? I 
put her in my room, honest I did! I don't know how she got out! 
I'm sorry," Ranma said desperately wringing his hands. "I can't 
believe I let this happen, especially after what you just went 
through."
	"What I just went through?" asked Ukyo in confusion. 
"What're you talking about?" Swinging his legs over the side of 
his bed Ukyo picked up the toppled tea kettle and smiled on 
finding some hot water still remained inside of it. Pouring it 
over his head Ukyo quickly shifted back into her natural girl 
form. Setting the tea kettle down on the dresser Kasumi had 
given her Ukyo walked towards her iinazuke. "Can you tell me 
what happened Ranchan? What are we doing back home?"
	"You mean you don't remember?" Ranma queried as she 
sat next to him on the bed. "Kuno found out about your phobia 
and trapped you in the gym basement with hundreds of hungry 
cats. You destroyed the stage in the process of fighting a Bengal 
tiger."
	"A tiger?" Ukyo breathed incredulously. Rubbing her 
forehead she murmured, "The Nekoken training must've taken 
over. I became an animal..." Sandalwood eyes drifted away from 
her iinazuke's handsome face. "Ranchan," Ukyo said carefully, 
raising her gaze. "Who brought me out of that state? How did I 
get home?"
	Blinking Ranma stammered, "W-what? I dunno what 
you mean Ucchan."
	Running her fingers through thick oak brown hair Ukyo 
replied, "It's just that I never come out of my Nekoken 
influenced state on my own. I've always been brought out of it 
by another person. Most of my life it's been the Master. When 
we were on our training journey, no matter his distance from 
me, he would always appear when the Nekoken took control. 
But he's not here now." Ukyo sighed sadly on this last comment. 
Directing her gaze at Ranma she asked, "So who brought me 
back?"
	Downcasting his stare Ranma said softly, "Me."
	"You?" questioned Ukyo. His only reply was a curt nod 
and Ukyo pondered this murmuring, "I should've known. 
Besides the Master you're the one I trust most in this world 
Ranchan." Tipping her head to gaze into cobalt eyes Ukyo asked 
softly, "Did I kiss you?"
	At this question Ranma turned bright red and Ukyo 
sighed deeply. "I figured," she muttered. Taking his hand in her 
own she continued, "I'm sorry Ranchan but apparently it's 
something I do in my Nekoken state to the people I'm fond of." 
Casting her eyes away she sighed again. "Great. Now the whole 
school is going to be talking about us." Her ears caught the quiet 
mumbling of her iinazuke. Turning back to Ranma she asked 
gently, "Did you say something?"
	Coughing Ranma scratched his cheek looking quite 
uncomfortable. "I said they probably think I'm yaoi now or 
something. I mean, Father yelled at me to let go of you when 
you thought you were a cat but I couldn't... you just seemed so 
helpless Ucchan. And you never seem helpless."
	"Ranchan," whispered Ukyo. Touching the planes of his 
face she smiled tenderly at him. "That's so sweet."
	"Yeah well," Ranma said shyly. "You're my iinazuke. I 
have to take care of you don't I? No matter what your form. It 
doesn't really matter much to me what they think Ucchan. I 
know who and what I am. That's all that matters."
	Resting her head on his shoulder Ukyo leaned into his 
embrace and Ranma wrapped his arms around her thin waist. 
"But it matters to me Ranma," she sighed. "I don't want people 
saying nasty things about you." Pulling back her sandalwood 
eyes gleamed with determination. "And I'm going to fix it. Just 
leave everything to me."
	"How?" asked Ranma curiously.
	"I don't know," replied Ukyo wryly. "But just you wait. 
I'll fix it. I'm a woman of my word."
	Laughing softly Ranma shook his head. Smiling blue 
eyes met her gaze as he said, "I really do love you."
	"Good," said Ukyo sensuously. "Because the sentiment 
is very much returned."
	The couple were leaning in for a passionate kiss when an 
irritated meow met their ears. Shifting their attention to the 
doorway they saw the fuming figure of C-chan stalking into the 
room. She stopped in front of the bed and stared hard at the pair 
before leaping in between them.
	"Oh," said Ranma taking her into his lap while stroking 
her head gently. "I think she's mad at us for ignoring her." 
Clucking C- chan under her chin Ranma murmured, "I'm sorry 
for reacting like that earlier girl but I thought you might scare 
Ukyo again."
	Scarlet eyes clinically studied the now female Ukyo 
before focusing on Ranma. Contemplating this explanation C-
chan narrowed her eyes then moved to leap onto Ukyo's lap. At 
this gesture Ranma's blue eyes widened in panic and he started 
to grab for his pet when Ukyo said, "It's all right Ranchan. For 
some reason I'm fine around C-chan."
	Blinking in wonderment Ranma cried, "Then Kasumi's 
therapy sessions are really working! Only..." He formed a 
baffled expression. "Why weren't you able to control your fear 
at school?"
	A memory of the howls of hundreds of starving cats 
echoed in her mind from the Nekoken training and Ukyo closed 
her eyes and thought of that summer home from her childhood 
to erase this image. Controlling her breathing as she entered a 
calm state Ukyo unconsciously reached her hand out to pet C-
chan. Upon receiving this gentle affection the cat purred in low 
satisfaction and Ukyo smiled. Meeting her iinazuke's surprised 
gaze she offered, "I think it has to do with numbers. There's only 
one of C-chan and there were hundreds of those creatures in the 
basement. Besides," Ukyo murmured gazing at their pet who 
was now nuzzling her hand. "C-chan isn't exactly your average 
animal. She's a lot smarter, that helps calm my fears."
	"She's smarter than the average cat," smirked Ranma and 
Ukyo groaned at the bad joke. "Sorry," Ranma said sheepishly. 
Studying his iinazuke interacting with their pet he theorized, 
"Maybe it also has to do with the fact that you want so badly to 
be comfortable with C-chan since she's a present from 
Shampoo."
	"You're probably right," Ukyo replied. Rubbing the cat 
on her belly Ukyo continued thoughtfully, "I wouldn't dismiss 
the fact that all my sessions have only involved C-chan so far. I 
bet that has something to do with my Nekoken training ignoring 
her presence."
	There was a long pause as Ranma shifted uncomfortably. 
"Uhm.." he began slowly. "About Shampoo."
	"What about her?" Ukyo asked unaware of C-chan lifting 
her ears keenly in the air.
	"I just wanted to say," Ranma said shakily. "That when 
she comes back... if you want to look into that three way 
marriage thing. I guess we can consider it. I mean," he now 
looked incredibly uncomfortable. "If it's the only peaceful way 
to resolve it I'm willing..." Groaning loudly Ranma tugged at his 
wild black bangs. "This isn't coming out right!" Sighing he 
dropped his head before slowly lifting it and locking his gaze 
with Ukyo's. "What I mean to say is that no matter what happens 
I'm with you Ucchan. It's me and you all the way. Until the end."
	Smiling softly Ukyo cupped his face tenderly in her 
hands and questioned teasingly, "Till death do us part?"
	Returning the smile Ranma replied, "I guess you could 
say that."
	"I did say that," murmured Ukyo ardently leaning 
forward until her breath was on his own. "But what do you say?"
	Grabbing her hips Ranma pulled her forward as their lips 
met in a passionate kiss. Saying against her lips, "I do."
	This sweet moment seemed timeless until the high 
pitched howl of C-chan interrupted their embrace. The pink and 
cream colored cat had the unfortunate luck to be trapped 
between the two as they sought to merge their bodies in their 
desire to be physically closer. Jumping backwards the couple 
took in the frazzled form of C-chan whose fur was standing on 
end while wearing a vexed expression on her feline features. 
Staring at the couple she twitched her tail high in the air before 
leaping off the bed.
	"We're sorry C-chan!" called Ranma who was laughing 
without helping it. Next to him Ukyo was leaning over his 
shoulder, portraying the same useless battle against the 
onslaught of laughter rising in her system.
	"We didn't mean to squish you," offered Ukyo wiping 
away the tears that accompanied her roars of laughter.
	Halting at the doorway to Ukyo's room C-chan turned 
around and gave an indignant, "Mew!" Then stalked away with 
her tail swishing in certain agitation.
	Watching this Ukyo and Ranma were silent for a 
moment before bursting into an even louder fit of laughter. 
Clinging to one another the couple shared in their conjoined joy 
and all their problems of the present were forgotten.


	"I can't believe Ranma said that to his Father," said 
Akane in certain amazement.
	She along with Ryoga, Sakura, and Nabiki were making 
their way home after school. They had finished the regular 
school day but had not been able to discuss the events involving 
Ukyo and her morning duel. Mainly due to the fact that Ryoga 
had spent most of the day in the infirmary for having ingested 
toxic chemicals. Apparently Akane had recruited the Chemistry 
club in making some experimental drugs to help Ryoga balance 
on ice. The drugs had a less than pleasing effect on his immune 
system.
	 "I can't believe Ukyo kissed Ranma as a guy," said 
Ryoga making a face.
	Hitting the back of Ryoga's head Sakura admonished, 
"You weren't there Ryochan. It was actually kind of sweet."
	"Sweet?" Ryoga muttered to himself turning a sickly 
shade of green. "I think I need to go back to the infirmary."
	Sakura was about to hit Ryoga again when Nabiki beat 
her to it. "Stop being such a baby," drawled Nabiki. "These are 
modern times. I don't see you complaining about Sakura's 
romantic preferences."
	"That's different!" cried Ryoga indignantly.
	"Oh?" Sakura arched an eyebrow. "How's that?"
	Meeting the glares of both Sakura and Nabiki he gave 
his nervous high pitched laugh then turned to Akane for help 
only to find her wearing the same expression. Sighing loudly 
Ryoga slumped his shoulders and said dourly, "Okay. I give up. 
There's no difference."
	"That's my boy," said Sakura slapping him on the back. 
Giving him a friendly jab to the ribs she chuckled before moving 
on. "But I wouldn't worry too much about it. Ukyo only kissed 
Ranma as a boy because she thought she was a cat under the 
Nekoken influence."
	Gaping at the disappearing figures of the three girls 
Ryoga shouted loudly, "Why didn't you tell me that in the first 
place?!"
	Rolling her eyes Akane giggled. "Because it's more fun 
to play with you Ryochan," she murmured in teasing tones while 
clutching to Ryoga's arm and leaning against him. At this 
gesture the lost boy's hair stood on end and he wore a face of 
complete bliss.
	Used to this reaction on the part of Ryoga the youngest 
Tendo turned to her companions. "We're heading to the rink to 
practice. Do you two want to come and watch? We could use the 
pointers."
	"Got that right," drawled Nabiki. She immediately 
changed into a more sympathetic face on receiving a harsh glare 
from Akane. "Heh..." Nabiki laughed slightly. "I'd love to come 
and watch the upcoming disaster but I'm afraid I have business 
to tend to. After all, if you want to spend all of tomorrow 
training I'm going to have to finish negotiations with the rink 
manager to arrange renting it," Nabiki reminded them about the 
favor they had asked of her.
	Shrugging Akane looked at Sakura. "How about you? 
We can call Dachi when we get there and she could join us.  
Afterwards the four of us could go to the movies."
	"Sounds good to me," conceded Sakura. "As long as you 
and Dachi don't make me see another romantic movie."
	Snapping out of his Akane induced coma Ryoga chimed 
in laughing hysterically, "I like romances!"
	Hearing this Akane beamed widely. Clutching to his arm 
and she smirked at Sakura. "I guess you're outvoted. Ryochan 
likes seeing romantic movies. It's three against one because you 
know how much Dachi and I love romance."
	Groaning Sakura glared at her clueless best friend while 
muttering under her breath, "Sell out."
	"As amusing as this little quarrel between friends is I'm 
afraid this is the end of the line for me," said Nabiki drolly. 
Dashing down the short street that was the quickest way back to 
the dojo she gave them a jaunty wave before disappearing. 
Stopping to adjust the bandoleer and battle spatula she wore. 
Nabiki had taken the weapons out of Ukyo's locker at school 
wanting to return them to the chef on arriving home and they 
didn't fit her form correctly.
	They watched Nabiki exit for a moment then Akane 
turned her attention to both Ryoga and Sakura as she joined their 
hands, swinging them back and forth cheerily.
	"Shall we go?" Akane asked happily.
	The response to this was a dumb nod on the part of 
Ryoga who was mesmerized by Akane's beauty and an 
exasperated groan from Sakura on observing his behavior. 
Making their way towards the ice rink Sakura couldn't wait to 
see Kodachi so she could escape from the couple. If there was 
one thing Sakura couldn't stand it was lovestruck fools who 
lacked the courage to tell the object of their affections how they 
really feel. And if anyone qualified for this category it was both 
Ryoga and Akane. Averting glittering green eyes she took them 
in as they stole glances at one another when the other thought 
they weren't looking. It was getting ridiculous if they didn't 
confess their feelings for each other soon Sakura was sure she 
would go insane. Watching as Ryoga turned bright red upon 
Akane brushing up against his arm Sakura prayed for the speedy 
arrival of her girlfriend. Even if it meant having to see another 
sappy romance movie.


	"Oh dear," said Kasumi softly.
	She was in the dojo training room with Ukyo who sat 
across from her wearing a worried expression and holding C-
chan in her lap. Ukyo and Ranma had went their separate ways 
when they realized the others were home. Ukyo going to 
Kasumi asking why their therapy sessions had not helped her in 
the situation with Kuno that afternoon. While Ranma sought out 
his parents to talk about his actions that afternoon and the 
supposed promise Nodoka made to Genma about raising Ranma 
to be a man amongst men.
	Shaking her head Kasumi murmured, "I was afraid that 
this might happen but the chances were so slim I was sure it 
could be avoided."
	"What could...? Kasumi, what's going on?" Ukyo asked 
perplexed. "How come the Nekoken took control of me if I'm 
doing so well in our sessions? Look," she paused to gesture at 
C-chan. "I can even pet C-chan without becoming frozen by my 
fear."
	Sighing Kasumi replied, "That's just it Ukyo. It seems 
that my therapy sessions have worked a little too well. Now 
you're cured of your phobia--"
	Hearing the word cure Ukyo whooped loudly and leapt 
to her feet and began doing a silly dance with C-chan. Kasumi 
watched this and wondered why the cat seemed so happy. Most 
pets would be hostile at being spun about that way. Dismissing 
it Kasumi coughed to catch Ukyo's attention. Ceasing her happy 
dance Ukyo gazed at Kasumi who looked sympathetic.
	"As I said. I've cured your phobia but only when it 
involves C-chan. Apparently your fear of cats is still present 
because in your sessions I made the mistake of only using C-
chan as the focus for your fear." Sighing again Kasumi 
continued warily, "But your phobia still applies to any feline 
other than C-chan. To put it simply, she is the only cat that won't 
reduce you to your fear inspired Nekoken state. I'm sorry." 
Kasumi hung her head low. "I've failed you."
	Considering this Ukyo paused then knelt next to Kasumi. 
Setting C-chan down softly she clasped the older girl's shoulder. 
"Don't say that Kasumi," she said gently. Lowering her head 
Ukyo met soft brown eyes with sandalwood ones. Offering 
Kasumi a cheering smile. "You didn't fail me at all. Before you I 
was completely afraid of any c-c-c..." Ukyo stammered, shaking 
her head she looked frustrated as she continued, "Of those furry 
creatures. I still can't say the word but because of you I'm not 
afraid of C-chan anymore. And when you really think of it that 
was why we started these therapy sessions. So I could get used 
to having her around." Kasumi had now lifted her head and saw 
that Ukyo was beaming at her. "And we've accomplished that 
haven't we? Which means you didn't fail at all."
	Brushing the tears forming away with the back of her 
hand Kasumi whispered, "Ukyo... thank you."
	With that the eldest Tendo sister moved forward more 
swiftly than Ukyo ever gave her credit for and pulled the chef 
into a tight hug. At first Ukyo tensed at this contact then relaxed 
into the loving hold. Kasumi was really the only Mother figure 
Ukyo had known. Her own Mother had died when she was only 
an infant and she spent her childhood traveling aimlessly with 
her Father with their okonomiyaki cart and a tent as a home. 
That was how she first met the Master. They had been traveling 
on a high mountain pass and stopped for a quick rest when the 
quiet sound of scraping beneath a large pile of boulders took 
their notice. Always a curious man, Kuonji Akira employed his 
martial arts training to destroy the boulders in a quest to 
discover what was making the noise. What he discovered was a 
large sake barrel tied by several hundred heavy chains buried in 
a deep cave. When he finally managed to remove them out 
jumped the Master. So grateful for being released and for the 
free okonomiyaki they made for him the Master began traveling 
with them aiding Akira in teaching a young Ukyo about the 
martial arts. Those were happy times for Ukyo but they soon 
ended with the death of her Father. Now, after so many years 
Ukyo felt that feeling of happiness had finally returned and 
Kasumi was a part of that. Before her no one other than the 
Master had bothered to search for a cure to the phobia that the 
Nekoken caused. And even the Master himself had given up 
after years of searching.
	Kasumi pulled back from the hug and gave a soft 
embarrassed giggle. "I must seem silly," she murmured blushing 
slightly. "But I was so scared you would be angry with me for 
giving you high hopes."
	"Angry?" Ukyo blinked, tenderly wiping away a few 
stray tears from Kasumi's face. "You've got to be putting me on. 
It's impossible to be angry at you Kasumi. All you ever have in 
your heart is kindness." Rising to her feet Ukyo drew Kasumi up 
with her.
	"I don't know about that," murmured Kasumi. "I have my 
bad moments just like anyone else."
	Kneeling to allow C-chan to jump into her arms Ukyo 
chuckled. "I'm sure you do Kasumi, it's just I'll be damned if 
anyone has ever seen them." Standing up she smiled fondly at 
the other girl. "C'mon, I want to find Ranchan and see if he's 
throttled his folks yet about that man amongst men promise."
	Sighing softly Kasumi replied, "At times parents can be 
more a trial to their children than their children to them."
	Scrunching up her nose in distaste Ukyo snorted. "I still 
say people should be tested for intelligence before they can have 
kids."
	"Now Ukyo," said Kasumi wearing what could be 
described as a mischievous expression. "If that kind of law was 
in effect then Ranma wouldn't be around, would he? Certainly 
Genma wouldn't pass such an exam."
	Ukyo gawked at her companion for a moment then 
shook her head in slight amazement. Kasumi never ceased to 
surprise Ukyo with her almost biting sense of humor. In some 
ways it reminded her a lot of Nabiki. "I guess you've got me 
there," smirked Ukyo. "If Pops would've raised Ranchan no 
doubt he'd be dealing with the Nekoken, not me."
	"The many different paths that life is able to take is 
something to consider," replied Kasumi wisely.


	"Let me get this straight," Ranma said wearily, rubbing 
his forehead hoping to ease the pounding there. "You made 
Mom take a vow to raise me as a man amongst men while you 
were gone on your training journey?" Narrowing cobalt eyes he 
questioned suspiciously, "And what happens if Mom didn't meet 
your standards Father? We both commit supuku with that sword 
of hers?"
	The three of them were alone in the sitting room. Ranma 
was across the table from his parents. Nodoka looked more 
concerned for her son than anything. He was obviously upset 
about something. Shifting her brown eyes she gazed at her 
husband sure that he was responsible for Ranma's current 
condition. Genma meanwhile was tugging at his gi top and 
looked quite uncomfortable under his son's glare.
	 "Supuku?" Genma laughed nervously. "Never my boy! 
How could you even say such a thing?"
	"Maybe because of what you did to Ucchan by using the 
Nekoken on her." Sighing deeply Ranma said, "I don't know if I 
can trust you anymore Father. That was a really low thing to do. 
Especially to a child who was in your care."
	Immediately Genma did an impression of Soun and burst 
into a fit of tears. Leaning over the table he yanked Ranma by 
his school uniform shirt and began wailing.
	"It's not my fault boy! The Master put so much pressure 
on me to make Ukyo the best martial artist that she could be! I 
was only trying to live up to his standards!" Genma wept against 
his son's shirt.
	Groaning Ranma pushed his Father away saying, "That 
isn't an excuse Father. And what about this afternoon? How you 
treated the both of us?" Shaking his head Ranma muttered, 
"That's the worst of all. Ucchan wasn't in her right mind and you 
yelled at her for it. And at me for giving her comfort." Raising 
his gaze Ranma stated, "I love Ucchan no matter what her form 
and you better get used to that. And it doesn't make me less a 
man. If anything it makes me more of one by being able to 
admit my feelings and be true to them."
	"You're absolutely right Ranma," said Nodoka proudly. 
"It's quite evident to me that you're a better man than I could 
have ever hoped to raise. You never cease to exceed my 
expectations." Shifting her gaze to Genma she demanded, "Isn't 
that right Genma?"
	Wilting under his wife's glare Genma responded meekly, 
"Yes dear. But..."
	"But what?" asked Nodoka.
	"But he let Ukyo kiss him and they were both boys!" 
Genma cried desperately. "That isn't manly!" He was now 
crying profusely again wailing, "My son is a pervert!"
	Sighing Nodoka met Ranma's gaze before slapping her 
husband on the back of his head. Genma immediately silenced 
himself to a few loud sniffles.
	"That's better," Nodoka assented. Turning her eyes back 
to Ranma she questioned, "Is what he says true Ranma? Did 
Ukyo kiss you in her male form?"
	Ranma's shoulders tensed and he said slowly, "Yeah but 
she was under the Nekoken. She thought she was a cat."
	Taking this in slowly Nodoka studied her son carefully 
as she asked, "Did you enjoy it?"
	On this inquiry Ranma turned bright red and shouted 
indignantly, "What sort of question is that Mom?!" Calming 
himself Ranma coughed then said politely, "I'm sorry. It's just... 
it really isn't anyone's business. Ucchan is my iinazuke after all. 
We're supposed to kiss."
	"Not as boys!" interrupted Genma loudly only to be 
smacked on the back of his head again by Nodoka for his 
trouble.
	Scrutinizing Ranma there was a long moment as Nodoka 
contemplated everything that was said. Shifting her gaze to 
Genma she said, "Before this you were satisfied that I had raised 
Ranma as a man amongst men, correct?"
	As a response Genma silently nodded his head. 
Considering this Nodoka stated calmly, "Then my vow is in tact. 
I have raised Ranma as a man amongst men because his actions 
involving Ukyo and the Nekoken prove it. A true man is not 
afraid to show his emotions and care for others. This Ranma has 
proven over and over involving Ukyo. And Therefore," Nodoka 
pronounced rising to her feet. "As of today I am rescinding my 
vow. My part in raising Ranma is finished, from now on he 
chooses his own path." Walking out of the sitting room she said 
to her husband, "And if you have a problem with that Genma we 
can always replay that challenge you made against me so many 
years ago."
	On this statement Genma gulped visibly and looked very 
anxious. Alone with Ranma he offered his son a wide nervous 
smile. Jumping suddenly to his feet he slapped Ranma several 
times on the shoulder saying, "No hard feelings son! I was only 
doing what I thought was best for you." Pausing Genma formed 
a serious expression and said lowly, "You're my boy no matter 
what. Even if you are a pervert."
	Before Ranma could respond a battle spatula came 
pounding down on Genma's head leaving him flattened on the 
ground. Raising blue eyes Ranma grinned on seeing the form of 
Ukyo, who had C- chan riding on her shoulder, and was 
followed by Nabiki.
	"Good thing Nabchan brought this home for me," said 
Ukyo dryly. "Because there's no way I'd want to miss hitting you 
for this one."
	Rubbing his head Genma grumbled, "What'd you do that 
for girl? You're the one who was molesting my boy in your male 
form and caused this whole mess."
	"And you're the one who forced the Nekoken training on 
me that caused it!" shouted Ukyo. "And don't go calling 
Ranchan a pervert because you know he isn't."
	"Oh?" Genma raised an eyebrow. "How do I know you 
haven't corrupted him in some way?"
	"What?!" Ukyo screamed, pulling back her battle spatula 
she prepared to hit him again. As she did this C-chan leapt off 
her shoulder to land on the table. "You insensitive jerk! Me 
having this curse and phobia is all your fault!"
	The okonomiyaki chef took several wide swings at her 
Sensei who evaded nimbly before dashing out of the room and 
into the yard. Snarling Ukyo followed him shouting, "Get your 
fanny back here you stupid old man!"
	Watching as the pair disappeared over the high wall 
fighting each other Ranma and Nabiki wore similar amused 
faces. Sitting next to the pigtailed boy Nabiki inquired, "And 
how are we going to deal with the rumors of your newfound 
sexual preference on campus? The whole school is buzzing you 
realize."
	Ranma sighed heavily as he lifted C-chan to hold her in 
his arms. Falling on his back he wound limber fingers in thick 
black hair at the nape of his neck. "I'm not sure of what to do 
Nabiki," said Ranma slowly. "I'd be lying if I said it didn't 
bother me that people think I'm yaoi but I don't regret what I 
did." Blue eyes locked with hazel ones. "If I turned away from 
Ucchan when she was like that I'd be rejecting her for my own 
selfish reasons. Like worrying about what other people think. I 
don't ever want to do that. Of course," he lamented, scratching 
C-chan on her stomach, who was purring happily from the 
attention. "Now I have to deal with all the rumors you were 
talking about. Ucchan said she'll think of some way to fix it but I 
dunno how she can."
	 Forming a thoroughly wicked smile Nabiki purred, "I 
think I might be able to come up with something."
	Immediately Ranma shot up into a sitting position 
sending C- chan flying forward to give him an evil eye which he 
didn't notice in his excitement. "Really Nabiki?? Could you 
really help us out?" he questioned rapidly.
	Rising to her feet Nabiki smoothed her dress and replied 
easily, "Naturally. But you'll have to wait until after I arrange 
the ice rink rental for Akane and Ryoga tomorrow and that 
might take awhile..." Pausing Nabiki formed a contemplative 
face and murmured thoughtfully, "It's perfect." Directing hazel 
eyes at Ranma she smiled. "You two be at the ice rink tomorrow 
and there we'll work out a solution to your little romantic 
misconception problem."
	Beaming as Nabiki left the room Ranma turned blue eyes 
to C-chan and said cheerily, "Things are looking up."
	"Mew..." C-chan responded doubtfully her scarlet eyes 
saying she wasn't sure about that.
	Grinning Ranma pulled his pet into his lap and clucked 
her under the chin. "Pessimist," he chuckled. "You're a little too 
much like Ucchan for your own good."
	At this comparison the cat's eyes became lidded as if 
considering the truth of it. Seeming pleased with this idea she 
arched her head against Ranma's touch and purred softly.
	Observing his pet Ranma couldn't help but puzzle at the 
familiarity he shared with her. At times he really felt like C-chan 
was a person she seemed to understand him so well. Sighing at 
this he moved to turn on the television saying to the cat, "What 
do you think C-chan? Want to go skating with me and Ucchan 
tomorrow?"
	Tilting her pink head to one side C-chan inquired with a 
puzzled, "Mew?" Asking what he meant by that.
	"You don't know what ice skating is?" Ranma asked and 
she shook her tiny head. "Why would a cat know what ice 
skating is?" he questioned himself. "Duh." Moving his attention 
back to C-chan he continued, "It's a sport people play where 
they were a special pair of shoes and glide across the ice. 
Tomorrow we're going to watch Akane try and teach Ryoga how 
to skate for the billionth time this week." He wore a sour 
expression. "But I doubt she'll succeed. So," Ranma beamed. 
"What do you think? Sounds like fun?"
	"Mew!" C-chan agreed strongly looking quite excited at 
the prospect of watching such an event.
	"Guess that seals it," murmured Ranma. "You're coming 
with us." Chuckling he said, "Is it just me or do you go 
everywhere with me and Ucchan lately? Not that we mind... we 
like having you around. In fact," Ranma smiled softly at his pet. 
"Things have been pretty interesting since you've arrived. You 
know, we both love you girl."
	Saying this the pigtailed boy turned back to the 
television leaving C-chan to gaze at him with shocked eyes. 
They soon reverted to a state of utter devotion as she jumped off 
the table to rest comfortably at his side. Knowing that was 
exactly where she belonged. At both Ukyo and Ranma's side.


	Sitting on top the barrier surrounding the ice skating rink 
Sakura wore a droll expression. Massaging Kodachi's shoulders 
Sakura was observing with obvious amusement as Akane skated 
backwards slowly tugging a wobbling Ryoga behind her. The 
lost boy had a face of supreme concentration as he stared at his 
feet. Almost like he was willing himself not to stumble. While 
the couple did this they were passed by several small children 
who all smiled and gave greetings to the pair. Ryoga returned 
their sentiments easily and Akane mimicked this action beaming 
at the children who were always eager to offer suggestions in 
teaching Ryoga how to skate properly.
	"What's she going to do with him?" Sakura asked 
sighing. "It's almost time for the match and he still can't skate on 
his own. He can barely manage to stand as it is."
	Sniffing slightly Kodachi noted, "The children seem 
fond of him though. If anything Ryoga appears to have made 
some new acquaintances."
	Rolling green eyes Sakura drawled, "Yeah. That'll be 
real useful when the match comes. The help of little kids."
	"Never mock assistance for it often comes in unexpected 
forms my love," replied Kodachi solemnly. Violet eyes twinkled 
playfully. Turning around she pulled softly at Sakura's hands. 
"Come," she breathed. "Skate with me."
	Grinning at this request and the sensuous delivery it was 
given Sakura hopped down to land on the ice smoothly. Taking 
Kodachi's hand more firmly in her own Sakura moved into a 
quick and easy pace on the ice. Beaming at her girlfriend she 
murmured, "I'm glad you decided to keep me company Dachi. It 
wouldn't be any fun without you."
	"Indeed?" questioned Kodachi, quirking an eyebrow. 
"Well we wouldn't want my only love to be drowning in misery 
would we now?"
	"I wouldn't have said it that way but yeah," Sakura 
smirked. "I wouldn't want that."
	Kodachi released a low indistinguishable murmur as a 
reply then changed her position to skate in front of Sakura 
pulling the street fighter behind her. Shaking at this shift in who 
was taking lead Sakura pumped her legs preparing to overtake 
Kodachi. Because if there was one thing she enjoyed it was a 
good old fashioned powerplay.


	"You're doing a lot better today Ryochan," said Akane 
encouragingly.
	Dark brown eyes lifted from their position locked on his 
feet. "Really?" Ryoga asked hesitantly, wobbling slightly he 
clutched to Akane's arm. "Maybe later I can try skating on my 
own. Shin says that if I use ankle bracers that should help me 
keep my balance."
	Akane smiled tenderly at this. Shin was one of the many 
kindergarten children that were taking skating classes at the ice 
rink. Since Akane and Ryoga's first day of training at the rink 
the children had taken a special interest in her lessons with 
Ryoga. Since the lost boy possessed an incredible amount 
patience while in Akane's presence he dealt well with the 
children's constant questions and advice. Watching Ryoga 
interact with the children Akane was given a glimpse of what he 
might be like with his own children. Maybe our children some 
day, thought Akane wistfully.
	She was still pondering this when she felt a sharp jolt to 
her backside. Stumbling forward Akane released her hold on 
Ryoga's hands as she fell to the ice. Her palms against the ice 
Akane tipped her head upwards to look into the eyes of Shiratori 
Azusa who was giggling in annoying tones.
	"You did that on purpose!" accused Akane pushing 
herself up quickly.
	Shading sparkling blue eyes Azusa remarked with 
certain disdain, "Azusa did no such thing. Why would she need 
to make you a worse skater?" Averting her gaze around Akane 
she admired, "Your partner can skate really fast."
	"Huh?" Akane asked.
	Turning around Akane saw Ryoga flying backwards at 
incredible speeds waving his arms about as if in an attempt to 
grab onto something or someone to stop his velocity. 
Unfortunately for him this didn't happen and he made a bee-line 
for the rink barrier, crashing through it completely to topple over 
a table. This sent the table's occupants scattering as their drinks 
flew high into the air only to immediately plummet atop Ryoga's 
head. A moment later Ryoga piglet came crawling out of the 
rubble and running onto the ice.
	"Charlotte!" cried Azusa loudly on spotting Ryoga piglet 
heading their way.
	 Before Akane could react to this she received another 
sharp bump from Azusa as the figure skater bounded forward 
towards Ryoga piglet. This action sent Akane flying sideways in 
a similar motion to Ryoga's. She had barely begun to slow her 
travel on the ice when a pair of strong arms swept her up. 
Lifting her gaze Akane stared at the face of Sanzenin Mikado.
	"Oh. It's you," Akane scorned. "Put me down. I need to 
help Ryoga."
	Flashing a charming smile Mikado replied, "Oh I can't 
do that. You owe me for saving you."
	"Owe you?" asked Akane suspiciously. "What are you 
talking about?" Pushing her palms against his chest Akane 
prepared to deliver a strong kick to his jaw to employ her release 
from his embrace.
	 It was then that Mikado, learning from his hesitation 
before in wanting to drag the experience out, swiftly lowered his 
head to capture Akane's lips with his own. Light brown eyes 
widened in horror as this occurred and a mere second later she 
gave a powerful kick to his groin and upon landing on the ice 
threw Mikado against the far rink barrier. Eyes alight with rage 
Akane breathed heavily as she clenched her hands into fists.
	Meanwhile on the other side of the rink Ryoga piglet 
ceased his struggles in Azusa's grip as he saw Mikado force 
himself on Akane. In complete shock on seeing Akane being 
kissed Ryoga piglet froze. This allowed Azusa to seize the 
opportunity to snap a tiny pink collar around his neck and lock it 
in place. A moment after she accomplished this he kicked 
furiously at her arms and scurried out of her embrace towards 
the figures of Sakura and Kodachi. Knowing full well that his 
best friend would know his intentions.
	Seeing Ryoga piglet heading her way Sakura quickly 
leapt over the rink barrier to retrieve the backpack Ryoga always 
carried with supplies in case he got lost. Slinging it over her 
shoulder Sakura ran back to the rink side and held open her arms 
for Ryoga piglet to jump in them. Soon as he did this Sakura 
took off running for the bathrooms.
	As this happened Kodachi observed with wide eyes as 
her girlfriend dashed away holding Ryoga piglet. "Sakura, my 
love?" she questioned in baffled tones.
	Kodachi could ponder no more on this bizarre departure 
because a moment later Ryoga, in his human form, stormed 
fuming back into the ice rink. Missing his ice skates and 
wearing a different outfit his dark brown eyes blazed with 
immense fury. In one deliberate step of power Ryoga crushed 
his right foot into the ice and caused a rippling effect which 
resulted in a long crack in the rink surface.
	"MIKADO!!" screamed Ryoga, fists clenched at his side 
and jaw continually ticking in obvious anger. "You get away 
from Akane! NOW!"
	Staring at the tower of rage that was Ryoga the figure 
skater showed no signs of anxiety. "Oh? And why should I do 
that?" Mikado questioned easily, fully recovered and now 
standing next to Akane again. "Don't tell me this mere beggar is 
your partner Akane? I had expected someone more deserving." 
He smirked, "Surely you welcome my kiss more than you would 
his. I've saved you from being kissed by one who is truly 
unworthy of your beauty."
	"You jerk!" Akane yelled, hitting Mikado on the head 
with a large mallet she produced from nowhere.
	If possible Ryoga became even more agitated at this 
comment. Lowering his dark brown head Akane gasped as she 
saw a black cloud rise around his body. It seemed to circle and 
wind around Ryoga as would a snake. As this occurred he 
seemed to be lost in a trance. Ryoga's arms remained still at his 
sides as his fists tightened, murmuring to himself.
	"That which has been stolen, can never be replaced. 
Those who do not respect the rights of others, may never be 
granted respect themselves..." Raising dark brown eyes Ryoga 
hissed lowly, "It was a mistake to kiss Akane."
	Saying this the dark cloud surrounding Ryoga rose to 
mammoth levels and began twisting around him then swiftly 
entered his body with a slight jolt. Lifting his left hand the soft 
glow of a ethereal blue light filled his grasp. Growing stronger 
by the second it was soon blazing bright as the sun as Ryoga 
cupped his hands together. Stretching his cupped hands 
outwards Ryoga's face was one of utter rage as he shouted, "Shi 
Shi Houkoudan!!"
	Kodachi was mesmerized as she saw the force of 
Ryoga's chi energy fly forward at massive speeds destroying 
everything in its path towards Mikado. She continued to watch 
until the strong arms of Sakura took hold of her covering 
Kodachi with her body.
	"Trust me Dachi," muttered Sakura darkly, clutching her 
girlfriend closer. "You don't wanna see this."
	Azure eyes widened in certain panic as the energy 
blasted towards him and a mere second later Mikado felt himself 
being swept into its wake. Unable to control his movements or 
trajectory Mikado was helpless as the force of the attack drained 
his power making him weak as a newborn baby. Losing 
consciousness as he crashed through the outer wall of the rink 
building. Leaving in his wake a trail of high dust clouds and the 
scent of a burning aftermath.
	"Mickey!" cried Azusa loudly, dashing out of the rink 
and after her disappearing partner. "Where are you going 
without Azusa?"
	Standing in place where she had remained next to 
Mikado before the chi blast swept him away Akane's short black 
hair flew in the wind. It calmly fell back into place as light 
brown eyes shifted to the form of Ryoga. Exhausted the lost boy 
limply dropped his arms at his sides. Meeting her gaze he smiled 
softly, raising his hand, reaching out to her. "Akane..." 
whispered Ryoga in reverence, before collapsing onto the ice.
	"Ryochan!" Akane shouted. Racing to his side she pulled 
him into her lap. Tenderly pushing back several loose strands of 
hair from his forehead Akane rested her face against his chest 
while quietly sobbing, "You didn't need to do that Ryoga. Not 
for me."
	The only response from Ryoga was a unintelligible moan 
and Akane buried her face against the warmth of his body more 
fully. Wanting to assure herself that he was really there. 
Jumping at the gentle touch at her shoulder Akane slowly 
looked into the comforting face of Sakura.
	"He'll be okay Akane," said Sakura confidently. "It's just 
that using that move always drains his energy. That's why he 
hardly ever uses it..." Sakura smirked, "Except when he gets 
really angry."
	Sniffling Akane wiped away the last of her tears. 
"Really?" she questioned hopefully.
	"Really," smiled Sakura. Bending down she lifted an 
unconscious Ryoga into her arms. Adjusting her stance the street 
fighter slung him over her shoulder while grunting slightly. "We 
better get out of here before we have to deal with the authorities 
for all this."
	"Indeed," murmured Kodachi. "No doubt this is an event 
of some serious legal prosecution involving the crime of 
destruction of property."
	The dark gymnast was taking in the path of destruction 
Ryoga's chi blast had left. The ice inside the rink was 
completely charred leaving it melted and crushed while the far 
wall of the building had an enormous hole from where Mikado 
had flown from the premises. Surrounding the hole were the 
remnants of a once blazing fire that dwindling out. If you looked 
out of the gaping cavity one could see that the trail of fire and 
destruction was leading well across most of Nerima. Which left 
the theory that Mikado, wherever he had ended up, wasn't in the 
best shape.
	"Right," amended Sakura. Striding out of the rink she 
ignored the gapes of the few conscious spectators of the fight 
and muttered to the still unconscious Ryoga, "You really need to 
control your temper." Now outside the rink and walking down 
the charred street Sakura said to Akane who was unusually 
subdued, "Next time don't let some strange guy kiss you in front 
of Ryochan. Because I don't want to have to carry him around 
like this constantly."
	Akane opened her mouth, seemingly about to shout a 
loud protest to this comment, when she suddenly snapped it 
shut. Nodding her head in quiet agreement she raised light 
brown eyes to stare at Sakura. "Why did he do it?" she asked in 
a soft demand.
	Sakura ground out, "Don't you think that's a question for 
Ryochan, not me?"
	Gazing at the confused figure of her best friend Kodachi 
was more sympathetic. "Consider his actions Akane and what 
led up to them. Then ask yourself the same query you've placed 
before Sakura. All should be revealed."
	Pausing in her approach Akane froze while considering 
this. Staring at the departing figures of Kodachi and Sakura, 
with Ryoga slung over her shoulder, Akane's eyes widened and 
she murmured, "It couldn't be...."
	Alone in the street Tendo Akane came to a startling 
revelation. "Ryoga," Akane said in wonderment. "Was jealous."


	"You better start explaining sugar," said Ukyo dryly.
	She was standing in the hallway outside the room Ranma 
shared with Ryoga discussing the events at the ice rink with 
Sakura. Ranma was standing with them but had his blue eyes 
focused on his room where Ryoga lay resting surrounded by the 
figures of Akane, Kasumi, Nodoka, and Kodachi. Genma and 
Soun had disappeared, out on the town for a night of drinking. 
Nabiki had locked herself away in her room and was apparently 
going insane trying to settle things with the rink owner. As she 
did this her right hand worker, Ryonami, was attempting to 
locate a new ice rink for Akane and Ryoga to practice in one last 
time before the match. That is, if there was still going to be a 
match. That fact was up in the air since no one had been able to 
locate Mikado yet.
	"Ryoga used his Shi Shi Houkoudan on Mikado after the 
dummy kissed Akane," shrugged Sakura. "He pretty much 
wrecked the skating rink and now he's taking a nap like he 
always does. No biggie."
	"No biggie?!" screeched Ukyo. Grabbing Sakura by her 
collar Ukyo shouted, "I can't believe you let him use such a 
dangerous move in a public place!"
	Smoothly pushing Ukyo's hands off her Sakura said 
calmly, "It wasn't like I could do much to prevent it. Once 
Ryochan gets an idea in his head he's impossible to stop. And 
anyway," Sakura stated coolly. She didn't like the self righteous 
tone her ex-lover was taking. But what bothered her even more, 
for some strange reason, was that the damn cat riding on Ukyo's 
shoulder seemed to match the chef's mood. C-chan had her eyes 
narrowed and was hissing at the street fighter. Shaking her head 
Sakura decided to ignore the furry beast and rested an 
accusatory gaze on Ukyo. "It wasn't my Master who taught him 
that damn move. It was yours. And he did it wanting to teach 
you a lesson about being overconfident in a match I might add." 
Snorting Sakura adjusted her red wrist bracers, "You don't see 
me abusing what Ryu taught me about focusing my chi. So don't 
go bitching to me about all of this."
	"Sorry," Ukyo sighed. Running her fingers through oak 
brown hair she murmured, "It's just that I don't like this sort of 
trouble."
	"Ditto," Sakura agreed. The pair were walking 
downstairs and towards the sitting room. Ranma was trailing 
behind them wearing a thoughtful expression. "I'd prefer to stay 
out of the limelight. I'm not Dachi, y'know," said Sakura, 
referring to her girlfriend's love of media speculation and the 
attention it leant her.
	Sitting next to Ukyo on the outer porch to gaze at the koi 
pond Ranma entered the conversation saying, "So what Ryoga 
basically did was focus his chi into an energy attack?"
	Nodding Ukyo replied, "Exactly Ranchan. He can use it 
by focusing on his feelings of depression or sadness. It's a pretty 
dangerous move that can obviously cause more than it's share of 
damage." Darkening her gaze she grumbled, "I wish the Master 
hadn't ever taught him that move."
	"It's your fault," reminded Sakura smugly. "You didn't 
take Ryochan seriously in your morning duels so the old guy 
decided to teach you a lesson. Don't blame anybody else."
	"Yeah, yeah," muttered Ukyo waving Sakura off.
	Ukyo didn't want to hear lectures from the street fighter. 
She had enough on her mind in dealing with the Nekoken and 
the rumor floating around about Ranma's sexuality without 
having to deal with past sins. Because of this attitude Ukyo 
couldn't help but smile when she heard Sakura yelp after being 
swiped at by an angry C-chan.
	  "So," Ranma intervened. "Do you think Mikado will be 
okay in time for the match? Or is the move Ryoga used on him 
so strong that he'll be out of commission?"
	"He should be fine Ranma honey," Ukyo replied. "The 
thing that has me worried is the rink owner. I hope he doesn't 
press charges... the dojo doesn't need this sort of thing."
	"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that."
	Turning around the group saw the exhausted figure of 
Nabiki standing in the doorway followed by the timid Ryonami. 
They'd seen the girl on and off as she frequented the dojo to visit 
Nabiki but she was rather shy in her dealings with the other 
residents. It made the martial artists realize that they must 
appear intimidating to some of the other students at Furinkan 
who lacked their skills in the art.
	Scooting away from C-chan, who appeared to have some 
sort of vendetta against her, Sakura moved towards the middle 
Tendo sister. "You worked things out with the rink owner then 
Nabchan?" she questioned.
	"Eventually yes," Nabiki sighed while taking a seat. 
Ryonami followed suit and hesitantly met the gaze of Ranma 
who smiled at the girl. She immediately blushed at this and 
averted her gaze. "He's chosen not to press charges after I 
arranged for his rink to be the exclusive practice arena for all ice 
sports at Furinkan. I had to pull some strings involving the 
different clubs but it all worked out in the end. The profits that 
he'll bring in should more then cover the damage. By the way," 
Nabiki turned her eyes to Sakura. "Ask Dachi if she might feel 
the sudden urge to influence the skating club at St. Hebereke to 
switch rinks. That might help as well."
	"No problem," said Sakura smoothly. "And what about 
Mikado the molester? He hospitalized or what?"
	Smirking at this Nabiki drawled, "Unfortunately no. 
Ryonami dug up some information for me and he's alive and 
well. Raring to go for the upcoming match and holding quite the 
grudge against Ryoga."
	"Don't blame him," put in Ukyo wryly.
	"What about the rink?" asked Ranma. "Did you find a 
new one for Akane to practice in? If Ryoga ever wakes up that 
is," he chuckled.
	"Yup," replied Nabiki. "Ryonami found one available in 
the Juban area that should be perfect for us. Apparently they 
have just as many problems there as we do here."
	"Juban?" questioned Ryoga warily as he entered the 
room. He looked fatigued and was leaning against Akane for 
support. "I think I've been there." Shifting his gaze to Sakura he 
continued, "Wasn't that the place we left in a big hurry because 
you transformed into your oni self and some crazy girls in Sailor 
outfits were chasing after you?"
	"The Sailor Senshi," amended Sakura. Shivering a bit 
she muttered, "I'd rather not come with you all if you don't mind. 
Last thing I need is running into them again. According to 
Ryochan they spend a whole day chasing after my oni side who 
got into some sort of electrical fight with Sailor Jupiter. And 
since Ryoga couldn't find me they were convinced my oni self 
was from someplace called the Negaverse."
	"No way," breathed Ranma. "You were in a fight with 
the Sailor Senshi? What're they like?"
	Shrugging Sakura replied, "Don't know. I can't 
remember anything when I'm an oni. I have to get other people 
to tell me what I did when that side of me takes over. But either 
way," Sakura stated. "I'm not going near Juban."
	"Don't fret darling," purred Kodachi, taking her seat next 
to Sakura. "I'll keep you company so you'll not be faced with the 
traumas of withering away from loneliness."
	Sakura beamed widely at this and turned her attention to 
her girlfriend while the others sighed in conjoined amused 
exasperation.


	"C'mon Charlotte!" taunted Ranma loudly as he gave 
Ryoga a hard shove in the back. "This is pathetic! Even the little 
kids have more coordination then you!"
	"Ranma..." Ryoga growled lowly, tipping his head up 
from the cold ice where he lay face first. Jumping on his feet 
Ryoga shakily pursued the escaping Ranma who continued to 
shout insults at the lost boy.
	Currently they were on the crowded floor of the Juban 
Ice Arena where Ranma was attempting to teach Ryoga how to 
skate with what he called 'motivational tactics'. Akane observed 
this with some degree of irritation but reluctantly admitted to 
herself that it seemed to be working. Ryoga tended to forget 
where he was the angrier he became and balancing on the ice 
was made easier through this. From the sidelines Ukyo sat 
conferring with Nabiki over what to do about the rumors behind 
spread about Ranma at Furinkan. Listening to the conversation 
with interest unknown to the humans around her was C- chan.
	"You know," began Nabiki dryly. "It's come to my 
attention that lately I've been offering the multitude of my 
services for free. Not exactly prime business strategy."
	Raising an eyebrow Ukyo looked away from C-chan to 
Nabiki, she had been offering the cat some of her home made 
okonimayiki. "What're you saying Nabchan?" asked Ukyo. 
"You're going to charge me for this consultation?"
	Chuckling lightly Nabiki replied, "Of course not Ukyo. 
I'm simply making an observation. Besides," Nabiki smirked. 
"Why have you pay me when it's so much better to have you 
owe me favors? It comes in handy to have some of the best 
martial artists in Japan be in debt to me."
	Rolling her eyes Ukyo responded, "Yeah. In debt to you 
and living with you. A nice setup I've got to admit." Leaning 
against the wall Ukyo stretched her legs out on the bench she sat 
on while drawing C-chan into her arms. Rubbing the purring 
cat's stomach she asked, "Got any ideas of how to get rid of 
these stupid rumors involving Ranchan?"
	Sighing Nabiki wore a contemplative expression. "I've 
considered the situation and could really only come to one 
solution. Unfortunately, I don't think you're going to like what's 
involved. Never-the-less," Nabiki wore a fond smile. "You'll 
probably insist on carrying it out anyway."
	"For Ranma honey's sake I'll do anything," affirmed 
Ukyo. "Don't worry about my feelings. Just tell me what you've 
come up with Nabchan."
	"It's fairly simple," stated Nabiki. "Go before the entire 
Furinkan student body and reveal your curse. That should get rid 
of these yaoi rumors about Ranma right away. Of course," 
Nabiki looked weary. "Then they're be a whole new set 
involving you. Ukyo..." said Nabiki carefully. Leaning across 
the table hazel eyes peered inquisitively into sandalwood ones. 
"Why does this bother you so much? The rumors don't seem to 
concern Ranma, so why should they matter to you? Especially 
since we know you aren't averse having to same sex 
relationships."
	Scratching C-chan's ears Ukyo tipped her brown head 
back to gaze at the high ceiling to the ice arena. "It doesn't 
bother me if people talk about me but Ranchan? That's 
something entirely different." Shifting her gaze she stared hard 
at Nabiki. "And just because he acts like it isn't a big deal 
doesn't mean he feels that way. Ranchan is pretty good with 
hiding his real feelings but I can tell it's getting to him. Besides," 
Ukyo sighed. Releasing a puff of air she blew several errant 
strands of hair out of her eyeline. "I feel guilty. Before I came 
around no one was talking about Ranma like this. He was a 
respected guy around campus... sometimes I think he misses 
that. He must miss that. How couldn't he?"
	Pondering this Nabiki said slowly, "Well you certainly 
have stolen the spotlight at Furinkan. I won't argue with that but 
I wouldn't say Ranma minds it too much." The brunette paused 
to glance around the arena. Seeing Ranma was on the far side of 
it shoving Ryoga around she smiled. Scooting across the table to 
sit next to Ukyo she whispered lowly, "I'll give you a little 
known fact involving your iinazuke. I'm telling you because I 
think you'll be able to convince him to do it and it's a good idea. 
Ranma has always wanted to run for President of his class. He's 
already a class representative but he never worked up the 
courage to run for President."
	"Oh?" Ukyo questioned. "That's strange... why would be 
scared to run? He's really popular."
	Nabiki rolled hazel eyes. "Because the doofus doesn't 
know how well liked he is. That and I don't think he enjoys 
public speaking too much." Drawing back into her seat she 
continued, "I think he has a good chance of winning if he does. 
If..." Nabiki trailed off uncertainly.
	"If we get rid of these rumors," Ukyo filled in. Pausing 
she looked down at C-chan who had been listening to the 
conversation with some interest. "What do you think girl? 
Should I blow my cover and get rid of the complications of 
hiding the real me to help Ranma honey?"
	Scarlet eyes looked thoughtful as they stared up into 
sandalwood ones. Moving out of her curled position on Ukyo's 
lap the cat padded softly up the length of her chest. Gazing 
directly into Ukyo's eyes she meowed softly then licked the 
okonomiyaki chef's face before nuzzling her neck.
	Chuckling softly at this Ukyo ran her fingers softly down 
C- chan's back. Causing the cat to purr in appreciation at the soft 
massage. "I guess she's saying if they like me at all they won't 
care about the curse." Turning to Nabiki she smiled, "You set it 
up Nabchan and I'll be there."
	"You're the boss," replied Nabiki.
	Hazel eyes watched the interaction between the pet and 
her master. There was something about the cat that bothered 
Nabiki. Maybe it was the entirely all too human characteristics it 
seemed to share. Or how C-chan understood everything going 
on perfectly clearly. Either way, it was disconcerting. Shaking 
her head Nabiki averted her thoughts from the matter. She had 
more important things to plan. Like arranging for the proper 
situation in which Ukyo could reveal her curse before the entire 
populous of Furinkan. Mulling over this Nabiki wondered on the 
profits involved in tipping the school newspaper off. After all, 
she smirked, this is quite the exclusive.
	Meanwhile on the ice Ryoga had managed to skate 
around the entire arena without slipping once. Of course, he had 
no idea he'd accomplished this task because he was too busy 
screaming at Ranma who was maintaining his teasing of Ryoga 
involving the small pink collar he wore.
	Circling his friend Ranma came to an easy stop and 
slapped Ryoga on the back. "Good job buddy," Ranma grinned. 
"You managed to chase me across the whole arena without 
falling or even wobbling once."
	Once angry brown eyes changed to amazed disbelief. 
"Really?" breathed Ryoga. Wobbling slightly now he grabbed 
onto the nearby arena barrier. "Not once?"
	"Nope," assured Ranma. "Not once. You're getting a lot 
better Ryoga. You just have to remember in the match tomorrow 
to not think about it. Once you stop worrying about keeping 
your balance it's a lot easier for you do it."
	Nodding his head solemnly Ryoga replied, "I will." 
Meeting blue eyes Ryoga said softly, "Thank you for your help 
Ranma."
	"No problem," replied Ranma cheerily. Glancing around 
the rink he lowered his voice a few octaves before saying, "A 
piece of advice, though? Wear a turtleneck. You wouldn't want 
certain people to see that collar would you?"
	Releasing a startled yelp Ryoga instinctively covered the 
pink collar which read 'Charlotte' with his hand. A picture of 
Shiratori Azusa chasing after him screaming 'Charlotte' over and 
over came into his mind and Ryoga shuddered.
	Seeing this reaction Ranma grinned again and gave 
Ryoga a pat on the shoulder before skating off to leave the lost 
boy alone with the approaching Akane.
	"Ryochan!" called Akane happily. Skating up to him she 
had her hands clasped behind her back. A gesture that Ryoga 
found very cute on her petite figure. "That was great!" Holding 
his arm softly she smiled. "I just know we're going to win the 
match tomorrow. The Golden Pair don't have a chance against 
us."
	Scratching the back of his head Ryoga blushed. "You 
think so Akane?" he questioned hesitantly.
	"We'll win," Akane said firmly. "There's no room for 
defeat in my mind. Besides," she formed a mischievous smile. 
"No way will Mikado be in his top form after your little 
performance yesterday."
	Blushing even more deeply Ryoga said nervously, "I'm 
sorry about that Akane... but he just made me so mad. Taking 
advantage of you like that," he snarled. Brown eyes darkened 
visibly and Ryoga clenched his fists. Snapping out of this black 
mood he met Akane's eyes. "I hope I didn't embarrass you. 
That's the last thing I want... I just wasn't thinking clearly at the 
time. I'm sorry."
	"Ryoga..." whispered Akane tenderly. Touching his 
cheek softly she murmured, "Don't be sorry." Tingeing she 
blushed in return. "To tell you the truth I sort of enjoyed seeing 
you beat him up. I just had no idea you were so powerful. That 
move you did," Akane shook her head. "It was amazing."
	Shifting his stance Ryoga coughed. "Oh that," he looked 
a bit uncomfortable. "The Master to your school of martial arts 
taught that to me actually. He wanted to teach Ukyo a lesson in 
humility." Forming a sour expression Ryoga muttered, "Didn't 
do much good in the end. She learned how to do a chi blast on 
her own with Sakura and Ryu's help. So she wasn't humbled at 
all. If anything," he grumbled. "She got more arrogant after that. 
Kept on stealing..." Ryoga trailed off in low unintelligible tones 
which Akane wondered at. Finally snapping out of this mood he 
said, "Sanzenin should be fine. He seemed like a formidable 
martial artist in his own right. I wouldn't count on an easy match 
tomorrow. We're definitely going to have our work cut out for 
us."
	"Oh, I know that," replied Akane smiling. Clutching 
Ryoga's arm she leaned on him while they skated forward as an 
pair. "But as long as we stick together, we're unbeatable 
Ryochan. I just know we'll win."
	Gazing down into Akane's beaming face Ryoga couldn't 
help but echo those sentiments in his heart. Beware the Golden 
Pair, thought Ryoga dangerously, you've met your match in 
Hibiki Ryoga and Tendo Akane. The smug face of Sanzenin 
Mikado came into his mind and Ryoga's jaw clenched. If that 
scum dared come near Akane tomorrow he didn't know what he 
would do. It was bad enough Sanzenin had managed to steal a 
forced kiss from Akane for his own sick reasons but if he should 
try it again... Well. It wouldn't be pretty. All the more reason to 
concentrate on our last training session now, thought Ryoga. 
Because there was no way in hell he was going to lose and let 
Sanzenin lord it over him. Ryoga would win, even if it killed 
him. For Akane's sake, he had to win. There was no other 
option.

To be continued...

All characters in this fanfiction are from Ranma 1/2 except for 
Sakura who is from Street Fighter and Ryonami who is 
borrowed from Jim Robert Bader's story A Very Scary Thought. 
This fanfiction was inspired by the works of Rumiko Takahashi, 
Wade Tritschler, Jim Robert Bader, and many other cool folks.

Send comments to: Dreiser3@ix.netcom.com

Next up: Ryoga and Akane vs. the Golden Pair.

"The mind should not multiply entities beyond necessity. What 
can be done with fewer... is done in vain with more."  -Ockham's 
Razor-