Switching Heirs:
An Altered Destiny

By: Dreiser


	-Two-

	"This sucks Pops!" Announced Ukyo as she faced off 
against Genma on the koi pond. From the verandah sat the tired 
forms of Ranma and Akane who weren't used to waking at such 
an early hour.
	"I'm done traveling with you so why should I follow your 
rules Ojisama?" Questioned Ukyo sharply.
	"Foolish girl!" Growled Genma irritably. "Because the 
master put you in my care! He left the great task of training you 
as his heir up to me! I will not fail him and risk the repercussions 
of his horrible wrath!"
	"Horrible wrath?" Ukyo drawled, rolling sandalwood 
eyes. "The master? Whatever."
	"Don't be an insolent!" Cried Genma in expressive tones. 
"The master being kindly to you proves nothing! He is evil 
incarnate! He's a demon I tell you! A demon!"
	"A demon?" Ukyo smirked. "Oh c'mon. He isn't that 
bad. I sort of like the little guy."
	"Like him?! You LIKE the master?! You like the man 
who made my life living hell?!?" Cried Genma incredulously.
	"Sure.  Isn't that reason enough?" Ukyo remarked with a 
wide grin.
	Suddenly Genma's features darkened. "That's it!!"
	Genma  leapt into battle attacking Ukyo with a fierce 
flurry of fists. Ranma could barely keep track of the fists and legs 
flying. Several small spatulas flew out of the dust cloud as 
sounds of savage battle yells sounded.
	"They're good," commented Akane beside him.
	"Sure. Whatever," Ranma replied using Ukyo's word. 
Not wanting to give away his sense of awe. 
	Sighing softly Akane focused warm brown eyes on her 
companion. They often fought like cats and dogs but she had 
grown up like Ranma and he was like a brother to her. Which is 
why the pair found so much pain in the engagement to one 
another. They would most likely be best of friends if their 
meddling parents could just stop trying to force them together 
romantically.
	"What's wrong?" She questioned quietly.
	Pausing a moment Ranma replied in sad tones. "They 
aren't what I expected. This isn't what I expected. It's like we're 
two separate families. It's those two and the rest of us," Ranma 
gestured towards Ukyo and Genma who were still sparring. 
"Look at them.. they don't need us. My father  doesn't need me. 
He has her."
	"Oh Ranma," exclaimed Akane gently. "That isn't true. 
Ojisama loves you.. I'm sure he does. Just give it time. I'm sure 
we seem the same way to them."
	"Yeah," Ranma replied quietly. "I guess so."
	The two sat in compatible silence until Genma shouted 
out loudly. "Enough! We're 
finished now."
	"Enough, enough. Yeah, yeah. We gotcha Pops," said 
Ukyo while rolling her eyes. Focusing on Ranma she called,  
"Did you hear that Ranchan? Your father has had enough!"
	Smiling widely at the use of her childhood nickname for 
him Ranma replied casually, "Oh yeah?"
	"Yup," drawled Ukyo wearing a wide grin. "Why else 
would he want me to stop sparring with him? He doesn't want to 
get his ass kicked this early in the morning."
	Genma growled at this. "Impertinent girl!" Moving 
forward he made an attempt to punch Ukyo which was dodged. 
Swiftly she pulled out two miniatures spatulas sending them 
flying. They soon trapped the sleeves of Genma's gi against the 
large tree near the koi pond.
	"Woops. Sorry Pops," said Ukyo with a lopsided grin. 
Genma merely snorted at this and tossed the spatulas to his 
student who caught them with ease.
	"Well done," Genma said as all two bowed before each 
other. "Now," he pronounced slowly. "You go sit by Akane. 
Ranma!" He shouted his son's name who was startled by the 
sudden yell. "Come spar with me! Let your father judge the 
caliber of your skill." With wide eyes Ranma stood and walked 
to his father who waited for him.
	Ukyo happily bounded past Ranma to sit next to Akane 
who couldn't help but smile at the ponytail haired girl's energy. 
Something about her carefree personality was infectious and 
made her happy.
	Turning to Akane with a grin Ukyo questioned. "How're 
you today Akane? Sleep well I hope?"
	"Pretty well. You?" Akane replied.
	"Ditto. This is the first time in years I've been able to 
sleep indoors. Quite the treat. Are you sure its no big deal about 
me living in the attic?" Ukyo asked, not wanting to make any 
fuss in the household.
	"It's no problem," Akane said dismissively. "The attic 
has been empty for who knows how long."
	Ukyo smiled widely. "Good! I'm just glad I don't have to 
share a room with Pops 
anymore. He snores something awful." Chuckling she murmured, 
"I gotta feel sorry for Obasan."
	Tilting her head Akane gave into the impulse and asked. 
"Why do you call him Pops?"
	"Why?" Ukyo blinked. "I dunno.. out of habit I guess. 
Everyone just assumed I was his daughter on the road and I just 
started calling him that to annoy him."
	"Oh." Akane turned her eyes back to the fight were 
Ranma was barely holding his own against Genma. It was 
nothing like the battle before. Before it was a hard nosed battle to 
the death now it was more like a civilized match with Genma 
shouting out suggestions and criticisms on his son's martial arts 
techniques.
	"You don't pull punches do you?" Akane questioned, 
looking at Ukyo closely. "I mean.. you were really fighting all out 
back there weren't you?"
	"Of course," Ukyo replied evenly. "What good does 
holding back do? If we pull punches then no one learns anything 
and our improvement is hindered."
	"Very good Ranma," Genma said, pausing in their fight 
to study his son. "You could be an equal to Ukyo in unarmed 
combat if we train together regularly. I am proud to see you have 
turned into the fine figure of manhood before me. I would be 
honored to teach you what I have taught her these past years I've 
been gone."
	Overcome by these compliments Ranma replied. "Thank 
you Otosan." Laughing at this Genma clasped his son on the 
back while walking towards the verandah. Turning to his father 
he questioned curiously, "Why only as good as Ukyo in unarmed 
combat?" 
	Raising an eyebrow at this Genma said, "No offense boy 
but Ukyo practices a different style than you. She works both in 
unarmed and in armed combat. Weapons being her specialty. 
Specifically unconventional ones."
	Gazing at Ukyo who sat comfortably chatting with Akane 
he stared at the large spatula strapped across her back. "Yeah. 
What's with that big spatula anyway? I know your family were 
okonomiyaki chefs but why carry it around? Do you often feel the 
need to suddenly to cook or something?"
	"If you only knew how many times people have asked 
something similar to that," said Ukyo with an easy smile. "No 
Ranchan. I don't carry it for cooking purposes. Rather, I use it 
like this.." Ukyo paused a moment and swiftly pulled the large 
spatula from its harness. Slicing through the air in an instant to 
rest a centimeter from the side of Ranma's head. "It's my primary 
weapon in battle," she explained.
	Ukyo sheathed the battle spatula in a smooth movement. 
Causing Ranma to release the breath he had unconsciously been 
holding in.
	 "My birth father was an okonomiyaki chef don't you 
remember?" Continued Ukyo. "The master was a friend of his. 
They had an odd bond that no one could really explain and father 
would give the master free okonomiyaki each time he'd visit. 
When father died of a heart attack the master brought me to your 
two families asking that they care for me and train me as his 
chosen heir. He requested that Ojisama teach me in both my 
father's traditional form of okonomiyaki armed martial arts as 
well as the Anything Goes style."
	"But the point is," Ukyo flashed a wide smile. "People 
don't find cooking instruments dangerous. But believe me... 
anything can be a weapon in the right hands."
	"Or the wrong ones," said Genma solemnly. "All of you 
must take responsibility for your skills as martial artists. Never 
use them for evil purposes and only use them when absolutely 
needed. Knowing how to fight and knowing when to fight are the 
keys to being a great martial artist."
	"Yes father," Ranma replied immediately. At this Genma 
smiled again before patting his son on the shoulder and walking 
inside. Meeting Ukyo's gaze Ranma teased, "Are spoons lethal 
in your hands too?"
	At this Ukyo chuckled while rolling her eyes. "Very 
funny Ranchan. Very funny..."

	"I'm going to school?!?" Whined Ukyo loudly.
	"You're going to school," Genma repeated seriously 
while handing her a school bag.
	Ukyo stared at Genma as if he was an alien. "I can't 
believe you want me to go to school. This is going to be a 
disaster. Just like the time I went to middle school."
	"You did that on your own girl!" Genma snorted. "I had 
nothing to do with your entanglements there."
	"You made me go to school, didn't you?" Ukyo prodded 
wearing a superior smirk.
	"Just get going would you?" Sighed Genma. "Ranma and 
Akane are waiting for you. Nabiki has left long ago. You don't 
want to be late on your first day."
	As the three made their way to school Ranma looked 
curiously at Ukyo. "You never went to school?"
	"Of course I went! Ojisama made me. And it wasn't the 
best experience," Ukyo grumbled. Swiftly switching moods she 
smiled widely and focused on Ranma. "So! Tell me about this 
engagement of yours. Haven't you tried to get out of it if you're 
both so unhappy?"
	"We've tried!" Exclaimed Akane. "But nothing works. 
They won't listen to us. It's always `The Anything Goes school of 
martial arts must continue.' They just don't care how we feel 
about the situation."
	"Yeah," Ranma chimed in, feeling downtrodden.
	"Don't be so glum." Ukyo bumped shoulders with him 
playfully. "It will all work out I'm sure. Besides you're a 
handsome guy Ranma. I'm sure there are plenty of girls after 
you." Ranma blushed at this, shyly averting his eyes from the 
warm gaze of Ukyo. Suddenly she paused in her approach to 
shade her eyes. "What's with them?"
	Her three companions turned to face forward as they 
approached Furinkan High school. A large crowd of hundreds of 
boys wearing various sports uniforms was heading towards them. 
Ranma's eyes grew wide. Grabbing Ukyo's hands he leapt up on 
the concrete wall surrounding the school.
	"We're safer up here while she does her business," said 
Ranma calmly. "This only takes a minute or so anyway."
	"What takes a minute? What's going on?" Asked Ukyo 
as Akane moved into battle stance.
	"What's going on?" Asked Akane in an angry tones. 
"What's going on?! I'll tell you what's going on!! I... HATE... 
BOYS!!!"
	Before Ukyo could ask why Akane ripped into crowd of 
athletes. Easily disarming and beating them into states of 
unconsciousness in seconds. "She does this every morning," 
Ranma said conversationally.
	"Every morning?" Asked Ukyo in fascination. "How 
come?" By this time Akane had cleared the grounds of all the 
sports fighters and stood alone panting in anger.
	Ranma was about to answer when a rose went sailing 
through the air at Akane. She caught the flower then sighed 
heavily. "Kuno," she groaned. "Doesn't this ever get tiring?"
	From the distance a tall rather good looking boy dressed 
in a traditional Kendo outfit and carrying a bokken at his side 
approached.
	"Tendo Akane," he breathed her name reverently. "I 
would less tire of this conventional game of cat and mouse than I 
would tire to look at the loveliness that is the your beauteous 
visage. Truly you are a treasure meant to be possessed by one 
such as I who can appreciate it."
	Ukyo made a face at this. "What's his deal?"
	"That's Kuno. He has a thing for Akane and is kind of the 
cause behind all this junk but he's of a pal of mine. He's an okay 
guy once you get past the poetry and ego," Ranma informed his 
companion.
	Ukyo frowned. She didn't like this situation at all. 
Especially that Kuno was forcing his attentions onto Akane who 
obviously didn't enjoy his company in the slightest. It reminded 
her of a similar situation she had faced while traveling through 
China.
	"C'mon Kuno. Would you just let me go to class?" 
Questioned Akane in frustrated tones.
	"Alas! I wish I could but we must contend to this folly for 
you continue to say you do not fall before mine charms. And 
though you heatedly repeat this offering mine eyes know the truth 
to be otherwise.." Kuno said while drawing his bokken forward.
	Ukyo narrowed her eyes at this. Instantly she leapt from 
the wall to land at Akane's side.
	"He bothering you sugar?" Asked Ukyo in a friendly tone 
while Akane glared at Kuno.
	"No. Just leave it to me Ukyo," Akane replied as she met 
their eyes. "I can handle this."
	"What is this?!" Questioned Kuno directing his magnetic 
gaze from Ukyo to Akane. "Have you a bosom companion I 
know not of Tendo Akane? Who is this divine creature of 
loveliness?"
	Sighing Akane said, "This is Kuonji Ukyo the heir to the 
Anything Goes school of martial arts. She has been on a long 
training journey with Ranma's father for several years and has 
just recently returned. Now if you don't mind I'd like to walk her 
to class."
	"Indeed?" Kuno stated while blocking Akane's exit. 
Turning to Ukyo he said, "Such a task might fit mine own duties 
better. Wouldn't a ravishing being such as yourself feel glorious 
to be in the company of the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High 
himself while lead through these hallowed halls?" Eyeing Ukyo 
carefully he wore a wide smile. "Truly you are beautiful. I would 
date with you!"
	"Really?" Stated Ukyo dryly.
	Kuno nodded repeatedly. Circling Ukyo he studied her 
carefully. "Of course before I allow you date with me you must 
first ask the allowance of one Tendo Akane who has already 
placed claim on me," said Kuno while bending to kiss Ukyo's 
outstretched hand.
	Ukyo stared at him for a moment before swiftly retrieving 
her battle spatula in a quick movement, bringing it down on 
Kuno's head in a thunderous action. Soon as it made contact 
Ukyo grabbed the injured Kendoist's hand flipping him high over 
her shoulder. Causing Kuno to go flying across the campus.
	"Show me to class?" Ukyo smirked at the look of awe on 
Akane's face. "I wouldn't want to get in trouble for being late my 
very first day."
	"S-sure.." Stammered Akane in slight shock as she led 
Ukyo into the school.
	By the looks she was receiving Ukyo figured she had 
accomplished some kind of achievement according to the other 
students with the defeat of Kuno. This place just might get 
interesting Ukyo thought with a smile. Just then Nabiki ran 
towards them wearing an face of pure irritation.
	"Kuonji if you're going to mess with my odds I'd like you 
to give me some warning first!" Nabiki said with a glare.
	"Odds?" Queried Ukyo.
	"Nabiki!" Groaned Akane. "You haven't been putting 
time bets on the fights again have you?" Turning to Ukyo she 
explained in exasperated tones. "Nabiki runs the betting pool on 
the fights in Furinkan. She's quite the entrepreneur."
	Ukyo smiled widely at this. "Oh yeah.. I remember when 
we were little you used to steal cookies from the jar and then sell 
them to me for jacked up prices." Raising an eyebrow she 
questioned. "You don't fight yourself but you bet on the results of 
others fights?"
	"I have to make money some way," Nabiki said calmly. 
"What with all the damage the dojo gets. And as for fighting I 
know enough to upset more than a few peoples health insurance 
policies. I simply choose not to flaunt it. Unlike some people I 
know."
	"Fine, fine, do your time bets." Akane relented. "But if I 
find out you've been taking those pictures again..."
	"Akane," Nabiki began in hurt tones. Crossing her heart 
she said. "I give you my word. No pictures of you."
	"Good," smiling Akane looked over her shoulder. "Looks 
like your customers are restless."
	 Nabiki groaned, poking Ukyo in the chest she advised. 
"You have a lot of potential to earn money in this place but next 
time give me some warning." With that the calm brunette 
whirled around to return to the crowd.
	"Your sister is interesting." Ukyo remarked wryly.
	"Yeah, well," Akane sighed watching her older sister 
wheel and deal several students. "After mom died Nabiki took 
over finances. She's the only one in our family with any sort of 
sense about money. She comes off a bit cold but she really does 
care. Her gambling money pays for almost all of the bills," 
Akane said defensively.
	"Hey," Ukyo said softly. "I didn't mean anything by it. I 
like Nabiki. Besides... with me here I bet her odds will go off the 
charts with all the new fights. Trouble has a habit of following 
me." The ponytail haired girl smiled as she pushed open the front 
door to Furinkan, holding it for Akane.
	"Ukyo?" Akane began tentatively as they walked inside 
the school. "Not that I don't appreciate your help in the fight with 
Kuno but I could have handled it. I go through this every 
morning with him you know."
	"Why is that?" Ukyo queried curiously.
	"He has a thing for me and constantly bothers me for 
dates and I have no interest in that. I turn him down every time 
he asks but Kuno doesn't know how to take no for an answer. So 
he put a challenge around campus that no one can date me if they 
can't first defeat me in battle," Akane sighed. "Now I'm some 
sort of sick prize in a contest of male machismo so they can prove 
who is the best fighter. I don't even like any of them! I hate 
boys.." Akane muttered darkly. Ukyo raised an eyebrow at this.
	"Well," began Ukyo. "I can't blame you with them 
treating you like that. But surely they all aren't bad?"
	Akane snorted. "Here they are! Ranma is okay sometimes 
but what with the engagement.." She sighed again.
	"You don't like anyone then?" Questioned Ukyo in 
prodding tones. Akane blushed at this.
	Getting nervously she averted her eyes and replied in soft 
almost shy tones. "I.. I like someone... but they like someone 
else... I just wish... they can't see me as anything but a little 
girl..." Akane wore a morose expression then shifted her mood to 
say solemnly. "Anyway. You better watch out for Kuno. It 
sounds like he might just be adding you to his 
list of conquests."
	"Oh goody." Said Ukyo dryly.

	Walking over towards the fallen body of his defeated 
friend Ranma knelt to say. "Bravo Kuno. That was a truly great 
performance."
	"Who was that heavenly apparition?" Questioned Kuno 
as he rolled over on his side to sit up.
	Getting nervous at the way Kuno referred to Ukyo he 
reluctantly said. "Kuonji Ukyo. She's the heir to the Anything 
Goes school. She and my father have been on a training journey. 
They just got back. She's living with us."
	"Living with you?! Gods man... how lucky are you to live 
with such beauties..." Kuno ranted as he stood seeming 
rejuvenated and in good spirits.
	"Uhm... yeah. I guess so." Ranma said slowly.
	"Kuonji Ukyo! Ah truly there is a name of true 
loveliness... it bodes well for me indeed... a creature of fire and 
might..." Kuno trailed off a dreamy look on his features while 
walking towards school.
	Normally Ranma would be amused by his friend 
becoming obsessed on a new girl but his stomach wrenched at 
the idea of Ukyo with Kuno. Coughing a bit he started in 
warning tones. "I dunno Kuno. I think she might not be all that 
interested."
	"Not interested!" Kuno snorted. "Impossible! There is not 
a woman alive that resist the charms of the Blue Thunder of 
Furinkan High! I will make my approach to the fair Ukyo at the 
earliest opportunity!"
	"Well," Ranma began wondering at the anger spreading 
through his system. Suddenly he felt the urge to belt Kuno for 
wanting to date Ukyo. "I still say it isn't a good idea. I mean... 
my father has been training her for over ten years. She was hand-
picked by 
our school's master to be his heir. She's a really accomplished 
fighter."
	"Nonsense!" Sniffed Kuno arrogantly. "She is a virtuous 
flower who would surely love my attentions! I shall date with the 
fair Ukyo! This I swear!"
	"So you're giving up on Akane?" Ranma asked 
hesitantly. He couldn't imagine which reaction would come first 
from her: extreme relief or extreme anger.
	"Akane..." Breathed Kuno in wondrous tones. "I have 
battled so hard for the pleasure of her company! But alas I must 
date them both or my suffering shall never end!"
	"What?!" Cried Ranma incredulously. "There is no way 
Akane is going to let you get away with even suggesting sharing 
you with Ukyo!"
	Not fully understanding what his companion was saying 
but sensing the lack of loyalty in his tone. Kuno asked, "Why do 
you say this Saotome? Surely you have not come to your senses 
and mean to claim Akane as your own!"
	"What?!" Ranma exclaimed. Mimicking his response 
from before. "I don't want Akane! I want..." Ranma trailed off as 
the smiling face of Ukyo came into view. Shaking his head at this 
he muttered. "You're nuts."
	"Love drives me to insanity," said Kuno as he scanned 
the grounds for his fair beauties. Seeing them nowhere he 
finished. "Come. Let us depart before we are accordingly 
punished for tardiness."
	"Finally you're making sense," Ranma said.

	Ranma and Akane watched on with wonderment at the 
speed of which Ukyo devoured her lunch. After years of traveling 
on the road with Genma she had become quite paranoid about 
people stealing her food. It had become a habit of hers to always 
eat with incredible speed.
	"Mmm..." Ukyo murmured stretching her arms having 
just gobbled up the last of her lunch. "Not bad for cafeteria food 
but next time I'm cooking my own lunch. Okonomiyaki is the 
only way to go."
	Ranma smiled at this. "You made the best okonomiyaki 
for us when we were little 
Ucchan."
	"I still do Ranchan," Ukyo returned the smile. "Tell you 
what. I'll make your lunch 
tomorrow." Ranma smiled eagerly at this and Ukyo focused on 
Akane. "How about you Akane? I can make you lunch too if you 
like."
	Snapping her attention to her companions Akane 
murmured distractedly. "Sure Ukyo. Whatever you want."
	Ukyo looked at Akane curiously and was about to ask 
what had her mind drifting when out of nowhere Kuno appeared 
holding a large bouquet of flowers. "Fair one! Your beauty 
causes the gods themselves to weep at the sight! Such spirit has 
entrapped me to your will and I would date with you! Surely you 
embrace this and my arms!" Kuno cried as he lunged in an 
attempt to glomp onto Ukyo.
	Ukyo was about to jump out of the way when suddenly 
she found Ranma standing in front of her with a very angry 
expression on his face. "Back off Kuno," said Ranma in warning 
tones as a surprised Ukyo looked on.
	"Ranchan..." She whispered quietly.
	Kuno puzzled over Ranma's actions. "Saotome? What 
treachery is this? I merely wish to spend time with the beauteous 
creature and you would block such a request? By what right do 
you do such a thing?!" Narrowing his eyes Kuno hissed. "Surely 
you are not claiming Ukyo as your own? Never! I will not allow 
it!"
	"W-what?" Ranma stammered turning beet red. Waving 
his hands around he exclaimed. "No! You got it all wrong! I 
don't like a pervert like that! She changes into a guy!" Suddenly 
realizing what he said he grew more panicked. "No! I meant... 
that.. uh.." He trailed off knowing that he was in serious trouble.
	"A man? You must jest Saotome! Ukyo is the expression 
of femininity itself! A rare flower in full bloom is she!" Pushing 
Ranma aside to talk to Ukyo himself Kuno blinked when he saw 
she had disappeared.
	Ranma blinked in surprise himself and locked gazes with 
Akane who said bitingly, "Nice one dummy. Just had to prove 
you were all man and hurt her feelings in the process didn't 
you?" Ranma started to defend himself but stopped realizing 
there was no excuse for what he said. Akane sighed at this, 
seeing his obvious remorse. "She went that way."
	Following Akane's gesture Ranma turned swiftly and 
made his way towards the opened window on the far side of the 
cafeteria. Just as he was about to jump from the window to 
pursue Ukyo and apologize Kuno leapt on his head with no 
warning. Using Ranma as a springboard Kuno jumped out of the 
window calling. "Haha! I defeat your base forms of betrayal 
Saotome! I shall date with Ukyo! Me!"
	"That jerk," muttered Ranma darkly before following.

	Hands shoved into the pockets of her loose fitting black 
pants Ukyo muttered similar sentiments. "That jerk."
	Sighing Ukyo ran the scene in her mind again. She had 
been so surprised when Ranma defended her. No one had ever 
stood up for her before and it was a nice feeling. It warmed her 
heart just thinking about it. Then he had to go and say she was a 
pervert all because of a curse she couldn't even control.
	"Can't blame him I suppose," Ukyo sighed as she 
stopped to sit at the base of a large oak tree near the baseball 
diamond. "What guy would ever be interested in me? A splash of 
cold water and they're suddenly seen as being yaoi. I mean, just 
cause I'm liberal doesn't mean everyone else is the same..." Ukyo 
glumly trailed off while resting her head on her arms as she 
tucked her knees under her chin.
	She liked Ranma. Genuinely liked him. He was smart, 
funny, and cute... and for awhile it seemed he liked her too. After 
all he and Akane both admitted their engagement was a farce so 
there had to be room for someone in his heart but obviously it 
wasn't going to be a pervert like her. Sighing again Ukyo 
muttered to herself, "Give it up girl. You have absolutely no luck 
in love."
	"Luck?!" Cried Kuno as he suddenly appeared before her. 
"You need not luck my love for I am here to give whatever boon 
you request. My love runs as deep as yon ocean and flies as true 
as any eagle!"
	"Kuno," Ukyo stated as she warily rose to her feet. 
Dusting herself off she questioned. "What do you want?"
	"I want but a moment of your time! To smell the 
sweetness of your hair... ahhh... your scent drives me to madness. 
Surely you are a creation of divinity Kuonji Ukyo!" Exclaimed 
Kuno as he followed Ukyo who was wandering out onto the 
baseball field.
	Raising an eyebrow Ukyo questioned dryly. "The scent of 
my hair, huh?" Smiling wryly she continued. "You're a strange 
fellow Kuno but nice in your own odd way. That's why I'll tell 
you this: I'm not the girl for you. I'm not the girl for anyone..." 
Ukyo trailed off sadly while gazing into the depths of the blue 
sky before them.
	Kuno was about to protest this when he sputtered as a 
stream of cold water hit him in the face. "What is this?!" He 
cried. His eyes focused on several sprinklers lying a few feet 
away. "Fool gardeners. They ought be dismissed for such a 
folly." Turning back to Ukyo he found that his goddess was no 
longer there. The person standing next to him looked similar to 
her but was obviously male. Pulling out his bokken in a swift 
movement he snarled.
	"Villain! Where have you taken Kuonji Ukyo?!"
	Ukyo was staring at the sky wondering how things 
always managed to get worse when he thought it was impossible 
for it to happen. Sandalwood eyes widened as the bokken was 
thrust in his face. "What?" He gasped.
	"Knave! I shall smite thee! Bring back my love or such 
horrors will you face!" Kuno growled as he waved the bokken in 
a threatening way in the male Ukyo's face.
	"Uhhm.." Ukyo began hesitantly wondering how Kuno 
could have missed the transformation. "I didn't do anything with 
her. She's right here. I'm Ukyo."
	Kuno narrowed his eyes. "Vile sorcerer! You have used 
evil magics no doubt to whisk her away but I shall have her 
returned! I am your doom ponytailed boy!!" Ukyo's eyes widened 
as Kuno suddenly leapt forward with incredible speed. Suddenly 
the Kendoist's attack was stopped as Ranma appeared standing 
on the back of his fallen friend.
	"What a doofus," commented Ranma as he casually 
hopped off Kuno and kicked him over on his back revealing that 
the other boy was unconscious. Nervously looking at Ukyo he 
twiddled his thumbs. "I'm really, really, sorry about what I said 
before Ucchan. It just sort of came out." Ranma flushed and said 
slowly, "I have this bad habit of saying things without thinking 
first."
	Seeing the sincerity in his eyes and hearing it in his voice 
Ukyo smiled softly. "It's okay Ranchan. Thanks for the assist."
	Happy that Ukyo appeared to have forgiven him for his 
earlier mistake Ranma smiled proudly. "Yeah. That was a good 
one, huh?"
	"Yup," Ukyo commented wryly as he began to walk off 
the baseball field. "I can't believe he didn't figure out about the 
curse though. He must be one dense fellow."
	"Kuno can be pretty slow witted about certain things," 
said Ranma following Ukyo closely. Pausing a moment he 
clasped Ukyo's shoulder. "Ucchan. I just want you to know that I 
think you're a great person." Blushing a bit Ranma shyly 
continued. "You're really cute.. as a girl and a boy. It doesn't 
matter that you change your sex. Anyone would be lucky to date 
you. Anyone."
	"Ranchan.." Began Ukyo in mystified tones. That had to 
be the nicest thing anyone ever said to him.
	Wearing a crooked smile Ranma scratched the back of his 
head and added. "Anyone but Kuno of course."
	"I definitely agree with you there," Ukyo laughed making 
a face. "C'mon. I'm getting out of here to find some hot water. 
Want to come with?"
	"Sure!" Ranma brightly responded. Spending a day with 
Ukyo was definitely a good thing in his mind. Forming a worried 
expression he said. "But what about school? It isn't even halfway 
over with."
	"Who cares?" Ukyo snorted. "I've had enough of school 
for one day."
	Shaking his head at this response Ranma quickly ran 
after his companion as they exited Furinkan's campus leaving a 
slowly awakening Kuno who muttered. "I'll get you for this... 
ponytailed boy..."