[Ranma][FanFic] A Scary Thought - Chapters 1-2

[Wade Tritschler]

Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought

What's happened so far: Zilch, nodda, nothing, this is the
start.

%Prologue

Derek leaned back in his chair as the steady stream of
information passed before him. So much to do, so much to do. He had
to fix that whole mess in 435687. 234891 was still in need of some
real work. He also had to hunt down some more of those renegades
that were messing everything up so badly, toying with timestreams
that were perfectly fine.
He took in a deep calming breath and mentally ordered the
display to stop on 379443. That looked like an interesting one. Who
would have thought that person would be the cause of so much
destruction? Talk about the best of intentions going awry.
He examined the data more closely. No point in even trying
to fix the base timestream, it was hopelessly gone. Well, after that
last disaster Derek was glad. This would be a simple enough fix.
One little twist of fate and everything would be fine.
"Not so fast Derek. I got another challenge for you." The
female voice at his side announced. He listened as she detailed what
she expected.
"Hmph, you really don't have much respect for my skills, do
you?"
"If you pull this off I'll give you some respect."
"I'll hold you to that." He said with a smile. This was too
easy.

%Chapter 1

Kasumi listened by the doorway as her father talked with the
stranger who had come to visit. She was finding this whole situation
really exciting. Father was home after over a year away in training,
whatever that meant, and this other man had come home with him. Now
they were talking about the man's son and about a marriage. Kasumi
just couldn't keep her curiosity at bay.
"Sounds like an excellent idea Tendo. So, which will it be?"
"Hmmm, I'd say Akane would be the logical choice. She's
Ranma's age."
Akane was going to marry this Ranma?! But, Akane was still
practically a baby. This was all quite confusing. Kasumi decided to
get her mother to explain it properly.
As she thought this Nabiki sneaked up beside her. "What's
happening?" She asked in a whisper as she too began listening.
"I don't really know. I think Akane is going to marry some
boy named Ranma." Kasumi whispered back in response.
"Really?" Nabiki suddenly became excited and moved closer to
the common room doorway.
"Yes, sounds good, but do you think they'll really go for the
idea?" The strange man asked.
"Of course they will." Her father responded.
"I wouldn't be so sure Tendo."
"Well, if you're worried then perhaps we should have them get
to know each other first. Maybe we should raise them together."
"Wonderful idea!"
"Then it's decided. You can take Akane and-"
"Wait a second Tendo," the man quickly responded. "Don't you
think that it would be better for them to grow up here. I mean, you
have this big house and the dojo..."
"Well, I suppose but I already have three daughters to
raise-"
"What's one more child to raise when our two families will be
joined and our family legacies assured?"
"Hmmm, quite right."
"Did you hear that?" Nabiki asked. "We're going to have a
boy in the house." Kasumi nodded silently.
"Okay then, we'll just make a few arrangements and-" the man
began.
"Not so fast Saotome. I may agree with your reasoning but
I'm a bit suspicious of your motives. You're trying to unload your
son on me I think." Her father replied, suspicion in his voice.
"Not at all Tendo." The man responded, a bit nervous.
"Hmmm, well then, you should have no problem with a little
exchange then."
"Exchange?"
"Yes, I'll raise your son and you can raise one of my
daughters. How's that?"
The man went silent for a moment and the two Tendo daughters
exchanged confused and worried looks. "Okay Tendo." The man finally
responded. "So which will it be?"
"Kasumi!"

Kasumi remembered that fateful day over ten years ago. It
had been so strange to be sent to live with some strange man she
barely knew. She still to this day questioned her father's reasoning
behind that decision. Her mother had certainly not been all that
approving but she had agreed. The Saotomes had been nice enough but
it still took time to adjust to. Then the memories of what happened
later returned to Kasumi. Curse them all, she thought to herself
angrily.
The boy named Kasumi trudged on down the street, his eyes
locked on the wet pavement below. That damnable rain had caused the
transformation that he was getting quite annoyed with. It had been
shocking enough at the beginning but since then it had caused nothing
but trouble.
Kasumi looked up from the puddles on the ground to the mound
of black and white fur beside him and lightly cuffed the panda on the
back of the head. It growled a painful and meek protest as it looked
back. Kasumi scowled back at it in response.
The panda quickly brought out a sign. `What was that for?'
the sign read.
"For this whole stupid mess!"
`It wasn't my fault! It was all just a big
misunderstanding!' the panda replied with another sign, a pleading
look on it's face.
"Not this time Mr. Saotome. You're not going to get
forgiveness that easily ever again!"
`Come on Kasumi, have a heart.' The panda now had tears in
it's eyes.
Kasumi could feel his anger begin to give way to sympathy but
quickly turned his eyes away before the feeling took hold. "No!
I've given you far too many chances as is! We're going home and
that's final!"
The panda growled out another plea but Kasumi wouldn't let
himself be effected. He was going home and was going to try to get
over all that had happened to him. Of course he'd never live a
normal life again but he could try to live a close approximation of
one.
He stopped at the gate and looked at the sign: Tendo school
of anything goes martial arts. He was here at last. He turned to
the panda who gave one last desperate attempt to change Kasumi's
mind, begging on it's knees. `Please Kasumi, just give me a bit more
time to set things right.' It pleaded with another sign.
He briefly started to consider but then quashed the thought.
He wouldn't let this pitiful excuse of a parent mess up his life any
longer. "Not a chance, and don't you even think of running off.
You've got a lot to answer for."
The panda slouched it's head in despair.

Nabiki stood by the kitchen table, slicing several carrots
into thin, even slices. Her mind wasn't on her work however.
Nothing this boring or tedious was satisfying or mentally stimulating
enough to keep her mind on it. Still, Nabiki always reminded herself
that it was better than the alternative. Instead she was running
over a few ideas that just might improve her cash flow a bit.
"Are those carrots ready?" Mrs. Saotome asked as she turned
from the stove. Nabiki nodded as she finished the last cut and
handed the cutting board with the carrots to her. As Nodoka returned
to the stove and added the carrots to a pot Nabiki moved onto her
next task. She didn't make it as a loud knocking caught her
attention.
"Could you get that?" Nodoka asked.
"Sure." Nabiki replied as she headed off to the door. She
didn't go too fast mind you. Anything that got her free from the
tedium of kitchen duty was something to be savored. The knocking
repeated itself as she finally reached the front door. She slid it
back and looked at her visitor.
Actually she looked into his chest and realized she was just
a bit too close. She looked up a bit, then a bit more until she
looked into his face, a face etched with weariness. "Hello," he
greeted in a pleasant but tired voice.
"Oh, hello," Nabiki replied as she took a step back to better
examine this new comer. As she already noted he was quite tall,
possibly even taller than her father, and obviously older than her,
maybe 19 or 20. He was dressed in a soft yellow and red outfit that
seemed just a little small as his well built frame filled it
completely, emphasizing every muscle. His brown hair was bound
together in a long ponytail that must have gone down to the mid of
his back. His face, well there was only one way Nabiki could think
of to describe it, gorgeous. She could hardly keep her heart from
fluttering. Nabiki shook off the thoughts that were beginning to
come to the surface and reset her appearance as that of host. "Ah,
can I help you?"
"I'm sure you can." The man said then frowned as he looked
off to the side. He quickly shot out his hand and pulled a large
mound of fur into view. "Where do you think you're going, hmmm?"
Nabiki took another step back, this time in shock, as she realized
that mound of fur was a panda. After the panda seemed to slouch to
the ground in despair the man turned back to her. "You wouldn't
happen to have any hot water would you?"

"Saotome!!!!" Soun roared out in outrage as he confront his
one time friend.
"Now Tendo, it's not a bad as it-"
"My daughter changes into a man and you call that not
bad!!!!!" Soun shot back as he grabbed Genma by the shoulders, a bit
too tightly for Genma's comfort. "How could you be so reckless?!!"
Everyone at the common room table watched mutely as Genma
desperately fought to come up with a response. Nodoka looked no more
amused than Soun at this whole situation. Nabiki looked pale,
probably due to the rather queasy feeling she now had. Akane had an
angry scowl directly solely at Genma. Ranma seemed to be pondering
something.
Kasumi, however, was fighting a war with herself. She be
would all too pleased to let Genma go down in flames, but the part of
her that had been tempting her early was still hard at work. She was
home now, no longer under his care and she really didn't feel like
going through a night of sleeplessness if she let this go on.
"To be fair it was an accident. He didn't know about the
curses." Kasumi finally said. It was a bit of a stretch. He knew
damned well that the springs were dangerous and that they were called
`the cursed springs of Jusenkyo'. However, she'd been as big a fool,
especially seeing as how her life with Genma should have warned her
about actually agreeing to go there in the first place. Well, that
was ending now.
Soun looked over at his daughter then relented and released
Genma. Genma gave Kasumi a thankful smile but she returned only a
brief disapproving glare.
"Well Saotome, it seems my daughter is more forgiving than I.
Be glad."
"I should have made you sign that contract." Nodoka said
aloud as she shook her head.
"It was-" Genma began.
"We'll talk later." Nodoka snapped back as she stood up and
turned to Kasumi. "Come with me Kasumi, I'll get you settled in.
Nabiki, please take care of dinner." Nabiki nodded and headed off to
the kitchen as Kasumi followed Nodoka upstairs. She lead Kasumi to a
large, basically empty room, where Kasumi dropped her pack. "I'm
sorry, but Ranma took your room-"
"It's all right Mrs. Saotome. I didn't expect anything else.
Besides, I'm used to sleeping on a hard floor."
Nodoka nodded. "I'm dearly sorry about all this. I should
never have allowed him to take you on that training trip. You must
be angry with all of us."
Kasumi looked over at Nodoka and tried to call up that
feeling but found it quickly crumpled with the sad look on Nodoka's
face. "I suppose I was, somewhat, but how were you to know?" Nodoka
seemed uncomforted by Kasumi's excuse for the error in judgment. "It
doesn't matter now. I'm home and I'll survive." Nodoka again nodded
then turned to leave just as Akane walked in.
"I don't need to ask how life's been treating you." Akane
commented with a bit of amusement. Kasumi smiled as she hugged her
little sister. "I missed you." Akane said as she returned the hug.
A moment passed and they finally released each other, Kasumi giving
Akane a good look over. She'd obviously been keeping herself fit.
She was trim but firm, probably from martial arts training. Her hair
was still in that old short cut that Kasumi found a bit boyish but
now it seemed to suit her quite well.
"You've grown up so much since the funeral." Kasumi noted.
"So have you."
"Yes. So, how's life been treating _you_?"
"Well enough I suppose."
"Are you and Ranma getting along? When's the wedding
planned?"
Akane's pleasant attitude changed to a guarded one. "We get
along fine. I don't know about the wedding."
Kasumi examined her sister intensely, trying to discern her
true feelings on the subject. "Is there some problem?"
Akane scowled and began pacing the room. "Well it's... I
mean we... I don't want to trouble you with my problems."
"Not at all." Kasumi reflexively responded.
"Well we... we... he's..."
"Don't you like him?"
"Oh, I like him fine. He's a bit thoughtless sometimes but
that's not so bad. It's just that I... I... It just doesn't seem
right." Akane stopped pacing and stared down at her feet. "Oh, you
don't want to hear about this." Akane said as turned and looked up
at Kasumi. "I want to see how good you are. Do you want to have a
little sparring match?"
"I suppose." Kasumi responded, a little reluctant.

Akane set herself across from Kasumi in a combat ready
stance. Kasumi assumed a loose defensive posture and prepared. At
the door to the dojo, Ranma stopped and looked in. A little
curiosity took hold and he walked in and leaned against the wall,
waiting to see what Kasumi could do.
"Ready?" Akane asked and Kasumi nodded. Akane started off
slow. A quick punch which Kasumi swayed to the side to avoid.
Another punch, slightly faster, again easily avoided. A kick, Kasumi
calmly blocked and spun Akane around by her caught foot. Akane
stumbled then recovered and re-examined her approach. She then
attempted a quick set of punches and kicks all of which Kasumi calmly
and easily dodged. Akane stepped back and caught her breath. "Are
you going to attack or what?"
"If you really want me to?"
Akane nodded and Ranma had a feeling that it was a mistake.
Kasumi approached cautiously then let loose a quick punch. Akane
dodged fairly easily and countered with her own punch. However,
Kasumi caught it, then holding Akane's hand in one of her own Kasumi
lashed out with four blazingly fast punches, three times to Akane's
body and one final time to the head, stopping just short of the
bridge of Akane's nose. Ranma knew those moves would have easily put
Akane completely out of action, maybe even have killed her if they
were full force. Akane must have known too as she blinked in
complete shock.
"That's... pretty good." Akane stammered out.
"Thank you. Your guard is a bit weak." Kasumi responded as
she released Akane and stepped back casually.
"Yeah, guess so." Akane responded, slightly depressed.
"Don't feel bad, I've had some fairly... intensive training."
"I bet." Ranma commented causing Kasumi and Akane to finally
notice him. "You got creamed Akane." Ranma teased.
"Shut up Ranma! Maybe if my regular sparring partner was
half decent-" Akane replied angrily.
"Low blow! I'm better than you and you know it!" Ranma
replied, getting a bit angry himself.
"Hah! You wish!" Akane retorted with a slight smirk and
began to leave.
"Oh yeah?! Okay then, let's go, right now!"
"Hmmh, later maybe, when I'm bored." Akane responded,
dismissing Ranma's challenge with a wave as she left. "I'm going to
take a bath."
Ranma was about to give chase when Kasumi walked up next to
him. He gave her a look then turned from the door with his own
dismissing wave of his hands. "She doesn't know nothing."
"I think she was just teasing."
"Yeah, I know." Ranma said as he went into a kata.
"Is there some problem between you two?" Kasumi asked, a bit
of concern in her voice.
"Us, no, we're just fine... just fine." Ranma replied
leaving Kasumi with a perplexed look. "So, I bet you've seen some
pretty interesting stuff on the road."
"Oh, a fair bit."
"Hmmh, if it wasn't for the other stuff I would have loved to
be in your place."
"Yes, if it wasn't for that other stuff I would love to be in
my place too. However, there is that other stuff, more of it than
you know." Kasumi sighed, turned and left.

Kasumi laid on her sleeping bag, staring at the ceiling. She
was home, that had a very pleasant feel to it. Her troubles were
behind her now save the curse but with some luck she'd find a cure
someday. Kasumi mused at that last thought. She hadn't been having
much in the way of luck lately.
Her mind turned to Ranma and Akane. What was their problem?
Both said they were getting along yet... they weren't. They were all
too eager to switch topics when it came to their relationship. So,
what had happened, or not happened? It seemed that the original
intent of this whole exchange had somehow backfired.
Kasumi scowled. Here she was again, worrying about other
people's problems. She had enough of her own to worry about. She
didn't need more. If they had some sort of problem, well, they'd
just have to work things out for themselves. It was time for her to
live her own life.
Kasumi pushed away the thoughts and attempted to sleep.
After about an hour she finally managed to.

Kasumi was running, scared, from what she couldn't quite
remember. All she knew is she had to get away. She ran until her
lungs were on fire with pain but still kept running. She didn't even
know where she was. She tried to force her mind to recall the place.
Little lakes, poles, it was certainly familiar. Suddenly she saw
something in front of her. She was still too afraid to stop. She
continued to run directly at it. There was a startled cry then a
splash of water.

Kasumi sputtered and coughed as she sat up, drenched in cold
water. She, or rather now he, looked around in confusion to see his
sister Nabiki, dressed in school clothes, with a empty bucket and a
slight smirk.
"Time to get up." Nabiki said, pulling out a towel and
throwing it to Kasumi.
Kasumi got up and began drying himself off. "A simple nudge
would have sufficed."
"Yeah, but I owed you for that little stunt you pulled on me
yesterday." Nabiki responded as she put the bucket on the floor.
"What stunt?" Kasumi asked in confusion.
Nabiki scowled and turned to leave. "Never mind. Breakfast
is ready."
Kasumi watched his sister go, trying to recall what he could
have done to annoy her. He shook off the thought and got dressed,
scolding himself for sleeping in so late. Evidently Genma was
dodging him or he would have been woken up for morning practice. He
stopped to consider that little quandary. Sure, he wanted to be as
far from that man as could be possible but it wouldn't do for him to
slack on his training.
It was funny, when he, or at the time she, went to live with
the Saotomes she had absolutely no interest in the martial arts. She
didn't even know what it meant to go training. Now it was her...
his... whatever... whole life. Question was, now what? He was home,
sure, but what was he going to do with himself?
Well, first off he was going to fix this gender problem.
Kasumi made his way to the bathroom, changed back to normal, then
joined the others for breakfast. Genma was looking quite bedraggled
and Nodoka was giving him a cold look every few moments. Ranma and
Akane, like Nabiki, were dressed for school.
Breakfast was rather quiet. There was the occasional curious
look at Kasumi or Genma but no one seemed to know what to really say.
Akane finally took the initiative and spoke. "So, Kasumi, are you
going to school?"
"No, I graduated already." She responded.
"I would have thought you wouldn't have much time for school
on the road."
"Well, I was a bit behind at times but I managed to keep up.
Do you all go to the same school?"
"Yep, Furinken High." Akane answered.
"Good school?"
"I guess." Akane scowled but quickly returned to a pleasant
look. "Why don't you come and see it?"
"Ah, you just want to show off." Ranma commented then
quickly ducked a punch from Akane.
"Shut up Ranma!" Akane snapped then looked back at Kasumi.
"So, you want to come?"
"Well, I don't have any other plans so I guess I can come
along."
"Great!"

Kuno stood in his usual waiting place, eyeing the growing
crowd of boys gathering at the entrance to Furinken high. Today was
his day, he knew it. He would prove himself to Akane Tendo and she
would confess her true feelings for him. It was inevitable. These
heathens that tried for her heart were doomed to failure.
Kuno removed a single red rose from his shirt and examined
it. It was a perfect match for the beauty that would soon arrive.
He stole a brief smell then noticed Nabiki wending her way through
the crowd.
"Ah, Nabiki Tendo. I trust your sister is on her way."
"Yeah, yeah, she's coming Kuno baby. So, when are you going
to give up this nonsense."
"Give up?! Never. Tatewaki Kuno, the Shooting Star... no
wait, the Blue Thunder of Furinken High, shall never give up." Kuno
replied, raising his bokken to the sky in a pose for dramatic effect.
Nabiki rolled her eyes then continued on to the school.
"Whatever Blue Thunder."
Kuno eyed the Tendo daughter with a mix of disdain and
weariness. She was one to give a great deal of caution to. She was
also very impudent but she was Akane's sister and she did
occasionally come in handy so he just had to tolerate her.
Kuno turned back to the entrance and continued to watch and
wait.

"Okay Kasumi? This is my fight so don't worry or anything.
I can handle them." Akane said as she approached the school with
Ranma and Kasumi.
"So this happens everyday?" Kasumi asked, slightly shocked
at this whole concept.
"`Fraid so." Ranma answered then pointed to the entrance.
"Here they come." Akane responded by tossing her bag to Ranma then
rushing forward to meet a huge crowd of boys dressed in the uniforms
of every sport imaginable. Ranma gestured for Kasumi to follow him
as he traveled through the wake of destruction that Akane created.
He stopped and hopped up onto the school's stone fence to get a
better view of the fight. Kasumi did likewise.
As she watched Kasumi began to feel sorry for the boys. They
didn't stand a chance. Akane took each down with a single blow and
wasn't even pressed by their feeble attacks. Ranma called out the
occasional piece of encouragement or sly comment about a particular
knock out. Kasumi counted off the seconds in her head and was
impressed to find Akane finish off the last of over fifty opponents
in just under thirty seconds.
Ranma leaned over to her. "She's just putting on a show.
She usual plays with them for a few minutes." Kasumi could only nod,
still in shock at this situation.
Akane took in a couple breaths then put up her hand, as if
expecting to catch something. A second later a single red rose flew
into it.

Kuno, as usual, had simply watched the masses make fools of
themselves. His own challenge would wait till the end when he could
face Akane one on one. Today she seemed to have a slight fire in
her. Her attacks were more powerful, more measured than usual.
Perhaps this was an omen of his coming victory this day.
Akane finishing off her last opponent signaled that is was
time for Kuno to act. He calmly took out the rose and tossed it to
her in his usual fashion. She plucked it from the air and examined
it briefly before turning to face him.
"Hello Kuno." Akane greeted, crossing her arms with a slight
look of annoyance on her face.
"Ah, if it be not Akane Tendo. We meet yet again."
"Really? I didn't think it would be much of a surprise
seeing as how you're responsible for this whole mess."
"Of course, you refer to these pitiful, insignificant fools.
Could they not but learn that your love is out of their reach? I
suppose it is the destinies of the commoners to strive to obtain that
which shines most brightly."
Akane's eyelids sagged and she let out a sigh. "Can we
please cut the garbage today and just get this over with."
"Very well, but be prepared. Today the Blue Thunder shall be
victorious." Kuno dropped into a fighting posture, his bokken held
before him. Akane mirrored his actions and the two began to examine
each other for openings.

Kasumi leaned over to Ranma. "Does this man always speak
like this?"
"Kuno, oh yeah. He's got this thing for melodrama. I
sometimes wonder if it's some sort of over all strategy, bore her
into submission." Ranma answered then called out a cheer. "Go get
him Akane!"
With that Kuno made his first strike, a simple thrust with
his bokken. Akane dodged to the side and countered with a kick
directed at Kuno's face. It connected sending him stumbling back but
he quickly shook off the hit and attempted a charging slash. Akane
flipped over the attack and upon landing twisted around with a
spinning kick. Kuno blocked this and started a quick series of
thrusts, forcing Akane to backflip away.
"Hmm, Kuno seems a bit more serious today. He's usually out
cold by now." Ranma commented as he continued to watch the match.
Kasumi also continued to watch, examining her little sister in action
as well as this young man she was dueling. Akane was quite good, not
in Kasumi's league, but still very good. She masterfully dodged or
blocked everyone of Kuno's attacks and slipped through many of her
own blows. Kuno on the other hand was a harder one to judge. He was
outmatched here but Kasumi sensed that it may not be due to lack of
skill. He may just be pulling his punches and in a way letting Akane
win. He did seem to have a determination that would not quit and a
fair storehouse of endurance. If he was really into a fight he might
just be a formidable opponent.
Kasumi scowled as she realized she was giving into an old
habit of examining every one as a potential foe. She had to relax a
little. She was back in Japan, at home. Nothing would happen here.
Kasumi looked up at the school clock and noticed the time
quickly slipping away as the fight continued on. She returned her
attention to the fight. Akane would likely win but it was going to
take some time, more time than she had. Without further thought
Kasumi dropped down into the school yard and began approaching the
two combatants.
She could hear Ranma call out to her but paid him little
mind. She stopped just short of the fight and waited. Neither
fighter noticed her presence. They were too intent on each other.
Kasumi saw her opening as Akane flipped backward to avoid another
bokken slash. She made one quick motion and came back holding Kuno's
bokken. There was one thing Kasumi definitely knew about Kuno, he
was a kendoist. Without his bokken he was basically harmless.
Akane ceased her attacks as she noticed Kasumi. Kuno on the
other hand stood dumbfounded, staring at his empty hands. After a
moment Kuno finally regain enough of his wits to turn to Kasumi.
"You, Madame, took my weapon?" He asked, a bit of surprise
showing on his face.
"Yes. I'm dearly sorry but it is getting late and I'm sure
you and Akane do not wish to miss your classes. Perhaps you can
continue this duel at some other time."
Kuno looked on at Kasumi in confusion then looked up at the
clock. He then returned to look at Kasumi. "I see. Of course, you
are correct."
"Good. Why don't you go on in Akane. I'll see you later."
After a moment of her own confusion Akane nodded and dashed into the
school. Kasumi watched her go then placed the bokken back in Kuno's
hands. "You should really consider having these duels after school.
Again, sorry for the inconvenience." She said then turned and
started off towards the street.

Up in Nabiki's classroom Mr. Choy was amazed at what he had
just seen in the school grounds below. For months now the situation
at Furinken was getting severely out of hand. This whole contest was
completely unacceptable but what was to be done? The students
involved were barely controllable in the classroom. They were
totally out of control outside the classroom.
However, what he just seen below had made him re-examine that
conclusion. That young woman had not only disarmed one of Furinken's
fiercest fighters without any effort, but she had also talked him out
of the fight. That was an even more amazing feat than disarming him,
considering who he was.
"Does anyone know who that young woman is?" Mr. Choy asked
his class.
"She's my sister Kasumi. Why?" Nabiki responded.
"Your sister huh. Could you give her a message for me?"

Kuno continued to stand, watching the strange woman leave.
He barely even noticed the hand being waved in his face until he
realized it was obstructing his view.
"Hello, Earth to Kuno, anybody home?" Ranma asked. "Ah, so
you are there." he said when Kuno finally took notice of him.
"Who was that... woman?" Kuno asked as he tried to catch one
last glimpse of her.
Ranma turned to look at the departing figure as well. "That,
my friend, was Kasumi Tendo. She just arrived last night."
"Kasumi, a fine name." Kuno said then looked at Ranma in
confusion. "Did you say Tendo?"
"I did indeed. You remember, she's the sister that got
switched with me." Ranma replied as he looked back at Kuno.
"She is formidable."
"I guess she is. Anyway, you actually had Akane trying
today. What, did Kodachi give you some pep pills or something?"
Kuno frowned as he turned to head into the school. "Of
course not. I merely put a bit more effort into today's battle."
Ranma made a quick run to catch up then walked along side
him. "You know, I still say a more romantic approach would work
better. She's not exactly keen on these morning fights."
"Ah, but I must prove my worth. She must be shown that I am
truly a great warrior."
"Ahhh, yeah. Anything I can do for you today?" Ranma asked
as they reached the door to Kuno's class.
"For now no, but I may have a request for you later." Ranma
nodded then headed off to his class. Kuno entered his class with one
thing on his mind, Kasumi Tendo.

%End Chapter 1

That's it for Chapter 1, you'll have to wait now, heheheh,
hahaha, Moahhahahaha. C&C is very welcome. How long is this going
to be? You'll know when I end it and not before then because even I
haven't decided. It's likely going to be at least 10 chapters.
If you wish to check out my other works look at:
http://www.mala.bc.ca/~tritscwa
I'm presently off for the summer so don't expect my webpage
to be too recent, I have no home ftp service (sympatico is pitiful
but it's free so...).
Bye for now.

Ranma 1/2
Altered Destinies: A scary thought

What's happened so far: Well, let's see, Kasumi was switched
with Ranma over ten years ago and thus she ended up in his position.
In the meantime Ranma and Akane grew up together to prepare for their
marriage but things don't seem to have worked out quite as planned
when Kasumi (cursed) and Genma (cursed as usual) arrive at the Tendo
home. Now Kuno seems to have taken an interest in our humble
heroine.

%Chapter 2

Nodoka placed a tray filled with cups of tea on the common
room table then sat down. Also at the table were her husband, Genma,
and Soun Tendo. Now that the children were off to school it was time
to go over matters of importance.
Each person took a few sips from their cup. Genma gave his
wife a worried questioning look which she only answered with an
emotionless one. The matter of his treatment of Kasumi was still in
her mind but she had already given him a thorough... talking to and
she was now somewhat satisfied. The matter in question though was
still unresolved.
Finally Genma put his cup down and gave Soun a concerned
look. "Okay Tendo, what's this all about? If it's about Kasumi-"
"No! Your upbringing of my daughter is a problem that is now
dealt with as best as possible. I have a good mind to throw you out,
but seeing as how I was stupid enough to let you take her... No,
this is something else entirely." Soun responded then put down his
own cup and looked to Nodoka.
She laid down her drink then took a moment to decide how to
proceed. "It's about Ranma and Akane. They... they..."
"They're ruining me Saotome!" Soun suddenly said as he broke
into tears. "They're doing everything in their power to make sure
this marriage doesn't happen."
"But... They seemed okay to me." Genma said in confusion.
"Oh, it's not that they dislike each other, it's that they
view each other as brother and sister, not as man and wife." Nodoka
responded then sadly looked to the floor. "It seems our efforts to
get them together have failed."
"Surely it isn't that hopeless. Perhaps they just need some
more time." Genma suggested.
Nodoka shook her head. "No, they have had lots of time and
nothing is changing. They are merely becoming more entrenched in
their positions against the marriage. They've given up active
protest but the silent protest is even worse. We've tried everything
we can think of but it has all been fruitless."
"I'm at my wits end Saotome!" Soun added, still a ragged
mess of emotion.
"Well, if it doesn't seem to be working between them perhaps
it's time to switch the engagement to someone else, perhaps Nabiki."
Nodoka again shook her head. "We've thought of that. Nabiki
has essentially the same problem plus she isn't as close to Ranma as
Akane. I very much doubt it would work out."
Genma nodded as he considered the situation. "Hmm, well I
see only one other option, Kasumi."
"Kasumi? Isn't she a bit old for Ranma?" Nodoka asked but
Soun seemed to brighten up at the idea.
"Kasumi, yes, of course. She's grown up away from Ranma,
she's a martial artist, and she always was such an obedient girl.
Yes, she'll most certainly agree!" Soun said as he became more and
more enthusiastic about the idea.
"Good, problem solved." Genma added and the two men nodded
in approval. Nodoka, however, shook her head, feeling that this
could not work, but for now willing to take a wait and see attitude.

Kasumi walked aimlessly down the streets of Nerima, taking in
old sights. It had been so long that she didn't recognize much.
Nearly everything that was familiar had somehow changed. It was
enough to make her feel out of place.
She stopped in front of the Doctor's office. She looked at
it briefly, remembering the old doctor that had worked there. He had
been quite old, probably near retirement when she last met him at her
mother's funeral. It was very unlikely that he was still working
there. Like so many other things, this too was unfamiliar.
Suddenly Kasumi felt a tap on her shoulder. It was so
unexpected that she nearly jumped into the air with fright. She spun
around to see a young man, wearing glasses and a huge grin. "Hello."
He said, a touch of amusement in his voice.
Obviously a martial artist. No one could sneak up on her
like that unless they were. Kasumi pushed aside the thought before
she went into a full analysis of his ability. "Ah, hello." She
replied, still a bit shaken.
"Can I help you? I was just about to open up for the day."
He asked pleasantly.
"You're the doctor?" Kasumi asked, a bit surprised.
"Yes, you must be new around here. I am Dr. Ono Tofu." He
greeted with just the slightest bow.
"It's good to meet you. I'm Kasumi Tendo."
He looked at her in surprise. "Kasumi Tendo?! Akane told me
all about you. Why don't you come on in." The doctor gestured for
Kasumi to follow him inside. They entered the clinic and stopped in
the waiting room. "I heard you were off training with Ranma's
father. How'd it go?" Dr. Tofu asked as he sat down on one of the
waiting room benches.
Kasumi took a seat across from him. "Well... not that well."
"Oh, really, what happened?" Dr. Tofu, a bit surprised.
"Many things, most of which I wish never happened." Kasumi
answered, the old uncomfortable feelings of anger rising to the
surface for a second then subsiding. "Anyway, that's the past. How
are you doing?"
"Very good actually."
"I assume my family still comes here?"
"Oh sure, I took over after Doctor Choi retired. Actually,
it's mostly Ranma and Akane who come in. You know, various little
injuries and such. So, how long are you in Nerima for? Just back
for a visit or here permanently?"
"Permanently I hope. I suppose I'll be coming here from now
on."
"Oh sure, I handle pretty much all the little mishaps that
happen around the Tendo home." The doctor replied with a joking
smile.
Kasumi returned the smile briefly. "So, Akane and Ranma come
here often?"
"At least once a week." He answered.
Kasumi nodded as she thought about this. Part of her began
to nag at her, pushing her to ask the question that was on her mind.
The other part pointed out she wasn't supposed to be worrying about
them. In the end the nag won, after all, what could it hurt?
"Are they getting along?" Kasumi asked.
"Ranma and Akane, oh sure."
"Hmm, they seemed a little, I don't know..." Kasumi fought
for the words to describe the impression she had gotten from them.
The doctor nodded, as if knowing what she meant. "Oh, you
mean about the marriage. Well, that is a bit of a different story."
Dr. Tofu paused but Kasumi prodded him on with a look. Dr. Tofu
considered for a long moment then continued. "You see they do like
each other. They're close friends and even though they sometimes get
into these little fights it's more just play then anything else, sort
of like a minor sibling rivalry."
"But there is a problem?" Kasumi asked.
He paused for a second, again considering his words. "Well,
I've known them for many years now and to be honest... they just
don't get along as the... romantic sort. Like I said, they act like
siblings, brother and sister. I think they're both very
uncomfortable with this whole marriage thing. They don't say much
about it anymore but whenever the subject comes up you can sense that
they don't like it."
That explained things. So, the whole thing had backfired.
For a moment Kasumi got a bit of satisfaction out of that but she
quickly quashed the thought. No matters what happened to her it
wasn't right to feel good about someone else's loss.
"That's too bad. Are they getting any better?" Kasumi
asked.
"It's really hard to tell. They always avoid the topic.
Give them some time and I'm sure they'll come around." Dr. Tofu
responded, a slight bit of sadness in his voice. Kasumi could tell
he wasn't too convinced by his own words.
Oh well, it wasn't her problem. What could she do about it
anyway? Nothing. Kasumi nodded then stood up to leave. "I guess I
should be going. It's been good meeting you Dr. Tofu."
"My pleasure. See you later then." Dr. Tofu replied as he
too got up. Kasumi nodded, then waved and left.
Before long she found herself at home. She was ready to
relax, maybe do a little exercise but fate had other ideas. She was
barely in the door when Mr. Saotome and her father rushed up with
serious but happy looks on their faces. A danger sense immediately
went off and was confirmed when Nodoka walked up behind them, a look
of `sorry' on her face.
"Kasumi, come in, we have something to talk about." Her
father directed, leading her to the common room. He gestured for her
to sit down and she complied but her sense of worry was getting
stronger.
"We have wonderful news for you." Her father continued as he
sat down across from her, Genma standing behind him.
"Oh?"
"Well, I don't know if you're aware of this but Ranma and
Akane aren't hitting it off quite as well as planned." Kasumi
connected the dots and it wasn't a pretty picture. "So we were
thinking that you-" he continued but Kasumi shook her head.
"Wait a moment father. You're not saying that you're
switching this engagement to me, are you?"
"Well, yes." He replied, a bit startled.
"But..." Kasumi's mind fought for an escape. "He's so
young. I mean, I'm 19, he's only 16-"
"What's a few years? You'll be getting a young man in his
prime." Genma retorted.
Kasumi scowled at her former guardian but she found herself
at a loss. "But, this is so sudden. Don't you think Akane or Ranma
will-"
"Don't worry about it. They've been against this whole thing
for years. Akane will be glad to be free of the engagement and Ranma
will certainly get used to the idea." Her father said then looked at
her as if pleading her to agree.
Kasumi looked into her father's eyes then down at the table
in consideration. Okay, Akane and Ranma were having problems. Maybe
this would be better. She really didn't want to marry Ranma but any
marriage would likely be years off. This would take the pressure off
of them. Without the marriage being forced on them perhaps they
could open up with their feelings, that is if there was feelings to
open up to. Finally she gave in with a small sigh and nodded. "Very
well."
Her father immediately burst into tears of joy and took her
in hug. Kasumi, on the other hand, was still a bit worried. She'd
gotten herself into yet another fine predicament. She could only
hoped it turned out for the best.

"WHAT?!!!" Ranma cried out as he heard the news. "You have
got to be kidding!"
Equally shocked by the announcement was Akane. They, like
Kasumi, had been wrangled into the common room as soon as they
arrived home from school and given the `joyous' news. However,
unlike Ranma, Akane was dead silent, her feelings unreadable. Nabiki
was leaning against the wall, a poorly concealed look of amusement on
her face. Genma and Soun still had the look of eager happy parents
while Nodoka was still unsure. Kasumi merely remained silent.
Genma slapped his son on the back in support. "Come now son,
we know you've been against the engagement with Akane. Kasumi is a
fine young woman. I'm sure you'll get along splendidly."
"Oh yeah, sure... you...." Ranma's statement went off into a
mumble but he was obviously displeased. "Fine, it's not like I care
or nothing." With this Ranma walked off towards the dojo in a slight
huff. Kasumi watched him go then looked to her youngest sister,
hoping to see something. Instead Akane looked back at her with a
look that announced that she cared no more than Ranma did.
"I have homework to do." Akane announced then walked off for
her room.
"Well, everything seems to be going pretty well Tendo."
Genma said.
"Agreed Saotome. Maybe things will work out after all."
Soun replied.
Kasumi looked at the two parents for a brief moment then
headed off after Ranma. Maybe, just maybe, this whole situation
would reveal some hidden feelings... Yeah, right, her luck wasn't
that good, but she could try. She found him, as expected, practicing
in the dojo, a frown locked on his face.
"So, did you actually go along with this nonsense?" He asked
with a short sidewards glance.
"Well, ummm, kind of."
"Hmh, great." Ranma jumped into the air with a spinning
kick.
"It wasn't exactly my idea."
"Oh yeah, sure. Whatever." Ranma responded as he jumped
into another spinning kick.
Kasumi wasn't too sure if he believe her or not. "Ranma, if
you want to stay with Akane-"
"I don't care. One Tendo sister is as good as another. You,
Akane, Nabiki, what's the difference? Just another engagement I
don't want."
Kasumi sighed. This was going no where extremely fast. She
tried to think of some response but came up with a monstrous blank.
If he was hiding his feelings, she wasn't about to bring them out.
Well, it wasn't like she expected something instantaneous, though she
would have preferred it. She turned and left, Ranma giving her a
brief look, his frown still firmly in place.
Kasumi made her way to the carp pond and stood watching the
fish. She considered the whole situation and shook her head. She'd
once again jumped into the middle of things, trying to help everyone
out. Still, what would it hurt? This was for the best. What was a
bit of inconvenience to her when it could just help Ranma and Akane?
However, as much as she tried to convince herself, she still felt
like she was running head-on into trouble.
As if in response to her growing worry droplets of water
began to fall from the sky. Kasumi managed to get out another sigh
before she transformed.
"A bit glum sis?" Nabiki asked as she approached, protected
by an umbrella from the rain. Kasumi looked over at his sister and
attempted a smile but failed miserably. Nabiki, however, was
perfectly capable of smiling. "Oh, don't let it get you down.
Things will work out. Matter of fact, I have some good news for you.
The school vice-principle is thinking of hiring you as an assistant
physical education director." She said as she handed Kasumi a
letter.
"Excuse me. Why would he wish to do that?" Kasumi asked in
confusion.
"Oh, it's just an official title. I think he's more
interested in what my teacher told him about that little show you put
on with Kuno this morning."
"Why would that be interesting?"
"Well, it's pretty rare for Kuno to stand down from a fight.
I'm guessing you're going to be the school's peace keeper. If you're
interested he said to come see him tomorrow morning. It's all in
that letter."
Kasumi opened up the letter and gave it a quick read. Sure
enough, the vice-principle wanted him, or her rather, for an
interview tomorrow morning about the job. Well, maybe things were
brightening up a bit. He didn't have any plans for himself and this
had just dropped into his lap. His luck couldn't be all bad, he
supposed.
"Thank you Nabiki. I think I'll do just that." Kasumi
brightened up a bit then headed off to the house.
Nabiki stood and watched Kasumi strode off. She continued to
stare at the boy as he walked away, her eyes going progressively
lower. With a sudden shake of her head Nabiki looked away. "Damn
it! Where's an ice cold lake when you need it?!" Nabiki's
expression changed to one of disgust then anger as she too returned
to the house.

Ranma paced back and forth in one of the Kuno mansion's many
rooms, Kuno standing to the side. "Man Kuno, I don't believe this.
I've been trying to get loose from Akane for years now and just when
I think I might be free they stick me with another girl."
"This is interesting news. So, Akane Tendo is now free of
her engagement with you?" Kuno asked.
"Yeah, but now I'm engaged to Kasumi." Ranma replied as he
stopped and leaned against a wall in frustration.
"Did you say Kasumi?"
"Yes, Kasumi, why?" Ranma asked as he looked over at Kuno.
"Hmm, Kasumi Tendo..." Kuno replied absently, a far off look
on his face.
Ranma examined Kuno's blank stare for a moment then smiled
slightly, a plan beginning to form in his head. Kuno wasn't that bad
of a guy once you got to know him. He was closer to Kasumi's age
anyway and he seemed to like her... "Hey, Kuno, you wouldn't be
interested in her or nothing, would you?"
Kuno snapped back to reality and gave Ranma a hard look.
"That is my concern, not yours."
"Of course, of course, but if you were I just might be
willing to help you out a bit, say like I am with Akane."
Kuno considered this for a moment then nodded. "I just may
take your offer."
Ranma's smile widened as he walked over to Kuno. "Great!
Okay then, we'll-"
"Brother dear, I'm home!" Kodachi called out as she stepped
into the room. She stopped when she noticed Ranma and gave him a
sour look. "Are you still lounging around here? Don't you have a
home?"
Ranma suddenly became excited. "Ko... Ko... Kodachi! Ahhhh,
how... how nice to see you!"
"Hmph, I bet." She replied as she began to turn to leave.
Ranma quickly rushed over to her side.
"Wait! Ko... Kodachi, I'm... you wouldn't be interested in
maybe, I don't know, going to be... I mean dinner-"
"Oh, I know exactly what you mean." She replied as she
leaned in close to him, a seductive smile on her face. Ranma
nervously swallowed and smiled as Kodachi neared. He then suddenly
doubled over in pain after Kodachi slugged him in the gut.
"Keep your hormones to yourself." Kodachi said as she backed
off a step, looking down at him with a look of disdain. She then
turned to her brother. "I must practice for the upcoming tournament
against Kolholz High. I do not wish to be disturbed." With that she
turned and walked out.
Ranma finally recovered and stood up straight and gave a sigh
of longing. "Hey Kuno, what's with your sister anyway? Why doesn't
she pay any attention to me?"
"Perhaps because you make such a fool of yourself in her
presence." Kuno answered. "So, shall we discuss the matter of
Kasumi Tendo?" Ranma nodded then walked back over to Kuno.

Akane sat at the desk in her room, looking at her school
books. She hadn't gotten a thing done in hours. She was too
distracted to think. In the span of two days her whole life had been
turned on its ear. She was now free of the engagement and her sister
was back.
Akane was glad to have Kasumi back, and did feel sorry for
what had happened to her. However, she also felt like she was second
best now. At least with Ranma she always knew she had a chance.
With Kasumi she didn't even have that much. Akane couldn't help but
feel a little jealous.
Then there was the engagement. She'd been feeling twisted
with the prospect of marrying Ranma. It felt so wrong. Akane was
glad to be free of it. However, she also felt something else. For
most her life she had known one thing, that she'd be married to
Ranma. She hadn't liked it but it had been a constant that she could
count on. Suddenly that constant was gone. It left her a bit lost.
Still, she was free, now she could go after the man she was really
interested in with no worries about that silly engagement getting in
the way.
Her mind turned back to Kasumi. Akane may be free but Kasumi
had taken her place in the trap. She had some sympathy for her
sister's situation but what was to be done? Akane had been working
at getting out of the engagement for years and only now had made
progress, but only because her problem had been switched to Kasumi.
It didn't look like there was much of a way for her to help her
sister out.
"Maybe she'll get to like him." Akane said aloud to herself.
It didn't give her much hope though. She shook her head and turned
her mind to a problem she might be able to deal with, getting Dr.
Tofu to notice her.

The next morning Kasumi woke up early to get to the school.
She had to again scold herself for skipping practice. Even though
she wanted to stay clear of Genma she did need a sparring partner.
She made a mental note to set up morning practice sessions again with
him. In that at least he couldn't cause any more damage.
Kasumi grabbed up a quick breakfast and a lunch prepared for
her and dashed off to the school. She'd hate to be late for her own
job interview. That wouldn't be the greatest of impressions to give a
prospective employer.
The meeting with the vice-principle went quite well. As
Nabiki had expected he was more interested in hiring her on as a
peace keeper. Apparently the situation at the school was really out
of control. He was desperate for something to keep things running
smoothly. It really didn't matter to Kasumi, this job would give her
something to do. The pay wasn't even that important, though it was
certainly an added benefit.
A short time after the meeting Kasumi was standing out front
of the school considering how to best approach the morning crowd.
She didn't have long to think as the boys soon began gathering, many
of them giving her odd looks. As always, reason was the best course.
Failing that, well... Kasumi's was hoping she didn't have to get to
that.
She pulled together her resolve and began to move to the head
of the crowd. On her way Kuno arrived. Kasumi looked at him briefly
and got an awfully odd impression. Was he looking at her in the same
manner as he looked at Akane? No, couldn't be. She was just
imagining things. She pushed the thought away and turned to face the
crowd.
"Ah, hello, I am Kasumi Tendo, the new assistant physical
education director. Now, as a matter of school safety, I must
unfortunately ask you all to disband and go on to your classes." She
paused and examined the crowds response. Mostly it was confusion and
a lot of mumbled questions. However, no one moved. Kasumi took in a
breath then continued. "Is there some kind of problem?"
One of the rougher members of the crowd stepped forward.
"Yeah, lady, there's a problem. We're here to get a date with your
sister. What makes you think you're going to stop us?"
"Well-" Kasumi began but got cut off as Kuno suddenly stood
in front of her, his bokken raised to the other boy in challenge.
"You sir, how dare you speak in such a belligerent manner to
this fine woman. Have you no respect?! I will not stand for your
insolence!" Kuno spoke, getting angrier with every word.
The boy backed off in fear. "No, upper classman Kuno, wait,
I didn't mean-"
"Enough!! I will teach you a hard lesson in manners!!!
Defend yourself!!!!" Kuno began a charge but, like the day before,
he suddenly found his hands empty. He turned to see Kasumi with his
bokken.
"Please, there is no need for that." Kasumi said to him then
looked over the crowd. "If there is some kind of problem, I will
certainly address it."
Kuno turned and gave the crowd a hard, threatening look.
Everyone fell back a pace. "I, Tatewaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder of
Furinken High, do hereby declare that all present here shall take
heed of Kasumi Tendo's request and depart immediately. Do I make
myself absolutely clear?" Kuno spoke out to the crowd. In response
there was a few seconds of confusion, a couple of uncertain looks at
Kasumi and Kuno, and a couple more mumbled questions. However,
finally the crowd began to break up and walk off.
Kasumi smiled then walked over to Kuno, handing him his
bokken. "Why thank you. That was most helpful of you."
"It was my duty and nothing more." Kuno replied with a
slight bow.
Kasumi nodded then began to head towards the school but found
Kuno blocking her path. "Of course, it would not do for such a fair
woman as yourself to be without an escort."
"Oh,. that will not be necessary. I'm am quite capable of
taking care of myself." Kasumi responded as she tried to walk around
him but again found him blocking her path.
"Ah, but you do not know of the dangers that abound in these
halls."
"Yes, I'm sure, but I'm afraid I shall just have to get along
on my own. Now, if you don't mind..." She replied, gesturing for
Kuno to move off to the side.
"You are mistaken my fair educator. I, Tatewaki Kuno, shall
protect thee."
Kasumi began seriously considering just letting him `protect'
her but that wouldn't do. He seemed to have taken a interest in her
and that wasn't proper. He was a student, she was now an instructor.
She'd just have to diffuse the situation.
"I'm afraid that is impossible. I realize you have some
feeling for me but-"
"Oh, you are truly blessed with a deep understanding, but you
need not hide your affections. I fear not the misconceptions of
others. Fair educator, I shall date with thee." With that Kuno
leaped forward in an attempt to hug Kasumi. He didn't quite make it.
Instead, Kasumi instinctively went into action, striking in several
key spots and hopping back out of his reach. The blows were precise
and basically painless but they did their job, Kuno fell like a sack
of grain.
Kasumi shook her head and found Nabiki standing beside her.
"Not bad sis. You trounced him real good."
"I didn't mean to. Oh well, I suppose I'll have to take him
to the nurse's office now." Kasumi said as she moved to pick Kuno's
unconscious form up.
"Allow me." Nabiki said as she helped her sister and
together they began to walk off to the school. Behind them Akane and
Ranma were looking around, slightly confused.

Elsewhere in Nerima, a short time later, a figure stepped off
a bus. On this person's face was a look of barely controlled rage.
The person looked around then set out towards a certain school.
There was only one thing on this individual's mind.
"Just you wait Kasumi, just you wait. You're going to pay
for what you did to me." The figure mumbled, getting angrier with
every minute, and with every step.

Back at Furinken it was lunch time and, as usual, Akane and
Ranma were sitting together by the soccer field. What was a bit
unusual was that they weren't talking. It wasn't because they were
angry at each other. They simply didn't know what to say.
They hadn't discussed the breaking of their engagement yet.
Each perceived the other as not wanting it and since he/she also
didn't want it there wasn't much to say. Funny thing was, both
wanted to say something, yet neither was willing to take the
initiative.
The silence between them started to grate but before either
was finally driven into action Kasumi appeared next to them and sat
down.
"Oh, hi Kasumi. How's your first day at work?" Akane asked,
glad to finally have a save avenue to speak.
"Quite well actually. That boy, Tatewaki, was actually very
helpful this morning." Kasumi responded as she pulled out her lunch.
"I bet. I think he's taken a little bit of an interest in
you." Ranma said.
Kasumi looked down at her food but just stared as she
contemplated her newest situation. "Yes, it would seem so."
Ranma smiled and pushed on. "You know, Kuno isn't that bad.
He's got his quirks, sure, but underneath it all he's a real softy."
Akane rolled her eyes then gave Ranma a suspicious look.
"Hah, that sounds like the same junk you handed me, Ranma! I know
he's your friend and all, but let's be honest. He's got a few screws
loose. Let me guess, you're trying to set her up with him now that
she's engaged to you."
"Well I-"
"You can be such a brainless, thoughtless jerk sometimes!"
Akane said as she stood and walked off, a bit miffed.
Ranma watched her go with a scowl then turned to see Kasumi
giving him a suspicious look. After a second of nervousness Ranma
looked down at a nonexistent watch and jumped to his feet. "Hey,
look at the time, I got to go. See you later maybe." Ranma raced
off before Kasumi could respond.
Kasumi continued to sit and returned to eating her lunch.
Another sign that their relationship was hopeless. It looked like
Ranma was trying alternative measures to stop the marriage. She
supposed it wasn't that bad. After all, he was only encouraging
another relationship, something many people do all the time. Still,
she couldn't help but feel like Ranma believed she was a burden to
him, just like Akane probably felt.
Kasumi shook her head and finished off her lunch. She began
to get up but stopped when she sensed something approaching. She
twisted just in time to catch a bouquet of red roses. She looked at
them briefly then looked at the young man approaching her, one
Tatewaki Kuno. Kasumi let out a sigh as she reached her feet.
"My dearest Kasumi Tendo, we meet again."
"Yes. You appear to have dropped these." Kasumi said as she
attempted to hand back the bouquet.
Kuno waved off the flowers. "There are a token of my
affection, and yours to keep."
"I couldn't possibly, that would be highly inappropriate."
Kasumi said as she again tried to give back the flowers but Kuno
refused to take them.
"True love knows not the boundaries of our primitive
society's arbitrary rules."
Kasumi was beginning to get a little desperate. She didn't
want to hurt this poor boy's feelings yet she couldn't let this
infatuation of his continue. "Now, you are just going to have to
understand that I do not hold that kind of feeling for you. I'm
afraid we could simply not have a relationship at this time."
"If you mean the engagement which has been forced upon you,
fear not for I shall surely free you from it."
Kasumi was momentarily surprised that he knew about it then
she realized that Nabiki or Ranma might have told him. "Well, there
is that but I am afraid there are more personal reasons as well. You
do understand?"
Kuno looked back at her blankly, contemplating what she said.
Finally he gave a small nod. "I see."
"Good. I have to be on my way." She said in relief and
finally managed to hand back the flowers. She set out back for the
school but she could see Kuno was still struggling with something.
She looked back at him, briefly considered talking further to him but
dismissed the idea. He'd just have to work it out for himself.

Kuno watched Kasumi walk off towards the school. He was a
perplexed. Personal reasons? What could those possibly be? There
was nothing inadequate about him. She was most certainly mistaken.
Kuno noticed Kasumi looking back at him, as if hesitating.
Ah, so she was interested. Of course, she merely feared confronting
her true emotions. Well, he could help remedy that.
Kasumi continued on her way and began to round the corner of
the school. Kuno made up his mind and chased after her. He lost
sight of her around the school for a second but quickly closed the
gap. To his surprise he found her gone. He looked about in
confusion. There was no place she could have gone. The only person
here was some strange man he had never seen before.
Kuno looked at the man with a growing suspicion. He had most
certainly done something to the fair Kasumi Tendo. Well, he would be
sure to bring him to justice!

Nabiki looked down at Kasumi's male form from the window
above her, idly putting her cup back onto it's base. How clumsy of
her, and how unfortunate that the water in that cup hit Kasumi,
Nabiki thought sarcastically. She then noticed Kuno turn the corner
and look around in confusion. Then he looked at the male Kasumi with
the angry frown that he reserved for only hated foes.
Nabiki felt a twinge of guilt but then dismissed it and moved
away from the window. Just bad timing. Kasumi could handle herself,
himself, whatever.

Kasumi was rather confused himself. She, at the time anyway,
was walking along, then suddenly she was hit by some water from
above. He was about to look for the source of the unexpected down
pour when a yell from behind caught his attention.
"You sir! What have you done with Kasumi Tendo?!"
Kasumi turned to see Kuno, enraged and battle ready. Kasumi
was momentarily further confused at Kuno's anger then he realized
that he was a he, not a she, and Kuno knew nothing of the curse.
Kasumi quickly started to think of a way out of this new
situation. There was no nearby source of hot water to demonstrate
the curse and he doubted Kuno was in the mood to let Kasumi just go
off and find some. There was also no quick means of escape. He had
two options left, attempt to reason with him or fight him. Hopefully
reason would work.
"You're mistaken, I've done nothing. You see-"
"Silence! I will not hear your foul lies or stand here while
you try your evil trickery! Return her at once or face my wrath!"
Reason was looking pretty hopeless. "No, you don't
understand. If you could allow me-"
"Never fiend! I shall smite you and bring Kasumi Tendo back
to safety! Defend yourself!!" Kuno rushed forward with a slash from
his bokken.
Kasumi hopped over the attack and flipped backwards to gain
some distance. As he landed Kuno continued his assault with a thrust
and spinning slash. Kasumi dodged these but quickly realized that
this wouldn't be quite the blow out their other meetings had ended
in. He was moving quicker, more precise and not pulling his punches
in the least. Kasumi attempted to grab the bokken away from him but
found he could not get a safe grip on it. Kasumi dodged a quick set
a thrusts then leaped up onto the wall and used it to spring high
into the air. He landed facing the infuriated Kendoist. It looked
like Kasumi would have to get serious.

Back up in the room where Nabiki was, several female students
were gathering around the windows to see the fight.
"Wow, look at that guy!"
"Oooh, he's a real hunk!"
"I wonder who is he? Do you think he has a girlfriend?"
"I hope not!"
Nabiki tried to shut out the comments and concentrate on
other things. Unfortunately the other girls had other ideas.
"Hey Nabiki, get over here! You got to see this guy who's
fighting Kuno! He's gorgeous!" One of Nabiki's friends said.
"No thanks." Nabiki replied.
"Oh, come on!" Suddenly Nabiki found herself being dragged
to the window by her friends. "You don't know what you're missing!"

Back down at the fight Kasumi was again considering options,
this time for how best to end the fight. It was quickly getting down
to one possibility. Kasumi really didn't want to hurt the boy but
Kuno was leaving him no choice.
Kasumi dodged another set of bokken strikes, one of which
sliced cleanly through a tree. He flipped over the fallen tree then
decided to give into the inevitable and set himself into an offensive
stance.
"I'll ask you one last time to end this. I do not wish to
harm you." Kasumi said as Kuno stepped over the tree.
Kuno smiled confidently, apparently unfrazzled that he hadn't
managed to score a single blow. "I will only end this when you
return the maiden you have kidnapped! Prepare yourself for the end!"
Kuno dashed forward with a blur of bokken thrusts. The speed of the
attack was actually rather impressive but Kasumi still managed to
avoid every one of the blows. However, this battle was going on too
long. It was time to end it before someone got seriously hurt.
Kasumi faked a trip and fell back. Kuno took the bait and
raised his bokken back for a strike on his seemingly prone opponent.
"I have you!" He managed to shout before Kasumi pushed himself back
up and struck in a quick series of precise attacks. Kuno froze in
mid motion then went limp and began to fall. Kasumi managed to catch
him, his unconscious face resting on Kasumi's chest. Kasumi couldn't
help but blush. Being a man didn't make this position seem any less
awkward. Well, back to the nurse's office, he supposed.

Ranma watched the whole fight from afar. He frowned at the
display of martial arts talent that Kasumi had put on. He'd never
seen Kuno that outmatched. Sure, Ranma could beat him every time but
it wasn't that much of a mismatch. It was enough to make Ranma quite
jealous.
In any case, this whole curse thing would be a problem. He'd
just have to keep it a secret from Kuno. It shouldn't be that tough.
This was Kuno he was dealing with. Kuno had his points but calm
rational thought wasn't one of them.
Ranma had to feel somewhat sorry for Kasumi though. Now she
had to deal with Kuno in two different ways, as an enemy and as an
overzealous lover. It was certainly going to be interesting.

In one of Furinken's many bathrooms Nabiki was dumping a
bucket of cold water over her head. After a brief few seconds to
calm herself she threw the bucket aside in frustration and looked at
the mirror. She turned pale with disgust then angry. With a shake
of her head she headed back to class with one thing on her mind, this
was all Kasumi's fault.

Later Kasumi, back to normal, was waiting outside the school
for her sisters and fiancee. She'd had a long day and hoped that she
wouldn't have to repeat the performance any time soon.
Akane and Ranma soon arrived, followed by Nabiki who gave
Kasumi a scowl then walked off without further word. Kasumi looked
at Akane and Ranma in question about this but both just shrugged.
Dismissing the thought for later Kasumi and the others followed after
Nabiki.
"I heard you had a bit of a fight with Kuno." Akane said
with a bit of amusement.
"Yes, I'm afraid so."
"Too bad I missed it. I would have loved to see you in
action as a boy."
"I would much prefer to stay out of action, in either form.
I do hope he'll be okay."
"Kuno's tough, he's taken far worse than what you gave him.
He'll be up and throwing roses by tomorrow." Ranma replied. "He
sure is the heroic sort, isn't he?"
"Oh Ranma, give it up!" Akane shot back in annoyance.
"What?" Ranma asked innocently.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about!"
"No I don't."
"Oh please. You're about as subtle as a rocket launcher."
Akane replied then turned to look away. Ranma did likewise. Kasumi
looked between them then shook her head.

On the school's rooftop the figure from the bus watched
Kasumi depart. Striking now wasn't right. Too much interference.
Besides, this was going to be something special, something to pay
back the Tendo girl for all she had done. Tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow.
Tomorrow would be the day for vengeance.

%End Chapter 2

That's it for Chapter 2. You'll just have to be patient to
see the rest. C&C is very welcome. Still don't know how long this
is going to be, sorry.
If you wish to check out my other works look at:
http://www.mala.bc.ca/~tritscwa
I'm presently off for the summer so don't expect my webpage
to be too recent, I have no home ftp service (sympatico is pitiful
but it's free so...).
Bye for now.