An Altered Destiny
By: Dreiser
This was inspired by the works of Rumiko Takahashi, Wade Tritschler, Jim Robert Bader, and others. Thanks for reading!
-Prologue-
"Pops would you stop being stupid? We're going back and that's final."
The irate young man who said this warily stared at the panicked panda which stood before him. The panda waved its arms in a hurried motion that expressed a feeling of desperation at these words. Sighing the boy paused to push a loose lock of oak brown hair out of sandalwood eyes. Shoving the panda to one side he ignored its increasingly strange gestures.
"I told you, quit it! We're going back home! I want to see the others.. I'm not about to let you drag me on another stupid training journey. This one lasted ten years."
At this comment the panda released a low growl and stood firmly in front of the boy who groaned. "Pops! Quit it!" The panda refused to budge and the boy reluctantly moved into fighting position. Mimicking this action the panda backed away as the boy flew into a strong frontal assault. Blocking every attack with more skill than any normal animal was able the panda managed to hold it's own against the angry boy. As this occurred several citizens began to gather around the scene, after all, a panda battling a boy was not something you saw every day... even in a district like Nerima.
Wearing a face of annoyance the boy yanked the large spatula which had rested on the top of his backpack. Pulling it back in a quick motion he slammed it into the panda's furry midsection sending it sprawling. Smirking at this he drawled. "Hah! That's what you get. Stupid old man." The boy returned his odd weapon to its place and began to walk away.
Meanwhile the irritated panda had yanked a nearby street sign from its place and was preparing to hit the young man in the back of the head with it. Just as it was about to strike a strong hand gripped its furry paw.
"I don't think so Ojisama." The panda released an anxious sound as it stared into luminous sandalwood eyes. Squeezing the panda's wrist tightly the boy hissed. "Don't forget who I am old man. I'm sure the master wouldn't appreciate his heir getting such treatment."
At this statement the panda widened its eyes and began to look extremely nervous. Snatching the street sign away the boy tossed it aside carelessly. "That's what I thought. Now listen here. I'm going back home and that's final. It's up to you whether or not you follow."
Saying that he took off quickly down the street before bounding on the rooftops to move along at a fast pace. The panda formed a shocked expression at this before taking off in earnest, trying to overtake the boy.
"At last!" Cried Tendo Soun in joyous tones as he clutched a postcard tightly to his breast. On it lay the words he had been waiting to hear for so many years. "After all this time they are finally returning home!"
Walking out onto the porch where Soun stood crying with emotion Saotome Nodoka questioned. "Are you all right Soun-
kun?"
"Nodoka!" Soun turned to beam with happiness. "The master's chosen heir, the daughter of our own dear departed friend Kuonji Akira, little Ukyo, has written me saying she is returning from her long training journey with Genma! Isn't it fantastic? Finally our school will be complete! And you will be able to live with Genma as man and wife!"
"That is good news," replied Nodoka in surprise. "I thought they might never return. Ranma and Akane will be so happy to see Ukyo again... they got along so well as children. Should I go tell them of the news?" "Of course!" Soun exclaimed. "Where is everyone?"
"Kasumi is in the kitchen preparing dinner. Nabiki is in her room doing homework. I think Ranma and Akane are in the dojo training. I'll go fetch them." With that Nodoka moved away to retrieve the children while Soun continued to stand in place gazing into the sky with a happy expression on his features.
"Stop jumping around like that and fight me!" Cried Akane in angry tones as her annoying iinazuke dodged yet another attack at her hands.
Sticking out his tongue Ranma teased. "I don't fight girls. You know that. Besides you gotta move faster than that to catch me Akane. C'mon, let me see some of that famous brute strength of yours!"
Akane growled at this and made another attempt to punch Ranma who leapt over her fist with ease. "I wouldn't have to use my `brute strength' if it wasn't for you Ranma! Why won't you just talk to Kuno about leaving me alone?"
"Hey!" Ranma said, sounding slightly wounded. "I talk to him plenty but he won't get it into his head. What am I supposed to do about it? The sap is crazy for you Akane. It isn't his fault he takes it a little far..."
"A little far?!" Akane cried incredulously. "He has half the male population fighting me every morning! And don't think that me dating Kuno will change anything about the engagement. They won't ever listen to our side of things. Anyway, you know that I hate him!"
"You hate everyone," replied Ranma while rolling expressive blue eyes. "Kuno is my buddy so stop picking on me about his weird habits okay? I don't bother you about Kodachi and her poison collection do I?" "Ranma? Akane?" A polite voice questioned in soft tones. They looked up to see the figure of Nodoka accompanied by a smirking Nabiki. "Would you come inside? Soun has something he wants to tell both of you."
"Oh yeah? What?" Asked Ranma curiously.
"That is for him to say. Come." Nodoka said in calmly, turning to exit the dojo.
"You guys are going to love the news." Nabiki drawled. "Especially you Ranma."
"Oh yeah?" Ranma queried. "What is it?"
"Nothing much," Nabiki said smiling widely. "Just the imminent return of your father and the official heir to the Anything Goes school of martial arts."
-One-
Soun was still wearing a happy expression as the group gathered to hear the important news. Everyone was trying to interpret his stumbling excited words, except Kasumi who was in the kitchen trying to finish cooking their dinner. She was heading from the kitchen to announce dinner was ready when she heard a knock at the door. Opening it cautiously her eyes were met with the figure of a very handsome boy. Kasumi blinked at his appearance. There was something familiar about him but she was not sure what.
"Kasumi? Are you Kasumi?" He questioned in soft almost shy tones as sandalwood searched her gaze.
"Oh my." Kasumi breathed in wonderment at this familiarity. The boy was very attractive, with long oak brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. He dressed in a Chinese style short sleeved blue silk shirt, which was covered by a strange belt holding what looked to be small spatulas, along with loose flowing black pants, and black slippers.
She stepped back in alarm, for out of nowhere, a large panda reared its furry head behind him. Rather then react in similarly the boy wore an annoyed expression. He didn't turn as he pulled out a large spatula to quickly hit the panda on the head with it. "Don't bug me Pops. We're finally home and you just better deal with it."
"Pops?" Blinked Kasumi in confusion. Was this boy actually calling the panda his father? And what did he mean by calling this his home? "Long story beautiful." Drawled the boy as he ignored the panda which seemed to be throwing a fit behind him.
"Kasumi," said the boy again. "I know this seems incredible but I'm Ukyo.. the heir to the Anything Goes school of martial arts. I was taken in by your family along with the Saotomes when I was just a child at the request of the master."
Gazing deeply into the soulful eyes before her Kasumi smiled softly. "Ukyo?" The boy nodded his assent slowly. "Oh Ukyo!" Exclaimed Kasumi happily. "I'm so happy to see you. This must be the news father had. But what about Genma? Where is he?"
Ukyo was about to reply when the smiling figure of Soun rounded the corner. Taking in the figures of the two he exclaimed. "Ukyo! Is that our heir finally returned?"
"Uh.. yeah. That's me." Ukyo began tentatively.
"Ukyo!" Cried Soun as he lunged forward to embrace the boy who uncomfortably returned the hug. Behind Ukyo the panda released a gruff sound that resembled laughter.
Catching sight of the panda at this noise Soun stiffened and backed away in fear. Noticing this Ukyo pronounced calmly. "Relax Ojisama Tendo," the boy smiled. "That's just Ojisama Saotome."
"That's.." Soun began in shock.
The panda pulled out a small wooden sign and shoved the boy around who protested loudly. Searching through the boy's backpack he finally pulled out a black felt pen.
"What is it doing?" Questioned Kasumi in wonder.
"Looks like it's writing to me." Put in Ranma who had suddenly appeared with Akane, Nabiki, and Nodoka.
"No way!" Exclaimed Akane critically.
"Wait for it.." Remarked the boy with a smirk. Soon after he said this the panda held up the sign. Sadly, I am Saotome Genma. This is Kuonji Ukyo.
"Genma? Ukyo?" Gasped Nodoka as she took in the altered form of her husband. "Is that really you?"
The panda turned the sign over. Long story.
"That's an understatement Pops," the boy began impatiently. "Its been a really long trip. We'd like to take some hot baths if you wouldn't mind."
Upset at the rude tone the boy was taking Akane demanded. "Who are you anyway?"
"I'm Kuonji Ukyo." The boy replied. "You're Akane, right? We used to play when we were little kids."
"Ukyo?" Ranma queried in astonishment. "But? What the heck happened to you?" He asked his blue eyes searching for the childhood playmate he had known so well. "That panda isn't really my father is it?" "Yeah," remarked Ukyo. "I'm afraid he is your father Ranma. For what it's worth."
"From what I recall Ukyo was a girl. You appear to be a very fine example of masculinity sir." Stated Nabiki in cool tones with a touch of humor.
"We're under a curse." Interrupted Ukyo wearily. "A curse which would be a lot easier to explain if we could have some hot bathes."
"I'm sorry," said Kasumi, recovering her manners and wit. "But we've had some difficulty with plumbing lately and the hot water in the furo doesn't work."
Ukyo groaned at this. "Figures." Turning to Kasumi he asked amiably. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble could you possibly boil some water? I'd appreciate more than words can say."
Flustered by the engaging manner in which the boy spoke Kasumi stammered. "Of course.."
Charmer. Read the panda's sign as Kasumi departed. Ukyo growled at this. "Don't push it old man."
"Uh.. Ukyo?" Began Akane.
"Yeah?" Ukyo returned in tired tones.
"No offense or anything but what in the world happened to you? I mean, you all don't look anything like you did when you left. How do we know it really is you?"
"Hey!" Ranma cried. Turning to Ukyo he said apologetically. "I'm sorry. She's not usually like this but we haven't seen you both for so many years..."
Holding up his hand to cease the apologies Ukyo smiled softly. "It's perfectly fine. I understand completely. I'd feel the same way if I were you. Look. Is there somewhere we can go to talk?"
"We can go to the dojo," Akane suggested. "I could use a workout.. maybe you can help since Ranma refuses to fight me." The pair followed Akane to the dojo.
Ukyo turned sandalwood eyes curiously onto the figure of Ranma and questioned. "Don't tell me that Nodoka raised you to believe in that `I don't fight girls' routine?"
"Uh.." Ranma faltered. "Actually she did. Why?"
"Seems like a waste." Ukyo shrugged as they entered the dojo. "How are either of you supposed to improve if you aren't able to go all out against each other? Besides, girls are hardly made of glass, I assure you."
"You study Kempo right?" Ranma questioned.
"I study Kempo, Tai Quon Do, Mu Tai, and some basic Karate," stated Ukyo. "My main talents lie when fighting with weapons but your father focuses on unarmed combat training. He's a good Sensei if nothing else."
"What do you mean?" Asked Ranma sharply.
"I meant nothing." Gazing at the dark boy next to him Ukyo said warily, "Other than to state the fact that I've traveled with your father for over ten years. All at the master's request. In that amount of time you get to know a person really well. The master and your father have basically been my only companions in life..." "Really?" Ranma questioned curiously. Suddenly very interested again. "You know my father really well then?" "Yes. Really well." Ukyo gazed into those searching blue eyes feeling himself becoming lost in their depths. "Do you want to spar or not?" Interrupted Akane. Meeting the gaze of the girl Ukyo seemed hesitant. "If you've been training all these years you should be up to it." Akane pressed wearing a competitive face.
"I don't fight without a purpose." Ukyo pronounced in clear calm tones.
"But what about practice?" Ranma asked.
"Oh that." Studying Akane with cool sandalwood eyes Ukyo finally murmured. "Very well. For the sake of practice." Moving into fighting position Ukyo said. "Lets spar, shall we?"
Akane started her attack as she always did. With a strong offense. Charging at Ukyo with speed and a fierce spirit Akane soon found that her target had bounded over her head to stand behind her. Resting comfortably on the tips of his toes Ukyo commented. "You rely on your strength quite a bit don't you Akane?"
From the wall where he was leaning Ranma chuckled. "That's the understatement of the year Ucchan."
Grinning at the comment and the use of his old childhood nickname Ukyo turned his attention back to the snarling Akane as she approached with feet flying at him in a vicious attack. Dodging the flurry of feet. Ukyo quickly grabbed her ankle, steadying it in his grip. Akane's eyes widened at her attack being stopped.
Wearing a mischievous grin Ukyo quickly tickled the bottom of Akane's foot before dodging another sharp punch aimed at his face. "Quit playing with me!" Growled Akane as Ukyo continued to dodge. "You're not Ukyo!" She hissed as she managed to land a solid punch to the boy's midsection.
"Oh?" Questioned Ukyo curiously. "Why do you say that Akane?" Dodging a number of attacks Ukyo popped up in Akane's face wearing a wide smile.
"You're a guy stupid! Ukyo is a GIRL!"
"Don't believe everything you see Akane." Sighing slightly Ukyo muttered. "Enough of this." Ukyo suddenly shot his left leg forward to send Akane flying at incredible speeds at the dojo wall. Terrified she was going to hit it Akane had her eyes closed. Then warm arms gathered her up and she found herself being set down by Ukyo.
"That was great!" Exclaimed Ranma giving Ukyo a friendly pat on the back. "You looked like you flew across the dojo. You learned a lot traveling huh?"
"Yeah.." Ukyo said softly. "A lot."
Sniffing Akane retorted. "If he's so great why don't you fight him Ranma?"
"I told you. I don't fight girls." Ranma said.
"Doesn't look like he's a girl to me." Remarked Akane while staring at the broad shouldered Ukyo very plainly. Ukyo sighed with despair at this.
Rolling his eyes Ranma retorted. "You're just trying to egg me into a fight tomboy. Unlike you I don't like to beat up old friends." Akane snarled at this and made an attempt to punch Ranma which he ducked quickly.
Curiously watching this exchange Ukyo questioned. "Aren't you two engaged?"
The pair both wore scowls at this. Ranma answered first. "Yeah we are but its a dumb idea. Akane and I aren't anything more than friends. Besides, she already has-"
Before Ranma could finish the rest of his statement a pair of high pitched screams were heard echoing throughout the household.
"Mom!" Cried Ranma as he dashed off.
"Kasumi!" Exclaimed Akane following closely.
"That idiot," muttered Ukyo as he darkly stalked after the disappearing pair. "I should have known he wouldn't be subtle about this."
In the kitchen they were greeted with the sight of a fearful Nodoka clutching to similar looking Kasumi. Before them was a husky man wearing a white gi and adjusting a pair of horn rimmed glasses.
"Mom!" Ranma cried moving forward to touch his mother's shoulder gently. "Are you all right?"
The man moved forward to stare into the deep blue eyes of the dark haired boy. "Ranma, my boy!" He exclaimed in jubilant tones.
"Genma!" Cried Soun as he entered the kitchen. "Old friend! When did you arrive?"
"Well you see Soun," began Genma in hesitant tones.
"Yes Genma," said his wife. Now fully recovered Nodoka was staring at him with hard eyes. "When did you get here? And where is Ukyo?"
"Yeah Pops," drawled the boy who walked across the kitchen to his side. "Where is Ukyo?"
Genma looked nervously into the boy's eyes. Nodoka continued to stare hard at her husband. Ranma, Akane, and Soun each wore looks of confusion. Nabiki was clinically taking in the situation. And it ward difficult to tell what exactly Kasumi was feeling.
Genma came to life suddenly as the boy picked up a nearby tea kettle in one hand. "No don't!" He cried in nervous tones as he rushed forward.
"They have to know!" Snapped the boy in response, pouring the last bits of water over his head. Suddenly his figure slowly shifted and the sharp planes of his face softened. His broad shoulders shrank with his height. All in all the boy looked fairly similar to what he did when he first appeared before them but his features were softer and his height had diminished. That and slight curves were added.
Watching the blank stares of his companions Genma began to slowly back out of the room before the truth was plainly revealed. Silently thanking the Kami for Ukyo's androgynous features and style of dress as he went.
"Not so fast Ojisama! They have to see this!" Announced Ukyo as she quickly unbuttoned her blue silk shirt. Pulling it open to reveal a pair of bound back but still very buoyant and very feminine pair of breasts.
Ranma's eyes bulged at this. Akane looked on in shock as did Kasumi and Soun. Nabiki raised an eyebrow curiously. Meanwhile Nodoka had grabbed the back of her husband's gi to keep him from running away.
"Ukyo?" Questioned Ranma incredulously.
"How?" Breathed Kasumi in wonderment.
"It's not my fault!" Screeched Genma.
"Who are you?" Demanded Akane.
"I'm Kuonji Ukyo, heir to the Anything Goes school of martial arts," Ukyo said warily."Sorry about this."
"Genma!" Roared Soun in rage. "What did you let happen to our heir?!" He approached Genma who was backing away in wide eyed fear.
"It isn't Pops fault. Really," intervened Ukyo wearing a complacent smile. "He didn't know a word of Mandarin when we were in China."
"You know Mandarin?" Asked Ranma intrigued.
"I do now. I learned the hard way that it's a bad thing to not speak the language in a foreign land." Responded Ukyo with an easy smile which Ranma blushed at.
"Ukyo," Nodoka began. "How can you take this so lightly? You.. you were a... a.."
"A boy," replied Ukyo with a lopsided grin. She rested a calm hand on Nodoka's shoulder. "I know. It's sort of weird but I've learned to live with it. So has Pops. It really isn't that big a deal once you get used to it."
"But how did this happen in the first place?" Akane queried in demanding tones.
"I was trying to get to that," Ukyo said dryly. "We journeyed to the cursed springs of Jusenkyo, China to go through their famous regimen of balance training. The springs are essentially several different pools filled by an underground river. Each spring has a tragic story attached to it, having various animals and things drowned in them. There is legend that says the ancient gods created a curse which entails that anyone who fall into a Jusenkyo spring will take the form of whatever first drown there."
Ukyo paused a moment to make sure Genma wasn't trying to run off again. "I fell into the spring of drowned boy while Ojisama fell into the spring of drowned panda," she finished calmly.
"Excuse me," interrupted Nodoka calmly. "Did you fall or were you pushed?" She questioned suspiciously as she eyed Genma who looked very nervous.
"Little of both," Ukyo replied watching Genma as well. "We were sparring on the high bamboo poles. I attacked first, kicking Ojisama into the panda spring. When he leapt out in his cursed form he startled me leaving me open for his attack and causing my balance to be lost. That's when I fell into the spring of drowned boy. Cold water activates the curse while hot water reverses it."
"Is there a cure?" Questioned Kasumi softly gazing at the figure of Ukyo.
"Not according to the guide," replied Ukyo. Forming a wry expression she continued. "Since then our lives haven't been the most normal ones as I'm sure you can imagine." She turned luminous brown eyes onto the figure of Genma and growled. "Which means Ojisama that since I'm finally back home I'm breaking my partnership with you. If the master wants me to train, fine. But I'll do it with him from now on. You rant on and on about how horrible he is but you've gotten me into more trouble than anybody."
"Trouble?" Ranma asked softly. Gazing at Ukyo with kind eyes he asked. "Has life been really hard for you?"
"No.. not hard," Ukyo sighed, trying to explain. "More a series of horrible mishaps. I'd like to try and live a normal life for once. Not to say that the curse doesn't have its own conveniences."
"Yes!" Genma announced in loud nervous tones. "The natives in foreign lands are sometimes a bit confusing. Kissing you minute, wanting to kill you the next. Being able to change forms helps to avoid them.."
This comment landed Genma a dirty look from Ukyo at which he immediately silenced himself. The others simply looked on, knowing instinctively that with this arrival their lives were changed forevermore.