And Chapter 2 is a go. This chapter we see Ranma and Akane going to school and meet a certain someone.

Ranma's POV

As usual, my Pop had woken me up early for a spar. It was goin' OK until Kasumi called for breakfast. Then Pop just had to have the last laugh by kicking me into the koi pond. But I showed him when I splashed him after he called me sloppy.

"Now look who's being sloppy!" I sneered and then pop hit me in the head with a metal tub that I hit him with first! After we got changed back, Pop dropped the bomb and told me I had ta' go to school! I kicked him for it. Then Nabiki pranced by and told me that I was goin' to the same school she and Akane went to. Akane tried to drag me along, but I protested that I wasn't ready for school. Unfortunately, Pop had already thought of that and had my stuff ready for me. Sneaky so and so. I knew when I had been licked and chased after Akane so she could lead me to school.

"Just remember, we're strangers, OK?" Akane remarked on the way to school. I rolled my eyes and agreed. "I don't want you hanging around me all the time at school."

"You don't have to worry about that. I can't stand tomboys like you," I told her and then found myself hit from behind by Pops.

"You're in no position to be picky about women!" He shouted and was about to go into one of his rants. But I tripped him into the canal.

"Hey, what's the matter Pop? Weren't you going to say something?" I teased and that got Pop real mad. But that just made him sloppy and I easily dodged along the fence. I thought I was safe, but then felt myself get splashed by an old lady with a ladle. Stupid curse makes me a water magnet or something! As I couldn't show up to school on my first day as a girl, Akane suggested we go see her family doctor and get some hot water. I stood in the doorway while Akane went to get the water. Then a bony hand grabbed me and I jumped on the door.

"Pardon me!" The person with the skeleton said in a falsetto. The man then introduced the skeleton as 'Betty'. I was still trying to get my heart rate to somewhere below 180mph. Then Akane ran in and slammed the door on my fingers. I knew it was an accident, but I was still sore about it. Then I noticed Akane seemed awfully shy around the man who she called 'Dr. Tofu'. I then got my hot water and we dashed to school.

Ryu's POV

Scarlet was running unusually late and the Perv Squad was getting anxious. If she didn't hurry, she'd be late and it wasn't like her to be late. So I decided to go see if Nabiki knew anything.

"Hey Nabs, where's Scarlet?" I asked using the name I know she hates. Nabiki ground her teeth a bit, but answered.

"I don't know. She left for school right after I did." Well that was a lot of help. I returned to my classroom and took out the book I was currently reading.

"I HATE BOYS!" There's that familiar battle cry. She's really cutting it close this time. I wonder if those fools will ever learn. Then again, with Kuno at their head, probably not going to happen in my lifetime. I remained in my seat, nothing I hadn't seen far too many times before.

"Sounds like she's finished early," One of the girls remarked

"Is that a new record?" Another asked

"Two minutes and fifteen seconds. That's only five seconds slower than her best," A third stated and then we heard Kuno's latest speech. Some of my cats have had a finer grasp on the poetic arts than Kuno does. I mostly tuned it out until

"You there! Aren't you being awfully familiar with Akane?" Who's being familiar with Scarlet? I headed over to the window and saw a new kid standing next to Akane. I was somewhat surprised to see a boy standing that close to her and not be seriously injured. Kuno then asked his name, but then gave his own first. Along with the new title of 'Blue Thunder'. He even managed to coordinate it with a lightning bolt. The kid seemed to be a little stunned at Kuno's speech; I couldn't blame him, and then stuttered out that he was staying with the Tendo family.

"May God rest his poor, unfortunate soul," I then made a cross over myself before snickering. A few of the girls shot me dirty looks, but most just nodded their head in agreement. I wonder what he did to deserve such an awful fate. In any event, this news infuriated Kuno. Kuno charged the kid with his bokken a he was finally able to introduce himself as Ranma Saotome while doing a back-flip to avoid Kuno's attack. I had to admit, he was pretty light on his feet if nothing else.

"Well this is an interesting turn of events," One of the girls commented

"There go this morning's bets," Added another and then the fight began. Kuno went all out and brought down the stone wall and a tree I was somewhat fond of. But Ranma managed to dodge all of Kuno's attacks. I was impressed, not many could do that. I still got nicked from time to time when I arouse Kuno's ire. During the fight, Ranma told Kuno that he could have Scarlet as she was more likely to kill someone than kiss him. Kuno didn't take kindly to the insults, but Ranma was right, Scarlet's temper was legendary, even if no one would say anything to her face except me.

In the middle of the fight, it began to rain and a blur of black and white dashed past Kuno, grabbed Ranma, and ran into the school. This bears investigation. Unfortunately, class was about to start so I couldn't go track down Scarlet to grill her just yet. Eventually, Scarlet and Ranma did get to class and the teacher did the usual 'new kid introduction' routine. According to the teacher, Ranma had just returned from China. Then he and Scarlet both got bucket duty. So naturally, I grabbed a bucket of my own and left the class room. I had done this often enough, so the teacher didn't even bother protesting.

"So Scarlet, who the new victi… I mean kid?" I asked

"Hey Ryu," She responded

"Scarlet? Who's Scarlet?" Ranma asked

"He means me dummy. My name means 'scarlet' and for whatever reason that's what Ryu calls me," Scarlet explained

"But I thought you said you hate boys Akane?" Ranma questioned

"I am one of the sacred few whom Lady Akane has forgiven their Y chromosome," I quipped and Scarlet gave me one of her patented long suffering looks.

"Ryu and I have been friends since the third grade and pretty much the only boy who isn't involved in that fiasco you saw before," Scarlet explained

"Anyway, back to the original question; what has this poor boy done that warrants a stay at your house?" I asked

"Very funny, for your infor-" We were then interrupted by Kuno trying to splash Ranma.

"Never Ranma Saotome! I shall never accept your engagement to Akane Tendo!" Wait…ENGAGED?! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. For today, we have indeed lost a noble warrior. If I know Mr. Tendo, it was probably some kind of arranged marriage. Baka still thinks it's the feudal era. Just never thought anyone else was that delusional. Then the halls exploded with everyone yapping about this engagement business. Kuno then attacked, but Ranma dodged.

"This is no place to fight. If you wanna fight, then follow me!" Ranma ordered and Kuno followed. It might be good for a few laughs, so I followed along. Right up until they jumped out the third story window. I paused, and then climbed out the window too.

"Ryu you idiot!" Scarlet shouted after me, but I was in the mood for a quick dip; even if I did still have my clothes on.

I think that's a good place to stop. Until next time!