A Mother's Tale

by juandelacruz

It's alive, Igor! It's alive! Nodoka Saotome, on her way to the Tendo Dojo for the first time, sees an unknown boy fall into a storm drain and change into a girl. Chapter 6 finally up. Things are beginning to heat up once again in Ranma's life.

4. Who's Your Mama?

A Mother's Tale

by Alex Tomas

This is my first work of fan fiction. Reviews welcome.

Disclaimer:

I do not own the Ranma characters.

Conventions:

" " - Japanese

{ } - foreign language (Chinese, English)

[ ] - sound effects

- thoughts

# # - signs

_ _ - emphasis

Summary:

This happens after season 7 episode 143, Ranma Meets Mother Boy Meets Mom, Part I in the television series or volume 22 chapter 2 of the manga. It takes elements from both the anime and the manga.

Ranma's mother, Nodoka Saotome, on her way for the first time to the Tendo Dojo sees male-type Ranma fall into the storm drain and transform into girl-type Ranma. Ranma stutters some excuse but Nodoka waves it off as she is in a hurry and proceeds to the the Tendo Dojo without giving out each other's names.

I am assuming that Nodoka does not know the Tendos and has no knowledge of the honor contract Genma and Soun entered into to unite their two families. My reason is that if Genma informed her then she would know the Tendos and vice-versa.

++++++++++

Chapter 4: Who's Your Mama?

++++++++++

Nodoka was alone at the Saotome home preparing dinner for herself and Ranma in the kitchen when she heard someone knock on the door. Slightly puzzled as she was sure she gave Genma and Ranma keys to their house and she was not expecting any guests, she left the vegetables on the kitchen counter as she went to answer the door. She was further puzzled when she saw several delivery men standing outside the door bearing armloads of packages.

"Yes, may I help you?" She asked the man at the door who seemed to be the one in charge.

"Is this the Saotome residence?" The man who had Nakajima written on his jumpers replied.

"Yes, this is the Saotome residence. What may I do for you?"

"Is a Mrs. Nodoka Saotome home?"

"I am she." Nodoka was now really puzzled. She did not remember ordering anything for delivery.

"Please sign all these and I'll have my people bring the packages inside." Nakajima held out a clipboard that had several pieces of paper clipped to it and a pen.

Nodoka looked at the clipboard and pen in puzzlement. "Excuse me, I do not mean to be rude, but may I inquire as to what this is? I do not remember ordering anything for delivery today." Certainly not this many.

"Ah, well, I'm not too sure also, Mrs. Saotome. I was just told by my boss to drop everything and to deliver all this to you ASAP. I'm kind of wondering also since the department store doesn't usually send out the head of its delivery section." The man scratched his head apologetically.

"Do you know who sent all these?"

"All I know is the name, a Miss Kodachi Kuno. Really strange. When the department store manager put down the phone he danced as if he just won the lottery and kept on mumbling about bonuses and promotions." Nakajima shrugged. "Considering how much Miss Kodachi Kuno is giving to you I'm not surprised." He gestured behind him where Nodoka saw several delivery trucks waiting to be unloaded. She blinked several times.

"Oh, my." Kodachi is more serious about Ranma than I thought.

"You can say that again, ma'am." He held out the clipboard and pen again. "If you don't mind, ma'am, I really need to get started unloading, we'll probably take at least a couple of hours."

"Oh, dear, where are my manners. Of course." Nodoka stepped aside and opened the door. "Won't you please come in and have some tea?"

"My pleasure, ma'am." He stepped into the house. "Where do you want my men to put them?"

"Oh, my. I don't think there'll be enough space inside the house. Please, sit down."

"I think you're right, ma'am. We'll have to put some of them outside. Excuse me for one minute, ma'am." Nakajima took a two-way radio from his belt and conversed with someone. After a minute he put it back and stepped out to give some orders to his men. He came back several minutes later. "Mrs. Nodoka, I hope you don't mind but I told my men to put some of the packages in your backyard. I also ordered some tarpaulins from the department store so they'll be protected a little from the weather. No cost to you, the manager was more than happy to give it free of charge."

"Oh. Thank you." Nodoka was still feeling a little lost. "Do you know how I can contact Miss Kuno?"

"Wait one moment, ma'am. I'll ask my boss." He again talked into his two-way radio and then wrote something down on a piece of paper. "Here, Mrs. Saotome, this is the phone number and address of Miss Kodachi my boss gave me." He gave the paper to Nodoka.

"Thank you very much." She put away the paper in her sleeves, she'll call later, she had guests to attend to. "Please have some tea and crackers."

"Thank you, ma'am. Much obliged." Nakajima sat down again and reached out for the tea and crackers.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll see to it your men have some refreshments also."

"Why, thank you, Mrs. saotome. That's very kind of you." He looked at Nodoka as she rose and entered what he assumed to be the kitchen. Nice lady. Beautful face. Looks to have a decent figure. Too bad she's married. Nakajima sighed. It seemed all the good ones were already taken. Should have listened to mother. At forty years of age he was still not married. After fifteen minutes he finished his tea and crackers and went out to oversee the work of his men. He kept one eye on Nodoka as she went about giving refreshments to his men. He sighed again as she finished and went back into the house to, he assumed again, prepare dinner. Lucky bastard. What I would give to have someone like her to come home to. Oh, well. Maybe I'll still get lucky someday. I'll take a look again at the folder Nakamura sent. The latest batch of foreign women looking for Japanese husbands looked promising.

They finished in less than an hour, not having to put the packages inside the house cut their work by more than an hour. After making sure that the packages left outside were protected by the tarpaulins that arrived fifteen minutes earlier, Mr. Nakajima bid goodbye to Nodoka.

After all the men left, Nodoka was left standing amid all the packages in her living room, gaping at the delivery form Mr. Nakajima left. It listed all the items delivered. Nodoka did a quick count and estimated the monetary value of the gifts to be close to ten million yen. She looked around.

Oh, my. What am I going to do with all these? I can't accept all these but to return all of them would be rude. Now, how do I say thank you properly? Perhaps I should have a talk with Kodachi tomorrow.

She was wondering what to do with all the packages while waiting for dinner to be cooked in the kitchen when the doorbell rang again. Startled out of her thoughts she quickly tried to make her living room decent enough to receive guests then went to answer the door. For the second time in one hour she was surprised by what she saw at the door.

Waiting outside was a procession of men and women. At the end of the procession waited a kago, a kind of palanquin carried by two men. The men gently laid the kago down and one of them swept aside the shutters.

From within the carriage a young girl around sixteen years old stepped out wearing the traditional Japanese wedding costume (1): a colorful Japanese kimono over which an uchikake, a white gown, was worn. The costume was completed by the tsuno kakushi, a white hood that covered the hair ornaments called Kanzashi. The sight almost caused Nodoka to stumble. The girl gracefully walked towards Nodoka, kneeled and bowed to the older woman.

"Good afternoon, mother."

Both eyebrows of Nodoka rose on hearing the word 'mother'. Wedding kimono? Mother? Nodoka decided to ignore the presumptuousness of the girl for the moment and decided to get to know the girl more. "You must be Miss Kodachi Kuno. Welcome to my home. Please come in."

"Thank you, mother."

Nodoka led Kodachi to the only available seating place in the living room. "Would you like some tea, Miss Kuno?"

"Please, call me Dachi, mother."

[Sigh] "Very well, Dachi, would you like some refreshments?"

"Thank you very much, mother, but I wouldn't dare impose upon you."

"Quite alright, dear. Would some tea and rice cakes be fine?"

"Of course, mother."

"I'll be a moment." Nodoka rose and entered the kitchen. She checked on her dinner preparations and decided if would be enough for three. She came back a minute later bearing a tray with two teacups, a kettle and two rice cakes. "Please forgive the refreshments."

"No need to apologize, mother."

They sipped some tea.

"Dachi, if I may I would like to take a good look at you. Would you mind taking off your tsuno kakushi?"

"Of course, mother." Kodachi removed the hood to fully reveal her face and head.

My, another pretty girl. Ranma is so lucky to attract such beautiful girls. "You are very beautiful, Dachi."

"Thank you, mother. As are you."

She seems to be polite enough. "Thank you, that's very kind of you. Dachi, I would like to thank you for all the gifts that you give to me but I simply cannot accept all of them."

"But I must insist, mother. They are a small token of my honorable intentions towards Ranma darling."

"Ah, I am honored you think so highly of my son, Dachi, but..."

[Crash!]

"Oh, dear! What was that noise? I think it came from our backyard." Nodoka rose to investigate the noise followed closely by Kodachi.

++++++++++

"Of all the stupid luck in the world, the fire hydrant just had to break when I was directly over it!" The very wet and very annoyed girl-type Ranma grumbled to herself as she jumped into their backyard from the roof of the house across the street. So lost was she in complaining she didn't see the tarpaulin covered mounds in their backyard.

[Trip!] [ Crash!]

"What the hell...!" She expected to have another meter or so of air before landing and was thus unprepared when her foot hit a mound. She stumbled face first into the dirt. Now what? She pushed her face off the ground, spat out soil and grass and cleaned her face and clothes as best as she could. She looked back at what tripped her and noticed for the first time the dozen or so neatly lined-up tarpaulin covered mounds. What the hell are all these? She approached the closest one, looked at it from all angles before deciding it was safe to touch with a ten foot pole.

[Poke.] [ Poke.]

When the thing didn't blow up she decided to risk slowly raising one side of the tarpaulin with the pole. What she first saw was a box with the words 'Sharp Microwave Oven'.

"Eh?"

She raised the cover higher and saw more boxes with various markings. Sony seventy-seven inch plasma flat screen TV, Aiwa three-disc DVD player, JVC five-point-one surround sound system, Sharp twelve-cubic feet two-door refrigerator, Panasonic two-horse power split type airconditioner, Hitachi Karaoke system, Yamaha scooter and various other appliances.

Why would mom buy all these stuff? Girl Ranma scratched her head while looking at every mound. She didn't know how much it all cost only that it must have cost _a lot_. And why leave them here in the backyard? If pop sees them... only one way to find out. She turned to enter their house through the backdoor into the kitchen just in time to see her mother opening the door.

"Ranma! Are you all right? I heard a noise." Nodoka approached her son turned daughter to check if she was hurt. "Why are you a girl?"

"I'm fine, mom. Just didn't see all these stuff and tripped when I landed. Why do we have all these stuff anyway?"

"You!" Mother and daughter-son turned to see Kodachi glaring at girl-type Ranma. "What are you doing here, you hussy?! Did you come to steal my darling Ranma away from me?!"

"Um, Kodachi? Hehe. Watcha doing here?"

"It is you who should answer that question!"

Nodoka looked questioningly at her son. "She really doesn't know?"

Ranma sighed. "I tried to tell her, mom, but she just doesn't wanna listen."

"Silence! I will not tolerate some harridan harassing my darling Ranma's mother!" Kodachi took off the wedding kimono to reveal her trademark green leotard with black roses and gymnastic ribbon. "I will teach you a lesson!" She launched herself to attack girl Ranma. Ranma braced herself for the coming fight.

"Miss Kodachi Kuno, stop this instant!" The stern voice cut through the building tension and caused both teenagers to pause and look at the source.

"Miss Kuno, I will not tolerate any fighting in my home." Nodoka looked Kodachi in the eyes. "It is also unbecoming of a lady of your stature."

"But mother! This, this hussy has come to take my Ranma darling away! I cannot permit it!"

"No, she has not!" It was said in a voice that would brook no argument. "Now put away your weapon." At Kodachi's hesitation Nodoka added quietly but more firmly. "Now, young lady."

Kodachi looked bewildered at Nodoka. She had not been addressed in such a manner in a long time, a lifetime ago. Emotions and memories long forgotten came trickling back. "Mother?" she whispered to no one. She silently and obediently complied with the command and stood warily watching Ranma-girl. "Then why has she come here, mother?"

"I will explain in a minute. My _son _ Ranma has something to show you."

"Mom, are ya sure about this?"

"Yes, it is better for her to know."

"What does darling Ranma has to show me, mother? Where is he?" Kodachi looked around for the boy.

"In a moment, Dachi." Nodoka switched back to calling the girl Dachi hoping it would put the girl more at ease. "Ranma, go get some hot and cold water from the kitchen but do not turn back inside. I want Dachi to see it. Dachi, come stand beside me." Ranma went to get the hot and cold water while Kodachi walked to stand beside Nodoka. The two women waited until Ranma re-emerged from the house with a cup of hot and cold water in both hands. Ranma-girl looked questioningly at her mother. Nodoka turned to face Kodachi and took the girl's hands in her own, gently but firmly, to reassure the confused girl.

"Dachi, I want you to watch very carefully. My son Ranma has a secret you should know. It may come as a shock to you." Kodachi nodded silently and both turned back to the red-head. Nodoka braced herself in case Kodachi did not take the revelation well. "Ranma, please turn back into a boy." With that Ranma poured the hot water on her head triggering the change. A loud gasp escaped Kodachi's lips. Ranma and Nodoka looked at Kodachi waiting for more reaction. Kodachi blinked several times.

"Ranma darling? Where did the hussy go?"

"I _am_ the 'hussy', Kodachi. It's what I tried to tell ya at the rhythmic gymnastic competition."

"Impossible! My darling Ranma can never be a half-woman perversity! He is a a paragon of manhood, a man among men! The only man worthy of one such as myself!"

Ranma and Nodoka winced at the words. Kodachi turned to Nodoka.

"Surely you cannot expect me to believe this... this outlandish tale, mother!"

"I wish it was not true, Dachi, but it is. My son is under a Jusenkyo curse he received while on his training journey. The curse turns him into a girl when he is splashed with cold water while hot water will revert him back to his true form. I know it is hard to accept but the evidence is right before your eyes, Dachi. Would it make it easier for you to believe if you held him with your own hands when he changes?"

Kodachi dumbly nodded.

"Then come." Nodoka held out her hand and when Kodachi hesitantly took it she led the girl to stand in front of her son. "Take Ranma's hand, Dachi." Nodoka paused until Kodachi held Ranma's free hand. "Ranma, please show Dachi." Ranma hesitated until he saw the pleading look in his mother's eyes. "Please, Ranma, do it for me." He nodded, took a deep breath and poured the cold water on himself triggering the curse.

Kodachi stepped back and wrenched back her hand as if electrocuted. "The red-haired witch! How dare you touch me?!" She looked around. "And where did my darling Ranma go?"

Mother and son facefaulted hard.

Girl-Ranma recovered first. "For God's sake, Kodachi! I am your 'darling-Ranma'!" I can't believe yer as stupid as your brother!

"Perhaps another demonstration is needed, son." Nodoka addressed her now thoroughly soaked offspring.

"Another?" sputtered Ranma.

"Please, son." Nodoka begged.

"Oh, all right! But this is the last time, mom. I ain't doing it again." Ranma stomped off to get more hot and cold water, her feet making squishing sounds in her wet shoes.

Nodoka and Kodachi waited for the redheaded girl to return.

Ranma looked directly at Kodachi when she got back. "Listen up, Kodachi! Look carefully. I ain't doing this again so you better take a good look!" She dumped the hot water.

[Glomp!]

Kodachi had Ranma's arms pinned in her bear hug "Ranma darling! Where did you go? I feared the wicked hussy kidanapped you." Kodachi pressed herself against Ranma's masculine chest happily.

"Kodachi, will ya get offa me?!" Ranma began shivering as Kodachi continued rubbing herself against him. He looked to his mother for help. "Mom, don't just stand there!"

"Wait, Ranma, this may be what we need to convince her." Nodoka took the cup of cold water and proceeded to pour it over her son's head.

Kodachi felt her arms come loose and she had to stoop as Ranma shrunk. The broad, hard, well-muscled chest she was burying her face in changed to two soft and well-developed breasts. Her head jerked back at the new sensation to stare girl-Ranma square in the blue-grey eyes.

"Hiya, Dachi! Long time, no see!" Girl-Ranma grinned inanely. Ya better believe it now. I ain't doing this again.

Kodachi's eyes widened in shock and denial.

"No. It can't be." Her eyes swung back and forth wildly from mother to son-turned-daughter.

"Dachi?" Nodoka was worried. It seemed the shock was too great for the mentally disturbed girl. "Are you all right, Dachi?"

"No." Kodachi focused on Nodoka. "Why are you doing this, mother?"

Nodoka was baffled by Kodachi's question. It wasn't the question she was expecting. "Why? To tell you the truth, Dachi."

"No!" the gymnast raged. "I cannot accept this! My darling Ranma can never be a half-woman! It is unthinkable! You!" She pointed an accusing finger at son-turned-daughter.

Ranma blinked then pointed at herself. "Me? What about me?" She didn't understand what Kodachi was getting at either. Now what?

"You are trying to turn me away from my darling Ranma by telling me these... these malicious falsehoods! You are trying to take my Ranma away from me! I shall never allow it! I will make you pay not only for besmirching my darling Ranma but for bewitching his mother as well, hussy! I will reveal you for what you are!" Kodachi then turned and fled, leaping over the property walls and onto the rooftops.

"Dachi, stop!" Nodoka tried to reach the fleeing girl but her kimono slowed her down. She whirled to her son-turned-daugther who stood gaping in the direction the pony-tailed girl had run off to. "Ranma, go after her! Bring her back!"

Ranma was snapped out of her daze by her mother's frantic voice. "Whoa! What just happened?" Where the heck did Kodachi get such a lame-brained idea?

"Ranma, go after her quick! Bring her back! I'm afraid she might do something rash and harm not only herself but others! _She needs our help_!"

The last sentence stirred the martial artist in Ranma. A resolute look came over her face. "I will, mom." She sprang into action in pursuit of the runaway girl leaving her mother praying they were not too late.

Nodoka looked in the direction the two teenagers had ran off to long after Ranma was gone from sight. She shook her head and entered her house to make preparations. She was confident in her son's ability to bring Kodachi back but if her instincts were correct there will be an inevitable fight after a long tiring chase. Food, medicine, baths and beds will be needed by both youths when they return.

++++++++++

"We're home!" Nabiki and Akane called out as they opened the door to their home. Kasumi went to greet them in her usual simple attire. She didn't want to chance spilling something on her new dress and ruining it.

"Welcome home, Nabiki, Akane. How was your day?" Kasumi asked in a sing-song voice. Her smile noticeably had more warmth in it and her two younger sisters felt it.

Wow! Kasumi's in a good mood. "Fine, sis. Is dad here?" Nabiki asked.

"Oh, no. He and Uncle Genma went out this morning and haven't returned yet. They didn't say when they'll be back."

"That's good then."

"Good?"

"Yes, because we can go out of the house without you worrying about dad."

"Go out? Why would we go out? Where would we go?"

"To Ucchan's. Ukyo and Shampoo were curious why you brought Ranma lunch wearing that dress today. They want to know why. _We_ want to know why." Nabiki pointed to herself and Akane.

"Oh, my. Did I do something inappropriate?"

"Nabiki sighed. "No, you didn't, sis. We're just curious, that's all. I didn't see you doing something like that so soon."

"Oh, it's because I didn't have anything else to do and Auntie said it wouldn't be improper if I brought Ranma some lunch at school. She's so nice!" Kasumi practically gushed. "She even taught me a new recipe!" She clapped her hands happily together. It was almost like having their mother back.

Auntie. I should have known. "And that's it?"

"Why, yes, Nabiki. Should there be anything else?" Kasumi was perplexed.

"You tell me, sis. I've never seen you act like the way you did at lunch."

"Oh, my. Was I really that different? Oh, I hope I didn't embarrass anyone at Furinkan." Kasumi's eyebrows met in worry.

"Not really, just surprising, and no, you didn't. I guess you were affected by Ranma more than I thought. Listen, we have to talk before we go to Ucchan's. We have to sort things out between ourselves first before we can tell Ukyo and Shampoo what we discussed last, uh, early this morning."

"That sounds like a good idea, Nabiki. Why don't we talk in the living room." Kasumi led her sisters into the house. She served some refreshments before they started.

"First off we have to settle the question of the engagement. Akane, you're keeping your engagement to Ranma so your status is clear. That leaves me and Kasumi."

"Well, if I remember correctly it wasn't really specified who among us would be engaged to Ranma. I just sort of got volunteered for the job by you two."

"Don't remind me and yes. Dad and Uncle Saotome only agreed that one of dad's daughters would marry Uncle Saotome's son."

"In that case, can't we just say that all three of us are engaged to Ranma until its finally decided who marries who?"

"Are you sure about that, Akane?" Kasumi asked.

"Yes, like I said it's the least I could do for my sisters."

"Well, it works for me. We'll have to convince dad and Uncle Saotome to go back to the original terms of the contract and make us all Ranma's fiancees. That won't be much of a problem. Then we have to tell Auntie Nodoka and Ranma although I don't think Auntie will object to it. It's Ranma I'm worried about."

"Why do you say that, Nabiki?"

"Well, all we have to say to dad and Uncle Saotome is that it triples the chances of our families being joined and they'll fall for it. About Auntie, call it a gut feel. About Ranma, well, he's got enough problems with three fiancees, not to mention the hordes of girls who are just dying to bag him. You and me adding ourselves to the fiancee brigade might freak him out."

"Oh, my. I didn't think of that. Poor Ranma. Do you think he'll be all right?"

"He'll freak out some, that's for sure, but Ranma always bounces back. I've never seen him stay down for long." Nabiki paused for a moment. "So we've decided. We'll all be Ranma's fiancees until he, our parents or one of us decides otherwise. Ukyo and Shampoo won't like it but they can't do anything about it. At least I hope not. We'll have to tell our parents and Ranma about this ASAP."

"Oh, dear. I hope we don't fight over Ranma like Akane does with Shampoo, Ukyo and Kodachi. That wouldn't be very nice."

"I don't fight over Ranma!" Old habits die an agonizingly long death. Kasumi and Nabiki simply looked at their youngest sibling. "Uh, um, sorry, old habit." Hmph! The pervert's probably enjoying himself with all the attention he's getting. [Sigh.] Why did I have to fall for someone like him? Life would have been so much simpler. Now I have my own sisters for rivals.

"Ah, I don't think it'll go that far as far as the three of us are concerned. If it does, be sure to give me or Akane one of your looks."

"My looks? I don't know what you mean, Nabiki."

"You'll see. Anyway we better go to Ucchan's. We don't want to keep those two waiting too long."

++++++++++

Shampoo was the first to arrive at Ucchan's for the meeting. She left the Nekohanten after giving her great-grandmother the documents required for her to enroll at Furinkan and telling her where she was going. She entered to see Ukyo serving several customers.

"Nihao, Spa... Ukyo."

"Oh, good afternoon, Shampoo. Have a seat and I'll get to you after I'm done here."

Shampoo seated herself at the counter and watched as Ukyo went about making okonomiyakis. She had been here before but only briefly and mostly to check if her Airen was here. She took her first good look at the inside of the restaurant.

Very nice, clean and simple. Shampoo had to admit to herself that Ukyo was doing well despite being on her own. She couldn't imagine how hard it must have been for her rival. Shampoo knew from first hand experience how hard it was losing a mother but to lose her father as well at such a young age? She shook her head, she probably wouldn't know what to do if she was left all alone in the world. I wonder where her grandparents or other relatives are. Shampoo couldn't help but admire the other girl. She had spunk. Ukyo was not only an accomplished martial artist with a skill level just below Shampoo's, she was even able to put up her own restaurant at the age of sixteen years. She must have been selling okonomiyaki since she was little.

"Earth to Shampoo, Earth to Shampoo, come in, Shampoo."

Shampoo blinked then eeped. "Wha? What?"

"You were zoning out, sugar. You've been staring at me for the last ten minutes. You were starting to get on my nerves."

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to stare."

"Fine, fine. So, you want an okonomiyaki, sugar?" Ukyo indicated the empty grill in front of her. She served her last customer a couple of minutes earlier.

"Uh, sure. What do you recommend, Ukyo?"

"Well, what do you like? Pork, beef, chicken, seafood or vegetables?"

"Seafood sounds nice."

"Coming right up." Ukyo whipped out the okonomiyaki with her usual flair in less than a minute. "Here you go, sugar. On the house since this is your first time to eat here." Ukyo smiled.

"Thank you." Shampoo couldn't help but smile back at the chef's genuine smile. She took her first bite and the smile widened. "This is very good, Ukyo!"

"Thanks, sugar. You know, I think I've never seen you eat one of my okonomiyakis before, Shampoo."

"This is actually my first time to eat an okonomiyaki, Ukyo."

"Well, I'm honored to be your first time, Shampoo." Ukyo blinked. "Uh, that didn't sound right."

Shampoo giggled. "Aiyah, customers might get the wrong idea." She then gave Ukyo one of her patented cute and sultry looks.

"Uh, ah, yeah, the perverted ones, at least." Ukyo nervously giggled back. "Is this really your first time to eat an okonomiyaki?" She asked to take her mind off the look. Damn. Ranchan's gotta be made of stone to resist that look. Note to self: Learn to do cute and sexy look. Shampoo nodded. "Why's that, sugar?"

"Shampoo shrugged. "I don't have much time to go out and I don't have many Japanese friends."

"Don't you get lonely? I mean being so far away from your village?"

"Sometimes, but I have great-grandmother with me and father comes to visit once in a while or I go back to visit."

"Oh." Ukyo replied a little sadly. Shampoo's answer reminded her of her own loneliness. At least Shampoo still had some family to keep her company. She decided to change the subject. "So what's the deal with those Amazon sisters of yours? Are they really going to go after Ranchan?"

[Sigh.] "I hope not. I hope they find other men for their husbands."

"But they have permission to pursue Ranchan if they don't?"

Shampoo sighed again. "Yes, the council made Airen an exception to the 'first come, first serve rule.' It shows how good he is." Sometimes Shampoo wished Ranma wasn't such a great guy, maybe then she'd have less competition. Then again she probably wouldn't be interested in him if he wasn't.

"Yes, he is that good. If he wasn't we wouldn't be wasting our time running after him." Ukyo confirmed.

"I know. It's just that it's bad enough with all the other girls. I wish I didn't have so many rivals for him."

"I know what you mean, sugar. It's our dumb luck to meet and fall in love with the jerk."

Shampoo laughed a little. In a way she was talking to someone who understood her perfectly since the other person was in the exact same situation she was. It was sort of a bond between them. "Aiyah, it's a curse we both share."

"Amen to that, sugar. So tell me, what are you going to do about your sisters?"

"I'll try finding them husbands besides Airen, of course."

"Yeah, but will you find enough? Eight of your Amazon sisters are coming after all.

"It'll be hard but what's the alternative? I've already listed some males who could defeat them."

"Oh? Who?"

"There's Ryoga, Mousse, Pantyhose Taro, Copycat Ken, Sotatsu Jikeyin and, uh, Dr. Tofu."

"Are you sure about those guys? Do you think your sisters will even like them? And Dr. Tofu?"

"I know but I'm out of candidates and I'm still short by two. I'm even thinking of getting my sisters to go after Mr. Tendo."

Ukyo choked. "Mr. Tendo?! You've got to be kidding!"

"I know, I know. My sisters will probably give me the 'Kiss of Death' for doing that but I'm getting desperate."

"You can bet on that, sugar. I'll kill anyone who tries to hitch me with someone like Mr. Tendo." Ukyo noticed the helpless look on Shampoo. "Don't worry too much, Shampoo. I'm sure some other guys will turn up. Ranchan seems to attract challengers all the time. Are you sure your sisters will like the guys you listed? I mean, they might not like you fixing them with those guys."

[Sigh.] "Challengers aren't the only thing Airen attracts. Unfortunately." The Amazon champion shook her head. "Well, they won't have a choice if they get defeated by them. What's bothering me is if my sisters decide to run after Airen and get defeated one way or another by him before they get defeated by the others. I just hope Airen can keep his pride in check and resist their challenges and taunts."

Shampoo and Ukyo grimaced. They could see it now. Why? Afraid of a little girl? They groaned. They prayed Ranchan/Airen would be able to resist those kind of taunts.

"That would be a problem."

"I know." [Sigh.] "Why did I have to fall for someone like Airen?"

"Welcome to the club, sugar. Speaking of which here comes the others."

Shampoo turned to see Akane, Nabiki and Kasumi entering Ucchan's.

"About time you guys showed up."

"It's nice to see you too, Ukyo." Nabiki replied drily.

"Oops, sorry, didn't mean to be rude. So have a seat or would you guys rather sit at one of the tables?"

"I think it would be better if we sit at one of the tables."

"Okay, you guys like an okonomiyaki before we talk?"

"Anything would be fine, Ukyo."

After a couple of minutes Ukyo joined the others at one of the tables and laid freshly cooked okonomiyakis in front of the Tendos.

"So, is there something we should know?" Ukyo asked.

"We decided that we three will be Ranma's fiancees until he, our parents or one of us decides otherwise." Nabiki said. The sisters decided that it would be best for Nabiki to do the talking.

"What?!" Ukyo and Shampoo stiffened and stared incredulously at the three sisters.

"I said..."

"We heard what you said! You have got to be kidding me!"

"No, we're not kidding."

"No way! It's bad enough as it is!"

"We know that but..."

"But what?!"

"Oh, my. Shouting and interrupting is not very nice. We won't be able to discuss anything if we do that."

Shampoo and Ukyo stared bug-eyed at Kasumi. They tried to maintain their anger, they really did, but one look at the innocent and sincere face of the eldest Tendo sister melted away their anger. They sagged back into their seats.

Damn it! It's not fair!

"Thank you, Shampoo, Ukyo. I'm sure we'll be able to discuss more if we do it in a polite manner."

"Okay, okay. So what's this all about?"

"Like I said, we decided that the three of us will be Ranma's fiancees until Ranma, our parents or one of us decides otherwise."

"You can't do that!"

"Yes, we can. Daddy and Genma only agreed that one of us marries his son. They didn't specify who."

"That's not fair!"

"Look, if it'll make you two feel any better, it's not one-hundred percent certain yet. We still have to talk to our parents and Ranma about it."

"Why? Why all of the sudden?"

"Believe me, we didn't see it coming ourselves."

"So why?"

"Short version is that when Ranma left our home yesterday we realized how much he meant to each of us."

"Are you serious?"

"Very serious. Nothing's better at making you realize what you have than losing it. Or almost losing it in this case."

Shampoo and Ukyo looked at the Tendo sisters then at each other. The two sighed deeply. Two more competitors to deal with. What the heck does Ranchan/Airen have that attracts girls like crazy? They looked up to the heavens and implored to whatever deities were listening. Please, please no more. I promise to be a good girl from now on. They turned back their attention to the Tendo sisters. It was then they noticed the glow on the faces of Kasumi and Nabiki. They blinked.

"Okay, I can believe that. Losing Ranma ten years ago was one of the worst days of my life. So that's the reason why Kasumi brought Ranchan lunch wearing something she wouldn't normally wear?" Damn, if that's going to be the competition I'm in trouble.

Kasumi blushed and nodded. It seemed everyone noticed the dress she wore.

"Also the reason why Akane was nice to Ranchan today? I didn't see her pound Ranchan even once. She didn't even forced him to eat what she cooked!" Double damn, if she's going to start acting like a girl...

It was Akane's turn to blush and nod.

"What about you?"

"Uh, well, I..." Nabiki uncharacteristically stuttered. She blushed and looked away.

"Well if the Ice Queen's stuttering, blushing like a schoolgirl with a crush and can't look me straight in the eye then it must be _very_ serious." Now that's something I never thought I'd see. Damn. If Ranchan / Airen can have that effect on someone like Nabiki... Note to self: Keep Ranchan / Airen away from girls.

"I don't like this." Shampoo simply stated.

"You and me both, sugar." Ukyo massaged her temples. "Here we were talking about how to prevent Shampoo's Amazon sisters from chasing after Ranchan and you three decided to add yourselves. Are you sure about this?"

The three sisters nodded.

"Does Ranchan know?"

"Not yet but we intend to tell him and our parents as soon as possible."

"If he doesn't like it?"

Kasumi and Nabiki's faces fell, the glow gone . "Then... then I guess we won't be his fiancees."

Ukyo and Shampoo blinked. They didn't expect that kind of reaction. Kasumi and Nabiki liked Ranma that much? They felt a little guilty as they looked at the two sisters' crestfallen faces. Akane gave them a glare before reaching over to grasp her sisters' hands.

"I'm sure Ranma wouldn't feel that way, Nabiki, Kasumi. He'll be surprised that's all." That's putting it mildly. He'll either turn to stone or go into a coma. Probably both.

"Do... do you think so, Akane?" Oh, I hope Ranma doesn't take it too badly. I don't know what I'll do if he does. "Maybe I shouldn't go through with it, Akane. I... I don't want to be a bother to Ranma."

Akane's eyes widened. "Don't say that, Kasumi! I'm sure Ranma will not feel like that, sis. We just have to tell him in a way that wouldn't pressure him too much." Although I'm sure he'll freak out no matter what we say.

"Thanks, Akane. I needed that." Nabiki didn't know why but she felt very vulnerable now. She didn't like the feeling but she couldn't help it. Damn, I've got to get my emotions under control. She composed herself with some effort. "So that's the situation now."

Ukyo and Shampoo felt the world spinning way out of control. They did not like it one teeny, weeny bit. They were about to voice out more objections when the door to the shop slid open with a loud slam. The five girls looked at who could be rude enough to open the door that way and saw someone they instinctively didn't like.

"Bakusozoku." breathed Ukyo.

++++++++++

Ranma-girl ran as fast as she could across the rooftops after the fleeing Kodachi and was only slowly catching up as the confused girl was running faster than Ranma had ever seen her run before. She had been chasing the leotard-clad girl for more than fifteen minutes now and Ranma was getting worried. The gymnast did not seem to go in any particular direction and they were entering the parts of Tokyo where the buildings were getting taller and taller. Even now Ranma estimated they were already some fifteen stories high and he could see some skyscrapers looming several blocks away. They were martial artists and their sturdy bodies could take some punishment but even she knew there were limits to the physical abuse their bodies could handle. Ranma doubled her effort as Kodachi continued hopping from one building to the next higher one.

++++++++++

Kodachi ran. She ran as fast as her slender, athletic legs could carry her. Kodachi cried. She cried as hard as she could ever remember. Her tears blinded her but she did not care. She only wanted to get away, as far away as possible from the truth. She was confused, her mind a jumble of agonized and confused thoughts.

The man she loved more than anyone else, for whom she would give up everything, to whom she would give anything. How could he be a half-woman?! It couldn't be! He was the epitomy of manliness! She could still remember those strong arms, hard chest, broad shoulders, handsome face, blue-grey eyes, jet-black hair, the devilish grin. How could he be the same person as that... that hated redhead?

And yet how could she deny what she saw and felt? He had changed in front of her, she had felt that big callused hand change into a soft, slender one. She felt him change in her arms.

No!!!

He was her hero, her knight in shining armor. The man-among-men who would keep her safe from any harm. The man who would protect her, who would give up his own life to shelter her. How could he ever be less than a complete man?

++++++++++

Ranma began to breath easier as she was now within a few dozen meters of Kodachi. She would catch up with the other girl in another several minutes. What she would do once she did she hadn't planned yet.

One thing at a time, Ranma. First catch up then figure out what to do.

Ranma was brought out of her thoughts when she felt a drop hit her cheek.

Damn it! I don't need it to rain now!

Ranma looked down at the concrete ground some thirty or so stories down.

One slip and it's a long way down.

She looked up and was surprised to see a cloudless afternoon sky, not even those stray rain clouds that seemed to follow her everywhere.

Now where the hell did that drop come from?

She shrugged it off as she looked back at her quarry. She could see Kodachi clearly now and was surprised to see the girl wipe her eyes now and then.

Is she crying? If there was one thing Ranma didn't like to see it was a girl crying. She would do almost anything to prevent a girl from crying. What's she crying about? Ranma wondered as she continued closing in on the gymnast.

++++++++++

Fujiwara led his bakusozoku gang through the streets of Nerima, ignoring the disapproving stares from the bystanders. At twenty-two years of age he was the oldest in his gang with the longest experience as a biker having joined his first gang when he was only sixteen after dropping out of high school. He was also the biggest, standing at six-feet flat and weighing around ninety kilos, most of it muscle. It was because of those two attributes that he was the leader of this group.

The roar from their Kawasaki big bikes rudely interrupted the daily lives of the desperately peace-seeking residents of Nerima. Fujiwara and his gang were in Nerima for a reason. A war with a rival bakusozoku gang was not going well for them and Fujiwara and his gang were looking for new areas to add to their territory for more shake down money and they heard Nerima was unclaimed territory.

Fujiwara spotted Ucchan's okonomiyaki shop and smiled. Heh, long time since I've had one of those. It was also as good as any place to start staking his claim. He signaled his thirty or so followers and headed for the seemingly innocent store.

Fujiwara slid the door open with a slam and entered with four of his lieutenants in tow to see the restaurant deserted except for five girls at one of the tables looking curiously at him at him. He ignored them and went directly to the counter and banged loudly on it.

"Where's the goddamned cook?!"

"Yes? May I help you?"

Fujiwara turned to face one of the girls from the table. It was then he noticed that she was wearing an okonomiyaki chef's uniform. He smiled crookedly. Damn, she's cute.

"You the cook here?"

"Yeah. What can I do for you?"

"Well, me and the boys are hungry. You and your okonomiyakis any good?"

"They're the best in Japan."

"Best, eh?" He sat at one one the stools at the counter followed by his henchmen on both sides. "Let's try them then."

Ukyo looked at him. She didn't like him or his friends one bit. They looked nothing but trouble. She thought about asking them to leave but shrugged a moment later. A customer was a customer and she decided she could take him if he caused trouble. Not even a martial artist by the way he moves. She went behind the counter.

"So what do you like?"

"Five of your specials."

Ukyo had their orders done and in front of them in less than two minutes. Fujiwara had to admit he was impressed.

"You got some nice moves, babe."

"Name's Kounji." Ukyo didn't like being called 'babe' by the biker. She felt it demeaned her unlike when Hiroshi, Daisuke or any of the other boys at Furinkan called her that.

"Whatever." Fujiwara took a bite and he smiled widely. "Damn, babe, you weren't kidding when you said you were the best in Japan."

"Thank you and I said the name's Kounji."

Fujiwara ignored Ukyo's reply. "So, got any plans for later, babe?"

Ukyo frowned. "Me and my friends are talking."

Fujiwara glanced back at the table where the four other girls were sitting looking at them and did a double-take. Damn, they're all babes!

"Heh, maybe you and your girlfriends would like to have some fun with some real men?"

"Sorry, but we have some important things to talk about." Besides, don't see any 'real men'.

"Hey, that's not a nice way to talk to your boyfriend."

"Who made you my boyfriend?" Jackass!

"I take what I want, babe, and right now I want you." Fujiwara reached over the counter to caress Ukyo's left arm. "You treat me right and I'll make sure your nice little shop gets all the business you want."

Ukyo looked at the hand sliding up and down her arm then looked straight into Fujiwara's eyes. Her eyes bored into his. "Take your hands off me right now."

Fujiwara was momentarily taken back by the intensity in the girl's eyes and voice. He was not used to being talked back to by girls. He shrugged it off and continued caressing Ukyo's arm. "You don't seem to understand, babe. I can make or break you so you better treat me nicely." He gripped Ukyo's arm to emphasize his point.

Unnoticed by the bikers Shampoo and Akane took stances a few steps from them. Ukyo gave no indication she saw them move into position.

"I warned you, jackass." Ukyo took hold of Fujiwara's right hand's thumb with her own right hand and twisted hard causing the biker to yelp in surprise and pain, making him lose his grip. He jerked back his arm.

"Why you, bitch!" He swung in an attempt to slap Ukyo.

Ukyo caught the arm in mid-swing and jumped over the counter while still holding the arm to kick the henchman sitting to the left of his boss, who was rising to his feet, square in the chest slamming him into the wall dazed. In one smooth motion Ukyo lightly landed on her feet and turned pulling Fujiwara along until he stood in front of the other biker coming to his aid. The gang boss was still trying to get his bearings when a nasty palm strike to his chest blew him off his feet and into the henchman behind him causing both to fly out of the open door onto the street among their startled gangmates.

The gang members stared in shock at their fallen boss.

"What the fuck are you staring at?! Get the fucking bitches!" Fujiwara snarled at them snapping them out of their shock. They started towards the doorway when the remaining three members inside mimicked their boss' exit and crashed into them. They tumbled in a mess of arms and legs. They looked up to see three extremely cute but very pissed off teen-aged girls step out of the restaurant. There was a collective blink as they tried to associate the girls with the beating they just saw their gang leaders take.

++++++++++

Shampoo, Akane, Nabiki and Kasumi sat looking as Ukyo rose to accommodate the new arrivals. Nabiki and Kasumi had apprehensive looks while Shampoo and Akane evaluated the danger levels. When one of the bikers touched Ukyo, Shampoo and Akane shared a look and rose quietly to take stances within striking distance of the threats. They followed Ukyo's lead and made their moves to defend Ukyo's blindside as the chef leapt over the counter. They each grabbed a biker that were sitting to right of the boss by their shoulders as they rose to help their comrade, startling them. They spun them around and before the bikers knew what was happening Akane and Shampoo gave them a haymaker to their solar plexuses bowing them over followed by knees to the jaws snapping their heads back up and rendering them semi-conscious. The two girls held their respective opponent up by the collars while they waited for Ukyo to pick up the gangmember she kicked in the chest. They lined up the three and in unison front-kicked them out the door. After telling Nabiki and Kasumi to stay inside, the three avenging angels stepped outside to confront the rest of the biker gang.

++++++++++

Fujiwara glared with murder in his eyes at the three girls who dared defy him. He stared daggers at the Kounji girl who humiliated him. He stood and faced the three.

"That was a big mistake, bitch. I tried to be friendly but you throw it back to my face. Now you and your girlfriends are gonna pay and I'm gonna enjoy collecting." He grabbed his crotch in a suggestive manner. Oh yes, he was going to enjoy himself before handing them over to his gang. His gang members, outnumbering the girls eight to one, were already surrounding the three cutting off any escape. They brandished baseball bats, iron pipes and knives

"Bring it on, asshole." Ukyo dared him.

"Get them!!!" Fujiwara screamed and his gang rushed in to beat the three girls into submission.

Akane, who was on the left of Ukyo, smiled. She hasn't had an honest-to-goodness gang-bang since the hentai horde decided to call it quits. "Remember not to hurt them too much, okay?"

"Sure, sugar, but leave the jerkface to me. I owe him some major pain for touching me."

"Does breaking their bones count as hurting them too much?" Shampoo, who stood to Ukyo's right, asked.

"Nope."

"Oh, good." With that the three leaped into the free-for-all.

++++++++++

Ukyo ducked under the bat of the first punk biker she fought who misjudged his swing and hit his friend, who was charging to his right, in the face breaking the nose. Ukyo didn't give him time to recover as she gave him an uppercut that lifed him clean off his feet. She grabbed the bat and used it to block the lead pipe a third gang member tried to strike her with then pirouetted to get into his defense to deliver a ringing hammer blow to the side of his head. She twisted to the side to avoid the knife slash from a fourth opponent then jumped over a leg sweep and over a fifth gang member. She twisted in mid-air much as she had seen Ranma do until she was vertically upside down over the one who tried a leg sweep and gave a vicious one-two combination to the surprised face looking up at her. She landed in time to see another bat coming and bent over to avoid it. She continued her motion to flip over the one she just knocked out and grab the baseball bat she dropped. She did a leg split to duck under another knife slash and used the bat to hit the guy in the crotch with a sickening splat. The knife-wielder dropped the knife and bent over to clutch his abused balls. Ukyo planted her hands on the ground and did a spinning hand stand with legs spread to hit the knife wielder and the second batter in the sides of their heads. She stopped her spin and stood with bat in hand to face her remaining two opponents who had lost their enthusiasm to fight. It was only when Fujiwara shouted and pushed them did they charge swinging their pipes wildly. Ukyo calmly waited for them to get near then rushed in to jumped easily over their weapons to do a leg split in mid-air and kick them both in the temples. The two crumpled behind Ukyo as she landed to face Fujiwara.

++++++++++

Akane easily caught the pipe her first opponent tried to swing at her much to the surprise of the biker. She gave a tug and pulled the guy towards her. She gave a snap kick that sent the biker flying into two of his gangmates. Akane used the pipe to block a bat and then stepped in to give an elbow to the throat of the batter. She stepped sideways to avoid a downward swing of another pipe then turned to plant a side kick to the side of the abdomen. Akane continued the twirl to avoid a knife stab and struck the knife wielder with the pipe in his back. She stopped to see the two bikers she had kicked her first opponent into charging her. She decided offense was the best defense and charged the closest one. She jumped over his bat and delivered a flying side-kick to his face. She quickly turned and jumped at the second guy who was still turning to face her to hit him with a back hand blow to the back of the head. Akane landed and twisted just in time to avoid being skewered by a knife. She grabbed the hand and twisted the knife arm behind the back of the biker. She then used the knife wielder as a shield against his fellow biker who tried to hit her with a pipe. The man yowled in pain and grabbed his right upper limb as he felt the arm break from the impact. The pipe man jumped back in surprise giving Akane the opening to connect with a jumping axe kick to the top of his head. Her last opponent dropped like a sack of potatoes. She turned to see Ukyo facing off with the jerkface.

++++++++++

Shampoo was enjoying herself, a fight always gave her a rush. She knew she could easily overpower her present opponents with her skill in the martial arts but it wouldn't be a challenge. Instead she used her speed and agility to dodge and weave between every slash, swing and thrust of her adversaries and used her Amaguriken speed against pressure points to disable them. The first she paralyzed his right arm, the second his right leg, the third both arms, the fourth (being left handed) his left arm, the fifth both legs, the sixth she turned into a paraplegic, seventh and eigth she disrupted their sense of balance. The two staggered around like drunks. She turned and smiled at her helpless antagonists and posed to highlight her killer body.

"So who wants to play some more?" Shampoo purred sexily.

The eight tried to shake their heads as vigorously as possible. They were still in shock that someone as full bodied as her could move so fast they couldn't see what she was doing. They certainly felt it however.

"You're no fun." Shampoo pouted prettily. She thought they would give her a bigger challenge. Idiot males! She snorted in disgust, stomped angrily to each one and proceeded to tap their sleep spot. Shampoo was about to turn around when a mischievous thought entered her head. She again went around to tap some more pressure points. This should teach you a lesson you'll never forget. She grinned evilly when she imagined the men's reactions when they realize they wouldn't be able to get it up for the next several weeks. She finished in time to see Ukyo facing the leader who was now backing away. Shampoo quickly went behind Fujiwara and was soon joined by Akane who replaced her pipe with an aluminum baseball bat. Shampoo shrugged and picked one up as well. It made a nice club to beat the stuffing out of the jerkface.

++++++++++

It was over in less than five minutes. At the end Fujiwara's gangmen lay sprawled across the sidewalk and street while their women looked bug-eyed with jaws down on the pavement in astonishment at the three girls.

Ukyo brandished the baseball bat she was holding and stalked the backpedalling Fujiwara. She gave a snort and smirked as she saw the fear in his eyes. Feh! Bullies, they're the same everywhere.

"You were saying something about making me pay, scum bag?"

"Uh, it-it was a j-joke, r-really." The gang leader tried to bluff his way out as he continued to back away. He stopped as he bumped into something. He turned his head to see a baseball bat being poked into his back by the short haired girl.

"Uh-uh. Wasn't funny and you haven't paid for your okonomiyaki yet." Akane informed him.

"Uh, ri-right, of course. How stu-stupid of me. Here, take my wa-wallet." Fujiwara took out his wallet and extended it respectfully with trembling fingers towards the chef. He didn't like the looks on the three baseball bat-toting girls.

"Don't mind if I do, scum bag." Ukyo took a quick look into the wallet. "Not bad, scum bag. You don't mind me calling you scum bag, do you, scum bag?" Ukyo poked her baseball bat under Fujiwara's nose. Fujiwara sweated and gulped.

"Y-you can ca-call me a-anything y-you like, Kounji-san, I-I don't mind. I-I deserve i-it." Fujiwara remembered some of the manners his mother taught him. Just leave me in one piece please. He was resigned to being beaten. He beat other people for less reason. He just prayed he was still in one piece after the beating.

Ukyo switched the bat to her left hand. "Hey, Shampoo, got one of your throwing knives with you?" Fujiwara almost swallowed his tongue, gums, teeth and lips at the question.

"U-uh, i-is thth-at r-really ne-necessary, K-Ko-ounji-san?"

"Shut up, scum bag. I wasn't talking to you." Fujiwara clamped his mouth shut.

"I always carry some. Here." Shampoo handed over one of her shiny and wicked looking throwing knives.

"Nice and sharp, just the way I like them." The knife glinted under the setting sun. Fujiwara sweated at the sight.

[Slash!]

Something flashed and he saw his life pass before his eyes. "AAAAAAAIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!!" Fujiwara screamed like a little school girl.

"Shut up, scum bag. I haven't touched you _yet_. You can scream all you want later. Or maybe I should cut your tongue out." That shut Fujiwara up fast.

Fujiwara looked down with bulging eyes at his body. Sure enough there weren't any blood but his pants were now down around his ankles and he was standing in only his boxers. He wet his boxers as realization dawned on him. Shampoo snickered.

"N-no, pl-please, n-not th-that! A-anyth-thing bu-but th-that!" he squeaked.

"Not what, scum bag?"

"Pl-please d-don't c-cut m-my d-dick a-and ba-balls off!"

"You mean this?" Ukyo dropped the baseball bat and grabbed his crotch with her left hand. She squeezed hard. "You ain't losing much, scum bag."

"Fujiwara's eyes bulged even more at the pain. Shampoo snickered harder. Akane tried not to blush too much.

"Now listen up, scum bag. I don't want to see you or any of your gang here again. Come here again and you'll lose more than your pathetic dick and balls. Understand?" Ukyo waved the knife under his nose. Fujiwara nodded his head enthusiastically. Ukyo squeezed harder. "I didn't hear you, scum bag."

"Fujiwara's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "Y-yes, K-Ko-ounji-san! Y-you won't s-see me or any of m-my men ever a-again!" He squeaked several octaves higher.

"Now beat it before we change our minds and cut all of your dicks and balls off." Ukyo let go and stepped back while Shampoo quickly tapped the man's erectile dysfunction point. She snickered again and grinned at Ukyo's and Akane's questioning looks. "I'll explain over there." She whispered.

Ukyo, Akane and Shampoo walked to the front of her shop and watched as Fujiwara and the women of his gang scramble around to revive their men and leave with their tails between their legs.

"So what did you do to him, Shampoo?"

"Oh, I just gave him a reminder not to come back here."

"What kind of reminder?"

"Oh, he won't be able to get an erection for at least two months."

Ukyo and Akane gasped then giggled. "You didn't?"

"Yes, I did."

"You're evil, you know that?" The three turned to look at the gang leader. They snickered louder. He was in for a frustrating two months.

When the last Bakusozoku were out of sight the onlookers gave a loud cheer to the three girls. It was times like these that the residents of Nerima remembered why they tolerated the super powered martial artists in their midst. The yakuza and other criminals didn't dare step into their ward and the police were just as happy to let things be. Too bad the girls didn't beat the crap out of the gang leader. It would have been entertaining. If they only knew what Shampoo did, they would have pitied the man. The crowd dispersed soon after.

"Well, that was fun." Akane said. "Haven't had a workout like that in a long time."

"I know what you mean, sugar."

Shampoo snorted. "Bah! They were pathetic. I didn't even break a sweat."

"Still it was nice to kick their butt."

"Yes, it's always nice to show stupid males not to underestimate women."

"Well, I'm glad you three had fun." Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo turned to see Nabiki stepping out of the restaurant followed by Kasumi. "Any of you got hurt?"

"They couldn't even touch us."

"That's good. I called Ranma's house but Auntie said he was out. She said she'd send him over as soon as he gets back."

"What did you call him for? We can take care of ourselves, you know."

"I know that but I like making sure. Anyway, Auntie was worried so she's sending him over as soon as he gets back. I also called the Nekohanten and Elder Cologne should..."

"I am already here, child. Thank you for informing me of the fight. I am glad all of you are safe."

"How long have you been here, great-grandmother?"

"Long enough to see the three of you humble the leader. I was impressed by the way you handled him. I am certain he and his gang will not be back for revenge."

"Oh, my! What a nice motorcycle!" Five heads swiveled to the direction of the squeal to see the eldest Tendo daughter looking to their left. Kasumi had followed Nabiki out of the restaurant and upon seeing Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo unharmed turned her attention to their surroundings. The five followed her gaze until they saw the object of her interest.

It was a big Kawasaki easy rider. The chrome and black paint shone brightly under the street light it was parked under. In the gang's scramble to leave, it was left behind by the biker who had his arm broken. The key glinted invitingly in the ignition. Akane, Nabiki, Shampoo and Ukyo blinked and looked at each other. The Bakusozoku gang probably isn't coming back. Then one thought popped into their heads.

"DIBS!"

The four scrambled to get to the big bike first. In their haste and attempt to be the first they grabbed, pushed, pulled and tripped each other until they were a mass of arms and legs on the street.

"Its mine!"

"Like hell it is!"

"Get off me!"

"Let go!"

"No way!"

"Watch where you're putting your hands!"

"Hey! Watch where you're stepping!"

"Stop pulling my hair!"

"Oh, my! This seat is so comfortable."

"Indeed it is, child." cackled the reply.

Akane, Nabiki, Shampoo and Ukyo looked up from where they were entangled on the street to see Kasumi sitting sidesaddle on the motorcycle with Cologne sitting behind her. They blink, blink and scrambled to their feet.

"No fair!"

Cologne inclined her head at them. "No fair?"

"You two cheated!"

"Cheated? How so?"

"You waited until we couldn't move!"

"That's cheating?"

"Great-grandmother, you don't need a motorcycle!"

"True, Shampoo but am I not entitled to enjoy myself once in a while? The same can be said for Kasumi here." Cologne grinned to needle them while Kasumi just smiled innocently at them.

"But, but, but..."

"Well, you can only blame yourselves why Kasumi managed to get to the motorcycle first. As the saying goes 'first come, first serve' but I'm sure Kasumi is more than willing to share the motorcycle."

Kasumi was a little unsure. She didn't really want the motorcycle. The only reason she went and sat on it was out of curiousity, the seat did looked comfortable from afar after all. But if it stopped the girls from fighting over it then she supposed it would be for the best if she 'owned' it. She smiled at the Amazon Matriarch. "Of course, Elder Cologne."

"See? Now you five work it out among yourselves. All I want is a joyride now and then." Cologne cackled loudly. "If you will excuse me, I need to get back to the Nekohanten. There's no telling what the slacker has been up to. I'll expect you back soon, Shampoo." With that the Amazon Matriarch pogoed off.

The four girls approached Kasumi on the motorcycle.

"So how do we do this?" Ukyo asked.

"First let's get it off the street. Ukyo, do you have enough space behind your restaurant for this?" Nabiki replied.

"I don't think so."

"I thought so. Look if you two" Nabiki indicated Shampoo and Ukyo. "don't object I suggest we park it in our home. It has the biggest space."

Shampoo and Ukyo nodded. It was logical. "As long as we get equal time with it."

"No problem. The way I figure it we need to cooperate to make this legally ours. I'll check the ownership first thing tomorrow." The four other girls nodded. If there was someone who knew how to do things legally, it was Nabiki. "Akane, do you think you can push it home? It's kinda heavy."

"No problem, sis."

"Okay, that settles it for the bike for now. So do you two want to continue our talk?"

Shampoo and Ukyo shared a look. They sighed and came to a silent understanding. "Look, we don't like it but we promised Auntie we wouldn't fight so we'll go with it for now until you three can talk with Ranma and your parents. We'll see what Auntie thinks about it at the slumber party. Fair enough?"

"We can live with that. So you two want to come along and bring our new baby home?"

"You bet we do, sugar."

Shampoo smiled mischievously. "Of course. I want to know how it feels to have a powerful machine pumping between my legs." She said lasciviously then snickered as she watched the four other girls turn red. "Why are you all red? You must have very naughty minds." Then laughed out loud as the four turned even redder.

++++++++++

Ranma's eyes widened in alarm as she saw where Kodachi was headed. They were already some sixty stories up with the rooftops farther apart and Kodachi was running towards a chasm of more than twenty-five meters to the next roof top.

"Kodachi, look out!" She shouted to warn the girl. Damn it, Kodachi, look where you're going!

Whatever the reason, Ranma saw that Kodachi wasn't looking or listening. With a final burst of speed Ranma covered the final few meters between them and jumped to tackle the other girl to the rooftop before Kodachi could make her next, and probably last, leap. The two tumbled to the roof in a tangle of arms and legs. They struggled and rolled for several meters before Ranma was able move on top, straddle Kodachi's body and pin Kodachi's arms to her sides with her legs.

"Let go of me, you bitch!" Kodachi snarled once she saw who had dared lay a finger on her person. Her emotions causied her to use the more pedestrian words. She struggled to free herself.

Ranma blinked at the hatred in the words. Whoa, girl. "Is that any way to thank someone who just saved your life?"

Kodachi's eyes flashed. "Kodachi Kuno does not need to be saved by one such as you!" She struggled some more, her movements making her full, firm body do some interesting contortions which wasn't lost on Ranma . Girl-Ranma shook her head to remove the image.

"Whatever, Kodachi. I came here to help you."

"You?! Help me?!" Kodachi suddenly wrapped her legs around the surprised Ranma's waist and pulled the smaller girl off. "I would rather be helped by the devil himself!" The two scrambled to their feet to face off several meters from each other, Kodachi bringing out her ribbon while Ranma assumed a defensive stance.

Kodachi struck fast and furious with her ribbon, her emotions fueling her, the speed of the attack breaking the sound barrier and catching Ranma unprepared. Ranma yelped in pain as a red welt emerged on her left upper arm.

"Damn, Kodachi, that hurt!" Ranma rubbed the sore spot.

"I will do more than hurt you, witch, for daring to imply that my Ranma-darling is a half-woman and for bewitching his mother with your lies." Kodachi replied in a low, serious tone, leaving no doubts as to her intentions.

"Damn it, Kodachi! I _am_ Ranma! Whoa!" Ranma dodged as Kodachi snapped the ribbon towards her. The red-head had to duck and weave as the gymnast followed her with several snaps of the weapon.

"Silence! I will not have you spread these lies!"

"Damn it, Kodachi! What will it take to make ya believe it?! I changed right in front of ya! Ya even held my goddamned hand! Yer not as stupid or idiotic as yer brother!" Ranma had to evade some more ribbon attacks, the last of which caught her on her right thigh. Fuck! Can't dodge forever! I have to get rid of that damned ribbon. She quickly massaged the part.

"Never! I shall never believe it! I shall expose it for the fabrication it is!" Kodachi continued her supersonic ribbon attacks, the ribbon invisible to the naked eye.

"Damn it! Kodachi, stop before someone gets hurt!"

"Ohohohohohohoho!" The malevolence in the laugh sent chills down the pig-tailed girl's spine. "I will do much more than hurt you!"

Damn, she's losing it! Gotta slow that ribbon down somehow. Her eyes roamed around to look for something to throw in the ribbon's path while keeping the ribbon in view. There! She saw a metallic object lying on the roof top a couple of meters away and dodged towards it. Gotta time it right... Now! She kicked the object into the path of the ribbon. It was sliced cleanly in half but the resistance was enough to decrease the ribbon's speed to allow Ranma to catch it with her right hand. They settled into a tug of war.

"Damn it, Kodachi, will ya just listen!"

"Never! I shall never listen to the likes of you!" Kodachi tugged hard to free her ribbon. What the two did not see was the small tear the metal object's sharp side had cut in the ribbon. The ribbon suddenly snapped in two causing the two girls to stumble backwards. Ranma fell on her butt to watch with horror Kodachi tumble with eyes wide open over the railing running around the roof and fall backwards towards the hard concrete street some two-hundred meters below.

"RANMA!!!!!!" Kodachi screamed in cold fear as she fell over the edge. She screamed for the boy who saved her and captured her heart that night many months ago. She did not want to die. She may have a demented mind but a death wish was not a part of it.

"Kodachi!" Ranma quickly ran to the side and looked over to see Kodachi already several meters below and a few meters too far from the building's wall to control her fall. A quick look and Ranma decided on a course of action. Only one way to save her. Ranma quickly leapt over the railing and _ran_ down the side of the building, blowing past a two man window cleaning crew packing up for the day. One of the crew spat out the tea he was drinking as he saw the redhead run past.

"Whoa! What the hell was that?!" He and his partner looked down to see a girl with ponytail in a black and green leotard falling as if in slow motion towards the street and a red blur streaking along the side of the building rapidly catching up to the falling girl.

Kodachi couldn't believe her eyes as she saw her despised rival run past her. Her eyes further widened as the red head stopped and planted her feet on a window ledge a dozen meters below her and leap upwards to catch Kodachi in her arms.

"What are you doing?!" Kodachi screeched.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm trying ta save ya!"

"NO!!! Only Ranma-darling can save me!" Kodachi struggled in the arms that cradled her.

"Will ya quit moving! I'm trying ta concentrate here!" Ranma needed to focus her attention on the other building she was aiming for, some twenty-five meters away across the wide avenue. She knew she was stretching it, even with her superior physical condition she knew she could barely cover the distance. She focused more of her chi to her legs for the next jump. Damn! Where's hot water when you need some?! She hoped by making jumps from one building to another she could slow their descent enough to be survivable.

"Unhand me! Only my darling Ranma can touch me!"

"Damn it, Kodachi! How many times do I hafta tell ya?! I _am_ Ranma!"

"Never! You can never be...?" Angry eyes turned to wonder as Ranma passed through the tea spat out by the window cleaning man earlier and transformed back into a boy. Familiar sensations passed through Kodachi's body and she was brought back several months back to the night she first met the love of her life. The strong arms cradling her, the hard chest she was pressed against, the broad shoulders, the kind and handsome face. There was no doubt who held her. "Ranma-darling?"

Thank God for small favors! Ranma sighed as he felt the transformation. "Finally, d'ya believe me now?" He planted his feet against the wall of the opposite building and leapt back towards the first building with more confidence now that he was back in his stronger male form.

Kodachi gazed in awe and wonder at her beloved. She felt safe in his arms. No one can harm her. No one can hurt her. No one can take her loved ones away as long as she was with her Ranma-darling. She wrapped her arms tighter around that neck she longed so much to kiss, snuggled closer, laid her head on the shoulders and closed her eyes in contentment, her fear of falling to death totally forgotten. Surely a mere two-hundred meter fall was nothing for her Ranma. She briefly toyed with the idea of using a paralyzing or sleeping powder on her knight in shining armor. Maybe later when we're on the ground.

Fortunately for the rescuer of the damsel in distress, physical exhaustion combined with the sudden lost of adrenaline-pumping stimuli allowed sleepiness to overcome Kodachi.

Ranma almost lost concentration as he felt Kodachi press her body against his. He recovered just in time to repeat the process of jumping back and forth between buildings. Damnit! Concentrate! Take your mind out of the gutter! After around a half-dozen leaps he at last landed safely on the street. He closed his eyes and breathed a big sigh of relief. Damn, don't want to do that ever again.

The sound of applause made him open his eyes to find himself surrounded by onlookers with several camera flashes temporarily blinding him. He heard the comments.

"Did you see what the boy did?!"

"Sure did. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it myself!"

"He's so cool! Risking his life to save a damsel in distress!"

"Not to mention cute!"

"Ooohhh!!! Just look at those biceps!"

"Maybe he's single!"

"He's mine!"

"In your dreams!"

"Quick get his name and number!"

"Hey, kid, can I interview you?!"

Ranma began to panic as the crowd pressed towards him. He looked around for an escape and jumped on top of a street light he saw above the heads. From there he jumped onto a moving bus and another street light before rounding a corner and disappearing from the crowd's view leaving them more than a little disappointed.

Ranma stopped when he saw he landed in a deserted mini-park among the buildings.

"Whew! Some peace and quiet! Okay, Kodachi, ya can let go now..." Ranma went silent as he saw Kodachi sleeping peacefully in his arms with a smile. He blinked several times. Okay, who are ya and what did ya do with the real Kodachi? was the first thought in his mind. He shook his head and looked again. Egads! She can actually be cute when she's not crazy or trying ta kill ya! He smiled. Musta tired herself out more than I thought. He shrugged, turned, got his bearings and continued his way home, taking extra care not to wake the sleeping girl.

++++++++++

Nodoka was waiting patiently outside her home for her son to return with Kodachi. She finished all the necessary preparations for their return a few minutes before and now used the time to think on how to help the Kuno girl. The girl's reaction to her son's curse was not what she expected.

Then again, with her disturbed personality I should have expected anything.

Nodoka sighed. It seemed Kodachi was more than a little infatuated with her son. As much as she wanted to give the girl her happiness with Ranma Nodoka knew it would be, at best, a very difficult undertaking. Her son already had too many commitments. Of course if Ranma and the other girls wouldn't mind... neither would Nodoka. Hmmm, now that's an interesting thought. She smiled mischievously and barely stopped herself from doing a little dance of joy out on the street as she continued to plot her son's love affairs. She settled for a small maniacal laugh and rubbing her hands together in glee.

In the meantime, perhaps having a mother-figure and a friend would be enough for Kodachi for now. Oh, if only there was a way for Ranma to make all the girls happy!

Nodoka broke out of her daydreams when she saw her son land a few meters in front of her with Kodachi in his arms. She became alarmed when she saw the panicked look on his face and heard the moans from the girl. She quickly rushed to them.

++++++++++

Ranma was only a block away from home when he felt Kodachi stir in his arms.

About time. Thought ya'd never wake up. He became worried when Kodachi moaned deep from within her throat. Eh? Is she hurt or something? He nearly slipped when he heard Kodachi's next utterance.

"Oh, Ranma-darling, that feels so good."

What the hell? He sweat-dropped as Kodachi moaned loud enough for people on the street to look up. Oh, shit! This is not good! This is definitely not good!

"Oooooohhhhhh!!!!!! Yes! Do me now, Ranma-darling!" Kodachi cried. More people looked in his direction. Ranma forcibly stamped down the urge to throw Kodachi away like a hot potato. His mother probably wouldn't understand why he threw her away.

"Get a room, you pervert!"

There goes the neighborhood. He looked around and saw the looks people were giving him. This is gonna get ugly. He looked up to the heavens. Why me?

"Hey, mom, look! That boy's fondling a half-naked girl!"

"Hush, son! Just ignore him!" The pervert! Doing things like that in public! The mother shook her head. The youngsters these days!

"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!"

Ranma fled in a cloud of dust.

++++++++++

"Mom!" The panic in Ranma's voice was evident. Kodachi's moans and cries only got louder and people were looking at him strangely.

"What is it, Ranma? Why is Kodachi moaning? Is she hurt..."

"Yes! Yes, Ranma-darling! Faster! Harder! Yes! Yes! Oh! Oh! Oh!"

Nodoka stopped dead in her tracks as she could hear Kodachi clearly now. Her eyes widened and she turned deep scarlet in embarassment as she realized what was happening.

"Oh. My."

"Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! You are such a man, Ranma-darling!"

"No! She's fine! She's having a... a..."

"Very, very, very naughty dream." Nodoka finished for her son.

"Mom! Can we please wake her up or at least go in? People are staring!"

"Oh, my! Of course, of course. Let's go in." She quickly ushered her son inside the gate. Oh, dear. How do I explain this to the neighbors? She was sure the neighborhood would be buzzing tonight. She nearly fainted when Kodachi screamed and bucked wildly in Ranma's arms just as she was about to close the gate.

"Yes! Oh, yes! I'm coming, Ranma-darling! I'm comingggggg!!!!!!"

Nodoka quickly clamped her hands over the girl's mouth and helped her son hold Kodachi down.

Oh, dear! Oh, dear! Oh, dear! Now she was sure the neighborhood would be abuzz tonight. She can also expect a visit from the neighborhood council in the next few days. She shook her head as she and Ranma waited for Kodachi to calm down. Kodachi took almost five minutes to settle down and at the end mother and son were both covered in sweat. Well, that was embarassing. Nodoka smiled wryly to herself. And I thought I was wild in bed. She smiled in spite of herself as she remembered what she was like in bed. She idly noted that her son was blushing from head to toe. She tried to make light of the embarassing moment.

"Well, son, I have to say I'm proud of you. Satisfying a girl like that, you must truly be a man-among-men. Even if it was only in her dreams. Then again, it also means you have a lot to live up to. Do you think you're up to to the challenge?" Nodoka teased lightheartedly.

"You were soooo gooood, Ranma-darling." Kodachi murmured contentedly and snuggled even closer. "Now I know why your mother named you 'Ranma'."

Nodoka grinned from ear to ear. "See?" She knows why I named Ranma 'Ranma'? Now that's a story I'd like to hear. Hmmm... Maybe I should show the girls Ranma's baby pictures... Then they'd know why. An impish smile appeared on her face.

Ranma trembled with a vengeance as another feeling of doom descended over him when he saw the smile on his mom's face. Now what?! That smile gives me the creeps! He shook it off and focused on the present. "Mom! This isn't funny!"

Nodoka snapped out her musings. "Ranma, you need to lighten up."

"Lighten up?! Lighten up?! I'll be known as the neighborhood pervert by tomorrow morning!"

"Make that by tonight, dear." Nodoka cheerfully corrected and lightly patted her son's shoulder.

Ranma gave his mother a half-lidded gaze. "Mom, yer not helping."

"Oh, you worry too much, son. Don't worry, Ranma, tomorrow I'll speak to the neighbors and explain everything."

Ranma looked at his mother full of doubt. These things never seemed to go his way. He does a good deed and what does he get? He simply said "Thanks, mom." without much enthusiasm.

His mother gave a pout. "Oh, you can be such a grouch, Ranma. You really should get a sense of humor. Girls really love guys who have a sense of humor. Not that I'm saying you need something more to attract girls. Or that you need to attract more girls. Oh, my son is so manly!" Nodoka giggled like a schoolgirl and hugged her son with motherly pride then composed herself. "Now let's bring Kodachi to the guest room."

Ranma hung his head in defeat and sighed with feeling. Unfortunately hanging his head gave him a very nice view down Kodachi's leotard. His eyes bugged out and a trickle of blood traced it's way down from his nose. The leotard had been disheveled during Kodachi's... ahem exposing her... ahem. His head snapped back up as he tried to rearrange the leotard as best as he could without touching flesh. He again beseeched the powers that be. Why me? He just knew he was gonna get pounded and called a pervert.

Nodoka saw what happened and smiled. Oh, my. My son is such a gentleman. Nodoka frowned a little. Maybe a little too much. He could have at least taken a longer look. Oh, well. I guess I should be happy he had a nose bleed. At least I know he has naughty thoughts about girls. She approached her son and gently dabbed the blood away making her son flinch. "I take it you liked what you saw, son?" Nodoka said as innocently as possible while showing her pearly white teeth in a very broad smile.

Ranma panicked and windmilled his arms forgetting his arms were occupied making his mom's eyes widen in alarm. "Mom! It's not what it looks like. I didn't look! I didn't see! I didn't touch! I... I..."

"There, there, son. It was an accident and it is only natural for a man to like seeing something like that." Nodoka paused. "Aren't you forgetting something, son?"

Ranma stopped waving his arms about and looked at his mother questioningly. "Am I forgetting something?"

"Yes." Nodoka pointed up.

Ranma followed Nodoka's finger upward in time to see Kodachi falling on him.

[Splat!]

"Oh." Ranma mumbled from his supine position beneath the still sleeping girl. Damn, and I thought I was a heavy sleeper. He raised his head and was about to push Kodachi off so that he could stand when what he saw made him freeze. Kodachi landed in reverse position straddling him with her knees on either side of his chest and her butt up in the air. His mind turned to jelly when he noted the vague wet outline in the leotard. His mind blew up when he felt Kodachi's cheek resting on an interesting part of his anatomy. The resulting nose bleed rivaled the great Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883. He collapsed back on his back, groggy from loss of blood and mumbling incoherently.

[Click!] [Flash!] [Whir!]

[Click!] [Flash!] [Whir!]

The strange sounds and flashes of light caused him to look to his right in time to see his mom putting away her camera inside her kimono. His eyes widened.

"Mom?! Watcha doing?!"

Nodoka looked at her son in puzzlement. "Taking pictures, son. I always carry a camera so that I can photographs moments like this." And what a moment this is! Nodoka smirked inside.

I know I'm gonna regret asking. "Uh, why?"

"For posterity, of course. One day in the future they'll laugh at all this." Nodoka reasoned. She found the position her son and Kodachi in extremely amusing. It took most of her willpower not to laugh at her son's predicament. Oh, I can't wait to show this to the other girls! I'm sure they'll find it amusing also.

Lightning flashed and thunder rolled.

Flashbacks of the cookie incident came rushing painfully back to Ranma. Not if I don't live long enough to have them. He knew the position he was in was far more incriminating. There was no way any of his fiancees would believe his explanation. I have to get rid of those picture _and_ negatives! He looked for a place to push Kodachi off without touching any private parts. After a couple of minutes he gave up and looked to his mother pleading for help. "Uh, mom, d'ya think ya can take Kodachi offa me so I can stand up?"

"Oh, of course. Where are my manners." Nodoka quickly helped her son to his feet. Once he was up and cradling Kodachi again she dabbed the larger amount of blood on her son's face. "I take it you enjoyed the second view more than the first?" My son is so manly!

Ranma blushed red from head to toe and made an unintelligible sound.

"There, there, son. Like I said, it was an accident and it is only natural for a man to like seeing something like that. If you didn't like what you saw then some may say you don't like girls." Nodoka paused. "You do like girls, don't you, Ranma?" Nodoka said to tease her son. She rearranged the girl's leotard some more.

Ranma almost choked. "Of course I like girls! I'm a guy!"

"Then you have nothing to be ashamed of, Ranma. Your reaction was only natural for a healthy young man. I would be more worried if you had no reaction at all."

"But, but, but..."

"Oh, don't worry about it, son. Now let's get Kodachi into bed before she catches a cold wearing only that."

Ranma was still a little bit dazed as he followed his mom to the kitchen after they made Kodachi as comfortable as possible on a spare futon in the guest bedroom. Visions of what he had seen still floated around in his head.

"Would you like something to eat or drink, Ranma?"

Ranma remembered he was hungry. "Yeah, that would be great, mom."

Nodoka quickly brought out tea and rice balls. "Are these fine, Ranma? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes."

"Uh, do we have something cold to drink, mom?"

"Of course, son. Would you like some juice, iced tea or soda?"

"Soda would be great, mom!" His mother gave him a can.

"Ranma, before I forget, Nabiki called earlier. She said she, Kasumi, Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo were attacked by Bakusozoku."

Ranma stiffened. "What?! Are they hurt, mom? Where are they?" He stood to leave.

"They're fine, son. Nabiki called after Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo took care of the Bakusozoku. They're all at the Tendo Dojo right now. Now sit, eat, drink and rest for a while."

Ranma sighed with relief and sat again. "Thank God." Then stiffened again, utter terror gripping his heart. "They're _all_ at the Tendo Dojo? As in Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo are at the Dojo? In one place?"

"Yes, that's what Nabiki told me."

"Oh, shit! I gotta get over there before the three tear each other apart."

"Watch your tongue, young man!"

"Uh, sorry, mom. But I gotta get over there!"

"Don't be silly, Ranma. Nabiki said they were having fun together. She said something about a new toy." I knew they could get along with one another. "And the girls did promise me they wouldn't fight anymore."

Ranma blinked, blinked. Yeah, right. Like that's gonna stop them for long. "Are ya sure? They're not tearing each other apart or something?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Now _that's_ weird. I wonder what got into them?"

"Come now, Ranma. You don't give the girls enough credit."

Ranma looked at his mom uncertainly. Well, maybe his mother was right. Still he'd be able to sleep better if he made sure. "Uh, I think I'd better check on them just to make sure."

Nodoka smiled. It was what she expected from her son. "Go ahead, son, I'll call the Dojo and tell them you're coming. I'll wait for you for dinner."

Ranma finished the crackers, drank the rest of the soda in one gulp and stood to leave.

Nodoka place her hand over her son's ."Ranma, be careful. Some of these Bakusozoku can be vicious."

"I will, mom."

"Thank you. Now go and I'll check on Kodachi. You can tell me what happened to her when you get back."

++++++++++

Akane, Kasumi, Shampoo and Ukyo were enjoying themselves as they watched with amusement Nabiki trying to control the big bike around the Tendo backyard. Nabiki was the last to ride the big Kawasaki as she was left with the shortest straw. They all had some bruises and scratches to show for their efforts but they didn't mind. The injuries weren't enough to mar their perfect complexions and the ride had been exhilarating to say the least, it gave them all a thrill to feel the powerful 450cc engine thrum between their legs. They couldn't wait to drive the motorcycle around Nerima.

Speaking of power, Ranma chose that moment to drop behind the four girls.

"Hey, watcha doing? And what the heck is that racket?" He couldn't see the girls' new toy but he did hear the roar of the four-cylinder engine.

"Ranma/Ranchan/Airen!" Shampoo moved to glomp her Airen when a shout from Nabiki made her stop.

"Look out!"

The four girls all sidestepped in time to avoid being run over by Nabiki leaving Ranma to stare slack-jawed as the huge 'bicycle' roared towards him.

[Splat!]

"Uh, hi, Nabiki. Is this yer new toy?" Ranma mumbled from beneath the motorcycle's front tire. Man, like I didn't have enough trouble with Shampoo's bicycle. He groaned as visions of him getting splattered under the monster motorcycle again and again came into his head. I gotta get rid of this thing!

"Ranma/Airen/Ranchan! Are you all right?"

"I'm okay, just get this thing offa me."

Nabiki quickly got off the Kawasaki and the girls all helped push it off their fallen fiance.

Ranma picked himself up and dusted his clothes. "Uh, so where did ya get the motorcycle?"

"Oh, the Bakusozoku left it when they ran off." Nabiki replied.

Ranma looked at Nabiki dubiously. "They left something like this behind?"

The girls shrugged. "Maybe they felt bad about harassing us poor, weak, defenseless, little girls." Shampoo suggested innocently. Akane, Ukyo and Nabiki sniggered while Kasumi simply smiled.

"Yeah, right." Probably pounded them senseless. "So, uh, all of ya all right? None of ya got hurt?"

"Why, Ranma, are you worried about us?" Nabiki teased.

Ranma blinked "Me? Worry about you guys? Hah!" He tried to weasel his way out. "Uh, my mom told me ta check on ya, that's all."

"Oh, my. That's not what Auntie said to me on the telephone. She said you insisted on coming over to make sure we were all right."

"Erk! She did? Hehe." Drat!

"Aha! Admit it! You were worried about us!" Akane, Nabiki, Shampoo and Ukyo triumphantly crowed.

"So?! What about it?" Ranma huffed. "I can see I worried for nuthin'! Shoulda known better than worry about a bunch of _tomboys_!" He tried to change the subject.

"So you admit it!"

"Who's a tomboy?!"

Bingo! Thank God for Akane. Ranma tried not to grin too much.

Nabiki quickly put her hand over Akane's mouth before her younger sister could ruin the way things were going.

"Akane, you really need to learn what the important thing is." Nabiki whispered. "Ranma just admitted he worries about us and all you heard is the tomboy remark. No wonder you two hardly got anywhere."

Akane's eyes widened. "You're right! He did admit it, didn't he?" She turned to her fiance and pointed a finger at him.

"Aha! So you admit it!" The four other girls simply hung their heads.

"Er, no?" Drat! And double drat!

"You can't deny it, Saotome, we all heard you say 'you worried for nuthin'."

"Well, so what? And what's it to ya anyway, Nabiki?" If you can't weasel your way out, try bulling your way out. Nabiki's been acting weird all day. Come to think of it, they're all acting weird today. Hope it's not contagious or anything.

"Uh, I, we, nothing, Saotome. Nothing."

Ranma looked at Nabiki closely making the girl color a little. "Ya sure ya ain't hurt or anything? I thought I jes heard ya stutter or sumthin'." He looked at her face from side to side, up and down.

"Uh, I, uh, ahem, I'm fine, Ranma. Just a little sore throat." Stop looking at me like that already!

"Ya sure?" He stepped closer, almost nose to nose. Nabiki had to call upon every reserve of self-control she had to maintain her composure and resist grabbing that head and kissing those lips that were 'oh, so close.'

[Whap!]

Akane hit Ranma on the back of the head causing his head to jerk forward and making him kiss Nabiki on the lips. She was about to say "Stop being such a jerk, Ranma! Can't you see you're making Nabiki uncomfortable!" when she saw what happened.

Time stopped in the Tendo backyard as everyone went bug-eyed.

Ranma's first thought was Oh, shit! I'm gonna die. He was about to jerk his head back when he saw the look in Nabiki's eyes just before she closed them. He then heard the girl sigh and felt her deepen the kiss. He was caught like a deer in the headlights. His last thought was Must resist. before his mind turned to jello once again and his toes began to curl. He was vaguely aware of her arms climbing to his neck and his arms encircling her waist.

Nabiki went rigid and her eyes widened as she felt those lips touch her own. Her efforts to maintain control went out the window and her thoughts turned to mush. From her lips a sensation not unlike being electrocuted with a small electrical charge began to spread throughout her whole body. She closed her eyes and sighed as the electric sensation was replaced by a feeling of utter contentment. She was barely aware as she deepened the kiss and raised her arms to encircle Ranma's neck and pull him closer. She was about to give him some tongue when a loud

"AHEM!"

brought the two of them back to the present.

Ranma gave an "Eep!" and jumped back as he realized what he was doing in front of his three fiancees. He turned terror stricken eyes to see Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo glowing with huge battle auras. He could feel the heat from them. He waved his arms frantically in a warding manner. "It's not what it looks like!"

"Well, it looked _a lot_ like kissing to me!" Akane growled.

"Yeah, and _you_ looked like you enjoyed it!" Ukyo accused.

"_Really_ enjoyed it!" Shampoo appended.

"No, I didn't!"

"You didn't enjoy kissing me?" Ranma turned to see Nabiki with a hurt look.

Ranma, as usual, panicked when he saw a girl in distress. He tried to appease Nabiki. "NO! I mean, YES! I mean..." Oh, shit! I'm really gonna die!

"I'm waiting." Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo said together, frowns on their cute faces, arms across their chest and right foot tapping impatiently.

Ranma said the first thing that came to mind even if it didn't make any sense. "I didn't do it! I mean I didn't do it on purpose! It was an accident!" He pointed at Akane. "That's it! An accident! She pushed me! And I didn't enjoy it! I mean I... AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!" He performed the Saotome Ultimate Technique as soon as he saw the three of them reach for their weapons. WHY ME?! WHY THE HELL ME?!

His three fiancees were about to go off in pursuit when they heard Nabiki say:

"I don't think Auntie would like it if you three beat up her son."

That immediately made the three pause.

"Oh, my. I think Nabiki's right."

"Well, we can't let him get away with it! He kissed you and then he insulted you!" Akane huffed. Not to mention he kissed you and not me! And he enjoyed kissing you!

"Yeah!" Shampoo and Ukyo agreed to both the statement and the thought.

"Well, it was an accident. You did push him, Akane." Nabiki reasoned. And it's not as if I didn't enjoy it. I'll have to say thanks to little sis one of these days. Hot damn!

"But still...!"

"Come on, ladies. Is beating the hell out your fiance the best idea you can think of to get even?"

"Easy for you to say! You got to kiss him!" Ukyo retorted.

"Yeah, and I suppose _you_ can think of a better idea!" Shampoo added.

"As a matter of fact I do have a better idea and just this once I'm going to give it for free."

Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo squinted. "For free?! You?!"

"Why, that's very nice of you, Nabiki."

"Thanks, Kasumi. It's always refreshing to see someone not so cynical. Anyway, consider it as a token of my goodwill to, um, possible co-fiancees." Besides, that's just bait. I've got bigger fish to catch.

"All right, we're listening."

"Simple really." Nabiki turned to Ukyo. "Ukyo, you said I got to kiss him. Well, what's stopping you from asking him for a kiss as well? I'm sure if you ask Ranma nicely he can't say no. Especially if you bring to his attention he kissed me."

"No way! I'm not going to ask that pervert to kiss me!" Akane immediately blurted out.

"Suit yourself, Akane, although I can say for certain you're going to miss out on a lot if you don't." Nabiki meaningfully touched her lips with her fingertips. "That was one hell of a kiss." I can get used to that.

Shampoo and Ukyo swallowed while Akane and Kasumi blushed.

"It... it was that good?" Shampoo asked. She wondered if it was better than when she kissed Ranma before. Ooohhh, I have to kiss him again!

Nabiki smiled like a cheshire cat. "More than good. You've got to feel it to believe it."

Shampoo and Ukyo swallowed harder. I want to! I want to!

"Uh, um, well, it does sound better than beating the stuffing out of the jackass." Ukyo finally agreed. Shampoo nodded her head vigorously. "Um, so I guess you know how to ask him 'nicely'?"

[Ka-ching!]

Nabiki heard the cash register ring and smiled. Time to reel them in. "Of course. You see, that's the difference between the three of you and me. You tend to use your fists first while I like to think things over."

"Okay, okay! So out with it already."

"Uh, uh. This one's going to cost you."

Akane (who was listening despite herself), Shampoo and Ukyo groaned. I should have known.

"Suit yourself ladies." Nabiki turned and nonchalantly delivered the coup-de-grâce. "I wonder what it would feel like with some tongue."

Shampoo and Ukyo crumbled. "Okay! Okay! You win!" They handed over every yen they had on them.

Nabiki took the cash and turned to her youngest sister. "Well, what about you, Akane?"

Akane fumed. She didn't want to but she couldn't let her two rivals get ahead. The pervert! Making me ask him to kiss me. If Nabiki was going to teach them it was sure to work. She blushed despite herself as she imagined about what it would feel like. She came to with a start. What am I thinking?! I'm getting as perverted as he is! She angrily stomped over and handed her cash as well.

"This better be worth it!"

"Oh, it's going to be worth it. That I can assure you, baby sister." Nabiki purred.

"Fine, fine! So what's your great plan?"

"You've made a wise choice, sis. You won't regret it." Nabiki smiled. There was more than enough yen for what she was planning when she tells Ranma her feelings. He'll never know what hit him.

"What about Kasumi?" Ukyo asked.

"Kasumi doesn't need it. One look from her and Ranma can't say no."

Kasumi blushed from head to toe. "Oh, my. Oh, my. Oh, my. Do you think so, Nabiki?" She giggled despite herself. I wonder what it feels like to kiss someone.

"See?"

The first three fiancees groaned again. The competition just got a whole lot hotter.

++++++++++

Ranma looked around surreptitiously from his hiding place in a tree. He had not seen his three angry fiancees for the last half-hour and he hoped they had given up chasing him. He didn't know they didn't pursue him at all, he was too busy saving his skin to check. He heaved a sigh of relief as he saw no sign of them and made the final leap to his house.

"I'm home!" Ranma called out as he landed in their backyard carefully avoiding the mounds this time. His mom came to the kitchen door to greet him.

"Welcome back, my son." She led him to the kitchen table. As soon as he was seated she laid out dinner for them. "How were the girls, Ranma?" Tonight she prepared some sushi.

"Uh, they're fine, mom. They're fine." Ranma replied nervously.

Nodoka smiled. She mistook the reason for her son's nervousness. "Ranma, there is nothing wrong in showing you care for them." She sat down opposite him.

"It's not that, mom." He began to dig in. Man, why does these things happen to me? They're gonna kill me tomorrow for sure!

"Then what is it, Ranma? What is bothering you?" Nodoka also began eating.

"Aw, don't worry about it, mom." He said evasively. And what's with Nabiki? She's been acting strange the whole day! If I didn't know better I'd say she liked the kiss as much as I did! Ranma blinked. Waitaminute! I did _not_ like the kiss! No! Definitely not! Uh, uh! He groaned inwardly. I am so dead tomorrow.

Nodoka looked at her son seriously. "Son, you are my only child. You are the most important person in this world to me. I will always worry about you because I care about you. If something, anything bothers you can always tell me about it and I will help any way I can."

Ranma squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. "Really, mom, it's nuthin'." Should I tell mom what happened? Mebbe she can help me. Uh, mebbe some other time if I can't fix it on my own. Mom did say I need to learn how to handle women. Hah! Now there's a joke. How the heck do I handle them if Ican't even understand them?

Nodoka considered his reponse. I wonder what's bothering Ranma. I better ask the girls later. "Very well, my son. However, remember that I will always be there for you."

Ranma nodded and swallowed. "So, how's Kodachi, mom?"

"She seems to be fine, son. No external injuries. She's sleeping peacefully for now." Nodoka had taken the liberty of exchanging Kodachi's leotard for one of her nightgowns.

"That's good."

"Yes. Can you tell me what happened?"

"Ah, nuthin' much, mom."

"Where did you catch up with her."

"Uh, I think we were already in Shiodome."

Nodoka's right eyebrow went up a little. That was more than a dozen kilometers away. "What happened when you caught up with her?"

"Well, she tried to cut me up with her ribbon."

Nodoka nodded, she expected as much. "Were you injured, Ranma?"

"Nuthin' much. Just a bruise here and here." He showed the fast fading welts on his arm and leg.

Nodoka nodded, thankful her son was all right. "Then what happened?"

"I was able to catch her ribbon then we sorta got into a tug of war. She fell off the rooftop when the ribbon broke. I had to go and catch her. She calmed down when I changed back into a boy while holding her." He left out the fine print. No need to alarm his mother that the rooftop was some sixty stories high. "I think she fell asleep on the way back here."

"And nothing else happened?" Nodoka could not help but feel her son was leaving out some parts.

"Uh, um, well you saw what happened on the way back here, mom." Ranma said with a blush.

"Oh." Nodoka blushed, remembering the embarassing incident. "Well, I guess that's it then. We'll just have to wait until she wakes up."

"Yeah, guess so. Uh, mom?"

"Yes, son?"

"D'ya really think we can help her? I mean with what happened to her and all?"

Nodoka sighed. "I do not know, Ranma, but it is our duty to at least try. I hope she will be in a more receptive mood when she wakes up."

After they finished dinner, Ranma helped his mother put away the dishes.

"Ranma, if you don't mind I would like to talk to you some more."

"Uh, sure. What about?"

"About your training trip, about the ten years we were apart."

"Uh, sure ya wanna hear about that? Some parts ain't pretty." That's putting it mildly.

"That is exactly the reason why I want to know." I wonder if I should sharpen my katanas and tantos?

"Uh, okay." Well, I warned her.

"Thank you. Please wait for me in the living room. I will check on Kodachi before we talk about your training trip."

"Sure, mom."

++++++++++

Ranma was munching on a chip watching the latest Jackie Chan / Jet Li movie on television Hah! Wimps! I can do _way_ better than that! when he saw his mother enter the living room. He switched off the television. "How's Kodachi, mom?"

"She's sleeping soundly, Ranma. I think her run tired her out."

"Yeah, I thought as much." He waited for his mother to make herself comfortable. "So what d'ya wanna know about the training trip, mom?"

"Everything you can remember, Ranma."

Well the very first thing I can remember is this fight I had with another boy..."

++++++++++

Author's note: Read my version of Ranma's training journey in the first side story of this fanfic.

++++++++++

Kodachi looked around in puzzlement at her surroundings. It seemed she was back in her room in her home. How can that be? I was running away from that hussy. Kodachi decided to leave her room to search for answers. Something is wrong. The house looks familiar yet I can feel there is something different. She continued on her quest. Perhaps Sasuke has the answers. "Sasuke!" No answer. "Sasuke!" Still silence. Where is that incompetent fool?! When I find him he will regret failing to answer my summons! Kodachi stomped off in search of the ninja. When she rounded the wall overlooking the living room she froze at the sight.

A smaller version of Kodachi was running around in the living room of their mansion chasing her big brother while their mother merrily watched her two children play happily. It was early evening at the Kuno estate and the small family was waiting for the father to get home so they could eat dinner together.

Mother? Kodachi was about to go down when a laugh drew her attention.

It was times like this little Kodachi was happiest. It showed in the way she smiled and laughed.

Kodachi looked at her younger version in wonder. Was I ever that happy? She again attempted to join the happy little family when she realized just what was about to happen. She froze in horror. No! I must warn them! She began to run but no matter how fast she ran she did not get closer. Why?! Why can't I get closer?! Her eyes widened in fear as she saw the six men armed with knives enter the living room pushing their servants. She trembled in revulsion as one by one their female servants were raped. Her mouth opened when one of the men started for her mother.

++++++++++

"NNNNNNOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Ranma's recounting of his journey was interrupted by the bloodcurdling scream.

Kodachi!

He was already up the stairs by the time his mother stood up. When Nodoka reached the door to the guestroom she saw her son standing uncertainly over Kodachi who was now tossing and turning wildly on the bed.

"Mother! Mother! Stay away from mother!" Little Kodachi screamed in horror as the bad men started to tear her mother's clothes apart. Kodachi started to cry as her mother screamed helplessly. She struggled mightily in a hopeless attempt to break her bonds.

Nodoka quickly went to kneel beside the girl she knew was gripped in a terrifying nightmare.

"Father! Where are you, father?! Help us, father!" Kodachi looked around desperately for salvation.

Nodoka tried to shake Kodachi awake.

"No! Keep away! Stay away from me!" Kodachi again screamed as the men went for her. "Mother! Father!" She slapped Nodoka's hand away.

"Mother! Talk to me, mother! Mother!" Kodachi watched in agony as her mother's life slowly ebbed. She screamed. "SOMEBODY, ANYBODY, HELP ME! PLEASE HELP ME!" She began to sob "Help me, please. Anybody." She cried plaintively. "I'm sorry, mother. I should have been stronger for you. I... I..."

Kodachi curled up into a ball, rocking to comfort herself until the horrific image of her dying mother faded. "I will be strong, I will be strong, I will be strong. Mother, I swear to you. I will be strong." As her mother faded from view Kodachi let out one final scream. "MOTHER!!!"

"Kodachi! Kodachi, wake up!" Nodoka vigorously shook the girl until Kodachi's eyes flew open. The girl looked around her surroundings in a frenzy until she saw Ranma standing over her.

"Ranma!" Kodachi flung herself at the boy and wrapped her arms around him. She trembled violently. She buried her head in his chest and sobbed. "Ranma, please. Please hold me. Make it go away! Make them go away!"

"Kodachi, I..."

"Ranma, please. Just hold me." The way Kodachi said it touched Ranma. He had never seen Kodachi so vulnerable before.

Ranma hesitantly embraced the terrified girl. He looked at his mother for guidance.

Nodoka nodded and went to whisper in her son's ear. "Just hold her, son. She needs reassurance." She guided her son to sit on the futon. "Rock her gently, Ranma. She will fall asleep soon."

As Nodoka predicted, Kodachi did fall asleep in her son's arms. Ranma gently laid her down on the futon and helped his mother make Kodachi as comfortable as possible again. They quietly left.

"Mom, d'ya think she'll be all right?" Ranma asked once they closed the door.

"I do not know, Ranma. If her nightmare is any indication..."

"D'ya think it was about the time her mother was murdered?"

"Yes, I think so. Her screams matched what I read about the tragedy." Nodoka looked at the door. "Poor Dachi."

Ranma followed his mother's gaze. "Uh, do ya think I ought to watch over her? Just for tonight in case she has that nightmare again."

Nodoka looked at her son approvingly. A true martial artist. She could not help but smile with pride. "Yes, I think that would be a good idea. It would reassure her greatly to see someone watching over her in the morning."

Ranma nodded.

"Do you think you have enough strength left, son? You've had a tiring day."

"It's okay, mom. I've done much more tiring stuff before than just watch over someone for a night."

"All right then. I'll bring you some refreshments before I sleep. Now, why don't we continue your story about the training journey."

++++++++++

Genma and Soun staggered with their arms around each other's shoulders into the fifth bar of their drinking spree. It wasn't the best they have been in and it was located in one of the seedier parts of the city. They weren't there by choice either. They had been asked politely to leave from each previous five bars.

"I'm telling ya, Soun, that woman's sh-poiling the boy! She's ruining all my hard work all theshe yearsh!" Genma whined to his drinking companion once they were seated at the bar and had drinks in hand.

"Yesh, yesh, Shaotome." Soun replied as a good drinking buddy should.

"Not only that, Tendo, sh-she's endangering the union of our familiesh!"

"Sho true, sho berry true, Shaotome. Sho, what do we do?"

"Deshperate times call for deshperate measuresh, Tendo!" Genma declared.

"Yesh, yesh, Saotome, quite right." Soun couldn't agree more.

"And I have jes the plan to make sure that ungrateful boy of mine marriesh your Akane."

"Yesh?" Soun questioned as he leaned forward in anticipation. Genma always seemed to have the answers to their problems.

Genma paused dramatically. He leaned in close and whispered as if afraid someone might overhear. "We jes hafta make shure that boy getsh Akane pregnant! He'll have no choice but to marry her!"

Thunder rolled in the distance and the entire population of Nerima trembled as a chill of foreboding came over them. One thought came into their heads.

Now what?!

Soun looked at his best friend crossed-eyed. The part of his brain still sober screamed there was something definitely wrong with the plan. Unfortunately that part was the minority. They were pronptly blindfolded, gagged, hogtied, lynched to death and thrown into the deepest recesses of Soun's mind by the drunken, wildly partying majority.

"Why, dash brilliant, Shaotome!" Soun's voice went into conspiratory mode. "Sho do you have a plan to make it happen, Shaotome?"

Genma simply smiled as he struggled drunkenly to his feet followed by Soun. They wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders, raised their glasses and announced to anyone who was still conscious in the bar.

"It's Soun's..."

"... and Genma's..."

"Operation: Ranma Knocks Up Akane!"

All over Japan, animals, birds and fishes scampered around for shelter. Unlike stupid humans they knew when a cataclysm, like Armageddon, was about to happen. They were also smart enough to run for cover.

++++++++++

End Chapter 4.

Author's notes/Acknowledgements/etc.

Sorry this chapter took longer than usual. I had a bad case of writer's block compounded by a project that needed finishing, some chores my better half wanted done and the extra-hot weather here in the Philippines.

1. got the info from this webpage: h t t p: / / w w w .education.mcgill.ca/433-661bw98/g04/japancostume.h tml

2. Bousouzoku/Bosozoku: the Japanese equivalent to punk bikers, well-versed in the traditional biker activities: act tough, ride around and beat up people, get weird haircuts, annoy others with loud revving motorcycles, etc.

3. Bakusozoku: more wild type of biker.

I forgot the website where I got the info regarding Japan's motorcycle gangs. Once I find it again, I'll put the proper acknowledgement.

So how did you like the chapter? This is my first attempt at writing action and heavy drama scenes. I rewrote some of the scenes a couple of times because I wasn't satisfied with them. I think I can still do better so any comments are welcome.

Also I'm beginning to use some Japanese terms. Any mistake I make in their use anyone is welcome to correct. I'll appreciate it.

Thanks for all the comments/reviews on chapter three.

Jerry Unipeg, TopQuark, dogbertcarroll, darkwoofe,

I'm glad you liked chapter three. I have to admit it's because I'm gifted with a perverted, sick and twisted mind.

dennisud,

Yeah, I'm so bad! But don't get me wrong, those Amazons have _permission_ to go after Ranma but it's not a sure thing. What's sure is that they will go husband hunting. See Ryoga run. See Dr. Tofu run. See Mousse run. See Soun run. See Copycat Ken run. See Principal Kuno run. See Tatewaki Kuno run. Bwahahahahahaha!!!!!!!

Joe Fenton,

As always, thanks for the comments. I enjoyed our email correspondence. It was very educational. Feel free to always point out errors on my part.

Warpwizard,

Yeah, I'll remember your advice about free will and, uh, you're making me hungry for stew.

Tyverius,

I'm happy you find my fanfic very amusing. Comments like that make me want to write more. About bad things to say, I can take criticism as long as it's polite so don't be shy. Also, I feel flattered an English Major (you _are_ an English Major, right?) considers my spelling and grammar to be very good. I'll try not to let it go to my head. Not too much anyway. 8)

About Nodoka, well, I really don't know how to potray her any other way. I considered having her make Genma and Ranma commit seppuku but that would have been a very short story. Not to mention depressing. 8)

To those who'll email me, I'll read all of them but I can't promise I'll answer every one of them. I'll try though.

With those out of the way, more teasers about the coming chapters.

Well, Soun and Genma are about to up the stakes. What mad schemes are they going to try to get Akane pregnant by Ranma?

Nodoka has met Kodachi and decided to take her under her wing as well. Will it lead to a better, happier life for the deranged gymnast? Has Kodachi truly accepted/believed that her Ranma-darling and the redhead are one and the same? Will Nodoka actually show the other girls those incriminating photos? Will Ranma survive? What about Ranma's baby pictures?

Ranma's angels had a bonding experience when they kicked biker butt. They also found something to share. Will they learn something from it?

What's Nabiki's plan to have the motorcycle legally theirs? Will Ranma suffer the same fate with the motorcycle as he does with Shampoo's bicycle? Will Ranma be able to get rid of the motorcycle? Will the girls start wearing leather body outfits as the Ranma's Angels gang? Ooohhh!!! Will this fanfic turn into a lemon? Nope but definitely some lime.

What will Nabiki teach the other girls? Will Ranma get the surprise of his life tomorrow? You betcha!

Next up: The training journey side story.

That's it and remember: A perverted thought a day keeps those nasty writer's blocks away.