Disclaimer: Nope, I still don't own anything involving Ranma ½, but I sure wish I did!

Chapter 2: Before the fight

"So, you're the one that challenged Ranma honey?" Ukyo asked as she flipped the okonomiyaki. It was the rush hours of the day, but she still had time to chat with the strange visitor.

"Yeah, that's me." He said, leaning back in his chair unconcernedly.


"Who are you?" Ukyo asked the stranger, as he passed by.

"I don't see that as any of your business." He responded coldly.

"Well, from your demeanor I'd guess that you're the one that challenged Ranma honey." She said. That made the stranger stop and turn around.

"And who are you?" He asked, now with more interest.

"Come inside, I'd like to have a chance to chat." She said, walking inside. The stranger followed, somewhat reluctantly.


"So, your name is Ukyo Kounji, and you're one of Ranma's many fiancées." He said, looking at her.

"Yep." She said. "But I don't remember telling you that there was more than one…"

"It's obvious enough." He said. "I know all about Ranma. And all the trouble he tends to get in."

"Just who are you?" Ukyo said in confusion.

"Someone that Ranma won't remember."

"I guessed that much." She said. "But I mean a name."

"Well, for now that will remain my little secret." He said with a smile. "Now… would you be willing to hire me? I'll need a place to stay for a little while…"

Ukyo shrugged, "Alright, I could use the help around here anyway." This guy… there's something strange about him. I have to find out all I can.


Ranma was running as fast as he could. He had gotten stuck behind when Shampoo's bike had flown out of the sky and slammed him in the face, and then it was even harder to get away from Shampoo herself.

"You ain't going no where, not when tardy week is jus startin!" Called the principal, attacking Ranma with his barber shears.

"Get out of the way." Ranma said, kicking him strait in the face and continuing his run. He made it just in time, and sighed in relief.


"What? You mean the challenger is staying at your shop, Ucchan?" Ranma said curiously, halfway through his lunch.

"Yes, he said he might be staying a while, and now the shop can stay open longer, good business for me." Ukyo said.

"What do you know about him?" Ranma asked eagerly.

"Nothing." Ukyo said.

Both Ranma and Akane hit the ground. "What do you mean nothing!"

"He only just arrived. But I do know this." She said, raising her hand. "He cooks one mean okonomiyaki."

Both Ranma and Akane sighed. "So you know nothing?"

"Not yet." She said. "But hopefully, by the time you fight, I will." She said confidently. "You can count on me, Ran-Chan."

"Thanks, Ucchan, I owe you one." Ranma said, with a smile.


Across town, sounds were heard. They sounded like a twang from a bow, coming from the back of Ucchan's okonomiyaki restaurant. Of course, it seemed at intervals, only one or two an hour. It always came when the new employee was out on a break.

Don't worry Ranma, even if you do find out who I am, it won't save you. Not this time.


Well, I hope everyone that has read this has liked it so far! This is my first fanfic, so it probably isn't very good, and the chapters aren't that long. But I'll try and get them a little longer as it goes along. I plan to keep this going as long as I can.