Broken Hearts Combined

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I do not own Gold Digger and its associated characters. They belong to that marvelous fellow Fred Perry. I do not own Ranma ½ and its associated characters. They belong to the wonderful lady Rumiko Takahashi. This production is strictly for entertainment, and I am not making any money off of the writings. I am just a poor student, so please… Don't sue me… Please?

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Broken Hearts Combined Chapter 1: Humble Beginnings and Disaster

It's been two years since the beginning of the ill-fated training trip with Genma Saotome, and his son Ranma has started. Right now Genma has decided to use his 7-year-old son Ranma to steal what he can for him. (After all, Genma doesn't want to get caught, and it's no big deal if his son does). Genma decides to relay the 'training' to Ranma.

Genma: Son. The time has come…

Ranma: The time for what Papa?

Genma: The time to advance your training to the next step.

Ranma: Oooooooooooooh… What you want me to do now? I hope you won't throw me into another pit of those c, c, c, c, furry things…

Genma: HA HA HA! Nonsense boy… It's time to put your speed to the test.

Ranma: Okay… What you want me to do Papa?

Genma: Well Ranma my boy… Your old man is getting VERY hungry… And I'm sure you are too…

Ranma nods his head enthusiastically.

Genma: Good. Use that as your motivation. Now all you have to do is take wallets from men and purses from women, and not get caught.

Ranma: But Papa, isn't that bad?

Genma: Nope! If you don't get caught, there's nothing wrong.

Ranma: Okay!

Genma: No go on boy! Go into the city and get your father something to eat!

And so Ranma goes off to advance in his 'training'. After all, Genma told Ranma this is all for the sake of the art, so he should do it… Right?

Blessed be ignorance…

(-)

Ranma's first few attempts go awry… Let's just say, Ranma's lucky that he's a fast little kid at the time, as he can easily run away from some adults.

Man (Screaming and shaking his fist): HEY! COME BACK WITH MY WALLET! THEIF!

Ranma (Running): WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

After a number of failures, and few successes Ranma takes a rest behind a building. When he leaves the area he rested at, he finds out that the building is some sort of hospital… He goes inside to see what the place is like… And to see whom else he should continue his 'training' on… Ranma looks around and sees his next 'practice session'.

Ranma: That one…

Ranma decides to try to get something from this gaijin man he sees walking around the outside of a hospital talking to a Japanese doctor. He reaches for the man's wallet, and… Gets tackled.

Girl: GOT 'CHA!

Ranma: HUH!?

Ranma looks up to see a gaijin girl holding him down. The girl is a little older than him, about 11-years-old, and she has green eyes, ears that are slightly pointed at the tips, blonde hair with brown spots, and she wears a small pearl necklace, white t-shirt, denim overalls, and white sneakers. The girl then screams in his face.

Girl: TAG, YOU'RE IT!

The girl then jumps off of Ranma and starts running. Ranma just lies on the ground confused. A minute later the girl runs back to Ranma.

Girl: Don't you want to play tag?

Ranma: Tag?

Girl: Sure! It's a game. You chase after me, then I chase after you, and this goes on back and forth.

Ranma: Um… Sorry… But I got to do some speed training. Papa said I have to do this.

The girl thinks for a moment and then gets a smile on her face.

Girl: Speed training huh? Cool. Well chasing me will definitely be speed training. I'm the fastest person I know.

Ranma: I don't know… Papa said…

Girl (Smiles): What's the matter? Afraid I'll out-run you?

Now, Ranma is NEVER one to turn down a challenge. Ranma forgets about getting the man's wallet and plays tag with the girl.

Girl (Runs): Can't catch me!

Ranma: I'll show you!

(-)

After awhile of playing around the hospital grounds with their game of tag, the girl admits that was a whole lot of fun, and she asks the Ranma for his name. Ranma replies to her with…

Ranma: I am Ranma Saotome of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. Some day, I'm going to be the greatest martial artist EVER!

Girl: Martial Arts? That's neat.

Ranma: Thanks… By the way, what's your name? What brings you here to Japan?

Girl: Well, I'm Britanny Elin Diggers. And thank you for playing with me. I was really getting bored around here. My dad came here for a medical conference, and my sister Gina is just too nerdy, digging her nose into the books they have here. She doesn't know how to have fun anymore…

Ranma: Britanny… That's a nice name.

Britanny (Smiles): Thanks.

And so, Ranma and Britanny talk to each other for a bit, and they get to learn a lot about each other. Ranma talks about his life, and how he's been training on the road with his father Genma since he can remember, training to be the greatest martial artist in the world. This fascinates Britanny, as it's much more interesting to her than all the medical and scientific stuff the people around the hospital building keep talking about. Britanny also tells Ranma a bit about herself, how she lives in Decatur; a suburb of Atlanta Georgia with her adopted family, and how she's into physical stuff like her adopted mother, while her father and sister are the 'brains' of the family.

For the rest of the day, Ranma and Britanny just talk about non-important things, just having fun in each-others' company. Put simply, they have a sort of understanding. Neither of them has many friends. (Ranma, because he's always on the road, and Britanny… Well, she has her own problems she doesn't tell Ranma about… Being a werecheetah for example…) And actually having someone to talk to that also understands loneliness is somewhat reassuring for both of them. The two form a fast friendship.

(-)

Ranma gets back to the camp where his father is waiting. Genma smiles at seeing the smiling Ranma. He must have done well with his training.

Genma: So boy, I take it you did well in your training?

Ranma: Yes Papa! Not only that, but I made a new friend…

Genma (Narrows his eyes): A friend?

Ranma: Yeah. She's this really nice girl.

Genma (Narrows his eyes further): A girl!?

Ranma: Uh… Yeah Papa… What's wrong with that?

Genma thinks to just tell his son not to see this girl, but decides against it… For now… There's still so much to do in this area, and Genma doesn't want to pack up and leave unless there's trouble with the law.

Genma: Well Ranma my boy, what did you get me? Er… I mean… How'd your training go?

Ranma gives Genma three wallets and a purse. Genma looks them over greedily. The purse has a lot of worthless junk, but all three wallets have a decent amount of cash, so Genma isn't too upset.

Genma: Okay Ranma… Not too bad… But next time, try to get more.

Ranma: Okay Papa!

Ranma's stomach grumbles.

Ranma: Papa, what's for dinner?

Genma (Sweats slightly): Uh… I thought it would be good for your training if we fasted. Don't want your swiftness being weighed down by food. Well, you better get to bed. You still got a lot of training to do tomorrow morning. And remember, as I said before, hunger is your motivation to be faster!

Ranma (Frowns): Oh… Okay…

Ranma gets into his sleeping bag and goes to sleep. Genma lets out a sigh of relief. It's so easy to lie to his son, since he's such a naïve person. Genma didn't want to tell Ranma that he ate all the food he had gotten for dinner already, so lying to Ranma won't cause the boy to talk back. Genma then pats his fat, well-fed stomach and gets into his own sleeping bag to get some sleep.

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Ranma walks around the city the next morning. His movements are sluggish, and he doesn't want to risk any 'speed training'. He walks around for a bit, feeling very tired. Eventually he bumps into someone…

Ranma: Oh sorry… My mistake.

Britanny: Hey Ranma! It's okay.

Ranma (Eyes widen): Oh! Sorry Britanny…

Britanny: It's okay, really… (Looks Ranma over). Is something wrong?

Ranma (Sweats slightly): Oh… Nothing's wrong…

Ranma's stomach grumbles loudly.

Britanny (Narrows her eyes slightly): Nothing's wrong huh? When was the last time you ate?

Ranma: Day before yesterday…

Britanny: Well, why don't you eat something? Here. I'll take you to a nearby bakery and get you some bread.

Ranma (Shakes his head): I can't. Papa said that starving is supposed to be the motivation for my speed training. I have to fast, because having food in my stomach will slow me down.

Britanny (Confused): … What kind of logic is that? If you don't eat something, then you won't be able to do anything! Now come on! I'll get you something to eat.

Ranma: But…

Britanny: No buts Ranma! You're my friend. I gotta look out for you.

Ranma: Um… Okay…

With that Britanny grabs Ranma by the wrist and drags him to the nearest place to eat. She doesn't want her first friend in a long time starving himself.

(-)

After eating his fill, Ranma is VERY grateful to Britanny.

Ranma: Thank you Britanny.

Britanny: Hey relax! That's what friends are for.

Suddenly, Britanny notices someone standing at the door of the small café. Britanny turns her head and smiles at the figure. Ranma looks at the person in slight confusion. It's another gaijin, except she has long blonde hair, green eyes, glasses, and a sundress. Britanny waves.

Britanny: Hi Gina! What brings you here?

Gina: Brit, you were supposed to help me haul all those medical books from the hospital back to the hotel room… (Sees Ranma). Hey Brit, who's the kid?

Britanny: This is my friend Ranma Saotome. Ranma, this is my sister Gina.

Ranma: Hello Gina.

Gina: Um… Hi. Well Brit, are you going to help me?

Britanny: Sigh… Okay, okay. Well, talk to you later Ranma. I hope to see you again sometime.

Ranma: Okay. Bye Britanny. Bye Gina.

And so, Gina, Britanny, and Ranma go their separate ways. Britanny helps Gina with the books, and Ranma does some more 'speed training' as Genma told him to.

(-)

For the rest of the week thereafter, Ranma keeps stopping by the hospital, and going all over the city to see his friend Britanny. (Whom he dubs "Britchan", and she in turn, calls him "Ranchan"). Ranma also gets to meet Britanny's father, Dr. Theodore Diggers, and he gets to know Brit's sister Gina a bit better. They are both 'interesting' in their own right, but Ranma prefers Britanny's company. After all, she likes physical fitness and such. Stuff that Ranma can relate to.

Unfortunately, they have to part once Britanny's family has to go back to the states at the end of the conference, and Genma decides to move Ranma to another area for training. (After all, all the stealing Genma had Ranma do is starting to catch up to them. Genma has to get out of the area before the police find them).

Ranma and Britanny see each other to give their good-byes. Britanny promises she'll always remember him and that she'll be his friend forever. Ranma promises the same with her. As a going away present, (and to help him remember her. Britanny can tell Ranma has a bad memory) Britanny takes a small pearl off of her necklace and gives it to Ranma. From then on, Ranma would look at the small pearl whenever he felt alone. It was the only treasure he had, and he would NEVER let Genma know about it.

(-)

Ten years later…

It's the night after the failed wedding attempt. Ranma, still in tuxedo, was left to clean up the mess in the dojo all the others had made. This day, which should have been the happiest moment of his life, was destroyed. No one came to help him with the wedding in any way. Overall, it is a wasted evening. He looks at the empty casket, which once had the water from the 'Spring of Drowned Man'. He curses all those bastards under his breath. If they had just asked, he would have shared the water with them after he got it. But no… Even his own father tried to steal it, as all the cursed guys fought over it, and then Happosai just went and drank it, thinking it was sake.

Ranma: Damn Pops… Damn Ryoga… Damn Mousse… God damn all of them… Why did they do this? I thought we all had some sort of understanding finally… So why? Why did they all do this? Well, this isn't as bad as after the wedding was ruined.

The memories go through Ranma's head. It was the absolute worst after all the chaos had ensued. Akane, after getting over her initial shock of having 'her' wedding ruined, went totally ballistic on Ranma. She yelled at, slapped, punched, kicked, and malleted him into unconsciousness. When he awoke, it was an hour later, and he got to have Mr. Tendo and his Pops yell at him, for not dealing with all the rivals and 'fiancées' sooner. Kasumi and his mother Nodoka were going to help him clean up the dojo, but then Nabiki took Kasumi and his mother aside, saying let him clean it up, it's HIS entire fault this happened. And for some reason, they believed her… Or perhaps… They wanted to give Ranma the time he needed to sort out his own thoughts… Ranma can't seem to catch a break today.

Ranma: Sigh… Akane… Why did you blame me? I tried to marry you… I honestly did put forth and effort to make you happy… It seems no matter what I do, you'll never trust me. What brought us to this? I mean sure… We had our own skirmishes, but it wasn't always my fault. Why couldn't you take the time to hear my side of the story?

Akane: Ranma…

Ranma turns around. He sees Akane at the entrance in her gi. She is tapping her foot in impatience. The look she gives Ranma is one that could kill.

Ranma: Um… Akane?

Akane: Aren't you done yet? Clean this up!

Ranma: Look Akane… I'm sorry about how this whole day went. And I can understand that you're mad. But hear me out. This wasn't completely my fault. I didn't invite all those people here to the wedding, Nabiki did. I just wanted this to go peacefully. You got to be able to see that.

Akane walks up to Ranma. He strut one that speaks of a violent, predatorial nature. She stares Ranma in the face, her own eyes narrowed in anger.

Akane: No! You listen Ranma. I am sick of you acting like a wimp and cheating on me!

Ranma (Confused): Huh?

Akane: YOU HEARD ME! You were so glad when Shampoo and Ukyo came here and ruined my wedding! You were eyeing them lustfully you two-timing pervert!

Ranma (Even more confused): Huh? But, I wasn't watching, I was trying to stop them. And it would have been a lot easier if Ryoga weren't trying to kill me you know!

Akane (Anger to it's maximum): STOP ACTING LIKE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! AND STOP BLAMING POOR RYOGA FOR YOUR PERVERTED ACTIONS YOU BIG BULLY! (Takes out her mallet) RANMA YOU JERK! !

Akane takes a swing with her mallet and smashes Ranma into the dojo floor. She then wipes the dust off her hands and smiles triumphantly.

Akane: And call me when you're done cleaning! I want to practice!

Akane then walks outside in a huff, leaving Ranma on the floor of the dojo. Ranma gets up, rubbing the back of his head.

Ranma: Ugh… Uncute Tomboy… Why do you always have to pick on me? And I don't pick on Ryoga… He's always attacking me… Sigh… I better finish cleaning before she decides to beat on me again…

Ranma continues cleaning. He sorts through the garbage and puts some of it into assorted garbage bags. Ranma then notices that one of the party favors that he's throwing out are glass-beads. Ranma remembers the pearl Britanny gave him…

Ranma: Sigh… Britchan…

Ranma then drops what he was doing and goes upstairs to 'his' room. Genma is asleep in panda form, so Ranma has no worries. He walks over to his backpack and, after digging around for a bit, pulls out the small pearl. Ranma smiles upon seeing it. The small pearl was the one constant in his life. Whenever he felt down, looking at the small pearl would remind him that he has one friend out there… And, after tonight… It seems she may be the only friend he's got… He hopes she's doing well…

Ranma: Britchan… I miss you so much… Britchan, wherever you are… I hope you're having much better luck than I am…

(-)

Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, it is morning in Atlanta, Georgia. Britanny Diggers is all psyched about her wedding to Stripe, who is prince of the alien race, the Kryn, as well as the prince of the city of Gold El Dorado, Peru. They've been fiancées for a few months, and known each other for a couple of years. And now… They'll soon be husband and wife! She can't contain her happiness. Sure there were some problems. Like the tailor giving her a wedding dress WAY TOO SMALL, since he didn't believe the measurements to her hybrid form were possibly real. (Thank God that her father Theo used his magic to make her one). And, then there was that entire fiasco with Britanny trying to pick her maid of honor. (And Britanny ended up choosing the Harpy Charlotte of all people, or as Brit likes to call her, "Charlie"). Heck, she even allowed the werewolf Jetta, her husband Thabian, and two children Pojo and Alera to come to her wedding… Only one problem with that though… Their 'pet' Tanya, who is also in love with Stripe, wants him all to herself… Only she was changed by Dr. Digger's magic, and is now only 5 inches tall!

Tanya makes her way to a room in the back and hides under a table with a tablecloth on it, so she'll have some time to think and plan. Tanya then concentrates on her next move.

Tanya (Thinks): Okay… I'm finally free from that stupid cage Jetta kept me in… Now what? I must keep that werebitch from marrying my Stripe! Damn it, how could she steal what was rightfully mine!? If only I had the time to make "Raphael"… Oh well… I'll have to improvise… For I WILL NOT be blown off… I'll still work to get Stripe as my own before he ties the knot with that whore Britanny!

Tanya makes her way around the citadel, trying not to be seen by any of the people there and looking for any magical items she could use to make Stripe hers and/or KILL BRITANNY! However, there's only thing she can make with the available materials in the citadel… A 'Truth Potion'…

Tanya (Tries carrying the vial of potion): OOF… I wish I wasn't so small… This would be a lot easier if it wasn't for that damn Theodore Digger's shrinking spell… Oh well… My plan is perfect eh heh heh…

Tanya goes over her next course of action. She hopes to use the truth potion on Britanny, and make the werecheetah admit her embarrassing secrets to Stripe, or, hopes that Britanny will say she doesn't love Stripe so that Britanny will make herself look horrible in Stripe's eyes, making it so that he won't even want to marry her. Tanya sneaks around and manages to sneak onto the priest's robes with her vial of truth potion so that she can get close enough to Britanny to use it. (Remember, she is only 5 inches tall thanks to the spell Theo had placed on her).

(-)

Britanny makes her way down the aisle with her father Theo. She sees everyone she knows and cares about there. It makes her feel so happy. When she gets halfway down the aisle, she can't seem to move farther. She looks at Theo and smiles.

Britanny: Daddy, you can let me go now…

Theo: I know Britanny… But sometimes, fathers have trouble letting go of their little girls…

Britanny (Smiles): Daddy…

Theo just smiles back, and lets go of Britanny. Britanny walks down the aisle and stands right next to Stripe. The Priest starts to talk when Tanya makes her move. Tanya manages to run up and onto the priest's shoulders, shocking those in attendance, and tossing the vial's contents not only into the face of Britanny, but also onto Stripe. Britanny and Stripe accidentally swallow some of the Truth Potion out of reflex

Tanya: HA! I GOT YOU!

Britanny: T, TANYA!?

Stripe: Tanya?

Britanny and Stripe are thinking about what the hell Tanya just did, when Tanya asks her first question.

Tanya: Okay, werebitch, question #1! Do you, or do you NOT love MY Stripe, and state your reasons you miserable werebeast!

Britanny just wants to slap Tanya and send her flying, but her mouth works instead of her hand.

Britanny: I love Stripe with all my heart. He is so kind to me, and he was willing to sacrifice himself in order to save me. That's why I love him… (Blinks). Why the heck did I just admit that?

Tanya and those in the citadel are just staring at Britanny. Tanya begins to fume, and gets angrier than before. Britanny really DOES love Stripe. This is going to be harder to make the werecheetah look bad than she thought. Onto question two…

Tanya (Mutter): Well, it's a truth potion. (Out loud) Anyway, question #2! What is your greatest flaw?

Britanny (Smiles): That I LOVE TUNA! YUMMY, YUMMY TUNA!

Tanya blinks for a few moments and then just stares at Britanny… Britanny's only real flaw in her own eyes is that tuna is one of her main driving factors… Tanya has one last shot at this…

Tanya (Frustrated): OKAY! Last question… Do you do ANYTHING Stripe hates? DO YOU HATE ANYTHING ABOUT STRIPE!?

Britanny (Thinks): Hmm… Not sure… But if he tells me I do something that bothers him, I'll try to stop, or at least cut back on it. And no, Stripe NEVER does anything to annoy me. He's the sweetest, most wonderful person EVER!

Tanya begins to grit her teeth in rage. She's not sure if the truth potion is working, but if it is… Britanny is NOT the type to lose Stripe. Tanya screams out in rage.

Tanya: ARGH! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU TWO LOVE EACH OTHER!"

Stripe then gets a dead-serious look on his face. He then stares at Tanya

Stripe: Actually, I don't love Britanny at all.

Everyone in the church then stares at Stripe in shock, even Tanya. She was sure that Stripe loved the werecheetah… Tanya decides to run with this…

Tanya (Smiling): Oh really… Then why marry her?

Stripe (Nonchalant): Well, she has a HOT body. I mean, who wouldn't want to get into her pants? I know I sure would.

Tanya: Hmm… But, why marry her if all you want is to get her in the sack?

Stripe: Well, there are actually many reasons. One is, her father and mother are totally strict with allowing the girls to have sex, and marriage is the only way they would allow it. Second, I could get out of the marriage easily when I wanted. After all, I am the prince of the Kryn, and they won't allow me to marry an outsider. So, I would have just divorced her later since I couldn't keep her, saying I had no other choice. That way, no one would have been the wiser and I would have gotten from Britanny what I had wanted.

Tanya: Oooooooh… Quite devious of you Stripe… Well, what do you think of me?

Stripe (Laughs): You're just a joke. I would just screw you in the ass, and leave you.

Tanya (Eyes widen): WHAT!?

Stripe (Smirks): You heard me.

At this point, everyone is just staring in shock at Stripe. The truth potion has made him show his true colors. Britanny looks at Stripe with a horrified expression on her face.

Britanny (Almost pleadingly): Stripe… You can't mean that…

Stripe (Gives her a superior smirk): Oh, I do.

Britanny then breaks down in tears and runs off. Most of Britanny's friends and family either go to follow Britanny, or to beat the shit out of Tanya and Stripe.

Theo: Julia, Gina, Brianna, Séance, Genn, Charlotte, Danielle, follow me! We have find Britanny!

Julia: Right Theo. (Turns to face Brunhildagard). Mumsey?

Mumsey: Yes daughter?

Julia: Please try to keep damage control her to a minimum. I have to find Britanny.

Mumsey: Okay daughter. And when you find Britanny. Please tell her that her Grandmother cares for her.

Julia: Yes mom.

Julia then takes off to find her daughter. Mumsey takes her sword out of its sheath and joins the dog-pile of people that are beating up on Stripe and Tanya…

Tanya (Being beaten up): THIS SUCKS!

(-)

The Diggers family looks all over the city for Britanny. After awhile of searching it is Britanny's best friend Danielle 'Pink Avenger' Carter that finds the distraught werecheetah, sitting in the middle in a room that is the bell tower of the church.

Danielle: Cheetah? You okay Brit?

Danielle finds Britanny. Britanny's wedding dress is in tatters, most likely ripped apart in a rage, and Brit's eyes are all read and puffy. Britanny holds up the engagement ring Stripe had given her. Britanny stares at it for a few moments as tears begin to well in her eyes. She then speaks…

Britanny (Holding the ring): As the old song goes… "This diamond ring doesn't shine for me anymore…" Sign…

Britanny then crushes the ring in her hand. Danielle cringes from the sight. Britanny then lets the diamond shards and crushed gold fall to the ground with a bit of blood. Danielle moves up to her friend slowly, and puts her hand on Britanny's shoulder as she tries to comfort her.

Danielle: Look at it this way Cheetah, it could have been worse. His plan could have worked, and you'd have lost him after he got what he wanted from you.

Britanny considers this a moment and nods her head in recognition.

Danielle: Feel better?

Britanny: Sniff… Not really…

Danielle: Come on Cheetah… Let's go back… Your family is worried about you.

Britanny: Okay…

Danielle then gives Britanny a hug to give her some reassurance. After a few moments to allow Britanny to collect herself, Danielle leads Britanny back to the Diggers homestead…

(-)

Back home, Brit's family tries to comfort her as best as possible. It had started raining as Danielle and Britanny made their way back to the Diggers mansion, and they both got soaked. Britanny now sits in a comfy armchair, with a blanket wrapped around her as she holds onto a cup of warm tea. Theo sits in a wooden chair close to his adopted daughter, thinking of how to handle the situation. He's about to speak when a distraught Julia walks into the room.

Theo: How did it go dear?

Julia: Sigh… It wasn't easy, but with Gina's technology, I was able to contact Stripe's father Primus, in order to let him know what happened here… And I must say, he is pissed at his son's blatant act of immaturity. As he put it… (Face darkens). "It's really not fitting for the prince to be in such scandalous affairs… Especially with an Earthling."

Theo (Grits his teeth): Oh?

Julia (Nods her head): Yes… I don't know whether to be pleased, or if I should kick Primus's ass as well…

Theo: Sigh… Well I contacted the Conclave of Mages in the Jade Realm, and I've gotten Tanya into their care, thanks to Jetta's help, so they can pass rightful judgment on Tanya for abusing her powers…

Danielle: Boy, is Tanya going to be in a heap of trouble…

Theo (Nods his head): I do believe so…

Danielle: Well, that's good, right Cheetah?

Britanny doesn't say anything. She just nods her head, in recognition to what Danielle said, and stands up. She puts her tea down on a small table next to the armchair.

Theo (Worried): Britanny?

Britanny: I'm going to bed…

Britanny then walks upstairs to her room. Julia and Theo share worried glances to each. Danielle just stares at the way that Britanny went.

(-)

Brianna and Gina head to Britanny's room, to do their best to help their distraught sister, by talking to her… Only problem is, Britanny is not in much of a mood to talk, and they have to do the talking. (Hard to find a subject to talk about when everything reminds her of Stripe.)

Gina: Britanny… Feeling any better?

Britanny: No…

Brianna: Hey Brit, you want to go to "The Boat House" tomorrow for lunch? I'm sure they'll be restocked on yummy tuna from our last visit.

Britanny: No thanks…

Brianna and Gina's jaws drop. Britanny must be incredibly depressed to turn down a tuna meal!

Gina: Is there anything we can do for you Brit? You aren't acting like yourself…

Britanny (Sits on her bed): Please… Just leave me alone for now…

Brianna and Gina look at each other and bid to Britanny's request. Both sisters make a plan in the back of their mind.

Gina (Thinks): Damn Stripe! I'll show him! I'll make him wish he never crossed a Diggers! Heh heh… I'll show him…

Brianna (Thinks): Stupid Stripe! I'll show him! I'll get a bunch of my Peebos, and I'll program them to blow that bastard to hell!

(-)

Penny Pinser and her boyfriend Kevin 'Ace' Koss try talking to Brit… But they don't get much of a reaction either…

Penny: Well Britanny, if it's any consolation, you looked great in that wedding dress.

Kevin: Penny!

Penny: What? She did! I'm complimenting her… Oh… Sorry Brit…

Britanny just takes the blanket on her bed, and tosses it over her head.

Kevin: Good one Penny…

Penny: What? I was trying to help…

(-)

Charlotte hates seeing her best friend looking so down, so she gets an idea to make Brit feel better. She'll ask Britanny to do some sparring with her, hoping it will take Brit's mind off of Stripe…

Charlotte: Hey Cheetah!

Britanny: Hey Charlie… What do you want?

Charlotte: Um… Wanna do some sparring?

Britanny: Sigh… Sure… Why not? I don't want you to get behind in your training.

Charlotte: YAY! That's the Cheetah I know.

Britanny (Smiles): Sigh…

But, it turns out this is both good and bad, as it helps Brit release some steam, but Charlotte is on the receiving end of it… Too bad being a Harpy doesn't do much for you except allowing a person to fly and giving that person bird-like tendencies…

Britanny (Wipes dust off her hands): Thanks Charlie. I needed to work off some steam… Um… Charlie? Oh no! Charlie, are you okay?

Charlotte (Eyes are swirls): … Don't mention it… 'Kay? … Ooooooooooh… Look at all the pretty colors…

Britanny: Sigh… Sorry Charlie…

Britanny goes back to her room, feeling depressed about hurting her friend.

(-)

Danielle Carter, Britanny's oldest friend goes to Brit's room to talk with her. She actually has a bit of luck talking to Britanny, but even she can't get that much out of the distraught werecheetah.

Danielle: Cheetah?

Britanny: Yeah Dani?

Danielle: How're you holding up?

Britanny: Tired…

Danielle: Anything else?

Britanny (Shakes her head): Not right now Dani… Okay?

Danielle just nods her head. Apparently Britanny just doesn't feel like really going in-depth into her feelings… Not yet anyway…

(-)

Eventually, Theodore goes up to Britanny's room to have a talk with his adopted daughter, and gets her to admit what's specifically bothering her about the whole event. It was obvious to him, that there's more to this, than just Stripe turning out to be a total heel. Britanny admits to Theo the full extent to what's bothering her.

Britanny: Daddy… It's just that it hurts… It hurts to be around here at the moment… Everything reminds me of him dad… My room, the faces of my loved ones, heck, even my fighting… It all has a connection to Stripe, be it with our adventures, or something… I just want to forget Stripe, but I can't do it here… Everything keeps throwing back into my face what I lost.

Theodore nods his head in understanding. He remembers when his own father, who, because of a spell gone awry, got turned into a demon, first cursed his wife. When they were banishing his father to the realm of the dead, his father, now calling himself 'The Lich King' placed a curse on Julia. The curse made it so she was invisible to anyone born on earth for everyday of the year, with the exception of one day. Everything reminded him of his wife Julia, and knowing he would never see her except for one day would break his heart. He comes to a decision.

Theo: Britanny… Would you like to go on a trip? To clear your mind?

Britanny: Huh?

Theo: I'm serious. To help you forget about that jerk Stripe, going on a trip would be the best thing for you at this point…. As long as you stay in your human form and don't use your werecheetah form to scare the locals.

Britanny: Sigh… Oh daddy, thank you.

Britanny hugs Theo, and he hugs his little girl back, relieved to know he is able to help her.

(-)

After reassuring Britanny, Theo goes downstairs to tell the rest of the family how Britanny feels. There is a bit of argument. Julia is afraid that in her depression, Britanny may try to commit suicide. Theo shakes his head and tells her that he doesn't believe Britanny would stoop to that. She values her life too much, and is a fighter, so she won't just give up when a situation arises. Finally, they all decide that it is probably the best course of action to just give Britanny the time she needs. Still one problem though… EVERYTHING literally reminds her of Stripe… Well… Everything she knows off… So, Theo basically gives Brit a chance to go as far from home as possible. After all, too many memories here that she needs a chance to put to rest. So, Britanny literally goes half a world away to clear her mind… Her family sets it up for Britanny to go to Japan…

(-)

At this moment, in a secret shrine in Japan, a martial artist known as Zero, and an old fire-based War Mage wererat by the name of Gothwrain have just finished some of the basic ninja training and sword fighting to a group of young wererats. Lydia McKraken, Moisha Rich, and Romeo Ellis. These three are given their first mission. Find the last werecheetah, and 'collar' her.

Lydia: Lord High-Elder Gothwrain, may I ask a question?

Gothwrain: What is it?

Lydia: What's this collar for?

Gothwrain: The collar is a tracking device. It will allow us to follow the werecheetah's movements.

Lydia: Oh… Okay.

Moisha: Lord High Elder Gothwrain?

Gothwrain (With his hand on his face): What is it now?

Moisha: What if the collar doesn't match her clothing style? She'll be really mad…

Gothwrain (Stares at Moisha): …

Romeo (Thinks): We're doomed… Doomed, doomed…

Zero (Shakes his head): …

(-)

Also at this time, Lord Erwin 'Pee Wee' Talon, "Master of the Double Helix", rival of the Diggers family and child genius, has just received word of the failed wedding between Britanny and Stripe. Since his studies include human structure, and anatomy, in hopes of creating the perfect warrior from the DNA strands he can get, he decides on his own course of action… He's always wanted samples of Britanny's DNA, but has never been able to get close enough to gain the wanted sample… Until now that is… Now the Britanny is alone, she'll be easy pickings. So Talon orders his three henchmen, the warrior Zelda, Daishi the ninja master, and Ionis, the Psionist Mage to go to Japan and capture Britanny and bring her back for further study.

Daishi: Lord Talon?

Erwin: What is it Daishi?

Daishi: Are you sure about the werecheetah's whereabouts?

Erwin: To be honest, not in particular… I had tapped the phone-wires to the Diggers home, and found out about a purchasing of plane tickets for whom I assume is Britanny… These plane tickets are to Japan, and they also did many hotel reservations for all over major parts of Tokyo over the phone.

Zelda: So basically, we search all over Tokyo until we find her?

Erwin: Precisely.

Zelda: DAMN IT! I WANT MY REVENGE ON THE WERECHEETAH NOW!

Erwin stares at the angry Zelda. Daishi sweat-drops. And Ionis just mutters to himself.

Ionis (Mutters): Well, this is still easier than my job as an accountant for Bill Gates…

(-)

Back in Japan, Ranma eats his breakfast slowly. This gains him many stares from around the table. Akane, just looking for a reason to vent her anger on Ranma, is the first one to take action.

Akane: IDIOT! WHAT'S WRONG NOW? DID THAT HUSSIE SHAMPOO KEEP YOU UP ALL NIGHT!

P-Chan: BWEE, BWEEEEEEEEE! (Translation: RANMA, I'LL KILL YOU FOR CHEATING ON AKANE!)

Genma & Soun: WHAT!? HOW DARE YOU CHEAT ON AKANE! YOU SHOULD REPENT BY MARRYING HER RIGHT NOW!

And so, usual chaos ensues, until Nodoka puts her foot down.

Nodoka: WILL YOU ALL STOP PICKING ON MY SON?

Akane: But auntie, the idiot cheated on me…

Nodoka: No he hasn't Akane-chan. Shampoo was not here last night. I don't know how you even came to that conclusion…

All the people that usually blame Ranma take this into consideration for a moment… Until Shampoo crashes through a wall…

Shampoo: NIHAO RANMA! Shampoo bring you too, too delicious ramen for breakfast to make up for Shampoo actions yesterday. Eat up, is very good!

Akane smiles on the inside. This was the sort of opening she was waiting for. To be honest, Akane has taken a liking to beating up on Ranma. He doesn't fight back, and he's a great way for her to release any form of anger or pent up stress she has…

Akane (Takes out her mallet, aura rises): RANMA…

Ranma: Wait! THIS ISN'T MY FAULT!

Ukyo then comes in through the front door.

Ukyo: Oh Ranma honey! I'm really sorry about how I acted yesterday, so I brought you some nice okonomiyaki! Eat up! It's nice, hot, and fresh!

Akane (Blazing red aura of anger grows): YOU…

Ranma: Please! Shampoo, Ukyo! I don't want any breakfast! I just want to be left in peace!

Akane: JERK!

Akane finishes her swing, and sends Ranma flying through the roof of the Tendo Dojo. Nodoka stares wide-eyed at what went on. She tries to ask why Akane did that, but now Shampoo, Akane, and Ukyo are fighting about what Akane just did to Ranma. Soun and Genma sit crying in the corner.

Genma: OH WHY!? WHY IS MY SON SUCH AN INGRATE!?

Soun: BOOHOO! THE HOUSES WON'T BE JOINED! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Nodoka (Stares at them): Are you people crazy?

Kasumi: Oh my… It's okay auntie Nodoka. This is how they always act.

Nodoka (Stares at Kasumi): …

Meanwhile, no one notices the look of anger on P-Chan's face.

P-Chan (Thinks): Grr… Ranma… It's all your entire fault Akane suffers… I will have to kill you once and for all!

P-Chan then runs upstairs, and jumps in the furo. Luckily for him, it is filled so it has hot water in it. Ryoga then stands up and makes a pledge.

Ryoga: RANMA! TODAY IS THE DAY I FINISH YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL!

Ryoga then takes out a spare set of clothing he keeps hidden near the furo and gets dressed. He then walks in a random direction, hoping to get to Ranma, so he may make the pig-tailed villain pay!

(-)

End Chapter 1

Next Time: Ranma and Britanny are reunited. Ranma closes an old chapter of his life, and reopens an older one.

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