Dual Destinies



The characters of Ranma  belong to the remarkably talented Rumiko 

Takahashi. This story is based on said characters and I write this only 

for entertainment.



<>: Thoughts

<" "> Chinese language

{" "} Telepathic communication



                                  Chapter 10

                                  Challenge!



The park

     Ranma Blue was astonished as he watched Taron float above him. As 

the immortal floated down to the ground, the young martial artist 

excitedly asked, "Are you going to teach me that?"

     Taron smiled and nodded at his wide-eyed pupil as he responded, 

"What you saw was a reverse application of that gravity-altering 

technique that I taught you a few days ago."

     "You mean, instead of making things heavier, I can make them 

lighter? Maybe make them weightless altogether?"

     "That's right Ranma Blue. In addition to manipulating the elements 

of nature, you can also achieve physical control over certain universal 

laws. Gravity is just another aspect of the physical realm."

     "Cool!" Ranma Blue paused for a moment, then his eyes opened 

wide. "Hey! If that's true, then I could not only be able to just float I 

can actually FLY!"

     "You're catching on boy!"



On the other side of the park

     "Whoa! How are you doing that?" Ranma Red asked as he watched 

his teacher Soren float in midair, ten feet above the ground.

     Soren smiled as he began drifting down to the ground. "What you 

have witnessed was my levitation spell."

     "Levitation?"

     "That's right." Soren said as he touched down. "This spell will enable 

you to lift heavy objects from a distance. As you can see, it can also 

work on one's own body."

     "Is this like my brother's power to increase gravity, just in reverse?"

     "Not really. You see, my brother is teaching Ranma Blue how to 

manipulate the force of gravity on an object. What you have seen is 

something different. Instead of just changing the amount of 

gravitational pull on an object, I am using my ki to manipulate the 

mystical forces in the area to NEGATE the force of gravity. In essence,

 I am countering gravity's pull with a force that is opposite to it."

     "Wow!" Ranma Red remarked excitedly. He was eager to learn the 

new technique.

     "Indeed. However, there are limits to this ability. It cannot increase 

the gravitational pull on an object, since it has nothing to do with 

gravity. Secondly, it takes a great deal more concentration than simple 

gravity manipulation."

     "What are the good points about this power?"

     "Well, besides being able to being able to fly and move objects from 

a distance, you'll be able to use this power to form a protective barrier. 

You might not be able to change an object's weight, but you are able to 

increase or decrease an object's speed. Furthermore, you can also 

change an object's direction. I believe the scientists of Earth have 

termed this as psychokinesis."

     "What are we waiting for? Let's get started!"



Meanwhile, somewhere else in reality

     While the twin Ranmas begin to increase their already formidable 

abilities, two dark figures were observing the scenes from another 

place that was between places. Unlike the Realm of Infinity though, this 

place was dark and foreboding. There was hardly any light as the two 

shadowy beings floated in a void of gray. Stray chunks of rock floated 

aimlessly in the sea of nothingness as swirling mists wafted about. This 

was the Realm of Oblivion.

     The two figures seemed to be the only living beings in the place. 

They were identical in appearance, but one could hardly call them 

human. Both figures had massively muscled, humanoid bodies, but had 

blue-tinted scales instead of skin. Their mouths seemed to be set in 

permanent scowls with huge fangs protruding up from their lower lips. 

Their eyes were red with slitted pupils. Their fingers had long nails that 

resembled talons and each had their long, bone-white hair done up in a 

ponytail. The only way to tell them apart was that one wore bright, 

crimson battle armor on his arms, legs and torso. The rest of his 

clothing consisted of black boots, pants and tunic. The other had steel-

blue armor. Both also sported black capes that flowed down to the 

middle of their backs. 

     The two beings frowned as they looked at the scenes that were being 

displayed on a flat disc that hung in midair. They watched with disgust 

as they saw the twin Ranmas master the their new techniques with 

unbelievable ease. Finally, the blue armored one turned toward his 

companion. 

     "I cannot believe that Taron and Soren have found their champions!" 

Said the blue-armored demon, his voice dripping with utter hatred.

     The one in the red armor nodded. "Indeed. Sharoka will be not be 

pleased."

     Suddenly, the images on the disc became blurred and the edges 

started to quiver as it tried to maintain its shape. The red-armored 

demon raised his hand and fired a blast of red elderitch energy at the 

disc. The viewing portal became stabilized and resumed its function. As 

the two man-beasts saw each Ranma successfully master his new 

technique, they became ever more angry.

     "Blast those twins!" Said the demon in the blue armor. "At this rate, 

they will be ready long before the time of the Contract Renewal! I 

cannot believe any mortal could learn that quickly!"

     "What are we to do Zuruka?" Asked the demon in the red armor.

     "At this point Arcodos, nothing." Zuruka replied. "Although the 

dimensional barrier weakens as the time of the Contract Renewal grows 

near, we are still unable to cross over into the Earth Realm. It is taking 

much of our power just to see what is happening!"

     "I had thought that the Masters had destroyed one of the Chosen 

Ones sixteen years ago!"

     "Yes. It had taken the life energies of nearly half the Dark World 

Council in order to pierce the dimensional barrier and destroy one of 

the twins! However, that blasted Kami-sama had managed to save 

Ranma's brother by merging the two of them together! I had thought he 

had gone mad when he arranged for the Saotome boy to be immersed in 

the Spring of Drowned Girl! Now I see that it was all part of his plan!"

     "How will we explain this to Master Sharoka?"

     "He is probably aware of this situation by now. All we can do now is 

wait. And watch for any opportunity!" 

     With these words, the two agents of the Dark Word turned their 

attention back toward the glowing disc.



The Earth Realm

     It was late afternoon as the Saotome brothers headed toward their 

mother's house. However, they were not walking or leaping between 

rooftops. They were not even touching the ground. Instead, they had 

decided to use their newfound skills and were flying at an altitude of 

1500 feet. As they sped through the air, the two engaged in an aerial 

sparring match.

     Ranma Red and his brother darted back and forth as they fought in 

midair. They threw midair punches and kicks as they swooped, dived 

and streaked across the skyline like maddened dragonflies.  fter thirty 

minutes or so, the twins began to feel the strain of their attacks while 

keeping themselves aloft. Deciding to conserve their power, the two 

made a beeline to the house of Nodoka Saotome.

     Nodoka was just about finished with cooking dinner when she heard 

her boys call.

     "Mom! We're back!" Ranma Red shouted.

     Nodoka put down the dishes on the dining room table and went to the 

front door to greet her sons. However, when she came outside, she 

could not see her offspring anywhere. She looked around in confusion, 

but she could not locate her boys.

     "Up here Mom!" Ranma Blue called.

     Nodoka looked up and her eyes widened as she beheld her twins 

gently descending to the ground from above. She was understandably in 

shock as her two Ranmas lightly landed beside her and took her into a 

three-way hug. After a minute, she calmed down and began hugging them 

back, realizing that she should expect a few surprises. After all, it's not 

every day that her only child suddenly becomes twins, rub elbows with 

goddesses and is chosen to ensure the safety of the Earth. She was still 

getting used to the idea that she now had two children to cook for.



     Later on, the Saotome family is sitting around the dinner table as 

they finished up the evening meal. During this time, the family has been 

engaging in quiet discussion.

     "So Mom. Have you heard from Pop?" Ranma Red asked.

     "Not as yet my son." Nodoka replied, her face betraying a hint of 

annoyance at the mention of Genma. "Since he hasn't come home, I 

would assume that he was still staying at the Tendo dojo."

     "Are you sure Mom?" Ranma Blue said. "I mean, Mr. Tendo looked 

mad enough to toss Pop out on his ears!"

     "I do not think so. Your father had always assured me that he and 

Soun were the closest of friends. The fact that he had supported the 

three of you all this time and how he had forgiven Genma's misdeeds 

says much about his patience."

     "I guess so." Ranma Blue admitted. "Pop and Mr. Tendo were always 

so close. I don't think we ever saw them not playing shogi, drinking, 

groveling in front of Happosai or trying to push us closer to Akane."

     "Yeah." Ranma Red sighed. "By the way, where do you suppose that 

old lecher is anyway?"



At the Tendo dojo

     Both Soun and Genma are groveling in front of Happosai who is 

sitting on the floor and smoking his pipe. After being told of what had 

occurred, the wizened master had clearly become upset.

     "You two are a disgrace to the Anything-Goes School of Martial 

Arts!" The ancient pervert took a puff of his pipe. "Not only did you 

lose TWO chances of uniting the schools, but I am now left WITHOUT 

AN HEIR!"

     "We're sorry master!" Genma meekly apologized.

     "Forgive us master!" Soun said with tears in his eyes.

     "SILENCE!" The old lecher roared. "It seems that it's up to me again 

to bail your sorry behinds out of the fire again!"

     A new ray of hope dawned on the two sniveling martial artists as they 

raised their heads and said, "You will?"

     Happosai nodded as he sat up. "Don't worry boys, by the time I'm 

through with those twins, they'll be begging to be back here! Besides" 

Happosai began to head toward the door, "it'll be nice to have those 

lovely breasts to grope once more. Now with two of them, I'll have 

twice as much fun! Hee! Hee!" 

     As soon as Happosai was out of earshot, Soun looked at Genma and 

asked, "Do you think we should tell him that the twins are no longer 

cursed?"

     "Are you kidding Tendo?! I don't want to make him any madder than 

he already is!"



The House of Nodoka

     "I'm still very worried about this Dark World that you have told me 

about." Nodoka said. "I have just been reunited with the two of you and 

met your fiances. I don't think I would be able to stand it if I were to 

lose one or both of you. It sounds so dangerous!"

     "Mom, please understand. We have to do this!" Ranma Red stated. "If 

we don't do this, the world will end! If that happens, then it won't make 

any difference whether we die or not!"

     "This is the reason why we're here now!" Ranma Blue added. "This is 

what all the training is for. We are the Chosen Twins. It's our 

responsibility!"

     The mother of the Saotome twins looked at her offspring with an 

appraising eye. Finally, she gave them a small smile as she said, "It is 

good that you both take your responsibilities seriously. I am grateful 

that you are not like your father."

     {"We're glad too!"} 

     {"Hey Taron!"} Both brothers responded.

     Suddenly, there was a flash of light and the original champions of 

Earth appeared before the Saotomes. Nodoka was startled by their 

sudden appearance, but her sons came to her side, assuring her that 

everything was all right.

     "We're terribly sorry about dropping like this, but it was important 

that we speak to you and your sons, personally." Soren began. "Oh, I'm 

sorry. We haven't introduced ourselves. I am Soren."

     "And I am Taron."

     The twins bowed to Nodoka, who relaxed when she realized that they 

were her sons' benefactors. "It is a pleasure to finally meet the ones 

who have given my family back to me."

     "We are pleased that you have come to terms with Ranma's situation 

so quickly." Soren nodded to both brothers.

     "Hey Taron! What brings you both here? I thought our training 

session was over for today." Ranma Blue asked.

     "It is." Taron replied. "However, we do need to inform you both on 

certain things that are going to happen in the near future." 

     "Is it about the Dark World?" Ranma Red inquired.

     "Yes. The dimensional barrier is becoming weaker with each passing 

day." Soren began. "As a result, Sharoka may send some of his agents 

over to this reality and try to stop you two from fulfilling your roles in 

the Contract Renewal."

     "Sharoka?" The Ranma brothers and Nodoka said.

     Both of the immortals nodded as Taron continued, "Sharoka is the 

Emperor of the Dark World. He rules his realm with the proverbial 

'iron fist.' He is incredibly cruel and would not hesitate to enslave or 

destroy all life on Earth. He was the one responsible for causing Ranma 

to be born an only child."

     Soren took up the explanation. "Yes. You see, between each Contract 

Renewals, there is a near impenetrable barrier between our dimensions. 

It is because of the dimensional wall, that both the Earth Realm and the 

Dark World remain separate. However, it begins to weaken whenever 

the Contract needs to be renewed."

     Taron then continued. "It was sixteen years ago that Sharoka decided 

to gamble away the lives of half his ruling council in order to stop the 

two of you. He killed those members and used their own life energies 

to break through the barrier. The huge amounts of Dark World essences 

were enough to cause a small gap to appear in the Earth Realm. It was 

through this gap that Sharoka cast a spell on your mother and destroyed 

one of the fertilized eggs."

     "He killed half his council? Just to destroy one of us?" Ranma Blue 

said incredulously.

     Soren nodded. "Twenty members of the Dark World Council were 

snuffed out in an instant. Nearly all of them protested."

     "That explains it." Nodoka said thoughtfully.

     "Explains what Mom?" Ranma Red asked.

     "A week before I found out that I was pregnant, I had suddenly come 

down with a fever. My entire body ached, but what really hurt the most 

was a stinging pain in my belly. The following day, I began to get 

morning sickness. Later on, I assumed that the stinging pain was just 

part of the sickness."

     "Did you feel a sense of absolute relief the day after?" Soren asked.

     "Why yes, how did you know?"

     Taron replied, "That was the time that Kami-sama had placed the soul 

of Ranma's brother within the remaining egg. After Ranma was born, 

the soul of his brother was brought into the world also."

     "I see."

     "Now that you know what had happened sixteen years ago, I hope you 

understand why your sons must face this danger now."

     "Actually, I do understand that they must fight these demons now. 

However, I do not understand why these Dark World people have not 

tried something like this on your previous champions."

     Soren and Taron looked at each other for a long moment before the 

white-shirted immortal responded. "The reason why they have become 

so desperate as of late, is because this is their last chance."

     "What?!" Both Ranmas said.

     "When the Contract was made ten thousand years ago, Kami-sama 

had added a small 'sub-clause.' It specifically said that if the Dark 

World were unable to defeat the Earth Realm within ten thousand years, 

then the dimensional barrier would be forever sealed. After ten 

millennia, they have wasted both their efforts and power, trying to 

defeat our champions."

     "Why didn't Kami-sama make up that clause to seal them away the 

first time around?" Ranma Blue asked.

     "At the time," Soren replied, "the dimensional wall was so damaged 

that it would have been impossible for even Kami-sama to fix. During 

the Great Conflict, the deities of this world had taxed their powers to 

the limit. The Dark World had also depleted its power. It would take 

several thousand years before the space-time continuum would become 

stable enough for Kami-sama to effect permanent repairs. That is why 

he drew up the Contract in the first place. To effect temporary repairs 

and to stall for time."

     "That's right." Taron agreed. "When the Contract was being drawn up, 

Kami-sama secretly added that sub-clause into it, hoping that the Dark 

World would not notice it. For the next ten thousand years, the Contract 

has been upheld without question. However, in recent times, Sharoka had 

discovered the sub clause. Since his ancestors had signed the Contract, he 

had no choice but to follow it. Now we fear that he knows of your 

existence. He will try to stop the two of you. Most likely try to kill you."

     Nodoka became white at this statement. "I will not allow it! I have 

just gotten my family back! I will not put them in such danger! My sons 

will not be subjected to this!"

     Soren shook his head. "I'm afraid that it's not possible Mrs. 

Saotome. Your sons are the Chosen Ones. If they do not battle with the 

Dark World, then Sharoka will win by forfeit. Then the Earth will be 

doomed to slavery or destruction."

     "Can't you find another pair of twins?" Nodoka pleaded.

     Soren and Taron shook their heads, as Taron answered, "No, I'm 

afraid that there is not a pair of twins on Earth that have the right 

attributes. Ranma Red and Ranma Blue are the sole hope for Earth's 

survival."

     Nodoka looked as if she wanted to argue some more, but she then 

looked at her sons. She saw the looks of determination in their eyes. 

They were willing to sacrifice all for the safety of the world. They 

showed no outward indications of fear. They wanted to fulfill their 

obligations. It was a matter of honor. Most of all, they were ready to 

die for their loved ones. Nodoka could not help but feel proud of her 

two Ranmas. They were truly men among men.

     The matriarch of the Saotome clan took up her offspring in a teary 

hug as she cried softly. "My(sob) sons! I have just gotten you back! I 

was (sob) so happy that you had gotten engaged to Shampoo and Ukyo. 

Now I (sob) learn that the weddings may not occur. I may never see 

my grandchildren! I may lose both of you all over again! (sob)."

     The two Ranmas held back their tears as they reassured their mother.

     "Don't worry Mom!" Ranma Red declared. "We won't let that happen!"

     "Yeah! We are going to win!" Ranma Blue agreed. "We'll save the 

world!"

     The three Saotomes embraced each other for a long time before 

they finally separated. Nodoka wiped the tears from her eyes and 

addressed the immortal twins. "You will look after them?"

     "We will be watching over the both of them. You have our solemn 

promise."

     "And unlike Genma," Taron added, "we keep our word!"

     Nodoka nodded as she thanked the two.

     Soren then turned his attention on the Saotome brothers. "The two of 

you must now rejoin with the rest of the world. We are quite certain that 

your mother wishes you to go back to school and finish your education."

     Both Ranma twins became surprised at the change in subject. They 

both looked at their mother, who nodded.

     "But what about our training sessions?" Ranma Blue queried.

     "Don't worry." Soren replied. "We're already ahead of schedule! I'd 

say that the two of you will be ready two, maybe three days before the 

Contract expires."

     "We will be training you after school, so that we won't interfere with 

your daily lives." Taron added. "We'll still be looking after you, just in 

case the Dark World tries something. Until then, we bid you good night."

     In a flash, Taron and Soren disappeared, leaving the twins with their 

mother.

     Nodoka smiled at her sons as she said, "Now then you two, it's 

getting late. I want the two of you to get a good night's sleep. 

Tomorrow, the both of you will resume your classes at Furinkan."

     "But Mom" Ranma Red began.

     Nodoka put her hand up. "No need to worry. I had already phoned the 

school while you were gone. I had told them that Ranma's twin would 

be enrolling tomorrow. I've already taken care of all the details. Now 

off to bed with you."



The next day

     The Ranma twins decided to take a less spectacular way to get to 

school that morning. Ranma Red had decided to test the limits of his 

teleportation spell. Within an instant, the two boys found themselves 

less than a block away from the gates of the high school. As they began 

walking toward the front gates, they saw Nabiki and Akane some twenty 

meters ahead of them. 

     "Hey! Its Akane and Nabiki!" Ranma Red pointed.

     "Do you think we should see her now?" Ranma Blue wondered.

     "I don't know. Akane was pretty ticked off yesterday."

     "You're right. We'll give her some space."



     Up ahead Akane was in a very depressed mood. She had not gotten 

much sleep the night before. Her mind had focused on nothing but 

Ranma's departure from her home. Both of them. The fact that they were 

now going to marry Ukyo and Shampoo had put her into a deeper funk.

     <I can't believe that they don'tl-loveNo! I won't say it! They're 

just a couple of jerks anyway! Why should I care if they're not my 

fiance? They did nothing but insult me and call me uncute! They didn't 

even say goodbye last night! I should be glad that they're gone!>

     Despite her denials, Akane knew that she was only fooling herself. 

She had gotten used to Ranma over the last several months and seeing 

him as twins had shocked her. What became the biggest blows to her 

already fragile feelings was the announcement of her engagement being 

invalidated and the new engagements of both twins to her biggest rivals. 

Since then, Akane had not been the same. She had spent a near-

sleepless night replaying yesterday's events in her mind. Every time she 

imagined Ranma in the arms of Ukyo or Shampoo, her mood would 

darken. She would never admit to anyone that it was jealousy, but she 

couldn't stand the thought that both Ranmas were now showing 

affection toward those other girls, rather than to her. They also seemed 

to have changed personalities. They were more enthusiastic with their 

new engagements and they were less cocky than the single Ranma had 

been. Akane sighed sadly as she trudged her way to the school.

     Nabiki looked at her sister with concern. Like her sister Kasumi, she 

knew that Akane had more feelings toward Ranma than she would admit 

to. Last night, she had heard her sister quietly sobbing and this morning; 

Akane's eyes were still puffy and red. Nabiki shook her head. <How 

could Ranma do this to her? I thought he cared about her!> Nabiki 

shook her head. Things were not going to be easy for the next few days. 

With Ranma no longer living in the dojo, her sister was heading towards 

a roller coaster of angry, sad and hurt feelings. Her father was no 

better. After the twins had departed with their mother, Soun Tendo had 

become a veritable waterfall of tears. He would either shout at Genma 

about the situation being his fault or he would bawl his head off over 

the schools never being joined. He still considered Ranma's father as 

his best friend, but the recent events had strained their relationship. 

Genma was still staying at the dojo and playing shogi with her father, 

but they lacked the usual happy-go-lucky spark that they always carried.

     With Ranma gone, Nabiki knew that the family would be going 

downhill soon. 



     At the gates of Furinkan High, students were busy milling about their 

business as they headed toward their classes. Several students turned 

their heads as they saw Nabiki and Akane enter through the gates. 

Ordinarily, this would not be an uncommon sight, but what the students 

did notice was that Ranma was not at Akane's side. This sparked the 

interest of several boys and they began wondering where Saotome was. 

Then another surprise came walking through the gates.

     Ukyo Kuonji looked like a candidate for Teen Magazine as she 

strode proudly into the schoolyard in a girl's school uniform. Of course, 

she still had that giant spatula strapped to her back, but the overall effect 

was just as staggering as the last time she was wearing such an outfit. 

Several of the boys began rushing toward her, trying to ask her for 

dates, but the okonomiyaki chef smiled and politely turned them down, 

explaining to them that she was only waiting for her Ran-chan. 

     By this time, the crowds had attracted the attention of Furikan's 

poetry-spouting kendoist. Tatewaki Kuno stood proudly with his 

bokken at his side as he gazed on both Akane and Ukyo. "Ahthe gods 

must truly smile on me to deliver these beauties into my presence. The 

lovely Akane once again graces these hallowed grounds, in which my 

holy feet do tread. The treacherous Ranma Saotome is not in her 

presence! Could I dare hope that his disappearance is permanent? My 

beloved had escaped his vile presence? To dream such a wonderful 

dream! And look! The sweet Ukyo Kuonji has once again donned the 

garb of feminine ways! Surely she seeks to attract the attention and gain 

the affection of the Great Blue Thunder of Furinkan High! I must 

reward the both of them!"

     Kuno strutted out toward the girls with bouquets of red roses in his 

hands.

     Akane and Nabiki were a little more than surprised at seeing Ukyo in 

girls clothing. They looked at her with a confused look. Ukyo gazed 

first at Nabiki and then to her sister. Although Akane was putting up a 

face of indifference, the Kuonji girl could tell that she was jealous of 

her engagement to one of the Ranma twins. 

     "Hey Ukyo! What's with the outfit?" Nabiki asked.

     The brown-haired girl smiled as she joyfully replied, "Ran-chan told 

me before that I looked cute in this outfit. Besides, I am Ran-chan's 

fiance. If wearing this outfit makes him happy, then I'm happy!"

     Akane was about to say something awful when Kuno arrived.

     "Akane Tendo! Ukyo Kuonji! Such beauty! Such grace! Surely the 

two of you must be overjoyed now that Tatewaki Kuno is here to reward 

your efforts to woo me!"

     "What are you talking about?!" Both replied with annoyance.

     Kuno was taken aback and his face showed confusion. "Why, the fact 

that you have escaped the clutches of the evil Ranma Saotome and have 

come here dressed in feminine garb to please me, of course! Why else 

would you be here?" Kuno thrust out the bouquets in front of him. 

Akane sighed as she held forehead and shook her head sadly. She gave 

off a long and tired sigh.

     Ukyo unslung her spatula and said in an irritated voice, "Listen here 

you jackass! I'm dressed like this because I'm waiting to see my Ran-

chan! Going out with you would be as appealing as eating year-old 

okonomiyaki!" 

     Kuno became shocked at her rejection to his overtures. "What's 

this? You do not accept my tokens of affection? Surely you must be 

under the spell of the vile demon Ranma Saotome! I will free both of 

you from his disgusting influence, should he have the courage to show 

his face here!"

     Ukyo prepared to hit Kuno upside the head with her spatula. "How 

dare you call my fiance that! Take it back!"

     It was then that someone from the crowds behind them shouted, 

"HEY! LOOK AT THAT!" 

     Ranma Red and Ranma Blue were running towards the school at an 

easy pace. As they neared the gates, Ranma Red turned to his brother 

and asked, "Well, this is it! You ready?"

     Ranma Blue nodded and smiled. "We may as well make a big splash! 

Look out Furinkan! Here come Ranma times two!"

     The twins leapt into the air and landed in the middle of the crowd. 

Everyone within visual distance did a collective facefault, with the 

exception of Ukyo, Akane and Nabiki. Kuno's jaw dropped to the 

pavement.

     "What cruel joke is this?!" Kuno said as he raised his bokken at the 

two Ranmas. "It is punishment enough to have one Ranma Saotome! 

Now am I cursed to seeing double?!"

     Both Ranmas stood with their arms folded and each had a look of 

contempt as they stared at the kendoist.

     "Kuno, the real punishment is seeing your stupid face every day!" 

Ranma Red said.

     "The fact that we BOTH have to see it is even worse!" Ranma Blue 

added.

     Meanwhile, the crowd began gossiping among themselves.

     "Do you see what I see?"

     "Two Ranmas!"

     "Maybe they're twins!"

     "Maybe Ranma got cloned!"

     "Does this mean that Akane has two fiances?"

     "That would be some wedding!"

     "Aw man! As if one Ranma wasn't trouble enough!"

     "I wonder if Akane's willing to share?"

     "Yeah, maybe she can have one Ranma and the rest of us have the 

other?"

     "Which one is the real Ranma?"

     "I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS!!!"

     The crowd stopped in their gossiping as they turned their attention to 

Kuno.

     Kuno took a stance as he faced his twin adversaries. "Whichever of 

you is the real Saotome, step forward so that I may give you the beating 

that you so richly deserve!"

     "What are you talking about Kuno?" Ranma Blue said with annoyance.

     "You dare to mock me by having someone else impersonate you?! 

WHAT KIND OF A FOOL DO YOU THINK I AM?!"

     "I don't know Kuno. How many kinds are there?" Ranma Blue replied.

     "SILENCE KNAVES! I will smite the both of you and save the 

beautiful Akane and Ukyo from your horrid presence!"

     As soon as Ranma Blue heard Ukyo's name, his eyes narrowed. 

"WHAT did you say?"

     "Once I have dispensed with thee, I shall be the sole recipient of the 

affections of Akane Tendo, the pig-tailed girl AND Ukyo Kuonji!"

     "Okay, that's it. Badmouthing me and my brother is one thing!" 

Ranma Blue took a fighting stance. "But get this straight! UKYO IS MY 

FIANCE!!! YOU TOUCH HER AND I'LL KILL YOU!!!"

     Ukyo was ecstatic at Ranma Blue's declaration. The crowd gasped as 

they heard those words.

     "Did you hear that? They're brothers!"

     "I didn't know Saotome had a twin brother!"

     "He's engaged to Ukyo!"

     "Where does that leave Akane?"

     "I guess the other one is engaged to Akane."

     Akane was shocked to hear those words from Ranma Blue's lips. She 

began having a flashback to the time when Ranma had said those words 

during that match with the infamous Golden Pair. At the time, he had 

been referring to her. She looked at the blue-shirted Ranma. His 

expression was very intense. Deep inside her, Akane knew that he 

meant every word. This made her heart sink even lower.

     Ranma Blue addressed to his brother without taking his eyes off 

Kuno, "Stay out of this! It's personal!"

     Ranma Red nodded as he took a few steps back. "No problem bro. 

This shouldn't take long."

     Kuno charged at Ranma Blue, intending to strike him down quickly, 

then do the same with his brother. "DIE YOU DUAL DEMONS FROM 

HADES!"

     Ranma Blue suddenly moved forward and was inside Kuno's defense 

in less than a microsecond. He then let loose with his accelerated 

Chestnut Fist.

     "KATCHU TENSHIN AMAGURIKEN! ADVANCED!"

     One thousand twenty-two punches went by in the blink of an eye. 

Kuno was severely pummeled before his body had registered the first 

hit. Ranma Blue ended the move in an uppercut, which sent Kuno flying 

back twenty feet. The kendoist fell down in a crumpled heap. As he 

faded into unconsciousness, he mumbled, "That didn't hurt you know."

     Ranma Blue relaxed into a casual stance as Ukyo ran up to him and 

began hugging him. "Ran-chan!" 

     He smiled at his fiance and returned the embrace. "Hey Ucchan! I 

like what you're wearing." Ukyo blushed for a moment before planting a 

deep kiss on his lips, which he responded to enthusiastically. This 

resulted in mass speculation among the crowds.

     "Wow! Did you see that? He must have hit Kuno at least a thousand 

times!"

     "I didn't know Ranma could do that!"

     "Which one is Ranma and which one's the brother?"

     "That was sooo romantic. The way he said that she was his fiance."

     "The way he defended her honor was like something out of a fairytale!"

     "Why can other guys be like that?"

     After Ranma Blue and Ukyo had broken off their kisses, they turned 

to a smiling Ranma Red. 

     "Way to go bro! Took him out in point three seconds!"

     "Not a problem!" Ranma Blue answered as he kept Ukyo by his side. 

He then looked up at the clock and noted the time. "We better get to 

class."

     The Ranma twins headed into the building with Ukyo. Behind them, 

the crowds followed. Nabiki and Akane were soon the only ones left in 

the schoolyard. Nabiki looked at her sister with concern. Akane had a 

wistful expression on her face as she stared at the door where the happy 

couple had entered. It was all she could do not to cry in despair.



     "Class, I would like to introduce you to a new student. His name 

is" The teacher looked down at the note in his hands, then looked at 

the two Ranmas who were standing at the front of the room. "Excuse 

me, there must be some mistake. You both can't be Ranma Saotome."

     Ranma Red and his brother turned toward the teacher and grinned. 

Ukyo giggled in her seat while Akane groaned.

     "Actually, we are." Ranma Red replied. "Both of our names are 

Ranma. We're twins. In order to avoid confusion, call me Ranma Red 

and he's Ranma Blue. We both know everything that the other knows."

     The teacher looked at the twins with a suspicious eye, then shrugged 

as he motioned for them to take a seat. The students began whispering 

among themselves as Ranma Blue took his seat next to Ukyo and gave 

her a wink. Ranma Red sat down near Akane, but made no indication in 

noticing her. Akane became even more depressed. Already, her friends 

were starting to exchange gossip about her and the twin Saotomes.



     At noon, both Ranmas decided to eat with Ukyo under the tree by the 

soccer field. A short distance away, Akane and her two friends, Yuka 

and Seiko, watched the three as they ate their lunches.

     "I can hardly believe that Ranma had a twin brother!" Yuka remarked.

     "Yeah. Did you hear what Ranma Blue had said about Ukyo this 

morning?" Seiko asked.

     "You bet! The whole school has been talking about it! He's Ukyo's 

fiance!"

     "I guess that means that Ranma Red is your fiance, huh Akane?" 

Yuka asked as she turned toward the youngest Tendo girl.

     Akane became very irritated at first when she heard that statement, 

as a usual reflex action. Then she recalled the current situation. She 

sighed and took on a depressed look as she quietly answered, "He's not 

my fiance."

     "Oh come on Akane! You say that all the time!" Seiko said with a grin.

     "Yeah!" Yuka agreed. "You guys have been fighting since Ranma 

came to school!"

     Akane was about to burst into tears, but she bravely held them back. 

"No. You don't understand! Neither one are my fiance! Notany more."

     "What are you saying?" Yuka inquired.

     "Are you saying that you're not engaged anymore?" Seiko added.

     Akane sniffled a little as she nodded slightly.

     "What happened?" Both girls said at the same time.

     Akane remained silent for a long time before she answered in a quiet 

voice, "Their mother disallowed our engagement. She gave her 

blessings to two other girls when both Ranmas proposed to them."

     "What?!" Both girls yelped.

     "It's true. I was angry at the time when those two jerks announced 

that they were going to marry someone else. When I reacted badly, 

their mother decided that I was unsuitable for either of them. She's 

already given her blessings for the new engagements."

     Both girls nodded in sympathy as they knew that Akane did have a 

short temper. She did tend to react violently to bad news. However, 

they were her friends and they tried to console her.

     "So who's Ranma Red's fiance, if Ukyo is engaged to his brother?" 

Seiko asked.

     As if in answer to Seiko's question, a bicycle came flying into the 

schoolyard. It landed a few feet from the Ranma brothers and Ukyo. 

With incredible swiftness, a purple-haired Amazon leapt from the seat 

and promptly attached herself onto Ranma Red with one arm, while 

balancing a small takeout box in the other. Ranma Red smiled as he put 

one arm around Shampoo's shapely waist and kissed her. Ranma Blue 

and Ukyo smiled at the pair.

     Seiko and Yuka did a huge facefault as they witnessed the display. 

They turned their heads toward Akane. Akane was clearly having 

difficulty keeping a straight face. She bowed her head as her sniffles 

began to become louder.

     "SHE'S his fiance?!" Yuka gasped. 

     Akane barely nodded.

     The two girls looked at the two happy couples in front of them, then 

looked at the sobbing, shorthaired girl beside them. Giving each other a 

nod, they began trying to console the distraught Akane Tendo.



     "Airen! Shampoo make delicious lunch for you!" Shampoo bubbled 

as she handed her future husband the takeout box.

     Ranma Blue and Ukyo were already eating the okonomiyaki that she 

had prepared that morning. They were about to offer some to Ranma 

Red, but saw it was unnecessary when Shampoo showed up.

     "Better watch out for any mushrooms bro!" Ranma Blue joked as he 

recalled the incident of the magic mushrooms.

     Ranma Red punched his sibling lightly in the shoulder as he took a 

pork bun and bit into it. "Naw! Shampoo wouldn't do that!" He looked at 

his fiance with a mischievous smile and gleam in his eye.

     Shampoo smiled as she blushed. "Shampoo no do that! Shampoo 

promised no more potions! Ranma Red already loves Shampoo! No 

need to drug Airen!"

     The twins and Shampoo laughed at the inside joke. Ukyo was bit 

confused, but decided not to ask.

     "Hey Red! I just remembered. What are you going to do about 

Mousse? He's not going to take this lying down!"

     "Nothing Mousse can do about it!" Shampoo replied. "Ranma Red 

loves Shampoo. Shampoo loves Ranma, not Mousse! He no beat her! 

Ranma Red beat her twice! Is law!"

     Ranma Red hugged the Amazon closer, then sighed. "Sorry darling. 

But I'm afraid that Amazon Laws don't mean much to him! As soon as 

he hears about this, he more than likely going to attack me!"

     "Hmpf! Then Shampoo will tell him once and for all that Shampoo 

no love him! Never want to marry him, even if Ranma Red no beat her!"

     "I hate to say this, but I don't think that's going to work." Ranma Blue 

said.

     "That's right Sugar!" Ukyo added. "You've been telling him to take a 

hike since you were both three. If he hasn't got it through his head yet, 

then I don't think telling him now is going to make a difference!"

     Ranma Red became silent as he pondered the situation. He then 

suddenly became inspired. "I got it!"

     The others looked at him. "What?!" They all said.

     Ranma Red turned to his fiance and asked, "Sweetheart, do you still 

have your book of Amazon Tribal Law?"

     Shampoo nodded as she took it out and handed it to him. The red-

shirted martial artist held it in one palm and then placed his other palm 

on the top cover. He began concentrating his ki and invoked a small 

spell, which caused the book to glow with an eerie red light. The two 

girls looked with wide-eyed expressions, while the other twin simply 

smiled as he comprehended his brother's plan.

     A minute later, the light faded and Ranma Red gazed at his love's 

eyes with a warm smile. "Shampoo, I have now memorized every law of 

your tribe and I found something that should get Mousse off your case 

for good."

     "Really? How?" Shampoo asked.

     Ranma Red took out a piece of paper and pen. He began writing in 

fluent Chinese as the rest of them looked on.

     "When Ranma know how to write Chinese?" Shampoo asked in 

amazement.

     Ranma Red smiled as he replied in Mandarin, <"I used a simple 

comprehension spell when I scanned your book. Soren taught me this 

skill.">

     Shampoo's eyes widened even further, along with Ukyo's. She then 

began to read the message that her beau was writing. She gasped as she 

realized what he was writing. <"Aiya! Do you know what you are 

writing?!">

     Ranma Red nodded. <"This is the only way I can think of to get him 

to give you up!">

     <"But what if you">

     <"Shampoo, do you love me?">

     <"Yes"> Shampoo answered uneasily, not sure what he was getting at.

     <"Do you trust me?">

     <"Yes.">

     <"Then let me do this. I'll admit there is a little risk, but it's the only 

way I could find to make Mousse back off."> Ranma Red finished his 

note and handed it to Shampoo. Giving her a long and passionate kiss, 

he then told her, "Give this to him and tell him to meet me at the soccer 

field. Make sure that your great-grandmother is with you."

     Shampoo took the note. She gazed longingly into Ranma Red's eyes 

and saw the confidence in their blue depths. She then gave him a small 

peck on the cheek, mounted her bicycle and pedaled off.

     Ranma Blue and Ukyo looked at Ranma Red. Although Ranma Blue 

already knew what his brother had in mind, he still asked, "Are you sure 

you want to do this brother?"

     His sibling nodded, a serious look on his face.

     "You what he's going to do?" Ukyo queried.

     "Yes. There's very little that either of us can keep from each other."

     "What's going to happen?"

     Ranma Red sighed as he replied, "Everything will be settled after 

school."



     The sun began its daily descent into the horizon as the students were 

let out for the day. A large crowd of people had gathered around the 

soccer field as news of the upcoming confrontation spread. Apparently, 

no secret could be hidden from Nabiki and her spies. Nabiki and her 

cohorts were already taking wagers. The news of Akane's sudden 

availability had also caused a frenzy among the male student population. 

The young Tendo girl found herself back in the same situation as she 

was before Ranma had arrived as she was constantly attacked for dates. 

This predicament was made even worse when Kuno joined in the fray, 

although he could barely move. Ranma Blue's punches had left him in 

worse shape than Ryoga had been in. 

     Akane had gotten so angered by the day's end that she had gone in 

search of the twin Ranmas in order to start blaming them for her 

problems. When she heard that Ranma Red was going to face Mousse, 

she had gotten to the soccer field ahead of time.

     Ranma Red stood alone on the soccer field with arms crossed and 

feet spread apart, as he waited for his rival to appear. On the sidelines, 

Ranma Blue and Ukyo watched. Ranma Blue looked around for any 

signs of trouble as he used his senses to probe the crowds.

     {"Well Red. This is it."} Ranma Blue told his brother.

     {"Yeah. I was kind of hoping that this could be more private, but I 

guess nothing gets by Nabiki."} Ranma Red said.

     Ranma Blue cocked his head to one side then sent a message to his 

twin, {"Hold on! Here they come!"}

     Ranma Red nodded as he also sensed the approach of his adversary, 

his fiance and Cologne. The crowds parted as they allowed the three to 

enter the field. Mousse casually stepped forward as Cologne and 

Shampoo waited on the sidelines, opposite to Ukyo and Ranma Blue.

     "What is the meaning of this Saotome?" Mousse held up a slip of 

paper, then tossed it at Ranma Red's feet. Since he was solely focused 

on his opponent in front of him, he did not notice Ranma Blue, who was 

standing no more than twenty feet away."

     "I would think that you would know by now." Ranma Red replied in an 

even tone. "Mousse! I challenge you to an Honor Duel in accordance to 

Amazon Tribal Law!"

     Mousse snorted as he gave the pigtailed martial artist a look of 

contempt. "Hah! You're not an Amazon! You have no right to challenge 

ME to an Honor Duel!"

     Ranma Red looked toward Cologne and began reciting from the 

book of Amazon Tribal Law. "Chapter Five, Subsection Three! 

ANYONE can challenge a member of the Joketsuzoku to an Honor 

Duel when settling a dispute of great importance! Correct?"

     Cologne nodded, impressed at Ranma Red's knowledge of their 

ways. "Correct, son-in-law. The dispute may include family honor, 

business transactions or marriage laws."

     Ranma Red turned back toward Mousse and declared, "I challenge 

you! We are going to settle WHO is going to marry Shampoo!"

     "WHAT?!" The myopic hidden weapons-master gasped.

     Ranma Red turned back toward Cologne and began reciting again, 

"Chapter Three. Subsection One! In the event that an outsider defeats an 

Amazon, and if that outsider is a woman, the Amazon must give the Kiss 

of Death and kill without delay! However, if that outsider is a man, she 

must give him the Kiss of Marriage and make him her husband! Correct?"

     "Correct, son-in-law!"

     "Cologne. As a matriarch of the Joketsuzoku, you are the highest 

authority of Amazon Law here! Do you acknowledge my defeat of 

Shampoo? Am I therefore obliged to marry her?"

     "Yes!"

     "I WON"T ALLOW IT!" Mousse threw forth his arms and a barrage 

of daggers and shurikens was launched at Ranma Red. Ranma Red had 

been expecting this reaction. Casually turning his head, he raised an arm 

and began using his new levitation skills.

     The projectiles suddenly stopped in midair, hung there for a 

moment, then reversed their direction back toward Mousse at twice 

their original speed. Mousse screamed as he found himself the target 

of his own weapons. He found himself pinned to the wall behind him as

his daggers and throwing stars caught the edges of his robe and pants. 

Five daggers pinned down his right arm. Another five had caught his left 

arm. Each leg was pinned by three shurikens and four daggers each. 

Mousse was too shocked to speak. The crowd gasped as they had 

witnessed the impossible.

     Ranma Red glared at Mousse and said in a firm tone, "I'M NOT 

FINISHED!" He then turned back to Cologne and continued his recital, 

"Chapter Two. Subsection Four! If a male member of the village wishes 

to marry an Amazon, he must first get either her consent, or defeat her 

after challenging her in a Marriage Duel! Correct?"

     "Correct, son-in-law!"

     Ranma Red turned back and walked toward Mousse, who was now 

hanging from the wall like a volunteer for a knife-throwing act. "YOU 

HAVE DONE NEITHER! By rights, I am the only one eligible to 

become Shampoo's husband!"

     "SHAMPOO IS MINE! NOT YOURS!" Mousse snarled.

     Cologne decided to approach the two antagonists. As she hopped 

toward the myopic Mousse, she gave him a hard glare. "Mousse! You 

have ignored our laws for years now in your pursuit of my great-

granddaughter! Despite the fact that she has repeatedly rejected you 

since you were three! You have also failed to challenge her formally in 

a Marriage Duel, let alone defeat her in battle! Son-law-law is well 

within his rights!"

     Ranma Red nodded as he said in a final voice, "Since you are 

unwilling to follow these laws, I am therefore challenging you to an 

Honor Duel to settle this!"

     "I WON'T ACCEPT!" Mousse said defiantly, knowing full well what 

would happen if he lost.

     "You have no choice!" Cologne declared. "To refuse an Honor Duel 

would forever disgrace our tribe! For a male member to refuse is 

punishable by DEATH! You know that!"

     Mousse gulped as he remembered that part of the law. He then said 

in a quiet voice, "All right. What are the terms of the match?"

     "Loser gives up on Shampoo. FOREVER! If I win, you will go back 

to China and never again bother Shampoo!" Ranma Red stated.

     Mousse looked at Ranma Red for a long time, trying to find some 

ulterior motive for him to be acting in this manner. All he could see 

from his hardened face, was a look of utter determination. There was 

none of the usual cocky attitude that he had before. It was a final and 

frightening visage. Mousse nodded his assent. In a flash, Cologne 

removed all the daggers and shurikens and he fell to the ground.

     As he got up Cologne hopped over towards where Shampoo was 

standing and spoke in a somber, yet controlled voice.

     "The match will begin this moment! The terms are simple! Victory 

can be achieved by knockout, submission or DEATH! No rules. No 

time limit. Any technique can be used. No outside interference will be 

permitted! Prepare yourselves!"

     Ranma Red and Mousse faced off at twenty feet. Ranma stood in a 

ready stance as Mousse had his arms put out in front of him, with his 

sleeves held at the ready. The crowds became silent as they watched. 

     "Begin!" Cologne shouted.

     Mousse wasted no time as he charged at Ranma Red with two curved 

blades that popped out of his sleeves and began slashing at him. Ranma 

Red dodged each slash and then delivered several punches to Mousse's 

ribcage. The punches were more than what the Chinese boy had bargained 

for since Ranma Red and his brother had triple their original strength. 

As each augmented punch hit home, Mousse gasped out as he wondered 

how Ranma had gotten so strong. After the last of the punches went by, 

the near-blind martial artist tried a feint in order to make his opponent 

lower his guard. Ranma Red used his teleportation technique to 

disappear from view. The sudden disappearance of the Saotome twin 

caused Mousse to become confused for a moment. It was all that 

Ranma Red needed as he reappeared behind him and tapped him on the 

shoulder. Just as Mousse turned around, Ranma Red unloaded his 

accelerated Chestnut Fist.

     "KATCHU TENSHIN AMAGURIKEN! ADVANCED!"

     Mousse was subjected to one thousand twenty-eight rapid-fire 

punches. His blades were reduced to shattered fragments with the first 

three hundred impacts and his body received the remainder. Mousse 

had experienced the amaguriken before, but never with this kind of 

ferocity. He began seeing spots as several hundred hit him in the head. 

Ranma Red then ended the technique in an uppercut to the chin and sent 

his opponent flying.

     Ranma Red followed up with a chi attack as his opponent went 

skyward.

     "MOKO TAKABISHA!"

     The bright yellow ball of chi nailed Mousse in the chest, blasting 

him further upwards.

     Ranma Red wasn't finished as he watched Mousse land on his head 

some twenty feet away. He began condensing his ki and then threw his 

fist forward.

     "SPIRIT FIST!"

     White energy shot forward and shaped itself into a translucent fist 

that was the size of a small car. It shot forward and slammed into 

Mousse just as he was getting up. The impact smashed him back another 

fifteen feet. The crowd gasped as they witnessed the technique.

     "Awesome!"

     "Ranma must have learned some new techniques since he was gone!"

     "Look at that!"

     Mousse got up quickly, ignoring the searing in his chest. <What's 

going on? Since when could Saotome do that?!> He threw out his arms 

and launched a huge array of chains, spikes and other sharp implements 

at his foe. 

     Ranma Red simply dodged the assault by leaping high. As he reached 

a height of twenty feet, he cupped his hands forward and sent a chi blast 

downward at Mousse.

     "POWER BLASTER!"

     The yellow beam of chi energy shot down and plowed into Mousse 

just as he was about to launch a second barrage. The weapons were 

blasted aside as the myopic magician's body experienced intense pain 

as the chi attack hit him in the upper body. It was only his pride that 

kept him from collapsing to his feet.

     Ranma Blue's brother landed on the ground and held out one fist as 

if he was holding a bow. He then slowly cocked his other arm back 

while red energy began to emanate from his hands. Before the startled 

eyes of the crowds, the energy became like a thing as it extended from 

his fists and took the shape of a bow and arrow. Ranma Red drew back 

the bowstring and took aim.

     Mousse's eyes widened in shock as he saw himself as the target. 

Quickly, he withdrew a metal shield from his robes and held it up, just 

as Ranma Red loosed his attack.

     "SOUL ARROW!"

     The energy arrow shot forward and blasted against Mousse's shield. 

However, to Mousse's horror, the attack was not meant to do physical 

damage. The energy surged around the metal plate and enveloped his 

body. Mousse screamed as he felt an intense numbing cold. It felt as if 

his very soul was on fire. Dropping the shield, Mousse collapsed onto 

his knees, holding himself and shivering uncontrollably. 

     Ranma Red decided that there was little point in continuing the 

match. He took a wide-legged stance with his arms ready at the sides 

and concentrated. Eerie swirls of mists, which resembled smoky 

ghosts, began to form around the twin Ranma as his body glowed

with a bright red. The swirls began to condense into his palms as he 

brought them close together and drew them back.

     Mousse groggily got to his feet and noticed the bright red light. He 

looked up and saw that Ranma Red was preparing to unleash something 

big! Although his body was screaming in pain, he refused to quit. He 

had to stop his foe before he could let loose with whatever technique 

he was about to use. Summoning up his last reserves of strength, he 

invoked his only chi attack.

     Leaping to the top of one of the field lights, Mousse spread his arms 

and dove at his foe feet first. His shoes sprouted their hidden claws as 

he aimed for Saotome's face. Unlike the last time, Mousse had recently 

revised this technique and added his own chi energy to it. His body 

became surrounded by a green aura, which took the shape of a diving 

hawk. His feet glowed the brightest as he shouted out his attack.

     "BLAZING HAWK TALONS! ATTACK!"

     Ranma Red smiled as he simply redirected his palms upwards and 

released his own counterattack!

     "RISING DRAGON SPIRIT!"

     The combination of ki and magical energy erupted upward and took 

the shape of a huge dragon. As it roared towards Mousse, the hidden-

weapons master screamed. His chi energy dispersed one nanosecond 

before he was enveloped by the blast. There was a huge midair 

explosion as the crowd looked away. Mousse felt his body burn with 

unbearable heat, but at the same time inside his body, he felt a numbing 

cold as the attack chilled him to the very soul.

     When the attack ended, Mousse felt himself falling toward the 

ground. He landed on his back and faded into unconsciousness. Before 

he blacked out, he feebly said, "N-Not fair!"

     Cologne hopped over toward Mousse's burned and bruised body. 

Looking him over and nodding, she then turned toward the crowds and 

shouted, "The victor, Ranma Red Saotome!"

     There was a loud cheer as Shampoo ran forward and glomped onto 

her champion with tears in her eyes. Ranma Red smiled as he returned 

the embrace, then swung her around in a wide circle. His brother and 

Ukyo ran up toward them to congratulate him on his overwhelming 

victory. In the background, Akane looked at the two couples with tears 

in her eyes. She began recalling when Ranma had fought like that for 

her honor, even when she denied it. Seeing how happy the twins happy 

with her biggest rivals only made her more depressed. After watching 

the four of them for another minute, she could no longer stand the sight 

of them and began running toward home, holding her face in her hands 

as her tears started flowing uncontrollably.

     <It's not fair!> Akane thought as she blindly ran toward the Tendo 

dojo. <Ranma was my fiance, not theirs! Not fair! Not fair! Not fair!>

     Both brothers, Ukyo and Shampoo had noticed Akane's sudden 

departure from the crowds. They all took on somber looks as they 

watched Akane's sobbing form disappear over the horizon.

     "I feel so sorry for Akane." Ukyo said.

     Shampoo was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Shampoo no really 

hate Akane. Shampoo would feel same way."

     Ranma Blue turned his head to his brother and sent a message to 

him. {"You know that we have to face her sooner or later."}

     {"I know. I really don't know what to say to her."} Ranma Red shook 

his head. He then glanced over to where Mousse was still unconscious 

and then spoke to Cologne. <"Honored elder. Would you please see to 

it that my opponent is removed from the battlefield and bind his 

wounds? I would appreciate it, if you were to inform him that he has 

lost the Honor Duel and that he must uphold the terms.">

     Cologne was slightly taken aback at hearing Ranma Red speak to her 

in fluent Chinese, but recovered. <"Very well son-in-law." > Cologne 

picked up Mousse's insensate form as easily as if she was picking up 

her great-granddaughter in her cat form. She then used her staff to bound 

away across several rooftops as she headed toward the Nekohanten.

     It was just at that time that Soren and Taron contacted the Ranma 

twins.

     {"If you two are now finished, we need you to come to the empty lot 

for your next training session."} Taron said.

     {"Be right there."} Both Ranmas replied. They quickly turned to their 

fiances and gave them each a quick kiss after explaining that they had 

to go. Ranma Red then touched the shoulder of his brother and 

concentrated. The two vanished and left the crowd stunned. Ukyo and 

Shampoo giggled as they tried to explain what had happened.



     In a spare room above the Nekohanten, Mousse groaned as he awoke 

in a bed. His body ached with a throbbing pain each time he tried to 

move his limbs. After several attempts to sit up, he yielded to his 

body's protests and relaxed. He then saw Cologne balancing on her 

staff at the foot of the bed. His face turned into a mask of anger as he 

snarled, "What do you want? You old mummy!"

     Cologne's eyes narrowed as she replied with a hard tone, "Just this 

once, I'm going to let that one pass. I am here to tell you that you have 

lost the Honor Duel and therefore must give up all pursuit of my great-

granddaughter!"

     "Saotome cheated! He used some kind of magic on me!" Mousse 

shot up to a sitting position, then regretted it as his body screamed out 

in pain, forcing him to lie down.

     Cologne shook her head and stated, "As I recall, there were no rules 

to the fight, except that you may win by knockout, submission or death. 

Consider yourself fortunate that son-in-law had decided on the first 

option! Submitting to defeat would have further disgraced you and death 

would have been unpleasant. Furthermore, you were quite free to use 

any such weapon against him! Therefore, he was very free to use any 

technique he wished. Accept your defeat Mousse. I tended your wounds 

as a favor to my son-in-law! I was very annoyed when you continually 

pursued Shampoo without acknowledging our laws. Ranma had reminded 

me of it today! When you are well enough to travel, you will leave for 

China! I have already sent several messages to the elders of the village! 

They are expecting you! Failure to appear in the village within a month 

will be seen as a breach of the terms of the duel! We will then hunt you 

down! I will see to it that the terms are upheld!"

     "But that's"

     "Silence!" Cologne said with a voice that could make Kami-sama 

stop and listen. "For several months, I have tolerated you and your 

pathetic attempts to win my Shampoo! No longer! Shampoo's rightful 

husband is now willing to return to the village and will most certainly 

strengthen our bloodline! Furthermore, he has proven himself as an 

honorable and great warrior! He now respects his elders. My great-

granddaughter has fallen in love with him and I am certain that the two 

of them will be happy! My Shampoo's future and happiness are my 

biggest concern! I will not allow you to jeopardize that! You will 

prepare to leave once you are able!"

     Mousse was about to voice out another protest, but Cologne had 

already hopped out of the room. He then sat fuming in silence for a 

while as he allowed his body to heal. After more than half an hour, he 

heard a noise from downstairs and after a minute, someone came up the 

stairs and entered the room. His face lit up when he saw whom it was.

     "Shampoo! You came to see me! That means you still love me!" 

Mousse once again tried to sit up but the pain of his injuries forced him 

back down.

     "No Mousse." Shampoo said with an even tone. "Shampoo come to 

say that she love Ranma, not you."

     That statement caused him greater pain than all his injuries 

combined. "No. You can't mean that!"

     "Shampoo most definitely mean it!" Shampoo said, slightly annoyed. 

"For long time, Mousse not take hint that Shampoo no want you! 

Shampoo may think of you as friend, but only because we were friends 

from child times! Shampoo want husband who not only love her, but 

respect her as well! You treat Shampoo like some prize! Always telling 

people that you are her future husband! Always chasing off other boys! 

You never listen to what Shampoo say! That was Shampoo's mistake in 

beginning!"

     "Huh?" Mousse was confused.

     "In beginning, Shampoo also treat Ranma like prize! Never listen to 

what he says. Always try to trick him into marrying Shampoo! Always 

fighting with Akane and Spatula uh Ukyo all the time! Things change 

after Ghost Cat!"

     "I tried to save you!" Mousse interjected.

     "You almost caused Shampoo to be MARRIED TO GHOST CAT!" 

The Amazon stopped for a moment to collect herself, then continued in 

a calmer voice. "Ranma faced greatest fear for Shampoo! After that, 

Shampoo realized that he do care for her, but not like how Shampoo 

treat Ranma! Ranma want respect! Shampoo give him respect because 

she also want respect! No more potions! No more tricks! Just treat him 

like person! It work and now Ranma will return home with Shampoo and 

marry her!"

     "But, I treat you with respect!" Mousse said pathetically.

     "Hmpf! That no respect! That groveling! Shampoo no want husband 

who beg like dog and follow around like idiot! Shampoo tell you many 

times! Shampoo want strong and honorable husband! Ranma is like that! 

He trust Shampoo and she trust him! He listen to Shampoo, but also 

tells Shampoo when he no like something! You no do that! It always, 

'Yes Shampoo,' or 'Anything you say Shampoo!' That stupid! Want 

husband with backbone!"

     "But my darling! I've loved you since we were three! He can't love 

you as much as I do!"

     "Huh! You may believe that, but it just fantasy to you! Shampoo have 

own dream! Dream of strong husband, who love and respect Shampoo! 

Husband is strong and care for her! Respect Shampoo for being Amazon 

and not as some prize! Why you think Shampoo after Ranma for long 

time?! Shampoo know that Ranma is best chance to be happy! Now he 

want to marry her! Not just because of law, but because he love her! Not 

because she is Amazon! He love her because Shampoo is Shampoo! 

Mousse just too stubborn to admit that Shampoo never want him!"

     "But"

     "No more! Shampoo tell Mousse last time to give up on her! Also 

know about letters to elders in village. Shampoo tell you to go home to 

China! Even though Shampoo marry Ranma, she still no want you dead! 

You are still a friend, but Mousse must realize that Shampoo never 

become your wife!" 

     Mousse couldn't believe that his lifelong dream would never be 

fulfilled now. He then sat up, not caring that his injuries were 

screaming in agony. He brought his knees up, crossed his arms on top 

of them and bowed his head. Soon, he was sobbing quietly as Shampoo 

looked at him with pity. She let out a sigh, shook her head and then 

quietly left the room.



     It was near nine o'clock when both Ranmas were walking back to 

their mother's house after a strenuous training session with the 

immortal twins. As they neared the house, they stopped suddenly as 

they sensed an evil presence. 

     {"You feel that?"} Ranma Blue asked.

     {"Uh huh! I'd know that freak anywhere!"} Ranma Red nodded as 

they both took a stance.

     Within an instant, a small figure appeared ten feet in front of them. 

Both Ranmas curled their lips back into a snarl as they gazed at the 

ancient and perverted master of the Anything Goes School of Martial 

Arts.

     Happosai cackled as he looked the twins over. Then he smiled an evil 

smile as he addressed the two. "Well now. I see that the rumors are 

true! I have TWO heirs to the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts!"

     "In your dreams, freak!" Ranma Blue growled.

     "We're not going back!" Ranma Red added.

     "You don't have a choice!" Happosai said in a firm voice. "You will 

come back to the Tendo dojo with me and that's final!"

     Both brothers went into a new stance as they said in unison, "You 

want us? Come and get us!" After saying that, both began to power up 

their battle auras.

     Happosai's eyes widened slightly as he gazed at the level of power 

that the twins were generating. "Impressive! You two have improved 

since I last saw you! However, I am still going to have to teach the both 

of you a lesson!" With these words, Happosai began powering up his 

own aura. The darkening sky was lit up by the glowing auras as the three 

prepared to do battle.



To be continued



AUTHOR'S NOTES

     Wow! Chapter 10 was a doozy to write! I am very pleased with it and 

I am looking forward to developing many of the characters as the story 

progresses. Next chapter will be a doozy as Happosai discovers just 

how strong the Ranma twins have become. Get ready to rumble! 



