Tenchi 1/2 A Tenchi Muyo!--Ranma 1/2 crossover by Saotome Tenchi @aol.com Tenchi Muyo! is the property of Pioneer LDC and AIC. Ranma 1/2 was created by Rumiko Takahashi. Tenchi Muyo! and Ranma 1/2 characters and situations are being used without permission for this not for profit fanfic. So please no wagering. ^_^ The following fanfic is inspired by the above and from the following fanfic writers: Wade Tritscwaller, Jim Bader, D.B. Sommer, David Tai, Paul Gallegos, Thomas "009" Doscher, Stephen Tsai, Robert Haynie and D.F. Roeder. Take a bow people, you've earned it! ^_^ The following fanfic has been dubbed for your reading pleasure. ^_^ TENCHI 1/2 CHAPTER I "No Need For A Fiancée" [It is raining upon a portion of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Panning down, we can see through the morning haze a non-descript street. It looks like any street in Tokyo, save for three unusual figures running down the middle of it. You would expect them to be morning joggers, but as we get closer, it can be seen that one of the figures is a panda! The other figures (being chased by said panda) are two girls (a petit red head wearing a red Chinese silk shirt and black pants, and a tall, raven-haired girl wearing a teal Chinese silk shirt and black pants) carrying what looks like enormous backpacks on their backs. As the girls are running along, the panda is trying to attack them with precise, timed strikes. Both girls jump up, turn around, and plant their feet into the panda's face, knocking it down hard. Standing back up, the girls turn and face the fallen panda.] RED-HAIRED GIRL: [Getting into a combat stance, to panda] Yo! Cut that out! RAVEN-HAIRED GIRL: [Also getting into a combat stance, also to panda] I thought that we were going to go to my home first! [As the panda gets up, they both punch the panda hard, who falls down some distance from them. They turn around and start to walk down the street when, quite unexpectedly, the panda appears behind them and knocks them forward on the rain-slicked surface. Maintaining their balance, they twist around and come to a stop at an intersection attracting the attention of quite a few passerbys. They both resume their combat stances as the panda approaches them while the raven-haired girl pulls out what looks like to be a sword from nowhere.] RED-HAIRED GIRL: [To panda] Well, it still sucks! Your move! RAVEN-HAIRED GIRL: [Brandishing sword, also to panda] Well, I think that you're crazy to pick out his fiancée without even asking him what he thinks! [The panda attacks the red-head, who blocks each punch, then grabs the panda's paw and flips it over her head to land in a heap against a wall (on the way, the raven-haired girl whacks the panda on the head with the sword).] RED-HAIRED GIRL: [To Panda] We're going back to China! So suck on that old man! [To Raven-haired girl] Hey, you did pretty good. It looks like you're getting comfortable being a girl...urk! [Upon hearing that, the raven-haired girl's battle aura flares, and she whacks the red head with her sword knocking her out.] RAVEN-HAIRED GIRL: [To red head] Used to...yes! [Whacks red head] But comfortable?! NO!! [Sighing, the raven-haired girl puts her sword away and prepares to pick up both the packs, and the red head, when WHAM! she gets knocked unconscious by a simple wooden sign that says: "An opening!"] ****************** [The Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. Later that same day. In the living room, Soun Tendo is crying over a postcard from his old friend Genma Saotome: 'Tendo, bringing Ranma and Tenchi from China. Saotome.'] SOUN TENDO: [Tears streaming down his face] At last he's coming! At last the pact can be fulfilled! [Raising his Voice] Kasumi! Nabiki! Akane! Come here! I've got some exciting news to tell you! [When nobody shows up, he gets up and collects his errant daughters. He finds Kasumi and Nabiki, but can't find Akane. Soun sends Nabiki to find Akane. She finds her in the first place she looks--the dojo.] [The Tendo Dojo. Akane is kneeling near the family shrine intently studying two bricks.] AKANE: [Shouting] HIYAH!! [She brings her hand down and smashes through them. She sighs as she wipes her brow looking at a job well done (if you would call a pile of rubble a job well done). She hears a camera shutter click and sees Nabiki in the dojo's doorway.] NABIKI: [Chiding tone] There you go again, Akane. I hope that you know that this is why the boys think that you're so weird. AKANE: [Agitated tone] Well I don't care what THEY think! Why does it always seem that the whole world has to revolve around THEM! NABIKI: [Thinks] [Speaks nonchalantly] Oh, then I guess that this won't interest you, anyway. [She leaves and heads towards the house.] [Soon, Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane are seated around the table, Akane seemingly more sour than her usual self, still dressed in her training gi from her earlier workout. Nabiki has, for some reason, changed into a nice kimono.] SOUN: I asked you here to tell you about the fiancé that is coming to visit... KASUMI, NABIKI, AKANE: [Together, in astonished voices] Fiancé??? SOUN: [Continuing, as if he didn't hear them] ...he is the son of a very good friend of mine. The son's name is Ranma Saotome. If one of you three girls would marry Ranma, it would unite our two schools of Anything Goes Martial Arts and then you and he could carry on this training hall and the Tendo family legacy would be secure. AKANE: [Raising her voice] Wait a minute! Don't we have some say in who we would want to marry? KASUMI: [Quiet, even tone] She's right, Father. We've never even met Ranma. NABIKI: [To Akane] Kasumi does have a point, Akane, but maybe you should hold your judgment until you meet him. You never know, he could be real cute. [To Soun] Right, Daddy? SOUN: [Laughs nervously, then glances at the postcard] He'll be here any minute, now. However, recently he, his father, and his cousin Tenchi Masaki, have been on a training mission. Their last stop before coming here was China. [While he is saying this, he stands up and looks out upon the yard] NABIKI: [Impressed] Ooo! China! AKANE: [Not at all impressed] So, they hiked all the way to China. Big deal! KASUMI: [Pointing out the obvious] Father, how old is this Ranma person? NABIKI: [Hopeful voice] Is he cute? KASUMI: Younger men are so...well, young. NABIKI: What kind of guy is he? SOUN: [Laughs, turns his head toward his daughters] I don't know. NABIKI: [Stern expression] You don't know? SOUN: [Turns his head back] I've never met him. [One nervous moment of silence later...] AKANE: [thinking] [Just then, there can be heard sounds coming from outside the house. Sounds that sound like two people arguing to a third silent person.] VOICE: [Yelling] Let me down, you old fool! I don't want anything to do with this! Now put me down! SECOND VOICE: [Also yelling, at the same time as the first voice] Let me go! Why can't we go to my home first! [The sound of the front door sliding open is heard] KASUMI: Sounds like we have visitors! NABIKI: [Getting up, excitement in her voice] It must be Ranma! [Heads towards the front door] SOUN: [Also going towards the front door] Saotome, my friend! We've been waiting for you... [Akane and Kasumi get up and start to head to the front door] KASUMI: [Quiet voice] I do hope that he's older than me. [Just then, a cry can be heard from Nabiki as both she and Soun race back with a panda carrying two struggling people hot on their tails. They meet up with Akane and Kasumi and turn and face their visitors.] RED-HAIRED GIRL: [Worry in her voice] C'mon Pop! You're scaring 'em spitless! RAVEN-HAIRED GIRL: [Equal worry in her voice] Yeah! Show some consideration for once in your life! [The panda stops before the Tendo family] KASUMI: [A small amount of concern in her voice] So, Father, is this your friend? [Soun shakes his head] NABIKI: [Sarcastically] Oh, right. So a panda just happens to drop in out of nowhere and see us, is that right? [Soun shakes his head again as the panda places his two charges onto the floor in front of it. The two girls just stand there and look very sheepishly at the Tendos. The dark-haired girl on the left is a head taller than the red head on the right.] SOUN: [After a minute, points towards the raven-haired girl] You wouldn't be Ran...[She shakes her head and then casually points to the red head]...then you must be... RED HAIRED GIRL: [Sheepish, low voice] I'm Ranma Saotome. Sorry about this. RAVEN HAIRED GIRL: [Equally sheepish] And I'm Tenchi Masaki. What 'he' said. SOUN: [Slowly] At last, you're here. Welcome. I'm so glad that you're here. NABIKI: [Getting a good look at Ranma] Ooo! He is cute! [Soun then embraces Ranma in a big hug. After a few seconds, Soun realizes that something is definitely wrong here. Ranma just doesn't feel right for some reason. Releasing his embrace, he suddenly realizes that he's been hugging a girl! He stands there in shock.] [Nabiki, seeing that her father is in shock takes a closer look at Ranma and sees something she missed the first time around. She notices that Ranma has breasts! She pokes and prods Ranma to confirm her findings] RANMA: [GIRL, quiet, disgusted voice] C'mon, would you stop that! [Tenchi looks on in shock and wonders just what is wrong with this family!] NABIKI: [Notices that Tenchi is also a girl] Ranma's not a boy! He's a girl! And so is Tenchi! SOUN: [Hesitantly] A g-girl? [He then swoons and faints] KASUMI: [Worry in her voice] Father! [Later, Soun is on the floor in a makeshift bed. Everyone is sitting next to him waiting for him to awaken. (left to right) Akane, Tenchi, Ranma, Nabiki. The panda is sitting behind them and Kasumi is sitting near Soun's head] KASUMI: [Worried tone] Oh, poor father! He must be so disappointed at this! [At this time, Soun's eyes open and he just stares at the ceiling] NABIKI: [Disappointment in her voice] Disappointed? He's not the only one! [Indicates Ranma] Look at her! Some Fiancé! AKANE: [Scolding tone] Stop it you two! He--she--they are our guests. Show some respect, please. [While Ranma sits there morosely, Tenchi looks over and smiles at Akane, who returns it.] KASUMI: [Now noticing that Soun is awake] Oh, look! Father is awake, now. NABIKI: [Accusing tone] This is all your fault, Daddy! I would think that even you would know the difference between a boy and a girl! SOUN: I assumed that my friend Genma's son was a boy! But I also thought that Tenchi was a boy too! NABIKI: [Grabbing a handful of Ranma's breasts, accusing tone] Does THIS look like a boy to you? [Squeezes] [Tenchi is getting ready to reach over and slap Nabiki's hand when Ranma speaks...] RANMA: [GIRL, quietly] Please, I'd wish you'd stop that. AKANE: [Scolding tone] You heard her Nabiki! Now let go! [She does] A guest is a guest! [Friendly tone, to Ranma. Tenchi stands up and moves out of the way] Do you want and go and practice? I'm Akane...[Grins]...Want to be friends? [Ranma looks at Akane, returns the grin, and silently nods her head. Tenchi looks upon this and makes a decision] TENCHI: [GIRL, to Akane] Mind if I tag along? [Akane nods her head and then leads the two girls to the dojo] ******************* [The Tendo Dojo. Akane leads Ranma and Tenchi in.] AKANE: [To Ranma] You studied Kempo, right? RANMA: [GIRL] A little... TENCHI: [GIRL, humorous tone] Don't be so modest. AKANE: [Ignoring Tenchi's remark] Then, why don't we have a little match? RANMA: [GIRL] Huh? AKANE: [Laughter in her voice] C'mon, just for fun. [Ranma and Akane walk to the center of the room while Tenchi stays by the door.] AKANE: [Getting into her stance, humorous voice] Don't worry, I won't hurt you. [While Akane says this, Ranma is just standing across from her with a neutral expression on her face] [Akane then goes into a combat stance and throws a punch at Ranma! She jumps straight up to avoid it, much to Akane's surprise. Akane then comes back with a one-two punch-kick, which Ranma easily avoids. Akane repeats this (with the same results)] AKANE: [Frustration starting to show] What's the matter? Attack me! [Tenchi is watching this with a look of slight bemusement on her face] [Akane throws three more rapid punches, which Ranma easily avoids] AKANE: [Frustration building, thinks] [Frustration shows] Okay! This time for real! [Akane charges Ranma with a yell and throws a punch...and puts her fist through the wall. Ranma avoids the punch by jumping over Akane at the last second. Tenchi has a stupid grin on her face which she hides before Akane can notice. Ranma then pokes the back of Akane's head, signaling the end of the match. Akane glares at Ranma who begins to laugh and Akane joins in.] AKANE: [Stops laughing] You're pretty good! [Starts to walk off] I'm just really glad that you're a girl! RANMA: [GIRL, surprised] What? AKANE: It's just...I'm really glad that you're not a boy. [She leaves the dojo] [Ranma just stands there in silence. Tenchi walks up next to her, concern on her face] TENCHI: [GIRL] Now, what was that all about? ************************* [The Tendo home, at sunset. In the living room, Soun is kneeling across from his old friend, Genma Saotome. They both have tears streaming down their cheeks. Nabiki walks by and stops to see who the stranger is, then continues on.] SOUN: [Emotional] So, that's it. [Genma nods, Soun looks at the setting sun] The path of the true martial artists are fraught with many untold perils. [Upstairs at the Tendo home, Kasumi is showing Ranma and Tenchi to their room] KASUMI: Here, you both can have this room. [Opens door and shows them in] Ranma, Tenchi, would you like to freshen up and have a bath? [Ranma and Tenchi protest, but give in] Especially you, Ranma, since you've been exercising. [Kasumi hands them both a towel.] [Later, Kasumi is in the kitchen preparing dinner when Nabiki sticks her head in the doorway] NABIKI: [Questioning voice] Kasumi, who is that strange man sitting in the living room with Daddy? KASUMI: [Unconcerned] Who knows? NABIKI: Oh. KASUMI: [Remembering the bath] Nabiki, please tell Akane that she can take her bath, now. NABIKI: Okay. [The Tendo bathroom. Ranma and Tenchi are here. Ranma has finished washing and is soaking in the furo, while Tenchi is only just beginning to wash. Minutes later, Akane enters the changing room.] AKANE: [Sees the discarded clothes in the hamper] I guess that we can take turns taking a bath. [Begins to undress] [The furo, minutes later. Ranma and Tenchi are soaking in the warm water (both are boys).] TENCHI: [BOY] You know that they're going to find out eventually. RANMA: [BOY] I know. Might as well go out like we are. [Prepares to stand up] [At this time, Akane is holding her towel and is heading toward the inner door (conveniently ignoring the 'knock first' sign)] RANMA: [BOY. Stands up just as Akane opens the inner door. Shocked expression, freezes in place] Wha? [Everyone is shocked into silence and remains in whatever position that they are currently in. The first movement is Tenchi turning around with his face very red. Akane and Ranma just stare at each other until Akane closes the door and gets dressed. She exits the changing room and quietly closes the door.] AKANE: [Recovers from shock, takes a breath] AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! [Akane's shout reverberates throughout the Tendo home startling all those present. As Akane runs downstairs (still screaming) she passes Kasumi and Nabiki bringing out dinner, then runs into the living room, where she picks up the table (Genma and Soun saving their food and drink) and holds it over her head in a threatening manner.] AKANE: [Very angry] I'll kill them! I'll kill them both! I'll drown them in the bathtub! KASUMI: [Calm in spite of all the excitement] What is it Akane? What's the matter? What are you going to do with that? AKANE: [Still angry] There's a couple of perverts in the bathroom! NABIKI: [Concerned] Well, Akane, why didn't you just clobber them? AKANE: [Still angry] Because I was outnumbered, is that all right? KASUMI: [Concerned voice] I hope Ranma and Tenchi are all right. I thought that they were in there taking a bath right now. [Ranma and Tenchi walk up] RANMA: [BOY, quiet voice] Excuse us. [Everyone turns toward the two boys. Ranma is standing on the left, Tenchi is on the right. Ranma and Tenchi are wearing the same outfits the two girls were wearing (Ranma in red, Tenchi in teal). Ranma and Tenchi are the same height.] NABIKI: [questioning tone] And just who are you two? RANMA: [BOY, embarrassed tone] I'm Ranma Saotome. [Apologetic] Sorry 'bout this. TENCHI: [BOY, embarrassed tone] I'm Tenchi Masaki. [Apologetic] What he said. [The Tendo sisters just stand in silence and stare at the bombshell that was just dropped on them. Akane balances the table on her head to relieve the stress on her arms before eventually putting it down.] ******************************** [The Tendo home. Later that evening. The table has been put back and the Tendo sisters are sitting around it facing the yard. Ranma, Tenchi, and Genma are sitting facing the table with their backs to the yard. Soun is sitting on the side so that he can look at each grouping. Akane has changed from her gi into a dress.] SOUN: I can explain everything, I think. This is my old friend and training partner... GENMA: [Picks up where Soun leaves off] ...Genma Saotome. [Indicates Tenchi] This is my nephew, Tenchi Masaki. [Bows head, Genma indicates Ranma] And, my son... RANMA: [BOY, quiet voice] Ranma. [Gives a 'forgive me look' towards Akane who just sits there with an angry expression on her face, not to mention the growling.] NABIKI: This just keeps getting more 'interesting' by the moment. KASUMI: [Question directed towards Ranma and Tenchi] Are you two really those two girls that we saw earlier today? [Tenchi looks at Ranma and nods his head.] RANMA: [BOY, quiet voice] Yes, we are. [A pregnant pause occurs.] GENMA: [Rising to his feet] Well, now. It's a long story, and I don't know where to begin... TENCHI: [BOY, interrupts] The beginning usually helps. GENMA: [Glares at Tenchi, but continues] Well, then. I guess we should start with this! [Reaches down and grabs Ranma and throws him into the koi pond. Tenchi gasps, but stays put.] RANMA: [GIRL, sits up in the pond, outraged voice] WHAT'D YOU DO THAT FOR!! [The Tendo sisters just stare at Ranma in disbelief.] KASUMI: [As shocked as she can get] Oh, my! Now Ranma is a girl! [Genma walks to the edge of the pond, Tenchi gets up and steps into the yard with a scowl on his face.] GENMA: [Scolding tone, towards Ranma] I am so ashamed of you. I can't bear to see you like this. [Ranma growls, tears streak down Genma's face] Ranma, you break your fathers' heart...oof! [Tenchi, having had enough of Genma's rantings, leaps towards him (feet first) intending to kick him into the pond, when Ranma leaps over Genma and kicks him in! Tenchi misses, yelps, and takes a dip.] [Genma (in panda form) stands up with what looks like a look of resigned disgust upon its features. Tenchi sits up behind the panda and silently berates herself for missing! She stands up and helps Ranma with a panda beating.] RANMA: [GIRL, before the beating, anger in voice] Who are you to talk about me? My pop's a panda! [Soun stands next to his still shocked daughters.] KASUMI: [Still shocked, but recovering] Father, you do have some strange friends. SOUN: They weren't always like this. It was the training in China that did it to them. [The beating still is going on.] It happened during a particular and dangerous training exercise. Perhaps we should wait few moments for them to come back to themselves. *********************** [A quick, hot bath later.] [The Tendo living room. Everyone is back in their places from earlier. Ranma, Tenchi and Genma are back to their natural forms. Genma continues his story.] GENMA: Yes, it all started a fateful month and a half ago. We were on our voyage to China, where we journeyed for many days and many nights. We traveled to the Mt. Quanjing, Bayankala Range, Qinghai Province of China, where we found what we were looking for... [The flashback that follows is so well known that I'm just too lazy to type it all up. ^_^ ] [The only change to it is the presence of Tenchi. He stands upon a pole above the Nyanniichuan waiting his turn to fight Genma. At the time that Genma hits the pool and comes up as a panda, Tenchi is as shocked as Ranma and just stands there. Bad move. When Genma swats Ranma, the arc would've carried Ranma OVER the pool, but with Tenchi just standing there, they collide, and both fall in.] SOUN: [Continuing after a very tense moment of silence] The legendary land of accursed springs. It's true horror has been shrouded in mystery...until now. [Both Ranma and Tenchi react to the words "true horror"] RANMA: [BOY, angry voice] What'd you mean "true horror"? [Glares at Genma] This is all your fault, you old man! Why did you have to drag us to a place like that anyway? [Tenchi looks at Genma with an angry expression and just nods his head at what Ranma just said.] GENMA: [Stands up] Ranma, [grabs same] you sound like a girl! [Tosses him into the pond.] [Before Genma can even think, Tenchi stands up and kicks Genma into the yard, just missing the pond.] TENCHI: [BOY, angry voice] That was uncalled for, you old man! [Leaps into yard after him.] [Genma deflects Tenchi's assault which sends him into the pond. Turning around, he looks at Ranma and Tenchi.] GENMA: [Scornful voice] Were you two not prepared to lay down your lives for the sake of the Art? [Ranma and Tenchi look at each other and nod their heads in unison.] TENCHI: [GIRL, angry voice] Our lives, yes... [Leaps out of the pond] RANMA: [GIRL, angry voice] But, our MANhood is another story! [Runs at Genma with a bucket of water and splashes him, turning him into the panda.] [The panda growls at Ranma and makes a threatening gesture.] RANMA: [GIRL, angry voice] You just had to find that training ground now, didn't you. TENCHI: [GIRL, angry voice, walking up next to Ranma] It would've helped if you could actually READ Chinese you old fool! [Backing up to the house, the panda starts to wrestle with Ranma while Tenchi just stands there hitting it on the head.] SOUN: [sympathetic voice] How I suffer for all of you. [Grabs a steaming hot kettle and pours it over the panda while Tenchi jumps out of the way. The panda doesn't appreciate the hot water.] When doused with hot water, you return to human form. GENMA: [Shocked from the too hot water] I don't think that it really needs to be that HOT, thank you. SOUN: [Looks at Ranma] When doused with cold water, you turn into a girl. When doused with hot water...[Tries to pour hot water on Ranma, who dodges it]...you turn back into a boy... RANMA: [GIRL, angry voice] Hot water, not boiling hot! [Tenchi comes over and stands next to Ranma (out of Soun's reach I might add)] SOUN: [Calm voice, to Ranma] Well, now. Your problem doesn't seem so terrible after all. TENCHI: [GIRL, confused voice] What do you mean? SOUN: [Looks at Tenchi, but pats Ranma on her shoulder] I'll show you both why...look, Ranma: my oldest daughter, Kasumi. She's 19. My middle daughter, Nabiki. She's 17. And my youngest daughter, Akane. She's 16. Choose anyone you want, then she'll be your new fiancée. KASUMI: [Thinking fast] Oh, he'll want Akane, of course. NABIKI: [Agreeing completely] I couldn't agree with you more. AKANE: [Outraged] WHAT? What the heck are you thinking? Why would I want to be even associated with her...um, him? NABIKI: Because you hate boys, right? KASUMI: Well, I guess that you're in luck, Akane, Ranma is half girl. AKANE: [Outraged] Me? Marry that pervert? I don't think so! [At this insult, Ranma takes a step away from Tenchi and gives Akane the evil eye.] RANMA: [GIRL, angry] Who're you calling a pervert? AKANE: [Walks up to Ranma and stares her in the eyes.] You saw me in the nude, you letch! [Tenchi was about to add something here, but saw the tempers flaring and thought better of it.] RANMA: [GIRL, angry] Now wait a minute, here! I believe that YOU were the one who walked in on me! TENCHI: [GIRL, whispers to self] Us, Ranma. Us. AKANE: [still angry] Oh, yeah? Well it's different when a girl looks at a...boy! [Ranma was about to reply when Tenchi interrupts.] TENCHI: [GIRL, getting angry] Explain to me the difference, Akane. AKANE: [still angry, looking at Tenchi] YOU stay out of this! I don't have to explain anything to a pervert like you! TENCHI: [GIRL, angry] How am I a pervert? Is it because I change sexes because of a stupid curse! [Finds the kettle that Soun used earlier and douses herself, restoring his true form. BOY] What's the matter, Akane? Afraid of me or something? [Akane just glares at Tenchi in anger. Ranma, who has been standing and fuming to herself, is very annoyed that Tenchi has butted into HER argument. Fed up, she starts to leave the room.] GENMA: Ranma? Where do you think you're going? RANMA: [GIRL] I'm going back to China, [looks at Tenchi] with or without you! [looks back to Genma.] I must find a cure for my curse. Until then, there's no need for a fiancée. [Turns and looks at Akane] By the way...you took a good look at me, or have you forgotten already? Besides, it's no BIG deal for me to see a naked girl. After all, I've seen myself plenty of times. [Akane starts to growl in anger] And, I'm better built, to boot. [At this final insult, Akane explodes and grabs the table and smacks Ranma with it, knocking her out. Tenchi, watching in shock, just shakes his head.] GENMA: [Viewing the carnage] Now, THAT he had coming. ******************** [It is later in the night. In Ranma's and Tenchi's room, Tenchi (boy), Kasumi and Nabiki sit around Ranma waiting for her to wake up. A cold compress is on Ranma's head. Tenchi has been glaring off and on at the Tendo sisters for a while before turning to them.] TENCHI: [BOY] Why? KASUMI: [Knows what he's referring to, kind of embarrassed] Well, you see, he's just so young. NABIKI: [Shrugs] I changed my mind. So what? TENCHI: [BOY] I'm not sure that... [Tenchi is cut off as Ranma begins to stir. She groans and winces as she touches the back of her head.] TENCHI: [BOY, amusement in voice] Well, Ranma, welcome back to the land of the living. [Ranma gives Tenchi the evil eye as she sits up.] KASUMI: [Friendly concern in her voice] Are you okay? Please, don't think too badly of Akane. She's a very nice girl, but she's just a bit high spirited. NABIKI: [Disbelief in her voice] Oh, good, Kasumi. Like that would explain just about everything. [Ranma just stares at them wondering just what is going on here.] TENCHI: [BOY, amusement in voice] So, Ranma. How was your meal this time? NABIKI: What do you mean? TENCHI: [BOY] I mean that Ranma had what is considered a delicacy in the male half of the Saotome family... RANMA: [GIRL, warning tone] Don't you dare... TENCHI: [BOY, teasing voice] ...It's called "his own foot." [Ranma gets up and leaves the room in a huff.] KASUMI: [Confused] I'm not sure I get it... TENCHI: [BOY] It's an expression, Kasumi. Sometimes Ranma's mouth works faster than his brain. When that happens, trouble usually follows. Like what Akane did to him. KASUMI: [Comprehension dawns] Ahh. [The Tendo sisters get up and leave the room, while Tenchi starts to unpack his backpack. He first pulls out a much abused photograph. It is a picture of a man, his wife, and their three year old son.] TENCHI: [BOY, looking at photograph, thinks] [He then pulls out a rough cloth from the bag, then pulls out his sword, and begins to polish it.] *********************** [The Tendo living room. Late evening. Akane and Nabiki are kneeling at the table having a late snack. Akane is visibly upset and is glaring back to where Ranma (boy) and Genma are sitting (they are sitting on the walkway facing the yard).] NABIKI: [To Akane] So, you were both girls at the time, what's the big deal? AKANE: [Angry voice, to Nabiki] Big deal? I finally get my interrupted bath finished when who walks in on me? [Glares at Ranma] Stupid jerk! I gave him one for! GENMA: [To Ranma] So, she does have spirit, eh? That's what makes a fiancée cuter, don't you think? RANMA: [BOY, angry tone] Cute is not the word I'd use... [Glares at Akane, she returns it. After a minute of this, he turns his head away.] No, cute is definitely not the word I'd use. [Puts his hand on his cheek and yelps in pain--that's where Akane "gave him one for."] To Be Continued... Next Up: The first day of school... +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Well, its been a while getting here, but this one is finally done. It's tough following through upon inspiration. Reading something, being inspired by it, and then actually writing those thoughts down takes a lot of time (unless you're one of those used to writing). Well, not being used to writing regularly, it took me awhile to get started. From actually putting down ideas, to writing rough drafts, to puzzling out the dialogue, to reading it over and over to catch some of my mistakes (and to put in improvements) took more time than I really imagined it would (the motivation alone was hard enough). But, I got it done...the first two anyway. Don't worry, I have a total of 6 chapters planned for now, and I intend to at least finish that. For those of you who just have to know, yes, Ryoga will show up (plus a surprise or two depending on how I think it would work). *****For those keeping score at home, yes, I do know that I'm following the first two Ranma anime episodes too closely...but when I set out upon this literary journey, I was going to do just that and hopefully get away from that as got more into the plot and where I wanted it to go. Just think of it as the foundation for the series.***** The biggest inspiration for this fic came from Wade Tritscwaller's Ranma fanfiction site 'Altered Destinies' (http://www.altered- destinies.com) in which there are a number of excellent works residing including two that directly influenced this one: 'A Scary Thought' and 'A Very Scary Thought.' Robert Duncan Saotome Tenchi @ aol.com "According to the philosopher Ly Tin Wheedle, chaos is found in greatest abundance wherever order is being sought. It always defeats order, because it is better organized." --Terry Pratchett "Interesting Times" "I want to decide who lives and who dies." --Crow T. Robot Mystery Science Theater 3000 "How can such a cute girl be so awful!" -Ryoko "I'll show you a thing called a 'mirror' later..." -Ayeka -in reference to Minagi --Hitoshi Okuda "No Need For Tenchi!" Viz Graphic Novel #1 First completed 11/21/2000 Revised (new format) :1/9/2001 Revised and converted to html format: 1/29/2001 Revised and new text version created: 2/8/2001