Ranma 1/2
	Altered Destinies:  A scary thought

	What's happened so far:  Well, let's see, Kasumi was 
switched with Ranma over ten years ago and thus she ended up 
in his position.  In the meantime Ranma and Akane grew up 
together to prepare for their marriage but things don't seem to 
have worked out quite as planned when Kasumi (cursed) and 
Genma (cursed as usual) arrive at the Tendo home.  Now Kuno 
seems to have taken an interest in our humble heroine.

%Chapter 2

	Nodoka sat a tray filled with cups of tea on the common 
room table then sat down.  Also at the table were her husband, 
Genma, and Soun Tendo.  Now that the children were off to 
school it was time to go over matters of importance.
	Each person took a few sips from their cup.  Genma gave 
his wife a worried questioning look which she only answered 
with an emotionless one.  The matter of his treatment of Kasumi 
was still in her mind but she had already given him a thorough... 
talking to and she was now somewhat satisfied.  The matter in 
question though was still unresolved.
	Finally Genma put his cup down and gave Soun a 
concerned look.  "Okay Tendo, what's this all about?  If it's 
about Kasumi-"
	"No!  Your upbringing of my daughter is a problem that 
is now dealt with as best as possible.  I have a good mind to 
throw you out, but seeing as how I was stupid enough to let you 
take her...  No, this is something else entirely."  Soun responded 
then put down his own cup and looked to Nodoka.
	She laid down her drink then took a moment to decide 
how to proceed.  "It's about Ranma and Akane.  They... they..."
	"They're ruining me Saotome!"  Soun suddenly said as he 
broke into tears.  "They're doing everything in their power to 
make sure this marriage doesn't happen."
	"But... They seemed okay to me."  Genma said in 
confusion.
	"Oh, it's not that they dislike each other, it's that they 
view each other as brother and sister, not as man and wife."  
Nodoka responded then sadly looked to the floor.  "It seems our 
efforts to get them together have failed."
	"Surely it isn't that hopeless.  Perhaps they just need 
some more time."  Genma suggested.
	Nodoka shook her head.  "No, they have had lots of time 
and nothing is changing.  They are merely becoming more 
entrenched in their positions against the marriage.  They've given 
up active protest but the silent protest is even worse.  We've tried 
everything we can think of but it has all been fruitless."
	"I'm at my wits end Saotome!"  Soun added, still a 
ragged mess of emotion.
	"Well, if it doesn't seem to be working between them 
perhaps it's time to switch the engagement to someone else, 
perhaps Nabiki."
	Nodoka again shook her head.  "We've thought of that.  
Nabiki has essentially the same problem plus she isn't as close to 
Ranma as Akane.  I very much doubt it would work out."
	Genma nodded as he considered the situation.  "Hmm, 
well I see only one other option, Kasumi."
	"Kasumi?  Isn't she a bit old for Ranma?"  Nodoka asked 
but Soun seemed to brighten up at the idea.
	"Kasumi, yes, of course.  She's grown up away from 
Ranma, she's a martial artist, and she always was such an 
obedient girl.  Yes, she'll most certainly agree!"  Soun said as he 
became more and more enthusiastic about the idea.
	"Good, problem solved."  Genma added and the two men 
nodded in approval.  Nodoka, however, shook her head, feeling 
that this could not work, but for now willing to take a wait and 
see attitude.

	Kasumi walked aimlessly down the streets of Nerima, 
taking in old sights.  It had been so long that she didn't recognize 
much.  Nearly everything that was familiar had somehow 
changed.  It was enough to make her feel out of place.
	She stopped in front of the Doctor's office.  She looked at 
it briefly, remembering the old doctor that had worked there.  He 
had been quite old, probably near retirement when she last met 
him at her mother's funeral.  It was very unlikely that he was still 
working there.  Like so many other things, this too was 
unfamiliar.
	Suddenly Kasumi felt a tap on her shoulder.  It was so 
unexpected that she nearly jumped into the air with fright.  She 
spun around to see a young man, wearing glasses and a huge 
grin.  "Hello."  He said, a touch of amusement in his voice.
	Obviously a martial artist.  No one could sneak up on her 
like that unless they were.  Kasumi pushed aside the thought 
before she went into a full analysis of his ability.  "Ah, hello."  
She replied, still a bit shaken.
	"Can I help you?  I was just about to open up for the 
day."  He asked pleasantly.
	"You're the doctor?"  Kasumi asked, a bit surprised.
	"Yes, you must be new around here.  I am Dr. Ono Tofu."  
He greeted with just the slightest bow.
	"It's good to meet you.  I'm Kasumi Tendo."
	He looked at her in surprise.  "Kasumi Tendo?!  Akane 
told me all about you.  Why don't you come on in."  The doctor 
gestured for Kasumi to follow him inside.  They entered the clinic 
and stopped in the waiting room.  "I heard you were off training 
with Ranma's father.  How'd it go?"  Dr. Tofu asked as he sat 
down on one of the waiting room benches.
	Kasumi took a seat across from him.  "Well... not that 
well."
	"Oh, really, what happened?"  Dr. Tofu, a bit surprised.
	"Many things, most of which I wish never happened."  
Kasumi answered, the old uncomfortable feelings of anger rising 
to the surface for a second then subsiding.  "Anyway, that's the 
past.  How are you doing?"
	"Very good actually."
	"I assume my family still comes here?"
	"Oh sure, I took over after Doctor Choi retired.  Actually, 
it's mostly Ranma and Akane who come in.  You know, various 
little injuries and such.  So, how long are you in Nerima for?  Just 
back for a visit or here permanently?"
	"Permanently I hope.  I suppose I'll be coming here from 
now on."
	"Oh sure, I handle pretty much all the little mishaps that 
happen around the Tendo home."  The doctor replied with a 
joking smile.
	Kasumi returned the smile briefly.  "So, Akane and 
Ranma come here often?"
	"At least once a week."  He answered.
	Kasumi nodded as she thought about this.  Part of her 
began to nag at her, pushing her to ask the question that was on 
her mind.  The other part pointed out she wasn't supposed to be 
worrying about them.  In the end the nag won, after all, what 
could it hurt?
	"Are they getting along?"  Kasumi asked.
	"Ranma and Akane, oh sure."
	"Hmm, they seemed a little, I don't know..."  Kasumi 
fought for the words to describe the impression she had gotten 
from them.
	The doctor nodded, as if knowing what she meant.  "Oh, 
you mean about the marriage.  Well, that is a bit of a different 
story."  Dr. Tofu paused but Kasumi prodded him on with a look.  
Dr. Tofu considered for a long moment then continued.  "You see 
they do like each other.  They're close friends and even though 
they sometimes get into these little fights it's more just play then 
anything else, sort of like a minor sibling rivalry."
	"But there is a problem?"  Kasumi asked.
	He paused for a second, again considering his words.  
"Well, I've known them for many years now and to be honest... 
they just don't get along as the... romantic sort.  Like I said, they 
act like siblings, brother and sister.  I think they're both very 
uncomfortable with this whole marriage thing.  They don't say 
much about it anymore but whenever the subject comes up you 
can sense that they don't like it."
	That explained things.  So, the whole thing had backfired.  
For a moment Kasumi got a bit of satisfaction out of that but she 
quickly quashed the thought.  No matters what happened to her it 
wasn't right to feel good about someone else's loss.
	"That's too bad.  Are they getting any better?"  Kasumi 
asked.
	"It's really hard to tell.  They always avoid the topic.  
Give them some time and I'm sure they'll come around."  Dr. 
Tofu responded, a slight bit of sadness in his voice.  Kasumi 
could tell he wasn't too convinced by his own words.
	Oh well, it wasn't her problem.  What could she do about 
it anyway?  Nothing.  Kasumi nodded then stood up to leave.  "I 
guess I should be going.  It's been good meeting you Dr. Tofu."
	"My pleasure.  See you later then."  Dr. Tofu replied as he 
too got up.  Kasumi nodded, then waved and left.
	Before long she found herself at home.  She was ready to 
relax, maybe do a little exercise but fate had other ideas.  She was 
barely in the door when Mr. Saotome and her father rushed up 
with serious but happy looks on their faces.  A danger sense 
immediately went off and was confirmed when Nodoka walked 
up behind them, a look of `sorry' on her face.
	"Kasumi, come in, we have something to talk about."  
Her father directed, leading her to the common room.  He 
gestured for her to sit down and she complied but her sense of 
worry was getting stronger.
	"We have wonderful news for you."  Her father continued 
as he sat down across from her, Genma standing behind him.
	"Oh?"
	"Well, I don't know if you're aware of this but Ranma 
and Akane aren't hitting it off quite as well as planned."  Kasumi 
connected the dots and it wasn't a pretty picture.  "So we were 
thinking that you-" he continued but Kasumi shook her head.
	"Wait a moment father.  You're not saying that you're 
switching this engagement to me, are you?"
	"Well, yes."  He replied, a bit startled.
	"But..."  Kasumi's mind fought for an escape.  "He's so 
young.  I mean, I'm 19, he's only 16-"
	"What's a few years?  You'll be getting a young man in 
his prime."  Genma retorted.
	Kasumi scowled at her former guardian but she found 
herself at a loss.  "But, this is so sudden.  Don't you think Akane 
or Ranma will-"
	"Don't worry about it.  They've been against this whole 
thing for years.  Akane will be glad to be free of the engagement 
and Ranma will certainly get used to the idea."  Her father said 
then looked at her as if pleading her to agree.
	Kasumi looked into her father's eyes then down at the 
table in consideration.  Okay, Akane and Ranma were having 
problems.  Maybe this would be better.  She really didn't want to 
marry Ranma but any marriage would likely be years off.  This 
would take the pressure off of them.  Without the marriage being 
forced on them perhaps they could open up with their feelings, 
that is if there was feelings to open up to.  Finally she gave in 
with a small sigh and nodded.  "Very well."
	Her father immediately burst into tears of joy and took her 
in hug.  Kasumi, on the other hand, was still a bit worried.  She'd 
gotten herself into yet another fine predicament.  She could only 
hoped it turned out for the best.

	"WHAT?!!!"  Ranma cried out as he heard the news.  
"You have got to be kidding!"
	Equally shocked by the announcement was Akane.  They, 
like Kasumi, had been wrangled into the common room as soon 
as they arrived home from school and given the `joyous' news.  
However, unlike Ranma, Akane was dead silent, her feelings 
unreadable.  Nabiki was leaning against the wall, a poorly 
concealed look of amusement on her face.  Genma and Soun still 
had the look of eager happy parents while Nodoka was still 
unsure.  Kasumi merely remained silent.
	Genma slapped his son on the back in support.  "Come 
now son, we know you've been against the engagement with 
Akane.  Kasumi is a fine young woman.  I'm sure you'll get 
along splendidly."
	"Oh yeah, sure... you...."  Ranma's statement went off 
into a mumble but he was obviously displeased.  "Fine, it's not 
like I care or nothing."  With this Ranma walked off towards the 
dojo in a slight huff.  Kasumi watched him go then looked to her 
youngest sister, hoping to see something.  Instead Akane looked 
back at her with a look that announced that she cared no more 
than Ranma did.
	"I have homework to do."  Akane announced then walked 
off for her room.
	"Well, everything seems to be going pretty well Tendo."  
Genma said.
	"Agreed Saotome.  Maybe things will work out after all."  
Soun replied.
	Kasumi looked at the two parents for a brief moment then 
headed off after Ranma.  Maybe, just maybe, this whole situation 
would reveal some hidden feelings...  Yeah, right, her luck 
wasn't that good, but she could try.  She found him, as expected, 
practicing in the dojo, a frown locked on his face.
	"So, did you actually go along with this nonsense?"  He 
asked with a short sidewards glance.
	"Well, ummm, kind of."
	"Hmh, great."  Ranma jumped into the air with a 
spinning kick.
	"It wasn't exactly my idea."
	"Oh yeah, sure.  Whatever."  Ranma responded as he 
jumped into another spinning kick.
	Kasumi wasn't too sure if he believe her or not.  "Ranma, 
if you want to stay with Akane-"
	"I don't care.  One Tendo sister is as good as another.  
You, Akane, Nabiki, what's the difference?  Just another 
engagement I don't want."
	Kasumi sighed.  This was going no where extremely fast.  
She tried to think of some response but came up with a 
monstrous blank.  If he was hiding his feelings, she wasn't about 
to bring them out.  Well, it wasn't like she expected something 
instantaneous, though she would have preferred it.  She turned 
and left, Ranma giving her a brief look, his frown still firmly in 
place.
	Kasumi made her way to the carp pond and stood 
watching the fish.  She considered the whole situation and shook 
her head.  She'd once again jumped into the middle of things, 
trying to help everyone out.  Still, what would it hurt?  This was 
for the best.  What was a bit of inconvenience to her when it 
could just help Ranma and Akane?  However, as much as she 
tried to convince herself, she still felt like she was running head-
on into trouble.
	As if in response to her growing worry droplets of water 
began to fall from the sky.  Kasumi managed to get out another 
sigh before she transformed.
	"A bit glum sis?"  Nabiki asked as she approached, 
protected by an umbrella from the rain.  Kasumi looked over at 
his sister and attempted a smile but failed miserably.  Nabiki, 
however, was perfectly capable of smiling.  "Oh, don't let it get 
you down.  Things will work out.  Matter of fact, I have some 
good news for you.  The school vice-principle is thinking of 
hiring you as an assistant physical education director."  She said 
as she handed Kasumi a letter.
	"Excuse me.  Why would he wish to do that?"  Kasumi 
asked in confusion.
	"Oh, it's just an official title.  I think he's more interested 
in what my teacher told him about that little show you put on 
with Kuno this morning."
	"Why would that be interesting?"
	"Well, it's pretty rare for Kuno to stand down from a 
fight.  I'm guessing you're going to be the school's peace keeper.  
If you're interested he said to come see him tomorrow morning.  
It's all in that letter."
	Kasumi opened up the letter and gave it a quick read.  
Sure enough, the principle wanted him, or her rather, for an 
interview tomorrow morning about the job.  Well, maybe things 
were brightening up a bit.  He didn't have any plans for himself 
and this had just dropped into his lap.  His luck couldn't be all 
bad, he supposed.
	"Thank you Nabiki.  I think I'll do just that."  Kasumi 
brightened up a bit then headed off to the house.  
	Nabiki stood and watched Kasumi strode off.  She 
continued to stare at the boy as he walked away, her eyes going 
progressively lower.  With a sudden shake of her head Nabiki 
looked away.  "Damn it!  Where's an ice cold lake when you 
need it?!"  Nabiki's expression changed to one of disgust then 
anger as she too returned to the house.

	Ranma paced back and forth in one of the Kuno 
mansion's many rooms, Kuno standing to the side.  "Man Kuno, 
I don't believe this.  I've been trying to get loose from Akane for 
years now and just when I think I might be free they stick me 
with another girl."
	"This is interesting news.  So, Akane Tendo is now free 
of her engagement with you?"  Kuno asked.
	"Yeah, but now I'm engaged to Kasumi."  Ranma replied 
as he stopped and leaned against a wall in frustration.
	"Did you say Kasumi?"
	"Yes, Kasumi, why?"  Ranma asked as he looked over at 
Kuno.
	"Hmm, Kasumi Tendo..."  Kuno replied absently, a far off 
look on his face.
	Ranma examined Kuno's blank stare for a moment then 
smiled slightly, a plan beginning to form in his head.  Kuno 
wasn't that bad of a guy once you got to know him.  He was 
closer to Kasumi's age anyway and he seemed to like her...  
"Hey, Kuno, you wouldn't be interested in her or nothing, would 
you?"
	Kuno snapped back to reality and gave Ranma a hard 
look.  "That is my concern, not yours."
	"Of course, of course, but if you were I just might be 
willing to help you out a bit, say like I am with Akane."
	Kuno considered this for a moment then nodded.  "I just 
may take your offer."
	Ranma's smile widened as he walked over to Kuno.  
"Great!  Okay then, we'll-"
	"Brother dear, I'm home!"  Kodachi called out as she 
stepped into the room.  She stopped when she noticed Ranma and 
gave him a sour look.  "Are you still lounging around here?  
Don't you have a home?"
	Ranma suddenly became excited.  "Ko... Ko... Kodachi!  
Ahhhh, how... how nice to see you!"
	"Hmph, I bet."  She replied as she began to turn to leave.  
Ranma quickly rushed over to her side.
	"Wait!  Ko... Kodachi, I'm... you wouldn't be interested 
in maybe, I don't know, going to be... I mean dinner-"
	"Oh, I know exactly what you mean."  She replied as she 
leaned in close to him, a seductive smile on her face.  Ranma 
nervously swallowed and smiled as Kodachi neared.  He then 
suddenly doubled over in pain after Kodachi slugged him in the 
gut.
	"Keep your hormones to yourself."  Kodachi said as she 
backed off a step, looking down at him with a look of disdain.  
She then turned to her brother.  "I must practice for the upcoming 
tournament against Kolholz High.  I do not wish to be disturbed."  
With that she turned and walked out.
	Ranma finally recovered and stood up straight and gave a 
sigh of longing.  "Hey Kuno, what's with your sister anyway?  
Why doesn't she pay any attention to me?"
	"Perhaps because you make such a fool of yourself in her 
presence."  Kuno answered.  "So, shall we discuss the matter of 
Kasumi Tendo?"  Ranma nodded then walked back over to 
Kuno.

	Akane sat at the desk in her room, looking at her school 
books.  She hadn't gotten a thing done in hours.  She was too 
distracted to think.  In the span of two days her whole life had 
been turned on its ear.  She was now free of the engagement and 
her sister was back.
	Akane was glad to have Kasumi back, and did feel sorry 
for what had happened to her.  However, she also felt like she 
was second best now.  At least with Ranma she always knew she 
had a chance.  With Kasumi she didn't even have that much.  
Akane couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
	Then there was the engagement.  She'd been feeling 
twisted with the prospect of marrying Ranma.  It felt so wrong.  
Akane was glad to be free of it.  However, she also felt something 
else.  For most her life she had known one thing, that she'd be 
married to Ranma.  She hadn't liked it but it had been a constant 
that she could count on.  Suddenly that constant was gone.  It left 
her a bit lost.  Still, she was free, now she could go after the man 
she was really interested in with no worries about that silly 
engagement getting in the way.
	Her mind turned back to Kasumi.  Akane may be free but 
Kasumi had taken her place in the trap.  She had some sympathy 
for her sister's situation but what was to be done?  Akane had 
been working at getting out of the engagement for years and only 
now had made progress, but only because her problem had been 
switched to Kasumi.  It didn't look like there was much of a way 
for her to help her sister out.
	"Maybe she'll get to like him."  Akane said aloud to 
herself.  It didn't give her much hope though.  She shook her 
head and turned her mind to a problem she might be able to deal 
with, getting Dr. Tofu to notice her.

	The next morning Kasumi woke up early to get to the 
school.  She had to again scold herself for skipping practice.  
Even though she wanted to stay clear of Genma she did need a 
sparing partner.  She made a mental note to set up morning 
practice sessions again with him.  In that at least he couldn't 
cause any more damage.
	Kasumi grabbed up a quick breakfast and a lunch 
prepared for her and dashed off to the school.  She'd hate to be 
late for her own job interview. That wouldn't be the greatest of 
impressions to give a prospective employer.
	The meeting with the vice-principle went quite well.  As 
Nabiki had expected he was more interested in hiring her on as a 
peace keeper.  Apparently the situation at the school was really 
out of control.  He was desperate for something to keep things 
running smoothly.  It really didn't matter to Kasumi, this job 
would give her something to do.  The pay wasn't even that 
important, though it was certainly an added benefit.
	A short time after the meeting Kasumi was standing out 
front of the school considering how to best approach the morning 
crowd.  She didn't have long to think as the boys soon began 
gathering, many of them giving her odd looks.  As always, reason 
was the best course.  Failing that, well...  Kasumi's was hoping 
she didn't have to get to that.
	She pulled together her resolve and began to move to the 
head of the crowd.  On her way Kuno arrived.  Kasumi looked at 
him briefly and got an awfully odd impression.  Was he looking 
at her in the same manner as he looked at Akane?  No, couldn't 
be.  She was just imagining things.  She pushed the thought 
away and turned to face the crowd.
	"Ah, hello, I am Kasumi Tendo, the new assistant 
physical education director.  Now, as a matter of school safety, I 
must unfortunately ask you all to disband and go on to your 
classes."  She paused and examined the crowds response.  
Mostly it was confusion and a lot of mumbled questions.  
However, no one moved.  Kasumi took in a breath then 
continued.  "Is there some kind of problem?"
	One of the rougher members of the crowd stepped 
forward.  "Yeah, lady, there's a problem.  We're here to get a 
date with your sister.  What makes you think you're going to stop 
us?"
	"Well-"  Kasumi began but got cut off as Kuno suddenly 
stood in front of her, his bokken raised to the other boy in 
challenge.
	"You sir, how dare you speak in such a belligerent 
manner to this fine woman.  Have you no respect?!  I will not 
stand for your insolence!"  Kuno spoke, getting angrier with 
every word.
	The boy backed off in fear.  "No, upper classman Kuno, 
wait, I didn't mean-"
	"Enough!!  I will teach you a hard lesson in manners!!!  
Defend yourself!!!!"  Kuno began a charge but, like the day 
before, he suddenly found his hands empty.  He turned to see 
Kasumi with his bokken.
	"Please, there is no need for that."  Kasumi said to him 
then looked over the crowd.  "If there is some kind of problem, I 
will certainly address it."
	Kuno turned and gave the crowd a hard, threatening look.  
Everyone fell back a pace.  "I, Tatewaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder 
of Furinken High, do hereby declare that all present here shall 
take heed of Kasumi Tendo's request and depart immediately.  
Do I make myself absolutely clear?"  Kuno spoke out to the 
crowd.  In response there was a few seconds of confusion, a 
couple of uncertain looks at Kasumi and Kuno, and a couple 
more mumbled questions.  However, finally the crowd began to 
break up and walk off.
	Kasumi smiled then walked over to Kuno, handing him 
his bokken.  "Why thank you.  That was most helpful of you."
	"It was my duty and nothing more."  Kuno replied with a 
slight bow.
	Kasumi nodded then began to head towards the school 
but found Kuno blocking her path.  "Of course, it would not do 
for such a fair woman as yourself to be without an escort."
	"Oh,. that will not be necessary.  I'm am quite capable of 
taking care of myself."  Kasumi responded as she tried to walk 
around him but again found him blocking her path.
	"Ah, but you do not know of the dangers that abound in 
these halls."
	"Yes, I'm sure, but I'm afraid I shall just have to get 
along on my own.  Now, if you don't mind..."  She replied, 
gesturing for Kuno to move off to the side.
	"You are mistaken my fair educator.  I, Tatewaki Kuno, 
shall protect thee."
	Kasumi began seriously considering just letting him 
`protect' her but that wouldn't do.  He seemed to have taken a 
interest in her and that wasn't proper.  He was a student, she was 
now an instructor.  She'd just have to diffuse the situation.
	"I'm afraid that is impossible.  I realize you have some 
feeling for me but-"
	"Oh, you are truly blessed with a deep understanding, but 
you need not hide your affections.  I fear not the misconceptions 
of others.  Fair educator, I shall date with thee."  With that Kuno 
leaped forward in an attempt to hug Kasumi.  He didn't quite 
make it.  Instead, Kasumi instinctively went into action, striking 
in several key spots and hopping back out of his reach.  The 
blows were precise and basically painless but they did their job, 
Kuno fell like a sack of grain.
	Kasumi shook her head and found Nabiki standing beside 
her.  "Not bad sis.  You trounced him real good."
	"I didn't mean to.  Oh well, I suppose I'll have to take 
him to the nurse's office now."  Kasumi said as she moved to 
pick Kuno's unconscious form up.  
	"Allow me."  Nabiki said as she helped her sister and 
together they began to walk off to the school.  Behind them 
Akane and Ranma were looking around, slightly confused.

	Elsewhere in Nerima, a short time later, a figure stepped 
off a bus.  On this person's face was a look of barely controlled 
rage.  The person looked around then set out towards a certain 
school.  There was only one thing on this individual's mind.
	"Just you wait Kasumi, just you wait.  You're going to 
pay for what you did to me."  The figure mumbled, getting 
angrier with every minute, and with every step.

	Back at Furinken it was lunch time and, as usual, Akane 
and Ranma were sitting together by the soccer field.  What was a 
bit unusual was that they weren't talking.  It wasn't because they 
were angry at each other.  They simply didn't know what to say.
	They hadn't discussed the breaking of their engagement 
yet.  Each perceived the other as not wanting it and since he/she 
also didn't want it there wasn't much to say.  Funny thing was, 
both wanted to say something, yet neither was willing to take the 
initiative.
	The silence between them started to grate but before 
either was finally driven into action Kasumi appeared next to 
them and sat down.
	"Oh, hi Kasumi.  How's your first day at work?"  Akane 
asked, glad to finally have a save avenue to speak.
	"Quite well actually.  That boy, Tatewaki, was actually 
very helpful this morning."  Kasumi responded as she pulled out 
her lunch.
	"I bet.  I think he's taken a little bit of an interest in you." 
 
Ranma said.
	Kasumi looked down at her food but just stared as she 
contemplated her newest situation.  "Yes, it would seem so."
	Ranma smiled and pushed on.  "You know, Kuno isn't 
that bad.  He's got his quirks, sure, but underneath it all he's a 
real softy."
	Akane rolled her eyes then gave Ranma a suspicious 
look.  "Hah, that sounds like the same junk you handed me, 
Ranma!  I know he's your friend and all, but let's be honest.  
He's got a few screws loose.  Let me guess, you're trying to set 
her up with him now that she's engaged to you."
	"Well I-"
	"You can be such a brainless, thoughtless jerk 
sometimes!"  Akane said as she stood and walked off, a bit 
miffed.
	Ranma watched her go with a scowl then turned to see 
Kasumi giving him a suspicious look.  After a second of 
nervousness Ranma looked down at a nonexistent watch and 
jumped to his feet.  "Hey, look at the time, I got to go.  See you 
later maybe."  Ranma raced off before Kasumi could respond.
	Kasumi continued to sit and returned to eating her lunch.  
Another sign that their relationship was hopeless.  It looked like 
Ranma was trying alternative measures to stop the marriage.  She 
supposed it wasn't that bad.  After all, he was only encouraging 
another relationship, something many people do all the time.  
Still, she couldn't help but feel like Ranma believed she was a 
burden to him, just like Akane probably felt.
	Kasumi shook her head and finished off her lunch.  She 
began to get up but stopped when she sensed something 
approaching.  She twisted just in time to catch a bouquet of red 
roses.  She looked at them briefly then looked at the young man 
approaching her, one Tatewaki Kuno.  Kasumi let out a sigh as 
she reached her feet.
	"My dearest Kasumi Tendo, we meet again."
	"Yes.  You appear to have dropped these."  Kasumi said 
as she attempted to hand back the bouquet.
	Kuno waved off the flowers.  "There are a token of my 
affection, and yours to keep."
	"I couldn't possibly, that would be highly inappropriate."  
Kasumi said as she again tried to give back the flowers but Kuno 
refused to take them.
	"True love knows not the boundaries of our primitive 
society's arbitrary rules."
	Kasumi was beginning to get a little desperate.  She 
didn't want to hurt this poor boy's feelings yet she couldn't let 
this infatuation of his continue.  "Now, you are just going to have 
to understand that I do not hold that kind of feeling for you.  I'm 
afraid we could simply not have a relationship at this time."
	"If you mean the engagement which has been forced upon 
you, fear not for I shall surely free you from it."
	Kasumi was momentarily surprised that he knew about it 
then she realized that Nabiki or Ranma might have told him.  
"Well, there is that but I am afraid there are more personal 
reasons as well.  You do understand?"
	Kuno looked back at her blankly, contemplating what she 
said.  Finally he gave a small nod.  "I see."
	"Good.  I have to be on my way."  She said in relief and 
finally managed to hand back the flowers.  She set out back for 
the school but she could see Kuno was still struggling with 
something.  She looked back at him, briefly considered talking 
further to him but dismissed the idea.  He'd just have to work it 
out for himself.

	Kuno watched Kasumi walk off towards the school.  He 
was a perplexed.  Personal reasons?  What could those possibly 
be?  There was nothing inadequate about him.  She was most 
certainly mistaken.
	Kuno noticed Kasumi looking back at him, as if 
hesitating.  Ah, so she was interested.  Of course, she merely 
feared confronting her true emotions.  Well, he could help remedy 
that.
	Kasumi continued on her way and began to round the 
corner of the school.  Kuno made up his mind and chased after 
her.  He lost sight of her around the school for a second but 
quickly closed the gap.  To his surprise he found her gone.  He 
looked about in confusion.  There was no place she could have 
gone.  The only person here was some strange man he had never 
seen before.
	Kuno looked at the man with a growing suspicion.  He 
had most certainly done something to the fair Kasumi Tendo.  
Well, he would be sure to bring him to justice!

	Nabiki looked down at Kasumi's male form from the 
window above her, idly putting her cup back onto it's base.  How 
clumsy of her, and how unfortunate that the water in that cup hit 
Kasumi, Nabiki thought sarcastically.  She then noticed Kuno 
turn the corner and look around in confusion.  Then he looked at 
the male Kasumi with the angry frown that he reserved for only 
hated foes.
	Nabiki felt a twinge of guilt but then dismissed it and 
moved away from the window.  Just bad timing.  Kasumi could 
handle herself, himself, whatever.

	Kasumi was rather confused himself.  She, at the time 
anyway, was walking along, then suddenly she was hit by some 
water from above.  He was about to look for the source of the 
unexpected down pour when a yell from behind caught his 
attention.
	"You sir!  What have you done with Kasumi Tendo?!"
	Kasumi turned to see Kuno, enraged and battle ready.  
Kasumi was momentarily further confused at Kuno's anger then 
he realized that he was a he, not a she, and Kuno knew nothing of 
the curse.  
	Kasumi quickly started to think of a way out of this new 
situation.  There was no nearby source of hot water to 
demonstrate the curse and he doubted Kuno was in the mood to 
let Kasumi just go off and find some.  There was also no quick 
means of escape.  He had two options left, attempt to reason with 
him or fight him.  Hopefully reason would work.
	"You're mistaken, I've done nothing.  You see-"
	"Silence!  I will not hear your foul lies or stand here while 
you try your evil trickery!  Return her at once or face my wrath!"
	Reason was looking pretty hopeless.  "No, you don't 
understand.  If you could allow me-"
	"Never fiend!  I shall smite you and bring Kasumi Tendo 
back to safety!  Defend yourself!!"  Kuno rushed forward with a 
slash from his bokken.
	Kasumi hopped over the attack and flipped backwards to 
gain some distance.  As he landed Kuno continued his assault 
with a thrust and spinning slash.  Kasumi dodged these but 
quickly realized that this wouldn't be quite the blow out their 
other meetings had ended in.  He was moving quicker, more 
precise and not pulling his punches in the least.  Kasumi 
attempted to grab the bokken away from him but found he could 
not get a safe grip on it.  Kasumi dodged a quick set a thrusts 
then leaped up onto the wall and used it to spring high into the 
air.  He landed facing the infuriated Kendoist.  It looked like 
Kasumi would have to get serious.

	Back up in the room where Nabiki was, several female 
students were gathering around the windows to see the fight.
	"Wow, look at that guy!"
	"Oooh, he's a real hunk!"
	"I wonder who is he?  Do you think he has a girlfriend?"
	"I hope not!"
	Nabiki tried to shut out the comments and concentrate on 
other things.  Unfortunately the other girls had other ideas.
	"Hey Nabiki, get over here!  You got to see this guy 
who's fighting Kuno!  He's gorgeous!"  One of Nabiki's friends 
said.
	"No thanks."  Nabiki replied.
	"Oh, come on!"  Suddenly Nabiki found herself being 
dragged to the window by her friends.  "You don't know what 
you're missing!"

	Back down at the fight Kasumi was again considering 
options, this time for how best to end the fight.  It was quickly 
getting down to one possibility.  Kasumi really didn't want to 
hurt the boy but Kuno was leaving him no choice.
	Kasumi dodged another set of bokken strikes, one of 
which sliced cleanly through a tree.  He flipped over the fallen 
tree then decided to give into the inevitable and set himself into 
an offensive stance.
	"I'll ask you one last time to end this.  I do not wish to 
harm you."  Kasumi said as Kuno stepped over the tree.
	Kuno smiled confidently, apparently unfrazzled that he 
hadn't managed to score a single blow.  "I will only end this 
when you return the maiden you have kidnapped!  Prepare 
yourself for the end!"  Kuno dashed forward with a blur of 
bokken thrusts.  The speed of the attack was actually rather 
impressive but Kasumi still managed to avoid every one of the 
blows.  However, this battle was going on too long.  It was time 
to end it before someone got seriously hurt.
	Kasumi faked a trip and fell back.  Kuno took the bait and 
raised his bokken back for a strike on his seemingly prone 
opponent.  "I have you!"  He managed to shout before Kasumi 
pushed himself back up and struck in a quick series of precise 
attacks.  Kuno froze in mid motion then went limp and began to 
fall.  Kasumi managed to catch him, his unconscious face resting 
on Kasumi's chest.  Kasumi couldn't help but blush.  Being a 
man didn't make this position seem any less awkward.  Well, 
back to the nurse's office, he supposed.
	
	Ranma watched the whole fight from afar.  He frowned at 
the display of martial arts talent that Kasumi had put on.  He'd 
never seen Kuno that outmatched.  Sure, Ranma could beat him 
every time but it wasn't that much of a mismatch.  It was enough 
to make Ranma quite jealous.
	In any case, this whole curse thing would be a problem.  
He'd just have to keep it a secret from Kuno.  It shouldn't be that 
tough.  This was Kuno he was dealing with.  Kuno had his points 
but calm rational thought wasn't one of them.
	Ranma had to feel somewhat sorry for Kasumi though.  
Now she had to deal with Kuno in two different ways, as an 
enemy and as an overzealous lover.  It was certainly going to be 
interesting.

	In one of Furinken's many bathrooms Nabiki was 
dumping a bucket of cold water over her head.  After a brief few 
seconds to calm herself she threw the bucket aside in frustration 
and looked at the mirror.  She turned pale with disgust then 
angry.  With a shake of her head she headed back to class with 
one thing on her mind, this was all Kasumi's fault.

	Later Kasumi, back to normal, was waiting outside the 
school for her sisters and fiancee.  She'd had a long day and 
hoped that she wouldn't have to repeat the performance any time 
soon.
	Akane and Ranma soon arrived, followed by Nabiki who 
gave Kasumi a scowl then walked off without further word.  
Kasumi looked at Akane and Ranma in question about this but 
both just shrugged.  Dismissing the thought for later Kasumi and 
the others followed after Nabiki.
	"I heard you had a bit of a fight with Kuno."  Akane said 
with a bit of amusement.
	"Yes, I'm afraid so."
	"Too bad I missed it.  I would have loved to see you in 
action as a boy."
	"I would much prefer to stay out of action, in either form.  
I do hope he'll be okay."
	"Kuno's tough, he's taken far worse than what you gave 
him.  He'll he up and throwing roses by tomorrow."  Ranma 
replied.  "He sure is the heroic sort, isn't he?"
	"Oh Ranma, give it up!"  Akane shot back in annoyance.
	"What?"  Ranma asked innocently.
	"You know exactly what I'm talking about!"
	"No I don't."
	"Oh please.  You're about as subtle as a rocket launcher."  
Akane replied then turned to look away.  Ranma did likewise.  
Kasumi looked between them then shook her head.

	On the school's rooftop the figure from the bus watched 
Kasumi depart.  Striking now wasn't right.  Too much 
interference.  Besides, this was going to be something special, 
something to pay back the Tendo girl for all she had done.  
Tomorrow.  Yes, tomorrow.  Tomorrow would be the day for 
vengeance.

%End Chapter 2

	That's it for Chapter 2.  You'll just have to be patient to 
see the rest.  C&C is very welcome.  Still don't know how long 
this is going to be, sorry.
	If you wish to check out my other works look at:
	http://www.mala.bc.ca/~tritscwa
	I'm presently off for the summer so don't expect my 
webpage to be too recent,
I have no home ftp service (sympatico is pitiful but it's free so...).
	Bye for now.