New Ranma series!  Please read and send comments, I can't say it enough.
This is an altered reality fanfic, bear with this first part as it sets
up some of what is different, the next part will complete the
alterations.
Now, on with the fic�.

	Why does he fight?  Why does he want to fight?  For my benefit? 
Because he is told to?  For some cause I have yet to comprehend?  For a
cause I perhaps do not want to comprehend.
 	None of it?  All of it?  Maybe just a unique mixture that makes up who
he is.  Someone I don't know.  A wild spirit, preordained by his given
title.  Ranma, Saotome Ranma.  The son I never had, the child I never
see.  My life and soul that was removed long ago.
	The day he left was the day I died, to walk as an empty shell amongst
the living.  The day� the day he was taken away.  Torn from my fingers,
with the compounded injury of knowing I loosened my own grasp.  
	I do not blame my husband for taking him, molding him, for I allowed
it.  He seemed so happy, so eager, the day they left.  In fact, they
both did.  One out of anticipation, one out of sheer youthful
ignorance.  I didn't cry the day he left, I wore a proud face, urging my
men to the trail with supreme optimism.  Who could have known they would
not be seen again.  So long I have waited, endlessly is seems, for their
return.  I am always disappointed.
	Of course, letters arrived, news traveled, but they never came.  Once
and a while, Soun, of the Tendo Dojo comes to visit me.  Yet, when
asking the whereabouts of my child, Soun gets a look in his eye, the
look of a man trapped under the Inquisitor's knife, the promise of pain
definite.  Then, he sort of calms down and feeds me the same old line,
"They are on a training trip."
  	Yes, I know they are on a training trip you idiot, I would like to
reply, but I simply smile and nod.  It's a practiced response, one I
would like to stop repeating.  What I would like to know, every time, is
how they are doing.  The letters have stopped, the last one arriving
March of 1995� it is now June of '96.  Where in Kami's name is my
family!?
	Thirteen years.  I have not been alive for thirteen, infinitely long
years.  Haven't laughed with true feeling behind it.  Haven't smiled
joyfully at the greeting of a loved one.  Haven't made love for that
matter, in thirteen, excruciating years.  
	I seriously hope my Ranma is manly now.  Screw the damned contract, I
am not going to get them back, and then kill them due to some
less-than-satisfactory behavior from my son.  I would just love to know
why they are still out there.  Why are they still training?  What
horridly evil monstrosity of nature do they think they are fated to
battle?
	I want them back.  I want them back so bad I sometimes think I can hear
the telltale crash of a tipsy Genma coming home from Tachiyaki's place. 
I smile as I remember how he would always manage to knock over the same
lamp every time he came in.  I glance over to the lamp, sitting
innocently on a table near the hallway.  It is very simple, blue
porcelain with a single white line running around its middle.  Western
in appearance, it manages to stick out amongst the oriental d�cor.  It
is a strong lamp, repeatedly tested of the fact.  Only a smattering of
cracks and chips, almost unnoticeable, mar its surface.  The shade,
however, has been replaced countless times, as it was bent whenever my
husband knocked it down.  Always it is white, with a light rose print. 
Adds color to the room, I used to tell him.
	I sigh, realizing once again that I had traveled back.  Gazed into the
past to find what I had lost, and finding it there all too clearly.  It
seems I spend most of my time anymore looking into myself, searching my
nonexistent soul for countless hours trying to mend what is not broken,
simply missing.  For all my morose thoughts, I try to keep a cheerful
demeanor for the sake of the outside world.  My friends and neighbors
know and try to understand, but they still expect me to be the same old
down-to-earth and sensible Saotome Nodoka.  Someone who could be relied
upon responsibly, yet also someone who could have fun, entertain the
children.  Be it through my rapier wit, or my skill with the sword,
though some would contest that, I do my best to oblige.
	I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have seen my child grow
up.  To see his first steps, to hear his first word.  To berate him for
fighting with the school bully� having beat the tar out of him, of
course.  I wonder what it would have been like to have Genma here.  To
have someone to help support me.  To have a healthy sex life� oh, to
have any sex life at all!  I am far from a nymphomaniac, but thirteen
years!  Even the most noble of women would blanch at the thought.  Sure,
I've contemplated having an affair� but for some reason I can't bring
myself to do it.  Not so much for Genma's sake, but for Ranma's.  What
would he think if he found out?  Would he think anything?  Would he even
recognize me?
	I thought my tears had dried up.  My moist face proves otherwise.  They
are still there, and all too apparent at times like this.  What can I do
to stop them?  Nothing, absolutely nothing.  The only thing that can
help me now is the return of my family.  Since they seem unable to come
to me, perhaps it is time I go to them�

PM Productions Presents
A Phillip Masters Fanfic
Games Without Frontiers
Part One
"If looks could kill, they probably will� in games without frontiers,
war without tears."

 	"What can I do for you, lady?"
	"Saotome, Mrs. Saotome, young man� and you could kindly move out of my
way."  She glanced to her left, noting with slight amusement the scruffy
looking fellow trying to cover any route of escape.
	"What if we aren't going to move?  What if we want you to stick
around?"  Nodoka had to give the man some credit, he was holding his
poker face, not getting cocky.  He was even handsome, just went about
picking up a girl the wrong way.  It was going to get him into trouble
someday� such as today.
	"Young man, I have been patient with you� however, I am in a hurry and
will only ask this last time for you to kindly move out of my way."  She
frowned to backup her words.  In Nerima there are only two people you
never want to see frown, she is one of them.
	The man seemed to think about his next actions for a moment.  He should
have thought longer.  He nodded to his partner, who proceeded to reach
for Nodoka.  His arm was neatly knocked out of the way by her own.  He
blinked, not expecting retaliation of any kind.  Then, his face darkened
considerably and he shot his fist out, meaning to knock her unconscious
quickly.  Once again, her arm blocked, almost instinctively.  These
toughs were not very talented, her husband could have beat them with his
arms tied.  
	"What's goin' on here?"
	Nodoka turned, startled by the new voice.  Fortunately, by the sound of
it, it did not belong to a new attacker.  Her recent company did not
seem amused by the interruption.  They yelled at the newcomer, wondering
what he was going to do.
	"Simple," he replied, "stop you from bothering her."  He pointed to
Nodoka as if he thought they were too stupid to figure it out
themselves.  She stood there, stunned.  Why was this young man helping
her?  He seemed strong, but could he really take on two men twice as
large as himself?
	The man nearest the boy swung a fist around, intending to do serious
damage.  Before the left hook could even clear the man's body, the boy
had his own fist in the thug's gut.  He crumpled like a piece of tissue,
the fight over, quite literally, before it began.  The boy� no, young
man, Nodoka noted, steadied his gaze on the remaining assailant.  His
look told all.
	The guy listened, turning about and making his way as fast as possible
without tripping over himself out of the alley.  Nodoka watched him go,
then turned back to her savior.  Not that she couldn't have taken those
punks, but it's still nice to know that chivalry still exists in the
world today.  "Mind if I get your name?"  She asked, highly curious as
to who this talented young man was.
	"Sure, it's Tendo, Tendo Ranma."
	Nodoka almost tripped, stumbling slightly to the nearby wall for
support.  She felt like she was hyperventilating slightly, and she tried
to get it under control.  Wheezing, she turned her head to the concerned
youth.  "What�?"  She coughed, "What did you say?"
	"Tendo Ranma� my name, that's all.  Are you okay?"  He approached her,
letting her see his features better.  
	Sure enough, this was the boy that left all those years ago.  His frame
is bulkier, and he is much taller, but his basic traits are all still
there.  His midnight hair still knitted into a tight braid, and his
features boyish in appearance.  She is so stunned by this sudden
meeting, and so proud of her son's seemingly good health, that her
vision blurs and she stumbles away from the wall.
	She feels Ranma's arms wrap around her, strong yet gentle.  He is so
manly, she thinks, as she feels a rush of air, completely knocking her
unconscious.  
	Nodoka awoke staring into the eyes of a kind looking man in glasses. 
His brown hair framed a young, strong face.  She couldn't help but smile
lightly, looking into his clear sparkling eyes.  "And you might be�?"
she asked, trying to break her gaze from his and failing.
	"Hello, I'm Dr. Tofu Ono.  You were brought in here by a friend of
mine, he said you got into some trouble with a street gang.  However,
you seem to be in more than perfect health."  He smiled to accent his
words.
	Nodoka couldn't help but smile back.  "Well, thank you, young doctor. 
Your help is much appreciated.  How much do I owe you?"  She managed to
sit up, in order to bow properly in thanks.
	Dr. Tofu backed away from her a bit and waved his hands.  "Oh, that's
alright.  I don't need anything from you for such a basic emergency
checkup.  The fact that you're fine is reward enough for me."
	She looked down at herself, noting the fact that she was not in the
same clothing she was wearing earlier.  She looked at the doctor
questioningly.  
	"Oh, sorry about that.  Your things are in the closet.  You've been out
for over a day, and I didn't want you just laying there in dirty
clothes.  However, I held off on the sponge bath� figuring you'd wake up
in time to tend to that yourself.  The clothes belong to my fianc�e,
Tendo Kasumi� she should be by later�"
	Nodoka interrupted him suddenly.  "What?  Who did you say?"
	He blinked, "Uh, Tendo Kasumi?  Do you know her?"
	She calmed a bit, thinking.  "No, no� the young man who brought me
here, wasn't he a Tendo?"
	Tofu lit up again, "Yes, Tendo Ranma� he's been coming here for all
sorts of medical problems for years now.  He's married to the youngest
Tendo daughter, Akane."
	"M� married?"  Nodoka felt like passing out again, the world blurred
slightly around the edge of her vision.  
	"Are you feeling alright?" the doctor asked, "You seem disoriented all
of the sudden."
	She straightened herself out, smoothing the Sunday dress she was
wearing with a hand.  "I'm fine, doctor, thank you.  It's just that Sao�
Tendo Ranma, well you see, he's my son."
	Dr. Tofu lifted an eyebrow.  "Son?  You're Saotome Nodoka?"
	She nodded, smiling brightly.  "The one and only."
	"Does Ranma know?"  He caught himself, "Of course not, he would have
mentioned something."  He looked at the floor in thought for a moment,
then up at her again.  "I don't think anyone knows what you look like
around here� with the exception of your husband.  We have to take you to
the Tendo Dojo as soon as possible."
	She rose from the bed, shaking down the dress which had ridden up
slightly while she was lying down.  "I'm ready when you are."
	Nodoka followed Dr. Tofu out of his office and down the block.  She
looked around at the unfamiliar neighborhood, even though it wasn't far
from her own.  She never really got around much, the farthest away from
home she's ever been was downtown Tokyo, only a few miles from Nerima. 
Only across town from her son all this time, and she could never find a
break in her schedule to go see him.  It almost brought her to tears.
	"You sure you're okay?"
	She looked up at the concerned face of the young doctor.  She smiled
reassuringly.  "Yes, I'm just fine� lead the way."
	So he did, around a few more corners, until they reached the Tendo
Dojo.  It was a very traditional looking place, enough to make any good
Japanese citizen praise the Kami.  They walked through the wooden
gateway onto the grounds.  Outside was a brown haired woman, who was
sweeping the walkway.  She seemed to emit a light of her own, very
pretty and dignified.  She looked up, and her smile only grew larger. 
When her eyes fell on Dr. Tofu, a blush seemed to blossom on her cheeks
magnifying her already spectacular features.  
	"Kasumi, I presume."  Nodoka greeted, as they approached her.  
	The woman nodded.  "Hello, who might you be?"
	Nodoka waited while Dr. Tofu walked up to Kasumi and hugged her.  Then
he faced Nodoka once more, an arm draped around Kasumi's waist.  "I'm
Saotome Nodoka." she answered.
	Kasumi let out a small gasp.  She then turned and ran into the house,
leaving Tofu to stare, confused, at the front door.
	"What was that all about?" she asked, coming up next to the doctor.  
	He shrugged, then began to follow Kasumi into the house.  Nodoka
followed, only pausing with him to remove her shoes.  She made her way
into the hallway, Tofu calling out Kasumi's name.  They walked around
the corner into the dining room, Tofu checking the kitchen and finding
it empty.  He looked at her and shrugged, obviously unsure as to how to
continue.
	Just as they were about to leave the dining area, someone showed up. 
She was slightly shorter than Kasumi had been, and had a head of raven
hair.  Her eyes were dark as well, and she was wearing a skirt with a
plain white T-shirt.  She was obviously very strong by the look of her
arms, yet also very feminine, filling out her clothes in what men would
call 'the nicest possible way.'  Her facial features could only be
described as extraordinarily cute, just bordering on beautiful... Nodoka
figured a little makeup would transform her into a goddess.  
	"Hello."  Akane said, "I didn't know we were expecting company.  What
brings you here, Dr. Tofu?"  She was talking to him obviously, but she
was looking at Nodoka.
	Dr. Tofu smiled and put a hand on Nodoka's shoulder.  "Hello, Akane�
this is Saotome Nodoka.  I figured you would like to meet her."
	Akane's jaw locked in its partially open position.  She seemed to be in
a mild state of shock.  Nodoka smiled in greeting, waiting for Akane to
regain her faculties.  She walked toward her slowly, reaching out a hand
to her.  Akane looked down at the hand, her face not quite registering
recognition for a moment.  Then, she reached out with her own to grab
it.  As soon as contact was made, Akane came back to the world of the
cognitive.  She looked up at Nodoka and smiled, then pulled her into a
hug.  They stood like that for a good five minutes, until Kasumi rushed
into the room with someone in tow.  
	Nodoka focused on the one following Kasumi, and just about dropped
Akane.  She let go of her daughter-in-law, and walked past her.  Akane
looked confused for a moment, then saw what she was walking toward.
	Ranma looked amazingly confused.  "What is it Kasumi?  Why did you want
me?"  He looked around the room his face softening slightly as his gaze
passed Akane.  Then, it came to rest on Nodoka, who was coming toward
him.  She felt a tear slide down her face, she couldn't help it.  She
piled right into the young man, who put his arms around her, most likely
by instinct.  She didn't care why, it just felt good.  So good in fact,
that she wasn't sure she could keep her footing without support.  She
looked up into Ranma's face, her eyes bloodshot and wet.  
	His face registered shock.  "Hey� you're that woman I took to Tofu's a
few days back.  Did you want to thank me or somethin'?"
	She shook her head calmly, then said, "Of course, you have my thanks�
but that is not the main reason I am here.  You see, Ranma, my name is
Nodoka, Saotome Nodoka, and I am your mother."
	For the first time ever in his entire existence, Tendo Ranma fainted
dead away.
	Nodoka smiled and placed her fallen warrior on the couch, then sat next
to him.  She looked up at Akane, "So, how are you two getting along?"
	Akane returned the smile and opened her mouth, unfortunately a new
arrival made himself known just then.  He walked up to Akane and stated,
"Momma!"  He looked around the room, seemingly wary of the strange woman
there, "Momma, who's she?"
	Nodoka's jaw made a touchdown.  There before her was the boy who left
her all those years ago� a miniature version of the man next to her.  He
must have only been two or so years old, but apparently bright for his
age.
	Akane picked up her child, showing the loving care only a mother can
display.  Then, she looked over at Nodoka again.  "Ikeda, this Nokoka,
your grandmother."
	This is the point where said new grandmother decided to join her son in
the land of blissful unconsciousness. 

END PART ONE
This is my big Ranma series� unknown at this time how long it will go,
but probably quite a bit.  PLEASE tell me if I should just give up the
ghost now, so I don't waste my time.  I realize it's not completely
original, it's hard to be, but I need this basic plot for the story, and
plan on becoming more original as it progresses.  Send comments and
criticism this way, especially if you are interested in seeing more�
ideas and the like also accepted and appreciated.
Thanks for reading,
PMasters (2-24-98)