Switching Heirs:
An Altered Destiny

By: Dreiser

-Nine-

	Lightning struck and seconds later a wave of rolling thunder 
sounded. Standing in the middle of this disastrous storm was Hibiki 
Ryoga. Frozen in front of the Tendo dojo under the safety of his 
bamboo umbrella he bore his steady gaze at the door to the dojo. It 
had been under a week since Ryoga had gotten lost coming back from 
Dr. Tofu's clinic with Akane but it seemed like a year to him. As 
always his trip was filled with sufferings far too numerous to name. The 
only thing that kept him going were the thoughts of wreaking 
vengeance on Ukyo upon his return. That and seeing Akane and 
Sakura again. 
	"Kuonji," he seethed. "It's time that you pay for what you did 
to Sakura and I. This time its solely between us. With no innocent 
bystanders to distract me from my revenge." 
	With a powerful kick Ryoga opened the door to the Tendo 
dojo and walked inside the grounds. Brown eyes narrowed at the 
highest window on the building. The attic, he thought with a smug 
smile. When Sakura had replied to his letters, saying she was now 
staying with the Tendos, she also mentioned that Ukyo lived alone in 
the attic. 
	In a giant leap Ryoga landed outside the window to peer 
inside. It was just as Sakura had informed him. A large room that was 
virtually empty, having only a few scarce possessions lying about. And 
on the far right side lay Ukyo oblivious to all in a haze of sleep. 
	"Perfect," Ryoga said wearing a satisfied smirk. 
	Sliding open the window quietly Ryoga snuck inside the dusty 
attic. A look of determination on his face he crossed the room to kneel 
next beside a sleeping Ukyo.
	"Kuonji!" He hissed. "Wake up! Lets fight!" 
	At this demand the okonomiyaki chef simply mumbled 
something in her sleep and flipped over on her side. Ryoga narrowed 
his eyes at this. 
	"Kuonji!" He repeated, trying again. "Wake up!"
	Again, no reaction came except the unintelligible mutterings of 
a dozing Ukyo who shifted her position. This time it sent her right arm 
flying into the air as she turned causing it to promptly hit Ryoga in the 
face.
	Ryoga lost his patience at this and with a growl he promptly 
yanked back the covers to hold Ukyo in his steady grip. Promptly 
sending her flying out the still open window in a mighty toss. 
	Rising to his feet the lost boy wore a large smile as the 
shocked scream of Ukyo upon hitting water met his ears. This fight 
would be his. It would end here and Ryoga couldn't wait to finally get 
his revenge. 

	Breaking the surface of the koi pond Ukyo sputtered as the 
harsh downpour of rain hit his now male features. Squinting he took in 
the descending figure from the rooftop. When it floated softly to the 
ground near him Ukyo groaned loudly upon recognition.
	"Ryoga," began Ukyo as he stood in the koi pond slowly. 
"What the hell are you doing here in the middle of the night? And 
why'd you throw me out during a storm?"  
	"Shut up!" Declared Ryoga. "Revenge doesn't know night or 
day! I plan on crushing you completely Kuonji!" 
	Ukyo barely had time to evade the strong jab Ryoga made at 
his midsection. Bounding into the air he flipped backwards a 
formidable distance to keep some space between them. Although 
Ukyo was trained in unarmed combat it was not something he 
preferred. In fact, he almost felt naked in a fight without his weapons. 
What I wouldn't give for my battle spatula right now, thought Ukyo. 
Wistfully thinking of his primary weapon that was currently leaning up 
against the far right wall in his bedroom. 
	"There has to be a better way to solve your problems with me 
than fighting Ryoga," Ukyo tried to reason. "I mean, you haven't even 
told me what I did to you. What if I don't deserve all this animosity? It 
might turn out you're acting like a jackass for no reason." 
	"I have one word for you Kuonji. This one word will explain 
my intense hatred for you. And upon hearing this one word we'll see if 
you still think yourself innocent," Ryoga said in eerily calm tones. He 
stepped closer now so they were both under the protection of his large 
bamboo umbrella. 
	"So what's this one word?" Asked Ukyo.
	"Jusenkyo," snarled Ryoga. 

	Akane blearily rubbed her eyes. She moved her gaze to the 
door of her room. It was from there that the offending noise that woke 
her was coming. "All right, all right," Akane  muttered. "Come in. Just 
quit knocking already." 
	Her eyes were met with the figure of Nabiki and then Ranma. 
The pigtailed boy was hovering nervously behind her older sister. 
Blinking at them Akane pronounced, "This had better be good."
	"Akane," began Nabiki seriously. "Don't you hear that noise 
from outside? It woke up Ranma and I." 
	After the middle Tendo sister said this a loud roar of thunder 
sounded and Akane looked out her window. "Don't tell me you two 
are afraid of thunder now," Akane mocked with disdain. "Everyone 
else seems to be sleeping okay enough through the storm. Suddenly 
you're both afraid of them again?" 
	 "Very funny Akane," Ranma replied drolly. "You know that 
besides us everyone else here could sleep through Godzilla attacking. 
But we're being serious. We think there might be a burglar in the dojo 
or something." 
	"So why wake me?" Queried Akane grumpily. Pulling back 
the covers she gingerly stepped out of bed, careful not to wake 
Sakura who was sleeping nearby on a futon.
	"Because we need your brute strength," teased Ranma with a 
wide grin. 
	Rolling her eyes at this Akane snorted. "Make fun of me all 
you like but I know you live in fear of my right hook."
	"Everyone lives in fear of your right hook," Nabiki drawled. 
Grabbing her younger sister's hand she pulled her down the hallway. 
"Now shall we discover exactly what is making all this noise?" 
	"Yeah," Ranma chimed in. "Then you can go ahead and use 
your right hook Akane." 

	"Jusenkyo?" Breathed Ukyo. "Ryoga... you went to Jusenkyo? 
You fell into a spring and now you change?" 
	"Shut up!" Ryoga demanded as he began a barrage of vicious 
kicks at Ukyo. 
	The okonomiyaki chef stealthily avoided them all and managed 
to get in one strong blow to Ryoga's left side. Ryoga stumbled 
backwards slightly before sending his leg slicing through the air to 
shatter one of the many statues residing in the Tendos yard. Ukyo 
leapt high into the air, evading the flying rubble, then landed softly on 
the ground. 
	Meeting Ryoga's harsh glare Ukyo matched off with his 
opponent. It was obvious that Ryoga wasn't about to listen to reason 
and upon discovering it was a Jusenkyo curse behind his rage Ukyo 
couldn't really blame him. Some of those springs had curses on them 
that made his blood run cold. Perhaps Ryoga was a victim of one such 
as that. If so Ukyo didn't know what he would do about it. After all, it 
was hard to fight against something you agreed with. And the anger felt 
at being under Jusenkyo curse was something Ukyo knew entirely all 
too well. 

	"See?" Ranma whispered to Akane. The three companions 
had stealthily made their way downstairs and were standing by the 
closed door to the verandah. "Hear that noise? Somebody is outside in 
the yard." 
	Narrowing warm brown eyes Akane nodded her head. 
"You're right. I definitely hear something out there." Turning she 
looked at Nabiki who was, oddly enough, adjusting the lens on an 
expensive looking video camera. "Nabiki!" She exclaimed. "Why do 
you have that?" 
	Moving hazel eyes away from the zoom lens Nabiki offered a 
lazy grin. "It's quite simple sis," she began slowly. "If this is a burglar 
and I catch him on video think about the insurance pay off we'll be 
receiving." 
	Akane rolled her eyes at this and began pulling the sliding door 
to the verandah open. Before it was moved back completely and they 
could see what was causing the noise Ranma tapped her shoulder. 
Averting her gaze Akane stared at a large barbell being held before 
her.
	"In case it is a burglar," supplied Ranma. 
	Holding the heavy weight in her left hand she yanked the 
verandah door open quickly. Akane was met with the sight of a blurry 
figure battling Ukyo in their yard. Her reaction was immediate and 
Akane hurled the barbell into the air at the stranger. 

	Ukyo watched as a look of shock overtook his opponent's 
features as a barbell came flying out of nowhere to hit Ryoga on the 
side of the face. The impact causing him to lose grip on his bamboo 
umbrella. Ducking his head in the protection of his strong arms Ryoga 
bounded away as the onslaught of rain hit his quickly disappearing 
form.
	"Ryoga!" Cried Ukyo loudly. 
	In an instant he took after Ryoga, following his route by 
leaping over the high wall surrounding the dojo. Ranma watched his 
departure with wide eyes. 
	"Ucchan," he whispered. Narrowing blue eyes with rage he 
balled his hands up in fists. "That bastard Ryoga must've been 
attacking her again." 
	"What a pain in the ass," Nabiki stated. 
	"Ryoga?" Breathed Akane. "Oh no... I wouldn't have thrown it 
if I'd known." 
	Focusing on Akane now Ranma looked at her as if she were 
insane. "You've got to be kidding! The guy is out of control... he's 
attacking Ucchan in the middle of the night and you feel bad you 
helped her out?!" 
	Red with anger Akane was about to responded to this when 
Nabiki interrupted. "Will the two of you stop?" She said with a sigh. 
"We have enough trouble with Ukyo constantly getting into fights 
without adding the both of you to the list again." 
	Ranma and Akane simultaneously moved their attention to the 
middle Tendo. Both wearing faces of certain shock. It wasn't often 
they saw the hard-nosed Nabiki acting as family mediator. In fact, it 
seemed that most times she preferred seeing everyone fight, finding it 
almost amusing. 
	Seeing that she had their attention Nabiki wore her usual 
smirk. "That's better. Lets go back to bed, we can ask Ukyo about all 
this tomorrow morning. There is a thing called school we're supposed 
to attend and if we stay out here any longer we'll catch pneumonia."

	Running down the street Ukyo searched the area around the 
dojo with increasing panic. If what Ryoga told him about going to 
Jusenkyo was true he might need his help. Any number of horrible 
things could happen to someone in their cursed form. Ukyo had heard 
all the horror stories from the Jusenkyo guide before they left China. 
Knowing what it was like to go through the shock of the initial 
transformation Ukyo had instinctively pursued his opponent out of 
concern. 
	Concern caused from seeing that as Ryoga ran away tears 
were falling from his eyes. The shame at what was about to happen 
due to having a Jusenkyo curse was shown clearly on the lost boy's 
features. 
	Ukyo screeched to a halt on seeing a pile of clothes and a 
huge backpack assembled near a telephone pole. Crossing slowly 
Ukyo knelt to hold the garments in his grip. They definitely belonged to 
Ryoga. "That poor slob... he really did go to Jusenkyo," said Ukyo 
warily. 
	This was just what he didn't need. If Ryoga's constant rants of 
revenge were from the fury felt at having a Jusenkyo curse then Ukyo 
wasn't sure he could argue with his motives. The only thing that still 
had Ukyo confused was exactly how he was at fault for the situation.
	"Oh well. I'll find out soon enough," Ukyo stated while 
gathering the belongings in his arms. He began to rise when a low 
growl filled the air. 
	Averting sandalwood eyes Ukyo sighted the furious form of a 
wild animal. As it stepped out of the shadows glowing red eyes were 
revealed on the frame of large canine that was foaming at the mouth. 
	Ukyo nervously stood upright. Backing up against the wall 
behind him he offered a lame smile at the canine which was stalking 
closer. "Ryoga?" Squeaked Ukyo as it approached. "Nice doggie..."  

	It was ridiculous. That idiot with no sense of direction had 
come to their home, in the middle of the night no less, to attack 
Ucchan! Ranma seethed silently. All he wanted was one minute alone 
with Ryoga. I'd beat him into oblivion, cut him into a thousand pieces, 
Ranma thought darkly. He just couldn't understand some people. 
What in the world could his sweet Ukyo have done to that jerk? 
Nothing worth all this trouble, he was sure. 
	Still lost in thought Ranma did not notice when Akane paused 
suddenly in the upstairs hallway leading back to their rooms. Ramming 
into her back he muttered, "Hey, what gives Akane? Why'd you do 
that?"
	Brown eyes flickered over the silent hallway. "Shh," Akane 
warned quietly. "Don't you feel it? Hear it? Something is in here with 
us." 
	All three were silent as they focused their martial arts training 
into finding the cause of this new disturbance. Without warning a 
rapidly moving black object flew through the air at them. It criss 
crossed its attacks in a random pattern that made it hard to track. But 
it soon made the fatal mistake of coming too close to Nabiki. 
	Eyeing the whizzing body of the intruder hazel eyes sharply 
narrowed and caught it passing. Nabiki shot out her index finger, 
hitting the tiny assailant, causing it to fall on the floor with a thump. 
Disabling the fast moving assault the frame of a miniature black piglet 
was revealed. 
	"Oh!" Exclaimed Akane softly. "It's a little piglet." 
	"A pig?" Nabiki questioned with scorn. "All of a sudden we 
have live food running around our house." 
	"Nabiki!" Akane scolded. Shifting her attention from the piglet, 
which was backing itself into a corner fearfully, to her sister. "Be nice. 
It's obviously scared... the little thing must have come in from the 
storm." 
	Turning from Akane, who was trying to urge the piglet into her 
arms, Ranma gazed at Nabiki. "That was some move you did there." 
	"You like it?" Drawled Nabiki. "There is a lot to be said for 
the specialized school of pressure point attacks my Mother taught. But 
no one in the family besides me seemed  interested in the techniques." 
	"Well you've got me interested," Ranma assured. "Any school 
of martial arts that can teach you to move at high speeds with such 
great accuracy is worth looking at." 
	Clutching the black piglet against her chest Akane stepped 
between them. "The poor baby hurt his head," she informed. "He's got 
a bump on it. Isn't that right? He's such a cute piggy. Aren't you? 
We're going to fix your boo boo now. Yes we are!" She gazed down 
at the piglet who stared back at her with wide adoring eyes.  
	"Oh brother," groaned Ranma rolling his blue eyes. "I know 
you've always wanted a pet Akane, but a pig?" 
	"Be quiet Ranma!" Sniffed Akane. She was walking down the 
stairs with the piglet who had wore a contented expression on its 
features. 
	"Well, that was too exciting for me," Nabiki smirked. "I'm 
going to wait up for Ukyo. How about you?"
	"My thoughts exactly." Replied Ranma as they followed 
Akane downstairs and into the sitting room. 

	Smoothly entering the sitting room with a kettle of hot water 
Ukyo knelt before the canine. He was now acting placid and wore a 
dimwitted face. Yep, she thought grimly. Even as a dog you can tell it's 
that jackass Ryoga. Setting the kettle down on the table Ukyo decided 
to clear up some things before changing Ryoga back to his normal 
form.
	"Look Ryoga," he began carefully. "I feel really bad about 
what happened to you but you can't just break in the middle of the 
night to challenge me. This isn't like when we were in Kyoto. They 
have rules here." 
	He was about to say more when the sound of nearing 
footsteps silenced him. Looking up in surprise he locked eyes with 
Akane who was holding a small black piglet. 
	"Hey," Ukyo greeted calmly. 
	"Ucchan!" Exclaimed Ranma, pushing past Akane to sit at his 
side. "You're okay then? Where is Ryoga?" 
	Ukyo smiled fondly at his iinazuke. Heart warming at the care 
that shown in beautiful blue eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine Ranchan," replied 
Ukyo. "I'm not sure about Ryoga." 
	He said this while biting his lip slightly. Ukyo didn't like lying to 
Ranma but he couldn't tell them about Ryoga's Jusenkyo curse. Don't 
worry Ryoga, thought Ukyo, I won't give away your secret. It's safe 
with me. 
	"Where'd the pig come from?" Asked Ukyo, changing the 
subject before it was pursued further.
	"Don't know," Nabiki stated. She rested her chin in the palms 
of her hands watching Akane as she dabbed medicine on the piglet's 
head. "It just appeared in upstairs hallway attacking us. Seems to like 
Akane though." 
	"I've seen this dog before..." Ranma trailed off thoughtfully. 
Leaning in closer his face was inches away from the canine and Ukyo 
watched with certain anxiety. Who knew what Ryoga would do in this 
state? It was likely that he might try to attack his iinazuke. Ukyo was 
about to open his mouth in warning when Ranma interrupted the 
attempt. 
	"I know!" Exclaimed Ranma suddenly. "This is Yatsura's dog, 
Bess. Bess! Here Bess!" 
	As Ranma said this he held out his hands which the dog placed 
its paws into as it panted happily. Ukyo observed in confusion the 
interaction between them. This definitely wasn't typical Ryoga 
behavior. 
	Rising to his feet Ukyo clutched the tea kettle in his grip. 
Stepping in front of the canine he blocked all view of the dog from the 
others. 
	"Excuse me," Ukyo apologized while pouring hot water on the 
dog's head. The canine released a high pitched yelp but other than that 
nothing occurred. Sandalwood eyes widened in shock as the same 
rain soaked dog sat before him. If the dog isn't Ryoga, then what is? 
Ukyo wondered to himself. Scratching the back of his head he mulled 
over this. Moving his gaze from the dog to the open hallway he heard 
the soft putter of footsteps. He took in the yawning figure of a sleepy 
Sakura. 
	"Yo," Sakura greeted tiredly. Closing glittering green eyes she 
worked out the cricks in her neck. "What's up? The hallway looks like 
a war zone." 
	"A rabid Porky the pig tried to kill us," snorted Ranma. He 
jerked his head in the general direction of Akane and the black piglet 
she still held. 
	Sakura blinked several times at the piglet before releasing a 
short laugh. Crossing the room smoothly she knelt in front of Akane 
and stared into its eyes. Meanwhile, the piglet was looking extremely 
nervous at this study and was trying to escape from Akane's hold. 
Sakura extended a finger to gently poke the pig in its nose. 
	"You never did have any patience Ryoga," said Sakura coolly 
as she took the piglet from Akane. Holding it in the air she bore her 
gaze into it. "I bet you decided to pull a sneak attack on Ucchan, 
huh?" The piglet now revealed to be Ryoga released an angry squeal 
as a reply. Sakura sighed quietly and met Ukyo's gaze. "I'm sorry. His 
timing is almost as bad as his sense of direction."
	"Ryoga?" Asked Ukyo in disbelief. "That pig is really Ryoga? 
He did go to Jusenkyo then?" 
	"We went to Jusenkyo," corrected Sakura. As this went on 
Nabiki discretely left the room wearing a sly look on her sharp 
features. 
	"You and Ryoga have Jusenkyo curses?" Breathed Akane. 
Standing now she crossed to stand by Ukyo and Ranma who were 
both gazing at Ryoga in piglet form. Ryoga meanwhile was staring at 
Sakura with lidded angry eyes.  
	"Bingo," Sakura replied easily. At this response Ryoga 
squealed loudly. His eyes were now reduced to slits of intense fury. 
"What?" Asked Sakura. "You didn't think we could keep it a secret 
forever, did you?" 
	"What were you doing at Jusenkyo?" Ukyo queried now 
taking a seat. This was a little shocking and he needed to steady his 
nerves. Ranma followed suit, firmly establishing his place at his 
iinazuke's side. 
	"Following you," Sakura replied dryly. 
	"Me?" Squeaked Ukyo. He looked at Ryoga who was glaring 
at him. It was becoming increasingly clear why there was a grudge 
being held against him. 
	"Having a nice chat I see," Nabiki purred as she reentered the 
room. She paused to place the contents she  carried on the table. It 
was another steaming kettle of hot water and the large terrycloth robe 
from the furo. 
	Settling down across the table to look at Ryoga in piglet form 
she smirked. "Thought you might like these items before we begin 
negotiations." 
	"Negotiations?" Asked Sakura perplexed. She had set Ryoga 
down on the floor next to her and was arranging the robe around his 
cursed form. Sakura had started to reach for the tea kettle when 
Nabiki held up her hand to prevent the other girl from taking it. 
 	"Precisely. Negotiations," Nabiki repeated smoothly. "It seems 
to me that we ought to lay down some ground rules before you change 
the almighty destroyer there back to his usual wrecking ball self." 
	"Nabiki?" Ukyo questioned. He directed a puzzling gaze at 
her. The okonomiyaki chef was thoroughly lost as to what was 
happening. "What is this about?"
	"This is about you owing me one Kuonji," drawled Nabiki 
easily. Giving Ukyo a reassuring pat on his tapering hand she turned 
her attention back to Sakura. "It seems to me that your little friend 
Ryoga is a loose cannon. One I don't want running around our home 
causing more property damage. Let's note the obviously illegal points 
of his entry onto our premises. There is also his blatant resentment for 
the heir to our school of martial arts. Knowing this I'm afraid I'll need 
some reassurance that Ryoga won't cause more damage upon 
changing back to his proper form."
	"After all," Nabiki continued. "If anything is ever going to be 
resolved it won't be with violence. I suspect talking out our mutual 
problems would be more beneficial for everyone. So, any suggestions 
as to controlling the temper of our hotheaded little porker?" 
	By this time Ryoga piglet was silently seething. His tiny teeth 
were clamped together and he was releasing a hissing squeal at 
Nabiki. It looked as if he might attack the tactical negotiator when 
Sakura lifted him into her embrace. Holding him close to her face she 
whispered quiet words to his tiny form. At first Ryoga piglet shook his 
tiny head vigorously in disagreement but eventually his small shoulders 
slumped and he surrendered to logic. 
	Setting Ryoga piglet down in the piled warmth of the terrycloth 
robe again Sakura moved her attention back to Nabiki. "You have 
both our words of honor. We will not instigate any fights during this 
discussion." 
	"Excellent." Nabiki purred with a smile. In an elegant motion 
she handed the tea kettle to Sakura and instantly an infuriated Ryoga, 
in human form, sat before them wearing the terrycloth robe. 
	"You'll pay for this humiliation," he hissed. 
	"Ryoga," Sakura reprimanded. "Stop it. We've agreed to try 
and work this out peacefully." 
	"I think the best way to sort out your problems involving our 
dear Ms. Kuonji is to first discuss the exact reasons behind them," 
stated Nabiki calmly. As she said this she passed the tea kettle to 
Ukyo who quickly dumped the remaining contents on his head. 
	Now in her proper form Ukyo pleaded, "Please Ryoga, 
Sakura... tell me what this is all about." 
	"This is about the unbelievable torments we've suffered at your 
hands Kuonji. This is about the never-ending pain of walking mile after 
excruciating mile through the wilderness of China. This is about the 
horrors we experienced after plunging into the icy depths of those 
damned springs. That is what this is about!" Growled Ryoga. As he 
said this he gripped the table and it began to crack under the pressure. 
	"Ryochan," Sakura soothed, touching his hand gently.  "Calm 
down. Let me explain things." Her companion visibly relaxed at her 
touch and she smiled softly at this.
	Facing the others Sakura took a deep breath before beginning. 
"It's a simple enough story. When you left Kyoto without a word I 
searched until I discovered your location Ucchan. Once I had found 
out you were in China I was determined to go after you. Ryoga, being 
my best friend, wanted to come with me to help." 
	Pausing a moment Sakura had a bemused expression on her 
features. She ran nimble fingers through chocolate brown hair that 
looked unusually unruly without the long white bandanna to hold it 
back. "Our arrival in China was actually a quiet one. It wasn't until we 
started to closely  follow your trail that things got strange..."
	"How's that?" Interrupted Ranma. The desire to know about 
his Father and iinazuke's past experiences in their travels was 
overwhelming to him.
	Ryoga snorted. "You name it, we saw it. Blood thirsty 
gambling racketeers after them for rigging fights. Disgruntled restaurant 
owners screaming for enormous food bills to be paid. Entire villages 
ready to lynch them over millions of missing ladies undergarments. We 
didn't speak much Mandarin but it was perfectly clear your precious 
had made more than a few enemies in China." Forming a harsh smile 
Ryoga continued, "Need I go on listing them?" 
	"No. That's quite all right," Ranma sneered. 
	"Anyway!" Sakura said forcefully, ending the dispute before it 
went any further. "We were close on your trail when we arrived at 
Jusenkyo. I figure that we were maybe a day or two behind you at the 
time. We stopped to rest on a high cliff overlooking the springs when 
suddenly a panda comes barreling out of the woods being chased by 
some crazy guy screaming at it at the top of his lungs." 
	"He knocked me off the cliff," snarled Ryoga darkly. "If you 
hadn't run off on Sakura without a word we would have never 
followed you to China! And I never would've been pushed into a 
Jusenkyo spring by a madman having a conversation with a panda!" 
	Ukyo blanched at the accusation and lowered her head 
looking morose. Noting this Ranma scooted closer to Ukyo and 
wrapped a strong arm around slim shoulders in a sign of support. 
	"So Ryoga fell off the cliff?" Nabiki questioned, attempting to 
put the conversation back on the right track. 
	"Yeah," said Sakura, shooting Nabiki a grateful look. "That 
crazy guy literally stepped on Ryoga's head, causing him to lose his 
balance, and fall over the edge of the cliff. Ryochan managed to hang 
onto the side until I could make it to him. I almost had him pulled all 
the way up when the ground collapsed under us. Sending us both 
falling into the Jusenkyo springs below."  
	"We already know Ryoga fell into the spring of drowned 
piglet, but what about you Sakura?" Prodded Nabiki. The normally 
harsh business woman was showing an amazing sensitivity in her 
inquiries. 
	Immediately Sakura wore a squeamish expression  and 
averted her gaze to the floor. Ryoga glared at Nabiki obviously 
blaming her for the reaction in his comrade. 
	Taking a deep breath Sakura muttered, "I guess the best way 
is to just say it..." Tilting her head up Sakura bit her lip. "Before I say 
anything more I need to ask... are any of you at all superstitious?" 
	All four responded in the negative and Sakura looked relieved 
beyond words at this. "Good," she sighed. "Because if you were we'd 
have some problems. When I get splashed with cold water I change 
into an oni." 
	The reaction was instant. Ukyo became more pale and sickly 
looking, Ranma sat in amazement, Akane wore a far off thoughtful 
expression, and Nabiki appeared intrigued. 
	"An o-o-oni?" Squeaked Ukyo.
	"No way!" Exclaimed Ranma.   
	"Yes way," Sakura replied dully. "An oni. I fell into the spring 
of drowned demon." 
	"Now do you see?" Hissed Ryoga to Ukyo who stared 
dumbly at him. "You cast us both into hell! When the initial change 
happened Sakura wasn't herself and I was helpless to aid her. I could 
barely stay afloat in my form! So stuck like that, I was snatched by the 
same panda from the cliffs. He took me back to the Jusenkyo guide 
who damn near made me into sweet and sour pork. Thank god I 
changed back when he threw me into that pot of boiling water or I 
would've been his and that damned panda's supper! I don't even want 
to go into all the horrible things Sakura has suffered due to the oddity 
of her curse! Not to mention the superstitious locals and religious 
zealots that chased after her oni type while we were in China. Her 
mistreatments would take decades to describe! That's why I'm seeking 
vengenace on you! For both our sakes but admittedly more for Sakura 
than myself! The Kami knows why but she doesn't want to make you 
pay for  your crimes agains her even though you're more than 
deserving!"
	An uncomfortable silence filled the air and remained for 
several moments as Ryoga glared at Ukyo. Meanwhile the 
okonomiyaki chef was steadily avoiding his gaze by staring at the 
shamed features of Sakura. Whether this reasoning was the truth or 
lies it no longer mattered. It was null and void because Ukyo now felt 
she was at fault for putting her former lover in such a situation. In her 
steady sandalwood gaze the street fighter could see guilt shining 
clearly. 
	Unable to take the silence, Nabiki coughed loudly, drawing 
their attention. "I can understand having grievances about being 
cursed, and yes, they can be linked to Ukyo in general manner but she 
was hardly responsible for the direct event. After all," Nabiki 
reminded. "Didn't you say it was a panda and a crazy guy chasing a 
panda that did this? How exactly does Ukyo fit into this situation?" 
	"Nabiki is right," added Ranma. He saw her plan of trying to 
restore logic to the discussion. If they managed to get Ryoga to see the 
situation clinically they had a chance of getting things resolved. 
	"Ucchan didn't knock you off that cliff Ryoga," Ranma 
reasoned. "It was that guy. She can't be blamed for all of this just 
because you followed her to China. It makes as much sense as me 
blaming her for a bad test grade because she sits next to me in class."
	Dark brown eyes narrowed at this rational line of thought. Just 
as it seemed Ryoga might see things in Ukyo's favor Genma walked 
past in the hallway between the sitting room and the verandah. For 
whatever reason Genma was in his panda form and his burly figure 
caught their attention. 
	Jaw clenched Ryoga moved his gaze to bore into Genma 
panda who was in turn staring at the robed Ryoga with interest. He 
held a sign that read. <Nice outfit.> 
	"A panda," breathed Ryoga in low tones. 
	His head slowly turned until brown eyes locked onto 
sandalwood ones. Releasing a short barking laugh Ryoga snatched the 
tea kettle Ukyo had originally used on the dog Bess. With a flick of his 
wrist he sent the now cold water flying at Ukyo. Immediately a male 
Ukyo sat before Ryoga with his head lowered in shame. 
	"And a guy," Ryoga finished triumphantly.
	Quicker than the eye could see he pounced into action. Before 
he could land a vicious blow against Ukyo, which would not have 
been blocked, Ryoga was stopped by Sakura. In a smooth movement 
she leapt in front of him then grabbed both his hands. Solid feet 
planted themselves on his chest before pushing off, sending Ryoga 
flying backwards into Genma panda while Sakura flew forward. A 
dazed Ryoga shook his head, trying to regain his wits, seeing his best 
friend standing protectively in front of Ukyo. 
	 "Sakura..." began Ryoga in disbelief. "Why? It was her! All 
this time, whether we knew it or not, it was her! She really did cause 
all of our suffering! She deserves to be punished!" While this went on 
Genma panda quickly scurried away from the fray, wanting nothing to 
do with the constant complications in Ukyo's life. 
	As he said this the lost boy stumbled forward, falling to his 
knees, with the palms of his hands open in a plea for understanding. 
Softening at this heartfelt gesture Sakura moved forward to gently cup 
his face in her hands. 
	"I know. Believe me... I know. But who are we to judge 
Ryochan? We have no right to play god over her life. Just as easily we 
could've been in her position. Ukyo never meant us any harm..." 
Running the tips of her fingers softly down his cheek Sakura smiled. 
	Stepping to one side she allowed Ryoga to fully see the 
despondent figure of the male Ukyo. In an easy gesture she waved in 
the okonomiyaki chef's direction. "Look! There is your great enemy. 
Your eternal nemesis. Quite a challenge isn't she?" Directing gleaming 
green eyes at Ryoga she sneered in the fashion he used so often. "Or 
should I say he? Because after all, she isn't a she, she is also he and 
we ought to ridicule her for that. Shouldn't we? Send her into a deeper 
depression over not only her but also our own wretched existence. 
Yes! Great idea... make her as miserable as we are then we're bound 
to feel better!"
	As Ryoga stared at the pathetic figure of Ukyo, who seemed 
to be withdrawing into himself, Sakura knelt next to him. "Well," she 
whispered conspiratorially. "You got your wish. She's miserable. 
Perhaps more than we ever were. So tell me...... does it take away the 
awful events of the past two years? Does it make you feel better?" 
Tilting her head curiously Sakura continued to press him. "Does it?" 
Green eyes were now slits. "Does it?" A hard lilt entered a normally 
cheerful voice. "Does it?" Sharp searing pain as a harsh jab hit his side. 
"DOES it?"
	Snapping his head upwards Ryoga locked their eyes. "NO!" 
He roared, answering her demands. "It doesn't!! All right?! It doesn't 
make me feel better!"
	Tearing his tear away, Ryoga focused on the floor, quietly 
muttering. "It makes me feel worse. Like I've become something more 
awful than I could ever have made her out to be. And damn you for 
making me face that fact."
	The room was silent as everyone focused on the fallen figure 
of Ryoga whose hands were clenched in fists as he fought an internal 
struggle for control.
	"Ryoga," Ukyo began, breaking the tense silence. "For what 
it's worth... I am sorry." 
	Not bothering to look up Ryoga shook his head slowly. "It 
doesn't matter anymore. Whether it was you, or someone else, we still 
fell into those springs. Nothing can ever change that," Ryoga said while 
rising slowly. Bending over he gathered his belongings. "Just like 
nothing can ever make anyone truly care for me while I have this 
curse." 
	"That's not true!" Cried Akane. Speaking her first words since 
the little piglet she rescued was revealed to be Ryoga in his cursed 
form. 
	Pausing in his escape Ryoga slowly met the gaze of Akane 
who had quickly crossed the room. Holding his arms in a vice like grip 
Akane shook him slightly. 
	"Don't be stupid!" She exclaimed. "If someone truly cares for 
you it wouldn't matter that you have a curse! Look at Ranma, he 
knows about Ukyo's curse and he still cares for her...... he still wants 
her!" 
	As she said this she made a sweeping gesture towards Ranma 
who locked his blue eyes onto Ryoga and nodded in solemn 
agreement with Akane. "She's right Ryoga," he confirmed. "It doesn't 
matter to me that she has a curse. No matter how her body changes 
inside it's still Ukyo." 
	Reaching down, Ranma entwined his fingers with Ukyo's in a 
comforting hold, uncaring of their mutual male status. Pulling away 
from this sight of obvious love Ryoga moved to gaze deeply at Akane. 
Her warm brown eyes watered with emotion as she softly held his 
hands in her own. 
	"Ryoga," Akane breathed, tenderly squeezing his hands in 
reassurance. "I care for you... I-I like you.... I have since the first 
time 
we met." 
	Taken aback by the sincerity of this confession Ryoga blinked 
several times. "Really?" He questioned in wonder. Stepping forward 
he clutched onto her hands while closing the short distance between 
them. "Do you really mean it Akane? You like me? Even with this 
curse?" 
	Choked with emotion Akane could only nod in confirmation 
but it was enough for Ryoga. Normally grim features were wreathed in 
smiles. He embraced Akane in a quick and powerful hug then pulled 
away to laugh a bit madly. Whirling around Ryoga ignored the stares 
of everyone in the sitting room and laughed again joyously. Releasing a 
loud whoop of excitement he locked his eyes on Ukyo. 
	The okonomiyaki chef still looked miserable where he sat next 
to Ranma. As Ryoga walked towards him, he rose reluctantly to his 
feet expecting another brawl. Stopping a few paces in front of Ukyo 
the lost boy bore a thoughtful gaze into his opponent. Then suddenly 
his face formed another wide smile and he landed a powerful and 
friendly smack on Ukyo's shoulder.
	Laughing once more Ryoga offered his hand outward in 
friendship and queried, "Want to try and let bygones be bygones 
Kuonji?" 
	Blinking in shock, Ukyo finally released a sputtering laugh, 
before returning an excited, " You bet! Of course!" Clasping Ryoga's 
hand he shook it vigorously.
	Turning serious Ryoga said, "I can't promise anything other 
than not trying to kill you anymore. An amicable relationship is 
something we'll need to work at."
	"That's enough for me," replied Ukyo happily. 
	"Wonders of wonders," drawled Nabiki. "I guess it is true... all 
it takes is the love of a good woman." 
	Hearing this statement everyone focused on Nabiki and 
proceeded to burst into laughter at it. Sakura found the comment 
particularly amusing as both Akane and Ryoga turned bright red 
because of it. 
	"Nabiki!" Cried Akane, flushing with embarrassment.
	"Sorry sis," Nabiki conceded. Focusing her attention on 
Ryoga and Ukyo she continued. "It seems that we've resolved your 
little conflict but there is still the matter of school tomorrow." 
Directing 
her gaze at Ryoga and Sakura she said drolly, "Some of us still attend 
it." 
	"Funny," Sakura mocked. "You know that I'm planning to 
enroll at Furinkan tomorrow morning." 
	"You are?" Asked Ryoga curiously. 
	"Well yeah," said a bemused Sakura. "I figured I might as 
well...... it looks like we might be sticking around Nerima for a while." 
	"How about you Ryoga? Want to enroll with Sakura 
tomorrow?" Akane queried softly. She wore a tender smile. "If you do 
we'll both be going to the same school." 
	Concentrating on Akane the lost boy considered this 
suggestion. Finally he broke into another easy smile and replied, "Sure. 
Why not? I haven't been to school in what seems like forever." Shifting 
his gaze to Ukyo Ryoga grinned wickedly. "It'll be like old times."
	Ukyo groaned loudly at this. "Don't even......" Shaking his 
head wearily Ukyo released a loud yawn. "C'mon you guys, lets hit the 
sack. If we stay up any later and we could wake up Obasan."
	Ranma looked panicked on hearing this comment. "Ucchan is 
right. Mom'll kill us if she finds out we've been up this late." Snatching 
Ukyo's hand in his own Ranma led the way out of the sitting room. 
"I'm not getting in trouble."
	"Hey...... Ucchan?" Called Akane softly.
	Ukyo paused, ceasing Ranma's hurried exit. "Yeah Akane?" 
He questioned, tilting his head. 
	"Where exactly is Ryoga going to sleep?" Akane questioned 
looking chagrined. 
	Together everyone shifted their gazes to Nabiki who wore a 
face of amused expectancy. "You do realize," she began smugly. 
"Explaining and arranging this with the adults is going to cost all of you 
a fortune."

To be continued... 

This was inspired by the works of Rumiko Takahashi, Wade 
Tritschler, Jim Robert Bader, and many other cool folks. All
characters come from Ranma 1/2 except Sakura who graces
us from Street Fighter. 

Send comments to: Dreiser3@ix.netcom.com

Visit other Altered Destinies at:
www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/attenborough/249/index.htm

Next up: 
It's Furinkan vs. St. Hebereke in a rhythmic gymnastics fight to 
the finish pitting friend against friend. Sakura gains an admirer 
and is Ukyo really jealous?