A Little Motherly Love Chapter Three (03/20/98 last revised) by Celeste Byrd ===== Ranma 1/2 is copyrighted 1998 by Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan Inc. and anyone else who rightfully owns the copyrights. This fanfic is solely for entertainment purposes and NOT for monetary benefit. Please don't sue me. Any similarities with other fanfics are purely coincidential unless stated otherwise. This fanfic was inspired by Wade Tritschler's Altered Destinies series, and he has given me permission to use the title. Questions, comments, ideas, suggestions, and constructive criticism are always welcome. Please read the previous chapter(s) to understand the storyline. () Depicts character actions, emotions, sounds "" Denotes changes in the voice [] Translates thoughts <> Chinese dialogue ===== R A N M A 1 / 2 A L I T T L E M O T H E R L Y L O V E An Altered Destiny SCENE: Ranma opens the classroom door to the sounds of vibrant shouting. Many of the students have stood up to cheer their new high school champion, much to the surprise of Ranma and to the dismay of Akane. Several male students come up to pat Ranma on the back for a job well done, and several females rub up to him to give him their phone numbers while earning a glare from Akane and (surprisingly) Nabiki. Ranma: (rubbing his head as he takes his seat) Damn, my head hurts. Kunou can sure know how to put someone into their misery. Akane: (taking her seat behind behind him) But Kunou didn't even hit you! Ranma: I'm talking about my ears. (pointing at them) They're still ringing from the stupid poetry he kept sprouting out of that strange opening. Akane: You mean his mouth? Ranma: His mouth? So "that's" what it was! He had it open the whole time! Poor guy, it must cut all the oxygen to his brain! Akane: Hmph. (remembering something) By the way, what was with the finger? Ranma: Finger? Akane: Yes! FLASHBACK: Furinkan High soccer field. In the battle against Kunou, Ranma leaps into the air and points a finger at Kunou's head. As Kunou raises his arm to block the attack, Ranma spins and kicks Kunou into unconsciousness. Ranma: (remembering) Oh, "that" finger! Akane: Yes, "THAT" finger! What was that for?! SCENE: The noise dies down as the teacher walks into class. Ranma opens his textbook and then turns to look at Akane. Ranma: (whispering innocently) He'll find out soon enough. ===== SCENE: Nabiki and Kunou are in their own class, examining a small mirror. Well, more like Kunou is examining the mirror and Nabiki is counting her rather "meager" profit. Kunou: Hmm... Nabiki: (looking up) Amazing, isn't it? And you don't remember being touched? Kunou: (sneering) Hmph. And at first I thought Saotome was good... but he can't even spell! SCENE: Kunou walks up to the blackboard and writes something on the board. Kunou: "THIS" is how you spell it! Nabiki: Er... (looking at the board) I hate to tell you this, but Ranma's spelt it perfectly. Kunou: I detest you. ===== SCENE: Ranma is laying back on his chair, contently sleeping the day away. The teacher has long given up trying to catch him unawares, for every question he fired at him, Ranma would answer it correctly without even waking up. Any teacher would be mildly annoyed if their student could recite the entire history of Japan in their sleep. So when Ranma shot up awake shouting at the top of his lungs, the teacher saw this as a just opportunity to send him out into the hall. At the same time in another room, Kunou started to rant and was also sent out. Gee, guess what Nabiki said. Ranma: (dodging a thrown bucket of water) Wha--? Kunou: NEVER! Ranma: What'd ya think you-re...?! Kunou: (striking a pose) I will never accept your engagement to the Tendou girls! SCENE: The hall is suddenly filled with students, all who are craning to listen to the news. Akane and Nabiki have both joined Ranma in waving off rumours. Student 1: WHAT?! An engagement?! Student 2: Lucky guy! Ranma: I'd never--! Student 3: I thought you "hated" boys, Akane! Akane: Wait! The engagement, it's not true--! Student 4: Nabiki! Were you paid? Nabiki: It was our parents, we--! Student 5: How could you, Akane?! SCENE: Kunou pulls a new bokken out of his robes and attacks Ranma's buckets. Ranma jumps out of the path of the water and bounces away. Kunou runs after him. Kunou: Coward! Stand your ground! Ranma: (looking behind himself) You moron! This is no place to fight! Follow me! Kunou: That I shall! SCENE: As Ranma and Kunou run down the hall, the rest of the students start to follow the potential fighters. Male students: This is great! A fight during class! Female students: And the winner gets to go out with either Akane or Nabiki! Ranma, Akane & Nabiki: .... SCENE: Ranma finds an open window and grabs onto the frame, ready to leap out. Ranma: If you really want to fight, follow me outside! Kunou: Fine! Fear not! Student: Hey, this is the third floor! Kunou: Ak! Ranma: Hey Kunou, afraid of--? SCENE: Ranma finally looks to see where he'll land. Right into the school's swimming pool. Both Kunou and Ranma disappear underwater. Student 1: Lucky there was a pool there. Student 2: Yeah. Akane: [You idiot!] C'mon Nabiki. SCENE: The pool calms down for a few seconds, then two bodies could be seen emerging. One of the bodies slams the other into the concrete and summersaults away. Student 1: There's Kunou. Student 2: Was that Ranma who jumped into the woods--? Student 3: I think so, but didn't that body... Student 2: ...look a little smaller? Yeah. Student 1: You think he shrunk or something? Student 3: No, probably an illusion. SCENE: Down below, Kunou groggily wakes up. He thinks about his last fight with Saotome in the pool. He then realizes something odd about his opponent. When he had grabbed Ranma, he was sure he felt... Kunou: That was... a woman. Yes, a woman. Which means... (gets angry) Saotome Ranma, you coward! Hiding from the great Kunou! Where do you think you've escaped?! ===== SCENE: Ranma-chan is in a tree, wringing her soaked clothing. She grimices as she recalls the 'fight.' Ranma-chan: What a pervert. He didn't even have to squeeze "that" hard! Well, I guess he knows about me. Akane: You fool! Ranma-chan: What? Akane: (coming out under the tree) Just how dumb can you be? Jumping into the pool of your own free will! Ranma-chan: Waitasec, I didn't even know the pool was there! Akane: Oh, like you expect me to believe you could jump three stories without getting hurt? Ranma-chan: Believe it or not, it's true. Akane: Whatever. Ranma-chan: Just shut up, will you? Nabiki: (coming up beside Akane) I guess you won't need this kettle then. Ranma-chan: No! I mean, yes! I need it! Akane: Huh? Kunou: (from a distance) Whither Saotome?! Akane: I'll buy us some time. Nabiki, give the kettle to Ranma so he can change back! Nabiki: Right. (as Akane leaves, she looks up at Ranma) Er, you wouldn't mind getting down first? ===== SCENE: On Furinkan's main field, Akane confronts Kunou, who is still sopping wet. Kunou: Eh? Tendou Akane? Akane: (stepping into a stance) Kunou-sempai, I challenge you! Kunou: Akane... Oh Akane... (sighing) Never did I dream "you" would challenge me for a date! So be it! If you win, I shall let you go out with me! Thus, I shall lose with all my might! Akane: (repulsed) Who wants to go out on a date with you?! [Ranma, change back while I buy you some time!] SCENE: Kunou steps forward and slashes his bokken down upon Akane. At the last moment, Akane claps her hands, catching the blade in her palms. Using the blade as a lever, she drops to the ground, trips Kunou onto her leg and, like a spring board, Akane kicks her leg out causing Kunou to go flying into the woods. Akane: (panting) That'll take care of... (realizing the trajectory of Kunou's flight) Oh no. ===== SCENE: Nabiki has finished handing the kettle to Ranma-chan and is now waiting expectantly for her to change back. Ranma is about to lift the kettle to pour its contents when Kunou comes flying down and into the kettle. Surprisingly, Kunou remains suspended on the kettle. Nabiki: Kunou! Kunou: (turning his head to look at the kettle's holder) You're that girl! Akane: (running up) You're still a girl?! Ranma-chan: What'dya expect?! Kunou: Have you seen a boy with a pigtail come by here? Ranma: Uh-uh. Kunou: Hmph. That coward, running away from a fight! No doubt he feared my prowess. He is no man! HE IS NO MAN! SCENE: Ranma drops the kettle, causing Kunou to fall three metres on his head. Kunou of course could not feel the pain after falling on his head constantly during childhood. It was a small miracle Kunou even went to high school. Ranma: I'm not going to sit around and take this! I can take you any day of the week! (pulling a Kenpou stance) C'mon! Fight! Kunou: How amusing. And if you win... (strikes out at Ranma, who dodges) I will allow you with date with me! Ranma: And who's asking... (grabs the bokken as leverage and kicks Kunou in the face) To go out with you?! Kunou: [This girl... is skilled! Just as good as Akane! No... better than Akane!] Ranma: (twirling the bokken in one hand) And guess what? Saotome Ranma's better than me! Kunou: [Who is she?] Ranma: C'mon, lets go home. Nabiki: School is still in session, you know. ===== SCENE: Music can be heard drifting out of the training hall. Inside, Ranma-chan is playing a flute while perfectly balancing on her head. Nodoka is coaching her on the technique, and Kasumi is watching the entire facade. After a few minutes, Ranma stops playing, and Kasumi claps. Kasumi: That was wonderful! Ranma-chan: (blushing slightly) Thank you, Kasumi. Kasumi: Where did you learn to play all those instruments? Ranma-chan: (looking around at the various musical instruments laying on the mats) When we travelled, part of the training was to play music while performing martial arts. It's calming, and helps me attain my rhythm. Kasumi: But why are you a girl? Ranma: Well, it's kinda embarrassing to play the flute as a guy. Kasumi: Well, it's time for me to go fix dinner. Ranma-chan: I'll help you. Kasumi: Why thank you, Ranma. Nodoka: In a minute, Kasumi. I have to talk to my son for a moment. SCENE: Kasumi leaves the dojo and into the house. Back in the training hall, Nodoka and Ranma are tidying up and putting the mats away. Nodoka: So, how was your first day in a new school? Ranma: It was okay. Nodoka: I heard you got into a fight there. Ranma: Three fights, actually. Nodoka: (incredious) Three fights?! Didn't I teach you only to fight in self-defense? Ranma: It "was" in self-defense. All three were with the same person! Nodoka: I hope you didn't start a grudge or anything. Ranma: Don't worry about me, mom. Nodoka: I'm not. I'm worrying about your opponent. Anyway, I heard Akane and Nabiki looked after you today. Ranma: It wasn't like I asked them to. Nodoka: Like it or not, you have to thank them. Ranma: What?! Nodoka: Are you a man? Ranma: Right now? No. Nodoka: Even a woman shows graditude, you know. Ranma: (sighing) All right, I'll do it. ===== Nabiki: Come on, Akane. What's so wrong about a boy who turns into a girl? Akane: Lots of things! SCENE: Nabiki is in Akane's room, practicing some simple leg exercises. Akane is at her desk doing her homework. Nabiki: It's not so bad, if you think about it. Akane: It's easy for you to say. Everyone's spreading rumours about us! They're saying he's our fiance! Nabiki: Well, he is. Akane: Do you want everyone thinking "we're" perverts, too? SCENE: Behind the door, Ranma stops in mid-knock and angrily walks down stairs. Ranma: Why that little--! And I'm supposed to be thanking HER?! ===== SCENE: It is after dinner, and the sun is setting. Nabiki is watching it set from her bedroom window. She liked to watch the sun set, for it always calmed her. Nabiki was about to close the blinds when Ranma (in male form) appeared upside-down and knocking on the glass. Nabiki: (opening the window) What is it? Ranma: Um, well... I'd like to say... thanks. Nabiki: (completely caught off guard) For what? Ranma: Um, for helping me at school today. Nabiki: I didn't do anything but give you the kettle! Ranma: I know... but thanks anyway. SCENE: Ranma then bends his legs causing him to flip away from the window and onto the roof. Nabiki shakes her head and closes the window. There is a knocking at her door, and Nabiki crosses the room to open it. Akane is standing on the other side. Akane: I heard talking in this room. What happened? Nabiki: Nothing, really. I just turned on my stereo a little too loud, that's all. Akane: Oh. Okay. SCENE: Akane goes back to her room and closes the door. Nabiki closes her own door, sits at her desk and lays her head on her arms. Nabiki: Hmm. He's not entirely bad after all... ===== SCENE: The next day. Kunou walks up to Nabiki and puts a wad of cash on her desk. Nabiki looks at it uncomprehendingly for a minute before putting her book away. Nabiki: A gift for me? Kunou: Had this fair sum of money been a gift for thou I would doth told. I need some information concerning a girl with a pigtail and Chinese clothes. Nabiki: [Should I tell him I know who he's talking about?] And you want me to get it for you. Kunou: Correct. Nabiki: [Well, I guess it won't hurt if I give only a little.] I know the pigtailed girl. Kunou: WHAT! Can this be true?! (goes to his desk and writes a letter) [If she thinks she can defeat Kunou Takewaki and simply walk away, she is sadly mistaken!] (hands the letter to Nabiki) Give this to the pigtailed girl the next time you see her! ===== Ranma: 'Meet me on Sunday at the tenth hour in the second field of the Furinkan High School'? (to Nabiki) Sounds like a duel. Nabiki: It "was" addressed to your girl side. Kunou really hates to lose! Ranma: (crumpling the letter) Hmph. I'll be there. ===== SCENE: It is Sunday. Ranma-chan is walking home in a state of shock, a bundle of roses in her hand. Akane sees her and walks up. Akane: What happened? Ranma: .... Akane: (looking at the bouquet) No, don't tell me... he likes your girl side! (breaks down laughing) Ranma: ... HEY! It's not funny, you know! Akane: (between laughs) It sure is to me! Ranma: (angry) No! I'm a guy! A guy! Akane: But currently in female form! Ranma: ... Oh forget it! It's not like you understand anyway. Akane: (watching Ranma walk off) [What was that all about?] SCENE: Suddenly, a voice can heard from above. Akane looks up to see a blur cascading down on Ranma, and a glint of metal could be seen. Voice: SAOTOME RANMA! PREPARE TO DIE! %End Chapter Three ======================================================================== %Afterword Amazing, ain't it? Once you finish a school project they throw seven more at you. Send in your comments, etc. to [belldandy@studio-aesir.net]. Special thanks to everyone who sended in comments and I've replied to personally, they of course know who they are. Thanks to Wade Tritschler for pre-reading my work and giving me helpful suggestions to improve my 'writing style.' If anyone's interested, check out my second attempt at a fanfic at [http://studio-aesir.net/fanfics/nkranma.html]. It's a crossover between Ranma 1/2 and All-Purpose Cultural Cat-Girl Nuku Nuku. It's in prose, so you can shut your mouth now.