All of his life, Ranma has listened to his father.  During that time, Ranma
believed his mother was dead.  When she shows up at the Tendou's, looking for
her son, he is told he made a promise as a child to become a man among men,
or else commit seppuku, thus hiding as Tendou Ranko.  It is at this point,
Ranma begins questioning his obedience to his father...

                         Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

                             Chapter 1:  Hidden Truths

Onna-Ranma stood in the kitchen, helping her mother prepare the meal.  She
was grateful her fiancee, Tendou Akane, agreed to leave them alone.  It made
it easier for her to get to know her mother after ten years of being apart.

Ranma was also pleased with the improvement in her relationship with Akane.
They talked more and, consequently, fought less.  Akane still hated the other
fiancees, and Ranma's inability to get rid of them, but that was minor when
compared to the discovery of several of Saotome Genma's lies.

Ranma's thoughts were interrupted by Nodoka's cheerful voice, "Ranma, could
you pass me the pepper?"

Ranma froze.  She turned to look at the woman next to her.  "W-what did you
say?"

Nodoka faced her child.  She paled when she saw the fear on the young woman's
face.  "Gods!  I'm sorry, R-Ranko.  Forgive me!  I-I've got to go."

Before Ranma could recover, Nodoka left the room.  Ranma followed as far as
the family room door.  Nodoka had already left the building when Ranma
doubled over in pain.

Genma-panda calmly watched Ranma double over from the strike to the stomach.
He didn't acknowledge the blood coming from Ranma's mouth.  He flashed a sign
before his cursed child, "Let her go.  It's better this way."

He lumbered off as Akane helped Ranma to her feet.  He shook his massive head
as her listened to Akane soothing Ranma, "It's okay, Ranma.  I'm here.  We'll
figure something out, together."

***

Ranma sat in the corner of her room.  She hugged her legs, staring into the
mirror.  Akane quietly entered the room, carrying a tray of food and hot
water.

"Ranma, are you ready to eat?"

"I'm not hungry."

Akane sighed.  "Are you ready to change?"

Ranma nodded.  "I'm sick of looking at HER."

Again, Akane sighed.  She poured the hot water over Ranma's head before
speaking.  "She's a very dear friend of mine, just like you.  I'd hate to
lose you both.  Anyway, why did your mother run away like that?"

Ranma took a deep breath.  "I think she knows.  She called HER 'Ranma.'  If
she knows, then why didn't she say something earlier?"

"Maybe she thought you weren't ready to tell her.  Maybe she doesn't care.
She seems like a wonderful woman.  We can ask her next time."

"There won't be a next time," hissed Ranma.

Akane moved to face her fiancee.  "What makes you think that?"

"Because she ran away from me.  I-I don't think Pop will let her enter the
house again."

Akane bit her lower lip.  She took a deep breath before speaking.  "Didn't
your father say your mother died just before you left on your trip?"

"Hai."

"If that's true, why did he say you made a promise to her when she first
came?"

Ranma looked at Akane.  He thought about the answer, but couldn't come up
with an answer.  "I-I don't know.  Akane, I knew Pop lied and cheated, but I
don't understand this."

Akane sighed, looking out the window.  "Maybe...maybe you should ask your
mother.  Only she can tell you what you…we need to know."

"But the promise?"

Akane shuddered.  "If the promise is real, then we'll deal with it then.
Let's not worry about that promise now.  Let's have a nice quiet dinner, the
two of us, together."

Ranma nodded slightly, causing Akane to smile.  They ate quietly.

***

Akane read the note Ranma had given her at lunch.
	Akane,
		Meet me in our special place at five.  Don't let any of the
                others follow you.  If you don't see me by six, assume we've
                been followed and go home.  I'll talk to you then.
					Ranma

Akane looked at her watch one more time.  It read 5:15.  She sighed, hoping
no one had followed her.  <What could be keeping him?> she asked herself.

"Waiting long, Akane?" asked a familiar, female voice.

Akane turned to see Onna-Ranma standing before her.  The shorter girl had on
a blue sun dress and white sandals.  Akane's jaws dropped as she noticed
Ranma's restrained breasts.  "R-Ranma?"

"Hai," smiled the young woman.

"What's going on?  Why are you dressed like this?"

"I thought about what you said last night:  I should talk to Mom about the
promise.  I figured, this time, I'd see her as a girl.  Maybe I can find out
why she called me Ranma.  If she knows about my curse, great.  If she was
just thinking about the real me, then I'll still be safe.

"Besides, since her first visit, things just haven't set right with me.  I
keep wondering what else Pop doesn't want me to know."

Ranma turned to face the canal, her long, black hair falling to her shoulder
blades in a neat pony tail.  Akane turned her back to the water, crossing her
arms.  "Do you think he has more fiancees for you?" asked Akane quietly.

"Of course.  Akane, I don't want you hurt by this.  I'm still sore from Pop's
sucker punch.  I'm going to Mom's tonight.  I'll see you in school tomorrow."

"What should I say when you don't come home?"

Ranma smiled at Akane.  "I answered a challenge."

Akane smiled.  She quickly embraced Ranma, giving her a quick peck on the
cheek.  "Good luck, Ranma," she whispered before breaking the embrace.

"T-thanks, Akane.  I'll, um, see you tomorrow."

Akane nodded before leaving for the dojo.  <As much as I want to be there for
you, Ranma, you need to do this yourself.  Besides, someone has to protect
you.>

***

Ranma took a deep breath, calming her nerves.  She had heard of this ex-
clusive school from the Kunous' ramblings.  She chuckled at the irony of her
mother being a dorm mother at an all male dorm.

Taking a determined step forward, she tried to ignore the boys standing in
the yard.

"She's so beautiful."

"And strong."

"Her mother's awfully protective of her."

"I'd protect her too."

Ranma mercifully opened the front door.  <I'll never get used to this.>

"May I...Ranma?"

Ranma turned to face her mother.  She cringed at both her name and the tears
in the woman's eyes.  "M-mom?" she choked.

Nodoka only nodded as she hugged Ranma tightly.  "My baby's home," she whis-
pered between gentle sobs.

Ranma felt her throat tighten.  "Why?"

Nodoka pushed Ranma to arms length, smiling through the tears.  "It's so good
to see you, Dear.  Come in, come in."

Ranma didn't resist as she was led into the small apartment.  She took in the
simple decor.  Serene paintings hung on the walls.  A portrait hung above the
fireplace.  She moved towards it, oblivious to her mother's calls.

"Mariko!  There's someone I want you to meet."

Ranma froze when she heard the voice.

"Coming, Mother!"

It was her voice, only softer, more feminine.  She glanced one more time at
the portrait before turning.  It was of her and her mother.  A portrait that
was never taken.

"Mariko, this is your twin brother, Ranma."

Ranma turned to face her identical twin.  "She doesn't look like my brother,"
replied Mariko with a grin.

Nodoka smiled.  "I suppose not, but now is not the time for teasing.  Ranma,
this is your twin sister, Mariko."

"H-hello," replied Ranma nervously.

Mariko hugged Ranma tightly.  "Welcome home, Little Brother.  I've wanted to
meet you since Mom told me about you."

"She did?"

"Of course!" replied Nodoka, sitting on the couch.  She motioned her children
to sit on either side of her.  "I was so proud of you when you won against
that Kunou girl, and the Golden Pair, and..."

"Wait a minute!  You knew that was me?"

"Of course!  Ranma, please listen to me.  I've been watching Furinkan High's
sporting events since Kasumi was a member of their soccer team."

"Kasumi?  She played soccer?  I don't believe it."

"It's true," replied Mariko.  "She was the best player Furinkan had.  She
played until she graduated, even after her aunt died."

"Aunt?"

"Yes, Dear," continued Nodoka.  "After Soun's wife passed away, her sister
helped out.  When Kasumi was a senior, Akemi was killed in an auto accident.
Soun and the children were devastated.  Kasumi played on, even though she had
to take care of everyone.  Poor girl, she just gave up on her dreams."

"Mom, how do you know so much about the Tendou's?"

"Because Akemi and Natsumi were my best friends.  I-I've had to raise Mariko
by myself for ten, long years.  It wasn't until the funeral that I actually
met the children.  I doubt they remember me, or Mariko."

Ranma sighed.  "I-if they did, they would have said something when we first
met."

"True.  Where were we?"

"How you knew it was me."

Nodoka smiled.  "Because, Dear, I knew what your female side looked like.  I
also knew your name when it was announced at the gymnastics meet.  I also saw
the result of your transformation at the skating challenge."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"B-because your father threatened Mariko and I if we revealed ourselves to
you before you were married."

"Married?  I was supposed to be married before I could see you?"

Both Nodoka and Mariko nodded.  Ranma clenched her fists.  "Why?" she asked
through clenched teeth.

Nodoka sighed, "I-if I didn't, he would have taken my other baby."

Ranma looked at her mother and sister.  Mariko's eyes glistened with unshed
tears.  "M-mom had to promise Dad she wouldn't acknowledge you as her child
until you married Akane."

"When was this?" asked Ranma angrily.

"Right after the match with the Golden Pair.  H-he stopped us outside of the
locker room, just before that Chinese girl came.  He threatened to take
Mariko to Jusenkyo if I acknowledged you."

"J-jusenkyo?" asked Ranma.

"Uh huh," confirmed Mariko.  "Spring of the Drowned Cat."

Ranma shook her head.  "No.  That can't be right.  You're my sister.  He
wouldn't do that to you after what happened to us."

Nodoka took Ranma into her arms, "He did, Ranma.  You are the only person he
cares about.  He wants you to be his tool against Happosai, and his own
father."

"Why?  He keeps wanting me to concede to Happosai."

"I-I don't really know.  I don't care why, as long as you grow up to be a
good, noble, and loving person," replied Nodoka.

"How can I if I have to live with him?"

"Where did you learn honor?" asked Mariko.

"The Masaki Temple, I think."

"Good.  It seems you've learned well," beamed Nodoka.

"Mom, did I really promise to commit seppuku if I failed to be a man among
men?"

"No, Sweetheart.  I-I never had the chance to say good-bye to you.  H-he took
you away before I could stop him."

"Why didn't he bring Mariko?"

"Because he hated her," replied Nodoka.

Ranma looked at her sister.  Mariko nodded.  "It's true, Ranma.  I have the
scars to prove it."

Ranma swallowed hard.  "M-may I see them?"

Mariko blushed.  Nodoka cleared her throught.  "That, Ranma," Nodoka began,
"is not appropriate.  I will say that what he did to your sister is inexcus-
able.  If he did to you what he did to her, you would know and kill him on
the spot."

Ranma looked at Mariko's downcast eyes.  "I-I see.  I won't say anything
more."

"Thank you, Bro."

"Mom, what do I do now?"

"I don't know, Dear.  I just don't know.  While you're here, tell us every-
thing.  I want to hear from you about what you've seen and done."

***

Akane sat at her desk, waiting for class to start.  She was nervous about the
whole deal.  The look Saotome Genma gave her the night before told her he
didn't believe the story.  Her thoughts were interrupted as Onna-Ranma sat in
the seat next to her.

"I made it!" breathed Ranma as the bell rang.

Whispering broke out as people noticed Ranma's dress.  Akane's eyebrows
twitched as she noticed it was different than the one worn last night.  "What
is going on, Ranma?"

Ranma turned her tired eyes toward Akane.  "I'll tell you at lunch."

Akane nodded as class started.

***

Ranma lay on her back, watching the clouds roll by in the spring breeze.  She
made sure her skirt didn't flutter in the wind.  Sighing contentedly, she put
her hands on her stomach.

"All right, Ranma, you've stalled long enough.  Why are you still a girl and
whose dress is that?" asked Akane.

"I'm like this 'cause I didn't have a chance to change before class started.
Since I didn't think to bring any male clothes, I'll just have to stay like
this until we get home."

"Whose dress?"

"Akane, I haven't done anything.  Mom's not the only one in my family I
didn't know about until recently.  The dress belongs to my twin sister,
Mariko.  She lent it to me so people wouldn't get a poor impression of me, or
her."

Akane lowered her eyes.  "I'm sorry, Ranma.  I should have trusted you more."

"Don't worry about it.  Anyway, how'd the cover story work?"

Akane frowned.  "Dad and Kasumi bought it.  Nabiki's going to be trouble, but
not as much as your father.  I think he knows."

It was Ranma's turn to frown.  "Great.  Now I'll have to find some way to
keep him off my back."

"Hello, Ranchan," spoke Kuonji Ukyou.  "What are you up to?"

"Nothing, really.  I just finished a challenge last night, so I didn't have a
chance to change."

"What kind of challenge?"

"Martial Arts Modeling.  Somebody got a picture of me to some no-talent pro-
moter and booked me for this fight."

Ukyou arched her eyebrow.  "Oh?  Did you win?"

Ranma smirked.  "Of course."

"Why didn't you invite me to watch?" asked Ukyou in a disappointed voice.

"Because it was a last minute thing.  I only had time to tell Akane-chan
about it."

<Akane-chan?> thought both women.  Ukyou answered first, "Why her?  I'm your
cute fiancee, after all."

Akane began to growl as a scowl crossed Ranma's face.  "Not today, Ucchan.  I
ain't thinking about that sort of thing today."

"And why not?  Is 'Akane-chan' on your mind?"

"Now wait a minute..." began Akane.

"She's not on my mind.  I've got other things to worry about."

"Like what?  What can she help you with that I can't?  You know I'm better
than she is."

Ranma glared at her other fiancee.  "Are you really my fiancee, or did Pop
bribe you into making me believe you are?"

Ukyou and Akane stared at Ranma as she left for another location.  "Wh-what
happened?" asked Ukyou.

"It's best if you didn't know.  Besides, you know how much pressure he's
under about his engagements," replied Akane.

"And what would you know about that?"

"More than you'd think," muttered Akane as she headed back into the building.

<He called her Akane-chan.  Damn, he's getting close to her.  Maybe I can get
Ryoga to admit his feelings for her soon.  I won't give up, Ranchan.>

                         Chapter 2:  Comfort Zones

Otoko-Ranma fought his father over the koi pond as he usually did.  He didn't
let out his usual taunts.  Genma, on the other hand, delighted in his taunts.

"What's wrong with you, Boy?  With all the challenges you've received lately,
you should be a match for the Master."

"Maybe I am, Old Man, but I'm just not in the mood."

"You sound like a girl.  That's another thing, Boy; you've been spending too
much time as a girl.  People are beginning to thing you're my daughter."

Ranma bit back his response.  He'd seen the scars on Mariko's body when they
changed clothes.  Dim images had flashed in his mind when he saw them.  The
same images flashed before him now:  an old woman being beaten by his father,
the same woman he woke up to after blacking out with fear.

"That's good, Boy.  Deny it with your fists.  That's the only way to solve
problems."

Ranma stopped, his fist millimeters from Genma's nose.  "You lose, Pop."

Ranma turned toward the house.  He smiled shyly at Akane as she handed him
his towel.  "I'm not done with you yet, Boy!"

Ranma found herself emerging from the pond.  She fumed as assumed her stance.
"The match is over, Old Man.  I gotta get ready for school."

"That can wait.  One more round..."

Ranma poured her speed and strength into the attack.  It took longer than she
expected, but Genma lay unconscious at her feet when she finished.

"I'm sorry, Ranma, but we had to eat breakfast without you," came Kasumi's
voice.

"Don't worry, Ranma, I saved you some," came Akane's voice.  "I don't think
we have time for you to change."

Ranma nodded as she toweled off.  She walked off with her fiancee.  <Why was
Pop so eager to fight me?  He changed the rules again.>

"Ranma?"

"Hmm?"

"Why were you so angry during your fight?"

Ranma looked at Akane before answering.  "Pop was saying some things that got
me thinking again."

"About what?"

Ranma sighed.  She promised Mariko should wouldn't tell anyone about the
scars.  "I-I think I remember something Pop did when I was little.  I think
it had to do with the Neko-ken training."

"Oh.  I'm sorry.  You seem a little tense."

"I guess.  I've been trying to think of a better way to see Mom and 'Ko.
Weekends just aren't enough."

Akane smiled wistfully.  "At least you have a mother to see," whispered
Akane.

Ranma cringed.  "I'm sorry, Akane-chan.  I didn't mean it that way.  Really!"
she exclaimed as she hugged Akane.

"It's okay, Ranma.  I'm happy for you.  And whenever I see your mother, I'm
happy.  She and your sister make me feel like I'm one of the family."

Ranma let go of Akane.  "I'm glad.  As far as I'm concerned, you are a part
of my family."

"Really!"

"Really."  Ranma looked around, trying to see if anyone was watching.  "I
want to make this official, Akane-chan, just in case something happens to
me."

"What could happen to you?" asked Akane in concern.

"I-I don't know.  Maybe Pop dragging me away from here, Cologne kidnapping
me, or Herb coming back for revenge.  Anyway, will you marry me?"

Akane's eyes watered.  "Hai.  I'll marry you."

Ranma hugged Akane tightly.  "Thank you, Akane-chan.  These past few weeks,
with you, Mom, and Sis, have been wonderful."

Akane broke the embrace, kissing Ranma on the lips.  "Don't get the wrong
idea, pervert, I like you as a man."

Ranma smiled.  "So do I."

Both laughed as they walked down the street.  Neither saw the figure walk out
from behind the tree.  "I'm sorry, Tendou.  The boy's not ready yet."

***

"Ah!  'Tis my beloved goddesses!  Hast thou come to admit thy love?" called
Kunou.

"NO!" replied the pair, punching him in the face.

Kunou staggered to his feet, concentrating on his next words.  "But Saotome
has fled.  So sayeth his father."

Ranma and Akane stared at the kendoist as he fell to the ground.  They looked
at each other, wondering what was going on.

"Akane, meet me at our spot after school."

"Ranma, where are you going?"

"I need to check on something, first.  I'll meet you later."

Before Akane could say anything, Ranma disappeared down the streets.  She
sighed, turning around.  She stopped when she turned into Ukyou.

"What was that all about, Akane?"

"I can't tell you, Ukyou."

"Can't or won't?"

Akane clenched her fists, trying to control her anger.  "Some things have
been happening to us since Ranma found out he had a mother."

"Such as?" asked Ukyou through clenched teeth.

Akane sighed.  "Ranma and I don't fight much, anymore.  We actually talk
about our problems better than we did two months ago."

"Why?"

Akane looked at Ukyou in surprise.  "Because that's what fiancees do.  We
talk about our problems, and our dreams."

Ukyou scowled.  "And why isn't he talking to me?  I'm his cute fiancee.  I've
been engaged to him longer.  I'm his friend.  I'm an all-around better person
than you are."

Akane slapped Ukyou, though she wanted to pound her rival.  "Are you?  Do you
think about Ranma's problems, or just your marrying him?  Do you know what he
goes through every day because of his curse?  Do you know what he has gone
through with his father?"

"Do you?"

"Hai!  I know because I live it.  Ranma hates his curse, maybe more than any-
thing else.  I've seen him keep an eye on glasses, cups, buckets, anything
that carries liquids.  I've also seen him watching young mothers with a far
away look.  I've had to protect him from cats.  Do you know why?"

Ukyou shook her head.  "Because of his idiotic father.  You think your life
was ruined by Saotome Genma, then you should see Ranma's life.  Be glad Genma
only stole your family's yatai, and not your future."

"Without, Ranma, my future is meaningless."

Akane took a ragged breath.  "Then perhaps it's time to find something else.
Something's happening with Ranma.  I don't know what, exactly, but something
is happening.  I-I'm prepared to face it."

Before Ukyou could reply, Akane turned to leave.  <Oh, Ranma!  We need to
tell Ukyou about us.  If not, she'll only hurt herself, and you, more.>

***

Ranma snuck into the house.  He looked around for his father.  Quietly, he
moved through the rooms.  He reached for the door to his room.

"Good, you're here."

Ranma spun around, facing his father.  Ranma narrowed his eyes.  "What's the
big idea telling Kunou I've left?"

"To the point.  Good, you're learning.  I told him you were leaving on a
training trip today.  You and I are going to the mountains to work on the
Art."

"I'm still in school, Old Man."

"Not anymore.  I withdrew you yesterday.  How are you going to be a martial
artist with grades like yours?"

"I don't know what I'm getting, so I can't answer that."

"What would your mother think?"

"I wouldn't know.  I'm not allowed to see her," yelled Ranma.

Genma punched his son in the stomach.  "With good reason, Boy.  We leave in
an hour.  I think you can pack by yourself."

Ranma nodded as he coughed.  <When did he get so strong?  I've gotta lose
him.>

Ranma stood and entered his room.  He dug out his backpack.  He began pulling
his clothes from his drawers.  <I can't go with him.  I've got to get away
from him.  But how?>

Ranma continued to pack, until he found the pictures he used to defeat
Happosai.  He started to smile as he formed a plan in his head.  <Now to let
Akane know about this.>

***

The crowds moved about the station in a steady pace as Genma and Ranma waited
for their opportunity.  Hearing the announcement of the next train, Ranma set
his plan in motion.  "Hey, Old Man, I gotta take a leak.  I'll be back in
time for the train."

Genma grunted as he palmed another wallet from a passerby.  Ranma frowned as
he melted into the large group.  When he reached the restrooms, he took a
careful glance around before changing his gender.

She entered the women's restroom without hesitation.  She smiled at the of-
fice ladies as they moved to and from the sinks.  Seeing an open stall, Ranma
went to it.

Closing the door, she took a deep, calming breath.  <I have to do this.  I
have no choice.>

Ranma opened her heavy backpack.  She carefully pulled out her hidden items.
Unbuttoning her red, silk shirt, she looked at her trembling hands.  She
flexed them a few times before removing her shirt and tank top.

She then put on a bra she borrowed from Akane.  She tested the fit before
putting on a white, long-sleeved mock turtleneck shirt.  Ranma smiled as she
pulled off her pants.  <Maybe I should make arrangements with Akane to wear a
bra anytime I'm a girl.>

Ranma shuddered as she pulled off her boxers.  <I've got no choice if me and
Akane are going to be happy,> she told herself as she put on a pair of
panties.

The final, larger clothing item was the coveralls she borrowed.  They weren't
as cute as the set she had first borrowed from Akane several months ago.
This set was a practical, faded denim.

The finishing touches to her disguise were the tennis shoes, rings, clip-on
earrings, and glasses.  She was glad that she could fit into Akane's grubby
shoes.  The rings were almost too big for her, but she had taken great care
in selecting them.  The earrings and glasses were part of some disguises she
had used against Ryoga and Happosai.

After carefully folding her original clothes and returning them to the pack,
she picked up a small purse and stepped out of the stall.  She stared at her
image for a few seconds before undoing her hair and straightening the ear-
rings.  She smiled as she brushed her long, black hair.  She stuck the
dragon's whisker she kept in the purse.

Nodding to herself, Ranma stepped out of the empty restroom.  She spotted her
father looking over the crowd.  She walked confidently over to an information
booth.  "Excuse me, Miss?"

"How can I help you?" asked the attendant with a bow.

"Someone seems to have left a large backpack in the women's restroom.  Who-
ever it was, looks like she was going camping."

"Thank you.  I'll have someone get it soon.  Have a good day."

"You too," bowed Ranma as she went to the platform.

When she boarded the train, she saw Genma heading for the bathrooms.
<Gotcha, Old Man.  You should think I've gone back to the dojo.  If the gods
are with me, I'll be settled before you realize what's up.>

***

Akane walked into her bedroom.  As much as she wanted to go to their secret
place, she knew Ukyou was following her.  Ranma would have been upset if
Ukyou found them.  She sighed, hoping to be able to go there in a half hour.

She removed her school uniform.  She opened the drawer that held her gi.  On
it was a letter addressed to her in English.  She opened it as she sat on her
bed.

	Akane,

		Sorry I wasn't at our meeting place.  Pop decided to drag me
                on a training trip.  That's why Kunou thought I was gone.
                Well, I am.  First chance I get, I'm making a break for
                Mom's.

		I couldn't think of an easy way to get away, so I borrowed
                some of your clothes to disguise myself.  Hope you don't
                mind.  Anyway, I'll call you in a couple of days.

		I'll be calling myself Mariko.  Sis won't mind.  I'll send
                her your love.  I miss you already.

Akane smiled.  "Hentai," she whispered as she tore up the note.  <Right now,
I'd let you have anything you wanted.  Best not to let anyone see this.>

                       Chapter 3:  Freedoms and Truths

Ranma walked up to the gate of the dorm.  She smiled at the boys as they eyed
her.  Though they thought she smiled at them, she was smiling at the success
of her plan.  She entered the building.

"Ahem!  Girls are not allowed in the dorms."

Ranma turned to face the speaker.  He was in his mid thirties.  His thick
hair cut in a typical businessman's style.  He had his arms across his chest.
"Do you have business here?"

Ranma collected her courage.  "I've come to see my mother, Saotome Nodoka."

The man frowned.  "How many daughters does she have?  Wait here," growled the
man.

Ranma clenched her right fist.  <Stay calm.  He doesn't know anything.>

"Ranchan?  What are you doing here?  Shouldn't you be in school?"

Ranma smiled at her mother as she was swept into a hug.  "Pop tried to take
me on another training trip.  I didn't want to go, so I gave him the slip.  I
hope he doesn't check here."

Nodoka released her child.  "So do I.  We'll talk about this later, Dear.
Fukuda-san, this is my other daughter..."

"Ranko," interrupted Ranma with a polite bow.

The man's face darkened as he looked at Mariiko's twin.  "I will not permit
another girl living in this building.  You should return home."

Fukuda left before either Ranma or Nodoka could say anything.  Nodoka patted
Ranma's shoulder as she led her child into her office.  "So, 'Ranko,' how
long will you stay?"

Ranma cringed slightly as she shrug.  "I don't know.  Hopefully, it will be
just until Pop realizes I don't want to travel anymore."

"That won't happen.  At least, not anytime soon.  Why would he want to take
you away so soon?"

"I don't know.  When we practiced this morning, he was awfully eager to keep
going.  He was turning down Kasumi's food."

Nodoka pondered this for a moment.  "Was this going to be a short trip?"

Ranma shook her head.  "I don't know.  He withdrew me from school.  He said
something about grades."

Nodoka smiled.  "That good, huh?"

"I don't know, Mom.  I wish I did, but I don't pay much attention.  It's hard
when Pop is breathing down my neck and I get challenged every other day."

Nodoka nodded in sympathy.  "Tell me, 'Ranko,'  do I have triplets?"

Ranma looked at her mother without comprehension.  Slowly, the words hit
home.  A dry, humorless laugh came from the young woman.  "I guess so.  At
least I'm not married to myself."

Nodoka nodded, her features darkening slightly.  "Hai.  At least you are not
married to yourself."