(Scene:  Scott's apartment, which for once is actually decorated 

a bit for Christmas.  Akane is attempting to knit something (soft 

sculpture?  hard to tell) while Shampoo is writing furiously, tongue 

tucked in one corner of her mouth.)


Shampoo:  How you spell "matrimonial"?


Akane:  M-a-t-r-i-m-o-n-i-a-l, I think.  But that's not going to work. 


Shampoo:  Hah!  Shampoo not know why she not think of this plan sooner! 


	(Scott and Ranma enter, bearing several bags (mostly from grocery 

stores) and go into the kitchen.  Scott comes back out.)


Scott:  Whatcha writing, Shampoo?


Shampoo:  Letter!  We no have Christmas in Amazon village, so Shampoo not 

get gifts from Santa all this time.  So Shampoo send him letter, saying she 

will forget all gifts he owe her, if Santa help Shampoo get Ranma for 

Christmas!


	(Scott considers telling her there's no Santa Claus, then 

remembers who he's talking to and where she came from...) 


Scott:  Shampoo, Christmas isn't about how much or what you get.  

Presents aren't even the main point of Christmas.


Shampoo & Ranma (together):  They aren't?!


Scott:  You should sit down for this.  The "Real Meaning of Christmas" 

speech takes a while.  Now, many years ago in the city of Bethlehem...


	(Scott tells the Christmas Story.  Most of our readers should 

know it by heart, even if they never celebrate Christmas...)


Scott:  ..."For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son, 

that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal 

life."  And that's the real meaning of Christmas.


Shampoo:  Okay!  But Shampoo confused.  Where Santa come in?


Scott:  That's another long story.


Akane:  And one that will have to wait.  It's time for another chapter of 

"Twilight Existence." 


Shampoo:  Shampoo not remember that one.


Ranma:  Well, in this one, the Jyuusenkyo springs change minds as well as 

bodies, so my female side is pretty much a whole other person who calls 

herself "Ranko." 


Akane:  Things have progressed pretty much as before, although Ryouga now 

turns into a boy named Shinnosuke instead of P-chan.


Shampoo:  Shampoo marry Ranma in this one?


Ranma:  Actually, Ranko didn't fight you in this world, so you aren't 

hunting her down.  I doubt it.


Shampoo:  How come Shampoo never get marry Ranma?


Scott:  There was "Deep Reflections".


Shampoo:  How come Shampoo never marry Ranma in happy stories?


Scott, Ranma and Akane:  *sigh*


			TWILIGHT EXISTENCE

			by Scott K. Jamison

			(Takahashi Disclaimer)

			Chapter Six


	[That was *Ryouga*?] wrote Ranma in our diary.  [I remember some 

guy jumping by while I got a stone out of my shoe.  I guess he was 

shouting something; I wasn't paying attention.  If I'd've known it was 

Ryouga, I would've gone to see what happened to him.

	[Pops is still changing the subject whenever I ask about Mom.  I 

think him turning into a panda one time was actually deliberate!  You try 

asking him.  But I got a funny feeling maybe we don't wanna know.]

	I inscribed the details of my own day (mine tended to be less 

eventful than Ranma's, so it was a short entry.)  It was still several 

hours till supper, and Father had given me a small allowance, so I 

decided to get some snacks.  It was cool out, so I put Ranma's jacket on, 

and a Mao hat. 

	Unfair though it may be, cuteness definitely has its advantages.  

For example, when I stopped by the sweet bun shop, all I had to do was 

turn on the cute and the counterman said, "You're such a sweet little 

girl!  Here, have another bun--for free!"

	"Oooo!  Golly!  Thank you so much!"  My appetite is just as big 

as Ranma's, in proportion to my size.  Extra food is something not to be 

passed up.  But "cute" doesn't work on everyone.  Pity, that. 

	As I walked down the street, I heard shouting from an empty lot, 

so I rounded the wall to see what was up.  (I share an unhealthy 

curiousity with my brother.)  Three figures in gym sweats, their heads 

wrapped in bandages, surrounded a girl in a school uniform I didn't 

recognize.  She had a ponytail tied to one side, and was carrying a gym 

bag.  Even though the others were carrying clubs, she carried herself as 

if she were the one in charge of the situation. 

	"We're finishing you off here and now!" shouted one of the 

bandaged figures.  "Prepare to die!!"

	The ponytailed girl didn't hesitate.  She drew a gymnastics 

ribbon from her gym bag as she dropped it, and unwound the ribbon with a 

snap. 

	"Forgive me, please, if I've failed to convey my message!!" she 

said, as she whipped the ribbon about, knocking her opponents off their 

feet.  "If I may restate it...perhaps this...or this...or *this* will be 

clearer!" She was repeatedly lashing them with the ribbon, actually 

cutting their clothing, and possibly the skin beneath.  Even though her 

voice was smooth, I could see bloodloust in her eyes and cruelty in her 

smile.  I had to stop this somehow.

	The next time the ribbon was on the backswing I snagged it.  The 

ponytailed girl wasn't at all thrown off balance, though she was 

obviously surprised. 

	"Don't you think that's enough?" I asked.  "I mean, you've 

already won, right?"  I was hoping she could accept her victory and move 

on. 

	"You caught that ribbon as if it were nothing." she replied.  "If 

you'll forgive me, you seem to be no ordinary girl." 

	"Uh, yes...I guess you could say that!"  I was a long way from 

ordinary, indeed. 

	"Good...because I prefer not to treat girls--" she flipped her 

foot and brought one of the discarded clubs to her hand, "--with ordinary 

courtesy!!"  She lunged at me with the club.  I ducked and rolled out of 

the way.  She did a very nice somersault, and we came up facing each 

other.  I tried to look more brave than I felt. 

	She gave me a crooked smile.  "Well.  You are very good!  Heh."  

She produced a flower from her sleeve and tossed it to me.  "Remember.  

I'm called the Black Rose of Hebereke Girl's School.  Kodachi...the Black 

Rose.  Please don't forget it."  Then she bounded off, laughing like a 

madwoman.  

	"Miss Kodachi, you forgot your...gym bag."  But she was already 

out of sight. 

	The bandaged people started weeping.  "Oh, how humiliating!" 

	"Hey, what's with the crying?  You attacked her, remember?  

Besides, I thought boys didn't cry."

	"We're not boys!" one said as they ripped off the bandages hiding 

their faces.  "We're the Furinkan rhythmic gymnastics team!"  They were 

really beat-up looking, but still recognizable as girls from my class.  

And from the look of it, they'd been beaten up *before* they attacked 

Kodachi.  

	"Say, you're Ranko Saotome, aren't you?" asked one, Hiroko.  "You 

live with Akane Tendou?"

	"That's right." 

	"We'll have to go to Plan B then.  Could you take us to the Dojo, 

please?"

	I dropped off Kodachi's gym bag at the nearest police box and we 

proceeded to the Tendou home. 

	I fetched some tea while Kasumi found Akane.  Then the girls 

explained their problem.  

	"Every member of the team...injured?!"  Akane asked.

	"We were ambushed!" replied Hiroko. 

	"Now we'll have to withdraw from the match!" put in another 

girl.  

	"Then...you want me to take your place?"  Akane looked puzzled. 

	"Please, Akane!  There's nothing else we can do!" pleaded 

Hiroko.  "You see, this next match...is Martial Rhythmic Gymnastics!" 

	"What's that?" I asked.

	"Simply put, the schools' champions fight with the techniques of 

rhythmic gymnastics!" 

	"Fight?  Girls beating each other up with ribbons and clubs?  

That sounds awful!" 

	Hiroko shrugged.  "It's a relatively new wrinkle.  Truth to tell, 

most of us aren't very good at fighting.  Even if we weren't so injured, 

we probably couldn't have beat Hebereke in next week's match.  But 

this..this *cheating* is just too much!" 

	"I'm still not sure I get it..." said Akane, "but all right!  I 

will avenge you!" 

	"Ohhh, thank you, Akane!"  They clutched her hands as though 

there were no tomorrow. 

	After dinner, Akane and I went out to the training hall.  She had 

put on her gi, and was looking at the equipment the gymnasts had left 

behind. 

	"I shouldn't have agreed so quickly.  I don't even know how to 

use these things.  Maybe you should be doing this, Ranko.  You're pretty 

acrobatic."

	"You know I don't like violence.  You'll do fine, Akane."

	"Excuse me." came a male voice from the doorway.

	"Ryouga?"

	"Shinnosuke, actually."  Ryouga's other half smiled as he came 

in.  "Good to see you folks again.  Would you believe Ryouga doesn't have 

his own address written down anywhere?"

	"Sounds about right.  I'm afraid I don't know where he lives 

either.  You, Ranko?"

	"No, but Ranma knows where he used to live.  You can ask him 

later." 

	"Thanks.  What's up with you girls?" 

	I explained the circumstances as Akane warmed up.  She took a 

club in each hand, leapt into the air, twirled the clubs...and dropped 

them.  

	"Is that supposed to happen?" asked Shinnosuke.  Akane flushed 

red.  

	"Very funny.  Let's try the ribbon."  It quickly became obvious 

she didn't know how to use that either.

	"Are you supposed to get tangled up?"

	"Shh!" I warned.  I could see Akane's frustration rising.  

	Next, Akane tried the hoop.  Unfortunately, she didn't quite 

clear the hoop as she somersaulted through it, and it snapped.  

Shinnosuke was about to say something, but I put my hand over his mouth.  

"That does it!" snarled Akane as she stamped her foot. 

	Shinnosuke took my hand off his mouth.  "I remember seeing some 

notes on rhythmic gymnastics in my backpack.  Maybe Ryouga knows 

something about it.  I'll go check."  He left the hall. 

	Akane's attempt to use the ball was equally disastrous.  She 

burst into tears.  "I'm a klutz!  I'm a klutz!  I'm a klutz!" 

	"Don't worry, Akane.  With some practice, your natural grace will 

come through."

	"I can instruct you." came a voice from the door.  It was 

Ryouga.  I could tell now by his bearing.  Much more self-assured than 

Shinnosuke, almost arrogant. 

	"Ryouga...?" asked Akane, just to make sure. 

	"Yes.  According to this note," he held up a piece of paper, "you 

need some training in martial rhythmic gymnastics." 

	"You know that stuff?" I asked.  "Where'd you learn it?" 

	"The same place I learned my other weapons skills...and no, I do 

not care to say where that was.  Observe.  The ribbon."  He picked up the 

long strip of cloth, untangled it, and then spin-snapped it at me.  The 

ribbon struck four times right next to me.  If I'd flinched, I could have 

been hurt.

	"That was amazing, but you should be more careful of Ranko." said 

Akane.  

	"Gosh."  Ryouga blushed while making the ribbon hover.  I 

suspected he still harbored some resentment towards me. 

	After a couple of hours, Ryouga called a halt. 

	"That's enough special drilling for today."  I thought so too.  

He'd been using me as the demonstration target.  Never quite connecting, 

but coming way too close. 

	Panting heavily, Akane said "Thank you...so much." 

	"You handled the ribbon very well.  You're making very quick 

progress." 

	"Do you really think so, Ryouga?"

	In fact, she'd tangled herself up again.  I held my tongue, 

though.  Akane was still dangerously frustrated.  

	I untangled her, and Akane went to take a bath to soothe her sore 

muscles while I made tea for Ryouga.  I decided I'd change out of my 

leotard when it was my turn for the bath.  

	"Ryouga, do you still have a problem with me?" I asked.  "If you 

do, I'd like to get it out in the open so we can talk about it." 

	"Oh, I don't have a problem with you, but there is something I 

need to discuss with Ran--" as he tossed his tea in my face and I blacked 

out.  

	I came to at the side of the school again, running.  I looked 

behind to see the groundskeeper had been using a hose to water the 

flowers.  He didn't seem to have noticed my change, probably because he 

was too busy chewing out Kunou, who'd tripped over the hose.  The 

swordsman apologized, then approached me. 

	"Ah, fair Ranko Saotome.  I see that once again your brother has 

departed on one of his mysterious errands.  Someday I shall learn how he 

manages to vanish in the twinkling of an eye, and always when I am just 

about to triumph." 

	"Good afternoon, Upperclassman." 

	"Odd. It occurs to me that I have never seen you two together.  

Then again, I don't believe most of the students here had seen me with my 

own sister before this morning." 

	"Your...sister?" 

	"Did not your brother inform you?"

	"I haven't had a chance to re--er, talk to him yet." 

	"It has come to my attention that my sister Kodachi has taken a 

fancy to Ranma Saotome."  Kodachi was Kunou's sister?  Come to think of 

it, there was a family resemblance.  "Thus it is that this upcoming match 

shall decide if she or Akane is to be Ranma's love." 

	"Whaat?!"  I couldn't believe Akane had agreed to such a stupid 

thing.  

	"It is quite likely, I fear, that the lovely Akane Tendou will 

lose this battle, but it will be to her gain.  For in losing her unwanted 

attachment to your brother, she will again be free to express her true 

affection for myself."

	"Upperclassman Kunou, are you by any chance on heavy 

medication?"  

	"Why, no, my health is quite fine, but I thank you for your 

concern, my pigtailed goddess.  Ah, the bell rings.  'Tis to class we 

must now wend our weary way.  Till we meet again, Ranko." 

	I hurriedly checked the diary.  No entries since the last time 

I'd read it.  I used the next period to update my portion.  Fortunately, 

I wasn't caught.  Akane later attributed this to the teacher knowing I 

took lots of notes and assuming I was just more enthusiastic than usual. 

	Between periods, I searched for hot water, which is harder to 

find than you might think since I couldn't openly use the washrooms or 

the showers.  Finally, I managed to cadge some from the teachers' 

lounge.  Too bad Ranma ended up late for his next class.  

	I was finally able to read Ranma's reply the next day. 

	[Woke up feeling kinda confined, and with Ryouga sniggering at 

me.  He said I didn't deserve Akane cause I was only half a man.  Told 

him I was enough man to pound him.  He pointed out I was wearing a girl's 

leotard.  Said he'd be happy to show Akane what a real man was like. 

	[Got angry, started chasing him.  All over the house, including 

into Akane's bedroom.  Turns out we interrupted Kodachi ambushing her, 

though didn't know it at the time.  Ended up on roof fighting the jerk, 

though too tight clothing made it uncomfortable.  Sorry 'bout you 

leotard, will get you a new one. 

	[We accidentally knocked someone off roof.  I went to catch.  Was 

Kodachi, as she later introduced herself.  She came on to me, gave me 

roses with some kind of paralysis gas on them.  Tried kissing me but 

Akane chased her off.  Not sure where Ryouga went. 

	[Akane covered me with jacket, but it blew off.  Awfully cold on 

roof, couldn't move for a couple of hours.

	[Told Akane about gas this morning, not sure if she believed me.  

At school, met Kodachi again.  Still coming on to me.  Told her I already 

have fiancee.  Akane's useful after all.  She challenged Akane for 

privilege of relationship with me.  Nice to be wanted, but Kodachi's 

obviously nuts.

	[Worse, she's Kunou's sister.  He's all in favor of me dating 

her, which makes me *really* worried about the girl.] 

	Akane's comment was, "No way am I losing to her!  Black Rose, 

watch out!"


	To Be Continued....


	Next time, a pivotal match!


Happy Boxing Day!


	(Previously:  In an alternate world where the Jyuusenkyo springs 

change the mind as well as the body of their victims, Ranma's female form 

is a separate personality calling herself Ranko.  Ryouga fell into (as 

far as we know) Spring of Drowned Boy and his alternate self is called 

Shinnosuke.  Akane has been asked to represent Furinkan High in a martial

rhythmic gymnastics match against the champion of Hebereke Girls' School, 

Kodachi Kunou, the Black Rose.  Kodachi apparently believes in 

preemptive defense, and has already attacked Akane in her bedroom, as 

well as taking a fancy to Ranma.  The day of the match approaches...)


				TWILIGHT EXISTENCE

				by Scott K. Jamison

				(Takahashi disclaimer)

				Part Seven



	People sometimes ask me, "Don't you kind of resent Ranma?"  The 

answer, obviously, is yes.  Who wouldn't resent someone who by their very 

existence robs them of any chance at a normal life, to whom they lose 

hours, days, sometimes even precious weeks?  And Ranma resents me just as 

much. 

	That said, there really isn't much point in holding a grudge.  

Sure, we could play nasty, horrible tricks on each other, but revenge on 

yourself is a game you just can't win.  So we cooperate instead, until a 

cure can be found one way or the other.  Not that we don't get each other 

in trouble by accident... 

	Ryouga disappeared a couple of days into Akane's training, but 

she'd managed to get the basics down by then.  Ranma and I alternated as 

targets, and by two nights before the match, she'd gotten quite good with 

the rhythmic gymnastics equipment.  

	I won the coin toss, so I woke up early Sunday morning in the 

bathroom.  I dressed in skirt/blouse combo #8, reminding myself to save 

up money for some new clothes.  I checked the diary.

	[Akane's doing much better.  Never thought she'd improve this 

much.  Maybe she's not a klutz at all.  Finally met Shinnosuke when he 

came back last night.  Seems like a nice fellow.  He threw a bandana at a 

ball Akane was about to trip over and got it out of the way.  We thanked 

him, but no interference is allowed during matches, so had to start 

over.  Noticed Akane still favoring ankle she hurt earlier, recommended 

she tape both, one for support, other to confuse issue.  Don't want to 

give Kodachi too obvious a target.  Wish her luck from me!] 

	I went down to breakfast.  Akane seemed a little distracted.  She 

started eating her napkin by mistake! 

	We arrived at Hebereke Girls' School by noon, the match to start 

at one o'clock in Gymnasium Two.  Kodachi greeted us near our dressing 

room. 

	"Ranko here will be acting as my second." explained Akane, now 

fully alert.  For some reason, all the other girls on the gymnastics team 

had been unable to attend. 

	"So, the pigtail girl."  Kodachi's eyes flashed recognition.  "We 

have met before, have we not?" 

	"Yes.  I'm Ranma's sister, by the way."

	"How...interesting."  She held out a hand to Akane.  "May the 

best girl win."

	Akane caught her by the wrist.  "Hold it."  She twisted Kodachi's 

hand palm up, to reveal what was concealed there. 

	"My, my.  How did these tacks get between my fingers?"  Akane 

looked decidedly unconvinced by Kodachi's innocent act.  We went into the 

dressing room.

	"Wow." stated Akane.  "If you let your guard down for a second... 

Hm?"

	I was looking as a bouquet of black roses on the table.  A card 

with them said [Good Luck from the Black Rose.]  Akane held her breath, 

took a flower from the bouquet and dunked it into the aquarium also on 

the table.  Almost instantly, the fish inside became sluggish.

	"Sleeping potion."

	"Say, Akane, isn't an aquarium a pretty unusual fixture for a 

dressing room?" 

	"Come to think of it, you're right!  I think I get it.  When she 

attacked me in my bedroom, Kodachi said something about `fighting in all 

fairness.'  She has a pretty twisted idea of what's fair, but if you can 

figure out the rules she's playing by...hmm." 

	At one, we entered the auditorium.

	"And now...the champions of the schools!"  There was a lot of 

cheering.  It was definitely a home crowd, the few "Akane" signs 

outmatched by the huge "Kodachi" banners.  Nervertheless, there were 

Furinkan students there, including Kunou in a ringside seat.  He and 

Kodachi exchanged brief words; I couldn't hear them over the crowd.  

Several of the Hebereke girls were staring longingly at the handsome 

upperclassmen.  Too bad he seemed interested only in girls who didn't 

want him. 

	The announcer spoke again.  "In this corner, from Hebereke Girls' 

School, Kodachiiii Kunouuu!"  There were deafening cheers.  She wore a 

leotard with black rose embroidery, clearly custom-made.  

	"And in this corner, from Furinkan High School...Akaane 

Tendouuu!"  Akane smiled and waved as the Furinkan students applauded.  I 

noticed none of the other Hebereke gymnasts seemed to be present either.  

Very odd. 

	Kunou shouted "Do not allow yourself to be too badly injured, 

Akane Tendou!  I will soothe your hurts with my tender kisses!" 

	"Yeah, right." grumbled Akane, then she concentrated on Kodachi. 

	"Champions to the center!" shouted the referee.  "Now...shake 

hands." 

	Kodachi suddenly gasped and pointed to one side.  "Look!  Over 

there!"  Akane looked, as did the referee and myself.  When we looked 

back, somehow a chain with a weight at the end had gotten attached to 

Akane's arm. 

	"Carelessness is your enemy." smirked Kodachi. 

	At that moment, Shinnosuke walked up.  "Sorry I'm late.  Ryouga 

managed to get us here, but got splashed, and I wasn't sure where the 

match was." 

	The bell rang, and the match began. 

	As the contestants circled each other, the ringside announcer 

explained the rules.  "No time limit, no bare-handed blows.  The match 

ends when one contestant is knocked completely down, and if either 

contestant falls from the ring she will be an immediate loser!" 

	Akane didn't seem much bothered by the chain as she launched her 

first attack.  But Kodachi's tricks included rigged equipment.  Her rope 

was actually a disguised rod, and her clubs had retractable spikes!  I 

appealed to the referee, but she was in Kodachi's pocket and pretended 

not to notice anything wrong.  Even Kunou seemed displeased by his 

sister's tactics. 

	"I do all this that I may date Ranma!" declaimed Kodachi.  "Oh, 

how inspiring the lengths to which I'll go!" 

	"There's no chance he'll go out with you!" snarled Akane as she 

slammed the weight into Kodachi's face.

	"Yeah!  And I don't like you either!" I shouted. 

	"And what is it to you, pigtail girl?" asked Kodachi as she 

pushed Akane back with her spiked club. 

	"I happen to be very close to my brother, and we both think 

you're nuts!" 

	"You dreadful girl!  You--you--you--you--" Suddenly she realized 

Akane had gotten away.  Kodachi called for a hoop.  It proved to have a 

razor edge.  Akane barely managed to knock it away with the chain. 

	I threw Akane a couple more clubs and she twirled them like 

nunchaku. 

	"Heh.  How laughable!" taunted Kodachi.  "Now witness the secret 

technique of the Black Rose!  The Blow of a Thousand Hands!  At full 

frenzy!"  Her hands blurred, and it looked like she was attacking with a 

dozen clubs at once.  I blinked, and realized she was! 

	I tossed a ball to Akane, who used it to knock the clubs out of 

the air and Kodachi's hands.  I winced when I saw that at least some of 

the blows had gotten through.  The Furinkan students booed this display 

of foul play. 

	"This is only the beginning!"  assured Kodachi.  "The essence of 

Martial Rhythmic Gymnastics is control of an endless arsenal of 

weapons!"  Not for the first time, I wondered what lunatic had thought 

this sport up to begin with. 

	Taking a corner post, Kodachi snagged the round bell with her 

ribbon.  Akane barely managed to block it with the chain weight.  I don't 

think Kodachi realized how strong Akane was, or she would have used a 

heavier handicap.  Next it was a chair, so Akane countered by using her 

own ribbon to snag a table. 

	Kodachi countered the table by pulling her own brother into the 

ring!  He naturally smashed the furniture with his bokken rather than be 

hit, then was propelled right back out (and none too gently!)  The 

referee and judges didn't hestitate to declare this tactic valid. 

	I felt a hand on my shoulder.  It was Father, carrying a steaming 

kettle and tea cups.

	"Father!  Be careful with that!  Remember what I'm wearing!" 

	"Oh.  Right.  I'll just be over here then..."  He sat down a 

small distance away and poured himself some tea. 

	I turned my attention back to the fight.  Kodachi and Akane were 

exchanging ribbon attacks, and Akane was definitely getting the worst of 

it.  But she was gritting her teeth and refusing to give ground.  "A 

battle for the ages!" the announcer called it. 

	Then Kodachi spotted the teakettle and snatched it with her 

ribbon.  "Even a cockroach will surrender in the face of the attack of 

the boiling water!"

	Akane dodged most of the stream of water Kodachi poured out, but 

I could hear her gasp as some touched her skin.  It was definitely hot!  

Kodachi laughed. 

	Akane jumproped the chain again in an aerial attack.  But Kodachi 

tossed the kettle into the air, slicing it in half with her ribbon.  Hot 

water went flying everywhere...including on me.  I think I heard 

Shinnosuke say "uh-oh" just before I blacked out.

	I woke up with a spray of cold water coming into my nostrils.  I 

stepped back and found I was in a shower room, still fully clothed in 

what I'd been wearing before, and standing next to Father's panda form.  

	By careful timing, I was able to turn on the hot water, turn off 

the cold water and get out the shower entrance before I got hit with 

another blackout.  Father walked out a moment later.  We were both 

sopping wet and miserable-looking. 

	"I'm sorry, Ranko.  I should have known this would happen 

eventually." 

	"It's all right, Father.  How were you to know Kodachi would do 

that?" 

	"Time for another training trip!  I hear Korea is nice this time 

of year." 

	"Huh?"  Then I realized what he was talking about.  "You want us 

to run away?"

	"Think of it as a tactical withdrawal.  We can't stay here now 

that your secret is out."  He produced a backpack from seemingly nowhere. 

	"Why not?  Okay, it's going to be rough now that people know what 

I do.  But I'm not going to run away until I see whether I can hack it."  

I moved to the door. 

	"No, Ranko!  You don't underst--" and I was out in the hallway.  

We were still at Hebereke, and students were pouring out of the gym, 

talking excitedly.  I pushed my way through the crowd back into the 

auditorium.  It was almost empty. 

	Kodachi had apparently already left.  Akane was lying on the 

floor near the ring, being looked at by a Hebereke student wearing a 

"medic" armband.  A few students, including Kunou, were hovering around 

them and not being terribly helpful.  Other Hebereke students on 

janitorial duty were cleaning the aisles. 

	Akane looked really beat up.  There were bandages on at least a 

dozen places, there was a red scald mark on her thigh, one cheek was 

swollen and discolored, and her leotard was barely holding together.  But 

she was smiling. 

	"I won, Ranko!  I beat her!" 

	"um...yeah.  Good work, Akane!"

	Kunou laid a hand on my shoulder.  "Ranko Saotome.  It seems that 

Akane Tendou has succeeded in defending her attachment to your brother--"

	"I wasn't fighting for *Ranma*!" protested Akane.

	"--despite the fact that he is now known to be a crossdresser." 

	"Huh?"  I asked.  Hadn't he realized what was going on? 

	"At last it is clear how the wretched Ranma Saotome has so often 

eluded me.  By some signal he arranges for you to meet him, you exchange 

clothing, and he slips away in feminine guise."

	"That's not--"

	"I admire your loyalty to your brother, lovely pigtailed girl, 

but we all saw him wearing your garments, and the conclusion is quite 

obvious.  Ranma is a pervert."

	"But--"

	"Do not fear, Ranko, for despite your brother's bizarre habits, I 

would still date with thee!  Your innocent charms have quite mazed my 

evergreen heart and--"

	"Hoohoohahohoo!"  Kodachi was back in school uniform, her head 

bandaged.  "Congratulations, Akane Tendou.  You are the only woman ever 

to defeat the Black Rose.  Too bad your prize is a booby." 

	"Come again?"

	"I should have realized it from his odd attire on the rooftop, 

but I was so starved for male companionship I ignored it.  But now I 

realize that Ranma Saotome is unmanly, and no fit match for me!  However, 

he should do quite nicely for you.  Hahoohohoo!"  She bounded off. 

	"My sister." said Kunou.  "Truly a twisted individual.  Now, 

where was I?"

	"About to be reminded that I don't have permission to date boys 

yet." I replied.  I helped Akane to the dressing room, where we struggled 

to put her uniform on.

	"They didn't see it?" I asked.

	"I guess everyone was watching the fight, so they didn't notice 

anything wrong until Ryouga started laughing at Ranma and teasing him.  

When Kodachi saw him in your dress, she was so shocked, she completely 

dropped her guard!

	"So I clubbed her upside the head.  I feel a little dirty, 

attacking from behind like that, but like she said, `Carelessness is your 

enemy.'"  She winced as she slipped into a shoe.  "About the only part 

that doesn't hurt right now is my ankles.  Let's stop by Dr. Tofu's place 

on the way home."

	Ryouga had apparently gotten lost, but Father turned up again and 

carried Akane on his back.  He seemed worried, even though we explained 

that no one seemed to understand the true connection...


		To Be Continued...


	Next time, the Golden Pair!  But less dialogue stolen directly 

from Viz, praise Tezuka!


	(Previously:  In this alternate world, the Jyuusenkyo springs 

alter minds as well as bodies, thus Ranma's female form is essentially a 

separate personality who calls herself Ranko.  Last time, Akane fought 

Kodachi, Black Rose of Hebereke Girls' School.  She won, just barely, but 

at the cost of Ranma appearing before a large crowd in Ranko's 

clothing.)    

			TWILIGHT EXISTENCE

			by Scott K. Jamison 

			(Takahashi disclaimer)

			Chapter Eight


	Understandably, Ranma was less than thrilled with the rumors 

going around at school about him.  Akane told me he was acting even more 

macho than usual in an effort to dispel any "unmanly" impressions. 

	Either it worked, or fear of being pounded stilled tongues, as by 

the end of the week, the only person who still brought up cross-dressing 

was Kunou. 

	My week was rather frustrating as well, as I kept trying to ask 

Father about Mother.  He deflected or ignored all my attempts, and 

refused to talk about Ranma's life before they went on the road. 

	"That knowledge would only bring you sorrow, Ranko.  It is best 

you do not ask."  Of course, this pronouncement only made me more curious 

about the woman who was so important to me, yet I had never met. 

	Akane was healing nicely, and asked Father to show her some new 

moves.  "I only won that fight by luck.  Next time I want to win with 

skill."  She admitted to me, but asked me not to tell Ranma, that she 

didn't want him to think of her as a liability. 

	We went shopping Saturday afternoon, as my outfit had pretty much 

been ruined during the fight with Kodachi.  Akane said we'd go skating 

afterwards. 

	Akane tried to show me the differences in style and color that 

made one outfit fashionable and another awful, but my taste still ran 

towards the garish and overfrilly.  So it was a struggle to find things I 

liked she wouldn't veto. 

	As we headed towards the ice skating rink, we ran into Ryouga.  

He put on a big fanged smile when he saw us.  

	"Hello, Akane, Ranko.  What are you doing in Hiroshima?" 

	"This is Tokyo, Ryouga.  Oh, you have the wrong map!"  Akane 

gently indicated which was the proper one from the maps sticking out of 

his pack. 

	"Thank you.  That reminds me, I have something for you."  Ryouga 

dug into his pack and pulled out a stuffed animal.  It was a little black 

pig he'd tied one of his bandanas around.  "To commemorate your victory." 

	"That's so sweet!  Thanks a lot, Ryouga.  We're going ice 

skating.  Would you like to come with us?"

	He blushed a bit.  "I-I'm afraid I can't.  Places to go, you 

know.  See ya!"  He ran off before we could stop him. 

	"Shyer than you would think, eh Ranko?  Hmm, I think I'll call it 

`P-chan'."  She gave it a hug, then put it in her shopping basket. 

	"Um, Akane, you do realize he's being nice to you just to get 

back at Ranma, right?" 

	She smiled.  "I don't think it's *just* to get back at Ranma.  

And since my fiance is about as romantic as a rock, maybe this will give 

him a much-needed hint."

	"Did I hear you right?  You just voluntarily called Ranma your 

fiance?" 

	"Well, he is, at least as long as our fathers have anything to 

say about it.  And I can see some good in him, when he lets his guard 

down a bit.  I don't think I'll be ready to get married to anyone for a 

long time, if ever.  But we should at least work on getting along." 

	"That would be nice."  Unspoken was the other major obstacle to 

the engagement.  Me.  As long as I was around, Ranma would only have a 

half-life, and vice-versa.  We were trapped in a twilight existence, not 

quite here nor yet there.  Could we really subject Akane--or anyone 

else--to a half-marriage? 

	I tried to put glum thoughts aside as we entered the arena.  I 

rented a pair of skates, and Akane already had her own.  It soon became 

abundantly clear that I couldn't skate, but Akane could, quite well.  

After a couple of minutes coaching, she got me at least able to stand up 

in the darn things, then went to talk with some of her friends. 

	While I struggled to keep my balance, I didn't notice someone 

skating up to me. 

	"May I be of assistance?"  It was a tall, tousle-haired fellow in 

a white "formal wear" skating costume.  He had handsome features and a 

sparkling smile. 

	"Um, yeah, I could use a little h--" I admitted, as he swept me 

up in his arms. 

	"All right then, put your left foot down, good, now push with 

your right foot, no, a little to the side, no, a *little* to the side, 

now the same with the feet reversed, that's it..."  He held me very 

close, which was comforting and frightening at the same time. 

	We went three times round the rink, and I began to sense my 

balance adjusting to the skates. 

	"I think I'm all right now.  I'll try it on my own.  Um, you can 

let go." 

	"But my dear girl, no Mikado Sanzenin skating lesson is complete 

without the crowning touch!" 

	"Wh--*mfml!*"  He took me all the way into his arms and gave me a 

big kiss right on the lips!  My first kiss, and it was someone I didn't 

even know.  From the gossip of the other girls, I'd thought a first kiss 

would be incredibly romantic and passionate.  But instead it just felt 

odd, and a little mechanical, as if he'd practiced this a little too 

often. 

	"Leggo!" I said, pushing him away.  He skated off looking smug. 

	"Another satisfied customer." he was saying. 

	"Don't let it get to you, honey." said an older girl.  "He pulls 

that stunt on all the cute beginners.  Sanzenin has some kind of neurotic 

need to kiss girls.  Heck, with his looks, most girls volunteer.  A 

couple even go back for seconds.  Fools."  She sighed, and skated off. 

	Akane caught up with me, and we skated for a bit longer.  I was 

still no great shakes at it, but I wasn't falling nearly as much at the 

end. 

	Afterwards, we got a snack in the attached cafe.  (Extra-cushiony 

seats on the chairs, good planning.)  Akane got P-chan out of her bag to 

look at on the table.

	"You look like a pretty good skater, Akane."

	"Thank you.  My mother taught me when I was little.  I was really 

clumsy at first, and I almost gave up, but Mom kept encouraging me, and 

eventually I got the hang of it."  Her smile was a little sad.  Akane 

didn't talk about her mother much, but I knew she missed her. 

	Suddenly, there was a high-pitched squeal.  "Charlotte!"  An arm 

darted in and grabbed the stuffed pig.  "Charlotte come to Mommy!" 

	It was a wavy-haired girl in a skating costume so cutesy I felt 

jealous.  She was bouncing up and down, holding P-chan above her head and 

giggling. 

	"Give that back!" said Akane.  She reached for the toy, but the 

other girl bounced out of the way. 

	"Mine!  Azusa's darling Charlotte!"

	Then it was plucked from her fingers.  It was the boy from the 

rink, Sanzenin. 

	"I must apologize for my partner--"

	"Gimme back Azusa's Charlotte!" the girl shrieked, pounding him 

with her tiny fists. 

	"--but she has the unfortunate habit of naming any cute thing she 

sees and making it hers."  Azusa had grabbed a tray from a passing waiter 

and was bashing her partner over the head with it.  He seemed used to the 

sensation. 

	"Um, thank you--"

	"The only thanks I could want is your sweet lips meeting mine."  

He bent towards Akane, who stiff-armed him.

	"--but I'm not *that* grateful."  She grabbed her piglet back, 

and we left. 

	We met up with her friends outside. 

	"You turned down a kiss from Mikado Sanzenin?!" wondered Ritsu.  

"He's so dreamy!" 

	"How many times do I have to tell you, I hate boys." 

	"Oh, riight."

	"Besides," I put in, "he isn't really all that good a kisser."  

At least I hoped so.  It would be really sad if it didn't get any better 

than that. 

	"Major slam!  At least he has his Martial Pairs Skating to fall 

back on."

	"Martial Pairs Skating?"  Akane seemed as surprised as I was.  

	"Couples fight on an ice skating rink.  Mikado and his partner 

Azusa Shiratori are the Golden Pair, champions of Kolkhoz High.  You mean 

you've never heard of them?"

	"I only skate for fun, and I've never had a partner, so I don't 

pay attention to team events." 

	For some reason, Ranma took that stolen kiss a lot more seriously 

than I did.

	[How *dare* he!]  I'm gonna find this Sanzenin jerk and pound his 

face into hamburger!]

	Fortunately, I was able to read that before he actually caught up 

with Mikado.  I quickly scribbled, [Don't, Ranma!  It isn't that big a 

deal.  Besides, he does Martial Pairs Skating, so if you challenge him, 

he'll choose that form of combat.  First, unless there's something you've 

been holding back, you don't skate any better than I do, which makes you 

a liability on the ice.  Second, it's a team event, and you don't have a 

partner.  You'd have to learn to work with someone, probably Akane.]

	I think it hurt Ranma's pride a little, but he admitted I was 

right, at least about the skating part.  So he took every afternoon for a 

week to practice skating with Akane (which really ate into our monetary 

and time budget, but he said he'd make it up to me later.)  Then another 

week of practicing combination maneuvers with Akane, which made her feel 

good, even though they were clumsy together at first.

	"I think we were almost going to kiss for real last night," Akane 

confided. "We were so close and talking so seriously!  But then it turned 

out the whole family was listening in, and we got so embarrassed we 

started fighting again."  I was secretly a little glad they hadn't 

kissed.  I wasn't sure I wanted them to get along *that* well! 

	Then they finally went out and challenged the Golden Pair.  The 

skaters had forgotten all about Akane and me by then, but after Mikado 

tried to kiss Akane again, and Azusa tried to steal Ranma's pigtail (she 

named it "Bearnaise") there was enough fresh animosity to make a match 

inevitable.

	I am given to understand the match itself was quite spectacular 

(there's a wonderful writeup in the Kolkhoz High school paper for that 

week) but since I wasn't there, I'll just quote a bit of what Akane told 

me about it.

	"Then they got us in something called the Couple Cleaver, where 

they whirled us around real fast.  The idea was to make Ranma let go of 

me to save himself, but he wouldn't let go!  Finally, Azusa lost her grip 

and both Ranma and I were flung away!  Ranma tumbled us in midair so he 

took all the damage from hitting the wall.  How are you feeling, by the 

way?" 

	"I hurt all over.  He must have shocked *everything*." I replied. 

	"I begged him to stay down, but Ranma insisted on continuing, 

especially after Mikado started bragging how he was going to take me away 

again. 

	"Ranma and I went towards them, and when he told me what he 

wanted to do, I thought he was crazy at first.  But I went along, and we 

were right back in the Couple Cleaver.  But this time Ranma tricked them, 

and it was the Golden Pair who went flying!  After they hit the wall, 

they were easy pickings, and we won."

	Akane smiled again.  "You know, I think just maybe Ranma actually 

loves me!"


		To Be Continued


Next Time:  "What's *she* doing here?!"


	(Scene:  Scott's apartment living room.  The computer is on 

(remember, this is the alternate world of "Sauce" where Scott *has* a 

computer) and Scott is busily typing a message.  Ranma stalks in from the 

kitchen.)


Ranma:  Scott, what *is* it with you?  "Worst Case Scenario", "But That 

Way Lies", "Half a Conversation"?!  Do you have any idea how emotionally 

traumatic it is to be the star of that kind of thing?


Scott:  No.  But you liked "Fulfillment", didn't you? 


Ranma:  Well, yeah.  Looks like Kunou is getting everything that's coming 

to him.  (grins) 


	(Akane storms in.)


Akane:  Scott you jerk!  How could you kill my sister! 


Scott:  Calm down, Akane.  It was only a possible future you know.  


Ranma:  And when are you going to finish "Worse"?  I really don't like 

cliffhangers. 


Scott (indicating computer):  I was just talking to Blade about that.  


Blade (via words on monitor screen):  Hi guys. 


Ranma:  It's been two whole months!  Maybe you need a little incentive.  

Tell you what, if you don't get cracking on Worse right now, Akane and me 

will fetch a bucket of variant Nyannichaun from "But that Way Lies..."  


Scott:  You wouldn't!


Ranma:  Oh, wouldn't I?  Gosunkugi really needs a girlfriend.  


Blade:  *snicker*


Scott:  Besides, it's not my fault!  I'm still waiting for the fight 

choreography from Blade! 


Blade:  Hey, I've been busy.  Besides, why should I care what fem-boy 

there does to you? 


Ranma (clearly irritated):  We know where you live too.  And Tsubasa 

could use a new girlfriend himself. 


Blade:  *gulp*  Hey, no way!  Tsubasa would *never* give up on Ucchan! 


Ranma:  As dumb as you write him?  We'll just tell you and him that you 

*are* Ukyou under a curse. 


Blade:  Okay, okay, I'm working on it right now, satisfied? 


Ranma:  For the moment.  Meantime, I see it's time for another chapter of 

"Twilight Existence".  The one I'm not in. 


Blade:  I haven't seen that one yet.


Akane:  Well, it's an alternate world where the Jyuusenkyo Springs change 

minds as well as bodies, so Ranma's female form is a whole other person 

called Ranko.  


Ranma:  And Ryouga turns into a nearly identical boy named Shinnosuke.  

Last time, Akane and I soundly defeated the Golden Pair after that Mikado 

creep forced a kiss on Ranko. 


Blade:  What about Ucchan?


Ranma: She ain't shown up yet.  But someone else is about to...


				TWILIGHT EXISTENCE

				by Scott K. Jamison

				(Takahashi disclaimer)

				    Chapter Nine


	I woke up in the toilet, feeling nauseous.  There was a smell of 

vomit in the air, and I was in Ranma's clothes.  Someone was pounding at the 

door. 

	"You done yet, Ranma?" came Ryouga's (or maybe Shinnosuke's) 

voice.  "You're not the only one with problems, ya know." 

	I rinsed out my mouth, still tasting something awful, and called, 

"Coming!" 

	As soon as I opened the door, Ryouga (or Shinnosuke) rushed in, 

muttering "good idea" as he passed me.  I heard retching sounds as I 

closed the door behind me.

	The rest of the family was looking at me worriedly.  I smiled 

weakly and waved to show I was all right.  Then I noticed Akane was 

missing. 

	It was in the first week of the "make-up time" Ranma had promised 

me when he needed to practice ice skating.  But Akane had begged me to 

let Ranma stay awake this evening, as she had a surprise planned.  I was 

beginning to suspect something had gone seriously wrong with the 

"surprise." 

	The family looked at each other nervously.  Obviously, none of 

them wanted to be the one that broke the news. 

	Finally, Kasumi admitted, "Akane cooked dinner tonight." 

	That came as a bit of a surprise.  Akane had never once indicated 

an interest in cooking since I'd met her.  In fact, she'd been the one to 

show me you didn't necessarily have to be "Little Miss Homemaker" to be 

feminine.  But then, she might well have been holding back because Kasumi 

was so fond of cooking, and didn't want to cut in on her big sister. 

	"Is there any left?" I asked.

	"All you can eat." assured Nabiki, with that deadpan expression 

that meant trouble ahead.  She had a nasty habit of not lying, but not 

quite giving you all the truth either. 

	I looked at the table.  I didn't recognize any of the dishes, but 

Akane certainly had gone all out for quantity.  I picked up some 

chopsticks and took a portion of the meat dish.  It looked all right if 

unidentifiable, but the scent seemed a little off.  I noticed no one else 

was breathing.

	I took a bite--and spat it out.  It tasted awful!  Somehow Akane 

had found the world's worst combination of spices and herbs.  Plus the 

meat was charcoal on one side and raw on the other, and I could swear 

she'd used vinegar rather than white wine.  But no one would do that, 

right? 

	She had to have done better on the rest of it.  I decided to try 

what looked to be some form of fried rice, but Father caught my wrist.  

"No, Ranko, you've punished yourself enough."

	"It's...all like that?"

	Kasumi nodded.  Mr. Tendou burst into tears.  "My poor baby 

girl!" 

	"I gotta admit," said Nabiki, "Ranma and Ryouga are pretty gutsy 

guys.  The rest of us knew to quit after a couple of bites, but they just 

kept gulping down mouthful after mouthful.  Kept glaring at each other 

too.  Looked more like a competition than a meal." 

	A voice came from the bathroom.  "Ryouga you jerk, I don't know 

what you've done to us, but I'm gonna *kill* you for this!"

	"Ah, Shin-chan has joined us."  Nabiki went to talk to him while 

I climbed the stairs. 

	I knocked on Akane's door, making the duck nameplate sway 

slightly. 

	"Go away!"

	"Akane, it's me, Ranko.  Can I come in and talk?" 

	She opened the door.  Akane's eyes were all red and puffy from 

crying.  I hated seeing her like this. 

	"Oh, Ranko, what am I going to do?  I can't cook and Ranma's 

going to hate me for trying to poison him and I'm never going to make a 

good wife!"  She started crying again, and I led her back to her bed. 

	"Um, Akane, since when do you care about being a `good wife'?"  

Admittedly, not the most tactful thing I could have said, but I was 

honestly curious.

	"Ranma always teases me about being unfeminine, so I thought I'd 

show him that just because I like to be active doesn't mean I can't do 

girl things too.  I don't want to be a wife right now, but I do want to 

have a family some day, and what good will I be if I can't even cook for 

them?"

	"You know perfectly well Ranma doesn't mean half the insults he 

uses.  Besides, cooking isn't the be-all and end-all of a marriage.  At 

least I sure hope it's not." 

	"But you and Kasumi make it look so easy!  All my stuff turned 

out horrible."

	"Akane, have you ever cooked before?" 

	"No, but I've watched Kasumi plenty of times."

	"Did you get her to help you tonight?"

	"Of course not!  This was supposed to be *my* big surprise for 

Ranma." 

	"Did you taste the food while you were cooking it?" 

	"Well, um...no.  I was so busy, there was no time to taste." 

	"Akane, I didn't start cooking my first day by making a whole big 

dinner all by myself.  And if you ask her, I'm pretty sure Kasumi will 

say the same.  We both started with simple things, being guided by 

somebody else who already knew how to cook.

	"It's not that you're a bad cook, it's that you're not a good 

cook *yet*.  Remember when you told me about ice skating?  It's like 

that.  It takes time and practice."

	She'd pretty much stopped crying.  "But won't Ranma be mad at 

me?" 

	"Maybe he will, but Nabiki tells me both he and Ryouga really 

tried hard to finish their meals, so I think he understands some of how 

you feel." 

	"So I should ask Kasumi or you for help next time?"

	"It couldn't hurt." 

	Downstairs, Shinnosuke was utterly failing to get Nabiki's "Mr. 

Elephant" jokes.  Naming him after a manga character was probably not the 

brightest thing I've ever done either.  But I assured myself almost 

anything was better than "Daremo". 

	"Hi, Shinnosuke."

	"Hiya, Ranko!"

	"You ever manage to get home?"

	"Sure.  Unfortunately, Ryouga's parents have the same problem 

with wandering off he does.  Place was deserted, maybe for months.  Best 

we could do was leave notes and get some laundry done."

	"The way you said that, it sounds like you don't have the 

tendency to get lost Ryouga does."

	"Well, not as bad, I guess.  I'm usually lost when I wake up, but 

if I cover the distance from one place to another, I can find my way 

back.  Say, how are you and Ranma getting along?" 

	"Okay, I guess.  As well as can be expected.  Though waking me up 

so he didn't have to deal with the aftertaste of Akane's cooking was a 

dirty trick."

	"Yeah.  Ryouga 'n' me, we're not getting along well at all.  He 

doesn't want to give me my fair share of time, and he's dead set against 

us going back to school."  Shinnosuke looked a bit glum. 

	"School?" 

	"Yeah, he hasn't been in school since he left to chase down 

Ranma.  Ryouga says we don't need an education, but I think he just 

doesn't want the embarrassment of having to be dragged to the school 

every morning." 

	"Why don't you stay here for a while?  I can show you where 

Furinkan High is, and maybe they can arrange some sort of extension 

classes or something for you two."

	"Sounds good to me, Ranko.  So, what's happened since I saw you 

last?" 

	I told him about the Golden Pair and how Ranma had challenged 

Mikado over the skater's stealing a kiss from me.

	"That's pretty...amazing.  But that kiss shouldn't count as your 

first.  Kisses only count if you both want to do them." 

	"You really think so?"

	He blushed.  Suddenly I was glad Nabiki had wandered off.  "Well, 

sure." 

	I looked at Shinnosuke.  He was kind of cute, and we had a lot in 

common.  And I was feeling jealous of Ranma because he at least had the 

beginnings of a relationship.

	"Would you like to kiss me?"  I asked.

	Shinnosuke's eyes went wide.  He hesitated for a long time.

	"What's the matter?"

	"I-it's not that I don't think you're pretty, Ranko, and you mean 

a lot to me.  You were the first person who cared enough about me to find 

out what was wrong, the one who helped me understand what had happened to 

me.  But...I'm not sure I'm ready to be more than friends."

	"Friends can kiss." I told him. 

	"Okay."  He smiled and leaned towards me. 

	I brought my face near his and closed my eyes. 

	I was *not* expecting a sharp pain in my ear and being dragged 

from the room.  When Father released me, I turned angrily on him. 

	"What did you do *that* for?!"

	"What the hell were you thinking of boy?  No son of mine--" 

	"I AM NOT YOUR SON!" I screamed. 

	His fist was a millimeter from crashing into my face when he was 

stopped by a calm but chilly voice.

	"Mister Saotome.  Think."  I had no idea Kasumi could sound 

so...so commanding.

	Father looked at me, then at his fist, then at Kasumi's disapproving 

face.  He lowered his arm and his gaze.

	Kasumi smiled again and the world seemed to grow brighter. 

	"Ranko, I--I am sorry.  I forgot the implications of your change, 

and saw only Ranma.  My son, about to kiss another boy.  But you know I 

haven't given you permission to date."  Trying to change the subject, as 

always uncomfortable with apology.

	"A little kiss isn't dating.  Besides, I think I've learned 

enough about boys and how to handle them to start dating now.  I won't 

learn any more unless I have some practical experience."

	"Not quite yet, please, Ranko?  You may be ready, but I'm not.  

Besides, Ranma hasn't really been on a real date with Akane yet himself.  

Come to think of it..."  He drifted off, musing on whatever he thought 

about when he started to scheme.

	Back in the living room, I apologized to Shinnosuke, but we 

decided that kissing was out for tonight anyways.

	The next afternoon, Akane and I were met at the door by an 

excited and happy Mr. Tendou.

	"Good news!  Our dojo will have a distinguished visitor next 

week!" 

	"Really, Daddy?  Who?"

	"See for yourself, Akane!"  He thrust a newspaper in her face. 

	After we got it spread out a bit, we saw the headline, "Princess 

to Visit Japan."  Apparently, this Chinese princess wanted to find a 

strong husband, and was visiting several dojos in Japan to see if there 

were any suitable warriors here.  It didn't mention the princess' name or 

where exactly in China she was from.  Come to think of it, hadn't the 

Communists gotten rid of all the old nobility? 

	"Our dojo has been chosen to be the one to host her while she's 

in Tokyo, a signal honor.  I'm sure you'll do your best to make our 

visitors happy, my daughter!" 

	"Um, but do you know anything about her, Uncle Tendou?" I asked.  

	"There's a picture on page 23, Ranko.  She seems to be quite 

pretty!" 

	We opened the paper to the appropriate page, and sure enough 

there was a picture of a beautiful girl in formal Chinese robes and a lot 

of jewelry.  Somehow she seemed familiar to me.  I put my hand over her 

dress and hair, and concentrated on the face.  Then it came to me. 

	"Shampoo!"



	TO BE CONTINUED...