Crippled Body and Soul by Kevin D. Hammel Chapter 3 Visitors By Bryan Neef Based on the Bet by Gregg Sharp Ranma 1/2 created and owned by Rumiko Takahashi Version 1.2 Ranma sat in his chair, fighting his homework. He still hated school, but not nearly as much as he had before the incident. He also hated himself more. The frustration built to the point he snapped the pencil in two. "Why won't this work?" he growled as he threw the offending material onto the table. Nabiki looked at him from the kitchenette. She shook her head as she stepped into the main room. When she took Ranma in, she knew he would be difficult. She still wished he were better. "Honestly, Ranma, you're as bad as a child. You don't need to fight it so much." "That's easy for you to say. You're good at this stuff!" Nabiki sighed as she picked up the book. "Hai, Ranma. I'm good because I work at it. I also use it every day. Tell you what, after dinner, I'll help you with this." Ranma grumbled something as he nodded. Nabiki smiled, patting his hand before returning to her dinner preparations. "I've got some news for you." "What?" asked Ranma as he flipped through his history book. "I've found a rehabilitation program that should help your muscles and keep you in shape." "Well, my upper body is fine, but I'd like to get more out of my workout. What kind of 'rehab?'" Nabiki smiled her mischievous smile as she brought out the plates. "Swim- ming." "Swimming? You mean I have to be a girl for it?" "Hai. I'd rather you do this than your 'jogging.'" Ranma glared at her for a moment. "Why?" "Because I can workout with you. I don't like the idea of you being out there alone." Ranma raised an eyebrow. "You can always come too." Nabiki stared at him for a moment, then laughed. "Tell you what, I'll jog with you in the morning, and you swim with me in the evening. I don't want to fight off any men by myself." Ranma smiled. "All right. If I don't like it, we quit and find something else." "Fair enough. So, when do we start jogging?" "Six in the morning." "Six?" "Hai." *** Tanaka Tomoko finished packing her bag. She turned to her husband. "Are you sure you want to do this?" asked her husband, Hiro. "Hai. Ranma needs us. I mean, he was so full of life before the attack." "That may be him trying to make up for his loss." Tomoko glared at her husband. "At the very least, he was an athlete. You saw how well toned his muscles were." "So did the twins." Tomoko smiled at her husband's observation. "The children truly liked Ranma. Even with his curse." "True. They actually haven't seen it, but they accepted it well enough. He did seem left out when we all talked." "So it's settled, with Ranma an orphan, we bring him into our family." "What about his 'secret admirer?' Do you know who he is?" "No. Ranma couldn't figure it out either. The one woman he thought it was acted totally surprised when she found out he was alive. I don't think she knew." "I see. Well, at this point, all we can do is offer him a family." "I know, Dear." In the hall, three teens listened at the door. The twin girls looked at each other, smiling. Their younger brother caught the smiles and groaned inwardly. The trio stepped back, moving to the family room. "This is so cool. Mom and Dad are really going to try to adopt Ranma," spoke Kei, one of the girls. "Maybe. It sounds like he already has someone," replied the boy, Isao. "True. But who? I say we talk to his old friends and see if they know any- thing," replied Yuri, the other girl. Isao frowned. "Won't that end up hurting him? He told us everyone he knew wanted him dead." "Don't be silly. He's just emotionally traumatized. He'll be afraid of everyone. It's our job to help him." "We can help him by not telling his old acquaintances he's alive. Especially Tendou Akane." *** "How far do you usually go?" asked Nabiki as she gasped for air. "I don't know. I usually pass the school and apartment three or four times." "Three or four times?" "It's the only way I can come close to the workout I got before..." Nabiki continued jogging, not quite realizing Ranma had stopped. She cursed when she noticed. She jogged back to him. She patiently waited for his anger to leave before speaking. "I'm sorry, Ranma. I didn't mean to bring the panda into this." He looked at her in an emotionless gaze. "I know. Let's go home. We need to get ready for school." "Right. I think I need to work into this, though. Keep in mind, Saotome, I won't give up on this." Ranma gazed into Nabiki's caring eyes. He smiled a little. "I know. I'm glad you're here, Nabiki." "So am I, Ranma. Let me push you back." Ranma nodded as he closed his eyes. Memories of his life on the road with his father flooded his mind. Each image was of a training regime. A gentle tear rolled down his cheek. Nabiki saw the tear. "Say, Ranma, have you given any more thought to joining me in earning money?" "I don't know what I can do. You can't even sell pictures of me." "Nor would I. Why don't we work together at lunch. I'll show you the basics." "I guess. I don't know what else I could do." "You could smile more." Ranma snorted. "Why are you so nice?" Nabiki remained silent for a moment. "When you were hurt, I watched as... Akane went on as if nothing happened. I woke up, Ranma. Akane did to you what she did to me years ago. You're not as lucky as I was. I want to make sure you don't become what I was." "What happened?" Nabiki sighed. "Do you mind if I tell you later? It still hurts. More so now." "I guess," sighed Ranma. The pair continued up the street in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. A voice brought them back to the world. "Hey, Babe! Why don't you dump that loser and join some real men?" Nabiki cursed to herself when Ranma stiffened. "My friend's more of a man than you ever will be," she replied coldly. The man stepped up to the pair. "C'mon, Babe. I bet he urk!" The man clutched his throat from Nabiki's strike. She kept going, only glancing back at the man. "Insult my friend and you insult me." They soon reached the apartment building. The guard smiled as he let them in. They entered their home in silence. Ranma wheeled himself into his room. Nabiki sighed as she removed her head- band. she thought as she retrieved her clothes. "Ranma, you go ahead and take a bath. I'll work on breakfast." She heard the bathroom door close hard. She sighed as she looked at her hand. She clenched her fist, remembering events from four years earlier. Nabiki sat patiently in the chair. She watched helplessly as Kasumi brushed her hair. Her broken arms prevented her from caring for herself. "Onechan?" "Yes?" "Why does Akane hate me?" Kasumi stopped brushing her younger sister's hair. "She doesn't hate you. She just takes things too seriously." Nabiki snorted. "And I don't?" Kasumi set the brush on the dresser. "You take things very seriously. We all do. It's just that, well, I don't know. Since Mother left us..." "Mother died, Kasumi. That's forever. Just like my arms." Kasumi looked away, fighting back the tears. "Your arms will heal." Another snort escaped Nabiki. "Yeah, right. I heard what the doctors said. If I fight again, I'll lose the use of them. I can't live like that! I can't be helpless. I can't be like Dad." Kasumi put her hand lightly on Nabiki's shoulder. "You're not like him, Sis. You will come through this, like you always do. Remember the time you final- ly learned the jump kick?" A faint smile crossed her face. It lasted only until the door to her room opened. "Aren't you ready yet, 'Biki? We'll be late again. I don't want to have to hold buckets. Do you?" Nabiki's thoughts returned to the present. "I'm not going to be like Father," she whispered as she went to the bathroom door. She smiled as she knocked on the door. "I haven't even started!" called Ranma's female voice. "Oh good! You're decent." Mabiki entered the small room, ignoring Ranma's glare. She sat on the toilet stool. "Relax, Ranma. You don't have anything I don't, at the moment, any- way. Besides, I knocked first." "What do you want?" asked Ranma harshly. "I want you to teach me to fight the way you did." "What? How? Why?" "Somebody has to keep your family's style alive. The panda sure as Hell can't. And Akane's pet pig isn't worthy. Neither is Akane, for that matter. I trust you to teach me right." "But I can't walk, let alone fight." "I know. I have seen you fight, though. You couldn't skate, but when it came to fighting on ice, you KNEW how to skate. For me, it'll be better than learning from a book. I'll have my friend point out what I'm doing wrong." "How? I've never taught before." "Maybe not, Ranma, but you would have had to start sometime, had things been different. Together, we will work this out." "Why? Shouldn't I find something else to do with my life?" "Of course you should. By teaching me, you'll be able to teach your son or daughter, thus passing the school on to them, the true heirs of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. I'll just be the heir pro temp." "Huh?" Nabiki ignored Ranma's confusion. "Also, by teaching me, I can help you pro- tect yourself. I'll also be able to keep things, like earlier, from getting out of hand." Ranma looked at her useless legs and the scar on her right breast. "I really am helpless," she whispered bitterly. Nabiki put her hands on Ranma's shoulders. "You are not helpless. If I have anything to say about it, you will not be helpless." "But I can't fight anymore." "Then teach me. Teach me to fight as you did. While you teach me, learn how to fight from the chair. When we're done, you will be able to protect your- self." Ranma sighed, looking away from Nabiki. "I-I don't know. Let me think about it, okay?" Nabiki smiled. "Okay. That's all I ask. Now, finish your bath." Ranma nodded as Nabiki left. She paused a moment. "Teach Nabiki while I learn to fight from the chair. If it works, I can still teach martial arts. But do I even want to?" *** "So this is where Ranma lives. Nice place," spoke Hiro. "It is a nice place. Whoever his 'secret admirer' is, he knows how to protect Ranma," replied Tomoko. "I'm glad, for his sake. Do you really think he'll accept this?" "I'm sure. He needs us, even if he doesn't think so." "Well, let's go. Maybe we can catch him before school starts." *** "All right, class, time to turn in your homework." The class groaned as they took out their papers. Ranma sighed as he took out his papers. He was glad Nabiki had helped him. Somehow, she had made the words and numbers make sense. "Hey, Saotome? You look confident. How'd you do?" asked a student. "Don't know. Nabiki helped me, though. So it ought to be good." "Nabiki?" "Ranma, Ryunosuke. In the hall!" Ranma chuckled as he rolled out the door, followed by his classmate. Ryunosuke groaned at holding the buckets. He looked over at Ranma. "What was so funny?" asked the boy. "It reminded me of my first day at my last school. I-it also brought back the pain." "What happened?" "I'd rather not talk about it." "It relates to your legs, doesn't it?" "Yeah." "Sorry, man. By the way, who's Nabiki?" A small smile creased his lips. "She's probably my best friend. She's also my roommate." "You're shackin' up with a girl?" asked Ryunosuke, almost yelling his question. Ranma glared at him. "No way! She's the one who got me out of Tokyo, away from my old man." "Why?" Nabiki strolled by with another student. She cocked an eyebrow at Ranma's situation. He grinned sheepishly at her. "Whatever is the matter, Ranma?" asked Nabiki casually. "Just talking." "I see. I'll see you at lunch." Ranma nodded as Nabiki continued on. After she turned the corner, Ryunosuke turned to face Ranma. "Who was that?" "Nabiki." "Wow! You're lucky to have someone that good looking as your roommate. What's she like?" "What do you mean?" "You know! What's she like in bed?" "I don't know. She has her room and I have mine. Besides, she's just a friend." "Just a friend, huh? Right. So, why'd she help you run away?" Ranma stiffened at the accusation. "I didn't run away. My old man thinks I'm dead and my mother disowned me 'cause I'm not man enough for her." "Whoa! Sorry, Ranma. So, um, Nabiki-san is helping you get your life back together?" "Yeah. Without her, I'd probably be living with people who wouldn't care about me." "Oh. Um, what did you do before, um..." "I was a martial artist. I thought I was the best, until I let my guard down." "So this is the result of a fight?" "Yeah, a fight." *** "So, what were you and Ryunosuke talking about?" asked Nabiki as she rolled Ranma to a shaded spot on campus. "He asked how I did on the homework. We got caught and sent to the hall." "Uh-huh. What else?" she prompted as she locked his wheels. "He asked who you were, 'cause you helped me." Nabiki cocked her eyebrow as she took her food from Ranma. "And what did you tell him?" "That you're my best friend and roommate." Nabiki tisked. "You shouldn't have said that. Now he'll spread rumors about us." "What kind of rumors?" Nabiki sighed as she looked at Ranma's confused expression. "Remember the rumors at Furinkan? The ones about you and the pig's fiancee?" Ranma's features darkened. "Yeah, I remember them. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking." "No, you weren't. But I don't mind." "But the rumors will hurt you. I don't want that. I don't want to hurt any- one anymore." "Don't worry about it. I'll handle the rumors. Just be careful what you say next time. When in doubt, don't say anything. "After we finish lunch. I'll start teaching you how to conduct business. That'll include how to think before talking." "Okay, I guess." "Should I know what you told him about our sleeping arrangements?" asked Nabiki in a teasing manner. "I didn't say nothing! You have your room and I have mine." "And you told him that?" "No...Yes! I don't know," sighed Ranma. Nabiki giggled slightly. she thought as Ranma fought his nervousness. "Aside from that, what did you tell him?" Ranma sighed again. "That you're helping me get away from every one in Tokyo." Nabiki nodded as she sipped her juice. "What do you think of Ryunosuke?" "Huh?" "Do you think of him as a friend, a classmate, or a pest?" "I don't know. Will you take me awasy from my friends?" Nabiki blinked at the question. "Not without you having a chance to say goodbye. I promise." They finished their lunch in silence. For once in his life, Ranma thought he could trust someone other than his father. Of course, he hadn't trusted his father since Jusenkyo. Nabiki thought of different ways to help Ranma, and herself. She knew Ranma would never intentionally hurt her. Away from the Tendou Dojo, she was sure he would excel. All he needed was an opportunity. An opportunity without distractions. Their thoughts were interrupted as a fight broke out a short distance from them. Nabiki smiled her predatory smile. "Come on, Ranma. Time to earn our keep." Ranma obediently followed as they went to the gathering students. Nabiki pulled a classmate aside. "Does this happen often?" "Just about every day. Why?" "Who are the fighters?" "The tall one is Kyusuke. The small guy is someone new." "Does Kyusuke fight often?" "He's the school karate champion. You really don't know anything, do you?" "I just got here a few days ago. Who do you think will win?" "Kyusuke." Nabiki looked at Ranma's pained expression. She touched his shoulder. She whispered in his ear. "Who do you think will win?" "The new guy." "Good," replied Nabiki. She turned to the student. "Two to one the new guy wins." "No way!" "Care to put your money on that?" The student pulled out a 1000 yen note. "Kyusuke to win." Nabiki smiled. "The new guy," replied Nabiki as she put a 1000 yen note into the kitty. Quickly, she was handed money. Ranma watched carefully as she took the money and handed out small sheets of paper. He noted they had different colors. He also watched as she wrote something on each. Suddenly, she stopped taking bets. Nabiki's timing was perfect as she, Ranma, and the gathered students witnessed the defeat of the current champion, Kyusuke. Everyone who bet on him growled. The winners cheered as as the surged toward the pair. Nabiki smiled at them. She handed Ranma the money. "When I tell you an amount, count it twice before handing to me. Make sure now one grabs the money." Ranma nodded, doing as he was told. For the first time in months, he felt excited. He was finally doing something to earn his keep. When the last person was paid, he grinned. "So that's what it feels like to be in control." Nabiki looked at him. A broad smile crossed her face. "Yeah. Feels good, doesn't it?" "Hai." "How much did we make?" "Eight thousand." "Better than I thought. Let's get back before class starts. You hold onto it until we get home." "Why?" "Because it's safer with you." *** "I can't believe this!" complained Ranma as Nabiki pushed her through the door. "It's bad enough I change, but to be kept out of my home like that!" Nabiki smiled as she closed the door. "You have to admit, Ranma, it's better than having a complete stranger come in." "But why did the guard have to humiliate me like that?" "Because he's doing his job. I chose this apartment because it could provide you with some protection. Besides, now that he knows about your curse, you can relax when coming home." "Yeah, right. Tell me another one." Nabiki sighed as she went to the kitchenette. "Ranma, stop complaining. He knows you change. That will work out better in the long run. It'll help prevent anything from happening to you. He'll keep creeps, like the ones from this morning, from bothering you." Ranma stared at Nabiki for a moment. She sighed, lowering her gaze. "I'm going to dry off." "Don't you want to change?" "We can't afford to waste money on my curse." Nabiki frowned as Ranma rolled into her room. She went to the counter, flip- ping through the bills. "These are nothing like the dojo's. What can he be thinking?" she whispered. She slapped her forehead. "Because he's never had this much money before." Nabiki pulled out her bankbook and ran through the bills. She shook her head as she finished her calculations. she thought. She looked up as Ranma came into the living room. Smiling, she went to her room to change. Nabiki put those thoughts aside as she stepped into the main room. "Ranma, where did you put your clothes?" "In the bathroom, on the curtain rod. Why?" "I wanted to make sure they're drying." Nabiki put her uniform next to Ranma's. Nabiki stepped back into the main room. Noticing Ranma studying, she moved to the kitchenette. "What do you want for dinner?" "I don't care." Nabiki looked at Ranma's intense face. Shaking her head, she returned to looking through the refrigerator. She started pulling out the vegetables when the doorbell rang. She turned to see the fear in Ranma's eyes. Nabiki flexed her fist once before opening the door. She prayed the guard hadn't made a mistake. She somewhat relaxed when she saw two adults in their thirties standing there. "May I help you?" "Hai. Is Saotome Ranma in?" asked the woman. "Please come in," replied Nabiki as she stepped aside. "Ranma, you have guests." Ranma saw the two enter the room. Her fear was replaced by relief. A broad smile broke across her face. "Tomoko-san!" Both the man and the woman stepped forward. The nurse embraced Ranma, while her husband placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "It's good to see you, Ranma-chan! Are you settled?" asked Tomoko. "Hai, hai. What are you doing here?" "We came to visit you, Son," replied Hiro. "Thanks. We're doing fine." Tomoko smiled as she and Hiro sat next to Ranma. They thanked Nabiki for the drinks she handed them. "Who's your friend?" asked Hiro. "I'm sorry. This is Tendou Nabiki. She's my 'secret admirer.' She's going to help me put my life back together." Nabiki bowed deeply to the couple. "It is an honor to meet the woman who saved Ranma's life. I regret the treatment Ranma has received from my clan. I hope I am able to repay my, and their, debts to Ranma." Hiro frowned slightly. "How do you plan to repay Ranma?" Nabiki sat in the chair across from everyone. Taking a deep breath, she spoke, "First and foremost, I took him away from his enemies. That being done, he should be able to have the peace he needs to chart his own future. "Second, when he chooses his future, I will do whatever it takes to help him succeed. If it is money he will need, I will give him what I can. If it is companionship, I will be there, as his friend. I owe him his future. Not just for what my father's daughter did to him, but for what I did to him. "Finally, I will continue his school. The Panda may have given up on him, but I haven't. I will carry on Ranma's legacy because no one else will." Both Tanakas looked at Ranma. They saw her in awe of the young woman she lived with. Nodding to each other, Hiro began to speak. "It is good to see that Ranma has one more friend in this world. After we saw him off last month, we talked to over. Ranma, since you no longer have a family, we would like you to join ours." "What?" Nabiki giggled. "Well, Ranma-chan, it looks like you have a new mother and father." Ranma looked from Nabiki to Tomoko to Hiro. She frowned slightly. "A new mother and father. I-I don't know what to say." Tomoko hugged Ranma. "We'd like you to say yes. Even the kids like the idea of you being part of the family." Ranma broke the embrace. "I've been enough of a burden to you. I don't want to burden you anymore. I'm sorry, I just can't do it." Hiro nodded. "I understand, Son. Whether or not you accept us as your new parents, you are as welcomed in our home as our own children. _I_ have no problem calling you my son, or daughter, as the case may be." "Any time you want to visit, please do," continued Tomoko. "Any time we're going somewhere, as a family, you are invited. We want you happy." "T-thank you," choked Ranma. "You are most certainly welcome, Ranma-chan. We know this is a shock, so please think about our offer," replied Tomoko. Ranma glanced at Nabiki. She noted her friend's quick nod. "I'll think about it." "Good," spoke Nabiki. "While you three catch up, I'll fix dinner." *** Three young people walked calmly down the street. The two women wore uniforms from Akai Roshi High School, on the other side of Nerima. The young man wore the uniform of the Aoi Roshi Middle School. People from the Furinkan ward looked at them with marginal interest. "Do you really think this is a good idea?" asked Isao. "Of course it is. How else are we supposed to get to know Ranma?" replied one of the twin girls. "Visit him. Look, Kei, Ranma doesn't have any friends here. Why cause problems for him, and us?" "We won't be causing problems. Besides, Yuri and I have everything figured out." Isao raised his eyebrow at that statement. His sister, Yuri, picked up where her twin left off. "All we have to do is pose as potential students, which shouldn't be too hard, and observe how the Tendous and Saotomes act. When we ask about Ranma, we phrase it as rumors or soemthing from the sports page." Isao shook his head. "The sports page had Ranma as a girl. That's why his mother disowned him. I really don't think expressing interest in him will do us any good." Kei threw up her arms. "It doesn't matter, Bro. If we have to refer to Ranma as a girl, we can. After all, 'she' won the gymnastics meet." "And the ice skating match," added Yuri. "And has a homicidal Amazon after him," added Isao. "Let's not mention him unless we have to." The twins looked at each other. "Guess you're right, Bro. With Mom and Dad talking to Ranma, it's hard to like we're doing anything.," replied Yuri. Isao sighed. "I know. Since we're here, we might as well see who misses Ranma." With that, the trio entered the gate of the Tendou Dojo. The first thing that hit them was the bustle of activity. They watched as a short haired woman, presumably Akane, fought a leotard-clad woman. The twins shook their heads as a young man moved into the fight. They held their comments as they listened to the taunts. "Leave my fiancee alone!" Bellowed the boy. "So this harlot has given up on my Ranma-sama!" "The pervert's gone!" "You lie! He would not leave the Black Rose." The man grabbed one of his bandanas, tirling it effortlessly. "He's gone! He won't be back, ever!" "If we have anything to say about it," muttered Kei. "Where is he, Peasant?" "He's dead," replied Akane. "Dead? How dare you kill my Ranma-sama!" "I had nothing to do with his death. It's his own fault for marrying that Chinese whore." The Tanakas watched as Kodachi unleashed her fury on Akane and Ryoga. After they disposed of the Black Rose, they shook their heads as Akane fussed over Ryoga. "That's sick," muttered Yuri as the trio entered the house. Entering the front door, they called out, "Please excuse us!" Nodoka stepped out of the kitchen, drying her hands. "Hello. Welcome to the Tendou Dojo. I'm Saotome Nodoka. How may I help you?" "Um, hello. We're thinking about taking kempo lessons," replied Kei. Nodoka frowned slightly. "What about you, young man?" "Well, my sisters brought me along, but it might be fun to learn something else." "I see. Please, come in. I'll take you to our instructors. Waht are your names?" "Tanaka. I'm Isao." "Kei." "Yuri." Nodoka returned their bows. she thought as she led them to the dining room. She looked at Genam and Soun playing go. "Tendou-san, Genma. These three are interested in taking lessons here." The men looked up from their game. Soun smiled brightly. "Ah, welcome! Welcome! So you're interested in the Anything Goes style, eh?" "Hai." "The Art takes dedication. You must be willing to sacrifice everything for it," added Genma in a sagely tone. The three siblings nodded. They knew sacrifices had to be made. They had to sacrifice a great deal to achieve their skills in their chosen activities. "Quite so, Saotome. Quite so," added Soun softly. "Have you had any formal training?" "I'm quite accomplished in kendo, Sensei," replied Isao, indicating to the cylinder he carried. Genma grunted his displeasure as the girls proceded to answer. "I've done some Martial Arts Figure-skating, but I prefer normal figure skating and dance," replied Kei. "Gymnastics and dance," added Yuri. thought Genma. "Why study the Art?" The twins loked at each other. "We're tired of losing our matches to the Golden Pair," began Kei. "And St. Hebereke. That, and we want the edge your school can provide," concluded Yuri. Both men smiled proudly. "I'm glad you think we can help you. How, pray tell, did you learn of our humble school?" asked Soun. The twins smiled as Isao fought to keep from shaking his head. "The sports news told us of the winner of the so-called Charlotte's Cup, Saotome Ranma, was a student of Anything Goes and lived at the Tendou Dojo," answered Kei. "And Saotome-san also won the match between Furinkan and St. Hebereke," added Yuri. Their smiles broadened when they saw the men pale. "We thought we could study under her," concluded the twins. Soun regained some of his composure. "Th-that's no longer possible. She passed away a couple of months ago?" "How?" asked Isao. "I-I cannot say." "It is a tragedy that one so young has moved on. Please, do not mention my child's name in this house again," added Genma as he caught Nodoka's stern expression. The children nodded. It was clear to them Ranma was not well thought of. "I see," spoke Isao. "Tragedy or not, she was an embarassment to this fine school," voice Nodoka. "Yes, well," stammered Soun, "when would you like to start?" "Tonight?" asked Genma eagerly. The siblings shook their heads. "We'll have to think about it," answered Isao carefully. "We understand. Come back when you decide to start," encouraged Genma. Nodoka led the children to the door. "Why are you so enamored with that... child?" Kei clenched her fist. "Because Saotome-san did what several others dreamed of: defeat an undefeatable foe." "T see. Thank you for coming." The children returned Nodoka's bow before leaving. As Isao stepped out the gate, he ran into someone. "Who dares attack the great and noble Kunou Tatewaki, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High?" "I'm sorry, Kunou-san. I wasn't paying any attention..." "Who are you to come from the beauteous Tendou Akane's home? What nefarious deeds have you done to her pure body?" bellowed Kunou as he brought out his bokken. "My sisters and I were looking to take lessons from..." "How dare you force yourself upon my fair Akane! Die!" Isao leapt to the side, avoiding Kunou's strike. He peripherally noticed his sisters move into loose combat stances. He quickly blocked Kunou's second strike with his encased bokken. "I have done nothing to 'your' Akane. I came here to see about martial arts lessons. I have no intention of forcing myself upon her," replied Isao angrily, as he gripped his bokken. Kunou relaxed his stance slightly. "I see you are a true martial artist. Why else would you be here, if not to date my beloved Tendou Akane?" "To improve my skills," replied Isao. "If this is what I get for wanting to learn, then it's not worth it." "You have much to learn, Knave. But I see the potential for you to become as great as myself. But if you stand between myself and my dear Akane, you shall meet the same fate as the foul sorcerer, Saotome Ranma." Isao reached the end of his control. "NEVER SPEAK ILL OF THE FALLEN!" Kunou barely had time to block the attack. He retreated from the blows. He remained on the defensive for several seconds. When Kunou backed into a wall, Isao altered his attack. Kunou's training told him to take advantage of the opening. His strike was fast. Isao felt the impact of Kunou's blade on his left side. His lungs burned as he screamed in pain. He dropped to his knees. "ISAO!" Screamed the twins. "Do you know who I am?" bellowed Kunou as he stood over his opponent. "I am Kunou Tatewaki, the undefeated champion of high school kendo. I shall teach you your place, mongrel." As the blade arced towards Isao's exposed neck, a whistling sound echoed throughout the street. Kunou's blade dropped to the ground, next to Isao. The kendoist recovered his balance in time to see a fist impact his face. The twins ran to their brother's side. They watched Kunou collapse from Akane's punch. They nodded their thanks to her and Ryoga. Akane smiled. "Is he all right?" "I'm fine," gasped Isao as Yuri steadied him. "Good. You shouldn't go around challenging Kunou. Despite being a moron, he's pretty good." "Do you need help getting to a doctor?" asked Ryoga before Isao or the twins could reply. "We'll make it fine. Thanks," answered Kei coldly. Satisfied, Akane and Ryoga returned to the compound. Neither one saw Kasumi, or the frown on her face. She walked over to the trio. "Let me help you to Doctor Tofu's" Isao took a deep, burning breath. "We can find our way." "I insist. I-it'll help me calm down." "What do you mean?" asked Yuri. "Akane's comment was uncalled for. I saw the fight. Kunou tends to chal- lenge people for imagined slights." Yuri nodded. "Who are you?" "Tendou Kasumi. Akane's oldest sister. I wish circumstances were better, but I'm pleaseed to meet you." "What circumstances?" asked Kei. Kasumi sighed. "There are only three reasons for you to be at the dojo. One, you wish to become our students. Two, your brother was looking to kidnap Akane. Three, you were looking for Ranma-kun." "Ranma-kun?" aksed Kei. "H-hai. He's Akane's former fiancee. He doesn't live here anymore." "We know," replied Yuri. "He's in Kyoto with a secret admirer." "Oh! Then you know he's with my sister, Nabiki." "Nabiki? Isn't she the..."began Kei. Kasumi smiled. "The one who took advantage of Ranma-kun?" "Hai." "She's not like that anymore. She's helping Ranma-kun recover." "How can she help him?" asked Kei. Kasumi smiled. "They both need friends. They're ideal for each other." The Tanakas looked at each other. They nodded. "If you think she's good for our Ranma, that's good enough for us," spoke Isao. *** Nabiki stepped onto the front walkway. She continued drying her hands as she moved next to Ranma-chan. "They're good people." "Hmm?" Nabiki looked out where Ranma had been looking. "The Tanakas are good people. You're very lucky to have them as friends." "Hai. But they want to be my parents. Why? I'm helpless." "You are not helpless. That's the panda talking, and you are definitely not a panda. They care for you, Ranma. I can see it in their eyes. They've had a couple of months to get to know you. "You should accept their offer. As a part of their family, you could find yourself better off than you can alone, with me." Ranma saw Nabiki's distant look. "Why do you say that?" "Because, Ranma, I might turn you into anorther me. The world's not ready for two Tendou Nabikis." Ranma laughed at that. Nabiki joined in, pleased that Ranma's genuine laugh had apparently returned, replacing the bitterness her friend held. The couple quieted down. They continued to look out over the neighborhood. The gentle rain caused Ranma to sigh. "I don't want to be a burden to them," whispered Ranma as she held out her hand to the rain. "They aren't asking you to be a burden. They want you to be a part of their family, so you won't be alone. I'm sure they can find something for you to do so you feel like you're contributing to the family." "What about you, Nabiki? Am I a burden to you?" Nabiki blinked at the question. Two months ago, she would have said yes. Now, it was definitely no. Nabiki turned to Ranma, looking her squarely in the eyes. "When you first arrived at the dojo, until Shampoo did this to you, I considered you a burden to the whole family. Now, I would rather spend my time with you, helping you live, than spend any time at the dojo." "Oh?" Nabiki smiled. "Of course. How else am I going to make you like me?" Ranma's jaw dropped, prompting Nabiki to laugh. She placed her hand on Ranma's shoulder. "If anyone is a burden here, it's me. I know I remind you of the past. I can't help that, but I can, and will, help you with your future. Ranma held Nabiki's gaze for a few moments. "Thanks, Nabiki. I really mean it." "You are most welcome, Ranma. We should think about going to bed if we're to train tomorrow." A faint smile crossed Ranma's small face. "Yeah. Training." Nabiki returned to the apartment. Ranma returned to watching the rain wash the city. thought Ranma as a late bus drove by.